Light can serve as a tunable trigger for neurobioengineering technologies, enabling probing, control, and enhancement of brain function with unmatched spatiotemporal precision. Yet, these technologies often require genetic or structural alterations of neurons, disrupting their natural activity. Here, we introduce the Graphene-Mediated Optical Stimulation (GraMOS) platform, which leverages graphene’s optoelectronic properties and its ability to efficiently convert light into electricity. Using GraMOS in longitudinal studies, we found that repeated optical stimulation enhances the maturation of hiPSC-derived neurons and brain organoids, underscoring GraMOS’s potential for regenerative medicine and neurodevelopmental studies. To explore its potential for disease modeling, we applied short-term GraMOS to Alzheimer’s stem cell models, uncovering disease-associated alterations in neuronal activity. Finally, we demonstrated a proof-of-concept for neuroengineering applications by directing rob

As global energy demands surge and the urgency to address climate change escalates, scientific communities worldwide are spearheading revolutionary approaches to redefine chemical manufacturing toward sustainability. A groundbreaking review led by Dr. Yong Jiang in collaboration with experts from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, the Technical University of Denmark, and Tsinghua University unpacks the burgeoning realm of “biohybrid” synthesis systems—sophisticated platforms that intricately merge living microbial cells with cutting-edge materials science.

Paper-based assays such as dot-blot show high promise to develop point-of-care testing devices fulfilling the ASSURED requirements suggested by the World Health Organization (affordable, sensitive, specific, user-friendly, rapid and robust, equipment-free, and deliverable). In this technique, natural enzymes

Bacterial biohybrids use bacterial and synthetic components for biotechnological applications. Here, we outline an adaptable and high-throughput microfluidic platform to create microscale biocontained...

The integration of microbial nitrogen (N2) fixation with photochemical processes using inorganic light-absorbing nanomaterials is a burgeoning field in sustainable energy production. Here, we explore the synergistic combination of inorganic semiconductor nanowires (NWs) with whole-cell microorganisms to create an inorganic-bacterial biohybrid system. Specifically, we employ Cu2O@TiO2 NWs with a core/shell structure to harness sunlight and generate photoexcited electrons. Azotobacter vinelandii, serving as a biocatalyst, adsorbs onto these NWs and facilitates the reception of photoexcited electrons, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the photoelectrochemical N2 fixation reaction (PEC-NRR). The biohybrid system achieves an impressive ammonia (NH3) yield of (1.49 ± 0.05) × 10-9  mol s-1 cm-2 (5.36 ± 0.18 μmol h-1 cm-2). The enhancement in NH3 synthesis within the Cu2O@TiO2 NWs/A. vinelandii biohybrid is attributed to the increased concentrations of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-hydrogen (NADH) and adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP), as well as the overexpression of N2-fixing genes like nifH and nifD within the nitrogenase enzyme complex. This study underscores the potential of inorganic-bacterial biohybrid systems in solar-chemical conversion, paving the way for more diverse and functional approaches to harnessing solar energy for sustainable chemical production.

Harnessing electrical signals made by a king oyster mushroom and its sensitivity to light, researchers engineered biohybrid robots that respond to the environment.

Published in Macromolecular rapid communications

Wang et al. advance bacteria-based metabolic therapy by developing DL@SFEc+ through dual-selection evolution. The evolved SFEc+ significantly enhances CySS uptake and desulfhydrase activity. Combined with DMXAA-loaded liposome, the DL@SFEc+ disrupts tumor nutrient influx and redox balance, showcasing effective antitumor capabilities and stability across various tumor models.

Wang et al. advance bacteria-based metabolic therapy by developing DL@SFEc+ through dual-selection evolution. The evolved SFEc+ significantly enhances CySS uptake and desulfhydrase activity. Combined ...