Search Results (151)

Electroless nickel deposition (ELD) is an autocatalytic technique extensively used to impart conductive, protective, and mechanical functionalities to inherently non-conductive synthetic substrates. This review systematically explores the fundamental mechanisms of electroless nickel deposition, emphasising recent advancements in surface activation methods, solvent systems, and microstructural control. Critical analysis reveals that bio-inspired activation methods, such as polydopamine (PDA) and tannic acid (TA), significantly enhance coating adhesion and durability compared to traditional chemical etching and plasma treatments. Additionally, solvent engineering, particularly using polar aprotic solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethanol-based systems, emerges as a key strategy for achieving uniform, dense, and flexible coatings, overcoming limitations associated with traditional aqueous baths. The review also highlights that microstructural tailoring, specifically the development of amorphous-nanocrystalline hybrid nickel coatings, effectively balances mechanical robustness (hardness exceeding 800 HV), flexibility, and corrosion resistance, making these coatings particularly suitable for wearable electronic textiles and smart materials. Furthermore, commercial examples demonstrate the real-world applicability and market readiness of nickel-coated synthetic fibres. Despite significant progress, persistent challenges remain, including reliable long-term adhesion, internal stress management, and environmental sustainability. Future research should prioritise environmentally benign plating baths, standardised surface activation protocols, and scalable deposition processes to fully realise the industrial potential of electroless nickel coatings. Full article

Tribological processes in extreme environments pose serious material challenges, requiring coatings that resist both wear and corrosion. This review summarizes recent advances in protective coatings engineered for extreme environments such as high temperatures, chemically aggressive media, and high-pressure and abrasive domains, as well as cryogenic and space applications. A comprehensive overview of promising coating materials is provided, including ceramic-based coatings, metallic and alloy coatings, and polymer and composite systems, as well as nanostructured and multilayered architectures. These materials are deployed using advanced coating technologies such as thermal spraying (plasma spray, high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF), and cold spray), chemical and physical vapor deposition (CVD and PVD), electrochemical methods (electrodeposition), additive manufacturing, and in situ coating approaches. Key degradation mechanisms such as adhesive and abrasive wear, oxidation, hot corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, and tribocorrosion are examined with coating performance. The review also explores application-specific needs in aerospace, marine, energy, biomedical, and mining sectors operating in aggressive physiological environments. Emerging trends in the field are highlighted, including self-healing and smart coatings, environmentally friendly coating technologies, functionally graded and nanostructured coatings, and the integration of machine learning in coating design and optimization. Finally, the review addresses broader considerations such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, long-term durability, maintenance requirements, and environmental regulations. This comprehensive analysis aims to synthesize current knowledge while identifying future directions for innovation in protective coatings for extreme environments. Full article

The aquaculture industry has experienced considerable growth in recent decades, stimulating research into sustainable and functional feed formulations, mainly related to using high-quality, safe, and environmentally friendly feed ingredients. The employment of immunomodulatory additives is a promising strategy to enhance fish health and performance. In this study, the effects of the ghrelin analog GHRP-6 peptide included in the diet (500 µg/kg of feed) on the endocrine and immune responses of Sparus aurata following Incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA) treatment were assessed. After 97 days, fish were intraperitoneally injected with 100 µL of saline solution or IFA/100 g fish and sampled 72 h post-injection. Our results indicated that fish fed GHRP-6 maintained stable plasma levels of lactate, triglycerides, and cortisol after IFA treatment, in contrast to control-fed fish, which showed significant metabolic stress. Circulating immunoglobulin levels enhanced significantly in the GHRP-6/IFA group, suggesting a stimulated humoral immune response. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that the anterior intestine was the most responsive tissue, with upregulation of il10, il15, il34, and mx1, indicating mucosal immune activation. In the spleen, GHRP-6-fed fish increased il8, il10, and ighm expression, highlighting a balanced pro- and anti-inflammatory response and support for adaptive immunity. Multivariate analysis confirmed that dietary GHRP-6 modulates immune gene expression in a tissue- and stimulus-specific manner, without inducing histological alterations in the intestine or spleen. Taken together, these preliminary results indicate that this peptide is a viable and safe dietary supplement to improve immune resilience and increase the production efficiency of S. aurata and suggest a protective effect on the fish’s immune system in this species. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants due to their widespread presence across various ecosystems, including their use in single-use plastic food ware and table salt dispensers. This issue coincides with the presence of heavy metals in water sources in Doha, Qatar. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that the plastic plate and spoon were composed of polyolefin, with the spoon exhibiting additional peaks that indicated oxidation or the presence of additives. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) revealed that the spoon exhibited higher thermal stability, retaining approximately 10% of its mass at 700 °C, than the plate, which retained 2%, indicating the presence of complex additives or contamination. MPs in food-grade salt samples were verified through filtration and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, identifying polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These MPs likely stem from exposure to packaging or environmental contaminants. FTIR spectra confirmed the integrity of the polymers after treatment. Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis revealed varying levels of heavy metals in bottled and tap water, with notable findings including detectable arsenic and lead in both, higher calcium and magnesium in bottled water, and the presence of copper present in tap water only, highlighting potential health and infrastructure-related concerns. These results highlight the possible risks associated with exposure to MPs and heavy metals from everyday products and water sources, underscoring the need for enhanced regulatory oversight and safer material choices to ensure protection. Full article

In this review article, statistical mechanisms of oxidative modification reactions in various organic compounds under the influence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) are investigated and analyzed based on reactive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. As an efficient and hygienic advanced oxidation technology, CAP demonstrates tremendous potential in fields such as biomedicine and environmental protection. Through simulations, this paper provides a detailed analysis of the interaction mechanisms between ROS and components of biological tissues and environmental toxins. In this paper, we review the reactions involving four major ROS (OH radicals, O atoms, ${\mathrm{O}}_3$ molecules, and ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2$ molecules) and organic compounds, including proteins, DNA, polysaccharides, fatty acids, antibiotics, and mycotoxins. Atomic-level analysis reveals various oxidative modification reactions induced by ROS and their resulting products, including dehydrogenation reactions, bond-formation reactions, oxygen-addition reactions, and bond-cleavage reactions. Additionally, the study elucidates the role of active functional groups in various organic compounds, the presence of special elements, and the specific reactive nature of ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2$. Furthermore, the influence of different ROS species and concentrations on reaction types is explored, aiming to provide a solid theoretical foundation for the application of CAP technology in biomedicine and environmental remediation. Full article

Sediments are key players in the optimum functioning of ecosystems; however, they also represent the largest known repository of harmful contaminants. The vast variety of these sediment-associated contaminants may exert harmful effects on marine communities and can impair ecosystem functioning. Whole-cell biosensors are a rapid and biologically relevant tool for assessing environmental toxicity. Therefore, in this study, we developed a bioassay-based toxicity measurement system using genetically modified bacteria to create a whole-cell optical biosensor. Briefly, reporter bacteria were integrated and immobilized using a calcium alginate matrix on fiber-optic tips connected to a photon counter placed inside a light-proof, portable case. The calcium alginate matrix acts as a semi-permeable membrane that protects the reporter-encapsulated optical fiber tips and allows the inward passage of toxicant(s) to induce a dose-dependent response in the bioreporter. The samples were tested by directly submerging the fiber tip with immobilized bacteria into vials containing either water or suspended sediment samples, and the subsequent bioluminescent responses were acquired. In addition to bioavailable sediment toxicity assessments, conventional chemical methods, such as liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), were used for comprehensive evaluation. The results demonstrated the efficacy of the biosensor in detecting various toxicity levels corresponding to identified contaminants, highlighting its potential integration into environmental monitoring frameworks for enhanced sediment and water quality assessments. Despite its utility, this study notes the system’s operational challenges in field conditions, recommending future enhancements for improved portability and usability in remote locations. Full article

Biosurfactants have emerged as promising agents for environmental remediation due to their ability to complex, chelate, and remove heavy metals from contaminated environments. This review evaluates their potential for recovering critical minerals from waste materials to support renewable energy production, emphasizing the role of biosurfactant–metal interactions in advancing green recovery technologies and enhancing resource circularity. Among biosurfactants, rhamnolipids demonstrate a high affinity for metals such as lead, cadmium, and copper due to their strong stability constants and functional groups like carboxylates, with recovery efficiencies exceeding 75% under optimized conditions. Analytical techniques, including Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), are instrumental in assessing recovery efficiency and interaction mechanisms. The review introduces a Green Chemistry Metrics Framework for evaluating biosurfactant-based recovery processes, revealing 70–85% lower Environmental Factors compared to conventional methods. Significant research gaps exist in applying biosurfactants for extraction of metals like lithium and cobalt from batteries and other waste materials. Advancing biosurfactant-based technologies hold promise for efficient, sustainable metal recovery and resource circularity, addressing both resource scarcity and environmental protection challenges simultaneously. Full article

This study highlights the significant environmental and health risks associated with heavy metal contamination (As, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) from two locations: the Khon Kaen municipal landfill (study site) and the Thapra commercial fish farm (reference site). It also evaluates potential human health risks and investigates genotoxicity and oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in fish. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. To determine genetic differentiation, inter-simple sequence repeats with dendrogram construction and genomic template stability (%GTS) were applied. The results showed that the average concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in water samples were 0.0848, 0.536, 1.23, and 0.73 mg/L, respectively. These values exceeded safety limits, and the average Cd in sediment (1.162 mg/kg) was above regulatory thresholds. In fish muscle, the average metal concentrations (mg/kg) followed the order Cr (1.83) > Pb (0.69) > Cd (0.096) > As (0.0758), with Pb exceeding food quality standards. The bioaccumulation factor ranked as Cr > Pb > As > Cd. Health risk assessments, including health risk index and carcinogenic risk, suggested Pb contamination poses significant health risks through fish consumption. From dendrogram results, the %GTS of O. niloticus from the landfill and reference sites were 46.34 to 71.67% and 87.34 to 96.00%, respectively. This suggests that fish from the landfill site exhibited greater genetic diversity compared to those from the reference site. Specific oxidative stress markers revealed higher levels of H₂O₂ and significantly lower activities of CAT and SOD in landfill O. niloticus than in the reference site. These results emphasize the urgent need for environmental monitoring, stricter pollution controls, and improved waste management strategies to protect aquatic ecosystems and human health. Full article

Due to the environmental concerns surrounding widely used antimicrobial agents, the use of nanotechnology to suppress crop diseases has attracted increasing attention in the agricultural field. This paper investigated the inhibitory effects of manganese-based nanomaterials (NMs) on rice leaf blight. In vitro experiments showed that manganese oxide (MnO₂) NMs and manganese tetroxide (Mn₃O₄) NMs directly inhibited Xanthomonas oryzae (Xoo) with a maximum OD value of 0.177, which was 11.5% lower than the control. In vivo experiments demonstrated that spraying MnO₂ NMs and Mn₃O₄ NMs reduced the diseased leaf length to 22–28% and 25–26%, respectively. This is due to Mn-based NMs inducing enhanced plant resistance by increasing the activity of phenylalanine ammonia–lyase in rice leaves by 36–61%. Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed that Mn₃O₄ NMs are more frequently retained as NMs in rice than MnO₂ NMs, resulting in enhanced antimicrobial effects. Mn-based NMs exhibit strong antimicrobial activity and hold significant promise as alternatives for plant protection and agricultural applications; however, careful consideration must be given to their concentrations and application methods. Full article

Potassium bitartrate (KHT) crystallization, as the dominant factor compromising wine colloidal stability, necessitates advanced control strategies beyond conventional thermodynamic approaches. The formation of tartrate crystals is influenced by various factors, including temperature, pH, and the concentration of tartrate salts. Traditional methods of tartrate stabilization, such as cold stabilization and ion-exchange resins, while effective, are associated with high energy consumption and significant environmental impact. In recent years, with the growing emphasis on green and sustainable development, researchers have begun exploring more environmentally friendly innovative technologies. This review examines the factors affecting tartrate crystallization and their implications for wine quality, detailing traditional stabilization techniques as well as newer methods involving protective colloids and stabilizers. Special attention is given to recent advancements in green technologies, such as plasma surface modification, the use of zeolites as wine processing aids, and the synergistic application of algal polysaccharides. Finally, the paper outlines future directions for tartrate stabilization technology, underscoring the importance of green and sustainable practices in the wine industry. Full article

Wind turbine blades are made from fiberglass, whose faces are eroded due to environmental conditions. Polyurethane (PU) coatings are broadly used in several types of coatings due to their strong adhesion. However, their inferior mechanical properties limit their application on fiberglass. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was modified through a dielectric barrier plasma (DBP) treatment at atmospheric pressure to improve the dispersion of GO in PU and increase its adhesion to fiberglass (GF) substrates, resulting in excellent adhesion properties of the PU/GO coating on fiberglass. Additionally, PU/GO coatings are crucial for preventing and protecting against erosion. The results obtained for the intensity ratio of the $I_D/I_G$ peaks observed through Raman spectroscopy exhibited that the plasma treatment increased the defects in the GO structure through covalent and non-covalent interactions with the PU. Contact angle tests and surface free energy measurements indicated the deoxygenation of the GO structure, enhancing its dispersion in the PU matrix, as observed through XRD. The plasma treatment increased the PU/GO adhesion by 27.6% after 10 min of treatment, suggesting that more defects in the GO structure were correlated with greater adhesion strength. Full article

Increasingly popular, recreational diving is a physical activity that takes place under extreme environmental conditions, which include hyperoxia, hyperbaria and exposure to cold water. The effects of these factors on the human body induce increased levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in divers’ bodies, which may modulate damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMPs), their receptors and the antioxidant response. This study involved 21 divers who descended to a depth of 40 metres. Determinations of selected intracellular DAMPs (high-mobility group box protein 1,HMGB1, S100 calcium-binding proteins A9 and A8, S100A8 and S100A9, heat shock protein family A member 1A, HSPA1A (Hsp70), heat shock protein family B, (small) member 1, HSPB1(Hsp27), thioredoxin, TXN), their receptors (Toll-like receptor 4, TLR4 and receptors for advanced glycation end products, RAGE), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and antioxidant defence markers were performed before, after and 1 h after the dive. A significant transient reduction in HMGB1 expression was observed immediately after the dive at both the mRNA and protein levels. We noted an increase in S100A9 expression, which occurred 1 h post-dive compared to the post-dive time point, and a post-dive decrease in TLR4 expression only at the mRNA level. Diving also influenced the expression of genes encoding key enzymes associated with glutathione synthesis, (glutamate-cysteine ligase, catalytic subunit, GCLC and glutathione synthetase, GSS), and reduced plasma glutathione levels. However, no significant changes were observed in the expression of NF-κB, nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) or circulating DAMP receptors (TLR4 and RAGE). The findings suggest an adaptive response to diving-induced oxidative stress, which appears to be a protective mechanism against an excessive inflammatory response. To our knowledge, this is the first study to analyse the role of intracellular DAMPs in recreational divers. Full article

Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) has emerged with growing evidence linking it to environmental exposures. This case–control study aimed to evaluate serum and urine trace elements (TEs) in CKDu patients, comparing them with those from control groups from endemic and non-endemic regions. TEs were analyzed in 406 participants (CKDu = 75, endemic CKD (ECKD) = 82, non-endemic CKD (NECKD) = 85, endemic control (EC) = 79, non-endemic control (NEC) = 85 using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Means ± standard deviations were compared via the t-test and categorical variables by the chi-square test. Compared to non-endemic groups, Al, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Ba in serum and urine were significantly higher in endemic areas. CKDu patients showed elevated serum V, Cr, Zn, As, and U and urinary Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Rb compared to ECKD. Compared to NEC, CKDu patients had higher serum Zn, As, and Ba and urinary Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu. Significant increases in serum V, Zn, As, Cd, Ba, and U and urinary V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Rb, and Sr were noted in CKDu vs. NECKD. Elevated serum Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, etc., and urinary Be, V, Zn, Se, etc., were observed in EC vs. CKDu. Urinary TEs positively correlated with eGFR, suggesting tubular dysfunction or prolonged exposure. Serum Se, a known reno-protective TE, was low in CKDu and ECKD. This study highlights that TE levels were high not only due to exposure but also depending on kidney health. Identified group-specific TEs may be causative in CKDu, having adverse health outcomes in some groups while potentially being protective in healthy groups. Full article

Electrolytic plasma polishing technology is widely used in medical devices, aerospace, nuclear industry, marine engineering, and other equipment manufacturing fields, owing to its advantages of shape adaptability, high efficiency, good precision, environmental protection, and non-contact polishing. However, the lack of in-depth research on the material removal mechanism of the electrolytic plasma polishing process severely restricts the regulation of the process parameters and polishing effect, leading to optimization and improvement by experimental methods. Firstly, the formation mechanism of passivation film was revealed based on an analysis of the surface morphology and chemical composition of stainless steel. Subsequently, the dissolution mechanism of the passivation film was proposed by analyzing the change in the valence state of the main metal elements on the surface. In addition, the surface enclosure leveling mechanism of electrolytic plasma polishing (EPP) for stainless steel was proposed based on a material removal mechanism model combined with experimental test methods. The results show that EPP significantly reduces the surface roughness of stainless steel, with Ra being reduced from 0.445 µm to 0.070 µm. Metal elements on the anode surface undergo electrochemical oxidation reactions with reactive substances generated by the gas layer discharge, resulting in the formation of passivation layers of metal oxides and hydroxides. The passivation layer complexes with solvent molecules in the energetic plasma state of the gas layer with SO₄²⁻ ions, forming complexes that enter the electrolyte. The dynamic balance between the formation and dissolution of the passivation film is the key to achieving a flat surface. This study provides theoretical guidance and technical support for the EPP of stainless steel. Full article

This study provides a systematic review of photocatalytic fiber coating technology as a potential solution to challenges in the textile industry. An analysis of recent research (2020–2024) reveals significant developments in materials and methods. Traditional photocatalysts (TiO₂ and ZnO) are being enhanced through doping and nanostructure control, and novel materials such as graphene-based composites and metal-organic frameworks are emerging. Advanced coating technologies, such as plasma treatment, atomic layer deposition, and magnetron sputtering, have been introduced to improve coating uniformity and durability. Key trends include the development of multifunctional coatings that combine self-cleaning, antibacterial effects, ultraviolet (UV) protection, and superhydrophobic properties. Environmental sustainability is advancing through eco-friendly manufacturing processes, although concerns regarding nanoparticle safety persist. While applications are expanding into medical textiles, protective gear, and wastewater treatment, challenges remain in terms of mass production technology, cost-effectiveness, and long-term durability. Future research should focus on nanostructure control, the development of visible-light-active materials, the optimization of coating processes, and the investigation of environmental impacts. This review suggests that photocatalytic fiber coating technology can significantly contribute to sustainable textile industry development when these challenges are effectively addressed. Full article