Search Results (281)

The escalating production of fetal bovine serum generates substantial quantities of fetal bovine hide as an underutilized byproduct. In this study, we extracted collagen from this source, characterized it as predominantly type I collagen with intact triple-helical features, and fabricated a series of composite sponge dressings by blending it with chitosan. The best-balanced formulation (COL₁/CS₁, 1:1 ratio) exhibited markedly superior physicochemical properties relative to pure collagen sponges, as evidenced by higher porosity (91.3%), water uptake (2010%), moisture retention (23.7%), and water vapor transmission rate (4169.02 ± 86.45 g/m²/day). We hypothesize that the intrinsically lower cross-linking density of fetal collagen may expose a greater abundance of carboxyl and hydroxyl moieties, thereby fostering electrostatic complexation and hydrogen bonding with chitosan’s amino groups. This molecular interplay appears to promote the genesis of a highly uniform, interconnective porous network. In vitro, the COL₁/CS₁ sponge elicited a hemolysis rate below 5%, a blood coagulation index as low as 7.02%, no cytotoxicity toward L929 and MRC-5 cells, and a pronounced capacity to stimulate cell proliferation and wound repopulation. In a murine full-thickness excisional wound model, the COL₁/CS₁ group achieved a 98.1% closure rate by day 14, significantly outpacing both the pure collagen and untreated controls. Histological examinations corroborated these findings, revealing accelerated granulation tissue deposition, robust neovascularization, and orderly collagen remodeling, with no overt toxicity observed in vital organs under the tested conditions. This work presents a viable valorization pathway for an agricultural byproduct into high-value biomedical constructs and provides insights into how source-dependent collagen attributes may influence the functional performance of biomaterials. Full article

To overcome the limitations of conventional biopolymer films and reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics, a nacre-inspired film was developed via 3D printing. During printing process, shear-induced alignment of mica flakes was achieved within a sodium alginate/xanthan gum matrix. Additionally, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were incorporated to achieve a synergistic reinforcement effect. Structural analysis revealed that the mica flakes within the film exhibited an oriented distribution, with ZnO NPs uniformly embedded in the interlayer voids, and hydrogen bonding assisted in forming a dense network of the components. Performance testing showed that the tensile strength rose from 13.8 MPa to 62.9 MPa. Improvements in water resistance and thermal stability were also observed. Furthermore, the material exhibited outstanding comprehensive protective properties, including a low water vapor permeability value of 7.587 × 10⁻¹¹ g·m/m²·Pa·s, an ultraviolet blocking rate of 99.37% at a wavelength of 280 nm, and the ability to completely inhibit target bacterial strains, while also possessing good biodegradability and recyclability. Shelf-life tests indicated that the film fabricated in this work could notably prolong the shelf life of strawberries. Biocompatibility test results indicated that the film was safe and non-toxic, and showed no significant cytotoxicity. Full article

Numerous studies have examined the contribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to soil contamination, resulting from legacy oil extraction and storage activities in the energy sector, and the human health risks. In this research, a human health risk assessment (HHRA) was performed on a site contaminated with crude oil, incorporating spatial analysis to identify hotspots of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk from PAH-contaminated soil. In total, eight soil sampling locations were considered. The HHRA was conducted using a software tool developed by the National University of Science and Technology POLIETHNICA of Bucharest according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) standards. The results obtained in the current assessment were validated against the Risk-net software 3.2 (an Italian tool for risk assessment validated by the ISPRA). The assessment considered a residential scenario (adult and child receptors) using four different exposure pathways: soil ingestion, dermal contact, vapor inhalation (due to the volatilization process) and groundwater ingestion (because of the leaching process). The carcinogenic risk (CR = 1 × 10⁻⁵) and total hazard index (THI < 1) in the studied area were above the threshold values for both adults’ and children’s receptors. The highest concern is given to the process of PAHs leaching from soil to groundwater. The highest carcinogenic concern is benzo(a)pyrene for children’s exposure via groundwater ingestion (CR = 3.53 × 10⁻⁵), while the highest toxic effect is registered for the contaminant naphthalene (THI = 6.22) for the same receptor and exposure pathway. Full article

Vanilla and vanillin are the most popular flavorings added to processed foods, medications, cosmetics, and e-cigarette liquids. Vanilla owes its unique aroma to vanillin. Both vanilla and vanillin can cause hypersensitivity reactions, probably type IV. Clinically, hypersensitivity to vanilla and/or vanillin most often manifests as a limited rash (of various types) accompanied by itching and/or swelling. Long-term exposure to vanillin or its intermediates may be a factor in occupational sensitization. Although hypersensitivity to vanilla/vanillin appears to be rare, it is worth considering in the diagnostic process, especially in non-obvious situations when identifying the triggering allergen is difficult. Regardless of the likely allergic hypersensitivity to vanilla and vanillin, there are also hypotheses suggesting that vanillin and other flavorings and aromas found in e-cigarette liquids may have cytotoxic effects in people who use electronic cigarettes (vaping). Toxic reactions caused by inhaling vapors of these additives may affect the bronchial tree and other distant organs. This hypothesis, although new and relatively poorly researched, may have significant implications for public health, including for future generations, especially considering that vaping is a popular form of nicotine delivery, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Full article

Elemental mercury has been used in the production of bleach since at least 1892 and continues to be utilized in some manufacturing processes today. This case study examines a former bleach manufacturing facility in the western United States, where elemental mercury was utilized as an electrical conductor in the chlor-alkali process to produce chlorine and sodium hydroxide, essential constituents in bleach formulation. The operational practices implemented at the facility led to the discharge of elemental mercury into both soil and groundwater. Subsequent investigations identified the presence of mercury in indoor air at levels surpassing the screening thresholds established by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for commercial exposure scenarios. Additionally, these concentrations exceeded the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) acute 1 h reference exposure level (REL). The origins of mercury in indoor air have been identified as vapor intrusion associated with subsurface sources, along with a potential secondary indoor air source associated with mercury deposition and adsorption in building materials through the years. In the context of interim vapor intrusion mitigation, air purifiers and fans were deployed to enhance air exchange rates, while a comprehensive assessment led to the identification and sealing of 52 preferential pathways. Even with these interim vapor intrusion mitigation systems in place, elevated concentrations of elemental mercury are still present in the building and may represent the presence of a secondary indoor air source from accumulation of elemental mercury in building materials. Full article

The growing demand for efficient and sustainable materials for air purification has stimulated interest in activated carbons derived from renewable biomass resources. In this study, activated carbons were prepared from Rice Husk, Wheat Straw, Sawdust, and Walnut shells and systematically investigated as sorbents for toxic gases and volatile organic compounds. The materials were characterized using nitrogen and water vapor sorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray and XPS analysis to evaluate their textural properties, morphology, thermal stability, and surface chemistry. The results showed that the precursor type strongly influences the pore structure and functional group composition of the activated carbons. Wheat straw and Rice Husk-derived activated carbons exhibited the highest total pore volume and a well-developed porous structure, together with a high content of oxygen- and silicon-containing elements. Gas breakthrough experiments with different probes showed that Wheat Straw-derived activated carbon excels in non-polar VOC—cyclohexane removal due to its highly microporous structure. In contrast, Rice Husk-derived activated carbon displays strong affinity toward inorganic gases such as NH₃ and, after urea modification, achieves enhanced performance for SO₂. These results underscore the versatility and practical applicability of carbon materials obtained from plant residues. Full article

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), devoid of actionable targets for endocrine or HER2-directed therapy, is highly aggressive with elevated risks of recurrence and metastasis; surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment, and postoperative chemotherapy serves as a key adjuvant modality for controlling residual disease. Doxorubicin (DOX), although widely used, shows limited tumor selectivity, considerable systemic toxicity, and poor control over drug release at the tumor site. To address these issues, we developed near-infrared (NIR)-responsive gold-decorated phase-change nanodroplets (AuNPs-DOX-NDs) that combine photothermal conversion, liquid-to-gas phase transition, and controlled DOX release in a single platform. Methods: The nanodroplets consisted of a perfluorohexane (PFH) core, a DOX-loaded lipid shell, and polyethyleneimine-modified gold nanoparticles (PEI-AuNPs) conjugated to the surface as the NIR photothermal component. Physicochemical characterization was performed to evaluate morphology, colloidal dispersity, and storage stability. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, the photothermal behavior, PFH vaporization, and DOX release properties of AuNPs-DOX-NDs were investigated. In vitro studies using 4T1 TNBC cells were conducted to assess intracellular DOX accumulation, cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Results: Physicochemical characterization showed that the nanodroplets had a uniform nanoscale morphology, good colloidal dispersity, and acceptable storage stability. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, AuNPs-DOX-NDs exhibited concentration-dependent photothermal heating, which induced PFH vaporization and accelerated DOX release, indicating a clear stimulus-responsive release behavior. In vitro studies using 4T1 TNBC cells showed enhanced intracellular DOX accumulation after treatment with AuNPs-DOX-NDs. Upon laser irradiation, the nanodroplets further inhibited cell proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis, suggesting an enhanced combined photothermal–chemotherapeutic effect in 4T1 TNBC cells. Conclusions: These results indicate that AuNPs-DOX-NDs may serve as a useful NIR-responsive platform for externally controlled drug release and enhanced combined photothermal-chemotherapy, and deserve further evaluation in vivo. Full article

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are recognized as a novel class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and are categorized into short- (SCCPs, C_10–13), medium- (MCCPs, C1_4–17), and long- (LCCPs, C_≥18) chain CPs considering the carbon-chain length. Among them, SCCPs possess lower molecular weights, higher vapor pressures, and greater water solubilities compared to their longer-chain counterparts (MCCPs and LCCPs), which promote their environmental release. Consequently, SCCPs were designated as POPs of concern under the Stockholm Convention in 2017. This review concludes the recent research progress of SCCPs in China from 2015 to present, and we present a comprehensive overview of SCCP concentrations, encompassing diverse environmental matrices and human tissues, for example, air, water, soil, sediments, biota, food, human placenta, breast milk, blood, and organs (fat, kidney, liver, brain, bone, etc.). Whereafter, we summarize the development of SCCPs determination methods, benefiting from quantifying relative carbon-chain length and chlorine content of SCCPs correctly. Moreover, toxicity, toxicokinetics, and adverse health effects of SCCPs in humans from China are concluded and discussed. Meanwhile, we review the existing control and treatment technologies for SCCPs. Lastly, we describe some noteworthy and prospective issues that are worthy of further study. In the future, the relevant studies are still necessary to keep up with consecutive monitoring and evaluation of SCCP levels and relative potential health impacts in China. Full article

Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts that are liquid at or below 100 °C. They are composed entirely of ions and have unique properties like negligible vapor pressure, high thermal stability, and tunable structures. These characteristics make them a promising alternative to traditional, often volatile and toxic organic solvents in the petrochemical industry. They have broad applications in chemical and petrochemical industry processes. Ionic liquids may be applied in the following processes: desulfurization, benzene toluene xylene (BTX) separation, alkylation, and carbon capture units. Two different ionic liquid-based process configurations have been evaluated for BTX separation. It has been found that the process configuration working with 1-ethyl-3methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide ([emim][TCM]) reduces the energy costs and capital expenditures associated with the Morphylane process by 67 and 63%, respectively. It also reduces solvent costs, confirming it as a cleaner alternative. The hydrodesulfurization (HDS) process is operated under harsh conditions, such as high temperature and high pressure and the requirement of a noble catalyst and hydrogen. High-Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA) failure occurs at high temperatures between the gaseous molecular hydrogen contained inside the steel pressure vessel and the carbon atoms located in the steel matrix or in carbides. Methane molecules are produced during this reaction. This phenomenon can consequently lead to a loss of mechanical properties due to surface decarburization and to the formation of defects caused by methane bubbles mainly located at grain boundaries. The application of ionic liquids (ILs) in oil refineries offers significant advantages, such as safety, environmental sustainability, and process efficiency, primarily by serving as versatile alternatives to hazardous traditional solvents and catalysts. Across BTX extraction, carbon capture, and desulfurization/HDS-adjacent service, the recurring barriers are high viscosity, difficult regeneration, solvent cost/inventory and uncertain long-term stability. Full article

SiO_x anodes are highly promising for next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to their superior theoretical capacity. However, issues such as drastic volume expansion and low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) impede their practical use. While macroporous architectures can mitigate these challenges, traditional fabrication often depends on tedious hard templating methods and significant organic solvent consumption. In this work, we report a sustainable, emulsion-self-templated and organic solvent-free strategy to synthesize a carbon-coated 3D macroporous SiO_x/C composite (3DM-SiO_x/C@C). Our approach uniquely integrates radical polymerization with a water-in-oil emulsion and sol–gel process, followed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The 3D macroporous framework is generated via in-situ emulsion droplets acting as self-templates, effectively eliminating the need for external sacrificial templates and toxic etchants. Notably, this organic solvent-free process achieves an exceptional precursor to (precursor + organic solvent) mass ratio of 1.0, contrasting sharply with conventional methods (0.0044–0.17). The resulting hierarchical structure, characterized by interconnected macropores and a uniform carbon coating, significantly enhances structural integrity and electronic conductivity. Electrochemical evaluations reveal that 3DM-SiO_x/C@C exhibits an improved ICE of 74.32% and long-term cycling stability even at a high current density of 1.0 A g⁻¹ compared to non-porous and uncoated counterparts. This integrated synthesis offers a green and scalable pathway for developing high-performance silicon-based anodes for large-scale energy storage. Full article

The environmental performance of chitosan production is evaluated through a rigorous computational comparison between traditional thermochemical deacetylation and innovative green synthesis pathways utilizing Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES). Implementation of the Waste Reduction (WAR) algorithm facilitates the quantification of the Potential Environmental Impact (PEI) across eight toxicological and ecotoxicological categories, providing a systematic benchmark for process sustainability. While the conventional route, characterized by the intensive consumption of HCl and NaOH, generates a substantial environmental burden of 1.37 × 10⁷ PEI/ton, the optimized green architecture leveraging a choline chloride:ethylene glycol (ChCl:EG) system achieves a radical reduction to 2.25 × 10⁴ PEI/ton. This 99.8% decrease in PEI is primarily driven by the mitigation of Human Toxicity Potential (HTP) and Acidification Potential (AP) through the substitution of corrosive mineral acids and volatile organics with biodegradable, low-vapor-pressure alternatives. These findings substantiate the integration of DES-mediated biorefineries as a high-efficiency strategy for the valorization of marine waste into high-purity biopolymers, aligning with the requirements for industrial process intensification and circular bioeconomy standards. Full article

Electronic cigarettes are widely used as alternatives to conventional cigarettes. However, the relationships among e-liquid formulation, nicotine volatility, and nicotine delivery remain insufficiently investigated due to limited data on nicotine vapor pressure in e-liquid systems. This study aimed to investigate the effects of e-liquid formulations on nicotine vapor pressure, explore the underlying mechanisms, and establish correlations with nicotine delivery and pharmacokinetics. A headspace method was applied to measure nicotine vapor pressure at 37 °C, with variables including nicotine concentration, PG/VG ratio, organic acid type and ratio, and water content. The results showed that nicotine vapor pressure increased linearly with free-base nicotine fraction and decreased monotonically with increasing PG/VG ratio, acid-to-nicotine molar ratio, and water content. In addition, nicotine vapor pressure followed the order: free-base e-liquids > nicotine salt e-liquids > conventional cigarettes. Then, a correlation analysis was conducted between nicotine vapor pressure and nicotine pharmacokinetics. Lower vapor pressure correlated with deeper lung deposition, higher plasma nicotine, and greater potential toxicity, while higher vapor pressure correlated with more deposition in the upper respiratory tract and potential local irritation. Overall, nicotine vapor pressure can serve as an indicator for predicting nicotine delivery, supporting the rational regulation of e-liquid formulations and health risk assessment. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in fluorinated firefighting wastewater (FFW), which are difficult to remediate using conventional technologies, represent a critical environmental hazard due to the extreme persistence and bioaccumulation potential of soil–groundwater systems. Niobium-supported boron-doped diamond (BDD) anodes were synthesized by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition, and their performance in the electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) of FFW were systematically investigated. Under optimized conditions (100 mM Na₂SO₄ electrolyte with 100 mM peroxymonosulfate (PMS), current density of 33.3 mA/cm², pH = 6), the BDD anode achieved near-complete mineralization, with 92.5% total organic carbon (TOC) removal and significant defluorination (77.5% F⁻ release) within 240 min in simulated FFW-contaminated groundwater. For FFW-contaminated soil remediation, 90.2% TOC removal and 41.6% defluorination were achieved after 720 min under optimal treatment (water-to-soil ratio of 20:1). Quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tests revealed that hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and singlet oxygen (¹O₂) were the predominant reactive species. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis indicated that PFASs were removed by shortened carbon chains, ultimately mineralizing to CO₂ and F⁻. Toxicity assessment using Vibrio fischeri luminescence demonstrated a reduction in toxicity (from 99.8% to 20.9%), confirming the effective detoxification of BDD-based EAOPs. This work establishes BDD-based EAOPs as a promising technology for eliminating PFASs in groundwater and soil, offering theoretical insights into EAOPs and engineering solutions for PFAS remediation. Full article

The application of lignin-based films is often restricted by traditional processing methods that rely on toxic organic solvents and harsh chemical reagents, which result in poor compatibility with the polymer matrix and difficulty balancing transparency, barrier, and toughness. Here, lignin was green-modified by ternary deep eutectic solvent (choline chloride-lactic acid-ethanol), and ZnO hybrids with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as anchor points were introduced to realize the stability and uniform dispersion of ZnO in the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The prepared composite film maintains a transmittance of about 78% at 800 nm while achieving a wide spectrum of ultraviolet shielding. The barrier properties of the film were markedly improved: the water vapor permeability (WVP) decreased to 0.24 × 10⁻⁷ g·m⁻¹·h⁻¹·Pa⁻¹, and the oxygen permeability (OTR) to 6.98 cm³·m⁻²·24 h⁻¹·0.1 MPa⁻¹. In addition, the mechanical flexibility and durability of the material were significantly improved, as evidenced by a tensile strain of 109%. In the insurance experiment, compared with the blank film, the browning degree and weight loss of the composite film were relatively low. The scalable and low-solvent consumption route provides a practical idea for the application of lignin in food preservation. Full article

Guar gum (GG), a typical biopolymer, has found widespread use in packaging applications due to its biodegradability, non-toxicity, and low price. However, the further application of GG is significantly limited by its poor flexibility and water resistance. In this study, GG/natural rubber (NR) films were prepared by thermo-compressing hand-kneaded pastes made from GG powder and fresh NR latex. Various NR contents—5, 10, 20, and 40 wt%—were investigated. Water-resistant properties were determined by moisture absorption, water dissolution, surface wettability, and water vapor permeability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated interactions between the dispersed NR phases and the GG matrix. Scanning electron microscopy revealed distinct phase separation between the GG and NR phases in the films. All GG/NR films exhibited excellent interfacial adhesion between GG and NR phases. Tensile results indicated that an increase in the amount of NR in the GG-based films led to a decrease in both maximum tensile strength and Young’s modulus, while elongation at break increased. GG/40% NR films exhibited an elongation at break of 17.5%, which is a substantial increase of 415% compared to pure GG films. The addition of NR showed improved water-resistant properties of GG-based films; however, the rate of biodegradation during soil burial decreased as the NR ratios increased. These thermo-compressed GG/NR blends hold promise as sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic packaging applications. Full article