Search Results (1,665)

The dairy industry requires effective non-thermal processing strategies capable of ensuring microbial safety while preserving the nutritional and bioactive quality of milk. This study describes a novel milk decontamination approach based on selective ionic removal by dialysis, resulting in a controlled reduction in ionic strength. Milk deionization significantly reduced the microbial load in raw bovine milk to levels comparable to those achieved by conventional thermal pasteurization, while largely preserving its physicochemical composition. Ionic depletion enhanced the antimicrobial effectiveness of endogenous milk components; this effect was abolished when native salt concentrations were maintained, highlighting the key role of ionic modulation in microbial control. Major milk constituents, including proteins, fat, and solids-not-fat, were not substantially affected by deionization, whereas low-molecular-weight solutes such as lactose and urea were partially removed. Deionized milk also exhibited improved stability during refrigerated storage, as evidenced by delayed acidification compared with raw and pasteurized milk. Overall, these results demonstrate that milk deionization represents a feasible proof-of-concept non-thermal alternative to pasteurization based on ionic modulation, with potential applications in dairy processing and human milk preservation, where maintenance of bioactive components is particularly desirable. Full article

Patulin (PAT) is a fatal mycotoxin that exerts serious threats to human and animal health. Biodegradation of PAT is considered to be one of the promising ways for controlling its contamination. In this study, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 6076 (LP 6076) with reliable removal efficiency on PAT was screened out from three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains. It was found that the PAT was eliminated through degradation by LP 6076, and the intracellular proteins played a crucial role in PAT degradation with the induction of PAT. The proteomic analysis showed that the response of LP 6076 to PAT was by a concerted effort to repair DNA damage, in parallel to adaptive changes in cell wall biosynthesis and central metabolism. Eleven differentially expressed proteins with high fold changes were picked out and identified as PAT degradation candidate enzymes. The 3D structures of the candidate enzymes were predicted, and molecular docking between the enzymes and PAT was performed. Five enzymes, including Acetoin utilization AcuB protein (AU), GHKL domain-containing protein (GHLK), Dihydroneopterin aldolase (DA), YdeI/OmpD-associated family protein (YDEL), and Transcription regulator protein (TR), could dock with PAT with lower affinity and shorter distance. Through molecular docking analysis, DA was ultimately identified as a potential key degrading enzyme. The choice of DA was substantiated by its superior combination of strong binding affinity and a productive binding pose with PAT. VAL84 and GLN51 residues of DA were likely the active sites, forming four hydrogen bonds with PAT. Our study could accelerate the commercial application of biodegradation toward PAT decontamination. Full article

Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) remain a significant global challenge, as pathogenic microorganisms can persist on hospital surfaces and medical equipment, contributing to severe infections and epidemic outbreaks. Conventional preventive measures, including disinfection procedures and personal protective equipment, are often insufficient to ensure complete microbial control, prompting interest in innovative antimicrobial surface technologies. This study reports the design, preparation, and comprehensive characterization of chitosan- and poly(ε-caprolactone)-based antibacterial coatings incorporating chlorhexidine-loaded zirconium phosphate (ZrPCHX) nanoparticles. Coatings were deposited by optimized spray and brush techniques to obtain uniform, adherent, and well-defined films. Their morphological, physicochemical, mechanical, and cytocompatibility properties were systematically evaluated, and antibacterial efficacy was assessed against clinically relevant pathogens following ISO 22196:2011 and additional protocols simulating realistic hospital conditions. Both coating systems demonstrated pronounced antibacterial activity, with the PCL-based formulation exhibiting a faster and broader bactericidal effect while maintaining good cytocompatibility. These findings support the potential of the developed nanostructured coatings as sustainable and scalable materials for the active decontamination of high-touch hospital surfaces, offering continuous antimicrobial protection and contributing to a reduction in HCAI incidence. Full article

The valorization of agricultural residues helps improve crop economic efficiency and alleviate environmental pressures. Owing to the merits of simplicity, high efficiency, low costs, and scalability, adsorption removal of contaminants using biochar has been widely investigated. The adsorption removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater using biochar derived from agricultural residue follows the principles of the circular economy and green chemistry, facilitating both environmental remediation and agricultural development. Due to the distinctive precursors—agricultural residues—biochar exhibits unique physicochemical properties, enabling it to interact differently with contaminants in real wastewater. Herein, this review addresses the knowledge gap in wastewater remediation using agricultural residue-based biochar. It compiles the principles of adsorption with agricultural waste-derived biochar, including general concepts, interactions between biochar and wastewater contaminants, and selective adsorption. The preparation, activation, modification, functionalization, and regeneration of such biochar, as well as their application to wastewater remediation, are comprehensively outlined. Furthermore, the economic evaluation and environmental impacts, as well as the future directions and challenges in this field, have also been presented. Full article

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) remains a major challenge in healthcare settings due to its persistence on inanimate surfaces and resistance to conventional cleaning methods. Bacteriophages (phages) represent a promising biocontrol option owing to their high specificity and lytic activity. Methods: This study evaluated the use of a personal hand-held vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) as a rapid and localized delivery platform for phage aerosols. Using two lytic phages (ϕ2, Podovirus; ϕ11, Myovirus), we assessed phage stability under different storage conditions, viability during VMN operation, and surface decontamination efficacy under varying spray parameters. Results: In saline, both phages showed optimal long-term stability at 4 °C, whereas storage at −20 °C resulted in a progressive reduction in infectivity exceeding 3 logs over the storage period. VMN aerosolization did not compromise viability. A 3 min spray achieved >99.9% surface reduction: ϕ2 was effective at 1 × 10⁷ PFU/mL, whereas ϕ11 required 1 × 10⁸ PFU/mL. Importantly, residual ϕ2 activity persisted for at least 24 h, preventing detectable recolonization under the assay conditions, while ϕ11 protection was limited to 6 h. Conclusions: These findings establish the hand-held sprayer as a practical, low-cost, and flexible approach to deliver viable phage aerosols, providing an effective complement to large-scale disinfection systems and offering a targeted strategy to enhance infection control in healthcare environments. Full article

Contamination of agricultural soils with heavy metals, such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb), is a major problem for food safety and environmental sustainability. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of phytoremediation induced with Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in reducing the content of heavy metals in contaminated soils. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using soil polluted with Zn, Cu and Pb, to which different treatments were applied, using: the biological method (Indian mustard only), the chemical method (EDTA in three concentrations: 0.5–1.0–2.0 mmol·kg⁻¹) and the mixed method (Indian mustard and EDTA in three concentrations: 0.5–1.0–2.0 mmol·kg⁻¹). The determinations included the analysis of the residual metal content by atomic absorption spectroscopy, as well as the evaluation of the physiological parameters of the plants (biomass, chlorophyll content in leaves, humidity, height). The results of unifactorial and bifactorial ANOVA revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.001) between the treatments and the types of metals, confirming the synergistic interaction between the chelation and phytoextraction processes. The combined treatments Indian mustard and EDTA in concentrations of 1.0 mmol·kg⁻¹ and 2.0 mmol·kg⁻¹, ensured the highest decontamination efficiency, with reductions of 51.5% for Zn, 36.3% for Pb and 27.5% for Cu. In conclusion, the mixed method represents a viable, ecological and reproducible strategy for the remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals. Full article

No method to assess the risks of petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants C6–C9 in soils on construction land in China has been established. At one decommissioned petroleum refinery site in northwestern China, we performed an innovative tier 3 risk assessment method using carbon fraction proportions. Using HJ 25.3 guidelines, the risk-screening value for soil contamination of land by petroleum hydrocarbons was 192 mg kg⁻¹ for industrial land use. However, based on site-specific parameters, this value was 226 mg kg⁻¹, with a corresponding contaminated soil volume of 381,904 m³. A tier 3 risk assessment incorporating carbon fraction proportions and site-specific parameters yielded a risk control value of 2370 mg kg⁻¹ and reduced the soil volume requiring decontamination to 87,047 m³, potentially saving CNY 324 million (~USD 45.5 million as of November 2025) in remediation costs. Therefore, implementing a tier 3 risk assessment for C6–C9 pollutants can optimize remediation strategies and enhance the precision and scientific rigor of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil remediation. Full article

Background: Lewisite, a potent chemical warfare agent, induces rapid and progressive cutaneous damage, necessitating treatment strategies that offer both immediate decontamination and prolonged therapeutic action. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a composite topical formulation comprising 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA)-loaded emulsomes embedded within a foam vehicle to address both aspects of vesicant-induced skin injury intervention. Methods: Emulsomes composed of a stearic acid–cholesterol solid lipid core stabilized by a lecithin shell were prepared via thin film hydration and optimized by varying lipid ratios and drug loading parameters. Formulations were characterized for drug loading, particle size, and zeta potential. Physicochemical compatibility was assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. Stability was evaluated under accelerated refrigerated (25 °C/60% RH) and room temperature (40 °C/75% RH) conditions. The optimized formulation was incorporated into a foam base and evaluated for decontamination efficiency, drug release kinetics, in vitro permeation, and in vivo efficacy. Results: The selected formulation (E2) exhibited high drug loading (17.01 ± 0.00%), monodisperse particle size (PDI = 0.3 ± 0.07), and stable zeta potential (−40 ± 1.24 mV). FTIR and DSC confirmed successful encapsulation with amorphous drug dispersion. The emulsome-foam demonstrated dual functionality: enhanced decontamination (66.84 ± 1.27%) and sustained release (~30% over 24 h), fitting a Korsmeyer–Peppas model. In vitro permeation showed significantly lower 4-PBA delivery from E2 versus free drug, confirming sustained release, while in vivo studies demonstrated therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions: This emulsome-foam system offers a promising platform for topical treatment of vesicant-induced skin injury by enabling both immediate detoxification and prolonged anti-inflammatory drug delivery. Full article

Dry heat inactivates pathogens on personal protective equipment without chemical residues, but its effects on material integrity and performance across multiple reprocessing cycles have not been comprehensively assessed. We evaluated five filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) models and three surgical mask (SM) models after one, two, and three cycles of dry heat (80 °C, 90 min). We measured fabric and strap tensile properties as indicators of mechanical durability [Young’s modulus (E), yield strength (σ_y), ultimate tensile strength (σ_UTS), and strain at failure (ε_f)]. We also assessed particle filtration efficiency (PFE) and airflow resistance (breathability). Under the methods applied herein, all untreated SMs and FFRs performed within the range anticipated for their type. Tensile properties exhibited heterogeneous, model-specific responses to thermal stress. FFR fabrics ranged from progressive stiffening (Dräger DR-X1720C; +120% E) to marked softening (3M-8210; −82% E), while SM fabrics exhibited softening, consistent with thermal relaxation. Straps made of thermoplastic elastomer (3M-8210 and 3M-9320A+) weakened (15–31% σ_UTS decrease), whereas braided polyisoprene straps (3M-1860S and 3M-1870+) maintained their original strength. Despite these changes, all treated FFR replicates met filtration requirements across all cycles (45/45). For SMs, 24/27 treated replicates met the required PFE threshold (≥98%), but 3 treated RH-S919B replicates fell below this threshold (PFE 94.9% and 97.7% after one cycle, and PFE 97.3% after three cycles), identifying a potential model-specific vulnerability to the treatment. Breathability remained within control ranges for most models; however, the Level 2 ZA-S001B showed decreased breathability (higher airflow resistance) after two (+11.1 Pa) and three (+13.3 Pa) dry-heat cycles, whereas the Level 3 RH-S920TFG showed modest improvements in breathability (lower airflow resistance, up to −10.1 Pa). Under these laboratory conditions, up to three cycles of dry heat at 80 °C for 90 min preserved PFE and breathability in all treated FFR replicates and in most treated SM replicates. Nonetheless, there were measurable, component-specific mechanical changes (especially in some straps) that could compromise fit and durability with repeated use. These findings support dry heat at 80 °C for 90 min as a potential component of emergency PPE processing strategies, provided that model-specific quantitative fit testing and extended-wear studies confirm safe real-world reuse, regulatory approvals are met, and end-user acceptability is considered. Full article

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen of significant concern. While it typically causes mild, self-limiting gastroenteritis, it poses a much higher threat to immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women, where it may lead to miscarriage. Numerous outbreaks have been linked to ready-to-eat foods. Although heat treatment is commonly used for microbial decontamination, it is unsuitable for fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables. Other physical (e.g., UV, gamma irradiation) and chemical (e.g., NaOCl, ozone) methods can compromise sensory qualities or face limited consumer acceptance. Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) has emerged as a promising alternative, particularly when using natural photosensitizers. Because PDI efficacy depends on photosensitizer diffusion, there is a need to further explore how different and complex fruit surface structures may influence its performance. Three fruit models were therefore selected to represent distinct surface textures and were evaluated in situ: apples (smooth), strawberries (irregular), and kiwis (fuzzy and hairy surface). The influence of contamination order was also evaluated, as this factor is highly relevant to real-world supply-chain scenarios but has been largely overlooked in prior research. Additionally, the study investigated how the order of contamination affected the decontamination outcome. Sodium-magnesium-chlorophyllin (Na-Mg-Chl), an approved food additive (E140), was used as photosensitizer. Fruits were cut into 1 cm² squares and inoculated with L. monocytogenes. A 100 µM Na-Mg-Chl solution was applied either before or after bacterial inoculation. All samples were then illuminated using a 395 nm LED (radiant exposure 15 J/cm²). When L. monocytogenes was applied first, followed by the addition of Na-Mg-Chl, a 5.96 log reduction was observed in apples, a 5.71 log reduction in strawberries, and a 6.02 log reduction in kiwis. Conversely, when Na-Mg-Chl was applied prior to bacterial deposition, apples showed a 5.61 log reduction, strawberries demonstrated a 6.34 log reduction, and kiwis achieved the highest inactivation, at 6.74 log units. These results indicate that PDI consistently achieved substantial bacterial reductions across all fruit types, regardless of surface characteristics or application order. This supports PDI as a powerful method for fruit surface decontamination, reducing public health risks and economic losses while preserving product quality and consumer confidence. Full article

Chemical emergencies in transport are rare but operationally demanding. This study presents a framework that converts the timeline of a real intervention involving a cyclohexylamine leak after a tanker truck overturned into a Petri net and subsequently into an absorbing Markov model. This provides decision-oriented indicators for the intervention phases and enables what-if analysis. Application to a case study shows that the capacity of the decontamination line has a significant impact on the duration of the incident resolution, while introducing a small probability of returning from technical measures to decontamination slightly prolongs the course while leaving the certainty of successful completion unchanged. Mapping between activities, Petri net locations, and aggregated states promotes transparency and the repeatability of procedures and highlights activities with a high number of repeat visits. The outputs are useful for decision making related to personnel and material resources, post-review analyses, and exercise planning. The limitations lie in calibration to a single incident, the partial use of expertly estimated parameters, and the approximate conversion of “steps” to time. Future work will focus on multiple cases, finer-grained time handling, and explicit capacity modelling. Full article

Background/Objectives: We investigated multimodal strategies to reduce neonatal ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and antimicrobial use across three periods: period 1 (2014–2017), environmental cleaning with sodium hypochlorite, installation of heat and moisture exchangers, elective high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) as the primary invasive mode, and nasal HFOV after extubation; period 2 (2018–2020), oral care with maternal milk; and period 3 (2021–2024), nasal synchronized intermittent positive pressure ventilation after extubation. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study of all neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in Thailand. We compared the trends in VAP and antimicrobial use rates using interrupted time-series analysis with segmented regression. Results: During the 11-year study period, 45.6% of neonates were intubated (2470/5414), and the ventilator utilization ratio was 0.19 (17,820 ventilator days/95,151 patient days). The overall VAP incidence was 4.55 per 1000 ventilator days. The yearly VAP incidence density ratio was significantly lower than in 2014. The baseline trend of VAP incidence and colistin use decreased significantly during period 1; nonetheless, the level and slope did not differ significantly between periods 1, 2, and 3. Conclusions: Tailored implementations, namely environmental decontamination, ventilator circuit care, elective HFOV, and nasal HFOV, reduced VAP and colistin use during period 1. Moreover, additive interventions, including oral care in period 2 and nasal synchronized intermittent positive pressure ventilation in period 3, achieved sustained VAP reduction and limited colistin prescriptions in period 1. Full article

Developments in the textile industry occur both as a consequence of increased awareness among users and various requirements in terms of human and environmental safety. Modifications are aimed at improving performance parameters, using natural substances, moving away from synthetic materials, and improving ergonomics. In order to achieve this, various fibre-production techniques are used, as is the addition of substances, including nanosubstances, into the structure or onto the surface of a given material. In the case of fire-resistant fabrics, which primarily must meet thermal protection requirements, efforts are also being made to reduce weight and eliminate harmful chemicals (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs), and to create smart materials with sensors. However, it is necessary to further develop not only the materials themselves but also cleaning and decontamination techniques that will allow the fire resistance parameters that have been developed to be maintained. Full article

Contaminated water detoxification remains difficult due to the presence of persistent halo-organic contaminants, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and chlorophenols, which are chemically stable and resist conventional purification methods. Functionalized membrane-based separation and decontamination have garnered immense attention in recent years. Commercially available microfiltration membrane (PVDF) and polymeric non-woven fiber filters (glass and composite) are functionalized with poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) that shows outstanding pH-responsive performance and tunable water permeability under ambient conditions perfect for environmental applications. Polymer loading based on weight gain measurements on PMAA–microglass composite fibers (137%) and microglass fibers (116%) confirmed their extent of functionalization, which was significantly greater than that of PVDF (25%) due to its widely effective pore diameter. Presence of chemically active hydrogel within PVDF matrix was validated by FTIR (hydroxyl/carbonyl) stretch peak, substantial decrease in contact angle (68.8° ± 0.5° to 30.8° ± 1.9°), and decrease in pure water flux from 509 to 148 LMH/bar. Nanoparticles are generated both in solution and within PVDF using simple redox reactions. This strategy is extended to PVDF-PMAA membranes, which are loaded with Fe/Pd nanoparticles for catalytic conversion of 4-chlorophenol and PFOA, forming Fe/Pd-PVDF-PMAA systems. A total of 0.25 mg/L Fe/Pd nanoparticles synthesized in solution displayed alloy-type structures and demonstrated a strong catalytic performance, achieving complete hydrogenation of 4-chlorophenol to phenol and 67% hydrogenation of PFOA to its reduced form at 22–23 °C with ultrapure hydrogen gas supply at pH 5.7. These results underscore the potential of hybrid polymer–nanoparticle systems as a novel remediation strategy, integrating tunable separation with catalytic degradation to overcome the limitations of conventional water treatment methods. Full article

This research focuses on developing and optimizing mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) into a polysulfone (PSF) matrix to enhance the separation performance of CO₂ and CH₄. The morphology and gas separation performance of the MMMs were systematically characterized. The incorporation of GO enhanced gas permeation and CO₂/CH₄ selectivity, as evaluated using a gas permeation setup. Notably, the PSF/GO-0.3 wt.% membrane exhibited superior performance, achieving a CO₂ permeability of 21.63 Barrer, among the highest reported for PSF-based MMMs. Additionally, the membrane demonstrated a CO₂/CH₄ selectivity of 14.32, highlighting its effectiveness in distinguishing between the two gases, which is essential for carbon capture and natural gas decontamination applications. The uniform distribution of GO within the polymer matrix contributed to the membrane’s enhanced performance. Furthermore, the MMMs exhibited outstanding resistance to CO₂ plasticization, with the PSF/GO-0.3 wt.% membrane maintaining its performance at pressures up to 10 bar, a significant improvement over the pristine PSF membrane, which failed at 4 bar. The improved plasticization resistance is ascribed to the reinforcing effect of GO, which stabilizes the polymer matrix, minimizing CO₂-induced swelling. The PSF/GO-0.3 wt.% membrane exhibited exceptional CO₂ permeability, selectivity, and plasticization resistance, making it a viable alternative for industrial gas separation applications and outperforming previously reported PSF-based MMMs. Full article