Carbon dots (CDs) are a kind of zero-dimensional carbon-based nanoparticles with superb light-trapping ability, high optical absorption ability, and superior intrinsic catalytic activity. Due to these advantageous properties, they have received enthusiastic attention from researchers in the field of optical devices. The application of carbon dots in dye-sensitized solar cells has increased with steady steps recently, especially as a substitute for precious Ru-sensitizers and Pt counter electrodes. In this review, we classified the application of carbon dots in dye-sensitized solar cells in recent years and explained the mechanisms of improving the performance of carbon dots. The significant impact of surface functionalization of CDs on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells was discussed. Lastly, some challenges and application prospects of carbon dots in the dye-sensitized solar cell were proposed, which is meaningful for the further exploration and application of carbon dots as a new energy material.

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Microneedle containing miniature robots offer a promising route for gastrointestinal administration since their capability of transmucosal delivery and controllable drug release. However, many challenges still lie ahead such as the intricate control modes, destitute systematic theory of the locomotion and adhesion behaviors, failure due to peristalsis and fluid flow, and risk of ileus. Herein, an untethered microneedle containing robots is designed for specific colonic administration, which can dispense with control systems, achieve fast self‐orientation and adhesion onto the mucosa (<0.6 s), against physiology of peristalsis, and show low risks of obstruction. Further, the detachable layer between the microneedle and the robots can degrade under a time of 6 min, which ensures safely discharge under a small, excreted force of 20 mN induced by fluid flow. Through the optimism of microneedles, different drug release times can be achieved including 14 min, 2 days, 4 days, and 30 days, respectively. The in vivo experiments also demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the robots. These robots can serve as a versatile platform to treat diseases such as chronic inflammation and cancer of the colon to minimize invasive surgical intervention and patient suffering.

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