Search Results (8,388)

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are multifunctional, UV-absorbing and antioxidant metabolites produced by marine algae, offering promising applications in biotechnology and dermocosmetic sciences. In this study, MAAs were sustainably extracted from nori seaweed (Porphyra spp.) using an ultrasound-assisted aqueous method, an eco-friendly approach that ensures efficiency and industrial scalability. Chromatographic enrichment followed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, including porphyra-334, palythine, and myc-ornithine. The enriched fraction exhibited potent antioxidant activity (low IC₅₀ in DPPH and ABTS assays) and significant anti-elastase effects, highlighting its potential as a natural anti-aging agent. To optimize delivery, MAAs were incorporated into a stable water-in-oil nanoemulsion, which maintained droplet sizes below 400 nm and a low polydispersity index (PDI < 0.2) for up to four months. A randomized, double-blind clinical study in 20 volunteers further demonstrated that the MAA-based nanoemulsion significantly improved skin hydration (+53.6%) and reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL), confirming its humectant and barrier-strengthening efficacy. These findings position Porphyra spp. as a sustainable marine resource for producing MAAs, and demonstrate their practical potential as natural, multifunctional ingredients in eco-conscious cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

This study explores the development of bigels (BGs) combining a hydrophilic hydrogel (HG) and a lipophilic oleogel (OG) for co-delivery of two carob fruit extracts (CFEs): I-CFE (inositols) and P-CFE (phenolics). The BGs were formulated in HG:OG ratios of 70:30 and 30:70, using a sodium alginate-based HG and an OG composed of olive pomace oil (OPO) and microcrystalline wax (MW). CFEs were loaded in three modes: I-CFE in HG, P-CFE in OG, and both in their respective phases. Rheological, thermal, physicochemical, and microstructural properties were assessed. All the BGs exhibited solid-like viscoelastic behavior, with greater rigidity in 30:70 formulations. The OG phase enhanced the structural BG network, especially when loaded with P-CFE. At 70:30, I-CFE conferred pseudoplasticity and conformational flexibility, particularly in the absence of P-CFE. At 30:70, both extracts acted synergistically, increasing mechanical strength and network organization. Thermal analysis confirmed MW’s role in structuration, with the BGs showing melting peaks between 40–50 °C. The effects studied affected color and stability. Polarized light microscopy confirmed organized microstructures. This is the first work demonstrating the structuring potential and interactive effects of dual carob extracts (I-CFE and P-CFE) within BGs. All the BGs showed suitable fat-replacer properties, remaining self-standing for 21 days, except the 70:30 I-CFE-free formulation. The findings highlight the potential of CFE-loaded BGs as multifunctional fat replacers in healthier meat products. Full article

Rapid urban expansion and increasing population density intensify the loss of open spaces, exacerbate flooding frequency and runoff pollution, increase the urban heat island effect, and deteriorate ecological resilience and human well-being. This study presents Gazelle Valley Park (GVP) in Jerusalem (Israel), a unique large-scale ecohydrological infrastructure within a dense Mediterranean city. GVP was established in 2015 following a public-led campaign and comprises a multifunctional nature-based solution designed to collect and circulate stormwater through a series of vegetated ponds, enhancing filtration, aeration, and pollutant removal, while sustaining a wetland ecosystem. Its design follows international ecological standards and embodies the principle “from nuisance to resource”, transforming urban runoff into an asset that supports rich biodiversity while offering recreational, cultural, and educational activities. During the dry summer, reclaimed wastewater is introduced in order to support a perennial aquatic habitat, which introduces various challenges due to increased salinity, oxygen demand, and contaminants. Hydrometric and geochemical monitoring demonstrates strong correlations between rainfall and runoff and point at the role of sedimentation and vegetation in reducing pollutant loads. The park benefits from its holistic operation, where hydrology, ecology, education, and public engagement are integrated, thus making the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Full article

Phytotherapy is a growing field of modern medicine, offering natural alternatives with multidirectional pharmacological effects. Among plant-derived bioactive compounds, isoquinoline alkaloids exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Our in vitro model of campylobacteriosis confirmed that berberine reduces pathological changes in colonocytes not only through its direct antibacterial (minimum inhibitory concentration for pure berberine against Campylobacter jejuni was 64 μg/mL) and anti-biofilm (fourfold reduction in C. jejuni biomass) effects, but also through its protective effect on the morphostructure and secretory profile of host cells exposed to bacterial components. Furthermore, berberine stabilized intercellular junction proteins, modulated bile acid and arachidonic acid metabolism, and supported host-protective signaling pathways. These findings indicate that berberine acts through a dual mechanism—directly reducing bacterial virulence while enhancing intestinal barrier integrity and metabolic homeostasis. In summary, berberine appears to be a multifunctional phytochemical in the development of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of C. jejuni-induced gastrointestinal infections and epithelial barrier dysfunctions. The protective effect we have demonstrated may contribute to alleviating the phenomenon of “leaky gut,” commonly associated with campylobacteriosis. Full article

The Bactrian camel exemplifies mammalian adaptation to deserts, but the spatial organization of its innate immune system remains uncharacterized. This study integrated transcriptomes from 110 samples across 11 major tissues and organs to resolve tissue-specific gene expression and innate immune modularity. Through differential expression analysis, Tau specificity index (τ > 0.8), and machine learning validation (Random Forest F1-score = 0.86 ± 0.11), we identified 4242 high-confidence tissue-specific genes (e.g., LIPE/PLIN1 in adipose). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of 1522 innate immune genes revealed 11 co-expression modules, with six exhibiting significant tissue associations (FDR < 0.01): liver-specific (r = 0.96), spleen-adipose-enriched (r = 0.88), muscle-associated (r = 0.82), and blood-specific (r = 0.80) modules. These networks demonstrated multifunctional coordination of immune pathways—including Pattern Recognition, Cytokine Signaling, and Phagocytosis—rather than isolated functions. Our results establish that camel innate immunity is organized into spatially modular networks tailored to tissue microenvironments, providing the first systems-level framework for understanding immune resilience in desert-adapted mammals and may inform strategies for enhancing livestock resilience in arid regions. Full article

As tourism increasingly drives the revitalization of traditional villages, rural spaces are undergoing a transformation from functional living areas to spaces for cultural display and leisure. This shift has amplified the spatial usage discrepancies between multiple stakeholders, such as tourists and villagers, highlighting conflicts in spatial resource allocation and behavior path organization. Using Wulin Village, a typical example of a Minnan overseas Chinese village, as a case study, this paper introduces social network analysis to construct a “spatial–behavioral” dual network model. The model integrates both architectural and public spaces, alongside behavior path data from villagers and tourists, to analyze the spatial structure at three scales: village-level network completeness, district-level structural balance, and point-level node vulnerability. The study integrates two dimensions—architectural space and public space—along with behavioral path data from both villagers and tourists. It reveals the characteristics of spatial structure under the intervention of multiple behavioral agents from three scales: village-level network completeness, district-level structural balance, and point-level node vulnerability. The core research focus of the spatial network includes the network structure of architectural and public spaces, while the behavioral network concerns the activity paths and behavior patterns of tourists and villagers. The study finds that, at the village scale, Wulin Village’s spatial network demonstrates good connectivity and structural integrity, but the behavior paths of both tourists and villagers are highly concentrated in core areas, leading to underutilization of peripheral spaces. This creates an asymmetry characterized by “structural integrity—concentrated behavioral usage.” At the district scale, the spatial node distribution appears balanced, but tourist behavior paths are concentrated around cultural nodes, such as the ancestral hall, visitor center, and theater, while other areas remain inactive. At the point scale, both tourist and villager activities are highly dependent on a few high-degree, high-cluster nodes, improving local efficiency but exacerbating systemic vulnerability. Comparison with domestic and international studies on cultural settlements shows that tourism often leads to over-concentration of spatial paths and node overload, revealing significant discrepancies between spatial integration and behavioral usage. In response, this study proposes multi-scale spatial optimization strategies: enhancing accessibility and path redundancy in non-core areas at the village scale; guiding behavior distribution towards multifunctional nodes at the district scale; and strengthening the capacity and resilience of core nodes at the point scale. The results not only extend the application of behavioral network methods in spatial structure research but also provide theoretical insights and practical strategies for spatial governance and cultural continuity in tourism-driven cultural villages. Full article

Thermal energy storage (TES) plays a vital role in advancing energy efficiency and sustainability, with phase change materials (PCMs) receiving significant attention due to their high latent heat storage capacity. Nevertheless, conventional PCMs face critical challenges such as leakage, phase separation, and low thermal conductivity, which hinder large-scale applications. Encapsulation strategies have been developed to address these issues, and bio-based composite materials are increasingly recognised as sustainable alternatives. Materials such as lignin, nanocellulose, and biochar, as well as hybrid formulations with graphene and aerogels, show promise in improving thermal conductivity, mechanical integrity, and environmental performance. This review evaluates bio-based encapsulation approaches for PCMs, examining their effectiveness in enhancing heat transfer, durability under thermal cycling, and scalability. Applications in solar energy systems, building insulation, and electronic thermal regulation are highlighted, as are emerging AI-driven modelling tools for optimising encapsulation performance. Although bio-based PCM composites outperform conventional systems in terms of thermal stability and multifunctionality, they still face persistent challenges in terms of cost-effectiveness, scalability, and long-term reliability. Future research on smart, multifunctional PCMs and advanced bio-nanocomposites is essential for realising next-generation TES solutions that combine sustainability, efficiency, and durability. Full article

Applying thin electrically conductive coatings to Liquid Crystalline Elastomers (LCEs) is an effective way of functionalizing two-way shape memory polymers with the ability to respond to electrical currents. However, achieving robust adhesion between a given electrically conductive coating and the surface of LCEs can be challenging. This can limit the functionality, performance, and potential applications of these materials. This work describes a facile method to develop electrically responsive Liquid Crystalline Elastomer polymeric artificial muscles with strain-sensing, self-actuation-sensing, and joule-heating features. In this work, the effect of treating LCEs with polydopamine (PDA) prior to functionalizing the LCE with an electrically conductive gold-sputtered coating was explored. The findings confirmed that the PDA treatment considerably improved the adhesion of the gold sputter coating to the LCEs, thereby leading to the fabrication of multi-functional strain-sensing, electrically conductive, and electro-responsive LCEs. Full article

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) have gained increasing attention as lightweight structural materials with tailored mechanical, thermal, and functional properties for diverse engineering applications. However, achieving optimal performance requires overcoming challenges such as poor interfacial bonding, high density of conventional fillers, and limitations in multifunctionality. Hollow Glass Microspheres (HGMs), owing to their unique spherical morphology, low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, and tunable physical–chemical characteristics, have emerged as promising functional fillers for FRPCs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structural features, chemical composition, and synthesis techniques of HGMs, followed by an outline of FRPCs systems with emphasis on matrix and fiber types, their functional requirements, and the critical role of fillers. The discussion highlights how HGMs influence the mechanical (tensile, flexural and compression strength) properties, thermal (conductivity and insulation) properties, acoustic (sound absorption and transmission) properties, and dielectric performance of FRPCs, enabling weight reduction, improved insulation, and multifunctional capabilities. Reported studies demonstrate that when properly dispersed with an optimal amount, HGMs significantly enhance mechanical properties, thermal stability, and acoustic damping, while maintaining processability. Despite these advantages, challenges remain regarding interfacial adhesion (agglomeration) and filler dispersion. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for advanced surface modification strategies, hybrid filler systems, and sustainable processing methods to fully exploit HGMs in next-generation high-performance FRPCs. Full article

Rapid detection and identification of airborne bacteria are critical for safeguarding human health, yet current technologies remain inadequate. To address this gap, we developed a multifunctional biochip that synergistically integrated a heptagonal micropillar array with a silver nanostructure–polydopamine–co–chitosan (AgNS@PDA–co–CS) composite gel to achieve highly efficient sampling, capture, enrichment, and in situ SERS detection of airborne bacteria. The integrated micropillar array increased the capture efficiency of S. aureus in aerosols from 11.4% (with a flat chip) to 86.3%, owing to its high specific surface area and its ability to generate chaotic vortices that promote bacterial impaction. Subsequent functionalization with the AgNS@PDA–co–CS gel improved the capture efficiency further to >99.9%, due to the synergistic effect of the gel’s adhesive properties and the abundant capture sites provided by the nanostructure, which collectively ensure robust bacterial retention. The incorporated AgNS also served as SERS-active sites, enabling direct identification of captured S. aureus at concentrations as low as 10⁵ CFU m⁻³ after 20 min of sampling. Furthermore, the platform successfully distinguished among three common bacterial species—S. aureus, E. coli, and Bacillus cereus—based on their SERS spectral profiles combined with principal component analysis (PCA). This work presents a synergistic strategy for simultaneous bacterial sampling, capture, enrichment, and detection, offering a promising platform for rapid airborne pathogen monitoring. Full article

We propose a linear polarization rotator metasurface composed of a grounded array of L-shaped corner-embraced patches. Both simulation and experimental results confirm that the metasurface achieves a polarization conversion ratio exceeding 90% across four distinct frequency bands: 5.7–6.2 GHz, 7.0–8.7 GHz, 11.2–13.9 GHz, and 16.7–18.0 GHz, with near-unity conversion efficiency at four resonance points. Furthermore, the metasurface demonstrates effective polarization conversion over an ultra-wide frequency range from 5.5 to 18.1 GHz. The combination of multiband and broadband characteristics makes this design highly valuable for advanced applications in complex electromagnetic environments, including multifunctional radar systems requiring multiband capabilities and wireless communication systems demanding ultra-wideband performance. Full article

SERBP1 (SERPINE1 mRNA-Binding Protein 1), as an RNA-binding protein with multiple biological functions, has become a research hotspot in the field of life sciences in recent years. Its unique molecular structure, such as the presence of RG/RGG repeat sequences and the absence of typical RNA-binding domains, enables it to exert diverse roles in cells. This article systematically reviews the research progress of SERBP1 in various fields including cellular stress response, tumorigenesis and development, reproductive system regulation, nervous system function, and viral infection, elaborates on its mechanism of action in detail (including newly supplemented content on cell cycle regulation, interaction with PARP1, and ribosome biogenesis), and outlines future research directions. It aims to provide a reference for in-depth understanding of the biological functions of SERBP1 and the diagnosis and treatment of related diseases. Full article

This study investigated the efficacy of different cryoprotectants (maltodextrin, skim milk, trehalose, sucrose, fructose, and dextrose) in protecting probiotic cultures isolated from the microbiota of arapaima (Arapaima gigas) (Enterococcus faecium CRBP46 and Enterococcus gallinarum CRBP19) during lyophilization, storage (−25 °C, 4 °C, and 25 °C for 120 days), and exposure to simulated gastrointestinal fluids (SGF). Cell surface hydrophobicity and the ultrastructural aspects of the coating matrices were also evaluated. Skim milk, trehalose, and dextrose (only for E. gallinarum) protected Enterococcus spp. against the negative effects of lyophilization, resulting in minimal viability loss (≤0.03 log CFU/g) and ≥99.50% survival. All cryoprotectants promoted stability (≥8.87 log CFU/g) for both bacteria when stored at refrigeration and freezing temperatures for 120 days. However, only skim milk maintained high viability (≥6.83 log CFU/g) for Enterococcus spp. during 120 days of storage at room temperature. Additionally, Enterococcus spp. lyophilized with skim milk demonstrated stability in SGF, with high cell viability (≥8.97 log CFU/g) and survival over 97%. Skim milk also significantly increased the cell adhesion capacity of Enterococcus spp., making them more hydrophobic. Scanning electron microscopy showed that Enterococcus cells were incorporated into the skim milk matrix and that its lower porosity directly contributed to the preservation of cell viability. Therefore, we conclude that skim milk is the most effective cryoprotectant under the tested conditions for E. faecium and E. gallinarum, as it ensured stability and high viability for both bacteria throughout all post-lyophilization challenges, maintaining bacterial concentrations above those suggested for probiotic formulations. Our findings provide unprecedented insights into the development of long-term stable, dry autochthonous probiotics, aiming to strengthen a more sustainable aquaculture for the arapaima, the Amazon’s giant fish. Full article

Cancer continues to pose a major global health burden, with conventional therapeutic modalities such as surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy often hindered by limited tumor specificity, substantial systemic toxicity, and the emergence of multidrug resistance. The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has introduced functionalized nanomaterials as innovative tools in the realm of precision oncology. These nanoplatforms possess desirable physicochemical properties, including tunable particle size, favorable biocompatibility, and programmable surface chemistry, which collectively enable enhanced tumor targeting and reduced off-target effects. This review systematically examines recent developments in the application of nanomaterials for cancer therapy, with a focus on several representative nanocarrier systems. These include lipid-based formulations, synthetic polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanostructures composed of metallic or non-metallic elements, and carbon-based nanomaterials. In addition, the article outlines key strategies for functionalization, such as ligand-mediated targeting, stimulus-responsive drug release mechanisms, and biomimetic surface engineering to improve in vivo stability and immune evasion. These multifunctional nanocarriers have demonstrated significant potential across a range of therapeutic applications, including targeted drug delivery, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and cancer immunotherapy. When integrated into combinatorial treatment regimens, they have exhibited synergistic therapeutic effects, contributing to improved efficacy by overcoming tumor heterogeneity and resistance mechanisms. A growing body of preclinical evidence supports their ability to suppress tumor progression, minimize systemic toxicity, and enhance antitumor immune responses. This review further explores the design principles of multifunctional nanoplatforms and their comprehensive application in combination therapies, highlighting their preclinical efficacy. In addition, it critically examines major challenges impeding the clinical translation of nanomedicine. By identifying these obstacles, the review provides a valuable roadmap to guide future research and development. Overall, this work serves as an important reference for researchers, clinicians, and regulatory bodies aiming to advance the safe, effective, and personalized application of nanotechnology in cancer treatment. Full article

Bifidobacteria, a genus of obligate anaerobes, comprise a major component of the intestinal microbiota. Importantly, bifidobacteria participate in immune reactions. These bacteria carry a species-specific operon in which the fn3 gene encodes a multifunctional protein FN3 that mediates bacterial adhesion to the intestinal epithelium and is capable of binding individual cytokines. Bioinformatics and biochemical approaches were used to study the possible interaction of recombinant ∆FN3 fragments of B. longum and B. bifidum strains with cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. De novo molecular modeling generated, for the first time, the structural models of species-derived ∆FN3 proteins and revealed new tentative regions for differential cytokine binding. Combined treatment with ∆FN3 and TNF-α induced TNF-α mRNA abundance in the human monocytic cell line. Altogether, these findings provide structural evidence for the regulation of immune reactions by microbiota-derived proteins. Full article