Search Results (552)

In this study, ternary composite active packaging films composed of chitosan (CH), deep eutectic solvent (DES), and chestnut shell extract (CSE) were prepared. The physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, and application in strawberry preservation were studied. The results show that the DES hydrogen-bond network may promote interactions between CSE and CH, enhancing compatibility and stability. At 5% CSE addition, the maximum values were observed for antioxidant activity (DPPH: 80.49%, ABTS: 86.69%) and antibacterial activity (Antibacterial Zone Diameter (AZD): 27.61 mm for Escherichia coli E. coli and 27.15 mm for Staphylococcus aureus). FTIR analysis indicated the hydrogen bonding between CSE and the polymer matrix. XRD results indicated that CSE addition enhanced the crystallinity of the film matrices, while SEM revealed that it promoted the formation of a dense structure. Molecular docking results provide computational evidence suggesting that DES may serve as an interfacial bridge connecting CH and CSE. Satisfactorily, after treatment with the CH–DES–CSE-5% film, the shelf life of strawberries was significantly extended. After 8 days of storage, the decay rate (36.67%) was significantly lower than that of the control group (96.67%). The original quality indicators were well maintained. This study provides a theoretical basis for both the valorization of chestnut shell waste and the development of CSE-based active food packaging materials. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic disorder characterized by dysregulated lipid handling and bile acid signaling, processes controlled by PPARs and FXR. We report that RT206, a 2-aryloxy-3-phenyl-propanoic acid derivative, combines partial PPARα/γ agonism with positive allosteric modulation of FXR. Transactivation assays and endogenous gene-expression profiling confirmed activation of PPARα/γ-responsive genes. RT206 showed no intrinsic FXR agonism, yet it robustly potentiated FXR-dependent gene transcription in HepG2 cells in the presence of structurally distinct orthosteric agonists. Grating-coupled interferometry revealed weak interaction with apo-FXR that was enhanced by orthosteric ligands, consistent with cooperative ternary complex formation. Docking and molecular dynamics supported a model in which RT206 engages the non-orthosteric FXR S2 site, while orthosteric agonists occupy the S1 primary pocket. Comparison with guggulsterone revealed distinct predicted S2 interaction patterns associated with divergent transcriptional outcomes in vitro. In fatty acid-loaded HepG2 cells, RT206 combined with FXR agonists modulated FXR- and PPAR-regulated metabolic genes and modestly reduced neutral-lipid accumulation. These findings identify RT206 as a proof-of-principle scaffold that integrates partial PPARα/γ agonism with ligand-dependent potentiation of FXR activity and support its further evaluation in more advanced liver models. Full article

Synthetic multi-species consortia provide valuable insights into the ecological and structural dynamics of complex microbial biofilms. However, the specialized functional contributions of individual components under severe nutrient limitations remain poorly understood. This study investigated the population dynamics, matrix biogenesis and metabolic potential of a synthetic ‘protolichen biofilm’ model comprising Asterochloris microalgae, Gordonia bacteria, Thelebolus filamentous fungi and Occultifur yeast. The biofilms were cultivated under strict carbohydrate-deficient conditions for 30 days. Population changes, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix formation, and the concentrations of extracellular DNA (exDNA) and proteins (exProt), as well as potential dehydrogenase activity (via iodonitrotetrazolium reduction), were evaluated across monocultures, binary, ternary and quaternary consortia. Under carbon starvation, the photoautotrophic microalgae dominated the consortium, driving an 11-fold increase in population size in the four-component system and serving as the primary source of exDNA, which increased by up to three orders of magnitude by day 30. The Gordonia sp. exhibited a tenfold expansion by actively localizing to fungal hyphae and microalgal cell walls. This was directly correlated with a sharp increase in metabolic activity. By contrast, Thelebolus sp. initially provided the structural framework via EPS production, but exhibited limited metabolic activity over time. Meanwhile, the Occultifur sp. yeast population was severely suppressed, adopting a sit-and-wait ecological strategy. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that multi-species integration stabilized the community and triggered significant emergent effects in exDNA accumulation and metabolic potential, but only when microalgae were present. These findings demonstrate that microalgae and bacteria primarily drive metabolism and regulation within the protolichen consortia investigated, while fungi and yeast play structural or opportunistic roles. This provides a robust framework for understanding complex symbiotic interactions. Full article

Soy protein, apple fiber, and corn starch are widely used functional ingredients, yet their combined effects on food matrix properties remain poorly characterized. A D-optimal mixture design (16 runs) was used to evaluate how these three components, individually and in binary and ternary combinations, determine the proximate composition, CIELab color parameters, and techno-functional properties (water and oil absorption and solubility, pH, apparent density, emulsifying and foaming capacity, least gelation concentration, and foam stability over 120 min) of model blends. Response surface models were statistically significant for 19 of the 21 responses evaluated (R² = 0.70–1.00, p ≤ 0.05); water and oil absorption capacity did not reach significance (R² = 0.66–0.72, p > 0.05). Formulation was the main driver of the system’s behavior. Starch increased moisture, carbohydrate content, and lightness; protein determined ash, protein content, and water solubility; and fiber dominated crude fiber, lipid content, and red–yellow chromaticity, producing the greatest total color difference relative to pure starch. Unlike composition and color, which followed largely additive, single-ingredient-driven trends, interfacial functionality was governed by strong binary interactions: a synergistic protein–fiber interaction dominated emulsifying capacity (positive) and foaming capacity (strongly negative, almost completely suppressing foam formation even at protein levels comparable to the pure-protein vertex), while a synergistic protein–starch interaction enhanced foam stability. Water and oil absorption capacities varied within narrow, statistically non-significant ranges, indicating structural rather than compositional control. These findings show that mixture design and response surface methodology can quantitatively predict and tune the physicochemical, color, and functional performance of protein–fiber–starch blends, providing a practical framework for designing plant-based functional ingredients with targeted nutritional and technological profiles. Full article

Fractional ionizing radiation (FIR) is a standard cancer therapy but often induces severe central nervous system complications, including cognitive decline and physiological dysfunction. While natural flavonoids hold therapeutic promise for radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI), optimizing their combinations and elucidating the underlying molecular pathways remain challenging. Methods: To develop a precise therapeutic strategy, we first integrated network pharmacology and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS analysis to identify three highly effective flavonoid monomers from a radioprotective botanical extract. Subsequently, an in vivo anti-inflammatory screening was conducted to determine the optimal combinatorial ratio, designated as the ternary formulation QLI. The neuroprotective efficacy of QLI was then systematically evaluated in a mouse model of fractional RIBI (cumulative dose of 12 Gy) through behavioral assessments, hematopoietic profiling, and neurotransmitter analyses. Transcriptomic alterations were explored via RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and validated by molecular docking, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting. Results: Pharmacological and mass spectrometry analyses identified Quercetin, Luteolin, and Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside as the core bioactive monomers. Quantitative synergistic screening established the optimal QLI formulation at a mass ratio of 2:1:1. In vivo, FIR exposure induced severe spatial memory deficits, disrupted neurotransmitter homeostasis, and caused hematopoietic decline. Administration of QLI successfully reversed these physiological and cognitive impairments. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that QLI globally reprogrammed aberrant gene expression, specifically normalizing signaling networks related to the PI3K–Akt pathway, apoptosis, and neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions. Multidimensional validation confirmed that QLI mitigated neuroinflammation, suppressed astrocyte hyperactivation (GFAP), and preserved synaptic plasticity by preventing the pathological accumulation of SynGAP and autophagic stress (Beclin-1). Conclusions: The rationally designed ternary flavonoid formulation (QLI) provides potent neuroprotection against fractional RIBI. By resolving neuroinflammation, alleviating synaptic plasticity suppression, and normalizing stress-induced transcriptomic disruptions, QLI represents a promising multi-target experimental formulation with the potential to mitigate radiotherapy-associated neurological side effects. Full article

The present study investigates the physicochemical behavior of the first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid (INH) and ethambutol, in the form of dihydrochloride (E·(HCl)₂), in aqueous solutions containing the synthetic macrocyclic resorcinarene, C-tetra(propyl)resorcin[4]tetrasulfonate (Na₄PRA) at 298.15 K. Taylor dispersion experiments were conducted to determine the ternary diffusion coefficients of these systems, offering valuable insights into their transport properties. Non-zero cross-diffusion coefficients (${\mathit{D}}_{12}$ and ${\mathit{D}}_{21}$) demonstrate significant coupled transport, collectively indicating interactions between these antibiotics and the resorcinarene host. This behavior is highly consistent with the formation of a host–guest complex. These diffusion measurements were complemented by NMR spectroscopy, which confirmed the formation of host–guest complexes between the respective drugs and this resorcinarene, Na₄PRA. Full article

Total flavonoids (TF) from Artemisia argyi, a traditional edible-medicinal Asteraceae herb, were extracted via a food-grade ternary deep eutectic solvent (TDES, Glycerol/Levulinic Acid/Xylitol = 1:1:1 molar ratio, 30% w/w water) under ultrasound assistance. A hybrid response surface methodology–genetic algorithm–artificial neural network (RSM-GA-ANN) model optimized parameters to deliver a maximum TF yield of 107.7 mg/g—1.5–1.8-fold higher than conventional hydroalcoholic extraction. Greenness was quantified by AGREEprep (score = 0.70) and MoGAPI (score = 80/100), confirming the method’s sustainability, with TDES retaining >84% extraction efficiency over three reuse cycles. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed TDES forms a more stable hydrogen bond network with plant cell walls (average H-bond lifetime: 101.279 ps vs. 46.698 ps for 50% ethanol), a finding validated by density functional theory calculations showing TDES establishes 7–9 hydrogen bonds with cellobiose (the cellulose repeating unit), far exceeding ethanol’s 1–2 hydrogen bonds. Purified TF exhibited potent radical-scavenging activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 0.176 mg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀: 0.159 mg/mL) and multipotent enzyme inhibition (α-glucosidase IC₅₀: 55.31 μg/mL; acetylcholinesterase IC₅₀: 0.618 mg/mL; pancreatic lipase IC₅₀: 0.125 mg/mL). TF also suppressed HCT116, A549, and HepG2 proliferation (IC₅₀ ≈ 50 μg/mL) and protected HepG2 cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage. As an in silico probe, the predominant quantified flavonoid eupatilin (3.64 mg/g) docked to xanthine oxidase (−7.78 kcal/mol vs. allopurinol −6.86), offering a structural hypothesis for XO interaction without attributing mixture bioactivity to a single compound. This TDES-based platform offers a scalable, green route to valorize A. argyi for functional food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

This study investigated the thyroid effects of azole fungicide mixtures in male rats, addressing the gap in regulatory assessments that typically focus on single chemicals rather than combined exposures. Using a 28-day rat model, binary and ternary mixtures of azole fungicides were tested at high doses, with thyroid hormone levels, liver enzyme activity, and thyroid tissue changes as the key endpoints. The mixtures caused elevated TSH, reduced T4, increased UGT enzyme activity, and thyroid tissue alterations, including follicular cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Interestingly, the mechanism observed with single-compound exposures (hepatic metabolism driving secondary TSH elevation) appeared less prominent in the mixture groups. Whether these responses reflect additive, less-than-additive, or more-than-additive interactions could not be determined without formal dose–response modeling. As the tested dose (NOAELx10) is substantially higher than the human realistic exposure levels permitted under the current regulation, direct extrapolation of the present findings to realistic human exposure conditions is limited. However, the current regulatory evaluation with respect to the effect dose was confirmed. While existing approaches appear adequate, a deeper understanding of thyroid-specific endpoints is needed to ensure that mixture risk assessments remain robust and appropriately protective. Full article

The fate of heavy metals in agricultural soils is governed by organo-mineral–microbial interactions, which predictive models often fail to capture. The competitive sorption mechanisms of Cd(II) and Cu(II) on montmorillonite/kaolinite composites (Mont/Kao) functionalized with humic acid (HA) and Pseudomonas putida (P. p), a model system representative of contaminated agricultural soils, were investigated. Batch experiments, XRD, FTIR, and thermodynamic analysis reveal that metal retention is a non-additive function of competing interfacial processes. Bacterial biomass dominated sorption, accounting for >50% of total metal uptake, with capacity ranked as: P. p > Mont/Kao-P. p > Mont/Kao-HA-P. p > Mont/Kao-HA > Mont/Kao. Humic acid exerts a dual, concentration-dependent role: Low levels enhanced adsorption via mineral dispersion, while high levels induced surface masking, suppressing bacterial binding sites. Competition was highly asymmetric: Cd(II) reduced Cu(II) maximum adsorption capacity by 75.5% in the Mont/Kao-HA system by preferentially occupying montmorillonite interlayer sites, whereas Cu(II) inhibited Cd(II) below pH 6. Single-metal sorption was characterized by positive ΔS° (32.96–58.89 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹), indicative of inner-sphere complexation, while negative ΔS° under competitive conditions signals a transition to outer-sphere complexation. This work provides mechanistic insights into site masking, competitive displacement, and ternary cation bridging controlling metal immobilization in organo-mineral assemblages. Full article

The synthetic industry has shortened human lifespans because of environmental contamination. Numerous physicochemical methods can be used to decompose the released organic contaminants, but heterogeneous photocatalysis stands out among them. The creation of a novel sunlight-active heterogeneous photocatalyst, ZVI@MnFe₂O₄/PTh, for possible degradation of RhB dye is discussed in this study. The nanocomposite was fabricated using the hydrothermal method and in situ polymerization of thiophene. The ternary composite photocatalyst (ZVI@MnFe₂O₄/PTh) and photocatalysts (ZVI@MnFe₂O₄ and MnFe₂O₄/PTh) were well characterized in terms of structure (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), morphology (scanning electron microscopy), composition (energy-dispersive X-ray), and crystallinity (X-ray diffraction). UV–visible spectroscopic analysis (Tauc plot) was used to determine the energy bandgaps of catalysts. The characterization study supports the successful assembly of ZVI@MnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and polythiophene. To evaluate the photocatalytic performance, the photocatalytically helped degradation of Rhodamine B dye from wastewater was also investigated over the new catalysts. The designed heterojunction enhances photogenerated charge separation and stimulates the photocatalytic process. The proposed study’s findings demonstrated that the novel composite’s sunlight-active photocatalytic effectiveness (99% in 90 min at pH 4) was enhanced against the degradation of Rhodamine B dye. Different models were utilized to predict the reaction’s kinetics, and RSM was utilized as a statistical technique to examine the individual and then interaction effects of the influencing parameters. The RSM results were supported by the numerical values of the optimized parameters, which were pH = 4, H₂O₂ = 10 mM, and composite dose = 20 mg/50 mL, utilizing a 100 ppm RhB solution. Full article

Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu-xBi alloys (SAC305-xBi) represent promising lead-free alternatives for low-temperature soldering. Low Bi concentrations can strengthen SAC-based solders through solid-solution strengthening, refining β–Sn grains and transforming needle-like Ag₃Sn phases into equiaxed morphologies. However, excessive Bi alloying may induce precipitation of brittle Bi particles, cause microstructural instability and interfacial degradation, thereby weakening the solder joint performance. As such, the concentration of Bi in the SAC305 alloys should be carefully controlled. In this work, the microstructure and corrosion behavior of Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu-xBi solder alloys (SAC305-xBi, where x = 0, 1, 2 and 4 wt. %) were investigated. Attention has been paid to the influence of low Bi concentration on the microstructure, morphology, and chemical composition of the phases present in the solder alloys before and after corrosion exposure. The alloys were prepared by induction melting of Sn, Ag, Cu and Bi lumps under Ar gas. The microstructure of the SAC305 and SAC305-1Bi alloys represented a hypoeutectic microstructure with dendritic (Sn) grains and the ternary eutectic, consisting of (Sn), Cu₆Sn₅ and Ag₃Sn, located in inter-dendritic regions. In the SAC305-2Bi and SAC305-4Bi alloys, a segregation of (Bi) particles was observed in addition to dendritic (Sn) and ternary eutectic. The (Bi) particles were located at the (Sn)Ag₃Sn interface in the inter-dendritic spaces of the (Sn) solid solution. The corrosion resistance of the as-cast alloys was studied in aqueous NaCl electrolyte (3.5 wt. %) using electrochemical methods. Open circuit potentials of the alloys were found to increase with increasing concentration of Bi. The highest corrosion current was found for the SAC305-1Bi alloy. It was observed that micro-galvanic cells at the Sn-Ag₃Sn interface were the initiating factors of corrosion in the SAC305-1Bi alloy. The corrosion activity of the SAC305-1Bi alloy is related to the high density of fine Ag₃Sn particles. The higher fraction of Ag₃Sn particles provided a dense network of local galvanic interaction sites, leading to the acceleration of the corrosion rate. The presence of discrete Bi precipitates in the SAC305-2Bi and SAC305-4Bi alloys, on the other hand, partially reduced the risk of galvanic corrosion. Since Bi has a higher standard electrode potential compared to Sn, the Bi/Ag₃Sn and Bi/Cu₆Sn₅ couples were less prone to corrosion. The corrosion mechanism of the SAC305-xBi alloys is discussed, and results are compared to previously studied SAC-Bi alloys. Full article

The simultaneous presence of multiple pesticide residues in the environment impairs honeybee health and survival. The toxicological interactions could result in additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects as documented in previous studies. In most cases, the co-exposure produces an amplification of the singular toxicity, resulting in additive or synergistic effects. More rarely, the interaction of active principles leads to antagonistic effects. Previous studies demonstrated that deltamethrin (DMT, a type II pyrethroid) and flupyradifurone (FLU, a butenolide insecticide) produce antagonistic toxicity when co-administered orally to caged Apis mellifera workers, and that dietary supplementation with the bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) independently protects against FLU- and DMT-induced intoxication. The present study investigates the three-way interaction of DMT, FLU, and BPF on honeybees. Survival rate, solution consumption, and abnormal behavior have been recorded over a 72-h exposure period in groups of twenty caged honeybees orally treated with DMT (21.6 mg/L), FLU (50 or 100 mg/L), their binary combinations, or their ternary combinations with BPF (1 mg/kg). Results demonstrate that BPF alone did not differ from control (p > 0.05) at any time point, confirming its safety. Binary combinations of DMT and FLU showed antagonistic survival profiles consistent with our previous report. The addition of BPF to both binary pesticide combinations significantly improved survival (p < 0.001), reduced abnormal behavioral frequencies (p < 0.05), and increased solution intake (p < 0.05) compared to the respective DMT + FLU groups. These results suggest that BPF exerts a protective effect that extends to complex multi-pesticide exposure scenarios. These effects may be associated with antioxidant and detoxification-related pathways, although further biochemical and molecular analyses are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Full article

This study examines interactions in aqueous electrolyte solutions using the equations of the Scatchard and Friedman models. The six mixing parameters of the Scatchard model, b_AB⁽⁰¹⁾; b_AB⁽⁰²⁾; b_AB⁽⁰³⁾; b_AB⁽¹²⁾; b_AB⁽¹³⁾ and b_AB⁽²³⁾, were obtained from the literature and estimated by processing experimental results measured by the isopiestic method for osmotic coefficients of three-component systems: {yKCl + (1 − y)K₂HPO₄} (aq), {yKBr + (1 − y)K₂HPO₄} (aq), {yKNO₃ + (1 − y)K₂HPO₄} (aq), {yK₂SO₄ + (1 − y)K₂HPO₄} (aq), {yKH₂PO₄ + (1 − y)K₂HPO₄} (aq) and {yNaH₂PO₄ + (1 − y) K₂HPO₄} (aq) at 298.15 K. The Friedman parameters were calculated from the adopted Scatchard parameters as functions of ionic strength. The effects of pair, triplet, and quadruplet interactions on the excess Gibbs energy of mixing were analyzed, and the total Gibbs energy of the solutions was determined. In the systems {yKCl + (1 − y)K₂HPO₄} (aq), {yKBr + (1 − y)K₂HPO₄} (aq), {yKNO₃ + (1 − y)K₂HPO₄} (aq), interactions between different anions of the same charge predominate. Triplet interactions dominate in the system {yK₂SO₄ + (1 − y)K₂HPO₄} (aq). The strongest contributions of triplet and quadruplet interactions are observed in the {yKH₂PO₄ + (1 − y)K₂HPO₄} (aq) system, whereas pair interactions between the same ion pairs are dominant in the {yNa₂HPO₄ + (1 − y)K₂HPO₄} (aq) system. Full article

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is still the most widely used prosthetic polymer, although its biological inertness and vulnerability to mechanical stress and microbiological colonization are gradually restricting its therapeutic lifespan. This narrative review develops a conceptual framework, three ceramic modifiers corresponding to three distinct biofunctional strategies, to logically guide the design of the next generation of PMMA-based prosthetic dentures. We critically analyze the transformation of hydroxyapatite (HA), silica (SiO₂), and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) from passive fillers to active functional phases, offering unique, complementary therapeutic advantages. Therefore, HA confers osteoconductive and bone affinity, SiO₂ provides surface reactivity, tunable bioactivity, and drug release capacity, while TiO₂ provides mechanical reinforcement, chemical stability, and photocatalytic antibacterial activity. These ceramics used in PMMA matrices result in hybrid materials that outperform standard resins in terms of structural, mechanical, and biological performance. Recent research on binary and ternary systems (e.g., HA–TiO₂, SiO₂–HA, and HA–SiO₂–TiO₂ in PMMA) has indicated synergistic effects, such as increased osteoblast proliferation, reduced biofilm development, improved fracture toughness, and favorable corrosion resistance in simulated oral environments. A decision matrix is also provided to assist the clinician in selecting the best ceramic for a given clinical function of a prosthetic base or provisional repair. Although polymer–ceramic hybrid systems show remarkable translational potential, there are still obstacles to be addressed in terms of long-term interfacial stability, standardized synthesis processes, and regulatory mechanisms. This review proposes a framework of PMMA as a multimodal biofunctional engineering platform rather than a basic structural polymer and provides a roadmap for the development of intelligent, interactive, and clinically durable prosthetic materials. Full article

Rubusoside is the major sweet bioactive compound in Rubus chingii var. suavissimus (S.K.Lee) L.T.Lu, characterized by high sweetness, low caloric value, and favorable safety, with potential applications as a natural sweeteners and in functional foods. However, efficient green extraction technologies and their mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. Here, a microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) system was developed for rubusoside recovery. The ternary DES composed of choline chloride, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol (1:2:2) showed the best performance and outperformed microwave-assisted water extraction. Response surface methodology identified optimal conditions of 33% moisture content, a liquid–solid ratio of 21 mL/g, 6 min, and 320 W, yielding 7.89 ± 0.25% rubusoside. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, electrostatic potential, atoms-in-molecules theory, and independent gradient modelling based on Hirshfeld partition analyses revealed significant non-covalent interactions between the ternary DES and rubusoside. Scanning electron microscopy showed that DES and microwave treatment synergistically disrupted plant tissues and enhanced mass transfer. LX-28 macroporous resin enabled rubusoside separation, and the recovered DES retained stable performance after five reuse cycles. These results demonstrate a green, efficient, and recyclable strategy driven by cooperative hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions between the ternary DES and the rubusoside glycosyl moiety, together with DES–microwave-induced tissue disruption and mass-transfer enhancement. Full article