Search Results (1,118)

To improve the postharvest preservation of cherry tomatoes and combat pathogenic, both bacterial and fungal contamination (particularly Alternaria alternata), a novel biodegradable coating was developed based on a water-in-water (W/W) Pickering emulsion system. The emulsion was stabilized by L. plantarum (Lactobacillus plantarum), with maltodextrin (MD) as the dispersed phase and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the continuous phase. Characterization of emulsions at varying concentrations revealed that the optimized W/W-PL^8 film exhibited superior stability, smooth morphology, and low water vapor permeability (WVP = 220.437 g/(m²·24 h)), making it a promising candidate for fruit and vegetable preservation. Furthermore, the coating demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with scavenging rates of 58.99% (ABTS) and 94.23% (DPPH), along with potent antimicrobial effects, showing inhibition rates of 12.8% against Escherichia coli and 23.7% against Staphylococcus aureus. Applied to cherry tomatoes, the W/W-PL^8 coating significantly reduced respiration rates, minimized decay incidence, and maintained nutritional quality during storage. Remarkably, the coating successfully controlled Alternaria alternata contamination, enhancing the storage duration of cherry tomatoes. These findings highlight the potential of W/W-PL^8 as an eco-friendly and functional packaging material for fresh produce preservation. Full article

Background: The aim of this review is to summarize and evaluate the properties of antibacterial polysaccharides for application in dental implantology to identify knowledge gaps and provide new research ideas. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, Medline, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were used to search for peer-reviewed scientific publications published between 2018 and 2025 that provide insights to answer research questions on the role of antibacterial polysaccharides in combating pathogens in dental implantology without triggering immune reactions and inflammation. Further research questions relate to the efficacy against various dental pathogens and the understanding of the antibacterial mechanism, which may enable the development of functionalized polysaccharides with long-term antibacterial activity. Results: Biomedical implants have revolutionized medicine but also increased the risk of infections. Implant infections are a major problem in implantology and lead to implant failure and replacement. An antibacterial coating could be an excellent strategy to extend the lifespan of implants and improve the quality of the patient’s life. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses significant challenges for researchers, forcing them to search for new ways to prevent bacterial infections in implantology. Antibacterial natural polymers have recently received considerable research attention due to their long-term antibacterial activity. Polysaccharides from marine sources, such as chitosan and alginate, or pectin, xanthan, etc., from various plants, appear to be promising biopolymers for such applications in implantology due to their antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and osteogenic properties. The antibacterial activity of these natural biopolymers depends on their chemical and physical properties. Nanopolysaccharides exhibit higher antibacterial activity than conventional polysaccharides, but their toxicity to human cells must be considered. Their antibacterial activity is based on the disruption of bacterial DNA or RNA synthesis, increased cell wall permeability, membrane disruption, and cytoplasmic leakage. Conclusions: Polysaccharides are a class of natural polymers with a broad spectrum of biological activities. They exhibit antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticoagulant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activity. Furthermore, polysaccharides are non-cytotoxic and exhibit good biocompatibility with osteogenic cells. Bactericidal polysaccharides are attractive new antibacterial materials against implant infections and open up new perspectives in implantology. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a composite coating composed of 150 mg/L ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) and 5 g/L chitosan (CTS) in extending the shelf life and maintaining the postharvest quality of fresh Tremella fuciformis. Freshly harvested T. fuciformis were treated by surface spraying, with distilled water serving as the control. The effects of the coating on storage quality, physicochemical properties, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, and membrane lipid metabolism were evaluated during storage at (25 ± 1) °C. The results showed that the ε-PL/CTS composite coating significantly retarded quality deterioration, as evidenced by reduced weight loss, maintained whiteness and color, and higher retention of soluble sugars, soluble solids, and soluble proteins. The coating also effectively limited water migration and loss. Mechanistically, the coated T. fuciformis exhibited enhanced antioxidant capacity, characterized by increased superoxide anion (O₂⁻) resistance capacity, higher activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX), and elevated levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (AsA, GSH). This led to a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, alongside improved DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Furthermore, the ε-PL/CTS coating preserved cell membrane integrity by inhibiting the activities of lipid-degrading enzymes (lipase, LOX, PLD), maintaining higher levels of key phospholipids (phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine), delaying phosphatidic acid accumulation, and consequently reducing cell membrane permeability. In conclusion, the ε-PL/CTS composite coating effectively extends the shelf life and maintains the quality of postharvest T. fuciformis by modulating ROS metabolism and preserving membrane lipid homeostasis. This study provides a theoretical basis and a practical approach for the quality control of fresh T. fuciformis. Full article

Germination and physical field treatments are processing techniques that have been successfully used to change the amount of active ingredients in flaxseed. However, it is unknown if they work synergistically. This study investigated the effect of microwave-assisted germination on the lignan concentration and antioxidant activity of several flaxseed tissue components. Lignans were primarily dispersed in the flaxseed seed coat. Microwave treatment and germination significantly affected the levels of lignans in various flaxseed sections. Flaxseed hulls’ lignan content and antioxidant activity could be increased by microwave treatment (130 W for 14 s) after germination of 0, 48, or 96 h. Flaxseed kernels lignan content and antioxidant activity could be increased by microwave treatment (130 W for 10 s) before germination. Whole flaxseeds could be improved by microwave treatment (130 W for 10 s) after germination for 72 h. The findings provided a theoretical basis for reducing the loss of lignan resources in flaxseed, enhancing its use as a functional food ingredient, and clarifying the targeted utilization of various lignan sources. Full article

WS₂ coating, as a solid lubricating material, plays a significant role in the lubrication of rotating components in spacecraft. During the launch process, however, spacecraft are exposed to high-temperature and humid atmospheric environments, which can lead to oxidative failure in the coating, thereby limiting its engineering applications. By doping with B elements, B/WS₂ was successfully prepared as a composite coating. The results demonstrate that the fabricated coating exhibits excellent high-temperature tribological performance in atmospheric environments. The mechanism through which B doping improves the high-temperature friction and wear properties of the WS₂ composite coating was revealed through high-temperature friction and wear tests. With the incorporation of B elements, the average friction coefficient of the coating was 0.071, and the wear rate was 7.63 × 10⁻⁷ mm³·N⁻¹·m⁻¹, with the wear mechanisms identified as abrasive wear and spalling. Due to high-temperature oxidation, thermal decomposition effects, and the formation of WB₄ during sputtering, the wear resistance and anti-plastic deformation capability of the coating were further improved. Compared to room-temperature test conditions, the B/WS₂ composite coating at different high temperatures exhibited superior friction coefficients and wear rates. Notably, at 150 °C, the average friction coefficient was as low as 0.015, and the wear forms were abrasive wear and adhesive wear. Full article

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is renowned for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic properties, largely attributed to its rich phytochemical profile. This study evaluates the potential of metabolites from Pseudomonas shirazensis NFV3, formulated in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), to enhance the bioactivity of rosemary extracts in postharvest applications. Rosemary stems were treated with AgNPs coated with bacterial metabolites (NP), bacterial cells, or metabolites (LM), and the extracts’ phytochemical composition and bioactivities were assessed. HPLC and HPLC–MS analyses revealed that the NP treatment induced significant metabolic remodeling, particularly upregulating rosmarinic acid and selected triterpenes (ursolic and betulinic acids), while reducing carnosic acid levels. NP-treated extracts exhibited significantly enhanced inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), indicating improved anti-inflammatory potential. The α-glucosidase inhibition and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) of the extracts were not substantially altered, suggesting the selective enhancement of pharmacological functions. These findings demonstrate that nanoparticle-based elicitation selectively remodels secondary metabolism in rosemary, improving extract quality and bioactivity. This strategy offers a novel, sustainable tool for optimizing plant-based therapeutics in the phytopharmaceutical industry. Full article

Coatings that are tolerant of poor surface preparation are often used for rapid, real-time maintenance of aging steel surfaces. In this study, a modified epoxy (EP) anti-rust coating was proposed, utilizing methyl gallate (MG) as a rust conversion agent, graphene oxide (GO) as an active functional material, and epoxy resin as the film-forming material. The anti-rust mechanism was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), and the scanning vibration electrode technique (SVET). The results demonstrated that over a period of 21 days, the impedance of the coating increases while the corrosion current density decreases with prolonged soaking time. The coating exhibited a maximum impedance of 2259 kΩ, and a lower corrosion current density of 8.316 × 10⁻³ A/m², which demonstrated a three-order magnitude reduction compared to the corrosion current density observed in mild steel without coating. LSCM demonstrated that MG can not only penetrate the tiny gap between the rust particles, but also effectively convert harmful rust into a complex. SVET showed a much more uniform current density distribution in the micro-zones of mild steel with the anti-rust coating compared to uncoated mild steel, indicating that the presence of GO not only enhanced the electrical conductivity of the coating, but also improved the structure of the coating, which contributed to the high performance of the modified epoxy anti-rust coating. This work highlights the potential application of anti-rust coating in the protection of metal structures in coastal engineering. Full article

Oceans are increasingly viewed as a new frontier for economic development, contributing to the bridge between food industry, sea bioeconomy, and health. Nowadays, oceans are under attention as a strategy for creating opportunities and driving innovation, and their vital importance will become even more evident in the years to come. Therefore, it is crucial to study oceans under a holistic approach, taking the maximum value of their abundant resources in a sustainable way. As such, blue bioeconomy is the path forward, since it is a development strategy that meets the economic potential without compromising the environmental health. A special look needs to be taken at the underutilized resources and by-products, which hold unexploited value. For instance, green macroalgae are widespread marine macroalgae that lack industry applications, despite being rich in biopolymers (polysaccharides) and antioxidants. Moreover, fish by-products are also rich sources of biopolymers, mostly proteins. Thus, among other potential uses, raw materials could be explored to produce functional edible coatings under a blue bioeconomy approach. A detailed characterization of raw materials is the first step for the development of value-added products. These topics will be addressed in this review. Full article

To investigate the impermeability of foam concrete in various challenging environments, this study evaluates its water resistance by measuring the water contact angle and water absorption. Polyurethane (PU) was used to fabricate polyurethane foam concrete (PFC), enabling a monolithic hydrophobic modification to improve the permeation performance of foam concrete. The study also examines the effects of carbonation and freeze–thaw environments on the permeation resistance of PFC. Graphene oxide (GO), KH-550, and a composite hydrophobic coating (G/S) consisting of GO and KH-550 were employed to enhance the permeation resistance of PFC through surface hydrophobic modification. The functionality of the G/S composite hydrophobic coating was confirmed using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed the following: (1) The water contact angle of PFC increased by 20.2° compared to that of ordinary foam concrete, indicating that PU-based hydrophobic modification can significantly improve its impermeability. (2) After carbonation, a micro–nano composite structure resembling the surface of a lotus leaf developed on the surface of PFC, further enhancing its impermeability. However, freeze–thaw cycles led to the formation and widening of microcracks in the PFC, which compromised its hydrophobic properties. (3) Surface hydrophobic modifications using GO, KH-550, and the G/S composite coating improved the anti-permeability properties of PFC, with the G/S composite showing the most significant enhancement. (4) GO filled the tiny voids and pores on the surface of the PFC, thereby improving its anti-permeability properties. KH-550 replaced water on the surface of PFC and encapsulated surface particles, orienting its R-groups outward to enhance hydrophobicity. The G/S composite emulsion coating formed a hydrophobic silane layer inside the concrete, which enhanced water resistance by blocking water penetration, reducing microscopic pores in the hydrophobic layer, and improving impermeability characteristics. Full article

In this work, we report a green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Tradescantia spathacea (purple maguey) as bioreducing and stabilizing agents, which are plant extracts not previously employed for metal oxide nanoparticle synthesis. This method provides an efficient, eco-friendly, and reproducible route to obtain ZnO nanoparticles, while minimizing environmental impact compared to conventional chemical approaches. The extracts were prepared following a standardized protocol, and their phytochemical profiles, including total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity, were quantified via UV-Vis spectroscopy to confirm their reducing potential. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using zinc acetate dihydrate as a precursor, with variations in pH and precursor concentration in both aqueous and ethanolic media. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a hexagonal wurtzite structure with preferential (101) orientation and lattice parameters a = b = 3.244 Å, c = 5.197 Å. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed agglomerated morphologies, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of phytochemicals such as quercetin, kaempferol, saponins, and terpenes, along with Zn–O bonding, indicating surface functionalization. Zeta potential measurements showed improved dispersion under alkaline conditions, particularly with ethanolic extracts. This study presents a sustainable synthesis strategy with tunable parameters, highlighting the critical influence of precursor concentration and solvent environment on ZnO nanoparticle formation. Notably, aqueous extracts promote ZnO synthesis at low precursor concentrations, while alkaline conditions are essential when using ethanolic extracts. Compared to other green synthesis methods, this strategy offers control and reproducibility and employs a non-toxic, underexplored plant source rich in phytochemicals, potentially enhancing the crystallinity, surface functionality, and application potential of the resulting ZnO nanoparticles. These materials show promise for applications in photocatalysis, in antimicrobial coatings, in UV-blocking formulations, and as functional additives in optoelectronic and environmental remediation technologies. Full article

Globally, the proportion of the consumption of fruits in the human diet shows an increasing trend. However, fruits may incur significant losses during the post-harvest storage and transportation process due to metabolic activities and mechanical damage. Post-harvest coating technology has been proven to be an effective means of reducing quality loss, and it offers the advantages of being environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and free of chemical residues. This article begins with an introduction to the three main mechanisms of coating preservation, including physical barrier effects, physiological metabolism regulation, and antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Secondly, this paper comprehensively reviews the latest progress of coating application technology in the field of fruit preservation, and summarizes the development of coating application technology in recent years, which is divided into two categories: traditional technology and fiber coating formation technology. Among these, the spraying method in traditional technology and microfluidic spinning technology in fiber coating formation technology are emphasized. This information will help to further develop coating application techniques to improve post-harvest fruit preservation. Full article

Fruit and vegetable production is often impacted by microbial pathogens that compromise the quality of produce and lead to significant economic losses at the postharvest stages. Due to their efficacy, agrochemicals are widely applied in disease management; nevertheless, this practice has led to the appearance of microbial strains resistant to these types of agrochemicals. Additionally, there is growing concern among consumers about the presence of these chemical residues in fruits and the negative impacts they cause on multiple ecosystems. In response, there is a growing need for safe, effective, green, and sustainable disease control technologies. Bionanocomposites, with their unique ability to combine nanomaterials and biopolymers that have attractive properties, represents a promising alternative for postharvest disease control. These technologies allow for the development of functional coatings and films with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and barrier properties, which are critical for extending shelf life and preserving fruit quality. Recent advances have demonstrated that integrating nanoparticles, such as ZnO, TiO₂, Ag, and chitosan-based nanosystems, into biopolymeric matrices, like alginate, pectin, starch, or cellulose, can enhance mechanical strength, regulate gas exchange, and control the release of active agents. This review presents systematized information that is focused on the creation of coatings and films based on bionanocomposites for the management of disease in fruits and vegetables. It also discusses the use of diverse biopolymers and nanomaterials and their impact on the quality and shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Full article

Spice by-products, often discarded as waste, represent an untapped resource for sustainable packaging solutions due to their unique, multifunctional, and bioactive profiles. Unlike typical plant residues, these materials retain diverse phytochemicals—including phenolics, polysaccharides, and other compounds, such as essential oils and vitamins—that exhibit controlled release antimicrobial and antioxidant effects with environmental responsiveness to pH, humidity, and temperature changes. Their distinctive advantage is in preserving volatile bioactives, demonstrating enzyme-inhibiting properties, and maintaining thermal stability during processing. This review encompasses a comprehensive characterization of phytochemicals, an assessment of the re-utilization pathway from waste to active materials, and an investigation of processing methods for transforming by-products into films, coatings, and nanoemulsions through green extraction and packaging film development technologies. It also involves the evaluation of their mechanical strength, barrier performance, controlled release mechanism behavior, and effectiveness of food preservation. Key findings demonstrate that ginger and onion residues significantly enhance antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to high phenolic acid and sulfur-containing compound concentrations, while cinnamon and garlic waste effectively improve mechanical strength and barrier attributes owing to their dense fiber matrix and bioactive aldehyde content. However, re-using these residues faces challenges, including the long-term storage stability of certain bioactive compounds, mechanical durability during scale-up, natural variability that affects standardization, and cost competitiveness with conventional packaging. Innovative solutions, including encapsulation, nano-reinforcement strategies, intelligent polymeric systems, and agro-biorefinery approaches, show promise for overcoming these barriers. By utilizing these spice by-products, the packaging industry can advance toward a circular bio-economy, depending less on traditional plastics and promoting environmental sustainability in light of growing global population and urbanization trends. Full article

Postharvest losses and limited physiological knowledge restrict the conservation and year-round availability of underutilized crops such as Dioscorea trifida. This study characterized the postharvest behavior of Colombian purple D. trifida tubers and evaluated low-cost, GRAS-status technologies to improve storage performance in smallholder production systems. Tubers were stored for 34 days at ambient conditions (20 °C, 90% RH) and compared with treatments including cold storage, calcium pretreatments combined with Aloe vera-based coatings, and short-duration hot water immersion. Over storage, total carbohydrates increased, while potassium remained at substantial levels until the final day. Weight loss and respiration declined steadily, and sprouting was absent, suggesting extended endodormancy in this genotype. Major deterioration causes observed upon reception included fragmentation, insect damage, and surface molds, highlighting the importance of improved sanitation and mechanical protection during harvest, early postharvest stages, and transportation. Edible coatings enhanced antioxidant activity and increased malic and succinic acid concentrations. Cold storage at 3 °C reduced weight loss more effectively than storage at 12 or 20 °C, although citric acid accumulation was greater at the latter temperature. Among all treatments, immersion at 55 °C for 5 min was the most promising, offering a scalable, low-input option to extend shelf life in neglected yam species. Full article

To investigate the corrosion resistance of 60Si2MnA spring steel coated with Zn-Al in a domestic atmospheric environment containing harmful salts, the corrosion environmental factors (temperature, humidity, deposited salts, and pH) were obtained through field research. The deliquescence and weathering behavior of harmful salts were studied using impedance methods to establish their characteristic curves. Additionally, a self-designed salt deposition test apparatus was employed to conduct accelerated atmospheric corrosion tests under constant salt deposition (10 g/m²) and controlled temperature and humidity conditions (20 °C/75% RH and 40 °C/75% RH) over different corrosion periods. The results show that noticeable red rust appeared on the samples after one month of corrosion. As the temperature increased, the consumption of the coating accelerated. XRD and Raman analyses reveal that the main corrosion products of the coating materials were ZnO, Zn(OH)₂, and Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆, while the red rust primarily consisted of iron oxides and hydroxides. In the early stages of corrosion, the self-corrosion current density was relatively low due to the protective effects of the coating and the corrosion product layer, indicating good corrosion resistance. However, in the later stages, the integrity of the coating and the corrosion product layer deteriorated, leading to a significant increase in the self-corrosion current density and a decline in corrosion resistance. This study provides a data foundation for understanding the corrosion behavior of Zn-Al-coated spring steel in atmospheric environments and offers theoretical insights for developing more corrosion-resistant coatings and optimizing anti-corrosion measures. Full article