Search Results (618)

Phycocyanin (PC) is a type of alga-derived protein which exerts the role of light harvesting in Spirulina and Cyanophyta cells. Studies have widely proved that phycocyanin exhibits antineoplastic functions, while investigations on its bioactive peptides remain poorly documented. In previous work, three phycocyanin-derived peptides (PCPs: PCP1-3), which exerted anticancer effects in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, were successfully identified. In consideration of the in vitro instability of bioactive peptides, this study firstly investigated the stabilization and function of phycocyanin-derived peptides loaded by nanoparticles (NPs). Herein, Lipid-core NPs (PCPs@LEC–CS–PEG, diameter less than 100 nm) were prepared by interfacial deposition of a polymer using lecithin (LEC, liposome core shell), chitosan (CS, coating material) and polyethylene glycol (PEG, stabilizer). The results indicate that the embedding of LEC liposomes could significantly increase the stability of PCPs through promoting their resistance to high temperature (68.256 ± 3.26%), pH (60.17 ± 3.67%) and protease. Moreover, the modification of NPs by PEG and CS could enhance the protective effects on PCPs. Furthermore, in vitro phenotypic experiments confirmed that the inclusion of PCPs@PEG-CS–LEC NPs also significantly increased the inhibitory activities of PCPs against multiple NSCLC cells including A549, H1299 and LTEP-a2 cells, compared with non-embedded PCPs. The results of this work could lay a theoretical foundation for the further development and utilization of peptides derived from phycocyanin, and also for the investigation of the antineoplastic effects of bioactive peptides. Full article

Minimizing surface defects in perovskite films is crucial for suppressing non-radiative recombination and enhancing device performance. Herein, we propose the use of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), a small molecule containing Lewis base carbonyl groups (C=O), to improve the quality of RbCsMAFA mixed-cation perovskite films. This surface treatment effectively reduces non-radiative charge-carrier recombination, in particular through the passivation of surface defects related to undercoordinated Pb²⁺ ions and halide vacancies, and significantly accelerates charge extraction from the perovskite into the Spiro-OMeTAD hole transporter. Consequently, NBS-treated PerSCs achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.24%, representing an 11% relative increase over the control device (16.48%). This enhancement is mainly attributed to a V_oc gain of up to 40 mV and modifications in the recombination dynamics. Supporting evidence from impedance spectroscopic analyses further confirms enhanced energy-level alignment and reduced interfacial losses, improved charge transport as well as prolonged charge lifetimes within the devices. This work provides a simple yet effective approach to reduce the non-radiative recombination losses towards more efficient and stable PerSCs. Full article

Polyurethane (PU), owing to its superior physicochemical properties, is considered an ideal modifier for asphalt. To improve the mechanical performance and service durability of asphalt pavements, PU-modified asphalts with varying dosages were prepared and evaluated through laboratory experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. Rheological, thermodynamic, and mechanical tests, as well as asphalt–aggregate adhesion energy calculations, were conducted to elucidate the modification mechanism, aging resistance, and interfacial behavior. The results showed that PU incorporation significantly enhanced rutting resistance at high temperatures, flexibility at low temperatures, and overall load-bearing capacity. Under ultraviolet and long-term aging, PU-modified asphalts exhibited notably lower performance degradation than base asphalt. At the molecular level, PU absorbed light fractions and formed a cross-linked network, reducing the free volume fraction and strengthening resistance to deformation. Moreover, PU substantially improved asphalt–aggregate adhesion energy, thereby reinforcing interfacial bonding. These findings provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for the optimal design and engineering application of PU-modified asphalt. Full article

This study explores the enhancement of mechanical properties in cotton yarn-reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites, aimed at providing a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The primary challenge addressed is the low interfacial shear strength (ISFF) between the hydrophilic cotton yarn and the hydrophobic PLA matrix. To overcome this, cotton yarn surface was chemically modified using silane treatment. Cotton yarns were aligned on a metal frame and treated with hydrolyzed silane solutions at concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% (w/v) for 3 h. Although the tensile stress of the cotton yarn decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with higher silane concentrations, from 520.46 MPa (untreated) to 340.88 MPa (4% silane-treated), the IFSS improved significantly (p < 0.05) from 5.63 MPa to 12.12 MPa. Consequently, the tensile stress of the cotton yarn/PLA biocomposites increased significantly (p < 0.05), from 20.74 MPa (untreated) to 41.58 MPa (4% silane-treated). This is because the increased IFSS achieved through silane treatment allowed the PLA polymer to more firmly connect adjacent cotton fibers, resulting in maximum strength. FTIR and SEM analyses confirmed successful surface modification of the cotton yarn. These findings demonstrate that silane treatment effectively enhances interfacial bonding between cotton yarn and PLA resin, leading to improved mechanical performance of the biocomposites. Full article

As modern industrialization accelerates, traditional metallic materials face challenges in meeting critical surface protection requirements. Constrained by their physicochemical properties, these materials exhibit significant performance degradation. This leads to frequent peeling of surface coatings on critical components. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic used in advanced engineering applications. Its composite coating systems have emerged as a promising alternative to metallic coatings. This paper systematically reviews the recent advances in coating preparation techniques for PEEK composites. The current status of the use of mainstream preparation methods such as thermal spray technology, rapid prototyping and electrophoretic deposition is highlighted. The strengths and weaknesses of each method are also compared. Critical parameters including substrate roughness, temperature, and substrate elasticity are systematically examined. The effects of these variables are evaluated with respect to critical performance indicators, including porosity levels and interfacial bonding strength of PEEK composite coatings. A comparative investigation was carried out on different reinforcement materials. Their interfacial interactions with the matrix are examined in detail at the microscopic level. The impact of these modification strategies on coating performance was comprehensively evaluated. Full article

The efficient degradation of antibiotics in pharmaceutical wastewater remains a critical challenge against environmental contaminants. Conventional photocatalysts face potential limitations such as narrow visible-light absorption, rapid carrier recombination, and reliance on precious metal cocatalysts. This review investigates the coordination structure of MXene as a cocatalyst to synergistically enhance photocatalytic antibiotic degradation efficiency and the coordination structure modification mechanisms. MXene’s tunable bandgap (0.92–1.75 eV), exceptional conductivity (100–20,000 S/cm), and abundant surface terminations (-O, -OH, -F) enable the construction of Schottky or Z-scheme heterojunctions with semiconductors (Cu₂O, TiO₂, g-C₃N₄), achieving 50–70% efficiency improvement compared to pristine semiconductors. The “electron sponge” effect of MXene suppresses electron-hole recombination by 3–5 times, while its surface functional groups dynamically optimize pollutant adsorption. Notably, MXene’s localized surface plasmon resonance extends light harvesting from visible (400–800 nm) to near-infrared regions (800–2000 nm), tripling photon utilization efficiency. Theoretical simulations demonstrate that d-orbital electronic configurations and terminal groups cooperatively regulate catalytic active sites at atomic scales. The MXene composites demonstrate remarkable environmental stability, maintaining over 90% degradation efficiency of antibiotic under high salinity (2 M NaCl) and broad pH range (4–10). Future research should prioritize green synthesis protocols and mechanistic investigations of interfacial dynamics in multicomponent wastewater systems to facilitate engineering applications. This work provides fundamental insights into designing MXene-based photocatalysts for sustainable water purification. Full article

The development of efficient and environmentally sustainable membrane materials is essential for advancing water purification technologies. This review examines composite membranes that combine the properties of MXene and nanocellulose, focusing on their structural features, functional characteristics, and potential advantages in water treatment applications. Nanocellulose provides a biodegradable, renewable matrix with abundant surface functional groups, while MXene offers high hydrophilicity, electrical conductivity, and adsorption capacity. Based on a critical evaluation of published studies, the review outlines various fabrication strategies, discusses key factors affecting membrane performance—including morphology, surface modification, and interfacial interactions—and highlights the synergistic effects between the two components. The article systematizes current approaches to designing MXene/nanocellulose membranes and establishes a foundation for future scientific and technological development in this field. Full article

Conventional fracturing fluids, while essential for large-volume stimulation of unconventional reservoirs, often induce significant reservoir damage through water retention and capillary trapping. To address this problem, this study developed a novel superhydrophobic nano-viscous drag reducer (SN-DR), synthesized through a multi-monomer copolymerization and silane modification strategy, which enhances structural stability and minimizes reservoir damage. The structure and thermal stability of SN-DR were characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, and TGA. Rheological evaluations demonstrated that the gel fracturing fluid exhibits a highly stable three-dimensional network structure, with a G′ maintained at approximately 3000 Pa and excellent shear recovery under cyclic stress. Performance tests showed that a 0.15% SN-DR achieved a drag reduction rate of 78.1% at 40 L/min, reduced oil–water interfacial tension to 0.91 mN·m⁻¹, and yielded a water contact angle of 152.07°, confirming strong hydrophobicity. Core flooding tests revealed a flowback rate exceeding 50% and an average permeability recovery of 86%. SEM and EDS indicated that the gel formed nanoscale, tightly packed papillary structures on core surfaces, enhancing roughness and reducing water intrusion. The study demonstrates that gel fracturing fluid enhances structural stability, alters wettability, and mitigates water-blocking damage. These findings offer a new strategy for designing high-performance fracturing fluids with integrated drag reduction and reservoir protection properties, providing significant theoretical insights for improving hydraulic fracturing efficiency. Full article

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) possesses a unique combination of a wide bandgap, high thermal conductivity, and chemical inertness, making it a key insulating and thermal management material for advanced electronics and nanocomposites. However, its intrinsic hydrophobicity and strong interlayer van der Waals forces severely limit exfoliation efficiency and dispersion stability, particularly in scalable liquid-phase processes. Here, we report a synergistic exfoliation strategy that integrates acid-induced hydroxylation with gallium (Ga) intercalation to achieve high-yield (>80%) production of ultrathin (<4 nm) hydrophilic h-BN nanosheets. Hydroxylation introduces abundant -OH groups, expanding interlayer spacing and significantly increasing surface polarity, while Ga intercalation leverages its native Ga₂O₃ shell to form strong interfacial interactions with hydroxylated basal planes. This oxide-mediated adhesion facilitates efficient layer separation under mild sonication, yielding nanosheets with well-preserved lateral dimensions and exceptional dispersion stability in polar solvents. Comprehensive characterization confirms the sequential chemical and structural modifications, revealing the crucial roles of hydroxylation-induced activation and Ga₂O₃ assisted wettability enhancement. This combined chemical activation–soft metallic intercalation approach provides a scalable, solution-processable route to high-quality h-BN nanosheets, opening new opportunities for their integration into dielectric, thermal interface, and multifunctional composite systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Osseointegration of titanium dental implants is essential for the long-term success of prosthetic treatments. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) has recently emerged as a promising surface modification technique aimed at enhancing early osseointegration by improving implant surface properties and exerting antimicrobial effects. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the in vivo preclinical evidence on the effects of CAP or similar cold plasma treatments on titanium dental implant surfaces with regard to osseointegration outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases for preclinical in vivo studies published between 2005 and 2025 investigating the effects of cold plasma on titanium dental implant surfaces. The primary outcome assessed was the bone-to-implant contact (BIC), followed by secondary outcomes including implant stability quotient (ISQ), removal torque, bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO), peri-implant bone density (PIBD), interfacial bone density (IBD), bone-implant direct weight (BDWT) and bone loss measurements via histology and micro-CT. Risk of bias was evaluated using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool. Results: Nine eligible studies involving 310 titanium implants in 71 animal models (dogs, pigs and mice) were included. CAP-treated implants consistently demonstrated significant improvements in early osseointegration parameters compared to controls, with statistically significant increases in BIC (up to +20%), BAFO and biomechanical fixation metrics (removal torque and ISQ). Micro-CT analyses revealed enhanced peri-implant bone density and architecture. No adverse biological events or implant failures related to plasma treatment were reported. However, heterogeneity in plasma protocols, animal species and short follow-up durations (2–12 weeks) limited comparability and long-term interpretation. Conclusions: Preclinical evidence seems to support CAP as a safe and potentially effective surface treatment for enhancing early osseointegration of titanium dental implants. Further standardized long-term studies involving functional loading and clinical trials in humans are needed to confirm clinical efficacy and optimize treatment protocols. Full article

This study investigates the interfacial interactions between two organic semiconductors (tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and hexaazatriphenylene-hexacarbonitrile (HAT-CN)) and graphene-based materials (nanocrystalline graphite and vertically aligned graphene) used in Field-Effect Transistors (FETs). The interaction mechanisms, including π–π stacking, charge transfer, and dipole–dipole interactions, were explored through SEM imaging, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, and FET transfer characteristics. Spectroscopic data confirmed strong π–π and charge-transfer interactions, with distinct modifications in graphene structural and electronic features. Electrical measurements revealed significant modulation of channel conductivity, confirming effective surface functionalization. These findings provide a framework for engineering high-performance organic/graphene hybrid interfaces in electronic devices and biosensors. Importantly, the results demonstrate that molecular design and interfacial control at the nanoscale can be strategically used to modulate charge transport in graphene-based FETs. This approach opens new pathways for developing tunable, molecule-specific biosensors and nanoelectronic platforms with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Full article

River sediments have attracted increasing attention as alternative raw materials for sustainable cementitious materials due to their abundant availability and silica–alumina-rich composition. In this study, a systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science and Google Scholar using combinations of the keywords “river sediment,” “cementitious materials,” “activation,” and “pozzolanic activity,” covering publications up to July 2025. In addition, a citation network tool (Connected Papers) was employed to trace related works and ensure comprehensive coverage of emerging studies. This review systematically examines the properties of river sediments from diverse regions, along with activation and modification techniques such as alkali/acid activation, thermal calcination, and mechanical milling. Their applications in various cementitious systems are analyzed, with mix design models compared to elucidate the effects of replacing fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, and cement on workability, strength, and durability. Multi-scale characterization via XRD, FTIR, and TG-DSC reveals the mechanisms of C–S–H and C–A–S–H gel formation, pore refinement, and interfacial transition zone densification. The review highlights three key findings: (1) moderate sediment replacement (20–30%) improves strength without compromising flowability; (2) alkali–water glass activation and calcination at 600–850 °C effectively enhance pozzolanic activity; and (3) combining the minimum paste thickness theory with additives such as water reducers, fibers, or biochar enables high-performance and low-carbon concrete design. This review provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation and technical pathway for the high-value utilization of river sediments, carbon reduction in concrete, and sustainable resource recycling. Full article

With the rapid growth of nuclear energy, effective shielding of radioactive nuclear by-products is critical for safety and environmental protection. Gadolinium (Gd) is ideal for neutron shielding due to its exceptionally high thermal neutron capture cross-section. Despite significant progress in developing various Gd-based shielding materials, poor interfacial compatibility between Gd₂O₃ and polymer matrices remains a significant limitation. In this study, we addressed this challenge by successfully modifying Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles (Gd₂O₃@SIT-M) through the construction of a dual-layer molecular coating using electrostatic interactions. Initially, Gd₂O₃ was functionalized with the silane coupling agent 3-(trihydroxysilyl) propyl-1-propane-sulfonic acid (SIT), followed by subsequent assembly of polyether amine M2070 onto this modified surface. The combined presence of hydrophilic sulfonic acid groups from SIT and amine-ether groups from M2070 endowed Gd₂O₃@SIT-M nanoparticles with excellent hydrophilicity, significantly reducing their aqueous contact angle to 14.34°. Consequently, this modification strategy notably enhanced the dispersion stability of Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles in aqueous solutions and polymer matrices. The developed approach thus provides an effective pathway for fabricating advanced polymer-based neutron shielding materials with improved dispersibility, stability, and overall performance. Full article

CdS is a promising photocatalyst for solar-driven hydrogen production due to its favorable optical properties and electronic structure. However, rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers and photocorrosion significantly limit its practical application. In this study, we developed a sustainable strategy by constructing CdS/ReS₂ nanocomposites through hydrothermal interfacial engineering. On this basis, ReS₂ nanosheets were intercalated on the surface of CdS by the hydrothermal method for catalyst modification. The introduction of ReS₂ can effectively enhance the photoelectrochemical performance of CdS and accelerate the transfer of photogenerated carriers. The effects of different ReS₂ loadings on the photocatalytic activity of CdS were explored experimentally, and the data revealed that the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency reached 50 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ when the loading amount of ReS₂ was 7 wt% and did not show any obvious attenuation during four cycles. This study provides a robust surface engineering strategy to enhance the catalytic efficiency of CdS photocatalysts and provides a theoretical basis for its application in photocatalytic hydrogen precipitation. This study also emphasizes the potential of abundant, non-precious metal materials for promoting scalable, environmentally friendly hydrogen production technologies that align with the principles of green chemistry and sustainable energy systems. Full article

Compatibilizers that enhance sustainability and improve the miscibility of polymer blend components have garnered significant attention. This study investigates the difference between the synthetic chain extender Joncryl^® ADR 4468 and the natural epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) Merginat 8510100 as compatibilizers for thermoplastic starch/poly (butylene succinate) (TPS/PBS) blends. Blends containing 40% TPS and 60% PBS were prepared with 1, 3, and 5 phr of each compatibilizer, along with a reference with no additives. The properties of these blends were evaluated using tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), rheology, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The findings indicate that while Joncryl^® ADR 4468 significantly improved tensile strength, it also resulted in a brittle fracture. In contrast, ELO batches exhibited greater ductility, albeit with lower tensile strength. These differences are attributed to the chain extension and minor cross-linking effects of Joncryl^® ADR 4468, compared to the increased chain mobility arising from ELO’s plasticizing and compatibilizing actions. Supporting evidence for these observations includes increased cold crystallization temperature (T_cc) and melting temperature (T_m), greater storage modulus along with higher complex viscosity, strengthened interfacial adhesion, and fewer morphological defects in Joncryl^® ADR 4468 blends. These results highlight the importance of selecting an appropriate compatibilizer based on specific application requirements. Overall, this study addresses the knowledge gap regarding the loadings of Joncryl^® ADR 4468 and ELO in TPS/PBS blends and provides a basis for further optimization strategies, such as the incorporation of binary compatibilizers, alternative grafting-based compatibilizers, and twin-screw blending modifications. Full article