Search Results (2,083)

We engineer an enhanced three-dimensional (3D) adipose model by integrating mesoporous silica (mSiO₂) nanoparticles into human adipose-derived stem cell spheroids. The mSiO₂ is highly cytocompatible, enables stable dispersion, and yields spheroids that preserve structural integrity and roundness for at least 14 days, accompanied by higher metabolic activity and reduced hypoxic stress. Under adipogenic induction, the nanoparticles embedded spheroids exhibit deeper lipid accumulation and increased expression of PPARγ, adiponectin, and FABP4. As a proof of concept, we leveraged this 3D platform to examine phage uptake and tissue-level distribution in adipose spheroids in comparison with conventional 2D cultures. These experiments reveal that both the cellular differentiation state and the tissue architecture govern phage association and uptake. Together, our findings indicate that phages engage mammalian cells beyond their bacterial hosts, a consideration that should inform future phage therapy design with implications for innate immune responses and overall therapeutic efficacy. Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate the adsorption of 11 azoles (tebuconazole, ketoconazole, econazole, miconazole, fluconazole, clotrimazole, climbazole, flutriafol, epoxiconazole, tiabendazole, and imazalil) on natural and waste-derived sorbents such as ceramsite, perlite, pumice, sawdust, coconut fibers, heavy oil fly ash (HOFA), activated carbon, and silica gel. The results of adsorption efficiency for most sorbents varied depending on the azole compounds and their concentration. The highest adsorption for all tested compounds was obtained for activated carbon and heavy oil fly ash, reaching about 100% in both tested concentrations (0.2 mg L⁻¹ and 0.02 mg L⁻¹). The HOFA material was characterized in terms of elemental analysis (CHNS), confirming the elemental contents of 52% C, 0.65% H, 0.4% N, and 2.3% S. The specific surface area of HOFA was 11.2 m² g⁻¹, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed the spherical yet porous nature of the particles. Furthermore, the calculated adsorption isotherms demonstrated that for most tested azoles, the Dubinin–Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm best fits the data, with R² = 0.93 or more, which is characteristic of porous carbon materials. The results highlight the significant potential of the tested HOFA sorbent for effectively removing azoles, as the tests performed showed that it was possible to remove these compounds with a concentration of up to 0.2 mg L⁻¹ within an hour. This is particularly important because HOFA is an easily accessible waste material. Furthermore, the adsorption of azoles will not increase the cost of HOFA disposal when using the standard procedures currently applied to this waste. Full article

Edible composite coatings represent an alternative approach to reducing postharvest losses and extending the shelf life of perishable fruits. This study developed a nano-biopolymer coating by integrating pullulan (PUL), nano-silica (Nano-SiO₂), and tea polyphenols (TP) to retard deterioration in cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme). Optimized through response surface methodology (0.06% Nano-SiO₂, 0.1% TP, 1.8% PUL, 0.77% glycerol), the resulting Nano-SiO₂/PUL/TP composite film showed improved barrier properties (water vapor permeability, WVP: 0.2063 g·mm·m⁻²·h⁻¹·kPa⁻¹) and increased mechanical strength (tensile strength, TS: 2.62 MPa; elongation at break, EB: 67.67%), which may be attributed to a homogeneous microstructure stabilized via intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The composite coating exhibited significant (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity (59.04% DPPH·scavenging) compared to the PUL film (1.17%) and showed efficacy against S. aureus. When applied to cherry tomatoes stored at 4 °C for 15 days, the coating contributed to improved postharvest quality by reducing weight loss (−27.6%) and decay incidence (−32.3%), delaying firmness loss (2.40 vs. 0.54 N in uncoated group, CK), suppressing respiration rate (−38.8%), and enhancing the retention of total acidity (+9.7%), vitamin C (+49.6%), and total soluble solids (+48.6%) compared to the CK (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis supported sensory evaluation results, indicating the coating helped maintain sensory quality (scores > 6.0) and commercial value while extending shelf life from 9 to 15 days. These results suggest that the Nano-SiO₂/TP/PUL composite coating may serve as a preservative for extending the shelf-life of cherry tomatoes by effectively reducing decay and mitigating quality degradation. Full article

This work aims to study the effect of the bulk rheology of a complex system on the apparent interfacial viscoelastic response of a rising oil droplet of a paraffinic oil (Indopol) undergoing sinusoidal volume dilatations insidean aqueous phase containing a hydrogel. The modulation of the interfacial viscoelasticity is obtained using Span 80 surfactant or fumed silica nanoparticles. The rheology of the continuous phase is tuned by adding 3 to 5 g/L of κ-carrageenan (KC) to switch the continuous aqueous phase from a liquid to a gel state at 15 °C. When KC is liquid, the presence of Span 80 or nanoparticles at the liquid/liquid interface increases the apparent interfacial elastic modulus. However, when KC becomes a weak gel, the apparent interfacial elastic modulus depends on the nature of the surface-active agents. Indeed, if the presence of silica hard nanoparticles enhances the apparent elasticity of the interface, adding Span 80 weakens the apparent elasticity of the interface. These trends are discussed in terms of the localization of the deformation and slippage at the interfaces. Full article

Waste materials have emerged as attractive low-cost feedstocks for adsorbent development in environmental remediation and materials engineering. Organic wastes are particularly rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin, which provide reactive oxygenated groups such as hydroxyls and carboxyls. While inorganic wastes offer stability, lower water retention makes them promising candidates. This study explores the functionalization of waste-derived organic and inorganic matrices using two amine-based agents: 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) and polyethylenimine (PEI). The materials were categorized as organic (orange peel, corn cob) or inorganic (silica gel, eggshell) and subjected to a pretreatment process involving drying, grinding, and sieving; inorganic substrates additionally underwent acid activation with citric acid. Surface modification was carried out in ethanolic (APTMS) or aqueous (PEI) media. To assess their suitability and processability as particulate sorbents, drying kinetics, physicochemical properties (FTIR, ζ-potential, pH, conductivity, Boehm titration), and flow characteristics (Carr and Hausner indices) were evaluated. The findings enable a comparative analysis of the functionalization efficiency and elucidate the relationship between substrate type (organic vs. inorganic) and its performance as a modified adsorbent. This approach advances the development of novel sorbent matrices for greenhouse gas mitigation while reinforcing circular economy principles through the valorization of low-cost, readily available waste materials. Full article

Among the many nanomaterials studied for biomedical uses, silica and gold nanoparticles have gained significant attention because of their unique physical and chemical properties and their compatibility with living tissues. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have great stability and a large surface area, while gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) display remarkable optical features. Both types of nanoparticles have been widely researched for their individual roles in drug delivery, imaging, biosensing, and therapy. When combined with gadolinium (Gd), a common contrast agent, these nanostructures provide improved imaging due to gadolinium’s strong paramagnetic properties. This study focuses on incorporating gold nanoparticles and gadolinium into a silica matrix to develop a theranostic system. Various analytical techniques were used to characterize the nanocomposites, including infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and neutron activation analysis (NAA). Techniques like XRF mapping, XANES, nitrogen adsorption, SEM, and VSM were crucial in confirming the presence of gadolinium and gold within the silica network. VSM and EPR analyses confirmed the attenuation of the saturation magnetization for all nanocomposites. This validates their potential for biomedical applications in diagnostics. Moreover, activating gold nanoparticles in a nuclear reactor generated a promising radioisotope for cancer treatment. These results indicate the potential of using a theranostic nanoplatform that employs mesoporous silica as a carrier, gold nanoparticles for radioisotopes, and gadolinium for imaging purposes. Full article

Background: Engineered nanoparticles (NPs)—titanium dioxide, silver, zinc oxide and silica—are widely used in cosmetics for UV protection, antimicrobial activity and texturising effects. Chronic consumer-level exposure may impair skin-barrier integrity, disturb microbiome composition and dysregulate immune signalling via the gut–skin axis. Current regulatory frameworks typically omit chronic- or microbiome-focused safety assessments, leaving potential gaps. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of cosmetic-relevant NPs (titanium dioxide, silver, zinc oxide, silica) on skin and gut microbiota, epithelial-barrier integrity and immune signalling—including telocyte- and exosome-mediated pathways—and to identify regulatory shortcomings, particularly the absence of microbiome endpoints, validated chronic models and consideration of vulnerable populations. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for English-language in vivo animal or human studies (December 2014–April 2025) meeting chronic-exposure criteria (≥90 days in rodents or >10% of lifespan in other species; for humans, prolonged, repetitive application over months to years consistent with cosmetic use). Although not registered in PROSPERO, the review adhered to a pre-specified protocol. Two independent reviewers screened studies; risk of bias was assessed using a modified SYRCLE tool (animal) or adapted NIH guidance (zebrafish). Owing to heterogeneity, findings were synthesised narratively. Results: Of 600 records, 450 unique articles were screened, 50 full texts were assessed and 12 studies were included. Oral exposure predominated and was associated with dysbiosis, barrier impairment, immune modulation and metabolic effects. Dermal models showed outcomes from minimal change to pronounced immune activation, contingent on host susceptibility. Comparative human–animal findings are summarised; telocyte and exosome pathways were largely unexplored. Regulatory reviews (EU SCCS, US FDA and selected Asian frameworks) revealed no requirements for chronic microbiome endpoints. Limitations: Evidence is limited by the small number of eligible studies, heterogeneity in NP characteristics and exposure routes, predominance of animal models and a scarcity of longitudinal human data. Conclusions: Cosmetic nanoparticles may disrupt the microbiome, compromise barrier integrity and trigger immune dysregulation—risks amplified in vulnerable users. Existing regulations lack requirements for chronic exposure, microbiome endpoints and testing in vulnerable groups, and neglect mechanistic pathways involving telocytes and exosomes. Long-term, real-world exposure studies integrating gut–skin microbiome and immune outcomes, and harmonised global nanomaterial-safety standards, are needed to ensure safer cosmetic innovation. Full article

CYP1A2 activity plays a critical role in the metabolism of drugs such as caffeine, clozapine, propranolol, and warfarin. In pharmacogenomic studies, caffeine is a probe drug of choice for CYP1A2 phenotyping. Due to the non-invasive nature of sampling, saliva is an alternative biofluid to plasma for monitoring caffeine levels. This study reports on a validated HPTLC method for quantifying salivary caffeine levels, which can support future studies on CYP1A2 phenotyping employing caffeine as a probe drug. The HPTLC method, using silica gel 60 F254 plates and acetone/toluene/chloroform (4:3:3, v/v/v) as the mobile phase, has detection and quantification limits of 2.42 and 7.34 ng/band, respectively. An optimised saliva processing protocol using a 1:1 dilution with methanol was also established. Five saliva sample sets collected 0–4 h after ingestion of 100 mg caffeine were analysed using the developed and validated HPTLC method, which demonstrated that salivary caffeine concentrations peak around 1 h post ingestion and then gradually decrease over the study period. Thus, the developed HPTLC method can be used to analyse caffeine levels in saliva and to support CYP1A2 phenotyping using caffeine as a probe drug. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating bioactive particles (montmorillonite loaded with chlorhexidine, MMT/CHX) and different concentrations of silica nanoparticles (0%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 10%, and 15 wt%) into a universal dental adhesive on its degree of conversion, bond strength, water sorption, solubility, and antimicrobial activity. Materials and Methods: A universal adhesive was modified with 1 wt% MMT/CHX and varying amounts of silica nanoparticles. Degree of conversion was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and microtensile bond strength was evaluated at 24 h, 6 months, and 12 months after water storage. Water sorption and solubility were measured according to ISO 4049, and antibacterial activity was tested against Streptococcus mutans using the agar diffusion method. Results: All experimental adhesives containing ≥7% silica showed significantly reduced water sorption and solubility. The presence of MMT/CHX imparted consistent antimicrobial activity across all experimental groups. Degree of conversion remained stable across all groups and storage periods. Notably, after 12 months, only the experimental groups maintained or improved bond strength, while the control group showed a significant reduction. Failure mode analysis indicated increased mechanical integrity with higher filler content. Conclusions: Incorporating 1 wt% MMT/CHX and ≥7 wt% silica into a universal adhesive improved long-term bond strength, reduced degradation, and introduced antibacterial properties without compromising polymer conversion. These findings support the potential of developing durable, bioactive adhesive systems for restorative dentistry. Clinical Significance: The incorporation of bioactive and reinforcing nanoparticles into universal adhesives enhances bond durability and introduces antibacterial properties without compromising polymerization. This innovation may lead to longer-lasting restorations and reduced risk of secondary caries in clinical practice. Full article

During the development of metallurgical technology in the feudal period, the main ironmaking technology in the Benxi region was the crucible, reaching its peak period in the Ming Dynasty. By studying the Wangguan ironmaking site in Benxi, the historical details of the Ming Dynasty ironmaking process in the region were investigated, and a technical analysis was carried out. The results show that this historical site was the location of the Hundred-Household Iron Yard in the northeastern region during the Ming Dynasty. The unearthed slag, iron, and crucible samples indicate that a relatively complete ironmaking process chain had been formed at this time. The raw material used for the crucibles was high-alumina clay, which has been widely distributed in Benxi, Liaoning, China, since ancient times. The refractoriness of the crucibles exceeded 1700 °C, and the molar ratio of SiO₂ to Al₂O₃ was close to the upper limit for the optimal formation of mullite and thermal shock resistance. Slag was produced from a typical high-silica, high-alumina aluminosilicate system, and no fluxes, such as limestone and dolomite, were added during the smelting process. Moreover, coal resources have been widely used in ironmaking activities in the Benxi region at least since the Ming Dynasty, and craftsmen at that time had already mastered the technology of using coke as fuel and reductant to control the sulfur content in pig iron. Full article

This study investigates the use of preliminary thermochemical activation in a NaHCO₃ solution under elevated pressure and temperature to modify the chemically stable and hard-to-process phase composition of various mineral raw materials and improve the recovery of valuable components. The method was tested on various types of mineral raw materials, including slag from the reductive smelting of red mud from alumina production prior to acid leaching, ash before chemical beneficiation, gibbsite–kaolinite bauxite prior to gravity separation, and nephelines, for which the sintering process was replaced with chemical beneficiation. The slag from the reductive smelting of red mud was also tested before acid leaching. The activation of slag enhanced tricalcium silicate formation lead to leaching recoveries of ~96% for rare earth elements, ~92% for TiO₂, ~98% for CaO and Al₂O₃, and 50% for Fe₂O₃, compared to much lower values without activation. With ash, activation eliminated the sillimanite and hedenbergite phases, increased mullite and free silica, and formed calcite, resulting in a 15–20% higher silica recovery. With gibbsite–kaolinite bauxite, activation altered kaolinite, siderite, quartz, and hematite contents; eliminated calcium silicate; and improved the silicon modulus of the sand fraction by 35.9% during gravity beneficiation. For nepheline ore, activation promoted the formation of albite and hydrosodalite, eliminated corundum and andradite, and increased silica recovery from 33.58% to 59.6%. These results demonstrate that thermochemical activation effectively transforms mineral structures and significantly improves the efficiency of subsequent beneficiation processes. Full article

Garcinia kola is an emblematic tree used in traditional medicine in many regions in Africa. In particular, its nuts are commonly used for the management of various diseases. However, to the best of our knowledge, G. kola nuts have never been investigated as potential sources of active ingredients in dermocosmetics. In this paper, nuts from G. kola were investigated to shed light on the extraction, purification and characterization of three components with potential dermocosmetic applications. The nuts were subjected to extraction with different solvents, including cyclohexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Each extract was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Pure compounds were characterized by NMR and mass spectrometry and comparison with reported literature data. Unsaturated fatty acids were found in the cyclohexane and dichloromethane extract, garcinoic acid (a vitamin E derivative) in the dichloromethane extract, and the biflavanone GB1 in the methanol extract. The presence of unsaturated fatty acids, garcinoic acid, and biflavanone in the nuts of G. kola as dominant compounds suggests that this plant material holds potential to be used for the development of active compounds for skin care and well-being. Full article

The Hugushan banded iron formation (BIF) is one of the most representative iron ore deposits in the central part of the North China Craton, and its ore formation mechanism remains highly controversial. This study presents whole-rock and Fe–Si–O isotope geochemical evidence, offering a new perspective on the ore formation mechanism of the Hugushan BIFs. The samples from the upper and lower parts of the Hugushan BIFs are characterized by slight enrichment of heavy and light Fe isotopes, respectively. Additionally, the samples from the upper part of the Hugushan BIFs show characteristics of slightly positive Ce anomalies and negative La anomalies, suggesting that the shallow ancient seawater was in a partially oxidized state, whereas the deep seawater remained in a reductive environment during the depositional period. The low Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ concentrations, as well as the depletion of Zr and Hf in the Hugushan BIFs, suggest that the contribution of terrestrial detrital materials to deposition is extremely limited. The BIFs all exhibit positive Eu anomalies, and the quartz in the BIFs is depleted in ³⁰Si, a characteristic similar to that observed in siliceous rocks formed in hydrothermal vent environments and during hydrothermal plume activity. Additionally, the δ¹⁸O values of quartz in Hugushan BIFs are similar to the O isotope compositions of hydrothermal sedimentary siliceous rocks, further suggesting that the silicon in BIFs originates primarily from seafloor hydrothermal activity. The combination of Eu/Sm, Sm/Yb, and Y/Ho ratios indicates that the major components (iron and silica) of the Hugushan Iron Ore Deposit originated from the mixing of high-temperature hydrothermal fluids with seawater, with the hydrothermal fluid contributing slightly less than 0.1%. The magnetite and quartz bands in the BIFs exhibit inhomogeneous and covariant δ⁵⁶Fe and δ³⁰Si isotope characteristics, suggesting that the alternating siliceous and ferruginous layers are products of original chemical deposition in the ocean. Periodic hydrothermal activity and ocean transgression caused the recurring deposition of siliceous and ferruginous layers, resulting in the characteristic banded structure of the Hugushan Iron Ore Deposit. Full article

River sediments have attracted increasing attention as alternative raw materials for sustainable cementitious materials due to their abundant availability and silica–alumina-rich composition. In this study, a systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science and Google Scholar using combinations of the keywords “river sediment,” “cementitious materials,” “activation,” and “pozzolanic activity,” covering publications up to July 2025. In addition, a citation network tool (Connected Papers) was employed to trace related works and ensure comprehensive coverage of emerging studies. This review systematically examines the properties of river sediments from diverse regions, along with activation and modification techniques such as alkali/acid activation, thermal calcination, and mechanical milling. Their applications in various cementitious systems are analyzed, with mix design models compared to elucidate the effects of replacing fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, and cement on workability, strength, and durability. Multi-scale characterization via XRD, FTIR, and TG-DSC reveals the mechanisms of C–S–H and C–A–S–H gel formation, pore refinement, and interfacial transition zone densification. The review highlights three key findings: (1) moderate sediment replacement (20–30%) improves strength without compromising flowability; (2) alkali–water glass activation and calcination at 600–850 °C effectively enhance pozzolanic activity; and (3) combining the minimum paste thickness theory with additives such as water reducers, fibers, or biochar enables high-performance and low-carbon concrete design. This review provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation and technical pathway for the high-value utilization of river sediments, carbon reduction in concrete, and sustainable resource recycling. Full article

Carbonic anhydrase (CA), an enzyme that accelerates CO₂ hydration, is one of the most widely used enzymes in the aid of CO₂ sequestration. We entrapped CA from Sulfurihydrogenibium azorense (SazCA) within biomimetic silica; to enhance the activity of the entrapped enzyme, the microenvironment of the silica particles was modified by using methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) or dimethyldimethoxysilane (DMDMS) as part of the precursors. When 10% (mol/mol) MTMS or 20% DMDMS was added to tetramethoxysilane (TMOS), the activity of entrapped SazCA increased by almost threefold when compared with the control group without these methyl-substituted silanes. In addition, all three types of entrapped SazCA, namely, the silica formed with only TMOS, 10% MTMS in TMOS, and 20% DMDMS in TMOS, exhibited improved thermal stability and pH stability. All three types of entrapped SazCA also showed good storage stability, with at least 79% of their initial activities retained after being stored at room temperature for six weeks, while the activity of the free enzyme dropped to 14% after only two days. When all three types of entrapped SazCA were applied to carbon sequestration, the efficiency remained above 90% even after ten cycles of reuse. Full article