Search Results (396)

CoCuNiTi HEACs reinforced by different diamond contents were prepared on the surface of 45 steel substrate by laser cladding. Their phase composition, microstructure, elemental composition, and wear/corrosion resistance were investigated using XRD, OM, SEM, EDS, a friction and wear testing machine, and an electrochemical workstation, respectively. The results show that after adding diamond, the phase composition of the sample transforms from the original dual-phase structure of the FCC main phase and BCC to the dual-phase structure of the BCC main phase and FCC. With an increase in the diamond content, the diffraction peak intensity of the alloy phases first increases and then decreases. This behavior is related to the significant enhancement of the alloy phase crystallinity with low diamond addition and the intensified crystal lattice distortion caused by excessive diamond addition. The CoCuNiTi + x Diamond (C) (x = 0, 0.5, and 1.0 wt.%) high-entropy alloys have a dendritic structure. After the addition of diamond, no hole defects were observed in the microstructure, and the dendritic structure was significantly refined. Ti and C are enriched in the primary phase, Cu is enriched in the interdendrite regions, and Co exhibits the highest concentration in the dendrite regions. The segregation coefficients of Ni in all three alloys are relatively small. As the diamond content increases, the friction coefficient of the samples decreases significantly. The 1 wt.% diamond sample exhibits the best wear resistance, primarily owing to the combined effects of superhard phase strengthening, solid solution strengthening, and fine grain strengthening resulting from diamond addition. The sample with 0.5 wt.% diamond addition has the lowest self-corrosion current density, highest polarization resistance, and lowest annual corrosion rate, indicating the best corrosion resistance. This performance is mainly attributed to the refinement of the microstructure, reduction in defects, and formation of a dense passivation film caused by the addition of a small amount of diamond. Full article

The addition of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and prebiotics to fermented milk can enhance its flavor and sensory properties; however, research on the effects of their combined supplementation on flavor profiles remains limited. This study investigated the impact of simultaneously adding B. lactis IU100 and resistant starch type III (RS3) to fermented milk on flavor and texture. The results showed that co-supplementation shortened the fermentation time by 1 h. It also increased hardness by 28.8%, springiness by 1.14 mm, and water holding capacity by 12.45%, accompanied by the formation of a more continuous and dense gel network. Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) combined with odor activity value analysis indicated the enrichment of 115 key aromatic compounds, among which ethyl caprylate, ethyl n-butyrate, 1-octanol, and 2,3-heptanedione were identified as representative flavor compounds associated with fruity and creamy notes. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that 24 differential metabolites were predominantly enriched in purine metabolism and amino acid-related pathways. Within these pathways, coordinated enzymatic reactions convert α-keto acids and fatty acid metabolites into key flavor esters and catalyze the formation of volatile alcohols from amino acids and aromatic fatty acid precursors. Overall, this combined strategy effectively optimized fermentation efficiency, texture, and flavor through the targeted reprogramming of microbial metabolic flux. Full article

Molybdenum (Mo) finds extensive applications in the steel industry, and the recycling of secondary molybdenum resources is crucial for the green development of the molybdenum sector. Meanwhile, the large-scale stockpiling of copper slag, a bulk industrial solid waste, poses severe environmental and resource-related challenges. Addressing the common issues of the refractory nature of waste molybdenum disilicide (MoSi₂) and the underutilization of iron resources in copper slag, this study proposes a synergistic smelting approach using copper slag and waste MoSi₂, aiming to realize the coordinated treatment of these two solid wastes and the simultaneous, efficient recovery of valuable metals (Mo and Fe). Under non-isothermal conditions, this work elucidates the phase evolution of copper slag and the decomposition–reduction behavior of MoSi₂; clarifies the dual role of coke as the primary reductant at the initial reaction stage and as a maintainer of a reducing atmosphere during smelting; and systematically investigates the effects of smelting temperature, slag basicity, and coke dosage on metal recovery. The results demonstrate that, under optimized process conditions, the recovery efficiencies of molybdenum and iron can reach 98.97% and 98.46%, respectively. This study provides a new strategy for the enrichment and extraction of metallic elements from waste MoSi₂ and copper slag. Full article

In intensive pig production systems, limited space and lack of enrichment materials (EMs) restrict natural behaviors, inducing chronic stress and impairing welfare and health. Conventional EMs such as straw and sawdust improve comfort but increase NH₃ and particulate emissions and hinder manure management on slatted floors. This study compared rice-straw silage (RS), sawdust (SD), and sling belt (SB) as EMs for growing-finishing pigs to evaluate their effects on growth performance, behavior, body lesions, cleanliness score of body, and pen air quality. A total of 344 crossbred pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc, 30.5 ± 3.10 kg) were randomly allocated to four treatments: Control, 50% slatted and 50% solid flooring; RS, 100% solid flooring with a 7-cm layer of RS; SD, 100% solid flooring with a 7-cm layer of SD; SB, 50% slatted and 50% solid flooring with 10 SBs (1.5 m long and 75 mm wide). At week 10, the RS pigs had the lowest body weight. At week 0, the RS and SD pigs exhibited more positive behaviors, although the SD pigs also showed the highest number of injurious interactions at week 3. Between weeks 0 and 5, the SD pigs spent less time lateral lying and more time sternal lying, while during weeks 8–11, sitting was more prevalent. Both RS and SD groups exhibited lower cleanliness scores at week 6 and higher NH₃ and CO₂ levels at week 10. In conclusion, bedding materials such as RS and SD promoted positive behaviors during the early phase; however, prolonged use without adequate management impaired hygiene, air quality, resting behavior, and growth performance. These findings highlight the importance of the appropriate selection and management of EMs in intensive pig production systems. Full article

Global agriculture faces unprecedented challenges, including a projected population of 10 billion by 2050, declining arable land, and the urgent need to phase out antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) to stem antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This review evaluates fermentation technology as a sustainable solution to the “food–feed–fuel” three competing land uses. We systematically compare solid-state fermentation (SSF) and submerged fermentation (SmF), highlighting their quantitative advantages: SSF offers 2–3× higher volumetric productivity and 70–90% lower water usage for solid wastes (e.g., soybean meal, wheat bran), while SmF provides superior process control for high-value products (e.g., single-cell protein). Key molecular mechanisms are discussed, including enzymatic degradation of anti-nutritional factors (up to 95% phytate and 98.8% tannin removal), mycotoxin detoxification (60–80% reduction), and biosynthesis of bioactive compounds (e.g., vitamin B12 enrichment up to 15-fold). Fermented feeds benefit many livestock species, particularly in organic and high-density farming systems, improving growth performance, gut health, and disease resistance while reducing environmental footprints. Advanced technologies such as AI-driven digital twins, CRISPR-based strain engineering, and precision fermentation are explored to overcome bottlenecks, including heat dissipation, strain stability, and process control. Despite challenges in scale-up, economics, and divergent global regulations (EU, USA, China, Southeast Asia, and Africa), fermentation is a critical biotechnological paradigm for circularity—the circular bioeconomy—and long-term food security. Future research should prioritize cost-effective large-scale implementation and the harmonization of regulatory frameworks. Full article

Olive trees cultivated in the Viseu region (Portugal) were used in the present work. This study investigates the compositional characteristics and hydrothermal behavior of olive branches (OB) and olive leaves (OL) under autohydrolysis, aiming to assess their potential for biorefinery applications. Chemical analysis revealed that during autohydrolysis (140–180 °C, 15–30 min), OL exhibited greater solubilization than OB, consistent with their higher extractive content. Increasing the temperature promoted selective hemicellulose removal and partial cellulose degradation, leading to a relative enrichment of lignin in the solid residues. Nevertheless, the cellulose content of olive branches for 180 °C and 30 min hydrolysis increased. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed progressive structural rearrangements, including enhanced hydroxyl exposure, carbonyl formation, and lignin condensation, indicating the transformation of the solid phase toward more aromatic and thermally stable structures. Autohydrolysis slightly increased the higher heating value of the solid residues while acid-catalyzed liquefaction markedly increased, exceeding those of both native and technical lignins. These results suggest extensive carbon enrichment and oxygen removal during liquefaction. Overall, autohydrolysis proved effective for hemicellulose solubilization and sugar recovery, while liquefaction favored energy densification and lignin condensation. The distinct behaviors of OB and OL highlight the importance of tailoring processing conditions to each feedstock type. Both materials show strong potential as renewable resources for bioenergy and value-added carbon-based products within an integrated olive biomass biorefinery framework. Full article

This study investigates the molecular interactions and interfacial behaviors of a carboxylate-sulfonate gemini surfactant (CSGS) with four heavy-oil components (SARA: saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes) using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. To provide a comprehensive analysis, two distinct systems were constructed: a homogeneous bulk oil phase (System 1) and a solid–liquid interfacial system containing a calcite (CaCO₃) substrate (System 2). In System 1, results showed that CSGS remained well dispersed in the bulk heavy-oil phase and promoted a more uniform distribution of the SARA components. The differences in mobility among the components were mainly determined by molecular structure, resulting in a consistent diffusion trend in the CSGS-containing bulk system. In contrast, the introduction of a calcite substrate (System 2) shifted the distribution from a largely disordered bulk-like state to a confined interfacial organization, with clear layering and enrichment near the mineral surface. Compared with the CaCO₃-free system, molecular migration was noticeably restricted, indicating that the carbonate layer imposed additional constraints on mass transport. At the same time, CSGS preferentially accumulated in the SARA components–CaCO₃ region, consistent with competitive adsorption at the carbonate interface, and further reorganized the local interfacial structure. Full article

In this study, 3 wt.% Re/Inconel 718 composite was fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), and the effects of aging treatments on the microstructure and properties of the Re/Inconel 718 composite were systematically investigated. This study aims to elucidate the synergistic optimization of microstructure and properties in LPBF Inconel 718, achieved through Re alloying and subsequent heat treatment. Results demonstrated that the samples undergo recrystallization and precipitate numerous fine strengthening phases after heat treatment. Concurrently, heat treatment promotes the diffusion of Re within the material, leading to a significant reduction in its concentration in locally enriched regions. The addition of Re improves the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the Inconel 718 alloy through synergistic strengthening mechanisms, including dispersion strengthening, solid solution strengthening, and dislocation strengthening. When the two-stage aging is 720 °C × 8 h (FC × 2 h) + 620 °C × 8 h (AC), the optimum mechanical properties are observed. The dissolution of Laves phases, simultaneous precipitation of both γ″ and γ′ phases, and homogenization of microstructure are responsible for the enhancement of the material’s mechanical properties. However, the extensive precipitation of strengthening phases also promotes the formation of numerous microscopic corrosion cells, which accelerates the corrosion rate and leads to a marked reduction in corrosion resistance of the material. This study provides new insights into the laser additive manufacturing of high-performance nickel-based composites. Full article

Monitoring trace nitrophenol pollutants in water has garnered considerable attention. A porous organic polymer-modified cellulose nanofiber membrane (COP-99@DCA) was fabricated via in situ growth of a porous organic polymer on an electrospun cellulose nanofiber membrane. The resulting brown COP-99@DCA composite possessed abundant functional groups, including C-F, C-O, and hydroxyl groups, and exhibited excellent thermal and chemical stability. Furthermore, when employed as a sorbent in dispersive solid-phase microextraction (d-SPME), COP-99@DCA efficiently enriched trace nitrophenols in water. Under optimal enrichment and desorption conditions, the enrichment efficiencies for five nitrophenol congeners ranged from 97.24% to 102.46%. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the efficient enrichment of trace nitrophenols by COP-99@DCA was primarily governed by hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and hydrophobic interactions. Coupled with solid-phase extraction (SPE) pre-treatment, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) enabled the sensitive detection of trace nitrophenols. The established calibration curves exhibited favorable linearity, with low limits of quantitation (LOQs) ranging from 0.5 to 1 μg/L and low limits of detection (LODs) between 0.08 and 0.1 μg/L. Moreover, practical applications in real water samples confirmed the outstanding enrichment performance of COP-99@DCA. At spiked concentrations of 5 and 10 μg/L, the recovery rates were 85.35–113.55% and 92.17–110.46%, respectively. These results demonstrate the great potential of COP-99@DCA for practical water sample analysis. Collectively, these findings provide a novel strategy for the design of pre-treatment materials for the analysis of trace organic pollutants. Full article

This work investigates the synthesis, thermodynamic phase stability and microstructural, mechanical and tribological behavior of the CrFeMoV alloy system and its Al-modified derivatives, CrFeMoV-Al2 and CrFeMoV-Al6, which belong to the family of high- and medium-entropy alloys. The studied systems were produced via Vacuum Arc Melting (VAM), followed by a comprehensive characterization. Thermodynamic and geometric phase-formation models were employed to predict the formation of BCC/Β2 solid solutions and the potential emergence of σ-type intermetallic compounds. An ML model was also employed to further predict elemental interactions and phase evolution. These predictions were experimentally confirmed via X-ray diffraction analysis, which verified the presence of a BCC matrix in all compositions, the presence of σ-phase precipitates whose volume fraction systematically reduced with Al inclusion and the gradual increase in the B2 phase with the increase in the Al content. Scanning electron microscopy and EDX analyses uncovered noticeable dendritic segregation, with Mo and Fe enrichment in dendrite cores and in interdendritic regions, respectively. Cr, V, and Al were more uniformly distributed. Mechanical property data derived by micro hardness testing demonstrated a high hardness of 816 HV for the base alloy, ascribed to σ-phase strengthening, followed by a progressive reduction in this value to 802 HV and 756 HV in Al-containing alloys due to the attenuation of σ-phase formation and the gradual increase in the B2 phase. Dry sliding wear results unveiled a positive correlation between wear resistance and hardness, confirming the beneficial role of intermetallic strengthening. Finally, nanoindentation tests shed light on the nanoscale mechanical response, confirming the trends observed at the microscale. Overall, the combination of thermodynamic modeling and experimental analysis provide a robust framework for understanding phase stability, microstructural evolution, and mechanical performance in Al-alloyed CrFeMoV high-entropy systems, while highlighting the potential of controlled Al additions to tailor microstructure and properties. Full article

Waterlily (Nymphaea L.), a globally renowned aquatic ornamental plant, is prized for its aesthetic flowers and intense floral fragrance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying floral scent biosynthesis in waterlily remain poorly characterized, and integrated analyses of dynamic volatile emission patterns and their associated biosynthetic pathways are lacking. In this study, we combined headspace solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) with transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) to investigate the composition, emission dynamics, and biosynthesis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the stamens of Nymphaea ‘Paul Stetson’ across three developmental stages. A total of 671 VOCs, classified into 14 categories, were identified. Transcriptome analysis revealed 47,951 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Integrative omics analysis demonstrated correlated DEGs and differentially accumulated volatiles were significantly enriched in pathways related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, diterpenoid biosynthesis, and ubiquinone/other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis. Five candidate functional genes exhibiting strong positive correlations with VOC accumulation levels were identified, three of which are implicated in terpenoid biosynthesis. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for elucidating aroma composition and biosynthesis in waterlily and offer novel avenues for the genetic improvement of fragrance traits for ornamental, beverage, and cosmetic applications. Full article

Protein phosphorylation is a crucial post-translational modification that regulates protein activity, cellular signaling, transcriptional regulation, and cell cycle control. However, the analysis of phosphoproteins in biological samples is often compromised by complex sample matrices and interference from high-abundance proteins. While the top-down phosphoproteomics strategy enables comprehensive analysis of post-translational modifications based on intact proteins, its requirement for higher protein purity due to low protein ionization efficiency poses stern challenges. Consequently, developing appropriate enrichment methods for phosphoproteins in practical samples becomes essential. Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) represents a common strategy for phosphorylated protein separation and enrichment. Among metal ions, Ti⁴⁺ has gained widespread application as IMAC chelating ligands due to its capacity to form multiple coordination networks and its high selectivity for phosphorylated protein enrichment, leveraging the strong chelating ability of phosphate groups toward metal ions. This paper presents the design and preparation of a novel magnetic Ti-IMAC nanocomposite, MNP@MPTMS–VPA–Ti(IV). The material is modified with phosphate groups via facile thiol-ene click chemistry and then immobilizes Ti⁴⁺, enabling selective enrichment of intact phosphoproteins through IMAC affinity. The efficiency of enrichment was evaluated using subsequent matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for detection and analysis. This Ti-IMAC material-based magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE)-MALDI-TOF MS protocol has been successfully applied to enrich intact phosphoproteins in milk and eel mucus with high selectivity, sensitivity, and suitability. Full article

As a potential strategic resource of critical metals, deep-sea cobalt-rich crusts represent one of the most promising metal reservoirs within oceanic seamount systems, and their metallogenic mechanism constitutes a frontier topic in deep-sea geoscience research. This review focuses on the cobalt-rich crusts from the Magellan Seamount region in the northwestern Pacific and synthesizes existing geological, mineralogical, and geochemical studies to systematically elucidate their mineralization processes and metal enrichment mechanisms from a microstructural perspective, with particular emphasis on cobalt enrichment and its controlling factors. Based on published observations and experimental evidence, the formation of cobalt-rich crusts is divided into three stages: (1) Mn/Fe colloid formation—At the chemical interface between oxygen-rich bottom water and the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ), Mn²⁺ and Fe²⁺ are oxidized to form hydrated oxide colloids such as δ-MnO₂ and Fe(OH)₃. (2) Key metal adsorption—Colloidal particles adsorb metal ions such as Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cu²⁺ through surface complexation and oxidation–substitution reactions, among which Co²⁺ is further oxidized to Co³⁺ and stably incorporated into MnO₆ octahedral vacancies. (3) Colloid deposition and mineralization—Mn–Fe colloids aggregate, dehydrate, and cement on the exposed seamount bedrock surface to form layered cobalt-rich crusts. This process is dominated by the Fe/Mn redox cycle, representing a continuous evolution from colloidal reactions to solid-phase mineral formation. Biological processes play a crucial catalytic role in the microstructural evolution of the crusts. Mn-oxidizing bacteria and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) accelerate Mn oxidation, regulate mineral-oriented growth, and enhance particle cementation, thereby significantly improving the oxidation and adsorption efficiency of metal ions. Tectonic and paleoceanographic evolution, seamount topography, and the circulation of Antarctic Bottom Water jointly control the metallogenic environment and metal sources, while crystal defects, redox gradients, and biological activity collectively drive metal enrichment. This review establishes a conceptual framework of a multi-level metallogenic model linking macroscopic oceanic circulation and geological evolution with microscopic chemical and biological processes, providing a theoretical basis for the exploration, prediction, and sustainable development of potential cobalt-rich crust deposits. Full article

With the intensification of global population aging, the co-morbidity rate of periodontitis and osteoporosis has significantly increased. The two are pathologically intertwined, forming a vicious cycle characterized by bone immunoregulatory dysfunction in the periodontal microenvironment, abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and disruption of bone homeostasis. Conventional mechanical debridement and anti-infective therapy can reduce the pathogen load, but in some patients, it remains challenging to achieve long-term stable control of inflammation and bone resorption. Furthermore, abnormal bone metabolism in the context of osteoporosis further weakens the osteogenic response during the repair phase, limiting the efficacy of these treatments. Bioinspired cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (CMNPs) have emerged as an innovative technological platform. By mimicking the biointerface properties of source cells—such as red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, stem cells, and their exosomes—CMNPs enable targeted drug delivery, prolonged circulation within the body, and intelligent responses to pathological microenvironments. This review systematically explores how biomimetic design leverages the advantages of natural biological membranes to address challenges in therapeutic site enrichment and tissue penetration, in vivo circulation stability and effective exposure maintenance, and oxidative stress and immune microenvironment intervention, as well as functional regeneration supported by osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Additionally, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the key challenges encountered in translating preclinical research findings into clinical applications within this field, including issues such as the feasibility of large-scale production, batch-to-batch consistency, and long-term biosafety. This review lays a solid theoretical foundation for advancing the clinical translation of synergistic treatment strategies for periodontitis with osteoporosis and provides a clear research and development pathway. Full article

Humulus lupulus L. (hops) is essential in brewing due to its contributions to bitterness, flavor, and aroma. This study compared the volatile profiles of five commercially important hop varieties—Amarillo, Ariana, Cascade, Centennial, and El Dorado—grown in their main regions of origin (United States for Amarillo, Cascade, and El Dorado; Germany for Ariana; and Brazil for Centennial). Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) enabled the identification of 312 volatile compounds, including monoterpenes (e.g., myrcene, linalool, geraniol), sesquiterpenes (e.g., humulene, caryophyllene), esters, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. Amarillo showed the highest myrcene content (22.61% of the total volatile area), while Centennial was distinguished by elevated γ-muurolene (20.59%), and El Dorado by the highest level of undecan-2-one (10.47%), highlighting marked varietal differences in key aroma-active constituents. Multivariate, including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), clearly discriminated the five varieties: PC1 (41.04% of the variance) separated samples enriched in fruity/floral monoterpenes and esters from those dominated by woody/resinous sesquiterpenes, whereas PC2 (25.93% of the variance) reflected variation in medium-chain esters, ketones, and waxy compounds. These chemometric patterns demonstrate that both genetic background and growing region terroir strongly shape hop volatile composition and, consequently, aroma potential, providing brewers with objective criteria for selecting hop varieties to achieve specific sensory profiles in beer. Full article