Exploring the Potential of Ultrasound Therapy to Reduce Skin Scars: An In Vitro Study Using a Multi-Well Device Based on Printable Piezoelectric Transducers

Emerging Innovations in Acne Management: A Focus on Non-Pharmacological Therapeutic Devices

Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the sebaceous glands, with approximately 80% of individuals experiencing it at some point in their lives. Among adolescents, the incidence is reported to exceed 85%. The disease can significantly impact both physical and emotional aspects of a person's quality of life, leading to permanent scarring, poor self-image, depression, and anxiety. The standard first-line treatment for acne vulgaris includes conventional pharmacological approaches such as keratolytics, topical or oral antibiotics, retinoids, and hormonal agents. However, these treatments are not universally effective due to patient noncompliance, adverse drug effects, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance in Cutibacterium acnes, often resulting in high rates of recurrence. Consequently, non-pharmacological therapies have been developed as safe and effective alternatives or supplements to pharmacological treatment. These non-pharmacological approaches can serve as standalone treatment modalities, adjuncts to pharmacological therapy, or maintenance treatments. Current literature lacks comprehensive data on the classification of these non-pharmacological treatment options. This paper aims to provide a brief overview of recent research on the practical applications and potential mechanisms of non-pharmacological therapies for both acne and acne scars. Through elucidating the distinct mechanisms and therapeutic roles of these treatments, we aim to assist dermatologists and other healthcare providers in formulating more effective disease management strategies, thereby encouraging further research in this area.

Advances in Porous Structure Design for Enhanced Piezoelectric and Triboelectric Nanogenerators: A Comprehensive Review

Porous structures offer several key advantages in energy harvesting, making them highly effective for enhancing the performance of piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators (PENG and TENG). Their high surface area-to-volume ratio improves charge accumulation and electrostatic induction, which are critical for efficient energy conversion. Additionally, their lightweight and flexible nature allows for easy integration into wearable and flexible electronics. These combined properties make porous materials a powerful solution for addressing the efficiency limitations that have traditionally restricted nanogenerators. Recognizing these benefits, this review focuses on the essential role that porous materials play in advancing PENG and TENG technologies. It examines a wide range of porous materials, including aerogels, nano-porous films, sponges, and 2D materials, explaining how their unique structures contribute to higher energy harvesting efficiency. The review also explores recent breakthroughs in the development of these materials, demonstrating how they overcome performance challenges and open up new possibilities for practical applications. These advancements position porous nanogenerators as strong candidates for use in wearable electronics, smart textiles, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. By exploring these innovations, the review underscores the importance of porous structures in driving the future of energy harvesting technologies.

Development of an Artificial Soft Solid Gel Using Gelatin Material for High-Quality Ultrasound Diagnosis

For ultrasound diagnosis, a gel is applied to the skin. Ultrasound gel serves to block air exposure and match impedance between the skin and the probe, enhancing imaging efficiency. However, if use of the ultrasound gel exceeds a certain period of time, it may dry out and be exposed to air, causing impedance mismatch and reducing imaging resolution. In such cases, the use of a soft, solid gel proves advantageous, as it can be employed for an extended period without succumbing to the drying phenomenon and can be reused after disinfection. Its soft consistency ensures excellent skin adhesion. Our soft solid gel demonstrated approximately 1.2 times better performance than water, silicone, and traditional ultrasound gels. When comparing the dimensions of grayscale, dead zone, vertical, and horizontal regions, the measurements for the traditional ultrasound gel were 93.79 mm, 45.32 mm, 103.13 mm, 83.86 mm, and 83.86 mm, respectively. In contrast, the proposed soft solid gel exhibited dimensions of 105.64 mm, 34.48 mm, 141.1 mm, and 102.8 mm.