Search Results (732)

Precise morphology engineering is essential for enhancing the charge-storage capabilities of cobalt molybdate (CoMoO₄). In this study, cobalt molybdate (CoMoO₄, abbreviated as CoMo), cobalt molybdate–cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CoMo-CTAB), and cobalt molybdate–cetyltrimethylammonium bromide/polyethylene glycol (CoMo-CTAB/PEG) electrodes were synthesized through a cationic–nonionic surfactant-assisted hydrothermal route. he introduction of CTAB promoted the formation of well-defined nanoflake structures, whereas the synergistic CTAB/PEG system produced a highly porous and interconnected nanosheet architecture, enabling enhanced electrolyte diffusion and redox accessibility. As a result, the CoMo-CTAB/PEG electrode delivered a high areal capacitance of 10.321 F cm⁻² at 10 mA cm⁻², markedly outperforming CoMo-CTAB and pristine CoMo electrodes. It also exhibited good rate capability, maintaining 63.64% of its capacitance at 50 mA cm⁻². Long-term cycling tests revealed excellent durability, with over 83% capacitance retention after 12,000 cycles and high coulombic efficiency, indicating highly reversible Faradaic behavior. Moreover, an asymmetric pouch-type supercapacitor device (APSD) assembled using the optimized electrode demonstrated robust cycling stability. These findings underscore surfactant-directed morphology modulation as an effective and scalable strategy for developing high-performance CoMoO₄-based supercapacitor electrodes. Full article

In this study, cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and anionic surfactant sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) are employed to systematically investigate surface and wetting properties on hydrophobic surfaces, specifically in mixed solvents composed of ethylene glycol (EG) and water at 298.15 K. By varying the concentration of each surfactant within the EG–water mixture, both surface tension and contact angle measurements are performed to elucidate how surfactant type and solvent composition influence interfacial behavior and wettability. PTFE and wax surfaces were chosen as model hydrophobic surfaces. Surface tension measurements obtained in pure water and in water–EG mixtures containing 5, 10, and 20 volume percentage EG reveal a consistent decrease in the premicellar slope (${\displaystyle \frac{d\gamma }{d\mathit{log}C}}$) with increasing EG content. This reduction reflects weakened hydrophobic interactions and less effective surfactant adsorption at the air–solution interface. The corresponding decline in maximum surface excess (${\Gamma }_{max}$) and increase in minimum area per molecule ($A_{min}$) confirm looser interfacial packing due to EG participation in the solvation layer. Plots of adhesion tension (A_T) versus surface tension (γ) exhibit negative slopes, consistent with reduced solid–liquid interfacial tension (${\Gamma }_{LG}$) and greater redistribution of surfactant molecules toward the solid–liquid interface. AOT shows stronger sensitivity to EG compared to CTAB, reflecting structural headgroup-specific adsorption behavior. Work of adhesion (W_A) measurements demonstrate enhanced wettability at higher EG concentrations, highlighting the cooperative impact of co-solvent environment and surfactant type on wetting phenomena. Full article

Alginate aerogels are attractive candidates for biomedical scaffolds because they combine high mesoporosity with biocompatibility and can be processed into open, interconnected macroporous networks suitable for tissue engineering. Here, we systematically investigate how CO₂-induced foaming parameters govern the hierarchical pore structure of alginate aerogels produced by subsequent supercritical CO₂ drying. Sodium alginate–CaCO₃ suspensions are foamed in a CO₂ atmosphere at 50 or 100 bar, depressurization rates of 50 or 0.05 bar·s⁻¹, temperatures of 5 or 25 °C, and, optionally, under pulsed pressure or with Pluronic F-68 as a surfactant. The resulting gels are dried using supercritical CO₂ and characterized by micro-computed tomography and N₂ sorption. High pressure combined with slow depressurization (100 bar, 0.05 bar·s⁻¹) yields a homogeneous macroporous network with pores predominantly in the 200–500 µm range and a mesoporous texture with 15–35 nm pores, whereas fast depressurization promotes bubble coalescence and the appearance of large (>2100 µm) macropores and a broader mesopore distribution. Lowering the temperature, applying pulsed pressure, and adding surfactant enable further tuning of macropore size and connectivity with a limited impact on mesoporosity. Interpretation in terms of Peclet and Deborah numbers links processing conditions to non-equilibrium mass transfer and gel viscoelasticity, providing a physically grounded map for designing hierarchically porous alginate aerogel scaffolds for biomedical applications. Full article

Potassium (K⁺) channel blockers are promising anticancer agents but suffer from off-target toxicities. We designed cross-linked poly-2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)–pectin nanogels (HPN) to deliver two model blockers—dofetilide (Dof) and azimilide (Azi)—and evaluated their physicochemical properties, release behavior, and in vitro anticancer activity. HPN was synthesized by surfactant-assisted aqueous nanogel polymerization and comprehensively characterized (FTIR, DLS, TEM/SEM, XRD, BET). The particles were monodispersed with a mean diameter ~230 nm, compatible with tumor accumulation via the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect, and exhibited a microporous matrix suitable for controlled release. Drug loading was higher for Dof than for Azi, with DL% values of 82.30 ± 3.1% and 17.84 ± 2.9%, respectively. Release kinetics diverged: Azi-HPN followed primarily first-order diffusion with a rapid burst, whereas Dof-HPN showed mixed zero/first-order behavior. Cytotoxicity was assessed in A549 lung cancer and BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells. Both free and nano-formulated blockers were selectively toxic to A549 with minimal effects on BEAS-2B. Notably, a hormesis-like pattern (low-dose stimulation/high-dose inhibition in MTT) was evident for free Dof and Azi; encapsulation attenuated this effect for Dof but not for Azi. Co-administration with paclitaxel (Ptx) potentiated Dof-HPN cytotoxicity in A549 but did not enhance Azi-HPN, suggesting mechanism-dependent drug-drug interactions. Overall, HPN provides a biocompatible platform that improves K⁺ blocker delivery. Full article

Studies in human medicine have demonstrated that rotavirus infection can also affect extraintestinal sites due to its systemic effects. However, in veterinary medicine, the injury caused by rotavirus diarrhea is limited to the intestines, and its effects on various systemic structures remain poorly understood. In this observational case–control study, we aimed to determine the effects of HSP-27, Caspase-3, IL-2, γ-H2AX, HMGB-1, SP-D, and GDH (or GLDH) on the pathogenesis of rotavirus infection by using biomarkers for diagnostic purposes in lung and liver injury in neonate diarrheic calves naturally infected with rotavirus, both alive and post-mortem. Fifty-two Simmental calves (1–28 days old) of both sexes, 40 infected with rotavirus and 12 healthy, were studied. Twenty-eight out of 40 survived, while the remainder underwent necropsy for histopathological and immunopathological (HSP-27, Caspase-3, IL-2, γ-H2AX) examination of the lungs and livers. Lung and liver-specific serum E-selectin, glutamate dehydrogenase, surfactant protein-D, and high mobility group box-1 were analyzed by a bovine-specific ELISA kit (Shanghai Coon Koon Biotech Co., Ltd., China). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed lung and liver injury in naturally infected calves. HMGB-1, SP-D, and GDH concentrations were significantly higher in naturally infected calves than in the control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.05, respectively), showing an excellent diagnostic predictive capacity for lung and liver injury. Also, IL-2, HSP-27, CASP-3, and γ-H2AX were significantly expressed in the lungs (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.05, respectively) and liver (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). All these observations led us to hypothesize that oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA damage may underlie the pathogenesis of this condition. Nevertheless, further studies on large populations of rotavirus-infected calves are needed to confirm the data reported in the current study. Full article

This study investigates the deterioration of the thermal and mechanical properties of geopolymer foam concrete (GFC) subjected to accelerated weathering through carbonation, salt fog, and UV radiation. GFC blocks were synthesized using metakaolin as the aluminosilicate precursor, activated with an alkaline solution consisting of 8 M NaOH and sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃) at a NaOH/Na₂SiO₃ ratio of 0.51 wt.%. A 30% (v/v) H₂O₂ solution served as the foaming agent, and olive oil was used as the surfactant. Accelerated carbonation tests were conducted at 25 ± 3 °C and 40 ± 3 °C, under 60 ± 5% relative humidity and 5% CO₂, with carbonation depth, carbonation percentage, density, porosity, and thermal conductivity evaluated over a 7-day period. In parallel, specimens were exposed to salt fog and UV radiation for 12 weeks in accordance with ASTM B117-19 and ASTM G154-23, respectively. Compressive strength was monitored every week throughout the exposure period. Results show that carbonation temperature governs the type and kinetics of carbonate formation. The carbonation process, at 40 °C for 7 days, increased the density and reduced the porosity of GFC, resulting in a ~48% increase in thermal conductivity. Salt fog exposure led to severe mechanical degradation, with NaCl penetration reducing compressive strength by 69%. In contrast, UV radiation caused only minor deterioration, decreasing compressive strength by up to 7%, likely due to surface-level carbonation. Full article

Leaf surfaces are protected by a hydrophobic cuticle with variable chemical composition and roughness, which often limits spray droplet retention and absorption. Optimizing foliar spray performance is therefore critical to maximize the desired effect on the target plant and minimize environmental impact. This study investigates the impact of particle size of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in the presence and absence of a non-ionic surfactant on leaf surface deposition and wetting behavior. The tested formulations contained (i) no particles, (ii) CaCO₃ nanoparticles, and (iii) CaCO₃ microparticles (each at 2 wt%), applied using an airbrush or a handheld sprayer to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plates, serving as model substrate, and on laurel leaves (Laurus nobilis). Water contact angle (WCA) measurements and coverage analysis were used to assess wetting performance. Initial WCA values were low (<12°) for all coatings, but rinsing revealed distinct behaviors. Coatings with nanoparticles retained a low WCA (<40°) and high coverage (>60%) after multiple rinsings, whereas microparticle coatings showed a sharp WCA increase (>60°) and significant coverage loss after few rinses. These findings demonstrate the long-lasting wetting effect of CaCO₃ nanoparticles and highlight their potential as additives to enhance spray formulation performance. Full article

This study introduces a modified Laser Ablation Synthesis in Solution (LASiS), a surfactant-free and rapid synthesis approach that enables uniform MOF nucleation on graphene oxide (GO) and precise control over crystallinity, for fabricating graphene oxide (GO)-integrated cobalt-based ZIF-67 hybrid nanocomposites tailored for supercapacitor applications. By tuning LASiS parameters, we precisely controlled framework size, morphology, and crystallinity, enabling sustainable and scalable production. The incorporation of GO during synthesis markedly enhances the uniform dispersion of ZIF-67 frameworks, minimizing aggregation and establishing interconnected conductive pathways via strong $\pi$-$\pi$ stacking interactions. Following thermal reduction at 250 °C, the Co/ZIF-67–rGO composites exhibit outstanding electrochemical performance, achieving a specific capacitance of 1152 Fg⁻¹ at 1 Ag⁻¹ in a three-electrode configuration, driven by the synergistic combination of pseudocapacitive cobalt centers and double-layer capacitance from rGO. Structural analyses confirm the preservation of ZIF crystallinity and robust interfacial integration with the graphene sheets. Embedding these nanocomposites into fully 3D-printed supercapacitors yields a specific capacitance of 875 Fg⁻¹, demonstrating their suitability for additive manufacturing despite minor increases in interfacial resistance. The 3D-printed supercapacitor devices delivered an energy density of 77.7 Wh/kg at a power density of 399.6 W/kg. Collectively, these results highlight the potential of LASiS-engineered MOF-based nanocomposites as scalable, high-performance materials for next-generation energy storage devices. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging aquatic contaminants that pose environmental and public health risks due to their persistence, ubiquity, and ability to adsorb co-contaminants. This scoping review synthesises findings from 57 experimental studies and five review studies published between 2019 and 2025 on the use of biochar-based materials for the removal of microplastics from water and wastewater. Guided by the hypothesis that surface-modified biochars, such as magnetised, surfactant-coated, or chemically activated forms, achieve high removal efficiencies through multimodal mechanisms (e.g., electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic interactions, π–π stacking, and physical entrapment), this review applies PRISMA-based protocols to systematically evaluate biochar feedstocks, pyrolysis conditions, surface modifications, polymer types, removal mechanisms, and regeneration approaches. Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched until 30 May 2025 (English-only), and 62 studies were included. The review was not registered, and no protocol was prepared. The results confirm a high removal efficiency (>90%) in most experimental studies, particularly under controlled laboratory conditions and using pristine polystyrene. However, the performance declines significantly in complex matrices (e.g., wastewater and surface water) owing to dissolved organic matter, ionic competition, and particle heterogeneity, thus supporting the guiding hypothesis. This review also identifies critical methodological gaps, including narrow plastic typologies, a lack of standardised testing protocols, and limited field-scale validation. Addressing these gaps through environmentally realistic testing, regeneration optimisation, and harmonised methods is essential for transitioning biochar from a promising sorbent to a practical water treatment solution. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in rice poses a serious threat to global food safety and human health. Foliar application of nano-silica (Si) offers a promising remediation strategy, but its efficacy is often limited by poor droplet retention on hydrophobic leaf surfaces. This study hypothesized that surfactants could overcome this barrier by enhancing the foliar performance of nano-Si. Through field experiments, we evaluated the synergistic effects of five surfactants (Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) powder, Aerosol OT (AOT), Rhamnolipid (RH), Didecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), and Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG)) when combined with nano-silica. The results demonstrated that all surfactants significantly improved wetting and retention, with alkyl polyglycoside (APG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) being the most effective. These improvements translated into a remarkable suppression of Cd translocation within rice plants. The PVP–nano-Si combination emerged as the most potent treatment, reducing grain Cd content by 50% and achieving the lowest levels of As and Cr among all treatments. Furthermore, this synergistic effect was linked to a significant increase in grain concentrations of manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn), which exhibit a competitive relationship with Cd. The findings reveal that surfactant co-application not only optimizes the physical application of nano-Si but also triggers beneficial nutrient–Cd interactions, providing a novel and efficient strategy for mitigating Cd contamination in rice. This study provides critical theoretical support for developing efficient and environmentally friendly foliar barrier technologies and supports safe production of rice in lightly to moderately contaminated paddy fields. Full article

China possesses abundant tight conglomerate oil resources. However, these reservoirs are typically characterized by low porosity and permeability, high clay mineral content, and complex pore structures, resulting in poor performance of conventional waterflooding development. Challenges including insufficient energy replenishment and high flow resistance ultimately lead to low oil recovery factors. This study systematically investigates surfactant-assisted CO₂ huff-n-puff (SA-CO₂-HnP) for enhanced oil recovery in tight conglomerate reservoirs. For a tight conglomerate reservoir in a Xinjiang block, a fully implicit, multiphase, multicomponent dual-porosity numerical model was established. By integrating pore–throat distributions acquired through high-pressure mercury intrusion with a self-developed MATLAB PVT package, nanoconfinement-induced shifts in the phase envelope were rigorously embedded into the simulation framework. The calibrated model was subsequently employed to conduct a comprehensive sensitivity analysis, quantitatively delineating the influence of petrophysical, completion, and operational variables on production performance. Simulation results demonstrate that compared to conventional CO₂ huff-n-puff, the addition of surfactants increases the cumulative recovery factor by 3.5 percentage points over a 20-year production period. The enhancement mechanisms primarily include reducing CO₂–oil interfacial tension (IFT) and minimum miscibility pressure (MMP), improving reservoir wettability, and promoting CO₂ dissolution and diffusion in crude oil. Sensitivity analysis reveals that injection duration, injection pressure, and injection rate significantly influence recovery efficiency, while soaking time exhibits relatively limited impact. Moreover, an optimal surfactant concentration (0.0003 mole fraction) exists; excessive concentrations lead to diminished enhancement effects due to competitive adsorption and pore blockage. This study demonstrates that SA-CO₂-HnP technology offers favorable economic viability and operational feasibility, providing theoretical foundation and parameter optimization guidance for efficient tight conglomerate oil reservoir development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nanoemulsions (NEs) are highly promising drug delivery systems that can be made user-friendlier by thickening to nanoemulsion gels (NEGs). However, in order to be regulatory accepted, such a transformation requires systematic understanding of the underlying interactions and stabilization mechanisms, especially when the incorporated active pharmaceutical ingredient may infiltrate the stabilizer layer. Methods: NEs with/without ibuprofen were submitted through direct vs. indirect gelation using three different gelling agents (carbomer 980, xanthan gum, or polyacrylate crosspolymer-6). Multi-technique characterization was employed to demonstrate nanoparticle preservation within the gel networks, a point often neglected when studying nanogels. Results: The nanoemulsion with the most favorable properties (55.07 ± 0.82 nm, PDI 0.075 ± 0.022) was successfully transformed into nanoemulgels with all three gelling agents, both by an indirect and direct approach. The combination of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed complex interactions and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR)-discerned localization of the small-molecule model drug within the surfactants/co-solvents’ microenvironment, while atomic force microscopy (AFM) successfully visualized nanodroplets, with or without the presence of aggregates originating from the applied gelling agent. Conclusions: A series of complementary techniques confirmed the preservation of nanodroplets after transformation while highlighting the potential of novel polyacrylate crosspolymer-6 to produce robust gel network while effectively increasing zeta potential from −11.07 to −30.5 mV and allowing for satisfactory ibuprofen release from nanoparticles. Full article

Polyelectrolyte-based complexes have attracted attention, as the interaction of the oppositely charged components results in nanoparticle formation through an easy but highly efficient method, avoiding the use of strong solvents, extreme temperatures, and toxic chemicals. Sodium oleate (NaOL) is a widely used surfactant in the pharmaceutical industry due to its availability, eco-friendliness, and low cost. In the present study, the neutral-cationic block copolymer poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)–b–quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (POEGMA-b-Q(PDMAEMA)) is mixed with the anionic surfactant sodium oleate for the formation of nanoscale polyelectrolyte complexes through electrostatic interactions. Different weight ratios of copolymer to surfactant are studied. Then, the co-solvent protocol was implemented, and curcumin is successfully loaded in the formed particles for drug delivery applications. The size and morphology of the macromolecular complexes are examined via Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy (cryo-TEM). The methods that we have used have indicated that the polymer–surfactant complexes form spherical complexes, worm-like and vesicle-like structures. When curcumin was introduced, encapsulation was effectively achieved into micelles, giving rise to vesicle-like shapes. The success of curcumin encapsulation is confirmed by Ultraviolet–Visible absorption (UV–Vis) and fluorescence (FS) spectroscopy. POEGMA-b-Q(PDMAEMA)–sodium oleate polyelectrolyte complexes revealed promising attributes as efficient drug carrier systems for pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

Background/Objectives: According to the WHO, more than one million deaths of liver cancer patients will occur in 2030. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of death among all cancer types. Doxorubicin is commonly used for the treatment of HCC, yet it possesses major side effects. The aim of this work was to formulate a nanoemulsion of Peltophorum pterocarpum extract containing bergenin intended for intravenous injection as a natural alternative to doxorubicin. Methods: The saturation solubility of the extract in different oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants was determined. Surfactant to co-surfactant mixtures (Smix) were used at six different weight ratios. A pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed, and the ratio with the highest area was chosen. Six formulations were prepared by changing the oil-to-Smix ratio. They were evaluated by percentage transmission, dilution test, self-emulsification, pH, viscosity, drug content, droplet size, PDI, zeta potential, TEM, in vitro drug release, stability, in vitro hemolysis percentage, and cytotoxicity (for the optimized formula). Results: F6 of oil-to-Smix ratio (1:6) was chosen for further investigations, as it possesses the lowest droplet size, the highest zeta potential, drug content, and in vitro drug release. The pH, viscosity, and self-emulsification time of F6 were also acceptable. F6 possesses shelf-life stability and is hemocompatible. It possesses high cytotoxicity against the HepG-2 cell line (IC₅₀ = 14.19 µg/mL). Conclusions: Although the nanoemulsion is less potent than doxorubicin in terms of IC₅₀, it offers a safer profile and natural origin, which may be used for the treatment of HCC. Full article

Foam is a field-proven technique to reduce CO₂ mobility and mitigate the impacts of reservoir heterogeneity in CO₂-enhanced oil recovery (CO₂-EOR). However, foams are unstable and tend to break down in the presence of oil. Screening foam generation and stability in the presence of oil, at representative reservoir pressure and temperature, at core-scale is critical for successful upscaling. This study investigates the effect of oil on foam generation and stability across a range of foam qualities (f_g = 0.30 to 1.0) and injection velocities (4 ft/day to 16 ft/day). Foam quality and rate scans using Bentheimer sandstone cores were conducted in presence/absence of oil (n-decane and Troll crude) at reservoir conditions (60 °C and 180 bar). Foam quality scans co-injected supercritical CO₂ and foaming solutions with increasing foam quality (f_g = 0.30 to 1.0) to determine the optimal foam quality (highest apparent viscosity foam). T optimal foam quality was then used in rate scans to determine the effect of injection velocity on foam strength. In addition, two separate core floods at two fixed foam qualities (f_g = 0.30 and 0.70) were performed to determine the oil recovery factor during foam injection. Strong foam was generated, in both the presence and absence of oil, but oil significantly reduced foam strength. The foam apparent viscosity was reduced by ~93% (Troll crude) and ~90% (n-decane) compared to foam in the absence of oil. Increasing the surfactant concentration from 0.10 wt.% to 1.0 wt.% significantly enhanced the foam mobility control, with the apparent viscosity in the presence of oil increasing from 7.9 cP to 25.9 cP. The optimal foam quality in the presence of both oils ranged from f_g = 0.60 to 0.70. Foam rate scans revealed shear-thinning rheology (foam viscosity decreased at higher flow rates), which is beneficial for maintaining field-scale injectivity. This study provides critical insights into how oil impacts supercritical CO₂ foam strength, stability mechanisms, and oil recovery at reservoir conditions, crucial for field-scale implementation in CO₂-EOR and CO₂ storage projects. Full article