Search Results (962)

The method of how microcapsules and brass powder are added significantly affects the overall effectiveness of decorative coatings. An innovative self-repairing decorative coating for Basswood surfaces was created using melamine resin-coated water-based primer microcapsules as the repair agent under the coating process of “three coats of primer, two coats of topcoat, and introducing brass powder and microcapsules into the primer”. The optical and mechanical properties of this coating were significantly impacted by the curing temperature and brass powder content, respectively. The optical qualities, mechanical properties, liquid resistance, aging resistance, and self-repairing performance of the coating improved at higher curing temperatures under varying brass powder contents. The water-based acrylic wood coating obtained at 60 °C with 3% brass powder and 3% primer microcapsules, featuring a core-wall ratio of 0.58:1, provided the best overall qualities. It has a gloss of 34.1 GU, color difference of 0.00, visible light reflectance of 0.6038, visible light transmittance of 76.20%, color main wavelength of 589.79 nm, hardness of HB, impact resistance of 2 kg·cm, adhesion of grade 1, roughness of 1.125 µm, excellent aging and liquid resistance, and repair rate of 22.93%. This study provides an effective and new strategy for simultaneously improving the decorative, mechanical, and self-repairing properties of water-based wood coatings. Full article

Demand for fast and convenient dental whitening has increased in recent years. This paper compares the efficacy of three home whitening systems (TiON Take Home with (W), Opalescence Go (G), and Angelus Home 16% (A)) and presents a clinical case. W and G contain 6% hydrogen peroxide, while A contains 16% carbamide peroxide, approximately equal active peroxide contents. The whitening agents were applied to brown chicken eggshells for 90 (W90, G90, A90) or 60 (W60) minute periods ten (W90, W60, G90) or fourteen (A90) times. The color was measured before treatment, and after 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 14 applications. ∆E*_ab was calculated at each point. ∆E*_ab at completion were 4.97 (A90), 7.25 (G90), 9.84 (W60), and 14.96 (W90). A clinical study of the efficacy of W60 found a ∆E*_ab of 4.18. The whitening efficacy of a system is not determined entirely by the content of active peroxide. Full article

Background: Patients with White spot lesions (WSLs) are seeking minimally invasive remineralizing treatment. While fluoride is the gold standard of non-invasive caries therapy, its remineralizing impact is predominantly superficial. MI Paste One (MIP-1) combines casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP–ACP) with 1100 ppm fluoride. This in vitro study aimed to assess the effect of MIP-1 compared with other agents. Methods: Enamel slabs were demineralized to create a caries-like lesion and randomized into five groups (n = 10): G1, WSL/artificial saliva (AS) (negative control); G2, deionized water brushing; G3, fluoridated toothpaste brushing; G4, MIP-1 brushing; G5, topical MI Paste application. Color change (ΔE), gloss (GU), microhardness (VHN), roughness (Ra), and surface topography (SEM) were assessed at four time points: baseline, first demineralization, treatment, and second demineralization. Results: All active agents improved microhardness after treatment. After secondary demineralization, G4 achieved the highest hardness, significantly superior to G3 (p = 0.016). G5 occupied a statistically intermediate position. CPP–ACP-containing agents (G4, G5) achieved color improvement that was significantly superior to controls. Conclusions: MIP-1 outperformed fluoride toothpaste in resisting secondary demineralization of permanent enamel WSLs. CPP–ACP made a measurable independent contribution to demineralization resistance in permanent enamel. These findings highlight the need for further clinical investigation of MIP-1. Full article

The growing demand for durable and environmentally sustainable bioactive textiles has created a need for functionalization strategies that minimize the release of active agents during use and laundering. In this study, a novel chloroxylenol-functionalized vinyl sulfone reactive dye was synthesized through the coupling of chloroxylenol with diazotized para-ester and characterized using FTIR, UV–Vis, ¹H-NMR, and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. The synthesized dye was applied to cotton fabric through an exhaust dyeing process, enabling simultaneous coloration and biofunctionalization in a single step. The dye exhibited high substantivity toward cotton, achieving dye exhaustion and fixation values of 95% and 91%, respectively. The dyed fabric demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (99.99%) and Escherichia coli (94%), antiviral activity of 87%, and antifungal activity of 86% before laundering. After 20 laundering cycles, antibacterial activity remained at 96% against S. aureus and 91% against E. coli, while antiviral and antifungal activities remained at 83% and 82%, respectively, confirming the durability of the bioactive functionality. Optical density measurements further verified substantial bacterial growth inhibition, whereas MTT assays using L929 fibroblasts demonstrated acceptable biocompatibility with cell viability exceeding 80% at the highest tested concentration. The dyed fabrics also exhibited excellent ultraviolet protection (UPF 119) with UVA and UVB blocking efficiencies of 99.35% and 98.98%, respectively, together with good colorfastness properties. Furthermore, UV–Vis analysis of the washing liquor indicated negligible dye release under the investigated laundering conditions. These findings demonstrate an effective and sustainable one-step strategy for producing durable multifunctional bioactive textiles while reducing processing steps and minimizing the potential release of active agents during use. Full article

Background: Clear aligners fabricated via computer-aided design and manufacturing are increasingly used in orthodontics and may also serve as carriers for peroxide-based bleaching agents. However, exposure to bleaching agents may affect the physical and surface properties of aligner polymers, which could influence their clinical performance. Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the available evidence on the use of clear aligners as carriers for tooth bleaching agents, with a focus on bleaching efficacy and reported effects on aligner materials based on the identified literature. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, and Embase for studies published up to January 2026. Eligible clinical and in vitro studies investigated bleaching procedures using clear aligners or conventional trays and reported color change outcomes and/or changes in material properties such as hardness, surface integrity, or mechanical performance. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools and standardized criteria for in vitro and clinical studies. Results: Six studies (three clinical and three in vitro) met the inclusion criteria. Clinical evidence indicated that bleaching delivered through clear aligners achieved similar whitening outcomes to conventional tray-based systems. In vitro studies reported changes in surface hardness and mechanical properties of polymer-based aligner materials after peroxide exposure; however, no major structural degradation was observed. Clinical studies were generally at high risk of bias, while in vitro studies showed low to moderate risk. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this systematic review, clear aligners may represent a potential carrier for tooth bleaching agents with outcomes comparable to conventional trays. However, the available evidence is limited and heterogeneous. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm clinical effectiveness and long-term material safety. Full article

Edible coatings derived from fish by-products offer promising, sustainable approaches for seafood preservation. This study evaluated catfish skin gelatin as a carrier for antimicrobial agents to enhance microbiological stability, oxidative stability, and shelf life of fresh catfish fillets during refrigerated storage. Shelf life was defined as the storage period required for microbial and quality parameters to reach spoilage-associated limits. Treatments included control (C), lactic acid (LA), potassium sorbate (PS), gelatin (G), gelatin + LA (G+LA), and gelatin + PS (G+PS). Microbial quality (Aerobic Plate Count, psychrophiles, Pseudomonas spp., yeasts), physicochemical properties (pH, moisture, color), and lipid oxidation (TBARS) were assessed. Based on APC and psychrophiles, gelatin combined with antimicrobials was associated with extended shelf life relative to the control, with G+PS (15 days) and G+LA (12 days) compared to 9 days for untreated fillets, while LA and PS alone showed limited effects. All treatments maintained pH < 7.0, and color changes were minimal except for increased b* in LA treatments. TBARS increased during storage, particularly with LA, but remained below 5 mg MDA/kg. Overall, gelatin-based systems, particularly with PS or LA, offer a cost-effective, sustainable approach to potentially improve refrigerated fish quality while valorizing fish by-products. Further work is needed to optimize formulations and validate results under commercial conditions. Full article

This study investigates the influence of pH and extract concentration on the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Camellia sinensis extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Synthesis was performed at pH 1–12 using undiluted and diluted extracts (2:5 and 1:5). The colloids were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, TEM, SAED, and elemental mapping. Both parameters significantly affected nanoparticle formation, morphology, and optical properties. At extreme pH values and low extract concentrations, AuNP formation was suppressed. The pH range of 3–6 produced diverse morphologies: spherical (~18 nm), triangular (~21 nm), rod-shaped (~25 nm), and anisotropic flower-like structures (~53 nm). At higher pH values, smaller, more uniform spherical nanoparticles formed, including red (~18 nm) and yellow colloids (~6 nm). These changes were reflected in distinct UV–Vis spectra and color variations. Toxicity tests using Chlorella kessleri revealed no inhibition of algal growth. In contrast, selected AuNPs colloids reduced germination and root growth of Sinapis alba, with germination falling below 50% for spherical AuNPs smaller than 18 nm and root length decreasing by more than 60% compared to the positive control. Under the tested conditions, controlled adjustment of pH and extract concentration allows tuning of AuNP properties through a simple green synthesis approach. Full article

Polylactic acid (PLA)-curcumin (CCM) composites, incorporating various contents of surface-functionalized dual-metal-doped copper oxide (SF-M-CuO), were prepared by the solution casting method. Synthesized composite films were evaluated for their antioxidant, biocompatible, photothermal, and antibacterial properties. The 4% CCM exhibits excellent compatibility based on total color difference, antioxidant activity, and controlled curcumin release behavior. In addition, different contents of SF-M-CuO (1–4%) were added to the PLA-4%-CCM polymer matrix. Synthesized composite films were characterized through functional, structural, and topographical analyses. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of CCM and SF-M-CuO into the PLA matrix, which enhanced interfacial interactions and increased the crystallinity index by acting as effective nucleating agents. ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays revealed dose-dependent antioxidant activity due to the synergistic effects of CCM and SF-M-CuO. Biocompatibility evaluation using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells demonstrated non-toxic responses and enhanced cell proliferation in PLA-4%-CCM composite films containing up to 3%-SF-M-CuO. Among the fabricated films, PLA-4%-CCM-3%-SF-M-CuO exhibited superior photothermal performance and excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, reducing bacterial counts to below the limit of detection. These findings demonstrate the potential of PLA-4%-CCM-3%-SF-M-CuO composite films as sustainable multifunctional materials for food safety and biomedical applications. Full article

The incorporation of antimicrobial agents into 3D-printed resins may improve their biological performance; however, their effects on physicochemical and mechanical properties remain unclear. This study evaluated the influence of phosphorylated chitosan (P-Chi; 0.25% and 0.50% w/w) incorporated into short- (ST) and long-term (LT) 3D-printed dental resins. Surface, mechanical, optical, and antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans were investigated using standardized methods. FTIR confirmed the successful phosphorylation and incorporation of P-Chi into both resin matrices. P-Chi significantly reduced S. mutans CFU counts compared with the control (p < 0.001, η²p = 0.286), regardless of concentration, although no inhibition halos were detected, indicating a contact-dependent antimicrobial mechanism. Enhanced antibacterial activity was accompanied by increased surface roughness and wettability. Nanoparticle concentration significantly affected mechanical performance (p = 0.001), whereas resin type did not (p = 0.613). The 0.25% groups exhibited lower flexural strength and microhardness than the controls (p < 0.05), while the 0.50% groups maintained flexural strength comparable to that of the controls, with G6 showing the highest elastic modulus (3494.95 ± 301.30 MPa). Color variation was influenced by resin type rather than P-Chi concentration (p < 0.05). Overall, P-Chi enhanced antibacterial activity while maintaining clinically acceptable mechanical properties, supporting its use as a multifunctional additive for biofunctional 3D-printed provisional resins. Full article

Ceramics, as a handicraft, is the crystallization of art and science. In order to study the firing process of ceramics, improve their density, mechanical properties, viscosity, and surface tension, and enhance the surface quality of the shaft, this article uses first-principles methods to study the electronic properties of ceramic colorants Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, CaO, MgO, Na₂O, KO₂, and ceramic body SiO₂. Research has shown that these seven color-developing agents exhibit anisotropy and have stable crystal structures. The bandgap values of Al₂O₃, CaO, Fe₂O₃, KO₂, MgO, Na₂O, TiO₂, and ceramic SiO₂ are 6.325 eV, 3.654 eV, 0 eV, 0 eV, 4.731 eV, 1.972 eV, 2.18 eV and 6.002 eV, respectively. In Al₂O₃/SiO₂, Fe₂O₃/SiO₂, TiO₂/SiO₂, CaO/SiO₂, MgO/SiO₂, Na₂O/SiO₂, and KO₂/SiO₂ systems, due to the influence of the potential field in the SiO₂ system, the charge characteristics exhibit obvious interfacial and non-periodic characteristics. The research results revealed the charge transfer and distribution patterns at the interface between ceramic colorants and ceramic ligands, elucidating the influence mechanism of different colorants/embryo components on firing temperature, shrinkage rate, and finished product defects. This mechanism can be used to predict the advantages and disadvantages of alkali metals, iron, titanium, and aluminum components in raw materials, optimize low-temperature rapid firing formulas, suppress firing deformation, control pore defects, and improve the mechanical properties of finished products. It provides micro theoretical support for the industrialization, stabilization, and high-quality production of local ceramics in southwestern China. Full article

Background: The influence of surface sealants on the color stability of composite resin restorations remains controversial. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of two surface sealants on the color stability of a nanohybrid composite resin exposed to staining beverages. Methods: Ninety specimens of Enamel Plus HRi Bio Function (BF2) composite resin were divided into three groups: without sealant, with Embrace™ WetBond™ Seal-n-Shine™, and with Ena Bond Seal. Specimens were immersed in black tea, Coca-Cola^®, red wine, orange juice, coffee, or distilled water for 40 h. Color measurements were obtained before and after immersion using the OptiShade colorimeter in accordance with the CIELAB color system. Results: Significant differences were observed according to both the staining solution and the surface sealant applied (p < 0.001). Red wine produced the highest color changes in all groups, while coffee and black tea also caused clinically perceptible discoloration. The Seal-n-Shine™ group exhibited the highest ΔE values and greater color variation compared with the control group. In contrast, the Ena Bond Seal group exhibited chromatic behavior closer to that of the unsealed composite resin. Conclusions: Color stability was significantly influenced by both the staining solution and the applied surface sealant. Full article

This study presents the development and comprehensive characterization of innovative formulations for facial toners based on micellar water–glycol systems. The study evaluated aqueous solutions of three natural glycols—1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and 1,2-pentylene glycol—both as extraction agents and as functional ingredients in facial toner formulations. The physicochemical properties (viscosity, color, contact angle) and aggregation behavior (CMC, particle size) were analyzed to determine the effect of the extraction medium on the efficiency of plant-derived metabolite extraction. Grapevine buds, obtained from a byproduct of grape cultivation, were used as the plant material. The extracts obtained were evaluated in terms of active ingredient content and antioxidant potential using LC-MS/MS and UV-VIS techniques, respectively. The results showed that pentylene glycol-based micellar systems exhibited the lowest CMC value and the most favorable wetting properties, leading to the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity in the extracts. Facial toners containing these extracts were subjected to functional and application tests, assessing, among other things, viscosity, wetting angle, and irritation potential. The study results provide new insights into the relationship between surfactant aggregation, glycol-based media, and cosmetic formulation design, offering a balanced and effective strategy for developing multifunctional skin care products. Full article

This review aims to critically examine food industry by-products as potential sources of natural preservatives and to discuss how this evidence can be translated into adolescent food literacy, label interpretation, and critical food choices. Adolescents are increasingly exposed to food labels and claims about “natural,” “clean-label,” “upcycled,” “sustainable,” and “circular” foods, which may not always be transparent or supported by sufficient evidence regarding their safety, efficacy, sensory quality, consumer acceptance, or environmental benefit. Therefore, they need more than nutritional information; they need to interpret labels, question sustainability claims, and understand how food innovations are produced, tested, communicated, and regulated. Food by-products such as fruit and vegetable pomaces, peels, seeds, skins, olive and wine residues, cereal by-products, coffee silverskin, and cocoa residues are promising resources for clean-label preservation and circular food systems because they may contain phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, essential oils, pectin, dietary fibers, and other compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, coloring, stabilizing, and texturizing properties. However, the bioactive potential alone does not guarantee that a by-product-derived ingredient is safe, effective, acceptable, scalable, or sustainable. Its use requires extraction, stabilization, real-food validation, safety assessment, sensory optimization, regulatory compliance, and sustainability evaluation. The review concludes that by-product-derived natural preservatives are both technological resources and educational tools. Future research and education should connect food preservation, label interpretation, food safety, sensory quality, sustainability evidence, and consumer decision-making to empower adolescents as critical consumers and informed agents of change in sustainable food systems. Full article

This study investigated the convective drying process of apple peels, focusing on drying kinetics, energy consumption, and product quality. The apple peels were dried under forced convection at temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 80 °C, and with microwave assistance of 100 W. The key process parameters that were evaluated included the drying rate, the diffusion coefficient, the activation energy, and the specific energy consumption. Quality of the products was assessed based on moisture content, water activity, overall color change, browning and yellowness indexes, and ascorbic acid content. The results showed that all drying processes occurred during the falling drying rate period. The drying rate and effective diffusion coefficient were positively correlated with the temperature of the drying agent and/or microwave assistance (growth from 2.22 × 10⁻³ to 7.25 × 10⁻³ g/s and from 2.64 × 10⁻¹⁰ to 7.80 × 10⁻¹⁰ m²/s respectively). The drying time was negatively correlated with those process parameters (a decrease from 5300 to 1800 s). The lowest energy consumption was recorded for convection-microwave drying (~81 MJ per kg of evaporated moisture). The water activity of the peels dried at lower temperatures (40 and 50 °C) or with microwave assistance (CVMW) was about 0.4 and about 0.2 for those dried at higher temperatures (60 and 80 °C), ensuring microbial stability. Products that dried convectively at 50 and 60 °C, as well as those dried with the assistance of microwaves, showed a slightly higher overall color change compared to products dried using other processes. Ascorbic acid retention was similar in convectively dried products but decreased significantly in the convective-microwave process. In consideration of the positive effects on drying kinetics and the absence of adverse effects on the energy intensity of the process and the quality of the products, it was concluded that high-temperature drying can be the preferred method of preservation of apple peels in the course of valorization. Full article

In the surface protection of stone and brick cultural heritage, a primary challenge is that traditional polymeric coatings are prone to photooxidative degradation under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and the resulting aged fragments readily block the substrate micropores, leading to a loss of “breathability”. To address the performance conflict among waterproofing, breathability, and weather resistance, this study prepared few-layer Ti₃C₂T_X MXene using a minimally intensive layer delamination (MILD) method. The poor compatibility between MXene and the fluorosilicone (FPS) resin matrix was effectively resolved through covalent modification with a silane coupling agent (KH-550). Results demonstrate that at an ultralow loading (0.5 wt%), the functionalized f-MXene is uniformly dispersed within the resin. This structure not only spontaneously constructs a hierarchical rough architecture on the surface that imparts high hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 131.6°), but its internal “labyrinth effect” also effectively blocks corrosive media. Simultaneously, the intrinsic water vapor transmission rate of the substrate is effectively maintained (with a reduction of less than 3%), and no visually perceptible color difference is generated (∆E = 1.2). Mechanically, f-MXene relies on interfacial interactions to act as a “nano-skeleton” for stress transfer, thereby increasing the uniaxial compressive strength of fragile limestone by 32.4%. Optical and spectroscopic characterizations further elucidate its anti-aging mechanism: f-MXene not only provides broadband UV shielding but also exhibits highly efficient radical scavenging activity during long-term UV aging. After 400 h of aging, the concentrations of hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals within the system are significantly reduced, blocking the photooxidative chain reaction from the source. This work develops a composite protective material system for stone cultural heritage that simultaneously integrates high moisture permeability, minimal visual intervention, and long-term antioxidant performance. Full article