Search Results (337)

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

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the synthesis, morphological characteristics, electrical conductivity, dielectric behavior, and electrocatalytic activity of perovskite-structured iron manganite (FeMnO₃), with a specific focus on its performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). FeMnO₃(FMO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using a sol–gel-type Pechini method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS). XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a crystalline structure with cubic symmetry assigned to the Ia-3 space group, with an average crystallite size of 52.47 nm. FESEM images revealed a relatively uniform morphology with an average particle diameter of 55.84 nm. The redox and oxidation states of Fe and Mn can be studied by temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO-O₂) in order to understand oxygen uptake and metal oxidation processes occurring within the FMO lattice. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss, electric modulus and electrical conductivity were calculated as a function of frequency and temperature using a Novocontrol Alpha-A broadband dielectric spectrometer (Novocontrol system) coupled with the LCR-800 precision meter. The dielectric data reveal that the FMO has semiconducting behavior with dominant charge- or ionic-relaxation processes. The electrocatalytic activity toward the HER was evaluated using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), with the working electrode modified by an FMO catalyst ink. The material exhibited significant catalytic activity within the HER potential range, and an increase in the number of cycles led to stabilized current and enhanced hydrogen evolution. These results highlight the stability of FeMnO₃ for hydrogen generation. Full article

Background: CDKN2A (p16^INK4a^) is integral to the regulation of the RB–E2F cell-cycle checkpoint and is widely acknowledged as a surrogate marker for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cervical neoplasia. Nevertheless, its diagnostic and prognostic significance in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC), a predominantly HPV-independent malignancy, remains inadequately characterized. This study utilized an integrated multi-omics approach to examine CDKN2A dysregulation in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) and UCEC. Methods: Pan-cancer and tumor–normal differential expression analyses were performed using TIMER2.0 and GEPIA2 (TCGA/GTEx). Clinicopathological correlations were assessed with UALCAN. Protein expression patterns were analyzed using immunohistochemistry data from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). Prognostic significance and immune-infiltration associations were evaluated using TCGA survival data and TIMER modules. Independent transcriptomic validation and diagnostic classification performance were assessed using GEO datasets GSE9750 (CESC) and GSE63678 (UCEC), including ROC-AUC analysis with cross-validation. Results: Integrated analyses revealed elevated CDKN2A expression in both CESC and UCEC across multiple transcriptomic cohorts, with pronounced tumor-specific protein expression on immunohistochemistry. TCGA-only tumor–normal RNA comparisons were non-significant, likely due to limited normal sample representation. In independent GEO cohorts, CDKN2A exhibited excellent tumor–normal discrimination in CESC (AUC = 0.982) and moderate discrimination in UCEC (AUC = 0.761). Survival analysis indicated tumor-specific patterns, with limited prognostic stratification in CESC and context-dependent associations in UCEC. Immune-infiltration analysis suggested tumor-type-specific interactions between CDKN2A expression and immune cell subsets. Conclusions: CDKN2A exhibits strong diagnostic performance in HPV-associated cervical cancer and moderate, cohort-dependent discriminatory ability in endometrial carcinoma. These findings reinforce its established diagnostic role in CESC and propose adjunctive utility in UCEC, underscoring the importance of tumor-contextual interpretation of CDKN2A expression in gynecologic malignancies. Full article

Water pollution from industrial dyes is a critical challenge due to the resistance of these types of compounds to degradation and potentially harmful effects on living organisms and human health. In this study, the electrochemical degradation of methylene blue (MB) was investigated using ink-based copper foam electrodes with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃), and rGO/Sb₂O₃ composites. The materials used to synthesize the electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which showed the successful synthesis of GO, rGO, and the Sb₂O₃-rGO composite. Additionally, the synthesized electrodes were examined using SEM. The MB degradation was studied using kinetic behavior and removal efficiency at pH levels from 3 through 6, monitored using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic degradation was studied using sodium sulfate as the electrolyte across a pH range of 3 to 8. All electrodes investigated were determined to follow first-order kinetics. The Sb₂O₃-rGO composite showed the highest rate constants of MB degradation at pH 7 and 8, with rate constants of 0.0160 and 0.0159 min⁻¹, respectively. At the same time, the rGO ink-based electrode worked fastest at pH 3 and pH 4 with rate constants of 0.0178 and 0.0158 min⁻¹, respectively. The Sb₂O₃ also works best at pH 3 and 4 with rate constants of 0.0151 and 0.0152 min⁻¹. SEM analysis shows the composite electrode was more resilient to degradation than other materials. Full article

Three-dimensional bioprinting revolutionized tissue and organ replacement by enabling the precise deposition of living cells and biomaterials, making it ideal for biomedical applications. Natural polymers are commonly used as bioink for their biocompatibility and bioactivity. Among them, type I collagen, the most abundant protein of extracellular matrix, is commonly used as bioink. However, mammalian-derived collagens raise concerns related to zoonotic disease transmission, religious restrictions, and immunogenicity. Fish-derived collagen represents a safer and more sustainable alternative, although its rapid degradation and limited mechanical properties remain significant challenges. In this study, the printability of a novel fish collagen ink was assessed for micropatterned scaffolding by extrusion. In order to overcome material-related challenges, the effect of UV-induced crosslinking was investigated. Morphological, rheological, and physicochemical characterizations—including thermal behavior, degradation resistance, exposed chemical groups, and roughness—were performed before and after UV treatment. Results demonstrated that UV crosslinking significantly improved the structural integrity and stability of the printed scaffolds. These findings support the potential of UV-crosslinked fish collagen as biomaterial ink for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. Full article

To address the growing problem of electromagnetic pollution, the development of intelligent, multifunctional electromagnetic shielding materials is essential. The objective of this work is to fabricate an intelligent, low-reflection and high-absorption electromagnetic shielding composite via direct ink writing. In this study, epoxy resin (EP) was employed as the matrix, with nickel powder (Ni), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and silver powder (Ag) serving as functional fillers. Direct-ink printing enabled the fabrication of uniformly structured composites and layered gradient-structured composites. By precisely varying the filler content through layer-by-layer printing, the gradient-structured composite exhibited an increasing electrical conductivity gradient and a decreasing magnetic permeability gradient along the direction of electromagnetic wave incidence. Comprehensive characterization of microstructure, electrical, magnetic, and dielectric properties, and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness revealed that the uniformly structured composites exhibited higher total shielding effectiveness (SE_T) and reflection coefficient (R) with increased electrical conductivity. The layered gradient-structured composite achieved an electrical conductivity of 5.44 S/m and an SE_T of 17.74 dB, with the R value reduced to 0.53. Compared to the highly conductive homogeneous composite used in the bottom layer (R = 0.87), this represents a reduction in reflectivity of approximately 39.1%, thereby mitigating secondary pollution from excessive reflection. Under a DC voltage of 200 V, all composites recovered their original shape within 63 s, with shape fixity (R_f) and recovery (R_r) ratios exceeding 92%. This strong shape memory capability supports conformal coating on complex devices and facilitates material recycling, offering a practical foundation for next-generation multifunctional electromagnetic shielding materials. Full article

Focusing on PM6 as the electron-donating polymer and the non-fullerene acceptors Y12 and PY-IT, this study investigates their chemical, optical, and morphological properties, as well as their compatibility in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) architectures. All materials were characterized in thin-film form using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Binary blends of PM6:Y12 and PM6:PY-IT, along with the ternary PM6:PY-IT:Y12 system, were dissolved in o-xylene and processed into active layers by blade coating under ambient conditions. Optical properties were analyzed in solution and in thin films, providing insights into light-absorption efficiency and spectral complementarity. Nanoscale morphology and molecular packing were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS), revealing correlations between material organization and device performance. The results highlight the importance of optimizing material selection, ink formulation, and film morphology to maximize charge-generation efficiency. Power-conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 13.95%, 12.04%, and 12.17% were achieved for PM6:Y12, PM6:PY-IT, and PM6:PY-IT:Y12 devices, respectively. The ternary PM6:PY-IT:Y12 system demonstrated performance comparable to PM6:PY-IT, with improved miscibility and nearly aggregate-free morphologies, suggesting potential for further efficiency gains. These findings offer valuable guidance for designing high-performance, sustainable active layers, contributing to the development of next-generation organic photovoltaic technologies. Full article

In additive manufacturing technologies, the use of pastes and inks based on materials such as clay to create three-dimensional objects layer by layer has opened new possibilities in fields such as engineering and biomedicine. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of 3D printing of ceramic pastes through Direct Ink Writing (DIW), also referred to as Robocasting. DIW offers specific advantages for ceramic 3D printing, including the ability to extrude highly loaded pastes with customized rheological properties to accommodate a broad spectrum of ceramic compositions, varying from conventional clays to advanced ceramics. It is characterized by filament deposition control, which facilitates the fabrication of complex, porous, or customized architectures while simultaneously minimizing material waste. Through a bibliometric analysis of the literature published between 2020 and 2024, the most relevant studies regarding printing system architectures, ceramic paste formulations, and adjustment of parameters to obtain high-quality parts were identified. This work presents relevant and accurate explanations of the DIW technology, supporting researchers and industry professionals seeking to initiate or improve ceramic 3D printing processes for a wide range of applications. Full article

An alternative conductive ink based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was developed using a platinum-catalyzed silicone elastomer and isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The inclusion of IPA in the conductive CNT ink facilitated the optimization of its mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and viscosity. Compared to conventional silicone rubber-based conductive polymers that often solidify in a few hours at room temperature or with heating, this liquid composite of CNT particles and IPA exhibited a prolonged duration of up to several months in a hermetic environment, maintaining chemical stability even with the elastomer and its curing agent. The gradual evaporation of IPA initiates a well-known cross-linking process, leading to stretchability and electrical conductivity derived from the silicone elastomer and CNT particles, respectively. The relationship between the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of the hardened conductive CNT ink was studied, which helped determine the optimized concentration of CNT particles in the conductive CNT ink. Subsequently, a piezoresistive sensor was designed, fabricated, and evaluated. The conductive CNT ink-based piezoresistive sensor showed high sensitivity and good repeatability with respect to a wide range of external forces. The effect of the concentration of CNT particles on the viscosity of the conductive CNT ink was also investigated, providing a better understanding of the entanglement of CNT particles within the silicone elastomer. A coating test using the conductive CNT ink with a paper cutting machine demonstrated its potential for adaptation to various printing techniques, including screen printing. The proposed conductive CNT ink, characterized by a simple chemical composition, facile fabrication process, use of non-toxic elements, high electrical conductivity, and stretchability, combined with an extended duration, has the potential to be applied for multiple purposes, such as various types of flexible and wearable electronics. Full article

Biotechnological tools have emerged as key alternatives for the protection, improvement, and sustainable use of forest species. This paper analyzes the main biotechnological strategies applied to the European chestnut, a species of significant ecological, economic, and cultural importance in many temperate regions. However, in recent decades, it has been seriously threatened by various factors, including devastating diseases such as chestnut blight and ink disease, as well as the impacts of climate change. First, classical and assisted breeding techniques are discussed, including controlled hybridization and the use of molecular markers to accelerate the selection of genotypes of interest. In the field of molecular biotechnology, studies related to the identification of key genes, the development of genetic markers (e.g., SSRs and SNPs), and the omics characterization of chestnut are reviewed. The use of micropropagation techniques for the clonal multiplication of elite individuals is also included. Furthermore, advances in genetic modifications are explored, highlighting the introduction of resistance genes through transgenic and cisgenic approaches, as well as emerging technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9. In the future, the integration of classical breeding with advanced genomics will enable the precise selection and accelerated development of European chestnut varieties, combining traditional trait improvement with genomic tools such as marker-assisted selection, genomic prediction, and gene editing to enhance disease resistance and climate resilience. Full article

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) and biomaterials, such as mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG), are critical for bone tissue engineering. This study aimed to 3D-print CPC scaffolds modified with MBG to enhance their osteogenic potential and regenerative ability. MBG powder was synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption techniques. A commercial CPC ink (hydroxyapatite/α-tricalcium phosphate) was mixed with 5% MBG (w/w; CPC/MBG), and, after rheological assessment, the mixture was used to obtain scaffolds via 3D printing. These scaffolds were then tested for chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties, as well as ion release analysis. Unmodified CPC 3D-printed scaffolds served as controls. Biological experiments, including cell viability, DNA content, cell adhesion/spreading, and osteogenic gene expression, were performed by seeding alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells onto the scaffolds. Statistics were performed using Student’s t-test and ANOVA with post hoc tests (α = 5%). MBG characterization showed a typical mesoporous structure with aligned microchannels and an amorphous structure. Both formulations released calcium and phosphate ions; however, CPC/MBG also released silicon. Cell viability, adhesion/spreading, and DNA content were significantly greater in CPC/MBG scaffolds compared to CPC (p < 0.05) after 3 and 7 days of culture. Furthermore, CPC/MBG supported increased expression of key osteogenic genes, including collagen (COL1A1), osteocalcin (OCN), and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), after 14 days (p < 0.05). The combination of CPC ink with MBG particles effectively enhances the biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of the scaffold, making it an innovative bioceramic ink formulation for 3D printing personalized scaffolds for bone regeneration. Full article

This study presents a strategy for enhancing hydrogel formation through SpyCatcher-mediated conjugation of nanoscale scaffold proteins. We demonstrate that SpyCatcher can facilitate hydrogel assembly with various nano-scaffolds of diverse structural configurations. By conjugating one, two, or three SpyCatcher units to the P9 protein nanoscaffold, hydrogel yield was substantially increased, allowing for the simultaneous co-immobilization of a larger number of enzymes. Characterization using cell-free biosynthesis, electron microscopy, and rheological analysis revealed that the resulting SpyCatcher-mediated nanoscaffold hydrogels exhibit soft solid-like behavior, high elasticity, and an “ink-bottle” pore morphology, which collectively promote and regulate enzymatic activity. Notably, hydrogels crosslinked via the P9 scaffold with two SpyCatcher units showed the most balanced properties, leading to a 149% increase in pyruvic acid production. These findings not only advance the efficient design of hydrogels for enzyme co-immobilization but also provide a foundation for developing more sophisticated models and expanding the scope of biocatalytic systems. Full article

The development of electronic textiles (e-textiles) has advanced significantly thanks to the integration of printing technologies such as flexography, which enables the efficient and reproducible production of conductive circuits on fabrics. This study evaluates the impact of different surface pretreatments (hydrophobic and oleophobic) on the electrical conductivity of flexographically printed circuits on a variety of polyester textile substrates. Key parameters such as grammage, fabric type and surface uniformity are analyzed using stereomicroscopy and profilometry techniques to characterize conductive ink distribution. The results demonstrate that oleophobic pretreatment is more effective at reducing the resulting electrical resistance, promoting better ink adhesion and distribution. Among the fabrics with the best results, those with a more regular and compact structure, such as 15 thread/cm and 666.7 dtex polyester taffeta, show homogeneous ink coverage and the lowest electrical resistance (∼0.5 Ω/cm) compared to more irregular fabrics with discontinuities and higher resistance. The results show that uniformity in ink distribution, assessed by profilometry and color analysis, directly correlates with low electrical resistance. It can be concluded that the combination of a regular and compact textile structure, an adequate surface pretreatment, and a printing direction of the circuit pattern aligned with the weft permits optimizing the conductivity and quality of e-textiles produced by flexography. Full article

Background: Adverse reactions to tattoo pigments are increasingly recognized, yet severe systemic complications remain rare and poorly characterized. Red tattoo ink, in particular, is associated with delayed hypersensitivity reactions, but widespread manifestations affecting multiple organ systems have not been documented. This case report aims to describe an unusual constellation of erythroderma, alopecia universalis, anhidrosis, and vitiligo triggered by red tattoo ink and to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with such reactions. Case presentation: This case report describes a 36-year-old Caucasian male who developed erythroderma, alopecia, anhidrosis, and vitiligo as complications of a red ink tattoo, marking a rare and previously unreported case of such extensive reactions. Four months after getting the tattoo, the patient began to develop itchy eczematous changes, which progressed to erythroderma over several months, along with alopecia universalis and anhidrosis. Results: After months of ineffective treatment with glucocorticosteroids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and acitretin, patch tests confirmed hypersensitivity to possible components of the red tattoo ink, prompting surgical removal of the inflamed tattoo fragments. Unfortunately, aside from resolving the erythroderma, this did not improve the patient’s clinical condition, and he developed vitiligo. Only after the complete removal of the red tattoo ink from the same series that caused the sensitization and the use of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs, including JAK inhibitors, was hair growth restored and the progression of vitiligo halted, but with no effect on anhidrosis. Conclusions: This case highlights the challenges in managing systemic reactions to tattoo ink and the importance of thorough evaluation and treatment strategies. Full article

The study and preservation of illuminated manuscripts, particularly miniatures on parchment, are crucial for understanding the artistic, cultural, and technological history of the past. This research investigates the materials used in a 16th-century illuminated scroll, analyzing both the miniatures and the written text through non-invasive techniques. A multi-analytical approach was applied, including optical microscopy, Hypercolorimetric Multispectral Imaging (HMI), infrared reflectography in the 950–1700 nm range, Fiber Optics Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS), macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and External Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ER-FTIR) spectroscopy. These methods provided a comprehensive characterization of the painting materials’ chemical composition and the artistic techniques utilized, revealing new information on Renaissance materials and practices. The detected mineral pigments primarily include smalt, vermilion, lead white, and minium, which are consistent with materials commonly found in illuminated manuscripts. Aluminosilicate and calcite were identified as fillers or substrates utilized for organic dyes, particularly those generating pink hues. An uncommon finding was the green pigment, which was identified as copper hydroxynitrate. Furthermore, gold and silver were extensively employed in the decorative elements, both as metal foils and in shell pigment form. Finally, the capital letters were executed using smalt and vermilion, while the black text ink was characterized as iron gall ink, a composition typically employed on parchment supports. Full article