Search Results (789)

Leather biodegradation is a complex microbial process with increasing relevance for sustainable waste management. In this study, we investigated bacterial communities responsible for the degradation of leather treated with different tanning agents (chrome, Zeolite, Biole^®) using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metatranscriptomic analysis. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Patescibacteria emerged as the dominant phyla, while genera such as Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Sphingopyxis were identified as key contributors to enzymatic activity and potential metal resistance. A total of 1302 enzymes were expressed across all the conditions, including 46 proteases, with endopeptidase La, endopeptidase Clp, and methionyl aminopeptidase being the most abundant. Collagen samples exhibited the highest functional diversity and total enzyme expression, whereas chrome-treated samples showed elevated protease activity, indicating selective pressure from heavy metals. Differential enzyme expression patterns were linked to both the microbial identity and tanning chemistry, revealing genus- and treatment-specific enzymatic signatures. These findings deepen our understanding of how tanning agents modulate the microbial structure and function and identify proteases with potential applications in the bioremediation and eco-innovation of leather waste processing. Full article

Lightweightness and durability are key consumer demands for footwear. To address the issues of deformation and poor durability in foamed sole materials, this study integrates natural fibers into the formulation of foamed rubber. The effects of natural fiber incorporation on density, mechanical properties, creep behavior, anti-slip performance, and aging resistance were comprehensively analyzed. Additionally, the study explored the mechanisms underlying the improved performance of the modified rubber materials. The results revealed that natural fiber integration significantly enhanced the structural stability, strength, and aging resistance of natural rubber (NR). Among the fibers compared, collagen fibers (CF) proved to be the most effective modifier for foamed NR. The density, tensile strength, tear strength, and coefficient of friction of CF-modified foamed NR (CF-NR) were found to be 0.72 g/cm³, 10.1 MPa, 48.0 N/mm, and 1.105, respectively, meeting the standard requirements for sole materials. Furthermore, CF-NR demonstrated a recoverable deformation of 4.58% and a negligible irreversible deformation of 0.10%, indicating a successful balance between comfort and durability. This performance enhancement can be attributed to the supportive role of CF in the pore structure, along with its inherent flexibility and recoverability. This work presents a novel approach for the development of high-quality, lightweight footwear in the sole material industry. Full article

Postoperative adhesions are a prevalent complication following abdominal surgeries, often leading to significant clinical challenges. This study introduces an innovative solution utilizing a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based triblock copolymer to form an injectable, self-healing hydrogel aimed at preventing these adhesions. The hydrogel, formulated with temperature-responsive and self-healing properties through the incorporation of poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) and anion–pi interactions, was synthesized using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The hydrogel’s physical properties, biocompatibility, hemostatic effect, and anti-adhesive capabilities were rigorously tested through in vitro and in vivo experiments involving rat models. It demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, effective tissue adhesion, and robust hemostatic properties. Most notably, it exhibited significant anti-adhesive effects in a rat abdominal wall–cecum model, reducing adhesion formation effectively compared to controls. The PEG-based injectable hydrogel presents a promising approach for postoperative adhesion prevention. Its ability to gel in situ triggered by body heat, coupled with its self-healing properties, provides a substantial advantage in clinical settings, indicating its potential utility as a novel anti-adhesion material. Full article

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a kind of common lactic acid bacteria, which plays an important role in the production of fermented foods. In general, the formation of biofilm is conducive to the adaptability of cells in the face of fierce competition and an increasingly harsh fermentation environment. In this work, optimum conditions for the formation of biofilm by L. plantarum were investigated, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis showed the morphology of biofilm cells and 3D architecture of biofilm under different conditions, respectively. In addition, cells in the biofilms showed higher cell viability under heat stress, acid stress, and oxidative stress compared with planktonic cells. RNA-seq technology and TMT-based proteomic technology were employed to reveal the differential expression of profiles between biofilm cells and planktonic cells. The shelter provided by biofilm and the differential expression of genes and proteins involved in PTS, the TCA cycle, alanine, and teichoic acid biosynthesis may be involved in the formation of biofilm cells. The results presented in this study will help to understand the formation of biofilms in L. plantarum and regulate the industrial performance of cells in the food industry. Full article

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the thermophysiological comfort of pineapple bio-based nonwoven material as a sustainable alternative to natural leather and synthetic polymer-coated materials by analyzing both the objective parameters of the material and subjective user feedback by wearing a skirt made from the same material. Considering the increasing demand for sustainable materials alternatives, the study aims to determine whether this material can offer acceptable comfort during wear. The research included two commercially available pineapple, bio-based, nonwoven materials that differed in their finishing. Sample S1 contained 5% Bio-PU and 5% conventional PU, and sample S2 contained 10% conventional PU. Objective parameters such as thermal resistance (R_ct), water vapor resistance (Ret) and air permeability were measured. For the subjective evaluation, ten female subjects wore the pineapple bio-based material skirts under controlled environmental conditions. Sample S1 showed lower R_ct values and slightly lower Ret combined with higher air permeability, which correlated with better subjective comfort evaluation. Although both samples showed high R_et values (S1 = 60.57 Pa²/W; S2 = 84.80 m²K/W) indicating limited vapor transfer, sample S1 was perceived as more comfortable, which was effected by better air permeability (S1 = 11.3 mm/s; S2 = 2.65 mm/s). Overall, S1 is more suitable for indoor use and for a shorter wear duration, while S2 may be better for cooler outdoor environments. Full article

In recent years, there has been growing consumer interest in foods and cosmetics containing ingredients of natural origin. During the production process, a by-product of pomace is generated, which is regarded as a dispensable product by the food industry. However, studies have clearly indicated that fruit and vegetable pomace is a valuable source of many nutrients, whose beneficial effects on human health and appearance may represent an added value in its secondary use. Incorporating pomace into cosmetic products enhances their aesthetic value and can enrich them with naturally occurring polyphenols, which is in line with the circular economy model. In the present study, we determined selected mechanical properties of lip balms containing different amounts of grape pomace, for example, the kinetic friction against artificial leather, hardness, penetration performance, maximum shear force, and sample penetration resistance. Moreover, the antiradical activity against DPPH and the total phenolic content were determined, and the colour parameters were analyzed. All tests were conducted on lip balm samples containing 1, 3, and 5% fruit pomace and a control sample. Analysis of the penetration performance showed no statistically significant differences between the individual samples. However, differences in the values of other physical properties were noted. Moreover, the antiradical activity against the synthetic radical DPPH and the total phenolic content increases the value of lip balms with increasing amounts of pomace added. The colour of the lip balms also darkens with increasing amounts of pomace added. The innovative use of grape pomace is in line with sustainable development, and its properties enhance the effects of lip balms. Full article

Surface texture displays are touch panels that provide tactile feedback. Presenting softness sensations on such rigid surfaces remains a challenge, and effective methods are not yet established. This study explores how low-frequency frictional modulation during finger sliding can evoke the perception of softness. We examined multimodal optimization—whether the optimal tactile parameters vary depending on the type of visually presented fabric. Videos of draping cloth were shown beneath the panel, while spatial wavelength of frictional modulation and finger sliding speed were optimized using response surface methodology. The optimal spatial wavelength did not significantly differ across fabric types: towel (16.8 mm), cotton (16.5 mm), leather (17.1 mm), and suede (15.4 mm), with an overall range of 15–18 mm. In contrast, the optimal sliding speed significantly varied by fabric: towel (144 mm/s), cotton (118 mm/s), leather (167 mm/s), and suede (96 mm/s). These results suggest that frictional variation with a fixed spatial wavelength may serve as a general strategy for presenting softness. The findings contribute to advancing tactile rendering techniques for hard touch surfaces. Full article

Lipases are important industrial enzymes with a wide range of applications across various sectors. Cold-active lipases are particularly well suited for industrial processes that operate at low temperatures (such as food processing and environmental remediation) due to their high catalytic efficiency and energy-saving benefits. In this study, a novel lipase—LipU (GenBank accession: PV094892)—was heterologously expressed from Bacillus cereus U2 and characterized for its low-temperature adaptability and alkaline resistance. LipU belongs to the lipase Subfamily I.5 and shares the highest amino acid sequence identity (53.32%) with known homologs. Enzymatic assays revealed that LipU exhibits optimal activity at 20 °C and pH 11. It retained 95% of its initial activity after 24 h of incubation at 4 °C and pH 11.0. Furthermore, the activity of LipU was enhanced by Ca²⁺, Na⁺, Tween 20, and Tween 80, whereas it was inhibited by Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). LipU demonstrated tolerance to various organic solvents of differing polarity; after 1 h of exposure to 15% (v/v) ethanol, n-butanol, isoamyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide, or glycerol, it retained over 78.6% of its activity. These properties make LipU a promising candidate for industrial applications, including for leather degreasing, alkaline wastewater treatment, and low-temperature biocatalysis. Full article

This paper addresses the growing concern surrounding microplastic pollution, particularly within the textile industry, and the associated potential health risks linked to the inhalation and ingestion of microplastic particles. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters, are increasingly found not only in aquatic environments, but also in soils, air, and food. Although research on the health impacts of microplastics is still emerging, early studies indicate that these particles could contribute to health issues, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. Notably, individuals with higher concentrations of plastics in arterial plaques are more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes. In the textile industry, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic release microplastics into the air during production. The paper discusses a study conducted in a textile company that processes polyester yarns, where airborne microplastic concentrations were measured at various locations throughout the day. Particle sizes ranging from 0.3 nm to 10 nm were analyzed, revealing the presence of polyester polymers in the particulate matter. These findings underscore the widespread nature of microplastic pollution, particularly in industrial settings, and raise concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to airborne microplastics. While further research is necessary to fully understand the extent of these health impacts, preliminary data suggest a troubling link between microplastic inhalation and cardiovascular conditions. Full article

The results of this study, which involved treating cotton fabrics with three fluorescent hyperbranched polymers modified with 1,8-naphthalamide (P1), acridine (P2), and dansyl (P3) groups, could have applications in the development of antimicrobial textiles with self-disinfecting ability. The polymers, dissolved in DMF/water solution, were deposited on the cotton fabric using the exhaustion method. The fabrics were thoroughly analyzed by reflection spectra, CIEL*a*b* coordinates, and color difference (∆E). The release of the polymers from the cotton surface was studied in a phosphate buffer with pH = 7.4 and an acetate buffer with pH = 4.5 at 37 °C for 10 h. It is shown that at pH = 7.4, the release of the three polymers occurs slowly (about 4–5%). In contrast, in an acidic medium, due to protonation of the tertiary amino group of 1,8-naphthalimide, P1 passes significantly more readily into the aqueous solution (35%). The possibility of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation by the polymers and the cotton fabrics treated with them under sunlight irradiation was followed using an iodometric method. The microbiological activity was investigated against Gram-positive Bacillus cereus and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa as model bacterial strains in the dark and after irradiation with sunlight. The antimicrobial activity of the polymers increased after light irradiation, as ¹O₂ attacks and destroys the bacterial cell membrane. Scanning electron microscopy showed that a stable bacterial biofilm had formed on the untreated cotton surface, but treatment with hyperbranched polymers prevented its formation. However, many bacteria were still observed on the fiber surface when the microbial test was performed in the dark, whereas only a few single bacteria were noticed after the illumination. A virucidal effect against respiratory viruses HRSV-2 and AAdV-5 was observed only after irradiation with sunlight. Full article

The textile industry requires products with a wide range of characteristics for use in diverse applications such as the production of shoes, bags, jackets, thermal clothing and articles for the automotive industry, among others. These products have traditionally been made from leather, which is obtained from animal hides. However, leather production has come under enormous pressure due to sustainability concerns in various areas and the growing number of people who actively choose to avoid all animal products. The main solutions developed by the textile industry have been to apply synthetic coatings based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PUR) to textile substrates. One of the ways to reduce the environmental impact and non-renewable content of artificial leather is to replace parts of the synthetic component with lignocellulosic by-products. In the present work the feasibility of using small branches and leaves of Eucalyptus globulus (BLE) as a component of an aqueous PUR formulation for coating textile products was evaluated. In addition, the possibility of obtaining functional textile products with antioxidant properties based on the BLE particles incorporation was also evaluated. The effect of the BLE particle size distribution in the PUR formulation and on the properties of the coated textile products was evaluated. The BLE particles and their size influenced the colour, appearance, hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of the coated textiles. The (BLE) particles have improved the tensile strength of textile coating products without loss of elongation, improving their properties for specific applications. Furthermore, the textiles coated with the (BLE) particles showed interesting antioxidant properties, being possible to obtain coated fabrics with five times more DPPH radical scavenging activity than the reference coated fabric without (BLE) particles. Full article

This paper examines the issue of Buddhist monastics’ use of leather by analyzing the cases of leather (camma) in the Pāli vinaya. Leather is a household item that can conflict with the core Buddhist values of non-killing (ahiṃsā) and compassion (karuṇā), because it is obtained through the killing of animals. Therefore, the issue of leather use by monastics should be carefully investigated. According to the Pāli vinaya, the use of leather is sometimes permitted and sometimes prohibited, but the criteria for making this judgment are not clear. In the commentaries on the Pāli vinaya, “use” (paribhoga) is permitted, but “carrying around” (pariharaṇa) is prohibited. However, when looking at the leather-related cases in the Pāli vinaya, there are cases where monastics are reluctant to use leather itself, so there are still some parts that cannot be fully explained in the commentaries. Focusing on the rules regarding the use of leather in the Pāli vinaya, this paper examines the primary factors that have become the criteria for permitting or prohibiting the use of leather by monastics. Through this, the paper aims to reveal that the rules on the use of leather are more deeply connected to the perceptions of secular society than to the core Buddhist values of non-killing and compassion. Full article

This study aimed to develop innovative fruit leather with programmed health-promoting properties, enriched with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) from chicory and Jerusalem artichoke. Their physicochemical properties were assessed, including the profile of polyphenolic compounds, pro-health effects, and sensory characteristics. The products contained various fruits (including pear, red currant, peach, and haskap berry) and 10% FOS powders. It was shown that the addition of FOS reduced acidity and total sugar content while increasing fiber content—especially fructans—and selected minerals (K, Mg, Zn). The addition of FOS also modulated the profile of polyphenolic compounds, whereas fruit leather without FOS was characterized by a higher concentration of these compounds. It was shown that the addition of chicory significantly modulates the ability to inhibit α-glucosidase. At the same time, in the case of the Jerusalem artichoke, the inhibition efficiency depends on the type of fruit matrix. Sensory-wise, the highest scores were given to recipes without FOS additives, with Jerusalem artichoke being better accepted than chicory. The results indicate the potential of using FOS as a functional additive, but their effects on taste and texture require further optimization. Full article

Thermochromic materials have attracted interest in textile applications, particularly in printing and dyeing processes. However, their thermochromic properties and impact on fabric comfort remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the thermochromic properties of printed fabrics with green-to-brown transitions and evaluates their comfort attributes. In the present study, a thermochromic dye paste was applied to nylon/cotton medium-weight fabric via screen printing process. The brown pigment paste was applied first, followed by the thermochromic olive green dye. The printed fabrics were tested for thermochromism, morphology, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and comfort properties. Comfort properties were assessed via air permeability, water vapour permeability, and moisture management tests. The results show reversible colour changes from green (25 °C) to brown (40 °C), with increasing lightness (L*) and shifting green–red coordinates (−a*). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed uniform dye dispersion, and the FTIR validated the presence of thermochromic pigments. The printed fabrics showed a reduction in air permeability from 40.2 mm/s to 0 mm/s, while water vapour permeability decreased by 62.50% compared to the pristine fabric due to the coating layers. The overall moisture management properties of the printed fabric remained similar to those of the unprinted fabric, with a grade of 1. These findings highlight the potential of thermochromic textiles for adaptive camouflage, particularly in military uniforms, contributing to the advancement of intelligent textiles with enhanced thermal responsiveness. Full article

Classical and modern methods are used to release curcumin by degrading the polysaccharides found in the turmeric powder matrix. Classical methods use chemicals as acids (HCl, H₂SO₄, CH₃COOH), oxidants (H₂O₂, kojic acid), and enzymes (amylase type) that can degrade amylose and amylopectin from starch. The modern applied methods consist of the degradation of the polysaccharides in the turmeric powder during eco-friendly processes assisted by ultrasound or microwaves. The extraction medium can consist of only water, water with a solvent, and/or an oxidizing agent. The presence of curcumin in turmeric powder is confirmed by FTIR analysis. The UV–VIS analysis of the extracts allows the determination of the efficiency of modern extraction processes. The release of curcumin from turmeric is highlighted quantitatively by colorimetric measurements for the obtained extracts, using a portable DataColor spectrophotometer. The comparison of the results leads to the conclusion that microwave-assisted extractions are the most effective. These extracts are able to dye many types of textile fibers: wool, cotton, hemp, silk, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide, polyester, and cellulose acetate. CIELab and color strength (K/S) measurements indicate that the most intense yellow colors are obtained on polyacrylonitrile (b* = 86.32, K/S = 15.14) and on cellulose acetate (b* = 90.40, K/S = 14.17). Full article