Search Results (179)

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes have gained considerable attention in bone tissue engineering due to their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix and provide a suitable environment for cell attachment and proliferation. This study investigates the fabrication, characterization, and biocompatibility of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA)-based membranes enhanced with periclase (MgO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The membranes were fabricated using an optimized electrospinning process and subsequently characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and contact angle measurements. Additionally, in vitro biodegradation studies in simulated body fluid (SBF) and cytocompatibility tests with osteoblast-like cells were conducted. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of MgO and AuNPs significantly influenced the structural and chemical properties of the membranes, improving their wettability and bioactivity. SEM imaging confirmed uniform fiber morphology with well-distributed nanoparticles. FT-IR spectroscopy indicated successful integration of bioactive components into the PLA matrix. Cytocompatibility assays showed that modified membranes promoted higher osteoblast adhesion and proliferation compared to pristine PLA membranes. Furthermore, biodegradation studies revealed a controlled degradation rate suitable for guided bone regeneration applications. These findings suggest that electrospun PLA membranes enriched with MgO and AuNPs present a promising biomaterial for GBR applications, offering improved bioactivity, mechanical stability, and biocompatibility. Full article

Planar heaters are designed to deliver uniform heat across broad surfaces and serve as critical components in applications requiring energy efficiency, safety, and mechanical flexibility, such as wearable electronics and smart textiles. However, conventional metal-based heaters are limited by poor adaptability to curved or complex surfaces, low mechanical compliance, and susceptibility to oxidation-induced degradation. To overcome these challenges, we applied a protein-assisted electroless copper (Cu) plating strategy to electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanofiber substrates to fabricate flexible, conductive planar heating membranes. For interfacial functionalization, a protein-based engineering approach using bovine serum albumin (BSA) was employed to facilitate palladium ion coordination and seed formation. The resulting membrane exhibited a dense, continuous Cu coating, low sheet resistance, excellent durability under mechanical deformation, and stable heating performance at low voltages. These results demonstrate that the BSA-assisted strategy can be effectively extended to complex three-dimensional fibrous membranes, supporting its scalability and practical potential for next-generation conformal and wearable planar heaters. Full article

Although penicillin transformed antibiotic therapy, rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has limited its effectiveness, creating a need for new approaches in wound healing. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates due to their rapid membrane-disrupting action, immunomodulatory effects, and ability to target drug-resistant pathogens, though their specific roles in promoting wound healing are still not fully understood. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current evidence on the dual role of AMPs as both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory agents in the context of wound healing. Recent studies published between 2020 and 2025 were comprehensively reviewed, focusing on the mechanisms by which AMPs contribute to pathogen elimination, immune regulation, tissue repair, and inflammation resolution. AMPs not only exhibit rapid membrane-disruptive activities against a wide range of pathogens but also influence immune cell behavior, particularly by promoting macrophage polarization toward a reparative M2 phenotype, modulating cytokine and chemokine network, and maintaining T-cell homeostasis. Their ability to simultaneously control infection and regulate inflammation positions AMPs as promising candidates for advanced wound care strategies. The dual antimicrobial and immunomodulatory functions of AMPs represent a synergistic mechanism essential for effective wound recovery. Understanding and harnessing these properties can drive the development of innovative therapies, such as AMP-integrated smart biomaterials and targeted peptide delivery systems, offering new solutions for both acute and chronic wound management. Full article

Arsenic contamination in water poses a significant global health risk, necessitating efficient and sustainable remediation strategies. Arsenic contamination affects groundwater in at least 106 countries, potentially exposing over 200 million people to elevated levels, primarily through contaminated drinking water. Among the most affected regions, Bangladesh remains a critical case study, where widespread reliance on shallow tubewells has resulted in one of the largest mass poisonings in history. Bio-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising solutions due to their eco-friendly nature, cost-effectiveness, and high adsorption capabilities. These nanomaterials offer a sustainable approach to arsenic remediation, utilizing materials like biochar, modified biopolymers, and bio-based aerogels, which can effectively adsorb arsenic and other pollutants. The use of environmentally friendly nanostructures provides a potential option for improving the efficiency and sustainability of arsenic remediation from groundwater. This review explores the mechanisms underlying arsenic remediation using such nanomaterials, including adsorption, filtration/membrane technology, photocatalysis, redox reactions, complexation, ion exchange, and coagulation–flocculation. Despite their potential, challenges such as scalability, stability, and regeneration hinder widespread application. We discuss recent advancements in material design, surface modifications, and hybrid systems that enhance performance. Finally, future perspectives are highlighted, including the integration of these bio-derived systems with smart sensing technologies, sustainable water-treatment frameworks, smart design, and life-cycle integration strategies, particularly for use in resource-constrained regions like Bangladesh and other globally impacted areas. Full article

Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) marks the critical transition from reliance on maternal transcripts to the initiation of embryonic transcription early in development. Despite extensive characterization in model species, the regulatory framework of ZGA in sheep remains poorly defined. Here, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing (Smart-seq2) to in vivo- and in vitro-derived sheep embryos at the 8-, 16-, and 32-cell stages. Differential expression analysis revealed 114, 1628, and 1465 genes altered in the 8- vs. 16-, 16- vs. 32-, and 8- vs. 32-cell transitions, respectively, with the core pluripotency factors SOX2, NANOG, POU5F1, and KLF4 upregulated during major ZGA. To uncover coordinated regulatory modules, we constructed a weighted gene co-expression network using WGCNA, identifying the MEred module as most tightly correlated with developmental progression (r = 0.48, p = 8.6 × 10⁻¹⁴). The integration of MERed genes into the STRING v11 protein–protein interaction network furnished a high-confidence scaffold for community detection. Louvain partitioning delineated two discrete communities: Community 0 was enriched in ER–Golgi vesicle-mediated transport, transmembrane transport, and cytoskeletal dynamics, suggesting roles in membrane protein processing, secretion, and early signaling; Community 1 was enriched in G2/M cell-cycle transition and RNA splicing/processing, indicating a coordinated network for accurate post-ZGA cell division and transcript maturation. Together, these integrated analyses reveal a modular regulatory architecture underlying sheep ZGA and provide a framework for dissecting early embryonic development in this species. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple cereal crop worldwide, but its productivity is significantly affected by extreme weather conditions such as drought and heat stress. Plant growth, physiological processes, and yield potential are all affected by these conditions; as such, resilient maize crops are required to tackle these abiotic challenges. With an emphasis on morphological, physiological, and biochemical reactions, this review paper investigates the processes that underlie resistance to certain environmental challenges. Features including deep root systems, osmotic adaptations, and antioxidant enzyme activity help maize withstand drought. Activation of drought- and heat-responsive genes, accumulation of osmoregulatory compounds, and changes in membrane fluidity are all components of abiotic stress tolerance. Likewise, improved transpiration efficiency, modified photosynthetic processes, and improved heat shock proteins are used to produce heat resistance. Enhancing resilience requires progress in breeding methods, genetic engineering, and agronomic techniques, such as the use of stress-tolerant cultivars, biotechnology interventions, and climate-smart agriculture tactics. A special focus was given to cutting edge technologies like CRISPER-Cas9-mediated recent advances in heat and drought resistance. This review sheds light on recent studies and potential avenues for enhancing resilience to harsh climatic conditions, guaranteeing food security in the face of climate change. Full article

Access to clean water remains a critical global challenge, exacerbated by population growth, industrial activity, and climate change. In response, this study presents the development and characterization of thermo-responsive and salt-adaptive ultrafiltration membranes functionalized with a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)–co-poly(dimethylacrylamide) (PNIPAM-co-PDMAC) copolymer. By combining the thermo-responsive properties of PNIPAM with the hydrophilic characteristics of PDMAC, these membranes exhibit dual-stimuli responsiveness to temperature and ionic strength, allowing for precise control of permeability and fouling resistance. The experimental results demonstrated that the copolymer’s hydration state and dynamic pore size modulation are sensitive to changes in salinity and temperature, with sodium chloride (NaCl) significantly influencing the transition behavior. Preliminary fouling tests confirmed the antifouling capabilities of these membranes, with salt-triggered hydration transitions effectively reducing irreversible fouling and extending membrane durability. The membranes’ reversible properties and adaptability to dynamic operating conditions highlight their potential to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of water treatment processes. Future investigations will focus on scaling up the fabrication process and assessing the long-term stability of these membranes under real-world conditions. This study underscores the promise of smart membrane systems for advancing global water sustainability. Full article

Silver nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their remarkable antimicrobial properties, making them ideal candidates for incorporation into various coatings. These coatings exhibit antimicrobial activity through multiple mechanisms, including the release of silver ions, the generation of reactive oxygen species, and the disruption of microbial cell membranes and intracellular metabolic pathways. The integration of silver nanoparticles into coating matrices through physical embedding, chemical bonding, or surface grafting not only influences the controlled release of antimicrobial agents but also affects the mechanical stability and longevity of the coatings. Several factors, including nanoparticle size, shape, surface chemistry, and functionalization, influence the antimicrobial efficiency of these nanoparticle-based coatings. As a result, silver nanoparticle coatings have been widely applied in medical devices, textiles, antifouling surfaces, and food packaging. This review discusses the advances in using silver nanoparticles in antimicrobial coatings, focusing on the mechanisms of action, fabrication methods, and diverse applications. The review also highlights the influence of nanoparticle characteristics on antimicrobial performance, providing insights into the future directions for smart coatings. Future research is expected to focus on optimizing the fabrication techniques, enhancing the stability of silver nanoparticle coatings, and exploring innovative applications in emerging fields. Full article

Heterogeneous photocatalysis has emerged as a versatile and sustainable technology for the degradation of emerging contaminants in water. This review highlights recent advancements in photocatalysts design, including band gap engineering, heterojunction formation, and plasmonic enhancement to enable visible-light activation. Various reactor configurations, such as slurry, immobilized, annular, flat plate, and membrane-based systems, are examined in terms of their efficiency, scalability, and operational challenges. Hybrid systems combining photocatalysis with membrane filtration, adsorption, Fenton processes, and biological treatments demonstrate improved removal efficiency and broader applicability. Energy performance metrics such as quantum yield and electrical energy per order are discussed as essential tools for evaluating system feasibility. Special attention is given to solar-driven reactors and smart responsive materials, which enhance adaptability and sustainability. Additionally, artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches are explored as accelerators for catalyst discovery and process optimization. Altogether, these advances position photocatalysis as a key component in future water treatment strategies, particularly in decentralized and low-resource contexts. The integration of material innovation, system design, and data-driven optimization underlines the potential of photocatalysis to contribute to global efforts in environmental protection and sustainable development. Full article

The circular economy (i.e., reuse and recycling of waste materials) is gaining attention for the goal of achieving net-zero waste. In this regard, the use of waterproofing membrane waste in bituminous materials can be a valid option, as every year, a lot of bituminous membrane wastes are generated both as production scraps or end-of-life wastes. Given this background, the recycling feasibility of end-of-life bituminous membrane waste (MW) in asphalt mixtures was assessed in this research study. To this aim, MW shreds (≤20 mm) were added to dense-graded bituminous mixtures using the dry-mixing method. The shreds were dosed at 0.5% by the mix weight (mix coded as SH−) or at 2% by mix weight (mix coded as SH+). A corresponding reference mix without MW was also tested for comparison purposes. The mixtures’ workability, strength and stiffness as well as permanent deformation, moisture and fatigue resistance were evaluated. Overall, the laboratory experimental findings showed that MW-modified bituminous mixtures with a higher dosage of membrane waste (SH+) have relatively higher moisture resistance, fatigue resistance, stiffness and high-temperature performance with respect to the corresponding reference mix. Moreover, both the reference and MW-modified mixtures showed similar workability regardless of the MW content. Full article

Water electrolysis for hydrogen production is of great importance for the reliable use of renewable energy sources to have a clean environment. Electrolyzers play a key role in achieving the carbon-neutral target of 2050. Among the different types of water electrolyzers, proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) represent a well-developed technology that can be easily integrated into the smart grid for efficient energy management. In this study, a discrete dynamic mathematical model of a PEMWE was developed in MATLAB/Simulink to simulate cell performance under various operating conditions such as temperature, inlet flow rate, and current density loads. A lab-scale test bench was designed and set up, and a 5 cm² PEMWE was tested at different temperatures (40–80 °C) and flow rates (3–12 mL/min), obtaining Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Chrono-potentiometry (CP), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) results for comparison and adjustment of the dynamic model. Sensitivity analysis of different operating variables confirmed that current density and temperature are the most influential factors affecting cell voltage. The parametric sensitivity of various chemical–physical and electrochemical parameters was also investigated. The most significant ones were estimated via non-linear least squares optimization to fine-tune the model. Additionally, strong correlations between these parameters and temperature were identified through regression analysis, enabling accurate performance prediction across the studied temperature range. Full article

We investigated patterns formed during the polymerization process of bifunctional monomers in a liquid crystal for both large polymer concentrations (polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, PDLC) and small concentrations (polymer-stabilized liquid crystals, PSLC). The resulting experimental patterns are reminiscent of Voronoi diagrams, so a reverse Voronoi algorithm was developed that provides the seed locations of cells, thus allowing a computational reproduction of the experimental patterns. Several metrics were developed to quantify the commonality between the faithful experimental patterns and the idealized and generated ones. This led to descriptions of the experimental patterns with accuracies better than 90% and showed that the curvature or concavity of the cell edges was below 2%. Possible reasons for the discrepancies between the original and generated Voronoi diagrams are discussed. The introduced algorithm and quantification of the patterns could be transferred to many other experimental problems, for example, melting of thin polymer films, ultra-thin metal films, or bio-membranes. The discrepancies between the experimental and ideal Voronoi diagrams are quantified, which may be useful in the quality control of privacy windows, reflective displays, or smart glass. Full article

Freshwater scarcity, intensified by global population growth and climate change, poses a significant challenge to sustainable development by increasing the demand for clean water. Advancements in water purification technologies are therefore essential. Reverse-osmosis systems are widely used for drinking water purification, but their core component, the reverse-osmosis membrane, is prone to contamination. This contamination reduces system efficiency and shortens membrane lifespan, creating operational challenges. This study introduces a smart wastewater valve designed to optimize the cleaning cycles of reverse-osmosis membranes, enhancing both system performance and sustainability. The valve integrates a total dissolved solid sensor and a microcontroller, enabling real-time cleaning strategies based on wastewater solid levels and the duration of purification cycles. Testing on a water purification system demonstrates that the smart valve increases desalination rates, reduces membrane fouling, and extends membrane lifespan by approximately 33%. As a result, it significantly reduces water waste while maintaining high water quality, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. These findings contribute to the advancement of efficient water purification technologies, addressing critical economic and environmental challenges associated with water resource management. By enhancing the sustainability and performance of reverse-osmosis systems, the smart wastewater valve presents a viable approach to mitigating freshwater scarcity and supporting sustainable development goals. Full article

This paper reports the development of a highly crosslinked hyper-branched polyglycerol (HPG) polymer bound to elastin-like proteins (ELPs) to create a membrane that undergoes a distinct closed-to-open permeation transition at 32 °C. The crosslinked HPG forms a robust, mesoporous structure (150–300 nm pores), suitable for selective filtration. The membranes were characterized by FTIR, UV–visible spectroscopy, SEM, and AFM, revealing their structural and morphological properties. Incorporating a synthetic polypeptide introduced thermo-responsive behavior, with the membrane transitioning from impermeable to permeable above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 32 °C. Permeation studies using crystal violet (CV) demonstrated selective transport, where CV permeated only above 32 °C, while water permeated at all temperatures. This hybrid HPG-ELP membrane system, acting as a molecular switch, offers potential for applications in drug delivery, bioseparations, and smart filtration systems, where permeability can be controlled by temperature. Full article

Smart colorimetric packaging has been an important method to protect human health from external hazardous agents. However, the currently available colorimetric detectors use synthetic dye probes, which are costly, toxic, difficult to prepare, and non-biodegradable. Herein, an environmentally friendly cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-supported polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibrous membrane was developed for the colorimetric monitoring of food spoilage. Anthocyanidin (ACY) is a naturally occurring spectroscopic probe that was isolated from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). By encapsulating the anthocyanin probe in electrospun polyvinyl alcohol fibers in the presence of a mordant (M), M/ACY nanoparticles were generated. After exposure to rotten shrimp, an investigation on the colorimetric changes from purple to green for the smart nanofibrous fabric was conducted using the coloration parameters and absorbance spectra. In response to increasing the length of exposure to rotten shrimp, the absorption spectra of the anthocyanin-encapsulated nanofibrous membrane showed a wavelength blueshift from 580 nm to 412 nm. CNC displayed a diameter of 12–17 nm. The nanoparticle diameter of M/ACY was monitored in the range of 8–13 nm, and the nanofiber diameter was shown in the range of 70–135 nm. Slight changes in comfort properties were monitored after encapsulating M/ACY in the nanofibrous fabric. Full article