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Fast, three-dimensional, live-cell super-resolution imaging with multiplane structured illumination microscopy

Three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) doubles the spatial resolution along all dimensions and is used widely in cellular imaging. However, its temporal resolution is constrained by the need for sequential plane-by-plane movement of the sample using a piezo stage for imaging, which often increases the acquisition time to several seconds per volume. To address this limitation, we develop 3D multiplane SIM (3D-MP-SIM), which simultaneously detects multiplane images and reconstructs them using synergistically evolved reconstruction algorithms. Compared with conventional 3D-SIM imaging, 3D-MP-SIM achieves an approximately eightfold increase in the temporal resolution of volumetric super-resolution imaging, with lateral and axial spatial resolutions of about 120 and 300 nm, respectively. The rapid acquisition substantially reduces motion artefacts during the imaging of dynamic structures, such as late endosomes, in live cells. Moreover, we demonstrate the capabilities of 3D-MP-SIM via high-speed time-lapse volumetric imaging of the endoplasmic reticulum at rates of up to 11 volumes per second. We also show the feasibility of dual-colour imaging by observing rapid and close interactions among intra- and intercellular organelles in 3D space. These results highlight the potential of 3D-MP-SIM for explaining dynamic behaviours and interactions at the subcellular level and in three dimensions.

Electro-spun nanofibers-based triboelectric nanogenerators in wearable electronics: status and perspectives

Electro-Spun nanofibers (ESNs), with their design flexibility, tailorable morphologies, and high surface area, are well-favored as triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) materials for wearable electronics. Here, various aspects of ESNs-based wearable TENGs were examined. After introducing the most common TENG operating modes, an insightful overview of wearable TENG applications based on ESNs was presented. In this survey, a special attention is paid to wearable sensing, human-machine interaction, self-powered devices, and amplified energy harvesting. Efforts towards improving energy conversion efficiency, material durability, and compatibility with diverse wearable platforms were visited. Finally, a perspective based on particularly material aspect of ESNs is given, which could be insightful in tackling prevailing challenges and giving birth to new directions.

Solution-processable polymer membranes with hydrophilic subnanometre pores for sustainable lithium extraction

Membrane-based separation processes hold great promise for sustainable extraction of lithium from brines for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry and renewable energy storage. However, it remains challenging to develop high-selectivity membranes that can be upscaled for industrial processes. Here we report solution-processable polymer membranes with subnanometre pores with excellent ion separation selectivity in electrodialysis processes for lithium extraction. Polymers of intrinsic microporosity incorporated with hydrophilic functional groups enable fast transport of monovalent alkali cations (Li+, Na+ and K+) while rejecting relatively larger divalent ions such as Mg2+. The polymer of intrinsic microporosity membranes surpasses the performance of most existing membrane materials. Furthermore, the membranes were scaled up and integrated into an electrodialysis stack, demonstrating excellent selectivity in simulated salt-lake brines. This work will inspire the development of selective membranes for a wide range of sustainable separation processes critical for resource recovery and a global circular economy.

Bacterial cellulose-graphene oxide composite membranes with enhanced fouling resistance for bio-effluents management

Bacterial cellulose composites hold promise as renewable bioinspired materials for industrial and environmental applications. However, their use as free-standing water filtration membranes is hindered by low compressive strength, fouling, and poor contaminant selectivity. This study investigates the potential of bacterial cellulose-graphene oxide composites membranes for fouling resistance in pressure-driven filtration. Graphene oxide dispersed in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-400) is incorporated as a reinforcing filler into 3D network of bacterial cellulose using an in-situ synthesis method. The effect of graphene oxide on in situ fermentation yield and the formation of percolated-network in the composites shows that the optimal membrane properties are reached at a graphene oxide loading of 2 mg/mL. The two-dimensional graphene oxide nanosheets uniformly dispersed into the matrix of bacterial cellulose nanofibers via hydrogen-bonded interactions demonstrated nearly twofold higher water flux (380 L m−2 h−1) with a molecular weight cut-off ranging between 100–200 KDa and a sixfold increase in wet compression strength than pristine BC. When exposed to synthetic organic foulants and bacterial rich feed solutions, the composite membranes showed more than 95% flux recovery. Additionally, the membranes achieved over 95% rejection of synthetic natural organic matter and bacterial rich solutions, showcasing their enhanced fouling resistance and selectivity.

Brine management with zero and minimal liquid discharge

Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) and minimal liquid discharge (MLD) are brine management approaches that aim to reduce the environmental impacts of brine discharge and recover water for reuse. ZLD maximizes water recovery and avoids the needs for brine disposal, but is expensive and energy-intensive. MLD (which reduces the brine volume and recovers some water) has been proposed as a practical and cost-effective alternative to ZLD, but brine disposal is needed. In this Review, we examine the concepts, technologies and industrial applications of ZLD and MLD. These brine management strategies have current and potential applications in the desalination, energy, mining and semiconductor industries, all of which produce large volumes of brine. Brine concentration and crystallization in ZLD and MLD often rely on mechanical vapour compression and thermal crystallizers, which are effective but energy-intensive. Novel engineered systems for brine volume reduction and crystallization are under active development to achieve MLD and/or ZLD. These emerging systems, such as membrane distillation, electrodialytic crystallization and solvent extraction desalination, still face challenges to outcompete mechanical vapour compression and thermal crystallizers, underscoring the critical need to maximize the full potential of reverse osmosis to attain ultrahigh water recovery. Brine valorization has potential to partially offset the cost of ZLD and MLD, provided that resource recovery can be integrated into treatment trains economically and in accordance with regulations.

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