Search Results (1,534)

Superhydrophobic magnetic nanomaterials (SHMNMs) are emerging as multifunctional platforms for efficient oil–water separation due to their combination of extreme water repellency, strong oil affinity, and external magnetic responsiveness. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in the design, synthesis, and environmental application of SHMNMs. The theoretical foundations of superhydrophobicity and the physicochemical behavior of magnetic nanoparticles are first outlined, followed by discussion of their synergistic integration. Key fabrication techniques—such as sol–gel synthesis, electrospinning, dip-coating, laser-assisted processing, and the use of biomass-derived precursors—are critically assessed in terms of their ability to tailor surface morphology, chemical functionality, and long-term durability. The review further explores the mechanisms of oil adsorption, magnetic separation, and material reusability under realistic environmental conditions. Special attention is paid to the scalability, mechanical resilience, and environmental compatibility of SHMNMs in the context of water treatment technologies. Current limitations, including reduced efficiency in harsh media, potential environmental risks, and challenges in material regeneration, are discussed. This work provides a structured overview that could support the rational development of next-generation superhydrophobic materials tailored for sustainable and high-performance separation of oil and organic pollutants from water. Full article

An advanced alkali-acid (NaOH-HCl) chemical method was used to deash aluminum-rich coals (ARCs) with a high ash content of 27.47 wt% to achieve a low ash content of 0.46 wt%. In the deashing process, aluminum in the coal ashes was dissolved in both alkali solutions and acid solutions. The deashing alkali solutions with dissolved coal ashes were regenerated by adding CaO, and the resulting precipitates were added with sodium bicarbonate for aluminum extraction. High temperatures increased aluminum extraction, and excessive sodium bicarbonate addition decreased aluminum extraction. The deashing acid solutions were concentrated by evaporation, and silica gels formed during the process. The obtained mixtures were calcinated at 350 °C for the decomposition of aluminum chlorides, and soaked with water at 60 °C to remove the soluble chlorides. For the insoluble oxides after soaking, diluted alkali solutions were used to extract the aluminum at 90 °C, and aluminum extraction failed due to the formation of albite in the presence of sodium, aluminum and silicon elements as proved by XRD and SEM/EDS. When silica gels were separated by pressure filtering, aluminum extraction greatly increased. Aluminum extractions were accordingly made in the form of sodium aluminate from the deashing solutions of coals, which could be advantageous for sandy alumina production. Full article

This work demonstrates the potential of polydimethylsiloxane sponges for removing organic UV filter compounds such as octinoxate from aqueous solutions. The sponges were fabricated using simple templates made of hydrophilic fused or pressed particles (sugar or NaCl salt) with an approximate particle size of 0.4 mm. Among the prepared sponges, those templated with sugar cubes or coarse salt exhibited the highest adsorption capacity, effectively adsorbing up to 0.6% of their own mass in octinoxate. The PDMS sponges were fully regenerable, allowing for the complete removal of octinoxate without any detectable changes in their adsorption properties or dry weight. Due to their simple fabrication, ease of handling, ability to float, and reusability, PDMS sponges present an environmentally friendly and low-maintenance alternative to conventional filtration systems for the removal of octinoxate and potentially other UV filter compounds from environmental surface waters and recreational water bodies. Full article

Carbon (C) sequestration and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) accumulation in urban forest green spaces are significant for global climate regulation and alleviating nutrient pollution. However, the effects of management and conservation practices across different urban forest vegetation types on soil C, N, and P contents and stoichiometric ratios remain largely unexplored. We selected forest soils from Guangzhou, a major Metropolis in China, as our study area. Soil samples were collected from two urban secondary forests that naturally regenerated after disturbance (108 samples) and six urban forest parks primarily composed of artificially planted woody plant communities (72 samples). We employed mixed linear models and variance partitioning to analyze and compare soil C, N, and P contents and their stoichiometry and its main driving factors beneath suburban forests and urban park vegetation. These results exhibited that soil pH and bulk density in urban parks were higher than those in suburban forests, whereas soil water content, maximum storage capacity, and capillary porosity were higher in urban forests than in urban parks. Soil C, N, and P contents and their stoichiometry (except for N:P ratio) were significantly higher in suburban forests than in urban parks. Multiple analyzes showed that soil pH had the most pronounced negative influence on soil C, N, C:N, C:P, and N:P, but the strongest positive influence on soil P in urban parks. Soil water content had the strongest positive effect on soil C, N, P, C:N, and C:P, while soil N:P was primarily influenced by the positive effect of soil non-capillary porosity in suburban forests. Overall, our study emphasizes that suburban forests outperform urban parks in terms of carbon and nutrient accumulation, and urban green space management should focus particularly on the impact of soil pH and moisture content on soil C, N, and P contents and their stoichiometry. Full article

The incorporation of residues into rubber composites has gained attention as a sustainable strategy to address waste management challenges while replacing commercial fillers. In this study, we investigated the potential use of water filter cartridge residue after exhaustion, composed of activated carbon, as a reinforcing filler in vulcanized natural rubber composites. Samples were prepared with 5, 10, 15, and 20 phr (per hundred rubber) of residue and compared to unfilled natural rubber. Stress vs. strain tests reached 13.9 MPa of tension at rupture for composites containing 10 phr of carbon-activated residues, representing a 21.9% increase compared to natural rubber. Interestingly, the tension at rupture for NR/AC_10phr reached values close to those of NR/CB_5phr (with carbon black N330) attaining 14.4 MPa. These results indicate that, even at relatively low concentrations, the carbon filter can offer partial substitution for commercial fillers. Moreover, the use of activated carbon from filter cartridges as filler in rubber composites provides an environmentally favorable alternative to energy-intensive regeneration processes for activated carbon. Full article

Heavy metal contamination in natural waters and soils poses a significant environmental challenge, necessitating efficient and sustainable water treatment solutions. This study presents the computational design of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films functionalized with iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles (NPs) for enhanced water purification applications. Composite materials containing 5%, 10%, and 15% were synthesized and characterized in terms of adsorption efficiency, surface morphology, and reusability. Advanced molecular modeling using BIOVIA Pipeline was employed to investigate charge distribution, functional group behaviour, and atomic-scale interactions between polymer chains and metal ions. The computational results revealed structure–property relationships crucial for optimizing adsorption performance and understanding geochemically driven interaction mechanisms. The LDPE/Fe₃O₄ composites demonstrated significant removal efficiency of Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions, along with favourable mechanical properties and regeneration potential. These findings highlight the synergistic role of mineral–polymer interfaces in water remediation, presenting a scalable approach to designing multifunctional polymeric materials for environmental applications. This study contributes to the growing field of polymer-based adsorbents, reinforcing their value in sustainable water treatment technologies and environmental protection efforts. Full article

According to the World Health Organization, musculoskeletal injuries affect more than 1.71 billion people around the world. These injuries are a major public health issue and the leading cause of disability. There has been a recent interest in hydrogels as a potential biomaterial for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. This is due to their high water content (70–99%), ECM-like structure, injectability, and controllable degradation rates. Recent preclinical studies indicate that they can enhance regeneration by modulating the release of bioactive compounds, growth factors, and stem cells. Composite hydrogels that combine natural and synthetic polymers, like chitosan and collagen, have compressive moduli that are advantageous for tendon–bone healing. Some of these hydrogels can even hold up to 0.8 MPa of tensile strength. In osteoarthritis models, functionalized systems such as microspheres responsive to matrix metalloproteinase-13 have demonstrated disease modulation and targeted drug delivery, while intelligent in situ hydrogels have exhibited a 43% increase in neovascularization and a 50% enhancement in myotube production. Hydrogel-based therapies have been shown to restore contractile force by as much as 80%, increase myofiber density by 65%, and boost ALP activity in bone defects by 2.1 times in volumetric muscle loss (VML) models. Adding TGF-β3 or MSCs to hydrogel systems improved GAG content by about 60%, collagen II expression by 35–50%, and O’Driscoll scores by 35–50% in cartilage regeneration. Full article

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), especially iron oxide (Fe₃O₄), display distinctive superparamagnetic characteristics and elevated surface-area-to-volume ratios, facilitating improved physicochemical interactions with solutes and pollutants. These characteristics make MNPs strong contenders for use in water treatment applications. This research investigates the application of iron oxide MNPs synthesized via co-precipitation as innovative draw solutes in forward osmosis (FO) for treating synthetic produced water (SPW). The FO membrane underwent surface modification with sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), a zwitterionic polymer, to increase hydrophilicity, minimize fouling, and elevate water flux. The SBMA functional groups aid in electrostatic repulsion of organic and inorganic contaminants, simultaneously encouraging robust hydration layers that improve water permeability. This adjustment is vital for sustaining consistent flux performance while functioning with MNP-based draw solutions. Material analysis through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified the MNPs’ thermal stability, consistent morphology, and modified surface chemistry. The FO experiments showed a distinct relationship between MNP concentration and osmotic efficiency. At an MNP dosage of 10 g/L, the peak real-time flux was observed at around 3.5–4.0 L/m²·h. After magnetic regeneration, 7.8 g of retrieved MNPs generated a steady flow of ~2.8 L/m²·h, whereas a subsequent regeneration (4.06 g) resulted in ~1.5 L/m²·h, demonstrating partial preservation of osmotic driving capability. Post-FO draw solutions, after filtration, exhibited total dissolved solids (TDS) measurements that varied from 2.5 mg/L (0 g/L MNP) to 227.1 mg/L (10 g/L MNP), further validating the effective dispersion and solute contribution of MNPs. The TDS of regenerated MNP solutions stayed similar to that of their fresh versions, indicating minimal loss of solute activity during the recycling process. The combined synergistic application of SBMA-modified FO membranes and regenerable MNP draw solutes showcases an effective and sustainable method for treating produced water, providing excellent water recovery, consistent operational stability, and opportunities for cyclic reuse. Full article

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (P204) is widely used in extraction processes in the nuclear and rare earth industries. However, its high solubility in water results in high levels of total organic carbon and phosphorus in aqueous environments, and may also lead to radioactive contamination when it is used to combine with radionuclides. In this paper, we characterized a coconut shell activated carbon (CSAC) and a coal-based activated carbon (CBAC) for the adsorption of P204 and then evaluated their adsorption performance through batch and column experiments. The results found that, except for the main carbon matrix, CSAC and CBAC carried rich oxygen-containing functional groups and a small amount of inorganic substances. Both adsorbents had porous structures with pore diameters less than 4 nm. CSAC and CBAC showed good removal performance for P204 under low pH conditions, with removal efficiencies significantly higher than those of commonly used adsorption resins (XAD-4 and IRA900). The adsorption kinetics of P204 conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the adsorption isotherms conformed to the Langmuir model, indicating a monolayer chemical reaction mechanism. Both adsorbents exhibited strong anti-interference capabilities; their adsorption performance for P204 did not change greatly with the ambient temperature or the concentrations of common interfering ions. Column experiments demonstrated that CSAC could effectively fix dissolved P204 with a removal efficiency exceeding 90%. The fixed P204 could be desorbed with acetone. The findings provide an effective method for the recovery of P204 and the regeneration of spent activated carbon, which shows promise for practical applications in the future. Full article

A facile method was adopted to fabricate β-C₃N₄, and it was then doped with manganese and tellurium to obtain novel 10%MnTeO₃@β-C₃N₄ (10%MnTe@β) and 20%MnTeO₃@β-C₃N₄ (20%MnTe@β) nanohybrids. The β-C₃N₄, 10%MnTe@β, and 20%MnTe@β showed surface areas of 85.86, 97.40, and 109.54 m² g⁻¹, respectively. Using ciprofloxacin (CIP) as a pollutant example, 10%MnTe@β and 20%MnTe@β attained equilibrium at 60 and 45 min with q_t values of 48.88 and 77.41 mg g⁻¹, respectively, and both performed better at pH = 6.0. The kinetic studies revealed a better agreement with the pseudo-second-order model for CIP sorption on 10%MnTe@β and 20%MnTe@β, indicating that the sorption was controlled by a liquid film mechanism, which suggests a high affinity of CIP toward 10%MnTe@β and 20%MnTe@β. The sorption equilibria outputs indicated better alignment with the Freundlich and Langmuir models for CIP removal by 10%MnTe@β and 20%MnTe@β, respectively. The thermodynamic analysis revealed that CIP removal by 10%MnTe@β and 20%MnTe@β was exothermic, which turned more spontaneous as the temperature decreased. Applying 20%MnTe@β as the best sorbent to groundwater and seawater spiked with CIP resulted in average efficiencies of 94.8% and 91.08%, respectively. The 20%MnTe@β regeneration–reusability average efficiency was 95.14% within four cycles, which might nominate 20%MnTe@β as an efficient and economically viable sorbent for remediating CIP-contaminated water. Full article

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) treatments can enhance the structure and performance of regenerated cellulose fibers. This study investigates the effects of CNF treatment on the mechanical properties, water absorption behavior, and humidity dependence of regenerated cellulose fibers. Tensile testing demonstrated that CNF-treated fibers exhibit improved elasticity and reduced swelling in aqueous environments. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the adsorption of CNF components onto the fiber surfaces. Microbeam X-ray diffraction indicated structural differences between untreated and CNF-treated fibers, with the latter containing cellulose I crystals. Small-angle X-ray scattering revealed alterations in the internal fibrillar structure due to CNF treatment. FT-IR spectroscopy highlighted humidity-dependent variations in molecular vibrations, with peak intensities increasing under higher humidity conditions. Additionally, CNF treatment inhibited water absorption in high-humidity conditions, contributing to reduced expansion rates and increased elastic modulus during water absorption. Overall, CNF treatment enhanced both the mechanical strength and water resistance of regenerated cellulose fibers, making them suitable for advanced textile applications. This study provides valuable insights into the role of CNF-treated fibers in improving the durability and functional performance of regenerated cellulose-based textile. Full article

In sorption cooling systems, an important stage of the thermodynamic cycle is the separation of the refrigerant fluid from the absorbent mixture. This process is called “regeneration” or “desorption,” and it is similar to thermal desalination, where water is separated from an aqueous saline solution. However, since sorption systems utilize high salt concentration solutions, conventional desalination techniques such as reverse osmosis are not suitable. In this regard, membrane devices can enhance heat and mass transfer processes in compact sizes. In the present paper, a membrane device with an air gap membrane distillation configuration was evaluated, operating with the H₂O/LiBr + LiCl solution (with a mass ratio of 2:1, LiBr:LiCl), to assess the produced distilled water flux. Among the operating parameters analyzed (solution temperature, cooling water temperature, salt concentration, and membrane pore size), solution temperature had the highest impact on the distilled water flux, while the membrane pore size had the lowest impact. The maximum distilled water flux was 7.63 kg/h·m² with a solution temperature of 95.3 °C, a cooling water temperature of 25.1 °C, a salt concentration of 44.99% w/w, and a membrane pore size of 0.45 μm. On the other hand, the minimum distilled water flux was 0.28 kg/h·m² with a solution temperature of 80.3 °C, a cooling water temperature of 40.1 °C, a salt concentration of 50.05% w/w, and with a membrane pore size of 0.22 μm. Full article

Since the mid-19th century, researchers have explored the potential of bio-based polymeric materials for diverse applications, with particular promise in medicine. This review provides a focused and detailed examination of natural and synthetic biopolymers relevant to tissue engineering and biomedical applications. It emphasizes the structural diversity, functional characteristics, and processing strategies of major classes of biopolymers, including polysaccharides (e.g., hyaluronic acid, alginate, chitosan, bacterial cellulose) and proteins (e.g., collagen, silk fibroin, albumin), as well as synthetic biodegradable polymers such as polycaprolactone, polylactic acid, and polyhydroxybutyrate. The central aim of this manuscript is to elucidate how intrinsic properties—such as molecular weight, crystallinity, water retention, and bioactivity—affect the performance of biopolymers in biomedical contexts, particularly in drug delivery, wound healing, and scaffold-based tissue regeneration. This review also highlights recent advancements in polymer functionalization, composite formation, and fabrication techniques (e.g., electrospinning, bioprinting), which have expanded the application potential of these materials. By offering a comparative analysis of structure–property–function relationships across a diverse range of biopolymers, this review provides a comprehensive reference for selecting and engineering materials tailored to specific biomedical challenges. It also identifies key limitations, such as production scalability and mechanical performance, and suggests future directions for developing clinically viable and environmentally sustainable biomaterial platforms. Full article

Hydrogels have emerged as multifunctional biomaterials in cardiac surgery, offering promising solutions for myocardial regeneration, adhesion prevention, valve engineering, and localized drug and gene delivery. Their high water content, biocompatibility, and mechanical tunability enable close emulation of the cardiac extracellular matrix, supporting cellular viability and integration under dynamic physiological conditions. In myocardial repair, injectable and patch-forming hydrogels have been shown to be effective in reducing infarct size, promoting angiogenesis, and preserving contractile function. Hydrogel coatings and films have been designed as adhesion barriers to minimize pericardial adhesions after cardiotomy and improve reoperative safety. In heart valve and patch engineering, hydrogels contribute to scaffold design by providing bio-instructive, mechanically resilient, and printable matrices that are compatible with 3D fabrication. Furthermore, hydrogels serve as localized delivery platforms for small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids, enabling sustained or stimuli-responsive release while minimizing systemic toxicity. Despite these advances, challenges such as mechanical durability, immune compatibility, and translational scalability persist. Ongoing innovations in smart polymer chemistry, hybrid composite design, and patient-specific manufacturing are addressing these limitations. This review aims to provide an integrated perspective on the application of hydrogels in cardiac surgery. The relevant literature was identified through a narrative search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Taken together, hydrogels offer a uniquely versatile and clinically translatable platform for addressing the multifaceted challenges of cardiac surgery. Hydrogels are poised to redefine clinical strategies in cardiac surgery by enabling tailored, bioresponsive, and functionally integrated therapies. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation drives skin photodamage, prompting exploration of natural therapeutics. This study investigated the reparative effects and mechanisms of crude Gastrodia elata polysaccharides (GP) on UVB-induced acute skin damage. GP was extracted from fresh G. elata via water extraction and alcohol precipitation. It is a homogeneous polysaccharide with a weight-average molecular weight of 808.863 kDa, comprising Ara, Glc, Fru, and GalA. Histopathological analysis revealed that topical application of GP on the dorsal skin of mice effectively restored normal physiological structure, suppressing epidermal hyperplasia and collagen degradation. Biochemical assays showed that GP significantly reduced the activities of MPO and MDA following UVB exposure while restoring the enzymatic activities of SOD and GSH, thereby mitigating oxidative stress. Moreover, GP treatment markedly upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-10 and downregulated the pro-inflammatory mediators IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, suggesting robust anti-inflammatory effects. Transcriptomics revealed dual-phase mechanisms: Early repair (day 5) involved GP-mediated suppression of hyper inflammation and accelerated necrotic tissue clearance via pathway network modulation. Late phase (day 18) featured enhanced anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue regeneration processes through energy-sufficient, low-inflammatory pathway networks. Through a synergistic response involving antioxidation, anti-inflammation, promotion of collagen synthesis, and acceleration of skin barrier repair, GP achieves comprehensive repair of UVB-induced acute skin damage. Our findings not only establish GP as a potent natural alternative to synthetic photoprotective agents but also reveal novel pathway network interactions governing polysaccharide-mediated skin regeneration. Full article