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20 pages, 4351 KB  
Article
A Conductive, Photothermal and Antioxidant ε-Poly-L-Lysine/Carbon Nanotube Hydrogel as a Candidate Dressing for Chronic Diabetic Wounds
by Jinqiang Zhu, Wenjun Qin, Bo Wu, Haining Li, Cui Cheng, Xiao Han and Xiwen Jiang
Polymers 2026, 18(3), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18030332 - 26 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background: Chronic diabetic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), are prone to recurrent infection and delayed healing, resulting in substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Multifunctional wound dressings that combine antibacterial, antioxidant, conductive, and self-healing properties may help to address the complex microenvironment [...] Read more.
Background: Chronic diabetic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), are prone to recurrent infection and delayed healing, resulting in substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Multifunctional wound dressings that combine antibacterial, antioxidant, conductive, and self-healing properties may help to address the complex microenvironment of chronic diabetic wounds. Methods: In this study, ε-poly-L-lysine and amino-terminated polyethylene glycol were grafted onto carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) via amide coupling to obtain ε-PL-CNT-PEG. Aminated chondroitin sulfate (CS-ADH) and a catechol–metal coordination complex of protocatechualdehyde and Fe3+ (PA@Fe) were then used to construct a dynamic covalently cross-linked hydrogel network through Schiff-base chemistry. The obtained hydrogels (Gel0–3, Gel4) were characterized for photothermal performance, rheological behavior, microstructure, swelling/degradation, adhesiveness, antioxidant capacity, electrical conductivity, cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and antibacterial activity in the presence and absence of near-infrared (NIR, 808 nm) irradiation. Results: ε-PL-CNT-PEG showed good aqueous dispersibility, NIR-induced photothermal conversion, and improved cytocompatibility after surface modification. Incorporation of ε-PL-CNT-PEG into the PA@Fe/CS-ADH network yielded conductive hydrogels with porous microstructures and storage modulus (G′) higher than loss modulus (G′′) over the tested frequency range, indicating stable gel-like behavior. The hydrogels exhibited self-healing under alternating strain and macroscopic rejoining after cutting. Swelling and degradation studies demonstrated pH-dependent degradation, with faster degradation in mildly acidic conditions (pH 5.0), mimicking infected chronic diabetic wounds. The hydrogels adhered to diverse substrates and tolerated joint movements. Gel4 showed notable DPPH• and H2O2 scavenging (≈65% and ≈60%, respectively, within several hours). The electrical conductivity was 0.19 ± 0.0X mS/cm for Gel0–3 and 0.21 ± 0.0Y mS/cm for Gel4 (mean ± SD, n = 3), falling within the range reported for human skin. In vitro, NIH3T3 cells maintained >90% viability in the presence of hydrogel extracts, and hemolysis ratios remained below 5%. Hydrogels containing ε-PL-CNT-PEG displayed enhanced antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and NIR irradiation further reduced bacterial survival, with some formulations achieving near-complete inhibition under low-power (0.2–0.3 W/cm2) 808 nm irradiation. Conclusions: A dynamic, conductive hydrogel based on PA@Fe, CS-ADH, and ε-PL-CNT-PEG was successfully developed. The hydrogel combines photothermal antibacterial activity, antioxidant capacity, electrical conductivity, self-healing behavior, adhesiveness, cytocompatibility, and hemocompatibility. These properties suggest potential for application as a wound dressing for chronic diabetic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, although further in vivo studies are required to validate therapeutic efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Networks and Gels)
27 pages, 49724 KB  
Article
AMSRDet: An Adaptive Multi-Scale UAV Infrared-Visible Remote Sensing Vehicle Detection Network
by Zekai Yan and Yuheng Li
Sensors 2026, 26(3), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26030817 - 26 Jan 2026
Abstract
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms enable flexible and cost-effective vehicle detection for intelligent transportation systems, yet small-scale vehicles in complex aerial scenes pose substantial challenges from extreme scale variations, environmental interference, and single-sensor limitations. We present AMSRDet (Adaptive Multi-Scale Remote Sensing Detector), an [...] Read more.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms enable flexible and cost-effective vehicle detection for intelligent transportation systems, yet small-scale vehicles in complex aerial scenes pose substantial challenges from extreme scale variations, environmental interference, and single-sensor limitations. We present AMSRDet (Adaptive Multi-Scale Remote Sensing Detector), an adaptive multi-scale detection network fusing infrared (IR) and visible (RGB) modalities for robust UAV-based vehicle detection. Our framework comprises four novel components: (1) a MobileMamba-based dual-stream encoder extracting complementary features via Selective State-Space 2D (SS2D) blocks with linear complexity O(HWC), achieving 2.1× efficiency improvement over standard Transformers; (2) a Cross-Modal Global Fusion (CMGF) module capturing global dependencies through spatial-channel attention while suppressing modality-specific noise via adaptive gating; (3) a Scale-Coordinate Attention Fusion (SCAF) module integrating multi-scale features via coordinate attention and learned scale-aware weighting, improving small object detection by 2.5 percentage points; and (4) a Separable Dynamic Decoder generating scale-adaptive predictions through content-aware dynamic convolution, reducing computational cost by 48.9% compared to standard DETR decoders. On the DroneVehicle dataset, AMSRDet achieves 45.8% mAP@0.5:0.95 (81.2% mAP@0.5) at 68.3 Frames Per Second (FPS) with 28.6 million (M) parameters and 47.2 Giga Floating Point Operations (GFLOPs), outperforming twenty state-of-the-art detectors including YOLOv12 (+0.7% mAP), DEIM (+0.8% mAP), and Mamba-YOLO (+1.5% mAP). Cross-dataset evaluation on Camera-vehicle yields 52.3% mAP without fine-tuning, demonstrating strong generalization across viewpoints and scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI and Smart Sensors for Intelligent Transportation Systems)
15 pages, 1942 KB  
Article
Measurements of Radical Reactivity with an Imine, (CF3)2CNH: Rate Constants for Chlorine Atoms and Hydroxyl Radicals and the Global Warming Potential
by Savi Savi and Paul Marshall
Molecules 2026, 31(3), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31030424 - 26 Jan 2026
Abstract
The rate constant kOH for the reaction of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroprop-2-imine with OH radicals was measured relative to two reference compounds, CH3F and CH3CHF2, to be kOH = (4.2 ± 1.1) × 10−14 cm3 molecule [...] Read more.
The rate constant kOH for the reaction of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroprop-2-imine with OH radicals was measured relative to two reference compounds, CH3F and CH3CHF2, to be kOH = (4.2 ± 1.1) × 10−14 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at 295 K. This implies an atmospheric lifetime with respect to consumption by OH of 0.75 years. Reaction with Cl atoms yielded kCl = (7.9 ± 1.7) × 10−16 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at 295 K, and reaction with O3 has an upper limit of kO3 < 4 × 10−23 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, so that the atmospheric consumption by Cl and O3 is negligibly slow. Absolute infrared cross sections of the imine yield a radiative efficiency of 0.34 W m−2 ppb−1, which is corrected to 0.23 W m−2 ppb−1 for the effects of atmospheric lifetime. The imine’s corresponding 100-year global warming potential is 64 ± 19. This value is an upper limit, given that heterogenous atmospheric removal paths, such as hydrolysis in water droplets, are not included. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physical Chemistry)
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13 pages, 3517 KB  
Article
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil as a Natural Photosensitizer in Photodynamic Therapy Against MDR Candida spp.: In Vitro Study
by Cinzia Casu, Antonia Sinesi, Andrea Butera, Sara Fais, Alessandro Chiesa, Andrea Scribante and Germano Orrù
Optics 2026, 7(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/opt7010010 - 26 Jan 2026
Abstract
The growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Candida spp. necessitates the development of new antifungal strategies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), already widely used in the treatment of various oral infections, is based on the synergistic interaction of three key elements: a photosensitizer capable of selectively [...] Read more.
The growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Candida spp. necessitates the development of new antifungal strategies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), already widely used in the treatment of various oral infections, is based on the synergistic interaction of three key elements: a photosensitizer capable of selectively binding to microbial cells, a light source with the appropriate wavelength, and the presence of molecular oxygen. This interaction results in the production of singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species, responsible for the selective destruction of microorganisms. In recent years, numerous natural compounds have been explored as potential photosensitizers. Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, was recently recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a medicinal substance thanks to its soothing, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties, which have also been documented in regard to oral administration. Materials and Methods: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the efficacy of activated olive oil as a novel photosensitizer in PDT against Candida species. Oral MDR clinical isolates of C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. glabrata were analyzed using the Kirby–Bauer method according to EUCAST protocols. Six different experimental conditions were considered for each strain: (i) 100 μL of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO); (ii) 100 μL of EVOO pre-activated with 3% H2O2 (EVOO-H); (iii) 100 μL of EVOO irradiated for 5 min with polarized light (480–3400 nm, 25 W); (iv) 100 μL of EVOO-H subjected to the same polarized light; (v) 100 μL of EVOO irradiated for 5 min with a 660 nm diode laser (100 mW); and (vi) 100 μL of EVOO-H irradiated with the same laser. All plates were incubated at 37 °C for 48 h. Results: The results showed a variable response among the different Candida species. C. glabrata showed sensitivity to all experimental conditions, with a 50% increase in the diameter of the inhibition zone in the presence of polarized light. C. krusei showed no sensitivity under any of the conditions tested. C. albicans showed antifungal activity exclusively when EVOO-H was activated by light. In particular, activation of EVOO and EVOO-H with polarized light resulted in the largest inhibition zones. Conclusions: In conclusion, olive oil, both alone and pre-activated with hydrogen peroxide, can be considered an effective photosensitizer against drug-resistant Candida spp., especially when combined with polarized light. Full article
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22 pages, 8851 KB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of Maguey (Agave cantala) Nano-Modified Bioplastic
by Kendra Felizimarie P. Magsico, Lorenz Inri C. Banabatac, Claudine A. Limos, Nolan C. Tolosa and Noel Peter B. Tan
Polymers 2026, 18(3), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18030325 - 26 Jan 2026
Abstract
The environmental threat posed by small, single-use sachets sourced from 48% annual waste from excessive packaging has been assessed by investigating the development of nano-incorporated bioplastic films from the high-yield plant, maguey (Agave cantala). Maguey cellulose was acetylated (using 10 and [...] Read more.
The environmental threat posed by small, single-use sachets sourced from 48% annual waste from excessive packaging has been assessed by investigating the development of nano-incorporated bioplastic films from the high-yield plant, maguey (Agave cantala). Maguey cellulose was acetylated (using 10 and 15 mL of acetic anhydride for 16, 24, and 32 h), successfully yielding a high of 81.34% maguey cellulose acetate (MCA). MCA was confirmed to contain acetate groups (C=O, C-H, C-O) via FT-IR and exhibited a hydrophobicity of a 121.897° contact angle. Bioplastic films were fabricated using MCA solution combined with 15% (w/w) commercial cellulose acetate (CCA)/MCA and reinforced with nanoclay (NC) at 0.5%, 1%, and 3% (w/w) concentrations. Nanomaterial incorporation generally improved properties; however, mechanical strength declined with increasing NC concentration, recording tensile strengths of 2.01 MPa, 0.89 MPa, and 0.78 MPa for the 0.5%, 1%, and 3% NC films, respectively. Conversely, the 3% NC film showed the best barrier property, with a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 31.14 g/m2 h. Surface morphology confirmed NC integration (nanomaterial sizes 29.74 nm to 107.3 nm), and the 0.5% NC film displayed the smooth structure ideal for sustainable packaging. The slight increase in contact angle observed between the 0% NC (60.768°) and 0.5 NC (62.904°) films suggested limitations in NC dispersion. Overall, the findings demonstrate the potential of using regenerated maguey cellulose acetate to create nano-bioplastic films with tailored mechanical and barrier properties for sustainable packaging, though optimization of NC loading and dispersion is necessary to maximize strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose-Based Polymer Composites and Their Emerging Applications)
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16 pages, 723 KB  
Article
Impact of Soil Nutrients on Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Dysphania ambrosioides Essential Oil in Southern Ecuador
by Susana Blacio, Katty Gadvay, Karen Rivas, Ana Guaman, Julio Parrales and James Calva
Plants 2026, 15(3), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030373 - 25 Jan 2026
Abstract
Dysphania ambrosioides is a widely distributed species with a traditional use in folk medicine, but it exhibits marked chemical variability that limits its standardization. This study is the first to characterize the essential oil (EO) of three Ecuadorian populations—Arenillas (ARE), Pasaje (PAS) and [...] Read more.
Dysphania ambrosioides is a widely distributed species with a traditional use in folk medicine, but it exhibits marked chemical variability that limits its standardization. This study is the first to characterize the essential oil (EO) of three Ecuadorian populations—Arenillas (ARE), Pasaje (PAS) and Piñas (PIN)—using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/flame ionization detection (GC-MS/FID), and to correlate its composition with edaphic properties and antioxidant activity. Chemical profiles revealed three distinct chemotypes: ARE (α-terpinene 65.35%, o-cymene 24.83% and ascaridole 3.30%), PAS (α-terpinene 56.31%, o-cymene 10.09% and ascaridole 10.84%) and PIN (α-terpinene 56.89%, o-cymene 17.07% and ascaridole 7.60%). The EO yield was low (0.030–0.064% w/w), coinciding with acidic and nutrient-poor soils. On the other hand, PAS, with its neutral soil and high nitrogen, produced the highest number of oxygenated compounds. Only PAS exhibited strong ABTS radical-scavenging activity (SC50 = 37.99 ± 1.01 µg/mL). In contrast, ARE showed weak activity (SC50 = 424 ± 1.01 µg/mL), while PIN showed moderate activity (SC50 = 112.26 ± 1.01 µg/mL), which was correlated with its high total phenol content (298.48 mg EAG/L). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity was low in all samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed clear separation of the chemotypes, which was linked to edaphic factors such as pH, heavy metals (Cu, Fe and Mn) and organic matter. These findings suggest that edaphic conditions may modulate the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of D. ambrosioides, indicating a potential approach for the sustainable selection of plant material. Full article
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24 pages, 7770 KB  
Article
Multi-Response Optimization of Thermal Conductivity and Rheological Behavior in Nanoparticle-Enhanced Vegetable Oil Emulsions
by Vishal Shenoy P, Vijay Kini M, Raghuvir Pai B, Srinivas Shenoy Heckadka, Raviraj Shetty, Supriya J. P and Adithya Hegde
J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(2), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10020063 - 25 Jan 2026
Abstract
In metal cutting industries, optimizing the thermal conductivity and viscosity of vegetable oil-based cutting fluids is critical for ensuring efficient heat dissipation, effective lubrication, and sustainability, directly influencing tool life and machining performance. This study presents a comprehensive experimental analysis employing statistical methods, [...] Read more.
In metal cutting industries, optimizing the thermal conductivity and viscosity of vegetable oil-based cutting fluids is critical for ensuring efficient heat dissipation, effective lubrication, and sustainability, directly influencing tool life and machining performance. This study presents a comprehensive experimental analysis employing statistical methods, particularly Taguchi’s Design of Experiments, to evaluate the thermal conductivity and viscosity of Pongamia pinnata, sunflower, and coconut oil incorporated with Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), and Cupric Oxide (CuO) nanoparticles across different emulsion ratios and nanoparticle volume fractions. The results revealed that Pongamia pinnata oil containing 0.5 (Vol.%) SiO2 nanoparticles at an emulsion ratio of 1:7 achieved the maximum thermal conductivity, measured at 0.637 W/mK. Additionally, the results revealed that Pongamia pinnata oil at an emulsion ratio of 1:13 exhibited the highest viscosity of 1.33 mPa·S, confirming that both the type of cutting oil and the emulsion ratio are the primary factors influencing viscosity. Further, the ANOVA analysis for thermal conductivity and viscosity highlights that the type of cutting fluid is the dominant factor, accounting for 90.58% of the total variance in thermal conductivity and 70.47% in viscosity, each with a highly significant p-value of 0.00, underscoring its decisive impact on the stability of both properties. Overall, this research offers important guidance for the selection and formulation of vegetable oil-based emulsions with nanoparticle additives. The results support the development of advanced nano lubricants with enhanced performance, catering to the increasing requirements of diverse industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Composites Manufacturing and Processing)
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23 pages, 5269 KB  
Article
Sustainable Functionalization of Natural Fibers Using Biochar: Structural and Evaporation Studies
by Juan José Quiroz Ramírez, Reinier Abreu-Naranjo, Oscar M. Rodriguez-Narvaez, Sergio Alonso Romero and Alejandro Suarez Toriello
Processes 2026, 14(3), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14030415 - 24 Jan 2026
Viewed by 55
Abstract
The sustainable valorization of lignocellulosic biomass offers a promising route for developing low-cost photothermal materials for solar water purification. This study investigates natural fibers from Opuntia ficus-indica, Agave sisalana, and cellulose sponge, which were chemically purified through alkaline–peroxide pretreatment and subsequently functionalized with [...] Read more.
The sustainable valorization of lignocellulosic biomass offers a promising route for developing low-cost photothermal materials for solar water purification. This study investigates natural fibers from Opuntia ficus-indica, Agave sisalana, and cellulose sponge, which were chemically purified through alkaline–peroxide pretreatment and subsequently functionalized with biochar via immersion and crosslinking-assisted deposition. Structural analyses (SEM, FTIR, XRD, CHNS/O) confirmed the transition from heterogeneous lignocellulosic matrices to cellulose-rich scaffolds and finally to hierarchical composites in which crystalline cellulose cores are coated with amorphous carbon structures containing aromatic domains typically formed during biomass carbonization. The NaOH/urea/citric acid crosslinking system significantly improved biochar adhesion, producing uniform and mechanically stable photothermal layers. Under 500 W m−2 illumination, the biochar-modified fibers exhibited rapid thermal response and enhanced surface heating, resulting in increased water evaporation rates, with cellulose sponge achieving the highest performance (1.12–1.25 kg m−2 h−1). Water-quality analysis of the condensate showed >97% TDS removal, complete rejection of hardness, fluoride, nitrates, arsenic, and barium, and turbidity <0.2 NTU, meeting NOM-127-SSA1-2021 standards. Overall, the findings demonstrate that biochar-functionalized natural fibers constitute a scalable, environmentally benign strategy for efficient solar-driven purification, supporting their potential for sustainable clean-water technologies in resource-limited settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biochar and Biobased Carbonaceous Materials)
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11 pages, 3059 KB  
Article
Integrated Effects of NiCo2O4 and Reduced Graphene Oxide in High-Performance Supercapacitor Systems
by Radhika Govindaraju, Ananthi Balakrishnan, Neela Mohan Chidambaram, Vediyappan Thirumal, Palanisamy Rajkumar and Jinho Kim
Inorganics 2026, 14(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics14020033 - 24 Jan 2026
Viewed by 55
Abstract
Supercapacitors have attracted significant interest as increased energy storage devices due to their high power density, rapid charge/discharge performance, and long cyclability. In this study, NiO, Co3O4, NCO, and NCO/rGO composite electrodes were prepared and evaluated for high-performance supercapacitor [...] Read more.
Supercapacitors have attracted significant interest as increased energy storage devices due to their high power density, rapid charge/discharge performance, and long cyclability. In this study, NiO, Co3O4, NCO, and NCO/rGO composite electrodes were prepared and evaluated for high-performance supercapacitor applications. The uniform distribution of elements and the effective incorporation of rGO into the composite were confirmed by structural and morphological characterizations. Among the evaluated materials, the NCO/rGO electrode exhibited high electrochemical performance, delivering a specific capacitance of 998 F g−1 in a three-electrode configuration, attributed to the enhanced redox activity of NiCo2O4 coupled with the enhanced electrical conductivity of rGO. Additionally, an asymmetric supercapacitor device with activated carbon as the negative electrode and NCO/rGO as the positive electrode showed a power density of 750 W kg−1, an energy density of 29.2 Wh kg−1, and a specific capacitance of 93.7 F g−1. After 5000 charge/discharge cycles, the device maintained 85% of its initial capacitance and a coulombic efficiency of 99%, demonstrating exceptional cyclability. These results highlight the strong potential of the NiCo2O4/rGO composite as an advanced electrode material for next-generation energy storage systems. Full article
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17 pages, 1087 KB  
Article
Bioactivity of Ribes nigrum L. Juice and Waste Extracts: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antiproliferative Properties
by Milica Trajković, Bojana Miladinović, Dragan Mihailović, Stevo Najman, Milica Milutinović, Milica Randjelović, Miloš Jovanović, Nemanja Kitić, Katarina Šavikin and Dušanka Kitić
Plants 2026, 15(3), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030356 - 23 Jan 2026
Viewed by 86
Abstract
This study aimed to assess phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of lyophilized black currant fruit juice (BCLJ) and its corresponding waste extract (BCLW) from the Čačanska crna variety, and to evaluate their antiproliferative properties. The main anthocyanins quantified through HPLC-DAD analysis were delphinidin-3- [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of lyophilized black currant fruit juice (BCLJ) and its corresponding waste extract (BCLW) from the Čačanska crna variety, and to evaluate their antiproliferative properties. The main anthocyanins quantified through HPLC-DAD analysis were delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, with significantly higher levels in BCLW. Antioxidant activity was examined using the DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid methods, with BCLW showing superior effects in both. Antiproliferative potential was evaluated by determining the Ki67 index in renal epithelial cells of rats treated with BCLJ or BCLW. Thirty healthy male rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 6) and administered BCLJ or BCLW orally for ten days, receiving 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg b.w. of BCLW (BCLW1, BCLW2, and BCLW3 groups, respectively) or 200 mg of BCLJ. Histopathological and immunohistochemical parameters were assessed in rats’ kidneys. Across all epithelial types (cortical proximal tubules, distal medullary proximal tubules, collecting ducts, and urothelial cells of the renal pelvis), the highest Ki67 indices were observed in control animals, particularly in collecting ducts and cortical proximal tubules. The lowest Ki67 values in cortical proximal tubules occurred in the BCLW2 group (p < 0.05 vs. control). These findings suggest that black currant preparations could be valuable functional ingredients. Full article
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10 pages, 2734 KB  
Article
Dynamically Tunable Pseudo-Enhancement-Load Inverters Based on High-Performance InAlZnO Thin-Film Transistors
by Hao Gu, Jingye Xie, Chuanlin Sun, Tingchen Yi, Yi Zhuo, Junchen Dong, Yudi Zhao and Kai Zhao
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(3), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16030153 - 23 Jan 2026
Viewed by 101
Abstract
Oxide transistors have attracted significant interest in the field of integrated circuits (ICs). Among various oxide semiconductors, InAlZnO (IAZO) stands out as a promising candidate due to its potential for high mobility and excellent stability. In this work, we fabricate high-performance IAZO transistors [...] Read more.
Oxide transistors have attracted significant interest in the field of integrated circuits (ICs). Among various oxide semiconductors, InAlZnO (IAZO) stands out as a promising candidate due to its potential for high mobility and excellent stability. In this work, we fabricate high-performance IAZO transistors with a field-effect mobility of 56.60 cm2/V·s, a subthreshold swing of 82.59 mV/decade, an on-to-off current ratio over 107, and a small threshold voltage shift of 0.09 V and −0.03 V under positive and negative bias stress, respectively. Based on these transistors, Pseudo-Enhancement-Load (PEL) inverters were constructed. An adjustable bias voltage (VBIAS) was also introduced as an additional control parameter, which allows for flexible control of the trade-off between circuit performance and power consumption. The resulting inverters achieve a balance between static and dynamic performance, exhibiting a voltage gain of 1.83 V/V and a relatively low power consumption of 2.58 × 10−6 W (VBIAS = 1.0 V). Our work demonstrates the potential of IAZO transistor-based PEL inverters for high-performance, low-power oxide IC applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials-Based Memristors for Neuromorphic Systems)
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23 pages, 348 KB  
Article
Phytochemical Composition, Biological Activity and Application of Cymbopogon citratus In Vitro Microshoot Cultures in Cosmetic Formulations
by Ewelina Błońska-Sikora, Jakub Wawrzycki, Paulina Lechwar, Katarzyna Gaweł-Bęben, Paulina Żarnowiec, Klaudia Wojtaszek and Małgorzata Wrzosek
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031158 - 23 Jan 2026
Viewed by 78
Abstract
This study investigated the phytochemical composition and biological activity of Cymbopogon citratus microshoot cultures and evaluated their suitability for incorporation into a cosmetic formulation. Microshoot cultures were established on Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with plant growth regulators and served as a reproducible [...] Read more.
This study investigated the phytochemical composition and biological activity of Cymbopogon citratus microshoot cultures and evaluated their suitability for incorporation into a cosmetic formulation. Microshoot cultures were established on Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with plant growth regulators and served as a reproducible source of biomass. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Chemical composition was characterized using LC-MS/MS analysis, which revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids, with p-coumaric, caffeic, and ferulic acids being among the most abundant detected constituents. In biological assays, the extracts inhibited murine tyrosinase in a concentration-dependent manner and exhibited antimicrobial activity against selected oral and skin-associated microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, as well as showing fungistatic and fungicidal effects against Candida albicans. Cytotoxicity analysis performed on HaCaT keratinocytes confirmed biocompatibility within the tested concentration range. To assess formulation suitability, the microshoot extract was incorporated into an oil-in-water (O/W) cream, which maintained stable pH, viscosity, and physical properties while preserving the antioxidant activity of the extract. Overall, these findings indicate that C. citratus microshoot cultures represent a reproducible source of bioactive metabolites with potential application in cosmetic formulations. Full article
28 pages, 3376 KB  
Article
Perfluorocarbon Nanoemulsions for Simultaneous Delivery of Oxygen and Antioxidants During Machine Perfusion Supported Organ Preservation
by Smith Patel, Paromita Paul Pinky, Amit Chandra Das, Joshua S. Copus, Chip Aardema, Caitlin Crelli, Anneliese Troidle, Eric Lambert, Rebecca McCallin, Vidya Surti, Carrie DiMarzio, Varun Kopparthy and Jelena M. Janjic
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(2), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18020143 - 23 Jan 2026
Viewed by 299
Abstract
Background: Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage diseases and/or organ failure. However, access to healthy organs is often limited by challenges in organ preservation. Furthermore, upon transplantation, ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) can lead to increased organ rejection or [...] Read more.
Background: Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage diseases and/or organ failure. However, access to healthy organs is often limited by challenges in organ preservation. Furthermore, upon transplantation, ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) can lead to increased organ rejection or graft failures. The work presented aims to address both challenges using an innovative nanomedicine platform for simultaneous drug and oxygen delivery. In recent studies, resveratrol (RSV), a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging agent, has been reported to protect against IRI by inhibiting ferroptosis. Here, we report the design, development, and scalable manufacturing of the first-in-class dual-function perfluorocarbon-nanoemulsion (PFC-NE) perfusate for simultaneous oxygen and antioxidant delivery, equipped with a near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) reporter, longitudinal, non-invasive NIRF imaging of perfusate flow through organs/tissues during machine perfusion. Methods: A Quality-by-Design (QbD)-guided optimization was used to formulate a triphasic PFC-NE with 30% w/v perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB). Drug-free perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions (DF-NEs) and RSV-loaded nanoemulsions (RSV-NEs) were produced at 250–1000 mL scales using M110S, LM20, and M110P microfluidizers. Colloidal attributes, fluorescence stability, drug loading, and RSV release were evaluated using DLS, NIRF imaging, and HPLC, respectively. PFC-NE oxygen loading and release kinetics were evaluated during perfusion through the BMI OrganBank® machine with the MEDOS HILITE® oxygenator and by controlled flow of oxygen. The in vitro antioxidant activity of RSV-NE was measured using the oxygen radical scavenging antioxidant capacity (ORAC) assay. The cytotoxicity and ferroptosis inhibition of RSV-NE were evaluated in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Results: PFC-NE batches maintained a consistent droplet size (90–110 nm) and low polydispersity index (<0.3) across all scales, with high reproducibility and >80% PFOB loading. Both DF-NE and RSV-NE maintained colloidal and fluorescence stability under centrifugation, serum exposure at body temperature, filtration, 3-month storage, and oxygenation. Furthermore, RSV-NE showed high drug loading and sustained release (63.37 ± 2.48% at day 5) compared with the rapid release observed in free RSV solution. In perfusion studies, the oxygenation capacity of PFC-NE consistently exceeded that of University of Wisconsin (UW) solution and demonstrated stable, linear gas responsiveness across flow rates and FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) inputs. RSV-NE displayed strong antioxidant activity and concentration-dependent inhibition of free radicals. RSV-NE maintained higher cell viability and prevented RAS-selective lethal compound 3 (RSL3)-induced ferroptosis in murine macrophages (macrophage cell line RAW 264.7), compared to the free RSV solution. Morphological and functional protection against RSL3-induced ferroptosis was confirmed microscopically. Conclusions: This study establishes a robust and scalable PFC-NE platform integrating antioxidant and oxygen delivery, along with NIRF-based non-invasive live monitoring of organ perfusion during machine-supported preservation. These combined features position PFC-NE as a promising next-generation acellular perfusate for preventing IRI and improving graft viability during ex vivo machine perfusion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methods of Potentially Improving Drug Permeation and Bioavailability)
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18 pages, 2082 KB  
Article
Proline Accumulation in Barley Under Salinity Is ABA-Independent, but Relies on the Level of Oxidative Stress When Modulated by Mo and W Ions
by Moldir Beisekova, Beata Michniewska, Weronika Kusek, Alua Zh. Akbassova, Rustem Omarov, Sławomir Orzechowski and Edyta Zdunek-Zastocka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27021104 - 22 Jan 2026
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Abstract
The accumulation of proline, an important osmoprotective and antioxidant compound, is a key defense mechanism induced in plants in response to stress factors, including salinity, and is likely dependent on abscisic acid (ABA). However, in barley grown for 8 days under salinity conditions [...] Read more.
The accumulation of proline, an important osmoprotective and antioxidant compound, is a key defense mechanism induced in plants in response to stress factors, including salinity, and is likely dependent on abscisic acid (ABA). However, in barley grown for 8 days under salinity conditions (125 mM NaCl), proline accumulation was not accompanied by changes in ABA content. Co-application of 0.5 mM molybdenum (Mo) significantly reduced NaCl-induced oxidative stress, as measured by H2O2, O2, MDA, and chlorophyll content, and increased the activity of Mo-containing aldehyde oxidase (AO), an enzyme involved in de novo ABA synthesis. As a result, elevated ABA levels were observed, but proline content under salinity conditions was similar in Mo-treated and non-Mo-treated plants. In contrast, exposing plants to 0.5 mM tungsten (W), an antagonist of Mo, inhibited AO activity without significantly altering ABA content, while proline and oxidative stress marker levels increased dramatically under both non-saline and saline conditions. The observed changes in proline content are mainly due to modulation of the rate of synthesis and, to a lesser extent, the rate of degradation, as revealed by transcript abundance of P5CS1 and PDH, which encode D1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase and proline dehydrogenase, respectively. The results indicate that in barley grown under salinity conditions, proline accumulation is ABA-independent but depends on the level of oxidative stress modulated by Mo and W ions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress in Plants: Physiological and Molecular Responses)
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19 pages, 1887 KB  
Article
Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities, and Protective Effect Against LPS-Induced Liver Injury in Mice of Gerbera delavayi Franch
by Hongmei Yin, Yinrong Zhao, Rouxian Hu, Jing Yang, Yuanhang Chen, Huaqiao Tang, Xiaoyan Li, Gang Ye, Fei Shi, Cheng Lv and Ling Zhao
Antioxidants 2026, 15(1), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15010143 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 54
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to preliminarily analyze the major flavonoid and phenolic acid components of the ethanolic extract of Gerbera delavayi Franch (E-GDF), and to evaluate its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells and systemic [...] Read more.
The main objective of this study was to preliminarily analyze the major flavonoid and phenolic acid components of the ethanolic extract of Gerbera delavayi Franch (E-GDF), and to evaluate its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells and systemic inflammation mouse models. Results indicated that E-GDF was rich in flavonoids (16.35 ± 0.19 mg RT/g d.w. Plant Material) and polyphenolic compounds (36.15 ± 0.20 mg GAE/g d.w. Plant Material). LC-MS analysis of E-GDF revealed that its major flavonoid components included kaempferol glycosides, luteolin, and their glycosylated derivatives, while its phenolic acids were predominantly chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and their corresponding glycosides. E-GDF exhibited good antioxidant activities, including the scavenging of DPPH, ABTS, OH, and O2•− radicals. E-GDF treatment significantly inhibited the production of ROS and inflammatory mediators (NO, IL-6, TNF-α) in LPS-stimulated macrophages (RAW 264.7), while concurrently down-regulating the mRNA expression of COX-2, IL-1β, Casp1, and GSDMD-1. In addition, in vivo experiments revealed that E-GDF treatment effectively reduced the serum LPS, AST levels, as well as hepatic TNF-α, IL-6 levels in mice with LPS-induced acute liver injury. Furthermore, E-GDF significantly ameliorated LPS-induced liver pathological damage. These results provide a basis for G. delavayi as a potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective herbal medicine. Full article
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