Search Results (514)

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) has emerged as a transformative, off-grid technology that confines heat at the air–liquid interface, enabling high-efficiency vapor generation for decentralized water purification. Here, we present a comprehensive and critical review of the field, tracing its evolution from fundamental photothermal principles to integrated multifunctional systems. We first elucidate the thermodynamics of interfacial heat localization and the resultant enhancement in evaporation efficiency. We then systematically analyze material innovation strategies—including broadband-absorbing photothermal agents and tailored evaporator architectures—designed to overcome persistent challenges such as salt crystallization, fouling, and thermal losses. Moving beyond freshwater production, we highlight emerging pathways for extending SIE platforms toward water–energy cogeneration, selective resource recovery, and zero-liquid-discharge wastewater treatment. We further identify and objectively assess the key bottlenecks that currently hinder the transition from laboratory-scale prototypes to real-world deployment, with a focus on long-term material robustness under harsh environments, adaptability to fluctuating water chemistries, and techno-economic viability. Finally, we outline forward-looking research directions, including stimulus-responsive smart evaporators, elucidation of multi-field coupling mechanisms, and the establishment of standardized performance evaluation protocols. This review aims to provide both a tutorial for newcomers and a critical assessment for experienced researchers, offering a balanced perspective on the current state-of-the-art and a roadmap for translating SIE from academic research into sustainable, impactful technologies. Full article

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder caused by dysfunction of the CFTR chloride ion channel. Progress in molecular understanding and therapy development relies on advanced cellular models and robust assays for evaluating CFTR function. This review traces the evolution of in vitro models, from primary and immortalized cell lines to patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and complex three-dimensional systems. These advanced models, including air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures, organoids, and microfluidic organ-on-a-chip platforms, enable recapitulation of tissue architecture, cellular heterogeneity, and key pathological features such as impaired mucociliary clearance and chronic inflammation. A critical component of CF research is the accurate functional assessment of CFTR activity. We compare established high-resolution techniques (patch-clamp, Ussing chamber) with high-throughput screening assays, including fluorescence quenching of halide-sensitive YFP assay and organoid swelling tests. The article provides a framework for choosing the most appropriate CFTR functional assay tailored to specific research goals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is associated with epithelial remodeling, impaired mucociliary clearance, and altered nitric oxide (NO) metabolism. However, cell type-specific mechanisms underlying epithelial NO signaling remain poorly understood. This study investigated NO-related signaling in differentiated human sinonasal epithelial cells. Methods: Human sinonasal tissues were obtained from patients with CRSwNP (n = 20) and control subjects (n = 20). Air–liquid interface (ALI) cultures were established from donor-derived epithelial cells. Ciliated and non-ciliated cells were identified by immunostaining for acetylated α-tubulin and BCAM. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. Intracellular NO-related fluorescence signals were evaluated using DAF-FM fluorescence imaging. Results: CRSwNP tissues exhibited significantly increased iNOS expression and elevated iNOS/eNOS ratios, whereas eNOS expression did not differ significantly from that in controls. ALI cultures reproduced differentiated sinonasal epithelium containing both ciliated and non-ciliated cell populations. DAF-FM fluorescence signals were significantly higher in ciliated cells than in non-ciliated cells (80.3 ± 25.3 vs. 49.3 ± 21.1). Non-selective NOS inhibition markedly reduced fluorescence signals in both cell types, whereas selective iNOS inhibition reduced but did not abolish signals in ciliated cells. Conclusions: NO-related signaling appears to differ among epithelial cell subtypes. Persistence of fluorescence signals after selective iNOS inhibition suggests a contribution of constitutive NOS activity in ciliated cells, whereas non-ciliated cells appear to rely more heavily on iNOS-dependent pathways. These findings support the hypothesis that altered epithelial NO signaling contributes to epithelial dysfunction and impaired mucociliary homeostasis in CRSwNP. Full article

This review explicitly focuses on agricultural attachments and executing components that interact directly with soil and crops, rather than the tractor vehicle itself. Operating within complex and variable farmland media environments, the key components of agricultural machinery have long been constrained by bottlenecks such as high-energy draught resistance, severe solid–liquid interfacial adhesion, and intense abrasive wear. Bionic functional surfaces, based on the coupling of micro-geometric morphology and surface-interface physical chemistry, provide a scientific approach to overcoming traditional tribological limitations by reconstructing the contact mechanics and fluid dynamics boundaries at the interface. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the latest research progress regarding bionic functional surfaces in the fields of friction reduction, wear resistance, and anti-adhesion in agricultural machinery. The article systematically categorises typical biological prototypes, such as soil-burrowing animals, aquatic organisms, and plant leaves, alongside their multidimensional feature extraction methods. It provides an in-depth analysis of core interaction mechanisms, ranging from static air cushion effects and dynamic wetting evolution to active electro-osmotic soil detachment, interfacial stress redistribution, and microscopic wear debris capture. Furthermore, it evaluates the efficacy of cross-scale coupled numerical simulation technologies in resolving interfacial interactions. At the engineering application level, this review extensively discusses the field performance of bionic structures in typical operational scenarios, including draught reduction in tillage and land preparation, blockage prevention in seed-metering channels, and low-damage harvesting in agricultural machinery. Finally, countermeasures are proposed to address the fatigue degradation of bionic surfaces under alternating field loads and the barriers to the large-scale fabrication of large-sized components. The paper further highlights the development trend towards the deep integration of bionic tribology with digital twins and intelligent wear-state perception technologies, aiming to provide systematic underlying theoretical and technical references for the research and development of the next generation of intelligent agricultural equipment characterised by low energy consumption and a prolonged service life. Full article

Local pulmonary delivery offers a non-invasive application route for mRNA therapeutics with the potential for high bioavailability at the target-site of applications such as mucosal vaccination or the treatment of lung diseases. However, efficient delivery remains challenging due to major lung-specific barriers, particularly mucus. Herein, pH-responsive, amphiphilic xenopeptides comprising lipoamino fatty acids and oligoamino acids (OAAs) connected in distinct branched U-shape or bundle topologies were evaluated as mRNA polyplexes for delivery to A549 and Calu-3 lung cells under standard submerged or air–liquid interface (ALI) transfection conditions, and upon intratracheal application in BALB/c mice. Optionally, polyplexes were coated with negatively charged hyaluronic acid (HA) or colloidally stabilized with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). For U-shapes, hydrophobic modification of the OAA domain boosted their efficiency. Interestingly, best-performing formulations varied across transfection conditions. While the bundle topology showed the highest potential in submerged cell culture, U-shaped carriers were more efficient under ALI conditions. Polyplex surface modification with HA or PEG did not strongly alter in vitro transfections, whereas hydrophobized U-shape core polyplexes combined with surface modification enhanced their efficiency in vivo. Thus, the cationizable core and surface properties of mRNA nanoparticles require specific balancing in various lung cell models and lung. Full article

Air–liquid interface (ALI) cultures recapitulate key features of the airway epithelium by driving basal cell differentiation into ciliated, club, and goblet cells and by generating a functional mucus barrier, thereby representing a highly relevant model of the human respiratory tract. Using a reduced factorial Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology, we simultaneously investigated the effects of seven variables on human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) replication in air–liquid interface (ALI)-cultured primary human bronchial epithelial cells (pHBECs) to identify robust conditions that support infection and viral replication. Epithelial differentiation was monitored by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance and determining expression levels of marker genes for basal, goblet, club, and ciliated cells using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). HCoV-OC43 replication was monitored by quantifying genomic and subgenomic RNA by RT-qPCR. Viral RNA peaked three days post-infection in cell lysates and four days post-infection in apical washes. Initiation of ALI conditions induced epithelial differentiation, which was complete after 21 days and emerged as the strongest determinant of viral replication. Differentiated pHBEC cultures showed significantly reduced viral RNA compared with undifferentiated cultures, particularly following apical infection. In contrast, basal infection resulted in lower viral RNA levels in undifferentiated cultures than apical infection but was less dependent on epithelial differentiation. However, productive infection following basal exposure was less consistent and more strongly dependent on viral inoculum size. We further demonstrate that repeated mucus washes prior to infection increased HCoV-OC43 replication in mature cultures. In summary, our findings show that epithelial differentiation negatively affects HCoV-OC43 replication and we identify conditions that maximize viral replication in fully differentiated pHBEC cultures. Full article

Tumor heterogeneity and microenvironmental complexity remain fundamental barriers to genomics-centered precision oncology, frequently causing discordance between molecular alterations and real-world therapeutic responses. Here, we reviewed patient-derived organoid (PDO) technologies as functional platforms that complement molecular profiling by directly investigating patient-specific sensitivity, resistance, and microenvironment dependent vulnerability. We first summarize why conventional preclinical systems, two-dimensional cell lines and patient-derived xenografts, are limited by reduced biological fidelity, impractical turnaround time, and scalability for clinical decision support. We then synthesized organoid-based evidence across three representative disease malignancies with distinct precision-medicine bottlenecks. Across these settings, we highlight advances that extend the PDO capability beyond the tumor epithelium alone, including air–liquid interface cultures, immune and stromal co-cultures, and microfluidic organoid-on-chip systems, as well as integration with multi-omics and artificial intelligence for scalable analytics. Finally, we discuss the key translational requirements, standardization of culture matrices and assay readouts, quality control, automation to reduce turnaround time, and regulatory/ethical frameworks, required to transition organoid-guided testing from proof-of-concept to routine implementation. Collectively, this review reframes organoids as functional stratification platforms supporting the integration of functional response profiling alongside genomics-guided precision oncology approaches. Full article

Background/Objectives: The airway epithelium plays a central role in host defense, inflammatory signaling, and disease progression across infectious, inflammatory, and genetic respiratory disorders. Human nasal epithelial organoids have emerged as accessible and patient-specific in vitro platforms with increasing translational relevance. This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate the current evidence on nasal epithelial organoid models, focusing on donor characteristics, culture methodologies, differentiation strategies, and translational applications. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library was conducted for studies published between 1990 and April 2026. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and was structured according to the PICOTS framework. Eligible studies included in vitro experimental investigations using human-derived nasal epithelial organoids in infectious, inflammatory, or precision medicine contexts. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIN tool. Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Applications clustered into three principal domains: infectious disease modeling, inflammatory and epithelial remodeling research, and cystic fibrosis precision medicine. Most studies employed expandable three-dimensional Matrigel-embedded organoids or organoid-derived air–liquid interface systems. Infection-focused studies demonstrated variant-specific viral replication dynamics and epithelial immune responses, while inflammatory models reproduced disease-associated differentiation and remodeling phenotypes. Cystic fibrosis oriented studies showed that organoid swelling and electrophysiological assays correlate with CFTR functional rescue and, in selected cases, clinical response. Methodological heterogeneity across protocols and outcome reporting precluded quantitative synthesis. Conclusions: Human nasal epithelial organoids represent versatile translational platforms bridging accessible patient-derived tissue and advanced airway disease modeling. Although variability in culture protocols and functional benchmarks limits standardization, these models hold significant promise for mechanistic investigation, therapeutic stratification, and precision medicine applications. Full article

Introduction: Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) is a rare and severe chronic lung disease. Our goal was to characterize respiratory epithelium in children with PIBO, which remains unexplored, using an ex vivo model culture. Methods: Proximal bronchial biopsies from children with PIBO and reconstituted bronchial epithelium from PIBO patients (n = 3) and controls (n = 17) were analyzed using an air–liquid interface culture model. Epithelial cell composition, barrier integrity, and mediator production, including mucins, inflammatory and antiviral responses, were assessed in this pathological and functional approach. Results: Epithelial thickness was assessed in PIBO biopsies. Ex vivo reconstituted PIBO epithelia appeared to exhibit comparable cohesion and cell composition to controls. Mucin expression and secretion were likewise similar between groups. PIBO epithelial might have displayed reduced IL-33 transcript levels and decreased TSLP secretion, whereas IFN-λ1, IFN-λ2-3 and IFN-β secretion could have been elevated. No differences were detected in remodeling markers (MMP-9 and YKL-40). Conclusions: In summary, ex vivo model of PIBO epithelia suggested that the epithelium may preserve structural characteristics and mucin production, without evidence of remodeling. However, PIBO epithelial cells may have a distinct immune profile, with lower alarmin expression and higher interferon secretion. This could indicate a tendency toward enhanced antiviral response rather than structural changes. These preliminary results need to be confirmed in larger cohorts. Full article

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains the most aggressive and therapeutically intractable primary brain tumor, with many patients experiencing rapid relapse despite maximal surgical resection followed by standard chemoradiation. This persistent failure reflects the convergence of profound tumor-intrinsic genetic heterogeneity and a highly dynamic, spatially structured, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Together, these forces create strong selective pressures that fuel tumor evolution, intratumoral diversity, phenotype plasticity, diffuse invasion, and robust resistance to therapy. The TME of GBM is orchestrated through a complex interplay between diverse cellular constituents, including tumor-associated macrophages, reactive astrocytes, endothelial cells, pericytes, and GBM stem cells, and non-cellular components such as extracellular matrix remodeling, hypoxia, metabolic and nutrient gradients, and spatially patterned cytokine and chemokine signaling networks. Additionally, heterogeneity in blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–tumor barrier (BTB) complicates drug delivery and immune surveillance, reinforcing therapeutic resistance and regional tumor adaptation. Conventional two-dimensional cell cultures and animal models fail to sufficiently capture these multiscale, patient-specific interactions, limiting their translational predictive power. In this narrative review, we synthesize recent advances in GBM organoid technologies as physiologically relevant, three-dimensional platforms that more faithfully recapitulate TME for driving tumor evolution and treatment resistance. We compare complementary organoid strategies, including patient-derived GBM organoids that preserve native cytoarchitecture, cerebral organoid co-culture systems that reconstruct tumor–brain interactions, and advanced platforms incorporating immune and vascular features such as air–liquid interface cultures, microglia-enriched systems, and BBB/BTB-integrated models. Finally, we highlight emerging innovations such as spatial transcriptomics, organoid-on-a-chip systems, live imaging coupled with lineage tracing, genome engineering, and artificial intelligence integration that collectively position GBM organoids at the forefront of precision neuro-oncology, reproducing TME, enabling dynamic mapping of tumor evolution, and accelerating patient-specific therapeutic discovery. Full article

Background and Objectives: Dysfunction of the airway epithelial barrier is increasingly recognized as an early pathogenic mechanism in allergic respiratory diseases. Although individual aeroallergens such as ragweed (RW) pollen and house dust mite (HDM) are known to impair epithelial integrity, the effects of combined exposure, more reflective of real-world conditions, remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of single versus combined allergen exposure on airway epithelial barrier function using a multimodal experimental approach. Materials and Methods: Differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were exposed to RW (100 µg/mL), HDM (100 µg/mL), or a combined extract (RW + HDM; total 100 µg/mL). Barrier function under air–liquid interface conditions was assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), while real-time cellular responses were evaluated using xCELLigence impedance monitoring. Structural alterations were examined by occludin-based immunofluorescence imaging, and transcriptional changes associated with epithelial stress and inflammation were analyzed by RT-qPCR. Results: Allergen exposure induced time- and concentration-dependent impairment of epithelial barrier function. Combined exposure resulted in the most pronounced and sustained reduction in TEER and impedance measurements. These functional changes were accompanied by disruption of tight junction organization and coordinated transcriptional modulation of genes involved in inflammatory and stress responses. Conclusions: Combined exposure to RW and HDM extracts induced more severe and persistent epithelial barrier dysfunction than individual allergens. These findings support the role of the airway epithelium as a central regulator of allergic airway disease and highlight barrier disruption as an early pathogenic event. The multimodal framework applied in this study provides an integrated platform for investigating epithelial responses to complex environmental exposures. Full article

Bubble bursting at liquid surfaces was investigated experimentally using high-speed imaging at 25,000 fps and micro-particle image velocimetry (µ-PIV) at up to 4000 flow fields per second. Three fluids with distinct rheological properties were studied: a viscous Newtonian fluid (Emkarox, η₀ = 0.072 Pa·s) and two non-Newtonian fluids (highly viscous Carboxymethyl Cellulose, HV CMC, η₀ = 0.53 Pa·s, and viscoelastic Polyacrylamide, PAAm, η₀ = 57.17 Pa·s). Bubble radii ranged from 1.2 to 4.0 mm, with corresponding lifetimes spanning from O(10⁻²) to O(10¹) s depending on fluid properties. The relationship between bubble size and lifetime at the air–liquid interface was quantified for the non-Newtonian fluids, using the Newtonian fluid as a reference. µ-PIV measurements further captured the rapid dynamics of bubble bursting beneath the interface in the liquids. These findings provide new insight into the complex interfacial mechanisms governing bubble rupture and fluid motion. Full article

For testing ocular irritation, 3D corneal models mimicking the corneal epithelium are considered reliable eye irritation tests and are detailed in regulatory guideline OECD Test Guideline (TG) 492. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a Reconstructed human Cornea-like Epithelium (RhCE) in vitro irritation test method for ophthalmic medical devices according to OECD TG 492. Immortalized Human Primary Corneal Epithelium Cells (IM-HCEpiCs) were cultured on microporous inserts and exposed to an Air–Liquid Interface (ALI). Morphology was examined using standard (immuno-) histological techniques. Viability was quantified with MTT assay. Barrier integrity and function were monitored by trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and determination of IC₅₀ using MTT assay. Reproducibility was evaluated by calculating the inter-batch coefficient of variation (CV %) of the absorbance values of negative control-treated RhCE model replicates by MTT assay. Technical proficiency was verified using reference chemicals. Irritancy of ophthalmic medical devices was assessed. IM-HCEpiCs developed an epithelium-like barrier under the ALI. TEER increased after ALI introduction, and the obtained IC₅₀ value showed concordance with the guideline’s reference ranges. The developed RhCE test method demonstrated technical proficiency and correctly identified medical devices as non-irritants. A novel RhCE model was developed and validated according to OECD TG 492. Full article

Future aircraft propulsion concepts (e.g., water-enhanced engines and fuel cells) will depend on efficient water recovery to enhance cycle efficiency and environmental performance. Operating conditions commonly involve droplet (mist) transport in turbulent air and wall-bounded films formed by droplet–wall interactions. This work develops an Eulerian–Lagrangian model within the RANS/URANS framework that accounts for air–droplet–wall phenomena—interfacial shear, impingement, and film advection. A dynamic contact-angle model, implemented and calibrated from static contact angle measurements performed in this study, represents wall wetting at the liquid–solid interface. The model is validated against experiments using two design metrics: pressure loss across the unit and recovered water mass fraction. At a low Mach number ($Ma=0.1$), saturated and dry air produce nearly identical pressure losses in the circular test section, whereas the separation lip geometry exerts a strong influence via local acceleration and separation. The simulations reproduce measured pressure drops and water mass recovery with close agreement. Full article

Pulmonary diseases such as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and acute respiratory infections remain a major global health challenge due to their complex pathophysiology and limited therapeutic options. Conventional 2D cultures and animal models have provided foundational insights; however, they often fail to accurately replicate the human lung’s intricate architecture, immune interactions, and patient-specific variability. Recent advances in vitro technologies have transformed pulmonary research, enabling the generation of physiologically relevant and translational disease models. The review highlights the progression of lung research platforms from traditional monolayer cultures to advanced systems such as air–liquid interface models and 3D lung organoids. These cutting-edge models more effectively mimic the biochemical, mechanical, and spatial microenvironment of the respiratory system, enhancing the fidelity of disease modelling and drug screening. In parallel, the integration of computational modelling and artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful synergistic approach. AI-driven analytics facilitate high-throughput imaging, biomarker discovery, and patient-stratified therapeutic prediction, while computational tools simulate disease networks, mechanobiological interactions, and pharmacological responses. The convergence of these technologies supports a deeper understanding of pulmonary disease progression and accelerates the development of precision therapeutics. Collectively, this review underscores the transformative potential of combining in vitro lung models with advanced computational and AI methodologies. This synergy not only improves translational relevance and reduces reliance on animal testing but also paves the way for personalised interventions that better address the complexity of human pulmonary disease. Full article