Design and evolution of metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) nanosystems for ultrasensitive diagnostics The controlled chemical synthesis and characterization of metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) nanosystems have emerged as attractive strategies toward the engineering of ultrabright optical materials by leveraging the plasmonic near-field enhancement from on-resonant nanostructures. These systems maximize localized surface plasmon resonances of plasmonic nanoantennas to increase excitation rates, radiative decay, and quantum yield of fluorophores, leading to fluorescence enhancements exceeding 1000-fold under optimal spatial and spectral conditions. This critical review presents the chemical design, synthesis, and evolution of high-performance MEF platforms, with an emphasis on bottom-up versus top-down fabrication methods. With detailed discussions on the roles of antenna morphology, spacer thickness, and emitter placement in dictating MEF efficiency, we assess the advantages and disadvantages of various MEF spacer chemical development strategies, including ssDNA, silica/organosilica, and polymeric coatings. Special attention is given to recent advances in heterostructured MEF devices and their translation into ultrasensitive clinical diagnostics, including benchtop assays, point-of-care biosensing, and single-molecule detection platforms. Finally, we discuss challenges in standardizing MEF performance quantification and the outlook for integrating MEF technologies into scalable, cost-effective diagnostic tools with real-world clinical relevance.

Online now: Design and evolution of metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) nanosystems for ultrasensitive diagnostics

The borderlands of foldability: lessons from simplified proteins Proteins make complex life possible, yet our understanding of their emergence remains limited. What are the informational limits of protein folding, and how did the first proteins emerge? Protein simplification studies—in which contemporary folds are built from limited alphabets, symmetrized, fragmented, or shortened—have provided key insights into these questions. These studies use design constraints to address the discoverability of, and connectedness between, protein folds. By considering various environments, such as high salt concentrations or peptide–nucleic acid coacervates, the role of context in the emergence of folded domains is explored. Taken together, these studies support the early emergence of protein folds and reveal the existence of highly connected and readily traversable regions of sequence–structure space.

Online now: The borderlands of foldability: lessons from simplified proteins

2D chirality in organic thin films: advances in nonreciprocal chiroptical properties Nonreciprocal chiroptical properties in thin films of chiral organic materials have gained remarkable attention in recent years. Originating from the presence of two-dimensional (2D) chiral structures, these properties manifest as an inversion of the handedness of circularly polarized light preferentially transmitted or emitted from opposite faces of the same sample. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the most recent advances in this area, discussing representative systems based on organic small molecules, organic polymers, and hybrid organic–inorganic composites, with particular emphasis on elucidating structure–property relationships. Finally, we survey emerging technological applications enabled by nonreciprocal chiroptical responses. By outlining current challenges and open questions, this review aims to stimulate further discussion and inspire new investigations in this rapidly emerging field.

Online now: 2D chirality in organic thin films: advances in nonreciprocal chiroptical properties

Online now: Stereospecific synthesis of aminocyclopropanes

Check out all the articles in our latest issue, and if you're inspired to write a review of your own, you can send us your proposal: info.cell.com/trends-in-chemistry-presubmission-inquiry

Journal cover with a black shadowy background of trees, focusing in on an organic field-effect transistor (OFET) on an electrical board, growing a plant from its centre, highlighting the natural materials used to make it. Cover art credit: Rebecca Kozora on behalf of the Science Meets Art (SMArt) program at the University of Windsor.

🌿The April 2026 issue of Trends in Chemistry is online now!🌿
Our cover highlights the Feature Review from @simonrondeaugagne.bsky.social and team on how natural and nature-inspired materials can support the development of OFETs.
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Chemisorptive carbon capture sees the light

Chemisorptive carbon capture sees the light
http://dlvr.it/TRfjDY

Phillip J. Milner & Bayu I.Z. Ahmad @cornellupress.bsky.social
@cp-trendschem.bsky.social
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Chirality-encoded, template-free interlocking The construction of chiral Solomon links, intricate higher-order mechanically interlocked architectures, remains a considerable challenge. Dong and colleagues report an amino acid-encoded, template-free strategy for programmable construction. The systems elucidate chirality-encoded interlocking, confirm homochiral selectivity, and show promise for enantioselective sensing.

Online now: Chirality-encoded, template-free interlocking

Coacervates to prototissues: lifelike assembly Coacervates have become versatile building blocks in synthetic cell research, serving as simple models of primitive life, platforms for enzymatic reactions, and delivery vehicles. Recent advances now show that these droplets can organize into vesicular compartments and higher-order architectures through specific molecular interactions. As a result, coacervates display emergent behaviors, ranging from collective, colonylike organization to chemical communication and the formation of tissuelike assemblies, bringing them closer to lifelike matter.

Online now: Coacervates to prototissues: lifelike assembly

Unveiling a micellar system: shuttling and substrate co-localization The use of micellar media in chemical synthesis is on the rise, as it often offers milder reaction conditions. Chaladaj et al. have recently revealed the intimate nature of the cycloaddition reaction of carbon dioxide and styrene oxide in a micellar system, providing combined experimental and theoretical insights.

Online now: Unveiling a micellar system: shuttling and substrate co-localization

Confined single-site catalysis unlocks precise ethanol upgrading Ethanol is emerging as a renewable C2 platform for producing isobutene; however, the acetone-mediated cascade route suffers from suboptimal selectivity and stability. Caballero et al. recently demonstrated that precise microenvironment control of Ce(IV) single-site catalysis confined within microporous BEA zeolite achieves the theoretical maximum selectivity with sustained stability for acetone-to-isobutene.

Online now: Confined single-site catalysis unlocks precise ethanol upgrading

Polymer nanoscaffolds guide transition metal catalysts into cells Bioorthogonal catalysis aims to expand Nature’s repertoire of reactions by employing non-natural transition metal-based catalysts in cells and living systems. Recently, Rotello et al. demonstrated that polymer nanoscaffolds can act as protective hosts for these catalysts while offering an additional layer of modularity to control their intra- and extracellular localization.

Online now: Polymer nanoscaffolds guide transition metal catalysts into cells

Multifunctional crystalline porous polymers for advanced electrocatalysis Crystalline porous polymers, including metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks, have emerged as promising materials for electrocatalytic synthesis. Their molecular-level designability enables precise tuning of pore structures and active sites, allowing them to fulfill multiple roles in electrochemical systems. This structural versatility enables them to function not only as intrinsic electrocatalysts to boost reaction efficiency, but also as self-supporting electrodes, interfacial modifiers, and components in ion-exchange membranes. This review systematically outlines these design strategies and their corresponding multifunctional applications in electrosynthesis, while also discussing current limitations and future prospects. Despite challenges in conductivity and stability, crystalline porous polymers offer a versatile platform for advancing sustainable electrochemical energy conversion and synthesis.

Online now: Multifunctional crystalline porous polymers for advanced electrocatalysis

Online now: Photoactive CO2 carbamate for hydrocarboxylations

Online now: An electrocatalytic strategy for molecular editing of indoles

❓Do you have an idea for a concise and impactful review article in 2026? Send us your proposal: info.cell.com/trends-in-ch...

☀️The March 2026 issue of Trends in Chemistry is out now!
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Our cover highlights the Forum article from Pan Wu at Hubei University of Technology showcasing how interfacial photothermal chemistry can deliver practical solutions for clean water and resource recovery.

Women in chemistry: our hopes for the next decade To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, we invited the female corresponding authors from our 2025 issues to consider their career paths, reflect on the field as they see it today, and imagine wha...

Absolutely love this piece in @cp-trendschem.bsky.social - women who wrote for the journal in 2025 reflecting on their fields and how things might change in the next 10 years www.cell.com/trends/chemi...

Integrating natural materials in organic field-effect transistors toward sustainable electronics Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) are central to organic electronics, which exploit carbon-based semiconductors to enable flexible, lightweight, and biocompatible technologies. Their potential in wearable health monitors, soft robotics, and smart sensors has driven rapid growth, yet concerns about sustainability and electronic waste are increasingly pressing. This review examines recent advances in integrating natural and nature-inspired materials into OFETs as a model platform for sustainable device design. We highlight how bioderived and hybrid materials can deliver functional performance while reducing ecological impact, with emphasis on renewable resources, scalable processing, and end-of-life considerations. The review provides guidance for developing environmentally responsible organic electronics and advancing the transition toward greener, high-performance technologies.

Online now: Integrating natural materials in organic field-effect transistors toward sustainable electronics

Photoluminescence materials with near-unity quantum yield Achieving near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) stands as one of the ultimate goals to advance the practical applications of luminescent materials in displays, lighting, bioimaging, and other fields. While numerous materials with near-unity PLQY have been reported, systematic studies on the regulatory strategies and mechanisms for such materials remain unexplored. This review outlines recent advances in ~100% PLQY materials and focuses on the key strategies and the underlying physical mechanisms for enhancing the emission efficiency of the materials with different luminescence centers including inorganic, organic, and hybrid ones. By revealing the structure–property relationships behind different strategies, the review aims to provide theoretical guidance and innovative ideas for the design and development of new generation high-performance luminescent materials.

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Directing chiral self-sorting in molecular knots Precise control over chiral order in multicomponent, topologically constrained assemblies is challenging. New work in Chem (Yang et al.) employs a site-specific amino acid encoding strategy to achieve high-fidelity chiral self-sorting in cinquefoil knots. This strategy elucidates selection mechanisms and provides deep insights into chiral induction/transformation across knotted systems.

Online now: Directing chiral self-sorting in molecular knots

Electrochemistry empowering a sustainable future in olefin synthesis The vast impact of electrochemistry on olefination has proven instrumental toward the realization of sustainable approaches. A comprehensive guide to the current advances in electrochemical olefination is the topic of this review. To solve the major environmental problems concerning the use of nonrenewable resources, the use of renewable and abundant electricity as an efficient alternative has largely impacted olefination. Herein, we have highlighted a brief representation of the electrochemical methodologies directed toward the synthesis of olefins and their wide applications. Furthermore, this review highlights recent advances, mechanistic understanding, and associated challenges of electrochemical olefination, emphasizing its potential for the sustainable synthesis of complex bioactive molecules.

Online now: Electrochemistry empowering a sustainable future in olefin synthesis

Angstrom-scale two-dimensional nanofluidics The creation of angstrom-scale (Å-scale) channels by stacking 2D materials has opened a new frontier in nanofluidics. Studies of Å-scale 2D nanofluidics have revealed novel insights into mass transport phenomena. We highlight progress in this burgeoning field, which could profoundly impact emerging disruptive technologies in resource separation, energy, and iontronics.

Online now: Angstrom-scale two-dimensional nanofluidics

A unifying view on prebiotic compartmentalization? Living organisms use two types of compartments to organize the chemical machinery that sustains life: membrane-enclosed and membraneless liquidlike compartments. While both types of compartments play a crucial role in life, scientists are divided on which compartmentalization strategy underlies the emergence of life. Starting with recent findings in the field of block copolymer self-assembly, this article presents a possible unifying view on prebiotic compartmentalization.

Online now: A unifying view on prebiotic compartmentalization?

Online now: Photo/Ni-catalytic Z-carboiodination of acetylene

Stimuli-responsive cellulose: from molecular engineering to macroscopic function Stimuli-responsive materials, which reversibly alter their structure or properties in response to external stimuli, are central to the development of adaptive and intelligent systems. Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, is emerging as a versatile platform for such materials owing to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and highly tunable chemistry. These features enable scalable assembly strategies and sustainable end-of-life management. This review highlights the multiscale design strategies of cellulose-based stimuli-responsive systems, spanning molecular functionalization, mesoscale assembly, and macroscopic integration. Particular emphasis is placed on the mechanisms underlying responsiveness to chemical and physical stimuli. Emerging applications in biomedicine, soft robotics, and intelligent packaging are examined. Finally, future research directions are outlined, positioning cellulose as a sustainable cornerstone for next-generation adaptive and intelligent materials.

Online now: Stimuli-responsive cellulose: from molecular engineering to macroscopic function

Directed block copolymer self-assembly for next-generation lithography Block copolymer (BCP)–directed self-assembly (DSA) is a transformative lithography technique set to revolutionize semiconductor manufacturing by enabling patterning with high resolution, low cost, and high throughput. It addresses the limitations of conventional lithography in achieving advance miniaturization by leveraging the self-assembly of BCPs. Advances in high Flory–Huggins interaction parameter BCPs and annealing processes have enabled diverse morphologies and sub-10-nm resolutions. The successful demonstration in fabricating advanced semiconductor devices, along with 300-mm wafer pilot lines, signals imminent industrial adoption. However, the lack of computational lithography and electronic design automation tools remains a critical bottleneck. Collaborative efforts across materials, processes, and simulation are vital for integrating DSA into the lithography ecosystem, driving the semiconductor industry’s future innovation.

Online now: Directed block copolymer self-assembly for next-generation lithography

Genetically encodable biochemical sensors for monitoring protein folding All organisms have developed expansive molecular networks to ensure proper protein folding and maintenance, called proteostasis. Failure of these mechanisms often leads to disease states or cell death. This forum discusses genetically encodable techniques that chemical biologists have developed for monitoring proteostasis in both mammalian and bacterial cells.

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Is cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene a new N-heterocyclic carbene? A ligand story in ruthenium-catalyzed olefin metathesis Olefin metathesis—a transition metal-catalyzed reaction enabling the exchange of alkylidene groups between alkenes—has surged in popularity in organic chemistry for its versatility and efficiency. It is widely applied in organic synthesis to construct complex molecules, including pharmaceuticals, polymers, and natural products. Recently, it has shown great potential in green chemistry, enabling more efficient, low-waste processes, especially for biomass valorization. However, second-generation ruthenium catalysts containing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands suffer from limitations such as reduced productivity at low loadings and susceptibility to decomposition, particularly in the presence of poisons. In this review, we focus on a new class of neutral ligands—cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes—that may address at least some of these challenges.

Online now: Is cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene a new N-heterocyclic carbene? A ligand story in ruthenium-catalyzed olefin metathesis

Women in chemistry: our hopes for the next decade To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, we invited the female corresponding authors from our 2025 issues to consider their career paths, reflect on the field as they see it today, and imagine what academia might look like for women 10 years from now.

Online now: Women in chemistry: our hopes for the next decade