Search Results (10,874)

Pushing ahead in materials chemistry means building tiny substances that work hard and take into account clean power, planet care, life science all at once. From this effort comes a new direction: ZIF-8, a metal-linked cage structure, now fused with active components extracted from the common fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Not just mixed, but grown together with fungal extracts tucked neatly into the skeleton of the material while keeping its orderly shape intact. Three versions appeared—loaded at 2%, 4%, and 6 weight percent—and each one was mapped out using X-ray signals, sharp images from electron scans, and element tracing. A light flickered on and off during tests in which electricity flowed through these new composites set between three points, designed to split water and release hydrogen gas. Surprisingly, the ZIF-8@2% nidulans blend showed strong teamwork between electricity- and light-driven biology, creating a sharp spike in temporary current while cutting down reaction delay to just 310 mV/dec—pushing hydrogen release through a faster molecular handshake. In this mix, natural compounds from fungi act like tiny solar collectors, helping electrons move more freely, which is reflected in impedance scans as lower resistance. On top of that, higher doses of the material effectively blocked harmful microbes, thanks to ZIF-8 breaking cell walls and active fungal ingredients punching holes as well. Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, it uses a nature-inspired design in which molds meet synthetic frameworks, creating a single system with potential for sustainable energy generation and antimicrobial applications. Full article

The genesis of authigenic clay minerals in tight sandstones fundamentally controls reservoir quality and micro-pore evolution. This study investigates the differential formation mechanisms of authigenic chlorite and kaolinite and their modulating effects on pore systems in the Chang-8 Member tight sandstones, Ordos Basin. Thin-section petrography, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-pressure mercury injection were utilized to quantify mineralogical and petrophysical characteristics. Results show chlorite (averaging 4.8%) and kaolinite (averaging 1.6%) are the dominant authigenic clay minerals with distinct spatiotemporal distributions. Chlorite nucleated as pore linings during early diagenesis under alkaline, oligohaline to mesohaline conditions driven by volcanic material hydration. Conversely, kaolinite precipitated as pore-filling during mid-to-late diagenesis (80–120 °C), driven by organic acid pulses from underlying source rocks causing feldspar dissolution. We conclude that early chlorite linings constructively preserve primary porosity by mechanically resisting compaction and chemically inhibiting quartz cementation, despite narrowing pore throats. Meanwhile, kaolinite acts as a pore-type modulator, restructuring macro-pores into micro-intercrystalline pores, which significantly impairs permeability only when its proportion crosses a critical threshold. The diagenetic fluid transition from alkaline to acidic ultimately dictates this mineralogical succession and subsequent reservoir heterogeneity. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of placing wood chips (F-Wood chip) or pumice (F-Pumice) at the bottom of poultry feather compost on open-field ginger soilless media production. Root control bags were prepared with 10 L of wood chips or pumice overlain by 20 L of feather compost, with three ginger rhizomes planted. Crops were drip-irrigated without synthetic fertilization and replenished with compost three times. Results indicated that bottom-placed wood chips or pumice improved water infiltration. Ginger yield was significantly higher in the F-Wood chip treatment than in the F-Pumice, with fresh weights of 3.4 and 2.5 kg, and dry weights of 451.8 and 332.7 g, respectively. Furthermore, F-Wood chip significantly increased rhizome calcium levels. Although no significant differences were observed between treatments regarding leaf and post-harvest media nutrient contents, the F-Wood chip group exhibited higher microbial abundance (9.5 ± 4.5 × 10⁵ CFU ⁻¹) and greater endophytic diversity, spanning 7 genera and 11 species with potential plant growth-promoting and stress-resistance functions. Overall, this innovative integrated crop management strategy demonstrates great potential to substitute for fossil-fuel-based chemical fertilizers, this innovative production mode eliminates the need for fossil-fuel-based chemical fertilizers, offering an applicable and sustainable soilless cultivation solution for open-field ginger production under extreme weather conditions like typhoons and heavy rainfall. Full article

Hydrogen production via polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis has attracted considerable attention as a promising technology to store renewable electricity and combat global warming. Although PEM water electrolyzers can produce high-purity hydrogen at high current densities, the use of low-purity water leads to device degradation because metal ions from the water are deposited on the membrane, thereby increasing its resistance and operating voltage. In this study, an in-situ recovery method was developed, in which degraded PEM water electrolysis cells were chemically treated without disassembly. Cells after degradation were subjected to a 24-h chemical treatment with either a strong acid (1.0 mol/L nitric acid) or a weak acid (12.9 and 1.0 mol/L phosphoric acid), followed by the supply of ultrapure water for 72 h. Recovery was evaluated using cell voltage measurements, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analyses were performed to investigate membrane morphology, elemental distributions, and metal ion removal. Among the tested acids, 12.9 mol/L phosphoric acid showed the highest voltage recovery performance, achieving a 90% recovery ratio immediately after treatment (0 h). Moreover, a comparison of the voltage recovery ratios at 1 h post-immersion suggests that higher hydrogen ion concentrations are more effective for the recovery of degraded PEMs. These findings demonstrate that in-situ acid treatment can restore the performance of contaminated PEM water electrolyzers without disassembly and may provide a practical approach for extending cell lifetime and reducing maintenance requirements. Full article

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising alternatives to antibiotics for combating multidrug-resistant bacteria, yet their practical application is hindered by the low content of natural AMPs and the high cost of chemical synthesis. In this study, we developed a high-efficiency heterologous expression system for the proline-rich cationic antimicrobial peptide Api137 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae CENPK2 by engineering the Ty retrotransposon system composed of multi-locus integration. Recombinant plasmids carrying Api137 encoding elements were constructed and integrated into the CENPK2 genome, generating the engineered strain CENPK2 + Ty1-2/2/3/4. The target fusion peptide (5.2 kDa) was successfully expressed and identified by Tris-tricine-SDS-PAGE and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The quantification of Api137 from fermentation broth was applied by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) which showed that the yield of tandem peptide in the fermentation supernatant reached 20.5 mg/L and the intracellular retention rate was 33.0%. Comparative analysis of MIC and MBC values revealed that the biologically synthesized Api137 exhibited slightly superior antibacterial activity relative to the chemically synthesized Api137. In vitro functional assays demonstrated that the fermentation supernatant of the engineered strain exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against five pathogenic bacteria, with a maximum antibacterial rate of 92.9% against Aeromonas veronii. Hemolysis assays and cytotoxicity tests confirmed that the fermentation supernatant exhibited neither hemolytic activity nor cytotoxicity. Moreover, the expression of Api137 did not impose a metabolic burden on the host. This study establishes a Ty transposon-mediated strategy for the high-level expression of Api137 in S. cerevisiae, which significantly demonstrates the antibacterial activity of Api137 while ensuring excellent biosafety. Full article

Improving gasoline octane quality is essential for modern spark-ignition engines, as increased knock resistance supports better efficiency, optimized combustion, and reduced fuel consumption. Environmental concerns have increased the demand for cleaner organic alternatives instead of conventional metallic octane boosters. This study evaluated selected organic octane improvers for commercial gasoline fuels, focusing on isopropanol (IPA), N-ethylaniline (NEA), and their binary blends. Fuel samples were prepared by controlled dosing of additives into base gasoline, followed by homogenization and determination of octane number using a portable fuel analyzer. Both additives increased gasoline octane rating, but their effectiveness depended on chemical type and dosage. NEA showed stronger octane-enhancing performance, whereas IPA provided a moderate improvement and potential combustion benefits associated with oxygenated fuel components. The investigated IPA–NEA binary blends increased the research octane number by up to 3.5 units at 3 vol.% additive concentration. Engine bench testing demonstrated reductions in CO emissions of up to 60%, in HC emissions of up to 40.8%, and in fuel consumption of up to 4.7% under selected operating conditions. Distillation characteristics remained within acceptable gasoline quality limits, indicating that the investigated additives did not adversely affect fuel volatility. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) poses significant health risks to older adult populations, yet the specific contributions of its chemical constituents, particularly non-phthalate and non-organophosphate ester compounds, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanistic links between PM_2.5-bound ester exposures and metabolic pathway alterations in elderly individuals. Methods: A total of 258 elderly residents aged 60 years or older from Fuzhou, China, were recruited. Personal PM_2.5 exposure was monitored over 72 h using UPAS V2 samplers, with chemical components analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Plasma metabolomic profiling was conducted using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), and metabolic pathway enrichment was performed using MetaboAnalyst 5.0. Linear regression models adjusted for covariates (age, sex, BMI, lifestyle factors) assessed associations between ester exposures and metabolite abundance. Results: The mean PM_2.5 concentration was 38.06 μg/m³, with ester compounds dominating the chemical composition. Twenty high-concentration non-target esters were prioritized for analysis. PM_2.5 ester exposure was associated with alterations in key metabolic pathways, including steroid biosynthesis, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and purine/pyrimidine metabolism. When interpreted alongside prior epidemiological evidence, these alterations represent putative links to increased risks of insulin resistance, cardiovascular dysfunction, and metabolic syndrome—relationships that require confirmation in prospective cohort studies and controlled toxicological experiments. Conclusions: Putatively annotated PM_2.5-bound ester compounds, particularly non-regulated subclasses, are associated with systemic metabolic alterations in older adults, coincident with perturbations in steroid and lipid metabolism. While these findings are exploratory and hypothesis-generating, they highlight the need to incorporate specific ester profiles into PM_2.5 risk assessments and develop targeted interventions for vulnerable aging populations. Full article

Mulberry fruits are rich sources of bioactive phytochemicals with potential cardiovascular-relative bioactivity properties. In the present study, phenolic/alkaloid-enriched extracts from black (Morus nigra) and white (Morus alba) mulberries were chemically characterized and evaluated for their anti-atherogenic and antiplatelet activities in vitro. LC-HRMS analysis revealed distinct phytochemical profiles, with the black mulberry extract (BlackM) being characterized by a high abundance of anthocyanins, predominantly cyanidin- and pelargonidin-based glycosides, whereas the white mulberry extract (WhiteM) was particularly rich in pyrrolidine alkaloids, including morusimic acid isomers. Both extracts also contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, such as rutin, quercetin derivatives, and chlorogenic acid derivatives. BlackM markedly increased the resistance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to Cu²⁺-induced oxidation, whereas WhiteM more effectively inhibited the propagation phase of lipid peroxidation and significantly suppressed arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation. BlackM induced a modest, albeit non-significant, reduction in neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is among the first studies to comparatively investigate the effects of black and white mulberry extracts on LDL oxidation, platelet aggregation and NETs formation. Overall, these findings support the potential use of mulberry-derived phytochemicals as functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals for the prevention of atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease. Full article

This article describes the use of NiP alloy-based layers for the production of conductive and resistive layers. The authors demonstrate the potential of this technology for the production of electrodes in photovoltaic structures, among other applications. To facilitate this use of NiP alloy metallization, a selective metallization process was developed. This process is our own proprietary concept and is not reported elsewhere in the literature. To simplify the process, process modeling was performed, enabling the rapid selection of chemical metallization process parameters. We used ultrasound support to ensure that the electroless metallization process with NiP alloys could be applied to all types of substrates used in electronics (including flexible substrates). The use of ultrasound-assisted electroless metallization technology shortens the production time of silicon electrodes made for photovoltaic cells. Furthermore, we proved that it is possible to produce a metallic layer on flexible substrates. The developed technology enables the production of electrodes used in, for example, flexible photovoltaic cells. This type of metallization is advantageous due to its low cost and simplicity, and its ability to produce both the top and bottom electrodes in a single process, offering a wide range of industrial applications. Our previous work demonstrated the feasibility of applying this process to ceramic and silicon substrates exclusively. This research aligns with current research trends focusing on reducing the production costs of photovoltaic cells and, consequently, minimizing the associated carbon footprint. Full article

The melon fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata, and the pumpkin fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae), are important agricultural pests that cause significant losses in a wide range of fruit and vegetable crops. Increasing concerns over pesticide resistance and environmental contamination have driven interest in plant-derived insecticide alternatives. This study investigated the insecticidal activity of Ricinus communis L. leaf extracts against both species. The crude leaf extract was fractionated using solvents of increasing polarity (n-hexane, methanol, and ethyl acetate). The resulting fractions were assessed for insecticidal activity, and the most active fraction was further purified using column chromatography. Chemical constituents were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Bioassay results indicated that the methanol, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited the highest insecticidal activity against both B. zonata and B. cucurbitae. GC-MS analysis revealed several bioactive constituents in the active fractions, including neophytadiene, fatty acid derivatives, and 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid, which was tentatively identified as a candidate constituent associated with the most active fractions. These findings suggest that R. communis leaf extracts contain bioactive constituents with insecticidal properties against tephritid fruit flies and may contribute to the development of plant-based pest management strategies. However, further work is required to isolate pure compounds and confirm their individual toxicological roles under field conditions. Full article

The rapid increase in antibiotic resistance has driven growing interest in advanced photocatalytic materials for the effective removal of antibiotic pollutants from wastewater systems. Among these materials, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), a metal-free polymeric semiconductor, has emerged as a sustainable and efficient photocatalyst due to its strong visible-light activity, excellent chemical stability, and tunable electronic properties. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the synthesis of g-C₃N₄-based materials for peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-assisted visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics. The antibiotics discussed in this review include tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, sulfamethazine, doxycycline, oxytetracycline, and moxifloxacin, along with other pharmaceutical contaminants. The fundamental degradation mechanisms, including the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), PMS activation pathways, and interfacial charge-transfer processes, are systematically discussed. Furthermore, this review addresses factors influencing photocatalytic performance, including photocatalyst dosage, solution pH, temperature, pollutant concentration, and light intensity. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives for the practical application of g-C₃N₄-based materials in wastewater treatment are highlighted. Full article

This study investigates the key material properties governing the long-term stability of ceramic heat-storage media exposed to severe high-temperature and high-humidity conditions (up to 950 °C under high-steam partial pressure). Candidate ceramics, including high-purity alumina, mullite, and cordierite compositions, were evaluated through physical property measurements, chemical composition analysis, SEM–EDX microstructural characterization, and hydrothermal corrosion simulations. Ceramics containing significant SiO₂ exhibited chemical weakening due to steam-induced silica dissolution and the formation of hydroxyl-rich surface layers. However, the overall mechanical integrity was predominantly limited by thermal shock failure occurring during rapid heating–cooling cycles and repeated steam condensation and evaporation. The results demonstrate that ceramics with a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE ≈ 2–4 × 10⁻⁶/K) show markedly enhanced resistance to thermal shock, leading to improved operational durability. In addition, low open porosity (<10 vol%) effectively restricted internal steam penetration and reduced the rate of hydrothermal degradation, particularly in SiO₂-based systems where pore-connected pathways accelerate corrosion. These findings indicate that thermal shock resistance, enabled by intrinsically low CTE, together with reduced porosity, constitutes the primary design criterion for ensuring the structural reliability of ceramic heat-storage components operating in high-humidity thermal environments. Full article

Ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) are advanced adsorbents featuring selective recognition cavities for targeted metal ion capture, offering a promising route to high-efficiency separation in extractive metallurgy. In the present work, the evolution, design principles, synthesis strategies, separation mechanisms, and practical applicability of IIPs for metal recovery from complex aqueous matrices are overviewed. Key material components, including functional monomers, crosslinkers, template ions, initiators, solvents, and support materials, are discussed in relation to adsorption capacity, selectivity, kinetics, stability, and recyclability. Major preparation routes, such as surface imprinting, bulk polymerization, in situ polymerization, and sol–gel methods, are critically compared to clarify their advantages and limitations. Recent applications for base metals, precious metals, and rare-earth elements demonstrate that IIPs can achieve high specificity and rapid equilibrium under optimized conditions. However, their translation from simulated solutions to real leachates remains constrained by interfering ions, organic contaminants, mass transfer resistance, incomplete template removal, and matrix complexity. Mitigation strategies, including sample pretreatment, improved polymer architecture, and hybrid supports, are therefore emphasized. Additionally, chemometric modelling, machine learning, or artificial intelligence-assisted design may be implemented to advance the prospects of IIPs in industry. Conclusively, IIPs represent a strong separation platform, yet industrial deployment requires robust validation with real feed streams and scalable regeneration protocols during column operation, as well as under chemically aggressive conditions at scale. Full article

A series of self-toughening benzoxazine resins containing amino-terminated polyarylene ether nitrile (APEN) segments were synthesized from bisphenol-A, paraformaldehyde, and a mixed amine source of APEN and melamine. Unlike conventional physical blending toughening, the APEN segments are covalently incorporated into the benzoxazine network via their amino end groups. This chemical integration not only significantly improves toughness but also simultaneously enhances thermal and dielectric properties, overcoming the common trade-off of “toughening without heat resistance”. Meanwhile, melamine serves as one of the amine sources; its excess amino groups can catalyze the ring-opening polymerization of benzoxazine, which helps to reduce the curing temperature. The effects of APEN content and curing temperature on the properties of the resin and glass fiber composites were studied. The incorporation of APEN optimized the crosslinked network, balancing rigid aromatic structures with flexible ether linkages. As the proportion of APEN segments increased, the thermal decomposition thresholds and char residue were notably enhanced, signifying progressively improved thermal resistance. For composite systems cured at 220 °C, flexural strength exhibited a continuous upward trend with rising APEN content, while the flexural modulus remained steadily within a range of 23–25 GPa, and the impact strength was remarkably elevated from 45 kJ/m² to values spanning 60–73 kJ/m². A further curing treatment conducted at 300 °C facilitated additional crosslinking of nitrile moieties, yielding a further enhancement in flexural strength, particularly at lower APEN contents. Fracture surface analysis confirmed the toughening effect, evidenced by the transition from smooth brittle fracture to dendritic crack patterns. In addition, the composite achieved its lowest dielectric constant of 4.2 at an APEN loading of 20 wt.% when cured at 300 °C. Overall, this investigation presented a viable and effective strategy for the design and fabrication of high-performance, self-toughened benzoxazine-based composites. Full article

The sustainable bio-activated carbon platelets were synthesized from tamarind (tamarind indicia) fruit seed shells (TFSs) by a pyrolysis approach with an inert gas atmosphere. The carbonization process was carried out at 800 °C under an inert argon atmosphere, yielding both pure TFS-AC and chemically activated TFS-AC (KOH) carbon materials. Microscopic surface morphological analysis confirmed the formation of thin, interconnected porous carbon platelet nanosheets with enhanced surface structural uniformity. Raman spectroscopy revealed characteristic D- and G-bands, signifying the presence of graphitic domains and partial structural disorder. BET surface area analysis indicated a significant improvement from 48.54 m²/g in TFS-AC to 124.72 m²/g in TFS-AC (KOH), suggesting enhanced pore development and surface accessibility due to KOH activation. Electrochemical two-electrode performance was evaluated in symmetric device configurations using 3M KOH aqueous electrolyte. The TFS-AC (KOH) device exhibited a remarkable specific capacitance, which delivered 129.03 F/g at 0.5A/g, compared to the pure TFS-AC device. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) further confirmed low internal resistance and favorable ion transport. These findings confirm that KOH-activated TFS-derived carbon nanosheets have higher electrochemical stability, retaining 98.2% capacitance over 10,000 cycles. These results are promising electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitor applications, owing to their superior electrochemical symmetric device performance of bio-mass carbon Tamarind seed shell platelet nanosheets for future energy storage symmetric device applications. Full article