Search Results (131)

Zirconia is widely used for customized implant abutments owing to its esthetics, strength, and biocompatibility; however, the optimal surface modification for soft-tissue sealing and bone metabolic remains uncertain. This study evaluated how glass–ceramic spray deposition (GCSD), with or without handheld nonthermal plasma (HNP), alters zirconia surface physiochemistry and cellular responses. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, surface roughness (Ra), wettability, and surface free energy (SFE) were measured. Human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) were used to assess attachment and spreading, metabolic activity, cytotoxicity, and inflammatory response (tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α) (α = 0.05). GCSD produced an interlaced rod- and needle-like glass–ceramic layer, significantly increasing Ra and hydrophilicity. HNP further reduced surface contaminants, increased SFE, and enhanced wettability. The combination of GCSD and HNP yielded the greatest attachment and spreading for both cell types, without increases in cytotoxicity or TNF-α. GCSD with HNP creates a hydrophilic, micro-textured, chemically activated zirconia surface that maintains biocompatibility while promoting early attachment and bone metabolic activity, supporting its application for zirconia implant abutments. Full article

A stable atmosphere is very important for long-term life science experiments with small mammals in sealed habitats. In this study, we constructed a multi-stage, solid-state purification system to regulate and control the supply of oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, humidity, and trace contaminants in a sealed metal box. Lithium hydroxide was used as the material to absorb CO₂; molecular sieves and humidity-indicating silica gel were used as dehumidification material; and activated carbon-based sorbent was used to remove ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. We evaluated the performance of the system by implementing a sealed culture test with mice for 7 days. The pressure, relative humidity, oxygen concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, and ammonia/hydrogen sulfide concentration in the sealed box were maintained at 101–103 kPa, 30–36%, 19–21%, <1000 ppm, and the main goal of this study was to test for single gas absorption. In the future, we will investigate the competitive effect of multi-gas mixtures. Full article

Ready-to-eat products, such as mixed-cut leafy vegetables, require packaging that provides adequate mechanical protection, a barrier against UV radiation, gases, and water vapor, as well as microbiological safety. In this study, thin films made of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and poly (butylene succinate-dilinoleic succinate) (PBS-DLS) copolyester were prepared by casting a film-forming solution onto a glass plate and spreading it with a roller. These films were compared to commercial thin films made of oriented polypropylene (OPP). OPP films exhibited ten times higher tensile strength than PBS films (104.36 ± 10.03 MPa for OPP, 10.96 ± 0.68 MPa for PBS, and 6.36 ± 0.62 MPa for PBS-DLS). Incorporation of co-monomeric units of dilinoleic succinate (DLS) into PBS structure significantly improved elongation at break, increasing from 38.16% ± 12.36% for PBS to 132.30% ± 25.08% for PBS-DLS. However, commercial OPP had the highest elongation at break, reaching 231.84% ± 20.30%. OPP films exhibited the highest transparency in the visible light range but also in the UV range. In contrast, PBS and PBS-DLS films provided better UV radiation blocking. The films were used to create sachets by heat sealing, into which freshly cut chicory leaves were placed. The packaged product was stored under refrigerated conditions for 48 h and 120 h. While OPP and PBS-DLS films provided good protection against moisture loss in chicory, leaves packed in PBS sachets lost significant weight during storage. The packaged product contained considerable microbial contamination, but the type of packaging did not influence its reduction or increase. Ultimately, the PBS-DLS copolymer exhibited higher elongation at break and greater water vapor barrier properties than PBS. Protection against moisture loss in packaged chicory for PBS-DLS packaging was similar to that for commercial OPP. Despite their weaker mechanical properties, PBS-DLS films appear to be a promising alternative to OPP films for packaging fresh food products. Full article

Lost circulation, a prevalent challenge in drilling engineering, poses significant risks including drilling fluid loss, wellbore instability, and environmental contamination. Conventional plugging materials often exhibit an inadequate performance under high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP), and complex formation conditions. To address that, this study developed a high-performance gel–resin composite plugging material resistant to HTHP environments. By optimizing the formulation of bisphenol-A epoxy resin (20%), hexamethylenetetramine (3%), and hydroxyethyl cellulose (1%), and incorporating fillers such as nano-silica and walnut shell particles, a controllable high-strength plugging system was constructed. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the structural stability of the resin, with an initial decomposition temperature of 220 °C and a compressive strength retention of 14.4 MPa after 45 days of aging at 140 °C. Rheological tests revealed shear-thinning behavior (initial viscosity: 300–350 mPa·s), with viscosity increasing marginally to 51 mPa·s after 10 h of stirring at ambient temperature, demonstrating superior pumpability. Experimental results indicated excellent adaptability of the system to drilling fluid contamination (compressive strength: 5.04 MPa at 20% dosage), high salinity (formation water salinity: 166.5 g/L), and elevated temperatures (140 °C). In pressure-bearing plugging tests, the resin achieved a breakthrough pressure of 15.19 MPa in wedge-shaped fractures (inlet: 7 mm/outlet: 5 mm) and a sand-packed tube sealing pressure of 11.25 MPa. Acid solubility tests further demonstrated outstanding degradability, with a 97.69% degradation rate after 24 h in 15% hydrochloric acid at 140 °C. This study provides an efficient, stable, and environmentally friendly solution for mitigating drilling fluid loss in complex formations, exhibiting significant potential for engineering applications. Full article

Pharmaceutical packaging materials play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications. This mini-review examines the properties of common packaging materials (glass, plastics, metals, and rubber) and their implications for drug safety. By analyzing 127 research articles from PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI databases (2000–2025), we also discuss recent regulatory updates in China and highlight emerging technologies, including nanomaterials, sustainable packaging solutions, and intelligent packaging systems that present new opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry. Key findings include the following: (1) The physicochemical properties of packaging materials and potential microbial contamination risks during production significantly impact drug quality and safety, underscoring the need for enhanced research and regulatory oversight. (2) Each material exhibits distinct advantages and limitations: glass demonstrates superior chemical stability but may leach ions; plastics offer versatility but risk plasticizer migration; metals provide exceptional strength yet have limited applications; rubber ensures effective sealing but may release additives compromising drug quality. (3) The pharmaceutical packaging sector is evolving toward intelligent systems and sustainable solutions to address contemporary healthcare challenges. This review can aid pharmaceutical companies in selecting drug packaging and guide manufacturers in developing innovative packaging solutions. Full article

This study examines the formation of the clay mineral simonkolleite (Skl) in bentonites contaminated with zinc(II) chloride (ZnCl₂), a process that has been little documented in heterogeneous systems such as contaminated bentonites. We explain the contamination mechanisms and provide new insights into the mineralogical, structural, and physicochemical transformations occurring within these materials. The objective, explored for the first time, was to assess how the ZnCl₂-induced mineral phase formation influences the properties of bentonites used as sealing materials, particularly regarding changes in specific surface area and porosity. Three bentonites were analyzed: Ca-bentonite from Texas (STx-1b), Na-bentonite from Wyoming (SWy-3), and Ca-bentonite from Jelsovy Potok, Slovakia (BSvk). Treatment with ZnCl₂ solution led to ion exchange and the formation of up to ~30% simonkolleite, accompanied by a concurrent decrease in montmorillonite content by 9–30%. A suite of analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), was employed to characterize these transformations. The contamination mechanism of ZnCl₂ involves an ion exchange of Zn²⁺ within the montmorillonite structure, the partial degradation of specific montmorillonite phases, and the formation of a secondary phase, simonkolleite. These transformations caused a ~50% decrease in specific surface area and porosity as measured by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) nitrogen adsorption and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) methods. The findings raise concerns regarding the long-term performance of bentonite-based barriers. Further research should evaluate hydraulic conductivity, mechanical strength, and the design of modified bentonite materials with improved resistance to Zn-induced alterations. Full article

This paper presents the physical, hydrogeological, and geochemical characterizations of two types of tailings: one from the nickel–cobalt (Ni–Co) and the other from the lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) industries. The study is restricted only to Ni and Zn ions behavior. The mineralogical composition of the studied tailings is primarily composed of oxides and hydroxides of iron, aluminum, and silica. Based on their grain size, these wastes are geotechnically classified as low plasticity silts, with permeability ranging from 10⁻⁸ m/s to less than 10⁻⁹ m/s. Batch and column flow tests, along with metal transport tests using heavy metal-contaminated wastewater, reveal that these tailings have an adsorption capacity for metals such as nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) ranging from 2000 to 6000 mg/kg of solid. This high adsorption capacity surpasses that of many clayey soils used for sealing municipal, industrial, mining, and metallurgical waste deposits. Additionally, these wastes can neutralize the acidity of wastewater. The results indicate that the mineralogical composition and pH of these tailings are key factors determining their adsorption characteristics and mechanisms. Due to their characteristics, these tailings could be evaluated for use as low-permeability reactive geochemical barriers (LPRGB) in the conditioning of repositories for the storage of industrial, urban, mining and metallurgical waste. This would allow large volumes of tailings to be repurposed effectively. Full article

Biosecurity is vital to Australia’s efforts to prevent and respond to pests and diseases. Here, we report on testing suspected illegal goods (SIGs) as part of an active Australian biosecurity response in Sydney. The Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry detected and secured consignments containing tuber products of unknown biosecurity risk and origin. Swab samples were collected from vacuum-sealed yam products, organic packing material (background negative controls), and field negative controls to assess possible cross-contamination from the storage facility. DNA from all samples was analysed using high-throughput metabarcoding targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) and the chloroplast trnL (UAA) P6 Loop gene regions by two independent teams in Australia. A plant community profile comprising Australian native species and other non-native established species would support the notion of produce being harvested and/or packaged domestically, while their absence would suggest foreign production. Of the 5,764,942 total reads produced, the bioinformatic analysis generated 5,181,530 amplicon sequencing variants employed for species identification. Twenty plant taxa were identified via ITS2 and 15 via trnL, corresponding to worldwide distributed plants, non-native species established in Australia, or species not recorded in Australia. No Australian endemic species were detected. The absence of common Australian native plants, combined with the presence of species not known to occur in Australia, provided strong evidence that the suspect tuber products were illegally imported. Full article

Mining waste management is a significant environmental challenge that requires effective technical and economic solutions. In this context, the use of underground storage systems is sometimes a viable option to isolate this type of mining waste from the outside (especially when it poses a risk of environmental contamination). Despite the applicability and advantages of these structures, it is crucial to conduct thorough monitoring of the isolation and containment measures implemented during their construction. This study demonstrates how ground penetrating radar techniques can provide valuable insights into subsurface insulation layers with the aim of detecting potential water accumulation at depth and verifying the integrity of the seal and the state of buried materials. The results of the georadar survey applied on a mining case study demarcate the areas that should receive more attention in the near future and contribute to defining the most urgent actions to be implemented at the mining site. Beyond the evaluation of the 2D profiles, the research culminates in the creation of a 3D visualization tool for the entire mining site and its insulation layer, enabling users to inspect the structure’s condition at any location and obtain accurate depth measurements. Full article

The aim of this study is to develop a simple and reliable laboratory testing procedure for evaluating the bond strength of cement–formation sheaths that considers cement slurry composition and contamination as well as formation strength and formation surface conditions (roughness and contamination). Additionally, a simple and practical empirical correlation is developed for predicting cement–rock bond strength based on the routine mechanical properties of hard-set cement and formation rock. Cement slurries composed of Yamama cement type 1 and 25% local Saudi sand, in addition to 40% fresh water, are used for all investigations in this study. Oil well cementing is a crucial and essential operation in the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells. Cement is used to protect casing strings, isolate zones for production purposes, and address various hole problems. To effectively perform the cementing process, the cement slurry must be carefully engineered to meet the specific requirements of the reservoir conditions. In oil well cementing, the cement sheath is a crucial component of the wellbore system, responsible for maintaining structural integrity and preventing leakage. Shear bond strength refers to the force required to initiate the movement of cement from the rock formation or movement of the steel casing pipe from the cement sheath. Cement–formation sheath bond strength is a critical issue in the field of petroleum engineering and well cementing. Cement plays a crucial role in sealing the annulus (the space between the casing and the formation) and ensuring the structural integrity of the well. The bond strength between the cement and the surrounding geological formation is key to preventing issues such as fluid migration, gas leaks, and wellbore instability. To achieve the study objectives, sandstone and sandstone–cement composite samples are tested using conventional standard mechanical tests, and the results are used to predict cement–formation sheath bond strength. The utilized tests include uniaxial compression, direct tensile, and indirect tensile (Brazilian) tests. The predicted cement–rock sheath bond strength is compared to the conventional laboratory direct cement–formation sheath strength test outcomes. The results obtained from this study show that the modified uniaxial compression test, when used to evaluate cement–formation shear bond strength using cement–rock composite samples, provides reliable predictions for cement–formation sheath bond strength with an average error of less than 5%. Therefore, modified uniaxial compression testing using cement–rock composite samples can be standardized as a practical laboratory method for evaluating cement–formation sheath bond strength. Alternatively, for a simpler and more reliable prediction of cement–formation sheath bond strength (with an average error of less than 5%), the empirical correlation developed in this study using the standard compressive strength value of hard-set cement and the standard compressive strength value of the formation rock can be employed separately. For the standardization of this methodology, more generalized research should be conducted using other types of oil well cement and formation rocks. Full article

Both synthetic and natural rubber-like elastomers are widely employed in industrial applications (such as tires, seals, protective gloves, and damping absorbers) as well as in the food and animal husbandry industries. These materials should be regularly checked for contamination and the associated infectious risk since they frequently come into contact with food, animals, and people. Additionally, they could act as vehicle of microbes and, as a result, diseases. This pilot study investigates the antibacterial efficacy of novel elastomer formulations against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis and Legionella pneumophila, with possible applications in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs). This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of two rubber and five silicone patented elastomers with antibacterial additives. Two microbiological concentrations (10³ and 10⁴ CFU/mL) were used to compare the efficacy of the elastomers. The results showed a significant decrease in bacterial load in several silicone formulations, with two of them showing the strongest bactericidal efficacy against L. pneumophila (0% and 3% survival rates for VMQ105 and VMQ500L formulations, respectively), despite the wide variations in S. Enteritidis inhibition. One rubber elastomer performed better than the other in terms of reducing bacterial survival for both pathogens (NBRCA) while NBROM showed a 0% survival rate only for L. pneumophila. The findings suggest that certain elastomer compositions might lessen the potential infectious risks in water systems or contaminated matrices. Future research may investigate in situ applications, particularly in hospitals or dental offices where these pathogens pose major health risks. Full article

The discontinuation of commercially available saline and hypertonic saline wound dressings for the veterinary market has restricted options available to veterinary practitioners treating contaminated and infected wounds. Clinicians may manufacture their own homemade solutions in clinics or field settings to treat equine or livestock species; however, information is limited on whether autoclave sterilization is necessary or sufficient to eliminate bacterial growth in isotonic and concentrated salt solutions and how long they may subsequently be stored prior to use. The purpose of this study was to assess sterility of saline (0.9%) and hypertonic saline (20%) solutions manufactured three ways (1—autoclaved glass bottle that was autoclaved again following solution preparation; 2—autoclaved glass bottle, not autoclaved again following preparation; 3—non-autoclaved plastic bottle, not autoclaved following preparation). Solutions were stored two different ways (1—solution in sealed bottle or 2—soaked gauze in vacuum-sealed plastic packets). Products were assessed for bacterial growth at four time points (baseline, one week, one month, six months). At each time point, samples of each solution were plated on Luria–Bertani (LB) agar plates and assessed for bacterial growth at 24 h. Vacuum-sealed soaked gauze was placed in antibiotic-free growth media for 24 h, and then media were plated on LB agar plates and assessed for bacterial growth at 24 h. If bacterial growth was detected, qualitative culture with sensitivity was performed to identify bacterial isolates. No bacterial growth was detected in stored solutions for any preparation method, concentration or time point assessed. Bacterial growth was detected from 0.9% saline-soaked gauze at 1 week, 1 month and 6 months in all container types for at least one time point. Bacterial culture revealed Ralstonia, Bacillus, Sphingomonas and Staphylococcus species. Environmental controls (water, containers, salt, biosafety cabinet and benchtop) were submitted for culture to identify the source of contamination, yielding light mixed growth from tap water and no growth from any other locations. These findings provide clinicians with practical information to guide preparation and storage of homemade saline-based products for wound care. Full article

Antibacterial filter materials have been effectively utilized for controlling biological contaminants and purifying indoor air, with the market for such materials experiencing continuous expansion. Currently, textile antibacterial testing standards are widely adopted to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of filter materials, yet no dedicated assessment protocols specifically tailored for filtration media have been established. This study aims to investigate the applicability of textile antibacterial testing methods to high-efficiency glass fiber filter materials (filtration efficiency > 99.9%), as well as to explore the factors that affect the rate of bacterial elution from high-efficiency glass fiber filter materials. By referencing the textile antibacterial testing standard (absorption method), significant discrepancies in bacterial recovery counts were observed between the high-efficiency glass fiber materials and the various textile control samples, with the former exhibiting a markedly lower recovery rate (approximately 10%). Pore structure and wettability analyses revealed the underlying causes of these differences. To ensure the accuracy of the antibacterial evaluation results, the effects of oscillation elution parameters (time and intensity) and material incubation conditions (duration, sealing and humidity) on bacterial recovery rates in glass fiber filter materials were systematically investigated to optimize the elution methodology. The results indicate that specimen type, size, elution method, incubation duration (4 h or 24 h), sealing conditions, and environmental humidity (10% or 30%, 60% and 95% RH) collectively influence bacterial recovery efficiency. The highest recovery efficiency (55%) was achieved when the filter materials were incubated in a sealed environment with humidity maintained at ≥60% RH. These findings emphasize the critical need to establish clear and specialized antibacterial performance testing standards for filter materials. The study provides essential guidance for developing material-specific evaluation protocols to ensure a reliable and standardized assessment of antimicrobial efficacy in high-efficiency filtration systems. Full article

Currently, increasing anthropogenic pressure and overexploitation expose soils to various forms of degradation, including contamination, erosion, and sealing. Soil contamination, primarily caused by industrial processes, agricultural practices (such as the use of pesticides and fertilizers), and improper waste disposal, poses significant risks to human health, biodiversity, and the environment. Common contaminants include heavy metals, mineral oils, petroleum-based hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Remediation methods for contaminated soils include physical, physicochemical, chemical or biological approaches. This review aims to specify these methods while comparing their effectiveness and applicability in different contamination scenarios. Biochemical methods, particularly phytoremediation, are emphasized for their sustainability, effectiveness, and suitability in arid and semiarid regions. These methods preserve soil quality and promote resource efficiency, waste reduction, and bioenergy production, aligning with sustainability principles and contributing to a circular economy. The integrated phytoremediation–bioenergy approaches reviewed provide sustainable and cost-efficient strategies for environmental decontamination and green development. Special attention is given to the use of lignin in bioremediation. This work contributes to the existing knowledge by outlining priorities for the selection of the most appropriate remediation techniques under diverse environmental conditions, providing a comprehensive overview for future developments. Full article

In marine engineering, the daily management of mechanical equipment needs to ensure that the oil is normal. Oil plays the role of sealing, cooling, lubrication, and other functions in the equipment, and can also be used as hydraulic fluid to transfer energy. By analyzing the state of the oil, it is possible to obtain information about the operation of the equipment, such as judging the wear or failure of the equipment by detecting impurities in the oil. This paper proposes and designs a wireless triple-coil structure oil detection sensor for detecting metal particles in the oil circuit. The sensor consists of three coils placed concentrically with the same parameters. When the sensor detects metal particles in the oil, the ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic particles flowing through the sensor produce magnetization and eddy current effects, resulting in variable inductive signals that complete the detection of metal particles. This paper firstly explains the sensing principle of this triple coil sensor detection by formula derivation. Secondly, the simulation model of the sensor was established by using COMSOL 6.0 simulation software according to the scale of 1:1, and the magnetic field strength distribution law inside the coil of the triple-coil sensor was simulated. The experimental results showed that the sensor was able to detect iron particles at 73 µm and copper particles at 220 µm, moreover the obtained signal characteristics are obvious, with high detection sensitivity. The sensor is wireless and performs contactless detection of metal particles. This is important for the detection of metal particle contaminants in oil. Full article