Search Results (4,248)

Plasma Enhancement Gases (PEGs) are a set of gaseous elements studied for converting plasma thermal energy and mitigating the heat load on the plasma-facing components of a tokamak fusion power plant. In particular, PEG separation is part of the Plasma Exhaust Processing System of EU-DEMO. This work addresses issues related to the purification of Deuterium-Tritium fusion fuel, introducing ceramic membranes having a low specific area to process and purify unburned streams throughout the fuel cycle. A commercial microporous mono-channel α-Alumina membrane was considered for the evaluation of its efficacy in separating binary mixtures of H₂ with a PEG (Ar and N₂), D₂, or He. Several tests were carried out, feeding equimolar streams of H₂-Ar, H₂-N₂, D₂-Ar, and He-Ar, and the separation factor (SF) of the aforementioned binary mixtures was experimentally assessed. Finally, based on the results from the experimental campaign, the separation factors of several gas mixtures that had not been experimentally investigated were theoretically calculated and proposed. Full article

This study evaluated the efficiency of an scFv antibody-based sex-sorting method using HL magnetic microbeads for the separation of X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm in Landrace boar semen, as well as its effects on sperm quality parameters. A dose-dependent plateau in H4L4 antibody coupling efficiency was observed, with 2 mg identified as the optimal concentration, consistently achieving approximately 50% sperm-binding efficiency across boars. Sex ratio analysis confirmed effective discrimination between X- and Y-bearing sperm, with the X-enriched fraction showing a high proportion of X-sperm (77–81%) and the Y-enriched fraction exhibiting high Y-sperm purity (>83%). CASA revealed a significant effect of the sex-sorting process on sperm kinematics (p < 0.001). X-enriched sperm maintained physiological motility, with total and progressive motility comparable to CON, whereas the Y-enriched fraction showed a marked decline in kinematic performance. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that membrane integrity remained high in CON and X-enriched semen (>81%), while a significant reduction in viability was observed in the Y-enriched fraction (50.85%; p < 0.001). Consistently, mitochondrial membrane potential analysis indicated pronounced physiological stress in Y-enriched sperm, with significantly reduced mitochondrial activity compared to CON and X-enriched fractions. No significant differences were detected among individual boars (p > 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that HL magnetic bead-based sperm sexing effectively separates X- and Y-sperm in chilled Landrace boar semen, while preserving the quality of X-enriched sperm. Full article

The separation of substances from one another, such as distillation, extraction, absorption, crystallization, and drying, comprises a main sector of the industry engineering field and has substantial potential to play an increasingly important role in the application of separation technologies and innovations [...] Full article

The predatory bug Arma custos (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a natural enemy insect capable of preying on over 40 types of agricultural and forestry pests. Here, we describe the characteristics of the morphology and ultrastructure of its venom apparatus visualized using light and electron microscopy. Light microscopy revealed that the venom apparatus of A. custos consists of a pair of main gland and tubular accessory gland. The main gland consist of two lobes, the anterior main gland (AMG) and posterior main gland (PMG). Between the two lobes of the main gland, there is a strong constriction, characterizing a hilum (Hi) where two separate ducts, the venom duct of the main gland (VD) and the duct connecting the accessory gland to the main gland (AMD), are inserted. The VD extends toward the head and connects to the venom pump (VP), while the AMD extends toward the thorax and connects to the accessory gland (AG). Ultrastructural examination of the venom glands reveals that the AMG and PMG consist of a layer of cubic or spherical glandular cells forming a large circular lumen, while the AG exhibits two narrow lumens. The secretory cytoplasm of AMG, PMG, and AG contains a well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, along with mitochondria, nuclei, secretory vesicles, autophagosomes, and secretory granules. However, significant differences exist in the ultrastructural characteristics among the three glands. Unlike glandular secretory cells in the venom glands, the ultrastructure of VD, and AMD reveals only well-developed nuclei, mitochondria, and elaborate plasma membrane folds. These results indicate that venom proteins are synthesized and stored by the AMG, PMG, and AG, while the VD and AMD ducts are responsible for transporting the venom. Full article

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly explored as nanocarriers in drug delivery; however, selecting an appropriate loading strategy for a given small-molecule cargo still relies largely on empirical, resource-intensive parallel screening within EV formulation workflows. Despite the widespread application of passive incubation, electroporation, saponin-mediated permeabilization, freeze–thaw cycling, and sonication, there is currently no mechanistically grounded, descriptor-informed framework that enables rational prioritization of loading methods during the early design stage of EV-based dosage forms, leading to inefficient trial-and-error experimentation. Methods: We assembled a chemically diverse dataset of 21 compounds with experimentally determined loading efficiencies across five EV loading methods and calculated seven mechanistically motivated physicochemical descriptors (LogP, molecular weight, aqueous solubility, hydrogen bond donors/acceptors, polar surface area, and formal charge) for each drug. Separate Elastic Net regression models were trained for each loading strategy. Model performance was evaluated using leave-one-out cross-validation, a predefined external validation set (n = 4), and 50 repeated random train–test splits. The analysis emphasized decision-level ranking of loading methods rather than the precise prediction of absolute efficiencies. The applicability domain was assessed via leverage analysis to define the supported chemical space for prospective implementation in EV-based formulation development. Results: As anticipated for biologically heterogeneous EV systems, continuous regression performance remained modest (LOOCV R² = 0.06–0.41). In contrast, decision-level accuracy for identifying the experimentally optimal loading method was consistently high across validation schemes (internal: 76.5%; predefined external: 75%; repeated random validation: 80.5 ± 16.8%). Mechanical disruption methods (freeze–thaw and sonication) demonstrated comparatively greater predictive stability, while misclassification patterns suggested potential nonlinear behavior for highly polar, ionizable cargos. All compounds resided within the leverage-defined applicability domain, confirming adequate descriptor-space representation. Conclusions: This study establishes a mechanistically interpretable, descriptor-based decision-support framework capable of reliably prioritizing EV loading strategies for small-molecule cargos beyond empirical chance without altering standard protocols. By reframing the modeling objective from high-precision efficiency prediction to robust ranking of candidate methods, the approach offers a practical tool to triage between commonly used techniques, thereby reducing experimental burden in early-stage EV formulation development. The framework provides a quantitative basis for integrating molecular-descriptor-guided method selection into rational EV-based drug delivery design and can be expanded with membrane-specific descriptors and larger datasets. Full article

The growing demand for functional foods reflects greater consumer awareness of diet–health links, with bioactive peptides receiving increasing attention for their health-promoting effects. In this study, bioactive peptides exhibiting antioxidant, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities were produced from a jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) protein isolate using a continuous proteolysis system with two enzymes. This study encompassed two major phases: isolating protein from jack beans and implementing a continuous enzymatic hydrolysis process. Key variables examined included the enzyme-to-substrate ratio ([E]/[S]), pH level, and residence time (τ). Optimal performance was achieved at [E]/[S] = 5%, pH = 7.5, and τ = 12 h, yielding a permeate with peptide content of 0.6143 mg SE/mL, along with notable antioxidant capacity and ACE inhibition of 0.0454 mg TEAC/mL and 92.18%, respectively. These results confirm that the jack bean protein isolate is a viable substrate for generating multifunctional bioactive peptides. This study provides a foundation for scalable and sustainable production of functional food ingredients from underutilized legumes using continuous bioprocessing technology. Industrial relevance: Integrating a stirred tank reactor with membrane separation provides a promising approach for continuous bioactive peptide production using a free-enzyme system, helping to streamline processing, reduces the demand for enzyme immobilization, and minimizes batch-to-batch variability. This study shows that continuous hydrolysis of jack bean protein isolate in EMR can enhance antioxidant activity and ACE inhibition of the hydrolysates. This approach offers a safer and more efficient route to support the commercialization of jack bean-based functional products. Full article

Structural optimization of the cathode flow field is a viable approach to homogenize multi-physical field distributions and boost the output of air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This work develops a three-dimensional non-isothermal model to systematically evaluate the performance of graded flow channel designs. The results indicate that the graded structure promotes fluid transport in the central zone, thereby improving oxygen distribution uniformity at the gas diffusion layer/catalyst layer (GDL/CL) interface. Compared to the traditional parallel flow channel (with an average oxygen mass fraction of 0.051% and a uniformity index of 0.779), this configuration yields a 6.4% increase in the average oxygen mass fraction and a 0.96% enhancement in distribution uniformity. However, increased gradient flow reduces the flow velocity within the channels and raises the operating temperature, posing challenges for water and thermal management. The curved channel design, featuring longer channels at the ends and shorter channels in the center, compensates for the uneven air supply caused by the fan, thus balancing the flow distribution. Among the tested configurations, the 10° curved structure exhibits optimal performance, achieving the best compromise between gas distribution and liquid water removal. It effectively promotes oxygen diffusion and uniform water distribution, significantly alleviating mass transfer polarization and yielding a more uniform interface temperature distribution due to evaporative cooling. Both excessively small and large curvature angles lead to performance degradation, primarily due to inadequate water removal and flow separation, accompanied by excessive pressure drop, respectively. In contrast, the 10° curved channel strikes an optimal balance, offering significant advantages in overall cell performance and water–thermal management, which provides critical guidance for optimizing PEMFC flow field designs. Full article

Several studies have investigated counterflow and concurrent flow in channels separated by a membrane to simulate mass transfer through membranes; however, few of them have used computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The current study aimed to numerically simulate and physically describe the distribution of pressure and velocity in counter-current flow by solving Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations in the channel and membrane pores (vertical channels). This is in contrast to most previous studies, in which the channel flow was simulated using N-S equations while ultra-filtration membrane flow was simulated using Darcy’s law. Consequently, the current study was executed using a CFD simulation to achieve several significant features: avoiding the execution of experimental tests, reducing the effort of model design and the expense and time consumption of fabrication, and facilitating the easy observation of variations in the pressure and the horizontal and vertical velocity for each point in the model. Two-dimensional CFD methods directly simulated the flow in channels and membrane pores to solve the N-S equations for each point in the whole domain, for which the velocity (horizontal and vertical) and pressure were calculated. In the current study, it was found that the pressure decreased from the inlet to the outlet of the channel, the horizontal velocity decreased from the inlet to the middle of the channel length and then increased to the outlet of the channel, and the vertical velocity decreased from the inlet to the middle of the channel length (L/2) with an upward direction (positive) and from L/2 to the outlet of the channel with a downward direction (negative). The analytical solution (1D model) was used to validate a numerical simulation (CFD) for the current study, but there were slight differences in the results between them. The results were perfectly explored and displayed the flow distribution patterns inside the channels and the membrane pores (vertical channels). The current study model represents the hemodialysis process. Full article

It is essential to develop a practical technology for the separation and capture of carbon dioxide (CO₂) due to the gradually increased concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere, which has driven the rise in global temperature. Membrane separation is regarded as a promising technology for the capture of CO₂. However, most membranes employ non-biodegradable petroleum-based polymers. In this study, biodegradable and renewable membranes of cellulose acetate (CA) doped with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) were fabricated by solution casting and used for the separation of CO₂/O₂. The results indicated that the membrane doped with PEGDA exhibited higher permeability of CO₂ and selectivity of CO₂/O₂ compared to those doped with PEG, while improving the tensile strain and structural uniformity of membranes. The membrane with a thickness of 25 μm at a PEGDA dosage of 10 wt% achieved optimal gas permeability, selectivity, and mechanical toughness, showing CO₂ permeability of 4.59 Barrer and CO₂/O₂ selectivity of 5.68. The structure of the interpenetrating polymer network was responsible for the excellent properties of the membrane doped with PEGDA due to the formation of more mid- and micro-sized pores that increase the diffusion pathways of CO₂. Full article

Nanotechnology, based on nanoparticles, has become an emerging interdisciplinary tool in reproductive biotechnology, offering innovative opportunities to improve fertilization efficiency and reproductive performance in farm animals. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated synthesis of current research on nanoparticle-based approaches that enhance in vitro fertilization outcomes and other assisted reproductive technologies. The focus is on the biological mechanisms, potential benefits, and limitations of nanoparticle use in animal reproduction. Nanoparticles—including gold, silver, zinc oxide, selenium, and magnetic iron oxide—exhibit distinctive physicochemical properties that enable targeted interactions with gametes and reproductive cells. When used in semen extenders or culture media, nanoparticles improve sperm motility, acrosome and membrane integrity, and reduce oxidative stress and apoptosis. These effects contribute to enhanced fertilization rates and higher embryo developmental competence. In addition, nanoparticles can function as carriers for hormones, antioxidants, and growth factors, stabilizing reagents essential for oocyte maturation, sperm capacitation, and early embryo culture. The review also discusses nanopurification (selectively isolating and removing particles) and nanosorting (separating or organizing nanoscale objects) techniques that allow for non-invasive selection of viable gametes, and fluorescence- and magnet-assisted sorting systems that increase precision in sperm sexing. The mechanical aspects of nanoparticle–cell interactions are analyzed, emphasizing the influence of particle size, dose, and surface modification on both biological efficacy and cytotoxicity. Safety, toxicological concerns, and regulatory frameworks—including International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and European Commission recommendations—are critically reviewed to highlight the need for harmonized biocompatibility criteria. Although nanoparticle use in animal reproduction remains largely experimental, accumulated evidence demonstrates its potential to improve reproductive efficiency and reduce economic losses. Integrating nanoparticle-based systems with existing reproduction platforms may represent a transformative step toward sustainable and precision-driven livestock breeding. Full article

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is implicated in metabolic disorders, yet taxonomic and functional alterations in canine diabetes remain incompletely defined. Here, we performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples from 38 diabetic dogs and 37 healthy controls under controlled conditions (no recent antibiotic/probiotic exposure and stable commercial diets). Alpha-diversity indices did not differ between groups, whereas beta-diversity revealed significant separation of community structure at both genus and species levels (p < 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified enrichment of opportunistic-associated taxa in diabetic dogs, including Enterobacterales/Enterobacteriaceae (e.g., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica) and Enterococcus faecalis. In contrast, healthy dogs were enriched for putatively beneficial taxa linked to bile acid and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism, including Turicibacter spp. and Romboutsia spp. Functional profiling showed higher abundances of pathways related to carbohydrate/energy metabolism, membrane transport, and virulence/colonization in diabetic dogs; 17 KEGG level-3 pathways and 320 KOs differed at FDR < 0.05, with enriched modules including bacterial secretion systems, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, chemotaxis/flagellar assembly, and biofilm formation. Collectively, canine diabetes is associated with a remodeled gut microbiome characterized by expansion of opportunistic pathogens and elevated virulence and metabolic potential, supporting exploration of microbiota-targeted strategies as a complement to conventional management. Full article

This study compared the effectiveness of alkaline protease, neutral protease, trypsin, and papain in hydrolyzing oyster proteins and evaluated the antioxidant activities of the resulting hydrolysates. Alkaline protease achieved the highest degree of hydrolysis (30.96%) and the highest proportion of peptides ≤1 kDa (64.23%). Papain showed the lowest hydrolysis degree (18.29%). After separation by Sephadex G-15 gel filtration chromatography, the resulting low-molecular-weight peptide fractions (≤1 kDa) from each hydrolysate exhibited higher in vitro antioxidant activity than the higher-molecular-weight fractions (>1 kDa). Notably, trypsin and papain-derived low-molecular-weight fractions (OPP-T2 and OPP-P2) demonstrated stronger DPPH radical scavenging and inhibition of linoleic acid autoxidation than those from alkaline and neutral proteases. Cell experiments revealed that all low-molecular-weight fractions effectively alleviated H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in LO2 cells. OPP-T2 and OPP-P2 exhibited significantly stronger protection of cell membrane integrity and enhancement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than OPP-A2 and OPP-N2 (p < 0.05). OPP-T2 also showed the most pronounced increase in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that protease selection critically influences hydrolysis efficiency and antioxidant activity, with molecular weight being a key determinant of peptide antioxidant capacity. This work provides a reference for the development and application of oyster peptides. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dietary fibers play key roles in shaping gut microbiome and intestinal homeostasis. While purified diets offer experimental precision and reproducibility in rodent models, they omit the complex mixture of fermentable and non-fermentable fibers found in grain-based chow diets. We hypothesized that excluding fermentable fiber impairs intestinal homeostasis by reducing microbial metabolites and altering the colonic epithelial transcriptome, thereby increasing susceptibility to inflammation. Methods: Wildtype male C57BL/6 mice were maintained on either a standard grain-based chow diet or a purified low-fat diet (LFD) containing 5% non-fermentable cellulose for ten weeks. Fecal microbiomes, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles, and colonic epithelial transcriptomes were analyzed. A separate group was challenged with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) following a five-week dietary intervention to compare colitis severity between the two diet groups. Results: Relative to mice fed the grain-based chow, those consuming the purified LFD (containing only non-fermentable cellulose) showed decreased gut microbial diversity and significantly lower SCFA levels. These changes were accompanied by marked differences in colonic epithelial cell transcriptomes. In LFD-fed mice, the top upregulated gene networks included ribosomal pathways and MHC complex protein binding, suggesting increased growth and gut inflammation. The most downregulated pathways included mineral absorption, actin and tubulin binding, and membrane organelle assembly, indicating major alterations in cellular structure and transport. LFD-fed mice also exhibited increased colonic expression of S100a9, a gut inflammation biomarker, and more severe disease symptoms when challenged with DSS compared to chow-fed mice. Conclusions: Fermentable fibers are one of the factors contributing to intestinal homeostasis and mitigating the severity of ulcerative colitis. Full article

Gel polymer electrolytes are key components in next-generation energy storage systems, particularly supercapacitors, due to their high ionic conductivity, mechanical robustness, and operational safety. Ionomer-based gels derived from perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) are particularly promising, as their nanophase-segregated morphology enables the formation of three-dimensional ionic clusters capable of absorbing and retaining aqueous electrolytes. In this study, the commercial PFSA D50-U (Thasar S.r.l.) membrane was investigated for the first time as a gel-state ionomer electrolyte and separator in symmetric supercapacitors using coconut shell-derived activated carbon (YP-80F Kuraray Co., Ltd.). The effects of cation type on gel swelling, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical performance were investigated using Na₂SO₄ and Li₂SO₄ aqueous electrolytes. The results showed that PFSA D50-U formed stable gel structures, resulting in low internal resistance, high specific capacitance, and excellent long-term cycling stability. These findings demonstrate that PFSA D50-U is a novel proton-exchange gel membrane with strong potential for high-performance symmetric supercapacitors and other gel-based energy storage devices. Full article