Rechargeable lithium batteries (RLBs) have revolutionized energy storage technology. However, short lifetime and safety issues have hampered their further commercialization, which is mainly attributable to the unstable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) and uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth. In recent years, research on SEI has been pursued with determination worldwide. However, the structure and composition of the SEI have long been debated. Especially, the role of the main component, LiF, remains elusive. In this review, the structure and composition of SEIs are focused upon and the role of LiF in SEI is further analyzed. To this end, first, the development history of the SEI model is recounted. Second, the fundamental understanding of SEI is recalled. Third, the anode materials that can generate LiF in the SEI are categorized and discussed. Fourth, the characterization techniques of SEI layers are introduced. Fifth, the transport mechanism of Li+ ions within the SEI is discussed. Sixth, the physical properties of LiF are revisited. Seventh, the source of LiF is deeply analyzed. Finally, general conclusions and a perspective on the future research directions for SEI that may promote the large‐scale applications of lithium metal batteries is discussed.

One-step scaffold fabrication with live cell incorporation is a highly desirable technology for tissue engineering and regeneration. Projection stereolithography (PSL) represents a promising method owing to its fine resolution, high fabrication speed and computer-aided design (CAD) capabilities. However, the majority of current protocols utilize water-insoluble photoinitiators that are incompatible with live cell-fabrication, and ultraviolet (UV) light that is damaging to the cellular DNA. We report here the development of a visible light-based PSL system (VL-PSL), using lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP) as the initiator and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) as the monomer, to produce hydrogel scaffolds with specific shapes and internal architectures. Furthermore, live human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) were suspended in PEGDA/LAP solution during the PSL process, and were successfully incorporated within the fabricated hydrogel scaffolds. hADSCs in PEG scaffolds showed high viability (>90%) for up to 7 days after fabrication as revealed by Live/Dead staining. Scaffolds with porous internal architecture retained higher cell viability and activity than solid scaffolds, likely due to increased oxygen and nutrients exchange into the interior of the scaffolds. The VL-PSL should be applicable as an efficient and effective tissue engineering technology for point-of-care tissue repair in clinic.

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The administration of therapeutic cell types, such as stem and progenitor cells, has gained much interest for the limitation or repair of tissue damage caused by a variety of insults. However, it is still uncertain whether the morphological and functional benefits are mediated predominantly via cell differentiation or paracrine mechanisms. Here, we assessed the extent and mechanisms of adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASC)-dependent tissue repair in the context of acute myocardial infarction. Human ASCs in saline or saline alone was injected into the peri-infarct region in athymic rats following left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation. Cardiac function and structure were evaluated by serial echocardiography and histology. ASCtreated rats consistently exhibited better cardiac function, by all measures, than control rats 1 month following LAD occlusion. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and fractional shortening were improved in the ASC group, whereas LV remodeling and dilation were limited in the ASC group compared with the saline control group. Anterior wall thinning was also attenuated by ASC treatment, and post-mortem histological analysis demonstrated reduced fibrosis in ASC-treated hearts, as well as increased peri-infarct density of both arterioles and nerve sprouts. Human ASCs were persistent at 1 month in the peri-infarct region, but they were not observed to exhibit significant cardiomyocyte differentiation. Human ASCs preserve heart function and augment local angiogenesis and cardiac nerve sprouting following myocardial infarction predominantly by the provision of beneficial trophic factors.

Safe and efficient gene delivery would have great potential in gene therapy and tissue engineering, but synthetic biomaterial surfaces endowed with efficient gene-transferring functions do not yet exist. Inspired by naturally occurring biomineralization processes, we co-precipitated DNA with inorganic minerals onto cell-culture surfaces. The DNA/mineral nanocomposite surfaces obtained not only supported cell growth but also provided high concentrations of DNA in the immediate microenvironment of the cultured cells. Gene transfer from the engineered surfaces was as efficient as an optimized commercial lipid transfection reagent; in addition, the extent of gene transfer was adjustable by varying the mineral composition. DNA/mineral nanocomposite surfaces represent a promising system for enhancing gene transfer and controlling the extent of gene transfer for various biomedical applications, including tissue engineering or gene therapy of bone.