Search Results (245)

Mineral powder–based bone grafts exhibit excellent osteoconductivity; however, their clinical efficacy is often compromised by insufficient early-stage tissue ingrowth, leading to particle aggregation and pocket formation within the defect site during the initial healing phase. Here, we report a cotton-type nanofiber-guided mineral graft designed to overcome this early integration failure by creating fibrous pathways for tissue ingress. Cotton-type polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning using a pin-based collector engineered to induce strong inter-fiber repulsion, resulting in a highly expanded, three-dimensional cottony architecture. Tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) mineral particles were subsequently deposited onto the surface of the cottony nanofibers, forming a fibrous–mineral hybrid graft (c-NF@T/α-TCP) in which the nanofibers act as a transient, functionally defined tissue-guiding framework during the early healing phase. The cottony nanofiber network effectively prevented mineral particle aggregation and generated continuous pathways within the graft, facilitating early tissue infiltration and vascular ingress during the first week after implantation. In vivo evaluation in a bone defect model demonstrated that c-NF@T/α-TCP significantly reduced tissue pocket formation at early time points and promoted subsequent bone regeneration compared to mineral powder-only grafts. This study highlights the critical importance of early-stage structural guidance in mineral-based bone grafts and introduces cotton-type nanofiber–guided pathway engineering as a simple yet effective strategy to unlock the regenerative potential of conventional inorganic bone substitutes. Full article

Myofibrillar protein microgel particles (MMP) are promising Pickering stabilisers due to their structure and delivery potential. However, their fibrous, irregular shape promotes aggregation, limiting practical use. This study investigated the effect of xanthan gum (XG) concentration (0.025–0.4%) on MMP dispersion in water and its role in stabilising Pickering emulsions. FTIR and interaction analysis revealed that hydrophobic interactions dominate between XG and MMP, followed by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic forces. At higher XG concentrations (0.2–0.4%), complex particle size decreased from 5.21 μm to 4.49 μm, the contact angle increased from 57.67° to 77.33°, and a uniform dispersed state was achieved. Although increasing XG gradually reduced the emulsifying activity of MMP, it significantly improved the emulsion stability. Microstructure analysis showed that at low XG concentrations, emulsions exhibited phase separation. Rheological measurements indicated that XG-MMP complexes increased continuous-phase viscosity and shear resistance, enhancing macroscopic stability. In summary, at a critical XG concentration of 0.2%, the emulsion undergoes a transition from aggregation-driven instability to network-mediated stabilisation, achieved through the interfacial layer with spatial confinement by a weak aqueous-phase network. This work provides a theoretical foundation and a practical design strategy for fabricating highly stable, tuneable Pickering emulsions based on protein microgel particles. Full article

Soil stabilizers using conventional cement and lime binders incur high environmental costs owing to CO₂ emissions associated with their excavation, production, and processing. This has motivated research on low-carbon, waste-derived alternatives. The review shows that: biochar increases unconfined compressive strength (UCS) by 15–40% with a 2–5% dosage through pore filling and particle binding; nanocellulose promotes soil cohesion by 25–60% through fibrous network development and tensile bridging; recycled PET powder at 5–10% increases shear strength by 20–35% promoting mechanical interlocking, increasing stiffness, crack resistance and durability. Biochar provides direct carbon sequestration with a carbon transfer capacity of up to 2.5 tons CO₂-eq/ton. Recycled PET introduces waste valorization, with the potential to divert millions of tons of annual PET waste, while nanocellulose provides indirect carbon savings by avoiding emissions from cement and lime replacement. This review’s objectives are as follows: providing a comprehensive comparison of biochar, nanocellulose, and PET powder as promising non-cement composite stabilizers; identifying optimal dosage ranges and stabilization mechanisms for each material across different soil types; and outlining knowledge gaps and future research directions in sustainable geotechnical practices. The review assessed the individual and synergistic effects of the additives on critical geotechnical properties, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), resilient resistance, swelling resistance, and the durability of the treated soil. Findings provide actionable guidance for practitioners seeking to reduce construction carbon footprints while maintaining geotechnical performance standards. Research gaps were identified, and future directions for integrating high-performance, low-carbon soil composites into sustainable construction solutions are proposed. Full article

To address the pronounced self-aggregation of highly loaded silica in the aqueous phase and the substantial filler loss occurring during the flocculation stage of latex compounding, this study introduces disaggregated and activated sepiolite possessing a spatial confinement effect as both a suspension stabilizer and a synergistic reinforcing component. On this basis, a multiscale natural rubber (NR)/silica/sepiolite composite system was constructed via a latex compounding route. Rheological characterization combined with static sedimentation observations revealed that the percolation threshold of the sepiolite is approximately 0.8 wt%. When the sepiolite content exceeds 1.0 wt%, its fibrous morphology enables the formation of a continuous three-dimensional network, which physically constrains silica particles and effectively suppresses their sedimentation and self-aggregation in the aqueous medium. Guided by this percolation behavior, a stable silica/sepiolite hybrid slurry was subsequently wet-mixed with natural rubber latex, and the influence of sepiolite loading on silica retention during flocculation, as well as on the resulting composite properties, was systematically examined. The results demonstrate that incorporation of sepiolite reduces filler loss during flocculation, with the loss rate decreasing from 4.7% to 1.1%. The Payne effect, SEM, dynamic and static mechanical analyses indicate that an appropriate sepiolite dosage promotes dispersion of silica within the rubber matrix while simultaneously strengthening filler–rubber interfacial interactions. Accordingly, tensile and tear strengths are increased from 32.1 to 35.5 MPa and from 92.3 to 133.4 N·mm⁻¹, respectively, while wet skid resistance is preserved and both rolling resistance and wear resistance are further improved. The findings of this work establish a practical and efficient strategy for the wet preparation of high-performance NR/silica composites. Full article

Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a significant environmental crisis across the Arabian Gulf, driven by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and infrastructure challenges in waste management. Studies indicate that MPs are ubiquitous in nature and are present in different environmental compartments, including coastal waters, sediments, marine biota, and the atmosphere. The region is characterized by high salinity, high UV index, and frequent dust storms that can affect the physical and chemical behavior of plastic debris. A consistent finding across regional studies highlights the fibrous polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) polymer types as dominant microplastic particles. This prevalence of fibrous MPs highlights the role of secondary microplastics that are derived from the fragmentation of larger plastic items and textile-derived materials as a major contaminant source. Ecological impacts are increasingly observed, with studies reporting MP ingestion in commercially important fish species and the potential for biomagnification into the human food web. However, there exist key knowledge gaps regarding the long-term toxicological impacts on human health. This review synthesizes existing data to improve the understanding of microplastic distribution in Qatar and the Arabian Gulf while highlighting the need for standardized monitoring approaches and appropriate waste management strategies. Full article

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a major environmental concern due to its persistence, widespread distribution and potential risks to ecosystems and human health. Among the various types of microplastics, fibrous microplastics (FMPs) account for 60% to 90% of all detected microplastic particles in surface waters, primarily originating from synthetic textile production, laundering, and wastewater discharge. Their elongated morphology, high aspect ratio, and complex surface chemistry differentiate them significantly from microplastic fragments or beads, creating unique challenges for effective removal in water treatment systems. In recent years, engineered biochar has attracted increasing attention as a promising and sustainable material for microplastic removal due to tunable pore structure, surface chemistry, and adsorption capacity. However, existing reviews largely discuss microplastic removal in general terms, with limited attention to the distinctive properties of textile FMPs and their implications for biochar design and performance. This review provides a comprehensive and focused analysis of the functional characteristics of biochar that enable the effective removal of textile FMPs in water systems. First, the environmental significance and physicochemical characteristics of textile-derived FMPs are summarized. Next, the major mechanisms governing biochar–microplastic interactions, including physical interception, adsorption, and aggregation processes, are discussed. The review then examines key functional characteristics of engineered biochar, such as pore structure, surface functional groups, hydrophobicity, and composite modifications, that enhance the sequestration of FMPs. Finally, current technological challenges, research gaps, and future directions for developing scalable biochar-based solutions for textile microplastic mitigation are discussed. By linking the unique properties of textile FMPs with the functional design of biochar, this review provides a framework to guide the development of more effective and sustainable treatment strategies for reducing microplastic contamination in aquatic environments. Full article

Marine-derived bioactive peptides have attracted increasing attention as value-added functional ingredients. In this study, peptides (<3 kDa) were prepared from yellowfin tuna processing by-products and further fractionated by Sephadex G-25 gel filtration. The major fraction (TBP-MF) exhibited markedly improved compositional homogeneity compared with the unfractionated hydrolysate (TBP), providing a well-defined peptide system for subsequent characterization and biological evaluation. Physicochemical analyses demonstrated that TBP-MF possessed enhanced thermal stability and a more ordered secondary structure, characterized by pronounced β-sheet enrichment, as revealed by TGA/DSC, FTIR, and circular dichroism analyses. Morphological and colloidal characterization further showed that TBP-MF formed relatively uniform lamellar and fibrous assemblies with a narrower particle size distribution and reduced electrostatic stabilization, indicating a higher tendency toward ordered self-association. Peptidomic profiling combined with in silico analysis revealed that TBP-MF was enriched in short peptides with relatively higher PeptideRanker scores and a functional motif distribution containing relatively more neuro-related annotations, although angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)- and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV)-related motifs remained predominant in both groups. In differentiated PC12 cells, TBP-MF exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and induced a stable, concentration-dependent increase in the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) readout (OD₄₅₀), indicating enhanced cellular metabolic activity and/or increased cell number. In addition, TBP-MF significantly increased intracellular levels of key neurochemical factors associated with sleep-related regulation, including tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), serotonin (5-HT), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Overall, this study highlights yellowfin tuna by-products as a promising marine resource for bioactive peptides and suggests that fractionation-driven structural refinement is associated with neuro-related biological activity in differentiated PC12 cells. These findings support the potential application of marine by-product-derived peptides as functional ingredients in health-related fields. Full article

Biomaterials are engineered to interact with biological systems for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Among them, natural biomaterials offer important advantages over many synthetic polymers, including intrinsic biocompatibility, non-toxicity and biodegradability. Silk fibroin, a fibrous protein derived mainly from Bombyx mori cocoons, has re-emerged as a particularly versatile platform because it combines favourable mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties with aqueous processing and tuneable degradation. In this review, we first summarise the key structural, physicochemical and functional properties of regenerated silk fibroin, including its mechanical behaviour, thermal stability, dielectric and piezoelectric response, optical transparency and low autofluorescence. We then describe how extraction and regeneration protocols are used to produce defined material formats—fibres and nanofibrous mats, porous 3D scaffolds and hydrogels, sub-micron particles, thin films and microstructured devices—and outline major functionalisation strategies, ranging from physical blending and encapsulation to covalent chemistry, genetic engineering of recombinant silk variants, and enzyme-mediated conjugation approaches. Building on this foundation, we critically examine biomedical applications of silk fibroin with a particular emphasis on (i) hybrid silk–fluorophore systems for bioimaging and biosensing (nanodiamonds, quantum dots and organic dyes), (ii) optical fibre, wearable and edible sensors for health and food monitoring, (iii) wound dressings and wound-sensing platforms, and (iv) tissue engineering scaffolds and drug-delivery depots. Finally, we discuss current limitations, including process variability, the trade-offs introduced by blending and cross-linking, and the challenges posed by non-degradable inorganic fillers and clinical translation. Together, these perspectives highlight silk fibroin’s potential and constraints as a multifunctional biomaterial for next-generation biomedical devices and theranostic systems. Full article

Mechanical pretreatment techniques are essential for overcoming lignocellulosic biomass recalcitrance in emerging biorefineries. This review critically synthesizes advances from 2020 to 2025 across fundamental mechanisms, hybrid technologies, energy efficiency, Life Cycle Assessment, and industrial scalability. The analysis reveals that effective pretreatment targets supramolecular modification—defect generation in cellulose crystallites and the creation of reactive sites—beyond simple particle size reduction. Impact–shear regimes prove most effective for fibrous materials. Hybrid approaches are examined: mechanocatalysis enables solvent-free depolymerization, while mechanoenzymatic technologies achieve hydrolysis without bulk water, though enzyme denaturation under mechanical stress remains unresolved. Energy consumption is the primary upscaling barrier, with Life Cycle Assessment identifying electricity use as the dominant environmental hotspot and emphasizing burden per unit of final product as the critical metric. Technology Readiness Level assessment provides a strategic framework: continuous extruders and mills are industrially mature for bulk applications, while high-intensity batch devices are suited for high-value coproducts. A research agenda prioritizing mechanistic understanding, hybrid process engineering, feedstock diversification, and embedded sustainability assessment is proposed. Full article

This study investigates the reutilization of polylactic acid (PLA) waste generated by 3D printing through its transformation into electrospun membranes with tunable morphological, surface, thermal, and filtration properties. Polymer solutions containing 5–10 wt % recycled PLA were prepared in a dichloromethane/dimethylformamide system and characterized in terms of viscosity and electrical conductivity. Increasing PLA concentration raised solution viscosity (41.87–339.83 mPa·s) and reduced conductivity (7.63–1.63 µS·cm⁻¹), promoting the formation of bead-free fibers with larger diameters (0.221–1.213 µm) and enhanced hydrophobicity (contact angles 112.34–124.38°). FTIR confirmed preservation of the polymer chemical structure after recycling and electrospinning, while DSC revealed reduced crystallinity in the fibrous membranes. Exploratory correlation analysis indicated consistent associations between solution properties, fiber morphology, and wettability. Increasing the number of electrospun layers (1–3) generated denser networks with reduced pore size and improved particle retention. Filtration tests conducted under controlled airflow conditions (85 L min⁻¹, 1 cm s⁻¹ frontal velocity, 50 cm² effective area) showed removal efficiencies above 90% for PM2.5 and PM5, while PM1 capture improved with increasing membrane thickness. Quality factor analysis highlighted the trade-off between filtration efficiency and pressure drop, identifying intermediate multilayer configurations as providing a favorable balance. These findings demonstrate that electrospinning offers an effective strategy for converting recycled PLA into structurally tunable membranes with adjustable filtration performance, supporting sustainable valorization of additive manufacturing waste. Full article

This study experimentally investigates the settling behavior of bent (V-shaped and curved) and straight rods in a quiescent fluid at low and finite Reynolds numbers ($\mathrm{Re}<3$). The impact of the rod morphology on the terminal settling velocity and drag coefficient was examined, with a particular focus on V-shaped rods compared to straight rods of the same dimensions (diameter and length) and curved rods of the same dimensions and projected area. The results show that V-shaped rods consistently settle faster than straight rods, with velocity differences influenced by the bend angle. This velocity difference reaches a maximum of 57% for a V-shaped rod with a diameter of 0.50 mm, an aspect ratio of 90, and a bend angle of 45 degrees. When compared to curved rods, V-shaped rods exhibit slightly higher terminal velocities, with a maximum difference of 4% in this study, attributed to differences in mean inclination angles. Furthermore, the drag coefficient trends reflect the interplay between the settling velocity and projected area changes with the rod geometry. A new semi-empirical model with an RMS error of 7.1% was also developed to predict the drag coefficients and terminal velocities of straight and bent rods within the ranges studied. These findings and the model presented underscore the significance of the fibre shape in accurately predicting settling dynamics, with implications for atmospheric transport modeling and industrial applications involving fibrous particles. Full article

Triacetin (TA) is a solvent commonly used in pharmaceutical and food applications, and as a plasticizer in bioplastics such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and cellulose acetate (CA). L-lactide is the monomer used in the ring-opening polymerization of PLA. The structure of TA emulsions stabilized by a cellulose hydrogel (CH) was imaged in this study. The emulsions were prepared by mechanical homogenization or a two-step process with subsequent high-pressure homogenization (HPH). The two-step process yielded smaller TA droplets and a more homogeneous CH dispersion. The images demonstrate that emulsion stabilization is due to CH particles adsorbed at the TA–water interface. The ester hydrolysis of TA and a lactide/TA solution by two industrially important lipases, from Candida rugosa (CRL) and Burkholderia cepacia (BCL), was investigated, assessing the effect of CH as an emulsion stabilizer. Mechanically homogenized TA emulsions were effectively hydrolyzed. Lactide was found to inhibit the enzymatic hydrolysis of TA. This inhibition was mitigated by CH for CRL-catalyzed hydrolysis but not for BCL catalysis. These results indicate a synergistic effect of CH stabilization on the interfacial activation of CRL. Thise effect may also be relevant for the biodegradation of bio-derived plastics and their fibrous cellulose composites. Full article

This study investigates the combined effect of waste-based metakaolin, cellulose fibres and functional waterproofing additive on the physical, mechanical, and durability-related properties of sustainable concrete. A total of 12 concrete mixtures were produced, varying in cellulose fibre content (0–2%), metakaolin waste replacement levels (up to 10% of binder), and functional waterproofing additive content (1%). The experimental program assessed workability, density, compressive and flexural strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and alkali–silica reaction (ASR) resistance. The presence of metakaolin due to high pozzolanic activity (1451 mg/g) and fine particle size enhance the formation of additional C–S–H phases. The incorporation of cellulose fibres (1–2 mm in length) improved crack-bridging ability and structural integrity, while functional waterproofing additive enhanced water tightness. Results demonstrated that the synergistic use of these materials led to improved mechanical performance (flexural strength varies from 4.87 MPa to 6.81 MPa; compressive strength varies from 24.01 MPa to 32.97 MPa) and enhanced notable ASR resistance (decrease in expansion varies from 0.209% to 0.029%). The findings highlight the potential of combining waste-derived pozzolanic and fibrous materials with functional admixtures to develop environmentally friendly and performance-optimized concrete composites. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) represent pervasive contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, acting as carriers for persistent organic pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study systematically investigated the occurrence, composition, and ecological risks of MPs and adsorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban drainage sediments from three Yangtze River cities: Chongqing (Yongchuan), Changzhou (Jintan), and Shanghai (Tongji University campus). The key findings revealed MPs’ abundances ranging from 130 to 564 items/100 g (mean: 346 items/100 g), with peak concentrations in campus commercial areas (498.4 items/100 g) and academic zones (420 items/100 g). Predominant polymers included polypropylene (PP, 15.29%), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 15.88%), and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE, 14.98%). Granular MPs (75–300 μm) dominated particle size (50.09%), while colored MPs (66.54%)—particularly red (32.84%) and black (27.92%)—were most prevalent. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons adsorbed on MPs ranged from 0.88 to 120.59 ng/g (mean: 5.76–67.66 ng/g), dominated by four-ring compounds (44.59%). Sediment-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ranged from 0.63 to 60.09 ng/g (mean: 2.12–36.96 ng/g), with 5–6-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (42%) as primary constituents. Significant correlations emerged between four-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fibrous MPs (r = 0.33, p = 0.021) and black MPs (r = 0.23, p = 0.04). This study underscores urban drainage sediments as critical reservoirs and transport pathways for MPs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which is crucial for sustainable management for urban drainage systems. We advocate for implementing targeted management strategies that prioritize three interconnected approaches: enhanced monitoring of high-risk zones (particularly commercial areas), focused control of small-sized MPs (<300 μm) due to their elevated ecological threats, and systematic mitigation of PAH-MP co-contamination in densely populated catchments to disrupt pollutant transmission pathways. Full article

Magnetorheological (MR) materials, with the ability of vectorial response, offer exciting opportunities for next-generation wearables and soft robotic systems. Although some existing MR materials and fiber designs can produce directional responses, they typically rely on strategies—such as hard-magnetic loading or pre-magnetization—that constrain safety and large-scale manufacturability. This Communication highlights a paradigm-shifting advance reported by Pu et al., that a soft-magnetic fibrous architecture achieves genuine vector-stimuli-responsiveness under low, safe magnetic fields without pre-magnetization. We articulate the great breakthrough of this work through a hierarchical design framework, demonstrating how the synergistic innovation at the material (magnetic dipole aligned in low-density polyethylene), fiber (drawing-induced magnetic easy axis), yarn (twist-induced cooperative effects), and fabric (vertical or horizontal magnetic field response capability) levels collectively resolves the longstanding trade-offs between performance, manufacturability, and safety. As a result, this strategy demonstrates strong universality in terms of materials, although only the carbonyl iron particles were used. This approach not only enables programmable bending, stiffening, shear, and compression in textiles but also establishes a versatile platform for magneto-programmable systems. Furthermore, we delineate the critical challenges and future trajectories—from theoretical modeling and integration of complementary stimuli to the development of three-dimensional textile architectures—that this new platform opens for the fields of haptics, soft robotics, and adaptive wearables. Full article