Nanozyme is a collection of nanomaterials with enzyme-like activity but higher environmental tolerance and long-term stability than their natural counterparts. Improving the catalytic activity and expanding the category of nanozymes are prerequisites to complement or even supersede enzymes. However, the development of hydrolytic nanozymes is still challenged by diverse hydrolytic substrates and following complicated mechanisms. Here, two strategies are informed by data to screen and predict catalytic active sites of MOF (metal–organic framework) based hydrolytic nanozymes: (1) to increase the intrinsic activity by finely tuned Lewis acidity of the metal clusters; (2) to improve the density of active sites by shortening the length of ligands. Finally, as-obtained Ce-FMA-MOF-based hydrolytic nanozyme is capable of cleaving phosphate bonds, amide bonds, glycosidic bonds, and even their mixture, biofilms. This work provides a rational methodology to design hydrolytic nanozyme, enriches the diversity of nanozymes, and potentially sheds light on future evolution of enzyme engineering.

The design of the first p–i–n junction synaptic transistor (JST) based on n‐type TiO2 film covered with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and with a p‐type P3HT/PEO nanowire (NW) on top. Except for basic synaptic functions that can be realized by a single neurotransmitter, the electronic device emulates the multiplexed neurotransmission of different neurotransmissions, i.e., glutamate and acetylcholine, for fast switching between short‐ and long‐term plasticity (STP and LTP). This is realized by the special p–i–n junction with hole transport in the p‐type P3HT NW to form STP, and electron transport in the n‐type TiO2 layer and trapped under the PMMA inversion layer to form LTP. Altering the external input induces changes of the polarity of the charge carriers in the conductive channel, promoting fast switching between STP and LTP modes. When stimulated using two parallel inputs, the response of PMMA/TiO2 emulates the synergistic effect of taste and aroma on the control of food‐intake in the brain. Because of the bipolarity, the p–i–n JST has excellent reconfigurability, which importantly is attributed to simulate the plasticity of synapses and to mimic how distinct types of gustatory receptor neurons respond to different concentrations of salt. The electronic device lays the technical foundation for the realization of the future complex artificial neural networks.

Artificial synapses are key elements for the nervous system which is an emulation of sensory and motor neuron signal transmission. Here, the design and fabrication of redox‐behavior the metal carbide nanosheets, termed MXene artificial synapse, which uses a highly‐conductive MXene electrode, are reported. Benefiting from the special working mechanism of ion migration with adsorption and insertion, the device achieves world‐record power consumption (460 fW) of two‐terminal synaptic devices, and so far, the bidirectionally functioned synaptic device could effectively respond to ultra‐small stimuli at an amplitude of ±80 mV, even exceeding that of a biological synapse. Potential applications have also been demonstrated, such as dendritic integration and memory enhancement. The special strategy and superior electrical characteristics of the bidirectionally functioned electronic device pave the way to high‐power‐efficiency brain‐inspired electronics and artificial peripheral systems.

Developing a rapid and simple method for the detection of berberine chloride (BBC), one kind of natural antibiotic, is significant to ensure reasonable control and administration of antibiotic residues in food and other feed. In this report, a sensitive and selective fluorescent probe based on a water-soluble perylene diimide derivative (PDI-Asp) has been screened for the detection of berberine chloride (BBC). The sensing performance and mechanism of this probe were systematically investigated by using UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. Meanwhile, the influencing factors of probe structures on the sensing performance were also addressed. It was identified that the formation of supramolecular complex between BBC and PDI-Asp through synergy of electrostatic and π–π interactions promoted a rapid and fluorometric assay for BBC in 100% aqueous systems. The detection limit for BBC was found to be as low as 28 nmol/L. Finally, PDI-Asp was a highly promising fluorometric probe for the direct determination of BBC in practical samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of PDI-based probe for detecting small biomolecules in pure aqueous solution. We believe that this approach will not only extend the sensing scope of PDIs but also contribute to understanding the mechanism of the interaction between BBC and PDIs, and it will provide some useful information for the design of PDI-based probes for other small biomolecules.