Search Medical Journals & Research Articles

Cancer Immunotherapy via Disruption of Integrin αvβ3 and CD47 Costabilization on Cancer Cell Surface

This study identifies a cancer‐specific interaction between CD47 and integrin αvβ3 that facilitates immune evasion. A rationally designed peptide, PSFL‐NK13, disrupts this axis, enhancing macrophage‐mediated phagocytosis and suppressing tumor growth without inducing anemia. These findings establish a safer immune checkpoint strategy distinct from conventional CD47‐targeting therapies. Abstract CD47/signal‐regulatory protein α (SIRPα) signaling enables malignant cells to evade macrophage‐mediated phagocytosis, offering a promising strategy for cancer therapy via immune checkpoint blockade. However, this strategy is widely debated due to several safety risks revealed by clinical studies, including anemia. Here, a CD47–SIRPα immune checkpoint treatment is investigated that mitigates anemic side effects by selectively interfering with the costabilization of CD47 and integrin αvβ3 on cancer cell surfaces, a phenomenon absent in erythrocytes. Multiplexed immunofluorescence analysis of 119 clinical breast cancer tissues reveals this costabilization. The engineered peptide PSFL‐NK13 effectively disrupts this costabilization, which enhances macrophage phagocytosis and delays tumor growth, without causing anemia or promoting angiogenesis. Thus, a stable interaction is identified between integrin αvβ3 and CD47 on the cancer cell membrane that facilitates immune evasion and demonstrates that targeting this interaction offers a safer therapeutic strategy for various tumors. This study identifies a cancer-specific interaction between CD47 and integrin αvβ3 that facilitates immune evasion. A rationally designed peptide, PSFL-NK13, disrupts this axis, enhancing macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and suppressing tumor growth without inducing anemia. These findings establish a safer immune checkpoint strategy distinct from conventional CD47-targeting therapies. Abstract CD47/signal-regulatory protein α (SIRPα) signaling enables malignant cells to evade macrophage-mediated phagocytosis, offering a promising strategy for cancer therapy via immune checkpoint blockade. However, this strategy is widely debated due to several safety risks revealed by clinical studies, including anemia. Here, a CD47–SIRPα immune checkpoint treatment is investigated that mitigates anemic side effects by selectively interfering with the costabilization of CD47 and integrin αvβ3 on cancer cell surfaces, a phenomenon absent in erythrocytes. Multiplexed immunofluorescence analysis of 119 clinical breast cancer tissues reveals this costabilization. The engineered peptide PSFL-NK13 effectively disrupts this costabilization, which enhances macrophage phagocytosis and delays tumor growth, without causing anemia or promoting angiogenesis. Thus, a stable interaction is identified between integrin αvβ3 and CD47 on the cancer cell membrane that facilitates immune evasion and demonstrates that targeting this interaction offers a safer therapeutic strategy for various tumors. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Lnc‐HZ05 Suppresses Trophoblast Cell Migrasome Formation by Disrupting TGFβ2 Pathway in Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage

TGFβ2 signaling‐mediated migration/invasion and migrasome formation are suppressed in recurrent miscarriage (RM) versus healthy control villous tissues and are negatively associated with unexplained RM. In mechanism, TGFβ2 promotes trophoblast cell migration/invasion and migrasome formation, all of which are suppressed by lnc‐HZ05. In details, lnc‐HZ05 suppresses FOXP3‐mediated TGFβ2 mRNA transcription, promotes autophagy degradation of TGFβ2 protein, and impairs TGFβ2/TGFβR2 protein interactions. Abstract Unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a clinical challenge due to its unclear pathogenesis. TGFβ2 plays essential roles in reproductive events. Migrasomes are newly identified organelles. Herein, whether TGFβ2 might regulate trophoblast cell migrasome formation (MF) and miscarriage, and the epigenetic regulation mechanisms, is completely unknown. In this study, we find that TGFβ2‐mediated MF is suppressed and is negatively associated with RM based on a case‐control study, further confirmed by a mouse model with miscarriage. In cellular mechanism, TGFβ2 promotes trophoblast cell MF, specifically suppressed by lnc‐HZ05. In details, lnc‐HZ05 (1) suppresses FOXP3‐mediated TGFβ2 transcription, (2) promotes autophagy degradation of TGFβ2, and (3) impairs TGFβ2/TGFβR2 interactions by binding to both proteins with 1‐83 nt of lnc‐HZ05, three of which suppress TGFβ2 pathway. Meanwhile, DNMT1 suppresses FOXP3‐mediated lnc‐HZ05 transcription, forming a FOXP3/lnc‐HZ05 negative regulatory loop. The cellular mechanisms are consistent with those in RM villous tissues. Moreover, higher levels of TGFβ2 protein and lnc‐HZ05 in serum well predict miscarriage risk. Supplement with murine Tgfβ2 protein recovers MF and alleviates mouse miscarriage. Collectively, this study discovers novel biological mechanisms of lnc‐HZ05 and TGFβ2 pathway in the pathogenesis of RM and provides potential targets for prediction and therapy of RM. TGFβ2 signaling-mediated migration/invasion and migrasome formation are suppressed in recurrent miscarriage (RM) versus healthy control villous tissues and are negatively associated with unexplained RM. In mechanism, TGFβ2 promotes trophoblast cell migration/invasion and migrasome formation, all of which are suppressed by lnc-HZ05. In details, lnc-HZ05 suppresses FOXP3-mediated TGFβ2 mRNA transcription, promotes autophagy degradation of TGFβ2 protein, and impairs TGFβ2/TGFβR2 protein interactions. Abstract Unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a clinical challenge due to its unclear pathogenesis. TGFβ2 plays essential roles in reproductive events. Migrasomes are newly identified organelles. Herein, whether TGFβ2 might regulate trophoblast cell migrasome formation (MF) and miscarriage, and the epigenetic regulation mechanisms, is completely unknown. In this study, we find that TGFβ2-mediated MF is suppressed and is negatively associated with RM based on a case-control study, further confirmed by a mouse model with miscarriage. In cellular mechanism, TGFβ2 promotes trophoblast cell MF, specifically suppressed by lnc-HZ05. In details, lnc-HZ05 (1) suppresses FOXP3-mediated TGFβ2 transcription, (2) promotes autophagy degradation of TGFβ2, and (3) impairs TGFβ2/TGFβR2 interactions by binding to both proteins with 1-83 nt of lnc-HZ05, three of which suppress TGFβ2 pathway. Meanwhile, DNMT1 suppresses FOXP3-mediated lnc-HZ05 transcription, forming a FOXP3/lnc-HZ05 negative regulatory loop. The cellular mechanisms are consistent with those in RM villous tissues. Moreover, higher levels of TGFβ2 protein and lnc-HZ05 in serum well predict miscarriage risk. Supplement with murine Tgfβ2 protein recovers MF and alleviates mouse miscarriage. Collectively, this study discovers novel biological mechanisms of lnc-HZ05 and TGFβ2 pathway in the pathogenesis of RM and provides potential targets for prediction and therapy of RM. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Flavin Biosynthesis Enhances Extracellular Electron Transfer in Bioengineered Escherichia coli

Microbial electronics are promising for energy, sensing, environmental, and synthesis applications. E. coli are engineered with extracellular electron transfer (EET) pathways from a microbe that naturally produces current to enable bioelectronics based on E. coli. Abstract Advancements in bioengineering have unlocked new microbial electrochemical applications in energy, sensing, remediation, and synthesis. Key to realizing these technologies is the engineering of conduits in metabolically versatile microbes like Escherichia coli to enable efficient charge exchange with the electrode. Inspired by mechanisms found in natural exogelectrogens, previous studies have largely focused on introducing conduits based on the metal‐reducing (Mtr) pathway in Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1. This study explores the concomitant expression of flavin secretion pathways for mediated charge transfer to complement the direct charge transfer from the bioengineered Mtr pathway. The engineered strains show a 3‐fold increase in the total secretion of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and riboflavin compared to a state‐of‐the‐art Mtr‐expressing strain lacking flavin overexpression. The concomitant flavin secretion further contributes up to a ≈3.4‐ and ≈1.5‐fold increase in current compared to unmodified cells and the previous Mtr‐expressing cells, respectively, with the greatest currents achieved for the strain favoring riboflavin secretion over FMN secretion. The introduction of flavin biosynthesis genes to Mtr‐expressing strains thus reveals a distinct, yet complementary, EET mechanism for robust and multi‐modal microbial applications. Microbial electronics are promising for energy, sensing, environmental, and synthesis applications. E. coli are engineered with extracellular electron transfer (EET) pathways from a microbe that naturally produces current to enable bioelectronics based on E. coli. Abstract Advancements in bioengineering have unlocked new microbial electrochemical applications in energy, sensing, remediation, and synthesis. Key to realizing these technologies is the engineering of conduits in metabolically versatile microbes like Escherichia coli to enable efficient charge exchange with the electrode. Inspired by mechanisms found in natural exogelectrogens, previous studies have largely focused on introducing conduits based on the metal-reducing (Mtr) pathway in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. This study explores the concomitant expression of flavin secretion pathways for mediated charge transfer to complement the direct charge transfer from the bioengineered Mtr pathway. The engineered strains show a 3-fold increase in the total secretion of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and riboflavin compared to a state-of-the-art Mtr-expressing strain lacking flavin overexpression. The concomitant flavin secretion further contributes up to a ≈3.4- and ≈1.5-fold increase in current compared to unmodified cells and the previous Mtr-expressing cells, respectively, with the greatest currents achieved for the strain favoring riboflavin secretion over FMN secretion. The introduction of flavin biosynthesis genes to Mtr-expressing strains thus reveals a distinct, yet complementary, EET mechanism for robust and multi-modal microbial applications. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Self‐Healing and Reprocessable Soft Robots Using 3D Digital Light Printing

This work advances 3D digital light printing of soft robots made from self‐healing, recyclable elastomers enabled by dynamic covalent bonds. With the introduction of room‐temperature healing, these robots recover their mechanical performance (94.5% static, 87.5% dynamic) after damage and maintain their functionality. The approach enables self‐healing, recyclable soft robots with complex geometries through additive manufacturing, thereby fostering sustainable and resilient robots for extreme environments. Abstract Soft robots manufactured from compliant materials are highly versatile and can interact safely with humans while performing complex tasks. However, their low modulus and high compliance make them vulnerable to mechanical damage. Here, we synthesise soft, self‐healing, and recyclable robots featuring complex air chambers using 3D digital light printing technology. The formulated monomers and cross‐linkers are polymerized layer‐by‐layer using photoinitiated free‐radical polymerization during the printing process to form soft objects on a moving metal substrate. Dynamic chemistry is introduced into the polymer by designing cross‐linker structures, whereby vinylogous urethanes‐bearing cross‐linkers of different chain lengths are studied to allow the cross‐linked elastomer networks to be thermally triggerable for self‐healing and reprocessing. The resultant elastomer exhibits a tensile strength of 3.51 ± 0.1 MPa and an elongation at break of 454 ± 56% with optimized formulations and printing parameters. The printed soft grippers and crawlers are investigated for their static and dynamic performance after being punctured, cut in half, and left to self‐heal at room temperature for 24 h. They exhibit excellent self‐healing capabilities with efficiencies of 94.5% and 87.5%, respectively. This new approach creates self‐healing, recyclable soft robots with complex geometries through additive manufacturing, enabling sustainable, resilient robots for challenging environments. This work advances 3D digital light printing of soft robots made from self-healing, recyclable elastomers enabled by dynamic covalent bonds. With the introduction of room-temperature healing, these robots recover their mechanical performance (94.5% static, 87.5% dynamic) after damage and maintain their functionality. The approach enables self-healing, recyclable soft robots with complex geometries through additive manufacturing, thereby fostering sustainable and resilient robots for extreme environments. Abstract Soft robots manufactured from compliant materials are highly versatile and can interact safely with humans while performing complex tasks. However, their low modulus and high compliance make them vulnerable to mechanical damage. Here, we synthesise soft, self-healing, and recyclable robots featuring complex air chambers using 3D digital light printing technology. The formulated monomers and cross-linkers are polymerized layer-by-layer using photoinitiated free-radical polymerization during the printing process to form soft objects on a moving metal substrate. Dynamic chemistry is introduced into the polymer by designing cross-linker structures, whereby vinylogous urethanes-bearing cross-linkers of different chain lengths are studied to allow the cross-linked elastomer networks to be thermally triggerable for self-healing and reprocessing. The resultant elastomer exhibits a tensile strength of 3.51 ± 0.1 MPa and an elongation at break of 454 ± 56% with optimized formulations and printing parameters. The printed soft grippers and crawlers are investigated for their static and dynamic performance after being punctured, cut in half, and left to self-heal at room temperature for 24 h. They exhibit excellent self-healing capabilities with efficiencies of 94.5% and 87.5%, respectively. This new approach creates self-healing, recyclable soft robots with complex geometries through additive manufacturing, enabling sustainable, resilient robots for challenging environments. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Controlling Selectivity at the First Hydrogenation Level: Synthesis of 3‐Hydroxyisoindolines by Heterogeneously Silver‐Catalyzed Monohydrogenation of Phthalimides

3‐Hydroxylactams are obtained from phthalimides through a heterogeneous catalyzed chemoselective hydrogenation, able to stop the process at the first hydrogenation level. By using a rationally designed [Ag/Al2O3] recyclable solid nanocatalyst, a wide range of cyclic hemiamidals are accesed through a full atom‐economical reaction that preserves (hetero)aromatic rings for the first time. Abstract The development of robust nanocatalysts able to mediate important organic transformations with high levels of selectivity constitutes a hot topic in fine‐chemistry and catalysis fields. In this context, the rational design of heterogeneous catalysts featuring suitable active sites for obtaining 3‐hydroxyisoindolinones by the direct monohydrogenation of highly accessible phthalimides is an attractive approach. This work presents the design and successful catalytic application of a robust and recyclable [Ag/Al2O3] nanomaterial capable to promote the synthesis of a wide range of 3‐hydroxylactams through the catalytic monohydrogenation of phthalimides with total atom‐economy. It is important to remark that this transformation proceeds with full chemoselectivity, exhibiting complete tolerance to the presence of (hetero)aromatic rings and being able to stop the hydrogenation at the first intermediate level. A deep effort concerning material catalyst optimization and characterization study are performed, determining that the optimal [Ag/Al2O3] is composed of silver nanoparticles with an overall size of 2.3 nm homogeneously distributed across the alumina matrix. The characterization together with the performance of kinetic/mechanistic investigations allows to propose an intimate contact between accessible Ag0 sites and Lewis acidic centers is crucial for the catalyst system to perform the hydrogenative process with complete efficiency. 3-Hydroxylactams are obtained from phthalimides through a heterogeneous catalyzed chemoselective hydrogenation, able to stop the process at the first hydrogenation level. By using a rationally designed [Ag/Al 2 O 3 ] recyclable solid nanocatalyst, a wide range of cyclic hemiamidals are accesed through a full atom-economical reaction that preserves (hetero)aromatic rings for the first time. Abstract The development of robust nanocatalysts able to mediate important organic transformations with high levels of selectivity constitutes a hot topic in fine-chemistry and catalysis fields. In this context, the rational design of heterogeneous catalysts featuring suitable active sites for obtaining 3-hydroxyisoindolinones by the direct monohydrogenation of highly accessible phthalimides is an attractive approach. This work presents the design and successful catalytic application of a robust and recyclable [Ag/Al 2 O 3 ] nanomaterial capable to promote the synthesis of a wide range of 3-hydroxylactams through the catalytic monohydrogenation of phthalimides with total atom-economy. It is important to remark that this transformation proceeds with full chemoselectivity, exhibiting complete tolerance to the presence of (hetero)aromatic rings and being able to stop the hydrogenation at the first intermediate level. A deep effort concerning material catalyst optimization and characterization study are performed, determining that the optimal [Ag/Al 2 O 3 ] is composed of silver nanoparticles with an overall size of 2.3 nm homogeneously distributed across the alumina matrix. The characterization together with the performance of kinetic/mechanistic investigations allows to propose an intimate contact between accessible Ag 0 sites and Lewis acidic centers is crucial for the catalyst system to perform the hydrogenative process with complete efficiency. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Trifunctional DOPO‐Engineered Polypropylene Separator With Li⁺‐Concentrating Interfaces for High‐Safety Lithium‐Ion Batteries Under Extreme Conditions

A DOPO‐based cross‐linked polymer creates a multifunctional separator for lithium‐ion batteries. It concurrently addresses safety (flame retardancy, thermal stability) and performance (enhanced Li+ transport, capacity retention), pioneering a novel approach to high‐performance battery design. Abstract This study develops a cross‐linked polymer modified polypropylene (PP) separator for lithium‐ion batteries, using DOPO (9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide). The separator features surface‐rich polar functional groups (such as ‐NH2) and bonded structures (P‐O, P = O), enhancing Li+ ion migration via dipole‐dipole interactions. The modified separator demonstrates improved microstructural stability, thermal stability (>90 °C), and mechanical strength (>200 MPa). Batteries using this separator maintain excellent capacity retention (105.2 mAh g−1) after high‐temperature cycling (130 °C at 2C) and show good flame retardancy (self‐extinguishing). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations explain the Li+ enrichment mechanism and the separator's thermal/flame‐retardant properties. This work pioneers the multifunctional use of DOPO in lithium‐ion battery separators, combining flame retardancy, enhanced Li+ conductivity, and improved stability, offering a novel approach to producing safer, high‐performance separators for large‐scale applications. A DOPO-based cross-linked polymer creates a multifunctional separator for lithium-ion batteries. It concurrently addresses safety (flame retardancy, thermal stability) and performance (enhanced Li + transport, capacity retention), pioneering a novel approach to high-performance battery design. Abstract This study develops a cross-linked polymer modified polypropylene (PP) separator for lithium-ion batteries, using DOPO (9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide). The separator features surface-rich polar functional groups (such as -NH 2 ) and bonded structures (P-O, P = O), enhancing Li + ion migration via dipole-dipole interactions. The modified separator demonstrates improved microstructural stability, thermal stability (>90 °C), and mechanical strength (>200 MPa). Batteries using this separator maintain excellent capacity retention (105.2 mAh g −1 ) after high-temperature cycling (130 °C at 2C) and show good flame retardancy (self-extinguishing). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations explain the Li + enrichment mechanism and the separator's thermal/flame-retardant properties. This work pioneers the multifunctional use of DOPO in lithium-ion battery separators, combining flame retardancy, enhanced Li + conductivity, and improved stability, offering a novel approach to producing safer, high-performance separators for large-scale applications. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Highly Selective CO2 Reduction to Pure Formic Acid Using a Nafion‐TiO2 Composite Porous Solid Electrolyte

A Nafion‐based porous solid electrolyte (NPSE) is reported, optimized by thickness, porosity, and titanium dioxide (TiO2) incorporation for selective electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formic acid. The NPSE–TiO2 composite achieves a FEHCOOH of 98.6%, jHCOOH of 431.8 mA cm−2, and single‐pass concentration of 17.4 wt.%. Mechanistic insights reveal that TiO2 enhances formate transport, suppressing back‐diffusion of formic acid and stabilizing cathodic pH. Abstract The electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) to liquid fuels and chemicals offers a sustainable route to close the carbon cycle. Solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) systems have recently emerged as a breakthrough platform, enabling the direct synthesis of high‐purity liquid products. Here, a novel Nafion‐based porous solid electrolyte (NPSE) with tunable thickness and porosity is presented, replacing conventional bead‐type ion‐exchange resins. The structural tunability of NPSEs plays a critical role in determining CO2RR performance. Furthermore, a Nafion‐titanium dioxide (TiO2) composite NPSE (NPSE‐TiO2) is developed, in which TiO2 nanoparticles significantly enhance the selectivity and productivity of formic acid. The NPSE‐TiO2 achieves a record‐high Faradaic efficiency (FEHCOOH) of 98.6%, the highest value reported to date among SSE systems, along with a high partial current density (jHCOOH) of 431.8 mA cm−2, yielding electrolyte‐free formic acid with a single‐pass concentration of 17.4 wt.%. Mechanistic investigations reveal that TiO2 promotes the transport of formate anions (HCOO−), suppressing back‐diffusion of formic acid to the cathode and stabilizing cathodic pH. A Nafion-based porous solid electrolyte (NPSE) is reported, optimized by thickness, porosity, and titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) incorporation for selective electrochemical reduction of CO 2 to formic acid. The NPSE–TiO 2 composite achieves a FE HCOOH of 98.6%, j HCOOH of 431.8 mA cm −2, and single-pass concentration of 17.4 wt.%. Mechanistic insights reveal that TiO 2 enhances formate transport, suppressing back-diffusion of formic acid and stabilizing cathodic pH. Abstract The electrochemical reduction of CO 2 (CO 2 RR) to liquid fuels and chemicals offers a sustainable route to close the carbon cycle. Solid-state electrolyte (SSE) systems have recently emerged as a breakthrough platform, enabling the direct synthesis of high-purity liquid products. Here, a novel Nafion-based porous solid electrolyte (NPSE) with tunable thickness and porosity is presented, replacing conventional bead-type ion-exchange resins. The structural tunability of NPSEs plays a critical role in determining CO 2 RR performance. Furthermore, a Nafion-titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) composite NPSE (NPSE-TiO 2 ) is developed, in which TiO 2 nanoparticles significantly enhance the selectivity and productivity of formic acid. The NPSE-TiO 2 achieves a record-high Faradaic efficiency (FE HCOOH ) of 98.6%, the highest value reported to date among SSE systems, along with a high partial current density ( j HCOOH ) of 431.8 mA cm −2, yielding electrolyte-free formic acid with a single-pass concentration of 17.4 wt.%. Mechanistic investigations reveal that TiO 2 promotes the transport of formate anions (HCOO − ), suppressing back-diffusion of formic acid to the cathode and stabilizing cathodic pH. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Uncertainty‐Quantified Primary Particle Size Prediction in Li‐Rich NCM Materials via Machine Learning and Chemistry‐Aware Imputation

This study demonstrates a machine learning framework that predicts the primary particle size of Lithium‐rich Nickel‐Cobalt‐Manganese (Li‐rich NCM) materials from synthesis conditions, even with incomplete literature data. By combining chemistry‐aware imputation with uncertainty‐quantified modeling, it identifies sintering temperature and time as dominant factors, enabling more reliable, data‐driven optimization of microstructure for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries. Abstract Lithium‐rich Nickel–Cobalt–Manganese (Li‐rich NCM) materials are promising cathodes for lithium‐ion batteries, where electrochemical performance is sensitive to primary particle size. Yet, efforts to apply machine learning (ML) for particle size prediction are constrained by incomplete literature data. This study applies imputation methods—MatImpute, K‐nearest neighbors, multivariate imputation by chained equations, and Mean—to complete the datasets, followed by training a Natural Gradient Boosting (NGBoost) model to predict primary particle size with quantified uncertainty. Two training strategies are evaluated: one including entries with imputed target values and another excluding them. Both strategies are tested on a fully observed dataset. The MatImpute‐based NGBoost model achieves the highest accuracy, with a test R2 of 0.866 and a calibration error of 0.133. Feature analysis identifies second sintering temperature and first sintering time as dominant factors, with composition showing minimal influence, consistent with prior experimental reports that sintering parameters drive sub‐micron grain growth through atomic mobility and grain coarsening. Experimental validation shows most predictions within 0.13 µm of measurements and normalized uncertainties near 1.5. These findings demonstrate that robust imputation and uncertainty quantification enhance ML‐based particle size prediction and confirm that sintering conditions, rather than stoichiometry, govern microstructural evolution in Li‐rich NCM materials. This study demonstrates a machine learning framework that predicts the primary particle size of Lithium-rich Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (Li-rich NCM) materials from synthesis conditions, even with incomplete literature data. By combining chemistry-aware imputation with uncertainty-quantified modeling, it identifies sintering temperature and time as dominant factors, enabling more reliable, data-driven optimization of microstructure for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Abstract Lithium-rich Nickel–Cobalt–Manganese (Li-rich NCM) materials are promising cathodes for lithium-ion batteries, where electrochemical performance is sensitive to primary particle size. Yet, efforts to apply machine learning (ML) for particle size prediction are constrained by incomplete literature data. This study applies imputation methods—MatImpute, K-nearest neighbors, multivariate imputation by chained equations, and Mean—to complete the datasets, followed by training a Natural Gradient Boosting (NGBoost) model to predict primary particle size with quantified uncertainty. Two training strategies are evaluated: one including entries with imputed target values and another excluding them. Both strategies are tested on a fully observed dataset. The MatImpute-based NGBoost model achieves the highest accuracy, with a test R 2 of 0.866 and a calibration error of 0.133. Feature analysis identifies second sintering temperature and first sintering time as dominant factors, with composition showing minimal influence, consistent with prior experimental reports that sintering parameters drive sub-micron grain growth through atomic mobility and grain coarsening. Experimental validation shows most predictions within 0.13 µm of measurements and normalized uncertainties near 1.5. These findings demonstrate that robust imputation and uncertainty quantification enhance ML-based particle size prediction and confirm that sintering conditions, rather than stoichiometry, govern microstructural evolution in Li-rich NCM materials. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Transition‐Metal‐Free Zeolite Composites for Tandem Catalytic Conversion of Methane to Light Olefins

Light olefins can be produced from methane using a cascade catalytic system that combines transition‐metal‐free (FER zeolite with an acidic zeolite, such as SAPO‐34, under relatively mild conditions. In this tandem process, methane is first oxidized to methanol over the FER zeolite and then converted to olefins via the MTO reaction on the acidic zeolite. Abstract The methanol‐to‐olefins (MTO) reaction is considered one of the most important reactions in C1 chemistry, offering a route to produce basic petrochemicals from non‐oil resources such as natural gas and coal. Direct conversion of methane, the primary component of natural gas, to olefins via methanol as an intermediate is of significant industrial interest. Recent studies demonstrate that methanol can be efficiently synthesized from methane using transition‐metal‐free aluminosilicate Ferrierite (FER) zeolite with nitrous oxide (N2O) as the oxidant. Herein, a tandem catalytic system based on the composite FER and one more acidic zeolite is reported to achieve continuous conversion of methane to olefins. The topology and acidity of acidic zeolites critically influenced product distribution and hydrocarbon formation rates. When small‐pore zeolites are used as acidic zeolites, complete conversion of methanol to olefins is successfully achieved. Reaction conditions for methane‐to‐olefins conversion are optimized using silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO‐34) as a representative acidic zeolite. The mass ratio of FER to SAPO‐34 determined catalytic performance, with conversion of methane to light olefins achieving thermodynamic feasibility at 325–400 °C. Enhanced intimacy between FER and SAPO‐34 particles promoted methane (CH4) conversion. This work establishes an efficient strategy for high‐selectivity light olefin production from methane over integrated transition‐metal‐free zeolite catalysts. Light olefins can be produced from methane using a cascade catalytic system that combines transition-metal-free (FER zeolite with an acidic zeolite, such as SAPO-34, under relatively mild conditions. In this tandem process, methane is first oxidized to methanol over the FER zeolite and then converted to olefins via the MTO reaction on the acidic zeolite. Abstract The methanol-to-olefins (MTO) reaction is considered one of the most important reactions in C1 chemistry, offering a route to produce basic petrochemicals from non-oil resources such as natural gas and coal. Direct conversion of methane, the primary component of natural gas, to olefins via methanol as an intermediate is of significant industrial interest. Recent studies demonstrate that methanol can be efficiently synthesized from methane using transition-metal-free aluminosilicate Ferrierite (FER) zeolite with nitrous oxide (N 2 O) as the oxidant. Herein, a tandem catalytic system based on the composite FER and one more acidic zeolite is reported to achieve continuous conversion of methane to olefins. The topology and acidity of acidic zeolites critically influenced product distribution and hydrocarbon formation rates. When small-pore zeolites are used as acidic zeolites, complete conversion of methanol to olefins is successfully achieved. Reaction conditions for methane-to-olefins conversion are optimized using silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO-34) as a representative acidic zeolite. The mass ratio of FER to SAPO-34 determined catalytic performance, with conversion of methane to light olefins achieving thermodynamic feasibility at 325–400 °C. Enhanced intimacy between FER and SAPO-34 particles promoted methane (CH 4 ) conversion. This work establishes an efficient strategy for high-selectivity light olefin production from methane over integrated transition-metal-free zeolite catalysts. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Tailored Stitching and Vertical Stacking for High‐Voltage Multifunctional Structural Batteries with Enhanced Electrochemical–Mechanical Coupling

A stitched, vertically stacked CFRP structural battery uses Kevlar interlaminar threads and selective PP/Elium® thermoplastics to maintain tight electrode spacing and robust electrolyte wetting. The architecture sustains electrochemical performance under bending and delivers higher pack voltage via through‐thickness series connections without sacrificing laminate stiffness. Abstract Multifunctional structural batteries combining mechanical load‐bearing and energy storage offer strong potential for lightweight systems. However, conventional carbon‐fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP)‐based designs face persistent challenges including electrode delamination, inter‐cell dead space, poor electrolyte stability, and insufficient interfacial bonding. This study introduces a CFRP‐based, vertically stacked high‐voltage structural battery that integrates through‐thickness aramid fiber stitching with selectively structured thermoplastic interfaces. The system employs Elium resin and polypropylene barriers to enhance moisture and oxygen shielding while preserving mechanical integrity. Tailored stitching architectures are systematically investigated over a range of stitch densities, revealing their influence on both electrochemical impedance and interlaminar shear strength. The resulting structure exhibits an energy density of 42.2 Wh kg−1 based on total structural mass, representing a 14% improvement over the unstitched configuration. Notably, the stitched architecture yields a flexural strength of 215.6 MPa and a modulus of 14.7 GPa, representing a 40% enhancement in mechanical properties over unstitched counterparts. This level of performance places the system among the most competitive structural battery designs reported to date in terms of multifunctional integration. Energy performance remains stable under mechanical deformation, significantly outperforming unstitched configurations in both electrochemical and structural resilience. A stitched, vertically stacked CFRP structural battery uses Kevlar interlaminar threads and selective PP/Elium® thermoplastics to maintain tight electrode spacing and robust electrolyte wetting. The architecture sustains electrochemical performance under bending and delivers higher pack voltage via through-thickness series connections without sacrificing laminate stiffness. Abstract Multifunctional structural batteries combining mechanical load-bearing and energy storage offer strong potential for lightweight systems. However, conventional carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP)-based designs face persistent challenges including electrode delamination, inter-cell dead space, poor electrolyte stability, and insufficient interfacial bonding. This study introduces a CFRP-based, vertically stacked high-voltage structural battery that integrates through-thickness aramid fiber stitching with selectively structured thermoplastic interfaces. The system employs Elium resin and polypropylene barriers to enhance moisture and oxygen shielding while preserving mechanical integrity. Tailored stitching architectures are systematically investigated over a range of stitch densities, revealing their influence on both electrochemical impedance and interlaminar shear strength. The resulting structure exhibits an energy density of 42.2 Wh kg −1 based on total structural mass, representing a 14% improvement over the unstitched configuration. Notably, the stitched architecture yields a flexural strength of 215.6 MPa and a modulus of 14.7 GPa, representing a 40% enhancement in mechanical properties over unstitched counterparts. This level of performance places the system among the most competitive structural battery designs reported to date in terms of multifunctional integration. Energy performance remains stable under mechanical deformation, significantly outperforming unstitched configurations in both electrochemical and structural resilience. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Exploration of Quasi‐Direct Band Edge in a Multilayer Ferroelectric Semiconductor for Applications in Van Der Waals Stacked Heterojunction Solar Cell and Photocatalytic Devices

Multilayered AgBiP2Se6 has been systematically characterized to be a quasi‐direct semiconductor using theoretical calculations and optical experiments. It possesses an indirect bandgap of 1.46 eV and a direct gap of 1.535 eV for simultaneously absorbing the NIR to visible‐light photons. In combination with a p‐type Ga0.5In0.5Se, a high efficiency p‐Ga0.5In0.5Se/n‐AgBiP2Se6 stacked solar cell is thus fabricated and demonstrated in this work. Abstract AgBiP2Se6 is a ferroelectric semiconductor with a Curie temperature above 300 K which also possesses a variety of functional capabilities. In this work, it is demonstrated that despite its intrinsically indirect bandgap, multilayer (ML) AgBiP2Se6 exhibits unexpectedly strong photoluminescence, attributed to its quasi‐direct band structure. The energy difference between the indirect and direct transitions is relatively small (≈0.075 eV), as confirmed by both theoretical calculations and experimental observations. Temperature‐dependent optical measurements, corroborated by electronic band structure analysis, reveal the coexistence of indirect (E1ind${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{1}}^{{\mathrm{ind}}}$) and direct (E2d${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{2}}^{\mathrm{d}}$) bandgaps, with phonon‐assisted processes playing a significant role in the material's optoelectronic behaviors. The E1ind${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{1}}^{{\mathrm{ind}}}$ and E2d${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{2}}^{\mathrm{d}}$ transitions at 300 K are determined to be 1.46 and 1.535 eV, respectively. The indirect transition E1ind${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{1}}^{{\mathrm{ind}}}$ is confirmed by transmittance (T) measurement, while the direct transition E2d${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{2}}^{\mathrm{d}}$ is simultaneously detected through micro‐photoluminescence (µPL) and micro‐thermoreflectance (µTR) measurements. A stacked p‐Ga0.5In0.5Se/n‐AgBiP2Se6 heterojunction solar cell is successfully fabricated, achieving a photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) up to ≈0.583%. Furthermore, AgBiP2Se6 is demonstrated as a promising photocatalyst, exhibiting a high degradation efficiency to organic dyes. ML‐AgBiP2Se6 exhibits a quasi‐direct bandgap and ferroelectric behavior at room temperature, making it a strong candidate for next‐generation electronic, optoelectronic, and environment‐protection functions. Multilayered AgBiP 2 Se 6 has been systematically characterized to be a quasi-direct semiconductor using theoretical calculations and optical experiments. It possesses an indirect bandgap of 1.46 eV and a direct gap of 1.535 eV for simultaneously absorbing the NIR to visible-light photons. In combination with a p-type Ga 0.5 In 0.5 Se, a high efficiency p-Ga 0.5 In 0.5 Se/n-AgBiP 2 Se 6 stacked solar cell is thus fabricated and demonstrated in this work. Abstract AgBiP 2 Se 6 is a ferroelectric semiconductor with a Curie temperature above 300 K which also possesses a variety of functional capabilities. In this work, it is demonstrated that despite its intrinsically indirect bandgap, multilayer (ML) AgBiP 2 Se 6 exhibits unexpectedly strong photoluminescence, attributed to its quasi-direct band structure. The energy difference between the indirect and direct transitions is relatively small (≈0.075 eV), as confirmed by both theoretical calculations and experimental observations. Temperature-dependent optical measurements, corroborated by electronic band structure analysis, reveal the coexistence of indirect (E1ind${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{1}}^{{\mathrm{ind}}}$) and direct (E2d${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{2}}^{\mathrm{d}}$) bandgaps, with phonon-assisted processes playing a significant role in the material's optoelectronic behaviors. The E1ind${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{1}}^{{\mathrm{ind}}}$ and E2d${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{2}}^{\mathrm{d}}$ transitions at 300 K are determined to be 1.46 and 1.535 eV, respectively. The indirect transition E1ind${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{1}}^{{\mathrm{ind}}}$ is confirmed by transmittance (T) measurement, while the direct transition E2d${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{2}}^{\mathrm{d}}$ is simultaneously detected through micro-photoluminescence (µPL) and micro-thermoreflectance (µTR) measurements. A stacked p-Ga 0.5 In 0.5 Se/n-AgBiP 2 Se 6 heterojunction solar cell is successfully fabricated, achieving a photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) up to ≈0.583%. Furthermore, AgBiP 2 Se 6 is demonstrated as a promising photocatalyst, exhibiting a high degradation efficiency to organic dyes. ML-AgBiP 2 Se 6 exhibits a quasi-direct bandgap and ferroelectric behavior at room temperature, making it a strong candidate for next-generation electronic, optoelectronic, and environment-protection functions. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Anisotropic Charge Diffusion in Polar‐Layered Oxides for Ultralong Charge Retention

Anisotropic charge diffusion in epitaxially grown LAO thin films is reported, which enables ultralong charge retention. Surface‐accumulated oxygen vacancies effectively suppress out‐of‐plane electron hopping, allowing ≈90.9% of the surface charges to remain after a few weeks or longer. Kelvin probe force microscopy and finite‐difference simulations consistently support this mechanism for stable charge retention. Abstract Persistent surface charge retention in dielectric oxides is critical for a wide range of electronic and energy applications, including charge‐trapping memory devices, triboelectric generators, and supercapacitors. Since charge retention is intrinsically governed by charge diffusion, understanding and controlling the underlying diffusion mechanisms in charge‐storing materials remain significant challenges. Here, ultralong charge retention in epitaxially grown LaAlO3 (LAO) thin films is reported, enabled by anisotropic charge diffusion. The surface accumulation of oxygen vacancies, driven by the internal polar field, effectively suppresses out‐of‐plane electron hopping, allowing ≈90.9% of the initially injected charges to remain on the LAO surface after 180 h, with stable retention persisting for weeks or longer. Time‐resolved Kelvin probe force microscopy and finite‐difference simulations consistently reveal that this retention enhancement arises from diffusion anisotropy induced by surface‐localized defect states in LAO, rather than by isotropic ionic migration. These results provide an effective strategy for designing high‐performance charge storage materials based on polar‐layered oxides, paving the way for durable surface charge‐based electronic and energy devices. Anisotropic charge diffusion in epitaxially grown LAO thin films is reported, which enables ultralong charge retention. Surface-accumulated oxygen vacancies effectively suppress out-of-plane electron hopping, allowing ≈90.9% of the surface charges to remain after a few weeks or longer. Kelvin probe force microscopy and finite-difference simulations consistently support this mechanism for stable charge retention. Abstract Persistent surface charge retention in dielectric oxides is critical for a wide range of electronic and energy applications, including charge-trapping memory devices, triboelectric generators, and supercapacitors. Since charge retention is intrinsically governed by charge diffusion, understanding and controlling the underlying diffusion mechanisms in charge-storing materials remain significant challenges. Here, ultralong charge retention in epitaxially grown LaAlO 3 (LAO) thin films is reported, enabled by anisotropic charge diffusion. The surface accumulation of oxygen vacancies, driven by the internal polar field, effectively suppresses out-of-plane electron hopping, allowing ≈90.9% of the initially injected charges to remain on the LAO surface after 180 h, with stable retention persisting for weeks or longer. Time-resolved Kelvin probe force microscopy and finite-difference simulations consistently reveal that this retention enhancement arises from diffusion anisotropy induced by surface-localized defect states in LAO, rather than by isotropic ionic migration. These results provide an effective strategy for designing high-performance charge storage materials based on polar-layered oxides, paving the way for durable surface charge-based electronic and energy devices. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Low‐Temperature, Sustainable Manufacturing of Printed OTFT Backplanes for Electrophoretic and OLED Displays

This study reports the fabrication of organic transistor backplanes using reverse‐offset printing and solution processes at ≤ 160 °C under ambient conditions. The backplanes successfully drive both electrophoretic and organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) displays with reliable performance. The approach highlights a versatile platform for flexible displays while promoting sustainable, low‐energy manufacturing in printed electronics. Abstract Printed electronics have garnered significant attention for developing lightweight, cost‐effective, and environmentally friendly systems, driving significant advancements in the realm of sustainable electronics. This study introduces a printed active‐matrix organic thin‐film transistor (OTFT) backplane, fabricated under ambient conditions using low‐temperature printing and solution‐based processes. All electrode layers—including gate, source/drain, and pixel electrodes—are patterned through reverse‐offset printing (ROP), achieving high‐resolution multilayer integration with minimum line widths of 10 µm. The resulting OTFTs demonstrate robust performance in ambient air, achieving a carrier mobility of 1.12 cm2 Vs−1 and on/off ratios exceeding 10⁸. The printed backplane is integrated with an electrophoretic display panel, enabling stable black‐and‐white image rendering through pixel‐level addressing. The same printing technology is employed to fabricate and drive an organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) display, utilizing white OLEDs with laminated color filters. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy validates that residual polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) contamination from the ROP process can be eliminated through IPA rinsing, ensuring clean electrode surfaces. The fabrication process is conducted at temperatures exceeding 160 °C without vacuum equipment, significantly reducing energy consumption and material waste. This environmentally sustainable approach can be employed to develop future flexible and disposable electronics. The versatility of printed backplanes demonstrated here highlights their potential to drive next‐generation, environmentally friendly display technologies. This study reports the fabrication of organic transistor backplanes using reverse-offset printing and solution processes at ≤ 160 °C under ambient conditions. The backplanes successfully drive both electrophoretic and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays with reliable performance. The approach highlights a versatile platform for flexible displays while promoting sustainable, low-energy manufacturing in printed electronics. Abstract Printed electronics have garnered significant attention for developing lightweight, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly systems, driving significant advancements in the realm of sustainable electronics. This study introduces a printed active-matrix organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) backplane, fabricated under ambient conditions using low-temperature printing and solution-based processes. All electrode layers—including gate, source/drain, and pixel electrodes—are patterned through reverse-offset printing (ROP), achieving high-resolution multilayer integration with minimum line widths of 10 µm. The resulting OTFTs demonstrate robust performance in ambient air, achieving a carrier mobility of 1.12 cm 2 Vs −1 and on/off ratios exceeding 10⁸. The printed backplane is integrated with an electrophoretic display panel, enabling stable black-and-white image rendering through pixel-level addressing. The same printing technology is employed to fabricate and drive an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, utilizing white OLEDs with laminated color filters. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy validates that residual polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) contamination from the ROP process can be eliminated through IPA rinsing, ensuring clean electrode surfaces. The fabrication process is conducted at temperatures exceeding 160 °C without vacuum equipment, significantly reducing energy consumption and material waste. This environmentally sustainable approach can be employed to develop future flexible and disposable electronics. The versatility of printed backplanes demonstrated here highlights their potential to drive next-generation, environmentally friendly display technologies. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

High‐Efficiency Semitransparent Solar Cells Based on Magnetron Sputtered Sb2S3 Thin Films

Compact Sb2S3 films are deposited via RF magnetron sputtering using an Sb2S3 target. Post‐deposition annealing conditions are optimized to achieve a power conversion efficiency of 4.6%. Semitransparent solar cells are then fabricated with transparent top electrodes, resulting in an average visible transmittance of over 20%. Abstract Thin‐film solar cells based on wide‐bandgap antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) offer new possibilities for semitransparent building‐integrated photovoltaics. In this report, impurity‐free Sb2S3 thin films are prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The optimized opaque devices obtain a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.6%. A detailed characterization is conducted to investigate the impact of annealing conditions on the morphology, crystal structure, composition, and optoelectronic properties of Sb2S3 thin films, which are relevant to photovoltaic performance. Moreover, semitransparent solar cells are fabricated using highly compact Sb2S3 films with thicknesses of 40, 60, and 80 nm. Using a superstrate device structure (FTO/TiO2/Sb2S3/P3HT‐PEDOT:PSS/Au (≈10 nm)), these solar cells achieve PCEs of 2.0%, 2.6%, and 3.2%, respectively, while maintaining an average visible transmittance (AVT) of 15.5%, 13.5%, and 10.0%. The AVTs of the semitransparent devices are further enhanced by replacing the ultrathin Au top electrode with indium‐doped tin oxide and using wide bandgap inorganic CuSCN as the hole transport layer instead of P3HT‐PEDOT:PSS. Thus, the AVT improves to 20.5% (PCE: 2.0%) for semitransparent solar cells using 60 nm Sb2S3. This study demonstrates that sputtering is a promising deposition technique for high‐quality ultrathin Sb2S3 absorbers for semitransparent photovoltaics. Compact Sb 2 S 3 films are deposited via RF magnetron sputtering using an Sb 2 S 3 target. Post-deposition annealing conditions are optimized to achieve a power conversion efficiency of 4.6%. Semitransparent solar cells are then fabricated with transparent top electrodes, resulting in an average visible transmittance of over 20%. Abstract Thin-film solar cells based on wide-bandgap antimony sulfide (Sb 2 S 3 ) offer new possibilities for semitransparent building-integrated photovoltaics. In this report, impurity-free Sb 2 S 3 thin films are prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The optimized opaque devices obtain a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.6%. A detailed characterization is conducted to investigate the impact of annealing conditions on the morphology, crystal structure, composition, and optoelectronic properties of Sb 2 S 3 thin films, which are relevant to photovoltaic performance. Moreover, semitransparent solar cells are fabricated using highly compact Sb 2 S 3 films with thicknesses of 40, 60, and 80 nm. Using a superstrate device structure (FTO/TiO 2 /Sb 2 S 3 /P3HT-PEDOT:PSS/Au (≈10 nm)), these solar cells achieve PCEs of 2.0%, 2.6%, and 3.2%, respectively, while maintaining an average visible transmittance (AVT) of 15.5%, 13.5%, and 10.0%. The AVTs of the semitransparent devices are further enhanced by replacing the ultrathin Au top electrode with indium-doped tin oxide and using wide bandgap inorganic CuSCN as the hole transport layer instead of P3HT-PEDOT:PSS. Thus, the AVT improves to 20.5% (PCE: 2.0%) for semitransparent solar cells using 60 nm Sb 2 S 3. This study demonstrates that sputtering is a promising deposition technique for high-quality ultrathin Sb 2 S 3 absorbers for semitransparent photovoltaics. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.

Punicalagin Enhances Autophagy Through Sirtuin 1/FoxO3a Axis to Inhibit Intracellular Mycobacterium Abscessus Infection

Punicalagin, a pomegranate molecule, helps the body fight Mycobacterium abscessus. It preferentially boosts interstitial macrophages in the lung, stabilizing mitochondria and switching on the autophagy via SIRT1/FoxO3a, which lowers bacterial load without directly killing bacteria. The findings highlight a targeted, host‐directed strategy that complements existing treatments and may improve difficult‐to‐treat Mycobacterium abscessus infections. Abstract Mycobacterium abscessus (MAB) is an increasingly recognized rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterial pathogen whose infection is particularly challenging to treat due to its antibiotic resistance and persistence, necessitating the exploration of innovative treatment strategies. In this study, it is demonstrated that punicalagin, a polyphenolic compound derived from pomegranate, enhances macrophage antibacterial activity by promoting autophagy rather than exerting direct bactericidal effects. In THP‐1 macrophages, punicalagin at 40 µm reduced intracellular MAB by 47% at 24 h post‐infection. Mechanistically, punicalagin treatment induced an increase LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio and p62 degradation. It is found that punicalagin promotes autophagy by enhancing mitochondrial stability through upregulating SIRT1 and activating the SIRT1/FoxO3 axis, which in turn inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In vivo mouse studies show that punicalagin treatment significantly reduce the MAB burden in the lungs and alleviates the inflammatory cell infiltration in infected lung tissue. The investigation reveals a striking cellular selectivity in its mechanism of action. Punicalagin demonstrates preferential efficacy in interstitial macrophages, while exhibiting little impact on the MAB burden within alveolar macrophages. Transcriptomic analysis of sorted macrophage populations confirms a significant enrichment of autophagy and lysosome‐related pathways specifically in IMs from punicalagin‐treated mice. Taken together, the findings uncover a novel host‐directed therapeutic strategy against MAB infection. Punicalagin, a pomegranate molecule, helps the body fight Mycobacterium abscessus. It preferentially boosts interstitial macrophages in the lung, stabilizing mitochondria and switching on the autophagy via SIRT1/FoxO3a, which lowers bacterial load without directly killing bacteria. The findings highlight a targeted, host-directed strategy that complements existing treatments and may improve difficult-to-treat Mycobacterium abscessus infections. Abstract Mycobacterium abscessus (MAB) is an increasingly recognized rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterial pathogen whose infection is particularly challenging to treat due to its antibiotic resistance and persistence, necessitating the exploration of innovative treatment strategies. In this study, it is demonstrated that punicalagin, a polyphenolic compound derived from pomegranate, enhances macrophage antibacterial activity by promoting autophagy rather than exerting direct bactericidal effects. In THP-1 macrophages, punicalagin at 40 µ m reduced intracellular MAB by 47% at 24 h post-infection. Mechanistically, punicalagin treatment induced an increase LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and p62 degradation. It is found that punicalagin promotes autophagy by enhancing mitochondrial stability through upregulating SIRT1 and activating the SIRT1/FoxO3 axis, which in turn inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In vivo mouse studies show that punicalagin treatment significantly reduce the MAB burden in the lungs and alleviates the inflammatory cell infiltration in infected lung tissue. The investigation reveals a striking cellular selectivity in its mechanism of action. Punicalagin demonstrates preferential efficacy in interstitial macrophages, while exhibiting little impact on the MAB burden within alveolar macrophages. Transcriptomic analysis of sorted macrophage populations confirms a significant enrichment of autophagy and lysosome-related pathways specifically in IMs from punicalagin-treated mice. Taken together, the findings uncover a novel host-directed therapeutic strategy against MAB infection. Advanced Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, 9 January 2026.