Search

Halophilic Halomonas bluephagenesis , a natural producer of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), was metabolically engineered to synthesize ethylene glycol and glycolate from xylose. Xylose utilization was achieved by overexpressing either the xylonate pathway or the ribulose-1-phosphate pathway. The key genes encoding for xylonate dehydratase and 2-keto-3-deoxy-xylonate aldolase in the xylonate pathway were screened. With further overexpressing aldehyde reductase gene yjgB , ethylene glycol accumulation was improved to 0.91 g/L, accompanied with 1.48 g/L of PHB accumulation. The disruption of native glycolate oxidase was found to be essential for glycolate production, and the defective recombinant strain produced 0.80 g/L glycolate with 1.14 g/L PHB in shake flask cultures. These results indicated that H. bluephagenesis has the potential to produce diverse metabolic chemicals from xylose. • H. bluephagenesis was firstly engineered to produce ethylene glycol and glycolate. • Two xylose assimilation pathways were established in H. bluephagenesis. • Ethylene glycol and glycolate titers reached 0.91 g/L and 0.80 g/L in shake flasks, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A handheld smartphone-compatible molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensor was developed for the analysis of bisphenol A (BPA) in wastewater samples. Sensing elements based on ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate (EGMP)-containing MIP films were designed and optimized using molecular dynamics simulations. The highly porous MIP films were synthesized via in situ polymerization, employing a fragment-based approach. The colorimetric response was based on the 4-aminoantipyrine method, while the MIP films were further utilized to detect BPA with a smartphone. The proposed sensor exhibited a wide linear range from 5 to 250 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5 μM (S/N = 3). Furthermore, the designed analytical system demonstrated excellent analytical performance in terms of selectivity, stability, and reproducibility. During sensor validation, real wastewater samples were successfully tested for BPA, showcasing the feasibility of the smartphone-compatible MIP-based sensor. Recovery values of 87.1–114.6% underscored the efficacy and reliability of the developed sensor system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using citric acid, ethylene glycol, ZrOCl 2 ·8H 2 O, HfOCl 2 ·8H 2 O, NbCl 5 , and TaCl 5 as raw materials, based on the principle of Pechini coordination polymerization, the (Zr 0.25 Hf 0.25 Ta 0.25 Nb 0.25)C high-entropy ceramic precursor solution was successfully prepared, and the corresponding high-entropy ceramic powder was formed by pyrolysis at a low temperature of 1500 °C. The molecular structure of the precursor and its pyrolysis products were analyzed and characterized by different analytical and testing methods. The results show that in the precursor solution, the organic compound and the metal ions form a stable three-dimensional macromolecular structure, so that the metal ions show a uniform distribution at the molecular level, shortening the diffusion path during the carbothermal reduction reaction, thereby enabling the formation of the single-phase high-entropy carbide ceramic powders at a relatively low temperature. The obtained ceramic powders have high purity, uniform element distribution, with an average particle diameter of approximately 42 nm and an oxygen content of about 1.61 wt%. The precursor solution prepared in this study has a moderate viscosity of 20–50 mPa s and a high ceramic yield of 45 %, which is ideal for the preparation of high-entropy ceramic matrix composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical analysis is conducted using a nano-coated plate evaporator surface for fish preservation. Copper and alumina nanoparticles mixed with the base material (Steel) are considered for the evaporator material. Different brines (ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, potassium acetate, and calcium chloride) act as secondary refrigerants. Various performance parameters (pumping power, exergy rate change, irreversibility, exergic efficiency, non-dimensional exergy, and irreversibility distribution ratio) based assessment has been performed. The maximum percentage reduction in non-dimensional exergy and irreversibility, and maximum percentage rise in exergy rate change, irreversibility distribution ratio, and exergic efficiency have been acquired for propylene glycol brine. The pumping power decreased by 2.5% for alumina-copper hybrid nanoparticle-based material. The irreversibility and non-dimensional exergy have been reduced by 1.5%, whereas the exergy change rate, exergic efficiency, and irreversibility distribution ratio enhanced by 0.5%, 0.5%, and 2.5%, respectively, for PG brine (percentage-wise). The study reveals that the surface coated with nanoparticles provides better exergic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The density and viscosity of the pseudo-binary mixtures of eutectic solvent (ES) composed of choline chloride and ethylene glycol ([ChCl/EG]) with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) were measured. In order to understand the effect of the mole ratio of ChCl:EG, two ChCl/EG ESs with the mole ratio of 1:3 and 1:4 (abbreviated as [ChCl/EG](1:3) and [ChCl/EG](1:4) in this work) were prepared. The measurements were carried out by digital vibrating U-tube density meter and Ubbelohde capillary viscometer from 303.15 to 323.15 K at atmospheric pressure (98.5 kPa). The Jouyban–Acree model was applied to correlate the experimental density and viscosity data of DMSO/[ChCl/EG](1:3) and DMSO/[ChCl/EG](1:4) mixtures. In addition, based on the experimental data, the derived properties of the mixtures, such as excess molar volume and viscosity deviation, were calculated. The comparison and analysis of excess molar volume and viscosity deviation for DMSO/[ChCl/EG](1:2) reported in literature and the results obtained in this work were carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Baghdad Science Journal is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To achieve high‐performance indoor organic photovoltaics (OPVs), it is important to match the photoactive layer optical absorption with the light‐source emission. This can be accomplished by developing organic photoactive materials that can efficiently absorb visible light and thus minimize energy losses. While indoor OPVs have achieved efficiencies above 33% under low light intensities, the power output is limited by low open circuit voltages (VOC), often well below 1 V. In this study, we present a series of visible‐light absorbing (energy gap >1.90 eV) non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) based on perylene diimide dimers, which have been systematically modified with side chains of varying polarity and steric bulk (trimethyl benzyl, ethyl adamantane, trialkoxyl phenyl, and oligo ethylene glycol). Our results show that the incorporation of sterically bulky side chains such as ethyl adamantane and trimethyl benzyl, blended with the common widegap polymer PTQ10, provides photoactive layers with absorption greater than 2.0 eV, and consequently, VOCs higher than 1.2 V are achieved under AM 1.5 G illumination. Importantly, we found that the NFA with ethyl adamantane based side chains (tPDI2N‐ethyl adamantane, compound 4) exhibited the best performance, with minimized energy loss. As a result, devices using PTQ10:tPDI2N‐ethyl adamantane photoactive layers demonstrated excellent indoor efficiencies of over 16% and 18 μW cm−2 power output under a 2700 K LED lamp at 300 lux, and showed better repeatability compared to other systems. The PTQ10:tPDI2N‐ethyl adamantane based devices maintained a high VOC (>1.0 V) across a wide range of indoor lighting conditions, including 2700 K and 6500 K LED lamps. Overall, this work provides a sidechain engineering method to create NFAs for efficient indoor OPV devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylene glycol (EG) is a widely used material, but its vapor is harmful to human health already in low concentrations. Thus, highly sensitive EG gas sensors are urgently needed. Herein, a series samples of ZnO and carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized at different ratios through a simple mechanical grinding method. The senor made using ZnO/CDs2 exhibits an ultra-high response (Ra/Rg) to 100 ppm EG up to 2798, 1378 and 467, and extremely low detection limit as low as 21 ppb, 13 ppb and 2 ppb, under UV light, visible light, and infrared light, respectively, as well as excellent repeatability and long-term stability. Especially, under UV light irradiation, the response of ZnO/CDs2 to 100 ppm EG is 24 times that of pure ZnO (Ra/Rg = 114.7), and more than 71 times that of 9 other gases. The outstanding gas sensing performance of ZnO/CDs2 can be attributed to the excellent light response ability of CDs at first, which greatly enriches the electron concentration in ZnO/CDs under light irradiation. Furthermore, the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) property of CDs and the p-n heterojunction formed at the interface between ZnO and CDs play a key role in rapid electron transport and transfer, avoiding a large number of electron hole recombination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel nanocomposite material consisting of Bi 2 O 3 and Bi 2 MoO 6 , named as Bi 2 O 3 @Bi 2 MoO 6 , was successfully fabricated by co-precipitation method in ethylene glycol solvent. Morphological analysis of the heat-treated sample at 400 °C for 12 h in Ar atmosphere (Bi 2 O 3 @Bi 2 MoO 6 _400 °C) showed that it contained nano-sized particles of Bi 2 O 3 and Bi 2 MoO 6 ; in addition, an amorphous phase along with a crystalline structure was also observed. When used as an anode for Li-ion batteries (LIBs), Bi 2 O 3 @Bi 2 MoO 6 _400 °C anode exhibits excellent electrochemical properties such as high Coulombic efficiency, high specific capacity, excellent capacity retention, and outstanding rate capacity. Specifically, the Bi 2 O 3 @Bi 2 MoO 6 _400 °C anode presented a reversible capacity of 786 mAh g−1 at the beginning cycle at 0.1 A g−1 and retained about 90 % of the charging capacity value after 80 cycles. The advanced electrochemical properties of the nanocomposite anode are related to the combination of many aspects such as nanostructure, existence of amorphous phase, and pseudo-behaviour of metal-based components. The structural stability and electrochemical performance of the anode material, therefore, are improved. These results demonstrate Bi 2 O 3 @Bi 2 MoO 6 _400 °C as a promising material for establishing high-performance LIB anodes. [Display omitted] • Bi 2 O 3 @Bi 2 MoO 6 powders are prepared by a facile method. • Bi 2 O 3 @Bi 2 MoO 6 powders contain amorphous and crystalline phases. • Bi 2 O 3 @Bi 2 MoO 6 materials possess nanostructures (from 20 nm to 50 nm). • Bi 2 O 3 @Bi 2 MoO 6 _400 °C anode displays high initial coulombic efficiency (>80 %). • Bi 2 O 3 @Bi 2 MoO 6 _400 °C anode shows a reversible capacity of 701 mAh g−1 after 80 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective removal of organic and inorganic impurities by adsorption technique requires the preparation of new materials characterized by low production costs, significant sorption capacity, and reduced toxicity, derived from natural and renewable sources. To address these challenges, new adsorbents have been developed in the form of polymer microspheres based on ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and vinyl acetate (VA) (EGDMA/VA) containing starch (St) modified with boric acid (B) and dodecyl-S-thiuronium dodecylthioacetate (DiTDTA) for the removal of dyes: C.I. Basic Blue 3 (BB3) and C.I. Acid Green 16 (AG16) and heavy metal ions (M(II)): Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) from water and wastewater. The adsorbents were characterized by ATR/FT-IR, DSC, SEM, BET, EDS, and pHPZC methods. These analyses demonstrated the successful modification of microspheres and the increased thermal resistance resulting from the addition of the modified starch. The point of zero charge for EGDMA/VA was 7.75, and this value decreased with the addition of modified starch (pHPZC = 6.62 for EGDMA/VA-St/B and pHPZC = 5.42 for EGDMA/VA-St/DiTDTA). The largest specific surface areas (SBET) were observed for the EGDMA/VA microspheres (207 m2/g), and SBET value slightly decreases with the modified starch addition (184 and 169 m2/g) as a consquence of the pores stopping by the big starch molecules. The total pore volumes (Vtot) were found to be in the range from 0.227 to 0.233 cm3/g. These materials can be classified as mesoporous, with an average pore diameter (W) of approximately 55 Å (5.35–6.10 nm). The SEM and EDS analyses indicated that the EGDMA/VA microspheres are globular in shape with well-defined edges and contain 73.06% of carbon and 26.94% of oxygen. The microspheres containing modified starch exhibited a loss of smoothness with more irregular shape. The adsorption efficiency of dyes and heavy metal ions depends on the phases contact time, initial adsorbate concentration and the presence of competing electrolytes and surfactants. The equilibrium data were better fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model than by the Langmuir, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The highest experimental adsorption capacities were observed for the BB3 dye which were equal to 193 mg/g, 190 mg/g, and 194 mg/g for EGDMA/VA, EGDMA/VA-St/B, EGDMA/VA-St/DiTDTA, respectively. The dyes and heavy metal ions were removed very rapidly and the time required to reach system equilibrium was below 20 min for M(II), 40 min for BB3, and 120 min for AG16. 50% v/v methanol and its mixture with 1 M HCl and NaCl for dyes and 1 M HCl for M(II) desorbed these impurities efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), capable of converting near-infrared (NIR) light into high-energy emission, hold significant promise for bioimaging applications. However, the presence of tissue barriers poses a challenge to the effective delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) to target organs. In this study, we demonstrate the core–shell UCNPs modified with cationic biopolymer, i.e., N, N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC), can overcome endothelial barriers. The core–shell UCNP is composed of NaGdF4: Yb3+,Tm3+ (16.7 ± 2.7 nm) as core materials and silica (SiO2) shell. The average particle size of UCNPs@SiO2 is estimated at 26.1 ± 3.7 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and element mapping shows the formation of hexagonal crystal structure of β-NaGdF4 and elements doping. The surface of UCNPs@SiO2 has been modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to enhance water dispersibility and colloidal stability, and further modified with TMC with the zeta potential increasing from -2.1 ± 0.96 mV to 26.9 ± 12.6 mV. No significant toxic effect is imposed to HUVECs when the cells are treated with core–shell UCNPs with surface modification up to 250 µg/mL. The transport ability of the core–shell UCNPs has been evaluated by using the in vitro endothelial barrier model. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and immunofluorescence staining of tight junction proteins have been employed to verify the integrity of the in vitro endothelial barrier model. The results indicate that the transport percentage of the UCNPs@SiO2 with PEG and TMC through the model is up to 4.56%, which is twice higher than that of the UCNPs@SiO2 with PEG but without TMC and six times that of the UCNPs@SiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi‐enzymatic cascade reaction provides a new avenue for C─C coupling directly from CO2 under mild conditions. In this study, a new pathway with four enzymes including formate dehydrogenase (PaFDH), formaldehyde dehydrogenase (BmFADH), glycolaldehyde synthase (PpGALS), and alcohol dehydrogenase (GoADH) is developed for directly converting CO2 gas molecules to ethylene glycol (EG) in vitro. A rhodium‐based NADH regeneration electrode is constructed to continuously provide the proton and electron of this multi‐enzymatic cascade reaction. The prepared electrode can reach the Faradaic Efficiency (FE) of 82.9% at −0.6 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and the NADH productivity of 0.737 mM h−1. Shortening the reaction path is crucial for multi‐enzymatic cascade reactions. Here, a hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOF) nano‐reactor is successfully developed to immobilize four enzymes in one pot with a striking enzyme loading capacity (990 mg enzyme g−1 material). Through integrating and optimization of NADH electro‐regeneration and enzymatic catalysis in one pot, 0.15 mM EG is achieved with an average conversion rate of 7.15 × 10−7 mmol CO2 min−1 mg−1 enzymes in 6 h. These results shed light on electro‐driven multi‐enzymatic cascade conversion of C─C coupling from CO2 in the nano‐reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A formulated photocurable poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and 2‐hydroxylethyl methacrylate (HEMA) polymer matrix (PEGDA:HEMA) was developed for constructing an adsorptive 3D cubic monolith using masked stereolithography (MSLA) 3D‐printing technique. A pure PEGDA formulation served as a control in comparative studies. Additionally, two structural designs (solid cube and cubic lattice) were also quantitatively compared to determine the adsorption performance for Rhodamine B (RhB) dye removal. Results indicated that the cubic lattice formulated with hydrophilic PEGDA:HEMA (θ~47.20°) was more effective at removing RhB dye. Additionally, the preliminary study identified pH 9 as the optimal level for RhB dye removal using 3D cubic monolith for both formulations. A Taguchi orthogonal array of L9 (33) was used to concurrently vary three parameters: adsorbent dosage (0.65 ± 0.02 g per cubic lattice), operating temperature (30°C, 40°C, and 50°C), and initial RhB concentration (20, 60, and 100 ppm). The highest mean of the signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio was chosen to obtain the highest adsorption performance. The removal efficiency (R%) of RhB dye ranged from 44.48% to 94.86%, and the adsorption capacity (K) ranged from 0.59 to 3.73 (mg/g) after 5 h. Seven adsorption isotherms and five adsorption kinetics modelling were performed. Adsorption isotherm data fitted well with the Redlich–Peterson model for both linear (R2 = 0.998) and nonlinear (R2 = 1). Besides that, the pseudo‐second‐order model (PSO) accurately described adsorption kinetics (R2 = 0.995). The separation factor (RL) confirmed favourable adsorption (0 < RL < 1). Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was endothermic and at higher temperatures, entropy increased. Also, the 3D–printed PEGDA:HEMA cubic lattice exhibited good mechanical stability. Furthermore, the 3D PEGA: HEMA lattice has the ability to be used in several adsorption cycles of degrading RhB dye. Ultimately, the present work demonstrates the viability of 3D printing photocurable PEGDA:HEMA resin and utilizes statistical tools to optimize process parameters, enhancing predictability for wastewater management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the electrochemical performance of metal/metal oxide nanoparticle composites is vital for enhancing the charge storage capability of supercapacitors. Herein, electrodes coated with ZnO/CoO x are fabricated by soaking cotton fabric seeded with 2-methylimidiazole in an ethylene glycol–based solution containing Zn and Co salts. The use of cotton fabric can reduce textile industrial waste while achieving high capacitance and sustainable energy for wearable electronics. In addition, the three-dimensional network of conductive flexible carbon derived from cotton fabric facilitates rapid ion transport kinetics at interlayers. The concentrations of Zn and Co salts are varied to produce ZnO/CoO x samples and determine the optimal salt ratio for superior electrochemical performance. The optimal sample exhibits a capacitance of 1.95 F cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2 and an energy density of 725 μWh·cm−2 over a wide potential window of 1.6 V. The long-term stability test results of the symmetric cells indicate 94 % capacitance retention after 12,000 charge–discharge cycles, emphasizing the advantages of mixed metallic oxides with cellulose-derived carbon fabric for supercapacitor electrodes. This study offers valuable insights into the fabrication of high-performance, flexible, and binder-free supercapacitor electrodes as a scalable alternative for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous phase reforming (APR) is a promising method for producing hydrogen from biomass-derived feedstocks. In this study, carbon-supported Pt catalysts containing particles of different sizes (below 3 nm) were deposited on different commercially available carbons (i.e., Vulcan XC72 and Ketjenblack EC-600JD) using the metal vapor synthesis approach, and their catalytic efficiency and stability were evaluated in the aqueous phase reforming of ethylene glycol, the simplest polyol containing both C–C and C–O bonds. High-surface-area carbon supports were found to stabilize Pt nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 1.5 nm, preventing metal sintering. In contrast, Pt single atoms and clusters (below 0.5 nm) were not stable under the reaction conditions, contributing minimally to catalytic activity and promoting particle growth. The most effective catalyst PtA/CK, containing a mean Pt NP size of 1.5 nm and highly dispersed on Ketjenblack carbon, demonstrated high hydrogen site time yield (8.92 min−1 at 220 °C) and high stability under both high-temperature treatment conditions and over several recycling runs. The catalyst was also successfully applied to the APR of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), showing potential for hydrogen production from plastic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of halide anions on the selectivity of the CO2 reduction reaction to CO was investigated in choline‐based ethylene glycol solutions containing different halides (ChCl : EG, ChBr : EG, ChI : EG). The CO2RR was studied using silver (Ag) and gold (Au) electrodes in a compact H‐cell. Our findings reveal that chloride effectively suppresses the hydrogen evolution reaction and enhances the selectivity of carbon monoxide production on both Ag and Au electrodes, with relatively high selectivity values of 84 % and 62 %, respectively. Additionally, the effect of varying ethylene glycol content in the choline chloride‐containing electrolyte (ChCl : EG 1 : X, X=2, 3, 4) was investigated to improve the current density during CO2RR on the Ag electrode. We observed that a mole ratio of 1 : 4 exhibited the highest current density with a comparable faradaic efficiency toward CO. Notably, an evident surface reconstruction process took place on the Ag surface in the presence of Cl− ions, whereas on Au, this phenomenon was less pronounced. Overall, this study provides new insights into anion‐induced surface restructuring of Ag and Au electrodes during CO2RR, and its consequences on the reduction performance on such surfaces in non‐aqueous electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lopinavir is a potent protease inhibitor that is used as a first-line pharmaceutical drug for the treatment of HIV. The multi-component solvated Lopinavir crystal, systematic name (2S)-N-[(2S,4S,5S)-5-[2-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)acetamido]-4- hydroxy-1,6-diphenylhexan-2-yl]-3-methyl-2-(2-oxo-1,3-diazinan-1-yl)butanamide–ethane-1,2-diol–water (8/3/7) 8C37H48N4O5·3C2H6O2·7H2O, was prepared using evaporative methods. The crystalline material obtained from this experimental synthesis was characterized and elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD). The crystal structure is unusual in that the unit cell contains 18 molecules. The stoichiometric ratio of this crystal is eight Lopinavir molecules [8(C37H48N4O5)], three ethane-1,2-diol molecules [3(C2H6O2)] and seven water molecules [7(H2O)]. The crystal packing features both bi- and trifurcated hydrogen bonds between atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sperm cryopreservation is a rather complex process that needs to be adapted to wild and domestic bird species to ensure adequate efficiency. This study aimed to determine the usability of different cryoprotectants in the cryopreservation of Gloster canary sperm. For this purpose, sperm samples were collected from 12 2‐year‐old male Gloster canaries three times a week using cloacal massage for 4 weeks. After individual evaluation, sperm samples from the canaries were combined. Mixed sperm were divided into two groups in the study. Overall, 8% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG) were used as cryoprotectants. Sperm samples were drawn into straws after adding Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) extender with high glucose ratio and two different cryoprotectants in a 1:1 ratio and frozen to −80°C with liquid nitrogen vapour and then stored in liquid nitrogen at −196°C. Frozen‐thawed semen samples were evaluated regarding motility, vitality, plasma membrane integrity (hypoosmotic swelling test [HOST]), density and abnormal spermatozoa rate. The highest motility value after freezing and thawing was determined in the EG group with 31.667% ± 4.773%. In addition, vitality, plasma membrane integrity and normal sperm morphology were statistically significantly higher in the EG‐frozen group, whereas head and tail abnormality was low (p < 0.05). This study determined that a DMEM extender containing 8% EG was more advantageous than a DMEM containing DMSO regarding spermatological parameters and could be used for long‐term storage of canary sperm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymph node (LN)‐resident dendritic cells (DCs) are a promising target for vaccination given their professional antigen‐presenting capabilities and proximity to a high concentration of immune cells. Direct intra‐LN injection has been shown to greatly enhance the immune response to vaccine antigens compared to traditional intramuscular injection, but it is infeasible to implement clinically in a vaccination campaign context. Employing the passive lymphatic flow of antigens to target LNs has been shown to increase total antigen uptake by DCs more than inflammatory adjuvants, which recruit peripheral DCs. Herein, we describe a novel vaccination platform in which two complementary multi‐arm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymers—one covalently bound to the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA)—are injected subcutaneously into two distinct sites. These materials then drain to the same LN through different lymphatic vessels and, upon meeting in the LN, rapidly crosslink. This system improves OVA delivery to, and residence time within, the draining LN compared to all control groups. The crosslinking of the two PEG components also improves humoral immunity without the need for any pathogen‐mimicking adjuvants. Further, we observed a significant increase in non‐B/T lymphocytes in LNs cross‐presenting the OVA peptide SIINFEKL on MHC I over a dose‐matched control containing alum, the most common clinical adjuvant, as well as an increase in DC activation in the LN. These data suggest that this platform can be used to deliver antigens to LN‐resident immune cells to produce a stronger humoral and cellular immune response over materials‐matched controls without the use of traditional adjuvants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fuel cell vehicle is one of the essential directions for developing new energy vehicles. But heat dissipation is a critical technical difficulty that needs to be solved urgently. Nano-coolant is a promising coolant that can potentially replace the existing coolant of a fuel cell. However, its thermal conductivity has a significant impact on heat dissipation performance, which is closely related to nanoparticles' thermal conductivity, nanoparticles' volume fraction, and the nano-coolant temperature. Many scholars have created the thermal conductivity models for nano-coolants to explore the mechanism of nano-coolants' thermal conductivity. At present, there is no unified opinion on the mechanism of the micro thermal conductivity of the nano-coolant. Hence, this paper proposed a novel model to predict the thermal conductivity of ethylene glycol/deionized water-based nano-coolants. A corrected model was designed based on the Hamilton & Crosser model and nanolayer theory. Finally, a new theoretical model of nano-coolant thermal conductivity suitable for fuel cell vehicles was constructed based on the base fluid's experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we designed a molecularly imprinted polymers-dispersive solid-phase extraction-high-performance liquid chromatography (MIPs-DSPE-HPLC) method, as a simple and efficient platform for the sensitive detection of two sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) of sulfamethoxine (SMM) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) in environmental water samples. Using SMM and SMZ as templates, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the crosslinking agent, and azodiisobutyronitrile as the catalyst, the dual-template molecularly imprinted polymers (dt-MIPs) were successfully synthesized via surface imprinting technology and multi-template imprinting strategy. The adsorption properties of the prepared MIPs were characterized, and the adsorption capacities of MIPs towards SMZ and SMM were 27.35 mg/g and 30.92 mg/g, respectively. The detection limits of the method in three environmental water samples were in the range of 0.23–1.74 μg/L, and the recoveries were between 82.7 and 110.3%, with relative standard deviations less than 5.93%. The construction process of this MIPs-DSPE-HPLC method is straightforward, exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity, and thus provides a versatile method for the quantification of SAs in complex matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new materials for the controlled release of molecules represents a topic of primary importance in medicine, as well as in food science. In recent years, eutectic solvents have been applied as releasing media due to their improved capacity to interact with specific molecules, offering a broad range of tunability. Nevertheless, their application in essential oil dissolution are rare and more data are needed to develop new generations of effective systems. Herein, three eutectic systems, respectively, composed of choline chloride and ethylene glycol (1:2 molar ratio), methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide and ethylene glycol (molar ratio 1:5), and choline chloride and glycerol (molar ratio 1:1.5) were tested as materials for the controlled release of an essential oil derived from Citrus lemon leaves. Through static headspace fractionation, followed by gas chromatographic analysis, the performances of the three systems were assessed. The specific composition of DESs was pivotal in determining the releasing polar molecules as aldehydes and alcohols. A sustainability ranking based on the EcoScale tool highlighted the superior characteristics of the choline chloride–glycerol DES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poly L‐lactic acid (PLLA) can stimulate fibrous tissue regeneration to exert a filling effect. However, severe inflammatory reactions and unsatisfactory effects remain a concern. Objective: Herein, we describe the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of PLLA microspheres in suspension (PLLA‐b‐PEG/HA) for facial contouring and soft tissue augmentation. Methods: PLLA‐b‐PEG/HA, ssynthesized by copolymerization with ethylene glycol, were suspended in hyaluronic acid (HA). Physiological verification was performed using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray computed tomography. PLLA‐b‐PEG/HA were subcutaneously injected into the dorsal region of 4‐month‐old rabbits. Ultrasound assessed volumetric capacity at 3 days and 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks. The inflammatory response, collagen production, and HA degradation were evaluated. A retrospective case series of 10 patients who received PLLA‐b‐PEG/HA injections was conducted to assess long‐term efficacy and safety. Results: PLLA‐b‐PEG exhibited a spherical structure with a smooth surface (20–45 μm diameter). In rabbits, implant site volume increased within 4 weeks, gradually decreasing thereafter. Fibrous capsules, microvessel density, and new collagen fiber formation progressively increased at 4, 12, and 26 weeks after injection. Clinical data demonstrated significant improvements in face contouring at months 3 and 12 after injection. All patients showed improved internal contours based on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. After 12 months, 90% of the patients retained good shaping and support effects with minimal adverse reactions. Conclusions: PLLA‐b‐PEG/HA demonstrated superior biocompatibility and facial regeneration potential, with outstanding dual collagen‐stimulating properties. The clinical efficacy and safety of PLLA‐b‐PEG/HA have been validated and established as a promising therapeutic option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a high-value bulk chemical, ethylene glycol plays an important role in many fields such as energy, the chemical industry, and automobile manufacturing. At the same time, methanol, as an economical and efficient raw material, has shown great potential in promoting the innovation of bio-based chemicals and fuels. In view of this, this study focused on the excavation and innovative application of enzymes, and successfully designed an efficient artificial cascade catalytic system. The system cleverly converts methanol into ethylene glycol, and the core is composed of methanol dehydrogenase, glycolaldehyde synthase, and lactoaldehyde–pyruvate oxidoreductase. The three enzyme systems work together, which not only simplifies the metabolic pathway, but also realizes the efficient reuse of coenzymes. Subsequently, after ribosome-binding site (RBS) optimization, isopropyl β-D-Thiogalactoside (IPTG) induction regulation, and methanol concentration adjustment, the concentration of ethylene glycol reached 14.73 mM after 48 h of reaction, and the conversion rate was 58.92%. Furthermore, a new breakthrough in ethylene glycol production was achieved within 48 h by using a two-stage biotransformation strategy and fed-batch feeding in a 5 L fermentor, reaching 49.29 mM, which is the highest yield of ethylene glycol reported so far. This achievement not only opens up a new way for the biotransformation of ethylene glycol, but also lays a foundation for the industrial application in this field in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repair and preservation of the injured meniscus has become paramount in clinical practice. However, the complexities of various clinic stitching techniques for meniscus repair pose challenges for grassroots doctors. Hence, there is a compelling interest in innovative therapeutic strategies such as bioadhesives. An ideal bioadhesive must cure quickly in aqueous and blood environments, bind strongly, endure arthroscopic washing pressures, and degrade appropriately for tissue regeneration. Here, we present a tetra‐poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based hydrogel bioadhesive, boasting high biocompatibility, ultrafast gelation, facile injectable operation, and favorable mechanical strength. In view of the synergistic effects of chemical anchor and physical chain entanglement to tightly bind the meniscus, a seamless interface was formed between the surrounding meniscal tissues and hydrogels, enabling the longitudinal tear of the meniscus fused in situ to withstand large tensile force with the adhesive strength of 541.5 ± 31.4 kPa and arthroscopic washout resistance of 29.4 kPa. Superior to existing commercial adhesives, ours allows sutureless application and arthroscopic assistance, without requiring specialized clinical skills. This research is expected to significantly impact our understanding of meniscal healing and ultimately promote a simpler process for achieving functional and structural recovery in torn menisci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cryopreservation of cell lines such as primordial germ cells and germ cells is a promising strategy to conserve and reconstitute endangered or commercially important species in aquaculture. In Mexico, the northwest region is the center of the country's most significant fishing and aquaculture production. However, most of the species used in capture fishing are overexploited. Despite this, protocols for the cryopreservation of germ cells are non-existent. Therefore, this work aimed to establish a protocol of isolation, identification, and cryopreservation of germ cells in two species, totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) and yellowtail amberjack (Seriola lalandi). Three concentrations of trypsin (0.25%, 0.3%, and 0.5%) were tested for gonadal dissociation. The 0.3% trypsin concentration was the best because it presented the most significant number of viable cells, with 14.35 x 105 for totoaba and 2.96 x 105 for yellowtail amberjack. The immunohistochemistry identification of germ cells in both species was positive for vasa, with 33.30% for totoaba and 34.20% for yellowtail amberjack. The cryoprotectant used was ethylene glycol (1.5 M or 2 M). The ideal temperature for the cryopreservation of gonadal tissue was different for each species, -1°C/min for totoaba and -5°C/min for yellowtail amberjack with 58.42% and 63.48% viable cells after thawing, respectively, with ethylene glycol 1.5 M being the best for both species. The non-controlled rate was the most effective technique to freeze the cell suspension, with 4.20 ± 1.09 x 105/mL viable cells for totoaba and 7.31 ± 2.25 x 105/mL for yellowtail amberjack. In conclusion, the results of the isolation, identification, and cryopreservation protocols for germ cells in totoaba and yellowtail amberjack obtained in this work are the first report for fish species from northwest Mexico, opening the door for the generation of cryobanking of germ cells. Finally, this work would help conserve endangered species and be an alternative to conserving species of commercial importance in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of resistant ultrathin film (utf) hydrogels coated onto different working surfaces (e.g., fabrics) is paying increasing attention as an advantageous strategy for customizing their resultant properties. More specifically, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based utf‐hydrogels are relevant for their superior biocompatibility or antibiofouling properties. However, promoting the generation of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) cross‐links ideally without the use of initiators or other cross‐link agents, which might compromise the final bioactivity of the system, is complicated. Moreover, the actual synthesis techniques used for the preparation of such utf‐hydrogels face important drawbacks like high scale‐up costs or important geometrical restrictions, completely hindering its technological transfer. Herein, for the first time and easy and technologically scalable technology is reported for the synthesis and direct deposition of PEGDMA400 utf‐hydrogels onto different substrates based on atmospheric pressure nanosecond pulsed plasma approach. The advantages of the technology are explored and discussed, reporting the ready‐to‐use transparent coating of fabrics. After washing the samples using washing programs of a commercial laundry machine, coatings are still well adhered, showing excellent stability. Finally, the resultant properties of PEGDMA400 utf‐hydrogels are exhaustively characterized using in operando conditions in order to elucidate their potential capabilities in the biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research introduces a new method to synthesize poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA)-based deep eutectic solvent (DES)-supported anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) for alkaline fuel cell (AFC) applications. The fabrication method involved the modification of a PVA-based crosslinked nanofiber mat with DES prepared by mixing choline chloride (ChCl) and ethylene glycol (EG) in a 1:3 molar ratio. Various concentrations of glutaraldehyde (GA) solution were used to cross-link of the PVA fibers. The composite AEM developed using DES was designated as DES3@PVA4 and showed improved performance with a high hydroxide conductivity of 1.05 mS/cm at 60 °C, which is higher than that of the unmodified AEM (0.77 ± 0.01 mS/cm at 60 °C). The absence of swelling, enhanced elongation at break, and improved alkaline stability were further confirmed for the DES-modified AEM; the ionic conductivity remained stable after one month of soaking in 1 M potassium hydroxide solution. These results demonstrate that DES-enhanced PVA-based AEMs can be used for AFCs with improved conductivity, flexibility, mechanical strength, and alkaline stability compared to conventional AEMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchically porous biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics with triply periodic minimal surface structure and porous framework have been fabricated by digital light processing (DLP) using dual-phase Pickering emulsion as the paste. The pristine hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate particles were separately modified by dispersant firstly to obtain photosensitive Pickering emulsion with suitable rheological properties and stability for DLP printing. The porous structure has been well regulated by dispersant content, and ethylene glycol content. The resulting BCP ceramics exhibited a hierarchical pore structure consisting of interconnected micropores ranging from 1.13 μm to 8.98 μm and model-designed pores of nearly 500 μm, demonstrating excellent compressive strength of 4.83 MPa at a porosity of 60 %. In vitro biological experiments revealed that rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells exhibited good proliferation and adhesion ability on the BCP bio-scaffolds, thereby enhancing their application potential in bone regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial cellulose composites hold promise as renewable bioinspired materials for industrial and environmental applications. However, their use as free-standing water filtration membranes is hindered by low compressive strength, fouling, and poor contaminant selectivity. This study investigates the potential of bacterial cellulose-graphene oxide composites membranes for fouling resistance in pressure-driven filtration. Graphene oxide dispersed in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-400) is incorporated as a reinforcing filler into 3D network of bacterial cellulose using an in-situ synthesis method. The effect of graphene oxide on in situ fermentation yield and the formation of percolated-network in the composites shows that the optimal membrane properties are reached at a graphene oxide loading of 2 mg/mL. The two-dimensional graphene oxide nanosheets uniformly dispersed into the matrix of bacterial cellulose nanofibers via hydrogen-bonded interactions demonstrated nearly twofold higher water flux (380 L m−2 h−1) with a molecular weight cut-off ranging between 100–200 KDa and a sixfold increase in wet compression strength than pristine BC. When exposed to synthetic organic foulants and bacterial rich feed solutions, the composite membranes showed more than 95% flux recovery. Additionally, the membranes achieved over 95% rejection of synthetic natural organic matter and bacterial rich solutions, showcasing their enhanced fouling resistance and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggregation-induced emission dyes (AIEs) have gained significant interest due to their unique optical properties. Upon aggregation, AIEs can exhibit remarkable fluorescence enhancement. These systems are ideal candidates for applications in bioimaging, such as image-guided drug delivery or surgery. Encapsulation of AIEs in polymeric nanocarriers can result in biocompatible and efficient nanosystems. Herein, we report the fabrication of novel nanoaggregates formulated by amino terpolymer and tetraphenylethylene (TPE) AIE in aqueous media. Poly(di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate-co-2-(dimethylamino)ethylmethacrylate-co-oligoethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate), P(DEGMA-co-DMAEMA-co-OEGMA) hydrophilic terpolymer was utilized for the complexation of the sodium tetraphenylethylene 4,4′,4″,4‴-tetrasulfonate AIE dye. Fluorescence spectroscopy, physicochemical studies, and self-assembly in aqueous and fetal bovine serum media were carried out. The finely dispersed nanoparticles exhibited enhanced fluorescence compared to the pure dye. To investigate the role of tertiary amino groups in the aggregation phenomenon, the polymer was quaternized, and quaternized polymer nanocarriers were fabricated. The increase in fluorescence intensity indicated stronger interaction between the cationic polymer analog and the dye. A stronger interaction between the nanoparticles and fetal bovine serum was observed in the case of the quaternized polymer. Thus, P(DEGMA-co-DMAEMA-co-OEGMA) formulations are better candidates for bioimaging applications than the quaternized ones, presenting both aggregation-induced emission and less interaction with fetal bovine serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urethane surfactants (REQ) were synthesized with octadecanol ethoxylate (AEO) and isocyanate methacrylate (IEM). Subsequently, reactive-carbamate-surfactant-modified nanomicrospheres (PER) were prepared via two-phase aqueous dispersion polymerization using acrylamide (AM), 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). The microstructures and properties of the nanomicrospheres were characterized and examined via infrared spectroscopy, nano-laser particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and in-house simulated exfoliation experiments. The results showed that the synthesized PER nanomicrospheres had a uniform particle size distribution, with an average size of 336 nm. The thermal decomposition temperature of the nanomicrospheres was 278 °C, and the nanomicrospheres had good thermal stability. At the same time, the nanomicrospheres maintained good swelling properties at mineralization < 10,000 mg/L and temperature < 90 °C. Under the condition of certain permeability, the blocking rate and drag coefficient gradually increased with increasing polymer microsphere concentration. Furthermore, at certain polymer microsphere concentrations, the blocking rate and drag coefficient gradually decreased with increasing core permeability. The experimental results indicate that nanomicrospheres used in the artificial core simulation drive have a better ability to drive oil recovery. Compared with AM microspheres (without REQ modification), nanomicrospheres exert a more considerable effect on recovery improvement. Compared with the water drive stage, the final recovery rate after the drive increases by 23.53%. This improvement is attributed to the unique structural design of the nanorods, which can form a thin film at the oil–water–rock interface and promote oil emulsification and stripping. In conclusion, PER nanomicrospheres can effectively control the fluid dynamics within the reservoir, reduce the loss of oil and gas resources, and improve the economic benefits of oil and gas fields, giving them a good application prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, cases of antifreeze poisoning in companion animals, particularly cats, have surged in the Republic of Korea. Ethylene glycol (EG), the toxic primary component of antifreeze, is metabolized into glycolic acid (GA), leading to severe metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, and death. Traditional detection methods, although effective, are often time-consuming owing to complex sample preparation. This study involved a novel analytical method utilizing GC-MS for EG and LC-MS/MS for GA detection, which streamlined the detection process by eliminating the need for derivatization. The method was validated for accuracy and reliability, enabling the rapid and precise identification of EG and GA in biological samples. This study also included the successful application of this method in a case where initial exposure to antifreeze was not apparent, which highlighted the effectiveness of this method in diagnosing poisoning even in cases where clinical history is unclear. The development of this rapid diagnostic approach addresses the urgent need for the efficient detection of antifreeze poisoning, improving animal welfare and supporting forensic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ideonella sakaiensis is a bacterium that can degrade and consume polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic material that was previously considered non‐biodegradable. The degradation of PET requires two enzymes, namely poly (ethylene terephthalate) hydrolase (PETase) and mono (2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate hydrolase (MHETase), which break down PET into terephthalate (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG), which serve as carbon sources for the bacterium. Previous studies have focused on the enzymatic properties, structure, and mechanism of action of PETase and MHETase. However, the regulation of PETase and MHETase gene expression has not been investigated. This study identified a protein that binds to the MHETase promoter DNA, MHETase gene‐regulating protein (MRP) in I. sakaiensis. PET or TPA induced the expression of PETase and MHETase genes. Furthermore, the induction of the MHETase gene was abolished by the deletion of the mrp gene, while the expression of the PETase gene was maintained. In addition, the genes involved in TPA metabolism were not induced in the mrp mutant. Furthermore, the growth of the PET and TPA deteriorated due to mrp mutation. Also, MRP binds to the promoter regions of the MHETase gene and TPA metabolizing genes, but not to the PETase gene promoter. These results suggest that MRP is a transcription factor that activates MHETase and TPA‐metabolizing genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel ibuprofen cystamine salts (IBU‐CYS 1 and IBU‐CYS 2) are synthesized by coupling the anion of ibuprofen with cystamine dihydrochloride in 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 ratio to improve the solubility and bioavailability of ibuprofen. The salts are characterized by 1H NMR, FT‐IR and UV‐Vis spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA, DTA) and X‐ray diffraction measurements. IBU‐CYS 1 and IBU‐CYS 2 show higher solubility (6.11 and 7.81 mg/mL) compared to ibuprofen (0.04 mg/mL) in water. IBU‐CYS2 was encapsulated into 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate: poly (ethylene glycol) acrylate hydrogels for enhanced delivery. The in vitro studies in PBS (pH 7.4) indicate that the salts are effective in relieving inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 macrophage cells (nitrite inhibition percentages of IBU‐CYS 1, IBU‐CYS 2 and ibuprofen: approximately 34.29, 27.03 and 31.50 respectively) while indicating no cytotoxicity. Therefore, these salts may be promising candidates for the development of effective formulations of this drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indacaterol, a β2 agonist prescribed for long-term management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. In this study the first MISPE cartridges was developed using indacaterol as a template for its selective extraction from rat lung tissues, enabling precise pharmacokinetic evaluation at the drug's site of action. A molecular imprinting polymer was synthesized using indacaterol as a template, methacrylic acid as a functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross-linker with a molar ratio (1: 4: 20). The polymer was characterized by a high binding capacity of 9840 ± 0.86 and high selectivity with an imprinting factor of 4.53 ± 0.12. The synthesized polymer was utilized as a sorbent in solid-phase extraction to purify and extract indacaterol from lung tissue matrix. The optimum molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) conditions were 20.0 mg of molecular imprinting polymer and non-imprinting polymer, acetonitrile as the loading solvent, acetonitrile: water (20: 80; by volume) as the washing solvent, and methanol: acetic acid (90: 10; by volume) as the eluting solvent. A pharmacokinetic study was performed for indacaterol in rat lungs using the synthesized and optimized MISPE cartridge as a tool for sample purification. These parameters were determined in the lung tissues of rats emphasizing the local exposure of indacaterol to its target organ. The Cmax and Tmax were 51.020 ± 2.810 µg mL− 1 and 0.083 ± 0.001 h, respectively. The AUC 0−24 and AUC0 − inf were 175.920 ± 1.053 and 542.000 ± 5.245 µg h mL− 1, respectively. The elimination rate constant was 0.014 ± 0.00012 h− 1 and the half-life time was 48.510 ± 0.012 h. This study successfully developed and optimized MISPE cartridges using indacaterol as a template, enabling precise pharmacokinetic evaluation in rat lung tissues. The cartridges demonstrated high binding capacity and selectivity, providing crucial insights into the local exposure of indacaterol at its site of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern power industry widely uses high-voltage overhead lines to transport electrical energy, with these lines encountering the problems of corona discharge and leakage currents, especially under the conditions of rain and snowfall. One of the approaches to solving these problems is the creation of protective coatings that can diminish corona discharge under adverse weather conditions. This paper reports the results of studying a hydrophilic organosilicon coating based on aminopropyltriethoxysilane and poly(ethylene glycol) for aluminum wires. The study of the coating resistance to a long-term contact with water, UV radiation, and ozone-saturated atmosphere has shown that the hydrophilicity of the coating increases under the influence of these factors, thus improving its anticorona properties. Thus, the durability of the developed coating under the operating conditions opens prospects for its use in the power engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium sulfite (Na2SO3) is known as a selective chemical agent for wood delignification. In this work, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) wood was pulped using alkaline sulfite (AS) with the addition of 1,4-dihydro-9,10-dihydroxy anthracene (DDA) [called also soluble anthraquinone (SAQ)] and ethylene glycol (G). The studies showed the possibility of obtaining Kappa number (KN) 24 to 26 alkaline sulphite-DDA pine pulps with total and screened yields higher by 3.4 to 3.9% and 1.4 to 2.6%, respectively, than in the case of kraft pulping. The AS-SAQ pulping process was also characterized by much higher brightness of pulps but worse defibreability of wood than the kraft process. Increasing the amount of Na2SO3 dosed to the wood from 25% to 30-35% (based on wood) and adding G to the cooking liquor increased the delignification of pine wood in the AS-SAQ method to Kappa number of 17 to 20 units (without G) and approximately 14.5 units (with G). Such a modification had a positive effect on the defibreability of wood after pulping and the brightness of pulps but a negative effect on the screened yield of AS-SAQ and AS-SAQG pulps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioconversion of cellulose and the transformation of glycerol can yield various diols, aligning with environmental sustainability goals by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering raw material costs, and promoting sustainable development. However, in the selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to ethylene glycol (EG) and 1,2-propylene glycol (1,2-PG), challenges such as low selectivity of catalytic systems, poor stability, limited renewability, and stringent reaction conditions remain. The production of diols from cellulose involves multiple reaction steps, including hydrolysis, isomerization, retro-aldol condensation, hydrogenation, and dehydration. Consequently, the design of highly efficient catalysts with multifunctional active sites tailored to these specific reaction steps remains a significant challenge. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the selective regulation of catalysts for producing EG and 1,2-PG from cellulose and glycerol. It discusses the reaction pathways, process methodologies, catalytic systems, and the performance of catalysts, focusing on active site characteristics. By summarizing the latest research in this field, we aim to offer a detailed understanding of the state-of-the-art in glycerol and cellulose conversion to diols and provide valuable guidance for future research and industrial applications. Through this review, we seek to clarify the current advancements and selective control strategies in diol production from glycerol or cellulose, thereby offering critical insights for future investigations and industrial scale-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: An inhibitor of small Rho GTPase Cdc42, CASIN, has been shown to reduce cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, yet it has several limitations, including rapid drug elimination and low bioavailability, which prevents its systemic administration. In this study, we designed and characterized a nanoparticle-based delivery system for CASIN encapsulated within poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-carboxylic acid endcap nanoparticles (PLGA-PEG-COOH NPs) for targeted inhibition of Cdc42 activity in colon cancer. Methods: We applied DLS, TEM, and UV–vis spectroscopy methods to characterize the size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and in vitro drug release of the synthesized nanoparticles. The CCK-8 cell viability test was used to study colorectal cancer cell growth in vitro. Results: We showed that CASIN-PLGA-PEG-COOH NPs were smooth, spherical, and had a particle size of 86 ± 1 nm, with an encapsulation efficiency of 66 ± 5% and a drug-loading capacity of 5 ± 1%. CASIN was gradually released from NPs, reaching its peak after 24 h, and could effectively inhibit the proliferation of HT-29 (IC50 = 19.55 µM), SW620 (IC50 = 9.33 µM), and HCT116 (IC50 = 10.45 µM) cells in concentrations ranging between 0.025–0.375 mg/mL. CASIN-PLGA-PEG-COOH NPs demonstrated low hemolytic activity with a hemolytic ratio of less than 1% for all tested concentrations. Conclusion: CASIN-PLGA-PEG-COOH NPs have high encapsulation efficiency, sustained drug release, good hemocompatibility, and antitumor activity in vitro. Our results suggest that PLGA-PEG-COOH nanoparticles loaded with CASIN show potential as a targeted treatment for colorectal cancer and could be recommended for further in vivo evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study, a new strategy is presented to make PLGA (poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) and POEGMEMA (poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)) based biodegradable and biocompatible tissue scaffold via a new physical cross‐linking method. The advantage of brushed structure of POEGMEMA polymer and the hydrophobic character of PLGA polymer is taken to make physically entangled network in aqueous media. The hydrophobic nature of PLGA allows to get scaffolds even at low ratio of PLGA (25%, w/w) when using POEGMEMA (yield: 86%). This strategy gives robust polymeric networks in aqueous media without using chemical reactions through high hydrophilic polymer content. Scaffolds with high POEGMEMA ratio (75%, w/w) show two times higher water uptake ratio (≈300%) and two times lower compression strength (19 kPa) compared to the ones with lower POEGMEMA content (50%, w/w). They also show desired degradation profiles in various aqueous solutions. While the scaffolds prepared with 25% and 50% PLGA are almost stable in first 20 days, they completely degrade in 40–50 days. Both scaffold formulations (25% PLGA‐75% POEGMEMA and 50% PLGA‐50% POEGMEMA) have similar proliferative properties for fibroblast cells. The scaffolds also do not show toxicity compared to control group according to live‐dead assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automakers are focusing on lightweight vehicles to address fuel economy and emission challenges and are using high-performance materials such as 2K PU-based joints as alternatives to cast iron, steel, and other metals. This study was conducted with the aim of expanding the application of 2K PU and enhancing its compatibility with steel substrates, which are commonly used in the automotive manufacturing industry, through the use of O-I hybrid nanoparticles containing alkoxysilane groups as additives in the 2K PU formulation. At the same time, the simplified process introduced and examined in this study demonstrates its feasibility for industrial-scale applications; the process offers notable advantages in reducing workload and curing time by eliminating cumbersome surface pretreatment steps before applying the 2K PU layer. Two types of commercial SB PU and EB PU were selected to study the mechanism by which O-I hybrid NPs enhance adhesion when integrated directly into the 2K PU formulation. We optimized various input parameters through practical work and modeling using the response surface method. These parameters included the amounts of AFAP precursor, APTES, and butylene glycol (BG) and the mixing ratio of O-I hybrid NPs in the formulations of two commercial PUs. The results show that O-I hybrid NPs significantly enhance adhesion, increasing performance on stainless surfaces by up to 2.35 times compared to pristine EB and SB PU. Notably, the SB PU's performance can improve up to 2.5 times according to the RSM predictions, highlighting the substantial impact of O-I hybrid NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermosensitive polymers P1–P6 of N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPA) and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylates (PEGDMAs), av. Mn 550–20,000, were synthesized via surfactant-free precipitation polymerization (SFPP) using ammonium persulfate (APS) at 70 °C. The polymerization course was monitored by the conductivity. The hydrodynamic diameters (HDs) and the polydispersity indexes (PDIs) of the aqueous dispersion of P1–P6 in the 18–45 °C range, assessed via dynamic light scattering (DLS), were at 18° as follows (nm): 73.95 ± 19.51 (PDI 0.57 ± 0.08), 74.62 ± 0.76 (PDI 0.56 ± 0,01), 69.45 ± 1.47 (PDI 0.57 ± 0.03), 196.2 ± 2.50 (PDI 0.53 ± 0.04), 194.30 ± 3.36 (PDI 0.56 ± 0.04), 81.99 ± 0.53 (PDI 0.56 ± 0.01), 76.87 ± 0.30 (PDI 0.54 ± 0.01), respectively. The electrophoretic mobilities estimated the zeta potential (ZP) in the 18–45 °C range, and at 18 °C they were as follows (mV): −2.57 ± 0.10, −4.32 ± 0.67, −5.34 ± 0.95, −-3.02 ± 0.76, −4.71 ± 2.69, −2.30 ± 0.36, −2.86 ± 0.42 for polymer dispersion P1–P6. The polymers were characterized by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD). The length of the cross-linker chain influences the physicochemical properties of the obtained polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, eutectogels have emerged as ideal candidates for flexible wearable strain sensors. However, the development of eutectogels with robust mechanical strength, high stretchability, excellent transparency, and desirable conductivity remains a challenge. Herein, a covalently cross-linked eutectogel was prepared by exploiting the high solubility of oligoethylene glycol in a polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (DES) form of acrylic acid (AA) and choline chloride (ChCl). The resulting eutectogel exhibited high transparency (90%), robust mechanical strength (up to 1.5 MPa), high stretchability (up to 962%), and desirable ionic conductivity (up to 1.22 mS cm−1). The resistive strain sensor fabricated from the eutectogel exhibits desirable linear sensitivity (GF: 1.66), wide response range (1–200%), and reliable stability (over 1000 cycles), enabling accurate monitoring of human motions (fingers, wrists, and footsteps). We believe that our DES-based eutectogel has great potential for applications in wearable strain sensors with high sensitivity and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the demand for food packaging that maintains the safety and quality of products has become one of the leading challenges. It can be solved by developing functional materials based on biodegradable polymers, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA). In order to develop PLA-based functional materials with antibacterial activity, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were introduced. In the present study, AgNPs stabilized by a copolymer of ethylene and maleic acid were used. Under the joint action of shear deformations and high temperature, the biocomposites of PLA with poly(ethylene glycol) and AgNPs were produced. Their mechanical and thermal characteristics, water absorption, and structure were investigated using modern methods (DSC, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM). The effect of AgNP concentration on the characteristics of PLA-based biocomposites was detected. Based on the results of antibacterial activity tests (against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, along with yeast) it is assumed that these systems have potential as materials for extending the storage of food products. At the same time, PLA–PEG biocomposites with AgNPs possess biodegradability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial production of glycolic acid (GA) from ethylene glycol is extensively used in a variety of industries because ethylene glycol is not only an inexpensive raw material but also the main component of industrial wastes. In this study, we produced GA from ethylene glycol using Escherichia coli overexpressing the endogenous 1,2-propanediol oxidoreductase (fucO) and lactaldehyde dehydrogenase (aldA) genes. To increase GA productivity, we screened a random mutant library generated using an error-prone polymerase chain reaction of fucO and obtained FucO mutants MF2-9 and MF6-9 with enhanced GA production in Lysogeny Broth medium containing 800 mM ethylene glycol. MF2-9 contained three amino acid substitutions (D23E, E222K, and G363S) and two synonymous mutations (coding DNA [c.] 93G > A and c.1131T > C) in fucO. MF6-9 contained one amino acid substitution (L377H) in FucO. An amino acid substitution (L377H) and a single synonymous mutation (c.1131T > C) in fucO contributed to the enhancement in GA production. Notably, cell lysates from E. coli harboring a synonymous mutation (c.1131T > C) or amino acid substitution (L377H) in fucO showed that only AldA activity was 1.3-fold higher than that of the cell lysate from E. coli harboring the wild-type fucO. We confirmed that c.1131T > C and L377H mutations increased aldA expression in E. coli. Analysis of mRNA levels and simulation of mRNA stabilization indicated that base substitutions at positions c.1130T, which corresponds to L377H amino acid substitution, and c.1131T increased aldA expression due to partial destabilization of the mRNA. These findings will be useful for the large-scale microbial production of GA from industrial waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the graphical abstract, we illustrate the innovative design of physical–chemical hybrid crosslinked composite hydrogels that exhibit a unique combination of properties, making them well-suited for advanced applications in flexible electronics and biosensing. These hydrogels demonstrate ideal stretchability and compressibility, alongside excellent adhesion capabilities. Their design is strategically tailored to ensure biocompatibility without compromising the sensitive detection of physiological signals. The graphical representation showcases the multifaceted nature of these materials, highlighting their dynamic responsiveness to mechanical stimuli and their potential to seamlessly interface with biological tissues for real-time monitoring and diagnostic purposes. [Display omitted] With the advancement of wearable and implantable medical devices, hydrogel flexible bioelectronic devices have attracted significant interest due to exhibiting tissue-like mechanical compliance, biocompatibility, and low electrical resistance. In this study, the development and comprehensive performance evaluation of poly(acrylic acid)/ N,N′-bis(acryloyl) cystamine/ 1-butyl-3-ethenylimidazol-1-ium:bromide (PAA/NB/IL) hydrogels designed for flexible sensor applications are introduced. Engineered through a combination of physical and chemical cross-linking strategies, these hydrogels exhibit strong mechanical properties, high biocompatibility, and effective sensing capabilities. At 95 % strain, the compressive modulus of PAA/NB/IL 100 reach up to 3.66 MPa, with the loading–unloading process showing no significant hysteresis loop, indicating strong mechanical stability and elasticity. An increase in the IL content was observed to enlarge the porosity of the hydrogels, thereby influencing their swelling behavior and sensing functionality. Biocompatibility assessments revealed that the hemolysis rate was below 5 %, ensuring their suitability for biomedical applications. Upon implantation in rats, a minimal acute inflammatory response was observed, comparable to that of the biocompatibility control poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). These results suggest that PAA/NB/IL hydrogels hold promise as biomaterials for biosensors, offering a balance of mechanical integrity, physiological compatibility, and sensing sensitivity, thereby facilitating advanced healthcare monitoring solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extracellular matrix protein collagen I has been used extensively in the field of biomaterials due to its inherent biocompatibility and unique viscoelastic and mechanical properties. Collagen I self-assembly into fibers and networks is environmentally sensitive to gelation conditions such as temperature, resulting in gels with distinct network architectures and mechanical properties. Despite this, collagen gels are not suitable for many applications given their relatively low storage modulus. We have prepared collagen-poly(ethylene glycol) [PEG] interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogels to reinforce the collagen network, which also induces changes to network plasticity, a recent focus of study in cell-matrix interactions. Here, we prepare collagen/PEG IPNs, varying collagen concentration and collagen gelation temperature to assess changes in microarchitecture and mechanical properties of these networks. By tuning these parameters, IPNs with a range of stiffness, plasticity and pore size are obtained. Cell studies suggest that matrix plasticity is a key determinant of cell behavior, including cell elongation, on these gels. This work presents a natural/synthetic biocompatible matrix that retains the unique structural properties of collagen networks with increased storage modulus and tunable plasticity. The described IPN materials will be of use for applications in which control of cell spreading is desirable, as only minimal changes in sample preparation lead to changes in cell spreading and circularity. Additionally, this study contributes to our understanding of the connection between collagen self-assembly conditions and matrix structural and mechanical properties and presents them as useful tools for the design of other collagen based biomaterials. We developed a collagen-poly(ethylene glycol) interpenetrating network (IPN) platform that retains native collagen architecture and biocompatibility but provides higher stiffness and tunable plasticity. With minor changes in collagen gelation temperature or concentration, IPN gels with a range of plasticity, storage modulus, and pore size can be obtained. The tunable plasticity of the gels is shown to modulate cell spreading, with a greater proportion of elongated cells on the most plastic of IPNs, supporting the assertion that matrix plasticity is a key determinant of cell spreading. The material can be of use for situations where control of cell spreading is desired with minimal intervention, and the findings herein may be used to develop similar collagen based IPN platforms. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicone rubber is widely used in various medical applications. However, silicone rubber is prone to biofouling due to their affinity for lipids and has a high friction coefficient, which can significantly impact their efficacy and performance used as medical devices. Thus, the development of hydrogels with antifouling and lubricious abilities for the modification of silicone rubber is in high demand. We herein prepared a variety of hydrogel coatings mainly based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). We modified the silicone rubber using the prepared hydrogel coatings and cured it using a heating method. Then, we characterized its surface and evaluated the antifouling property, lubricious property, cytotoxicity, sensitization, and vaginal irritation. The results of water contact angle (WCA), protein adsorption, and friction coefficient indicated the success of the modification of the silicone rubber, leading to a significant decrease in the corresponding test values. Meanwhile, the results of cytotoxicity, sensitization, and vaginal irritation tests showed that the hydrogel coating-modified silicone rubbers have an excellent biocompatibility. This study describes how the silicone rubber could be modified with a biocompatible hydrogel coating. The hydrogel coating-modified silicone rubbers have improved antifouling and durable lubricious properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]