Search Results (5,334)

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a negative-sense RNA virus transmitted by insect vectors, causing arthrogryposis-hydranencephaly syndrome in newborn ruminants. Since its discovery in Germany and the Netherlands in 2011, SBV has rapidly spread across multiple European countries, resulting in significant economic losses in the livestock industry. With the increasing global animal trade and the expanded range of insect transmission, the risk of SBV introduction into non-endemic regions is also rising. As the gold standard for serological testing, the virus neutralization test (VNT) is crucial for tracking the spread of SBV and evaluating the efficacy of vaccines. However, in non-endemic regions, the lack of local viral strains and the biosafety risks associated with introducing foreign strains pose challenges to the implementation of VNT. In this study, we employed reverse genetics techniques using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) to substitute the VSV G protein with the envelope glycoproteins of SBV, thereby successfully generating and rescuing the recombinant virus rVSVΔG-eGFP-SBVGPC. The recombinant virus was then thoroughly characterized in terms of SBV Gc protein expression, viral morphology, and growth kinetics. Importantly, rVSVΔG-eGFP-SBVGPC exhibited SBV-specific cell tropism and was capable of reacting with SBV-positive serum, enabling the measurement of neutralizing antibody titers. The results suggest that this recombinant virus can serve as a feasible alternative for SBV neutralization tests, with promising potential for application in serological screening and vaccine evaluation. Full article

Pharmaceutical contaminants such as ibuprofen are increasingly detected in water sources due to widespread use and insufficient removal by conventional treatment processes. Given its persistence and adverse effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems, efficient removal technologies are needed. This study reports the synthesis of a Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) hybridized with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) via in situ co-precipitation to enhance adsorptive performance. The hybrid (LDH-CQD) was characterized by FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA-DTG, SEM-EDS, BET, and pH in the point of zero charge (pH_PZC) analysis. Results indicated a marked increase in surface area (2.89 to 66.9 m²/g), a shift in surface charge behavior (pHpzc from 8.57 to 6.21), and improved porosity. Adsorption experiments using ibuprofen as a model contaminant revealed superior performance of the hybrid compared to pristine Mg/Al-LDH, with a maximum capacity of 22.13 mg·g⁻¹ (% Removal = 88.53%) at 25 ppm, and in lower concentrations (5 and 10 ppm), the hybrid showed 100% removal. Kinetic modeling followed a pseudo-second-order mechanism, and the isotherm was the SIPS model (maximum adsorption capacity = 24.150 mg.g⁻¹). These findings highlight the potential of LDH-CQD hybrid as efficient and tunable adsorbents for removing emerging pharmaceutical pollutants from aqueous media. Full article

A series of metal–organic framework-based materials of the MIL-101 family was prepared for potential application as anodic electrocatalysts in the direct borohydride fuel cell. The MIL-101-based materials were tested for borohydride oxidation reaction using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry in alkaline media, with Au@MIL-101-NH₂ showing high responsiveness. The obtained data allow for the determination of kinetic parameters that characterize the borohydride oxidation on the prepared electrocatalysts. The activation energy for borohydride oxidation using an Au@MIL-101-NH₂ electrocatalyst was as low as 13.6 kJ mol⁻¹ with a reaction order of 0.4. The anodic charge transfer coefficient was 0.85, and the number of transferred electrons was 7.97, matching the theoretical maximum value of 8 electrons transferred during the borohydride oxidation reaction. The promising performance of Au@MIL-101-NH₂ suggests its potential application as an anode for direct borohydride fuel cells. Full article

Utilizing a coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics and Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) approach, this study constructs a comprehensive three-dimensional numerical model to simulate particle migration dynamics within rough artificial fractures subjected to the high-energy impact of water inrush. The model explicitly incorporates key governing factors, including intricate fracture wall geometry characterized by the joint roughness coefficient (JRC) and aperture variation, hydraulic pressure gradients representative of inrush events, and polydisperse sand particle sizes. Sophisticated simulations track the complete mobilization, subsequent acceleration, and sustained transport of sand particles driven by the powerful high-pressure flow. The results demonstrate that particle migration trajectories undergo a distinct three-phase kinetic evolution: initial acceleration, intermediate coordination, and final attenuation. This evolution is critically governed by the complex interplay of hydrodynamic shear stress exerted by the fluid flow, frictional resistance at the fracture walls, and dynamic interactions (collisions, contacts) between individual particles. Sensitivity analyses reveal that parameters like fracture roughness exert significant nonlinear control on transport efficiency, with an identified optimal JRC range (14–16) promoting the most effective particle transit. Hydraulic pressure and mean aperture size also exhibit strong, nonlinear regulatory influences. Particle transport manifests through characteristic collective migration patterns, including “overall bulk progression”, processes of “fragmentation followed by reaggregation”, and distinctive “center-stretch-edge-retention” formation. Simultaneously, specific behaviors for individual particles are categorized as navigating the “main shear channel”, experiencing “boundary-disturbance drift”, or becoming trapped as “wall-adhered obstructed” particles. Crucially, a robust multivariate regression model is formulated, integrating these key parameter effects, to quantitatively predict the critical migration time required for 80% of the total particle mass to transit the fracture. This investigation provides fundamental mechanistic insights into the particle–fluid dynamics underpinning hazardous water–sand inrush phenomena, offering valuable theoretical underpinnings for risk assessment and mitigation strategies in deep underground engineering operations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent advancements in innovative drug delivery nanosystems have significantly impacted wound healing, particularly through the incorporation of natural products. This study aimed to develop and characterize a Phlomis crinita extract-loaded nanostructured formulation (PCE-NF) as a topical therapy for skin wounds. Methods: This study involved the incorporation of P. crinita extract in a nanoemulsion by the high-energy emulsification method. This formulation was subjected to physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characterization, and a physical stability study over 30 days. Biocompatibility, tolerability, and irritant effects were assessed, while the wound healing potential was evaluated using in vitro skin models of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Results: PCE-NF showed a homogeneous appearance with nanometric-sized spherical droplets of 212.27 nm and Newtonian behavior. This formulation showed a sustained release of its majority component (luteonin 7-(6″-acetylglucoside)), which followed a hyperbolic kinetic while showing high permeation, through healthy human skin, with 22.01 µg after 27 h. There were no cytotoxic effects of PCE-NF with improvements in skin barrier function and hydration levels. The wound healing potential of PCE-NF at 3.125 µg/mL was evidenced by enhanced cell migration and accelerated wound closure in 3T3-L1 and HaCaT cells, with values of 94.24 and 92.41%, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that this formulation could be used as an effective wound healing treatment. Full article

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs), ubiquitously employed as a plasticizer, have been classified as priority environmental pollutants because of their persistence, bioaccumulation, and endocrine-disrupting properties. As a characterized PAE-degrading strain of marine origin, Mycolicibacterium phocaicum RL-HY01 utilizes di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as its sole carbon and energy source. Genome sequencing and RT-qPCR analysis revealed a previously uncharacterized hydrolase gene (dehpH) in strain RL-HY01, which catalyzes ester bond cleavage in PAEs. Subsequently, recombinant expression of the cloned dehpH gene from strain RL-HY01 was established in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The purified recombinant DehpH exhibited optimal activity at 30 °C and pH 8.0. Its activity was enhanced by Co²⁺ and tolerant to most metal ions but strongly inhibited by EDTA, SDS, and PMSF. Organic solvents (Tween-80, Triton X-100, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane) showed minimal impact. Substrate specificity assay indicated that DehpH could efficiently degrade the short and long side-chain PAEs but failed to hydrolyze the cyclic side-chain PAE (DCHP). The kinetics parameters for the hydrolysis of DEHP were determined under the optimized conditions, and DehpH had a V_max of 0.047 ± 0.002 μmol/L/min, K_m of 462 ± 50 μmol/L, and k_cat of 3.07 s⁻¹. Computational prediction through structural modeling and docking identified the active site, with mutagenesis studies confirming Ser228, Asp324, and His354 as functionally indispensable residues forming the catalytic triad. The identification and characterization of DehpH provided novel insights into the mechanism of DEHP biodegradation and might promote the application of the target enzyme. Full article

The rational design of functional and sustainable polymers is central to addressing global environmental challenges. In this context, unmodified lignin derived from Sarkanda grass (Tripidium bengalense), an abundant agro-industrial lignocellulosic byproduct, was systematically investigated as a natural polymeric adsorbent for the remediation of aqueous media contaminated with heavy metals. The study evaluates lignin’s behavior toward nine metal(loid) ions: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, lead, and zinc. Adsorption performance was systematically investigated under static batch conditions, optimizing key parameters, with equilibrium and kinetic data modeled using established isotherms and rate equations. Surface characterization and seed germination bioassays provided supporting evidence. Unmodified Sarkanda grass lignin demonstrated effective adsorption, exhibiting a clear preference for Cu(II) followed by other divalent cations, with lower capacities for As(III) and Cr(VI). Adsorption kinetics consistently followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Thermodynamic studies revealed spontaneous and endothermic processes. Bioassays confirmed significant reduction in aqueous toxicity and strong metal sequestration. This work positions unmodified Sarkanda grass lignin as a bio-based, low-cost polymer platform for emerging water treatment technologies, contributing to circular bioeconomy goals and highlighting the potential of natural polymers in sustainable materials design. Full article

Ultrasound-responsive nanomaterials represent a promising approach for achieving non-invasive and localized drug delivery within tumor microenvironments. In this study, we developed a piezocatalysis-assisted hydrogel system that integrates reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation with stimulus-responsive drug release. The platform combines piezoelectric barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticles with a ROS-sensitive hydrogel matrix, forming an ultrasound-activated dual-function therapeutic system. Upon ultrasound irradiation, the BTO nanoparticles generate ROS—predominantly hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) and singlet oxygen (¹O₂)—through the piezoelectric effect, which triggers hydrogel degradation and facilitates the controlled release of encapsulated therapeutic agents. The composition and kinetics of ROS generation were evaluated using radical scavenging assays and fluorescence probe techniques, while the drug release behavior was validated under simulated oxidative environments and acoustic fields. Structural and compositional characterizations (TEM, XRD, and XPS) confirmed the quality and stability of the nanoparticles, and cytocompatibility was assessed using 3T3 fibroblasts. This synergistic strategy, combining piezocatalytic ROS generation with hydrogel disintegration, demonstrates a feasible approach for designing responsive nanoplatforms in ultrasound-mediated drug delivery systems. Full article

The pharmaceutical contamination of water, especially by widely used drugs, presents important environmental and health concerns due to the inefficiency of conventional treatment methods. The present study proposes a sustainable solution using biochar (Bch) obtained from tomato waste, functionalized with Fe₃O₄ and MnO₂ nanoparticles, for the removal of paracetamol from aqueous solutions. The composite materials were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated under varying conditions, including pH, temperature, contact time, initial drug concentration, and adsorbent dose. The materials exhibited porous structures with wide pore size distributions. Optimal removal efficiency was achieved for 30 mg L⁻¹ paracetamol concentration, pH 2, 25 °C, 0.3 g L⁻¹ adsorbent dose, and 20 min contact time. The Freundlich isotherm provided the best fit for the adsorption data. Kinetic studies revealed that the pseudo-second-order model best described the adsorption process. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the process was spontaneous, feasible, and exothermic. Compared with similar materials derived from agricultural waste, the tomato waste-based composites demonstrated competitive adsorption capacities. These findings suggest that Bch-HCl/MnO₂ and Bch-HCl/Fe₃O₄/MnO₂ are promising, cost-effective adsorbents for mitigating pharmaceutical pollutants in wastewater. Full article

The continuous increase in global energy demand necessitates the development of sustainable, clean, and highly efficient methods of energy generation. Electrochemical water splitting, comprising hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), represents a promising strategy but remains hindered by sluggish reaction kinetics and limited availability of highly active electrocatalysts especially under alkaline conditions. Addressing this challenge, we successfully synthesized a rGO-VO₂/W₅O₁₄ (rG-VO₂/W₅O₁₄) hydrogel electrocatalyst through a facile hydrothermal approach. The prepared composite distinctly reveals an advantageous hierarchical microstructure characterized by VO₂ nanoflakes uniformly distributed on the surface of rGO nanosheets, intricately integrated with W₅O₁₄ nanorods. Evaluated in a 1.0 M KOH electrolyte, the optimized rG-VO₂/W₅O₁₄-2 catalyst demonstrates remarkable electrocatalytic performance towards OER, achieving a low overpotential of 265.8 mV and a reduced Tafel slope of 81.9 mV dec⁻¹. Furthermore, the catalyst maintains robust stability with minimal performance degradation, exhibiting an overpotential of only 273.0 mV after 5000 cyclic stability tests. The superior catalytic activity and durability are attributed to the synergistic combination of enriched chemical composition, effective electron transfer, and abundant catalytic active sites inherent in the well-optimized rG-VO₂/W₅O₁₄-2 composite. Full article

Given health concerns, oleogels are promising substitutes for saturated fats in food products. An emulsion-templated method was used, employing rapeseed oil and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the structuring agent, to produce oleogels. Oil-in-water emulsions (50:50 w/w) were prepared with three HPMC concentrations (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5% w/w) and dried convectively at 60, 70, 80, and 90 °C to obtain oleogels. The emulsions exhibited viscoelastic behaviour with a predominant viscous character, G″ > G′. Drying kinetics showed a constant rate period followed by a falling rate period; the latter was satisfactorily modelled using a diffusion-based approach. All oleogels displayed predominantly elastic behaviour but the characteristics depended on the temperature employed during the drying operation and the HPMC content. The mechanical moduli (G″ and G′) of the oleogels increased significantly with a drying temperature below 80 °C. Higher HPMC content enhanced structural development and thermal stability. Most oleogels exhibited high oil binding capacity (>85%), which increased with the drying temperature and the HPMC content. A correlation was established between the elastic moduli, oil retention, and the hardness of the oleogels. No significant influences of the drying temperature and the polymer concentration on lipid oxidation and colour samples were determined. These results highlight the importance of selecting appropriate drying conditions based on the desired final product properties. Full article

Co-combustion is regarded as an effective means for high-efficiency utilization of low-quality fuels. However, low-quality fuel has problems such as low energy density and high water content. The fuel quality and blending performance can be further optimized by the pretreatment of low-quality fuel, for example, calorific value, hydrophobicity, and NO conversion rate. Based on the idea of co-upgradation, this study systematically investigates the effects of integrated upgrading on fuel quality and hydrophobicity under different conditions. In this study, lignite and wheat straw were selected as research objects. The co-upgrading experiments of wheat straw and lignite were conducted at reaction temperatures of 170 °C, 220 °C, and 270 °C in flue gas and air atmospheres with biomass blending ratios of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and nitrogen (N₂) adsorption analyses showed that under low-temperature and low-oxygen conditions, organic components from biomass pyrolysis migrated in situ to cover the surface of lignite, resulting in a gradual smoothing of the fuel surface and a decrease in the specific surface area. Meanwhile, water reabsorption experiments and contact angle measurements showed that the equilibrium water holding capacity and water absorption capacity of the lifted fuels was weakened, and hydrophobicity was enhanced. Combustion kinetic parameters and pollutant release characteristics were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and isothermal combustion tests. It was found that co-upgradation could effectively reduce the reaction activation energy and NO conversion rate. Characterized by Raman spectroscopy (Raman) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), in situ migration of organic components affected combustion reactivity by modulating changes in N-containing product precursors. The results showed that the extracted fuel with a 75% biomass blending ratio in the flue gas atmosphere exhibited the best overall performance at 220 °C, with optimal calorific value, combustion reactivity, and hydrophobicity. These findings may provide important theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the optimization of industrial-scale upgrading processes of low-quality fuels. Full article

Hydrogen is emerging as a key energy vector for the transition toward renewable and sustainable energy sources. However, its safe and efficient storage remains a significant technical challenge in terms of cost, safety, and performance. In this study, we aimed to address the kinetic limitations of Mg by synthesizing catalyzed Mg@Ni systems using commercially available micrometric magnesium particles (~26 µm), which were decorated via electroless nickel plating under both aqueous and anhydrous conditions. Morphological and compositional characterization was carried out using SEM, EDS, and XRD. The resulting materials were evaluated through Temperature-Programmed Desorption (TPD), DSC, and isothermal hydrogen absorption/desorption kinetics. Reversibility over multiple absorption–desorption cycles was also investigated. The synthesized Mg@NiB system shows a reduction of 37 °C in the hydrogen release activation temperature at atmospheric pressure and a decrease of 167.3 °C under high vacuum conditions (4.5 × 10⁻⁷ MPa), in addition to a reversible hydrogen absorption/desorption capacity of 3.5 ± 0.09 wt.%. Additionally, the apparent activation energy for hydrogen desorption was lower (161.7 ± 21.7 kJ/mol) than that of hydrogenated commercial pure magnesium and was comparable to that of milling MgH₂ systems. This research is expected to contribute to the development of efficient and low-cost processing routes for large-scale Mg catalysis. Full article

Collagenases are enzymes with broad biotechnological applications in medicine. This study describes the production and characterization of a collagenase from Aspergillus serratalhadensis URM 7866, isolated from the Caatinga biome. Solid-state fermentations were conducted using wheat bran under varying conditions of pH (6, 7, 8), moisture content (50%, 60%, 70%), and substrate concentration (2.5 g, 5 g, 10 g). The optimal condition—10 g of wheat bran at pH 8 and 70% moisture—yielded the highest collagenolytic activity (177.96 U/mL) and a specific activity of 50.55 U/mg. The enzyme was purified via multiple chromatography, with pre-purification and final purification factors of 18.09 and 20.21, respectively, reaching a specific activity of 1021.86 U/mg. The enzyme showed optimal activity at 50 °C and pH 8, with stability from 20 to 40 °C and pH 7–9. PMSF caused >80% inhibition; EDTA caused ~34% inhibition. Activity increased with Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ and was inhibited by Zn²⁺. The enzyme retained full activity in anionic and non-ionic surfactants (1–10%). FTIR confirmed characteristic amide bands, and kinetic analysis revealed a Km of 1.72 mg/mL and Vmax of 6.89 mg/mL/min. These findings support its potential for alkaline and surfactant-rich industrial processes. Full article

This study reports the separation of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), a relevant compound in the biorefinery context, from aqueous solutions using activated carbons derived from avocado seed biomass. Two synthesis routes were explored via chemical and thermal activation with H₂SO₄ and KOH. A Taguchi experimental design was applied to tailor synthesis conditions, with MEK adsorption capacity as the target property. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were evaluated to determine the thermodynamic behavior of MEK separation using the best-performing activated carbons. The carbon activated with H₂SO₄ achieved the highest adsorption capacity (142 mg g⁻¹) at 20 °C and pH 4, surpassing KOH-based materials. This enhanced performance correlated to increased surface area and acidic oxygenated functionalities. However, higher pH and temperature reduced the adsorption efficiency for all adsorbents. Comprehensive characterization was performed using XRD, XRF, FTIR, SEM, N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms, pH at point of zero charge, and surface acidity/basicity analysis via Boehm titration. Thermodynamic data and surface characterization indicated that MEK adsorption occurs via a double-layer mechanism dominated by electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. The findings highlight an optimized approach for tailoring avocado-based activated carbons to efficiently recover MEK from aqueous media, supporting its potential application in downstream purification of fermentation broths for biofuel production and energy transition processes. Full article