Search Results (328)

Starches from various botanical sources are extensively utilized across food applications due to their functional and technological properties. However, native starches exhibit limitations under processing conditions involving heat, pH shifts, or mechanical stress, which restrict their application. In response, the demand for “clean-label” products has driven interest in sustainable and non-chemical modification strategies. This review aims to provide a critical overview of the effects of unconventional technologies—including ozone, ultrasound, high-pressure processing, high-pressure homogenization, pulsed electric fields, and cold plasma—on starch granule structure and the resulting pasting properties. A bibliometric analysis based on 1679 documents from Scopus and Web of Science^® highlighted a lack of previous studies integrating quantitative trends with in-depth technical discussion. The selected technologies demonstrate potential to enhance starch functionality through distinct modification mechanisms, although their effects are highly dependent on starch source, structure, and processing parameters. Despite promising advances, most applications remain restricted to laboratory scale, and further research is required to optimize conditions and promote industrial feasibility. Full article

Hard-to-heal wounds pose a significant challenge in clinical practice due to the fact that the conventional treatments used are not always effective. For this reason, it is necessary to design alternatives to achieve an adequate resolution. In this context, a new Advanced Therapy product was produced in a Good Manufactured Practices Facility in the setting of a clinical trial authorised for the European Medicines Agency (EUCT 2023-505017-25-02). Briefly, an autologous plasma scaffold containing bone marrow mononuclear cells was applied to a 63-year-old male patient who presented a non-healing wound despite two months of self-care and three months of primary care treatment. After cleaning the affected area, a single-dose plasma scaffold with embedded bone marrow mononuclear cells was applied over the wound. Six weeks after treatment, the wound exhibited remarkable healing with complete closure as evidenced by follow-up assessments at different time points. Quality of life measures significantly improved, aligning with clinical findings, and no adverse effects were observed. While further studies are needed, the issues presented in this case report show the promising results obtained forthe first patient included in the trial and treated with this innovative alternative, which supports the potential of mononuclear cells combined with plasma as a therapeutic option for chronic wounds. Full article

To remove the oxide layer of TC1 titanium alloys in an environmentally friendly and efficient manner, this study conducted experiments using a nanosecond pulsed laser to systematically investigate the influence of different laser energy densities on the cleaning effect. The results showed that the oxide layer could be completely removed at an energy density of 6.37 J/cm², with the surface oxygen element content reduced to 4.87%. The macroscopic surface presented a silvery metallic luster. Moreover, the roughness decreased significantly with the increase in energy density. At 6.37 J/cm², the surface roughness dropped to 0.37 µm. The mechanism of removing the oxide layer of TC1 titanium alloy mainly includes laser ablation and plasma impact. At energy densities ranging from 2.55 J/cm² to 6.37 J/cm², the cleaning mechanism was mainly laser ablation. When the energy density exceeded 6.37 J/cm², the cleaning mechanism gradually shifted from laser ablation to plasma impact as the dominant factor. Meanwhile, the microhardness of the samples after laser cleaning was basically consistent with that of the samples subjected to mechanical grinding, which provides a basis for a nanosecond pulsed laser to replace traditional methods for oxide layer cleaning. Full article

Polymer films and coatings play an increasingly critical role in extending material functionality across industrial, biomedical, and environmental applications. Recent advances in surface engineering have enabled precise control of interfacial properties, leading to enhanced durability, cleanliness, and protection. This review summarizes state-of-the-art strategies for modifying polymer surfaces, with an emphasis on plasma-based surface modification and plasma-induced polymerization as versatile, solvent-free methods for tailoring wettability, chemical functionality, and adhesion. Furthermore, it examines emerging classes of self-cleaning and self-sterilizing coatings that leverage photocatalytic, hydrophobic, or antimicrobial mechanisms to mitigate contamination, biofouling, and pathogen transmission. Additionally, developments in high-performance barrier films designed to protect food products and electronic devices through improved resistance to gases, moisture, and chemical agents are highlighted. By integrating insights from materials chemistry, surface physics, and nanostructured coating design, this review provides a comprehensive overview of current achievements and future directions in functional polymer films and coatings aimed at anti-pollution, antibacterial, and anti-corrosion performance. Full article

Methane, as an abundant and relatively clean resource, has primarily been converted into various chemical products via indirect conversion through synthesis gas, a mixture of CO and H₂. Recently, interest in direct methane conversion technologies with lower energy consumption has increased. Compared to research on methanol production via selective oxidation of methane, studies on the direct conversion of methane to acetic acid have been relatively scarce, but significant research progress has been made recently. This review classifies reports on the direct conversion of methane into acetic acid according to catalyst type (homogeneous vs. heterogeneous catalysts) and reaction conditions, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. A relatively high yield of acetic acid can be achieved using CO as a carbonylating agent. However, the direct conversion of methane and CO₂ into acetic acid is more attractive from an environmental perspective. Recent advances in the field of electrocatalysis for this purpose are noteworthy. Other non-thermal catalytic methods, including photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and plasma processes, are also included. Based on the current state-of-the-art research trends in this field, future research directions are proposed. Full article

While membrane technologies are critical for preventing microplastics (MPs) release into aquatic ecosystems, MPs-induced fouling remains a persistent bottleneck, necessitating energy-intensive cleaning strategies that introduce their own environmental burdens. This study presents a systematic life cycle assessment (LCA) of fouling mitigation strategies, rigorously comparing hydraulic forward flushing and nitrogen (N₂) gas scouring across both unmodified and plasma-modified (acrylic acid, cyclopropylamine, and hexamethyldisiloxane) polysulfone membranes. Results reveal a stark divergence between operational performance and environmental sustainability. Baseline operations and the hydraulic flushing of unmodified membranes have environmentally costly global warming potential (GWP) ~150 kg CO₂-eq/m³), driven primarily by high electricity consumption and frequent membrane replacement. Conversely, cyclopropylamine (CPAm) plasma-modified membranes emerging as the optimal strategy, reducing global warming potential to 68 kg CO₂-eq/m³ and cutting electricity demand by 44% through superior fouling resistance. Crucially, the study uncovers a significant trade-off regarding gas scouring: While it achieves the highest technical performance (minimal flux decline of 0.33% h⁻¹), the upstream burdens of N₂ supply increased environmental impacts by over 100% across all categories. These findings challenge the assumption that maximum fouling control equates to sustainability, suggesting that surface engineering via plasma modification, rather than aggressive physical cleaning, offers the most viable pathway for sustainable MPs remediation. Full article

Internal reconnection events (IREs) are rapid magnetohydrodynamic phenomena that play an important role in the confinement and stability of spherical tokamak plasmas. Reliable identification of IREs in experimental data is challenging due to short discharge durations, ambiguous event boundaries, and the limited availability of labeled data. In this study, we propose an unsupervised, event-level IRE detection framework based on anomaly detection techniques and apply it to experimental data from the VEST spherical tokamak. The proposed framework combines a two-stage detection strategy using plasma current and $H_{\alpha }$ emission signals with sliding-window segmentation and event-level evaluation, enabling physically meaningful IRE identification without labeled training data. Three unsupervised models—K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), One-Class Support Vector Machine (OCSVM), and an autoencoder (AE)—are evaluated within a unified framework. All models achieve stable detection performance, with precision exceeding 80% and recall above 70% under a precision-oriented operating point. To enhance detection robustness, a KNN-based cleaning procedure is introduced during training to remove noise-driven, locally isolated windows, significantly reducing spurious detections while preserving physically meaningful IRE signatures. Event-level analysis indicates that missed detections under this operating regime predominantly correspond to weak events with limited impact on global plasma behavior. The proposed framework is fully unsupervised, computationally efficient, and readily extensible to other spherical tokamak devices, providing a flexible foundation for incorporating additional diagnostics, such as Mirnov coil signals, toward precursor-aware detection and future predictive modeling of IRE activity. Full article

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) have emerged as promising biofabricated materials that align with circular economy and clean technology goals by utilizing fungal networks to transform lignocellulosic residues into functional, biodegradable composites. Despite the MBC’s potentials, the intrinsic nature of the fungal strain, substrate physico-chemical composition and engineering property variability remain significant hurdles that should be critically surmounted. Substrate treatment is central to determining growth kinetics, microstructural uniformity, and mechanical performance in MBC production. This review highlights recent advancements in physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid pretreatment methods, including comminution, pasteurization, alkali hydrolysis, enzymatic conditioning, microwave-assisted hydrolysis, ultrasound pretreatment, steam explosion, plasma activation, and irradiation. These technologies collectively enhance substrate digestibility, aeration, and permeability while reducing contamination. Optimization parameters—temperature, pH, C:N ratio, moisture content, particle size, porosity, and aeration—are examined as critical process levers influencing hyphal density, bonding efficiency, and composite uniformity. Evidence suggests that properly engineered substrate treatments accelerate colonization, strengthen hyphal networks, and significantly improve compressive, tensile, and flexural material properties. The review discusses emerging process control tools such as AI-assisted modeling, micro-CT porosity analysis, and sensor-integrated bioreactors that enable reproducible and energy-efficient fabrication. Collectively, the findings position substrate engineering as a foundational technology for scaling high-performance mycelium composites and advancing sustainable material innovation. Full article

The occurrence of contact lens complications caused by inadequate cleaning of the lenses using “All-in-One” contact lens cleaning solutions (CLCSs) represents a medically relevant problem worldwide. This study explores the potential of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) to enhance the efficacy of CLCSs and address complications from inadequate lens hygiene. It was examined whether exposure to CAP for 1–24 h could boost the antibacterial effects of CLCSs and other solutions, including Milli-Q water (M-QW), physiological saline (NaCl), and Dulbecco’s Phosphate Buffered Saline (DPBS). Additionally, the stability of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and their impact on pH immediately after treatment and over 1–4 weeks was assessed. Furthermore, the cleaning efficacy of plasma-activated solutions (PASs) was tested on lipid-coated silicone hydrogel lenses. Results showed that CAP increased RONS concentrations immediately, with elevated levels persisting over time. While no significant improved antibacterial effect was observed against Escherichia coli in CLCSs, CAP treatment generated disinfectant properties in M-QW and NaCl solutions. Importantly, CAP-treated CLCSs significantly improved the cleaning performance on lipid-coated lenses, though M-QW’s cleaning ability worsened post-treatment. pH measurements indicated notable decreases in M-QW and NaCl after CAP, whereas buffered solutions like CLCSs and DPBS remained stable. Overall, CAP demonstrates promise for contact lens disinfection and surface modification; however, further research and pre-clinical trials are necessary before clinical application in ophthalmology. Full article

An electrochemical evaluation of the corrosion resistance of the Al-alloy EN AW-5454-D and its welded joints made by MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and by laser hybrid (LH) welding was performed in this study. All the tested samples had a thickness of 4 mm, whereby all the samples’ surfaces were cleaned with a plasma cleaning process before the electrochemical testing to reduce the impact of contamination. The electrochemical behaviour was investigated in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl electrolyte over exposure periods of 1 h, 7 days, and 30 days using electrochemical methods and surface examination. The results demonstrate that the welding processes (MIG and LH) caused microstructural heterogeneities that reduce the corrosion resistance of the weld. The MIG-welded specimen showed worse properties than the LH-welded specimen in the electrochemical tests, as it had a higher corrosion current density, lower polarisation resistance, and higher layer capacitance. Due to long-term exposure to the immersion solution, despite the reduced susceptibility to uniform corrosion, the Al-alloy samples and their welds remained susceptible to pitting corrosion. Full article

The preservation of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables through dehydration is undergoing a paradigm shift to overcome quality degradation and high energy intensity associated with conventional thermal drying. This review synthesizes advancements in innovative pretreatments, focusing on their mechanisms, synergistic effects, and industrial readiness. Non-thermal pretreatment (NTP) methods—including Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF), Ultrasound (US), Cold Plasma (CP), and High-Pressure Processing (HPP)—are evaluated alongside optimized Osmotic Dehydration (OD) and Freeze-Thaw (FT) cycles. Analysis reveals these technologies enhance drying kinetics, reducing processing time by 20–55%, while improving bioactive retention by 30–95%. A critical discussion of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) distinguishes commercially mature solutions like OD (TRL 9) and HPP (TRL 8–9) from emerging pilot-scale concepts like US and PEF (TRL 6–7). Cold Plasma remains at TRL 4–5 due to uniformity challenges. Furthermore, the higher capital expenditure of innovative systems is mitigated by operational energy savings (up to 50%) and “clean label” premiums. This paper provides a strategic framework to optimize pretreatment selection based on tissue matrices and economic viability. Full article

The conversion of methane (CH₄) to value-added fuels (e.g., alcohol) is a promising technology for clean energy. However, conventional thermal methods of converting CH₄ to fuels require high temperatures (700–1100 °C) and have low conversion efficiency and selectivity. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop novel cost-effective technologies that can convert CH₄ to fuels and chemicals at low temperature and atmospheric pressure with improved conversion efficiency, selectivity, and durability of products. The low-temperature or non-thermal plasma-assisted catalytic conversion of CH₄ is gaining increasing interest because the plasma species (e.g., electrons) have sufficient energies for producing higher hydrocarbons, alcohols, and oxygenates with higher yields and selectivity while reducing coke formation under mild conditions. The key challenges of this green technology are as follows: increasing conversion efficiency of CH₄, design of hybrid plasma reactors with proper catalysts and optimized conditions, addition of efficient oxidants (e.g., O₂ or CO₂) and diluents, etc., at low temperature and atmospheric pressure. In this regard, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive account of the current development of plasma-assisted catalytic conversion of methane, with focus on conversion efficiency of CH₄, selectivity and stability of products, and catalyst durability with the variation in plasmas, electrode design, and reactor configurations. Further, the review presents the current and future challenges. Full article

Achieving a green transition in the energy structure and reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels has become a global imperative for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The search for clean energy alternatives to traditional fossil fuels has emerged as a critical challenge in the energy and power sector. Ammonia (NH₃) shows great potential as a zero-carbon fuel in the energy sector, but issues such as its low flame propagation speed, high ignition energy requirements, and elevated NO_x emissions limit its widespread industrial application. To address these issues and enhance ammonia combustion, plasma-assisted combustion technology has gained widespread attention in recent years as an effective solution. The plasma-assisted technology enhances combustion stability and efficiency of ammonia, and effectively suppresses NO_x emissions. Additionally, the high-energy electrons and intense chemical reactions in plasma help to decompose and crack ammonia fuel, increase flame propagation speed, and thus improve ammonia combustion performance. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the latest research advancements in plasma-assisted technology in ammonia combustion. It covers the fundamental principles of plasma generation, the mechanisms of combustion enhancement, industrial application status, and development trends. The aim is to assess the potential of plasma-assisted combustion technology in achieving efficient, stable, and low-carbon ammonia combustion, and to explore its future prospects for industrial application. Full article

With rising demand for clean energy and uncertainty surrounding large-scale renewable deployment, ammonia has emerged as a viable carrier for hydrogen storage and transportation. This study conducts a global patent-based analysis of ammonia-to-hydrogen production technologies to determine technological maturity, dominant design pathways, and emerging innovation trends. A statistically robust retrieval, screening, and classification process, based on the PRISMA guidelines, was employed to screen, sort, and analyze 708 relevant patent families systematically. Patent families were categorized according to synthesis processes, catalyst types, and technological fields. The findings indicate that electrochemical, plasma-based, photocatalytic, and hybrid systems are being increasingly investigated as alternatives to low-temperature processes. At the same time, thermal catalytic cracking remains the most established and widely used method. Significant advances in reactor engineering, system integration, and catalyst design have been observed, especially in Asia. While national hydrogen initiatives, such as those in Brunei, highlight the policy importance of ammonia-based hydrogen systems, the findings primarily provide a global overview of technological maturity and innovation trajectories, thereby facilitating long-term transitions to cleaner hydrogen pathways. Full article

The inner spacer module, which profoundly affects the final performance of a device, is a critical component in GAA NSFET (Gate-all-around Nanosheet Field Effect Transistor) manufacturing and necessitates systematic optimization and fundamental innovation. This work aims to develop an advanced SiGe etching process with high selectivity, uniformity and low damage to achieve an ideal inner spacer structure for logic GAA NSFETs. For three distinct dry etching technologies, ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma Technology), RPS (Remote Plasma Source) and Gas Etching, we evaluated their potential and comparative advantages for inner spacer cavity etching under the same experimental conditions. The experimental results demonstrated that Gas Etching technology possesses the uniquely high selectivity of the SiGe sacrificial layer, making it the most suitable approach for inner spacer cavity etching to reduce Si nanosheet damage. Based on the results, in the stacked structures, the SiGe/Si selectivity ratio exhibited in Gas Etching is ~9 times higher than ICP and ~2 times higher than RPS. Through systematic optimization of pre-clean conditions, temperature and chamber pressure control, we successfully achieved a remarkable performance target of cavity etching: the average SiGe/Si etching selectivity is ~56, the inner spacer shape index is 0.92 and the local etching distance variation is only 0.65 nm across different layers. These findings provide valuable guidance for equipment selection in highly selective SiGe etching and offer critical insights into key process module development for GAA NSFETs. Full article