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26 pages, 17517 KB  
Article
Novel Carboxylated PANI/MWCNT Dispersions and Impregnated Cellulose Substrates for Photocatalytic Methylene Blue Dye Removal
by Silvia Dimova, Katerina Zaharieva, Petar D. Petrov, Maria Shipochka, Rositsa Titorenkova, Petya Todorova, Ognian Dimitrov, Denitsa Nicheva and Hristo Penchev
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(12), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16120735 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
Hybrid conductive materials have attracted increasing attention due to their combined electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and sustainability. In this work, new hybrid materials based on polyaniline (PANI)-wrapped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and microfibrous cellulosic substrates were developed and assessed for photocatalytic degradation of [...] Read more.
Hybrid conductive materials have attracted increasing attention due to their combined electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and sustainability. In this work, new hybrid materials based on polyaniline (PANI)-wrapped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and microfibrous cellulosic substrates were developed and assessed for photocatalytic degradation of a model dye pollutant. First, in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline in formic acid (FA) was conducted in the presence of MWCNTs to afford stable dispersions of carboxylated polyaniline-wrapped carbon nanotubes (c-PANI/MWCNTs). Next, the dispersions were used for affordable impregnation of microfibrous cellulosic filter paper. The influence of the initiator type—potassium peroxodisulfate (KPS) and hydrogen peroxide—on polymer–nanotube interactions, stabilization and surface deposition was emphasized. The structural, surface, morphological and thermal properties of the obtained dispersions and cellulose nanocomposites were systematically investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. The results revealed strong interfacial interactions between c-PANI and the pristine MWCNTs, resulting in improved dispersion stability and effective and even surface deposition of the conductive c-PANI/MWCNT hybrids into the cellulose fiber mesh. The photocatalytic degradation of 5 ppm methylene blue (MB) dye in the presence of the developed nanocomposite materials under UV-A illumination was studied. The results showed that the c-PANI@MWCNT-impregnated cellulose substrates exhibited enhanced photocatalytic ability (up to 83% degree of degradation of MB dye) in comparison with the pure c-PANI. Full article
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32 pages, 2918 KB  
Review
Plant-Derived Peptide–Polymer Therapeutics for Cutaneous Infections and Inflammation: Mechanistic Basis, Delivery Design and Translational Considerations
by Adnan Amin, Mozaniel Santana de Oliveira, Touseef Nawaz and Oberdan Oliveira Ferreira
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(6), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18060729 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
Cutaneous infections and chronic inflammatory wounds remain difficult to treat because antimicrobial resistance, polymicrobial biofilms, excessive protease activity, oxidative stress, and impaired barrier repair collectively reduce the effectiveness of conventional topical therapies. Plant-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and peptide-associated bioactives offer antimicrobial, antibiofilm, immunomodulatory, [...] Read more.
Cutaneous infections and chronic inflammatory wounds remain difficult to treat because antimicrobial resistance, polymicrobial biofilms, excessive protease activity, oxidative stress, and impaired barrier repair collectively reduce the effectiveness of conventional topical therapies. Plant-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and peptide-associated bioactives offer antimicrobial, antibiofilm, immunomodulatory, and tissue reparative potential; however, their clinical translation is limited by proteolytic instability, poor stratum corneum penetration, short cutaneous residence time, formulation variability, cytotoxicity risks and limited human evidence. The key research gap is the lack of an integrated translational framework linking plant-derived peptide bioactivity with polymer engineering, advanced delivery systems, skin microenvironment biology, manufacturability, and regulatory feasibility. This review aims to critically evaluate the design principles, therapeutic mechanisms, delivery platforms, and translational barriers of plant-based peptide–polymer therapeutics for cutaneous infection and inflammation. We summarize major classes of plant-derived antimicrobial peptides, including defensins, cyclotides, thionins, hevein-like peptides, snakins, lipid transfer proteins, and knottin-type scaffolds, and examine engineering strategies such as self-assembly, aromatic N-capping, PEGylation, lipidation, dendritic architectures, and stimuli-responsive conjugation. We further discuss topical matrices, nanocarriers, liposomes, electrospun fibers, and surface-tethered biomaterials as delivery platforms for improving peptide stability, local retention, and controlled release. Finally, we identify key translational bottlenecks, including selectivity, toxicity, scalability, batch reproducibility, regulatory classification, and insufficient clinical validation. Mechanism-driven peptide optimization, quality-by-design manufacturing, standardized preclinical models, and controlled clinical trials will be essential for advancing these systems toward safe and effective dermatological therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Drug Delivery and Controlled Release)
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28 pages, 3786 KB  
Article
Thermal Protection and Combustion Behavior of Intumescent-Coated Cross-Laminated Timber in Encapsulated Sandwich Wall Assemblies Under Medium-Scale Radiant Exposure
by Ľudmila Tereňová, Andrea Majlingová, Eva Mračková, Iveta Mitterová and Viktória Barna
Fire 2026, 9(6), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire9060251 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is increasingly used in multi-story timber construction, but its combustible nature requires reliable fire protection, particularly in layered wall assemblies with concealed cavities. This study compares two medium-scale cross-laminated timber (CLT) sandwich wall assemblies exposed to radiant heat flux of [...] Read more.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is increasingly used in multi-story timber construction, but its combustible nature requires reliable fire protection, particularly in layered wall assemblies with concealed cavities. This study compares two medium-scale cross-laminated timber (CLT) sandwich wall assemblies exposed to radiant heat flux of 20 kW/m2 for 90 min: an uncoated reference assembly and an assembly with PROMADUR® intumescent coating applied to the CLT surfaces. Both specimens consisted of a 90 mm three-ply CLT panel encapsulated with 12.5 mm gypsum-fiber boards fixed to a wooden stud frame forming a 40 mm installation cavity. Fire-test observations were supplemented by simultaneous thermal analysis (STA), i.e., thermogravimetry (TG)/differential thermogravimetry (DTG)/differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), of uncoated and coated CLT specimens under oxidative conditions. During the applied medium-scale radiant exposure, the unexposed-face temperatures of both assemblies remained below the insulation temperature-rise limits defined in STN EN 1363-1; however, these limits were used only as a comparative benchmark and the test does not represent a formal fire-resistance classification. The coated assembly showed improved thermal protection during the early and intermediate stages of exposure, delaying a critical thermal event near the wooden stud by approximately 35 min. However, flaming combustion of the stud occurred at about 75 min and led to degradation of the intumescent char within the cavity. In contrast, the uncoated assembly reached higher early CLT surface temperatures but showed no flaming combustion during the test. STA results supported the fire-test interpretation: the coated specimen showed a 37% reduction in peak DTG rate, a higher residual mass at the end of the test, and substantially greater mass loss in the 150–280 °C range, consistent with intumescent activation and volatile release. The results indicate that, under the tested medium-scale exposure, the intumescent coating improved early and intermediate thermal protection of the CLT surface, but did not prevent late-stage cavity flaming involving the wooden stud. Therefore, the behavior of intumescent-coated CLT in partially enclosed cavities with combustible framing should be validated under replicated, standardized and larger-scale fire exposure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Structural Fire Engineering)
25 pages, 1005 KB  
Review
Toxicity of Engineered Nanomaterials to Microalgae: Mechanisms, Modulating Factors, Combined Effects, and Methodological Advances
by Pengcheng Sheng, Lei Xv, Feng Lin, Yanzhou Ding, Yuchen Wang, Boyi Sun, Juyang Fu, Yunfei He and Dongren Zhou
Molecules 2026, 31(12), 2069; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31122069 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
Engineered nanomaterials are widely used in environmental remediation, agriculture, and industrial applications owing to their large specific surface area, high reactivity, and tunable physicochemical properties. However, their release into aquatic environments has raised increasing concerns regarding potential risks to primary producers. Microalgae are [...] Read more.
Engineered nanomaterials are widely used in environmental remediation, agriculture, and industrial applications owing to their large specific surface area, high reactivity, and tunable physicochemical properties. However, their release into aquatic environments has raised increasing concerns regarding potential risks to primary producers. Microalgae are highly sensitive to environmental stressors and play essential roles in photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, carbon fixation, and aquatic food-web stability, making them important model organisms for assessing the toxicity of engineered nanomaterials. This review summarizes the toxic effects and mechanisms of representative engineered nanomaterials, including metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, nanoplastics, and carbon-based nanomaterials, on microalgae. Major toxic pathways include nanoparticle attachment and aggregation on algal surfaces, shading effects, membrane damage, altered permeability, cellular internalization, toxic ion release, reactive oxygen species overproduction, photosynthetic inhibition, and metabolic disturbance. The review further discusses how particle size, morphology, surface coating, dissolution, aging, light, pH, and natural organic matter regulate nanomaterial bioavailability and toxicity. Combined toxicity caused by coexisting nanoparticles or emerging pollutants is also considered, with emphasis on synergistic, antagonistic, and concentration-dependent effects. Finally, recent methodological advances, such as near-native imaging, Raman-based spectroscopy, particle-specific elemental analysis, and multi-omics approaches, are highlighted. This review provides an integrated perspective for understanding nanomaterial toxicity to microalgae and supports future ecological risk assessment in aquatic environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Chemistry)
18 pages, 3409 KB  
Article
Rescaling Capacity and Power Rating of Spent LIB for Second-Life Application
by Ote Amuta and Julia Kowal
Batteries 2026, 12(6), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries12060214 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
The adoption of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as secondary rechargeable batteries across many industries, including consumer electronics, electromobility, industrial tools, and electrical energy storage, is on the rise. As lithium-ion batteries approach the end of their life, there is a need to assess them [...] Read more.
The adoption of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as secondary rechargeable batteries across many industries, including consumer electronics, electromobility, industrial tools, and electrical energy storage, is on the rise. As lithium-ion batteries approach the end of their life, there is a need to assess them for the possibility of a secondary application or reuse for a less demanding application. The extra connections of individual cells, BMS, temperature sensors, and other components to form a compact battery pack pose a challenge for second-life assessment, which usually prefers to separate individual cells for testing before discarding very bad cells for recycling and grading cells with substantive capacity based on their remaining capacity. This is a high cost for the second-life assessment. This work seeks to investigate an approach that avoids dismantling the battery pack into individual modules, cells, and BMS by including a BMS feature that allows the capacity and power ratings to be rescaled onboard after its first use. A set of cells with different chemistries was used in this work: a nickel–cobalt–aluminium oxide cathode with a silicon-doped graphite anode (NCA-GS), a nickel–cobalt–aluminium oxide cathode and graphite, and a lithium–nickel–manganese–cobalt oxide (NMC) cathode with a graphite anode (NMC-G) with various ageing states and behaviours. Their internal resistance and capacity at the beginning and end of life were compared. The scaling factor was obtained by finding the square root of the ratio of the internal resistance at EOL to that at BOL. With the current obtained by multiplying the cycling current rate by the rescaling factor, the surface temperature profile of the aged cells during cycling became the same as the temperature at the beginning of life. The relaxation voltage after discharge to 0% SOC and charge to 100% SOC was used to set the low and high cut-off voltages, respectively. This contributed significantly to reduced ageing and to a lower temperature rise in the spent cells. This set the stage for rescaling or derating battery systems without separating the individual cells, which is a huge cost for second-life use of lithium-ion batteries. BMS can be designed with configurable voltage and current limits, so that when repurposed for a second life, only a simple configuration or firmware update may be necessary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second-Life Batteries: Challenges and Opportunities)
19 pages, 17795 KB  
Article
High-Cycle Fatigue Behavior and Deformation Mechanism of [111]-Oriented Thin-Wall Ni3Al-Based Single-Crystal Alloys at 1000 °C
by Liulian Ning, Zhe Wang, Haibo Wang, Shuangqi Zhang, Yanling Pei, Shusuo Li and Shengkai Gong
Metals 2026, 16(6), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16060649 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
To meet the increasing demands of aircraft engines for high thrust-to-weight ratios and elevated turbine inlet temperatures, turbine blades have been progressively designed with thin-walled structures. It has been demonstrated that the mechanical properties of Ni3Al-based single-crystal alloys (SXs) are highly [...] Read more.
To meet the increasing demands of aircraft engines for high thrust-to-weight ratios and elevated turbine inlet temperatures, turbine blades have been progressively designed with thin-walled structures. It has been demonstrated that the mechanical properties of Ni3Al-based single-crystal alloys (SXs) are highly sensitive to specimen thickness. In this study, the high-cycle fatigue behavior of [111]-oriented Ni3Al-based SXs with wall thicknesses of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.8 mm was systematically investigated under tensile–tensile loading conditions at 1000 °C. The results revealed that, as the wall thickness decreased, the fatigue life of the alloy significantly deteriorated, while the crack initiation site gradually shifted from the specimen interior toward the surface and near-surface regions. Furthermore, the fatigue failure mode transitioned from being dominated by internal defects to being controlled primarily by near-surface damage. Near-surface damage induced by high-temperature oxidation and geometric constraints was identified as the primary factor responsible for the degradation of the high-cycle fatigue performance of the SXs. In addition, the cyclic deformation behavior at 1000 °C was governed by the synergistic effects of dislocation climb, cross-slip, and γ′-phase shearing. This study provides both theoretical guidance and experimental evidence for the structural optimization of next-generation single-crystal turbine blades for advanced aircraft engines. Full article
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15 pages, 2963 KB  
Article
The Excellent Anti-K Ability of CeSbTi Oxide Catalysts for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO with NH3
by Jiahui Zhang, Minghan Li, Xiang Liang, Yanping Ma, Junge Li, Shun Li and Hong Jiang
Catalysts 2026, 16(6), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16060545 - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
A novel K-resistant CeSbTi mixed oxide catalyst was prepared by co-precipitation method for ammonia selective catalytic reduction (NH3-SCR) of NOx. The experimental results show that the introduction of Sb2O5 can significantly improve the catalytic activity of [...] Read more.
A novel K-resistant CeSbTi mixed oxide catalyst was prepared by co-precipitation method for ammonia selective catalytic reduction (NH3-SCR) of NOx. The experimental results show that the introduction of Sb2O5 can significantly improve the catalytic activity of the CeTi catalyst. The modulated CeSbTi catalyst has good resistance to K, and the NOx conversion rate was as high as 95% after K poisoning. Its superior catalytic activity could be ascribed to the large specific surface area with increased acid sites and more oxygen defects and Ce3+ species after the introduction of Sb2O5, which prompt NH3 adsorption and activation. In addition, NH3-SCR reaction over CeSbTi and K/CeSbTi catalysts follows the E-R mechanism. The introduced Sb-O bond as the base capture site preferentially binds to potassium and releases part of the active Ce sites, thus retaining more acid sites and oxygen defects to a certain extent. Full article
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22 pages, 7381 KB  
Article
Metal Oxide Supports Tuning Activity of Palladium Catalysts for Methane Combustion: In Situ Spectroscopic Approach
by Magdalena Chrzan, Roman Jędrzejczyk, Dominika Pawcenis, Anna Gancarczyk, Magdalena Leśniak, Maciej Sitarz and Joanna Profic-Paczkowska
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 5945; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16125945 - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
Methane combustion over palladium-based catalysts is a critical process for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from lean-burn engines and natural gas installations, yet the role of oxide support in controlling both the population and the intrinsic reactivity of Pd active centres remains incompletely understood. [...] Read more.
Methane combustion over palladium-based catalysts is a critical process for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from lean-burn engines and natural gas installations, yet the role of oxide support in controlling both the population and the intrinsic reactivity of Pd active centres remains incompletely understood. In this work, Pd catalysts at two series of higher and lower loading were prepared on five oxide supports—Al2O3, CeO2, SiO2, TiO2, and ZrO2—and characterised by a complementary suite of techniques including SEM-EDX, XRD, BET, AAS, in situ CO-FTIR, DRIFTS with methanol as a probe molecule, and Raman spectroscopy. Catalytic activity testing revealed the order Pd/CeO2 > Pd/ZrO2 > Pd/Al2O3 > Pd/TiO2 > Pd/SiO2. In situ CO-FTIR site quantification showed that active site density spans nearly an order of magnitude across the series, with Pd/CeO2 reaching 105.44 µmol g−1 and Pd/Al2O3 only 11.63 µmol g−1. Turnover frequency analysis revealed a striking inversion: Pd/Al2O3 exhibited the highest TOF (0.1327 s−1), approximately six times greater than Pd/CeO2 (0.0226 s−1). DRIFTS/methanol profiling demonstrated that CeO2 and ZrO2 expose cooperative redox and basic centres that promote methane activation, while SiO2 supports only weakly bound methoxy species, consistent with its lowest activity. These results establish that the oxide support simultaneously governs Pd dispersion—and hence site density—and the electronic environment of each Pd centre, thereby modulating intrinsic reactivity. High specific surface area alone does not guarantee catalytic performance, and rational support selection is therefore the decisive lever for optimising methane combustion catalysts at ultra-low Pd loadings. In all, our findings provide a quantitative, molecular-level framework that disentangles support-controlled site density from intrinsic site reactivity under identical reaction conditions. By combining in situ CO-FTIR, DRIFTS, and Raman spectroscopy with kinetic analysis on well-defined, high-purity oxide supports, this work transforms previously qualitative “support effects” in Pd-catalysed methane combustion into predictive structure–activity relationships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Research in Combustion Technology and Heat Transfer)
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22 pages, 3410 KB  
Review
Crystallization-Based Technologies for Microplastic Removal from Wastewater: Mechanisms, Advances, and Future Perspectives
by Bhavya Tiwari, Nikita Joshi, Raj Kumar Arya, D. Giribabu and George D. Verros
Crystals 2026, 16(6), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst16060386 - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
Persistent microplastics contaminate wastewater systems and pose significant environmental and human health risks due to their small size, buoyancy, persistence, and diverse physicochemical properties, which reduce the effectiveness of conventional treatment technologies. Freeze crystallization, indirect freeze crystallization, eutectic freeze crystallization, and ice-templated separation [...] Read more.
Persistent microplastics contaminate wastewater systems and pose significant environmental and human health risks due to their small size, buoyancy, persistence, and diverse physicochemical properties, which reduce the effectiveness of conventional treatment technologies. Freeze crystallization, indirect freeze crystallization, eutectic freeze crystallization, and ice-templated separation have emerged as promising long-term technologies for microplastic removal. Particle rejection at the solid–liquid interface, heterogeneous ice nucleation, brine channel formation, and particle entrapment within advancing ice fronts are key crystallization mechanisms governing microplastic separation. Microplastics can adhere to or nucleate growing ice crystals, according to lab and field research. These interactions influence crystal growth kinetics and ice structure formation. Indirect freeze crystallization (IFC) and related chemical-free crystallization systems offer lower energy requirements and improved scalability. Crystallization processes concentrate microplastics for downstream treatment, may connect with photochemical or oxidative degradation at ice interfaces, and are useful in cold areas or low-temperature industrial streams. Despite these advances, several challenges remain, including freezing rate, salinity, particle size distribution, and surface weathering, which are difficult to control. Integrating crystallization into wastewater treatment systems is also difficult. This review covers the latest advances in microplastic–ice interactions, crystallization engineering, and freeze-based separation technologies. It also highlights major knowledge gaps and suggests future research to use crystallization to remove microplastics from wastewater in a sustainable, scalable, and energy-efficient manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Industrial Crystallization)
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23 pages, 12795 KB  
Article
Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Astaxanthin Using Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvent: Process Optimization and Anti-Aging Activity Evaluation
by Yuan Cao, Yalu Ji, Chong Chen, Wenyu Han and Zhijian Su
Foods 2026, 15(12), 2119; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15122119 - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
Deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction is a green and efficient technology. As a substitute for organic reagents, DESs are widely used to extract active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine. This study established an environmentally friendly and efficient method for extracting astaxanthin (AST) from [...] Read more.
Deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction is a green and efficient technology. As a substitute for organic reagents, DESs are widely used to extract active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine. This study established an environmentally friendly and efficient method for extracting astaxanthin (AST) from Phaffia rhodozyma (PR) using ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvents (DESs-UAE). The astaxanthin content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Six types of deep eutectic solvents composed of DL-menthol and selected hydrogen bond donors were prepared and evaluated, among which the DL-menthol–acetic acid system showed superior extraction performance. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize extraction parameters (ultrasonic power, time, and temperature), and the optimal conditions were determined as follows: ultrasonic power 420 W, ultrasonic time 20 min, and ultrasonic temperature 60 °C, achieving an AST extraction rate of 62% (2.49 mg/g). Compared with conventional organic solvent extraction, DESs exhibited a significantly higher AST extraction rate from PR, except for dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that DES-UAE treatment disrupted the cellular structure of PR, resulting in numerous surface pores; this facilitated the release of intracellular bioactive components and significantly improved AST extraction efficiency. The PR extract showed no significant cytotoxicity and could effectively promote L929 cell proliferation. It concentration-dependently increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in H2O2-induced oxidative stress L929 cells, thereby alleviating oxidative damage. Additionally, it concentration-dependently upregulated type I collagen expression in these cells, ameliorated the decline in collagen synthesis function, and exerted a protective effect against cellular oxidative damage. This study provides a green alternative to toxic solvents and offers important theoretical and chemical support for the extraction of natural products and the high-value utilization of Phaffia rhodozyma (PR). Deep eutectic solvents have emerged as promising green alternatives to hazardous organic solvents, yet hydrophobic DESs tailored for lipophilic astaxanthin extraction from Phaffia rhodozyma and the linkage between extraction performance and anti-aging bioactivity remain insufficiently explored. Here, an ultrasound-assisted hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent extraction strategy was constructed to acquire astaxanthin, aiming to overcome low efficiency and environmental risks of conventional organic extraction techniques. Six DL-menthol-based DESs were prepared and screened, and DL-menthol–acetic acid possessed the optimal extraction capacity. Key extraction parameters were optimized via response surface methodology, and the maximum astaxanthin extraction recovery reached 62% (2.49 mg/g) under 420 W ultrasonic power, 20 min treatment and 60 °C. This yield was markedly higher than that of most common organic solvents; though comparable extraction effect was obtained with DMSO, the adopted DES possessed outstanding low-toxic and biodegradable superiorities that DMSO cannot match. SEM characterization verified that the combined treatment destroyed yeast cell structure and formed porous morphology, which accelerated intracellular astaxanthin release and accounted for improved extraction efficiency. Biological assays proved the extract possessed good biosafety and proliferation-promoting effect on L929 cells. It effectively relieved cellular oxidative injury by elevating the SOD level and reducing MDA accumulation in oxidative damaged cells, and upregulated type I collagen expression to mitigate aging-related collagen loss. This work develops an eco-friendly and high-efficiency extraction route for lipophilic active substance, confirms the practical value of hydrophobic DES, and provides experimental basis for high-value utilization of Phaffia rhodozyma resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Analytical Methods)
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24 pages, 4987 KB  
Article
Towards Sustainable Internal Combustion Engines: Optimization of Cobalt Oxide Nano-Additive Microalgae Biodiesel Blends for Emission Mitigation and Performance Enhancement
by Arif Savaş, Samet Uslu, Oğuzhan Der, Gonca Uslu and Ramazan Şener
Fire 2026, 9(6), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire9060250 - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of Cobalt Oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles on engine performance as well as emission characteristics under various engine load situations in test fuel (MB10). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to examine the experimental results to [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effects of Cobalt Oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles on engine performance as well as emission characteristics under various engine load situations in test fuel (MB10). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to examine the experimental results to assess the impact of nanoparticle concentration (0–150 ppm) on combustion behavior. Brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) were performance metrics, and CO, HC, CO2, and NOx were emission characteristics. The findings demonstrated that the inclusion of nanoparticles and biodiesel had a major impact on emission behavior and performance. Because biodiesel contains more oxygen than diesel fuel, it reduces CO emissions while increasing CO2 and NOx emissions. By boosting heat transmission, the use of nanoparticles increased combustion efficiency; however, fuel atomization was adversely affected by high concentrations. With error rates under 10% for every response, RSM models showed excellent prediction accuracy. To achieve 21% BTE, 458.21 g/kWh BSFC, and minimum emission levels of 0.048% CO, 9.478 ppm HC, 5.415% CO2, and 601.09 ppm NOx, the optimization study identified the optimal operating condition with a 1.31 kW engine load and 80.36 ppm Co3O4 addition. The results verify that the proper dosage of nanoparticles can enhance the combustion performance of biodiesel while preserving acceptable emission levels. Full article
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25 pages, 4192 KB  
Article
Interfacial Engineering of Clay-Based Nanohybrids with pH-Responsive Network-like Behavior for Hair Photoprotection and Algal Growth Promotion
by Hao Chen and Yufan Song
Gels 2026, 12(6), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060530 - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
The interfacial behavior of hybrid nanoparticles on biological substrates governs their functional performance. Here, we investigate how surface properties and colloidal stability dictate the pH-dependent adhesion of oxybenzone-loaded palygorskite nanohybrids to hair—a model biological interface. A series of hybrids with 5–50% oxybenzone loadings [...] Read more.
The interfacial behavior of hybrid nanoparticles on biological substrates governs their functional performance. Here, we investigate how surface properties and colloidal stability dictate the pH-dependent adhesion of oxybenzone-loaded palygorskite nanohybrids to hair—a model biological interface. A series of hybrids with 5–50% oxybenzone loadings were prepared via melt impregnation. XRD and FTIR analyses confirm hydrogen bonding between oxybenzone and palygorskite, forming stable organic–inorganic hybrids. The colloidal stability of these nanohybrids varies non-monotonically with oxybenzone loading, governed by surface hydrophilicity and zeta potential, exhibiting a network-like behavior upon pH change. Optimal stability is achieved at an intermediate loading with a favorable balance of surface properties. While pristine hybrids show no affinity for hair, surface modification with cationic polyquaternium-7 (PQ-7) or non-ionic polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) enables effective deposition through distinct pH-dependent mechanisms: PQ-7 operates optimally at pH 10 via electrostatic attraction, whereas PVP performs best at pH 4 through hydrogen bonding, forming a protective coating layer on the hair surface. Deposition fails for PVP-modified hybrids at 50% loading due to excessive surface hydrophobicity. The deposited hybrids provide exceptional UV protection, significantly mitigating cuticle damage, suppressing photo-yellowing, and minimizing protein oxidation. Among the hybrids, hybrid-35 exhibited the best colloidal stability, whereas PQ-7-modified hybrid-50 gave the highest UV protection (color difference ΔE reduced from 10.51 to 1.60). The adhesion rates of the two best-performing hybrids were 2.70% and 2.85%, respectively. Beyond hair protection, we evaluate the environmental interface of these materials. While free oxybenzone is highly toxic to Chlorella vulgaris, hybridization drastically reduces its ecotoxicity. Remarkably, palygorskite and the hybrids promote algal growth, likely by acting as nutrient adsorbents and attachment sites. This work provides fundamental insights into particle–biointerface interactions and offers a strategy for designing functional hybrid materials with tailored surface properties for bio-related applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hydrogels: Innovative Approaches and Advanced Applications)
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17 pages, 11471 KB  
Article
PEDOT-Regulated Interfacial Engineering of Sodium Vanadium Oxide Nanostructures for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
by Zeeshan Umar, Jiangfeng Gong, Guangchao Du, Wenyi He, Chunmei Tang, Jingjing Xu, Yuwu Cai and Xinyi Zhao
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(12), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16120729 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries offer a safe and economical platform for large-scale energy storage, yet vanadium oxide cathodes remain hindered by sluggish Zn2+ migration, poor electronic conductivity, and structural degradation during cycling. Herein, a PEDOT regulated interfacial engineering strategy is proposed to construct [...] Read more.
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries offer a safe and economical platform for large-scale energy storage, yet vanadium oxide cathodes remain hindered by sluggish Zn2+ migration, poor electronic conductivity, and structural degradation during cycling. Herein, a PEDOT regulated interfacial engineering strategy is proposed to construct surface modified sodium vanadium oxide nanostructures with coordinated ion and electron transport. The 1P-NaVO cathode retains the layered framework while introducing a PEDOT-derived surface component that strengthens interfacial charge transfer and preserves accessible Zn2+ diffusion pathways, delivering 655 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. Kinetic analyses further reveal accelerated charge storage behavior, including an increased pseudocapacitive contribution, a low charge transfer activation energy of 20.6 kJ mol−1, and improved Zn2+ diffusion, with DZn2+ values of approximately 10−10.8 to 10−9.8 cm2 s−1. Ex situ XRD and SEM disclose a reversible structural response during Zn2+ insertion and extraction, involving interlayer perturbation, local framework relaxation, transient electrolyte-derived surface species, and partial morphology recovery after recharge. These findings show that controlled PEDOT-derived surface regulation promotes efficient coupling between interfacial electron transfer and Zn2+ diffusion, offering a practical design principle for durable vanadium-based cathodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Full article
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36 pages, 4586 KB  
Review
Microplastics in Agroecosystems: Pathways, Plant Uptake Mechanisms, and Advanced Scanning Techniques for Detection in Plant Tissues
by Umair Sarfraz, Shazia Alam, Yinsen Qian, Quan Ma, Min Zhu, Jinfeng Ding, Chunyan Li, Wenshan Guo and Xinkai Zhu
Microplastics 2026, 5(2), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics5020120 - 11 Jun 2026
Abstract
The sustainability, crop production, and food safety of agriculture are increasingly challenged by microplastic pollution, as agricultural soils are the largest reservoirs and may serve as points of contact for plastic particles in the food chain. This review provides a comprehensive overview of [...] Read more.
The sustainability, crop production, and food safety of agriculture are increasingly challenged by microplastic pollution, as agricultural soils are the largest reservoirs and may serve as points of contact for plastic particles in the food chain. This review provides a comprehensive overview of plant materials, fate and uptake pathways, detection techniques, and the possible risks of microplastics in agriculture. Agroecosystems are also a source of microplastics, such as plastic mulch films, sewage sludge, compost and manure additives, wastewater irrigation, polymer-coated fertilizers, greenhouse materials, atmospheric deposition, and decomposition of discarded agricultural plastics. Their distribution and mobility in soil are controlled by polymer composition, particle size, morphology, density, surface ageing, soil texture, organic matter content, tillage practices, runoff, leaching, and soil biota. Recent data show that microplastics, especially smaller microplastics and nanoplastics, can attach to root surfaces, penetrate plants via cracks in roots, areas of lateral root development, and apoplastic pathways, and eventually move to tissues aboveground. Plant tissue detection is often accomplished by digestion of the sample, density separation, visual and fluorescence microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, pyrolysis–gas chromatography mass spectrometry, and electron microscopy, but standardization of these methods remains a significant challenge. Microplastics can disrupt seed germination, root structure, nutrient absorption, photosynthesis, oxidative homeostasis, biomass buildup, yield development, and quality. Further, their capacity to transport additives, plasticizers, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants raises concerns about the transfer of contaminants to edible plant parts and their potential transfer to human diets. Further studies are needed focusing on field-realistic exposure conditions, long-term crop–soil interactions, nanoplastics behaviour, standardised analysis procedures, uptake and translocation pathways, edible crop risk assessments, and sustainable mitigation approaches to reduce microplastics in agroecosystems. Full article
19 pages, 12260 KB  
Article
Bioactive Coatings on Ti–Zr–Nb Alloy: Synthesis, Characterization and Implantology Potential
by Kseniia Kovalenko, Kostiantyn Sukhyi, Marcel Fedak, Miroslav Rimar, Oleh Kalinichenko, Oleksandr Yeromin, Olesia Shmychkova, Andrii Kulikov, Stanislav Kovalyov and Mykhailo Sukhyi
Materials 2026, 19(12), 2534; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19122534 - 11 Jun 2026
Abstract
This research reports on the properties of oxide-ceramic coatings produced by plasma electrolytic oxidation in novel electrolyte solutions for implantology applications. A series of bioactive calcium-phosphate coatings was synthesized on medical-grade Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy using the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) method. Novel electrolytes enriched [...] Read more.
This research reports on the properties of oxide-ceramic coatings produced by plasma electrolytic oxidation in novel electrolyte solutions for implantology applications. A series of bioactive calcium-phosphate coatings was synthesized on medical-grade Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy using the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) method. Novel electrolytes enriched with calcium and phosphorus were developed, enabling the formation of coatings with tailored physicochemical and structural characteristics. A correlation was established between the electrolyte composition and the phase composition, thickness, morphology, porosity, and microhardness of the resulting coatings. The optimum coatings exhibited a Ca/P ratio close to that of natural human bone tissue, homogeneity, a well-developed porous surface topography, and controlled resorption behavior. For the first time, a mechanism of calcium-phosphate coating resorption in a biologically active environment has been proposed. It involves partial dissolution, the formation of apatite-like surface structures, and the subsequent controlled release of Ca and P ions. In vitro testing in simulated body fluid indicated the potential bioactivity of the synthesized coatings. The proposed calcium-phosphate coatings may be considered promising candidates for future implant surface modification. The results obtained are significant for the development of advanced orthopedic and dental implants, including those fabricated using additive manufacturing technologies. Full article
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