
09/12/2025
Matter's September issue is now online: https://hubs.li/Q03H_6Tb0
On the cover: The image showcases hierarchically porous microspheres with intrinsic fluorescence, highlighting their role as cell-free synthesis nanoreactors. Gianneschi et al. present a coordination-driven self-assembly of the naturally occurring dipeptide carnosine with Zn(II) ions to form these microspheres. Inspired by in situ liquid-cell TEM observations, the visual sequence captures their transformation from nanoclusters to interconnected nanofiber networks. Overlaid fluorescence underscores their function as reusable nanoreactors that enhance DNA transcription and translation while protecting against nuclease degradation. Image courtesy of the authors.