High-performance flexible semiconductor material can be used as an excellent multifunctional matrix for in-situ ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection and synchronous photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic residues in aquatic ecosystem. Here, a calcium-doped TiO 2 flexible matrix with double defects (surface oxygen vacancy defect and Ti 3+ energy level defect) was developed by its “in-situ one-step” hydrothermal synthesis on cotton fabric for the above purposes. Due to the joint contribution of double defects, a multi-channel charge transfer mode and a high-efficiency carrier separation are achieved, which endows flexible cotton fabric/Ca-doped TiO 2 (Cot/Ca-TiO 2 ) substrate with the greatly boosted SERS effect for in-situ detection of antibiotic residues on fish body surface and in fishpond water by a simple wiping or dipping sampling method, even for simultaneous identification of multi-component residues. The detection limits of three antibiotic residues (enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and enoxacin) are as low as 10 −9 M, which are far lower than the EU standard. More meaningfully, the flexible Cot/Ca-TiO 2 can be used as a multifunctional filter-membrane type photocatalyst for efficient on-site degradation of antibiotic residues in flowing fishpond water by a multi-grade photocatalysis means. Moreover, the flexible matrix exhibits good recyclability in both actual detection and photocatalysis.
Transcranial ultrasound imaging and therapy have gained significant attention due to their noninvasive nature, absence of ionizing radiation, and portability. However, the presence of the skull, which has a high acoustic impedance, presents a challenge for the penetration of ultrasound into intracranial tissue. This leads to a low transmission of ultrasound through the skull, hindering energy focusing and imaging quality. To address this challenge, we propose a novel approach that utilizes a flexible matching layer with gradual acoustic impedance to enhance ultrasound transmission through the skull. This matching layer is constructed using Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/tungsten powders as the structural component responsible for the gradual impedance, while agarose serves as the flexible matrix. Our simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the matching layer with an exponential gradual acoustic impedance significantly improves the ultrasound transmission coefficient across a wide frequency range compared to traditional quarter wavelength matching layers. Specifically, at 2 MHz, the maximum transmission coefficient reaches 49.5%, more than four times higher than that of the skull without a matching layer (only 11.7%). Additionally, the good flexibility of our matching layer ensures excellent adhesion to the curved surface of the skull, further enhancing its application potential in transcranial ultrasound imaging and therapy. The improved transmission performance allows for a lower ultrasound transmission power, effectively addressing overheating and safety issues.