Search Results (8,053)

Polymer–ceramic piezoelectric composites are widely investigated to combine the high piezoelectric performance of ferroelectric ceramics with the flexibility and processability of electroactive polymers. However, achieving enhanced dielectric properties while preserving the intrinsic piezoelectric response of the polymer matrix remains challenging, particularly due to dielectric mismatch between the constituent phases and interfacial effects. In this work, barium titanate (BaTiO₃) loaded poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) nanocomposites were fabricated by solvent casting using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polysorbate 80 (PS80) as dispersing agents, aiming to obtain polarizable materials capable of retaining high piezoelectric strain coefficient (d₃₃) values and potentially exploiting the opposite polarity of matrix and filler through tailored poling strategies. Morphological, crystallographic, structural, thermal, thermomechanical, dielectric, and piezoelectric characterizations were performed by SEM/EDXS, XRD, FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMTA, dielectric spectroscopy, and d₃₃ measurements. Both dispersants improved filler dispersion and film densification, increasing the crystalline fraction of the matrix, without altering the relative fraction of β-phase (up to 93%). PVP enabled moderate and stable permittivity enhancement with weak frequency dependence, whereas PS80 introduced an electrically active interfacial contribution that amplified low-frequency permittivity at high filler loadings but made the permittivity more frequency-dependent. The piezoelectric response (between −20 pC/N and −25 pC/N) remained predominantly governed by the polymer phase, suggesting limited polarization played by BaTiO₃. These results underlined the critical role of interfacial electrical properties in designing stable high-performance flexible PVDF-TrFE/BaTiO₃ composites. Full article

The aim of this study was to characterize ruminal degradation and postruminal digestibility of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in full-fat raw soybeans (ffSB), extruded full-fat raw soybeans (effSB) and soybean cake (SBc) derived from three non-GMO locally grown soybean varieties (PETRINA, ERICA and VIOLA). To hasten data interpretation, ruminal degradation and postruminal digestibility of the conventional solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM) was also investigated. Effective rumen degradation (ERD) of DM was lower for SBc (0.726) than for SBM (0.777; p < 0.001). Independent of soy variety, it was less for SBc than ffSB (0.801) and the least for effSB (0.783; p < 0.001). Intestinal DM digestibility was higher for SBM (0.946) compared to ffSB (0.708) and effSB (0.604), and regardless of soybean variety, it was lower for effSB than for SBc (0.866; p < 0.01). The ERD of CP was higher for ffSB (0.817) compared to SBM (0.6858; p = 0.007), and, independent of soy variety, it was less for SBC (0.773) than ffSB and the lowest for effSB (0.750; p < 0.001). Intestinal digestibility of CP was higher for SBM (0.998) compared to ffSB (0.944), effSB (0.926), and SBc (0.943). Regardless of soybean variety, it was lower for effSB than for ffSB and SBc (p < 0.002). However, interactions between product type and soybean variety were also detected for almost all investigated parameters, except for c for DM and c and ERD for CP (p < 0.001), with variety ERICA showing the lowest ERD and variety PETRINA showing the highest intestinal digestibility. The study demonstrated that the type of soybean processing and soybean variety significantly affected ERD and intestinal digestibility of DM and CP. Soy products (effSB and SBc) produced by the farmer on his own farm from non-GMO soybeans harvested on his own farm can serve as valuable feed material for cattle, making him independent from the need to purchase imported SBM. Full article

Turnera subulata is traditionally used to treat inflammatory and infectious conditions; however; its biological activities remain incompletely characterized. In this study, aqueous (AETS) and hydroethanolic (HETS) extracts obtained from the aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers), as used in traditional infusions, were compared regarding physicochemical composition, redox behavior, cytotoxicity, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial activities. HETS showed significantly higher phenolic content (2555.96 ± 43.55 mg GAE/100 mL) compared to AETS (1269.54 ± 20.60 mg GAE/100 mL) and exhibited stronger DPPH (83.05 ± 0.05%) and ABTS (85.1 ± 1.5%) radical scavenging activity. In contrast, AETS showed greater antioxidant capacity in the TRAP assay from 50 µg/mL (p < 0.0001). Both extracts displayed dose-dependent pro-oxidant behavior in the deoxyribose/Fenton system. In vitro assays demonstrated that both extracts exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells, with no significant cytotoxic effects observed at concentrations ≤ 50 µg/mL. HETS significantly increased IL-10 levels (p < 0.05), indicating immunomodulatory activity. In antimicrobial assays, HETS showed selective activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC values ranging from 0.625 to 1.25 mg/mL, while no relevant inhibition was observed against Escherichia coli. No synergistic interaction with vancomycin was detected. Overall, the results indicate that the extraction solvent strongly influences the phenolic enrichment and biological activity. The hydroethanol extract showed the most consistent bioactivity, highlighting its potential for applications as a natural antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-staphylococcal agent. Future studies should focus on compound isolation, mechanistic validation, and evaluation in in vivo models to support potential commercial and therapeutic applications. Full article

A study was conducted on the construction of sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketone) nanomicelles and their dispersion–displacement synergistic behavior in deep oil recovery. Unlike conventional surfactant systems, inorganic nanoparticle-based EOR materials, and polymeric nanofluids that mainly rely on interfacial tension reduction, wettability alteration, or viscosity regulation, this study constructs self-assembled sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketone) nanomicelles that integrate a rigid aromatic backbone, ionizable sulfonic acid groups, nanoscale dispersion, and interfacial regulation within one polymeric architecture. Sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketone) nanomicelles were prepared by combining polymer sulfonation with solvent-induced self-assembly, and their structural features, dispersion stability, interfacial behavior, porous-media transport, and displacement performance were systematically evaluated. Spectroscopic characterization confirmed the successful introduction of sulfonic acid groups into the polymer backbone. The resulting nanomicelles exhibited an average hydrodynamic diameter of 117.8 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.186, and a zeta potential of −38.6 mV in deionized water, while a value of −27.4 mV was still maintained at a salinity of 150,000 mg/L, indicating good electrostatic stability under highly mineralized conditions. Further evaluation showed that the 0.30 wt% system retained a transmittance of 97.4% after 15 d of static standing, and its particle size remained at 151.7 nm even under 120 °C and 150,000 mg/L, demonstrating favorable thermal–salinity tolerance. At the same concentration, the oil–water interfacial tension decreased to 6.9 mN/m at 1800 s, while the contact angle of oil-aged quartz was reduced from 118.4° to 58.7°, indicating effective regulation of both the oil–water interface and the solid surface wettability. During microscopic displacement, the residual oil area fraction decreased from 32.8% after water flooding to 14.6%, and cluster-like oil, corner oil, and film-like oil were reduced from 14.6%, 9.8%, and 8.4% to 5.9%, 4.2%, and 4.5%, respectively. In core flooding, the incremental oil recovery reached 13.2%, the final water cut decreased to 81.2%, and the injection pressure increased only from 0.42 MPa to 0.68 MPa. These results indicate that sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketone) nanomicelles promote deep residual-oil mobilization through the combined effects of stable dispersion, interfacial regulation, and effective transport, with 0.30 wt% identified as the preferred concentration range. The main scientific contribution of this work is to establish a structure–dispersion–interface–transport–displacement relationship for SPAEK nanomicelles under deep-reservoir conditions, providing a polymeric nanomicelle-based strategy distinct from conventional surfactant, sulfonated polymer, and nanoparticle flooding systems. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect and cryoprotective mechanism of melatonin (MT) on the physiological functions of Lactobacillus plantarum FQR during freezing and freeze-drying. Results indicated that the addition of 5 mg/mL MT as a cryoprotectant maximized the freeze-drying survival rate to 32.04 ± 2.14%. MT effectively alleviated low-temperature and freeze-drying stress by reducing extracellular alkaline phosphatase activity, enhancing intracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity, and decreasing extracellular β-galactosidase activity without significant differences. Higher survival rates in defining medium further suggested that MT reduced damage to cell wall and membrane structures during lyophilisation, decreased membrane permeability, and preserved cellular physiological functions. In addition, MT supported cellular energy metabolism and protein synthesis, enhanced transmembrane potential to facilitate ATP transport, and helped maintain intracellular and extracellular pH balance. The prepared freeze-drying protectant containing 69.80 mg/mL exopolysaccharides (EPS) and 4.25 mg/mL MT showed better protective effects than the control group. MT also increased bound water content, lowered the freezing point of the solution, and inhibited ice crystal formation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that amino acid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and ABC transport systems were the primary pathways affected by MT treatment. These findings demonstrate that MT improves freeze-drying tolerance by maintaining membrane integrity, regulating cellular metabolism, and enhancing oxidative stress resistance. Given its natural biosynthetic origin, generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status, and absence of residual solvents or allergenic proteins, MT can be safely considered for incorporation into food and nutraceutical products. This study underscores the practical relevance of MT as a functional component in compound cryoprotectants, providing a feasible strategy to enhance the viability, stability, and industrial applicability of Lactobacillus plantarum during freeze-drying and storage. Full article

The present study investigated the use of natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for the efficient recovery of anthocyanins and antioxidant phenolics from Damask rose (DR). A wide range of environmentally friendly solvents was screened, and choline chloride–propylene glycol (ChCl-PG) was identified as the most effective extraction medium. The extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) models to maximize anthocyanin and phenolic contents, as well as antioxidant activity. Under the optimal parameters, the DR extracts exhibited relatively high levels of bioactive compounds, including total anthocyanin content of 5.2–5.3 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents g⁻¹ sample, total phenolic content of 63.4–64.2 mg gallic acid equivalents g⁻¹ sample, along with substantial antioxidant potential (DPPH: 68.2–68.8% inhibition, FRAP: 581.6–591.9 μmol Trolox equivalents g⁻¹ sample). Chromatographic analysis of the optimum extract revealed cyanidin as the predominant anthocyanidin in DR, and its stability was further evaluated, revealing improved preservation under dark conditions at lower temperatures over a 15-day storage period. Moreover, the IC₅₀ values confirmed antimicrobial effects against the tested foodborne pathogens. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of the DR extract remained stable against S. aureus and S. cerevisiae throughout the storage period. Overall, the findings demonstrate that NaDES-UAE is a promising and sustainable approach for obtaining anthocyanin-rich DR extracts with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Full article

The growing demand for functional foods has stimulated the development of chocolate matrices enriched with bioactive ingredients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of extraction conditions and formulation strategies on the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of dark chocolate. Five formulations were evaluated: control chocolate (C), chocolate containing vitamin microcapsules (T1), chocolate with DHA/EPA microcapsules (T2), lipid-modified chocolate with structuring oil (T3), and chocolate combining microcapsules with lipid modification (T4). Phenolic compounds were extracted using hydro-organic solvents of different polarities (50% ethanol, 70% methanol, and 70% acetone). Among the tested solvents, 70% methanol showed the highest extraction efficiency, enabling broader detection of phenolic compounds and alkaloids. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed compounds characteristic of cocoa matrices, including epicatechin, gallic acid, vanillin, and procyanidins, as well as the methylxanthines theobromine and caffeine. Among the formulations, T4 exhibited a greater abundance of extractable compounds and the most complex chromatographic profile. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging and β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assays. T4 also showed the highest antioxidant performance in both assays. These findings suggest that the combination of microencapsulation and lipid phase modification may enhance the extractability and functional expression of bioactive compounds, supporting the development of functional chocolate products with added value. Full article

Vitexin is a potent C-glycosyl flavone from mung bean coats with significant antioxidant properties, constrained by poor solubility and bioavailability. In this study, Nanovitexin (NV) was encapsulated within a biocompatible Alginate/Carboxymethyl Cellulose (Alg/CMC) matrix via a modified solvent evaporation technique assisted by chemical cross-linking. The optimized NV exhibited a mean dry particle size of 50–70 nm, high concentration (0.05–0.25 mg/mL), and stability (Zeta potential >30 mV). FT-IR analysis confirmed the successful entrapment via intermolecular interactions. Notably, NV exhibited enhanced activities compared to free vitexin (FV), showing superior DPPH scavenging (IC₅₀ of 115.38 μg/mL) versus FV (IC₅₀ of 226.06 μg/mL). Furthermore, NV demonstrated significantly enhanced in vitro antidiabetic potential, displayed no cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells, and effectively protected against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. The Alg/CMC nanomatrix effectively improves vitexin bioactivity, suggesting promising potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Background: Paclitaxel is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent whose clinical efficacy is limited by gonadotoxic side effects. Oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation are key mechanisms underlying paclitaxel-induced testicular injury. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the protective effects of melatonin and apigenin in a rat model. Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: control, solvent control, melatonin, apigenin, paclitaxel, paclitaxel + melatonin, and paclitaxel + apigenin. Testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured, together with apoptotic activity (caspase-3), oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG), inflammatory signaling (NF-κB/p65, immunoreactivity), and histopathological alterations (Johnsen score). Results: Paclitaxel significantly increased MDA levels and decreased GSH content, accompanied by elevated caspase-3, 8-OHdG, and NF-κB/p65 immunoreactivity, as well as marked degeneration of seminiferous tubules. Melatonin improved redox balance, suppressed apoptotic and inflammatory responses, and preserved testicular architecture. Apigenin reduced lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant status in paclitaxel-treated rats while decreasing GSH levels under basal conditions without inducing histological damage, suggesting a context-dependent redox-modulating effect. Both agents significantly improved Johnsen scores compared with paclitaxel alone. Conclusions: Paclitaxel-induced testicular injury is mediated by a coordinated interplay of oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and structural degeneration. Melatonin and apigenin effectively mitigate these processes, with apigenin exhibiting context-dependent antioxidant activity. These findings suggest that melatonin and apigenin may serve as adjunctive strategies for preserving male reproductive function during chemotherapy. Full article

Botrytis cinerea is a globally distributed phytopathogenic fungus that causes gray mold in eucalyptus seedlings, posing a severe threat to eucalyptus nursery production. Pseudomonas eucalypticola Liu et al. NP-1 is an endophytic bacterium isolated from eucalyptus with broad-spectrum antifungal activity. In this study, the fermentation broth extract of strain NP-1 was prepared using the organic solvent extraction method. The inhibitory effects, antifungal mechanisms, and biocontrol efficacy of the extract against B. cinerea were investigated. The results suggested that the NP-1 extract effectively inhibited mycelial growth, conidial germination, and germ tube development of B. cinerea. The EC₅₀ and EC₉₀ values for mycelial inhibition were 110 μg/mL and 332 μg/mL, respectively, while those for conidial germination inhibition were 126 μg/mL and 310 μg/mL. Microscopic and ultramicroscopic observations indicated that while the mycelial structures in the control and EC₅₀ groups remained intact, the EC₉₀ treatment significantly was associated with protoplasmic aggregation, leakage, and cavitation, suggesting potential structural damage to the fungal cells. In vitro and in vivo biocontrol assays showed that the control efficacy against gray mold reached 90.0% on detached eucalyptus leaves and 93.3% on eucalyptus seedlings. These findings elucidate the biocontrol potential of NP-1 and lay a foundation for the development of bio-based pesticides. Full article

Phenolic acids are bioactive compounds in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that contribute to its nutritional and functional properties, yet their distribution within the kernel is uneven. This study investigated the effect of progressive pearling on phenolic acid distribution using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with water as a solvent. Three commercial Canada Western Red Spring wheat samples were pearled into six fractions (50–450 s), corresponding to 5–45% removal of outer kernel layers. Pearled kernels, pearled kernel flours, and pearled fractions were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC) and individual phenolic acids using HPLC-DAD. The 10% pearled fraction (PF100) exhibited the highest TPC (9286 ± 168 µg GAE/g), confirming phenolic enrichment in the outer bran and sub-aleurone layers. Outer kernel tissues contained the highest gallic acid (1954 µg/g), whereas the endosperm retained lower levels of gallic (450 µg/g), hydroxycinnamic (122 µg/g), sinapic (87 µg/g), and ferulic (84 µg/g) acids. Both TPC and individual phenolic acids decreased progressively with increased pearling depth, indicating a clear localization gradient. MAE with water enhanced extraction efficiency compared to conventional solvent-based methods, enabling environmentally friendly recovery. These findings demonstrate that controlled pearling can be used to enrich wheat fractions in phenolic acids and optimize functional ingredient development. Full article

The identification of the chemical species responsible for the anomalous near-ultraviolet (UV) opacity in the Venusian cloud for “unknown absorber” remains a paramount challenge in planetary science. This study presents a comprehensive quantum chemical investigation into a broad suite of candidate molecules, including isomers of thiosulfeno (S₂O₂), the hydroxysulfonyl radical (HSO₃), disulfur monoxide (S₂O), disulfur dichloride (S₂Cl₂), iron(III) chloride (FeCl₃), phosphine (PH₃), and structural isomers of polysulfur oxides (S₃O). Utilizing Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) at the CAM-B3LYP/def2-TZVPP level of theory, we systematically mapped electronic transitions across three distinct environmental phases: gas-phase (without solvent), supercritical CO₂, and concentrated H₂SO₄ aerosols. To establish confidence in the predicted results, our TD-DFT approach was rigorously benchmarked against high-level theoretical methods (CCSD(T), EOM-CCSD, and MRCI+Q) from recent literature. All these electronic transitions were modeled via the Solvation Model based on Density (SMD). Our results demonstrate a profound topological and environmental dependence on spectral signatures. Among the candidates, trans-OSSO (t-OSSO) emerged as the most viable near-UV absorber candidate, exhibiting a highly allowed π → π* transition at 379.37 nm (f = 0.1140) in H₂SO₄, providing a near-perfect alignment with the observed 365 nm planetary albedo drop. Conversely, the polysulfur oxide cis-S₃O was acknowledged as a primary visible-light chromophore, with an intense absorption at 436.31 nm (f = 0.1280) responsible for the characteristic yellow tint of the planet. Additionally, the photochemically maintained SSCl₂ isomer was identified as a critical broadband near-UV absorber. Species such as S₂O and planar S₃O were found to function as critical mid-UV shields (270–300 nm). This work establishes a multi-chromophore model of the Venusian atmosphere, where a chemically stratified network of sulfur-oxygen chains and chlorine-sulfur reservoirs, tuned by the acidic aerosol matrix, collectively governs radiative balance and atmospheric super-rotation of the planet. Furthermore, to account for massive continuum tailing into the visible region (>400 nm), we employed a semi-classical Reflection Principle approach to model 1D vibronic broadening. This analysis revealed that while standard solvent effects induce minor solvatochromic shifts, ground-state structural fluxionality in the OSSO isomers drives intense, symmetry-allowed transitions deep into the visible spectrum, an effect absent in structurally constrained or rigid control species. Full article

In this study, single-helical maize amylose (SHMAM) was successfully prepared via the sodium chloride-based eutectic solvent method. Incorporation of SHMAM into wheat flour for steamed buns significantly enhanced its hardness, with a 5% addition level yielding the maximum effect (hardness increased from 2318.7 ± 157.4 g to 3224.7 ± 98.1 g). Comprehensive structural characterization including FT-IR, XRD, DSC and ¹³C solid-state NMR revealed that during steaming hydrogen bonds formed between the C6 hydroxyl groups of SHMAM and sulfhydryl groups of Cys, α-amino groups of Lys, phenolic hydroxyl groups of Tyr, and ε-amino groups of Arg in glutenin. These interactions induced the conversion of β-sheets into α-helices and β-turns. As a result, a denser, more mechanically robust glutenin–starch network was formed, accompanied by a decreased water-holding capacity of glutenin and restricted interfacial water mobility between starch and glutenin phases. Collectively, these synergistic interactions enhanced dough compactness, stabilized the microstructural integrity of the dough matrix, and improved the hardness of the final steamed bun. This work establishes a novel, green, and scalable strategy for precisely modulating steamed bun texture, with broad implications for quality optimization in traditional wheat-based foods and potential benefits for dietary health. Full article

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising crystalline porous polymers for photocatalysis, yet their strong excitonic effects and rapid carrier recombination limit efficiency. However, strong excitonic effects and rapid electron–hole recombination remain key challenges. Herein, we employ density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) to systematically investigate the structure–activity relationships of three D–π–A-type COFs (COF-alkene, TapbBtt-COF, and TtaTpa-COF) for photocatalytic overall water splitting. Benchmarking identifies the M06L functional, SMD solvent model, and 6-311+G(2d,p) basis set as optimal. Our results reveal that molecular planarity, D–π–A configuration, and charge separation collectively govern performance. TtaTpa-COF exhibits the narrowest E_ex (2.47 eV), longest absorption wavelength (502.15 nm), and lowest hole–electron overlap (0.51), enabling efficient carrier separation. For the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), TtaTpa-COF shows the most favorable *H adsorption free energy (0.04 eV) and lowest LUMO level (−2.8 eV), yielding the highest activity. Notably, the D–π–A system governs active-site selectivity: COF-alkene favors the alkene-linked carbon, whereas the other two favor imine nitrogen. For the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), all follow the adsorbate evolution mechanism with *OOH formation as the rate-determining step. TtaTpa-COF exhibits the lowest limiting potential (4.33 eV), indicating superior water oxidation kinetics. This work establishes a clear structure–activity relationship linking D–π–A architecture to photocatalytic performance, providing a rational design framework for high-activity COF-based photocatalysts. Full article

High-performance electromagnetic wave absorption materials are desperately needed due to the growing serious electromagnetic interference and pollution issues brought on by the quick growth of modern electronic technology and wireless communication. This work uses the organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite MAPbBr_xI_3−x as a model system to address the problem of restricted loss mechanisms and the challenges in changing the absorption bandwidth of single-component wave-absorbing materials. It achieves systematic tuning of electromagnetic wave absorption performance, especially within the effective working frequency spectrum, through accurate halogen site engineering. According to the study, MAPbI₃ (MPI), MAPbBr_1.5I_1.5 (MPIB), and MAPbBr₃ (MPB), which were synthesized using the anti-solvent approach, all demonstrated exceptional microwave absorption capability, with maximum reflection loss values exceeding −37 dB, among which MPB achieves a remarkable value of −42.41 dB at 16.60 GHz. More significantly, this work shows a distinct structure-property relationship between the effective absorption peak frequency range of this series of materials and their band structure: the strongest absorption peak shows a regular blue shift as the material bandgap widens and the bromine content rises. This finding suggests that focused tailoring of the operating frequency band in wave-absorbing materials can be achieved by manipulating the band structure of perovskites by varying the halogen concentration. In addition to confirming the significant application potential of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites in the field of microwave absorption, this study offers a novel research perspective and material template for precisely and programmably controlling the absorption frequency band of wave-absorbing materials based on their basic electronic structures. Full article