Investigation of Synthesis Mechanism, Optimal Hot-Pressing Conditions, and Curing Behavior of Sucrose and Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate Adhesive

Pyroptosis and the fight against lung cancer

Pyroptosis, a newly characterized type of inflammatory programmed cell death (PCD), is usually triggered by multiple inflammasomes which can recognize different danger or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), leading to the activation of caspase-1 and the cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD). Gasdermin family pore-forming proteins are the executers of pyroptosis and are normally maintained in an inactive state through auto-inhibition. Upon caspases mediated cleavage of gasdermins, the pro-pyroptotic N-terminal fragment is released from the auto-inhibition of C-terminal fragment and oligomerizes, forming pores in the plasma membrane. This results in the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), generating osmotic swelling and lysis. Current therapeutic approaches including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy and immunotherapy for lung cancer treatment efficiently force the cancer cells to undergo pyroptosis, which then generates local and systemic antitumor immunity. Thus, pyroptosis is recognized as a new therapeutic regimen for the treatment of lung cancer. In this review, we briefly describe the signaling pathways involved in pyroptosis, and endeavor to discuss the antitumor effects of pyroptosis and its potential application in lung cancer therapy, focusing on the contribution of pyroptosis to microenvironmental reprogramming and evocation of antitumor immune response.

Enhancing Mechanical and Antimicrobial Properties of Dialdehyde Cellulose-Silver Nanoparticle Composites through Ammoniated Nanocellulose Modification

Given the widespread prevalence of viruses, there is an escalating demand for antimicrobial composites. Although the composite of dialdehyde cellulose and silver nanoparticles (DAC@Ag1) exhibits excellent antibacterial properties, its weak mechanical characteristics hinder its practical applicability. To address this limitation, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were initially ammoniated to yield N-CNF, which was subsequently incorporated into DAC@Ag1 as an enhancer, forming DAC@Ag1/N-CNF. We systematically investigated the optimal amount of N-CNF and characterized the DAC@Ag1/N-CNF using FT-IR, XPS, and XRD analyses to evaluate its additional properties. Notably, the optimal mass ratio of N-CNF to DAC@Ag1 was found to be 5:5, resulting in a substantial enhancement in mechanical properties, with a 139.8% increase in tensile elongation and a 33.1% increase in strength, reaching 10% and 125.24 MPa, respectively, compared to DAC@Ag1 alone. Furthermore, the inhibition zones against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were significantly expanded to 7.9 mm and 15.9 mm, respectively, surpassing those of DAC@Ag1 alone by 154.8% and 467.9%, indicating remarkable improvements in antimicrobial efficacy. Mechanism analysis highlighted synergistic effects from chemical covalent bonding and hydrogen bonding in the DAC@Ag1/N-CNF, enhancing the mechanical and antimicrobial properties significantly. The addition of N-CNF markedly augmented the properties of the composite film, thereby facilitating its broader application in the antimicrobial field.

Curing Behavior of Sucrose with p-Toluenesulfonic Acid

With respect to the fossil resources shortage, the development of bio-based wood adhesives is an important research topic in wood science. There has been research on using sucrose for bio-based adhesives. However, a high acid catalyst content and a high hot-pressing temperature are required when manufacturing particleboards. In this study, to explore the possibility of p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) as a promising acid catalyst for sucrose-based adhesives, the curing behavior of sucrose with PTSA (Suc-PTSA) was clarified. The thermal analysis results showed that the thermal properties of sucrose decreased significantly with the addition of PTSA. Based on the results of the insoluble matter rate, the optimal mixture ratio and heating conditions were determined to be 95:5 and 180 °C for 10 min, respectively. According to the results of FT-IR, the heat-treated Suc-PTSA contained furan compounds. In the context of the dynamic viscoelasticity, the onset temperature at which the storage modulus (E') begins to rise was significantly lower than those of the other sucrose-based adhesives. PTSA has the potential to cure sucrose more efficiently and at lower temperatures than previous sucrose-based adhesives, making it a promising acid catalyst for sucrose.

Advances of Modified Lignin as Substitute to Develop Lignin-Based Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin Adhesives

Traditionally, phenols used to prepare phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin adhesives are obtained from phenolic compounds and various chemicals, which are extracted from petroleum-based raw materials. Lignin, a sustainable phenolic macromolecule in the cell wall of biomass with an aromatic ring and a phenolic hydroxyl group similar to those of phenol, can be an ideal substitute for phenol in PF resin adhesives. However, only a few lignin-based adhesives are produced on a large scale in industry, mainly because of the low activity of lignin. Preparing lignin-based PF resin adhesives with exceptional achievements by modifying lignin instead of phenol is an efficient method to improve the economic benefits and protect the environment. In this review, the latest progress in the preparation of PF resin adhesives via lignin modification, including chemical, physical, and biological modifications, is discussed. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of different lignin modification methods for adhesives are compared and discussed, and future research directions for the synthesis of lignin-based PF resin adhesives are proposed.

Properties of Table Tennis Blade from Sorghum Bagasse Particleboard Bonded with Maleic Acid Adhesive at Different Pressing Temperatures and Times

This physical and mechanical properties of a table tennis blade made from sorghum bagasse particleboard (TTBSB-particleboard) bonded maleic acid adhesive was investigated under pressing temperature and time variations. The TTBSB-particleboard was produced via a two-stage process in this study. A pressing temperature of 170-200 °C was used to prepare the first stage for 10 min. Following this, the second stage of the TTBSB-particleboard was produced with a different pressing time of 5-20 min. The TTBSB-particleboard had a specified target density of 0.6 g/cm³ and a size of 30 cm × 30 cm × 0.6 cm, respectively. For references concerning the tested quality of TTBSB-particleboard, the JIS A 5908-2003 standard has been used. For comparison, the commercial blades of Yuguan Wooden 1011 and Donic Original Carbo Speed were tested under the same conditions. The quality of the TTBSB-particleboard was successfully enhanced by increasing the pressing temperature (170 to 200 °C) and time (5 to 20 min). As a result, the pressing condition of 200 °C and 20 min were effective in this study. The TTBSB-particleboard in this study has a greater weight than the commercial blades of Yuguan and Donic. However, the TTBSB-particleboard in this study had a ball rebound comparable to that of the Donic blade.

Hollow Mesoporous Microspheres Coating for Super-Hydrophobicity Wood with High Thermostability and Abrasion Performance

Super-hydrophobic phenomena generally exist in nature, and wood can also obtain hydrophobicity by specific processing on the surface, being like the construction of microscale rough surface or decoration with low surface energy materials. In this research, the formation of hydrophobic layers on wood surface was investigated without breaking the wood's original structure. The core-shell structure particles were prepared by penetrating orthosilicate and polystyrene into the hollow mesoporous microsphere structure with tetrahydrofuran. A wood sample was coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) resin layer to enhance the adhesion of nano and micron hollow mesoporous microsphere on its surface. According to the surface structure of super-hydrophobic subjects in nature, the nano and micron hollow mesoporous microsphere were sprayed with different ratios several times to form a hydrophobic surface. The water contact angle could reach 150°, revealing that the hydrophobic behavior of the nano and micron hollow mesoporous microsphere coating was achieved. The microstructures of wood samples were examined by the scanning electron microscopy, and the chemical functional groups were investigated by the Fourier transform infrared; both verified that the hydrophobic surface was successfully coated. The thermogravimetric examination revealed the improved thermal stability of the hydrophobic wood. The scratch test was used to measure the abrasion resistance of the nano and micron hollow mesoporous microsphere coatings on wood surface. It was suggested that the nano and micron hollow mesoporous microsphere coating was an effective method to fabricate extremely hydrophobic wood products.

Development and Application of a New Flame-Retardant Adhesive

A new design adhesive mixed with flame retardant was developed by an optimized and modified dedicated flame retardant and selected at a suitable proportion between the adhesive and flame retardant as well as the coating amount of the adhesive. The new design adhesive was applied to ecological board production, and the flame-retardant properties of products were examined. The dipping and peeling properties, surface bonding strength, and formaldehyde emission reached the national standard GB/T 34722-2017, the flame retardancy meets the requirements of GB/T 8626-2017, GB/T 20284-2006, GB/T20285-2006, and it also reaches the B1-C level (the nonflammable level in the flame retardant level). This study not only has theoretical guidance but also has strong practical value to provide a basis and data support for the research and development of flame-retardant ecological boards.

An integrated biorefinery process for adding values to corncob in co-production of xylooligosaccharides and glucose starting from pretreatment with gluconic acid

Increasing attention has been paid to the production of high value-added products from lignocellulosic biomass. This study aims to valorize corncob, utilizing it as feedstock for a multi-biorefinery framework, using gluconic acid in the pretreatment. In attempts to maximize yield of xylooligosaccharides, corncob was first subjected to hydrolysis by gluconic acid using response surface methodology, from which the maximum xylooligosaccharides yield of 56.2% was achieved using 0.6 mol/L gluconic acid at 154 °C for 47 min. Results indicated that gluconic acid was an effective solvent for xylooligosaccharides production: a total of 180 g of xylooligosaccharides was obtained from 1 kg corncob as a result of hydrolysis. Moreover, 86.3% conversion of cellulose was achieved from enzymatic hydrolysis of gluconic acid-treated corncob at 10% solids loading. This study presents a strategy for valorizing corncob using it to produce xylooligosaccharides and glucose, which should pave the way for valorizing other agriculture wastes.

Flame-Retardant Wood Composites Based on Immobilizing with Chitosan/Sodium Phytate/Nano-TiO2-ZnO Coatings via Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly

Composite coatings of inorganic nanomaterials with polyelectrolytes are promising materials for wood modification. Endowing wood with flame retardancy behavior can not only broaden the range of applications of wood, but also improve the safety of wood products. In this work, chitosan/sodium phytate/TiO2-ZnO nanoparticle (CH/SP/nano-TiO2-ZnO) composite coatings were coated on wood surface through layer-by-layer self-assembly. The morphology and chemical composition of the modified wood samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. The thermal degradation properties and flame retardancy of the samples treated with different assembly structures were observed by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen test, and combustion test. Due to the presence of an effective intumescent flame retardant system and a physical barrier, the CH/SP/nano-TiO2-ZnO coatings exhibited the best flame retardant performance and required only approximately six seconds for self-extinguishing. The coated samples had a limiting oxygen index of 8.4% greater than the original wood.

Preparation and Characterization of Waterborne UV Lacquer Product Modified by Zinc Oxide with Flower Shape

In this paper, the waterborne UV lacquer product (WUV) was used as the main raw material, zinc oxide (ZnO) was used as the additive, and the stearic acid as the surface modifier. According to the method of spraying coating on the surface of poplar wood (Populus tomentosa), a simple and efficient preparation method was carried out to generate a super-hydrophobic surface and enhance the erosion resistance of the coating. By testing, the contact angle (CA) of water on the coating surface can reach 158.4°. The microstructure and chemical composition of the surface of coatings were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that under acidic conditions, the non-polar long chain alkyl group of stearic acid vapor molecule reacted with the hydroxyl group in acetic acid, the metal ions of the ZnO were displaced to the stearic acid and generated globular zinc stearate (C₃₆H₇₀O₄Zn). The hydrophobic groups –CH₃ were grafted to the surface of zinc stearate (ZnSt2) particles and the micro/nano level of multistage flower zinc stearate coarse structure was successfully constructed on the surface of poplar wood, which endowed it with superhydrophobic properties. It is shown that the coating has good waterproof and erosion resistance.

Effect of Concentration of Thermochromic Ink on Performance of Waterborne Finish Films for the Surface of Cunninghamia Lanceolata

Using Cunninghamia lanceolata as a substrate, the thermochromic ink was added to the waterborne finish to test the optical properties and mechanical properties of the finish film. The results showed that the discoloration performance of the finish film with 15.0% and 30.0% of the thermochromic ink was better. The gloss of the finish film changes irregularly when the concentration increases. The finish film with a thermochromic ink concentration of 10.0% has the highest gloss, and with a concentration of 30.0% has the lowest gloss. When the thermochromic ink concentration exceeds 15.0%, the impact resistance of the finish film is slightly enhanced. The concentration is not related to the liquid resistance of the finish film. When the thermochromic ink concentration was 0-15.0%, the particle distribution uniform reunion was not much. The discoloration mechanism of discolored finish film can be considered to be as follows. After adding thermochromic ink, when the finish film temperature rises, it fades from red to colorless. When the temperature is lowered, the thermochromic ink changes to its original colour again, and the thermochromic effect is stable and sustainable. On the basis of the above results, when the thermochromic ink concentration is 15.0%, the general performance of the waterborne finish film on the Cunninghamia lanceolata surface is the best. This study provides new prospects in using thermochromic ink for waterborne finish film.