Search Results (790)

Slippery, lubricant-infused porous surfaces demonstrate excellent anti-icing performance in the laboratory. However, natural icing is a vital challenge for the slippery surface in the application of transmission conductors, and related field studies are limited. Herein, the anti-icing behavior of a 77 nm pore-sized slippery conductor was systematically investigated under natural icing environments, and a comprehensive comparison with laboratory-simulated icing conditions was further conducted. The prepared slippery conductor exhibits excellent anti-icing performance under natural conditions (contact angle 103°, ice adhesion strength 6.8 kPa). Compared to the original conductor, it reduces ice accretion by 75% in simulated laboratory tests and 56% under natural icing. It also effectively delays the freezing of condensed droplets in low-temperature and high-humidity natural atmospheres. Surprisingly, the anti-icing mechanism of the slippery conductor in the natural environment was found to differ substantially from that in laboratory tests. Under simulated conditions, transparent ice forms directly from freezing liquid water and continuously thickens. In contrast, during natural icing, slow condensate sliding and water vapor sublimation cause the surface to be initially covered by ice particles. These particles develop into a loose ice layer with weak adhesion to the substrate, which can readily shed under environmental factors. Full article

Plant-pathogenic bacteria threaten crop productivity and quality, yet chemical options remain limited compared with those for fungal and oomycete diseases. Current management relies mainly on copper bactericides, limited antibiotics, induced-resistance agents, biocontrol and resistant cultivars. However, copper and streptomycin resistance, efflux-mediated multidrug tolerance and rapid pathogen adaptation have weakened these strategies. Target-oriented research provides a framework for exploring agricultural antibacterials, anti-virulence agents, anti-colonization strategies, resistance sensitizers and host-resistance interventions, but many of these approaches remain conceptual, model-system, greenhouse or medical-bacteriology-derived rather than proven field solutions. This review classifies bacterial control targets into two interconnected groups: growth-essential targets, including peptidoglycan biosynthesis, membrane/envelope systems, nucleic-acid processes, protein synthesis, metabolism, nutrient transport and cell division; and anti-virulence/anti-adaptation targets, including secretion systems, quorum sensing, biofilms, motility, adhesion, cell-wall-degrading enzymes, tolerance systems, oxidative-stress responses and host susceptibility factors. Using “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (CLas) as a case study, genome annotation and infection-stage transcript-abundance data prioritized Sec-dependent secretion, outer-membrane/surface proteins, Bam assembly, nutrient transporters, Clp proteostasis, redox adaptation and core cellular processes as candidate target classes. Envelope-associated, secretion/anti-virulence, nutrient-acquisition and stress-sensitization modules may represent potential directions for downstream validation, but CLas candidates remain hypothesis-generating priorities requiring validation for essentiality, conservation, druggability, delivery feasibility, crop safety and field performance. Full article

Asphalt pavement wearing courses are directly exposed to hydrodynamic scouring, fuel erosion, freeze–thaw action, and traffic abrasion, leading to accelerated surface deterioration, skid-resistance loss, frequent maintenance, and increased life-cycle carbon emissions. To address these challenges, this study developed an organosilicon-based erosion- and skid-resistant asphalt wearing course (OES-AWC) through a stepwise material design strategy. An organosilicon-treated asphalt concrete matrix was first prepared to improve resistance to moisture damage, fuel erosion, and ice adhesion, and its curing behavior and optimal dosage were determined. A skid-resistant surface layer was then designed by optimizing the anti-skid aggregate type, organosilicon-to-aggregate ratio, and surface texture. Finally, waterborne epoxy resin was introduced to enhance aggregate anchorage, and the integrated OES-AWC was evaluated in terms of abrasion durability, rutting resistance, long-term skid resistance, and life-cycle impacts. The results show that organosilicon treatment forms a hydrophobic siloxane network, which improves the moisture damage, fuel erosion, and anti-icing resistance of asphalt concrete by 22.0–41.1%. Emery aggregates and the optimized surface structure enhance friction stability, while waterborne epoxy resin significantly suppresses aggregate stripping under repeated wheel loading. Compared with conventional asphalt wearing courses, the optimized OES-AWC increased wear durability by 148.1% while maintaining stable skid resistance under prolonged abrasion. Life-cycle assessment further demonstrates that OES-AWC can reduce carbon emissions by 47.2% and overall costs by 25.0%, with a probability exceeding 90% according to the uncertainty analysis. These findings indicate that OES-AWC provides a durable, low-carbon, and cost-effective maintenance strategy for asphalt pavements exposed to complex service environments. Full article

Bioinspired superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) have been proven to afford high corrosion inhibition to the underlying metal. Targeting brass metal, this paper presents a biomimetic mineralization route for obtaining SHS. Calcium carbonate is first synthesized in an ethanol solution containing an organic curing agent through CO₂ gas introduction, resulting in colloidal material. Subsequent modification with stearic acid yields the SHS. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) experiments reveal that the biomimetic calcium carbonate cluster coating significantly improves the corrosion inhibition performance. After the coverage of the CaCO₃ SHS, the low-frequency impedance modulus value increases to 4.6 × 10⁵ Ω cm², which is enhanced compared with the bare brass with 3.2 × 10³ Ω cm². Meanwhile, the corrosion current density value decreases substantially from 2.31 × 10⁻⁶ mA/cm² for bare metal to 1.30 × 10⁻⁸ mA/cm² for the SHS surface. This demonstrates its high anti-corrosion properties. Acid-base corrosion tests further confirm the good resistance of the coating to an alkaline environment. Moreover, the coating exhibits anti-freezing adhesion and self-cleaning properties, surpassing the bare brass. The combined characteristics of the biomimetic calcium carbonate SHS coating highlight the promising potential in corrosion protection applications. Full article

The formation of biofilms on medical devices is a major public health challenge, associated with persistent infections, increased antimicrobial resistance and device failure. Biofilms are structured microbial communities, integrated into an extracellular matrix that they produce, giving them protection against antibiotics and host immune defenses. This review provides a synthesis of the mechanisms of biofilm formation, the molecular basis of their resistance, and current and emerging strategies for their prevention and control. This narrative review summarizes (i) the bacterial composition of device-associated biofilms, (ii) the sequential mechanisms of biofilm formation (initial adhesion, maturation, dispersion), (iii) the molecular and physiological basis of biofilm-mediated antimicrobial resistance, and (iv) prevention and control strategies, with particular emphasis on antibacterial and anti-adhesive coatings for orthopedic and dental implants. Surface engineering (anti-adhesive, antimicrobial, nanostructured and biomimetic coatings), anti-biofilm agents (enzymes, quorum sensing inhibitors, bacteriophages), physical approaches (ultrasound, photodynamic therapy) and combined multimodal strategies emerge as the most promising directions. No single strategy ensures complete prevention or eradication of biofilm-associated infections; multidisciplinary multimodal approaches integrating smart biomaterials, controlled antimicrobial release, and artificial intelligence-assisted surface design represent the most realistic clinical pathway forward. Full article

Hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces have emerged as key solutions for fluid transport, biofouling prevention, and energy efficiency, with market forecasts projecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 15% through 2030 due to their broad range of applications. This review critically examines the principles of natural hydrophobicity, as exemplified by lotus leaves and shark skin, and their translation into engineered surfaces via micro/nanofabrication techniques, such as laser patterning, etching, and self-assembly. Recent advances in hybrid nanomaterials have demonstrated WCAs in the range of 140–160°, along with enhanced mechanical strength and chemical stability, enabling applications in self-cleaning, anti-corrosion, and oil–water separation technologies. Superhydrophobic coatings are particularly important for reducing ice adhesion by more than 80%, while drag reduction in pipelines can reach up to 30%, contributing to energy savings. Despite these advances, challenges remain in achieving long-term stability under harsh environmental conditions, minimizing environmental impact, and developing cost-effective, scalable fabrication techniques. Future directions focus on environmentally friendly, multifunctional nanocomposites with switchable wettability, including pH- and light-responsive coatings capable of reversibly transitioning between superhydrophilic (<5°) and superhydrophobic (>150°) states, paving the way for sustainable and adaptable surface technologies. Full article

This study comprehensively examines the whole-genome sequence and probiotic potential of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei RM081, a strain originally isolated from raw bovine milk. Whole-genome sequencing and in silico analyses provided a robust molecular basis for its functional traits. The L. paracasei RM081 genome harbors an extensive repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes, suggesting strong prebiotic utilization capabilities. Crucially, genomic mining identified key genetic determinants for postbiotic synthesis, including the potential to synthesize the anti-inflammatory metabolite 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP). Moreover, comprehensive safety evaluations confirmed the absence of transferable antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence factors, biogenic amine-producing genes, and plasmids, indicating a secure genomic architecture without horizontal gene transfer risks. These genomic predictions were further substantiated by valid in vitro phenotypic models. The strain exhibited strong tolerance to gastric acid, maintaining high viability at pH 3.5 and 2.5 after 4 h, and survived well at 0.1% bile salt concentration. Furthermore, L. paracasei RM081 demonstrated robust cell surface properties, with a high auto-aggregation rate (85.0 ± 0.7%), hydrophobicity (71.5 ± 2.4%), and 78.0 ± 4.8% adhesion to Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells, supporting its potential for colonization. Regarding antioxidant capacity, the cell-free supernatant displayed the highest DPPH scavenging activity (37%), indicating the active secretion of antioxidative metabolites. Collectively, these findings establish L. paracasei RM081 as a highly promising, safe probiotic and postbiotic candidate with verified colonization potential and functional capabilities. Full article

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a major clinical challenge after total joint arthroplasty because of its association with prolonged antimicrobial therapy, repeated surgery, implant failure, functional disability, and substantial socioeconomic burden. Current strategies, including systemic antibiotics, debridement with implant retention, staged revision, and antibiotic-loaded cement spacers, remain indispensable but are limited by mature biofilm tolerance, protected microbial reservoirs, insufficient local drug penetration, persistent inflammation, and compromised periprosthetic bone repair. Increasing evidence indicates that PJI is not merely bacterial colonization of an implant surface, but a dynamic prosthetic interface disorder involving biofilm persistence, immune dysregulation, inflammatory osteolysis, and failed osseointegration. This review summarizes recent advances in anti-infective prosthetic interface design, emphasizing the transition from passive antibacterial coatings toward multifunctional immuno-antibacterial osseointegrative systems. The pathogenic basis of PJI is first discussed, including conditioning film formation, bacterial adhesion, biofilm maturation, protected reservoirs, immune evasion, and osteolysis. Current clinical management limitations are then evaluated, followed by emerging biomaterial strategies, including anti-adhesive and contact-killing surfaces, active antimicrobial coatings, mature biofilm disruption, biological antibiofilm therapies, smart infection-responsive delivery systems, and osteoimmunomodulatory interfaces. Particular attention is given to balancing early antibacterial activity with cytocompatibility, immune resolution, angiogenesis, mechanical durability, and long-term osseointegration. Finally, key translational barriers are highlighted, including load-bearing and tribological constraints, insufficiently standardized mature biofilm and animal models, limited clinical evidence for advanced smart materials, manufacturing reproducibility, sterilization compatibility, regulatory complexity, and application-specific clinical readiness. Future anti-PJI interfaces should evolve beyond unidirectional bacterial killing toward stage-specific systems integrating biofilm control, immune restoration, vascularized bone regeneration, and durable mechanical performance. Full article

Numerous central nervous system pathological conditions involve blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and the egress of immune cells in the brain. Controlling immune cell transmigration into the brain represents a potential therapeutic target. This study describes the application of a 3D human BBB spheroidal model that consists of six major brain cell types to test the transmigration of immune cells under normal and pathological conditions of inflammation and ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI). The cell types in the BBB organoid include brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) and pericytes at the spheroids’ surface, surrounding a core of astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and neural progenitor cells. The model recapitulates the interaction of CD4⁺ T-cells and immunomodulators with HBMVECs at the BBB including changes in cell adhesion molecules expressed on their surface. This study demonstrated that the human 3D BBB model recapitulates many features of the barrier under normal and pathological conditions of inflammation and hypoxia-reperfusion injury. Proinflammatory cytokines and hypoxia disrupt the barrier and increase its permeability, decreasing the expression of tight junctions. Proinflammatory cytokines and reperfusion increase the expression of cell adhesion molecules and increase immune cell transmigration. Immune cell transmigration could be reduced with anti-cell adhesion molecule antibodies, further validating the model for studying neuroimmune interactions and for conducting high-throughput screening of therapeutic targets that modulate immune cell transmigration into the brain. Full article

To address safety issues caused by the bottom impact of the power battery in new energy vehicles, a lightweight bottom panel design scheme based on long glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (LGF/PP) honeycomb composite was proposed. By employing the sandwich structure with an LGF/PP surface material/polypropylene honeycomb core combined with high-shear-strength structural adhesive bonding technology, ball impact protection for the power battery bottom is greatly improved. A ball striking test was carried out in accordance with the requirements and test methods of bottom anti-collision for pure electric passenger vehicles (T/CSAE 244-2021), and the performance differences of traditional steel bottom guards were compared. The results show that the optimized honeycomb composite bottom guard plate (surface thickness 1.3 mm/honeycomb core 8 mm) is able to reduce the deformation of the aluminum plate to 10.4 mm, resulting in deformation that is only 68% of that observed with the steel bottom guard plate while achieving a 43% reduction in weight. The deformation of the aluminum plate was further reduced to 42.3% with the introduction of a structural adhesive with a 5 MPa shear strength. In addition, the honeycomb structure exhibits controllable plastic deformation after impact, while the steel bottom guard plate is severely distorted but not ruptured, highlighting the damage tolerance and energy absorption advantages of the composite material design. The honeycomb composite bottom guard plate outperforms the traditional scheme in terms of light weight, protection performance and cost. This work contributes to the field of power battery bottom protection. Full article

Waste plastic aggregate (WPA) is a promising recycled material for asphalt mixtures, but its polymeric surface can weaken binder adhesion and increase moisture-related damage, even in SBS-modified systems. Therefore, a clear need exists to identify anti-stripping agents that are compatible with WPA, rather than simply increasing WPA content in asphalt mixtures. This study evaluates the interfacial and mixture-scale performance of SBS-modified asphalt mixtures containing two WPA types, namely coarse WPA and fine WPA, treated with three liquid anti-stripping agents: amine-based agent (AS-Am), organosilane coupling-type adhesion promoter (AS-OS), and ester/surfactant-based wetting agent (AS-Es). The novelty of this study lies in selecting the anti-stripping system based on WPA–binder adhesion compatibility and validating it through moisture, rutting, rheological, and fracture performance. Binder bond strength, tensile bond strength, shear bond strength, indirect tensile strength/tensile strength ratio (ITS/TSR), Hamburg wheel tracking (HWT), multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), and semi-circular bending (SCB) tests were conducted. AS-OS showed the best overall performance. It increased binder bond strength (BBS) by 52.8% for coarse WPA and 61.5% for fine WPA, while the optimum 0.5% dosage improved tensile bond strength by 81.0% and 97.2%, respectively. AS-OS also increased shear strength by 58.8–68.3% and improved TSR to 89.0% and 86.2%. In HWT, C-OS and F-OS reduced final rut depth by 44.0% and 45.8%, respectively. SCB results further showed higher fracture work, especially for F-OS. The findings indicate that proper anti-stripping chemistry is essential for durable WPA–SBS asphalt mixtures. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), particularly members of the genus Lactobacillus, have emerged as promising biological agents with antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties. While numerous individual studies have reported their inhibitory effects against pathogenic microorganisms, a systematic understanding that integrates their functional components, molecular mechanisms, and material-based applications remains lacking. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and component-oriented overview of LAB-mediated antimicrobial strategies. We first summarize secreted factors, including organic acids, bacteriocins, hydrogen peroxide, and extracellular vesicles, which collectively contribute to direct pathogen inhibition and environmental modulation. We then discuss cell-associated components such as surface-layer proteins and exopolysaccharides, highlighting their roles in adhesion interference and competitive exclusion. In addition, we examine whole-cell effects, including niche competition, quorum sensing disruption, and host immune modulation. Importantly, we place particular emphasis on the anti-biofilm activity of lactobacilli, detailing mechanisms involved in the prevention of the pathogen initial adhesion, disruption of extracellular polymeric substance matrices, and destabilization of mature biofilms. Finally, we explore emerging strategies that integrate lactobacilli with biomaterials, particularly hydrogel-based systems, to achieve controlled delivery, enhanced stability, and sustained antimicrobial activity. These biohybrid approaches represent a promising direction for the development of next-generation antimicrobial materials. These findings support the concept of LAB-based living antimicrobial materials as a next-generation strategy to combat biofilm-associated infections. Overall, this review aims to bridge the gap between molecular functions and translational applications of lactobacilli, providing new insights into its potential as a versatile platform for antimicrobial and anti-biofilm interventions. Full article

The amniotic membrane is widely recognized in regenerative medicine due to its rich content of extracellular matrix proteins and growth factors that confer anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative properties. However, its rapid degradation restricts its standalone clinical use. To overcome these limitations, we developed biofilms by incorporating decellularized human amniotic membrane matrix (dHAM) into polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrices using spin-coating. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were used to evaluate film biocompatibility through cell viability, proliferation, and wound healing migration assays. Surface characterization was performed using contact angle measurements, Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Soluble dHAM extracts (4–6 mg/mL) significantly enhanced BM-MSC proliferation at 48 h compared to controls (p ≤ 0.01 and p ≤ 0.0001). Both PCL-dHAM and PVP-dHAM biofilms exhibited high cell viability (>90%) and improved initial adhesion. Notably, dHAM incorporation significantly increased wound closure rates at 24 h, reaching 98.47% for PCL-dHAM and 93.13% for PVP-dHAM, compared to 76.56% and 64.20% for pure polymers (p = 0.0001). All scaffolds maintained hydrophilic surfaces (<90°), favorable for cell interaction. The integration of dHAM into PCL and PVP by spin-coating produces biofilms biocompatible with enhanced regenerative potential, representing promising candidates for wound healing applications. In conclusion, these coatings support BM-MSC adhesion, proliferation, and migration, while significantly accelerating wound closure, underscoring their value as advanced bioactive coatings for regenerative medicine. Full article

Galectins are β-galactosyl-binding lectins with key roles in immune regulation and as pattern recognition receptors. To address their potential role(s) in viral infection of mucosal epithelia we currently investigate adhesion and entry mechanisms of the infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model system. We previously reported the recognition of IHNV envelope glycoprotein by the zebrafish galectin Drgal1-L2 and its inhibitory activity for viral adhesion to epithelial cells. Subsequently, we determined the structure of Drgal1-L2 and proposed a mechanism for Drgal1-mediated inhibition of IHNV spike fusion to the host epithelial cell. We now show that Drgal1 can also hinder viral adhesion and infection by binding to glycans on the host cell surface and epidermal mucus. We identified fibronectin, the reported IHNV receptor, as the cell surface glycoprotein recognized by Drgal1-L2. Surprisingly, IHNV also adhered in vitro to purified β1integrin, and pre-exposure of either IHNV or the immobilized β1integrin to Drgal1-L2 hindered IHNV adhesion. Binding of either anti-fibronectin or anti-β1integrin antibodies to the cell surface partially inhibited IHNV adherence. Drgal1-L2 also hindered IHNV adhesion by binding to mucus glycans. Taken together, our results suggest complementary mechanisms by which Drgal1-L2 may protect mucosal epithelial cells against IHNV infection and tentatively identify β1integrin as a novel receptor for IHNV. Full article

Objectives: To address the critical limitations of current formulations that fail to simultaneously resolve indomethacin’s poor water solubility, susceptibility to gastric acid hydrolysis, and difficulty in balancing rapid onset with long-term sustained release, this study prepared solid dispersions via anti-solvent freeze-drying to improve drug dissolution, constructed oral buccoadhesive bilayer controlled-release tablets using direct powder compression, and elucidated the intrinsic relationships among polymer gel properties, swelling-erosion behavior, tablet integrity maintenance, and drug release mechanisms. Methods: Solid dispersions (SDs) were prepared by anti-solvent freeze-drying. Bilayer tablets (25 mg IND/tablet, 12.5 mg/layer) were fabricated via direct powder compression after optimizing disintegrants and polymer matrices. In vitro dissolution, surface pH, adhesion time, and adhesion strength were evaluated. Results: SDs enhanced dissolution by at least 30-fold in water and 2.4-fold at pH 6.8 within 2 h versus pure drug. Optimized bilayer tablets achieved 45% drug release at 20 min and 80% sustained release over 8 h, with surface pH of 6.8 ± 0.1, adhesion time of 8.3 ± 0.1 h, and adhesion strength of 57 ± 0.13 g. Conclusions: The physicochemical properties of polymeric excipients are critical for balancing drug release and mucoadhesion in buccal tablets. To achieve ideal controlled-release effects, in addition to focusing on the swelling and erosion characteristics of matrix-based tablets, the ability to maintain tablet integrity during dynamic dissolution must be further investigated, which is an essential factor for ensuring precisely modulated drug release. Meanwhile, when employing solid dispersions as solubilizing intermediates to prepare controlled-release formulations, the gelling properties of polymers in each formulation component should be fully considered to avoid incomplete disintegration and insufficient release at the initial dissolution stage. Full article