Search Results (38,187)

Background: Gefitinib (Gef) is a first-line epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor for NSCLC, but its clinical application is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. Methods: A self-assembled gefitinib nanosuspension (GG-NS) incorporating genistein (Gen) was rapidly developed and optimized via hammer acoustic resonance (HAR) technology. Systematic optimization was conducted using a high-throughput HAR-based process, with particle size, PDI, and zeta potential as key evaluation parameters. Structural and morphological characteristics were analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermal analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. In vitro dissolution behavior and cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells were evaluated. Results: Optimal GG-NS with Z-Ave = 223.50 ± 1.53 nm, PDI = 0.239 ± 0.031 and zeta potential = −24.10 ± 0.47 mV was successfully prepared. The nanosuspension remained physically stable for up to five months at both 4 °C and 25 °C. Compared with the raw drugs, GG-NS enhanced the dissolution of gefitinib and genistein in water by 3.76-fold and 13-fold, respectively. In addition, GG-NS showed significantly enhanced cytotoxicity against A549 cells, with a 33.8% higher inhibition rate than the physical mixture after 72 h. Conclusions: This study demonstrates, for the first time, that HAR technology enables the rapid fabrication of a self-assembled GG-NS with improved dissolution performance, physicochemical stability, and in vitro anticancer activity, highlighting its promise as an efficient and scalable formulation strategy for poorly soluble anticancer drugs. Full article

A hybrid material based on the copolymerization of EDOT (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and Py (pyrrole), 1:1 monomer ratio, onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was synthesized through a multistep functionalization approach. The resulting P(EDOT-co-Py)@MWCNT hybrid, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene-co-pyrrol)@MWCNT hybrid, was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These characterizations confirmed the successive functionalization steps, the effective anchoring of the monomers, and the subsequent formation of the copolymer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed a homogeneous polymer coating along the nanotube surface while preserving the structural integrity of the MWCNTs throughout the functionalization and polymerization processes. The P(EDOT-co-Py)@MWCNT hybrid was evaluated as an active electrode material for aluminum-ion storage in an aqueous aluminum sulfate electrolyte. The system exhibited two distinct charge-storage mechanisms: at high current densities, proton surface adsorption dominated, whereas at lower rates, a faradaic contribution associated with polymer chain redox activity and the reversible extraction/insertion of Al³⁺ became prevalent. The hybrid electrode delivered high specific capacities, reaching 200.6, 106.3, and 44.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.10, 0.25, and 0.50 A g⁻¹, respectively. These values are comparable to—or even exceed—those reported for similar cathodic materials designed for Al³⁺ storage, highlighting P(EDOT-co-Py)@MWCNT hybrid as a highly promising cathode candidate for aqueous aluminum-ion energy-storage systems. Full article

Superhydrophobic materials have clear potential for mitigating rain/humidity-induced damage to cultural heritage. In the present study, the wetting properties of Paraloid B72 were tailored to achieve superhydrophobicity by incorporating modified calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) nanoparticles (NPs). B72 is a well-established conservation product while CaCO₃ is chemically compatible with calcareous materials commonly found in cultural heritage buildings and objects. Initially, the wettabilities of CaCO₃ NPs, functionalised with caproic (C6), caprylic (C8), lauric (C12), myristic (C14), palmitic (C16), and stearic (C18) acid, were evaluated by measuring water contact angles (CAs) on NP pellets. For NPs with short hydrocarbon chains, CA increased with chain length, from 66.3° for CaCO₃-C6 to 118.0° for CaCO₃-C12 NPs. For NPs with longer chains, CA remained stable and around 118°. Based on these results, CaCO₃-C12 NPs were selected for further investigation and subjected to transmission electron microscopy analysis, which revealed chain-like agglomerates of aggregated nanocrystallites (5–10 nm) forming 40–150 nm polycrystalline NPs. Scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with elemental mapping revealed a homogeneous distribution of Ca, C, and O within the NPs. Next, CaCO₃-C12 NPs were dispersed in B72 solutions and sprayed onto limestone, which was employed as a model calcite-rich substrate. At optimal NP concentration, the resulting composite coating exhibited superhydrophobicity (CA > 150°), while it induced minimal colour alteration to limestone and effective resistance to capillary water absorption. The fluorine-free coating also demonstrated good durability against UV exposure, drop impact, salt attack, freeze–thaw cycles, tape peeling, drop pH variations, and thermal treatment. Full article

This study systematically investigated the static recrystallization behavior and microstructural evolution of cold-rolled Ti-2Al-2.5Zr alloy tubes subjected to isothermal annealing at 650–800 °C. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), optical microscopy, and microhardness testing were used to analyze recrystallization kinetics, grain size, grain boundary character, texture evolution, and strain energy release under different annealing temperatures and times. The results show that with increasing annealing temperature, the recrystallization incubation time is significantly shortened and the recrystallization rate increases nonlinearly; the times required for full recrystallization at 650, 700, 750, and 800 °C are 480 min, 25 min, 20 min, and 15 min, respectively. Compared with the other annealing temperatures, annealing at 700 °C yields finer, more uniform equiaxed grains and lower texture intensity, while at higher temperatures, recrystallization and recovery proceed too rapidly, which is unfavorable for fine control of the microstructure. After completion of recrystallization, the alloy microhardness stabilizes at approximately 200 HV. Based on the Avrami kinetics model, the recrystallization activation energy of the Ti-2Al-2.5Zr alloy tubes was calculated to be approximately 303.9 kJ/mol, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing the annealing process. Full article

Based on data from core observations, thin-section petrography, scanning electron microscopy, whole-rock X-ray diffraction, organic geochemical analysis, and element analysis, in this study, we characterized the mineralogical–petrological features and sedimentary environment of the Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation shale in Western Hubei Province, and we clarified their relationships with organic matter enrichment. The results are as follows: (1) Five dominant rock types were identified in the Qiongzhusi Formation, namely, siliceous shale, argillaceous–siliceous mixed shale, argillaceous–calcareous shale, calcareous–siliceous shale, and calcareous shale. Vertically, the lithofacies transition follows the sequence of siliceous shale facies → mixed shale facies → calcareous shale facies. Laterally, from the marine trough to the trough margin, the thicknesses of the siliceous shale, argillaceous–siliceous mixed shale, and calcareous–siliceous mixed shale gradually decrease, whereas the thickness of the argillaceous–calcareous mixed shale increases progressively. (2) From the early to late sedimentary periods of the Qiongzhusi Formation and from the marine trough to the trough margin, a consistent evolutionary trend can be observed: gradual shallowing of the water depth, intensified hydrodynamic conditions, increased dissolved oxygen content of the bottom water, weakened upwelling currents, reduced paleoproductivity in the surface water, enhanced water mass stagnation, increased terrigenous input, and a corresponding gradual decrease in the total organic carbon (TOC) content. (3) The formation of the late-stage organic-rich shale was comprehensively controlled by the terrigenous input, redox conditions, paleoproductivity, water mass stagnation, and upwelling activity. Among these factors, the redox conditions, water mass stagnation, and paleoproductivity were the primary drivers responsible for the difference in the TOC contents in the Western Hubei marine trough and its margin, while the terrigenous input played a secondary role. Full article

This study investigates the feasibility of using calcined pumice as a sustainable precursor for geopolymer production. Natural pumice was calcined at different temperatures (600, 750, and 900 °C) and durations (1, 2, and 4 h). The effects of calcination were evaluated through color change, particle size distribution, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that calcination induced structural and mineralogical modifications in pumice, including increased disorder in the aluminosilicate network and partial recrystallization, which enhanced its reactivity. Consequently, geopolymer mortars produced with calcined pumice exhibited significantly improved compressive strength, with the highest strength of 53.5 MPa obtained for the sample calcined at 750 °C for 1 h, corresponding to an 84.5% increase compared to the mortar produced with raw pumice. In addition, calcination at 600 °C and 900 °C significantly improved water resistance. Considering mechanical performance, durability-related properties, and energy efficiency together, the calcination condition of 600 °C for 2 h was identified as the optimum treatment. These findings demonstrate that calcined pumice is a promising and sustainable precursor for geopolymer production. Full article

The use of microalgae as a food source is limited by consumers’ dislike of their organoleptic traits, primarily the intense green color and bitter taste associated with high chlorophyll content. The eukaryotic microalgae Chlorella vulgaris can grow under heterotrophic conditions, providing the opportunity to cultivate chlorophyll-less strains. In this work we applied random mutagenesis for breeding chlorophyll-deficient C. vulgaris strains. Wild-type strain was UVC-radiated, and 12 colonies with changed pigmentation were selected. Based on phenotypic stability two mutants, M6 and M11, were selected for characterization of growth, pigment and biomass accumulation. Cultivation under photo-, mixo- and heterotrophic conditions revealed distinct phenotypes for the two mutants. M6 remained chlorophyll-deficient in all cultivation conditions tested, while chlorophyll was observed in M11 when grown under light. Under heterotrophic and mixotrophic growth conditions, both mutants were chlorophyll-deficient while biomass productivity, protein content, and amino acid composition remained similar to wild type. Characterization of the cellular ultrastructure of the wild type and mutants using cryo Focused Ion-Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed that functional chloroplasts and thylakoid membranes were absent in the mutants. Our work demonstrates how a simple approach using UV mutagenesis and visual screening can provide novel strains of C. vulgaris with traits for improved consumer acceptance, without compromising the use of the algae biomass as a protein-rich food source. Full article

To address the problem of excessive sulfur in high-sulfur magnetite concentrates when used directly, this study systematically investigated the desulfurization behavior and mechanism during oxidative roasting. Green pellets were prepared by mixing high-sulfur iron concentrate fines with 1% bentonite, followed by roasting experiments in air at 800–1200 °C. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG), real-time flue gas analysis (DOAS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) were employed to characterize the process and products. The results show that sulfur release is mainly concentrated in two stages: intensive oxidative decomposition of FeS/FeS₂ in the range of 480–580 °C and release of reacted sulfur originally encapsulated within the pellets in the range of 940–1080 °C. It was found that alkali metal oxides CaO and MgO in the feed can fix sulfur at a high temperature. They react with released SO₂ and iron oxides to form Ca/Mg sulfate–iron oxide composite phases, such as (Ca_0.75Mg_0.25)SO₄·0.38Fe₂O₃ and (Ca_0.91Mg_0.09)SO₄·3.66Fe₂O₃·1.47MgO, which slow the SO₂ emission rate. A desulfurization ratio above 99% can be achieved when roasting at 1100 °C and above. This study clarifies the sulfur migration mechanism during the roasting of high-sulfur iron concentrate pellets, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing the roasting process to achieve efficient desulfurization and recovery of iron resources. Full article

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized via two complementary routes, an inorganic surfactant-mediated method and a plant-extract-assisted biosynthesis, to elucidate how synthesis pathways influence nanoparticle physicochemical properties. In the inorganic route, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-stabilized AuNPs were prepared using CTAB dissolution temperatures of 70–90 °C. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) bands at 554–556 nm, while dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated a decrease in hydrodynamic diameter from 110 to 97 nm with increasing dissolution temperature. Zeta potentials above +40 mV indicated strong electrostatic stabilization, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed ultrasmall Au cores with a narrow size distribution (2.4–3.0 nm) and a face-centered cubic crystal structure. In the biosynthetic route, AuNPs were obtained using aqueous Erythroxylum coca leaf extracts (1–4% w/v). The extracts exhibited a concentration-dependent red shift (~380 to ~420 nm), and biosynthesized AuNPs displayed LSPR bands in the 550–580 nm range. DLS yielded hydrodynamic diameters of 270–390 nm, with pronounced aggregation (3341 nm) at the lowest extract concentration. Under optimized conditions (HC5, n = 5), reproducible plasmonic and colloidal properties were obtained (maximum absorbance, localized surface plasmon resonance wavelength (λ_max) = 569.6 ± 1.7 nm; hydrodynamic diameter (D_H) = 237.6 ± 24.3 nm; absolute zeta potential (|ζ|)= 32.2 ± 2.6 mV). TEM analysis indicated predominantly quasi-spherical particles with a broader, log-normal size distribution, consistent with extract-mediated growth under heterogeneous organic capping environments. Full article

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a high-performance thermoplastic with potential applications in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical components, owing to its exceptional specific strength, thermal stability, and biocompatibility. However, its moderate hardness and limited wear resistance in dry sliding severely constrain its use in highly loaded tribological contacts. In this study, PEEK-based reinforced hybrid composites were produced utilizing a powder metallurgy technique, with reinforcement fractions of 10 wt.% graphite (Gr), boron (B), hydroxyapatite (HAp), and zirconium (Zr). The processing sequence included homogeneous wet-mixing, uniaxial cold compaction at pressures of 10–30 MPa, and sintering at 250–300 °C. The composition and microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Mechanical and tribological performances were assessed by Vickers microhardness, uniaxial compression and dry sliding wear tests. The best-performing Gr-B hybrid composite increased hardness by 240% and compressive strength by 175% compared with unreinforced PEEK. Tribologically, boron-containing PEEK demonstrated up to a 34.7% reduction in the coefficient of friction and approximately a 90% drop in wear-induced mass loss compared with unreinforced PEEK. The resulting Gr-B-reinforced PEEK hybrids are excellent choices for demanding load-bearing and tribological components like aerospace bushings, automotive sliding elements, spinal cages, and orthopedic fixation devices in biomedical applications because of their balanced combination of high hardness, superior wear resistance, and high compressive strength. Full article

The management of invasive alien species (IAS) generates large amounts of plant waste biomass that is commonly disposed of by burning or destruction, leading to environmental and economic drawbacks. At the same time, the production of synthetic dyes and pigments used in printing and graphic applications remains a significant source of pollution. In this context, the valorization of IAS biomass as a source of natural colorants represents a sustainable alternative aligned with circular economy principles. Here, biocompounds and natural dyes were extracted from four invasive or non-native plant species—Arundo donax, Phytolacca americana, Tradescantia fluminensis, and Eucalyptus globulus—using five solid–liquid extraction methods: infusion, infusion with heat, thermal agitation, Soxhlet extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction. Extraction efficiency and color preservation were comparatively evaluated. Although Soxhlet extraction provided the highest extraction yield (up to 30.5%), infusion with heat proved to be the most suitable method for preserving color integrity and minimizing oxidation. Liquid dyes obtained by the selected extraction method were converted into solid pigments through a lake pigment precipitation process using aluminum potassium sulfate and sodium bicarbonate. The resulting pigments were characterized in terms of chemical composition, particle size, and chromatic properties, and subsequently formulated into oil-based inks using linseed oil as binder. Scanning electron microscopy revealed pigment particle sizes ranging from approximately 2.1 to 8.3 µm, depending on the plant source, and confirmed adequate ink penetration and distribution on commercial printmaking paper. The obtained pigments exhibited color tones ranging from yellow to brown and grey, mainly associated with the phenolic and tannin content of the original biomass. Printing tests demonstrated the suitability of the developed inks for manual printmaking techniques, highlighting the potential of IAS-derived pigments as sustainable alternatives for artistic and printing applications. Full article

This manuscript reports the influence of Hf substitution for Fe on the magnetic properties and microstructure of near-stoichiometric Pr-Fe-B alloys. Melt-spun ribbons with nominal compositions of Pr_26.7Fe_72.3B₁, Pr_26.7Fe_71.8Hf_0.5B₁, and Pr_26.7Fe_71.3Hf₁B₁ (wt%) are synthesized with optimized wheel speed. Transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals that Hf addition effectively refines the grain structure in terms of grain size. Magnetic characterization at 300 K demonstrates that the partial Hf addition significantly enhances the hard magnetic performance. The pristine alloy (Pr_26.7Fe_72.3B₁) exhibits an intrinsic coercivity (H_cj) of 11.95 kOe, a remanence (B_r) of 8.23 kG, and a maximum energy product ((BH)_max) of 12.6 MGOe. With 0.5% Hf addition, the properties improve to H_cj of 11.47 kOe, B_r of 8.5 kG, and (BH)_max of 15.33 MGOe. A further increase to 1.0% Hf leads to a slight reduction in properties, with H_cj of 11.66 kOe, B_r of 8.37 kG, and (BH)_max of 13.32 MGOe, though they remain superior to the pristine alloy. Furthermore, Hf addition improves the high-temperature magnetic stability. The results indicate that optimal Hf addition is a promising strategy for enhancing the magnetic properties of near-stoichiometric Pr-Fe-B ribbons through microstructural refinement and reducing the volume fraction of the soft magnetic phase. Full article

This study investigates the application of artificial intelligence for predicting the compressive strength of a high-performance, eco-efficient engineered cementitious composite (ECC), designated mix S8-1, A. The composite incorporates supplementary cementitious materials and alternative aggregates derived from recycled glass waste. The binder system combines waste glass powder and silica fume, while the aggregate fraction includes recycled cobalt glass. An extensive experimental program involving 14 mixtures tested at 7, 28, 56, 90, and 120 days was performed to establish the reference mechanical and rheological properties. Mix S8-1, A achieved strength class C60/75 and workability corresponding to consistency class S4. To substantiate long-term performance, microstructural and chemical analyses were conducted on specimens preserved since 2011, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results confirmed a stable, densified microstructure, evidencing the long-term durability of the patented ECC formulation. For predictive modeling, a shallow feedforward artificial neural network with three hidden layers was developed and trained on 70 dataset entries representing mixture proportions and curing ages. Model performance was evaluated using cross-validation, achieving a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.968, a mean absolute error of 1.96 MPa, and a root mean square error of 2.52 MPa. The results demonstrate that AI-based approaches can accurately predict the compressive strength of high-performance, environmentally sustainable ECCs incorporating recycled glass constituents, supporting both performance optimization and resource-efficient material design. Full article

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) trigger apoptosis in cancer cells, while albumin nanoparticles enable effective drug delivery. This study compares the antitumor and cytotoxic effects of albumin-coated AgNPs (AgNPs-Alb) versus AgNPs on human prostate cancer cell lines. Method: AgNPs-Alb were synthesized and tested against PC3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines. Characterization via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy confirmed their properties. IC50 values were determined using MTT assay, with apoptosis assessed by Annexin-V/PI staining. DNA cell cycle was analyzed by PI staining. Migration, proliferation, and nuclear morphology were evaluated through scratch-wound, colony-forming, and Hoechst staining assays. Gene expression of Snail, E-cadherin, VEGF-C, VEGF-A, Bcl2, Bax, and P53 was analyzed using real-time PCR. Results: The IC50 values for AgNPs and AgNPs-Alb were 48 μM and 32 μM in PC3 cells, and 110 μM and 95 μM in LNCaP cells, respectively. AgNPs-Alb significantly inhibited PC3 cell migration compared to AgNPs (p < 0.001) and Bicalutamide (p < 0.0001). In both cell lines, AgNPs-Alb significantly reduced colony formation compared to AgNPs and Bicalutamide (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry revealed a higher percentage of apoptotic cells in PC3 with AgNPs-Alb treatment compared to AgNPs and Bicalutamide. In LNCaP cells, AgNPs-Alb induced a significantly higher percentage of Sub-G1 cells. AgNPs-Alb treatment caused greater mRNA suppression of VEGF-A and a higher Bax/Bcl2 ratio in PC3 and LNCaP cells (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant increase in P53 and E-cadherin, alongside a decrease in VEGF-C expression in LnCAP cells, was observed (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that AgNPs-Alb have stronger anticancer and cytotoxic effects compared to AgNPs alone against PCa cell lines and higher effects were observed on PC3 cells compared to LnCAP cells. Full article

CoNi layered double hydroxides (CoNiLDHs) were successfully synthesized on nickel foam (NF) using a hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of a well-defined hydrotalcite-like phase, including a strong (003) peak, indicating layered stacking. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a 3D hierarchical nanosheet structure resembling flower-like arrays, which was further supported by EDS mapping showing a uniform distribution of Co, Ni, and O. Electrochemical studies demonstrated excellent OER activity, with a low overpotential of 188 mV at 10 mA/cm² and a Tafel slope of 97.48 mV/dec, inferring rapid reaction kinetics. Furthermore, the material exhibited a significant electrochemical surface area (ECSA) compared to bare NF. Chronoamperometry over 24 h confirmed the operational durability catalyst, stabilizing around 7–8 mA/cm², validating its potential as a cost-effective and efficient OER electrocatalyst in alkaline media. Full article