Search Results (18,800)

Populus nigra buds contain resinous exudates rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids and other bioactive constituents. These exudates are the main botanical source of European Poplar-type propolis. Since hive-collected propolis shows strong botanical, geographical and hive contaminant variability, P. nigra bud resin exudate represents an attractive, standardizable and reproducible alternative for obtaining natural-complex ingredients. This study investigates the compositional relationship between Propolgemma^® standardized P. nigra buds (PBHE) and European propolis (PHE) hydroalcoholic extracts through integrated analytical approaches and evaluates the functional bioactivity of PBHE and a related oral spray formulation (Propolgemma^® spray forte, PBHE-SF). Untargeted metabolomic fingerprinting revealed clear clustering of P. nigra bud exudate with European propolis, demonstrating high compositional similarity. Targeted analyses confirmed that PBHE belongs to the poplar-type propolis family, while retaining additional bud-derived constituents such as salicylates, lignins and tannins, typical of bud tissue and largely absent from hive-collected propolis. Functionally, PBHE showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity and significant inhibition of Streptococcus pyogenes biofilm at sub-MIC levels. PBHE, incorporated into a patented oral spray formulation (PBHE-SF), demonstrated strong mucoadhesion, high resistance to salivary wash-off, retention of antioxidant flavonoids on epithelial substrates and a mechanical barrier effect, reducing LPS-induced IL-6 release by 39%. It also showed dispersion of pre-formed S. pyogenes biofilms. PBHE emerges as a reproducible, plant-derived, bee-independent alternative to European propolis. Its chemical consistency, functional reliability, independence from bee foraging and from hive-derived contaminants improve the therapeutic potential on mucosal protection in medical device formulations and the suitability for scalable, controlled and industrially sustainable production. Full article

Aerosol scattering strongly influences the Earth’s atmosphere energy balance and actinic flux, yet its efficiency remains uncertain due to limited understanding of chemical effects. Scattering efficiency primarily depends on aerosol size, scattering refractive index, and hygroscopicity, which are determined by emissions and chemical processes; however, their covariation characteristics are rarely explored. Here, we use long-term measurements of submicron aerosol size distributions, chemical composition, scattering properties, and hygroscopicity in Guangzhou to investigate their covariations and links to secondary aerosol formation. The results indicate that dry-state volume scattering efficiency (VSE) was mainly driven by variations in aerosol size (R² = 0.74), despite substantial refractive index variability (1.4–1.6), which showed overall independent variations with size. Source apportionment and case analyses suggest distinct size ranges for secondary organic (SOA) and inorganic aerosols (SIA). Accordingly, a new lognormal fitting methodology is proposed to retrieve particle volume size distribution (PVSD)-associated aerosol components by combining PVSD and composition data. Retrieved geometric mean diameters of SOA (Dg,_SOA, 175–400 nm; 246 ± 44 nm) and SIA (Dg,_SIA, 200–600 nm; 382 ± 68 nm) are significantly correlated (R² = 0.43), indicating coupled formation of SOA and SIA and their interdependent roles in aerosol scattering. In addition, pronounced joint increases in dry-state VSE and aerosol hygroscopicity driven by the co-enhancement of aerosol size and hygroscopicity are further revealed. These results demonstrate the interconnected roles of secondary aerosol formation in controlling scattering efficiency and underscore the need to better represent SOA–SIA interactions in simulating aerosol radiative effects and address the covariations of aerosol hygroscopicity and dry-state scattering efficiency in aerosol remote sensing. Full article

Research has demonstrated that the presence of synthetic preservatives tends to disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota, thereby posing a significant threat to food safety and human health. The present study investigates the antibacterial activity of a novel bacteriocin-like produced by Latilactobacillus sakei (L. sakei) against Escherichia coli (E. coli), as well as its mechanism of action. This study aims to validate the significant antibacterial effect of bacteriocin-like YY-1 produced by L. sakei W-1 through dialysis combined with Tricine-SDS-PAGE analysis, and to determine its molecular weight. The results of the study indicate that the molecular weight of the bacteriocin-like is less than 2.7 kDa. Moreover, this bacteriocin-like YY-1 exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, demonstrating antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. Typhimurium, A. baumannii, P. mirabilis, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes. Furthermore, bacteriocin-like YY-1 exhibits optimal antibacterial activity at a pH of 4.0, with its activity gradually diminishing as pH increases. It is completely inactivated by trypsin treatment, while papain and proteinase K treatments significantly reduce its antibacterial activity. Additionally, this bacteriocin-like YY-1 has been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of E. coli and disrupt its normal development. The Viable/Necrotic Cell Stain and SEM observations confirmed that the bacteriocin-like compound induces cell death by forming distinct pores through the disruption of the cell membrane’s structural integrity. In summary, YY-1—a bacteriocin-like substance characterised by its low molecular weight (<2.7 kDa), broad-spectrum activity, and pore-forming mechanism—is a highly promising natural alternative to synthetic preservatives, capable of mitigating the damage caused by chemical additives to the gut microbiota. Full article

Public awareness and perception of human biomonitoring (HBM) and pesticide exposure are essential for informed decision-making and policy, yet understanding remains limited and often shaped by media and advocacy. This study combined three focus group discussions with Latvian citizens and an online content analysis of pesticide-related posts. Discussions explored understanding of HBM, attitudes toward chemical exposures, and support for related research, while content analysis identified commonly discussed pesticides and the role of non-governmental organisations (NGO) in shaping public opinion. Findings indicate low awareness and frequent misconceptions about HBM, often confused with wearable health technologies rather than a tool for assessing internal chemical exposure. Concerns were mainly linked to food additives and household chemicals, with less attention to pesticides. Glyphosate emerged as the most debated pesticide, largely driven by NGO activity and media coverage. Trust in government initiatives was mixed, with concerns about political influence, industry interests, and data privacy. Nevertheless, participants expressed strong support for further national research. Overall, the results highlight gaps in public understanding and the significant influence of media and advocacy. Strengthening risk communication, transparency, and public engagement is essential to build trust and support the development of Latvia’s HBM framework. Full article

Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent pollutant in soils due to its exceptional chemical and biological stability. Pyrolysis has been recognized as an effective technology for the remediation of PFOS-contaminated soil. However, its large-scale application faces challenges such as the requirement of high temperatures, long residence time, and corrosive off-gas treatment. The application of additives during pyrolysis is a promising strategy to overcome these challenges. In this study, six additives (Fe₂O₃, Fe₃O₄, CaO, Ca(OH)₂, kaolinite, and MgO) were employed to improve PFOS removal from soil by pyrolysis. The effects of temperature, residence time, and removal efficiency with additives on the PFOS decomposition mechanism and economic benefits were systematically investigated. The results showed that all additives could allow for effective PFOS removal at a relatively low temperature (350 °C) and with a short residence time (30 min). Fe₂O₃ and CaO at a 5% dosage exhibited PFOS removal efficiency reaching 95.19% and 95.49%, respectively, which were 21.00% higher than that of the no-additive system. The thermodynamic analysis showed that the additives could reduce the activation energy (Ea) of PFOS pyrolysis, among which Fe₂O₃ showed the most significant effect (54.24 kJ/mol). Although additives exerted no significant effect on the type of PFOS decomposition products in soil, they effectively reduced the emission of acidic off-gases. Among them, CaO and Ca(OH)₂ showed the most significant reduction by forming inorganic fluorides, followed by Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄, through providing active sites. Economic analysis indicated that CaO had the lowest cost for PFOS removal (2.86 CNY/mg), followed by Fe₂O₃ (2.88 CNY/mg). Comprehensively considering PFOS removal efficiency, decomposition mechanism, economic cost, and pH of treated soil, Fe₂O₃ was identified as the optimal additive. This study provides new insights into the PFOS pyrolysis in soils, and proposes an energy-efficient remediation approach by reducing temperature, residence time, Ea, and off-gas emissions, which offers support for the large-scale application of this technology. Full article

Larrea ameghinoi Speg., an endemic species of Argentine Patagonia traditionally used in folk medicine to treat fever, stomach disorders, respiratory conditions, back pain, and as an emmenagogue, among others, still remains chemically and biologically underexplored compared to the other four members of the genus. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive metabolomic characterization of methanolic extracts from two populations (EMLaSAO and EMLaMAQ) using ultra-high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–ESI–QTOF–MS) and to evaluate their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme-inhibitory activities of relevance to human health. Thirty-three compounds were tentatively identified by extensive UHPLC–MS analysis, including flavones, two major lignans, and oleanane-type triterpenes. Both extracts exhibited high phenolic content (215–239 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract) and strong free radical scavenging activity, as evidenced by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, EC₅₀ ≈ 10 μg/mL), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) assays. In addition, significant inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (IC₅₀ ≈ 50 μg extract/mL) and α-glucosidase, together with selective antibacterial activity against methicillin-sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 125 μg extract/mL), were recorded. These findings suggest that L. ameghinoi possesses a distinctive phytochemical composition conferring multitarget bioactivity, differing from other Larrea species dominated by lignans such as nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and its derivatives. Overall, this work supports the potential of L. ameghinoi as a novel source of bioactive metabolites for managing oxidative stress-related disorders and opportunistic infections. This warrants future in vivo studies investigating biological activities associated with oxidative stress and their relevance to human health. Full article

Over the past decade, changes in consumer dietary habits have driven an increasing demand for protein-enriched confectionery products. Consequently, research has increasingly focused on the utilization of alternative protein origins, including Acheta domesticus. This research paper aims to characterize Acheta domesticus protein powder (CP) in terms of its functional properties and chemical composition. In addition, the amino acid profile was determined using HPLC, while antioxidant capacity was evaluated by spectrophotometric methods (including the ABTS assay). Edibility was further assessed in proteins, both in their native form and after incorporation into cocoa cream products, using an in vitro digestion model. The results indicated that methionine was the most abundant essential amino acid in CP (17.71 mg/100 g protein), while glycine was the predominant non-essential amino acid (42.38 mg/100 g protein). CP also demonstrated high solubility (80.00%) and notable water- and oil-binding capacities (90.26% and 94.87%, respectively). However, its emulsifying properties were limited, as emulsifying stability was maintained for only 26 min. In contrast, digestibility results indicated strong protein hydrolysis in both native and cocoa cream samples enriched with CP in different concentrations (10, 12.5 and 15%), hereafter designated as CPC10, CPC12.5, and CPC15. The degree of hydrolysis was higher after the digestion process, with 39.11% for the control and 47.14%, 48.62% and 50.05% for the fortified samples—CPC10, CPC12.5 and CPC15, respectively. The ABTS assay further confirmed the increase in antioxidant activity after digestion. The ABTS values of the digested fortified samples ranged from 20.91% for CPC10 to 40.45% for CPC15, suggesting the release of bioactive peptides during gastrointestinal digestion. Overall, the findings highlight CP as a promising protein source for the fortification of cocoa cream products, which are naturally low in protein content. Full article

Seawater and sea sand as constituents in concrete are valuable alternatives to freshwater and river sand. Further, the use of seawater and sea sand in projects located in the proximity of a sea/ocean can reduce the overall project cost and lower the carbon footprint. Nevertheless, seawater contains high concentrations of chloride (Cl⁻), sulphate (SO₄²⁻) and magnesium (Mg²⁺), which can react with tricalcium aluminate (C₃A) in cement and the byproduct calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), and form Friedel’s salt, delayed ettringite and brucite, respectively. These chemical compounds are aggressive and can degrade the strength and durability of the concrete. Differences in the physical properties of sea sand compared to river sand can also lead to weak and porous concrete. In reinforced concrete, steel bars are susceptible to corrosion due to the formation of corrosion products as a result of high concentrations of Cl⁻. Whilst mitigation strategies such as the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcements have been investigated in the literature, no validated method that enables the use of concrete with seawater and sea sand has been established. Based on research reported in the literature, the present study investigates the chemistry, strength and microstructure of concrete mixed with seawater and sea sand as a means of establishing their use in concrete without compromising the properties of the concrete. The study shows that the compressive strength of seawater–sea sand mixed concrete (SWSSC) is increased in the short term (up to 28 days) due to the formation of additional chemical compounds in the former. However, the long-term (i.e., beyond 28 days) compressive strength of concrete reduces by up to 20% after one year due to the weakening of the microstructure (more flaws/expansions), which further reduces the durability of the reinforced concrete. Although the long-term degradation of SWSSC has been noticed, the underlying causes are not fully understood. The present critical review study provides chemical and microstructural insight into the degradation of concrete with seawater and sea sand, and the current developing understanding is used to develop a mitigation strategy towards the use of seawater and sea sand in real-world concrete applications. Full article

Modern oil paintings are characterized by the extensive use of industrial pigments, synthetic binders, and chemical additives introduced during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. While these innovations enabled significant artistic experimentation, they also introduced new conservation challenges due to the chemical instability of many modern paint formulations. As a consequence, modern oil paintings frequently exhibit degradation phenomena such as efflorescence, yellowing, blistering, peeling and cracking, and high sensitivity to water and organic solvents. A comprehensive understanding of the materials used in modern oil paintings—including pigments, binders, and additives—is therefore essential for developing effective conservation strategies. In this context, electromagnetic (EM) diagnostic techniques represent powerful tools for the noninvasive or minimally invasive investigation of artworks. These techniques allow researchers to characterize the chemical composition, morphology, and degradation processes affecting paint layers and substrates. This paper provides an overview of the EM techniques most commonly used in the conservation of modern oil paintings. Particular attention is devoted to spectroscopic and imaging methods such as scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and X-ray-based techniques, as well as to the laser technique for the delicate cleaning process. Through selected case studies reported in the literature, this review highlights the role of these techniques in pigment identification, degradation analysis, and the development of more effective conservation strategies for modern oil paintings. Full article

Heap bioleaching is widely used to extract copper from low-grade sulfide ores thanks to its operational simplicity, low cost, and environmental sustainability. However, current control strategies rely primarily on single-factor optimization and often overlook the synergistic interactions of multiple key parameters, such as ore particle size, pore structure, pH, temperature, microbial activity, and oxygen transfer efficiency. As a result, issues such as low recovery rates, extended leaching periods, and high operational costs persist. Moreover, the “gray-box” nature of heap systems impedes real-time monitoring of internal physical, chemical, and biological processes. In addition, empirical multi-parameter optimization is time-consuming and inadequate for capturing complex interdependencies. This review was conducted to systematically examine the key factors influencing heap bioleaching efficiency and critically evaluate recent advances in numerical simulation and intelligent control strategies. As a result, we identified a major research gap: the existing models—including microscale shrinking core models (SCMs), mesoscale pore-network models based on CT reconstruction, and macroscale continuum models—have inherent limitations. SCMs assume idealized spherical particles with uniform mineral distribution while neglecting pore structure evolution and biofilm dynamics. Mesoscale models offer detailed pore characterization but lack robust multi-physics coupling (thermal–hydro–mechanical–chemical–biological, or THMCB). Macroscale models rely on homogenization assumptions that oversimplify spatial heterogeneity and temporal variations in permeability. This analysis covers the relevant literature from 1985 to 2025, with a focus on three methodological scales (micro, meso, and macro) and their integration with machine learning approaches. A notable finding is that hybrid neural network models (e.g., BP and RBF architectures) outperform purely physics-based models in predicting leaching kinetics under varying operational conditions. However, their accuracy depends heavily on high-quality field data—a limitation rarely addressed in prior reviews. By clearly delineating these model-specific limitations and scale-dependent trade-offs, this review makes two unique contributions: a structured framework for selecting and coupling numerical methods according to process requirements and a roadmap for integrating artificial neural networks with multi-physics simulations to achieve real-time intelligent control of heap bioleaching. The findings offer both theoretical guidance and practical references for optimizing the processing of low-grade copper sulfide ores. Full article

Chromium-forming metallic interconnectors (ICs) are generally used to assemble protonic ceramic fuel cell stacks (PCFCs). Thus, Cr poisoning is a potential threat to the performance and stability of PCFCs. The effects of Cr deposit and poisoning on the performance and stability of a typical BaCo_0.8(Zr_0.8Y_0.2)_0.2O_3-δ (BCZY) air electrode after polarization with a current density of 0.2 A cm⁻² for 50 h are investigated. It is found that the BCZY and Cr₂O₃ powder are able to react even at 400 °C. In addition, Cr poisoning affects the chemical stability of BCZY. The humidification of air accelerates the Cr deposition and poisoning of BCZY by promoting the surface segregation of Ba and Cr evaporation from IC, and the main phase of the surface deposit is BaCrO₄. When the air humidity increases from 3% to 50%, the deposit layer depth increases from 0.949 μm to 2.870 μm. For the fuel cell exposed to air with a relative humidity of 3% and 50%, the polarization resistance (R_p) increases by 19.9% and 53.3%, while the ohmic resistance (R_Ω) increases by 3.5% and 17.1%, respectively. This study lays the foundation for further design of Cr-tolerant air electrodes and the selection of working conditions. Full article

Background: Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vectors are highly immunogenic vaccine platforms for the delivery of recombinant antigens. Efficient downstream processing is still challenging, particularly because substantial fractions of the virus remain intracellular. While chemical cell lysis that releases MVA particles into the supernatant before clarification can greatly enhance process efficiency and scalability, this step remains insufficiently characterized. Methods: This study assessed the compatibility of ionic, non-ionic, and zwitterionic detergents with the virus as purification target. Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) was selected as a candidate detergent and evaluated across harvest times of 48–72 h post-infection (hpi) at concentrations of 0.01–0.5% (v/v). Results: The addition of 0.01% to 0.05% Tween 20 at 48 hpi resulted in a twofold increase in supernatant virus within one hour of application. Extended exposure to Tween 20, combined with a 650 mM mixture of NaCl, NaBr, and KCl, promoted virus particle release. However, Tween 20 concentrations above 0.1% reduced MVA infectivity. A filtration cascade using pore sizes of 5 µm and 1.2 µm achieved product yields of 77–83% at 48 hpi and 41–69% at 72 hpi, respectively. Host-cell DNA is an important contaminant during viral vector processing. However, the application of 0.05% (v/v) Tween 20 resulted in a 35% reduction of dsDNA released into the culture supernatant; the nuclei could not be preserved intact under high-salt conditions to avoid the release of cellular DNA. Conclusions: In summary, this comprehensive data demonstrated that non-ionic detergents can be used to induce cell lysis while maintaining infectious activity of enveloped MVA. Full article

Owing to its inherent electrical conductivity, reversible redox activity, and structural versatility, polypyrrole (PPy) has become an important material for advanced functional coatings. This review summarizes recent advances in PPy-based coatings, systematically exploring the correlation between fundamental material design and macroscopic multifunctional applications. First, the core structural characteristics of PPy and its primary fabrication strategies, including electrochemical deposition, chemical oxidative polymerization, solution processing, and hybrid composite engineering, are delineated. Subsequently, the role of PPy in surface protection is analyzed, with an emphasis on the synergistic mechanisms underlying corrosion mitigation, mechanical durability, and environmental barriers (e.g., anti-fouling and solar-driven desalination). In addition, the application expansion of PPy in emerging fields, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, highly sensitive smart sensing, electroactive energy interfaces, and advanced biomedical electrodes, is summarized. Finally, current challenges—particularly the physicochemical trade-offs among conductivity, interfacial adhesion, and long-term stability—are discussed, and future development directions are prospected. By integrating green processing technologies and data-driven smart system integration, next-generation PPy coatings are expected to meet the demands of flexible electronics, sustainable energy, and precision medicine. Full article

Ammonia is a key chemical for fertilizers, industrial processes, and emerging energy applications, yet its conventional production via the Haber–Bosch process is associated with high energy demand and significant greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, electrochemical routes for ammonia synthesis have attracted increasing attention as a potential sustainable alternative, enabling nitrogen conversion under milder conditions and using renewable electricity. This review examines recent advances in electrochemical ammonia production, focusing on nitrogen reduction mechanisms, catalyst development, and electrochemical system design. The main reaction pathways for nitrogen activation are analyzed, together with the role of electrocatalysts in determining activity and selectivity. Progress in catalyst engineering, electrolyte optimization, and reactor configuration is discussed, with particular emphasis on strategies to mitigate competing reactions such as hydrogen evolution. In addition, alternative approaches based on nitrate reduction are considered due to their promising performance and potential integration with wastewater treatment. Unlike many recent reviews primarily focused on catalyst development or individual reaction pathways, this review provides an integrated perspective encompassing nitrogen reduction, nitrate reduction, electrolyte engineering, reactor architectures, and techno-economic considerations, thereby highlighting the interdependence between materials design, reaction environment, and system-level integration for scalable electrochemical ammonia synthesis. Full article