Search Results (11,287)

In this work, we present a numerical proof-of-concept study of a device for nanoparticle sorting, targeting size ranges relevant to exosome-like dimensions (typically 40–200 nm), which remains challenging for passive sorting techniques. The system consists of three silicon waveguides embedded in a CYTOP layer and arranged in a two-step directional-coupler configuration, integrated with a microchannel that carries a water-based buffer as the carrier fluid, transporting the suspended nanoparticles. Three-dimensional Finite Element Method (3D-FEM) simulations were performed, incorporating both optical and hydrodynamic forces to track particle dynamics within the microchannel and demonstrate controlled, size-selective particle deflection. First, numerical simulations show that nanospheres with diameters ranging from 500 nm to 700 nm can be effectively separated by the transverse trapping force at a 4:1 power-splitting ratio. Then, to extend the concept toward smaller size ranges, a bifurcated microchannel is introduced, enabling fluid-assisted transport in low-optical-field regions and allowing reliable separation of particles with smaller diameters (between 200 nm and 400 nm), accompanied by an 8:1 power-splitting ratio. These results demonstrate, within a numerical framework, the feasibility of an integrated photonic–microfluidic approach for size-selective nanoparticle sorting. The proposed strategy may support future pre-processing steps in liquid biopsy workflows, particularly for enriching nanoscale components such as exosome-sized vesicles, rather than constituting a direct diagnostic tool. Full article

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by dysregulated mucosal immunity and progressive epithelial injury. Upadacitinib (UPA), a selective Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, has demonstrated clinical efficacy in UC, but its therapeutic application is often constrained by adverse effects arising from systemic drug exposure. This underscores the need for advanced, site-specific delivery systems that enhance local efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. Here, we developed a colon-targeted natural lipid nanoparticle formulation of UPA (UPA-nLNP) to improve therapeutic performance and safety. UPA-nLNP was prepared by thin-film hydration using digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), and phosphatidic acid (PA), mimicking the lipid composition of ginger-derived exosomal particles, and was characterized for particle size, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency. The formulation exhibited excellent mucus-penetrating capability and was evaluated in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis model in C57BL/6 mice following oral administration (5 mg/kg). Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated increased colonic accumulation with reduced systemic exposure compared to free UPA. Treatment with UPA-nLNP improved body weight recovery, reduced disease biomarkers, and suppressed key proinflammatory cytokines in the colon, with no evidence of systemic toxicity. This innovative strategy holds strong potential to enhance the clinical utility of JAK1 inhibitors by providing a safer and more effective therapeutic approach for ulcerative colitis. Full article

The utilization of immunomodulatory nanomaterials, i.e., leveraging their unique properties to enhance immune responses, represents a transformative approach for the treatment of various diseases. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the design of nanomaterials capable of delivering immunomodulatory agents in a targeted manner, such as cytokines, antibodies, and nucleic acids, to specific cells or tissues involved in immune regulation. These nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, liposomes, nanogels, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, MXenes and extracellular vesicles, have been increasingly tailored to modulate immune responses with precision and efficacy. This targeted approach not only enhances therapeutic outcomes but also reduces off-target effects, minimizing systemic toxicity. In this review, an overview of immunomodulatory nanomaterials and their biomedical applications are highlighted. Herein, we have discussed different types of nanomaterials and their design strategies, interactions with different immune system components (macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils, T lymphocytes (CD4⁺ helper T-cells, CD8⁺ cytotoxic T-cells, regulatory T-cells/Tregs, and memory T-cells), and B lymphocytes), and immunomodulation mechanisms. Furthermore, nanomaterial-based immunomodulation strategies to enhance cancer immunotherapy, wound healing, and bone regeneration and the treatment of infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and allergy and are discussed in detail. In addition to therapeutic applications, selected nanomaterial platforms demonstrate significant potential in pharmaceutical formulations by improving drug stability, controlled release, and bioavailability, as well as in cosmetology through skin-targeted delivery, anti-inflammatory activity, immune protection, and enhanced tissue regeneration. Finally, clinical trial updates, challenges and future prospects are outlined. Key findings indicate that lipid-based, polymeric, inorganic nanoparticles and dendrimers provide complementary advantages for immunomodulation, including efficient delivery, controlled release, multifunctionality, and precise immune targeting. Despite safety, regulatory, and scalability challenges, these systems show strong potential for advancing precision and personalized medicine. Taken together, these innovations hold great promise for personalized medicine approaches, wherein nanomaterials can be tailored to individual patient profiles for more effective and precise disease treatment and prevention strategies. This review focuses primarily on the mechanistic interactions between immunomodulatory nanomaterials and immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes, rather than providing an exhaustive treatment of physicochemical optimization parameters such as particle size or surface modification chemistry, which fall outside the defined scope of this work. Full article

Recently, the coprecession of both the accretion disk and the jet formed following the tidal disruption event associated with the optical transient AT2020afhd, driven by a supermassive black hole of almost ten million solar masses, were independently measured in both the X and radio bands, respectively, showing a periodicity of nearly 20 days over about 300 days. An analytical model of the general relativistic gravitomagnetic Lense-Thirring precession of the effective orbit of a fictitious test particle revolving about a spinning primary can explain the observed precessional features. It yields allowed regions in the system’s parameter space which, as far as the hole’s dimensionless spin parameter is concerned, are essentially in agreement with those obtained in the literature with general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations. The present analytical approach can be extended to include the precession due to the hole’s quadrupole mass moment as well. It breaks the degeneracy in the allowed regions occurring for negative and positive values of the spin parameter when only the Lense-Thirring effect is considered. The best estimate for the hole’s mass yields the range 0.185–0.215 for the dimensionless spin parameter. Using the same strategy with the gravitomagnetic frequency for an extended disk of finite size with a parameterized power-law mass density yields to distinct, generally non-overlapping allowed regions for each value of the power-law index adopted. Some of the assumptions on which this work is based are critically examined. Full article

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles ranging in size from 0.1 μm to 5 mm, have gained significant scientific attention worldwide due to their widespread occurrence and potential risks for human health and the environment. MPs can accumulate in water and soil, affecting organisms across multiple trophic levels and negatively impacting agricultural productivity and animal husbandry. Agricultural practices, such as plastic mulching, compost, and sewage sludge application, contribute to environmental plastic contamination, while irrigation and wastewater reuse facilitate their transport and deposition across ecosystems. Given the limited efficiency and high costs of physicochemical remediation methods, microbial biodegradation has attracted growing attention as a potentially sustainable strategy. This review focuses primarily on the metabolic potential of bacteria and fungi and the mechanisms underlying MP degradation. In the context of environmental safety, such studies are of particular importance. Under optimal laboratory conditions, reported microbial degradation efficiencies varied with microplastic type, microbial strain(s), and experimental conditions, ranging from 4% to >97%. Moreover, the literature review identifies key barriers to practical application, including environmental variability and the limited transferability of laboratory findings to field settings. Future research should therefore prioritize testable, application-oriented approaches. Addressing these gaps is essential to developing effective microbial degradation strategies for mitigating microplastic pollution. Full article

Hydrogen (H₂) was produced from recycled aluminum microparticles (180–250, 300–425, and 425–500 μm) via alkaline hydrolysis using a 1.0 M NaOH solution to enhance oxide layer removal and aluminum dissolution. Maximum hydrogen flow rates of approximately 13, 15, and 19 mL·min⁻¹ were obtained, confirming that smaller particle sizes promote faster reaction rates due to increased specific surface area. The hydrogen evolution exhibited two-stage kinetic behavior: an initial stage characterized by rapid aluminum dissolution and increasing H₂ production, followed by a gradual decline associated with the formation of a passivating Al(OH)₃ layer. Despite the higher reaction rates observed for smaller particles, the maximum cumulative hydrogen production was obtained for the intermediate particle size (363 µm, 132 mL), compared to 106 mL and 102 mL for 215 µm and 463 µm, respectively, indicating a trade-off between surface area and passivation effects. Kinetic analysis based on the shrinking core model showed excellent agreement (R² = 99.94–99.97%), with rate constants of 0.137, 0.064, and 0.050 min⁻¹. The relationship k ∝ d⁻ⁿ (n ≈ 1.4) suggests a mixed kinetic regime involving both surface reaction and diffusion through the Al(OH)₃ layer. These findings indicate that hydrogen generation can be modulated by particle size; however, the relatively low flow rates and yields limit its immediate practical applicability. Full article

This review examines microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments, their interactions with organic pollutants (OPs), effects on organisms, and implications for human and ecological health. MPs are ubiquitous, persistent contaminants. Their small size and large surface area enhance adsorption of diverse OPs; however, the extent to which MPs influence pollutant transport, fate, and bioavailability remains highly context-dependent and is still under scientific debate. Sorption processes are influenced by polymer type, pollutant properties, environmental factors, and aging processes that increase surface reactivity, further contributing to the variability of MP–OP interactions. Detection of MPs in human tissues raises concerns about long-term health effects, including inflammatory, immune, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and endocrine responses. Despite advances in analytical techniques, challenges remain in identifying and quantifying small particles in complex matrices. This review emphasizes the need for integrated, multi-technique, and environmentally realistic studies to understand MP–OP interactions and support risk assessment. Future research should focus on standardizing methodologies, improving nano-sized particle detection, and elucidating long-term effects, including trophic transfer and potential tissue accumulation. Full article

Controlling the microstructure of electroless nickel coatings is crucial for optimizing the interfacial properties of carbon fibers. However, a systematic understanding of how dispersants can effectively leverage the refining effect of nanoparticles in composite plating systems remains lacking. This paper proposes the use of a composite dispersant, comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium methylene bis-naphthalene sulfonate (NNO) at a 1:1 mass ratio, for nano-Al₂O₃ to achieve microstructure refinement of nickel coatings on carbon fiber surfaces. The results demonstrate that the composite dispersant modifies the surface state and dispersion stability of Al₂O₃ particles through synergistic adsorption, thereby regulating the nucleation and growth behavior of the Ni-P alloy. At an optimal composite dispersant concentration of 3 g/L, the coating exhibits the most compact structure, with Ni-P particle size refined to approximately 181 nm. The coating consists of two phases: crystalline Ni₃P and amorphous Ni-P. The dual adsorption effect of the dispersant—inhibiting Al₂O₃ agglomeration while improving the surface wettability of carbon fibers—is key to enhancing the refinement efficiency. Conversely, excessive dispersant addition leads to deteriorated coating quality. This study provides experimental evidence for understanding the multiphase interfacial interaction mechanism involving organic additives, nanoparticles, and metal deposition, and offers a novel strategy for controlling the surface functionalization of carbon fibers. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable pest management has positioned essential oils (EOs) as viable bio-based alternatives to synthetic pesticides. This study investigates the insecticidal potential of Haplopappus foliosus EO, a Chilean endemic medicinal plant, against Drosophila melanogaster as a key toxicological model for fruit fly control. Chemical characterization identified 56 compounds, with 4-terpineol (27.27%) and α-bisabolol (10.40%) as the primary constituents, marking the first report of α-bisabolol in this species. To enhance bioavailability and overcome EO volatility, a nanoemulsion was developed, achieving an exceptionally small and stable particle size of 2.10 nm that remained consistent for over 90 days. Nanoencapsulation significantly optimized the EO’s efficacy, reducing the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) from 120.26 µg/mL to a potent 54.57 µg/mL. While in vitro assays showed the free oil as a more potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, molecular docking confirmed the high affinity of 4-terpineol and α-bisabolol for the enzyme’s active site, elucidating the neurotoxic mechanism at a molecular level. In silico analysis predicted a favorable human safety profile within GHS classes 4 and 5. Overall, this stable nanoformulation represents a sustainable biotechnological strategy for agricultural pest management, leveraging the synergistic effects and enhanced delivery of natural products. Full article

With the continuous promotion of the dual carbon target, effective control of high-concentration dust pollutants in industrial sites is of great value for the healthy creation of healthy industrial environments and efficient energy utilization. In this study, we used the spraying method to improve and prepare the dust removal material, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fiber filter material, and test the filtration performance, resistance characteristics, and dust-cleaning effect of the improved rGO-PPS material. The results showed that, compared with PPS filter material, rGO-PPS material significantly improved particle filtration efficiency, with a filtration efficiency 0.058–19.417% higher in the particle size range of 0.265–5.75 μm. The higher the spraying concentration of the composite filter material, the higher the filtration efficiency at the same particle size. The comprehensive filtration performance of rGO-PPS composite filter material with a concentration of 3 g/L was better, as it better met the requirements of “high efficiency and low resistance”. With an increase in dust load, the filtration resistance of the filter material showed a continuous upward trend. The dust peeling rate increased with an increase in blowback wind speed. When the blowback wind speed reached 0.3 m/s, the dust-cleaning effect of the filter material tended to stabilize. Under this condition, the dust peeling rate of PPS filter material was 61.58%, and the dust peeling rate of 3 g/L rGO-PPS composite filter material reached 74.52%. These research results provide an experimental basis and technical support for the development and engineering application of high-efficiency purification filter materials for industrial multi-source pollutants. Full article

This study examines the effects of laser power (P), scanning speed (SS), and energy density (ED) on the microstructure and hardness of WC-reinforced Inconel 625 metallic matrix composite (MMC) coatings fabricated via a powder-based directed energy deposition (DED) process developed by Makino Asia Pte Ltd. Coating layers were evaluated for surface roughness (Sa), layer height (LH), porosity (Pr), dilution height (DH), dilution ratio (DR), and WC retention (WC%). Trends in the data reveal how process parameters influence deposition quality and microstructural evolution: higher P or lower SS increased melt pool depth, promoted WC dissolution, and coarsened microstructure, whereas lower P or higher SS preserved WC particles and minimized substrate dilution. Hardness variations in the Inconel 625 matrix were associated with dendrite size, solid-solution strengthening, dislocation density, and secondary carbide formation. These findings provide quantitative guidance for selecting DED parameters to produce crack-free WC-Inconel 625 MMC coatings with controlled microstructure and tailored mechanical properties. Full article

A nano-CuO/ZnO desulfurizer was successfully prepared via a homogeneous precipitation method, and the effects of Cu doping on its microstructure, oxygen species, desulfurization performance, and reaction mechanism were systematically investigated. The results show that an appropriate Cu doping amount (TZ2, Cu:Zn = 1:18.40) significantly reduces the particle size (to ~10.9 nm) compared with pure ZnO (14.3 nm), leading to an increased number of surface-active sites. XPS and TG analyses reveal that Cu incorporation increases the proportion of lattice oxygen and decreases the concentration of oxygen vacancies, indicating that the modification effect of Cu dominates over the particle size effect in regulating surface oxygen species. Despite the reduced oxygen vacancy concentration, the desulfurization performance is markedly enhanced, with TZ2 exhibiting the longest breakthrough time under oxygen-free conditions at room temperature. This improvement is attributed to the strong interaction between highly dispersed Cu species and the ZnO matrix, which promotes H₂S adsorption and activation. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that, unlike pure nano-ZnO, where oxygen vacancy-mediated reactions dominate, the CuO/ZnO system follows a chemisorption-driven pathway involving the formation of copper sulfides and highly reactive polysulfide intermediates. Furthermore, the presence of oxygen significantly influences the reaction behavior, with an optimal oxygen concentration (~10%) maximizing desulfurization performance by balancing the generation of reactive oxygen species and sulfur intermediates. This work provides new insights into the design of high-performance ZnO-based desulfurizers and highlights the critical role of Cu-induced mechanism transformation. Full article

This study presents the development and numerical investigation of a full-section fog curtain dust suppression system installed in the return airway of a fully mechanized longwall mining face, designed to mitigate airborne dust emissions escaping from the return airway during coal extraction. To optimize nozzle selection, comparative experiments were conducted under varying water pressure conditions. A porous medium model was employed to represent the dust capture mesh, enabling a systematic analysis of the pressure drop and airflow resistance characteristics across a range of wind velocities; the model parameters—viscous resistance coefficient (D) and inertial resistance coefficient (C₂)—were calibrated accordingly. Subsequently, coupled computational fluid dynamics simulations of fog dispersion and airflow fields were performed using a validated full-scale geometric model of the fully mechanized mining face. The influence of mesh pore size—via its effect on droplet size distribution uniformity—on the spatial distribution and velocity profile of the airflow field was quantitatively evaluated. The results show that the optimal spray nozzle was the fan-shaped atomizing spray nozzle, with a selected water pressure of 0.6 MPa. The droplet concentration in the porous media section increased from 0.026 kg∙m⁻³ to 0.052 kg∙m⁻³, and the volume share increased from 51.5% to 74.5%. The concentration of the filtered droplet increased from 0.00067 kg∙m⁻³ to 0.0013 kg∙m⁻³, and the size of particles adsorbed by the porous media increased from 140 μm in the proportion of most particles to 0.0013 kg∙m⁻³. The proportion of most particles above 140 μm was reduced to a range of 0–80 μm, and the optimal pore size was selected to be 100 mesh. Dust measurements were conducted at different measuring points in the return airway of the 25212 comprehensive mining face in the Hongliulin North plate area. The overall dust removal rates at points A, B, and C reached 88.90%, 83.71%, and 84.85%, and the respiratory dust removal rates reached 81.24%, 79.39%, and 80.33%, respectively, indicating that dust removal is effective. Full article

The transition from starch-dominated to protein-enriched gluten-free systems represents a critical step in improving the functional and nutritional quality of composite flours. This study investigated the effects of progressive substitution of Amaranthus caudatus (amaranth) with Lupinus mutabilis (Andean lupin) on the physicochemical, rheological, and antioxidant properties of gluten-free flour blends. A multimodal dataset comprising 33 variables across six measurement domains (proximal composition, hydration properties, thermomechanical behavior, pasting profiles, particle size, and antioxidant activity) was analyzed using an integrated framework combining univariate inference (FDR-adjusted p-values), PCA, Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA), and sparse Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (sPLS-DA). Results revealed that increasing lupin content (10–40%) significantly increased protein and fiber levels while decreasing starch content, leading to higher water absorption capacity and reduced peak viscosity and setback. Multivariate models showed that the protein/fiber–starch trade-off was the principal axis of compositional differentiation (PC1, ~41% variance), while PC2 captured rheological and antioxidant variability, with formulations containing higher proportions of amaranth exhibiting greater antioxidant activity. The sPLS-DA model achieved 72% separation accuracy with moisture, protein, water absorption, and torque parameters as top discriminants. These findings provide an evidence-based framework for gluten-free flour optimization using Andean crops and highlight how statistical modeling can inform targeted formulation decisions. The approach is transferable to other compositional transitions in food systems, underscoring the utility of multivariate analytics in applied food research. The multivariate framework further suggests that intermediate substitution levels may offer an optimal balance between nutritional enrichment and rheological functionality. Full article

The cement industry contributes approximately 7–8% of global CO₂ emissions, motivating the development of sustainable supplementary materials. This study evaluates the partial replacement (10 wt.%) of Portland cement with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) derived from oyster shells, both untreated and thermally treated at 600 °C, in non-structural mortar blocks. Structural and physicochemical characterization was performed using XRD, SEM, EDS, BET, and TGA to assess phase composition, morphology, and surface properties. Thermal treatment modified the textural characteristics of CaCO₃, reducing the crystallite size and increasing the specific surface area (from 5.8 to 25.6 m²/g), without phase transformation. Compressive strength results, relative to a reference mortar (13.6 MPa), showed comparable performance, with variations generally within ±10%, although slightly larger deviations were observed for specific particle sizes. Finer calcined particles yielded the highest strength (15.0 MPa), reinforcing the combined influence of particle size and thermal treatment. These results suggest that CaCO₃ acts primarily through a filler effect, improving particle packing and matrix interaction. Both untreated and heat-treated CaCO₃ satisfied strength requirements for non-structural applications, supporting the valorization of oyster shell waste as a sustainable material in cement-based systems. Full article