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Synthetic models of cells are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but engineering communication between these and living cells remains challenging. Here the authors review modes of communication and signal processing between living cells and synthetic analogs, such as giant unilamellar vesicles, proteinosomes, and coacervates.
Mechanochemistry is driven by mechanical energy input, which often alleviates the need for solvents or heating to achieve desired products. Here, the author reviews mechanochemical syntheses of metal-oxide nanoparticles, exploring reaction mechanisms, and contrasting the influence of process parameters on the properties of end products.
Porphyrins have been incorporated into metal–organic frameworks in a periodic fashion in order to exploit their unique photophysical and electrochemical properties. This article reviews progress in the field, focusing on the fundamental physical properties that arise in porphyrin-based MOFs.