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• Ultrasound-assisted puncture and drainage is micro-invasion and precise. • Osmotic pressure gradient can form space-occupying tumor bed cysts. • Puncture and drainage is a novel method for space-occupying tumor bed cysts. To investigate the causes of space-occupying tumor bed cysts formed early after glioma resection by measuring the osmotic pressure gradient between cystic fluid, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and propose a new method of bedside ultrasound-assisted puncture and drainage (UAP&D) under local anesthesia for treatment. Bedside UAP&D under local anesthesia was performed through a burr hole on the skull flap. Following a successful puncture, cystic fluid was collected, while blood and CSF were obtained through vein and lumbar puncture, respectively. The osmotic pressure of all fluids collected was measured. The appearance, biochemical composition, and results of microbial culture of cystic fluid and CSF were analyzed. Within 24 h after UAP&D, a CT examination and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) were assessed. The osmotic pressure of cystic fluid was higher than that of serum and CSF. White blood cell count and protein concentration were higher in the cystic fluid compared to the CSF. Conversely, the concentration of chloride ions and glucose were lower. CT scan confirmed the correct placement of the cysts' drainage tube and that the cysts' volume decreased significantly with continued drainage. Accompanied by a reduction in the volume of cysts, there were significant improvements in GCS score within 24 h after UAP&D. All drainage tubes were removed within 2–5 days, and no puncture tract hemorrhage or infection was observed. The osmotic pressure gradient between cystic fluid, serum, and CSF caused the formation of early post-operative space-occupying tumor bed cysts for glioma. UAP&D aligns with the concept that micro-invasive neurosurgery is an effective treatment method for such cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Anaerobic sludge activity was severely inhibited at a salinity of 16 g/L. • High salinity reduced species diversity, with Patescibacteria and Proteobacteria being the dominant phyla under high osmotic stress. • Addition of betaine promotes bacterial secretion of extracellular polymers in response to high osmotic pressure. • The relative abundance of Desulfobacterota and Spirochaetota was significantly increased by the addition of betaine. In this study, the effects of different salinity gradients and addition of compatible solutes on anaerobic treated effluent water qualities, sludge characteristics and microbial communities were investigated. The increase in salinity resulted in a decrease in particle size of the granular sludge, which was concentrated in the range of 0.5-1.0 mm. The content of EPS (extracellular polymeric substances) in the granular sludge gradually increased with increasing salinity and the addition of betaine (a typical compatible solute). Meanwhile, the microbial community structure was significantly affected by salinity, with high salinity reducing the diversity of bacteria. At higher salinity, Patescibacteria and Proteobacteria gradually became the dominant phylum, with relative abundance increasing to 13.53% and 12.16% at 20 g/L salinity. Desulfobacterota and its subordinate Desulfovibrio , which secrete EPS in large quantities, dominated significantly after betaine addition.Their relative abundance reached 13.65% and 7.86% at phylum level and genus level. The effect of these changes on the treated effluent was shown as the average chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate decreased from 82.10% to 79.71%, 78.01%, 68.51% and 64.55% when the salinity gradually increased from 2 g/L to 6, 10, 16 and 20 g/L. At the salinity of 20 g/L, average COD removal increased to 71.65% by the addition of 2 mmol/L betaine. The gradient elevated salinity and the exogenous addition of betaine played an important role in achieving stability of the anaerobic system in a highly saline environment, which provided a feasible strategy for anaerobic treatment of organic saline wastewater. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physicochemical properties of the cellular environment impact on the biochemical and molecular functions of plant cells. Osmotic stress conditions cause severe changes in intracellular macromolecular crowding that plants must adapt to for survival. Recent work has demonstrated that plant cells have mechanisms to sense changes in macromolecular crowding, including plasma membrane and intracellular osmosensors. Tools to dynamically track changes in macromolecular crowding will further contribute to the identification of plant osmosensors. Osmotic stress conditions occur at multiple stages of plant life. Changes in water availability caused by osmotic stress induce alterations in the mechanical properties of the plasma membrane, its interaction with the cell wall, and the concentration of macromolecules in the cytoplasm. We summarize the reported players involved in the sensing mechanisms of osmotic stress in plants. We discuss how changes in macromolecular crowding are perceived intracellularly by intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in proteins. Finally, we review methods for dynamically monitoring macromolecular crowding in living cells and discuss why their implementation is required for the discovery of new plant osmosensors. Elucidating the osmosensing mechanisms will be essential for designing strategies to improve plant productivity in the face of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy is an important factor in reducing the efficacy of tumor phototherapy (including PTT and PDT). Accurate regulation of autophagy in tumor cells is a new strategy to improve the anti-tumor efficiency of PTT/PDT. This project intended to construct a tumor-activated autophagy regulator to efficiently block PTT/PDT-induced autophagy and realize synergistic sensitization to tumor phototherapy. To achieve this goal, we first synthesized TRANSFERRIN (Tf) biomimetic mineralized nano-tellurium (Tf-Te) as photosensitizer and then used disulfide bond reconstruction technology to induce Tf-Te self-assembly. The autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and iron ions carried by Tf were simultaneously loaded to prepare a tumor-responsive drug reservoir Tf-Te/HCQ. After entering breast cancer cells through the "self-guidance system", Tf-Te/HCQ can generate hyperpyrexia and ROS under NIR laser irradiation, to efficiently induce PTT/PDT effect. Meanwhile, the disulfide bond broke down in response to GSH, and the nanoparticles disintegrated to release Fe2+ and HCQ at fixed points. They simultaneously induce lysosomal alkalinization and increased osmotic pressure, effectively inhibit autophagy, and synergistically enhance the therapeutic effect of phototherapy. In vivo anti-tumor results have proved that the tumor inhibition rate of Tf-Te/HCQ can be as high as 88.6% on 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. This multifunctional drug delivery system might provide a new alternative for more precise and effective tumor phototherapy. Tf-Te/HCQ was synthesized as a tumor-activated autophagy regulator. It can efficiently block PTT/PDT-induced autophagy by co-delivery of Fe2+ and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for the synergistic therapy of breast cancer. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desalination offers the potential to bridge the demand-supply gap in the increasing global freshwater scarcity, with the forward osmosis (FO) technique appearing as an attractive solution amongst the various desalination technologies. However, the significant energy demand encountered during the draw-solute recovery process in FO desalination is considered the major anathema amongst other contending factors for which the allure of FO as a desalination technology becomes questioned. Consequently, a potentially innovative draw solution (DS) regeneration strategy, enabling the circumvention of the energy requirements associated with the recovery stage in FO desalination, is evaluated. The direct solar thermal FO (DSTFO) desalination concept is predicated on engineering and applying solar absorptive DS to directly leverage solar energy for solute recovery without recourse to electric power. In advancing the DSTFO concept, this study fabricated and evaluated a novel and highly osmotic sodium functionalised carbon nanofibres (Na/CNF) DS having a high osmotic pressure (93.9 bar), a low reverse solute flux (RSF) of 0.24 gMH, and a photothermal conversion efficiency of 63.49%, resulting in an evaporation rate of 1.85 kg/m2/hr under 2 suns of solar radiation. The DSTFO strategy offers a low-cost solution for enhancing water recovery and decreasing energy use in FO desalination systems. [Display omitted] • Na/CNF DS nanofluid was successfully synthesised and utilised in DSTFO desalination. • DS nanofluid attained high osmotic pressure (93.9 bar) and low RSF (0.24 gMH). • DS achieved a 63.49% conversion efficiency and a 1.85 kg/m2/hr evaporation rate. • Desalinated water produced leveraging solar energy with minimal recourse to electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The annulus fibrosus (AF), a permeable, hydrated, and fiber-reinforced soft tissue, exhibits complex responses influenced by fluid pressure, osmotic pressure, and structural mechanics. Existing models struggle to comprehensively represent these intricate interactions and the heterogeneous solid responses within the AF. Additionally, the mechanisms driving differential damage accumulation between non-degenerative and degenerative intervertebral discs remain poorly understood. In this study, we introduce a biphasic-swelling damage model for the AF. We conceptually develop and rigorously validate this model through tissue-level tests employing various loading modes, consistently aligning model predictions with experimental data. Leveraging parametric geometric algorithms and custom Python scripts, we construct models simulating both non-degenerative and degenerative discs. Following calibration, we subject these models to viscous loading protocols. Our findings reveal the posterior AF's susceptibility to damage, contingent upon loading rate and water content. We elucidate the underlying mechanisms by examining the temporal evolution of fluid pressure, osmotic pressure, and the regionally dependent fiber network. This research presents a highly accurate model of the AF, providing valuable insights into disc damage. Future research endeavors should expand this model to incorporate ionic transport and diffusion, enabling a more profound exploration of intervertebral disc mechanobiology. This comprehensive model contributes to a better understanding of AF behavior and may inform therapeutic strategies for disc-related pathologies. This research presents a comprehensive model of the annulus fibrosus (AF), a crucial component of the intervertebral disc that provides structural support and resists deformation. The study introduces a biphasic-swelling damage model for the AF and validates it through tissue-level tests. The model accounts for fluid pressure, osmotic pressure, and matrix mechanics, providing a more accurate representation of the AF's behavior. The study also investigates the differential damage accumulation between non-degenerative and degenerative discs, shedding light on the mechanisms driving disc degeneration. The findings have significant implications for medical treatments and interventions, as they highlight the posterior AF's susceptibility to damage. This research is of great interest to readers interested in biomechanics, tissue engineering, and medical treatments for disc degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmembrane ion transportation in the nanofluidic salinity gradient energy conversion process is significantly regulated by the ion characteristics and concentration-depended physical and chemical properties of the electrolyte solution. In this paper, considering the Born and dielectrophoretic forces and nonhomogeneous electrolyte solution, impacts of various electrolytes on the nanofluidic energy conversion performance are systematically investigated under various solution pHs. When the solution pH is less than the isoelectric point (IEP), with BeCl 2 solution employed, where the anion diffusion and concentration coefficient are much larger than those of the anion, significant transmembrane anion diffusion exists, leading to the highest osmotic current and maximum power output, even when the solution pH > IEP where the nanochannel is negatively charged, the ion selectivity is still not altered. At pH < IEP, 2:1 electrolytes, where the cation has small ion diffusion coefficient and the anion has larger diffusion coefficient and hydrated radius could result in upgraded energy conversion performance; At pH > IEP, 1:1 electrolytes where the cation has large ion diffusion coefficient and the anion has small diffusion coefficient and large hydrated radius are more appealing. In addition, the relationships between ion characteristics, power extracted, and energy conversion efficiency are further obtained via machine learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Germination and growth of drought susceptible genotypes were significantly inhibited under osmotic stress. • Ten drought tolerant sesame genotypes have been selected on basis of drought tolerance index and membership function value for arid and semi-arid regions. • Drought tolerant varieties of sesame varieties for arid and semi-arid regions of Pakistan. Drought stress decrease plant growth especially during germination and seedling stages in dry areas. The plants of Sesame are moderately tolerant to drought although it is sensitive at germination and seedling stages. About 102 different sesame genotypes were acquired from the Ayub Agriculture Research Institute Faisalabad Pakistan and Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit (USDA) Griffin Georgia United States. Including two local varieties as check screened against drought tolerant were conducted in central lab of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan during July 2019 by using 3 levels of osmotic potential (0, -0.18, and -0.36Mpa) created through Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 8000) following the complete randomized design and data were collected on growth and early seedling indices of sesame. The Hierarchical Cluster Analysis was performed by using IBM SPSS Statistics 23 software on the basis of drought tolerance index (DTI) and Membership Function Value (MFV). Results showed significant decline by increasing osmotic potential regarding studied traits. Ten (10) drought tolerant sesame genotypes namely PI – 153509PI – 154304 PI – 158053 PI – 158059 PI – 175907 PI – 158902 PI – 164142 PI – 164317 PI – 164763 PI – 180340 were selected which exhibited the DTI value (0.451 - 0.525) with the mean MFV value ranged from (0.856 - 0.913) and 5 genotypes had DTI value ranging from (0.075 - 0.150). The genotypes with average DTI ≥ 0.525 were considered as highly drought tolerant genotypes. Contrary, the genotypes with an average DTI ≤ 0.225 were considered drought sensitive and 20 genotypes were highly drought sensitive (HDS) with mean MFV value ranged from 0.103 - 0.196. Genotypes with drought tolerance characteristics can be used for future breeding programs to develop drought tolerant varieties for increasing growth and yield of sesame in drought prone areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the impact of hypoxia and anoxia during mycelial growth on tolerance to different stress conditions of developing fungal conidia. Conidia of the insect-pathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii were produced on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium under normoxia (control = normal oxygen concentrations), continuous hypoxia, and transient anoxia, as well as minimal medium under normoxia. The tolerance of the conidia produced under these different conditions was evaluated in relation to wet heat (heat stress), menadione (oxidative stress), potassium chloride (osmotic stress), UV radiation, and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (=4-NQO genotoxic stress). Growth under hypoxic condition induced higher conidial tolerance of M. robertsii to menadione, KCl, and UV radiation. Transient anoxic condition induced higher conidial tolerance to KCl and UV radiation. Nutritional stress (i.e., minimal medium) induced higher conidial tolerance to heat, menadione, KCl, and UV radiation. However, neither of these treatments induced higher tolerance to 4-NQO. The gene hsp30 and hsp101 encoding a heat shock protein was upregulated under anoxic condition. In conclusion, growth under hypoxia and anoxia produced conidia with higher stress tolerances than conidia produced in normoxic condition. The nutritive stress generated by minimal medium, however, induced much higher stress tolerances. This condition also caused the highest level of gene expression in the hsp30 and hsp101 genes. Thus, the conidia produced under nutritive stress, hypoxia, and anoxia had greater adaptation to stress. • Growth of M. robertsii under hypoxia induced higher conidial stress tolerance. • Growth of M. robertsii under anoxia induced higher conidial stress tolerance. • Growth of M. robertsii under nutritive stress induced higher conidial stress tolerance. • Hypoxia and anoxia did not harm conidial production. • The gene hsp101 was upregulated by nutritive stress, hypoxia, and anoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Pulsed drug release" for dosing drugs such as vaccines, hormones etc. that require multiple, predetermined release events can be obtained by using capsules that exploit the principle of osmosis to achieve a delayed burst release of their payload. An objective of this study was to precisely determine the lag time before burst which occurs when the hydrostatic pressure developed due to water influx expands the capsule shell to rupture. A novel 'dip coating' technique was used to encapsulate osmotic agent solution or solid within biodegradable poly(lactic acid- co -glycolic) (PLGA) spherical capsule shells. As a prelude to determine the hydrostatic pressure to burst, first, elastoplastic and failure characterization of PLGA was conducted by a novel "beach ball inflation" technique. The lag time before burst of various capsule configurations was predetermined by modeling the rate of water uptake by the capsule core as a function of capsule shell thickness, radius of the sphere, core osmotic pressure, and the membrane's hydraulic permeability and tensile properties. In vitro release was studied with capsules of different configurations to determine their actual time to burst. The time to rupture predetermined from the mathematical model corroborated with the in vitro results and was found to increase with increases in capsule radius and shell thickness and decrease in osmotic pressure. Pulsatile drug delivery can be achieved by using a multitude of these osmotic capsules consolidated in a single system, each programmed to release the drug payload after a pre-determined time lag. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to identify an appropriate food-grade multi-component draw solute composition with enhanced permeate flux and reduced reverse solute flux. This study also highlights the role of the membrane in an efficient FO process. The osmotic properties of selected mixed-salt solutions of magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, and potassium chloride were investigated. Based on osmotic pressure, three multi-solute draw solute (DS) compositions were selected for preparation of concentrated tea extract using forward osmosis process. The role of membrane in the efficient membrane process was evaluated by comparing two commercially available hollow fibre forward osmosis membrane. Compared to salts with monovalent ions (such as NaCI and KCD, the SSF of the divalent ions salts (such as MgCl2 and Na2SO4) is reduced by 57.42% due to their larger hydrated radius. The optimised multi-component draw solute performance was compared with single-salt draw solute by maintaining almost the same osmotic pressure. The results of the lab-scale experimental studies revealed that compared to single salt DS Uw = 17.66 L m-2 h-1 and specific salt flux, SSF = 1.53 g L-1) the identified multi-component DS provides an enhanced permeate flux (16.91 L m-2 h-1) with significantly reduced SSF (0.86 g L-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerasus humilis (Bge.) Sok (C. humilis) is a wild fruit tree endemic to China. It mainly grows on saline land and often suffers from osmotic stress. Biophotons are ultraweak luminescence (UWL) radiations that are closely related to various biological processes and activities. UWL emission essentially originates from the oxidative stress process of organisms. However, it is unclear whether UWL production is related to the redox state of chloroplasts. Therefore, to understand the UWL emission mechanism in plants, we studied the effect of salt stress on the photosystem (PS) activity and UWL of C. humilis leaves and analyzed the correlation between PS activity and UWL. The results showed that salt stress severely inhibited the PS activity of C. humilis leaves and oxygen-evolving complex, damaged the integrity of the thylakoid membrane, decreased the photochemical efficiency of PSII, and hindered the Q A -Q B electron transfer. At the same time, the intensity of UWL also decreased. Further, correlation analyses of PS activity indices and UWL showed that UWL was significantly correlated with main parameters of photosystem activity such as PSII the maximum photochemical efficiency (F v /F m) and photosynthetic performance index based on absorbed light energy (PI ABS), as well as the absorption, capture, and transfer of energy in the unit reaction center and unit leaf section. These results indicated that the PS activity of C. humilis was related to the production of UWL, and the intensity of UWL decreased with the decrease in PS activity. • Salt stress reduced the ultra-weak luminescence (UWL) intensity of Cerasus humilis leaves. • Salt stress inhibits the photosystem activity of Cerasus humilis leaves and damaged the integrity of thylakoid membrane. • Under salt stress, the UWL intensity of Cerasus humilis leaves is closely related to the photosystem activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xerophilic fungi accumulate a large amount of glycerol in the cytosol to counterbalance the external osmotic pressure. But during heat shock (HS) majority of fungi accumulate a thermoprotective osmolyte trehalose. Since glycerol and trehalose are synthesized in the cell from the same precursor (glucose), we hypothesised that, under heat shock conditions, xerophiles growing in media with high concentrations of glycerol may acquire greater thermotolerance than those grown in media with high concentrations of NaCl. Therefore, the composition of membrane lipids and osmolytes of the fungus Aspergillus penicillioides , growing in 2 different media under HS conditions was studied and the acquired thermotolerance was assessed. It was found that in the salt-containing medium an increase in the proportion of phosphatidic acids against a decrease in the proportion of phosphatidylethanolamines is observed in the composition of membrane lipids, and the level of glycerol in the cytosol decreases 6-fold, while in the medium with glycerol, changes in the composition of membrane lipids are insignificant and the level of glycerol is reduced by no more than 30%. In the mycelium trehalose level have increased in both media, but did not exceed 1% of dry weight. However, after exposure to HS the fungus acquires greater thermotolerance in the medium with glycerol than in the medium with salt. The data obtained indicate the interrelation between changes in the composition of osmolytes and membrane lipids in the adaptive response to HS, as well as the synergistic effect of glycerol and trehalose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyploid plants are usually salt tolerant, but the underlying mechanisms remain fragmental. This study aimed to dissect salt resistance of tetraploid honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) from ion balance, osmotic adjustment and antioxidant defense by contrasting with its autodiploid through pot experiments. Less salt-induced reduction in leaf and root biomass confirmed higher tolerance in tetraploid honeysuckle, and moreover, its greater stability of photosynthetic apparatus was verified by mild influence on delayed chlorophyll fluorescence transients. Compared with the diploid, greater root Na+ exclusion helped alleviate salt-induced decrease in leaf K+/Na+ for maintaining ion balance in tetraploid honeysuckle, and relied on Na+/H+ antiporter activity, because their difference of root Na+ exclusion disappeared after applying a specific inhibitor of Na+/H+ antiporter. Lower reduction in leaf relative water content suggested higher tolerance to osmotic pressure in tetraploid honeysuckle under salt stress, which hardly resulted from osmotic adjustment given the similar decrease extent of leaf osmotic potential with that in the diploid. In contrast to significant elevated leaf lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase activities in the diploid, no obvious changes in them suggested that tetraploid honeysuckle never suffered salt-induced oxidative stress. According to more accumulated leaf chlorogenic acid and phenolics and greater elevated leaf phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity and transcription, leaf phenolic synthesis was enhanced greater in tetraploid honeysuckle upon salt stress, which might serve to prevent oxidative threat by consuming reducing power. In conclusion, polyploidy enhanced salt tolerance in honeysuckle by maintaining ion homeostasis and water balance and preventing oxidative stress. • Polyploidy mitigated the effect of salt stress on delayed chlorophyll fluorescence. • Polyploidy conduced to keeping ion balance in honeysuckle under salt stress. • Polyploidy prevented salt-induced oxidative stress in honeysuckle. • Polyploidy assisted to maintain water homeostasis in honeysuckle under salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes are secreted by cells as carriers of lipids, functional proteins, mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs and DNA, playing an essential role in intercellular communication. In recent years, exosomes from platelet lysate have shown their ability to promote tissue repair and regeneration given their abundance of growth factors and cytokines. In addition, they have attracted attention for their role in blood coagulation, immunomodulation, and vascular biology. However, the lack of standardized isolation and analysis methods for exosomes has limited their clinical applications. This study aimed to analyze the contents of human platelet lysate exosomes, explore the correlation with their biological functions, and evaluate their differences in composition, with an overarching goal to understand the potential regulatory mechanisms. To explore the contents of human platelet lysate exosomes (HPLP-EVs), we used platelet lysate, instead of fetal bovine serum (FBS), and Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) to concentrate and purify the HPLP-EVs to separate the exosomes by size particle. Next, we tried four different ways to break the purified HPLP-EVs: freeze-thaw reaction, ultrasound, magnetic bead beating homogenization, and double distilled water osmotic pressure equilibrium. We confirmed which method was optimal for extracting the internal components of exosomes, and further analyzed the compositional differences of the contents of HPLP-EVs by using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF), UPLC-MS/MS, and Nucleic Acid Sequence Analysis. We also performed the systematic identification of proteins and nucleic acids in exosomes of different sizes. Ultimately, by analyzing the composition and activity efficacy of HPLP-EVs of different sizes, the correlation between HPLP-EVs and nucleic acids will be analyzed to provide a new guideline for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TMEM63B is a mechanosensitive cation channel activated by hypoosmotic stress and mechanic stimulation. We recently reported a brain-specific alternative splicing of exon 4 in TMEM63B. The short variant lacking exon 4, which constitutes the major isoform in the brain, exhibits enhanced responses to hypoosmotic stimulation compared to the long isoform containing exon 4. However, the mechanisms affecting this differential response are unclear. Here, we showed that the short isoform exhibited stronger cell surface expression compared to the long variant. Using mutagenesis screening of the coding sequence of exon 4, we identified an RXR-type endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal (RER). We found that this motif was responsible for binding to the COPI retrieval vesicles, such that the longer TMEM63B isoforms were more likely to be retrotranslocated to the ER than the short isoforms. In addition, we demonstrated long TMEM63Bs could form heterodimers with short isoforms and reduce their surface expression. Taken together, our findings revealed an ER retention signal in the alternative splicing domain of TMEM63B that regulates the surface expression of TMEM63B protein and channel function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An entrapped temporal horn (ETH) is one of the critical complications after tumor removal in the lateral ventricle trigone that sometimes becomes life threatening. We sought to develop a novel intraoperative method of prophylactic intraventricular piping (PIP) just after tumor removal to prevent ETH. Three patients with meningiomas in the lateral ventricle trigone were treated by a novel intraoperative method of PIP just after tumor removal to prevent ETH. Silicone catheters normally used as ventricular drainage catheters were cut to 5- to 6-cm length and inserted into the tumor cavity to ensure communication between the temporal horn and the atrium or the body of the lateral ventricle through the piping straddling the trigone. None of our patients developed ETH during the follow-up period without complications caused by the tube placement. PIP might be beneficial to prevent ETH because constant osmotic pressure and constant cerebrospinal fluid pulse wave transmission are maintained between each compartment of the lateral ventricle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The function of articular cartilage as a load-bearing connective tissue is derived primarily from a balanced interaction between the swelling proteoglycan (PG) matrix and tension-resistant collagen fibrous network. Such balance is compromised during joint disease such as osteoarthritis (OA) due to degradation to PGs and/or collagens. While the PG degradation is generally thought to be related to a loss of protein abundance, the collagenous degradation is more complex as it can be caused independently by a decrease of collagen content, disorganisation of fibrous structure and softening of individual collagen fibrils. A comprehensive understanding of the initial trajectories of degradation of PGs and collagen network can improve our chance of finding potential therapeutic solutions for OA. Here, we developed geometrically, structurally, and compositionally realistic and sample-specific Finite Element (FE) models under the framework of multiphasic mixture theory, from which the elastic moduli of collagen fibres and the PG load-bearing quality in healthy and diseased cartilages were estimated by numerical optimisation of the multi-step indentation stress relaxation force-time curves. We found the intrinsic quality of collagen fibres, measured by their elastic moduli, to stay constant for healthy and diseased cartilages. Combining with previous findings which show unaltered collagen content during early stages of OA, our results suggest the disorganisation of collagen fibrous network as the first form of collagenous degradation in osteoarthritic cartilage. We also found that PG degradation involves not only a loss of protein abundance, but also the quality of the remaining PGs in generating sufficient osmotic pressure for load bearing. This study sheds light on the mechanism of OA pathogenesis and highlights the restoration of collageneous organisation in cartilage as key medical intervention for OA. Collagen network in articular cartilage consists of individual fibres that are organised into depth-dependent structure specialised for joint load-bearing and lubrication. During osteoarthritis, the collagen network undergoes mechanical degradation, but it is unclear if a loss of content, disorganisation of fibrous structure, or softening of individual fibres causes this degeneration. Using mechanical indentation, Finite Element modelling, and numerical optimisation methods, we determined that individual fibres did not soften in early disease stage. Together with previous findings showing unaltered collagen content, our results pinpoint the disorganisation of collagen structure as the main culprit for early collagenous degradation in osteoarthritic cartilage. Thus, early restoration in cartilage of collagen organisation, instead of individual fibre quality, may be key to slow osteoarthritis development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The successful germination of pollen is essential for double fertilization in flowering plants. Mechanosensitive channels of small conductance (MscS-like, MSL) inhibit pollen germination and maintains cellular integrity of pollen during this process. Therefore, it is vital to carefully regulate the expression of MSL to promote successful pollen germination. Despite its importance, the molecular mechanisms governing MSL expression in plants remain poorly understood. Here, we had identified 15 MSL genes in the pear, among which PbrMSL5 was expressed in pollen development. Subcellular localization experiments revealed that PbrMSL5 was located in both plasma membrane and cytoplasm. Functional investigations, including complementation experiments using the atmsl8 mutant background, demonstrated the involvement of PbrMSL5 in preserving pollen cell integrity and inhibiting germination. Antisense oligonucleotide experiments further confirmed that PbrMSL5 suppressed pear pollen germination by reducing osmotic pressure and Cl− content. Yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and dual luciferase reporter assay elucidated that PbrMYC8 interacts directly with the N-box element, leading to the suppression of PbrMSL5 expression and promoted pollen germination. These results represented a significant advancement in unraveling the molecular mechanisms controlling plant MSL expression. This study showed valuable contribution to advancing our comprehension of the mechanism underlying pollen germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change hydrogel (PCH) combines the heat storage characteristics of phase change material with the water retention capacity of hydrogel, showing great potential in cooling pavement applications. This study aims to investigate the water retention and heat storage properties of PCH in cooling pavement, providing new insights for mitigating the urban heat island effect. Based on the principle of osmotic pressure, polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution was actively absorbed by superabsorbent polymers (SAP) to form stable PCH. By infusing the asphalt mixture skeleton with PCH-containing phase change grouting material (PCGM), a temperature-regulating phase change grouting pavement (PCGP) can be obtained. Morphological characterization showed that PCH was uniformly distributed in PCGM and effectively locked PEG during high temperature and water absorption/release processes without leakage. PCH imparted excellent water retention properties to PCGM, with a saturation water absorption rate of 44.1 %, which is 6.2 times higher than the control group, and a water retention rate of 34.31 % after heating at 60 °C for 12 hours. Furthermore, PCGM exhibited considerable heat storage performance, with a melting enthalpy of 15.74 J/g and a crystallization enthalpy of 12.07 J/g. Based on these, PCGP demonstrated outstanding temperature-regulating ability, reducing surface temperatures by 9.3 °C and 11.6 °C under dry and saturated conditions, respectively, compared to control pavement. In conclusion, this study provides a theoretical basis for the development of novel cooling pavement materials and shows great potential for its wide application in urban infrastructure construction. • A novel phase change hydrogel is developed based on the principle of osmotic pressure. • PCH endows pavement with excellent heat storage and water retention capabilities. • Phase change grouting pavement exhibits exceptional temperature-regulating ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change causes temperature increase and alteration of precipitation patterns with frequent droughts. These are known to influence soil microorganisms leading to community shifts and physiological adaptations, with consequences for biogeochemical cycles. However, whether soil microbial communities evolved at different average temperature differ in their response to drought is not well understood. Therefore, we collected ten soil samples per site (0–30 cm soil depth) from a walnut-fruit forest at 1000, 1300 and 1600 m above sea level with similar vegetation which represent average temperature differences of 1.3 °C between sites, mimicking potential climate change. We incubated these for 70 days at 22 °C either at (i) constant moisture of 50 % soil water holding capacity, or subjected them to (ii) two or (iii) three drying-rewetting (DRW) cycles. Respiration was measured during the incubation; microbial and chemical properties were determined at the end. No elevation specific or interactive effects with DRW were detected, except for fungal gene abundance, where values were highest at the intermediate elevation level. This reveals that soil microbial communities evolved at different average temperature regimes do not differ in their response to drought. Therefore, data were pooled across all sites and analyzed for the main effects of DRW. Microbial activity increased with DRW as reflected by enhanced net‑nitrogen mineralization and basal respiration. However, microbial biomass carbon and ergosterol were reduced by 20 and 25 % and bacterial gene abundance between 20 and 40 %. This reflects the strong osmotic pressure of DRW causing death of microbial cells. The higher maintenance requirements for cell adjustment to osmotic pressure of surviving microorganisms was revealed by an increase of the metabolic quotient q CO 2 by 60 % and accumulation of potassium in the microbial biomass. Fungi cope better with DRW as shown by higher fungal gene abundance as well as their ratio to ergosterol after DRW, reflecting shifts in cell volume due to community shifts or morphological adaptations. Our findings highlight that soil microbial communities evolved under different average temperature regimes respond similarly to DRW, but overall shift towards fungi as this taxon can potentially physiologically better adapt to osmotic pressure. Consequently, DRW may cause higher organic matter turnover and nutrient release due to higher microbial maintenance costs for osmotic cell adjustments. • Drying-rewetting reduced microbial, in particular bacterial biomass. • Surviving microorganisms adjusted the cell volume and accumulated potassium. • Osmotic adjustments increased metabolic quotient and net N-mineralization. • Microbes adapted to higher temperature did not cope better with drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study systematically evaluated the potential of novel organic draw solutions for forward osmosis (FO) desalination. The formulations included 4 binary and 6 ternary systems incorporating sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and propylene glycol propyl ether (PGPE). Using a custom-built FO laboratory setup, the experimental water and solute fluxes of the new draw solutions were investigated. The ternary 0.5NaCMC-3.75PGPE draw solution demonstrated an osmotic pressure of 33.9942 bars. When tested at 30 °C, this draw solution yielded average experimental water fluxes of 17.487, 15.654, and 12.482 LMH while desalinating 5000 ppm NaCl brackish feed solutions. Furthermore, scaling up to 0.5NaCMC-20PGPE was effective for seawater desalination, with experimental water fluxes averaging 13.975 and 14.284 LMH against a 35,000 ppm NaCl feed solution. A comprehensive morphological analysis was conducted to evaluate the compatibility of the FO membrane with the organic draw solutions following a 21-day immersion period. [Display omitted] • The polyelectrolyte, NaCMC (MW ∼ 90,000) was mixed with propylene glycol propyl ether (PGPE) as draw solutes for FO processes. • The binary 40PGPE draw solution produced an osmotic pressure of 130.297 bars. • The binary 40PGPE solution had higher reverse solute fluxes compared to the ternary 0.5NaCMC-20PGPE solution. • Morphological evaluations confirmed the compatibility of the FO membrane with the newly developed organic draw solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freshwater shortage has become a global issue due to the population explosion. As an effective response to the water crisis, forward osmosis (FO) desalination technology is applied because of its comparatively low membrane fouling and low energy consumption. Hydrogels, as draw solutions in FO, have received increasing attention due to their properties of no reverse solute flux, and strong water recovery capability. However, the concentration in the feed solution is below 8000 ppm restricted by the lack of a clear mechanism for osmotic pressure regulation. In this work, a sodium alginate-graphene oxide (SA-GO) hydrogel was proposed with excellent performance in drawing water. The hydrogel has a homogeneous porous structure that enables easy water recovery through compression. When the SA-GO-1 hydrogel was used for the treatment of the simulated seawater (35,000 ppm NaCl solutions), the initial water flux achieved 0.4429 L m−2 h−1 (LMH), and the average water flux remained at 0.1783LMH. In contrast to conventional tactics, the osmotic pressure of hydrogel was regulated based on Flory-Rehner theory (FR). Moreover, the interaction energy was computed to reveal the mechanism of osmotic pressure regulation. This strategy provides a potential solution for the design of high-performance draw solutions for FO systems. • The FR theory was employed to mentor the osmotic pressure regulation of hydrogel. • An osmotic pressure regulation hydrogel was proposed as a draw solution in FO. • The hydrogel can obtain freshwater under 35,000 ppm NaCl solution. • The hydrogel possessed a stable performance during continuous FO operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MCFA synthesis was inhibited at high total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentrations. • Hydrolysis, acidification and chain elongation processes were inhibited. • TAN stress did not result in a decrease in the abundance of CE bacteria. • The lower MCFA yield was due to the lower activities of key enzymes. • FAB pathway was the primary contributor for MCFA synthesis under TAN stress. This study used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metatranscriptomic analysis to comprehensively illustrate how ammonia stress influenced medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) biosynthesis. MCFA synthesis was inhibited at total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentrations above 1000 mg N/L. TAN stress hindered organic hydrolysis, acidification, and volatile fatty acids elongation. Chain-elongating bacteria (e.g., Clostridium_sensu_stricto_12 , Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 , Caproiciproducens) abundance remained unchanged, but their activity decreased, partially due to the increased reactive oxygen species. Metatranscriptomic analysis revealed reduced activity of enzymes critical for MCFA production under TAN stress. Fatty acid biosynthesis pathway rather than reverse β-oxidation pathway primarily contributed to MCFA production, and was inhibited under TAN stress. Functional populations likely survived TAN stress through osmoprotectant generation and potassium uptake regulation to maintain osmotic pressure, with NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase potentially compensating for ATP loss. This study enhances understanding of MCFA biosynthesis under TAN stress, aiding MCFA production system stability and efficiency improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forward osmosis (FO) offers a promising solution for concentration and material recovery, characterized by its low energy consumption and high separation efficiency. Temperature exerts a significant influence on FO, affecting permeation performance, membrane characteristics, and solution chemistry. The review article shows that increasing temperatures enhance forward permeate flux and solvent recovery by modifying mass transfer coefficients, membrane structure, and solution properties like osmotic pressure, diffusivity, and viscosity. This helps alleviate concentration polarization, a key challenge in FO applications. However, higher temperatures can exacerbate reverse solute flux, diminish solute rejection, and amplify membrane fouling, impacting operational efficiency and effluent quality. Studies involving thermoresponsive compounds or high-solute-content solutions yield conflicting results, further complicated by thermo-osmosis in scenarios with temperature gradients between solutions. In water and wastewater treatment, a huge quantity of solutions is treated, and temperature control is difficult. Managing solution temperatures through the utilization of waste hot streams or available heat sources can offer a viable strategy for enhancing system efficiency and mitigating the detrimental impacts of temperature fluctuations, while the solution volume should be effectively reduced before the treatment. A nuanced comprehension of temperature's impacts is imperative for refining FO systems and addressing challenges across various industrial and environmental sectors. [Display omitted] • 168 temperature-related studies of stand-alone/hybrid FO systems have been reviewed. • Higher temperature enhances permeate, reverse fluxes, and membrane permeability. • FO membrane's solute selectivity may be degraded at higher temperatures. • Fouling layer development depends on solute movement toward and from membranes. • There are signs of improvement in membrane cleaning at higher temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 2% salinity stimulates an increase in microbial enzymatic and metabolic activities. • Salinities of 4% and 6% induce ROS production and inhibit denitrification of HSAD. Exogenous addition of ectoine alleviates the inhibition of HSAD by 6% high salinity. • Ectoine promotes EPS secretion and protects microorganisms from salinity stress. • Ectoine increases HD and halotolerant bacteria abundance, enhancing denitrification. Increasing discharge of saline wastewater poses a challenge for heterotrophic and sulfur autotrophic denitrification (HSAD) in nitrogen removal. This study explored the response mechanism of mixotrophic denitrifying microorganisms to high-salt stress and feasible mitigation strategies. Results showed that denitrification efficiency was promoted at 2 % salinity but significantly decreased at 6 %, with NO 3 –-N removal rate decreased from 95.77 % to 38.01 %. The contribution of sulfur autotrophic denitrification (SAD) remained higher than heterotrophic denitrification (HD). High salinity stimulation led to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, while the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) content, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, and electron transport system activity (ETSA) decreased by 10.74 %, 46.6 % and 56.28 % at 6 % salinity, respectively. Additionally, high salt inhibited the activity of nitrate reductase (NAR) and nitrite reductase (NIR), reducing the abundance of denitrifying bacteria. Notably, the addition of 250 mg/L of ectoine at 6 % salinity alleviated stress, promoted the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to protect the microorganisms, reduced microbial oxidative stress, and maintained metabolic and denitrification enzyme activities. Ectoine acted as an osmotic pressure regulator and protective agent, maintaining intracellular enzymes and macromolecular structure, thus enhancing denitrification efficiency. Microbial community analysis demonstrated a 3.99 % increase in HD functional bacteria abundance with ectoine addition, highlighting its crucial role in regulation community succession and stability. Structural equations modeling analysis identified the regulatory relationship paths involved in the response and mitigation of HSAD to high salinity stress. This study deepens understanding of the inhibition mechanism of HSAD caused by high-salt wastewater and provides a feasible technical solution for salt stress alleviation in sulfur-based mixotrophic denitrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freezing, as a common method of food preservation, has been widely used in the food industry. However, with further research, the drawbacks it brings (such as ice crystal puncturing cells and osmotic pressure) have also become well-known at the same time environmental problems are becoming more and more obvious. Therefore, there is a need to seek green cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) for freezing. Green natural deep eutectic agents (GNDEAs) were first applied to biocryopreservation in 2018. This review aims to comprehensively understand the principles and prospects of GNDEAs as green CPAs by summarising the origin, development, synthesis methods, physicochemical properties related to cryoprotection, potential cryoprotection mechanisms, applications in the field of cryoprotection, current challenges and prospects for future development. GNDEAs have been proved to achieve freezing protection by regulating the freezing point and inhibiting the recrystallization of ice crystals. Compared to traditional CPAs, GNDEAs systems are natural, green CPAs that are non-toxic, environmentally friendly and have good biocompatibility, which are potential CPAs in the food industry. • The developments of green natural deep eutectic agents (GNDEAs) were reviewed. • The preparation methods of GNDEAs were reviewed. • The cryopreservation-related properties of GNDEAs were introduced. • The potential mechanism of GNDEAs biocryoprotection was discussed. • The advantages and prospects of GNDEAs were reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The homeodomain leucine zipper (HD-Zip) transcription factors are involved in plant responses to abiotic stresses. In this study, we have identified a total of 52 HD-Zip genes from the released genome of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), a cool-season turfgrass and forage species, which is relatively sensitive to heat and drought stresses. These HD-Zip genes are classified into classes I-IV, of which, 49 are evenly distributed on all seven chromosomes of perennial ryegrass whereas other 3 are on scaffolds. Cis -elements analysis showed that phytohormone, light signaling, and stress responsive elements are abundant in the promoter region of the HD-Zip genes. Expression analysis indicated that LpHOX24 and its paralog LpHOX22 were significantly induced by heat stress treatment. Ectopic overexpressing (OE) of LpHOX22 and LpHOX24 in Arabidopsis compromised plant osmotic stress tolerance as evidenced by declined survival rate with elevated electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Expression levels of several osmotic responsive genes were downregulated in OE lines. Additionally, heat stress tolerance was impaired in LpHOX22 and LpHOX24 overexpression transformants, along with increased EL and MDA content. Further analysis revealed that overexpression of LpHOX22 and LpHOX24 repressed the expressions of AtHSFAs and AtDREB2A when compared to wild type after heat stress treatment. In summary, LpHOX22 and LpHOX24 potentially functioned as negative regulators in perennial ryegrass in response to osmotic and heat stresses. • Fifty-two HD-Zip genes were identified from the perennial ryegrass genome. • LpHOX22 and LpHOX24 were significantly induced by heat stress. • LpHOX22 and LpHOX24 transgenes impaired osmotic and heat stress tolerances. • LpHOX22 and LpHOX24 repressed expression of stress responsive genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although intracellular ultrastructures have typically been studied using microscopic techniques, it is difficult to observe ultrastructures at the submicron scale of living cells due to spatial resolution (fluorescence microscopy) or high vacuum environment (electron microscopy). We investigate the nanometer scale intracellular ultrastructures of living CHO cells in various osmolality using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and especially the structures of ribosomes, DNA double helix, and plasma membranes in-cell environment are observed. Ribosomes expand and contract in response to osmotic pressure, and the inter-ribosomal correlation occurs under isotonic and hyperosmolality. The DNA double helix is not dependent on the osmotic pressure. Under high osmotic pressure, the plasma membrane folds into form a multilamellar structure with a periodic length of about 6 nm. We also study the ultrastructural changes caused by formaldehyde fixation, freezing and heating. [Display omitted] • SAXS reveals nanoscale intracellular ultrastructure of living CHO cells. • Plasma membrane is folded by hyperosmotic pressure to form multilamellar structure. • Multi-scale phase separations are induced or compressed under hyperosmotic pressure. • Real-time temperature-dependent ultrastructural changes are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proline serves as an important osmolyte in maintaining osmotic pressure and stabilizing cellular structure in aquatic organisms, and is essential for adaptation to salinity stress. This study focuses on the razor clam (Sinonovacula constricta), and investigated the metabolism and synthesis of proline in response to changing salinity. The proline content in gill tissues of razor clams significantly increased over time and with different levels of salinity exposure. The key genes involved in proline metabolism, including (Aminotransferase (ScOAT), Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid synthase (ScP5CS), and proline dehydrogenase (ScProDH) were investigated, as well as enzyme activities associated with these genes in razor clams. The expression and activity of P5CS increased significantly under hypersalinity conditions, whereas that of OAT enzyme activity decreased. This suggested that the glutamate pathway had an important role in the proline synthesis during hypersalinity. ProDH activity was negatively correlated with salinity and regulated by the proline content, indicating a significant role of ProDH in proline accumulation under hypersalinity conditions. ScP5CS was heterologously expressed in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae , followed by exogenous proline supplementation studies. Recombinant S. cerevisiae incubated with ScP5CS exhibited elevated levels of proline, with the growth performance of recombinant strain surpassing that of the control group after salinity stress. In addition, razor clams exposed to exogenous proline under high salinity conditions showed expedite osmotic regulation, whereby the hemolymph pressure reached equilibrium more quickly. Together, these results indicated that the proline content increased under high salinity, which could improve the tolerance of razor clams to hypersalinity, offering novel perspectives into molecular mechanism of salinity adaptation in shellfish. • Hypersalinity stress induced accumulation of proline in razor clam. • Proline synthesis primarily relied on the glutamate synthesis pathway under hypersalinity. • The accumulation of proline can improve the salinity tolerance of razor clam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large decrease in permeability is often observed during the filtration of nano-sized colloids, while fouling is widely regarded as the main explanation for this phenomenon. The osmotic pressure or concentration polarization (CP) of colloids can also contribute to the flux decline. However, the contribution of CP to flux loss cannot be determined by the traditional CP model. In this study, the effect of fouling and CP/osmotic pressure on flux was distinguished. The CP values of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and silica-colloids were determined by the osmotic pressures near the membrane surface and in the feed. The CP induced by colloids accounted for 43–95% of the flux loss in our experiments. Silica exhibited higher CP values (127–460), compared to 7–71 for PEG. This was attributed to the slower back diffusion caused by the larger colloids, as evidenced by the diffusion coefficients of 4.30 × 10−11 m2/s for silica (10 nm) and 1.45 × 10−10 m2/s for PEG (2.9 nm). Although the CP was mitigated by increasing the cross-flow velocity, CP values of 31 and 250 were observed for PEG and silica at high Reynolds number of 7317, respectively. The experimentally obtained CP values were also compared with those calculated by the film diffusion model. [Display omitted] • Flux decline caused by fouling and CP of colloids in ceramic NF was distinguished. • CP was measured by the osmotic pressures in the feed and near the membrane wall. • CP of silica colloids can reach up to 460. • The high CP was the result of the slow back diffusion of colloids. • CP of colloidal particles led to a maximum flux loss of 95 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brine management strategies require efficient methods of desalinating high-salinity streams (> 7 wt%). Low-salt-rejection reverse osmosis (LSRRO) provides salt leakage to reduce the trans-membrane osmotic pressure, and has higher water recovery than reverse osmosis (RO). However, LSRRO has high energy consumption (e.g., > 5 kWh / m 3 for seawater feed). In this work, we develop novel transient multistage processes (i.e., semi-batch and batch) that employ LSRRO membranes to desalinate high-saline streams. Herein, we use a simplified lumped model to capture the system performance under ideal and non-ideal conditions and optimize salt rejection per pass for the multistage system. The results show that the batch LSRRO system performs dewatering with fewer stages and more efficiently than the steady-state LSRRO. In particular, the multistage batch system significantly outperforms the steady-state LSRRO by reducing energy consumption between 38 % to 73 %. The ZLD application for 4-stage batch systems requires energy consumption between 1.07 and 6.96 kWh / m 3 for the feed salinity range between 0.1 and 1 mol/L. Conversely, semi-batch LSRRO is less efficient than steady-state and batch LSRRO. It is constrained by the loss due to the mixing of streams which results in more stages, tighter range for membrane selectivity, and higher energy consumption than batch LSRRO. • First proposed batch and semi-batch low-salt-rejection systems • Multistaging the process for zero liquid discharge processes • Batch process has higher efficiency than steady-state low-salt-rejection RO. • Reduced complexity compared to Batch counterflow reverse osmosis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Enhanced performance of ultrasound BAC to remove DON was confirmed. • Variation of DON molecular properties in effluent of BAC filter were investigated. • Clarify change of BAC microbial traits and metabolism before and after ultrasound. Drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) in China that pioneered the biological activated carbon (BAC) process have reached 10 years of operation. There has been a renewed focus on biofiltration and the performance of old BAC filters for dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) has been poor, requiring replacement and regeneration of the BAC. Therefore, it is necessary to explore a cost-effective way to improve the water quality of the old BAC filters. To address this, low frequency ultrasound is proposed to enhance DON removal efficiency by BAC. In this study, bench and pilot tests were conducted to investigate the effect of low frequency ultrasound on DON removal by 10-year BAC. The results indicated that low frequency ultrasound significantly improved the DON removal rate increased from 15.83 % to 85.87 % and considerably inhibited the nitrogenous disinfection by-products (N-DBPs) formation potential, which was attributed to a decrease in the production of lipid-like, carbohydrate-like, and protein/amino sugar-like DON. The biomass on the BAC was significantly reduced after ultrasound treatment, and it decreased from 349.56∼388.98 nmol P/gBAC to 310.12∼377.63 nmol P/gBAC, enabling the biofilm thickness to decrease and the surface to become sparse and porous, which was conducive to oxygen and nutrients transfer. The Rhizobials associated with microbe-derived DON were stripped away during ultrasound treatment, which reduced microbe-derived DON associated with amino acids. Additionally, ultrasound regulated metabolic pathways, including amino acids, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and nucleotide metabolism, to improve the osmotic pressure of the biofilm. In short, low frequency ultrasound treatment can enhance BAC biological properties and effectively remove DON and N-DBPs formation potentials, which provides a viable and promising strategy for improving the safety of drinking water in practice. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the intrinsic influence of different salinity content on aniline biodegradation system in high temperature condition of 35 ± 1 °C, six groups at various salinity concentration (0.0%–5.0%) were applied. The results showed that the salinity exerted insignificant impact on aniline removal performance. The low-level salinity (0.5%–1.5%) stimulated the nitrogen metabolism performance. The G5-2.5% had excellent adaptability to salinity while the nitrogen removal capacity of G6-5.0% was almost lost. Moreover, high throughput sequencing analysis revealed that the g__norank_f__NS9_marine_group , g__Thauera and g__unclassified_f__Rhodobacteraceae proliferated wildly and established positive correlation each other in low salinity systems. The g__SM1A02 occupying the dominant position in G5 ensured the nitrification performance. In contrast, the Rhodococcus possessing great survival advantage in tremendous osmotic pressure competed with most functional genus, triggering the collapse of nitrogen metabolism capacity in G6. This work provided valuable guidance for the aniline wastewater treatment under salinity stress in high temperature condition. [Display omitted] • Salinity stress have negligible effect on aniline degradation performance. • Low-level salinity (0.5%–1.5%) promoted the nitrogen removal capacity. • The nitrogen metabolism property were severely damaged in G6-5.0%. • Low salinity (0.5%–1.5%) enhanced the close collaboration among dominant genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclocarban (TCC), an emerging contaminant in water environments, its effects on freshwater biofilms remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates the effects of TCC exposure (at concentrations of 10 μg L−1 and 10 mg L−1) on mature freshwater biofilms. TCC was found to inhibit biofilm activity as evidenced by changes in surface morphology and the ratio of live/dead cells. Moreover, both concentrations of TCC were observed to modify the structure of the biofilm community. Metabolomics analysis revealed an overlap in the toxicity mechanisms and detoxification strategies triggered by various concentrations of TCC in biofilms. However, the higher toxicity induced by 10 mg L−1 TCC resulted from the downregulation of proline betaine, disrupting the homeostasis of cellular osmotic pressure regulation in biofilms. Notably, lipid and lipid-like molecules showed high sensitivity to different concentrations of TCC, indicating their potential as biomarkers for TCC exposure. Annotation of the differential metabolites by KEGG revealed that alterations in amino acid and carbon metabolism constituted the primary response mechanisms of biofilms to TCC. Moreover, the biofilm demonstrated enhanced nucleic acid metabolism, which bolstered resistance against TCC stress and heightened tolerance. Furthermore, elevated TCC concentrations prompted more robust detoxification processes for self-defense. Overall, short-term exposure to TCC induced acute toxicity in biofilms, yet they managed to regulate their community structure and metabolic levels to uphold oxidative homeostasis and activity. This research contributes to a deeper comprehension of TCC risk assessment and policy control in aquatic environments. [Display omitted] • The structure of C-cycling bacteria communities was damaged by triclocarban (TCC). • Rhizobiales were key bacterial communities in biofilm resistance to TCC stress. • Biofilm primarily responded to TCC via changes in amino acid and carbon metabolism. • The unique toxicity of 10 mg L−1 TCC downregulates proline betaine. • Biofilms enhanced nucleic acid metabolism to resist TCC stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forward osmosis (FO) is a promising technology for efficient water reclamation at low operating costs. It has shown potential in producing fresh water from seawater; however, the regeneration of the diluted draw solution (DS) still holds back further development. Thermo-responsive polymers, especially polyalkylene glycol (PAG) based copolymers with hydrophilic ethylene oxide and hydrophobic propylene oxide units, have shown suitability as DSs in FO using low-temperature waste heat to regenerate the DS. In this study, we explored five commercially available copolymers: Pluronic® PE 6400, Pluronic® L-35, Pluronic® RPE 1740, Unilube® 50 MB-26, and Polycerin® 55GI-2601 as DSs in a laboratory FO setup, with DI water as the feed solution (FS). The water flux and reverse solute flux varied from 1.5 to 2.0 L·m−2·h−1 and from 0.04 to 0.4 g·m−2·h−1, respectively. Furthermore, all polymer solutions showed the ability to be recovered and reused using temperatures below 100 °C. Therefore, the tested PAGs turned out to be promising as draw solutions for FO systems that utilize low-grade waste heat. The re-usage in FO was shown for regenerated Pluronic® L-35 through a three-step experiment where its recovery was 91.1 %, 93.1 %, and 91.9 % for each FO cycle, respectively. • Polyalkylene glycol (PAG) based copolymers have shown suitability as DSs in FO. • All PAGs showed the ability to be recovered and reused using temperatures below 100 °C. • Some indication of membrane fouling caused by high-concentration PAG solutions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reaction-enhanced membrane cascades (REMCs) are proposed for valorizing battery wastewater. • REMCs consist of two sequential ultrafiltration/diafiltration and a nanofiltration process. • REMCs are applied to 16 combinations of transition metal ions and salt impurity ions. • Transition metal ions (Ni2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+) are recovered by 90 % from wastewater. • Transition metal ions are enriched to a 43-fold concentration, achieving 99.8% purity. Leveraging the latent value within battery manufacturing wastewater holds considerable potential for promoting the sustainability of the water-energy nexus. This study presents an efficient method for recovering transition metal ions (Ni2+, Co2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+) from highly saline battery wastewater (Na+, Li+, K+, or Mg2+). Our approach involves the effective utilization of a reaction-enhanced membrane cascade (REMC), comprising a meticulously orchestrated series of selective complexation-decomplexation steps involving polyethyleneimine (PEI) and various transition metal ions. This strategic intervention effectively segregates transition metal ions from salt ions during the fractionation process using an ultrafiltration membrane in a diafiltration process, overcoming osmotic pressure limitations. The ensuing concentration step via nanofiltration achieves an impressive 99 % yield and an extraordinary 215-fold concentration of transition metal ions (>99.8 % purity). The proposed method was validated with 16 different ion pairs to demonstrate its versatility, offering a pragmatic pathway for recycling various transition metal ions from industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-dehydration of collagen-based hydrogel can result in reduced energy consumption in their large-scale production. This article reported a method to dehydrate collagen hydrogel by simply immersing hydrogel into sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) solution, and the dehydration regularity and possible dehydration mechanisms were investigated. Collagen hydrogel was dehydrated in CMC solution with a dehydration rate of up to 68%, which favored the subsequent drying process as the drying time reduced by at least 18%. The CMC concentration, degree of substitution (DS), molecular weight (MW), and immersion time were all important factors affecting dehydration performance. The main dehydration mechanism was shown to be the Donnan equilibrium, which was attributed to the semi-permeability of the collagen hydrogel and the osmotic pressure difference at the interface induced by the CMC. Low MW CMC was able to penetrate into collagen hydrogel while high MW CMC was still difficult in penetrating into collagen hydrogel even in prolonged immersion time. Moreover, CMC-induced dehydration did not change the collagen fiber structures. This study provides a new pathway for the pre-dehydration of collagen-based materials, and also can help the design of collagen gel materials. [Display omitted] • Collagen hydrogel dehydrated in CMC solutions. • Apparent decrease of dehydration rate occurred in prolonged immersion time. • Donnan equilibrium was the principal cause of dehydration. • Low MW CMC was able to penetrated into CMC hydrogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and productivity of most agricultural plants can be adversely affected by the presence of salts in soil. It is vital in these situations to increase agricultural yield, especially in barren soil, by developing plants that can endure and thrive in salty environment. For reducing the detrimental salt-induced effects, plants must actively control osmotic balance by accumulating suitable solutes like proline, polyols, and glycine betaine and by activating specific stress-responsive genes and enzymes within their cells. Proline is an important osmolyte which build up endogenously in plants in response to stressful situations and its accumulation is dependent on type of species and severity of stress. Although proline biosynthesis genes and enzymes have been extensively studied, but the preferred substrate in this process is yet not clear. In present study, we aimed to elucidate the preferred pathway of proline biosynthesis and the effect on physiological parameters under salt and Se application in proso millet. It was found that salt stress negatively impacted these parameters, while as the addition of Se improved these parameters. In comparison to control 150 mM NaCl treatment led to a reduction of upto 38.6% in FW and 18.91% in DW, whereas 200 mM NaCl led to reduction of upto 52.29% in FW and 18.91% in DW. The osmolytes, total soluble sugars (TSS), glycine betaine (GB) and total proline content (TPC) increased under salt stress by 53.7%, 2.14% and 113.79% at 150 mM NaCl and 54.89%, 0.53% and 87.1% at 200 mM NaCl. But, the application of Se significantly improved the above parameters. It was observed that the low level of Se (1 µM) had a role in enhancing the activity of P5CS, P5CR, and OAT enzymes while decreasing the activity of ProDH and P5CDH enzymes. It was found that genes responsible for proline biosynthesis were expressed efficiently in response to salt stress which further increased with Se application. During salt stress proline biosynthesis (PmP5CS , PmP5CR and PmOAT) genes were up-regulated which improved further with Se treatment. While as, the proline degrading (PmP5CDH and PmProDH) genes were down-regulated at both salt and se treatments. Overall, the Se treatment appeared to be beneficial for modulating the plant responses by providing tolerance. • Proso millet copes with salt stress by accumulating proline, GB and TSS. • Low Se supplementation (1 μM) improves salt tolerance in proso millet. • Se application upregulates the P5CS , P5CR and OAT genes and thereby accumulates much proline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacuoles account for 90% of plant cell volume and play important roles in maintaining osmotic pressure, storing metabolites and lysosomes, compartmentalizing harmful ions, and storing and reusing minerals. These functions closely relay on the ion channels and transporters located on the tonoplast. The separation of intact vacuoles from plant cells is the key technology utilized in the study of tonoplast-located ion channels and transporters. However, the current vacuole separation methods are available for Arabidopsis and some other dicotyledons but are lacking for monocot crops. In this study, we established a new method for the vacuole separation from wheat mesophyll cells and investigated the transmembrane proton flux of tonoplasts with non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT). Moreover, our study provides a technology for the study of vacuole functions in monocot crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cadmium in the gill was higher in the mixture, indicating an influence of mercury on cadmium uptake. • Hg-mediated oxidative damage in the gill and digestive gland indicating potential health risks. • Mixture effect on TBARS was less than the sum of the individual metal alone indicating antagonism. • Histopathological analysis revealed similar pathology in both Hg alone and Hg plus Cd mixture. In the natural ecosystem, aquatic organisms are exposed to a cocktail of chemicals that may result in toxicological responses differing from those of individual chemicals. In the present study, mussels were exposed using a semi-static and triplicated design to either control (no added metal), 50 µg l−1 (Hg alone), 50 µg l−1 (Cd alone), or 50 µg l−1 Hg plus 50 µg l−1 Cd (Hg + Cd) mixture for 14 days. Tissues were collected on days 0, 2, 4, 8, and 14 for metal analysis and sub-lethal responses using a suite of assays. Tissue metal concentrations were not significantly different in the single metal (Hg or Cd) compared to the Hg plus Cd mixture treatment for all tissues, apart from the gill of the Cd alone treatment. At the end of the experiment, the gill Cd concentration was significantly increased in the Hg plus Cd mixture compared to the Cd alone treatment, suggesting the influence of Hg on Cd uptake. The percentage increases of the Hg plus Cd mixture compared to the arithmetic sum of the individual metals were (%): 20.2, 9.3, 25.1, 23.8, 10.7, and 12.4 for adductor muscle, digestive gland, gill, gonad, remaining soft tissue, and haemolymph, respectively. There were no observed treatment effects on total haemocyte count, haemolymph protein, or glucose concentration in the cell-free haemolymph. Neither was there any treatment effect on osmotic pressure, ions in the tissues, or in the cell-free haemolymph. At the end of the experiment, Hg-mediated oxidative damage, as an increase of thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) and apparent depletion of total glutathione. This was observed in the gill and digestive gland of the Hg alone and Hg plus Cd mixture. Histopathology examination showed similar pathology in the Hg alone and the Hg plus Cd treatment. In conclusion, despite some oxidative stress and pathology during metal exposure, the accumulation of metals and effects on mussel health were similar between single exposures and a mixture of Hg plus Cd. In terms of risk assessment, regulations for the individual metals should suffice to protect against the mixture of Hg plus Cd, at least for adult M. edulis in full-strength seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In shochu-making, a small amount of fermenting moromi is added to a koji /water mixture instead of yeast culture to initiate fermentation. This is a characteristic process called Sashi-moto. It is known that shochu yeast is replaced by wild yeast upon repetition of Sashi-moto. The shochu yeast strains Kagoshima No. 2 (K2), Kagoshima No. 4 (C4), and Kagoshima No. 5 (H5), but not Kagoshima No. 6 (A6), were replaced by wild yeast (strain No. S5-g). K2 and C4 were easily replaced compared to H5, and the specific growth rates of K2 and C4 were lower than that of S5-g under higher osmotic pressure. Although the specific growth rate of H5 was higher than that of S5-g, its yeast population at the stationary phase was smaller than S5-g. On the other hand, both the specific growth rate and yeast population of A6 were higher than those of S5-g. The specific growth rate of yeast would be affected by osmotic tolerance and specific characters of the yeast strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the potential of whey protein hydrolysate as a lyoprotectant for maintaining the cell viability of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Probio-M8 during freeze-drying and subsequent storage. The moisture content and water activity of the lyophilized samples treated by different concentrations of whey protein hydrolysate were ≤5.23 ± 0.33 g/100 g and ≤0.102 ± 0.003, respectively. During storage at 25°C and 30°C, whey protein hydrolysate had a stronger protective effect on B. lactis Probio-M8 than the same concentration of whey protein. Using the Excel tool GinaFit, we estimated the microbial inactivation kinetics during storage. Whey protein hydrolysate reduced cell damage caused by an increase in temperature. Whey protein hydrolysate could protect cells by increasing the osmotic pressure as a compatible solute. Whey protein hydrolysate improved cell membrane integrity and reduced the amounts of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde produced. The findings indicated that whey protein hydrolysate was a novel antioxidant lyoprotectant that could protect probiotics during freeze-drying and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C is an essential nutritional supplement and antioxidant in food. However, the development of vitamin C in the food industry is limited due to its extremely poor chemical stability. In this study, W 1 /O/W 2 double emulsions loaded with vitamin C were prepared, and their structure, physicochemical stability, and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion were investigated. The results manifested that the encapsulation efficiency was the highest (90.23 ± 0.49 %) when the addition of vitamin C in the internal aqueous phase was 0.05 %. Storage stability revealed that no phase separation occurred and did not show stratification in the emulsion system during storage, and the physical stability was excellent. pH stability demonstrated that the W 1 /O/W 2 double emulsion loaded with vitamin C had a lower polydispersity index (PDI) value (0.19 ± 0.01) and greater absolute zeta potential value (40.37 ± 0.48) in alkaline environment (pH 8.0–12.0). The ionic stability suggested that the double emulsion was less stable in the presence of sodium ions. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion indicated that the bioavailability of vitamin C was 25 % after simulated digestion in vitro , elucidating that the W 1 /O/W 2 double emulsion loaded with vitamin C was released slowly in the small intestine and had a certain sustained-release function. [Display omitted] • The encapsulation efficiency was the highest when the content of vitamin C was 0.05 %. • W 1 /O/W 2 double emulsions are more stable in alkaline environments than acidic. • The presence of Na+ disrupts the osmotic pressure balance of double emulsion system. • W 1 /O/W 2 double emulsion significantly improves the bioavailability of vitamin C. • The W/O/W double emulsion loaded with vitamin C has a certain slow-release function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cronobacter sakazakii is a food-borne pathogen that is resistant to a variety of environmental stress conditions. It can survive in harsh environments. We studied the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on the environmental tolerance and biofilm formation of C. sakazakii. First, we determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNP to C. sakazakii and determined the growth curve of C. sakazakii treated with different concentrations of AgNP by using the plate counting method. After determining the sub-inhibition concentrations (SIC) of AgNP on C. sakazakii , we studied the effects of AgNP on the resistance of C. sakazakii to heat, desiccation, osmotic pressure, and acid. The antibiofilm activity of AgNP was also studied. Finally, real-time quantitative PCR was used to analyze the transcription levels of 16 genes related to the environmental tolerance of C. sakazakii. The SIC of AgNP significantly reduced the survival rate of C. sakazakii under various environmental stress conditions. The results showed that AgNP at 0.625 and 1.25 μg/mL significantly inhibited the formation of C. sakazakii biofilms. The expression levels of most genes were significantly downregulated in C. sakazakii cells treated with 0.625 and 1.25 μg/mL AgNP. Therefore, AgNP may reduce the environmental tolerance of C. sakazakii by inhibiting the expression of genes related to stress tolerance. Moreover, AgNP inhibited the production of ATP in C. sakazakii cells and the formation of C. sakazakii biofilms. Our research provides a theoretical basis for the application of AgNP in food packaging, bactericidal coatings, and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Improved mechanistic understanding of the interactions in aqueous protein solutions. • Rapid and resource-efficient identification of potential excipient mixtures by methodical selection. • Correlation between charge & side chain length of the amino acid and the respective influence on the protein stability. • Ratio/molalities of excipients as decisive factor in design of aqueous protein formulations. • Potential of transferability of excipient mixture choice to different proteins. Still today, high-concentration protein formulations are often developed based on high-throughput experimental screening approaches. Although likely delivering working formulations, these approaches do not lead to a deep/mechanistic understanding of the protein phase behavior in solution. Within this work, we thus optimized and enhanced a recent approach for an initial low effort selection of potential excipients and excipient mixtures to be used in high-concentration protein formulations. This approach considers both: molecular interactions and thermodynamic determinants to access the phase behavior of the proteins in solution, as well as pharmaceutical engineering boundaries (such as osmotic pressure and osmolality) to deliver on optimal formulation conditions. Water activity coefficient γ W -calculations (used to describe the protein environment in solution), unfolding temperature (conformational stability) and protein-protein interactions (colloidal stability) are used as determinants. Amino acids (20 proteinogenic amino acids), selected amino acid mixtures, as well as mixtures of amino acids and trehalose (l -arginine-trehalose; l -histidine-trehalose) are considered as model excipients. The approach is extends by studying the long-term stability of the predicted formulation conditions for a γ-globulin from human blood and denosumab. The results reveal, that by combining protein-specific experiments as well as model-based studies for the selection of excipient mixtures in high concentration protein formulations, the effort as well as the resource requirements can be reduced significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many seaweed species have a high production potential and attract interest as future protein sources. A high fiber and ash content, however, demand extraction of the protein to improve its digestibility and protein utilization in food or feed. This study explores three different approaches for protein extraction from Ulva fenestrata in order to maximize the protein extraction yield. Soluble protein was recovered either by mechanical pressing or by homogenization and osmotic shock of the biomass followed by alkaline extraction. The soluble protein was then concentrated by isoelectric precipitation. A combined procedure was carried out by pressing the biomass and following subjecting the residual pulp fraction to homogenization, osmotic shock and alkaline extraction. The three methods were ranked as follows with respect to protein extraction yield (as % of biomass protein); the combined method (23.9 ± 0.3%)> the alkaline extraction (6.8 ± 0.2%)> mechanical pressing (5.0 ± 0.2%). The significant increase when combining the methods was ascribed to a high precipitation yield after alkaline extraction of the pulp, hypothesized to be due to a reduced conductivity of the alkali-soluble protein fraction when derived from pulp rather than whole biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are abundant microbial polyesters accumulated in the form of intracellular granules by numerous prokaryotes primarily as storage of carbon and energy. Apart from their storage function, the presence of PHA also enhances the robustness of the microbial cells against various stressors. In this work, we investigated the role of PHA in Cupriavidus necator , a model organism concerning PHA metabolism, for adaptation to osmotic pressure and copper ions. In long-term laboratory evolution experiments, the bacterial culture was cultivated in presence of elevated doses of sodium chloride or copper ions (incubations lasted 78 passages for Cu2+ and 68 passages for NaCl) and the evolved strains were compared with the wild-type strain in terms of growth and PHA production capacity, cell morphology (investigated by various electron microscopy techniques), activities of selected enzymes involved in PHA metabolism and other crucial metabolic pathways, the chemical composition of bacterial biomass (determined by infrared and Raman spectroscopy) and also considering robustness against various stressors. The results confirmed the important role of PHA metabolism for adaptation to both tested stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MDEA exhibited higher osmotic pressure and permeation flux than MEA. • Synergistic effects occurred with the blending of MEA and MDEA absorbents. • Water fluxes of the MEA-MDEA blends increase nonlinearly with the CO 2 loading. • There exists an optimal CO 2 loading value that minimizes the reverse solute flux. The large-scale deployment of post-combustion carbon capture exerted additional pressure on water resources. In this work, the feasibility of forward osmosis driven by unloaded or CO 2 loaded Monoethanolamine (MEA), N-Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) and their blended absorbents for water replenishment was investigated. The results indicated that the water flux of unloaded MDEA solution increased from 12.92 LMH to 18.72 LMH at amine concentrations from 1 M to 5 M, which was much higher than that of unloaded MEA solution, owing to the huge differences of the osmotic pressure. As the MEA and the MDEA were blended, some synergistic effects may work to result in the higher osmotic pressures and the lower water fluxes of MEA-MDEA blended solutions than the summation of the individual ones, respectively. Furthermore, as the CO 2 was absorbed by the MEA-MDEA blended solution, the water fluxes of the CO 2 loaded solutions increased nonlinearly. Specifically, when the CO 2 loading was lower than a specific critical value, the growth of the water fluxes of MEA-MDEA blended solutions with the CO 2 loading gradually slowed down, caused by the increase of the solute diffusion resistivity. However, when the CO 2 loading exceeded the critical value, the water fluxes of blended solutions become increasing faster with the CO 2 loading, probably due to the increase of the concentration of HCO 3 – and MEAH+. On the other hand, there was an optimal CO 2 loading value that minimized the reverse solute flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean energy is needed to sustainably power our economies and communities. Salt gradients, which are available in marine ecosystems as well as from the brine of engineered desalination systems, are a renewable source of energy. Membrane-based osmotic power processes have been proposed for converting the free energy of mixing seawater and diluted water to useful mechanical work. It has been shown that during osmosis, the applied mechanical load as well as the circulation rates of diluted feed and concentrated draw through the membrane module have a significant impact of transport dynamics, including polarization and friction. Therefore, to maximize performance of this process, it is necessary to carefully adjust these operating conditions. Using modelling and simulation, our group has previously shown that it is possible to coordinate the control of these key operating variables in order to maximize net power output. In this work, we report on our efforts to experimentally demonstrate the concept of real-time maximum power point tracking for a salt gradient osmotic power system. The transient response of a laboratory scale osmotic system is characterized, showing water permeate flux, pressure losses, and power output in response to step changes in applied pressure and to feed and draw circulation rates. A "perturb and observe" feedback algorithm and control strategy are implemented and as a result, the real-time net power output of the osmotic power system is shown to more than double relative to baseline conditions. Such real-time control strategies have broad applications to a variety of membrane processes and can be customized to track selected performance metrics. [Display omitted] • A maximum power point tracking system is designed for pressure retarded osmosis. • Flow rates and applied pressure are controlled in real-time to maximize net power. • For desalination energy recovery, net power increases >3× over baseline. • For stand alone power applications, net power increases from negative to positive. • This is the first successful experimental demonstration of MPPT for osmotic power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]