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29 pages, 4024 KB  
Article
Preparation and Performance Evaluation of Temperature-Resistant and Salt-Resistant Zwitterionic Polymer Gel
by Meilong Fu, Shoufei Lu, Yangjie Fan and Yuxin Bai
Gels 2026, 12(9), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12090819 (registering DOI) - 6 Sep 2026
Abstract
To address the susceptibility of polymer gels to syneresis and failure under high-temperature, high-salinity (HTHS) reservoir conditions, a zwitterionic terpolymer was synthesized from acrylamide (AM), 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), and dimethyldiallylammonium chloride (DMDAAC), and subsequently crosslinked with a phenolic system to produce an intramolecular [...] Read more.
To address the susceptibility of polymer gels to syneresis and failure under high-temperature, high-salinity (HTHS) reservoir conditions, a zwitterionic terpolymer was synthesized from acrylamide (AM), 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), and dimethyldiallylammonium chloride (DMDAAC), and subsequently crosslinked with a phenolic system to produce an intramolecular salt-structured polymer gel with exceptional thermal and saline tolerance. Through systematic formulation optimization, the optimal composition was established as 0.3 wt% zwitterionic polymer, 0.03 wt% resorcinol, 0.3 wt% hexamethylenetetramine, and 0.1 wt% thiourea. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements confirmed that quaternary ammonium cations and sulfonate anions on the polymer chains associate via electrostatic attraction to form intramolecular salt bridges, which induce an anti-polyelectrolyte effect and thereby confer superior salt tolerance and thermal stability. Following aging for 140 days at 115 °C in formation water, the gel exhibited a syneresis rate below 30%, demonstrating favorable long-term stability under the tested high-temperature and high-salinity conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry further characterized the thermal-transition behavior of the gel under programmed heating conditions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a homogeneous honeycomb-like porous crosslinked network. Rheological testing demonstrated a storage modulus (G′) of 1.115 Pa and a loss modulus (G″) of 0.205 Pa, indicating an elasticity-dominated viscoelastic response and strong resistance to shear deformation. Single-core plugging experiments showed that at an injection volume of 0.2 PV, the gel achieved a plugging efficiency of 85.15% and a breakthrough pressure gradient of 18.6 MPa/m, with significant secondary plugging capability. In a heterogeneous dual-core model with a permeability contrast of approximately 10, the diversion rate into the low-permeability layer increased to 73.6%, effectively improving the water injection profile. This intramolecular salt-structured molecular design demonstrates potential for deep-profile control under high-temperature and high-salinity reservoir conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Technology for Oil and Nature Gas Exploration)
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21 pages, 21322 KB  
Article
Biomedical Hydrogels Based on Oxidized Hyaluronic Acid and Carboxymethyl Chitosan Coordinated with Magnesium Ions
by Lei Nie, Yingying Liang, Yiran Lin and Wei Guo
Biomimetics 2026, 11(9), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11090639 (registering DOI) - 6 Sep 2026
Abstract
Rapid hemostasis, oxidative stress resistance, and minimally invasive administration are crucial performance requirements for high-performance wound covering. Inspired by the dynamic remodeling properties of the native extracellular matrix, we fabricated a multifunctional injectable hydrogel through dynamic Schiff-base crosslinking between oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) [...] Read more.
Rapid hemostasis, oxidative stress resistance, and minimally invasive administration are crucial performance requirements for high-performance wound covering. Inspired by the dynamic remodeling properties of the native extracellular matrix, we fabricated a multifunctional injectable hydrogel through dynamic Schiff-base crosslinking between oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), combined with magnesium ion (Mg2+) coordination. The effects of Mg2+ content on hydrogel properties were systematically investigated. The hydrogels gelled rapidly under physiological conditions and showed good injectability, self-healing behavior, and favorable adhesion to moist tissues. Notably, Mg2+ incorporation significantly enhanced hemostatic performance in a mouse tail amputation model, reducing blood loss from 391.7 mg to approximately 75 mg and shortening hemostasis time from 151.7 s to 50.3 s. The 2, 2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging efficiency reached approximately 80%, and the hydrogel effectively scavenged intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) without compromising cytocompatibility or fibroblast activity. This study presents a biomimetic and easily prepared hydrogel platform that integrates pro-coagulant activity, redox regulation, and on-demand injectability, showing translational potential as bioactive wound covering for bleeding control and oxidative microenvironment regulation. Full article
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21 pages, 11186 KB  
Article
Thiophene π-Bridge Engineering for Boosting Photocatalytic H2 Evolution of Dioxythiophene-Based D-A-π-A Conjugated Polymers Without Extraneous Noble Metal Loading
by Guangsen Tian, Hongxi Zhao, Jinchen Zhang, Shaojia Song, Linfeng Zhang, Huadong Wu, Feng Wang, Jianding Li, Jia Guo and Qun Yi
Molecules 2026, 31(17), 3115; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31173115 - 5 Sep 2026
Abstract
Conjugated polymers featuring donor–acceptor (D-A) architectures have emerged as promising candidates for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution, owing to their tunable optoelectronic properties. However, achieving high photocatalytic activity without noble-metal cocatalysts remains challenging. Herein, we report a series of D-A type conjugated polymers based on [...] Read more.
Conjugated polymers featuring donor–acceptor (D-A) architectures have emerged as promising candidates for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution, owing to their tunable optoelectronic properties. However, achieving high photocatalytic activity without noble-metal cocatalysts remains challenging. Herein, we report a series of D-A type conjugated polymers based on dibenzothiophene sulfone (BTDO) as an electron acceptor and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) as an electron donor, synthesized via Suzuki polycondensation. By optimizing the donor/acceptor feed ratio, the optimal copolymer, EDOT-BTDO-5, delivers a hydrogen evolution rate (HER) as high as 87.5 mmol h−1 g−1 was achieved under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) without any Pt cocatalyst. To further boost the charge separation efficiency, a thiophene π-bridge was introduced, yielding a D-A-π-A ternary copolymer, EDOT-BTDO-T, which exhibits a significantly enhanced HER of 103.45 mmol h−1 g−1, along with remarkable operational stability, retaining ~69% of its initial activity after 20 h of continuous illumination. Comprehensive characterization, including photoelectrochemical analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, reveals that the incorporation of EDOT broadens the visible-light absorption range, while the thiophene π-bridge extends π-conjugation, and facilitates efficiency. This work demonstrates a molecular engineering strategy to construct high-performance, metal-free organic photocatalysts by tailoring D-A and D-A-π-A architectures, providing valuable insights for sustainable photochemical energy conversion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Photocatalytic Materials and Mechanisms)
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14 pages, 22413 KB  
Article
Rapid and Reversible Capture of PFOS from Complex Water Matrices by an Earth-Abundant Iron(III)–Carboxylate Metal–Organic Framework
by Haoming Yang and Yuan Yu
Polymers 2026, 18(17), 2171; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18172171 - 5 Sep 2026
Abstract
Background: Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a globally recognised persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic pollutant. Under China GB 5749-2022 and the US EPA 2024 drinking water MCL, permissible levels have fallen to 40 ng L−1 and 4 ng L−1, respectively, placing unprecedented [...] Read more.
Background: Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a globally recognised persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic pollutant. Under China GB 5749-2022 and the US EPA 2024 drinking water MCL, permissible levels have fallen to 40 ng L−1 and 4 ng L−1, respectively, placing unprecedented demands on remediation technologies. Methods: An iron(III)–carboxylate metal–organic framework prepared from low-cost precursors (denoted MOF-LC, [Fe3O(BDC)3Cl]·x(solvent)) was synthesised via a one-pot solvothermal route from FeCl3·6H2O and terephthalic acid (H2BDC). The material was characterised by PXRD, N2 adsorption, FTIR, TGA, XPS, elemental analysis and ICP-OES. Adsorption performance was evaluated under varying initial concentrations, contact times, pH values, coexisting inorganic anions (Cl, NO3, SO42−, HCO3, PO43−) and humic acid backgrounds, and by a panel of six water matrices. Results: MOF-LC exhibited a BET surface area of 1528 m2 g−1 and a dominant pore centred at 1.9 nm, which is geometrically compatible with the 1.36 nm molecular length of PFOS. Adsorption reached ≈95% of equilibrium capacity within 30 min and was best described by the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.998). Measured uptake reached 800.6 mg g−1 at 298 K, corresponding to a Langmuir maximum capacity of 802 mg g−1 (note that all adsorption experiments were conducted at mg L−1 concentrations, several orders of magnitude above the regulatory limits cited above). Removal exceeded 88% across all six water matrices. PFOS removal efficiency fell from 99.2% to 85.8% over seven adsorption–regeneration cycles using a 1% NH4Cl/methanol eluent, with 90.6% of the initial BET surface area retained and Fe leaching below 45 µg L−1. Conclusions: Electrostatic, hydrophobic and pore confinement contributions are proposed as cooperative interpretations consistent with the observations. MOF-LC is identified as a technically promising laboratory-scale sorbent for PFOS removal from complex water matrices. Performance at environmentally relevant ng L−1 concentrations and economic viability at scale remain to be established. Full article
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25 pages, 458 KB  
Article
Antioxidant Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Oregano, Sage, Basil, Rosemary, and Herbal Mixtures
by Julia Płatkiewicz, Joanna Wróbel, Magdalena Jeszka-Skowron, Robert Frankowski, Zuzanna Grześkowiak, Beata Czarczyńska-Goślińska, Anna Maria Jeszka and Agnieszka Zgoła-Grześkowiak
Antioxidants 2026, 15(9), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15091113 - 4 Sep 2026
Viewed by 193
Abstract
Herbs and spices are traditionally added to food in cuisines around the world. Antioxidant activity and content of bioactive compounds were compared in oregano, sage, basil, rosemary, and herbal mixtures. After optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of the ethanol–water extracts, the content of reducing [...] Read more.
Herbs and spices are traditionally added to food in cuisines around the world. Antioxidant activity and content of bioactive compounds were compared in oregano, sage, basil, rosemary, and herbal mixtures. After optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of the ethanol–water extracts, the content of reducing compounds of the herb extracts was tested using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant capacity was evaluated with ABTS (2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) assays. Oregano showed the highest antioxidant activity in all tests used (2.6 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per mL in the Folin–Ciocalteu test, 4.6 mg Trolox/mL in the ABTS assay, and 3.3 mg Trolox/mL in the DPPH assay) while rosemary had the lowest antioxidant activity (1.2 mg GAE/mL (Folin–Ciocalteu), 1.5 mg Trolox/mL (ABTS), and 1.3 mg Trolox/mL (DPPH)). Apart from antioxidant properties, the content of bioactive compounds was determined with the use of high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). It was found that in all tested Lamiaceae herbs and the herbal mixes, rosmarinic acid widely predominates as a major non-volatile phenolic constituent, and its content varies from 1121 µg/g in rosemary to 10,255 µg/g in herbes de Provence. High concentrations were also observed for quinic acid in both oregano and rosemary. Interestingly, the concentrations of rosmarinic acid in the group of herbs studied are positively correlated with the results obtained in the Folin–Ciocalteu, ABTS, and DPPH tests (Spearman’s correlation coefficient 0.7030, 0.6657, and 0.7188, respectively), whereas no such correlation is observed for quinic acid. Overall, the findings indicate that these herbs share a common hydroxycinnamate-based phytochemical framework but display clear species-specific differences reflecting their intrinsic metabolism. Furthermore, the concentration of 3-caffeoylquinic acid in the Sicilian herbs (1021 µg/g) was approximately 10 times higher compared to the samples of Dalmatian herbs, herbes de Provence, and pure herbs, which demonstrates the unique chemical composition of that mixture, including the presence of dried tomatoes and tarragon, which were not included in other tested herbal mixtures. Full article
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32 pages, 6223 KB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Phenolic Acid Profiles, Antioxidant Capacity, and Antimicrobial Activity of Honeys from Different Botanical and Geographical Origins
by Corina-Bianca Ioniță-Mîndrican, Antoanela Popescu, Magdalena Mititelu, Denisa-Elena Dumitrescu, Carolina Negrei, Iuliana Stoicescu, Violeta Popovici, Carmen Elena Lupu, Alina Maria Holban, Irinel Adriana Badea, Leontina Elena Filipiuc and Eliza Oprea
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(17), 7848; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177848 - 2 Sep 2026
Viewed by 671
Abstract
The composition of honey is complex and can vary depending on its botanical and geographical origin. This study evaluated the phenolic acid profile (PAP), antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties of honey samples from different geographical origins, such as Romania (nine types: multiflower, thyme, [...] Read more.
The composition of honey is complex and can vary depending on its botanical and geographical origin. This study evaluated the phenolic acid profile (PAP), antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties of honey samples from different geographical origins, such as Romania (nine types: multiflower, thyme, manna, hawthorn, black locust, linden, rapeseed, mint, and pasture), Malaysia (Tualang), New Zealand (Manuka), and Spain (chestnut). Twelve different varieties of honey were analyzed, one sample for each type, and all analyses were performed in triplicate. Phenolic acids were extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE) using C18 cartridges, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis at 310 nm. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion and broth microdilution to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), while microbial anti-adherence activity was assessed using the crystal violet staining assay to determine the minimum anti-adherence inhibitory concentration (MAIC). The tested microorganisms included the reference strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231, as well as two C. albicans isolates (24114 and 5329). Several phenolic acids, including chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic, trans-cinnamic, 3-O-methylgallic, p-coumaric, and syringic acids, were identified at varying concentrations across the analyzed honey samples. Rapeseed honey exhibited the highest overall concentration of phenolic acids. Among the honey samples analyzed, chestnut honey had the highest concentration of cinnamic acid, mint honey the highest concentration of ferulic acid, and multiflower honey the highest concentration of syringic acid. Tualang honey exhibited the highest antioxidant activity by both methods, reaching 2.103 mg TE/g honey for DPPH and 1.701 mg TE/g honey for ABTS. Tualang honey also exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity against C. albicans and P. aeruginosa, whereas multifloral honey was the most active against E. faecalis. The analyzed honey extracts differed in their phenolic acid composition and biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-adherence effects of microorganisms on substrates. While associations were observed between selected phenolic acids and some of the evaluated biological activities, the overall biological properties of honey are more likely to arise from the combined contribution of multiple bioactive constituents than from individual compounds alone. The novelty of this study lies in the comparative assessment of the PAP obtained following SPE, and the biological activities of different types of honey from various botanical and geographical sources. Full article
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22 pages, 7616 KB  
Article
Individual and Cooperative Photochemical–Enzymatic Processes for the Degradation of the Dye Bromothymol Blue: Kinetic and Eco-Toxicity Analysis
by Andrea S. Urquiza, Agustina Reynoso, M. Alicia Biasutti, Hernán A. Montejano and Eugenia Reynoso
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(17), 7767; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177767 - 30 Aug 2026
Viewed by 203
Abstract
The degradation of bromothymol blue (BTB) in aqueous solution was investigated through individual and sequential photochemical and enzymatic treatments. Photodegradation experiments were performed under UVC, UVB, UVA and visible irradiation at different pH values and atmosphere conditions, while enzymatic degradation was evaluated using [...] Read more.
The degradation of bromothymol blue (BTB) in aqueous solution was investigated through individual and sequential photochemical and enzymatic treatments. Photodegradation experiments were performed under UVC, UVB, UVA and visible irradiation at different pH values and atmosphere conditions, while enzymatic degradation was evaluated using Laccase from Trametes versicolor under varying pH, temperature and enzyme concentration. Kinetic analyses were performed in all cases. BTB degradation was strongly dependent on irradiation wavelength and pH. The highest photodegradation rates were obtained under UVC irradiation, particularly in alkaline medium. Additionally, our results suggest that BTB photolysis mainly proceeds through a unimolecular pathway. On the other hand, enzymatic degradation was favored at acidic pH, elevated temperature, and high amount of laccase, with optimal performance observed at pH 5 and 40 °C. Sequential treatments combining photochemical and enzymatic processes improved the overall removal efficiency, reaching degradation values above 70% regardless of the treatments order. Ecotoxicological evaluation using the Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition assay revealed a significant reduction in toxicity after all treatments, particularly those involving UVC irradiation. These results demonstrate the complementary nature of both processes and highlight the potential of combined photochemical–enzymatic treatments for the remediation of dye-contaminated waters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photophysics and Photochemistry in Biological Molecules)
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27 pages, 5077 KB  
Article
Impact of Quercetin on the Functional and Structural Properties of Chitooligosaccharide (CHOS)-Enriched Surimi
by Bikash Kumar Pati, M. Bhargavi Priyadarshini, Naresh Kumar Mehta, Arun Bhai Patel, Kumar Gaurav and Shreya Anand
Gels 2026, 12(9), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12090776 - 29 Aug 2026
Viewed by 141
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of varying quercetin (Q; 0.01–0.05%) incorporations on the quality, functional, structural, and bio-functional properties of CHOS-enriched (0.75%; w/w) pangasius surimi gel. Gel samples were analyzed for gel strength, texture profile, colour, water-holding capacity (WHC), protein [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the impact of varying quercetin (Q; 0.01–0.05%) incorporations on the quality, functional, structural, and bio-functional properties of CHOS-enriched (0.75%; w/w) pangasius surimi gel. Gel samples were analyzed for gel strength, texture profile, colour, water-holding capacity (WHC), protein interactions, structural changes, thermal stability, antioxidant/antimicrobial activities, and sensory parameters. Results indicated that Q significantly decreased pH while exerting a minor effect on proximate composition. Incorporation of Q up to 0.04% (Q4) remarkably improved breaking force (654.70 g), deformation (1.13 cm), gel strength (707.82 g cm), hardness, and WHC (90.66%), while reducing expressible moisture content and proteolysis. Molecular interactions, FT-IR spectra, SDS-PAGE, and SEM confirmed that Q promoted cross-linking of myosin heavy chains via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, creating a denser, more compact gel matrix with higher thermal stability. Additionally, Q addition significantly enhanced 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)/2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in a concentration-dependent manner, though lightness and whiteness indices decreased due to Q’s natural yellow pigment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Gels: Design, Structure and Applications)
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20 pages, 8207 KB  
Article
Tuning Interlayer Molecular Weight in Electrodeposited Anion Exchange Membranes for Enhanced Reverse Electrodialysis Performance
by Aydın Cihanoğlu
Polymers 2026, 18(17), 2104; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18172104 - 29 Aug 2026
Viewed by 249
Abstract
Renewable energy can be harvested from salinity gradients using reverse electrodialysis (RED); however, the open-circuit voltage and power output of this process can be significantly reduced by multivalent ions and natural organic matter found in natural waters. In this work, a tailor-made polyepichlorohydrin-based [...] Read more.
Renewable energy can be harvested from salinity gradients using reverse electrodialysis (RED); however, the open-circuit voltage and power output of this process can be significantly reduced by multivalent ions and natural organic matter found in natural waters. In this work, a tailor-made polyepichlorohydrin-based anion exchange membrane (AEM) surface was modified using an electrophoretic layer-by-layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte assembly. Negatively charged poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and positively charged poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) were employed to construct three-layer architectures in which PEI served as the interlayer. The results indicate that the molecular weight of the PEI interlayer strongly influences the surface composition and charge of the final AEMs. RED experiments performed in the presence of Na2SO4 revealed that AEMs incorporating the high-molecular-weight PEI exhibited enhanced apparent Cl/SO42− selectivity and delivered an increased power density. Fouling tests using a real humic–fulvic acid mixture demonstrated that the hydrophilic PSS top layer effectively mitigated organic fouling and preserved RED performance. Furthermore, short-term stability testing provided a preliminary indication of the stability of the polyelectrolyte layers under short-term operating conditions. This study highlights the critical role of interlayer molecular weight in defining the surface chemistry, apparent ion selectivity, and antifouling behavior of LbL-modified tailor-made AEMs, providing important design guidelines for improving RED performance in realistic feedwaters. Full article
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28 pages, 1996 KB  
Review
Mechanisms of Action of Herbal Preparations for the Rehabilitation of Dust-Related Diseases of the Bronchopulmonary System
by Georgiy A. Demchenko, Alexandr E. Gulyayev, Sayagul A. Kairgeldina, Madina B. Baurzhan, Marat R. Khanturin, Kanat K. Tekebayev, Nazym S. Sagandykova, Laura U. Koibasova and Makpal A. Yessenova
Biomedicines 2026, 14(9), 1936; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14091936 - 28 Aug 2026
Viewed by 246
Abstract
The aim of this study was to summarize current evidence on dust-related diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, medicinal plants, herbal formulations, and their underlying mechanisms of action. A literature review was conducted based on publications indexed in ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Scopus, and [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to summarize current evidence on dust-related diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, medicinal plants, herbal formulations, and their underlying mechanisms of action. A literature review was conducted based on publications indexed in ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Scopus, and Medline (PubMed), focusing on the mechanisms underlying dust-related diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, pneumoconiosis, and the potential of phytotherapeutic approaches to modulate these processes. The following keywords were used: bronchopulmonary system, pneumoconiosis, dust-related lung diseases, medicinal plants, herbal preparations, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lymphatic sanitation. The pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis involves the deposition of inhaled dust particles in the lung tissue, followed by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and progressive fibrosis. In experimental models, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, tannins, and other phytochemical groups have demonstrated therapeutic potential in bronchopulmonary diseases. Among the compounds investigated, emodin, celastrol, kaempferol, sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate, astragaloside IV, and dioscin have shown promising effects by modulating key signaling pathways and reducing inflammatory responses. Experimental evidence indicates that these phytochemicals can target major pathways involved in inflammation and fibrogenesis, thereby exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects. The lymphatic system also contributes to the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis by transporting inhaled dust particles to regional lymph nodes, where their accumulation may promote lymph node sclerosis. Therefore, lymphatic sanitation may represent an important therapeutic mechanism of action of herbal formulations in pneumoconiosis. Our proposed lymphotropic herbal formulation enhances physiological lymphatic drainage and may positively influence the motility and functional activity of the tracheobronchial lymph nodes. The therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and herbal formulations in pneumoconiosis is supported by experimental findings for Tripterygium wilfordii (celastrol, through suppression of the EDNRB/Kng1–(endothelin receptor type B/kininogen1), Delphinium, Camellia, and Berberis species (kaempferol, through inhibition of TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4 signaling), Astragalus membranaceus (astragaloside IV, through antifibrotic activity mediated by inhibition of the TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor beta 1)/Smad3 (SMAD family member 3) pathway), and Reynoutria japonica Houtt., Rheum, and Aloe species (emodin, through inhibition of Smad3 and NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) phosphorylation and reduction of TGF-β1, α-SMA (alpha-smooth muscle actin), collagen I, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha), and IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta) levels in lung tissue). For these and several other medicinal plants and their flavonoids, antifibrotic activity has been demonstrated through inhibition of the Akt/NF-κB (protein kinase B/nuclear factor kappa B) signaling pathway. A promising direction for future research is to evaluate the combined use of herbal formulations with established antifibrotic agents to determine whether synergistic therapeutic effects can be achieved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Drug Discovery, Development and Delivery)
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18 pages, 2129 KB  
Article
Ionically Core–Corona Polymer Microsphere-Immobilized MacMillan Catalyst for Asymmetric Diels–Alder Reaction in Continuous-Flow System
by Md Azgar Ali, Shuta Yoshida and Naoki Haraguchi
Catalysts 2026, 16(9), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16090783 - 28 Aug 2026
Viewed by 245
Abstract
Core–corona polymer microsphere-immobilized MacMillan catalysts were synthesized via ionic immobilization of a MacMillan catalyst precursor onto core–corona polymer microspheres bearing sulfonic acid moieties in their side chains. The resulting heterogeneous catalysts were applied to the asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction between trans-cinnamaldehyde and 1,3-cyclopentadiene [...] Read more.
Core–corona polymer microsphere-immobilized MacMillan catalysts were synthesized via ionic immobilization of a MacMillan catalyst precursor onto core–corona polymer microspheres bearing sulfonic acid moieties in their side chains. The resulting heterogeneous catalysts were applied to the asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction between trans-cinnamaldehyde and 1,3-cyclopentadiene under continuous-flow conditions. The effects of solvent, flow rate, substrate concentration, core particle size, and corona chain length on catalytic performance were systematically investigated. High enantioselectivities of 92% ee for the exo isomer and 95% ee for the endo isomer were achieved using the catalyst with the optimized structure under optimized conditions. Furthermore, the durability and substrate scope of the catalyst were evaluated in continuous-flow reactions, demonstrating its high stability and practical applicability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Asymmetric Organocatalysis)
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17 pages, 2692 KB  
Article
Quantum Dot-Hybridized Temperature- and Salt-Resistant Polyacrylamide for Enhanced Oil Recovery in High-Temperature and High-Salinity Reservoirs
by Hua Li, Jingjing He, Rui Jing, Song Wang, Aihui Li, Ting Chen, Daijun Du and Suhan Zhang
Polymers 2026, 18(17), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18172084 - 28 Aug 2026
Viewed by 233
Abstract
Conventional partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) suffers severe chain coiling, viscosity attenuation and precipitation under high-temperature and high-salinity reservoir brines, restricting its tertiary oil recovery efficiency. Herein, a novel carbon quantum dot hybrid terpolymer (QDHSTP) was synthesized via free-radical copolymerization, where silane-modified nitrogen-doped carbon [...] Read more.
Conventional partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) suffers severe chain coiling, viscosity attenuation and precipitation under high-temperature and high-salinity reservoir brines, restricting its tertiary oil recovery efficiency. Herein, a novel carbon quantum dot hybrid terpolymer (QDHSTP) was synthesized via free-radical copolymerization, where silane-modified nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (FNCQDs) were covalently bonded to acrylamide (AM)/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS)/diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DMDAAC) backbones. FTIR, 1H NMR and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) verified successful grafting of FNCQDs, while SEM revealed a continuous three-dimensional entangled network constructed by polymer chains. Steady and oscillatory rheology systematically characterized the solution viscoelasticity: QDHSTP solutions followed the power-law shear-thinning model, with flow behavior index n decreasing from 0.698 to 0.676 and consistency factor k rising from 80.91 to 131.13 mPa·sn as concentration increased from 2000 to 3000 mg/L. All samples behaved as viscosity-dominated viscoelastic fluids, with elastic modulus exhibiting stronger frequency dependence. Benefiting from embedded FNCQDs, QDHSTP retained 79.74% and 76.06% of initial viscosity in 1.0 × 104 mg/L NaCl and CaCl2 brine, respectively, markedly better than that of the polymer without incorporated FNCQDs respectively, and maintained thickening capacity at 90 °C. Artificial sandstone core flooding demonstrated an incremental oil recovery of 29.8% over baseline waterflooding, attributed to mobility control and elastic residual oil stripping. This covalent nanohybrid strategy provides a facile route to construct thermo-salt tolerant polyacrylamides, offering a promising candidate polymer for harsh oil reservoir chemical flooding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Polymers in Enhanced Oil Recovery: 2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 5789 KB  
Article
Effect of Fermentation with Coffee Powder on the Flavor Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Glutinous Rice Sweet Wine: A Combined GC-MS and GC-IMS Study
by Ling Hua, Yujie Deng, Qinlin Yang, Jingzhu Zhao and Min Song
Fermentation 2026, 12(9), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation12090407 - 27 Aug 2026
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Abstract
To explore coffee’s effect on sweet rice wine quality, this study developed a novel fermented beverage using round glutinous rice and coffee powder as raw materials. The fermentation process was optimized using an orthogonal array design combined with fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. Flavor, physicochemical [...] Read more.
To explore coffee’s effect on sweet rice wine quality, this study developed a novel fermented beverage using round glutinous rice and coffee powder as raw materials. The fermentation process was optimized using an orthogonal array design combined with fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. Flavor, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activities were systematically evaluated via electronic tongue (E-tongue), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). The optimal fermentation parameters were 0.6% fermentation starter (Jiuqu), 10% coffee powder, a fermentation time of 56 h, and a temperature of 28 °C. Adding coffee powder significantly increased total flavonoid content. Compared to the control group, the scavenging activities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS+), as well as hydroxyl radicals, increased by 18.36%, 7.40%, and 10.96%, respectively, compared to the control group. Flavor analysis identified 173 volatile organic compounds, demonstrating strong complementarity between GC-MS and GC-IMS. The addition of coffee powder preserved traditional sweet rice wine components while introducing roasted heterocyclic compounds, such as 2-methylpyrazine and 2-ethylfuran, thereby imparting nutty and roasted characteristics. E-tongue analysis revealed enhanced sensor responses for sweetness, bitterness, and saltiness, along with decreased umami. In conclusion, the addition of coffee powder is an effective strategy to enhance the in vitro antioxidant activity and enrich the flavor profile of sweet rice wine. This study provides a scientific basis for the application of coffee in traditional fermented foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Functional Properties of Fermented Foods)
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29 pages, 6904 KB  
Article
Fluorine-Substituent-Containing Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether) Membranes with Enhanced Proton Conductivity and Dimensional Stability for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
by Tung-Li Hsieh and Jia-Xian Zhang
Molecules 2026, 31(17), 3007; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31173007 - 27 Aug 2026
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Abstract
A series of fluorine-substituent-containing sulfonated poly(arylene ether) membranes was synthesized and evaluated as proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications. Fluorinated difluoro monomers were first reacted with three different diol monomers through nucleophilic polycondensation to obtain 4FP4-series polymers, followed by controlled sulfonation to [...] Read more.
A series of fluorine-substituent-containing sulfonated poly(arylene ether) membranes was synthesized and evaluated as proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications. Fluorinated difluoro monomers were first reacted with three different diol monomers through nucleophilic polycondensation to obtain 4FP4-series polymers, followed by controlled sulfonation to produce six S4FP4-series membranes with different ion exchange capacities and microphase-separated morphologies. FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and 19F NMR spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structures of monomers, polymers, and sulfonated polymers. The resulting polymers exhibited good film-forming ability and high thermal stability. The sulfonated membranes showed ion exchange capacities of 1.74–2.80 mmol/g, water uptake of 24.7–116.3%, and favorable dimensional stability under elevated temperature. Most S4FP4 membranes exhibited proton conductivities higher than that of Nafion 211. In particular, S4FP4a (IEC of 1.74) achieved a proton conductivity of 262 mS cm−1 at 80 °C and 95% RH and a maximum fuel cell power density of 1.07 W cm−2, outperforming Nafion 211. TEM analysis revealed that fluorine substitution promoted effective microphase separation and continuous mesoscale aggregated domain. These results demonstrate that fluorinated sulfonated poly(arylene ether)s are promising candidates for high-performance proton exchange membranes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Proton Exchange Membrane Technology for Fuel Cells)
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22 pages, 1766 KB  
Article
Effect of Solid Fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus on the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of a Mixture of Legumes to Produce Tempeh: Application of Mixture Design Methodology
by Camilo Molina, Jhon Edinson Valencia, Cristina Ramírez-Toro, Liliana Londoño-Hernández, German Bolívar and Anna María Polanía Rivera
Fermentation 2026, 12(9), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation12090403 - 26 Aug 2026
Viewed by 256
Abstract
The shortage of protein-rich foods is a major challenge due to the rapid growth of the world’s population. For this reason, efforts are being made to achieve sustainability in the food system to produce nutritious foods with better qualities. The present study aimed [...] Read more.
The shortage of protein-rich foods is a major challenge due to the rapid growth of the world’s population. For this reason, efforts are being made to achieve sustainability in the food system to produce nutritious foods with better qualities. The present study aimed to utilize a combination of widely consumed legumes with nutritional properties—such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans—considering their physicochemical and functional characteristics, to produce tempeh as a model. A simple mixture design was employed to develop a legume-based product through the production of fermented flour using Rhizopus oligosporus ATCC 22959. For this purpose, proximate composition, water absorption index (WAI), pH, phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity, via the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radicals, were determined in the raw legumes. Optimal fermentation conditions were determined through digital image analysis, and fermentations were carried out according to the design. The crude and soluble protein content, phenolic content, and DPPH of the fermented samples were determined, and a statistical optimization was performed by maximizing each variable. Through optimization, it was found that a formulation of 80.81% lentil and 19.19% chickpea presented the best desirability (D = 0.75) according to the criteria mentioned above. These results were also compared with those obtained from the preparation of an original soy tempeh using the microorganism Rhizopus oligosporus; it was found that the protein differences between the original tempeh and the one made from the legume blend were 19 g/100 g dry matter for the original tempeh and 27.5 g/100 g dry matter for the one made with the legume blend, demonstrating that the combination of legumes exerts a favorable interaction within the mixture model on the physicochemical properties of tempeh and could represent significant potential for the production of flours applicable to the development of food products as part of alternative protein sources. Full article
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