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The early detection of procalcitonin (PCT) is crucial for diagnosing bacterial infections due to its high sensitivity and specificity. While colloidal gold colorimetric and immune-chemiluminescence methods are commonly employed in clinical detection, the former lacks sensitivity, and the latter faces challenges with a brief luminescence process and an elevated background. Here, we introduce a novel approach for the quantitative analysis of PCT using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), leveraging the enhanced properties of metal nanoparticles. Simultaneously, we employed a magnetic nanoparticle coating and surface biofunctionalization modification to immobilize PCT-trapping antibodies, creating the required immune substrates. The resulting magnetic nanoparticles and antibody complexes, acting as carriers and recognition units, exhibited superparamagnetism and the specific recognition of biomarkers. Then, this complex efficiently underwent magnetic separation with an applied magnetic field, streamlining the cumbersome steps of traditional ELISA and significantly reducing the detection time. In conclusion, the exploration of immunomagnetic bead detection technology based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy holds crucial practical significance for the sensitive detection of PCT.

Procalcitonin (PCT) serves as a crucial biomarker utilized in diverse clinical contexts, including sepsis diagnosis and emergency departments. Its applications extend to identifying pathogens, assessing infection severity, guiding drug administration, and implementing theranostic strategies. However, current clinical deployed methods cannot meet the needs for accurate or real-time quantitative monitoring of PCT. This review aims to introduce these emerging PCT immunoassay technologies, focusing on analyzing their advantages in improving detection performances, such as easy operation and high precision. The fundamental principles and characteristics of state-of-the-art methods are first introduced, including chemiluminescence, immunofluorescence, latex-enhanced turbidity, enzyme-linked immunosorbent, colloidal gold immunochromatography, and radioimmunoassay. Then, improved methods using new materials and new technologies are briefly described, for instance, the combination with responsive nanomaterials, Raman spectroscopy, and digital microfluidics. Finally, the detection performance parameters of these methods and the clinical importance of PCT detection are also discussed.

Translational medicine aims to improve human health by exploring potential treatment methods developed during basic scientific research and applying them to the treatment of patients in clinical settings. The advanced perceptions of gene functions have remarkably revolutionized clinical treatment strategies for target agents. However, the progress in gene editing therapy has been hindered due to the severe off‐target effects and limited editing sites. Fortunately, the development in the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR‐Cas9) system has renewed hope for gene therapy field. The CRISPR‐Cas9 system can fulfill various simple or complex purposes, including gene knockout, knock‐in, activation, interference, base editing, and sequence detection. Accordingly, the CRISPR‐Cas9 system is adaptable to translational medicine, which calls for the alteration of genomic sequences. This review aims to present the latest CRISPR‐Cas9 technology achievements and prospect to translational medicine advances. The principle and characterization of the CRISPR‐Cas9 system are firstly introduced. The authors then focus on recent pre‐clinical and clinical research directions, including the construction of disease models, disease‐related gene screening and regulation, and disease treatment and diagnosis for multiple refractory diseases. Finally, some clinical challenges including off‐target effects, in vivo vectors, and ethical problems, and future perspective are also discussed. Translational medicine is known as biomedicine models with purpose of finding solutions for clinical challenges. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR‐Cas9) system makes impressive strides therein through gene knockout, knock‐in, activation, interference, base editing, and sequence detection, and continues to revolutionize the development of translational medicine.

The unprecedented demand for variants diagnosis in response to the COVID‐19 epidemic has brought the spotlight onto rapid and accurate detection assays for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at multiple locations. However, it is still challenging to ensure simplicity, affordability, and compatibility with multiplexing. Here, a novel technique is presented that combines peptide nucleic acid (PNA) clamps and near‐infrared (NIR)‐driven digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) to identify the Omicron and Delta variants. This is achieved by simultaneously identifying highly conserved mutated signatures at codons 19, 614, and 655 of the spike protein gene. By microfluidically introducing graphene‐oxide‐nanocomposite into the assembled gelatin microcarriers, they achieved a rapid temperature ramping‐up rate and switchable gel‐to‐sol phase transformation synchronized with PCR activation under NIR irradiation. Two sets of duplex PCR reactions, each classifying respective PNA probes, are emulsified in parallel and illuminated together using a homemade vacuum‐based droplet generation device and a programmable NIR control module. This allowed for selective amplification of mutant sequences due to single‐base‐pair mismatch with PNA blockers. Sequence‐recognized bioreactions and fluorescent‐color scoring enabled quick identification of variants. This technique achieved a detection limit of 5,100 copies and a 5‐fold quantitative resolution, which is promising to unfold minor differences and dynamic changes. PNA‐assisted NIR photothermal multiplexed dPCR technique recognizes SNPs at codons T19R, O614G, and H655Y of the spike protein gene, thereby discriminating Omicron and Delta variants from the wild‐type of SARS‐CoV‐2. Gelatin microcarriers loaded with GO nanocomposite assist PCR thermocycling under NIR irradiation, where three PNA probes target against SNPs to selectively amplify mutated templates via replication with multi‐color labeling.

Engineering biomaterials that actively interface with and instruct their biological milieu have given rise to a new generation of platforms for tissue repair and companion diagnostics. Among them, aerogel scaffolds, with their ultra‐porous architecture, ultralow density, tunable mechanics, and versatile chemistries, have emerged as transformative candidates capable of emulating and interpreting extracellular environments. This review highlights up‐to‐date advances shaping the landscape of aerogel‐based scaffolds in tissue repair and diagnostic applications. We first summarize emerging fabrication and assembly strategies, including sol–gel processing, freeze‐drying, electrospinning, and 3D printing, which unlock hierarchical morphologies and bioinspired features. The recent implementations of intelligent aerogels for tissue repair and neuroregeneration are then highlighted, together with related applications in bioactive functionalization, immune modulation, wound healing, sustained drug delivery, and moist repair dressings. Meanwhile, we outline aerogel‐based disease diagnosis regarding genotypic physiological cues, focusing on faithfully detecting nucleic acids, tumor biopsy, virus antigen testing of infectious disease, and state‐of‐the‐art demos with innovative signal transduction mechanisms. Data‐driven strategies powered by machine learning are also reviewed, alongside integration into smart wearables for self‐adapting, responsive platforms. Finally, persisting challenges and present perspective of aerogel scaffolds in medicine research and practice are also discussed. Aerogel scaffolds are emerging as multifunctional biomedical platforms that bridge regenerative engineering and molecular diagnostics. By integrating hierarchical porosity, tunable mechanics, and programmable surface chemistry, aerogels can simultaneously support tissue reconstruction and enable localized biomarker sampling and signal transduction. Recent advances in sol–gel chemistry, freeze‐drying, electrospinning, and 3D printing have expanded structural precision from nanoscale to macroscale architectures, enabling tailored immunomodulation, neuroregeneration, sustained drug delivery, and bioactive wound management. Beyond structural support, aerogels increasingly function as intelligent interfaces for nucleic acid detection, pathogen sensing, and wearable bioelectronics through conductive networks and catalytic amplification mechanisms. The convergence of bioinspired design, composite engineering, and data‐driven analytics positions aerogel scaffolds as adaptive systems capable of coupling therapy with real‐time diagnostic feedback, advancing the development of next‐generation companion diagnostic biomaterials.

Breast cancer constitutes a significant global health burden, while conventional diagnosis approaches may lack precision and can be discomforting for patients. Exosomes have emerged as promising biomarkers for breast cancer due to their participation in diverse pathological processes, and a convenient analysis platform is believed to greatly promote its application. In this study, we propose a novel digital PCR approach utilizing near‐infrared (NIR) photo‐responsive thermosensitive microcarriers integrated with black phosphorus for quantifying microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers within exosomes. Petal‐like biomimetic nanomaterials were firstly assembled for non‐specific exosome capture based on the affinity effect of avidin and biotin. Photothermal‐responsive microcarriers, fabricated using gelatin‐based substrates blended with photothermal nanocomposite, exhibited NIR‐induced heating and reversible phase transition properties. We optimized synthesis parameters on thermal response and established a programmable and controllable NIR light source module. The results indicated a significant elevation in the levels of biomarkers miRNA‐1246 and miRNA‐122, with fold increases ranging from 6.2 to 23.6 and 5.9 to 13.0, respectively, in breast cancer cell lines MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 compared to healthy control cells HUVEC. This study offers broad prospects for utilizing exosomes to resolve predictive biomarkers.

Exosomes derived from tumors are critical agents in intercellular communication and the tumor microenvironment, offering a rich source of signatures for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) diagnosis. Conventional diagnostic techniques often suffer from limited sensitivity and can be invasive. This study presents an innovative approach using near‐infrared (NIR) digital PCR (dPCR) with black phosphorus‐embedded gelatin microcarriers for profiling exosomal miRNAs and modulating STAT3 signaling and macrophage polarization. Microcarriers produced via microfluidics, characterized by their phase‐change and photothermal properties, are subjected to thermal cycling using a custom NIR source. The study identified a 4.2‐fold increase in miR‐210 levels in RCC cells (ACHN and A498) compared to normal cells (HK‐2), with miR‐126 and miR‐30c levels decreasing by 7–9 times. Additionally, the method achieved a 20‐fold enrichment of miRNA‐34 in exosomes, leading to reduced STAT3 expression and decreased M2 macrophage polarization after co‐incubation. This pioneering dPCR method provides a robust tool for early RCC detection through exosomal miRNA profiling and opens new avenues for therapeutic exosome engineering. The study underscores the potential of dPCR‐based exosome genotyping in identifying cancer biomarkers and developing novel treatment strategies. A near‐infrared‐responsive digital Polymerase Chain Reaction technique with triple‐color coding profiles renal cancer exosomal microRNA biomarkers and their impact on macrophage polarization. Engineered miR‐34‐loaded exosomes via electroporation saturate molecular sponges, downregulating STAT3 in recipient macrophages to prolong M2 polarization. Stable microcarriers and optimized affinity capture boost renal cancer miR detection, with near‐infrared thermal cycling enabling programmable gene network intervention.

Due to the ability to precisely control and manipulate fluids at the microscale, microfluidics provides unmatched advantages such as reduced sample size, rapid analysis, and enhanced sensitivity. Microfluidic technology has emerged as a revolutionary approach in pediatric healthcare, offering innovative solutions for diagnostics, monitoring, and treatment. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements and future directions of microfluidic technology in the field of pediatrics. We begin with a brief introduction of several types of microfluidic devices that are more common in the pediatric field. Then, the substantial advances in biomedical applications of microfluidics in pediatric healthcare are explored, encompassing diagnosis, research, and treatment. Finally, challenges and limitations such as material selection, device standardization, stability, and regulatory considerations are also discussed that must be addressed to increase the utilization of microfluidics in the pediatric clinical field. Overall, this review underscores the transformative potential of microfluidics to improve the quality of healthcare and outcomes for pediatric patients, while also highlighting the opportunities for future research and development in this burgeoning field. Microfluidics demonstrates significant potential to revolutionize pediatric healthcare through precise fluid manipulation, minimized sample volume and rapid, highly sensitive analysis. This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in pediatric diagnostics, monitoring and treatment, aiming to bridge research gaps and guide clinical translation. Key Summary This review provides an in‐depth examination of the recent advancements in microfluidics, focusing on its applications in pediatric diagnostics, monitoring, and treatment. This review discusses the key challenges and limitations, including material selection, standardization, and regulatory issues, with the aim of accelerating the clinical application of microfluidics in the pediatric field. This review aims to guide researchers and clinicians in effectively leveraging microfluidics to advance pediatric healthcare research and clinical practices.

Tissue injury, one of the most common traumatic injuries in daily life, easily leads to secondary wound infections. To promote wound healing and reduce scarring, various kinds of wound dressings, such as gauze, bandages, sponges, patches, and microspheres, have been developed for wound healing. Among them, microsphere-based tissue dressings have attracted increasing attention due to the advantage of easy to fabricate, excellent physicochemical performance and superior drug release ability. In this review, we first introduced the common methods for microspheres preparation, such as emulsification-solvent method, electrospray method, microfluidic technology as well as phase separation methods. Next, we summarized the common biomaterials for the fabrication of the microspheres including natural polymers and synthetic polymers. Then, we presented the application of the various microspheres from different processing methods in wound healing and other applications. Finally, we analyzed the limitations and discussed the future development direction of microspheres in the future.

Endometriosis is marked by the ectopic growth, spread, and invasion of endometrial tissue beyond the uterus, resulting in recurrent bleeding, pain, reproductive challenges, and the formation of nodules or masses. Despite advancements in detection methods like ultrasound and laparoscopy, these techniques remain limited by low specificity and invasiveness, underscoring the need for a highly specific, noninvasive in vitro diagnostic method. This study investigates the potential of using menstrual blood as a noninvasive diagnostic sample for endometriosis by targeting genetic and inflammatory markers associated with endometriosis lesions. A novel digital droplet enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ddELISA) was developed, leveraging SiO 2 nanoparticles for the femtomolar-sensitive detection of inflammatory cytokines (OPN, IL-10, IL-6) in menstrual blood. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed differentiation patterns across endometrial tissues and menstrual blood, affirming that menstrual blood replicates key inflammatory and immune properties of endometriosis. Furthermore, endometriosis menstrual blood endometrial cells derived from human menstrual blood displayed similar properties to endometrial stromal cells in endometriosis lesions, validating menstrual blood as a suitable in vitro diagnostic sample. In contrast to traditional ELISA, ddELISA supports multi-target detection with enhanced sensitivity and reduced processing time, allowing precise biomarker analysis from minimal sample volumes. Our ddELISA-based approach shows promise as a rapid, accessible, and accurate diagnostic tool for endometriosis, with potential for practical clinical application.