Ferroelectric Oxide Thin Film with an Out-of-Plane Electrical Conductivity

Review on Recent Developments in 2D Ferroelectrics: Theories and Applications

Although only a few 2D materials have been predicted to possess ferroelectricity, 2D ferroelectrics are expected to play a dominant role in the upcoming nano era as important functional materials. The ferroelectric properties of 2D ferroelectrics are significantly different than those of traditional bulk ferroelectrics owing to their intrinsic size and surface effects. To date, 2D ferroelectrics have been reported to exhibit diverse properties ranging from bulk photovoltaic and piezoelectric/pyroelectric effects to the spontaneous valley and spin polarization. These properties are either dependent on ferroelectric polarization or coupled with it for easy electric control, thus making 2D ferroelectrics applicable to multifunctional nanodevices. At present, cumulative efforts are being made to explore 2D ferroelectrics in theories, experiments, and applications. Herein, such theories and methods are briefly introduced. Subsequently, intrinsic and extrinsic origins of 2D ferroelectricity are separately summarized. In addition, invented or laboratory-validated 2D ferroelectric-based applications are listed. Finally, the existing challenges and prospects of 2D ferroelectrics are discussed.

Oncological Ligand-Target Binding Systems and Developmental Approaches for Cancer Theranostics

Targeted treatment of cancer hinges on the identification of specific intracellular molecular receptors on cancer cells to stimulate apoptosis for eventually inhibiting growth; the development of novel ligands to target biomarkers expressed by the cancer cells; and the creation of novel multifunctional carrier systems for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs to specific malignant sites. There are numerous receptors, antigens, and biomarkers that have been discovered as oncological targets (oncotargets) for cancer diagnosis and treatment applications. Oncotargets are critically important to navigate active anticancer drug ingredients to specific disease sites with no/minimal effect on surrounding normal cells. In silico techniques relating to genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics have catalyzed the discovery of oncotargets for various cancer types. Effective oncotargeting requires high-affinity probes engineered for specific binding of receptors associated with the malignancy. Computational methods such as structural modeling and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations offer opportunities to structurally design novel ligands and optimize binding affinity for specific oncotargets. This article proposes a streamlined approach for the development of ligand-oncotarget bioaffinity systems via integrated structural modeling and MD simulations, making use of proteomics, genomic, and X-ray crystallographic resources, to support targeted diagnosis and treatment of cancers and tumors.