Search Results (4,883)

In this study, a composite powder explosion suppressant (MVTS–NaHCO₃) was prepared via the wet coating method of the solution–crystallization (WCSC) process, using modified vanadium–titanium slag (VTS) as the carrier and NaHCO₃ as the active suppressive component. A 20 L spherical explosion apparatus and a transparent pipeline explosion propagation test system were employed to investigate the effects of the composite powder explosion suppressant with different mass fractions (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%) on the explosion pressure and micro-mechanism of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) dust. The experimental results indicated that the MVTS–NaHCO₃ composite powder exhibited a significant suppression effect on PAN dust explosions. In the confined 20 L vessel, complete suppression was achieved when the mass fraction of the composite powder explosion suppressant exceeded 30%, with a maximum explosion pressure reduction of 53.2%. In the semi-open pipeline, 40% composite powder explosion suppressant reduced the maximum explosion pressure to 0.08 MPa (a reduction rate of 82.6%), and complete suppression was achieved at a mass fraction of 50%. Microstructural analysis revealed that the suppression performance of the composite powder explosion suppressant is attributed to the synergetic effects of physical and chemical mechanisms. Physically, NaHCO₃ decomposes endothermically (100 kJ/mol), releasing CO₂ and H₂O and thereby diluting the oxygen concentration, while the porous structure of MVTS enhances dispersibility. Chemically, the hydroxyl groups on the surface of MVTS bond with NaHCO₃, delaying its decomposition, while metal hydroxides (e.g., Al(OH)₃) decompose thermally to form Al₂O₃, which adsorbs and quenches free radicals (e.g., ·OH, ·H), thereby inhibiting chain reactions. This study provides new insights for the resource utilization of VTS and the prevention and control of industrial dust explosions. The findings have important reference value for optimizing explosion suppressant formulations and improving the intrinsic safety. Full article

Ocular fungal diseases are associated with severe infection and pain and, in advanced stages, can lead to vision loss. Current treatment options are limited to the topical application of conventional drugs, and the bioavailability of these drugs is quite limited due to ocular barriers. In this study, a dual-drug nanodelivery system was developed to improve intraocular drug delivery by combining antifungal and anti-inflammatory therapies. Posaconazole (PSC), a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal agent, and dexketoprofen trometamol (DKP), a rapidly acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, were co-loaded onto polymeric micelles and then incorporated into electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVA/PVP) nanofiber intraocular implants. DSC, XRD, FTIR, and FESEM analyses showed that both APIs were successfully converted into nanofiber form without disrupting the micelle structure. Comparative studies with DKP solution and PSC commercial oral suspension (Noxafil^® 40 mg/mL) showed that the produced micelle-loaded nanofibers provided sustained release and significantly increased ex vivo ocular permeation and penetration. In vitro antifungal activity tests demonstrated efficacy against Candida albicans, and HET-CAM toxicity tests showed that the micelle-loaded nanofibers were non-irritating and suitable for ocular application. Overall, the micelle-loaded electrospun nanofiber ocular inserts developed in this study represent a promising platform for combined antifungal and anti-inflammatory ocular therapy. Full article

Humic substances (HS), derived from the degradation of organic matter in terrestrial and aquatic systems, play critical roles in nutrient cycling, metal complexation, and soil fertility. This study investigates whether HS derived from Greek peaty lignite (leonardite) can bind Mo(VI), an essential micronutrient for nitrogen fixation and assimilation processes. Titration experiments showed that the addition of Mo(VI) to HS solutions decreased pH, indicating Mo(VI)–HS complexation via proton-release reactions. UV-Vis spectra revealed charge-transfer interactions without evidence of Mo reduction, while FTIR analysis confirmed that carboxylic, phenolic, and alcoholic groups participate in Mo(VI)–HS association as indicated by shifts in COO–, C=O, and O–H vibrations. The results demonstrate that HS can effectively complex Mo(VI), increasing its solubility and potentially enhancing its bioavailability in soils. These findings highlight the value of humic-rich materials such as leonardite in sustainable crop nutrition. Full article

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is one of the most extensively studied metal–organic frameworks due to its high surface area, tunable porosity, chemical stability, and intrinsic antimicrobial activity. Recent research has focused on engineering ZIF-8 through metal doping and surface functionalization to enhance its physicochemical performance and expand its applications in food safety and environmental systems. Metal-doped ZIF-8 incorporating Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, Ag⁺, or Mn²⁺ improves reactive oxygen species generation, enables controlled metal-ion release, and promotes synergistic bactericidal mechanisms against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. In parallel, surface modification using biopolymers such as hyaluronic acid, chitosan, alginate, and polyethylene glycol enhances colloidal stability, reduces cytotoxicity, modulates surface charge, and improves adhesion to food-contact surfaces, thereby enhancing coating stability and sustained antimicrobial activity. These combined strategies support the development of multifunctional nanoplatforms with improved dispersibility, controlled release behavior, and compatibility with food packaging, sanitization, and water treatment applications. From a sustainability perspective, ZIF-8-based systems offer the potential to reduce reliance on conventional chemical disinfectants, minimize chemical residues, and enable the integration of biodegradable polymer matrices for safer and more environmentally responsible antimicrobial solutions. This review summarizes recent advances in synthesis strategies, structure–property relationships, antimicrobial and antibiofilm mechanisms, and environmental safety considerations. Key challenges, including scalability, regulatory acceptance, stability, and long-term ecotoxicological impact, are discussed, along with perspectives on stimuli-responsive systems, essential oil encapsulation, and smart antimicrobial coatings. Full article

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are considered functionally biomimetic as they participate in ion-exchange processes that partially resemble the behavior of natural enamel and dentin, chemically bond to dental hard tissues, and release fluoride. While GICs are designed to interact with aqueous oral environments, their exposure to dietary beverages may affect their esthetic stability and water-related behavior within the oral environment. For biomimetic restorative materials to perform successfully in the oral environment, they must maintain not only bioactive properties but also esthetic stability and resistance to water-related degradation during exposure to dietary beverages. This study evaluated beverage-induced color changes, water sorption, and water solubility of six GICs following their immersion in coffee, tea, berry juice, cola, and distilled water (n = 5 per material per solution). Color measurements were recorded at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks using a spectrophotometer, and color change (ΔE) values were calculated using the CIE L*a*b* system. Specimen mass was measured at baseline, after 8 weeks of immersion and then after 4 weeks of desiccation. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Fisher’s least significant difference post hoc tests (α = 0.05). The results showed time, material, and solution significantly affected ΔE (p < 0.001). Tea produced the greatest discoloration overall, followed by coffee. ChemFil exhibited the greatest staining susceptibility, while Fuji II showed the lowest staining susceptibility. Water sorption and solubility were material- and solution-dependent. Clinically relevant discoloration of GICs was found when immersed in common beverages over time, with tea showing the strongest staining effect. These findings indicate that although GICs exhibit biomimetic characteristics through their interaction with tooth structures and aqueous environments, their long-term esthetic stability and resistance to environmental challenges should also be considered when selecting restorative materials for clinically visible areas. Full article

Current smart packaging systems exhibit uneven release of active ingredients (rapid in the early stage and slow in the later stage), resulting in insufficient antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This study developed a pH-autonomous controlled-release sensor using Eudragit L100 and citrate as the matrix, with eugenol as the active component, and constructed a sandwich structure via electrospinning. The sensor can automatically release eugenol as needed in response to pH changes during shrimp storage, while simultaneously enabling visual monitoring of spoilage status. This innovation effectively extends the shelf life of fresh shrimp and provides a novel solution for the on-demand release of active ingredients in food preservation. Full article

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is an environmentally friendly crop known for its nutritional and bioactive properties. This study investigated the effects of sorghum on the antioxidant properties and consumer acceptance of nurungji, a traditional Korean snack. To understand the antioxidant contribution of ferulic acid in sorghum during non-enzymatic browning, the antioxidant activity of ferulic acid was evaluated using a sugar (glucose or fructose)–lysine Maillard reaction model system. Nurungji samples were prepared with varying sorghum blending ratios (SN0, SN25, SN50, SN75, and SN100) and heating durations (0, 1, 3, and 5 min). The total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents of nurungji increased significantly in a sorghum concentration- and heating duration-dependent manner. Antioxidant activities, including DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and reducing power, exhibited trends similar to those of the antioxidant components. In the isolated model system, the addition of ferulic acid significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the Maillard reaction products (MRPs), with the fructose–lysine–ferulic acid solution exhibiting the highest activity. These results support the proposed mechanism that during the thermal processing of nurungji, complex polymeric phenolic compounds within the sorghum are degraded, releasing free ferulic acid that actively boosts the overall antioxidant properties of the resulting MRPs. Although the antioxidant properties of nurungji increased with higher sorghum concentration, the consumer acceptance evaluations indicated that SN0 and SN25 received significantly higher scores for overall acceptance, taste acceptance, and purchase intention (p < 0.05). Full article

Ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber (EPDM) is commonly used as a gas-tight sealing material in electrical equipment. Factors such as media exposure, thermal oxidative stress, and abrasion frequently cause deterioration of EPDM’s mechanical properties, significantly compromising the reliability of electrical equipment. Traditional activator ZnO provides limited enhancement to the properties of EPDM. The reaction between Zn²⁺ on the surface of zinc oxide interacts with the accelerator during curing of rubber, forming zinc chelates, which interact with sulfur to form zinc polysulfide complexes. But the release of zinc complexes has adverse effects on humans and ecosystems. To reduce ZnO usage and further improve the performance of EPDM in terms of mechanical properties and aging resistance, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is developed as a multifunctional additive in this work. Mechanical testing demonstrates that the incorporation of ZIF-8 enhances the mechanical performance and resistance to thermal oxidative aging of EPDM. Crosslink density testing, FTIR, and XPS show that ZIF-8 promotes the crosslinking reaction during rubber curing, resulting in improved mechanical performance for EPDM. Analysis of crosslinking density testing and SEM images shows that EPDM-ZIF-8 composite exhibits a slower increase in crosslinking density during thermal oxidative aging. TGA results indicate that ZIF-8 enhances the thermal stability of EPDM, which leads to improved aging resistance properties. This study provides new insights for the design and development of rubber composite materials, offering a reliable solution to the challenge of seal failure in electrical equipment. Full article

Glycolic acid (GA), a widely used alpha-hydroxy acid in cosmetic formulations, promotes exfoliation and stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to synthesize collagen. However, its hydrophilic nature limits penetration through the stratum corneum, reducing its overall efficacy. This study aimed to develop and optimize an ethanol-based niosomal system to enhance GA skin delivery and formulation stability for cosmetic applications. Brij 97 combined with cholesterol at a 1:1 ratio and 10% ethanol produced the optimal formulation. Blank vesicles exhibited a mean vesicle size of 170.53 ± 5.05 nm and a zeta potential of −37.77 ± 2.21 mV, indicating favorable colloidal stability. Incorporation of 10% GA resulted in vesicles with a mean size of 176.93 ± 1.51 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.12 ± 0.02, and an entrapment efficiency of 75.48 ± 0.21%. In vitro permeation studies using Strat-M^® membranes demonstrated significantly higher cumulative skin penetration (49.56 ± 8.95 mg/cm²) and sustained release over 24 h compared with a conventional GA solution. Stability testing under heating–cooling cycles and storage at 4 °C showed slight increases in vesicle size while maintaining homogeneity (polydispersity index (PDI) < 0.3). These findings highlight ethanol-based niosomes as an effective strategy for enhancing GA cosmetic performance. Full article

Carvacrol (CAR) has antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and potential as a food additive, but its intense aroma and high volatility limit its use in foods. Nanoencapsulation has been proposed as a strategy to overcome these limitations. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial performance of chia mucilage nanocapsules containing CAR (CMNP) and the effect of nanoencapsulation on CAR content during storage in milk. CMNP and CAR in solution (CS) were added at the Bactericidal Inhibitory Concentration (BIC) and ½ BIC in skim and whole milk. Antioxidant activity was determined by the ABTS (2,2 azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay, and antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated against Escherichia coli. Samples were stored at 37 °C for 48 h to assess antimicrobial activity under optimal growth conditions for E. coli and at 5 °C for 14 days to simulate refrigerated storage conditions. CAR was quantified by HS-SPME–GC/MS. CMNP increased antioxidant activity compared to the control, showing values similar to CS. At 37 °C, CMNP inhibited E. coli to undetectable levels using ½ BIC in both milks. At 5 °C, the full BIC was required in whole milk, while ½ BIC was sufficient in skim milk. Nanoencapsulation resulted in lower initial CAR content but promoted gradual release during storage at 5 °C and 37 °C. CMNPs show potential to contribute to the microbiological safety and oxidative stability of milk. Full article

Ocular neovascular diseases represent a major cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide, while the complex ocular barrier system significantly limits the efficacy of conventional treatment approaches. In this context, colloidal drug delivery systems (CDDSs) have emerged as an innovative nanomedicine strategy that demonstrates remarkable advantages in enhancing ocular drug bioavailability and treatment precision through the integration of sustained release, active targeting, and stimulus-responsive functional modules. This review systematically summarizes recent research advances in CDDSs for treating ocular neovascular diseases, with a particular focus on design strategies and mechanisms for overcoming physiological barriers and achieving lesion-specific drug delivery. Furthermore, it provides in-depth analysis of key challenges in current clinical translation. With ongoing technological advancements, CDDSs are expected to offer breakthrough solutions for treating ocular neovascular diseases, ultimately leading to significant improvements in patients’ visual prognosis and quality of life. Full article

Amid growing environmental concerns regarding the use of non-biodegradable plastic packaging and its potential emerging contaminants, such as microplastics, currently among the most pressing global challenges, researchers in the food sector are increasingly pursuing sustainable alternatives. In this context, various organic sources have been explored for the development of innovative biocompatible films. These films exhibit properties such as low water vapor permeability, transparency, and biodegradability, and have recently gained active functionalities. These enable the extension of the shelf life of packaged foods by controlling microbial activity and oxidative degradation. Lipid-based compounds derived from animal and plant sources—including phospholipids, essential oils, free fatty acids, and saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids—have proven highly effective when incorporated into films, leading to significant physicochemical, mechanical, and microbiological improvements in both the films and the packaged products. Owing to their high hydrophobic capacity, these lipids markedly reduce water vapor permeability, which is crucial for extending the shelf life of high-moisture foods. Studies have shown that the incorporation of lipid compounds can increase film tensile strength by up to 37% and enhance antioxidant activity by over 75%. Moreover, many of these compounds exhibit antibacterial and antimicrobial activities, becoming active on the surface of food in contact. However, many bioactive compounds have poor dispersion in aqueous solutions, limiting their effectiveness in the final product. When encapsulated with the aid of a lipid fraction, the bioavailability of these compounds is improved, and their release can be effectively controlled. This review aims to consolidate recent research on the production of biopolymer films incorporating various types of lipid compounds, highlighting their enhancements and potential applications in active food packaging systems. Full article

Collagen, the most abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, has emerged as a cornerstone biomaterial in drug delivery and regenerative medicine due to its intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low immunogenicity. Engineering collagen into microspheres transforms its functionality beyond bulk scaffolds by increasing surface area, enabling minimally invasive delivery, and providing precise control over degradation, mechanical properties, and therapeutic release. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of collagen-based microspheres, with a particular focus on their dual role as biomimetic microenvironments and delivery systems. Recent advances in fabrication strategies, including emulsification, microfluidics, spray-drying, and electrospraying, are discussed in the context of scalability, size control, and payload encapsulation. Composite approaches that incorporate bioactive minerals, polysaccharides, or synthetic polymers are highlighted for their ability to enhance mechanical performance and biological function. We further examine characterization frameworks that link microscale structure and physicochemical properties to biological outcomes, with emphasis on how collagen microspheres replicate key structural, mechanical, and signaling features of native tissue microenvironments. Collagen microspheres have demonstrated broad utility as controlled delivery platforms, cell-instructive microcarriers, and injectable systems for tissue regeneration, including applications in bone, cartilage, skin, and nerve repair, as well as advanced wound care and localized cancer therapy. Finally, we critically assess current challenges related to scalable manufacturing, sterilization compatibility, and batch reproducibility, and outline emerging solutions such as recombinant collagen, advanced biofabrication, and stimuli-responsive systems. Collectively, collagen microspheres represent a powerful and adaptable platform poised to advance next-generation regenerative and therapeutic technologies. Full article

Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) is a critical interface for FPGA-based accelerators, yet existing controller solutions are often proprietary, costly, and/or incompatible with open-source workflows. We present a fully open-source PCIe controller, written in synthesizable Verilog and optimized for Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) deployment. The core is verified using a Python-based cocotb_2.0.1 and pyuvm_4.0.0 testbench with a modeled Root Complex (RC), complete with data packet generation, automated checks for enumeration, flow control, and retry mechanisms. On an AMD Xilinx AC701 (XC7A200T), the design achieves less than 6% LUT utilization, timing closure at 100 MHz user clock, and demonstrates compatibility with vendor transceivers. Reference builds also meet timing on Altera Agilex devices with similar resource utilization. All RTL, verification infrastructures, and example designs are publicly released, enabling reproducible research and accelerating the development of PCIe-enabled systems for high-speed data acquisition, NVMe front-ends, and custom FPGA accelerators. Full article

Objectives: In dental implantology, the priorities in scientific research are to identify solutions that guarantee a beneficial biomaterial–tissue interaction, both in terms of implant biointegration and protection against infections. The experimental approach consisted of chemical deposition of silver (Ag), silver and hydroxyapatite (HAP) on a TiZr metallic support. The aim of the research is to study the influence of hydroxyapatite on the possible adverse effects produced by silver in antibacterial coatings. Methods: The characterization of the coating was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDS spectroscopy, XRD diffraction and FT-IR infrared analysis. In vitro cell viability and adhesion testing was performed by quantitative (MTT) and qualitative fluorescence-based assays on samples (without deposition and with chemical deposition), in the presence of human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB cell line) after 8 days of incubation. Results: The findings of the study indicate an increase in cell viability by combining silver with hydroxyapatite. Preliminary data indicated a cell viability of 20% when the metal support is coated exclusively with silver and 60% in the presence of hydroxyapatite in the silver coating. Conclusions: The experimental study offers insights into the potential cytotoxic effects of silver in antibacterial coatings. Co-deposition with hydroxyapatite improved osteoblast viability compared to surfaces coated with silver alone, indicating that it may have a beneficial effect in Ag-based surface functionalization. The underlying mechanism (e.g., modulation of silver species/ion release) was not directly quantified in this work and should be addressed in future studies. Full article