Search Results (168)

This study, conducted in Mexico, evaluates the agricultural potential of three compost formulations BFS1, BFS2, and BFS3 produced from mining tailings and thermophilic microbial mats and collected from geothermal environments. The physicochemical characterization included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S), micronutrients (Fe, Zn, B, Cu, Mn, Mo, and Ni), organic matter (OM), and the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio. All composts exhibited neutral pH values (7.38–7.52), high OM content (38.5–48.4%), and optimal C/N ratios (10.5–13.9), indicating maturity and chemical stability. Nitrogen ranged from 19 to 21 kg·t⁻¹, while potassium and calcium were present in concentrations beneficial for crop development. However, EC values (3.43–3.66 dS/m) and boron levels (>160 ppm) were moderately high, requiring caution in saline soils or with boron-sensitive crops. A semi-quantitative Compost Quality Index (CQI) ranked BFS3 highest due to elevated OM and potassium content, followed by BFS1. BFS2, while rich in nitrogen, scored lower due to excessive boron. One-way ANOVA revealed no significant difference in nitrogen (p > 0.05), but it did reveal significant differences in potassium (p < 0.01) and boron (p < 0.001) among formulations. These results confirm the potential of mining tailings—microbial mat composts are low-cost, nutrient-rich biofertilizers. They are suitable for field crops or as components in nursery substrates, particularly when EC and boron are managed through dilution. This study promotes the circular reuse of geothermal and industrial residues and contributes to sustainable soil restoration practices in mining-affected regions through innovative composting strategies. Full article

Since the approval of Bortezomib (Velcade^®) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003, boron-containing drugs have successfully entered the global market, spanning therapeutic areas such as anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal agents. Meanwhile, boron is an essential trace element for plant growth, and boronic acid has been widely used as plant resistance inducers and growth promoters. In 2024, the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) introduced benzoxaboroles as a new category of fungicides, which fully demonstrates the significant application potential of boron-containing compounds (BCCs) in the field of agricultural fungicides. Recently, studies on BCCs in agriculture have emerged continuously. Compared with the systematic reviews in the pharmaceutical field, those focusing on BCCs in agriculture remain absent. This review systematically collates BCCs with reported biological activities from the literature over the past 20 years, from the perspective of boron-containing building blocks. It mainly focuses on the potential of boronic acid derivatization and its activities in agrochemicals. Additionally, it covers the applications of boron-containing building blocks in pharmaceuticals, including their action mechanisms. Full article

Amorphous boron powder, as a high-energy fuel, is widely used in the energy sector. However, its ignition and combustion difficulties have long limited its performance in propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. In this study, Mg/Al-coated boron powder with enhanced combustion properties was synthesized using the electrical explosion method. To investigate the effect of Mg/Al coating on the ignition and combustion behavior of boron powder, four samples with different Mg/Al coating contents (4 wt.%, 6 wt.%, 8 wt.%, and 10 wt.%) were prepared. Compared with raw B95 boron powder, the coated powders showed a significant reduction in particle size (from 2.9 μm to 0.2–0.3 μm) and a marked increase in specific surface area (from 10.37 m²/g to over 20 m²/g). The Mg/Al coating formed a uniform layer on the boron surface, which reduced the ignition delay time from 143 ms to 40–50 ms and significantly improved the combustion rate, combustion pressure, and combustion calorific value. These results demonstrate that Mg/Al coating effectively promotes rapid ignition and sustained combustion of boron particles. Furthermore, with the increasing Mg/Al content, the ignition delay time decreased progressively, while the combustion rate, combustion pressure, and heat release increased accordingly, reaching optimal values at 8 wt.% Mg/Al. An analysis of the combustion residues revealed that both Mg and Al reacted with boron oxide to form new multicomponent compounds, which reduced the barrier effect of the oxide layer on oxygen diffusion into the boron core, thereby facilitating continuous combustion and high heat release. This work innovatively employs the electrical explosion method to prepare dual-metal-coated boron powders and, for the first time, reveals the synergistic promotion effect of Mg and Al coatings on the ignition and combustion performance of boron. The results provide both experimental data and theoretical support for the high-energy release and practical application of boron-based fuels. Full article

In this investigation, TiB₂–TiC composite powders, synthesized via the boron/carbon thermal reduction process, were employed as precursor materials. SiC, serving as the tertiary constituent, was incorporated to fabricate TiB₂–TiC–SiC composite ceramics utilizing spark plasma sintering technology. The present study initially elucidates the densification mechanisms and investigates the influence of sintering temperature on the densification behavior, microstructural evolution, and mechanical properties of the resultant ceramics. The experimental findings reveal that the sintering process of TiB₂–TiC–SiC ceramics exhibits characteristics consistent with solid-phase sintering. As the sintering temperature escalates, both the relative density and mechanical properties of the ceramics initially improve, reaching a maximum at an optimal sintering temperature of 1900 °C, before subsequently declining. Microstructural examinations conducted at this optimal temperature indicate a homogeneous distribution of the two primary phases, with no evidence of excessive grain growth. Furthermore, this research explores the effects of SiC addition on the mechanical performance and oxidation resistance of TiB₂–TiC–SiC composite ceramics. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of SiC effectively suppresses grain growth and promotes the formation of rod-like TiB₂ microstructures, thereby enhancing the mechanical attributes of the ceramics. Additionally, the addition of SiC significantly improves the oxidation resistance of the composite ceramics compared to their TiB₂–TiC binary counterparts Full article

Soil degradation and declining fertility threaten sustainable agriculture and crop productivity. This study evaluates the effects of CFMI-8, a co-fermented microbial inoculant comprising eight bacterial strains selected through genomic and metabolic modeling, on soil health, nutrient availability, and corn performance. Conducted in a randomized complete block design at Findlay Farm, Wisconsin, the field trial assessed soil biological activity, nutrient cycling, and crop yield responses to CFMI-8 treatment. Treated soils exhibited significant increases in microbial organic carbon (+224.1%) and CO₂ respiration (+167.1%), indicating enhanced microbial activity and organic matter decomposition. Improvements in nitrate nitrogen (+20.2%), cation exchange capacity (+23.1%), and potassium (+27.3%) were also observed. Corn yield increased by 28.6%, with corresponding gains in silage yield (+9.6%) and nutritional quality. Leaf micronutrient concentrations, particularly iron, manganese, boron, and zinc, were significantly higher in treated plants. Correlation and Random Forest analyses identified microbial activity and nitrogen availability as key predictors of yield and nutrient uptake. These results demonstrate CFMI-8’s potential to enhance soil fertility, promote nutrient cycling, and improve crop productivity under field conditions. The findings support microbial inoculants as viable tools for regenerative agriculture and emphasize the need for long-term studies to assess sustainability impacts. Full article

The catalytic activity of monolayer and bilayer boron-doped edge black phosphorene nanoribbons (BPNRs) as electrocatalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) was investigated using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). The results indicate that boron incorporation facilitates effective N₂ adsorption at specific BPNR edges, thereby achieving superior NRR electrocatalytic performance. Through NRR screening criteria, six candidate edges (B@ZZ₃-1, B@ZZ₄-1, B@AC₀-1, B@ZZ₀^AA-1, B@ZZ₁^AB-3, and B@ZZ₄^AA-3) were identified. Electronic property analysis revealed that boron doping significantly reduces the bandgap of BPNRs and enhances catalytic activity by promoting electron accumulation at boron sites. Free energy pathway calculations demonstrated that B@AC₀-1, B@ZZ₀^AA-1, and B@ZZ₁^AB-3 exhibit overpotentials of 0.19 V, 0.28 V, and 0.15 V, respectively, during the NRR process, outperforming other phosphorus-based catalysts in activity. Full article

Aluminum, boron, and titanium microalloyed into high-strength low-alloy boron steel exhibit a complex interplay, competing for nitrogen, with titanium demonstrating the highest affinity, followed by boron and aluminum. This competition affects the formation and distribution of nitrides, impacting the microstructure and mechanical properties of the steel. Titanium protects boron from forming BN and facilitates the nucleation of acicular ferrite, enhancing toughness. The segregation of boron to grain boundaries, rather than its precipitation as boron nitride, promotes the formation of martensite and thus the through-hardenability. Aluminum nitride is critical in controlling grain size through a pronounced pinning effect. In this study, we employ energy- and wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and computer-aided particle analysis to analyze the phase content of 12 high-purity vacuum induction-melted samples. The primary objective of this study is to correctly describe the microstructural evolution in the Fe-Al-B-Ti-C-N system using the Calphad approach, with special emphasis on correctly predicting the dissolution temperatures of nitrides. A multicomponent database is constructed through the incorporation of available binary and ternary descriptions, employing the Calphad approach. The experimental findings regarding the solvus temperature of the involved nitrides are employed to validate the accuracy of the thermodynamic database. The findings offer a comprehensive understanding of the relative phase stabilities and the associated interplay among the involved elements Al, B, and Ti in the Fe-rich corner of the system. The type and size distribution of the stable nitrides in microalloyed steel have been demonstrated to exert a substantial influence on the properties of the material, thereby rendering accurate predictions of phase stabilities of considerable relevance. Full article

Broad lateral size and thickness distributions impede the application of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) as friction modifiers in base oil, although they possess remarkable potential for lubrication performance promotion. In this work, a cascade centrifugation-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation approach was presented to prepare BNNSs from hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) efficiently and scalably. Subsequently, they were ultrasonically dispersed into gas-to-liquid (GTL) base oil, and their lubrication performance promotion was evaluated by a four-ball tribotester. Tribological tests demonstrated that BNNS possesses excellent friction-reducing and anti-wear properties in GTL. Furthermore, the findings indicate that at a BNNS content of 0.8 wt.%, the system displayed the lowest COF and WSD. Particularly, with an addition of 0.8 wt.% BNNS into GTL, the AFC and WSD are reduced significantly by 40.1% and 35.4% compared to pure base oil, respectively, and the surface roughness, wear depth, and wear volume were effectively reduced by 91.0%, 68.5%, and 76.8% compared to GTL base oil, respectively. Raman, SEM-EDS, and XPS results proved that the outstanding friction-reducing and anti-wear properties of BNNS can mainly be ascribed to the presence of physical adsorption film and tribo-chemical film, which were composed of FeOOH, FeO, Fe₃O₄, and B₂O₃. Full article

To improve the combustion performance of boron powder, a method was developed for synthesizing boron–magnesium–titanium (B-Mg-Ti) ternary composite powders with controlled metal content. Boron–magnesium (B-Mg) base materials were first prepared via electrical explosion, followed by the incorporation of titanium powder at varying mass fractions (1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 5 wt.%, and 7 wt.%) through mechanical ball milling. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed that the addition of titanium promoted a more uniform dispersion of magnesium within the boron agglomerates. Moreover, nanoscale titanium particles were observed to be embedded on the particle surfaces, confirming successful microscale composite formation. Particle size distribution was measured using a Malvern 3000 laser particle size analyzer, and results showed that the particle size of the ternary composites decreased gradually with increasing titanium content. Specific surface area was determined via the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, with all samples exhibiting values greater than 15 m²/g, indicating good surface reactivity. Furthermore, the rheological behavior of the B-Mg-Ti composite powders, when combined with terminal hydroxyl polybutadiene (HTPB)—a typical binder in solid propellants—was evaluated. Viscosity measurements were conducted using a rotational rheometer at constant temperatures of 20 °C and 70 °C. The results demonstrated a marked decrease in viscosity with increasing titanium content, suggesting that titanium incorporation enhances the flowability of the composite powders. This study systematically evaluated the influence of titanium content on the structural and physicochemical properties of B-Mg-Ti composite powders, thereby providing a valuable experimental foundation for the optimized design of boron-based combustion systems and the enhancement of their processing and application performance. Full article

Traditional approaches to constructing thermally conductive networks typically necessitate costly equipment and intricate processes, rendering them unsuitable for mass production and commercialization. Here, we propose a facile strategy to construct highly oriented boron nitride/polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive frameworks by a calendering process. A UV light-based bulk polymerization method is adopted to prepare the pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), which makes the preparation process solvent-free and volatile organic compound (VOC)-free, and environmentally friendly compared to emulsion and solvent-based pressure-sensitive adhesives. This simple, economical and scalable method provides new ideas and ways for the preparation of advanced thermal conductive networks. The highly oriented and flexible m-BNNSs/polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive composites (m-BNNSs/PSAs-Ori) exhibited a significantly high thermal conductivity (TC) of 0.9552 W/(m·K) at 25 wt% filler content. Significantly, m-BNNSs/PSAs-Ori composites showed a better thermal response than the single-layer thermally conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive. Moreover, the composites also possess excellent electrical insulation and mechanical properties. This exploration not only provides a reasonable design scheme for thermal interface materials, but also promotes the practical application of polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive composites in thermal management. Full article

This study elucidates the dynamic tribo-mechanical response of laser-cladded FeNiCr-B₄C metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings on AISI 1040 steel substrate, unraveling the intricate interplay between microstructural features and phase transformations. A multi-faceted approach, employing high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and advanced X-ray diffraction/Raman spectroscopy techniques, provided a comprehensive characterization of the coatings’ behavior under mechanical and scratch testing, shedding light on the mechanisms governing their wear resistance. Specifically, microstructural analysis revealed uniform coatings with a columnar structure and controlled defect density, showcasing an average thickness of 250 ± 20 μm and a transition zone of 80 ± 10 μm. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of α-Fe (Im-3m), γ-FeNiCr (Fm-3m), Fe₂B (I-42m), and B₄C (R-3m) phases, highlighting the successful incorporation of B₄C reinforcement. The addition of 5 and 7 wt.% B₄C significantly increased microhardness, showing enhancements up to 201% compared to the B₄C-free FeNiCr coating and up to 351% relative to the AISI 1040 steel substrate, respectively. Boron carbide addition promoted a synergistic strengthening effect between the in situ formed Fe₂B and the retained B₄C phases. Furthermore, scratch test analysis clarified improved wear resistance, excellent adhesion, and a tailored hardness gradient. These findings demonstrated that optimized short-pulsed laser cladding, combined with moderate B₄C reinforcement, is a promising route for creating robust, high-strength FeNiCr-B₄C MMC coatings suitable for demanding engineering applications. Full article

Precision nutrition-targeted gut microbiota (GM) may have therapeutic potential not only for age-related diseases but also for slowing the aging process and promoting longer healthspan. Recent studies have shown that restoring a healthy symbiosis of GM by counteracting dysbiosis (DYS) through precise nutritional intervention is becoming a major target for extending healthspan. Microbiota-accessible borate (MAB) complexes, such as boron (B)–pectins (rhamnogalacturonan–borate) and borate–phenolic esters (diester chlorogenoborate), have a significant impact on healthy host–microbiota symbiosis (HMS). The mechanism of action of MABs involves the biosynthesis of the autoinducer-2–borate (AI-2B) signaling molecule, B fortification of the mucus gel layer by the MABs diet, inhibition of pathogenic microbes, and reversal of GM DYS, strengthening the gut barrier structure, enhancing immunity, and promoting overall host health. In fact, the lack of MAB complexes in the human diet causes reduced levels of AI-2B in GM, inhibiting the Firmicutes phylum (the main butyrate-producing bacteria), with important effects on healthy HMS. It can now be argued that there is a relationship between MAB-rich intake, healthy HMS, host metabolic health, and longevity. This could influence the deployment of natural prebiotic B-based nutraceuticals targeting the colon in the future. Our review is based on the discovery that MAB diet is absolutely necessary for healthy HMS in humans, by reversing DYS and restoring eubiosis for longer healthspan. Full article

Mogroside V crude extract from Siraitia grosvenorii has many pharmacological effects, such as anti-diabetes, antioxidant, etc. It is being used as a kind of natural sweetener in more and more countries. The improvement of Mogroside V purity can greatly promote the utilization value of Siraitia grosvenorii and the quality of related products. For this paper, a boronic acid-functionalized silica gel adsorbent (SiO₂-GP-APBA) was synthesized and applied for the first time in the purification of mogroside V from the crude extract of Siraitia grosvenorii. It was demonstrated that it was 30–100 μm with 163.1 μmol/g of boronic acid groups on the surface of silica gel and stable at below 380.20 °C. Its maximum adsorption capacity to mogroside V was up to 206.74 mg/g at room temperature. After the saturated absorption from the crude extract of Siraitia grosvenorii in a pH 3 solution, 96.36% mogroside V could be released from SiO₂-GP-APBA using a pH 7 aqueous solution, which was better than ethanol. The purity of mogroside V was significantly increased from 35.67% to 76.34%. Semi-preparative HPLC could further improve the purity of mogroside V to 99.60%. Additionally, the direct inhibition effect of the mogroside V on α-glucosidase was determined for the first time. Its inhibitory constant was 46.11 μM, indicating mogroside V was beneficial for the treatment of diabetes. Full article

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation play pivotal roles in causing impaired tissue regeneration and delaying wound healing processes. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) demonstrates robust anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics, thereby emerging as a highly promising therapeutic substance for tissue repair applications. In order to counteract the pathological characteristics of the wound microenvironment, including increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), low pH (weak acidic conditions), and elevated glucose concentrations, a hydrogel with pH/ROS/glucose-responsive properties was fabricated. This hydrogel was modified with phenylboronic acid (PBA) groups, which not only enhance its mechanical strength but also endow it with multi-stimuli responsiveness via dynamic boronate ester bonds. The impacts of grafting of PBA and loading of EGCG on the rheological and mechanical properties, as well as the network structure of the hydrogels, were systematically investigated. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that the hydrogel could achieve excellent sustained and controlled release of both small-molecule and macromolecular drugs. Additionally, cell viability tests verified the hydrogel’s outstanding biocompatibility, and antioxidant experiments demonstrated its efficient ability to scavenge intracellular ROS. In conclusion, this injectable and biodegradable hydrogel possesses multi-stimuli responsiveness, controllable drug release behavior, and antioxidant capacity, presenting a promising approach to alleviate oxidative damage and promote tissue repair. This study offers valuable perspectives for the design of advanced hydrogel materials aimed at treating wound healing. Full article

Litter and pruning biomass are integral to nutrient cycling in the plant–soil ecosystem, contributing significantly to organic matter formation and humus development through decomposition and nutrient mineralization, which ultimately influence soil fertility and health. However, the litterfall dynamics in mango orchards are not well understood, and its contribution to nutrient cycling has seldom been measured. This study aimed to estimate litterfall and pruning biomass in mango orchards and assess the nutrient contents of various biomass components. Litter and pruning biomass samples were collected from four commercial mango orchards planted with Kensington Pride (‘KP’) and ‘B74’ (‘Calypso^®’) cultivars in the Darwin and Katherine regions, using litter traps placed on the orchard floors. Samples were sorted (leaves, flowers, panicles, fruits, and branches) and analyzed for nutrient contents. Results showed that most biomass abscissions occurred between late June and August, spanning approximately 100 days involving floral induction phase, fruit set, and maturity. Leaves made up most of the abscised litter biomass, while branches were the primary component of pruning biomass. The overall ranking of biomass across both regions and orchards is as follows: leaves > branches > panicles > flowers > fruits. The carbon–nitrogen (C:N) ratio of litter pruning material ranged from 30 (flowers) to 139 (branches). On a hectare basis, litter and biomass inputs contained 1.2 t carbon (C), 21.2 kg nitrogen (N), 0.80 kg phosphorus (P), 4.9 kg potassium (K), 8.7 kg calcium (Ca), 2.0 kg magnesium (Mg), 1.1 kg sulfur (S), 15 g boron (B), 13.6 g copper (Cu), 99.3 g iron (Fe), 78.6 g manganese (Mn), and 28.6 g zinc (Zn). The results indicate that annual litterfall may contribute substantially to plant nutrient supply and soil health when incorporated into the soil to undergo decomposition. This study contributes to a better understanding of litter biomass, nutrient sources, and nutrient cycling in tropical mango production systems, offering insights that support accurate nutrient budgeting and help prevent over-fertilization. However, further research is needed to examine biomass accumulation under different pruning regimes, decomposition dynamics, microbial interactions, and broader ecological effects to understand litterfall’s role in promoting plant growth, enhancing soil health, and supporting sustainable mango production. Full article