Search Results (104)

Liposomes (LPs) represent one of the most effective nanoscale platforms for drug delivery in cancer therapy due to their favorable pharmacokinetic and various body tissue compatibility profiles. Building on recent findings showing that carbon dots derived from N-hydroxyphthalimide (CDs-NHF) possess intrinsic antitumor activity, herein, we investigate the possibility of preparing complex nano-platforms composed of LPs encapsulating CDs-NHF and/or doxorubicin (DOX) for breast and lung cancer. Various LP formulations were prepared and characterized using Cryo-TEM and Cryo-SEM for morphological analysis, while zeta potential and fluorescence assessments confirmed their stability and optical properties. Cellular effects were evaluated through immunofluorescence microscopy and proliferation assays. LPs-CDs-NHF significantly reduced cancer cell viability at lower concentrations compared to free CDs-NHF, and this effect was further amplified when combined with doxorubicin. Mechanistically, the liposomal formulations downregulated key signaling molecules including pAKT, pmTOR, and pERK, indicating the disruption of cancer-related pathways. These findings suggest that LPs containing CDs-NHF, either alone or in combination with DOX, exhibit synergistic antitumor activity and hold strong promise as multifunctional nanocarriers for future oncological applications. Full article

Nickel-based superalloy Hastelloy C276 is widely used in high-performance industries due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. However, these same properties pose substantial challenges in machining, resulting in high tool wear, surface defects, and dimensional inaccuracies. This study investigates methods to enhance machining performance and surface quality by evaluating the tribological behavior of TiSiN/TiAlN-coated carbide inserts under six cooling and lubrication conditions: dry, MQL with coconut oil, Cryo-LN₂, Cryo-LCO₂, MQL–Cryo-LN₂, and MQL–Cryo-LCO₂. Open-slot finishing was performed at constant cutting parameters, and key indicators such as cutting zone temperature, tool wear, surface roughness, chip morphology, and microhardness were analyzed. The hybrid MQL–Cryo-LN₂ approach significantly outperformed other methods, reducing cutting zone temperature, tool wear, and surface roughness by 116.4%, 94.34%, and 76.11%, respectively, compared to dry machining. SEM and EDS analyses confirmed abrasive, oxidative, and adhesive wear as the dominant mechanisms. The MQL–Cryo-LN₂ strategy also lowered microhardness, in contrast to a 39.7% increase observed under dry conditions. These findings highlight the superior performance of hybrid MQL–Cryo-LN₂ in improving machinability, offering a promising solution for precision-driven applications. Full article

The solubility of soybean isolate protein (SPI) undergoes significant degradation during storage and transportation. This study investigates the formulation and assessment of SPI-stabilized medium internal phase emulsions (MIPEs) with different solubilities, namely SPI80, SPI70, SPI60, and SPI50, corresponding to solubility levels of about 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50%, respectively. The contact angles of these SPI variants ranged from 79.35 to 86.55 degrees, with SPI60 and SPI50 exhibiting significantly higher values compared to SPI80 and SPI70. All SPI samples were successfully utilized for the preparation of MIPEs. However, as SPI solubility decreases, emulsion stability progressively declines, accompanied by a reduction in the absolute value of zeta potential. Additionally, interfacial protein adsorption in emulsions decreases with decreasing SPI solubility, a trend that is similarly observed in viscosity characteristics, storage modulus (G′), and loss modulus (G″). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) analyses revealed that emulsions exhibit reduced uniformity and a less interconnected microstructural network as SPI solubility decreases. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for utilizing low-solubility SPI in MIPEs applications. Full article

MADS-box transcription factors have undergone in-depth investigations regarding their function in regulating the development of plant floral organs. Flower type mutants serve as critical biological models for investigating the regulatory mechanisms of MADS-box genes in floral organ development, while simultaneously constituting essential genetic resources for molecular breeding programs. In this work, we examined a lip-like sepal of the peloric mutant in Phalaenopsis ‘Huayang’, which exhibited changes in both the morphology and color of the sepals. Our cryo-SEM investigations revealed that the mutation type belonged to a sepal labellum-like variation in Phalaenopsis ‘Huayang’. Nine glycosylated anthocyanins were identified and their contents were significantly upregulated in the Se-red of mutant flowers. Transcriptomic analysis identified 9408 differentially expressed genes, including 4934 upregulated and 4474 downregulated genes. In addition, 57 MADS-box genes were identified and classed into five groups (Mα, Mβ, Mγ, MIKC*, and MIKC^C) according to a phylogenetic comparison with Arabidopsis homologs. Furthermore, 29 MADS genes were screened from the MIKC^C group, and these genes may play a crucial role in the regulation of floral organ development. Through real-time PCR analysis and protein interaction analysis, we identified three genes that were upregulated in the mutant, which may be involved in sepal development. The subcellular localization results demonstrated that three genes were found within the nucleus. Taken together, our results elucidated the molecular mechanism of sepal variation in Phalaenopsis ‘Huayang’. Our results could enhance our comprehension of the regulatory mechanisms underlying floral patterning and promote the molecular breeding process of Phalaenopsis. Full article

In this study, novel biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL)-based composites for sustainable packaging applications were developed by adding surface-treated wood fibers (WFs). Specifically, the WFs were treated with citric acid (CA) to improve the fiber/matrix adhesion and then melt compounded with a PCL matrix. The presence of an absorption peak at 1720 cm⁻¹ in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of CA-treated WFs, coupled with the increase in the storage modulus and complex viscosity in the rheological analysis, confirmed the occurrence of an esterification reaction between CA and WFs, with a consequent increase in interfacial interactions with the PCL matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the cryo-fractured surface of the composites highlighted that PCL was able to efficiently wet the fibers after the CA treatment, with limited fiber pull-out. Quasi-static tensile tests showed that the composites reinforced with CA-treated wood fibers exhibited a significant increase in yield strength (about 30% with a WF amount of 10% at 0 °C) and also a slight improvement in the VICAT softening temperature (about 6 °C with respect to neat PCL). Water absorption tests showed reduced water uptake in CA-treated composites, consistent with the reduced hydrophilicity confirmed by higher water contact angle values. Therefore, the results obtained in this work highlighted the potential of CA-treated WFs as reinforcement for PCL composites, contributing to the development of eco-sustainable and high-performance packaging materials. Full article

Health benefits associated with hyaluronic acid, along with its properties such as water-binding capacity and antimicrobial activity, suggest that incorporating it into meat systems could provide a basis for formulating functional meat products. This study aimed to evaluate the properties of myofibrillar protein gels and emulsions with varying concentrations of hyaluronic acid. The results indicate that increasing the hyaluronic acid concentration (0.008% to 0.04%) does not significantly affect the cooking loss, while a concentration of 0.08% enhances cooking loss. This, in turn, increased gel hardness, while the water-holding capacity remains unaffected. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) images revealed a partial disruption of the gel structure, with rising hyaluronic concentrations. In pork myofibrillar protein emulsions, smaller droplets and higher stability were observed after HA incorporation. Samples containing hyaluronic acid were more viscous and exhibited shear-thinning properties. Overall, the hyaluronic acid used in this study improved emulsion properties, whereas the gel structure was compromised. Full article

By monitoring the solidification of droplets of plant latices with a fast quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), droplets from Campanula glomerata were found to solidify much faster than droplets from Euphorbia characias and also faster than droplets from all technical latices tested. A similar conclusion was drawn from optical videos, where the plants were injured and the milky fluid was stretched (sometimes forming fibers) after the cut. Rapid solidification cannot be explained with physical drying because physical drying is transport-limited and therefore is inherently slow. It can, however, be explained with coagulation being triggered by a sudden decrease in hydrostatic pressure. A mechanism based on a pressure drop is corroborated by optical videos of both plants being injured under water. While the liquid exuded by E. characias keeps streaming away, the liquid exuded by C. glomerata quickly forms a plug even under water. Presumably, the pressure drop causes an influx of serum into the laticifers. The serum, in turn, triggers a transition from a liquid–liquid phase separated state (an LLPS state) of a resin and hardener to a single-phase state. QCM measurements, optical videos, and cryo-SEM images suggest that LLPS plays a role in the solidification of C. glomerata. Full article

Fruit and vegetable industrialisation is a major contributor to food waste; thus, its integral transformation into functional powders has gained attention. Pretreatments can be incorporated into valorisation processes to generate structural or biochemical changes that improve powders’ characteristics. This study deepens into the impact of biological (fermentation, FERM) and thermophysical (autoclaving, AUTO; microwaves, MW; ultrasound, US; and pasteurisation, PAST) pretreatments, combined with dehydration (hot air-drying, HAD; or freeze-drying, FD) on the characteristics of powdered products obtained from broccoli stems. The impact of pretreatments on physicochemical (moisture, water activity, total soluble solids) and antioxidant properties (phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity by ABTS and DPPH) on residue and powdered products was studied, together with their impact on plant tissue structure (Cryo-SEM) and the powders’ phenolic profile (HPLC). Probiotic viability was also determined on the fermented samples. The pretreatments applied, particularly the ultrasound, improved the antioxidant properties of the broccoli stems compared to the unpretreated samples, in line with microscopic observations. Dehydration did also improve the antioxidant attributes of the broccoli wastes, especially drying at 60 °C. However, pretreatments combined with dehydration did not generally lead to an improvement in the antioxidant properties of the powders. Probiotic properties were preserved in the freeze-dried products (>10⁷ CFU/g). In conclusion, pretreatments may be applied to enhance the antioxidant attributes of broccoli wastes, but not necessarily that of dried powdered products. Full article

The leaf surface micromorphology and the size of the stomatal complex of hybrids in the eighth seed generation from the crossing of ×Trititrigia cziczinii × Elymus farctus (f11814) on the wheat-like wheat-wheatgrass hybrid w107 were investigated by performing scanning electron microscopy of frozen samples (cryoSEM). The micromorphological characteristics of the paternal plants (w107) were dominant in the hybrid leaves. Costal long cells with silicified wavy walls, characteristic of w107 but absent in the mother plants f11814 and E. farctus, were observed in all hybrid samples examined. Conversely, shield-shaped prickles, a characteristic feature of E. farctus, were retained only in some hybrids. In addition, the maternal feature of Ω-shaped junctions of long epidermal cells in the intercostal zone was completely absent in hybrids. Quantitative parameters of the stomatal apparatus showed a weak correlation with micromorphological markers. Stomatal density on the adaxial side was inversely correlated with stomatal size, while variation in these parameters on the abaxial side occurred independently. The prevalence of paternal micromorphological traits in the hybrids seems to be a consequence of the elimination of genetic material from E. farctus, analogous to the loss of chromosomes from wild species observed in other distant crosses. Full article

Gliadin nanoparticle (GNP) is a promising foaming agent, but its application is hindered by the limited foam stability under low acidic conditions. Herein, we attempted to tune the foam stability of GNP by coating it with flaxseed gum (FG) and investigated the structure, interfacial behaviors, and foam functionality of gliadin-FG (GFG) particles at pH 4.5. Results showed that the formation of GFG complex particles was driven by an electrostatic interaction between positive charge patches on the surface of GNP (~17 mV) and negative charges in FG molecule (~−13 mV) at all tested ratios. The addition of appropriate amounts of FG (1:0.05) effectively improved the foam stability of GNP. This was because GFG with larger sizes and lower surface charge possessed higher rigidity after coating with FG. When they adsorbed at the air/water interface, their deformation process was slower than that of GNP, as indicated by interfacial dilatational rheology and cryo-SEM, and the covered particles seemed to be more closely distributed to form solid-like and dense interfacial films. Notably, the addition of FG at a higher ratio (1:0.3) promoted the foam stability of GNP by about five folds because the larger GFG with suitable flexibility and wettability could form a stiff interface layer with more significant elastic response, and the unabsorbed particles and FG could form a gel-like network structure in the continuous phase. These characteristics effectively prevented foam disproportionation and coalescence, as well as retard the drainage. Our findings demonstrate that coating GNPs with FG is an effective approach to improve their application in foamed foods. Full article

RNA viruses, being submicroscopic organisms, have intriguing biological makeups and substantially impact human health. Microscopic methods have been utilized for studying RNA viruses at a variety of scales. In order of observation scale from large to small, fluorescence microscopy, cryo-soft X-ray tomography (cryo-SXT), serial cryo-focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (cryo-FIB/SEM) volume imaging, cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) single-particle analysis (SPA) have been employed, enabling researchers to explore the intricate world of RNA viruses, their ultrastructure, dynamics, and interactions with host cells. These methods evolve to be combined to achieve a wide resolution range from atomic to sub-nano resolutions, making correlative microscopy an emerging trend. The developments in microscopic methods provide multi-fold and spatial information, advancing our understanding of viral infections and providing critical tools for developing novel antiviral strategies and rapid responses to emerging viral threats. Full article

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties and pharmacokinetics of liposomal vitamin C in powder form obtained by a method devoid of organic solvents. The powder and liposome morphology were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), respectively. Additionally, the carrier particle size, size distribution (STEP-Technology^®; L.U.M. GmbH, Berlin, Germany), and zeta potential value were determined. The pharmacokinetic parameters of liposomal and non-liposomal vitamin C (AUC, C_max, C_10h, and C_24h) were compared in a randomized, single-dose, double-blind, cross-over trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05843617) involving healthy adult volunteers (n = 10, 1000 mg dose). The process of spray drying used to transform liquid suspensions of the liposomes into powder form did not adversely affect the quality of the carrier particles obtained. Compared to non-encapsulated vitamin C, oral administration of the liposomal formulation resulted in significantly better absorption of ascorbic acid into the bloodstream, which equated to a higher bioavailability of the liposomal product (30% increase in AUC, p < 0.05). The duration of elevated vitamin C blood levels was also longer (C_24h increase of 30%, p < 0.05). Although the results obtained are promising and suggest higher bioavailability for the liposomal form of vitamin C, the limited sample size necessitates further research with a larger cohort to confirm these findings. Full article

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) stands out among fruit in terms of three open physiological questions about its climacteric character, CO₂ uptake, and the absence or presence of stomata on its floral organs. The objective of the present study was to examine the structures of blueberry flowers and fruit to explain their contribution to CO₂ exchange and transpiration in order to clarify these discrepancies. Blueberries were dewaxed and the sepals/corolla removed for stomata counts, and their micromorphology was studied via LT-SEM. The fruit has stomata, contrary to beliefs in the literature, possibly because the stomata are occluded by the dense wax cover or ‘bloom’ and hidden on the distal part of the ovary in between and underneath the corolla. However, stomata were located on the distal part of the fruit surrounded by the sepals (calyx) and found predominantly on the abaxial sepals, while the adaxial side of the sepals and the proximal part of the ovary lacked stomata. The petals were devoid of stomata, trichomes, and chlorophyll and abscised after anthesis. In contrast, the sepals remained until maturity, contributing 5–7% to the berry surface but contributing to the majority of fruit stomata and chlorophyll. With 59–71% of the fruit’s chlorophyll, sepals were a significant source of the CO₂ uptake. Similarly, with 95% of the berry stomata, sepals were a significant source of water loss, measured via porometry of fruit with and without sepals. Overall, this study identified the ovary as a minor source and sepals as the dominant source of CO₂ and H₂O exchange in blueberries. Full article

Palm oil (PO), a semi-solid fat at room temperature, is a popular food ingredient. To steer the fat functionality, sucrose esters (SEs) are often used as food additives. Many SEs exist, varying in their hydrophilic-to-lipophilic balance (HLB), making them suitable for various food and non-food applications. In this study, a stearic–palmitic sucrose ester with a moderate HLB (6) was studied. It was found that the SE exhibited a complex thermal behavior consistent with smectic liquid crystals (type A). Small-angle X-ray scattering revealed that the mono- and poly-esters of the SE have different packings, more specifically, double and single chain-length packing. The polymorphism encountered upon crystallization was repeatable during successive heating and cooling cycles. After studying the pure SE, it was added to palm oil, and the crystallization behavior of the mixture was compared to that of pure palm oil. The crystallization conditions were varied by applying cooling at 20 °C/min (fast) and 1 °C/min (slow) to 0 °C, 20 °C or 25 °C. The samples were followed for one hour of isothermal time. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that nucleation and polymorphic transitions were accelerated. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) unraveled that the α-to-β′ polymorphic transition remained present upon the addition of the SE. SAXS showed that the addition of the SE at 0.5 wt% did not significantly change the double chain-length packing of palm oil, but it decreased the domain size when cooling in a fast manner. Ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) revealed that the addition of the SE created smaller crystal nanoplatelets (CNPs). The microstructure of the fat crystal network was visualized by means of polarized light microscopy (PLM) and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). The addition of the SE created a finer and space-filling network without the visibility of separate floc structures. Full article

Melon pest management relies on the excessive application of pesticides. Reducing pesticide spraying has become a global issue for environmental sustainability and human health. Therefore, developing a new cropping system that is sustainable and eco-friendly is important. This study found that melon seedlings irrigated with ultrafine water containing H₂ and O₂ (UFW) produced more root hairs, increased shoot height, and produced more flowers than the control irrigated with reverse osmosis (RO) water. Surprisingly, we also discovered that UFW irrigation significantly reduced aphid infestation in melons. Based on cryo-scanning electron microscope (cryo-SEM) observations, UFW treatment enhanced trichome development and prevented aphid infestation. To investigate whether it was H₂ or O₂ that helped to deter insect infestation, we prepared UF water enrichment of H₂ (UF+H₂) and O₂ (UF+O₂) separately and irrigated melons. Cryo-SEM results indicated that both UF+H₂ and UF+O₂ can increase the density of trichomes in melon leaves and petioles. RT-qPCR showed that UF+H₂ significantly increased the gene expression level of the trichome-related gene GLABRA2 (GL2). We planted melons in a plastic greenhouse and irrigated them with ultrafine water enrichment of hydrogen (UF+H₂) and oxygen (UF+O₂). The SPAD value, photosynthetic parameters, root weight, fruit weight, and fruit sweetness were all better than the control without ultrafine water irrigation. UFW significantly increased trichome development, enhanced insect resistance, and improved fruit traits. This system thus provides useful water management for pest control and sustainable agricultural production. Full article