Search Results (1,109)

Graphene is considered one of the most promising flexible transparent electrode materials as it has high charge carrier mobility, high electrical conductivity, low optical absorption, excellent mechanical strength, and good bendability. However, graphene-based flexible transparent electrodes face a critical challenge in balancing electrical conductivity and optical transmittance. Here, we present a green and scalable direct ink writing (DIW) strategy to fabricate graphene grid patterns by optimizing ink formulation with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and ethanol. SDS eliminates the coffee ring effect via Marangoni flow, while ethanol enhances graphene flake alignment during hot-pressing, achieving a high conductivity of 5.22 × 10⁵ S m⁻¹. The grid-patterned graphene-based flexible transparent electrodes exhibit a low sheet resistance of 21.3 Ω/sq with 68.5% transmittance as well as a high stability in high-temperature and corrosive environments, surpassing most metal/graphene composites. This method avoids toxic solvents and high-temperature treatments, demonstrating excellent stability in harsh environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) essential oil exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anesthetic activities, mainly due to eugenol, methyl eugenol, and β-caryophyllene. However, its clinical application is limited by poor water solubility, instability, and low bioavailability. This study developed and compared two delivery systems, self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) and microemulsions (ME), to enhance their stability and fish anesthetic efficacy. Methods: The optimized SNEDDS (25% basil oil, 8.33% coconut oil, 54.76% Tween 80, 11.91% PEG 400) and ME (12% basil oil, 32% Tween 80, 4% sorbitol, 12% ethanol, 40% water) were characterized for droplet size, PDI, zeta potential, pH, and viscosity. Stability was evaluated by monitoring droplet size and PDI over time and by determining the retention of eugenol, methyl eugenol, and β-caryophyllene after storage at 45 °C. Fish anesthetic efficacy was tested in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi). Results: SNEDDS maintained a small droplet size (~22.78 ± 1.99 nm) and low PDI (0.188 ± 0.088 at day 60), while ME showed significant size enlargement (up to 177.10 ± 47.50 nm) and high PDI (>0.5). After 90 days at 45 °C, SNEDDS retained 94.45% eugenol, 94.08% methyl eugenol, and 88.55% β-caryophyllene, while ME preserved 104.76%, 103.53%, and 94.47%, respectively. In vivo testing showed that SNEDDS achieved faster anesthesia (114.70 ± 24.80 s at 120 ppm) and shorter recovery (379.60 ± 15.61 s) than ME (134.90 ± 4.70 s; 473.80 ± 16.94 s). Ethanol failed to induce anesthesia at 40 ppm and performed poorly compared to SNEDDS and ME at other concentrations (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: SNEDDS demonstrated superior physical stability and fish anesthetic performance compared to ME. These findings support SNEDDS as a promising formulation for delivering holy basil essential oil in biomedical and aquaculture applications. Full article

This study evaluated and compared two encapsulation techniques—co-crystallization and ionic gelation—for stabilizing bioactive components derived from lavender distillation residues. Utilizing aqueous ethanol extraction (solid residues) and concentration (liquid residues), phenolic-rich extracts were incorporated into encapsulation matrices and processed under controlled conditions. Comprehensive characterization included encapsulation efficiency (Ef), antioxidant activity (AA), moisture content, hygroscopicity, dissolution time, bulk density, and color parameters (L*, a*, b*). Co-crystallization outperformed ionic gelation across most criteria, achieving significantly higher Ef (>150%) and superior functional properties such as lower moisture content (<0.5%), negative hygroscopicity (−6%), and faster dissolution (<60 s). These features suggested enhanced physicochemical stability and suitability for applications requiring long shelf life and rapid solubility. In contrast, extruded beads exhibited high moisture levels (94.0–95.4%) but allowed better control over morphological features. The work introduced a mild-processing approach applied innovatively to the valorization of lavender distillation waste through structurally stable phenolic delivery systems. By systematically benchmarking two distinct encapsulation strategies under equivalent formulation conditions, this study advanced current understanding in bioactive microencapsulation and offers new tools for developing functional ingredients from aromatic plant by-products. Full article

This study investigates the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities of Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) and Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood) extracts, along with their role in the green synthesis of gold (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Bioreduction was achieved using aqueous and ethanolic extracts (100 mg/mL), enabling solvent-dependent comparisons. Nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and zeta potential analysis. Each technique revealed complementary aspects of nanoparticle morphology, size, and stability, with UV–Vis indicating aggregation states and DLS confirming solvent-related size variation even at 3–5% ethanol. Gold nanoparticles synthesized from Dandelion showed strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while silver nanoparticles from both plants were effective against Escherichia coli. Cytotoxicity assays indicated that silver nanoparticles obtained from ethanolic Dandelion extract containing 3% ethanol in aqueous solution (AgNPsE_ETOH3%-D) significantly reduced LoVo (p = 4.58 × 10⁻³) and MDA-MB-231 (p = 7.20 × 10⁻⁵) cell viability, with high selectivity indices (SI), suggesting low toxicity toward normal cells. Gold nanoparticles synthesized from aqueous Dandelion extract (AuNPsEaq-D) also showed favorable SI values (2.16 for LoVo and 8.41 for MDA-MB-231). Although some formulations demonstrated lower selectivity (SI < 1.5), the findings support the therapeutic potential of these biogenic nanoparticles. Further in vivo studies and pharmacokinetic evaluations are required to validate their clinical applicability. Full article

In this work, we report a green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Tradescantia spathacea (purple maguey) as bioreducing and stabilizing agents, which are plant extracts not previously employed for metal oxide nanoparticle synthesis. This method provides an efficient, eco-friendly, and reproducible route to obtain ZnO nanoparticles, while minimizing environmental impact compared to conventional chemical approaches. The extracts were prepared following a standardized protocol, and their phytochemical profiles, including total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity, were quantified via UV-Vis spectroscopy to confirm their reducing potential. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using zinc acetate dihydrate as a precursor, with variations in pH and precursor concentration in both aqueous and ethanolic media. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a hexagonal wurtzite structure with preferential (101) orientation and lattice parameters a = b = 3.244 Å, c = 5.197 Å. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed agglomerated morphologies, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of phytochemicals such as quercetin, kaempferol, saponins, and terpenes, along with Zn–O bonding, indicating surface functionalization. Zeta potential measurements showed improved dispersion under alkaline conditions, particularly with ethanolic extracts. This study presents a sustainable synthesis strategy with tunable parameters, highlighting the critical influence of precursor concentration and solvent environment on ZnO nanoparticle formation. Notably, aqueous extracts promote ZnO synthesis at low precursor concentrations, while alkaline conditions are essential when using ethanolic extracts. Compared to other green synthesis methods, this strategy offers control and reproducibility and employs a non-toxic, underexplored plant source rich in phytochemicals, potentially enhancing the crystallinity, surface functionality, and application potential of the resulting ZnO nanoparticles. These materials show promise for applications in photocatalysis, in antimicrobial coatings, in UV-blocking formulations, and as functional additives in optoelectronic and environmental remediation technologies. Full article

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of deacidifying treatments for the restoration of textiles used as supports for works of art, with particular attention to the chemical stability, colour variation and mechanical resistance of the materials over time. The present study involved the analysis of two products: Bookkeeper^TM, containing magnesium oxide, and Nanorestore^TM, a dispersion of calcium hydroxide in alcoholic solutions of ethanol and 2-propanol. The products were applied to a series of tests on cotton, linen and jute fabrics. The experimental approach comprised an artificial degradation process of the fabrics, followed by the application of the treatments and an accelerated ageing cycle. A series of parameters were monitored throughout the experiment, encompassing surface pH, chromatic shifts ascertained through colorimetric measurements and the morphological transformations of the fabrics, as elucidated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). The findings yielded from this study have enabled the delineation of the behaviour exhibited by the treated materials over an extended timeframe. This underscores the significance of a judicious selection of treatments, contingent upon the particular chemical and physical attributes inherent to the fabrics in question. Full article

1,3-Diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) is a widely used fluorescent probe for singlet oxygen (¹O₂) detection in photodynamic applications. In this work, we present an integrated experimental and computational analysis to describe its spectroscopic, photophysical, and reactive properties in ethanol, DMSO, and DMF. UV-Vis and fluorescence measurements across a wide concentration range show well-resolved S₀ → S₁ electronic transition of a π → π* nature with small red shifts in polar aprotic solvents. Fluorescence lifetimes increase slightly with solvent polarity, showing stabilization of the excited state. The 2D PES and Boltzmann populations analysis indicate two co-existing conformers (C_s and C₂), with C_s being slightly more stable at room temperature. TD-DFT calculations have been performed using several density functionals and the 6-311+G(2d,p) basis set to calculate absorption/emission wavelengths, oscillator strengths, transition dipole moments, and radiative lifetimes. Overall, cam-B3LYP and ωB97X-D provided the best agreement with experiments for the photophysical data across all solvents. The photophysical behavior of DPBF upon interaction with ¹O₂ can be explained by a small-barrier, two-step reaction pathway that goes through a zwitterionic intermediate, resulting in the formation of 2,5-endoperoxide. This work explains the photophysical properties and reactivity of DPBF, therefore providing a solid basis for future studies involving singlet oxygen. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of different doses of limonene essential oil (LEO) and a blend of cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol (BCC) on the fermentative quality and chemical–bromatological composition of total mixed ration (TMR) silages. Two independent trials were conducted, each focused on one additive, using a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of dry matter), replicated across two seasons (summer and autumn), with five replicates per treatment per season. The silages were assessed for their chemical composition, fermentation profile, aerobic stability (AS), and storage losses. In the LEO trial, the dry matter (DM) content increased significantly by 0.047% for each mg/kg added. Dry matter recovery (DMR) peaked at 97.9% at 473 mg/kg (p < 0.01), while lactic acid (LA) production reached 5.87% DM at 456 mg/kg. Ethanol concentrations decreased to 0.13% DM at 392 mg/kg (p = 0.04). The highest AS value (114 h) was observed at 203.7 mg/kg, but AS declined slightly at the highest LEO dose (600 mg/kg). No significant effects were observed for the pH, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), or non-fiber carbohydrates (NFCs). In the BCC trial, DMR reached 98.2% at 548 mg/kg (p < 0.001), and effluent losses decreased by approximately 20 kg/ton DM. LA production peaked at 6.41% DM at 412 mg/kg (p < 0.001), and AS reached 131 h at 359 mg/kg. BCC increased NDF (from 23.27% to 27.73%) and ADF (from 35.13% to 41.20%) linearly, while NFCs and the total digestible nutrients (TDN) decreased by 0.0007% and 0.039% per mg of BCC, respectively. In conclusion, both additives improved the fermentation efficiency by increasing LA and reducing losses. LEO was more effective for DM retention and ethanol reduction, while BCC improved DMR and AS, with distinct effects on fiber and energy fractions. Full article

Theobroma cacao L. (cocoa) pod husk, a byproduct of the chocolate industry, has potential for commercial applications due to its bioactive compounds. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition, biological activity, and clinical efficacy of a standardized extract. This study compared 80% ethanol (CE) and 80% ethanol acidified (CEA) as extraction solvents. The result indicated that CEA yielded higher total phenolic content (170.98 ± 7.41 mg GAE/g extract) and total flavonoid content (3.91 ± 0.27 mg QE/g extract) than CE. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) identified various phenolic and flavonoid compounds. CEA demonstrated stronger anti-oxidant (IC₅₀ = 5.83 ± 0.11 μg/mL in the DPPH assay and 234.17 ± 4.01 mg AAE/g extract in the FRAP assay) compared to CE. Additionally, CEA exhibited anti-tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 9.51 ± 0.01 mg/mL), anti-glycation (IC₅₀ = 62.32 ± 0.18 µg/mL), and anti-collagenase (IC₅₀ = 0.43 ± 0.01 mg/mL), nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory (IC₅₀ = 62.68 μg/mL) activities, without causing toxicity to cells. A formulated lotion containing CEA (0.01–1.0% w/w) demonstrated stability over six heating–cooling cycles. A clinical study with 30 volunteers showed no skin irritation. The 1.0% w/w formulation (F4) improved skin hydration (+52.48%), reduced transepidermal water loss (−7.73%), and decreased melanin index (−9.10%) after 4 weeks of application. These findings suggest cocoa pod husk extract as a promising active ingredient for skin hydrating and lightening formulation. Nevertheless, further long-term studies are necessary to evaluate its efficacy in anti-aging treatments. Full article

The organic volatile compound gases (VOCs) emitted by the rubber running tracks in the park pose a threat to human health. Currently, the challenge lies in how to detect the VOC gas concentration to ensure it is below the level that is harmful to human health. This study developed a low-power acetone gas sensor based on SnO₂/Nb₂C MXene composites, designed for monitoring acetone gas in pocket park rubber tracks at room temperature. Nb₂C MXene was combined with SnO₂ nanoparticles through a hydrothermal method, and the results showed that the SnO₂/Nb₂C MXene composite sensor (SnM-2) exhibited a response value of 146.5% in detecting 1 ppm acetone gas, with a response time of 155 s and a recovery time of 295 s. This performance was significantly better than that of the pure SnO₂ sensor, with a 6-fold increase in response value. Additionally, the sensor exhibits excellent selectivity against VOCs, such as ethanol, formaldehyde, and isopropanol, with good stability (~20 days) and reversibility (~50). It can accurately recognize acetone gas concentrations and has been successfully used to simulate rubber track environments and provide accurate acetone concentration data. This study provides a feasible solution for monitoring VOCs in rubber tracks and the foundation for the development of low-power, high-performance, and 2D MXene gas sensors. Full article

Prunus leaf extracts are rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds like rutin, and they are known for their antioxidant potential. This study compares the bioactivity and stability of leaf extracts from Prunus domestica L. (EL), Prunus salicina Lindl. (JL), and Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. (CL) and evaluates the dermal safety of a cream containing the extract with the most favorable in vitro properties for potential cosmetic use. Ethanolic extracts were assessed for total phenolic and condensed tannin contents, as well as antioxidants, using DPPH assay and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activities. The CL extract exhibited moderate total phenolic content, the highest condensed tannin content, and strong antioxidant (IC₅₀ = 22.1 ± 3.1 µg/mL) and anti-lipid peroxidation (62.3 ± 1.0%) activities. Based on these results, CL was incorporated into a cream formulation (CCL), which was then evaluated for physicochemical properties, antioxidant retention, and in vitro skin permeation using Franz diffusion cells. The formulation remained physically stable under ambient conditions and retained antioxidant activity above 74.5% under thermal cycling conditions. Rutin from the CCL formulation was retained within the Strat-M™ membrane (4.0 ± 1.1%), which was 5.7-fold higher than that of the control (0.7 ± 0.6%) over 8 h; however, it was not detected in the receptor chamber under these in vitro conditions. A semi-open patch test conducted on 26 healthy volunteers under double-blind conditions revealed no signs of irritation, confirming the formulation’s dermal safety. Overall, the findings support the feasibility of using P. cerasifera extract as a stable antioxidant component in topical skincare formulations. Full article

Propolis is a bee-derived resin rich in phenolic compounds known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties; however, its limited solubility and stability hinder its incorporation into food matrices. This study aimed to optimize the microencapsulation of ethanolic propolis extract through complex coacervation using chia mucilage and gelatin as wall materials, followed by spray drying. A 3² factorial design was applied to evaluate the effects of coacervate concentration and inlet temperature on various microcapsule properties. The optimal formulation (3.13% coacervate and 120 °C) exhibited high phenolic retention (15.36 mg GAE/g), notable antioxidant capacity (60.10 µmol TE/g), good solubility, thermal stability, and sustained in vitro release. Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by UPLC-PDA-QDa, including gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, rutin, myricetin, resveratrol, quercetin, and kaempferol. Incorporating the microcapsules into functional gummy candies significantly enhanced their antioxidant activity without compromising sensory attributes. These findings support the use of complex coacervation as an effective strategy for stabilizing propolis bioactives, with promising applications in the development of functional foods that offer potential health benefits. Full article

Saccharomyces cerevisiae often undergoes strain degeneration during industrial serial subculturing, though this phenomenon remains understudied. This study first conducted strain screening and biological characterization through TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) colorimetric assays, Durham tube fermentation gas production tests, and WL medium (Wallerstein Laboratory medium) cultivation. Subsequently, the changes in intergenerational biological traits after serial subculturing were investigated. Finally, transcriptomic analysis was employed to examine differential gene expression under high-glucose stress during continuous subculturing. The experimental results demonstrated that: (1) The S. cerevisiae QDSK310-Z-07 (GenBank: PP663884), isolated from farm soil, exhibited robust growth within a temperature range of 24–36 °C, with optimal growth observed at 28 °C. It thrived in a pH range of 4–5.5 and efficiently utilized various carbon and nitrogen sources; (2) After serial subculturing, the strain’s ethanol production capacity and fermentation rate partially declined and then stabilized, while maintaining strong tolerance to high ethanol concentrations and hyperosmotic stress; (3) Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant differential expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and other pathways under high-glucose stress following continuous subculturing. These findings elucidate the biological trait variations in S. cerevisiae during serial subculturing and provide key metabolic regulation candidate targets for its long-term adaptive evolution under high-glucose stress. Full article

Anthocyanins (ACNs), characterized by their polyhydroxy structures, exhibit high susceptibility to external environmental factors, which significantly limits their application in the food and industrial sectors. To enhance the stability of anthocyanins, anthocyanin nanoliposomes (ACN-NLs) were developed, with encapsulation efficiency, particle size and zeta potential serving as key evaluation parameters. Furthermore, through layer-by-layer self-assembly and electrostatic interactions, ACN-NLs were modified using synanthrin (SY) and pea protein isolate (PPI). Consequently, PPI-modified ACN-NLs (PPI-ACN-NLs) and SY-PPI-modified ACN-NLs (SY-PPI-ACN-NLs) were successfully synthesized. In this study, the structural characteristics of liposomes were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), their in vitro digestibility was evaluated, and their stability under different temperatures, light conditions, and simulated food system conditions was assessed. The results demonstrated that when the mass ratio of soybean lecithin to cholesterol, soybean lecithin to anhydrous ethanol, and drug-to-lipid ratio were set at 5:1, 3:100, and 3:10, respectively, with an ACN concentration of 4 mg/mL, a pea protein solution with pH 3.0, a PPI concentration of 10 mg/mL, and an SY concentration of 8 mg/mL, the prepared ACN-NLs, PPI-ACN-NLs, and SY-PPI-ACN-NLs exhibited optimal performance. Their respective encapsulation efficiencies were 52.59 ± 0.24%, 83.80 ± 0.43%, and 90.38 ± 0.24%; average particle sizes were 134.60 ± 0.76 nm, 213.20 ± 0.41 nm, and 246.60 ± 0.24 nm zeta potentials were −32.4 ± 0.75 mV, −27.46 ± 0.69 mV, and −16.93 ± 0.31 mV. The changes in peak shape observed via X-ray diffraction (XRD), in vitro digestion profiles, and alterations in anthocyanin release rates under different conditions collectively indicated that the modification of ACN-NLs using SY and PPI enhanced the protective effect on the ACNs, improving their biological activity, and providing a robust foundation for the practical application of ACNs. Full article

Pediococcus pentosaceus, an important lactic acid bacterium in the brewing of Chinese Baijiu (liquor), usually encounters environmental stresses including ethanol and lactic acid, which severely impact cellular growth and metabolism. In this study, a combined physiological and omics analysis was employed to elucidate the response mechanisms of P. pentosaceus under ethanol and lactic acid stress conditions. The results showed that the biomass of cells decreased by about 40% under single-stress conditions and 70% under co-stress conditions. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes revealed that the cells adjusted various cellular processes to cope with environmental stresses, including modifications in cell wall synthesis, membrane function, and energy production pathways. Meanwhile, the increased expression of genes involved in DNA repair system and protein biosynthesis ensured the normal physiological function of cells. Notably, under ethanol stress, P. pentosaceus upregulated genes involved in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, enhancing membrane stability and integrity. Conversely, under lactic acid stress, cells downregulated F-type ATPase, reducing H⁺ influx to maintain intracellular pH homeostasis. The metabolomic analysis revealed DNA damage under co-stress conditions and further validated the transcriptomic results. Our findings elucidate the molecular and physiological strategies of P. pentosaceus under acid and ethanol stress, providing a foundation for optimizing fermentation processes and enhancing microbial resilience in industrial settings. Full article