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Search Results (2,635)

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Keywords = membrane distribution

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15 pages, 3765 KiB  
Article
PSMA-Targeted Radiolabeled Peptide for Imaging and Therapy in Prostate Cancer: Preclinical Evaluation of Biodistribution and Therapeutic Efficacy
by Ming-Wei Chen, Yuan-Ruei Huang, Wei-Lin Lo, Shih-Ying Lee, Sheng-Nan Lo, Shih-Ming Wang and Kang-Wei Chang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7580; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157580 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Albumin-binding agents enhance tumor uptake of radiopharmaceuticals targeting prostate-specific membrane antigens (PSMAs) in radiotherapy. We synthesized PSMA-NARI-56, a molecule with both PSMA targeting activity and albumin-binding moiety, labeled with 177Lu as the therapeutic agent. The aim of this study was to determine [...] Read more.
Albumin-binding agents enhance tumor uptake of radiopharmaceuticals targeting prostate-specific membrane antigens (PSMAs) in radiotherapy. We synthesized PSMA-NARI-56, a molecule with both PSMA targeting activity and albumin-binding moiety, labeled with 177Lu as the therapeutic agent. The aim of this study was to determine the specific binding of 177Lu-PSMA-NARI-56 towards PSMA, assess its biodistribution, and evaluate therapeutic effectiveness by tumor-bearing mice. The effect of 177Lu-PSMA-NARI-56 viability of PSMA-positive cell (LNCaP) was evaluated. Biodistribution and endoradiotherapy studies were utilized to determine the distribution, targeting, and anti-tumor efficacy by tumor-bearing mice identified by 111In-PSMA-NARI-56. 177Lu-PSMA-NARI-56 exhibited a significant impact on the viability of the LNCaP cell. Biodistribution results revealed the maximum tumor uptake of 177Lu-PSMA-NARI-56 occurring within 24 h, reaching 40.56 ± 10.01%ID/g. In radionuclide therapy, at 58 days post-injection (p.i.), 177Lu-PSMA-NARI-56 demonstrated superior tumor inhibition (98%) compared to 177Lu-PSMA-617 (58%), and the mouse survival rate after 90 days of radiotherapy (90%) was also higher than that of 177Lu-PSMA-617 (30%) in LNCaP tumor-bearing mice. In the PSMA-positive animal model, 177Lu-PSMA-NARI-56 shows higher potential radiotheranostic and prolonged accumulation (identify by 111In-PSMA-NARI-56/nanoSPECT/CT image), offering the potential for improved treatment effectiveness and increased survival rates when compared to 177Lu-PSMA-617. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
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21 pages, 1209 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Membrane-Based Acoustic Metamaterials Using Cork and Honeycomb Structures: Experimental and Numerical Characterization
by Giuseppe Ciaburro and Virginia Puyana-Romero
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2763; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152763 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
This work presents the experimental and numerical investigation of a novel acoustic metamaterial based on sustainable and biodegradable components: cork membranes and honeycomb cores made from treated aramid paper. The design exploits the principle of localized resonance induced by tensioned membranes coupled with [...] Read more.
This work presents the experimental and numerical investigation of a novel acoustic metamaterial based on sustainable and biodegradable components: cork membranes and honeycomb cores made from treated aramid paper. The design exploits the principle of localized resonance induced by tensioned membranes coupled with subwavelength cavities, aiming to achieve high sound absorption at low (250–500 Hz) and mid frequencies (500–1400 Hz) with minimal thickness and environmental impact. Three configurations were analyzed, varying the number of membranes (one, two, and three) while keeping a constant core structure composed of three stacked honeycomb layers. Acoustic performance was measured using an impedance tube (Kundt’s tube), focusing on the normal-incidence sound absorption coefficient in the frequency range of 250–1400 Hz. The results demonstrate that increasing the number of membranes introduces multiple resonances and broadens the effective absorption bandwidth. Numerical simulations were performed to predict pressure field distributions. The numerical model showed good agreement with the experimental data, validating the underlying physical model of coupled mass–spring resonators. The proposed metamaterial offers a low-cost, modular, and fully recyclable solution for indoor sound control, combining acoustic performance and environmental sustainability. These findings offer promising perspectives for the application of bio-based metamaterials in architecture and eco-design. Further developments will address durability, high-frequency absorption, and integration in hybrid soundproofing systems. Full article
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27 pages, 5832 KiB  
Article
Electrospinning Technology to Influence Hep-G2 Cell Growth on PVDF Fiber Mats as Medical Scaffolds: A New Perspective of Advanced Biomaterial
by Héctor Herrera Hernández, Carlos O. González Morán, Gemima Lara Hernández, Ilse Z. Ramírez-León, Citlalli J. Trujillo Romero, Juan A. Alcántara Cárdenas and Jose de Jesus Agustin Flores Cuautle
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(8), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9080401 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 180
Abstract
This research focuses on designing polymer membranes as biocompatible materials using home-built electrospinning equipment, offering alternative solutions for tissue regeneration applications. This technological development supports cell growth on biomaterial substrates, including hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-G2) cells. This work researches the compatibility of polymer membranes [...] Read more.
This research focuses on designing polymer membranes as biocompatible materials using home-built electrospinning equipment, offering alternative solutions for tissue regeneration applications. This technological development supports cell growth on biomaterial substrates, including hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-G2) cells. This work researches the compatibility of polymer membranes (fiber mats) made of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) for possible use in cellular engineering. A standard culture medium was employed to support the proliferation of Hep-G2 cells under controlled conditions (37 °C, 4.8% CO2, and 100% relative humidity). Subsequently, after the incubation period, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) assays were conducted in a physiological environment to characterize the electrical cellular response, providing insights into the biocompatibility of the material. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to evaluate cell adhesion, morphology, and growth on the PVDF polymer membranes. The results suggest that PVDF polymer membranes can be successfully produced through electrospinning technology, resulting in the formation of a dipole structure, including the possible presence of a polar β-phase, contributing to piezoelectric activity. EIS measurements, based on Rct and Cdl values, are indicators of ion charge transfer and strong electrical interactions at the membrane interface. These findings suggest a favorable environment for cell proliferation, thereby enhancing cellular interactions at the fiber interface within the electrolyte. SEM observations displayed a consistent distribution of fibers with a distinctive spherical agglomeration on the entire PVDF surface. Finally, integrating piezoelectric properties into cell culture systems provides new opportunities for investigating the influence of electrical interactions on cellular behavior through electrochemical techniques. Based on the experimental results, this electrospun polymer demonstrates great potential as a promising candidate for next-generation biomaterials, with a probable application in tissue regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Biocomposites, 3rd Edition)
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20 pages, 3578 KiB  
Article
Performance Improvement of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell by a New Coupling Channel in Bipolar Plate
by Qingsong Song, Shuochen Yang, Hongtao Li, Yunguang Ji, Dajun Cai, Guangyu Wang and Yuan Liufu
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4068; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154068 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 124
Abstract
The geometric design of flow channels in bipolar plates is one of the critical features of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), as it determines the power output of the fuel cell and has a significant impact on its performance and durability. The [...] Read more.
The geometric design of flow channels in bipolar plates is one of the critical features of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), as it determines the power output of the fuel cell and has a significant impact on its performance and durability. The function of the bipolar plate is to guide the transfer of reactant gases to the gas diffusion layer and catalytic layer inside the PEMFC, while removing unreacted gases and gas–liquid byproducts. Therefore, the design of the bipolar plate flow channel is directly related to the water and thermal management of the PEMFC. In order to improve the comprehensive performance of PEMFCs and ensure their safe and stable operation, it is necessary to design the flow channels in bipolar plates rationally and effectively. This study addresses the limitations of existing bipolar plate flow channels by proposing a new coupling of serpentine and radial channels. The distribution of oxygen, water concentrations, and temperature inside the channel is simulated using the multi-physics simulation software COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0. The performance of this novel design is compared with conventional flow channels, with a particular focus on the pressure drop and current density to evaluate changes in the output performance of the PEMFC. The results show that the maximum current density of this novel design is increased by 67.36% and 10.43% compared to straight channel and single serpentine channels, respectively. The main contribution of this research is the innovative design of a new coupling of serpentine and radial channels in bipolar plates, which improves the overall performance of the PEMFC. This study provides theoretical support for the design of bipolar plate flow channels in PEMFCs and holds significant importance for the green development of energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Energy Storage Technologies)
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34 pages, 2268 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress in Selenium Remediation from Aqueous Systems: State-of-the-Art Technologies, Challenges, and Prospects
by Muhammad Ali Inam, Muhammad Usman, Rashid Iftikhar, Svetlozar Velizarov and Mathias Ernst
Water 2025, 17(15), 2241; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152241 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 462
Abstract
The contamination of drinking water sources with selenium (Se) oxyanions, including selenite (Se(IV)) and selenate (Se(VI)), contains serious health hazards with an oral intake exceeding 400 µg/day and therefore requires urgent attention. Various natural and anthropogenic sources are responsible for high Se concentrations [...] Read more.
The contamination of drinking water sources with selenium (Se) oxyanions, including selenite (Se(IV)) and selenate (Se(VI)), contains serious health hazards with an oral intake exceeding 400 µg/day and therefore requires urgent attention. Various natural and anthropogenic sources are responsible for high Se concentrations in aquatic environments. In addition, the chemical behavior and speciation of selenium can vary noticeably depending on the origin of the source water. The Se(VI) oxyanion is more soluble and therefore more abundant in surface water. Se levels in contaminated waters often exceed 50 µg/L and may reach several hundred µg/L, well above drinking water limits set by the World Health Organization (40 µg/L) and Germany (10 µg/L), as well as typical industrial discharge limits (5–10 µg/L). Overall, Se is difficult to remove using conventionally available physical, chemical, and biological treatment technologies. The recent literature has therefore highlighted promising advancements in Se removal using emerging technologies. These include advanced physical separation methods such as membrane-based treatment systems and engineered nanomaterials for selective Se decontamination. Additionally, other integrated approaches incorporating photocatalysis coupled adsorption processes, and bio-electrochemical systems have also demonstrated high efficiency in redox transformation and capturing of Se from contaminated water bodies. These innovative strategies may offer enhanced selectivity, removal, and recovery potential for Se-containing species. Here, a current review outlines the sources, distribution, and chemical behavior of Se in natural waters, along with its toxicity and associated health risks. It also provides a broad and multi-perspective assessment of conventional as well as emerging physical, chemical, and biological approaches for Se removal and/or recovery with further prospects for integrated and sustainable strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Quality and Contamination)
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13 pages, 3429 KiB  
Article
Membrane Fouling Control and Treatment Performance Using Coagulation–Tubular Ceramic Membrane with Concentrate Recycling
by Yawei Xie, Yichen Fang, Dashan Chen, Jiahang Wei, Chengyue Fan, Xiwang Zhu and Hongyuan Liu
Membranes 2025, 15(8), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15080225 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 277
Abstract
A comparative study was conducted to investigate membrane fouling control and treatment performance using natural surface water as the feed source. The evaluated processes included: (1) direct filtration–tubular ceramic membrane (DF-TCM, control); (2) coagulation–tubular ceramic membrane (C-TCM); and (3) coagulation–tubular ceramic membrane with [...] Read more.
A comparative study was conducted to investigate membrane fouling control and treatment performance using natural surface water as the feed source. The evaluated processes included: (1) direct filtration–tubular ceramic membrane (DF-TCM, control); (2) coagulation–tubular ceramic membrane (C-TCM); and (3) coagulation–tubular ceramic membrane with concentrate recycling (C-TCM-CR). Experimental results demonstrated that under constant flux operation at 75 L/(m2·h) for 8 h, the C-TCM-CR process reduced the transmembrane pressure (TMP) increase by 83% and 35% compared to DF-TCM and C-TCM, respectively. Floc size distribution analysis and cake layer characterization revealed that the C-TCM-CR process enhanced coagulation efficiency and formed high-porosity cake layers on membrane surfaces, thereby mitigating fouling development. Notably, the coagulation-assisted processes demonstrated improved organic matter removal, with 13%, 10%, and 10% enhancement in CODMn, UV254, and medium molecular weight organics (2000–10,000 Da) removal compared to DF-TCM, along with a moderate enhancement in fluorescent substances removal efficiency. All three processes achieved over 99% turbidity removal efficiency, as the ceramic membranes demonstrate excellent filtration performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Membrane Applications for Water Treatment)
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24 pages, 2279 KiB  
Article
Insights into the Structural Patterns in Human Glioblastoma Cell Line SF268 Activity and ADMET Prediction of Curcumin Derivatives
by Lorena Coronado, Johant Lakey-Beitia, Marisin Pecchio, Michelle G. Ng, Ricardo Correa, Gerardo Samudio-Ríos, Jessica Cruz-Mora, Arelys L. Fuentes, K. S. Jagannatha Rao and Carmenza Spadafora
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17080968 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 385
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Curcumin is a promising therapy for glioblastoma but is limited by poor water solubility, rapid metabolism, and low blood–brain barrier penetration. This study aimed to evaluate curcumin and six curcumin derivatives with improved activity against a glioblastoma cell line and favorable [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Curcumin is a promising therapy for glioblastoma but is limited by poor water solubility, rapid metabolism, and low blood–brain barrier penetration. This study aimed to evaluate curcumin and six curcumin derivatives with improved activity against a glioblastoma cell line and favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties. Methods: Twenty-one curcumin derivatives were assessed and subjected to in vitro MTT cytotoxicity assays in SF268 glioblastoma and Vero cells. On the basis of the cytotoxicity results, six derivatives with the most favorable characteristics were selected for additional mechanistic studies, which included microtubule depolymerization, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and BAX activation assays. ADMET properties were determined in silico. Results: Compounds 24, 6, and 11 demonstrated better activity (IC50: 0.59–3.97 µg/mL and SI: 3–20) than curcumin (IC50: 6.3 µg/mL; SI: 2.5). Lead derivatives destabilized microtubules, induced ΔΨm collapse, and activated BAX. In silico ADMET prediction analysis revealed that compounds 4 and 6 were the most promising for oral administration from a biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic point of view. Conclusions: Strategic modifications were made to one or both hydroxyl groups of the aromatic rings of curcumin to increase its physicochemical stability and activity against glioblastoma cell line SF268. Compound 4, bearing fully protected aromatic domains, was identified as a prime candidate for in vivo validation and formulation development. Full article
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19 pages, 3547 KiB  
Article
Limited Efficacy of Nanoparticle-Assisted Electroporation for Membrane Permeabilization and Gene Electrotransfer
by Tamara Polajžer, Matej Kranjc, Slavko Kralj, Maja Caf, Rok Romih, Samo Hudoklin, Federica Rocca and Damijan Miklavčič
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17080964 (registering DOI) - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 287
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Nanoparticles (NPs) were previously explored as enhancers in electroporation due to their potential to locally amplify electric fields near cell membranes, with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in particular showing promise in improving membrane permeability and gene electrotransfer (GET). In this study, we [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Nanoparticles (NPs) were previously explored as enhancers in electroporation due to their potential to locally amplify electric fields near cell membranes, with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in particular showing promise in improving membrane permeability and gene electrotransfer (GET). In this study, we systematically investigated the influence of NP properties—including size, shape, surface functionalization, and material—on electroporation efficacy. Methods: A combined approach using theoretical modeling and experimental validation was employed, encompassing numerical simulations, membrane permeabilization assays, transmission electron microscopy, and GET efficiency measurements. Results: Numerical results revealed that the presence of NPs alters local electric field distributions, but the amplification is highly localized, regardless of NP conductivity or geometry. Experimentally, only two out of six tested NP types produced a statistically significant, yet modest, increase in membrane permeability at one electric field intensity. Similarly, GET improvement was observed with only one NP type, with no dependence on concentration or functionalization. Conclusions: Overall, our findings demonstrate that NPs, under tested conditions, do not substantially enhance cell membrane permeability or GET efficacy. These conclusions are supported by both computational modeling and in vitro experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle-Based Gene Delivery)
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14 pages, 3187 KiB  
Article
Characterizations of Electrospun PVDF-Based Mixed Matrix Membranes with Nanomaterial Additives
by Haya Taleb, Venkatesh Gopal, Sofian Kanan, Raed Hashaikeh, Nidal Hilal and Naif Darwish
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(15), 1151; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15151151 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 336
Abstract
Water scarcity poses a formidable challenge around the world, especially in arid regions where limited availability of freshwater resources threatens both human well-being and ecosystem sustainability. Membrane-based desalination technologies offer a viable solution to address this issue by providing access to clean water. [...] Read more.
Water scarcity poses a formidable challenge around the world, especially in arid regions where limited availability of freshwater resources threatens both human well-being and ecosystem sustainability. Membrane-based desalination technologies offer a viable solution to address this issue by providing access to clean water. This work ultimately aims to develop a novel permselective polymeric membrane material to be employed in an electrochemical desalination system. This part of the study addresses the optimization, preparation, and characterization of a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) polymeric membrane using the electrospinning technique. The membranes produced in this work were fabricated under specific operational, environmental, and material parameters. Five different additives and nano-additives, i.e., graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), zinc oxide (ZnO), activated carbon (AC), and a zeolitic imidazolate metal–organic framework (ZIF-8), were used to modify the functionality and selectivity of the prepared PVDF membranes. Each membrane was synthesized at two different levels of additive composition, i.e., 0.18 wt.% and 0.45 wt.% of the entire PVDF polymeric solution. The physiochemical properties of the prepared membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential, contact angle, conductivity, porosity, and pore size distribution. Based on findings of this study, PVDF/GO membrane exhibited superior results, with an electrical conductivity of 5.611 mS/cm, an average pore size of 2.086 µm, and a surface charge of −38.33 mV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures)
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17 pages, 2815 KiB  
Article
Research on the Structural Design and Mechanical Properties of T800 Carbon Fiber Composite Materials in Flapping Wings
by Ruojun Wang, Zengyan Jiang, Yuan Zhang, Luyao Fan and Weilong Yin
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3474; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153474 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 253
Abstract
Due to its superior maneuverability and concealment, the micro flapping-wing aircraft has great application prospects in both military and civilian fields. However, the development and optimization of lightweight materials have always been the key factors limiting performance enhancement. This paper designs the flapping [...] Read more.
Due to its superior maneuverability and concealment, the micro flapping-wing aircraft has great application prospects in both military and civilian fields. However, the development and optimization of lightweight materials have always been the key factors limiting performance enhancement. This paper designs the flapping mechanism of a single-degree-of-freedom miniature flapping wing aircraft. In this study, T800 carbon fiber composite material was used as the frame material. Three typical wing membrane materials, namely polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), and non-woven kite fabric, were selected for comparative analysis. Three flapping wing configurations with different stiffness were proposed. These wings adopted carbon fiber composite material frames. The wing membrane material is bonded to the frame through a coating. Inspired by bionics, a flapping wing that mimics the membrane vein structure of insect wings is designed. By changing the type of membrane material and the distribution of carbon fiber composite materials on the wing, the stiffness of the flapping wing can be controlled, thereby affecting the mechanical properties of the flapping wing aircraft. The modal analysis of the flapping-wing structure was conducted using the finite element analysis method, and the experimental prototype was fabricated by using 3D printing technology. To evaluate the influence of different wing membrane materials on lift performance, a high-precision force measurement experimental platform was built, systematic tests were carried out, and the lift characteristics under different flapping frequencies were analyzed. Through computational modeling and experiments, it has been proven that under the same flapping wing frequency, the T800 carbon fiber composite material frame can significantly improve the stiffness and durability of the flapping wing. In addition, the selection of wing membrane materials has a significant impact on lift performance. Among the test materials, the PET wing film demonstrated excellent stability and lift performance under high-frequency conditions. This research provides crucial experimental evidence for the optimal selection of wing membrane materials for micro flapping-wing aircraft, verifies the application potential of T800 carbon fiber composite materials in micro flapping-wing aircraft, and opens up new avenues for the application of advanced composite materials in high-performance micro flapping-wing aircraft. Full article
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41 pages, 4553 KiB  
Review
Global Distribution, Ecotoxicity, and Treatment Technologies of Emerging Contaminants in Aquatic Environments: A Recent Five-Year Review
by Yue Li, Yihui Li, Siyuan Zhang, Tianyi Gao, Zhaoyi Gao, Chin Wei Lai, Ping Xiang and Fengqi Yang
Toxics 2025, 13(8), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080616 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 720
Abstract
With the rapid progression of global industrialization and urbanization, emerging contaminants (ECs) have become pervasive in environmental media, posing considerable risks to ecosystems and human health. While multidisciplinary evidence continues to accumulate regarding their environmental persistence and bioaccumulative hazards, critical knowledge gaps persist [...] Read more.
With the rapid progression of global industrialization and urbanization, emerging contaminants (ECs) have become pervasive in environmental media, posing considerable risks to ecosystems and human health. While multidisciplinary evidence continues to accumulate regarding their environmental persistence and bioaccumulative hazards, critical knowledge gaps persist in understanding their spatiotemporal distribution, cross-media migration mechanisms, and cascading ecotoxicological consequences. This review systematically investigates the global distribution patterns of ECs in aquatic environments over the past five years and evaluates their potential ecological risks. Furthermore, it examines the performance of various treatment technologies, focusing on economic cost, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Methodologically aligned with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this study implements dual independent screening protocols, stringent inclusion–exclusion criteria (n = 327 studies). Key findings reveal the following: (1) Occurrences of ECs show geographical clustering in highly industrialized river basins, particularly in Asia (37.05%), Europe (24.31%), and North America (14.01%), where agricultural pharmaceuticals and fluorinated compounds contribute disproportionately to environmental loading. (2) Complex transboundary pollutant transport through atmospheric deposition and oceanic currents, coupled with compound-specific partitioning behaviors across water–sediment–air interfaces. (3) Emerging hybrid treatment systems (e.g., catalytic membrane bioreactors, plasma-assisted advanced oxidation) achieve > 90% removal for recalcitrant ECs, though requiring 15–40% cost reductions for scalable implementation. This work provides actionable insights for developing adaptive regulatory frameworks and advancing green chemistry principles in environmental engineering practice. Full article
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15 pages, 7562 KiB  
Article
Unnatural Amino Acid Photo-Crosslinking Sheds Light on Gating of the Mechanosensitive Ion Channel OSCA1.2
by Scarleth Duran-Morales, Rachel Reyes-Lizana, German Fernández, Macarena Loncon-Pavez, Yorley Duarte, Valeria Marquez-Miranda and Ignacio Diaz-Franulic
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7121; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157121 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
Mechanosensitive ion channels such as OSCA1.2 enable cells to sense and respond to mechanical forces by translating membrane tension into ionic flux. While lipid rearrangement in the inter-subunit cleft has been proposed as a key activation mechanism, the contributions of other domains to [...] Read more.
Mechanosensitive ion channels such as OSCA1.2 enable cells to sense and respond to mechanical forces by translating membrane tension into ionic flux. While lipid rearrangement in the inter-subunit cleft has been proposed as a key activation mechanism, the contributions of other domains to OSCA gating remain unresolved. Here, we combined the genetic encoding of the photoactivatable crosslinker p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine (BzF) with functional Ca2+ imaging and molecular dynamics simulations to dissect the roles of specific residues in OSCA1.2 gating. Targeted UV-induced crosslinking at positions F22, H236, and R343 locked the channel in a non-conducting state, indicating their functional relevance. Structural analysis revealed that these residues are strategically positioned: F22 interacts with lipids near the activation gate, H236 lines the lipid-filled cavity, and R343 forms cross-subunit contacts. Together, these results support a model in which mechanical gating involves a distributed network of residues across multiple channel regions, allosterically converging on the activation gate. This study expands our understanding of mechanotransduction by revealing how distant structural elements contribute to force sensing in OSCA channels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion Channels as a Potential Target in Pharmaceutical Designs 2.0)
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14 pages, 20502 KiB  
Article
Pathology, Tissue Distribution, and Phylogenetic Characterization of Largemouth Bass Virus Isolated from a Wild Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
by Christine J. E. Haake, Thomas B. Waltzek, Chrissy D. Eckstrand, Nora Hickey, Joetta Lynn Reno, Rebecca M. Wolking, Preeyanan Sriwanayos, Jan Lovy, Elizabeth Renner, Kyle R. Taylor and Ryan Oliveira
Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081031 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1106
Abstract
We performed a diagnostic disease investigation on a wild smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) with skin ulcers that was collected from Lake Oahe, South Dakota, following reports from anglers of multiple fish with similar lesions. Gross and histologic lesions of ulcerative dermatitis, [...] Read more.
We performed a diagnostic disease investigation on a wild smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) with skin ulcers that was collected from Lake Oahe, South Dakota, following reports from anglers of multiple fish with similar lesions. Gross and histologic lesions of ulcerative dermatitis, myositis, and lymphocytolysis within the spleen and kidneys were consistent with largemouth bass virus (LMBV) infection. LMBV was detected by conventional PCR in samples of a skin ulcer, and the complete genome sequence of the LMBV (99,184 bp) was determined from a virus isolate obtained from a homogenized skin sample. A maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis based on the major capsid protein (MCP) gene alignment supported the LMBV isolate (LMBV-SD-2023) as a member of the species Ranavirus micropterus1, branching within the subclade of LMBV isolates recovered from North American largemouth (Micropterus salmoides) and smallmouth bass. This is the first detection of LMBV in wild smallmouth bass from South Dakota. The ultrastructure of the LMBV isolate exhibited the expected icosahedral shape of virions budding from cellular membranes. Viral nucleic acid in infected cells was visualized via in situ hybridization (ISH) within dermal granulomas, localized predominantly at the margin of epithelioid macrophages and central necrosis. Further sampling is needed to determine the geographic distribution, affected populations, and evolutionary relationship between isolates of LMBV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Iridoviruses, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 6077 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Green PVDF/TiO2 Composite Membrane for Water Treatment
by Shuhang Lu and Dong Zou
Membranes 2025, 15(7), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15070218 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 483
Abstract
PVDF/TiO2 composite membranes show some potential to be used for water treatment as they combine the advantages of polymers and ceramics. However, conventional PVDF-based composite membranes are always fabricated by using conventional toxic solvents. Herein, PolarClean was used as a green solvent [...] Read more.
PVDF/TiO2 composite membranes show some potential to be used for water treatment as they combine the advantages of polymers and ceramics. However, conventional PVDF-based composite membranes are always fabricated by using conventional toxic solvents. Herein, PolarClean was used as a green solvent to fabricate PVDF/TiO2 composite membranes via the phase inversion method. In this process, Pluronic F127 was used as a dispersion agent to distribute TiO2 particles in the PVDF matrix and to serve as a pore former on the membrane surface. TiO2 particles were well distributed on the membrane surface and bulk. TiO2 particles in the PVDF matrix enhanced the mechanical strength and hydrophilic characteristics of the resulting composite membrane, facilitating water transport through the composite membranes and enhancing their water permeability. Membrane microstructures and mechanical strength of the composite membranes were finely tuned by varying the PVDF concentration, TiO2 concentration, and coagulation bath temperature. It was demonstrated that the resulting green PVDF/TiO2 composite membrane showed a high water permeance compared with those using conventional toxic solvents in terms of its small pore size. In addition, the particle rejection of green PVDF/TiO2 membrane showed a 99.9% rejection rate in all the filtration process, while those using NMP showed 91.1% after 30 min of filtration. The water flux was similar at 121 and 130 Lm−2h−1 for green and conventional solvents, respectively. This work provides important information for the future application of sustainable membranes. Full article
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14 pages, 2027 KiB  
Article
The Role of Potassium and KUP/KT/HAK Transporters in Regulating Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) Fruit Development
by José A. Mercado-Hornos, Claudia Rodríguez-Hiraldo, Consuelo Guerrero, Sara Posé, Antonio J. Matas, Lourdes Rubio and José A. Mercado
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2241; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142241 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 363
Abstract
Potassium is the most abundant macronutrient in plants, participating in essential physiological processes such as turgor maintenance. A reduction in cell turgor is a hallmark of the ripening process associated with fruit softening. The dynamic of K+ fluxes in fleshy fruits is [...] Read more.
Potassium is the most abundant macronutrient in plants, participating in essential physiological processes such as turgor maintenance. A reduction in cell turgor is a hallmark of the ripening process associated with fruit softening. The dynamic of K+ fluxes in fleshy fruits is largely unknown; however, the reallocation of K+ into the apoplast has been proposed as a contributing factor to the decrease in fruit turgor, contributing to fruit softening. High-affinity K+ transporters belonging to the KUP/HT/HAK transporter family have been implicated in this process in some fruits. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the KUP/KT/HAK family of high-affinity K+ transporters in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) was conducted, identifying 60 putative transporter genes. The chromosomal distribution of the FaKUP gene family and phylogenetic relationship and structure of predicted proteins were thoroughly examined. Transcriptomic profiling revealed the expression of 19 FaKUP genes within the fruit receptacle, with a predominant downregulation observed during ripening, particularly in FaKUP14, 24 and 47. This pattern suggests their functional relevance in early fruit development and turgor maintenance. Mineral composition analyses confirmed that K+ is the most abundant macronutrient in strawberry fruits, exhibiting a slight decrease as ripening progressed. Membrane potential (Em) and diffusion potentials (ED) at increasing external K+ concentrations were measured by electrophysiology in parenchymal cells of green and white fruits. The results obtained suggest a significant diminution in cytosolic K+ levels in white compared to green fruits. Furthermore, the slope of change in ED at increasing external K+ concentration indicated a lower K+ permeability of the plasma membrane in white fruits, aligning with transcriptomic data. This study provides critical insights into the regulatory mechanisms of K+ transport during strawberry ripening and identifies potential targets for genetic modifications aimed at enhancing fruit firmness and shelf life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Quality and Physiology of Vegetables and Fruits)
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