Drug discovery and testing is a lengthy process that is essential before human clinical trials. Animal models are vital in preclinical drug assessment, yet ethical concerns and species variations persist. Although cell-based models are used, they struggle to precisely predict drug efficacy, toxicity, and organ interactions due to cultured cells’ inability to maintain original functions and structures in typical in vitro systems. To overcome these limitations, the emerging technology of organ-on-a-chip is being developed as an alternative to traditional preclinical drug testing models. The implementation of organ-on-a-chip technology holds great potential in significantly enhancing the accuracy and efficacy of preclinical testing, thereby enabling more precise prediction of a drug’s performance in clinical trials. Moreover, the development of multi-organ-on-a-chip (MOC) systems enables the replication of various organs in vitro, making the study of drug-body interactions possible. In this review, we first introduce the design of organ-on-a-chip devices. Subsequently, we describe the applications of different tissue co-culture configurations in organ-on-a-chip for drug testing. Finally, we summarize the challenges and prospects associated with organ-on-a-chip technology. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of organ-on-a-chip technology, multi-organ-on-a-chip for drug testing, and the challenges and prospects for the future.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems harness light absorption to initiate chemical reactions, while electrochemical reactions facilitate the conversion of reactants into desired products, ensuring more efficient and sustainable energy conversion in PECs. Central to optimizing the performance of PECs was the pivotal role played by interface engineering. This intricate process involved manipulating material interfaces at the atomic or nanoscale to enhance charge transfer, improve catalytic activity, and address limitations associated with bulk materials. The careful tuning of factors such as band gap, surface energy, crystallinity, defect characteristics, and structural attributes through interface engineering led to superior catalytic efficiency. Specifically, interface engineering significantly enhanced the efficiency of semiconductor-based PECs. Engineers strategically designed heterojunctions and manipulated catalyst surface properties to optimize the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers, minimizing recombination losses and improving performance overall. In this review, we categorized our discussion into five sections focusing on PECs and interface engineering, providing valuable insights into recent research trends. Overall, the synergy between PECs and interface engineering holds tremendous promise for advancing renewable energy technologies and addressing environmental challenges by offering innovative solutions for sustainable energy conversion and storage.

Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition was an important pathomechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ generation was highly regulated by beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), which is a prime drug target for AD therapy. Silence of BACE1 function to slow down Aβ production was accepted as an effective strategy for combating AD. Herein, BACE1 interfering RNA, metallothionein (MT) and ruthenium complexes ([Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+) were all loaded in prussian blue nanoparticles (PRM-siRNA). PRM-siRNA under near-infrared light (NIR) irradiation showed good photothermal effect and triggered instantaneous opening of blood-brain barrier (BBB) for enhanced drug delivery. BACE1 siRNA slowed down Aβ production and Cu2+ chelation by metallothionein (MT) synergistically inhibited Aβ aggregation. Ruthenium (Ru) could real-timely track Aβ degradation and aggregation. The results indicated that PRM-siRNA significantly blocked Aβ aggregation, and attenuated Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and apoptosis in vitro by inhibiting ROS-mediated oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction through regulating Bcl-2 family. PRM-siRNA in vivo effectively improved APP/PS1 mice learning and memory by alleviating neural loss, neurofibrillary tangles and activation of astrocytes and microglial cells in APP/PS1 mice by inhibiting BACE1, oxidative damage and tau phosphorylation. Taken together, our findings validated that BACE1 siRNA-loaded prussian blue nanocomplexes showed enhanced BBB penetrability and AD synergy therapy.

High expression of cellular self-activated immunosuppressive molecules and extensive infiltration of suppressive immune cells in the tumor microenvironment are the main factors leading to the resistance of glioma to immunotherapy. However, the technology related to modifying the expression of glioma cellular self-molecules based on gene editing still needs to be developed. In this project, cell therapy strategies were developed to reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioma (TIME). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow were used as carriers to express bioactive proteins, which could exhibit tumor-homing characteristics in response to tumor TGF-β signals. MSCs were modified to express the secretory anti-tumor immune cytokine IL-12 and the nCD47-SLAMF7 fusion protein, which regulates the phagocytosis of macrophages. The engineered MSCs are then injected in situ into the area near the glioma to bypass the blood-brain barrier and provide localized high concentrations of bioactive proteins. This approach could significantly activate natural and adaptive immune cells in the TIME, ultimately leading to the effective control of glioma. This study provides a new strategy for the clinical treatment of glioma patients and the prevention of postoperative recurrence.

Proton exchange-membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a clean and efficient type of energy storage device. However, the sluggish reaction rate of the cathode oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has been a significant problem in its development. This review reports the recent progress of advanced electrocatalysts focusing on the interface/surface electronic structure and exploring the synergistic relationship of precious-based and non-precious metal-based catalysts and support materials. The support materials contain non-metal (C/N/Si, etc.) and metal-based structures, which have demonstrated a crucial role in the synergistic enhancement of electrocatalytic properties, especially for high-temperature fuel cell systems. To improve the strong interaction, some exciting synergistic strategies by doping and coating heterogeneous elements or connecting polymeric ligands containing carbon and nitrogen were also shown herein. Besides the typical role of the crystal surface, phase structure and lattice strain, etc, the evolution of structure-performance relations was also highlighted in real-time tests. The advanced in-situ characterization techniques were also reviewed to emphasize the accurate structure-performance relations. Finally, the challenge and prospect for developing the ORR electrocatalysts were concluded for commercial applications in low- and high-temperature fuel cell systems.

Scaffold-based tissue engineering provides an efficient approach for repairing uterine tissue defects and restoring fertility. In the current study, a novel trilayer tissue engineering scaffold with high similarity to the uterine tissue in structure was designed and fabricated via 4D printing, electrospinning and 3D bioprinting for uterine regeneration. Highly stretchable poly(L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) (PLLA-co-TMC, “PTMC” in short)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer blend scaffolds were firstly made via 4D printing. To improve the biocompatibility, porous poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) fibers incorporated with polydopamine (PDA) particles were produced on PTMC/TPU scaffolds via electrospinning. Importantly, estradiol (E2) was encapsulated in PDA particles. The bilayer scaffolds thus produced could provide controlled and sustained release of E2. Subsequently, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were mixed with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based inks and the formulated bioinks were used to fabricate a cell-laden hydrogel layer on the bilayer scaffolds via 3D bioprinting, forming ultimately biomimicking trilayer scaffolds for uterine tissue regeneration. The trilayer tissue engineering scaffolds thus formed exhibited a shape morphing ability by transforming from the planar shape to tubular structures when immersed in the culture medium at 37 ℃. The developed trilayer tissue engineering scaffolds would provide a new insight for uterine tissue regeneration.

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes loss of neural connections in the cells, and brain tissue volume. The disease first affects the hippocampus and entorhinal complex, which produce memories, then the cerebral cortex, which controls language, logic, and social conduct. Genetic mutations and environmental factors may cause AD, but the exact reason is unknown. AD is diagnosed using CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and lumbar punctures to detect brain abnormalities, aberrant protein deposits, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. Beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles impede neuronal transmission and function in AD. AD also causes chronic inflammation, blood-brain barrier impairment, brain atrophy, and neuronal death. AD has no cure, and current medications mainly manage symptoms and halt cognitive loss. Genetic, cellular, and molecular pathways are being studied to develop targeted medicines to stop disease progression. Extensive studies have shown that tau tangle accumulation and pathogenic changes to tau protein mechanics are correlated with AD pathogenesis. Thus, investigating the potential for therapies focused on restoring normal tau pathways and preventing tau accumulation is critical. Nanoparticulate drug delivery technologies may improve investigational medicines and lead to AD therapy breakthroughs.

In recent decades, the demand for clean and renewable energy has grown increasingly urgent due to the irreversible alteration of the global climate. As a result, efficient organic solar cells (OSCs) have gradually gained attention as a study hotspot. To break up this dilemma, this paper reviews the molecular design strategies of benzodithiophen (BDT)-based polymer and small molecule donor materials since their birth, focusing on the development of main-chain engineering, side-chain engineering and other unique molecular design paths. Up to now, the state-of-the-art power conversion efficiency (PCE) of binary OSCs prepared by BDT-based donor materials has approached 20%. Our work detailly discusses the potential relationship between the molecular changes of donor materials and photoelectric performance in corresponding OSC devices, thereby presenting a rational molecular design guidance for stable and efficient donor materials in future.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) remains the most prevalent molecular detection technology for sewage analysis but is plagued with numerous disadvantages, such as time consumption, stringent equipment requirements, and susceptibility to false negatives. In this study, we construct an automated robot-driven photoelectrochemical biosensing platform that utilizes the CRISPR/Cas12a system, to achieve fast, ultrasensitive, high specificity detection of biological loads in sewage. The Shennong-1 robot integrates several functional modules, involving sewage sampling and pretreatment to streamline the sewage monitoring. A screen-printed electrode is employed with a vertical graphene-based working electrode and enhanced with surface-deposited Au nanoparticles (NPs). CdTe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are further fabricated through the double-stranded DNA anchored on Au nanoparticles. Using cDNA template of Omicron BA.5 spike gene as a model, the photoelectrochemical biosensor demonstrates excellent analytical performance, with a lower detection limit of 2.93×102 zM and an outstanding selectivity at the level of single-base mutation recognition. Furthermore, the rapid, accurate detection of BA.5 in sewage demonstrates the feasibility of the photoelectrochemical platform for sewage monitoring. In conclusion, this platform allows early detection and tracking of infectious disease outbreaks, providing timely data support for public health institutions to take appropriate prevention and control measures.