Development of smart adhesive using lanthanide-doped phosphor and carboxymethyl cellulose-reinforced gum Arabic

Smart polymer glue with photoluminescence and water-repellent properties was developed. The luminescent adhesive continues emitting light for up to 120 min after turning the excitation source off. Nanoparticles of lanthanide strontium aluminum oxide (LSAO) (8-13 nm) were consistently immobilized into carboxymethyl cellulose-reinforced gum Arabic (CMC/GA) adhesive. Using various concentrations of LSAO, the generated adhesives showed emission intensity at 519 nm and an excitation band at 365 nm. Depending on LSAO content, both of afterglow and fluorescence emission were monitored. Photochromism was detected as the transparent adhesive film changes color to green under ultraviolet irradiation. A greenish-yellow lightening in a darkened place was also observed. The nanocomposite resistance to scratches and hydrophobicity were found to enhance as the LSAO content was increased in the carboxymethyl cellulose-reinforced gum Arabic matrix. The LSAO@CMC/GA nanocomposite showed high durability and photostability. The present strategy proved the viability of a potential mass production toward photoluminescent adhesives for various smart applications, such as smart packaging, anti-counterfeiting printing, smart windows, and safety signs.

Identification and evaluation of Escherichia coli strain ATCC 8739 as a surrogate for thermal inactivation of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in fruit nectars: Impact of applied techniques on the decimal reduction time

The objective of this study was to identify a suitable surrogate for E. coli O157:H7 strain 19685/91 and O113:H21 strain TS18/08, by assessing their thermal resistance at temperatures of 60 °C, 65 °C, and 72 °C in strawberry nectar. The influence of the matrix and the research methodology on the decimal reduction time (D-value) was investigated. Thermal kinetics and safety assessment demonstrated that E. coli ATCC 8739 is a suitable surrogate. The study demonstrated that the presence of fruit particles in the nectar increased thermal resistance of the tested strains. Variations in D-values were observed depending on the research method employed, with D-values in glass capillaries were up to 6.6 times lower compared to larger sample volumes. Encapsulation of E. coli ATCC 8739 exhibited high efficiency of 90.25 ± 0.26% and maintained stable viable counts after 26 days of storage in strawberry nectar at 4 °C. There were no significant differences in thermal resistance between surrogates directly inoculated into strawberry nectar and those encapsulated in alginate beads. Additionally, the encapsulated strains did not migrate outside the beads. Therefore, encapsulated E. coli ATCC 8739 in alginate beads can be effectively utilized in industrial settings to validate thermal treatments as a reliable and safe method.

Photo-crosslinked chitosan-gelatin xerogel-like coating onto "cold" plasma functionalized poly(lactic acid) film as cell culture support

This paper reports on biofunctionalisation of a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) film by surface activation through cold plasma treatment followed by coating with a chitosan-gelatin xerogel. The UV cross-linking of the xerogel precursor was simultaneously performed with the fixation onto the PLA support. This has a strong effect on surface properties, in terms of wettability, surface free energy, morphology and micromechanical features. The hydrophilic - hydrophobic character of the surface, determined by contact angle measurements, was tuned along the process, passing from moderate hydrophobic PLA to enhanced hydrophilic plasma activated surface, which favors coating adhesion, then to moderate hydrophobic chitosan-gelatin coating. The coating has a Lewis amphoteric surface, with a porous xerogel-like morphology, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy images. By riboflavin mediated UV cross-linking the chitosan-gelatin coating becomes high adhesive and with a more pronounced plasticity, as shown by AFM force-distance spectroscopy. Thus prepared surface-coated PLA supports were successfully tested for growth of dermal fibroblasts, which are known for their induction potential of chondrogenic cells, which is very important in cartilage tissue engineering.

Deep eutectic solvent for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic compounds in fuel, food and environmental samples

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) encompass a wide variety of organic analytes that have mutagenic and carcinogenic potentials for human health and are recalcitrant in the environment. Evaluating PACs levels in fuel (e.g., gasoline and diesel), food (e.g., grilled meat, fish, powdered milk, fruits, honey, and coffee) and environmental (e.g., industrial effluents, water, wastewater and marine organisms) samples are critical to determine the risk that these chemicals pose. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) have garnered significant attention in recent years as a green alternative to traditional organic solvents employed in sample preparation. DES are biodegradable, have low toxicities, ease of synthesis, low cost, and a remarkable ability to extract PACs. However, no comprehensive assessment of the use of DESs for extracting PACs from fuel, food and environmental samples has been performed. This review focused on research involving the utilization of DESs to extract PACs in matrices such as PAHs in environmental samples, NSO-HET in fuels, and bisphenols in foods. Chromatographic methods, such as gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were also revised, considering the sensibility to quantify these compound types. In addition, the characteristics of DES and advantages and limitations for PACs in the context of green analytical chemistry principles (GAC) and green profile based on metrics provide perspective and directions for future development.

Unlocking nature's arsenal: Nanotechnology for targeted delivery of venom toxins in cancer therapy

AIM

The aim of the present review is to shed light on the nanotechnological approaches adopted to overcome the shortcomings associated with the delivery of venom peptides which possess inherent anti-cancer properties.

BACKGROUND

Venom peptides although have been reported to demonstrate anti-cancer effects, they suffer from several disadvantages such as in vivo instability, off-target adverse effects, limited drug loading and low bioavailability. This review presents a comprehensive compilation of different classes of nanocarriers while underscoring their advantages, disadvantages and potential to carry such peptide molecules for in vivo delivery. It also discusses various nanotechnological aspects such as methods of fabrication, analytical tools to assess these nanoparticulate formulations, modulation of nanocarrier polymer properties to enhance loading capacity, stability and improve their suitability to carry toxic peptide drugs.

CONCLUSION

Nanotechnological approaches bear great potential in delivering venom peptide-based molecules as anticancer agents by enhancing their bioavailability, stability, efficacy as well as offering a spatiotemporal delivery approach. However, the challenges associated with toxicity and biocompatibility of nanocarriers must be duly addressed.

PERSPECTIVES

The everlasting quest for new breakthroughs for safer delivery of venom peptides in human subjects is fuelled by unmet clinical needs in the current landscape of chemotherapy. In addition, exhaustive efforts are required in obtaining and purifying the venom peptides followed by designing and optimizing scale up technologies.

mSLAb - An open-source masked stereolithography (mSLA) bioprinter

3D bioprinting is a tissue engineering approach using additive manufacturing to fabricate tissue equivalents for regenerative medicine or medical drug testing. For this purpose, biomaterials that provide the essential microenvironment to support the viability of cells integrated directly or seeded after printing are processed into three-dimensional (3D) structures. Compared to extrusion-based 3D printing, which is most commonly used in bioprinting, stereolithography (SLA) offers a higher printing resolution and faster processing speeds with a wide range of cell-friendly materials such as gelatin- or collagen-based hydrogels and SLA is, therefore, well suited to generate 3D tissue constructs. While there have been numerous publications of conversions and upgrades for extrusion-based printers, this is not the case for state-of-the-art SLA technology in bioprinting. The high cost of proprietary printers severely limits teaching and research in SLA bioprinting. With mSLAb, we present a low-cost and open-source high-resolution 3D bioprinter based on masked SLA (mSLA). mSLAb is based on an entry-level (€350) desktop mSLA printer (Phrozen Sonic Mini 4 K), equipped with temperature control and humidification of the printing chamber to enable the processing of cell-friendly hydrogels. Additionally, the build platform was redesigned for easy sample handling and microscopic analysis of the printed constructs. All modifications were done with off-the-shelf hardware and in-house designed 3D printed components, printed with the same printer that was being modified. We validated the system by printing macroscopic porous scaffolds as well as hollow channels from gelatin-based hydrogels as representative structures needed in tissue engineering.

Inside of the burst-phase intermediate of a protein folding. Hydration of hydrophobic groups

The thermal effect of the formation of the "burst-phase" folding intermediate has been studied using a titration calorimeter. It is shown that, unlike the total thermal effect of native structure formation, it can be both positive and negative depending on the temperature. The reasons for this paradoxical behavior are analyzed. A conclusion is drawn about the leading role of dehydration of non-polar groups in the first stage of folding.

Combined role of stearic acid and maleic anhydride in the development of thermoplastic starch-based materials with ultrahigh ductility and durability

The diverse properties reported for starch-based materials indicate their potential for use in the preparation of biodegradable flexible actuators. However, their natural brittleness and lack of durability after modification limit their practical application. Therefore, we propose a strategy for preparing flexible starch-based composites. The results of macro/micro property characterizations and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that using starch, maleic anhydride, and stearic acid (SA), the mobility of the starch chains was enhanced and retrogradation was inhibited through the synergistic effects induced by chain breaking, complex formation with SA, and esterification of the starch molecules. In addition, the elongation at break of the modified starch (MS) reached 2070 %, and considerable ductility (>1000 %) as well as well-complexed structure were maintained after six months. Furthermore, the MS was able to undergo self-healing after fracture or a temperature-controlled stiffness transition. Moreover, it underwent complete degradation in soil within 30 d. Finally, an actuator was prepared by doping the MS with nano-Fe3O4 particles to realize a dual magnetic and optical response. Dynamic monitoring was also achieved based on the electrical signal, thereby demonstrating the broad application scope of this material in the development of biodegradable flexible actuators.

Clinical translation of polycaprolactone-based tissue engineering scaffolds, fabricated via additive manufacturing: A review of their craniofacial applications

The craniofacial region is characterized by its intricate bony anatomy and exposure to heightened functional forces presenting a unique challenge for reconstruction. Additive manufacturing has revolutionized the creation of customized scaffolds with interconnected pores and biomimetic microarchitecture, offering precise adaptation to various craniofacial defects. Within this domain, medical-grade poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) has been extensively used for the fabrication of 3D printed scaffolds, specifically tailored for bone regeneration. Its adoption for load-bearing applications was driven mainly by its mechanical properties, adjustable biodegradation rates, and high biocompatibility. The present review aims to consolidating current insights into the clinical translation of PCL-based constructs designed for bone regeneration. It encompasses recent advances in enhancing the mechanical properties and augmenting biodegradation rates of PCL and PCL-based composite scaffolds. Moreover, it delves into various strategies improving cell proliferation and the osteogenic potential of PCL-based materials. These strategies provide insight into the refinement of scaffold microarchitecture, composition, and surface treatments or coatings, that include certain bioactive molecules such as growth factors, proteins, and ceramic nanoparticles. The review critically examines published data on the clinical applications of PCL scaffolds in both extraoral and intraoral craniofacial reconstructions. These applications include cranioplasty, nasal and orbital floor reconstruction, maxillofacial reconstruction, and intraoral bone regeneration. Patient demographics, surgical procedures, follow-up periods, complications and failures are thoroughly discussed. Although results from extraoral applications in the craniofacial region are encouraging, intraoral applications present a high frequency of complications and related failures. Moving forward, future studies should prioritize refining the clinical performance, particularly in the domain of intraoral applications, and providing comprehensive data on the long-term outcomes of PCL-based scaffolds in bone regeneration. Future perspective and limitations regarding the transition of such constructs from bench to bedside are also discussed.

Progress in food packaging applications of biopolymer-nanometal composites - A comprehensive review

Eco-friendly nanotechnology-enabled biopolymers are one of the novel concepts of packaging materials to substitute traditional synthetic polymers and their composites. This article succinctly reviews the recent developments of introducing additional functionalities to biopolymers using metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. The functionality of metal nanoparticles such as silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, copper oxide, gold, and magnesium oxide, as food packaging materials were discussed. The addition of nanoparticles in biopolymers improves mechanical properties, gas barrier properties, durability, temperature stability, moisture stability, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant property, and UV absorbance and can prevent the presence of ethylene and oxygen, hence extending the shelf life of foodstuffs. Other than this, the functional activity of these biopolymer composite films helps them to act like smart or intelligent packaging. The selection of metal nanoparticles, particle migration, toxicological effect, and potential future scope in the food packaging industry are also reviewed.

Zwitterionic modified and freeze-thaw reinforced foldable hydrogel as intraocular lens for posterior capsule opacification prevention

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a predominant postoperative complication, often leading to visual impairment due to the aberrant proliferation and adhesion of lens epithelial cells (LECs) and protein precipitates subsequent to intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. To address this clinical issue, a foldable and antifouling sharp-edged IOL implant based on naturally-derived cellulose hydrogel is synthesized. The mechanical strength and transparency of the hydrogel is enhanced via repeated freeze-thaw (FT) cycles. The incorporated zwitterionic modifications can remarkably prevent the incidence of PCO by exhibiting proteins repulsion and cell anti-adhesion properties. The graft of dopamine onto both the haptic and the periphery of the posterior surface ensures the adhesion of the hydrogel to the posterior capsule and impedes the migration of LECs without compromising transparency. In in vivo study, the zwitterionic modified foldable hydrogel exhibits uveal and capsular biocompatibility synchronously with no signs of inflammatory response and prevent PCO formation, better than that of commercialized and PEG-modified IOL. With foldability, endurability, antifouling effect, and adhesive to posterior capsule, the reported hydrogel featuring heterogeneous surface design displays great potential to eradicate PCO and attain post-operative efficacy after cataract surgery.

Injectable and in situ foaming shape-adaptive porous Bio-based polyurethane scaffold used for cartilage regeneration

Irregular articular cartilage injury is a common type of joint trauma, often resulting from intense impacts and other factors that lead to irregularly shaped wounds, the limited regenerative capacity of cartilage and the mismatched shape of the scaffods have contributed to unsatisfactory therapeutic outcomes. While injectable materials are a traditional solution to adapt to irregular cartilage defects, they have limitations, and injectable materials often lack the porous microstructures favorable for the rapid proliferation of cartilage cells. In this study, an injectable porous polyurethane scaffold named PU-BDO-Gelatin-Foam (PUBGF) was prepared. After injection into cartilage defects, PUBGF forms in situ at the site of the defect and exhibits a dynamic microstructure during the initial two weeks. This dynamic microstructure endows the scaffold with the ability to retain substances within its interior, thereby enhancing its capacity to promote chondrogenesis. Furthermore, the chondral repair efficacy of PUBGF was validated by directly injecting it into rat articular cartilage injury sites. The injectable PUBGF scaffold demonstrates a superior potential for promoting the repair of cartilage defects when compared to traditional porous polyurethane scaffolds. The substance retention ability of this injectable porous scaffold makes it a promising option for clinical applications.

Laser-assisted manipulation of Volta potential pattern on the TC4 surface for improved hBMSCs osteogenesis

The Ti6Al4V (TC4) alloy, a prevalent biomedical material in orthopedics, still faces limitation of the insufficient osseointegration. To improve the bioactivity of TC4, introducing the electric environment onto the TC4 surface may be an effective way in the view of the necessity of endogenous electric microenvironment in bone regeneration. Herein, a Volta potential pattern was engendered on the TC4 surface via parallel laser patterning, so as to promote the osteogenic differentiation of cells. A 15 W laser successfully transformed the original α + β dual phase towards radially distributed lath-like martensite phase in the laser treated region. The atomic lattice distortion between the heterogeneous microstructures of the laser treated and untreated regions leads to a significant Volta potential fluctuation on the TC4 surface. The Volta potential pattern as well as the laser-engraved microgrooves respectively induced mutually orthogonal cell alignments. The hBMSCs osteogenic differentiation was significantly enhanced on the laser treated TC4 surfaces in comparison to the surface without the laser treatment. Moreover, a drastic Volta potential gradient on the TC4 surface (treated with 15 W power and 400 μm interval) resulted in the most pronounced osteogenic differentiation tendency compared to other groups. Modulating the electric environment on the TC4 surface by manipulating the phase transformation may provide an effective way in evoking favorable cell response of bone regeneration, thereby improving the bioactivity of TC4 implant.

Preparation of sodium alginate modified silver-metal organic framework and application in citric acid/PVA antimicrobial packaging

Silver-metal organic framework (Ag@MOF) has exhibited outstanding antimicrobial activity in antimicrobial applications, and reducing the biotoxicity associated with silver has become a research priority. In this study, Ag@MOF was initially modified with sodium alginate (SA) to form SA-Ag@MOF. The results showed that SA could control the release of Ag+, reducing the release by about 8% at 24 h, and the biotoxicity was significantly reduced. Finally, SA-Ag@MOF was applied as an antimicrobial agent in citric acid-modified PVA film to develop a novel composite antimicrobial film. When added at 2 MIC, the CA3-M2 film can effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli and S. aureus, and the inhibition rate has reached 98%. For white radish packaging applications, CA3-M2 film inhibited the growth of surface microorganisms, while ensuring moisture and tissue hardness to extend shelf-life up to 7 days. Overall, the strategy conceived here can be a theoretical basis for novel antimicrobial packaging.

Controllable radical polymerization of TEMPO redox for stable and sensitive enzyme electrode interface

Assembling functional molecules on the surface of an enzyme electrode is the most basic technique for constructing a biosensor. However, precise control of electron transfer interface or electron mediator on the electrode surface remains a challenge, which is a key step that affects the stability and sensitivity of enzyme-based biosensors. In this study, we propose the use of controllable free radical polymerization to grow stable 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) polymer as electron mediator on enzyme surface for the first time. Through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, electrode surface coverage measurement, static contact angle (SCA), and a series of electrochemical methods, it has been demonstrated that the TEMPO-based enzyme electrode exhibits a uniform hydrophilic morphology and stable electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the results show that the sensor demonstrates high sensitivity for detecting glucose biomolecules in artificial sweat and serum. Attributing to the quantitative and controllable radical polymerization of TEMPO redox assembled enzyme electrode surface, the as-proposed biosensor providing a use, storage, and inter-batch sensing stability, providing a vital platform for wearable/implantable biochemical sensors.

Nanocellulose-based porous lightweight materials with flame retardant properties: A review

This review discusses the development and application of nanocellulose (NC)-aerogels, a sustainable and biodegradable biomaterial, with enhanced flame retardant (FR) properties. NC-aerogels combine the excellent physical and mechanical properties of NC with the low density and thermal conductivity of aerogels, making them promising for thermal insulation and other fields. However, the flammability of NC-aerogels limits their use in some applications, such as electromagnetic interference shielding, oil/water separation, and flame-resistant textiles. The review covers the design, fabrication, modification, and working mechanism of NC porous materials, focusing on how advanced technologies can impart FR properties into them. The review also evaluates the FR performance of NC-aerogels by employing widely recognized tests, such as the limited oxygen index, cone calorimeter, and UL-94. The review also explores the integration of innovative and eco-friendly materials, such as MXene, metal-organic frameworks, dopamine, lignin, and alginate, into NC-aerogels, to improve their FR performance and functionality. The review concludes by outlining the potential, challenges, and limitations of future research on FR NC-aerogels, identifying the obstacles and potential solutions, and understanding the current progress and gaps in the field.

Riboflavin-induced photo-ATRP electrochemical strategy for detection of biomarker trypsin

The detection of trypsin and its inhibitors is important for both clinical diagnosis and disease treatment. Abnormal trypsin activity affects pancreatic function and leads to corresponding pathological changes in the body. Therefore, the study presented a riboflavin-induced photo-ATRP electrochemical assay of trypsin activity and its inhibitor, including detection of trypsin activity in real urine samples. Experiments were performed on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes modified with sulfhydryl groups of 3-mercaptopropionic acid, and target trypsin-specific cleavage of BSA-Au nanocluster (BSA-Au NCs) was followed by the modification of Au NCs to the electrodes using Au-S. The Au NCs immobilized monodeoxy-monomercapto-β-cyclodextrin@adamantan-2-amine (SH-β-CD@2-NH2-Ada) host-guest inclusion complexes to the electrode surfaces via Au-S. In a two-component photo-initiator system consisting of riboflavin as an initiator and ascorbic acid (AA) as a mild reducing agent under mild blue light radiation, a large number of electroactive substances were grafted onto the electrode surface to generate electrochemical signals. In addition, we have successfully realized the detection of clinical drug inhibitors of trypsin. The detection limit of the system is as low as 0.0024 ng/mL, which much littler than the average standard of trypsin in the patient's urine or serum. It's worth noting that this work will provide researchers with a different route to design electrochemical sensors based on non-covalent recognition strategies.

Oral administration microrobots for drug delivery

Oral administration is the most simple, noninvasive, convenient treatment. With the increasing demands on the targeted drug delivery, the traditional oral treatment now is facing some challenges: 1) biologics how to implement the oral treatment and ensure the bioavailability is not lower than the subcutaneous injections; 2) How to achieve targeted therapy of some drugs in the gastrointestinal tract? Based on these two issues, drug delivery microrobots have shown great application prospect in oral drug delivery due to their characteristics of flexible locomotion or driven ability. Therefore, this paper summarizes various drug delivery microrobots developed in recent years and divides them into four categories according to different driving modes: magnetic-controlled drug delivery microrobots, anchored drug delivery microrobots, self-propelled drug delivery microrobots and biohybrid drug delivery microrobots. As oral drug delivery microrobots involve disciplines such as materials science, mechanical engineering, medicine, and control systems, this paper begins by introducing the gastrointestinal barriers that oral drug delivery must overcome. Subsequently, it provides an overview of typical materials involved in the design process of oral drug delivery microrobots. To enhance readers' understanding of the working principles and design process of oral drug delivery microrobots, we present a guideline for designing such microrobots. Furthermore, the current development status of various types of oral drug delivery microrobots is reviewed, summarizing their respective advantages and limitations. Finally, considering the significant concerns regarding safety and clinical translation, we discuss the challenges and prospections of clinical translation for various oral drug delivery microrobots presented in this paper, providing corresponding suggestions for addressing some existing challenges.

Material-based treatment strategies against intraosseous implant biofilm infection

Implant-associated infections present a significant clinical obstacle for orthopedic practitioners, with bacterial biofilm formation serving as a pivotal factor in the initiation, progression, and management of such infections. Conventional approaches have proven inadequate in fully eradicating biofilm-related infections. Consequently, novel material-based therapeutic strategies have been developed, encompassing the utilization of antimicrobial agents, delivery vehicles, and synergistic antibacterial systems. In this review, we provide a succinct overview of recent advancements in anti-biofilm strategies, with the aim of offering insights that may aid in the treatment of intraosseous implant infections.

Tetrazine-trans-cyclooctene ligation: Unveiling the chemistry and applications within the human body

Bioorthogonal reactions have revolutionized chemical biology by enabling selective chemical transformations within living organisms and cells. This review comprehensively explores bioorthogonal chemistry, emphasizing inverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reactions between tetrazines and strained dienophiles and their crucial role in chemical biology and various applications within the human body. This highly reactive and selective reaction finds diverse applications, including cleaving antibody-drug conjugates, prodrugs, proteins, peptide antigens, and enzyme substrates. The versatility extends to hydrogel chemistry, which is crucial for biomedical applications, yet it faces challenges in achieving precise cellularization. In situ activation of cytotoxic compounds from injectable biopolymer belongs to the click-activated protodrugs against cancer (CAPAC) platform, an innovative approach to tumor-targeted prodrug delivery and activation. The CAPAC platform, relying on click chemistry between trans-cyclooctene (TCO) and tetrazine-modified biopolymers, exhibits modularity across diverse tumor characteristics, presenting a promising approach in anticancer therapeutics. The review highlights the importance of bioorthogonal reactions in developing radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and theranostics, offering a promising avenue for diverse therapeutic applications.

Engineering biomimetic scaffolds for bone regeneration: Chitosan/alginate/polyvinyl alcohol-based double-network hydrogels with carbon nanomaterials

In this study, new types of hybrid double-network (DN) hydrogels composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan (CH), and sodium alginate (SA) are introduced, with the hypothesis that this combination and incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) will enhance osteogenetic differentiation and the structural and mechanical properties of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. Initially, the impact of varying mass ratios of the PVA/CH/SA mixture on mechanical properties, swelling ratio, and degradability was examined. Based on this investigation, a mass ratio of 4:6:6 was determined to be optimal. At this ratio, the hydrogel demonstrated a Young's modulus of 47.5 ± 5 kPa, a swelling ratio of 680 ± 6 % after 3 h, and a degradation rate of 46.5 ± 5 % after 40 days. In the next phase, following the determination of the optimal mass ratio, CNTs and GNPs were incorporated into the 4:6:6 composite resulting in a significant enhancement in the electrical conductivity and stiffness of the scaffolds. The introduction of CNTs led to a notable increase of 36 % in the viability of MG63 osteoblast cells. Additionally, the inhibition zone test revealed that GNPs and CNTs increased the diameter of the inhibition zone by 49.6 % and 52.6 %, respectively.

Deep eutectic solvent (TMAH·5H2O/Urea) with low viscosity for cellulose dissolution at room temperature

A deep eutectic solvent (DES) formulated with tetramethylammonium hydroxide pentahydrate /urea (TMAH·5H2O/Urea) was designed for the first time to dissolve cellulose at room temperature. The optimized system, characterized by a 1:3 M ratio, demonstrates the capability to dissolve approximately 7.5 wt% cellulose, boasting a high degree of polymerization (DP = 526). Notably, both the pure DES and 4.0 wt% cellulose/TMAH·5H2O/Urea mixtures manifests low viscosity, establishing its potential as an effective spinning aid in fiber manufacturing. The structural analyses shows that the cellulose crystal type shifts from type I to type II form, accompanied by a reduction in both crystallinity and DP. A pivotal aspect of this research involves determining Kamlet-Taft parameters for TMAH·5H2O/Urea-DES with different molar ratios. The results reveal these solvate DESs exhibit the high hydrogen bond basicity, which enables them to easily form hydrogen bonds with hydroxyl groups of cellulose and demonstrate good cellulose solubility. In conclusion, this solvent system presents notable advantages, including straightforward synthesis procedures, low viscosity, and well cellulose solubility, paving the way for new approaches and techniques in cellulose utilization.

An overview of magnesium-based implants in orthopaedics and a prospect of its application in spine fusion

Due to matching biomechanical properties and significant biological activity, Mg-based implants present great potential in orthopedic applications. In recent years, the biocompatibility and therapeutic effect of magnesium-based implants have been widely investigated in trauma repair. In contrast, the R&D work of Mg-based implants in spinal fusion is still limited. This review firstly introduced the general background for Mg-based implants. Secondly, the mechanical properties and degradation behaviors of Mg and its traditional and novel alloys were reviewed. Then, different surface modification techniques of Mg-based implants were described. Thirdly, this review comprehensively summarized the biological pathways of Mg degradation to promote bone formation in neuro-musculoskeletal circuit, angiogenesis with H-type vessel formation, osteogenesis with osteoblasts activation and chondrocyte ossification as an integrated system. Fourthly, this review followed the translation process of Mg-based implants via updating the preclinical studies in fracture fixation, sports trauma repair and reconstruction, and bone distraction for large bone defect. Furthermore, the pilot clinical studies were involved to demonstrate the reliable clinical safety and satisfactory bioactive effects of Mg-based implants in bone formation. Finally, this review introduced the background of spine fusion surgeryand the challenges of biological matching cage development. At last, this review prospected the translation potential of a hybrid Mg-PEEK spine fusion cage design.

Stretchable hydrogels of chitosan/hyaluronic acid induced by polyelectrolyte complexation around neutral pH

In this work, we propose the formation of stretchable hydrogels at neutral pH from the physical crosslinking of chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) by polyelectrolyte complexation. A mixture of CS (Mw ≈ 600 kg/mol, degree of acetylation ≈ 50 %) solution and HA (Mw ≈ 77 kg/mol) solution was prepared with an excess of salts screening the electrostatic interactions CS/HA. In a controlled manner, the polyelectrolyte complexation was induced through the progressive dialysis of the salted polymer mixture against a sodium acetate solution (AcONa, 0.01 M) for 7 days. Depending on [HA], various materials were obtained: viscous solutions at [HA] = 0.75 % (w/v); hydrogels at [HA] = 1.50-2.24 % (w/v) with Young modulus of 14 kPa and stretchable to 200 %. The small angle X-ray scattering characterization of the hydrogels revealed a multiscale organization related to the conformation of the polymers induced by the physical interactions. The dialysis process with AcONa was optimized by adding a dialysis step against a zinc acetate solution containing Zn2+. The combination of polyelectrolyte complexation between CS/HA and metal complexation between Zn2+ and the polymers led to an enhancement of the hydrogel stretchability up to 400 %.

Polymeric micellar nanoparticles for effective CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in cancer

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene editing has attracted extensive attentions in various fields, however, its clinical application is hindered by the lack of effective and safe delivery system. Herein, we reported a cationic micelle nanoparticle composed of cholesterol-modified branched small molecular PEI (PEI-CHO) and biodegradable PEG-b-polycarbonate block copolymer (PEG-PC), denoted as PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9, for the CRISPR/Cas9 delivery to realize genomic editing in cancer. Specifically, PEI-CHO condensed pCas9 into nanocomplexes, which were further encapsulated into PEG-PC nanoparticles (PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9). PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9 had a PEG shell, protecting DNA from degradation by nucleases. Enhanced cellular uptake of PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9 nanoparticles was observed as compared to that mediated by Lipo2k/pCas9 nanoparticles, thus leading to significantly elevated transfection efficiency after escaping from endosomes via the proton sponge effect of PEI. In addition, the presence of PEG shell greatly improved biocompatibility, and significantly enhanced the in vivo tumor retention of pCas9 compared to PEI-CHO/pCas9. Notably, apparent downregulation of GFP expression could be achieved both in vitro and in vivo by using PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9-sgGFP nanoparticles. Furthermore, PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9-sgMcl1 induced effective apoptosis and tumor suppression in a HeLa tumor xenograft mouse model by downregulating Mcl1 expression. This work may provide an alternative paradigm for the efficient and safe genome editing in cancer.

Dynamic injectable tissue adhesives with strong adhesion and rapid self-healing for regeneration of large muscle injury

Wounds often necessitate the use of instructive biomaterials to facilitate effective healing. Yet, consistently filling the wound and retaining the material in place presents notable challenges. Here, we develop a new class of injectable tissue adhesives by leveraging the dynamic crosslinking chemistry of Schiff base reactions. These adhesives demonstrate outstanding mechanical properties, especially in regard to stretchability and self-healing capacity, and biodegradability. Furthermore, they also form robust adhesion to biological tissues. Their therapeutic potential was evaluated in a rodent model of volumetric muscle loss (VML). Ultrasound imaging confirmed that the adhesives remained within the wound site, effectively filled the void, and degraded at a rate comparable to the healing process. Histological analysis indicated that the adhesives facilitated muscle fiber and blood vessel formation, and induced anti-inflammatory macrophages. Notably, the injured muscles of mice treated with the adhesives displayed increased weight and higher force generation than the control groups. This approach to adhesive design paves the way for the next generation of medical adhesives in tissue repair.

Recent advances in scaffolding biomaterials for cultivated meat

The emergence of cultivated meat provides a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional animal agriculture, highlighting its increasing importance in the food industry. Biomaterial scaffolds are critical components in cultivated meat production for enabling cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and orientation. While there's extensive research on scaffolding biomaterials, applying them to cultivated meat production poses distinct challenges, with each material offering its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This review summarizes the most recent scaffolding biomaterials used in the last five years for cell-cultured meat, detailing their respective advantages and disadvantages. We suggest future research directions and provide recommendations for scaffolds that support scalable, cost-effective, and safe high-quality meat production. Additionally, we highlight commercial challenges cultivated meat faces, encompassing bioreactor design, cell culture mediums, and regulatory and food safety issues. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive guide and valuable insights for researchers and companies in the field of cultivated meat production.

Stimuli-responsive microcarriers and their application in tissue repair: A review of magnetic and electroactive microcarrier

Microcarrier applications have made great advances in tissue engineering in recent years, which can load cells, drugs, and bioactive factors. These microcarriers can be minimally injected into the defect to help reconstruct a good microenvironment for tissue repair. In order to achieve more ideal performance and face more complex tissue damage, an increasing amount of effort has been focused on microcarriers that can actively respond to external stimuli. These microcarriers have the functions of directional movement, targeted enrichment, material release control, and providing signals conducive to tissue repair. Given the high controllability and designability of magnetic and electroactive microcarriers, the research progress of these microcarriers is highlighted in this review. Their structure, function and applications, potential tissue repair mechanisms, and challenges are discussed. In summary, through the design with clinical translation ability, meaningful and comprehensive experimental characterization, and in-depth study and application of tissue repair mechanisms, stimuli-responsive microcarriers have great potential in tissue repair.

Seaweeds as a major source of dietary microplastics exposure in East Asia

Microplastics (MPs) occurrence in marine ecosystems is well known, but their accumulation in seaweeds and subsequent human exposure remain understudied. This research quantifies MPs presence in two commonly consumed seaweeds, kelp (Saccharina japonica) and nori (Pyropia yezoensis), in East Asia, revealing widespread contamination dominated by microfibers (<500 μm). Based on dietary patterns, human uptake through seaweed consumption was estimated and quantified. Notably, Chinese people consume an estimated 17,034 MPs/person/year through seaweed consumption, representing 13.1% of their total annual MPs intake. This seaweeds-derived exposure surpasses all other dietary sources, contributing up to 45.5% of overall MPs intake. The highest intake was in South Korea, followed by North Korea, China, and Japan. This research identifies seaweeds as a major, previously overlooked route of dietary MPs exposure. These findings are crucial for comprehensive risk assessments of seaweed consumption and the development of mitigation strategies, particularly for populations in East Asian countries.

Improvement of processable properties of plant-based high internal phase emulsions by mung bean protein isolate based on pH shift treatment

BACKGROUND

High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are unique emulsion systems that transform liquid oil into solid-like fats, thus avoiding the use of saturated fat and leading to a healthier and more sustainable food system for consumers. HIPEs with oil volume fraction (ϕ) of 75-85% were fabricated with mung bean protein isolate (MPI) under different pH shift treatments at 1.0% concentration through the one-step method. In the present study, we investigated the physical properties, microstructures, processing properties, storage stability and rheological properties of HIPEs.

RESULTS

The results suggested that the properties of MPI under different pH shift treatments were improved to different degrees, stabilizing HIPEs (ϕ = 75-85%) with various processability to meet food processing needs. Under alkali shift treatment conditions, the particle size of MPI was significantly reduced with better solubility. Moreover, the exposure of hydrophobic groups increased the surface hydrophobicity of MPI, awarding MPI better emulsifying properties, which could stabilize the HIPEs with higher oil phase fraction. In addition, the MPI under pH 12 shift treatment (MPI-12) had the best oil-carrying ability to form the stable HIPEs with oil volume fraction (ϕ) up to 85%, which was the highest oil phase in preparing the HIPEs using plant protein solely at a low concentration under neutral conditions.

CONCLUSION

A series of stable HIPEs with different processing properties was simply and feasibly fabricated and these are of great potential in applying edible HIPEs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Green, tough, and heat-resistant: A GDL-induced strategy for starch-alginate hydrogels

Hydrogels fabricated by non-covalent interaction garnered significant attention for their eco-friendly and robust mechanical attributes, and are often used in food, medicine and other fields. Although starch-alginate hydrogels exhibit high adhesion and are environmentally sustainable, their applications are limited due to their low elasticity and hardness. Addressing this challenge, we introduce a solvent-induced strategy using glucolactone (GDL) to fabricate hydrogels with enhanced strength and thermal resilience. Utilizing corn starch with varying amylose contents, sodium alginate and calcium carbonate to prepare a double network structure. This GDL-induced hydrogel outperforms most previous starch-based hydrogels in mechanical robustness and thermal stability. Typical starch-alginate hydrogel had a homogeneous network structure and exhibited a high tensile stress of 407.57 KPa, and a high enthalpy value of 1857.67 J/g. This investigation furnishes a facile yet effective method for the synthesis of hydrogels with superior mechanical and thermal properties, thereby broadening the design landscape for starch-based hydrogels.

Softening implantable bioelectronics: Material designs, applications, and future directions

Implantable bioelectronics, integrated directly within the body, represent a potent biomedical solution for monitoring and treating a range of medical conditions, including chronic diseases, neural disorders, and cardiac conditions, through personalized medical interventions. Nevertheless, contemporary implantable bioelectronics rely heavily on rigid materials (e.g., inorganic materials and metals), leading to inflammatory responses and tissue damage due to a mechanical mismatch with biological tissues. Recently, soft electronics with mechanical properties comparable to those of biological tissues have been introduced to alleviate fatal immune responses and improve tissue conformity. Despite their myriad advantages, substantial challenges persist in surgical handling and precise positioning due to their high compliance. To surmount these obstacles, softening implantable bioelectronics has garnered significant attention as it embraces the benefits of both rigid and soft bioelectronics. These devices are rigid for easy standalone implantation, transitioning to a soft state in vivo in response to environmental stimuli, which effectively overcomes functional/biological problems inherent in the static mechanical properties of conventional implants. This article reviews recent research and development in softening materials and designs for implantable bioelectronics. Examples featuring tissue-penetrating and conformal softening devices highlight the promising potential of these approaches in biomedical applications. A concluding section delves into current challenges and outlines future directions for softening implantable device technologies, underscoring their pivotal role in propelling the evolution of next-generation bioelectronics.

Bio-based composite from chitosan waste and clay for effective removal of Congo red dye from contaminated water: Experimental studies and theoretical insights

Water pollution due to dyes in the textile industry is a serious environmental problem. During the finishing stage, Congo red (CR) dye, water-soluble, is released into wastewater, polluting the water body. This study explores the effectiveness of utilizing a composite composed of Safi raw clay and chitosan to remove an anionic dye from synthetic wastewater. The chitosan was extracted from crab shells. Its removal performance was compared to that of natural clay. Both the composite and raw clay were used to remove target pollutant. The effects of the chitosan load in the composite, size particles, initial dye concentration, contact time, pH, and temperature on the dye's elimination were tested in batch modes. The composite with 30% (w/w) of chitosan exhibited the highest dye removal. At pH 2, an adsorption capacity of 84.74 mg/g was achieved, indicating that the grafting of the polymer onto clay surface enhances its efficacity and stability in acidic environments. This finding was supported by characterization data obtained from X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses. Under optimized conditions of 20 mg dose, pH 2, 30 min of reaction time, and 20 mg/L of dye concentration, about 92% of dye removal was achieved. The Langmuir isotherm model represents dye adsorption by the composite, while dye removal was controlled by pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic data of the adsorption (ΔH = +8.82 kJ/mol; ΔG <0) suggested that the dye adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. The findings provide insights into the dye elimination by the adsorbent, indicating that the removal occurred via attractive colombic forces, as confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) analysis. Overall, the composite of natural clays and chitosan waste is a promising and innovative adsorbent for treating wastewater containing recalcitrant dyes.

Optimization and validation of high throughput methods for the determination of 132 organic contaminants in green and roasted coffee using GC-QqQ-MS/MS and LC-QqQ-MS/MS

Recently some major safety concerns have been raised on organic contaminants in widely consumed plants such as coffee. Hence, this study aimed to develop specifically optimized methods for determining organic contaminants, such as pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in coffee using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. QuEChERS method was used as a base extraction method, and 27 experiments were studied using design of experiments with categorical variables (extraction buffers, cleanup sorbents, and coffee roasting degree) to find the optimum method for each matrix type. The optimum method for green coffee was acetate buffer and chitosan for clean-up, while no-buffer extraction and the PSA + C18 method were ideal for light and dark-roasted coffee. The optimized methods were validated in accordance with SANTE/11312/2021. Furthermore, ten real samples (4 green, and 6 roasted) from the markets were analysed; ortho-phenylphenol was found in all the roasted coffee samples, and carbendazim was found in one green coffee sample.

Injectable conductive hydrogel remodeling microenvironment and mimicking neuroelectric signal transmission after spinal cord injury

Severe spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to dysregulated neuroinflammation and cell apoptosis, resulting in axonal die-back and the loss of neuroelectric signal transmission. While biocompatible hydrogels are commonly used in SCI repair, they lack the capacity to support neuroelectric transmission. To overcome this limitation, we developed an injectable silk fibroin/ionic liquid (SFMA@IL) conductive hydrogel to assist neuroelectric signal transmission after SCI in this study. The hydrogel can form rapidly in situ under ultraviolet (UV) light. The mechanical supporting and neuro-regenerating properties are provided by silk fibroin (SF), while the conductive capability is provided by the designed ionic liquid (IL). SFMA@IL showed attractive features for SCI repair, such as anti-swelling, conductivity, and injectability. In vivo, SFMA@IL hydrogel used in rats with complete transection injuries was found to remodel the microenvironment, reduce inflammation, and facilitate neuro-fiber outgrowth. The hydrogel also led to a notable decrease in cell apoptosis and the achievement of scar-free wound healing, which saved 45.6 ± 10.8 % of spinal cord tissue in SFMA@IL grafting. Electrophysiological studies in rats with complete transection SCI confirmed SFMA@IL's ability to support sensory neuroelectric transmission, providing strong evidence for its signal transmission function. These findings provide new insights for the development of effective SCI treatments.

One-step rapid formation of wrinkled fractal antibiofouling coatings from environmentally friendly, waste-derived terpenes

Wrinkled coatings are a potential drug-free method for mitigating bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on materials such as medical and food grade steel. However, their fabrication typically requires multiple steps and often the use of a stimulus to induce wrinkle formation. Here, we report a facile plasma-based method for rapid fabrication of thin (<250 nm) polymer coatings from a single environmentally friendly precursor, where wrinkle formation and fractal pattern development are controlled solely by varying the deposition time from 3 s to 60 s. We propose a mechanism behind the observed in situ development of wrinkles in plasma, as well as demonstrate how introducing specific topographical features on the surface of the substrata can result int the formation of even more complex, ordered wrinkle patterns arising from the non-uniformity of plasma when in contact with structured surfaces. Thus-fabricated wrinkled surfaces show good adhesion to substrate and an antifouling activity that is not observed in the equivalent smooth coatings and hence is attributed to the specific pattern of wrinkles.

Degradation efficiency of biodegradable plastics in subtropical open-air and marine environments: Implications for plastic pollution

Bioplastics are increasingly used as a solution to tackle plastic pollution problems. However, their degradability in natural environments is currently under debate. To evaluate their degradation efficiencies, we conducted in-situ degradation experiments in an open-air and two marine environments in Hong Kong. Three groups of biodegradable plastic were tested, namely (1) additive-modified low-density polyethylene (LDPE), labelled as oxo-biodegradable or photodegradable plastics, (2) polylactic acid (PLA), and (3) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/starch blends. Most biodegradable plastics fail to completely degrade but remain visually present after six months of exposure. Only PLA is able to demonstrate 100 % disintegration in one to three months in marine settings, suggesting that subtropical marine environments may favor PLA degradation. Biodegradable plastics that are bio-based (PLA and PVA/Starch blends) show notably larger mass losses by 23-100 % than the fossil-based ones (modified-LDPE). Our results reveal higher degradation efficiencies of PLA and PVA/Cassava starch blend in marine than open-air settings (with mass losses larger by 50 %, and by 39-41 %, respectively), potentially via biodegradation and hydrolysis. Meanwhile, modified-LDPE and PVA/Corn starch blends in general show higher degradation efficiencies in open-air than marine settings (with mass losses larger by 2 %, and by 17-33 %, respectively), potentially via abiotic oxidation. Since all tested biodegradable plastics exhibit potential fragmentation signs, further investigation is needed to characterize the behaviours of the microplastics generated. The current labelling on biodegradable bags fails to provide comprehensive information regarding their actual environmental degradation behaviours, especially considering their fragmentation risk and limited degradation exhibited in this study. This highlights the imperative for improved messaging to ensure consumers are better informed about these products.

Mussel-inspired interface deposition strategy for mesoporous metal-phenolic nanospheres with superior antioxidative, photothermal and antibacterial performance

Metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) have emerged as a versatile and multifunctional platform applied in bioimaging, disease treatment, electrocatalysis, and water purification. The synthesis of MPNs with mesoporous frameworks and ultra-small diameters (<200 nm), crucial for post-modification, cargo loading, and mass transport, remains a formidable challenge. Inspired by mussel chemistry, mesoporous metal-phenolic nanospheres (MMPNs) are facilely prepared by direct deposition of the metal-polyphenol complex on the interface of oil nano-droplets composed of block copolymers/1,3,5-trimethylbenzene followed by a spontaneous template-removal process. Due to the penetrable and stable networks, the oil nano-droplets gradually leak from the networks driven by shear stress during the stirring process. As a result, MMPNs are obtained without additional template removal procedures such as solvent extraction or high-temperature calcination. The materials have a large pore size (∼12.1 nm), uniform spherical morphology with a small particle size (∼99 nm), and a large specific surface area (49.8 m2 g-1). Due to the abundant phenolic hydroxyl groups, the MMPNs show excellent antioxidative property. The MMPNs also have excellent photothermal property, whose photothermal conversion efficiency was 40.9 %. Moreover, the phenolic hydroxyl groups can reduce Ag+ in situ to prepare Ag nanoparticles loaded MMPNs composites, which have excellent inhibition performance of drug-resistant bacteria biofilm.

Reversible Cu-Nanoparticle Formation in Soft Hydrogel Composites: Towards Write-Erase Displays and Fluorescence Detection

In this study, we introduce a hydrogel-polymer microsphere (HPM) composite material constituted of PVA, glycerin, and polymer microspheres obtained from Pickering emulsions that are capable of adsorbing Cu2+ ions. The obtained HPM composite is soft, flexible, can be fully saturated with Cu2+ ions, and exhibits a reversible color transition from blue to black upon electrode contact or interaction with a reducing agent, due to in situ generation of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs). Because of the color contrast between the locally generated Cu-NPs and the background, the HPM can be used as substrate for stamping different shapes or writing text. Further, the surface can be erased by an acidic solution, which makes it interesting as flexible write-erase displays. A second feature of the HPM is that it can function as a fluorescence detector of cyanide ions. An HPM whose surface has been stamped with an electrode, upon contacting an aqueous solution containing cyanide ions, begins fluorescing a yellow-green light around the patterned area. The displayed luminescence is irreversible and is preserved even after HPM's drying or lyophilization. This work lays a foundational framework for future exploration of the HPM composites in various technological applications, for sensing, circuit printing, and flexible displays.

Novel aptasensor based on polyaniline functionalized carboxylated dobby carbon nanotubes and molybdenum disulfide for endotoxin detection

Endotoxins, also known as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), are present within the cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria and are released upon cellular death, which can pose a significant risk to human and animal health. Due to the minimal amount of endotoxin required to trigger an inflammatory response in human body, the demand for sensitive methods with low endotoxin detection limits is essential necessary. This paper presents a straightforward aptamer sensor which can enhance the conductivity and specific surface area of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) by incorporating carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) and polyaniline (PANI). Doping with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) improves biocompatibility and sensitivity while providing binding sites for thiolated endotoxin-binding aptamers (LBA). This biosensor achieved a remarkable detection limit as low as 0.5 fg mL-1, enabling trace-level identification of LPS. It also exhibits excellent repeatability, selectivity, and stability, facilitating rapid and accurate LPS detection. Moreover, this method demonstrates high recovery rates and specificity for LPS analysis in food samples, showcasing its promising application prospects in trace-level LPS detection within the food industry.

Microencapsulation of ginger essential oil using mung bean protein isolate-chitosan complex coacervates: Application in the preservation of crab meatballs and the prediction of shelf life

Crab meatballs with more unsaturated fat tend to spoil. Ginger essential oil (GEO) with oxidation resistance was encapsulated into microcapsules (GM) by complex cohesion of mung bean protein isolate (MBPI) and chitosan (CS) in a ratio of 8:1 at pH = 6.4, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and payload (PL) of GM (D50 = 26.16 ± 0.45 μm) with high thermal stability were 78.35 ± 1.02% and 55.43 ± 0.64%. GM (0.6%, w/w) did not interfere with the original flavor of crab meatballs, and lowered values of pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total bacteria counts (TBC) of the products than those spiked with GEO and the control. The prediction accuracy of the logistic first-order growth kinetic equation in line with TBC (2.84%) was better than that of zero-order and Arrhenius coupled equation based on pH (7.48%) and TBARS (5.94%), but all of them could predict the shelf life of crab meatballs containing GM stored at 4-25 °C.

Development of ultra-thin poly(L-lactic acid)-based films integrating toughness, barrier properties, and gas selectivity: Towards gas-permeation controllable green food packaging

High costs and low performance have constrained the application of bio-based materials in food packaging. Herein, a series of ultra-thin poly(L-lactic acid-iconic acid N-diol) (P(LA-NI)) copolymer films were developed using a "one-step" polycondensation process with integrated toughness, barrier properties, gas selectivity, and quality control features. The massive branched structure and gg conformers in P(LA-NI) act as "internal chain expansion" and "internal plasticization". Meanwhile, P(LA-NI) contains numerous polar groups and unique nanoscale microphase structures to realize excellent CO2, O2 barrier, CO2/O2 selectivity, anti-fogging, and UV shielding functions. The atmosphere within the package spontaneously achieves the desirable low O2 and high CO2 levels when packaging button mushrooms with high respiratory metabolism. Eventually, the shelf life of button mushrooms reached 24 days, >3-fold extended. This PLLA-based film meets "dual carbon" and "food safety" goals and has vast potential for fresh food preservation.

Carboxymethyl chitosan and dialdehyde cellulose nanocrystal based injectable self-healing emulsion gel

The study aims to demonstrate a general method for producing emulsion gels with self-healing properties. Specifically, the self-healing emulsion gels were fabricated by crosslinking carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) stabilized emulsion with dialdehyde cellulose nanocrystal (DACNC). The reversible imine bonds between primary amino groups from CMC and aldehyde groups from DACNC endow the emulsion gel with self-healing properties. The compressive strength of the emulsion gels was greatly increased from 37.43 kPa 83.7 kPa by encapsulating emulsion droplets (φ = 0 %-40 %.) in the gel matrix. Moreover, the emulsion gels exhibited much better self-healing and injectability ability compared to hydrogel because the emulsion droplets interacted with the 3D gel matrix, which were observed by cryo-SEM and CLSM. The emulsion droplets distributed in the gel matrix improved the mobility and interfacial contact area of CMC and DACNC. Water contact measurement confirmed that the CMC/DACNC self-healing emulsion gels showed a hydrophilic surface. The CMC/DACNC emulsion gels could maintain a good structural stability as the oil loss was <1 % after centrifugation. This research provides a method to keep the structural stability of emulsion gels by inducing self-healing ability and modified cellulose nanocrystals, which could extend the shelf life and application area of emulsion gels.

Assessment of biodegradation and toxicity of alternative plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate: Impacts on microbial biofilms, metabolism, and reactive oxygen species-mediated stress response

Although di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DOTP) is being widely adopted as a non-phthalate plasticizer, existing research primarily focuses on human and rat toxicity. This leaves a significant gap in our understanding of their impact on microbial communities. This study assessed the biodegradation and toxicity of DOTP on microbes, focusing on its impact on biofilms and microbial metabolism using Rhodococcus ruber as a representative bacterial strain. DOTP is commonly found in mass fractions between 0.6 and 20% v/v in various soft plastic products. This study used polyvinyl chloride films (PVC) with varying DOTP concentrations (range 1-10% v/v) as a surface for analysis of biofilm growth. Cell viability and bacterial stress responses were tested using LIVE/DEAD™ BacLight™ Bacterial Viability Kit and by the detection of reactive oxygen species using CellROX™ Green Reagent, respectively. An increase in the volume of dead cells (in the plastisphere biofilm) was observed with increasing DOTP concentrations in experiments using PVC films, indicating the potential negative impact of DOTP on microbial communities. Even at a relatively low concentration of DOTP (1%), signs of stress in the microbes were noticed, while concentrations above 5% compromised their ability to survive. This research provides a new understanding of the environmental impacts of alternative plasticizers, prompting the need for additional research into their wider effects on both the environment and human health.

A review on intelligence of cellulose based materials

Cellulose based materials are widely used in various fields such as papermaking, packaging, composite materials, textiles and clothing due to their diverse types, environmental friendliness, natural degradation, high specific strength, and low cost. The intelligence of cellulose based materials will further expand their application fields. This article first gives an in-depth analyzation on the intelligent structural design of these materials according to the two major categories of isotropic and anisotropic, then lists the main preparation methods of cellulose based intelligent materials. Subsequently, this article systematically summarizes the recent intelligent response methods and characteristics of cellulose based materials, and extensively elaborates on the intelligent application of these materials. Finally, the prospects for the intelligence of cellulose based materials are discussed.

Enhancement of production of glycoalkaloids by elicitors along with characterization of gene expression of pathways in Solanum xanthocarpum

Solanum xanthocarpum fruits are used in the treatment of cough, fever, and heart disorders. It possesses antipyretic, hypotensive, antiasthmatic, aphrodisiac and antianaphylactic properties. In the present study, 24 elicitors (both biotic and abiotic) were used to enhance the production of glycoalkaloids in cell cultures of S. xanthocarpum. Four concentrations of elicitors were added into the MS culture medium. The maximum accumulation (5.56-fold higher than control) of demissidine was induced by sodium nitroprusside at 50 mM concentration whereas the highest growth of cell biomass (4.51-fold higher than control) stimulated by systemin at 30 mM concentration. A total of 17 genes of biosynthetic pathways of glycoalkaloids were characterized from the cells of S. xanthocarpum. The greater accumulation of demissidine was confirmed with the expression analysis of 11 key biosynthetic pathway enzymes e.g., acetoacetic-CoA thiolase, 3- hydroxy 3-methyl glutaryl synthase, β-hydroxy β-methylglutaryl CoA reductase, mevalonate kinase, farnesyl diphosphate synthase, squalene synthase, squalene epoxidase, squalene-2,3- epoxide cyclase, cycloartenol synthase, UDP-glucose: solanidine glucosyltransferase and UDP-rhamnose: solanidine rhamno-galactosyl transferase. The maximum expression levels of UDP-rhamnose: solanidine rhamno-galactosyl transferase gene was recorded in this study.

A review of biocompatible polymer-functionalized two-dimensional materials: Emerging contenders for biosensors and bioelectronics applications

Bioelectronics, a field pivotal in monitoring and stimulating biological processes, demands innovative nanomaterials as detection platforms. Two-dimensional (2D) materials, with their thin structures and exceptional physicochemical properties, have emerged as critical substances in this research. However, these materials face challenges in biomedical applications due to issues related to their biological compatibility, adaptability, functionality, and nano-bio surface characteristics. This review examines surface modifications using covalent and non-covalent-based polymer-functionalization strategies to overcome these limitations by enhancing the biological compatibility, adaptability, and functionality of 2D nanomaterials. These surface modifications aim to create stable and long-lasting therapeutic effects, significantly paving the way for the practical application of polymer-functionalized 2D materials in biosensors and bioelectronics. The review paper critically summarizes the surface functionalization of 2D nanomaterials with biocompatible polymers, including g-C3N4, graphene family, MXene, BP, MOF, and TMDCs, highlighting their current state, physicochemical structures, synthesis methods, material characteristics, and applications in biosensors and bioelectronics. The paper concludes with a discussion of prospects, challenges, and numerous opportunities in the evolving field of bioelectronics.

Microplastics and nanoplastics released from injection syringe, solid and liquid dimethylpolysiloxane (PDMS)

For a plastic syringe, a stopper at the end of plunger is usually made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, and co-ingredients). To reduce friction and prevent leakage between the stopper and barrel, short chain polymer of liquid PDMS is also used as lubricant. Consequently, an injection process can release solid PDMS debris from the stopper and barrel, and liquid PDMS droplets from the lubricant, both of which are confirmed herein as solid and liquid micro(nano)plastics. From molecular spectrum perspective to directly visualise those micro(nano)plastics, Raman imaging was employed to analyse hundreds-to-thousands of spectra (hyper spectrum or hyperspectral matrix) and significantly enhance signal-to-noise ratio. From morphology perspective to provide high resolution of image, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was engaged to cross-check with Raman images and increase assignment / quantification certainty. The weak Raman imaging signal of nanoplastics was extracted using image deconvolution algorithm to remove the background noise and average the signal variation. To increase the result's representativeness and avoid quantification bias, multiple syringes were tested and multiple areas were randomly scanned toward statistical results. It was estimated that thousands of microplastics and millions of nanoplastics of solid/liquid PDMS might be injected when using a plastic syringe of 1 mL. Overall, Raman imaging (along with algorithm and SEM) can be helpful for further research on micro(nano)plastics, and it should be cautious to use plastic syringe due to the increasing concern on the emerging contamination of not only solid but also liquid micro(nano)plastics.

Superior sequence-controlled poly(L-lactide)-based bioplastic with tunable seawater biodegradation

Developing superior-performance marine-biodegradable plastics remains a critical challenge in mitigating marine plastic pollution. Commercially available biodegradable polymers, such as poly(L-lactide) (PLA), undergo slow degradation in complex marine environments. This study introduces an innovative bioplastic design that employs a facile ring-opening and coupling reaction to incorporate hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) into PLA, yielding PEG-PLA copolymers with either sequence-controlled alternating or random structures. These materials exhibit exceptional toughness in both wet and dry states, with an elongation at break of 1446.8% in the wet state. Specifically, PEG4kPLA2k copolymer biodegraded rapidly in proteinase K enzymatic solutions and had a significant weight loss of 71.5% after 28 d in seawater. The degradation primarily affects the PLA segments within the PEG-PLA copolymer, as evidenced by structural changes confirmed through comprehensive characterization techniques. The seawater biodegradability, in line with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 306 Marine biodegradation test guideline, reached 72.63%, verified by quantitative biochemical oxygen demand analysis, demonstrating rapid chain scission in marine environments. The capacity of PEG-PLA bioplastic to withstand DI water and rapidly biodegrade in seawater makes it a promising candidate for preventing marine plastic pollution.

Aluminosilicates-based nanosorbents for heavy metal removal - A review

Contamination of water bodies with heavy metals poses a significant threat to human health and the environment, requiring the development of effective treatment techniques. In this context, aluminosilicates emerge as promising sorbents due to their cost-effectiveness and natural abundance. This review provides a clear, in-depth, and comprehensive description of the structure, properties, and characteristics of aluminosilicates, supporting their application as adsorbents and highlighting their diversity and adaptability to different matrices and analytes. Furthermore, the functionalization of these materials is thoroughly addressed, detailing the techniques currently used, exposing the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, and establishing comparisons and evaluations of the performances of various functionalized aluminosilicates in the extraction of heavy metals in aqueous matrices. This work aims not only to comprehensively review numerous studies from recent years but also to identify trends in the study of such materials and inspire future research and applications in the field of contaminant removal using aluminosilicates.