Search Results (430)

Wood’s inherent flammability, arising from its cellular organic composition, demands effective protective strategies. This study aimed to develop a multifunctional bio-based wood coating simultaneously integrating flame retardancy, optical transparency, moisture-triggered self-healing, and surface hydrophobicity within a single formulation. An intumescent flame retardant (PAGHR) was synthesized via ionic assembly of a phytic acid–phosphorylated polyethylene glycol conjugate (PgP) with a piperazine–etidronic acid salt (HEPHR), subsequently blended with gelatin (G) and surface-finished with fluorosilane. The optimized coating (G/PAGHR-4) achieved a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 37.2% and passed the UL-94 V-0 rating. Cone calorimetry demonstrated reductions of 75.1% in peak heat release rate (pHRR) and 50.0% in total heat release (THR) relative to the neat gelatin control. Char yield at 700 °C increased substantially from 17.8 wt% to 41.0 wt%, confirming effective condensed-phase char promotion. Beyond fire performance, the coating maintained high visible-light transmittance, preserved natural wood aesthetics, and achieved macroscopic scratch healing within 40 min upon ambient water contact. Fluorosilane finishing elevated the water contact angle to 122°. These results establish a scalable, environmentally friendly strategy for multifunctional bio-based protective coatings applicable to wood, textiles, and polymer substrates. Full article

This study evaluated the bioactive properties of Spirulina platensis-based vinegar (SV) compared to apple vinegar (AV), focusing on organic acids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro bioaccessibility. SV showed a significantly enhanced bioactive profile, with higher levels of key compounds such as gallic acid (86.99 ± 0.14 mg/L), succinic acid (15,859.43 ± 147.24 mg/L), and shikimic acid (147.13 ± 1.37 mg/L), indicating active fermentation-driven biotransformation. In addition, phytic acid present in Spirulina powder (494.43 ± 5.57 mg/L) was completely eliminated after fermentation. Importantly, SV exhibited significantly higher bioaccessible antioxidant capacity (25.68 ± 0.06 µmol TE/mL) than AV (8.68 ± 0.04 μmol TE/mL) based on the ABTS assay. Principal component analysis confirmed that organic acids were the main drivers of bioactive potential, while phenolics contributed to compositional differentiation. Overall, these results indicate that Spirulina platensis is a promising raw material for producing functional vinegar with enhanced bioactivity and bioaccessibility. Full article

Hysteresis is normally unavoidable in hydrogels under complex external loading conditions due to the intermolecular friction, which usually leads to fatigue. Here, we fabricate a sarcomere-inspired double-network hydrogel made from polyacrylamide, alginate and phytic acid, whose hysteresis can be effectively regulated by preloading. Particularly, due to the synergy of micellization, fibrillation and micro-lubrication, the as-prepared hydrogel displays an ultralow hysteresis (≤0.02%) after it experiences a pre-tensile process at a specific amplitude and strain rate, or even possesses negative hysteresis in the case of low tensile amplitudes or high strain rates. Interestingly, smart responses of the developed hydrogel to cyclic tensile loadingare similar to the mechanical behaviors of sarcomeres in vivo. Likewise, the derived hydrogel with ultralow hysteresis performs reliably even at temperatures as low as −20 °C. The ultralow hysteresis presented by the biomimetic hydrogel with ultralow hysteresis makes it suitable for many engineering fields like electrical sensing with superior reliability (the corresponding electrical signal (ΔR/R₀) is stable even after 1000 stretching–unstretching cycles). Moreover, the design strategy of hydrogels with programmable hysteresis provides an innovative methodology for the future development of smart high-performance hydrogels. Full article

Developing an environmentally friendly material with dual functionality of corrosion monitoring and inhibition is crucial for reducing economic losses. Herein, dual-function phytic acid carbon dots (PA-CDs) were prepared with a hydrothermal treatment method for corrosion monitoring and inhibition. The as-prepared PA-CDs exhibited a distinct color change from brown-yellow to wine-red immediately in the presence of OH⁻, and H⁺ can restore the color of the PA-CDs-OH⁻ system from wine-red to brown-yellow. Inspired by the above phenomenon, a visible RGB-based colorimetric sensor was fabricated by combining PA-CDs coatings with the self-made RGB-sensing device to detect OH⁻/H⁺ during metal corrosion. In addition, PA-CDs had excellent corrosion inhibitory properties for Q235 steel hanging sheets in hydrochloric acid solutions, and the corrosion inhibition efficiency reached 96.40%. The excellent corrosion monitoring and inhibition properties demonstrate the potential application of the PA-CDs in engineering practice. Full article

Improving grain nutritional quality without reducing yield remains a major challenge in wheat breeding. This study aimed to identify advanced mutant lines of spring wheat with enhanced grain protein, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) contents combined with reduced phytate levels to improve mineral bioavailability. Mutant lines were developed from the spring wheat cultivar Zhenis using gamma irradiation (100 and 200 Gry) and evaluated for yield-related traits, grain morphometry, and nutritional parameters. Significant phenotypic and genetic variation was observed among the M₅ mutant lines. Grain protein content ranged from 13.23% to 15.63%, and 46.7% of the lines showed significantly higher protein levels than the parent cultivar. Likewise, 43.3% of the mutant lines showed increases in grain iron and zinc contents of up to 3.4- and 2.94-fold, respectively, compared to the control. Phytate-to-mineral molar ratios were significantly reduced, indicating improved mineral bioavailability. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between micronutrient accumulation and grain morphometric traits, particularly grain area. No strong negative relationship between nutritional quality and yield-related traits was detected in the selected lines. These results demonstrate that gamma-induced mutagenesis is an effective approach for developing biofortified wheat genotypes with improved nutritional quality and stable agronomic performance. Full article

Coix has gained significant research interest for its medicinal and nutritional value, yet its characteristic bitterness limits food applications. To enhance its utilization in the food industry, this study examined the impact of conventional water immersion, ultrasound-assisted immersion (10, 15, and 20 min) and heat-treated immersion (40, 50, and 60 °C) on the nutritional profile and taste properties of Coix. Germinated Coix showed reduced starch, fat, and phytic acid content, but increased protein, γ-aminobutyric acid (from 38.05 to 58.00–116.90 mg/100 g, p < 0.05), dietary fiber, soluble sugars, total phenolics, and DPPH radical scavenging activity (n = 5). Germination introduced palmitoleic, linolenic, arachidonic, myristic, and arachidic acids to Coix, increasing total amino acids and umami taste activity value from 88.09 to 104.50–141.39 (p < 0.05). The reduced bitterness and astringency of germinated Coix may be associated with lower linoleic acid content and higher levels of palmitoleic acid, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. Ultrasound-assisted immersion for 20 min was identified as the optimal condition for enhancing GABA and amino acid contents while reducing bitterness, thereby broadening the food applications of Coix. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the extra-phosphoric effect of increasing doses of bacterial phytase (RONOZYME HiPhos) in corn- and soybean meal-based diets on performance, carcass yield, and meat quality in pigs during the nursery, growing, and finishing phases (GT). Two hundred and fifty pigs, castrated males and females, with an initial weight of 6.08 ± 0.748 kg and 21 days of age, were allocated to a randomized complete block design based on initial body weight, with five treatments and ten replicates per treatment: PC: positive control diets, supplemented with inorganic phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca), meeting their full nutritional requirements; NC: negative control diets, with reduced available phosphorus (−0.18%) and calcium (−0.16%); 1000 FYT: NC + 1000 phytase units (FYT)/kg of feed; 2000 FYT: NC + 2000 FYT/kg of feed; 3000 FYT: NC + 3000 FYT/kg of feed. Average daily gain (ADG) in the nursery phase did not differ between the groups supplemented with 1000, 2000 and 3000 FYT/kg and PC, but was higher (p < 0.05) than NC. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the same phase was similar between PC and the groups supplemented with phytase, all being better (p < 0.05) than NC. The quadratic effect for phytase was verified for FCR in the phase, with the best inclusion of 2320 FYT/kg of feed. In the GF phases and in the overall experimental period (21 to 156 days), the results for average daily feed intake (ADFI), ADG and FCR favored PC and the groups supplemented with phytase compared to the NC (p < 0.05). A quadratic effect was observed for FCR considering the entire GF phase, with the best inclusion of 1923 FYT/kg of feed. Groups supplemented with phytase and PC obtained better carcass results compared to NC (p < 0.05). Linear effects were observed to percentage and quantity of lean meat in the carcass. There was no difference between treatments for meat quality. Supplementation with phytase in corn- and soybean meal-based diets with severely reduced inorganic P and Ca improved pig performance at all stages, with optimized inclusion values of approximately 2200 FYT/kg of feed, and dose-dependent benefits on carcass characteristics. Full article

This study focused on a three-dimensional cross-linked hydrophobic association (PS) hydrogel framework. Phytic acid (PA) was selected as both a dopant and an antifreeze agent, and it was combined with an ethylene glycol/water binary solvent to construct a dual antifreeze system. The resulting composite conductive hydrogel, E/PS/PA-PPy, exhibited synergistically enhanced electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and antifreeze properties. At a PA concentration of 0.1 M, a structurally uniform and ordered three-dimensional network was formed. The PS/PA-PPy hydrogel exhibited an elongation at break of 2595.7% and a high conductivity of 1.8 S/m, while maintaining excellent flexibility and adhesion. Owing to the synergistic antifreeze effect, the freezing point of the E/PS/PA-PPy hydrogel was reduced to −42.3 °C, and after 35 days of room-temperature storage, the weight loss was less than 7%, indicating outstanding water retention. The assembled flexible strain sensor exhibited a sensitivity of 2.09, with response and recovery times both less than 0.25 s. Notably, it exhibited good cyclic stability and accurately monitored human movements. Furthermore, the sensing performance remained stable without significant attenuation even at −20 °C. The results demonstrate the broad application prospects of the hydrogel in flexible electronics such as wearable health monitoring systems and human–machine interfaces in extreme environments. Full article

Environmental fires pose a serious threat to energy security, ecosystems and public safety, whilst traditional halogenated flame retardants suffer from limitations such as high environmental residue risks and insufficient flame-retardant efficacy. In this study, sodium alginate (SA) was utilised as the matrix, with the incorporation of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and phytic acid (PA), in conjunction with SiO₂-APTES surface modification, to prepare nitrogen–phosphorus synergistic bio-based flame-retardant gels. The present study systematically investigated the influence of the N/P molar ratio on the gelation kinetics, rheological behaviour, microstructure and flame-retardant performance of the gel. The study revealed a nitrogen–phosphorus coupled gas–solid two-phase synergistic flame-retardant mechanism. The results indicate that at an N/P ratio of 1/4, the gel forms a stable dual-network structure comprising ionic cross-links and Si–O–P covalent bonds. In the gas phase, the thermal decomposition of APP releases inert NH₃, which dilutes oxygen and quenches gas-phase radicals (·OH, ·H). In the condensed phase, the phosphate groups of PA-catalysed SA form Si–O–P covalent bonds with SiO₂ under the mediation of APTES, creating a dense, insulating char layer. In comparison with the control group (N/P = 0/0), the optimal gel sample (N/P = 1/4) demonstrated a 33% increase in shear stress, a 10% reduction in the peak heat release rate (HRR), a 75% decrease in total smoke production (TSP), and a 150% increase in char layer thickness after combustion, while maintaining adequate mechanical strength, thermal stability, and environmental friendliness. This work provides novel insights and strategies for the development of green, highly efficient flame-retardant materials for environmental fire prevention and control. Full article

Quinoa contains all the essential amino acids for human nutrition, which is also known to be gluten-free. In this research, black, red, white, and gray quinoa were germinated to ferment beers. The effects of germination as a bioprocess on the nutritional profile, anti-nutrients, and flavor development in quinoa beers were systematically investigated, and a comprehensive comparison was made with two commercially popular beers. The results indicated that the optimal germination time for quinoa in beer production was 48 h. Germination significantly increased the contents of polyphenols (255.9 mg/L in white quinoa beer) and flavonoids (404.34 mg/L in red quinoa beer), which enhanced the antioxidant activity of the beers. Furthermore, the levels of protein and γ-aminobutyric acid were elevated through germination. Notably, germination markedly improved the potential nutritional accessibility of the beers through reducing the anti-nutritional factors, including phytic acid, tannins, and trypsin inhibitor. In terms of flavor, quinoa beers developed a unique and pleasant aromatic profile, characterized by compounds such as ethyl octanoate, ethyl 9-decenoate, and ethyl pentadecanoate, which distinguished them from commercial beers. In conclusion, germinated quinoa can serve as a high-quality brewing material for producing beer with enhanced nutritional value, reduced anti-nutrients, and improved flavor characteristics. Full article

The efficient removal of dyes and separation from dissolved salts are crucial for the recovery of valuable resources from saline textile wastewater. In this study, hollow fiber membranes were fabricated using the non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method and then improved with a dual-coating process to create effective nanofiltration (NF) membranes. First, hollow fiber substrates with Fe³⁺ were fabricated using NIPS. Subsequently, the inner surface of the membrane was coated with phytic acid (PA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI), which increased the thickness of the separation layer and reduced the size of the surface pores, thereby improving the separation efficiency. The loose NF membrane exhibited superior water permeance (pure water permeability of 280 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹·bar⁻¹) and, with dye rejection rates consistently exceeding 95%, also remarkable dye/salt selectivity (with separation factors of CR/NaCl: 64.08, CR/Na₂SO₄: 21.21, CBB/NaCl: 14.75, and CBB/Na₂SO₄: 10.74). The flux recovery of the membrane was over 80% for humic acid, and the membrane exhibited favorable stability under acidic and alkaline conditions, confirming its excellent antifouling and stability performance. In conclusion, this study presents a straightforward and effective approach for fabricating hollow fiber loose NF membranes, underscoring their potential for treating hypersaline wastewater and resource recovery. Full article

In China, the substantial gap between domestic soybean supply and growing consumption necessitates large-scale soybean imports. The use of cultivated soybean (Glycine max) leaves as feed for the edible insect Clanis bilineata tsingtauica reduces crop yield, posing a threat to national soybean production security. To address this issue, this study evaluated wild soybean (Glycine soja) as a potential alternative feed source. Comparative analyses examined the nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of G. max (cv. Qihuang34) and a laboratory-preserved G. soja germplasm, together with their effects on larval growth performance, nutritional composition, and associated microbiota. G. soja leaves exhibited significantly higher crude fat (5.61% vs. 2.17%), ash (11.07% vs. 9.62%), neutral detergent fiber (23.75% vs. 21.00%), calcium (4.05 g/kg vs. 3.41 g/kg), and phosphorus (2.52 g/kg vs. 2.38 g/kg) than G. max leaves, along with lower trypsin inhibitor levels (p < 0.01) despite higher phytic acid content (p < 0.05). Fifth-instar larvae reared on G. soja leaves showed a 12.9% greater body weight (6.846 g vs. 6.066 g), higher crude protein (672.14 g/kg vs. 555.02 g/kg), total soluble sugar (21.27 mg/g vs. 8.96 mg/g), and soluble protein (26.35 mg/g vs. 24.71 mg/g), but lower crude fat (187.44 g/kg vs. 205.82 g/kg, p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing revealed distinct phyllosphere microbial communities, with G. soja enriched in diverse taxa (e.g., Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria) and G. max dominated by Firmicutes. Corresponding differences were observed in larval gut microbiota, and positive correlations suggested potential microbial transfer from G. soja leaves to larval guts. Overall, G. soja represents a promising alternative feed source for C. bilineata, reducing competition with soybean grain production and supporting sustainable insect farming. Full article

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by Echinococcus multilocularis larvae, is a severe zoonotic disease mimicking tumors, primarily affecting the liver with high mortality if untreated. Host immunity plays a pivotal role, shifting from Th1/Th17-mediated clearance to Th2/Treg-driven tolerance, enabling parasite survival. Liver macrophages, including Kupffer cells, polarize towards M2 phenotype under parasite antigens (e.g., phytic acid, exosomes), promoting immunosuppression, fibrosis, and T cell exhaustion via IL-10/TGF-β. This reshapes the tumor-like immune microenvironment with M2 macrophages recruiting Tregs, suppressing NK/DC functions, and fostering angiogenesis/fibrosis. Current treatment remains centered on surgery and benzimidazole therapy, both of which have notable limitations. Experimental immunomodulatory strategies, drug repurposing approaches, and targeted delivery systems may offer future therapeutic opportunities, but these concepts remain largely preclinical, unproven in AE, and require careful evaluation for safety and efficacy. Full article

Zinc deficiency is recognized as a global public health concern, affecting populations of all ages. This study aims to develop zinc supplements (nutraceuticals) based on by-products of the fruit and vegetable processing industry. Dehydrated apple and beetroot pomace powders were enriched with vitamin C and zinc via fluid-bed wet granulation, producing granules with substantially improved flowability (Carr’s index reduced by up to 45%, Hausner ratio by up to 25%, while the bulk and tapped density were reduced by up to 25% and 40%, respectively). Microbiological and long-term storage stability was demonstrated by low water activity (aw) (≤0.3), moisture content (<10%), and glass transition temperatures (T_g = 29–34 °C) that were well above standard storage conditions. The formulated nutraceuticals exhibited stronger antioxidant activity compared to the starting powders, as well as significant anti-hyperglycemic activity. Furthermore, the enhanced bioaccessibility of zinc was confirmed upon in vitro digestion of granulated samples, using atomic absorption spectrometry and differential pulse voltammetry. The present findings demonstrate that apple and beetroot pomaces can be successfully valorized as sustainable and functional matrices for zinc enrichment, being free of gluten, artificial sweeteners, colorants, preservatives, anti-caking agents, and anti-nutritional factors such as phytic acid. Full article

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a long-established biotechnological approach gaining renewed interest for its ability to enhance nutrient availability and improve the functional properties of agro-industrial by-products. This strategy is particularly relevant for early post-weaning piglets, which are highly susceptible to weaning stress due to an immature digestive system and a gut microbiota not yet adapted to solid feed. In this study, the fermentation parameters of flaxseed cake were optimized using a Plackett–Burman experimental design. Protease activity was selected as the response variable due to its relevance for improving protein degradation and potential digestibility in fermented feed ingredients. Accordingly, based on the statistical analysis, the conditions selected for the in vivo trial were 1% molasses, 0.5% yeast extract, 0.05% CaCl₂, 0.5% NaCl, 7.5% inoculum (4.12 × 10⁹ CFU/mL), 60% moisture, and 72 h fermentation. Fermentation time was identified as the main factor positively influencing protease production, while higher CaCl₂ concentrations and inoculum levels negatively affected enzyme activity. Optimization increased protease activity, microbial viability and free amino acid content. In addition, SSF reorganizes the carbohydrate profile by reducing structural fiber fractions, with neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreasing by 27% and 29%, respectively, while simultaneously increasing soluble carbohydrates by 14.67%. Phytic acid content being also reduced by 23.81%. A pilot nutritional trial on post-weaned piglets (35 days old) showed that including 8% fermented flaxseed cakes (FFSC group) improved body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and diarrhea score, without affecting average daily feed intake, compared with 8% unfermented flaxseed cakes (FSC group). These performance improvements were accompanied by changes in fermentation metabolites and gut microbial composition. Lower isovalerate concentrations suggested reduced proteolysis, while higher propionate levels may contribute to increased blood glucose availability in the FFSC group. These changes coincided with a shift in microbial composition, characterized by a reduced abundance of methanogenic archaea and increased abundances of taxa such as Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and members of the Lachnospiraceae and Eubacteriaceae families. Full article