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🏛️ Key Research Academy19 Indexed Works

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Verified scientific contributions, CAS laboratory outputs, clinical trial papers, and engineering breakthroughs produced by researchers and faculty affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Nanovesicle-hybridized hydrogels: construction, functionalization, and biomedical applications

Authors: LI Qiwen, PAN Boyue, CHANG Haimo, XU Ziqiang, WU Feng, PANG Yan

Nanovesicle-hybridized hydrogels constitute a class of bioactive materials that integrate the structural stability of polymer networks with the intrinsic biological functions of nanoscale vesicles. Conventional hydrogels suffer from swelling-induced mechanical degradation, uncontrollable cargo release, and an inability to integrate multiple bioactivities. Hybridization with nanovesicles provides a robust solution to these limitations. This review systematically delineates the evolution of construction strategies, transitioning from simple physical entrapment to advanced chemical crosslinking involving noncovalent supramolecular interactions and covalent conjugation. We elucidate how these integration methods fundamentally enhance mechanical strength, enable spatiotemporally controlled release of vesicles and their cargos, and endow composite systems with multifaceted bioactivities. The diverse biomedical applications of these hybridized platforms in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and disease therapy are thoroughly discussed. Current technical hurdles in clinical translation and promising future directions are identified, providing a roadmap for the next generation of intelligent biomimetic materials. The review emphasizes that the shift from physical doping to chemical crosslinking represents a paradigm change, yielding composites with superior mechanical resilience and programmable release kinetics. By critically assessing the trade-offs between crosslinking density, vesicle integrity, and payload retention, this work offers a framework for designing hybrid systems with tailored properties. Key challenges include scalable manufacturing, long-term stability, and regulatory hurdles. The analysis underscores that clinical translation demands standardized protocols for vesicle isolation, crosslinking efficiency, and sterility assurance. This review serves as a benchmark for researchers and engineers aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale fabrication and industrial production of nanovesicle-hybridized hydrogels.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Metal Atomic Clusters for Oxygen-Bearing Materials: From Adversity Comes Opportunity

Authors: ZHU Xin, KANG Maodong, ZHANG Zhen, LI Yunting, FANG Liu, WANG Jun, SUN Baode, SONG Fengqi

Atomic-level manufacturing is a frontier technology enabling materials to achieve ultimate performance. This study explores the potential applications and critical scientific issues of metal atomic clusters, which are predominantly used in catalysis but suffer from intrinsic instability, leading to low yield, inconsistent size and structure, and susceptibility to agglomeration, oxidation, and sintering. We propose a novel concept: employing oxidized metal atomic clusters as dopants in oxygen-bearing materials, such as oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys, oxide-based cermets, and toughening ceramics. Using ODS alloy as a proof-of-concept, Ni-NiO coupled cluster-strengthened metallic Ni exhibits finer grains, a larger proportion of low-angle grain boundaries, higher geometrically necessary dislocation density, and achieves a 38% enhancement in Vickers hardness. To advance this concept, four critical scientific issues require resolution: oxidation control, disaggregation and dispersion, effectiveness comparison, and physicochemical behaviors and mechanisms. This work bridges the gap between atomic-level manufacturing and structural materials, offering a pathway to overcome the instability of metal clusters by leveraging their oxidation characteristics.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Topology-Derived Construction of Single-Crystal Two-Dimensional Binodal Covalent Organic Frameworks toward Inclined AB Stacking

Authors: WANG Yong, ZHANG Qiaoqiao

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline organic porous materials whose atomically precise structures underpin their functional applications. However, atomic-level structural information remains unavailable for most reported COFs, hampering rational design and structure-function studies. For two-dimensional (2D) COFs, synthesizing high-quality single crystals is challenging, and the crystallization mechanism makes it difficult to anticipate stacking arrangements. Lacking direct evidence, researchers often assume AA stacking for [4+4] COFs in powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) fitting, an assumption now questioned. Here, Zhang et al. report the controlled synthesis of single-crystal 2D binodal COFs via a topological derivation strategy. Using 3D electron diffraction at resolutions of 0.90–1.02 Å, they solved the structures of five COFs (NKCOF-88 to -92) derived from a parent sql framework. The four-connected benzene-core monomers were substituted with extended monomers (pyrene or tetraphenylethylene), decomposable into two three-connected nodes, yielding pseudo-bex and pseudo-hcb networks. Single-crystal analysis revealed that the in-plane chain configuration is determined by imine bond orientation, with cis+cis or trans+trans alignments giving planar layers, while mixed alignments produce undulated layers. Crucially, all five COFs exhibit inclined staggered AB stacking, stabilized by edge-to-face π–π interactions, contradicting the assumed AA stacking. This work provides the first single-crystal evidence of non-AA stacking in [4+4] COFs and establishes a correlation between linkage conformation and layer geometry. The topology-derived method offers a generalizable route to binodal COFs with predefined connectivity, facilitating the fabrication of high-quality single crystals and enabling reticular chemistry to shift from simulated models to real structures.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Correction to: Crystal Defects Engineering of BiOI Elevated Photocatalytic CO2 to C2 Conversion Performance

Authors: HUANG Fuxia, LIU Yifei, WANG Feng, LIU Ya, GUO Liejin

This correction addresses an error in the labeling of author affiliations in the original publication (Sci China Mater, 2025, 68: 1561, DOI: 10.1007/s40843-024-3290-9). The corrected affiliations are as follows: Fuxia Huang, Feng Wang, Ya Liu, and Liejin Guo are affiliated with the International Research Center for Renewable Energy, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China. Yifei Liu is affiliated with the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China. The correction was made upon the request of the authors and with approval from the respective institutions. The original article focused on crystal defects engineering of BiOI to enhance photocatalytic CO2 reduction to C2 products, a critical area for sustainable fuel synthesis. This correction ensures accurate attribution and institutional recognition, which is essential for research integrity and reproducibility. No changes were made to the scientific content or conclusions of the original study.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Efficient Construction of Hierarchical Polyurethane Composite Foam for High Microwave Absorption Performance

Authors: Siyuan Yang, Haijun Chen, Zicheng Wang

The proliferation of 5G communications and smart electronic devices has intensified electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution, necessitating microwave absorption materials (MAMs) with high efficiency, lightweight, and flexibility. Traditional MAMs suffer from high density and narrow effective absorption bandwidth (EAB). This work presents a lightweight, flexible microwave-absorbing composite fabricated by in-situ polymerization foaming of polyurethane (PU) with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and flaky carbonyl iron (FCI). The hierarchical PU composite foam, designated 3*PFC 0.5-1.0-1.5, achieves an EAB of 15.7 GHz, covering 98.1% of the tested 2–18 GHz range, including S, C, X, and Ku bands. This performance stems from synergistic conductive and magnetic losses, along with impedance matching facilitated by the hierarchical porous structure. The composite maintains low density and high compressibility, offering a promising solution for EMW absorption in 5G, military stealth, and smart devices. The in-situ method ensures strong interfacial adhesion between fillers and matrix, enhancing durability compared to impregnation methods. This study demonstrates a scalable approach to fabricate high-performance MAMs with broad bandwidth and mechanical robustness.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Chiral Supramolecular Materials Based on Azobenzene Self-Assembly Systems: From Regulated Helix Structures to Chiral Functions

Authors: HE Zixiang, FANG Xinyue, YUAN Xingyue, ZHANG Gong, ZHANG Wei

Stimuli-responsive chiral materials hold significant potential for applications in smart photonic devices, chiral sensors, and data storage. Chiral supramolecular smart responsive materials based on azobenzene (Azo) self-assembly systems have attracted considerable attention due to their dynamic and reversible chirality regulation under external stimuli. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the construction, regulation mechanisms, and functional applications of chiral supramolecular helical structures derived from Azo-based materials. Starting from molecular structure, assembly modes, and external stimuli responsiveness (such as light, heat, solvent, and pH), we discuss precise control over supramolecular chirality, including chiroptical switching, inversion, and asymmetric amplification. Furthermore, the potential applications of assembly materials containing Azo building units in chiroptical properties, chiral recognition, and nanoscopic/macroscopic chiral functional materials are highlighted. We hope this review will provide helpful insights for the design and fabrication of the new generation of smart chiral functional materials.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Global Chirality in Pillar-Layered Metal-Organic Frameworks Amplifies Circularly Polarized Luminescence

Authors: ZHAO Xiangxiang, LI Weihai, LIU Yan, CUI Yong, ZHANG Wenqiang

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is pivotal for advanced photonic applications, yet achieving concurrent high emission efficiency and large dissymmetry factors remains challenging. Here, we report a chiral reticular chemistry strategy to construct homochiral porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as efficient CPL-active materials. By co-assembling enantiopure R/S-binol with achiral luminescent ligands, three pairs of enantiomeric pillar-layered MOFs were synthesized. These frameworks exhibit significantly amplified CPL responses, with |g_lum| values enhanced by up to two orders of magnitude compared to free ligands, reaching levels comparable to state-of-the-art chiral assemblies, while maintaining high photoluminescence efficiencies (Φ_PL up to 67%). Mechanistic investigations reveal that CPL originates primarily from the global chirality of the hierarchical frameworks rather than the intrinsic chirality of the precursors. This work establishes a robust design principle for porous CPL-active materials, offering new insights into chirality transfer and opening avenues to integrate strong luminescence with stable chirality in extended frameworks.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Cascade-Controlled Porous Composite Membranes: Pore-Supporting Synergy Enabling High-Flux Enantioseparation of Amino Acids and Pharmaceuticals

Authors: ZANG Yu, HOU Rui, WEI Bohua, LIU Yuting, WANG Jianjun, LIU Jiao, XU Liang, ZHANG Wei

The precise separation of enantiomers is essential for developing effective chiral drugs, yet conventional membranes are constrained by the ubiquitous selectivity-permeability trade-off and low flux, limiting scalable production of single-enantiomer drugs. Herein, we present a cascade reaction strategy integrating Sonogashira-Hagihara coupling and Friedel-Crafts alkylation to fabricate porous conjugated microporous polymer membranes (CCMP-M P1–4/SiO2). This approach enhances specific surface area by 400-fold compared to the product from the Sonogashira-Hagihara coupling reaction alone, creating interconnected porous networks that facilitate mass transport. This hypothesis was confirmed by pore-size gradient experiments, which revealed a critical size-matching effect: matched molecular dimensions enable high-speed mass transfer with 97% enantioselectivity, while mismatch reduces selectivity to 9%, as visualized in a separation performance matrix across four chiral molecules. Precise chiral recognition is programmable via absolute configuration control of chiral monomers, with the mechanism of “preferential adsorption–interfacial enrichment–promoted diffusion” confirmed by static adsorption and density functional theory calculations. This strategy achieves breakthrough performance: Naproxen flux reaches 37 mmol m−2 h−1, surpassing literature values, and enables membrane-based separation of Raceanisodamine (89% selectivity of 6S, 2′S and 6R, 2′R-isomer after cascade enrichment) for the first time. This work provides a new paradigm for designing high-performance chiral separation membranes, facilitating scalable and sustainable production of single-enantiomer drugs.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Photocleavable Gel Platforms for Time-Gated Information Encryption and Decryption

Authors: QIU Xiaxin, LIU Jiayi, XU Mengda, ZHANG Lidong

Traditional phase transition gel platforms face significant challenges in achieving time-gated information encryption and decryption. Here, we report a photocleavable gel that enables time-gated information encryption and decryption, enhancing information storage security. The gel is synthesized by copolymerization of hydrophobic ortho-nitrobenzyl acrylate (NA) and acrylamide. Upon ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, hydrophobic NA units partially cleave to yield orange-colored o-nitrosobenzaldehyde (NSBA) molecules and hydrophilic acrylic acid groups, altering local color and hydrophilicity. Information is spatially encoded using a photomask. The written information is encrypted by dissolving NSBA molecules in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Upon aqueous immersion, differential hydrophilicity between irradiated and non-irradiated zones triggers localized phase separation, facilitating decryption. Notably, photolysis kinetics is time-gated, ensuring decryption only within a specific time window in water. This method surpasses traditional gel constraints, offering a novel paradigm for secure information storage.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

A dual enzyme-mimicking COF sonosensitizer potentiates cancer sonodynamic therapy via cascade oxygenation and ROS storm

Authors: HOU Chunyuan, ZHANG Yu, ZHU Bin, HAN Nan, ZHAO Ziyao, WAN Jun, FENG Shujun, LUO Jun

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) faces critical limitations from inefficient sonosensitizers and the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, which curtail reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Here, we report a dual enzyme-mimicking sonosensitizer, termed sonozyme, engineered by integrating platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) with a tailored covalent organic framework (Y-COF). The spatially separated donor-acceptor architecture optimizes the band position of Y-COF, conferring intrinsic sonodynamic activity. Pt NPs further enhance ultrasound-triggered ROS generation by promoting exciton separation and transfer. Notably, sonozyme exhibits catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) mimetic activities, converting endogenous H2O2 into O2 and ·OH, thereby alleviating hypoxia and augmenting oxidative stress. In vitro assays demonstrated significantly enhanced ROS production and cancer cell death under ultrasound irradiation. In vivo studies confirmed that sonozyme effectively suppresses tumor progression without observable systemic toxicity. This work presents a paradigm for designing high-performance multifunctional sonosensitizers, offering a promising strategy for cancer therapy.

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Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026

Pollution Status of River and Lake Sediments and Research Progress in In-situ Remediation Technologies

Authors: DONG Yanting, YANG Jie, ZHU Nanwen, WANG Yan

River and lake sediments, as both sources and sinks of water pollutants, significantly impact overlying water quality and aquatic ecosystems. In pollution treatment and ecological restoration, managing contaminated sediments is critical. Remediation technologies are categorized into ex-situ and in-situ methods; in-situ techniques have gained prominence due to lower costs and minimal environmental disturbance. This review summarizes sediment pollution status, comprehensively examines physical, chemical, biological, and combined in-situ remediation technologies, and discusses their mechanisms, applications, and future research needs. It proposes optimization strategies for emerging technologies, material improvements, and pathways for sustainable development, emphasizing interdisciplinary integration to enhance remediation efficacy. Key pollutants include heavy metals (e.g., Cd, Hg), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and emerging contaminants like antibiotics and microplastics. In-situ methods such as capping, chemical oxidation, and bioremediation show promise but face challenges in long-term stability and scalability. The paper underscores the need for sustainable, cost-effective solutions and highlights recent advances in combined technologies, offering a reference for future research and engineering applications.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Bio-camouflaged nanoreactors with spatiotemporally controlled Cu2+-Fenton catalysis for enhanced starvation-augmented mild photothermal therapy

Authors: Qihang Ding, Kai Liao, Bin Han, Peiling Yu, Kun Qian, Qian Bai, Shuai Zhang, Xiaopeng Ai, Zhen Cheng, Ling Mei

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a formidable clinical challenge due to its high invasiveness and adaptive resistance. We report a bio-mimetic nanoplatform (HMPB-GOx@HSA-Cu2+) integrating starvation therapy, Fenton/Fenton-like catalysis, and mild photothermal therapy (mPTT) for synergistic TNBC treatment. The nanoreactor comprises a hollow mesoporous Prussian blue (HMPB) core loaded with glucose oxidase (GOx), encapsulated in a human serum albumin (HSA) shell covalently functionalized with Cu2+ ions. This design enables spatiotemporal control of Cu2+-mediated Fenton catalysis, responding to the tumor microenvironment (TME) to generate cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH). GOx catalyzes glucose depletion, elevating H2O2 levels and acidity, thereby enhancing catalytic efficiency. Concurrently, mPTT at ~43–45°C accelerates the Fenton reaction and suppresses heat shock protein (HSP) expression, overcoming thermal tolerance via ATP depletion. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate significant anti-tumor efficacy through reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and metabolic disruption, with excellent biocompatibility. This work presents a highly integrated strategy for precise TNBC therapy, addressing limitations of conventional monotherapies.

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Environmental Chemistry•2026

Chloride-Induced Dual Electron Regulation on Zero-Valent Iron Surface for Highly Efficient Reductive Removal of Cr(VI)

Authors: HU Chunlei, ZHANG Guangqin, HAO Chenglin, TAO Qingwen, WANG Zhuting, LI Meiqi, ZHANG Lizhi

Conventional zero-valent iron (ZVI) suffers from limited electron transfer due to its dense surface oxide layer. This study introduces a mechanochemical ball-milling strategy incorporating sodium chloride (NaCl) with ZVI to fabricate chloride-modified ZVI (Cl-ZVIbm). Using hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) as a model pollutant, Cl-ZVIbm exhibited a 76.5-fold enhancement in removal kinetics (0.0306 min−1 vs. 0.0004 min−1) compared to ball-milled ZVI (ZVIbm), achieving complete removal of 2 mg·L−1 Cr(VI) within 120 min. Spectroscopic characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed dual regulation mechanisms: (1) Cl− substitution of surface hydroxyl groups alters coordination environments, enabling Cr(VI) adsorption via a bidentate binuclear configuration with adsorption energy reduced from –0.28 eV to –1.64 eV; (2) The strong electron-withdrawing effect of Cl− drives directional electron migration from the iron core to the surface, increasing surface Fe(II) content by 26.9% (67.5% vs. 53.2%) and facilitating direct electron transfer to reduce 99.5% of Cr(VI) into low-toxicity Cr(III). Notably, chloride leaching during reactions was only 0.0126 mmol·L−1, far below industrial wastewater discharge standards, confirming environmental compatibility. This work provides atomic-scale insights into chloride-mediated electronic modulation on ZVI surfaces, offering novel principles for interfacial engineering of environmental functional materials and a theoretical basis for heavy metal remediation technologies.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Molecular Tailoring Modulates Coordination of Deep Eutectic Electrolytes for Dendrite-Free Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries

Authors: Tianshuo Zhao, Fei Wang, Zhaohui Yang, Zhao Li, Kaiqi Li, Biao Ran, Yonghong Qin, Yizhou Dong, Ting Wang, Jiao Zhang, Chaopeng Fu

Rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) are promising for large-scale energy storage due to high theoretical capacity, inherent safety, and abundant aluminum reserves. However, conventional AlCl3-based ionic liquid electrolytes suffer from high cost, uncontrolled dendrite growth, and severe anode corrosion. Here, a molecular-level ligand engineering strategy is proposed, employing nitrogen-containing cyclic amides with tunable N–H functionalities to modulate the coordination environment of deep eutectic electrolytes (DEEs). Combined experimental and theoretical investigations reveal that the α-pyrrolidone-based DEE (PDEE) possesses a wider electrochemical window, higher ionic conductivity, and lower polarization. Precise N–H regulation optimizes cationic ligand and chloroaluminate anion interactions, accelerating ion transport to facilitate uniform Al deposition without dendrites. The amine functionalities enable in situ construction of a uniform inorganic-organic bilayer solid electrolyte interphase, mitigating anode corrosion and enhancing long-term interfacial stability. As a result, Al//Al symmetric batteries with PDEE achieve stable cycling for over 2000 hours, while Al-graphite full batteries demonstrate negligible capacity decay after 6000 cycles. This study establishes that ligand molecular engineering offers an effective strategy for optimizing DEEs, enabling durable and high-performance RABs.

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Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026

Nutrient Release Characteristics of Aquaculture Sludge through Anaerobic Acidification in an Aquaponics System

Authors: ZI Yongxia, HE Xinmeng, GAO Yueshu, LI Chunjie

Aquaponics systems integrate aquaculture and hydroponics to recycle resources, yet nutrient recovery from aquaculture sludge remains inefficient. This study investigated anaerobic acidification as an alternative to conventional anaerobic digestion, which suffers from long conversion cycles. Batch experiments compared two sludge loading rates: high (13.22 kg·kg−1) and low (4.61 kg·kg−1) (mass of sludge per mass of anaerobic inoculum). Under low loading, soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) exhibited a single peak, reaching a maximum organic solid conversion of 68.2% at 70.5 h. In contrast, high loading produced three SCOD peaks with an average peak conversion efficiency of only 26.9% at 27.5 h and higher residual concentrations. Ammonia nitrogen conversion was slightly higher under low loading (64.8%) than high loading (62.2%), while orthophosphate conversion was markedly superior (95.7% vs. 76.4%). The optimal hydraulic retention time for low-loading operation was 144 h, corresponding to an organic loading rate of 0.77 kg·(kg·d)−1. Under these conditions, the produced ammonia and phosphate can be effectively recovered without adversely affecting water quality, as the biofilter converts ammonia to nitrate for plant uptake. Microbial analysis revealed that low-loading conditions favored the dominance of Acinetobacter (relative abundance 66.6%), which likely enhances organic degradation and nutrient release. These findings demonstrate that anaerobic acidification under low loading is a promising strategy for efficient nutrient recovery in aquaponics, offering a shorter conversion time and higher nutrient yields than traditional methods.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Tetralactam Macrocycle-Based Polymers for Efficient and Rapid Adsorption of Radioactive Iodine

Authors: YU Qiu, LV Sheng, YANG Qing, CHANG Bohao, BAI Jinquan, LIU Xun-Yu, MA Yujie, YAO Huan, YANG Liu-Pan, WANG Li-Li

The release of radioactive iodine from nuclear accidents and nuclear medicine poses significant environmental and health risks. Here, we report the design and synthesis of two cross-linked macrocycle-based porous organic polymers (P1 and P2) with different functionalities for efficient and rapid capture of radioactive iodine. P1 achieves complete iodine adsorption within 5 minutes, with an exceptional adsorption rate constant (k_obs) of 18.92 g g−1 min−1 (8.24 g g−1 min−1 for P2), representing a record-high iodine removal rate among state-of-the-art porous organic polymers. P1 demonstrates superior iodine adsorption efficacy in dynamic flow-through experiments, achieving a remarkable efficiency of 96.4% for radioactive 131I removal, greatly minimizing radiation contamination. Experimental and modelling techniques reveal that the superior iodine adsorption performance originates from electron-rich functional groups, hydrophobic surface, and porous structure of P1, thus exhibiting remarkable iodine capture capabilities through charge transfer, halogen bonding, and hydrophobic effects. The adsorbents show excellent stability and performance under complex and harsh conditions (pH 2–10) and can be easily regenerated, confirming their excellent reusability and potential for practical applications.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Engineering an Ultrafast Gelling and Low Swelling Hyaluronic Acid Bioadhesive for Stable Wet-Tissue Adhesion and Enhanced Wound Healing

Authors: Pan Sun, Jiadong Wu, Xianjia Lin, Yang Tian, Jing Sun

Bioadhesives that rapidly and reliably seal wet tissues remain a formidable challenge due to the trade-off between mechanical compliance and swelling-induced instability in physiological environments. To address this limitation, we report a hydrophobic effect-mediated bioadhesive, consisting of methacrylated phenylalanine hyaluronic acid (HA) adhesive (MPAH), which integrates ultrafast photo-crosslinking with strong tissue adhesion and low swelling. Through the synergistic incorporation of hydrophobic phenylalanine groups and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters, MPAH forms gelation within 2 s under UV irradiation, significantly outperforming commercial fibrin glues. The adhesive shows a lap shear strength of ~35 kPa on wet porcine casings, an extensibility exceeding 60%, and a compressive strength of ~475 kPa. In contrast to conventional HA hydrogels and commercial fibrin glues, MPAH maintains a low equilibrium swelling ratio below 30% in PBS over 16 days. This behavior is attributed to hydrophobic interactions and π-π stacking within the network, effectively preventing tissue compression and interfacial detachment. In rat wound models of linear incision and full-thickness skin defects, MPAH demonstrated rapid sealing, reduced inflammation, and accelerated re-epithelialization compared to fibrin glue and sutures, highlighting its potential as an effective bioadhesive for wound closure and soft tissue repair.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Osteogenic Differentiation of Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulated by Varying the Phosphorylation of Polymers

Authors: JIA Yujie, WANG Zi, HUANG Peng, LI Shuai, MA Shengrong, SHEN Yubin, YANG Furu, FAN Xianqun, BI Xiaoping, YOU Zhengwei

Bone defects remain a prevalent clinical challenge, and regenerative medicine based on bone tissue engineering offers promising solutions. Traditional osteogenic materials rely on bioactive macromolecules like growth factors, which suffer from poor stability and stringent storage requirements. From a structural perspective, bone tissue resides in a phosphorylated microenvironment, with 65–70% of inorganic components composed of hydroxyapatite. Inorganic phosphorylated materials induce osteogenic differentiation but exhibit high stiffness, brittleness, slow degradation, and limited mechanical tunability. Synthetic phosphorylated polymers with excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility have been developed to address these issues. In this work, we developed a series of phosphorylated polymers derived from poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), a biocompatible and biodegradable material. Leveraging the hydroxyl-rich backbone of PGS, we demonstrated an efficient method for controllable phosphorylation of PGS side chains, enabling synthesis of PGS-based phosphorylated (PGS-P) polymers with tunable phosphorus contents. The optimized phosphorylated polyester, PGS-P4, exhibited strong ability to promote osteogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs, and its porous three-dimensional scaffolds showed favorable properties for bone regeneration. BMSCs cultured for one week and observed by fluorescence microscopy showed enhanced BSP protein expression on PGS-P2, PGS-P4, and PGS-P6 groups compared with PLGA and PGS, with PGS-P4 displaying the most intense signal. In summary, we present a simple and controllable method for preparation of functionalized polyesters and their porous scaffolds with tunable phosphorus content, validating its effectiveness in promoting osteogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs. All phosphorylated polyesters exhibit enhanced differentiation-promoting effects compared to non-phosphorylated PGS; however, the degree of enhancement does not increase monotonically with phosphorus content. PGS-P4, containing an optimal phosphorus level, shows the most pronounced biological functions.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026

Additively manufactured metal matrix composites: a review of fatigue and creep resistance for in-service conditions

Authors: Kiani HF, Duan Y, Xiao N, Ge S, Li Z

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) enables the fabrication of arbitrary three-dimensional structures with unprecedented design freedom. However, components must withstand extreme in-service conditions, including high temperatures, fatigue, and creep, necessitating materials with multifunctional properties. Metal matrix composites (MMCs), comprising reinforcing particles embedded in metallic matrices, offer promising solutions for such harsh environments. Nevertheless, the non-equilibrium nature of AM processes introduces complex phase diffusion, reactions, and melt flow dynamics, making microstructural design and production challenging. This review focuses on the fatigue and creep resistance of additively manufactured MMCs under in-service conditions, emphasizing how composite strategies influence these properties. The underlying mechanisms responsible for property enhancements via AM are interpreted and discussed. Key findings indicate that AM enables refined microstructures, improved particle dispersion, and the formation of in-situ reinforcing phases, which collectively enhance fatigue life and creep resistance. For instance, TiC-reinforced steels exhibit improved wear resistance after heat treatment, and boron-phosphorus interactions in Inconel 718 enhance creep properties. The review provides insights into future directions for developing AM MMCs for critical applications, highlighting the need for tailored microstructures and process optimization to achieve balanced mechanical performance.

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