Search Results (917)

Tannic acid grafting provides a practical strategy for introducing bioactive phenolic functionality into microbial polysaccharides for multifunctional hydrogel design. Herein, tannic acid-modified succinoglycan (SG-TA) was prepared through an ascorbic acid/ H₂O₂-mediated free-radical process. Spectroscopic, thermal, and purification-control analyses were consistent with covalent incorporation of tannic acid-derived moieties into SG, while characteristic structural features of the SG framework remained evident after modification. SG-TA exhibited tannic acid-equivalent phenolic contents of up to 321.9 mg TAE/g and markedly enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activities compared with native SG. SG-TA was subsequently incorporated into a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/borax network to form dynamic SG-TA/PVA/borax (STPB) hydrogels based on reversible interactions. The hydrogels exhibited composition-dependent viscoelasticity, rapid rheological recovery, macroscopic self-rejoining, enhanced deformability, antioxidant and antibacterial functionality, and preliminary cytocompatibility. Time-dependent phenolic release showed that SG-TA-derived phenolic species were partially released from the network, indicating contributions from both matrix-associated and releasable functionality. The reversible network also enabled pH- and glucose-responsive release of 5-fluorouracil as a model small-molecule drug. These findings demonstrate the potential of SG-TA as an intrinsically bioactive microbial polysaccharide for multifunctional, self-healing, and stimuli-responsive drug-delivery hydrogels. Full article

This is a consensus-based Canadian review with the primary purpose of expanding knowledge regarding supportive and topical therapies for chronic graft vs. host disease (cGvHD). There is often a lack of confidence in treating certain organ specific manifestations, and access to specialists with organ specific expertise varies across the country. This paper covers information gained from a literature review and Canadian transplanter expertise and will serve as a guide for hematopoietic cell transplant healthcare providers to topical cGvHD therapies accessible in Canada. We will review common symptoms and signs focused specifically on skin, mouth, eye and genital tract cGvHD and on lifestyle modifications and topical treatments as an adjunct to our recent publication on systemic treatment for cGvHD. Full article

Kombucha fermentation generates two fractions of potential relevance to food-packaging applications: a fermented liquid containing organic acids, polyphenols and other metabolites, and a cellulose-rich pellicle formed by cellulose-producing acetic acid bacteria. However, the fermented beverage, raw pellicle and purified kombucha-derived bacterial cellulose (KBC) differ substantially in composition, functionality and food-contact suitability and should not be treated as interchangeable materials. This review critically examines bacterial cellulose formation during kombucha fermentation, purification and modification strategies, packaging-relevant properties, and the application of kombucha-derived materials in films, coatings and composites. Purified KBC provides a continuous nanofibrillar network and can exhibit good mechanical and oxygen-barrier properties under dry conditions. Its hydrophilic character, however, promotes moisture sorption and swelling, which may impair mechanical integrity and barrier performance at elevated relative humidity. Blending, coating, grafting and crosslinking can improve selected material properties, but their effects are formulation-specific and may involve trade-offs between moisture resistance, mechanical performance, biodegradability and food-contact safety. Fermented kombucha liquid and native or mildly washed pellicles may contribute fermentation-derived bioactive compounds; however, antioxidant or antimicrobial activity measured in the beverage or raw pellicle cannot be automatically attributed to purified KBC or the final packaging material. Current evidence supports the use of KBC as a structural matrix, reinforcing phase, coating component or carrier of active substances. Nevertheless, limited migration data, heterogeneous testing conditions, insufficient real-food studies and a lack of pilot-scale, regulatory and life-cycle assessments currently restrict its broader industrial implementation. Full article

Although natural biopolymers represent promising sustainable packaging alternatives, their weak mechanical and barrier properties limit industrial use. While previous reviews focus on descriptive aspects of enzymatic modification, this review fills a critical literature gap by systematically bridging molecular-level laccase-driven reactions with quantitative techno-economic and safety and regulatory frameworks. We evaluate the kinetic and topological differences between direct tyrosyl-coupled protein homopolymerisation and mediator-assisted ‘graft-then-link’ polysaccharide strategies. Crucially, we analyse how entrapment versus surface-immobilised architectures dictate mass-transfer regimes, establishing their specific functional fitness for active oxygen scavenging or intelligent time-temperature monitoring. Beyond physical performance, we critically assess the translational bottlenecks currently hindering industrial scaling. For the first time, we integrate a quantitative techno-economic analysis using the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework, demonstrating that active film fabrication costs (EUR 0.01–0.10/m²) are heavily offset by high-protein food waste savings (>EUR 2.00/kg). Finally, we navigate European and US regulatory landscapes for enzymatically active materials and evaluate safety risks via the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) model and deterministic migration modelling. This comprehensive analysis establishes a ‘Safe-by-Design’ paradigm, guiding the scalable development of intrinsically safe, high-performance biocatalytic packaging. Full article

The development of straightforward and efficient strategies for the preparation of polymer-functionalized mesoporous silica remains an important challenge in the design of advanced hybrid materials. Herein, we report a novel and simplified approach to the covalent functionalization of mesoporous silica particles (MSP) with poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx), based on the direct termination of living cationic polymer chains by amino groups immobilized on the silica surface. In contrast to conventional grafting-to methods, the proposed strategy eliminates the need for polymer end-group functionalization while avoiding the synthetic complexity associated with surface-initiated polymerization. Well-defined PEtOx chains with number-average molar masses of 5000 and 7500 g mol⁻¹ were synthesized by cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP) and subsequently grafted onto amino-functionalized MSP. Successful covalent immobilization of the polymer was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), contact angle measurements, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption studies. The modification preserved the ordered mesoporous architecture while increasing particle hydrophilicity and decreasing the specific surface area and pore volume due to polymer incorporation. Shorter polymer chains exhibited higher grafting efficiency than higher-molar-mass analog, indicating that steric hindrance is an important factor influencing the grafting process. The presented methodology provides a versatile and experimentally accessible platform for the preparation of well-defined poly(2-oxazoline)-functionalized mesoporous silica with tunable physicochemical properties. Owing to the combination of a porous inorganic framework and a polymer shell, the obtained hybrid materials represent promising candidates for drug delivery, adsorption technologies, and other advanced biomedical and environmental applications. Full article

Subepithelial connective tissue grafting (SCTG) is widely used to increase peri-implant mucosal thickness and buccal soft-tissue volume, but its relevance to marginal bone stability remains uncertain. This narrative review examines whether SCTG provides clinically meaningful effects beyond soft-tissue phenotype modification, with particular emphasis on marginal bone level (MBL). Evidence was synthesized by separating direct intervention studies of SCTG or peri-implant soft-tissue augmentation from indirect studies relating baseline phenotype dimensions to subsequent tissue behavior. Randomized and comparative studies consistently show increases in mucosal thickness and soft-tissue volume and, in selected indications, improved contour and mucosal-margin stability. By contrast, MBL findings are heterogeneous. Greater mucosal thickness or supracrestal tissue height has been associated with less crestal remodeling, particularly during early healing; however, these prognostic associations do not establish that surgical thickening with SCTG reproduces a bone-preserving effect. Long-term trials further show that improved mucosal-margin stability can coexist with little or no clear between-group difference in MBL. Current evidence therefore supports SCTG primarily as a phenotype-modification and reconstructive procedure. A direct, independent, durable SCTG-mediated effect on marginal bone preservation remains biologically plausible but unproven; the evidence identified in this review does not support routine SCTG solely as prophylaxis for MBL preservation. Full article

Grafting profoundly influences fruit tree performance, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying rootstock–scion interactions in mulberry (Morus multicaulis) remain poorly understood. To investigate the regulatory networks linking grafting to scion physiology, we performed an integrated analysis combining small RNA sequencing, transcriptome-based KEGG pathway assessment, and qRT-PCR validation of key target genes across five rootstock–scion combinations. High-throughput miRNA profiling of phloem tissues identified 71 conserved and 156 novel miRNAs, which exhibited distinct, genotype-dependent expression patterns. Recurrent activation of nutrient- and stress-responsive families (e.g., miR399, miR397, and miR395) was observed. Target prediction and functional enrichment analyses revealed that these miRNAs likely regulate pathways related to metabolic processes, hormone signaling, cell wall modification, and stress responses. The expression trends of their predicted target genes—including TCP4, Laccase-3, and ATP sulfurylase 1—were subsequently confirmed by qRT-PCR, revealing significant rootstock-specific regulation. Collectively, this study establishes a reference framework for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying scion biological processes in Morus species, which is of great significance for improving fruit quality, enhancing abiotic and biotic stress resistance, and boosting long-term planting productivity. Full article

Polymeric antistatic additives offer improved resistance to migration compared with low-molecular-weight agents, but high loadings are generally required to establish effective charge-dissipation pathways in nonpolar polypropylene (PP). Herein, a series of quaternary ammonium salt-functionalized polyamide 6/polyethylene glycol elastomers (QASPA6PEG) was synthesized by melt copolymerization and used as multifunctional antistatic additives for PP. Increasing the nominal QAS content decreased the surface resistivity of the elastomers from 3.24 $\times$ 10⁹ Ω to 9.71 × 10⁸ Ω. The elastomers were subsequently melt-blended with PP at loadings of 10–20 wt% using maleic-anhydride-grafted polypropylene as a compatibilizer. The surface resistivity of the blends decreased with increasing QAS content and elastomer loading, consistent with the formation of increasingly interconnected ion-conducting domains. The blend containing 20 wt% 0.4QASPA6PEG exhibited surface resistivities of 3.64 $\times$ 10¹¹ Ω and 4.69 $\times$ 10¹⁰ Ω on days 0 and 60, respectively. Its saturated water absorption reached 4.38%, compared with 0.27% for neat PP, supporting a moisture-assisted ionic conduction mechanism. The measured bromine content remained nearly unchanged after 60 days of storage, indicating limited loss of the QAS-containing component. In addition to improving charge dissipation, QASPA6PEG enhanced the ductility and impact resistance of PP. At a loading of 20 wt%, 0.4QASPA6PEG increased the elongation at break from 358 ± 23% to 690 ± 81% and the notched impact strength from 3.16 ± 0.37 to 4.93 ± 0.45 kJm⁻². These results demonstrate that covalently introducing ionic structures into PA6/PEG elastomers is an effective strategy for coupling antistatic modification with toughening in PP. Full article

Nanofiltration membranes have emerged as a crucial class of pressure-driven separation materials, positioned between ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis in terms of selectivity, permeance, operating pressure, and energy consumption. Their ability to remove fine contaminants—including multivalent ions, organic micropollutants, dyes, and macromolecules—has made them essential in water and wastewater treatment, pharmaceutical processing, and various industrial applications. In spite of their growing relevance, the performance of polymeric nanofiltration membranes, such as polyamide, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polyimide, is still constrained by weak hydrophilicity and a strong susceptibility to fouling, which collectively decrease permeance, increase operational costs, and shorten membrane lifespan. In recent years, substantial research efforts have focused on designing and engineering the surface chemistry and structural characteristics of nanofiltration membranes to improve water permeance, reduce foulant adhesion, and improve long-term stability. This review provides a comprehensive and comparative assessment of the most recent modification techniques applied to polymer-based nanofiltration membranes. Strategies such as polymer blending, nanoparticle incorporation, physical surface coating, plasma treatment, chemical attachment, layer-by-layer assembly, and interfacial polymerization are critically examined with respect to their effectiveness and practical limitations supported by recent research examples. Special attention is given to how these modification methods affect membrane morphology, hydrophilicity, permeance, and antifouling properties. Eventually, the review highlights emerging ideas and forward-looking design directions that may guide the next generation of nanofiltration membranes toward higher efficiency, improved durability, and broader industrial applicability. Full article

Membrane separation technology is extensively used in water treatment. However, during long-term operation, biofouling caused by bacteria and other microorganisms significantly limits the service life of membranes. Introducing antibacterial nanomaterials onto the membrane surface or into the internal structure is an effective way to combat biofouling. This review systematically summarizes recent progress in antibacterial membranes modified with different nanomaterials. First, we classify antibacterial nanomaterials by dimensionality and highlight their physicochemical properties and effects on overall membrane performance. Furthermore, we summarize the advantages, disadvantages, and applicability of three antibacterial nanomaterial modification strategies for membranes, including surface coating, grafting, and blending. Subsequently, we analyze in depth the main antibacterial mechanisms that enhance membrane performance, including metal ion release, reactive oxygen species oxidation, physical contact disruption, and anti-adhesion, as well as their synergistic effects. Finally, we critically evaluate the remaining challenges, such as interfacial compatibility between nanomaterials and polymers, controlled release of metal ions, and environmental safety. This review provides a reference for the rational design of high-performance antibacterial membranes. Full article

Background: The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) remains one of the most reliable and widely adopted reconstructive options for head and neck defects because of its consistent vascular anatomy, long pedicle, and excellent tissue pliability. Nevertheless, donor-site morbidity continues to represent its principal drawback and may negatively affect postoperative recovery, upper-limb function, and patient satisfaction. Although numerous surgical modifications and donor-site reconstruction techniques have been proposed to reduce morbidity, the available evidence remains fragmented and heterogeneous. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the incidence of the principal donor-site complications following RFFF harvest and critically evaluate the current evidence regarding strategies to minimize donor-site morbidity. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 statement and prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261423543). PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched from inception to June 2026. Clinical studies reporting donor-site outcomes after RFFF harvest for head and neck reconstruction were eligible. Primary outcomes were tendon exposure and skin graft loss/failure. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate pooled incidence rates. Secondary complications, functional outcomes, and patient-reported outcome measures were synthesized qualitatively. Methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools and the GRADE framework. Results: Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis of tendon exposure and twelve in the meta-analysis of graft loss/failure. The pooled incidence of tendon exposure was 8% (95% CI, 7–11%; I² = 0%), whereas the pooled incidence of graft loss/failure was 11% (95% CI, 7–16%; I² = 67.1%). Delayed wound healing, infection, sensory disturbances, scar-related morbidity, and functional impairment were reported inconsistently across studies, precluding quantitative synthesis. Available studies generally reported limited long-term functional impairment, although substantial heterogeneity in assessment methods and follow-up precluded quantitative synthesis. Overall certainty of evidence was rated as low. Conclusions: Donor-site morbidity following RFFF harvest remains clinically relevant despite the excellent reconstructive reliability of the flap. Approximately one in twelve patients experiences tendon exposure and one in ten experiences graft loss or failure. Current evidence does not support the superiority of any specific donor-site reconstruction technique. Future high-quality prospective comparative studies adopting standardized outcome definitions and validated patient-reported measures are required to optimize donor-site management and improve reconstructive decision-making. Full article

Spinal pathologies, including degenerative disc disease, spinal cord injury, and conditions requiring spinal fusion, pose a substantial global health burden. While contemporary interventions provide symptomatic relief, achieving durable tissue repair in biologically compromised environments remains a critical challenge. This narrative review synthesizes the current literature on three major nanotechnology applications in spine care: nanostructured implant surfaces, nanoparticle-enhanced bone grafts, and nano-drug delivery systems (NDDSs). Preclinical evidence indicates that nanoscale surface modifications and nanoparticle-augmented synthetic grafts significantly enhance osseointegration and bone fusion by mimicking the native extracellular matrix. Furthermore, in animal models of intervertebral disc degeneration, NDDSs utilizing polymeric nanoparticles and exosomes facilitate sustained, stimuli-responsive therapeutic delivery into the avascular disc space. Although early clinical data on nanostructured cages demonstrate reduced subsidence and stable long-term fusion, the direct translation of these robust preclinical outcomes to widespread clinical efficacy faces substantial hurdles. Significant translational barriers include stringent Class III regulatory classifications, sparse long-term safety data regarding nanoparticle biodistribution, and scale-up manufacturing challenges such as batch variability. Future progress relies on artificial intelligence-guided design, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, and multifunctional “smart” nanomaterials. Ultimately, close collaboration among materials scientists, clinicians, and regulatory bodies is essential to safely bridge the gap between preclinical innovation and predictable clinical therapeutic success. Full article

Hybrid composites combining natural and synthetic fibers offer a pathway to sustainable structural materials, yet their performance is often limited by weak interfacial bonding and mechanical mismatches between constituents. Here, we address these challenges in bamboo/glass fiber hybrid epoxy composites through a sequential alkali and silane surface modification strategy. Alkali treatment removes amorphous lignin and hemicellulose, creating a roughened, cellulose-rich surface; subsequent grafting with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane introduces an amino-functionalized interphase that covalently bonds with the epoxy matrix. This combined treatment increases the tensile strength of bamboo fibers by 51.2% and the interfacial shear strength by 136.6%, reaching values comparable to those of commercial glass fibers. The resulting hybrid composite exhibits a tensile strength of 485 MPa and a flexural modulus of 30.2 GPa, corresponding to improvements of 39.4% and 98.3%, respectively, over the unmodified hybrid system. Dynamic mechanical analysis further confirms an enhanced storage modulus across a wide temperature range. This work demonstrates that rational interfacial design via sequential functionalization offers a viable route to high-performance, lightweight, and structurally stable bamboo/glass fiber hybrid composites for sustainable engineering applications, such as reusable concrete formwork. Full article

Physician-modified endografts (PMEGs) represent an important treatment option for urgent and semi-urgent complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAAs). The Zenith Alpha Thoracic Endovascular Graft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) is a common choice for PMEGs due to its low strut interference, albeit at the cost of requiring removal of the proximal fixation barbs for resheathing—a process that remains technically challenging. The current article details a step-by-step approach on how to modify an Alpha thoracic endograft without requiring removal of the proximal barbs. The Zenith Alpha Thoracic Endovascular Graft is fully unsheathed on a sterile back-table and completely detached from the delivery system by removing the blue rotational handle. The grey positioner is removed from the introducer sheath. Next, a 0.018-inch guidewire is introduced distally through the inner positioner and retrieved via the exposed grey handle to function as a trigger wire. Following the creation and reinforcement of the fenestrations, circular diameter-reducing ties are constructed and secured using an insertion tool. The endograft is placed back on the delivery system and the guidewire is passed through the endograft fabric at the distal end and through the insertion tool, which is then removed. At the proximal end, the trigger wire is again passed through the endograft fabric, and both the proximal bare alignment stent and the distal end of the endograft are secured to the delivery system using 2-0 Prolene sutures (Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA). The endograft is subsequently resheathed through the distal end of the introducer sheath using a tourniquet-assisted resheathing technique and a cut-off tip from an introducer sheath to guide the endograft’s passage through the valve. Using the current standardized modification protocol, a PMEG can be constructed using the Zenith Alpha Thoracic Endovascular Graft while preserving the active fixation barbs for the treatment of cAAAs. Full article

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) has reached an unprecedented 430 ppm, warming the planet by 50% compared with pre-industrial times and prompting a search for a quick and effective solution to control CO₂ emissions. As a robust, renewable, biodegradable, and sustainable material, nanocellulose can serve as a strong support for many active molecules. Nanocellulose, whether in suspension, aerogel, or membrane form, is not sufficient for efficient CO₂ capture and separation; hence, active molecules, such as silanes, amines, zeolites, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are introduced via chemical modification, such as grafting, or via physical mixing as fillers or additives to make nanocellulose effective for CO₂ capture and separation. Introducing amine or silane molecules into nanocellulose has proven to be an effective strategy for achieving a satisfactory CO₂ absorption capacity exceeding 6 mmol/g. Nanocellulose membranes, when fabricated with MOFs or zeolites and used as a coating with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to create a thin-film composite membrane (TFC), can achieve CO₂ permeance of more than 600 GPU for CO₂ separation from flue gas, with CO₂/N₂ selectivity close to 40. This review provides an overview of nanocellulose-based CO₂ capture and separation materials developed over the last 10 years, along with the related challenges that must be overcome to meet current performance and demand. To facilitate readability, the author has provided a brief introduction to the origin, performance, and scale-up developments of nanocellulose at the start of this review. Full article