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21 pages, 8305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Mapping of Soil pH and Driving Factor Analysis Based on Environmental Variable Screening

by He Huang, Yaolin Liu, Yanfang Liu, Zhaomin Tong, Zhouqiao Ren and Yifan Xie

Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3173; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073173 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

This study comprehensively considers soil formation factors such as land use types, soil types, depths, and geographical conditions in Lanxi City, China. Using multi-source public data, three environmental variable screening methods, the Boruta algorithm, Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), [...] Read more.

This study comprehensively considers soil formation factors such as land use types, soil types, depths, and geographical conditions in Lanxi City, China. Using multi-source public data, three environmental variable screening methods, the Boruta algorithm, Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), were used to optimize and combine 47 environmental variables for the modeling of soil pH based on the data collected from farmland in the study area in 2022, and their effects were evaluated. A Random Forest (RF) model was used to predict soil pH in the study area. At the same time, Pearson correlation analysis, an environmental variable importance assessment based on the RF model, and SHAP explanatory model were used to explore the main controlling factors of soil pH and reveal its spatial differentiation mechanism. The results showed that in the presence of a large number of environmental variables, the model with covariates selected by PSO before the application of the Random Forest algorithm had higher prediction accuracy than that of Boruta–RF, RFE–RF, and all variable prediction RF models (MAE = 0.496, RMSE = 0.641, R² = 0.413, LCCC = 0.508). This indicates that PSO, as a covariate selection method, effectively optimized the input variables for the RF model, enhancing its performance. In addition, the results of the Pearson correlation analysis, RF-model-based environmental variable importance assessment, and SHAP explanatory model consistently indicate that Channel Network Base Level (CNBL), Elevation (DEM), Temperature mean (T_m), Evaporation (E_m), Land surface temperature mean (LST_m), and Humidity mean (H_m) are key factors affecting the spatial differentiation of soil pH. In summary, the approach of using PSO for covariate selection before applying the RF model exhibits high prediction accuracy and can serve as an effective method for predicting the spatial distribution of soil pH, providing important references for accurately simulating the spatial mapping of soil attributes in hilly and basin areas. Full article

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22 pages, 2998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fattening by Dietary Replacement with Fly Maggot Larvae (Musca domestica) Enhances the Edible Yield, Antioxidant Capability, Nutritional and Taste Quality of Adult Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis

by Xiao Liang, Changle Qi, Jinyu Tang, Ting Ye, Bao Lou and Fuyong Huang

Foods 2025, 14(7), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14071250 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Housefly maggot larvae (HML) have been identified as a potential alternative animal diet for the fattening process of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). However, the feasibility and potential impacts of HML supplementation require further investigation. The present study evaluated the [...] Read more.

Housefly maggot larvae (HML) have been identified as a potential alternative animal diet for the fattening process of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). However, the feasibility and potential impacts of HML supplementation require further investigation. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary HML on the growth indices, nutrient compositions, antioxidant activity, and texture profiles of edible tissues of E. sinensis. The results showed that dietary HML supplementation effectively improved the hepatic steatosis index of both genders and sweet amino acid content of edible tissues (except for male gonad) (p < 0.05). Additionally, dietary HML significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity in the gonad and female muscle (p < 0.05). For the textural properties, HML feeding significantly improved the adhesiveness in the male muscle, and the cohesiveness, chewiness, and resilience in the female muscle (p < 0.05). Furthermore, HML feeding significantly decreased the levels of the equivalent umami concentration of the male gonad, male muscle, and hepatopancreas (p < 0.05). Conversely, HML feeding significantly increased the sweetness value in the muscle, hepatopancreas, and female gonad (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that HML could serve as a viable alternative feed for fattening to improve the edible yield and change the flavor characteristics in E. sinensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding and Processing Affect Meat Quality and Sensory Evaluation)

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20 pages, 2819 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress on Nanotechnology-Driven Enzyme Biosensors for Electrochemical Detection of Biological Pollution and Food Contaminants

by Liang Qu, Xue Zhang, Yanhong Chu, Yuyang Zhang, Zhiyuan Lin, Fanzhuo Kong, Xing Ni, Yani Zhao, Qiongya Lu and Bin Zou

Foods 2025, 14(7), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14071254 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Electrochemical biosensors have attracted widespread attention from researchers due to their simple and rapid operation. Recent advancements in nanobiotechnology have further enhanced their performance, with nanomaterials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metal nanoparticles being widely used as carriers for immobilizing enzymes, cells, and [...] Read more.

Electrochemical biosensors have attracted widespread attention from researchers due to their simple and rapid operation. Recent advancements in nanobiotechnology have further enhanced their performance, with nanomaterials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metal nanoparticles being widely used as carriers for immobilizing enzymes, cells, and DNA molecules. These materials improve stability, sensitivity, and selectivity, making biosensors more effective. This article reviews the introduction, principles, and classification of enzyme-based electrode sensors, as well as their research and application progress in the detection of food risk factors (including foodborne pathogens, biotoxins, drug residues, food additives, allergens, etc.). It also explores future prospects, including advancements in nanotechnology and enzyme immobilization techniques, highlighting their potential in food safety and beyond. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Grade Immobilisation Systems for Enzymes)

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17 pages, 5013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Protein Demonstrating Antibacterial Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Purified from Bacillus velezensis CB6

by Nan Jiang, Tajin Wang, Yue Fang, Xiaoyu Liu, Nan Dai, Hongling Ruan, Huining Dai, Lili Guan, Chengguang He, Lingcong Kong, Weixue Meng, Hongxia Ma and Haipeng Zhang

Foods 2025, 14(7), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14071255 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

In recent years, multidrug resistance in pathogenic bacteria has become increasingly serious, causing serious harm to the livestock and poultry breeding industries and posing severe challenges to its clinical prevention and treatment; therefore, the development of new antibacterial agents is urgently needed. We [...] Read more.

In recent years, multidrug resistance in pathogenic bacteria has become increasingly serious, causing serious harm to the livestock and poultry breeding industries and posing severe challenges to its clinical prevention and treatment; therefore, the development of new antibacterial agents is urgently needed. We previously isolated Bacillus velezensis CB6, which exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, from Changbaishan in China. In this study, multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli B2(MDR E. coli B2) was used as an indicator bacterium. Ammonium sulfate precipitation, dextran gel chromatography, and Diethylaminoethyl Bestarose High Performance was used to isolate antibacterial protein with strong activity against MDR E. coli B2. SDS–PAGE combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to obtain the antibacterial protein CB6-E, which has a molecular weight of 54.537 kDa. Our study found that CB6-E has a strong inhibitory effect on Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa Z1, Salmonella H9812, and Shigella castellani Z1; among them, the minimum inhibitory concentration for MDR E. coli B2 was 32 µg/mL. In addition, CB6-E is stable under various conditions including exposure to various temperatures, organic reagents, pH values, and proteolytic enzymes. The hemolytic activity test and cytotoxicity test also showed that CB6-E is safe. Research on antibacterial mechanisms showed that CB6-E destroys cell membranes in a dose-dependent manner and can inhibit the growth of MDR E. coli B2 by targeting lipopolysaccharides on the cell membrane, showing good therapeutic effects in model animals. In summary, CB6-E is a newly discovered antibacterial protein with a high therapeutic index that is safe, nontoxic, and stabile, and is expected to be an effective antibacterial agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment and Risk Management for Foodborne Pathogens, Antimicrobial Resistance and Contaminants along the Food Chain)

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14 pages, 4142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanistic Studies of H₂ Adsorption and Diffusion in Low-Rank Coals: A Discussion on Geologic Hydrogen Storage

by Xiaoxu Gao, Sixin Fu, Jinzhang Jia, Hailong Song and Hao Tian

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3932; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073932 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

An in-depth investigation of the adsorption and diffusion mechanism of hydrogen in low-rank coals is of great significance for optimizing the technical path of geological hydrogen storage and improving the efficiency of hydrogen storage. Two kinds of coal samples with a low metamorphic [...] Read more.

An in-depth investigation of the adsorption and diffusion mechanism of hydrogen in low-rank coals is of great significance for optimizing the technical path of geological hydrogen storage and improving the efficiency of hydrogen storage. Two kinds of coal samples with a low metamorphic degree from Foran Coal Mine and Sihe Coal Mine were used as adsorbents, and the metamorphic degree and molecular structure of the coal samples were determined experimentally, and the adsorption and diffusion mechanism of H₂ molecules in the structure of low metamorphic coal was analyzed from the atomic level based on numerical simulation. It was found that the aliphatic carbon in the low-rank coal mainly links the aromatic ring in the form of a branched chain and exists as an aliphatic ring, side chain, or bridging carbon, and the lower the deterioration degree of the coal, the longer the length of the alkane side chain in the molecular structure. The branched structure present in the aliphatic carbon and the polybenzene ring structure present in the aromatic carbon can provide more effective adsorption sites and enhance the adsorption of H₂ by the low-rank coal structure. High specific surface area and porosity will enhance the adsorption of H₂ from coal samples, while the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups in low-rank coals will strengthen the interaction between the microporous structure and H₂. These findings provide theoretical support for the application of low-rank coals in geological hydrogen storage. Full article

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13 pages, 1067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Should We Treat SIBO Patients? Impact on Quality of Life and Response to Comprehensive Treatment: A Real-World Clinical Practice Study

by Ana Reyes Liébana-Castillo, Lucía Redondo-Cuevas, Ángela Nicolás, Vanessa Martín-Carbonell, Laura Sanchis, Aroa Olivares, Francisco Grau, Marina Ynfante, Michel Colmenares, María Leonor Molina, José Ramón Lorente, Héctor Tomás, Nadia Moreno, Ana Garayoa, Mercedes Jaén, María Mora, José Gonzalvo, José Ramón Molés, Samuel Díaz, Noelia Sancho, Eva Sánchez, Juan Ortiz, Vicente Gil-Guillén, Ernesto Cortés-Castell and Xavier Cortés-Rizo Show full author list Hide full author list

Nutrients 2025, 17(7), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17071251 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a dysbiosis marked by an excessive proliferation of bacteria in the small intestine, resulting in abdominal symptoms that significantly affect patients’ quality of life. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of a [...] Read more.

Background: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a dysbiosis marked by an excessive proliferation of bacteria in the small intestine, resulting in abdominal symptoms that significantly affect patients’ quality of life. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive therapeutic approach in improving the quality of life of patients with SIBO. Methods: For this purpose, standardized questionnaires were used at baseline, 30 days and 90 days, including the IBS-QOL (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life Questionnaire), the GSRS (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale), the EuroQOL-5D, and the Bristol Scale. Results: The results show that a comprehensive approach, combining pharmacological treatment, appropriate dietary intervention, and strategies aimed at improving gut microbiota and intestinal permeability, produces a sustained improvement in the quality of life of a significant proportion of patients who participated in the study. Furthermore, the results suggest that, although gas normalization is a relevant indicator, clinical improvement and quality of life depend considerably on patients’ subjective perception of their health. Conclusions: This finding underscores the importance of recognizing SIBO as a prevalent condition that requires accurate diagnoses and individualized treatments to improve patients’ well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Gut Health, and Clinical Nutrition)

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18 pages, 488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Strategic Use of “雜” (zá) in Xuanzang’s Translations

by Yanyan Shen and Zhouyuan Li

Religions 2025, 16(4), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16040462 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

The character “雜” (zá), commonly found in Chinese Buddhist literature, typically conveys the meaning of “mixed” or “varied”. However, in the translations of the renowned Tang dynasty translator Xuanzang, its usage stands out both in frequency and distinctiveness, setting his work apart from [...] Read more.

The character “雜” (zá), commonly found in Chinese Buddhist literature, typically conveys the meaning of “mixed” or “varied”. However, in the translations of the renowned Tang dynasty translator Xuanzang, its usage stands out both in frequency and distinctiveness, setting his work apart from that of other translators. Terms traditionally conveyed using “不淨” (bù jìng, “impure”) or “穢” (huì, “filth”) were deliberately transformed by Xuanzang into “雜染” (zá rǎn, “mixed defilement”) and “雜穢” (zá huì, “mixed filth”), with “雜” nearly becoming synonymous with impurity. Examining the original meaning of “雜”, we find that it primarily signifies “to gather” or “miscellaneous”, typically carrying a neutral connotation. However, when used as an adjective describing a state, “雜” transcends its neutral sense of “various” or “diverse” to encompass notions of impurity, disorder, and deviation from normative standards—often with negative implications. Building on this understanding, it becomes clear that the abstract opposition between purity and impurity in the doctrinal meanings of Buddhist scriptures was reinterpreted by Xuanzang as a concrete opposition between “清淨” (qīng jìng, “purity”) and “雜穢” (mixed filth). This reinterpretation allowed “雜” to describe anything defiling the mind or carrying negative overtones—even when the original Sanskrit text did not explicitly indicate such a notion—thereby constituting a strategic substitution in translation. Furthermore, Xuanzang and his contemporaries frequently employed “雜” as a functional component within disyllabic compounds that collectively expressed negative meanings. Some terms containing “雜” thus cannot be understood simply as “mixed” or “varied”; instead, “雜” functions as a negative marker, reinforcing unfavorable connotations. This paper provides a focused case study on the lexical strategies of ancient Buddhist translators, illustrating how particular concepts—including 雜—were leveraged to reshape doctrinal content. In doing so, it highlights the deliberate linguistic and interpretative choices made by translators like Xuanzang, offering insights into their motivations and the cultural–linguistic contexts that framed their work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Localization, Globalization and Glocalization: Paradigm Shifts in the Study of Transmission and Transformation of Buddhism in Asia and Beyond)

12 pages, 18531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Superficial Temporal Artery: Anatomical Variation and Its Clinical Significance

by Niccolò Fagni, Luca Valli, Giulio Nittari, Giulio Procelli, Jacopo Junio Valerio Branca, Roberto Cuomo, Marco Mandalà, Eugenio Bertelli, Sebastian Cotofana and Ferdinando Paternostro

J. Vasc. Dis. 2025, 4(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/jvd4020014 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: The superficial temporal artery (STA) typically bifurcates into frontal and parietal branches in the temporal region. This study describes a rare anatomical variation identified during a cadaveric dissection where the STA presented an early cervical bifurcation. Methods: A cadaveric dissection was performed [...] Read more.

Background: The superficial temporal artery (STA) typically bifurcates into frontal and parietal branches in the temporal region. This study describes a rare anatomical variation identified during a cadaveric dissection where the STA presented an early cervical bifurcation. Methods: A cadaveric dissection was performed on a 58-year-old Caucasian female specimen injected with synthetic polymers. The STA was meticulously dissected, and anatomical findings were documented through photographs and measurements. Results: An unusual cervical bifurcation of the STA was observed. The frontal and parietal branches originated at the level of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, ascending separately. The anterior branch, identified as the frontal branch, coursed below the facial nerve and stylomastoid artery, reaching the temporal line without further branching after giving the transverse facial artery as the only collateral branch. The posterior parietal branch extended posteriorly to the external acoustic meatus, compensating for the absence of the posterior auricular artery. This anatomical variation might influence surgical approaches to the head and neck region, particularly in parotid and reconstructive surgeries. Discussion: Variations in STA anatomy can significantly impact clinical practices, including reconstructive surgery, vascular interventions, and esthetic procedures. Imaging techniques, though useful, may not detect such rare variants. Cadaveric dissection remains a crucial tool for detailed anatomical assessment. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of recognizing the STA’s vascular variations for safe surgical planning and improving patient outcomes. Further studies correlating imaging findings with cadaveric dissections are recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Peripheral Vascular Diseases)

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15 pages, 4041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insights from Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses into Sulforaphane’s Protective Mechanism Against Deoxynivalenol Toxicity via Spermine Regulation

by Yeyi Xiao, Jianliang Wu, Menke Feng, Jie Wang, Lele Qi, Chao Xu, Haifei Wang and Wenbin Bao

Toxins 2025, 17(4), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17040178 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin ubiquitously present in the environment. Emerging evidence demonstrated that sulforaphane (SFN) exerts potent protective effects against DON-triggered cytotoxicity through multimodal mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the protective mechanism of SFN during DON exposure. Untargeted metabolomics of IPEC-J2 [...] Read more.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin ubiquitously present in the environment. Emerging evidence demonstrated that sulforaphane (SFN) exerts potent protective effects against DON-triggered cytotoxicity through multimodal mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the protective mechanism of SFN during DON exposure. Untargeted metabolomics of IPEC-J2 cells revealed a total of 399 differential metabolites between the DON and control group and 365 differential metabolites between the SFN + DON and DON group. KEGG enrichment was performed to investigate the potential regulatory pathways. The transcriptome identified a total of 1839 differential expression genes (DEGs) between DON and SFN + DON groups. This result indicated that DON exposure and SFN treatment have a profound impact on cellular metabolism and genes. Integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome showed that spermine was a potential biomarker for SFN treatment. SFN increased spermine abundance by regulating genes in glutathione, beta-alanine, and arginine and proline metabolism pathways. Functional experiments demonstrated that spermine alleviated DON-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased cell viability, reduced ROS levels, restored mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and normalized antioxidant enzyme activity. Moreover, spermine significantly decreased the cell apoptosis rate induced by DON, which suggested that spermine significantly alleviated the DON-induced cytotoxicity. Overall, these findings elucidated the protective role of SFN through spermine-related mechanisms against the toxicity of DON. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alleviation of Mycotoxin-Induced Toxicity)

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22 pages, 4718 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Marble and Glass Waste Powder in Cement Mortar

by Mamaru Yenesew Alemu, Mitiku Damtie Yehualaw, Wallelign Mulugeta Nebiyu, Mulu Derbie Nebebe and Woubishet Zewdu Taffese

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3930; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073930 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

The growing demand for cement in construction contributes significantly to environmental degradation due to its high energy consumption and carbon emissions. As a result, there is a pressing need for sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental footprint of cement production. This study explores [...] Read more.

The growing demand for cement in construction contributes significantly to environmental degradation due to its high energy consumption and carbon emissions. As a result, there is a pressing need for sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental footprint of cement production. This study explores the use of marble and glass waste powders as supplementary cementitious materials in mortar production to reduce the environmental impact of cement. By partially replacing cement with varying percentages (0–30%) of marble and glass waste powders, the research evaluates their effects on workability, mechanical properties (compressive strength, density, ultrasonic pulse velocity), and durability (sulfate attack, water absorption, porosity). The results show that a 10% replacement of cement with marble and glass waste powder (MGWP) enhances compressive strength by 25.6% at 28 days and 17.26% at 56 days while improving microstructure and durability through compacted morphology and secondary C-S-H formation. The findings suggest that using MGWP up to 10% is optimal for enhancing the performance of mortar, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional cement with practical implications for greener construction practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Concrete, 2nd Edition)

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29 pages, 6518 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Generative AI Models (2018–2024): Advancements and Applications in Kidney Care

by Fnu Neha, Deepshikha Bhati and Deepak Kumar Shukla

BioMedInformatics 2025, 5(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedinformatics5020018 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Kidney disease poses a significant global health challenge, affecting millions and straining healthcare systems due to limited nephrology resources. This paper examines the transformative potential of Generative AI (GenAI), Large Language Models (LLMs), and Large Vision Models (LVMs) in addressing critical challenges in [...] Read more.

Kidney disease poses a significant global health challenge, affecting millions and straining healthcare systems due to limited nephrology resources. This paper examines the transformative potential of Generative AI (GenAI), Large Language Models (LLMs), and Large Vision Models (LVMs) in addressing critical challenges in kidney care. GenAI supports research and early interventions through the generation of synthetic medical data. LLMs enhance clinical decision-making by analyzing medical texts and electronic health records, while LVMs improve diagnostic accuracy through advanced medical image analysis. Together, these technologies show promise for advancing patient education, risk stratification, disease diagnosis, and personalized treatment strategies. This paper highlights key advancements in GenAI, LLMs, and LVMs from 2018 to 2024, focusing on their applications in kidney care and presenting common use cases. It also discusses their limitations, including knowledge cutoffs, hallucinations, contextual understanding challenges, data representation biases, computational demands, and ethical concerns. By providing a comprehensive analysis, this paper outlines a roadmap for integrating these AI advancements into nephrology, emphasizing the need for further research and real-world validation to fully realize their transformative potential. Full article

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20 pages, 10930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of the E-Portal for the Design of Freeform Varifocal Lenses Using Shiny/R Programming Combined with Additive Manufacturing

by Negin Dianat, Shangkuan Liu, Kai Cheng and Kevin Lu

Machines 2025, 13(4), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13040298 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

This paper presents an interactive online e-portal development and application using Shiny/R version 4.4.0 programming for personalised varifocal lens surface design and manufacturing in an agile and responsive manner. Varifocal lenses are specialised lenses that provide clear vision at both far and near [...] Read more.

This paper presents an interactive online e-portal development and application using Shiny/R version 4.4.0 programming for personalised varifocal lens surface design and manufacturing in an agile and responsive manner. Varifocal lenses are specialised lenses that provide clear vision at both far and near distances. The user interface (UI) of the e-portal application creates an environment for customers to input their eye prescription data and geometric parameters to visualise the result of the designed freeform varifocal lens surface, which includes interactive 2D contour plots and 3D-rendered diagrams for both left and right eyes simultaneously. The e-portal provides a unified interactive platform where users can simultaneously access both the specialised Copilot demo web for lenses and the main Shiny/R version 4.4.0 programming app, ensuring seamless integration and an efficient process flow. Additionally, the data points of the 3D-designed surface are automatically saved. In order to check the performance of the designed varifocal lens before production, it is remodelled in the COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 modelling and analysis environment. Ray tracing is built in the environment for the lens design assessment and is then integrated with the lens additive manufacturing (AM) using a Formlabs 3D printer (Digital Fabrication Center (DFC), London, UK). The results are then analysed to further validate the e-portal-driven personalised design and manufacturing approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Manufacturing)

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25 pages, 8266 KiB

Open AccessReview

Challenges and Applications of Bio-Sniffers for Monitoring Volatile Organic Compounds in Medical Diagnostics

by Yang Wang, Xunda Zhou, Siying Mao, Shiwei Chen and Zhenzhong Guo

Chemosensors 2025, 13(4), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors13040127 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Bio-sniffers represent a novel detection technology that demonstrates significant potential in medical diagnostics. Specifically, they assess disease conditions and metabolic status through the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath. Unlike conventional methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas [...] Read more.

Bio-sniffers represent a novel detection technology that demonstrates significant potential in medical diagnostics. Specifically, they assess disease conditions and metabolic status through the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath. Unlike conventional methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS), bio-sniffers provide rapid, sensitive, and portable detection capabilities. In this review, we examine the metabolic pathways and detection methods of specific VOCs in the human body, and their roles as disease biomarkers, and focus on the detection principles, performance characteristics, and medical applications of two bio-sniffer types: electrical and optical sensors. Finally, we systematically discuss the current challenges facing bio-sniffers in VOC monitoring, outline future development directions, and provide suggestions for improving sensitivity and reducing environmental interference. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Chemical/Bio-Sensors and Analytical Chemistry in 2025)

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43 pages, 13439 KiB

Open AccessReview

FC-BENTEN: Synchrotron X-Ray Experimental Database for Polymer-Electrolyte Fuel-Cell Material Analysis

by Takahiro Matsumoto, Shigeru Yokota, Takuma Kaneko, Mayeesha Marium, Jeheon Kim, Yasuhiro Watanabe, Hiroyuki Iwamoto, Keiji Umetani, Tomoya Uruga, Albert Mufundirwa, Yuki Mizuno, Daiki Fujioka, Tetsuya Miyazawa, Hirokazu Tsuji, Yoshiharu Uchimoto, Masashi Matsumoto, Hideto Imai and Yoshiharu Sakurai

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3931; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073931 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

This review is focused on FC-BENTEN, an advanced synchrotron X-ray experimental database developed at SPring-8 with support from Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Designed to advance polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) research, FC-BENTEN addresses challenges in improving efficiency, durability, [...] Read more.

This review is focused on FC-BENTEN, an advanced synchrotron X-ray experimental database developed at SPring-8 with support from Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Designed to advance polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) research, FC-BENTEN addresses challenges in improving efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness through data-driven approaches informed by materials informatics (MI). Through standardization of protocols for sample preparation, data acquisition, analysis, and formatting, the database ensures high-quality, reproducible data essential for reliable scientific outcomes. FC-BENTEN streamlines metadata creation using automated processes and template-based tools, enhancing data management, accessibility, and interoperability. Security measures include two-factor authentication, safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining controlled user access. Planned integration with MI platforms will broaden data cross-referencing capabilities, facilitate PEFC applications expansion, and guide future research. This review discusses FC-BENTEN’s architectural framework, metadata standardization efforts, and role in advancing PEFC research through a high-throughput experimental workflow. It illustrates how data-driven methods and standardized practices contribute to innovation, underscoring databases’ potential to accelerate next-generation PEFC technologies development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue X-ray Scattering Characterization in Materials Science)

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20 pages, 10068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Room-Temperature Hydrogen Physisorption in Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks and Carbon Nanotube Hybrids

by Syedvali Pinjari, Tapan Bera and Erik Kjeang

Nanoenergy Adv. 2025, 5(2), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanoenergyadv5020005 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

In this work, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8, ZIF-67, and ZC-ZIF) and their hybrid composites with carboxylate-functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNTs) are synthesized through low-cost synthesis methods for enhanced physisorption-based hydrogen storage at room temperature. While both base and hybrid structures are designed to improve [...] Read more.

In this work, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8, ZIF-67, and ZC-ZIF) and their hybrid composites with carboxylate-functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNTs) are synthesized through low-cost synthesis methods for enhanced physisorption-based hydrogen storage at room temperature. While both base and hybrid structures are designed to improve hydrogen uptake, the base materials exhibit the most notable performance compared to their carbon hybrid counterparts. The structural analysis confirms that all samples maintain high crystallinity and exhibit well-defined rhombic dodecahedral morphologies. The hybrid composites, due to the intercalation of fCNTs, show slightly larger particle sizes than their base materials. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals strong nitrogen–metal coordination in the ZIF structures, contributing to a larger specific surface area (SSA) and optimal microporous properties. A linear fit of SSA and hydrogen uptake indicates improved hydrogen transport at low pressures due to fCNT addition. ZIF-8 achieves the highest SSA of 2023.6 m²/g and hydrogen uptake of 1.01 wt. % at 298 K and 100 bar, with 100% reversible adsorption. Additionally, ZIF-8 exhibits excellent cyclic repeatability, with only 10% capacity reduction after five adsorption/desorption cycles. Kinetic analysis reveals that hydrogen adsorption in the ZIF materials is governed by a combination of surface adsorption, intraparticle diffusion, and complex pore filling. These findings underscore the potential of ZIFs as superior materials for room-temperature hydrogen storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Hydrogen Energy Technologies, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 7920 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Plants in China: Increasing Demand and Multidimensional Impacts Identification

by Mingyue Pang, Yan Du, Wenjie Pei, Pengpeng Zhang, Juhua Yang and Lixiao Zhang

Energies 2025, 18(7), 1801; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071801 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

In light of the soaring growth of pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) plants in China in recent years, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of their developmental trajectory and the identification of their multidimensional impacts. This paper reviews the development [...] Read more.

In light of the soaring growth of pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) plants in China in recent years, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of their developmental trajectory and the identification of their multidimensional impacts. This paper reviews the development of PHES in China and highlights its various impacts. Despite the relatively late start of PHES development in China, the country has recently ranked first worldwide with an aggregated installed capacity of 50.94 GW in operation in 2023. These plants are primarily distributed in North China, East China, and South China, contributing to the safe and stable operation of regional power grids. Furthermore, over 300 plants are under construction or in the planning stage across the whole country, aiming to support large-scale renewable energy development and facilitate a sustainable energy transition. However, it is important to recognize that such extensive PHES development requires significant land resources, which can lead to disturbances in local ecosystems and affect nearby residents. Additionally, environmental emissions may arise from a life-cycle perspective. Finally, several countermeasures are proposed to enhance sustainable PHES development in China. They include strengthening the rational planning of new plants to optimize their spatial distribution, refining the engineering design of new plants, and exploring avenues for sharing the benefits of PHES development with a broad spectrum of local residents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section B: Energy and Environment)

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21 pages, 3030 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Copula-Based Bayesian Model for Detecting Differential Gene Expression

by Prasansha Liyanaarachchi and N. Rao Chaganty

Analytics 2025, 4(2), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/analytics4020011 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Deoxyribonucleic acid, more commonly known as DNA, is a fundamental genetic material in all living organisms, containing thousands of genes, but only a subset exhibit differential expression and play a crucial role in diseases. Microarray technology has revolutionized the study of gene expression, [...] Read more.

Deoxyribonucleic acid, more commonly known as DNA, is a fundamental genetic material in all living organisms, containing thousands of genes, but only a subset exhibit differential expression and play a crucial role in diseases. Microarray technology has revolutionized the study of gene expression, with two primary types available for expression analysis: spotted cDNA arrays and oligonucleotide arrays. This research focuses on the statistical analysis of data from spotted cDNA microarrays. Numerous models have been developed to identify differentially expressed genes based on the red and green fluorescence intensities measured using these arrays. We propose a novel approach using a Gaussian copula model to characterize the joint distribution of red and green intensities, effectively capturing their dependence structure. Given the right-skewed nature of the intensity distributions, we model the marginal distributions using gamma distributions. Differentially expressed genes are identified using the Bayes estimate under our proposed copula framework. To evaluate the performance of our model, we conduct simulation studies to assess parameter estimation accuracy. Our results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms existing methods reported in the literature. Finally, we apply our model to Escherichia coli microarray data, illustrating its practical utility in gene expression analysis. Full article

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12 pages, 2593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insight into the Sulforaphane Content and Glucosinolate Profile of Broccoli Stems After Heat Treatment

by Yu-Hong Zhang, Xue-Yi Liao, Zheng-Hong Li, Yu-Feng Guo, Ming-Xin Ma and Guo-Qiang Zhang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(4), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11040383 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

(1) Background: At the time of harvest, the stems of broccoli are frequently discarded. (2) Methods: In this study, the sulforaphane content and glucosinolate profile of broccoli stems were analyzed at different temperature treatments. (3) Results: Thermal treatment of broccoli stems for 1 [...] Read more.

(1) Background: At the time of harvest, the stems of broccoli are frequently discarded. (2) Methods: In this study, the sulforaphane content and glucosinolate profile of broccoli stems were analyzed at different temperature treatments. (3) Results: Thermal treatment of broccoli stems for 1 h resulted in maximal sulforaphane content at 50 °C, with a subsequent progressive reduction in concentration correlating to elevated temperatures. Metabolomic analysis was conducted on broccoli stem samples subjected to 25 °C (CK), 50 °C, and 80 °C treatments. Among the 25 identified GSLs, the 50 °C-treated samples demonstrated significantly reduced GSL accumulation, whereas the 80 °C group exhibited maximal GSL retention. Indole derivatives predominated among the three GSL subclasses (aliphatic, aromatic, and indole), accounting for approximately 70% of total GSLs across all groups. The observed GSL depletion at 50 °C correlated with enhanced sulforaphane biosynthesis. Comparative analysis further indicated that 80 °C treatment induced a more pronounced elevation of indole GSLs compared to aliphatic and aromatic counterparts in broccoli stems. (4) Conclusions: The results demonstrated that indole GSLs in broccoli stems exhibit superior thermal stability. Moderate thermal treatments effectively enhance sulforaphane content, whereas exposure to 80 °C significantly increases total GSL content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Postharvest Biology, Quality, Safety, and Technology)

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16 pages, 3042 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Divergent Mechanisms of Internode Elongation in Response to Far-Red in Two Rose Genotypes

by Laurent Crespel, Camille Le Bras, Bénédicte Dubuc, Maria-Dolores Perez-Garcia, Esther Carrera, Aurélia Rolland, Rémi Gardet and Soulaiman Sakr

Plants 2025, 14(7), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14071115 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

The quality of potted ornamental plants depends on their architecture, which should be compact and branched. Among the techniques for controlling this architecture, LED lighting, by manipulating light quality, offers an effective means of regulating elongation and branching. In rose, the addition of [...] Read more.

The quality of potted ornamental plants depends on their architecture, which should be compact and branched. Among the techniques for controlling this architecture, LED lighting, by manipulating light quality, offers an effective means of regulating elongation and branching. In rose, the addition of far-red (FR) light stimulated branching but induced excessive stem elongation, i.e., internode elongation. However, some varieties remained insensitive to this effect, demonstrating phenotypic stability. This study investigated the underlying mechanisms of internode elongation in response to FR in two rose cultivars, ‘The Fairy’ (TF) and Knock Out^® Radrazz (KO), selected for their respective architectural plasticity and stability to FR. In TF, exposure to FR induced elongation of internodes, driven by cell division, with an increase in gibberellin A4 (GA4) level and a reduction in defense hormones (salicylic acid and jasmonic acid; JA). In contrast, in KO, exposure to FR did not induce internode elongation but caused cell elongation. This effect was accompanied by a reduction in cell number, modulated by hormonal changes (particularly GA4 and JA) and the inhibition of Block of cell proliferation 1, thereby limiting cell division. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying architectural stability might lead to developing strategies to produce compact, branched plants, regardless of environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants)

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21 pages, 627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Study of Short-Term Social Media Use with Face-to-Face Interaction in Adolescence

by Inês Mendonça, Franz Coelho, Belén Rando and Ana Maria Abreu

Children 2025, 12(4), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12040460 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Previous research suggests that social media use can have immediate cognitive effects, raising concerns about its impact on adolescent cognition. This study aimed to examine the short-term cognitive effects of acute social media exposure and screen time habits by comparing cognitive performance [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Previous research suggests that social media use can have immediate cognitive effects, raising concerns about its impact on adolescent cognition. This study aimed to examine the short-term cognitive effects of acute social media exposure and screen time habits by comparing cognitive performance in adolescents (13–15 years old) following 30 min of social media interaction versus face-to-face conversation, according to their screen time habits (more or less time spent in front of a screen). Methods: A total of 66 participants were divided into four groups: a social media group who used to spend less than 540 min per week in front of a screen (n = 19, a social media group with a habit of more than 540 min per week of screen time (n = 14), a face-to-face conversation group with a habit of less screen time per week (n = 15), and a face-to-face conversation group who used to spend more time per week in front of a screen (n = 18). Cognitive performance was assessed through attention (D2 Test), working memory (Corsi Blocks), abstract reasoning (Abstract Reasoning Test Battery), and inhibitory control (Go/No-Go Task). Additionally, mental effort was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale. Results: Contrary to our hypothesis, no significant differences emerged between groups in any cognitive domain or mental effort, with interaction modality and screen time showing no impact on response variables. Also, we found no significant interaction effect between factors. This suggests that a single 30-min session of social media use does not immediately impair cognition, nor does face-to-face interaction enhance it, despite screen time spent per week (when it varies from 135 to 540 min and from more than 540 to 1320 min). Conclusions: The absence of cognitive effects may be explained by excessive screen time as a key factor in cognitive impact and by the cultural integration of social media, creating a “ceiling effect” that minimizes the impact of short-term exposure and resembles addictive behavior. These findings emphasize the importance of a holistic approach involving families, schools, and governments to address both acute and cumulative social media use in adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Screen Time on Children’s Mental, Social, and Cognitive Health)

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Graphical abstract

19 pages, 5102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bi-Allelic MARVELD2 Variant Identified with Exome Sequencing in a Consanguineous Multiplex Ghanaian Family Segregating Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss

by Elvis Twumasi Aboagye, Samuel Mawuli Adadey, Leonardo Alves de Souza Rios, Kevin K. Esoh, Edmond Wonkam-Tingang, Lettilia Xhakaza, Carmen De Kock, Isabelle Schrauwen, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Dirk Lang, Gordon A. Awandare, Suzanne M. Leal, Shaheen Mowla and Ambroise Wonkam

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3337; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073337 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Genetic studies and phenotypic expansion of hearing loss (HL) for people living in Africa are greatly needed. We evaluated the clinical phenotypes of three affected siblings presenting non-syndromic (NS) HL and five unaffected members of a consanguineous Ghanaian family. Analysis of exome sequence [...] Read more.

Genetic studies and phenotypic expansion of hearing loss (HL) for people living in Africa are greatly needed. We evaluated the clinical phenotypes of three affected siblings presenting non-syndromic (NS) HL and five unaffected members of a consanguineous Ghanaian family. Analysis of exome sequence data was performed for all affected and one unaffected family members. In-depth genetic and cellular characterization studies were performed to investigate biological significance of the implicated variant using bioinformatic tools and cell-based experimentation. Audiological examinations showed severe-to-profound, bilateral, symmetrical, and post-lingual onset. The whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified a homozygous frameshift variant: MARVEL domain containing 2 (MARVELD2):c.1058dup;p.(Val354Serfs*5) in all affected siblings. This frameshift variant leads to an early stop codon insertion and predicted to be targeted by nonsense medicated decay (mutant protein predicted to lack conserved C-terminal domain if translated). Cell immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry studies exposed the functional impact of the mutant protein’s expression, stability, localization, protein–protein binding, barrier function, and actin cytoskeleton architecture. The identified variant segregates with NSHL in the index Ghanaian family. The data support this nonsense variant as pathogenic, likely to impact the homeostasis of ions, solutes, and other molecules, compromising membrane barrier and signaling in the inner ear spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hearing Loss: Recent Progress in Molecular Genomics)

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19 pages, 494 KiB

Open AccessReview

Subthreshold Autism and ADHD: A Brief Narrative Review for Frontline Clinicians

by Michael O. Ogundele and Michael J. S. Morton

Pediatr. Rep. 2025, 17(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric17020042 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown that neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more prevalent in the general childhood population, compared to cases that are formally diagnosed in clinical cohorts. This suggests that many children [...] Read more.

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown that neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more prevalent in the general childhood population, compared to cases that are formally diagnosed in clinical cohorts. This suggests that many children and youths have NDD which are never diagnosed clinically, causing impairments in some domains of their daily life. There is increasing recognition of the concept of a “subthreshold” condition, sometimes used to describe the presence of potentially impairing variations in the neurodevelopmental profile that do not meet criteria for a diagnosis. The aim of this narrative review is to appraise the published literature about common themes regarding subthreshold conditions in relation to autism and ADHD, identifying any practical lessons that may be applicable to frontline neurodevelopmental clinicians. Methods: We searched electronic databases including PMC and PubMed using various combinations of keywords, including “Subthreshold”, “subclinical”, “neurodevelopmental”, “childhood”, “ADHD” and “ASD”. Results: The identified themes include definitions, prevalence, assessment tools, lifetime impairments, NDD classification models, management, raising public awareness, and future research directions. Conclusions: The authors propose that a “subthreshold condition” should be recorded when NDDs do not meet current diagnostic criteria if there is evidence of significant, persisting impairment in at least one setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Psychology)

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19 pages, 3052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modelling the Permeabilities of Dry Filament Wound Cylindrical Reinforcements for RTM Simulation

by Souheil Somrani, Eric Jacques, Benjamin Weiss and Boris Duchamp

Processes 2025, 13(4), 1071; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041071 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

The production rate of filament wound composites can be improved by using the resin transfer moulding (RTM) process on dry filament wound reinforcements. Finite-element simulation of the resin flow in the porous dry fibre preform is needed to understand and improve the RTM [...] Read more.

The production rate of filament wound composites can be improved by using the resin transfer moulding (RTM) process on dry filament wound reinforcements. Finite-element simulation of the resin flow in the porous dry fibre preform is needed to understand and improve the RTM process and to lower development time and cost. However, in a filament wound preform, the fibre volume content and the stacking sequence related to winding angles vary with geometry. This paper presents a new and simple modelling approach which quickly predicts the local principal directions and values of the permeabilities of a dry filament wound preform. In dry filament winding, dry unidirectional fibres are wound on a mandrel so that each element in the RTM simulation contains a multidirectional stacking. Thus, the model uses experimental permeabilities of a unidirectional stacking to predict the permeabilities of a multidirectional stacking for each element. Comparisons between calculated and experimental permeabilities of flat multidirectional stackings show a nesting effect on the permeabilities of the unidirectional stacking used as model input. A calculation method to recalibrate the input permeabilities of the dry unidirectional tape, based on measurements with minimal nesting, is offered. Better predictions are then obtained. The absolute percentage changes with experimental values were limited to 63.9% and 103.6% on in-plane and out-of-plane permeabilities, which had an order of magnitude of 1 × 10⁻¹² and 1 × 10⁻¹³, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Materials Processing, Modeling and Simulation)

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20 pages, 2268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benchmarking Large Language Models in Evaluating Workforce Risk of Robotization: Insights from Agriculture

by Lefteris Benos, Vasso Marinoudi, Patrizia Busato, Dimitrios Kateris, Simon Pearson and Dionysis Bochtis

AgriEngineering 2025, 7(4), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering7040102 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Understanding the impact of robotization on the workforce dynamics has become increasingly urgent. While expert assessments provide valuable insights, they are often time-consuming and resource-intensive. Large language models (LLMs) offer a scalable alternative; however, their accuracy and reliability in evaluating workforce robotization potential [...] Read more.

Understanding the impact of robotization on the workforce dynamics has become increasingly urgent. While expert assessments provide valuable insights, they are often time-consuming and resource-intensive. Large language models (LLMs) offer a scalable alternative; however, their accuracy and reliability in evaluating workforce robotization potential remain uncertain. This study systematically compares general-purpose LLM-generated assessments with expert evaluations to assess their effectiveness in the agricultural sector by considering human judgments as the ground truth. Using ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini, the LLMs followed a three-step evaluation process focusing on (a) task importance, (b) potential for task robotization, and (c) task attribute indexing of 15 agricultural occupations, mirroring the methodology used by human assessors. The findings indicate a significant tendency for LLMs to overestimate robotization potential, with most of the errors falling within the range of 0.229 ± 0.174. This can be attributed primarily to LLM reliance on grey literature and idealized technological scenarios, as well as their limited capacity, to account for the complexities of agricultural work. Future research should focus on integrating expert knowledge into LLM training and improving bias detection and mitigation in agricultural datasets, as well as expanding the range of LLMs studied to enhance assessment reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transforming Agriculture with Artificial Intelligence: Recent Advances and Applications)

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15 pages, 6078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing a Quantitative Profiling Method for Detecting Free Fatty Acids in Crude Lanolin Based on Analytical Quality by Design

by Sihan Liu, Shaohua Wu, Hao Zhang and Xingchu Gong

Chemosensors 2025, 13(4), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors13040126 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

In this study, a quantitative profiling method for detecting free fatty acids in crude lanolin based on the Quality by Design (QbD) concept was developed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a charged aerosol detector (CAD) and a Proshell 120 EC C18 column [...] Read more.

In this study, a quantitative profiling method for detecting free fatty acids in crude lanolin based on the Quality by Design (QbD) concept was developed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a charged aerosol detector (CAD) and a Proshell 120 EC C18 column was employed for the separation of crude lanolin components. Initially, the analytical target profile and critical method attributes were defined. Potential critical method parameters, including column temperature, flow rate, isocratic run time, gradient end organic phase ratio, and gradient time, were identified using fishbone diagrams and single-factor experiments. The definitive screening design (DSD) was then utilized to screen and optimize these parameters. Stepwise regression was applied to establish quantitative models between the critical method attributes and the method parameters. Subsequently, the method operable design region (MODR) was calculated and was successfully verified. The analytical conditions established were configured with 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile serving as the mobile phases. The flow rate was set at 0.8 mL/min, and the column temperature was maintained at 35 °C with the evaporation tube temperature also set at 35 °C. An injection volume of 10 μL was used for each analysis. The gradient elution conditions were as follows: from 0 to 30 min, 75% of solvent B was used, and from 30 to 60 min, the proportion of solvent B was increased from 75% to 79%. Ten components, including 12-hydroxystearic acid, 2-hexyldecanoic acid, and palmitic acid, were identified by mass spectrometry, and seven common peaks were found in the fingerprints. The contents of palmitic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid in the crude lanolin were quantitatively determined. Both the fingerprint and quantitative analysis methods were validated. The method was applied to analyze 15 batches of crude lanolin from different sources. The new established quantitative profiling method for free fatty acids can be potentially used for industrial applications to enhance the quality control of crude lanolin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectroscopic Techniques for Chemical Analysis)

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