Search Results (16,694)

This study evaluated the feasibility of developing 3D-printable chontaduro (Bactris gasipaes) gel inks. Freeze-dried chontaduro pulp and encapsulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were used. Two formulations were analysed: a control (ChC) and a probiotic ink (ChLp) containing 10% (w/w) microencapsulated cells in a maltodextrin–whey protein carrier. Both were baked at 140 °C under zero humidity and evaluated for water activity, colour, texture, and sensory properties. Rheological analysis showed shear-thinning behaviour for both inks. Notably, ChLp had higher storage (G’) and loss (G”) modulus, which may indicate structural reinforcement by the carrier. Furthermore, FTIR suggested enhanced protein–polysaccharide interactions and ionic cross-linking. Both inks were found to be extrudable; however, ChLp showed a 4.1% reduction in printed height. Baking reduced water activity (aw < 0.88) and caused Maillard browning, which was more pronounced in ChLp. With respect to microbial viability, Ltp. Plantarum viability (~7.1 log CFU/g) was maintained after extrusion but lost after baking. Sensory evaluation indicated formulation-dependent differences in colour (greater yellowness) and texture (reduced adhesiveness, increased hardness) for ChLp. Overall, these findings showed chontaduro gel as a viable matrix for 3D food printing, with the encapsulated carrier altering physicochemical and sensory descriptors. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of bioactive glass-containing self-adhesive resin cements (SARCs) on human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), focusing on cytocompatibility, odontogenic differentiation, and mineralization. Experimental SARCs containing 0–5 wt% BAG (BG0–BG5) were compared with two commercially available SARCs, RelyX U200 and TheraCem. Eluates were prepared and applied to DPSCs for the methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence (IF) staining, and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. The result showed there were no significant differences in cell viability across all groups (p > 0.05), indicating that the addition of BAG did not affect cell viability, while the early odontogenic differentiation markers, such as RUNX2, ALP, and COL1A1, showed no clear trend among the groups. However, late-stage markers (DMP-1 and DSPP) were significantly higher in the BG2–BG5 groups relative to the OM group (p < 0.05). IF staining revealed intense signals in the BG2–BG5 groups (p < 0.05) and also ARS staining showed a time-dependent increase in mineral deposition. Within the limitations of this study, BAG-containing SARCs do not negatively impact cytocompatibility and promote late-stage odontogenic differentiation and mineral deposition. Full article

The cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) remains a major kinetic barrier to high-efficiency proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), motivating the search for electrocatalysts that combine high activity, low metal usage, and long-term durability. This review examines single-atom catalysts (SACs) as an emerging platform for fuel-cell cathodes with particular emphasis on how atomic-level design, ORR mechanism, and practical deployment barriers are interrelated. The review discusses the key ORR pathways, intermediate binding principles, and scaling constraints that govern cathodic performance, and examines how metal-center selection, coordination-environment engineering, support regulation, synergistic multi-site construction, and morphology-controlled synthesis can be used to tune intrinsic activity and stabilize isolated active sites. It further highlights mechanistic insights from theoretical and operando studies, with emphasis on structure–activity relationships, dynamic active-site evolution, and approaches to mitigate scaling limitations. Major barriers to practical deployment, including carbon corrosion, demetalization, agglomeration, peroxide/reactive oxygen species attack, and the persistent gap between half-cell metrics and membrane electrode assembly performance, are also critically assessed. Rather than treating these topics separately, this review discusses them as connected factors that together determine the viability of SAC-based fuel-cell cathodes. Full article

Gelatin–alginate composite hydrogels are some of the most prevalent bioinks used for extrusion-based three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting because of their combined bioactivity and ability to ionically crosslink. Ionically crosslinked gelatin–alginate constructs containing human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) were characterised over time under standardised in vitro conditions to assess physicochemical properties and resultant cell behaviour. Water uptake and degradation were quantified over time in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and collagenase type II media for up to 21 days. Cell viability and metabolic activity were quantified, and osteogenic gene expression (RUNX2, COL1A1, OCN) was assessed. Raman spectroscopy and compressive mechanical characterisation were performed. Collagen and glycosaminoglycan-related peaks were observed from extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated components, with an increased presence of protein-associated signatures later in culture. Hydrogels displayed nonlinear elastic behaviour with increased stress after longer incubation times, suggesting no degradation of mechanical integrity over the duration of the study. Hydrogels experienced rapid hydration followed by decreased swelling over time, with a maximum swelling ratio at 24 h. Degradation rates significantly increased over longer incubation times (p < 0.001) and in collagenase media compared to PBS (p < 0.001). Observed differences were likely due to both ion-exchange-mediated network disassembly and the dissolution of gelatin components. Cell metabolic activity decreased under osteogenic culture conditions, while changes in osteogenic marker expression were sequential, suggesting a transition from proliferation to early osteogenic commitment in this 3D system. This work provides both physicochemical and biological characterisation of a commonly utilised gelatin–alginate bioink system, to provide future optimisations within the field of extrusion-based bone tissue engineering, a reproducible baseline for future optimisation of bioink systems in extrusion-based bone tissue engineering. Full article

Magnesium (Mg) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites have attracted increasing interest for orthopedic implants to solve the insufficient strength of PLA and to utilize the bioactive advantages of Mg ions in promoting bone formation. However, the weak interfacial adhesion between the Mg and PLA limits the applications of the composite. In this study, a dual interfacial enhancement approach was designed to combine surface fluorination with perforation. During hot pressing, molten PLA infiltrates the pores to form a ‘rivet-like’ mechanical interlocking. This structure significantly alters the load transfer and degradation behaviors of the composite. Compared to pure PLA, the dual treatment significantly elevated the bending strength by 49%, alongside an increase in the bending strain from 15% to 25%. Moreover, in vitro degradation tests revealed that this strategy suppresses H₂-induced delamination, and stabilizes both pH and Mg²⁺ release. Consequently, the bending strength remained at 86% after six weeks of in vitro degradation. In addition, the composite exhibits excellent biocompatibility, with MC3T3-E1 cell viability exceeding 90% in 100% extract. These results demonstrate that the reinforced Mg/PLA composite exhibits excellent mechanical properties, degradation stability, and biocompatibility, showing high potential for load-bearing orthopedic fixation applications. Full article

Background: Emerging evidence highlights the importance of the MIF–sCD74 axis in health and disease, including its role in regulating cell death. While studies in routine cardiac surgery suggest perioperative relevance, its role in end-stage heart failure (ESFH) patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains unexplored. Moreover, although MIF and sCD74 induce necroptosis in neonatal cardiac myofibroblasts, the effects of MIF, its paralog D-DT, and sCD74 on adult cardiac myofibroblasts (CMFs) are unknown. Methods: Plasma concentrations of sCD74, MIF and D-DT were measured perioperatively in a small cohort of patients with ESHF undergoing LVAD implantation (n = 20). As a preclinical model of ESHF, primary adult CMFs were treated with recombinant MIF, D-DT and sCD74 to evaluate their effects on cellular viability and health. Results: In LVAD patients, sCD74 and D-DT levels were significantly increased 24 h postoperatively, whereas MIF levels were reduced compared to baseline. ROC curve analysis demonstrated a good discriminatory power of 24 h post-OP sCD74 (AUC = 0.83), sCD74/MIF ratio (AUC = 0.82), and D-DT levels (AUC = 0.88) for acute kidney injury, composite outcome, and right heart failure (RHF), respectively. In adult CMFs, MIF and sCD74 synergistically reduced viable cell counts (p = 0.0083), whereas D-DT reduced cell counts in an sCD74-independent manner (p = 0.0004). Yet, measures of metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis and necrosis along with inflammatory gene expression remained unchanged. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the balance of MIF, D-DT, and sCD74 during LVAD implantation may be clinically relevant. In particular, an imbalance characterized by elevated sCD74 or D-DT and reduced MIF levels 24 h post-surgery was associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Yet, the current findings are exploratory and hypothesis-generating because of a small sample size. Thus, the prognostic value of plasma levels for postoperative complications after LVAD implantation, and the effects of MIF/D-DT/sCD74 imbalance on cardiac myofibroblasts, need to be validated in larger cohorts and in advanced human experimental models. Full article

Maritime transport is under increasing pressure to cut greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions to meet global decarbonization goals and tighter environmental standards. Ship electric propulsion systems offer a promising solution for short-range maritime operations, particularly for small vessels and coastal activities. Full-electric vessels can significantly reduce operational emissions; however, a key challenge is the extensive charging time for onboard energy storage, which can affect operational continuity and logistical efficiency. This study examines mission planning and energy management for a hybrid multi-source electric mail boat operating in the Aeolian archipelago. It evaluates the viability and performance of a daily inter-island route powered by a high-temperature methanol fuel cell, batteries, and photovoltaic panels. A routing and simulation framework was developed to model the boat’s itinerary among seven islands, accounting for realistic navigation speeds, scheduled stops, solar energy availability, and battery state-of-charge constraints. The study analyzes distance, travel time, energy consumption, solar power generation, and fuel–electric usage with high temporal resolution, enabling detailed analysis of power flows during sailing and docking. Several operational strategies were assessed, including periods of increased speed supported by battery assistance and fuel–electric cell output, combined with coordinated energy management to keep battery levels above a lower acceptable threshold while completing the route in a single day. The methodology provides a practical tool for planning low-emission island networks and supports the integration of innovative energy systems into small electric workboats operating in specific maritime regions. Full article

Background: Carbonic Anhydrases (CAs) represent regulators of cell adaptation to hypoxia, pH regulation, and metabolic fitness. Among cancers, multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy sustained by hypoxia-driven metabolic adaptation, extracellular acidification, and redox imbalance. Tight regulation of tumor extracellular pH, mediated by Carbonic Anhydrases IX and XII, is crucial for myeloma survival, progression, and stemness, making these isoforms attractive therapeutic targets. Methods: We designed and synthesized a library of terpenoid-based hybrids by derivatizing chlorothymol and 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol with either the natural coumarin umbelliferon or the 2,2′-dipicolylamine (DPA) scaffold. This chemical strategy aimed to selectively inhibit tumor-associated CAs IX/XII through coumarin- or DPA-mediated recognition, while terpenoid fragments were introduced to enhance lipophilicity, membrane permeability, and potential redox-modulating properties. The compounds were tested by a Stopped-Flow assay for CA inhibition, in cell-based assays for antiproliferative properties and by means of several antioxidant assays. Results: The most active compounds, connecting the coumarin core to a terpenoid tail, inhibited the targeted CAs in the nanomolar range, showing up higher selectivity over off-target isoforms (I and II). In studies performed on MM cell lines, selected derivatives reduced viability (IC₅₀ = 15.8–85.4 µM) and displayed favorable selectivity over normal cells. In silico investigations suggested that the compounds were able to interact selectively with the target enzymes. Conclusions: Collectively, these results support a dual-targeting strategy in which selective inhibition of tumor-associated CAs, combined with redox modulation, interferes with adaptive mechanisms of MM cells, providing a rational framework for the development of multifunctional agents against metabolically resilient hematological malignancies. Full article

Concurrent alcohol and cannabis use (“crossfading”) is increasingly prevalent, especially among adolescents, yet its toxicological impact on pulmonary innate immunity remains largely unexplored. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) orchestrate inflammatory responses in the lung, and dysregulated macrophage polarization is a hallmark of alcohol-associated lung disease. Although alcohol and cannabinoids individually modulate immune function, the mechanisms by which their co-exposure alters macrophage activation and inflammatory signaling in the lung are largely unknown. AMs are highly sensitive to xenobiotic exposure and play a central role in regulating inflammatory and cytotoxic responses. In this study, we investigated how acute ethanol exposure, synthetic cannabinoid exposure, and their combined exposure affect macrophage viability, polarization, and the release of inflammatory mediators via cannabinoid receptor (CB1R/CB2R)-dependent pathways. Human THP-1-derived macrophages and KG-1 macrophage-like cells were exposed to ethanol, the CB1/CB2 agonist WIN 55,212-2, or both, with selective pharmacological antagonism of CB1R and CB2R. Ethanol exposure activated and polarized macrophages toward a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype, accompanied by increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines MCP-1, TGF-α, IFN-β, IL-6, and TNF-α. In contrast, WIN 55,212-2 promoted anti-inflammatory M2 polarization and increased IL-10 and IL-4 production. Notably, co-exposure to ethanol and WIN produced an antagonistic immunomodulatory response, characterized by the suppression of ethanol-induced M1 polarization and attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Mechanistically, pharmacological CB1R blockade reduced ethanol-induced M1 polarization and cytokine secretion, whereas CB2R blockade exacerbated these effects, underscoring divergent roles for cannabinoid receptors in regulating pulmonary macrophage responses. This study provides novel findings demonstrating the mechanism by which alcohol–cannabinoid co-use reshapes macrophage immune phenotypes and identifies the endocannabinoid system as a potential therapeutic target for alcohol-related inflammatory lung disease. Full article

The fabrication of complex architectures remains a central challenge in 3D bioprinting, as the low mechanical properties of hydrogels limit the range of achievable geometries. Four-dimensional (4D) bioprinting can address these limitations by enabling programmed shape-morphing behavior; however, in most approaches, this functionality is introduced after hydrogel formation, limiting the complexity of the resulting deformation. Here, a proof-of-concept strategy is presented, in which shape-morphing is directly encoded during fabrication. By modulating light exposure time layer-by-layer in vat photopolymerization, spatial variations in crosslinking density are introduced in situ within Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel constructs. Exposure times in the range of 20–70 s were investigated, enabling controlled bending of the printed structures upon immersion in aqueous media, with radii of curvature between 11 and 20 mm depending on the geometry. This approach allows deformation pathways to be programmed during printing, without requiring additional materials or post-processing steps. The morphing behavior was further supported by finite element simulations, which reproduced the experimentally observed deformation and enabled prediction of the shape change. In addition, high cell viability (>95%) was maintained after material contact and UV exposure. Overall, this study demonstrates that swelling-driven actuation can be encoded during fabrication. Although demonstrated on simplified geometries, this approach provides a versatile framework for process-driven shape-morphing and represents a step toward more spatially resolved and potentially volumetric 4D bioprinting strategies. Full article

Colletotrichum species are among the most destructive phytopathogens worldwide, with appressorium-mediated penetration representing a critical stage in host infection. Targeting this morphogenetic transition offers a promising strategy for sustainable disease control by interfering with the infection process rather than solely inhibiting fungal growth. In this study, chitosan–κ-carrageenan nanoparticles (CS–κ-CRG) without and with lysozyme (CS–κ-CRG/Lz) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their ability to inhibit appressorium formation in Colletotrichum siamense, a strain exhibiting low sensitivity to chitosan. The nanoparticles showed monodisperse size distributions, with hydrodynamic diameters of 503 and 333 nm for CS–κ-CRG and CS–κ-CRG/Lz, respectively, positive surface charges of approximately +26 mV, spherical morphology, and a lysozyme encapsulation efficiency of 63%. Both formulations significantly reduced conidial viability and delayed germination, inducing morphological alterations such as conidial swelling, hyphal deformation, and vacuolization. Fluorescence microscopy using calcofluor white and propidium iodide revealed disturbances in cell wall organization and loss of membrane integrity. Both nanomaterials markedly affected appressorium development in a concentration- and formulation-dependent manner. Notably, CS–κ-CRG/Lz showed stronger suppression of appressorium formation, whereas at 200 µg·mL⁻¹, CS–κ-CRG nanoparticles stimulated appressorium formation, suggesting that sublethal nanoparticle stress may trigger compensatory or hyper-pathogenic responses. These findings highlight the potential and complexity of utilizing chitosan-based nanomaterials for phytopathogen management and emphasize the importance of mechanistic and dose–response evaluations before field application. Full article

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality due to its localization and often locally invasive growth. Current treatment options for GBM are limited, with conventional therapies achieving a median survival of only 15 months. Mechanotherapy has been proposed as a new therapeutic strategy in oncology. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), a form of mechanotherapy, has demonstrated inhibitory effects on GBM. However, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of LIFU on GBM and investigate its mechanisms of action. Methods: Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated using cell counting kit-8, EdU and colony formation assays, while the effects of LIFU on GBM cell apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Transcriptome sequencing, immunofluorescence, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of LIFU on GBM. The therapeutic efficacy of LIFU was further validated in a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model, in which tumor size, survival rate and immunohistochemical changes were monitored. Results: The results of the present study demonstrated that LIFU exerts anti-GBM effects by activating Piezo1 and modulating the downstream ATF3/PPP1r15a pathway to regulate apoptosis. LIFU therapy holds promise as a new treatment strategy for GBM, with the potential to improve patient prognosis. Conclusions: LIFU suppresses GBM progression through the Piezo1/ATF3/PPP1r15a axis by activating endoplasmic reticulum stress. Full article

Separating plasma from small-volume blood samples is important for rapid blood analysis in point-of-care testing. Microfluidic approaches provide flexible platforms for plasma extraction, but many methods either require complex pretreatment or rely on sheath-assisted or multi-step operations. In this study, we present an acoustofluidic platform that enables sheath-free three-dimensional (3D) focusing of blood cells and downstream plasma extraction in an integrated microchip. The device employs symmetric cavity-trapped bubbles to generate acoustic streaming under acoustic excitation, thereby reconstructing the local flow field and driving suspended cells toward a stable central region of the channel. Based on this mechanism, blood cells are concentrated toward the middle outlet, while plasma is collected from the two side outlets. The device remains operable over a range of inflow conditions through acoustic-voltage adjustment. Using diluted simulated blood samples, the platform achieved a plasma recovery of approximately 71% and a plasma purity of approximately 99%. In addition, cell-viability tests indicated good biocompatibility under the tested operating conditions. Owing to its simple structure, integrated design, and sheath-free operation, this platform shows potential for future miniaturized sample-preparation applications. However, further validation using real whole blood and clinically relevant plasma-quality metrics will be required in future studies. Full article

Cell encapsulation within semipermeable membranes is a promising strategy for protecting transplanted cells from host immune responses, while permitting the diffusion of nutrients and therapeutic molecules. Although alginate-based microcapsules are commonly used, ionically crosslinked capsules often exhibit limited structural stability and tunability in terms of membrane permeability. In this study, we developed covalently stabilized microcapsules. Alginate microgel beads were first prepared as sacrificial templates and subsequently coated with phenol-modified chitosan and hyaluronic acid (Chitosan–Ph and HA-Ph) via layer-by-layer assembly. The multilayer membrane was then covalently stabilized through horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated oxidative coupling of phenol groups, followed by liquefaction of the alginate core. The crosslinked microcapsules maintained structural integrity after liquefaction, while markedly reducing γ-globulin permeation under in vitro conditions and preserving β-cell viability and glucose responsiveness. The findings of this study demonstrate the feasibility of this system as an in vitro platform for stable cell encapsulation, with potential relevance to cell therapy. Full article

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), a class of secondary metabolites characterized by a cyclohexenone or cyclohexenimine ring structure bound to amino acid residues, are widely distributed in algae. These compounds exhibit strong ultraviolet-absorbing and antioxidant activities, making them attractive candidates for natural sunscreen formulations. However, the low productivity of MAAs in microalgae severely hampers commercial viability. Asterarcys sp., a fast-growing, heat- and light-tolerant microalga, has recently been demonstrated to produce high levels of MAAs under UV irradiation. In this study, phosphorus limitation was found to stimulate rapid MAAs accumulation in Asterarcys sp. SCSIO-46548. After eight days of cultivation, microalgal cells grown in phosphorus-free medium (0 mg L⁻¹) showed a sixfold higher MAAs content (1.08% DW) compared to the group supplied with 5.60 mg L⁻¹ phosphorus (0.18% DW). However, the accumulation of MAAs began to plateau under phosphorus deprivation. Based on integrated homology alignment with cyanobacteria and functional domain validation, a putative biosynthetic pathway for mycosporine-serine in Asterarcys sp. SCSIO-46548 was proposed. Importantly, the gene expression of desmethyl-4-deoxygadusol synthase (DDGS) exhibited a 2.75-fold upregulation under phosphorus limitation. Complementary bioinformatic analyses further characterized the subcellular localization and major physicochemical properties of the candidate enzymes involved. In conclusion, phosphorus limitation is an effective strategy to enhance MAAs production in Asterarcys sp. SCSIO-46548 by upregulating the expression of key biosynthetic genes, such as DDGS. This finding provides an effective solution to the low MAAs productivity in microalgae cultivation. Full article