Search Results (7,428)

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), particularly members of the genus Lactobacillus, have emerged as promising biological agents with antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties. While numerous individual studies have reported their inhibitory effects against pathogenic microorganisms, a systematic understanding that integrates their functional components, molecular mechanisms, and material-based applications remains lacking. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and component-oriented overview of LAB-mediated antimicrobial strategies. We first summarize secreted factors, including organic acids, bacteriocins, hydrogen peroxide, and extracellular vesicles, which collectively contribute to direct pathogen inhibition and environmental modulation. We then discuss cell-associated components such as surface-layer proteins and exopolysaccharides, highlighting their roles in adhesion interference and competitive exclusion. In addition, we examine whole-cell effects, including niche competition, quorum sensing disruption, and host immune modulation. Importantly, we place particular emphasis on the anti-biofilm activity of lactobacilli, detailing mechanisms involved in the prevention of the pathogen initial adhesion, disruption of extracellular polymeric substance matrices, and destabilization of mature biofilms. Finally, we explore emerging strategies that integrate lactobacilli with biomaterials, particularly hydrogel-based systems, to achieve controlled delivery, enhanced stability, and sustained antimicrobial activity. These biohybrid approaches represent a promising direction for the development of next-generation antimicrobial materials. These findings support the concept of LAB-based living antimicrobial materials as a next-generation strategy to combat biofilm-associated infections. Overall, this review aims to bridge the gap between molecular functions and translational applications of lactobacilli, providing new insights into its potential as a versatile platform for antimicrobial and anti-biofilm interventions. Full article

Mango is prone to postharvest microbial infection, which leads to deterioration. Although essential oils show great potential for antibacterial and antioxidant applications, their effectiveness is limited by poor stability. In this study, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-stabilized Amomum tsaoko essential oil emulsion (AEO–CNC) was incorporated into a pullulan (Pul) matrix through hydrogen bonding to prepare antibacterial films. A stable AEO–CNC emulsion was obtained by precisely adjusting the AEO concentration. The effects of emulsion incorporation on microstructure evolution, molecular interactions, physiochemical properties, and biological functionalities of Pul-based composite films were systematically investigated, and their preservation effect on mango was evaluated. With the increasing incorporation of AEO Pickering emulsion, the ultraviolet-blocking property (transmittance <30%), antioxidant capacity (46.83%), and antibacterial activity of PP-CNC-AEO films were significantly improved. In addition, these films exhibited excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength of 30.62 MPa) and thermal stability. The PP-CNC-AEO films had a more uniform and compact surface structure, with no bubbles and fewer internal pores, which indicates the formation of an effective cross-linked network. When PP-CNC-50%AEO-F was used to preserve mango, it reduced weight loss, delayed the increase in soluble solids, and postponed the post-ripening process, exhibiting strong potential for extending the shelf life of fruit. Full article

The transition towards carbon-neutral construction materials requires innovative solutions that combine reduced embodied energy, enhanced durability and improved building energy efficiency. This study investigates and compares two novel bioaerated low-density composites—BAAC and BIOAERMAC—developed through biologically driven aeration processes incorporating industrial byproducts. BAAC is produced using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and hydrogen peroxide, replacing conventional aluminum powder and improving safety while enabling the valorization of waste-derived yeast. BIOAERMAC is a gypsum-based composite incorporating synthetic anhydrite, microorganisms, peroxides, and recycled rubber from end-of-life tires. The materials were characterized in terms of hygrothermal behavior and dimensional stability, and compared with commercial autoclaved aerated concrete under equivalent mechanical strength conditions. The results highlight significant differences in moisture transport and shrinkage, primarily governed by pore structure and connectivity. BAAC exhibits behavior comparable to conventional AAC, whereas BIOAERMAC shows reduced capillary and hygroscopic absorption, indicating limited pore connectivity, but higher drying shrinkage. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of bioaeration in tailoring pore structure and controlling the trade-off between moisture transport, durability, and dimensional stability, highlighting the potential of bioaerated composites for low-carbon and energy-efficient building applications. Full article

Natural lacquer, a bio-based polymer derived from Toxicodendron vernicifluum, has attracted renewed scientific interest as a sustainable coating material with exceptional mechanical durability, chemical resistance, and aesthetic qualities. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the chemical composition, enzymatic curing mechanisms, and structure–property relationships of lacquer-based polymer systems, with particular focus on recent advances in functional modification and processing technology. Key findings indicate that laccase-catalyzed oxidative polymerization, operating optimally at pH 6.0–7.5 and 20–30 °C, governs the formation of a highly cross-linked urushiol network whose properties are fundamentally determined by side-chain unsaturation and emulsion stability. Mechanistic analysis reveals that polyurethane hybridization improves weathering resistance by introducing flexible aliphatic segments and additional hydrogen-bonding cross-links, while graphene oxide incorporation enhances anticorrosion performance through a physical barrier mechanism that prolongs ionic diffusion pathways. UV-curable LPEA derivatives achieve an 83% reduction in curing time relative to ambient-cured lacquer, enabling integration with industrial spray-coating lines. Despite these advances, several critical limitations remain inadequately resolved. Allergen reduction strategies have not yet achieved sufficient quantitative efficiency for large-scale commercial deployment, and the long-term stability of nanocomposite lacquer films under sustained UV exposure and hydrothermal conditions is not well established. Furthermore, most high-performance modification systems reported in the literature are demonstrated only on laboratory scale, with scalability, substrate compatibility, and lifecycle performance remaining largely unvalidated. The review identifies the absence of standardized performance evaluation protocols and the fragmentation of structure–property data across studies as key barriers to systematic progress, and proposes that future work prioritize the development of integrated processing–modification–performance frameworks to guide the rational design of next-generation lacquer-based functional materials. Full article

Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts that are liquid at or below 100 °C. They are composed entirely of ions and have unique properties like negligible vapor pressure, high thermal stability, and tunable structures. These characteristics make them a promising alternative to traditional, often volatile and toxic organic solvents in the petrochemical industry. They have broad applications in chemical and petrochemical industry processes. Ionic liquids may be applied in the following processes: desulfurization, benzene toluene xylene (BTX) separation, alkylation, and carbon capture units. Two different ionic liquid-based process configurations have been evaluated for BTX separation. It has been found that the process configuration working with 1-ethyl-3methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide ([emim][TCM]) reduces the energy costs and capital expenditures associated with the Morphylane process by 67 and 63%, respectively. It also reduces solvent costs, confirming it as a cleaner alternative. The hydrodesulfurization (HDS) process is operated under harsh conditions, such as high temperature and high pressure and the requirement of a noble catalyst and hydrogen. High-Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA) failure occurs at high temperatures between the gaseous molecular hydrogen contained inside the steel pressure vessel and the carbon atoms located in the steel matrix or in carbides. Methane molecules are produced during this reaction. This phenomenon can consequently lead to a loss of mechanical properties due to surface decarburization and to the formation of defects caused by methane bubbles mainly located at grain boundaries. The application of ionic liquids (ILs) in oil refineries offers significant advantages, such as safety, environmental sustainability, and process efficiency, primarily by serving as versatile alternatives to hazardous traditional solvents and catalysts. Across BTX extraction, carbon capture, and desulfurization/HDS-adjacent service, the recurring barriers are high viscosity, difficult regeneration, solvent cost/inventory and uncertain long-term stability. Full article

Water scarcity in semi-arid regions threatens seed germination and early crop establishment, driving the development of biodegradable Nature-based Solutions to replace synthetic plastic mulches. Porous cellulose membranes were fabricated from rice husk (RH), banana pseudostem (BP), and sugarcane bagasse (SB) by thermo-chemical extraction and high-shear homogenization (n = 5 replicates per membrane type). Membranes were characterized by ATR-FTIR and scanning electron microscopy, confirming removal of non-cellulosic components and biogenic silica preservation in RH, and revealing biomass-dependent porous architectures linked to mechanical and transport behavior. RH produced the most compact fibrillar matrix (compressive strength: 8.16 ± 0.24 MPa; WVT: 170 ± 60 g m⁻² day⁻¹), BP an open interconnected network with superior deformability (9.83 ± 0.25% elongation) and moisture transport (WVT: 400 ± 100 g m⁻² day⁻¹), and SB the highest moisture-retention capacity (215.7 ± 15.8%). Germination assays with Brassica oleracea var. botrytis under water stress showed SB achieved the highest germination rate (90.5 ± 0.99%), confirming that sustained moisture availability governs germination more decisively than transport rate alone. Soil burial tests confirmed biodegradable behavior across all membranes (R² ≥ 0.995; k = 0.043–0.046 day⁻¹). These findings establish a hydrogen-bond-mediated structure–property–function framework for designing biomass-specific cellulose membranes as biodegradable solutions for water-limited agricultural systems. Full article

Rechargeable zinc-based batteries (ZBBs) have attracted considerable attention for use in large-scale energy storage systems due to their inherent high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the practical applicability of ZBBs is limited by challenges related to the anode—such as uncontrollable zinc dendritic growth, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and corrosion—which lead to significant polarization, capacity degradation, and unsatisfactory Coulombic efficiency of the ZBBs. Polyacrylamide (PAM)-based hydrogels have emerged as promising electrolyte materials to address these challenges due to their superior mechanical properties, flexibility, high ionic conductivity, and structural designability. Considering the rapid increase in research attention regarding this topic, we comprehensively summarize recent progress in PAM-based hydrogels as electrolytes for ZBBs in this study. First, we discuss the key challenges associated with Zn anodes in ZBBs, together with corresponding optimization strategies. Next, we detail the fundamental structure, properties, and synthesis of PAM-based hydrogels. Then, the relationships among synthetic methods, nano/microstructures, and electrochemical properties are systematically reviewed and discussed. Finally, prospects for the rational design and application of PAM-based hydrogels in ZBBs are summarized. Full article

Background: Buddleja globosa Hope (matico) is a Chilean medicinal plant traditionally used in Mapuche and Aymara ethnomedicine. However, no systematic synthesis of its phytochemical composition and pharmacological evidence has been previously reported. Methods: A PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Springer Nature databases from inception to March 2026. Studies reporting phytochemical characterization and/or biological activities of B. globosa were included. Methodological quality was assessed using an adapted five-criterion tool for non-clinical studies. The protocol was registered in OSF. Results: Fourteen studies (1989–2026), mainly from Chilean research groups, identified 27 bioactive compounds across leaves, roots, and flowers. These included phenylethanoid glycosides (e.g., verbascoside/acteoside, echinacoside, forsitoside B, and linarin), flavonoids (luteolin 7-O-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-glucoside, myricetin, catechin, and epicatechin), pentacyclic triterpenes (α/β-amyrins and β-sitosterol), iridoid glycosides, and clerodane diterpenoids (buddledines A–C), as well as four newly reported phenylethanoids. Antioxidant activity was the most frequently evaluated endpoint (11/14 studies), mainly mediated through hydrogen atom transfer and single-electron transfer mechanisms linked to caffeoyl and flavonoid structures. Anti-inflammatory effects (five studies) involved COX and 5-LOX inhibition and reduced PGE₂ production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Additional reported activities included antihepatotoxic, antiplatelet, wound-healing, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. Conclusions:B. globosa exhibits a coherent phytochemical profile supporting strong preclinical antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The main limitation for clinical translation is the low oral bioavailability of phenylethanoid glycosides. Nanoformulation strategies, investigation of colonic metabolites, and topical delivery systems represent promising approaches to bridge the preclinical-to-clinical gap. Full article

Among pathways toward carbon neutrality, substituting hydrocarbons with hydrogen-carrier fuels such as ammonia presents significant potential for carbon emission reduction. This study examines the combustion characteristics of ammonia (NH₃) and simulated LPG consisting of 70% propane (C₃H₈) and 30% butane (C₄H₁₀) by volume blends under non-premixed conditions using a crossflow slot burner. Flame appearance, OH* chemiluminescence, flame temperature, and CO and NO_x emissions were evaluated at equivalence ratios (Φ) of 0.4, 0.7, and 1.0, with ammonia fractions ranging from 0% to 70%. Increasing ammonia content decreased OH* chemiluminescence intensity, indicating a reduced radical pool and lower reaction intensity, particularly under lean conditions. Nevertheless, stable combustion was achieved at Φ = 1.0 due to improved mixing and heat recirculation. Flame temperature declined by only 9.3%, even at 70% ammonia, confirming good thermal stability. NO_x emissions exhibited non-monotonic behavior, increasing at moderate ammonia fractions due to fuel-bound nitrogen and thermal mechanisms, and then decreasing at higher ammonia levels as flame temperature and radical activity diminished, while CO emissions remained low up to 50% ammonia near stoichiometric conditions but increased under ultra-lean operation because of limited oxidation kinetics. These results highlight the feasibility of simulated LPG–NH₃ blends as transitional low-carbon fuels in practical combustion systems. Full article

Industries seeking to reduce carbon emissions are considering hydrogen as an alternative fuel or reductive reagent. However, the addition of hydrogen into new and existing infrastructure has triggered concerns for materials compatibility, forming a significant barrier to its implementation. Hydrogen is known to damage and embrittle metals, and despite growing efforts to generate compatibility data for structural materials under hydrogen environments, there is no consensus on how hydrogen degrades such material. This is due to the complex mechanisms in which hydrogen interacts with metals but more so the lack of standardised testing methods. Electrochemical methods are being used increasingly to generate hydrogen materials compatibility data. However, for industries to use electrochemical methods the conditions must be representative of those of gaseous hydrogen environments. Currently, when comparing mechanical properties by samples produced under gaseous and electrochemical environments, results show inconstancies in the mechanical properties produced and reliability issues. In this work, methods of electrochemical hydrogenation are reviewed in comparison to those under gaseous environments. Differences in the charging fugacity, surface effects and damage mechanisms are assessed between gaseous and electrochemical charging that may contribute to the disparities seen in the literature. Based on this comparative assessment, we identify key knowledge gaps and provide an approach for future research to address existing uncertainties. Full article

Port operators must now reduce emissions without weakening the reliability of cargo-handling and logistics services. Two load groups are especially important in this setting: vessels connected to shore-side facilities during berthing and heavy-duty vehicles working inside the terminal area. Their energy-use patterns shape both dispatch stability and the carbon intensity of the port energy system. This paper therefore proposes an integrated port energy management model that jointly schedules wind power, photovoltaic generation, hydrogen production and storage, shore power, conventional purchases, berthed-vessel demand, and low-carbon heavy-duty transport demand. The model combines price-based demand response with a tiered carbon-trading penalty so that flexible electricity consumption and emission costs are reflected in the dispatch decision. Numerical simulations show that the joint use of demand response and the carbon-penalty mechanism lowers total economic dispatch cost by about $11.05\%$ and reduces carbon emissions by $24.52\%$. The results indicate that coordinated renewable-energy and logistics-aware scheduling can improve the economic and environmental performance of port operations. Full article

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy requiring novel therapeutic interventions. While Polyporus umbellatus exhibits anti-tumor properties, its specific bioactive pharmacophores and molecular mechanisms remain elusive. This study integrated network pharmacology, computational simulation, and experimental validation to decipher the anti-HCC efficacy of Polyporus umbellatus. Screening identified 11 bioactive sterols, with intersection analysis revealing 63 core targets. Clinical data stratified Checkpoint Kinase 1 (CHEK1) as a critical high-risk oncogene associated with poor prognosis. Molecular dynamics simulations (100 ns) demonstrated that polyporusterone E, a key constituent, forms a thermodynamically stable complex with CHEK1 via high-affinity hydrogen bonding. In vitro assays in HepG2 and HuH-7 cells confirmed that CHEK1 overexpression drives proliferation and metastasis, while its silencing reverses these phenotypes. Crucially, treatment with Polyporus umbellatus extract and purified polyporusterone E significantly compromised HCC cell viability and downregulated CHEK1 expression at transcriptional and translational levels. These findings suggest that polyporusterone E may downregulate CHEK1 expression and modulate CHEK1-associated signaling in HCC cells, providing preliminary evidence for the molecular basis of Polyporus umbellatus and highlighting its potential as a complementary therapeutic strategy for HCC management. Full article

In this study, we combine experimental and computational approaches to elucidate a density functional theory (DFT)-derived mechanism for superoxide scavenging by resveratrol, piceatannol, and oxyresveratrol. Using rotating ring–disk electrode (RRDE) hydrodynamic voltammetry, the superoxide radicals are generated in situ, allowing direct measurement of antioxidant activity. Data show that the catechol-containing piceatannol is approximately four times more active than resveratrol, while resveratrol and oxyresveratrol exhibit similar efficiencies, indicating that the additional 2′-OH group in oxyresveratrol has minimal impact. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) facilitates scavenging by acting as a proton donor for resveratrol, piceatannol, and 4′-OH oxyresveratrol, but it is unable to deprotonate the 2′OH group of oxyresveratrol. The experimental results suggest a superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like mechanism, obtained from energetically feasible DFT calculations, in which these stilbenes convert two superoxide anions into H₂O₂ and O₂, helped by vitamin C. Mechanistically, the first superoxide is reduced by abstracting a hydroxyl-group hydrogen atom, while the second undergoes oxidation via π–π interaction with the aromatic system, releasing O₂. Notably, resveratrol can be regenerated through a catalytic cycle involving vitamin C. These data underscore the SOD-mimicking properties of dietary polyphenols and suggest a need to reevaluate resveratrol’s clinical utility regardless of its low bioavailability. Full article

Hydrogen-compatible elastomeric seals are critical for the reliability and safety of high-pressure hydrogen infrastructure. However, hydrogen exposure can alter the mechanical response and surface condition of elastomeric materials through coupled transport–mechanical interactions. This study presents a comparative experimental and data-driven investigation of the pressure-dependent degradation behavior of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), and fluorocarbon elastomer (FKM) O-ring seals following 192 h exposure to hydrogen pressures ranging from 800 to 7000 psi at room temperature. Tensile testing was performed directly on complete O-ring geometries, and descriptor-based analysis was used to quantify peak-response behavior, energy absorption, stiffness evolution, and normalized deformation characteristics. Multivariate statistical methods, principal component analysis (PCA), clustering analysis, and Random Forest regression were applied to identify material-specific degradation patterns. NBR maintained the highest overall load-bearing capability and stiffness-related response across the investigated pressure range, whereas EPDM exhibited more compliant and non-monotonic deformation behavior. FKM showed the strongest pressure sensitivity, with substantial increases in force- and stiffness-related descriptors at elevated hydrogen pressures. Optical image analysis revealed pronounced increases in defect density and defect area fraction for NBR, while FKM exhibited comparatively stable surface-state behavior. PCA and clustering analyses identified distinct material-dependent degradation trajectories, and Random Forest regression achieved an R² value of 0.888 for energy-absorption prediction. The results demonstrate that hydrogen-induced degradation emerges through coupled interactions among stiffness evolution, deformation progression, energy absorption, and surface-state changes, providing a comparative framework for assessing elastomer performance in hydrogen environments. Full article

The aviation industry is adopting liquid hydrogen (LH₂) for sustainable flight, requiring robust safety systems. This work is an example of adaptation of a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based structural health monitoring (SHM) system for LH₂ tanks, developed in the H2ELIOS project. It uses a multisensor approach that combines MEMS sensors to monitor vibration and acceleration, shape memory alloy (SMA) strain sensors for measuring tank expansion, and hydrogen leakage sensors to prevent false alarms. This SHM technology detects cracks and delamination of material and coating, enabling predictive maintenance via digital twins and ensuring structural integrity. Full article