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Purpose: To analyze the available evidence and assess the effect of different implant coatings on healing outcomes. Materials and Methods: Using the PICOS strategy, a structured question was formed. A protocol was agreed upon and registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42022321926). The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, and ScienceDirect databases were searched using a structured strategy. Study selection was independently carried out in duplicate, first by title and abstract, then by full-text assessment. Quality and risk of bias were independently assessed in duplicate using AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS. Data extraction was independently undertaken in duplicate using a predefined extraction form. Results: The search yielded 11 systematic reviews for inclusion. The most commonly assessed coatings were based on calcium phosphate--including hydroxyapatite (HA), brushite, and bioabsorbable nano-HA--followed by bisphosphonate, then bioactive glass coatings. Included reviews most frequently assessed marginal bone loss (MBL), bone-to-implant contact (BIC), and survival/success rates. There was considerable heterogeneity and small sample sizes. The quality assessment suggested low confidence in the reviews and high risk of bias. Conclusions: The included reviews provide weak evidence that implant coatings improve osseointegration and reduce MBL following implant placement. There was weak evidence for progressive complications for calcium phosphate coatings. Further research and long-term multicenter controlled clinical trials with improved standardization and control of bias are required to better understand the effects of coating implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave absorption properties of epoxy resin/cardanol (ER/C) and epoxy resin/silane functionalized cardanol (ER/SFC) nanocomposites with various percentages of calcium carbonate nanoplatelets (CCNPs) studied in the frequency range of 8–18 GHz. The CCNPs obtained from the mussel shell were reinforced into a cardanol‐toughened ER matrix to mimic the composite structure of the abalone shell. The phase separation between ER, SFC, and CCNPs encapsulated in a polymer matrix was analyzed with SEM, and the presence of a low level of Fe3O4 magnetic impurities of 0.007 emu/g present as shown and verified by XRD and VSM analyses. The nanocomposites with ER/SFC/CCNPs 3 wt.% demonstrate a high surface roughness of 3.467 nm and an enhanced hydrophobicity, as indicated by a high contact angle of 102°. The silanization‐induced localization of CCNPs facilitates a mutually conducive morphology for excellent viscoelastic and microwave absorption properties. The increase in damping factor ratio of approximately 0.85 augments the microwave absorption property and it observed that ER/SFC/CCNPs 3 wt.% nanocomposites show higher reflection loss (RL) of more than 99.9% with RL of −43 dB at 12 GHz. The research aims to fabricate cost‐effective and multifunctional nanocomposites for microwave absorption applications. Highlights: Excellent hydrophobicity owing to the surface roughness of 3.467 nm.Maximum contact angle of 102.1° due to the reinforcement of CCNPs and SFC to the epoxy matrix.Efficient microwave attenuation due to the reflection loss of −43 dB.Excellent microwave absorption of 99.99% with a damping factor of 0.85.Higher storage modulus due to the strong inter‐penetrating network of the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel graphene-like nanomaterials with a non-zero bandgap are important for the design of gas sensors. The selectivity toward specific targets can be tuned by introducing appropriate functional groups on their surfaces. In this study, we use first-principles simulations, in the form of density functional theory (DFT), to investigate the covalent functionalization of a single-layer graphitized BC6N with azides to yield aziridine-functionalized adducts and explore their possible use to realize ammonia sensors. First, we determine the most favorable sites for physical adsorption and chemical reaction of methylnitrene, arising from the decomposition of methylazide, onto a BC6N monolayer. Then, we examine the thermodynamics of the [1 + 2]–cycloaddition reaction of various phenylnitrenes and perfluorinated phenylnitrenes para-substituted with (R = CO2H, SO3H) groups, demonstrating favorable energetics. We also monitor the effect of the functionalization on the electronic properties of the nanosheets via density of states and band structure analyses. Finally, we test four dBC6N to gBC6N substrates in the sensing of ammonia. We show that, thanks to their hydrogen bonding capabilities, the functionalized BC6N can selectively detect ammonia, with interaction energies varying from −0.54 eV to −1.37 eV, even in presence of competing gas such as CO2 and H2O, as also confirmed by analyzing the change in the electronic properties and the values of recovery times near ambient temperature. Importantly, we model the conductance of a selected substrate alone and in presence of NH3 to determine its effect on the integrated current, showing that humidity and coverage conditions should be properly tuned to use HO2C-functionalized BC6N-based nanomaterials to develop selective gas sensors for ammonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐photon polymerization 3D‐printing is a well‐known technique for fabricating passive micro/nanoscale structures, such as microlenses and inversely designed polarization splitters. The integration of light emitting nanoparticle (NP) dopants, such as quantum dots (QDs) and rare‐earth doped nanoparticles (RENPs), into a polymer resist would enable 3D printing of active polymer micro‐photonic devices, including sensors, lasers, and solid‐state displays. Many NPs contain oleic acid ligands to prevent degradation, but oleate‐capped NPs (oc‐NPs) tend to agglomerate in nonpolar media despite the hydrophobicity of the ligand. This results in an uneven nanoparticle distribution and increased optical extinction. In this work, a general approach is proposed for dispersing oc‐NPs in commercial 3D printable polymers. Controlled growth of small carbon chains around the oc‐NPs is achieved by functionalizing them with methyl‐methacrylate monomers. The proposed approach is validated on RENPs (≈65 nm) and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (≈12 nm) using commercial polymer resists (IP‐Dip and IP‐Visio). Dispersions of functionalized NPs (f‐NPs) have improved the NP density by an order of magnitude and are shown to be stable for several weeks with minimal impact on printing quality. The approach is generalizable to other oc‐NPs, enabling synthesis of functional resins for high‐quality polymer‐based optical and electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burgeoning field of energy storage battery innovation has sparked a relentless pursuit of high‐capacity anode materials to meet the escalating demand for improved energy density. Typically, these materials for batteries experience significant volume changes during cycles, which severely test the structural integrity and lifespan of electrode configurations. High‐performance binders have emerged as a critical component in addressing this challenge. Although they represent a small proportion of the battery's composition, binders play a pivotal role in enhancing electrochemical efficiency, safety, and cost‐effectiveness of batteries. The advancement of high‐capacity anode materials has rendered traditional binders inadequate, prompting the development of functional binders that are increasingly being refined to meet these requirements. This article began by outlining the role and requirements of binders within electrodes, examining cutting‐edge characterization methodologies, and discussing the "structure‐function" paradigm that underpins binder selection. It then showcased the research advancements in identifying suitable binders for high‐capacity anode materials, including silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), and germanium (Ge). In summary, the article contemplated the future direction of binder development and application in high‐capacity electrode materials. The aim is to facilitate the progression of high‐performance, high‐capacity anodes, thereby accelerating the development of high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalization of quantum dots (QDs) and quantum rods (QRs) with ligands is essential for their further practical application across various domains. Dehydration‐assisted functionalization (DAF) is a versatile method applicable to a wide range of hydrophilic ligands with an affinity to the surface of QDs and QRs. This approach facilitates rapid one‐pot ligand exchange and dense modification by efficiently transferring these ligands onto the surface of QDs and QRs. This study demonstrates the efficacy of DAF in preparing chiral QRs, engineering the surface charge of QDs, utilizing QR aggregates, and conjugating dense DNA onto cadmium‐free InP/ZnS QDs. DAF therefore offers a versatile solution for hydrophilic ligand functionalization of QDs and QRs applicable to diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although highly appealing for rapid access of molecular complexity, multi‐functionalization of alkenes that allows incorporation of more than two functional groups remains a prominent challenge. Herein, we report a novel strategy that merges dipolar cycloaddition with photoredox promoted radical ring‐opening remote C(sp3)−H functionalization, thus enabling a smooth 1,2,5‐trifunctionalization of unactivated alkenes. A highly regioselective [3+2] cycloaddition anchors a reaction trigger onto alkene substrates. The subsequent halogen atom transfer (XAT) selectively initiates ring‐opening process, which is followed by a series of 1,5‐hydrogen atom transfer (1,5‐HAT) and intermolecular fluorine atom transfer (FAT) events. With this method, site‐selective introduction of three different functional groups is accomplished and a broad spectrum of valuable β‐hydroxyl‐ϵ‐fluoro‐nitrile products are synthesized from readily available terminal alkenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water repellency has significant potential in applications like self-cleaning coatings, anti-staining textiles, and electronics. This study introduces a novel nanocomposite system incorporating functionalized Al2O3 and CeO2 nanoparticles within a polyurethane matrix to achieve hydrophobic and UV-blocking properties. The nanoparticles were functionalized using an octadecyl phosphonic acid solution and characterized by FTIR and XPS, confirming non-covalent functionalization. Spin-coated polyurethane coatings with functionalized and non-functionalized Al2O3, CeO2, and binary Al2O3-CeO2 nanoparticles were analyzed. The three-layered Al2O3-CeO2-ODPA binary system achieved a contact angle of 166.4° and 85% transmittance in the visible range. Incorporating this binary functionalized system into a 0.4% w/v polyurethane solution resulted in a nanocomposite with 75% visible transmittance, 60% at 365 nm UV, and a 147.7° contact angle after three layers. These findings suggest that ODPA-functionalized nanoparticles, when combined with a polymer matrix, offer a promising approach to developing advanced hydrophobic and UV-protective coatings with potential applications across various industrial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Phycocyanobilin (PCB) is an open‐chain blue tetrapyrrole chromophore of C‐phycocyanin (C‐PC), a major chromoprotein derived from the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis having numerous health‐promoting effects. Relying on the ability of PCB to attach to the sulfhydryl group of proteins, we propose a new method for covalent attachment of PCB to bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a means of its functionalization. RESULTS: Traut's reagent (TR, 2‐iminothiolane), modifying lysine residues, was used to optimize the introduction of sulfhydryl groups in BSA. A higher degree of BSA thiolation by TR induces more profound alterations of its structure, resulting in minor oligomerization and aggregation. A 50‐fold molar excess of TR was found to be the optimal, balancing thiolation level and adverse effect on protein structure. PCB was covalently attached to newly introduced sulfhydryl groups at pH 9 at 20‐fold PCB/BSA ratio. An increase in the TR/BSA molar ratio leads to increased efficiency of PCB conjugation with thiolated BSA. Compared to native BSA, BSA–PCB conjugate binds quercetin with similar affinity but has higher antioxidant activity and increased oxidative stability. CONCLUSIONS: PCB‐modified BSA could serve as a stable, food‐compatible carrier of bioactive PCB, but also bind other ligands that would be protected from oxidative damage due to the high antioxidant potential of covalently bound PCB. Thiolation by TR is, at the same time, a simple method for the covalent functionalization of virtually any protein by bioactive PCB or for obtaining PCB‐based fluorescent probes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hydrometallurgy of China is the property of Hydrometallurgy of China Editorial Office 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.)

Recent concerns have emerged over the textile industry's commitment to sustainable development, primarily driven by the environmental impacts of fast fashion. Sericin, a sustainable biopolymer with potential textile applications, has garnered attention for its favorable properties. However, most sericin is discarded as waste during the silk degumming process, leading to environmental contamination and increased biological and chemical oxygen demands. To explore innovative uses of sericin in textile functionalization, this study thoroughly investigated the effects of sericin finishing on the thermal comfort properties of worsted wool fabric. Employing an exhaustion method, the research evaluated changes in chemical composition (including functional groups, elemental composition, and amino acid contents), morphology, thermal stability, and thermal comfort attributes (such as thermal resistance, warming/cooling perception, air and moisture permeability, moisture regain, and hydrophobicity) of sericin-treated worsted fabric. The results indicated significant enhancements in primary transmission characteristics, with sericin-treated wool fabric exhibiting notable improvements in thermal resistance (0.041 ± 0.007 K.m2/W–three times higher than untreated wool), warmth perception (maximum heat flux of 0.096 ± 0.003 W/cm2), moisture vapor transmission rate (3.45 ± 0.15 mg/cm2/h), air permeability (106.13 ± 2.46 cm3/cm2/s), moisture regain (13.17 ± 0.25%), and contact angle (123.68 ± 1.32 º). Additionally, sericin altered the wool fabric's elemental composition, amino acid contents, and thermal stability. Given the widespread use of sericin in textile manufacturing, this study underscores the potential for sericin finishing to enhance value and sustainability in worsted wool fabric production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nd-mediated coordinative chain transfer polymerization (CCTP) of dienes represents one of the state-of-the-art techniques in the current synthetic rubber field. Besides having well-controlled polymerization behaviors as well as high atom economies, it also allows for the generation of highly reactive Al-capped polydienyl chain-ends, which hold great potential, yet much less explored up to date, in achieving end functionalization to mimic the structure of natural rubber. In this study, we demonstrate an efficient in situ method to realize end-functionalizing polyisoprene by introducing epoxide compounds into a CCTP system. The end functionalization efficiency was 92.7%, and the obtained polymers were systematically characterized by 1H NMR, 1H,1H-COSY NMR, DOSY NMR, and MALDI TOF. NMR studies revealed that a maximum of two EO units were introduced to the chain ends, and based on density functional theory (DFT) studies, an energy barrier of 33.3 kcal/mol was required to be overcome to open the ring of the EO monomer. Increasing the ratio of [Ip]/[Nd] resulted in gradually increased viscosities for the reaction medium and therefore gave rise to an end functionalization efficiency that decreased from 92.7% to 74.2%. The end hydroxyl group can also be readily converted to other functionalities, as confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphiphilic block copolymers are promising candidates for the fabrication of ultrafiltration membranes with an isoporous integral asymmetric structure. The membranes are typically fabricated by the combination of block copolymer self‐assembly and the non‐solvent‐induced phase separation (SNIPS) process resulting in isoporous integral asymmetric membranes. Certainly, all these membranes lack thermal and chemical stability limiting the usage of such materials. Within this study, the fabrication of completely cross‐linked isoporous integral asymmetric block copolymer membranes is demonstrated by UV cross‐linking resulting in chemical and thermal stable ultrafiltration membranes. The UV cross‐linking process of PVBCB‐b‐P4VP (poly(4‐vinylbenzocyclobutene)‐b‐poly(4vinylpyridine)) block copolymer membranes in dependency of irradiation time, intensity, distance between membrane and UV source and the wavelength is investigated. Furthermore, it is shown that the penetration depths can be increased by soaking the membranes in wave‐guiding solutions before UV cross‐linking is carried out. Moreover, a completely new and easy cross‐linking strategy is developed based on isorefractive solvents resulting in thermal and chemically stable membranes that are cross‐linked through the whole membrane thickness. Finally, the new cross‐linking strategy in isorefractive solutions is transferred to commercial PVDF and PAN‐co‐PVC polymer membranes paving the way for more stable and sustainable ultrafiltration membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon‐based materials are extensively used in fuel cell applications due to their crucial role in maintaining high performance. Particularly, carbon black (CB) stands out as a preferred electrode material for fuel cells, owing to its high electrical conductivity and large surface area. This review focuses on the functionalization of CB and its use as a support for Pt‐based catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Functionalization strategies include oxidation, covalent functionalization, as well as polymer grafting or impregnation. Various approaches to functionalize the CB surface are discussed that effectively tailor the surface properties of electrodes, leading to improved fuel cell performance. The improvements are seen in enhanced dispersibility of catalyst particles, better ionomer distribution, increased catalyst stability, and reduced carbon corrosion. This review provides an overview of various modifications applied to CB to enhance their structural and electrochemical properties, thereby boosting fuel cell performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Cu2O nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol–gel technique and subsequently functionalized with extracts from plants of the Rauvolfioideae subfamily and citrus fruits. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, BET, SEM, and TEM, were employed to evaluate the structural and surface properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. The results demonstrated that both functionalized Cu2O nanoparticles exhibit mesoporous structures, as confirmed by nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms and the pore size distribution analysis. The green extract functionalized nanoparticles displayed a more uniform pore size distribution compared to those functionalized with the orange extract. The study underscores the potential of these functionalized Cu2O nanoparticles for applications in drug delivery, catalysis, and adsorption processes, highlighting the influence of the functionalization method on their textural properties and performance in antibacterial efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2‐Azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐5‐en‐3‐one (Vince lactam) is known to be a valuable building block in synthetic organic chemistry and drug research. It is an important precursor to access of some blockbuster antiviral drugs such as Carbovir or Abacavir as well as other carbocyclic neuraminidase inhibitors as antiviral agents. The ring C=C bond of the Vince lactam allows versatile chemical manipulations to create not only functionalized γ‐lactams, but also γ‐amino acid derivatives with a cyclopentane framework. The aim of the current account is to summarize the chemistry of Vince lactam, its synthetic utility and application in organic and medicinal chemistry over the last decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano- and micro-carriers of therapeutic molecules offer numerous advantages for drug delivery, and the shape of these particles plays a vital role in their biodistribution and their interaction with cells. However, analysing how microparticles are taken up by cells presents methodological challenges. Qualitative methods like microscopy provide detailed imaging but are time-consuming, whereas quantitative methods such as flow cytometry enable high-throughput analysis but struggle to differentiate between internalised and surface-bound particles. Instead, imaging flow cytometry combines the best of both worlds, offering high-resolution imaging with the efficiency of flow cytometry, allowing for quantitative analysis at the single-cell level. This study focuses on fluorescently labelled silicon oxide microchips of various morphologies but related surface areas and volumes: rectangular cuboids and apex-truncated square pyramid microchips fabricated using photolithography techniques, offering a reliable basis for comparison with the more commonly studied spherical particles. Imaging flow cytometry was utilised to evaluate the effect of particle shape on cellular uptake using RAW 264.7 cells and revealed phagocytosis of particles with all shapes. Increasing the particle dose enhanced the uptake, while macrophage stimulation had minimal effect. Using a ratio particle:cell of 10:1 cuboids and spheres showed an uptake rate of approximately 50%, in terms of the percentage of cells with internalised particles, and the average number of particles taken up per cell ranging from about 1–1.5 particle/cell for all the different shapes. This study indicates how differently shaped micro-carriers offer insights into particle uptake variations, demonstrating the potential of non-spherical micro-carriers for precise drug delivery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the potential of graphene oxide (GO) as an additive in waterborne polyurethane (WPU) resins to create eco-friendly coatings with enhanced anticorrosive properties. Traditionally, WPU's hydrophilic nature has limited its use in corrosion-resistant coatings. We investigate the impact of incorporating various GO concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1.3 wt%) and functionalizing GO with ethylenediamine (EDA) on the development of anticorrosive coatings for carbon steel. It was observed, by potentiodynamic polarization analysis in a 3.5% NaCl solution, that the low GO content in the WPU matrix significantly improved anticorrosion properties, with the 0.01 wt% GO-EDA formulation showing exceptional performance, high Ecorr (−117.82 mV), low icorr (3.70 × 10−9 A cm−2), and an inhibition corrosion efficiency (η) of 99.60%. Raman imaging mappings revealed that excessive GO content led to agglomeration, creating pathways for corrosive species. In UV/condensation tests, the 0.01 wt% GO-EDA coating exhibited the most promising results, with minimal corrosion products compared to pristine WPU. The large lateral dimensions of GO sheets and the cross-linking facilitated by EDA enhanced the interfacial properties and dispersion within the WPU matrix, resulting in superior barrier properties and anticorrosion performance. This advancement underscores the potential of GO-based coatings for environmentally friendly corrosion protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a broadly utilized natural nanofiber produced by microbial fermentation, but its high-cost and low-yield production and limited function still hinder its application. Here, we used the spraying-assisted biosynthesis method to introduce biomass nanofibers along with the nutrient media to the fermenting BC. Biomass nanofibers could be cellulose, chitosan, and others. They entangled with BC nanofibers via intermolecular interactions, including hydrogen binding and electrostatic adsorption, to form uniform BC composites. The BC composites achieved an enhanced yield of ~140 wt% compared with pure BC and displayed similar excellent mechanical properties (Young's moduli = 0.9–1.4 MPa for wet films and =~6500 MPa for dried films). BC composites also had similar high crystallinity and thermal stability to pure BC. The functional groups of biomasses endowed BC composite additional functions such as antibacterial and dye-adsorption capabilities. Moreover, a high yield and functionalization could be realized simultaneously by feeding functional cellulose nanofibers. This method provides a facile way to produce BC composites with low cost, high yield, and multiple functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The covalent bonding of a ruthenium bipyridine complex derivative with the aromatic network of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) through a stepwise protocol is presented, thus yielding the sample SWNT-Ru. To do that, an-amino decorated phenanthroline is bonded to the nanotube by means of the diazonium chemistry protocol, providing anchoring points for discrete organometallic units as depicted by the solid characterization techniques employed. The hybrid material, able to emit upon excitation, is active in the visible light-driven photocatalytic oxidation of organic sulfides to sulfoxides. SWNT-Ru presents a wide scope being able to convert more than 10 substrates with different characteristics, including added-value chemicals, with a stable performance over more than 6 cycles without metal leaching and enhanced activity compared to related homogeneous complexes. A versatile character is also demonstrated since this hybrid catalyst follows both possible photooxidation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Silicone Material is the property of Silicone Material Editorial Office 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.)

We present a review of current research on promising flame retardants using specific methods of applying metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to the highly flammable fibrous surface of cotton fabric. In this review, we initially address the reasons why the search for new flame retardants has becomes critically important in textile finishing, the area responsible for adhering new functionalities to substrates. This addition of characteristics is closely linked to the nature of the fibers, so the reason for the improvement in cotton fabric in relation to flame retardancy is discussed. Furthermore, the development of highly porous nanomaterials that can generate composites with specific functions is described, as well as their application and methods of integration into textile surfaces. Finally, the main candidates for flame retardant functionality in cellulosic materials are identified. It is also hoped that this work will facilitate researchers to develop and formulate new methods of applying nanomaterials to textile substrates, with a view to becoming a reference for new research into the development of adhesion of emerging materials to traditional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a polymer structurally like plant cellulose, but with superior physicochemical properties. BC and the several functionalization possibilities exhibited by cellulosic polymers have led to new versatile multifunctional materials. Several studies have investigated modifications to the BC surface to make it effective, for example, in antibacterial and adsorption terms, so, BC was functionalized with the silanes 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane in three different proportions. Although the diffractograms of the modified samples did not exhibit significant changes, this indicates FTIR spectra, with primary amino groups and stretching the vibration of Si–O–Si. Regarding drug adsorption kinetics, the samples exhibited a better fit with the pseudo-second-order model the increase in pH value promoted an increase in the maximum amount of adsorption, with values of q = 98.92 mg g−1 for Ibuprofen and q = 98.50 mg g−1 for Ketoprofen. In the in vitro release tests using gastric fluid, the release rate achieved higher values compared to PBS environments. The highest release values were observed with the samples modified by method 2 and particularly, the BC70-A sample showed the highest percentage of drug release. Controlled release can provide a smoother and prolonged release profile, resulting in a more stable response to the medication. Silanized BC showed greater inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractTissue engineering has emerged as a biological alternative aimed at sustaining, rehabilitating, or enhancing the functionality of tissues that have experienced partial or complete loss of their operational capabilities. The distinctive characteristics of electrospun nanofibrous structures, such as their elevated surface-area-to-volume ratio, specific pore sizes, and fine fiber diameters, make them suitable as effective scaffolds in tissue engineering, capable of mimicking the functions of the targeted tissue. However, electrospun nanofibers, whether derived from natural or synthetic polymers or their combinations, often fall short of replicating the multifunctional attributes of the extracellular matrix (ECM). To address this, nanomaterials (NMs) are integrated into the electrospun polymeric matrix through various functionalization techniques to enhance their multifunctional properties. Incorporation of NMs into electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds imparts unique features, including a high surface area, superior mechanical properties, compositional variety, structural adaptability, exceptional porosity, and enhanced capabilities for promoting cell migration and proliferation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the various types of NMs, the methodologies used for their integration into electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds, and the recent advancements in NM-functionalized electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds aimed at regenerating bone, cardiac, cartilage, nerve, and vascular tissues. Moreover, the main challenges, limitations, and prospects in electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds are elaborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), also known as white graphene, has recently gained larger attention due to its unique physical and chemical properties. Owing to its excellent thermal conductivity and stability, hBN has been reported as an effective filler in many polymers. This study explores the potential of hBN as a catalyst support and filler for olefin polymerization. We report the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of γ‐Al2O3 on hydroxyl‐functionalized hBN. The alumina precursor, methylaluminoxane, showed high selectivity, depositing Al species only on the B‐OH sites, while B−O‐O−B sites remained unreacted. The hBN/γ‐Al2O3 hybrid was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐Ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The deposition of the aluminum over the hBN sheets was confirmed. The hBN/γ‐Al2O3 was used as a support for metallocene catalysts. The supported catalyst complex was highly active and produced ethylene‐propylene polymers with molecular weights up to 10 times higher, as demonstrated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption has been reported to be optimal among oil spill cleanup methods due to its simplicity, low capital and operational cost, high removal efficiency and environmental friendliness. However, its continuous usage has been linked to generation of enormous waste, after oil spill cleanup, to which use of reusable oil sorbents has been proposed as a possible solution. Synthetic organic oil sorbents have high mechanical properties compared to other categories of oil sorbents, but they suffer low adsorptive capacities. To address this problem, among other nanoparticles, rGO have been infused in polymeric materials to produce composite oil sorbents characterized with high adsorptive capacities. In this research, surface modified rGO was infused in waste expanded polystyrene, to produce electrospun PS/FrGO composite sorbents by solution blending and electrospinning method. Adsorptive capacities of produced composites were evaluated in four oil samples. Functionalization of rGO was found to cause removal of residual oxygen containing functional groups such as hydroxyl (–OH), and resulted in more hydrophobic surface. Infusion of FrGO, in waste expanded polystyrene resulted into composites with increased surface area, from 71.50 m2/g for pure PS20 to 353.45 m2/g, 429.18 m2/g, 456.14 m2/g for PS20 infused with 1, 2 and 4wt% of FrGO. Increase in oil sorption capacities of the composite, observed in four oil samples corresponds to improved surface area. Produced composites show good recyclability in the four oil samples, at least up to the third sorption cycle. Highlights: Modification of Graphene oxide (GO) to reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) rGO was functionalized and infused in Polystyrene (PS) to form PS/FrGO composite PS/FrGO composite was applied to oil–water mixture for oil adsorption Reusability of composites produced was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,2,3,4,5-pentathiepines (PTEs) are naturally occurring polysulfides of increasing scientific interest based on their identified pharmacological activities. Artificial PTEs with N-heterocyclic backbones are efficiently synthesized via mediation by a molybdenum–oxo-bistetrasulfido complex. A common feature of all precursor alkynes successfully used to date in this reaction is the presence of a –CH(OEt)2 group since the previously postulated mechanism requires the presence of one OEt– as the leaving group, and the second must become a transient ethoxonium moiety. This raised the question of whether there really is a need for two, maybe only one, or possibly even zero ethoxy substituents. This research problem was systematically addressed by respective variations in the precursor-alkyne derivatives and by employing one related allene species. It was found that the total absence of ethoxy substituents prevents the formation of PTEs entirely, while the presence of a single ethoxy group results in the possibility to distinctly functionalize the position on the resulting N-heterocyclic pyrrole five ring in the target compound. This position was previously exclusively occupied by an –OEt for all products of the molybdenum-mediated reaction. The allene was applied with similar success as precursor as with the related alkyne. The now-employable significant change in precursor composition gives access to a whole new PTE subfamily, allowing further modulation of (physico)-chemical properties such as solubility, and provides additional insight into the mechanism of PTE formation; it comprises a merely partial validation of the previous hypothesis. The new alkyne precursors and pentathiepines were characterized by a variety of instrumental analyses (NMR, mass spec, UV–vis) and in six cases (one alkyne precursor, one unexpected side product, and four PTEs) by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Syntheses, isolation procedures, analytical data, and the impact of the findings on the previously proposed mechanism are described in detail herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the wash resistance of polyester fabrics functionalized with chitosan, a biopolymer known for its biocompatibility, non-toxicity, biodegradability and environmentally friendly properties. The interaction of chitosan with synthetic polymers, such as polyester, often requires surface treatment due to the weak natural affinity between the two materials. To improve the interaction and stability of chitosan on polyester, alkaline hydrolysis of the polyester fabric was used as a surface treatment method. The effectiveness of using cross-linking agents 1,2,3,4-butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in combination with ammonium persulphate (APS) to improve the stability of chitosan on polyester during washing was investigated. The wash resistance of polyester fabrics functionalized with chitosan was tested after 1, 5 and 10 washes with a standard ECE detergent. Staining tests were carried out to evaluate the retention of chitosan on the fabric. The results showed that polyester fabrics functionalized with chitosan without cross-linkers exhibited better wash resistance than the fabrics treated with crosslinkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the electronic, optoelectronic, and nonlinear optical properties of the cyclo[2N]carbon series (C10, C12, C14, C16, C18, C20, C22, and C24), and their derivative systems (C8BN, C10BN, C12BN, C14BN, C16BN, C18BN, C20BN, and C22BN) obtained by functionalizing each molecule of the series with the boron–nitrogen (B–N) binomial. The results were obtained from density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory at the B3LYP-D3, CAM-B3LYP-D3, and ωB97XD/6–31 + G(d) levels of theory. The study found that the cumulative B–N effects on the molecules studied break the centrosymmetry of these molecules while, lowering the energy gap (from 3.11 eV for C18 to 2.80 eV for its derivative C16BN) making these molecules good materials for electronics. The C2N molecules (2N = 4n), namely C12, C16, C20, and C24, and their derivatives C10BN, C14BN, C18BN, and C22BN, are found to have high chemical softness (s), electronegativity (η), and electrophilic index (ω), making them useful materials in optoelectronics. An impressive impact of the B–N cumulative effect on the cyclo[2N]carbon's series is that it significantly generates the first-order hyperpolarizability values. Like C24 of which β = 0.00 a.u. and its derivative C22BN of which β = 8812.77 a.u., value 8 times higher than that of paranitroaniline (β = 1072.44 a.u.), which is the reference compound in nonlinear optics, rendering these molecules interesting for linear and non-linear optical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new imidazole‐modified reduced graphene oxide was synthesized through a substitution reaction between amino imidazole and chlorographene. Functional groups and material composition were characterized by using several methods. The N content of product is high, it possesses more ligands. These ligands still combine metal ions under acidic conditions. Adsorption for methylene blue can be fitted by quasi‐second‐order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm model, physical adsorption is the predominant adsorption mechanism. Adsorption capacity (350.7 mg/g) of product for Cr (III) is about fourfold higher than that (74.7 mg/g) of reduced graphene oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial functionalization of hierarchically mesoporous metal–organic frameworks (HMMOFs) in a controllable manner is highly desirable yet challenging. Herein, microporous and mesoporous spaces as well as the external surface of nanoscale hierarchically mesoporous UiO-66-NH2 MOFs were site-separately modified to endow them with additional functionalities. Given the pore-filling effect of soft templates, the folic acid ligand was successfully grafted on the outer surface without reducing the pore size and available pore volumes, making the developed sensing nanoprobe competent to specifically identify cancer cells. The mesoporous support not only effectively protected the encapsulated enzymes but also facilitated the proximity between the substrates and enzymes by virtue of the spatial confinement effect. The Cu2+ ions introduced in microporous skeleton could synergistically activate the activity of horseradish peroxidase immobilized in mesopores. Thanks to such enhanced enzymatic activity and spatial functionalities, the designed nanoprobe could specifically and quantitatively check out FR-overexpressed cancer cells in a colorimetric and visible way. Through deliberately screening different functionalities in specific locations of HMMOFs, such a model is expected to set a guideline for the design of multiple-functional diagnostic platform for the detection of various cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main advantages of ceramic materials are their excellent thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties. They also have a much lower density than metals, making them ideal for lightweight construction, which can also be interesting for space components. However, ceramics have not been widely used due to their low ductility and the challenges of mechanical processing using conventional methods like milling and turning. Additionally, integrating different functions into a single component has been limited. The introduction of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies has revolutionized this field. It is now possible to manufacture highly complex ceramic components with unprecedented functionality. By hybridizing different manufacturing technologies and materials, additional functions such as electrical contacts, sensors, and actuators can be directly integrated, leading to improved manufacturing costs and component properties. Three different demonstrator examples are presented in this paper to give a first impression of what will be possible in the field of space applications in the future. These examples are a ceramic igniter, a ceramic reactor for thermal decomposition of H 2 O 2 , and a ceramic aerospike engine. • Additive manufacturing of ceramic components allows geometrical functionalization. • Adding of further materials to AM components allows further functionalization. • Sequential & simultaneous manufacturing available for AM of multi-material component. • Hybridization of AM technologies allows optimization of component's quality and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) with their modular character (thiosemicarbazides + carbonyl compound) allow broad variation of up to four substituents on the main R1R2C=N(1)–NH–C(S)–N(4)R3R4 core and are thus interesting tools for the formation of conjugates or the functionalization of nanoparticles (NPs). In this work, di-2-pyridyl ketone was introduced for the coordination of metals and 9-anthraldehyde for luminescence as R1 and R2 to TSCs. R3 and R4 substituents were varied for the formation of conjugates. Amino acids were introduced at the N4 position to produce [R1R2TSC–spacer–amino acid] conjugates. Further, functions such as phosphonic acid (R–P(O)(OH)2), D-glucose, o-hydroquinone, OH, and thiol (SH) were introduced at the N4 position producing [R1R2TSC–spacer–anchor group] conjugates for direct NP anchoring. Phenyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, ethyl and methyl were used as spacer units. Both phenyl phosphonic acid TSC derivatives were bound on TiO2 NPs as a first example of direct NP anchoring. [R1R2TSC–spacer–end group] conjugates including OH, S–Bn (Bn = benzyl), NH–Boc (Boc = tert-butyloxycarbonyl), COOtBu, C≡CH, or N3 end groups were synthesized for potential covalent binding to functional molecules or functionalized NPs through amide, ester, or triazole functions. The synthesis of the thiosemicarbazides H2NNH–C(S)–NR3R4 starting from amines, including amino acids, SCCl2 or CS2, and hydrazine and their condensation with dipyridyl ketone and anthraldehyde led to 34 new TSC derivatives. They were synthesized in up to six steps with overall yields ranging from 10 to 85% and were characterized by a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy allowed us to easily trace the dipyridyl imine and anthracene chromophores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid environmental pollution and resource depletion, developing and utilizing biomass resources as alternatives to petroleum is a prominent research focus. Driven by environmental protection and sustainable development, the shift from petroleum-based to bio-based polyurethane is a prevailing trend in polyurethane material development. Biomass sources such as vegetable oil, polysaccharides, and lignin offer extensive application prospects in bio-based polyurethane production. Functional modifications of these polyurethanes can further expand their application range. This article explores the preparation of various bio-based polyurethanes, their applications across different fields, and their anticipated future development and uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three‐dimensional (3D) printed multimaterials have quickly grown in interest as researchers aim to mimic the material chemistry and geometric complexity of natural materials. While some exceptional multimaterial 3D printing systems have been developed, there is still a shortfall in the scope and production of these materials. More recently, the introduction of xolography as a single‐step, auxiliary‐free additive manufacturing approach has enabled rapid production of materials with geometries inaccessible via other additive manufacturing techniques. However, previous systems required resins with high transparency for effective material formation, and multimaterial formation has not been demonstrated. In this work, reversible deactivation radical polymerization is used and resin composition, viscosity, and processing parameters are explored to develop new resins capable of application to visible light‐mediated xolography. After optimization, non‐transparent resins containing thiocarbonylthio species are applied to xolography to manufacture geometrically complex, auxiliary‐free materials. The resulting 3D printed polymer network materials can be functionalized via the embedded thiocarbonylthio moieties to impart new functionality to the printed materials. Finally, the unique 3D printing capabilities of xolography are demonstrated to manufacture multimaterials featuring chemically disparate domains with high 3D‐spatial control. This two‐step overprinting approach is operationally simple and provides a new avenue for manufacturing polymeric multimaterials via 3D printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are widespread in the aquatic environment and also measurable in ground and drinking water. Because of the insufficient PFAA elimination in conventional water treatment processes, e. g. active carbon based methods, consumers in areas with contaminated water supplies are exposed to an elevated health hazard. For this purpose, the applicability of five differentially fluorinated silica-based adsorbents (HSU00107954-958) to remove the potentially human toxic perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids(PFSAs) perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) from water was investigated with regard to removal efficiencies (REs) and equilibrium loadings. During the adsorbent screening at nanomolar concentrations (20.0–33.4 nmol L−1) maximum REs of 46.9% for PFBS (HSU00107954), 79.4% for PFHxS (HSU00107954), and between 86.5 to 96.7% for PFOS (HSU00107956, and HSU00107954, respectively) have been achieved. Even at picomolar concentrations (< 400 pmol L−1) HSU00107954 was still able to eliminate PFBS and PFHxS with an efficiency of 46.3–51.2% and 79.1–88.2%, respectively. Analyses of the equilibrium loadings of the functionalized adsorbents in the concentration range 40.1 pmol to 3.34 nmol L−1 resulted in appropriate linearized Freundlich isotherms for all investigated PFSA. Compared to literature-based Freundlich adsorption coefficients (KF) for granular activated carbon (GAC), the determined KF values (nmol(1−n) Ln m−2) of the most efficient adsorbents HSU00107956 and HSU00107954 for each PFSA were significantly 8–10 and 50–60 times higher, respectively. These proven increased adsorption capacities relative to activated carbon possibly indicate specific PFSA selectivities of the functionalized macroporous silica adsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve a higher energy density for the supercapacitor without degrading cycle stability, functionalization of biomass based-AC with oxygen-containing groups was applied. Nanostructured carbon materials were produced from barley straw biomass waste using the activation-functionalization by FeCl3 and urea via the pyrolysis method in a tubular reactor at 900 °C. The electrode made up of carbon BCF-U in the three-electrode cell in aqueous KOH electrolyte showed high-specific capacitance of 515 F g–1 at current density of 2 A g−1 and in aqueous Na2SO4 electrolyte the capacitance of 379 F g−1 at 3 A g−1. The BCF-U electrode showed cycling stability, retaining more than 99% capacitance after 5000 cycles in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. The fabricated symmetric supercapacitor device with carbon BCF-U showed a high-energy density of 10.7 Wh kg–1 and a power density of 720 W kg−1 in aqueous 6 M KOH. Different characterizations were carried out to show that the functional group and morphological features of the activated carbon were closely related to the superior capacitive performance by enhancing diffusion of electrolyte ions. The analysis proved the formation of graphitic nature with mixed micro- and mesoporous textures in addition to carbon nanotube, carbon nano rod, and graphene. These unique features make synthetic activated and functionalized samples possess good adsorption capacity for electrical double layer capacitors. The results demonstrate that nanostructured carbon materials derived from a low-cost biomass waste can serve as an economical carbon feedstock for production of high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the rapid growth of industries, and population the water shortage has become a global problem. The most hazardous organic contaminants found in textile wastewater are dyes. There are several techniques for removing dyes from wastewater, but the majority of them are costly and time-consuming. The most practiced technique for removing dyes is adsorption. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are employed extensively in the water treatment industry because of their superior mechanical strength, high aspect ratio, toughness, and defined cylindrical hollow structure. The hydrophobic wall and cost of CNTs restrict their usage on a commercial scale, however, this problem has been partially alleviated by altering their surfaces or doping with other metal oxides. The effect of surface alteration, on the adsorption potential, characterization, and removal effectiveness of CNTs are discussed in detail. The market value and overall demand for CNTs are thoroughly explored. The process variables influencing the sorption mechanism and removal efficiencies such as adsorbent dose, pH, contact time, and temperature are discussed in detail. The economic viability of CNTs is checked by the desorption and reusability of adsorbents. The literature supports the claim that surface modification significantly increased adsorption capacity and removal efficiency. However, more research should be needed to explore non-toxic modifiers for improved surface activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We obtained 3D nanoflowers of MoS2 (3D-MoS2) with an average size of 1–3 µm synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method, the "flower-shape" being composed of several petal-like sheets with a thickness of about 19 nm. The 3D nanoflowers underwent functionalization with diethyl[2-hydroxy-2-(thiophen-3-yl)ethyl]phosphonate and 2-tiophene carboxylic acid. P3HT/MoS2 composites were synthesized by Grignard metathesis using a 2,5-dibromo-3-hexylthiophene/MoS2 weight ratio of 1:0.05. As a reference, the P3HT/MoS2 composites were also synthesized with unfunctionalized 3D-MoS2. The P3HT/MoS2 composites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TEM, 1H NMR, UV–Vis, TGA, and cyclic voltammetry. We studied the influence of 3D-MoS2 nanoflowers functionalized with phosphonic and carboxyl groups on the properties of the P3HT/MoS2 composites. The addition of functionalized 3D-MoS2 in the P3HT/MoS2 composites improved the percentage of HT dyads and the definition of shoulders in the dyad signal, indicating a better arrangement of the polymeric chains in the P3HT/3D-MoS2 functionalized composites. In addition, the functionalization of the 3D-MoS2 white phosphonic group increased the conjugation length, the percentage of crystallinity, and the conductivity. Likewise, the P3HT/MoS2 functionalized composites showed a decrease in the energy gap compared to P3HT. The functionalization of the 3D-MoS2 was successfully carried out, and a close interaction between the P3HT and 3D-MoS2 was determined. We achieved the in situ synthesis of P3HT/MoS2 composites by Grignard metathesis using functionalized 3D-MoS2 obtained by the hydrothermal method. We compared two functionalization groups with 3D-MoS2 and their subsequent polymerization with P3HT. Our work provides evidence for a better performance in composites functionalized with a phosphonate group because a phosphonic anchor provides strong electronic coupling with the 3D-MoS2. The above makes this material suitable for applications in flexible electronics photosensors, electrochromic devices, photocatalysis, and harvesting energy material in solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kai-Wen Ho,1,2 Yen-Ling Liu,2,3 Tzu-Yi Liao,2,3 En-Shuo Liu,2,3 Tian-Lu Cheng1– 3 1Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; 2Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; 3Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, TaiwanCorrespondence: Tian-Lu Cheng, Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan, Tel +886 7 3121101 2697, Fax +886 7 3227508, Email tlcheng@kmu.edu.twAbstract: Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified nanoparticles (NPs) often struggle with reduced effectiveness against metastasis and liquid tumors due to limited tumor cell uptake and therapeutic efficacy. To address this, actively targeted liposomes with enhanced tumor selectivity and internalization are being developed to improve uptake and treatment outcomes. Using bi-functional proteins to functionalize PEGylated NPs and enhance targeted drug delivery through non-covalent attachment methods has emerged as a promising approach. Among these, the one-step and two-step targeting strategies stand out for their simplicity, efficiency, and versatility. The one-step strategy integrates streptavidin-tagged antibodies or bispecific antibodies (bsAbs: PEG/DIG × marker) directly into PEGylated NPs. This method uses the natural interactions between antibodies and PEG for stable, specific binding, allowing the modification of biotin/Fc-binding molecules like protein A, G, or anti-Fc peptide. Simply mixing bsAbs with PEGylated NPs improves tumor targeting and internalization. The two-step strategy involves first accumulating bsAbs (PEG/biotin × tumor marker) on the tumor cell surface, triggering an initial attack via antibody-dependent and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. These bsAbs then capture PEGylated NPs, initiating a second wave of internalization and cytotoxicity. Both strategies aim to enhance the targeting capabilities of PEGylated NPs by enabling specific recognition and binding to disease-specific markers or receptors. This review provides potential pathways for accelerating clinical translation in the development of targeted nanomedicine.Keywords: PEGylated nanoparticle, monoclonal antibody, antibody-containing nanodrugs, functionalization, targeted cancer therapy

Abstract Background superparamagnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles can be extensively functionalized for applications in drug enrichment and separation. Their high magnetic responsiveness and controllable surface modification enable rapid drug enrichment and separation under external magnetic fields. This study aimed to enhance the application potential of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the field of drug enrichment and separation by functionalizing these nanoparticles to improve their biocompatibility and targeting capabilities. Methods superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles functionalized with dopamine were synthesized using benzyl alcohol as the solvent and iron acetylacetonate as the precursor. The dopamine-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were used to analyze protein enrichment and separation. Characterization of the nanoparticles was conducted, including analysis of particle size distribution, Zeta potential, and fluorescence spectra using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. Results the Fe3O4 nanoparticles maintained high magnetism from the original material and exhibited uniform particle size distribution and stable Zeta potential. The saturation magnetization of dopamine-functionalized superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed no significant difference compared to before coating, indicating minimal influence of dopamine on the internal magnetic core of the nanoparticles. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles demonstrated good biocompatibility and stability. Conclusion functionalization of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles significantly enhances their efficiency in drug enrichment and separation processes, suggesting broad applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Open-cell ceramic foams are widely used as filters for the purification of molten metals due to their high permeability and high efficiency for capturing non-metallic inclusions. With the consideration of manufacture and filtration behaviour, most filters are produced by replica methods. The intrinsic multiscale porous structure requires the ceramic foams to have sufficient strength. As a consequence, different processing approaches, material compositions and characterizations are investigated. Meanwhile, to further enhance the filtration performance, the functionalization of ceramic foam filters is often conducted with surface coating. This review summarizes the processing and characteristics of ceramic foam filters (CFFs), the nature and formation of non-metallic inclusions (NMIs), the filtration mechanism and applications of CFFs. The characterization of mechanical and filtration performance, as well as the corresponding strengthening and functionalization methods are also presented.

Abstract Adsorption has been reported to be optimal among oil spill cleanup methods due to its simplicity, low capital and operational cost, high removal efficiency and environmental friendliness. However, its continuous usage has been linked to generation of enormous waste, after oil spill cleanup, to which use of reusable oil sorbents has been proposed as a possible solution. Synthetic organic oil sorbents have high mechanical properties compared to other categories of oil sorbents, but they suffer low adsorptive capacities. To address this problem, among other nanoparticles, rGO have been infused in polymeric materials to produce composite oil sorbents characterized with high adsorptive capacities. In this research, surface modified rGO was infused in waste expanded polystyrene, to produce electrospun PS/FrGO composite sorbents by solution blending and electrospinning method. Adsorptive capacities of produced composites were evaluated in four oil samples. Functionalization of rGO was found to cause removal of residual oxygen containing functional groups such as hydroxyl (–OH), and resulted in more hydrophobic surface. Infusion of FrGO, in waste expanded polystyrene resulted into composites with increased surface area, from 71.50 m2/g for pure PS20 to 353.45 m2/g, 429.18 m2/g, 456.14 m2/g for PS20 infused with 1, 2 and 4wt% of FrGO. Increase in oil sorption capacities of the composite, observed in four oil samples corresponds to improved surface area. Produced composites show good recyclability in the four oil samples, at least up to the third sorption cycle. Graphical Abstract

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels is a widely used bioink because of its good biological properties and tunable physicochemical properties, which has been widely used in a variety of tissue engineering and tissue regeneration. However, pure GelMA is limited by the weak mechanical strength and the lack of continuous osteogenic induction environment, which is difficult to meet the needs of bone repair. Moreover, GelMA hydrogels are unable to respond to complex stimuli and therefore are unable to adapt to physiological and pathological microenvironments. This review focused on the functionalization strategies of GelMA hydrogel based bioinks for bone regeneration. The synthesis process of GelMA hydrogel was described in details, and various functional methods to meet the requirements of bone regeneration, including mechanical strength, porosity, vascularization, osteogenic differentiation, and immunoregulation for patient specific repair, etc. In addition, the response strategies of smart GelMA-based bioinks to external physical stimulation and internal pathological microenvironment stimulation, as well as the functionalization strategies of GelMA hydrogel to achieve both disease treatment and bone regeneration in the presence of various common diseases (such as inflammation, infection, tumor) are also briefly reviewed. Finally, we emphasized the current challenges and possible exploration directions of GelMA-based bioinks for bone regeneration.

AbstractElectrochromic (EC) thin films have received considerable attention due to their potential applications in various fields such as smart windows, electrochromic displays, and energy storage devices. This review highlights various methods used for the fabrication and functionalization of EC films for various applications. Various techniques for EC thin film deposition ranging from solution-processable, low-temperature approaches such as sol-gel, spin coating, dip coating, and spray pyrolysis, to advanced techniques for deposition such as physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and sputtering are summarized in this review. In addition, various applications of EC thin films and the outcome of different deposition approaches on the opto-electrochromic properties of EC thin films have been discussed elaborately. This review has the potential to spark the interest of researchers from a broad range of disciplines, including photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, nanotechnology and materials science.

The woven carbon fibers (WCF) fabrics were functionalized by growing copper-oxide (CuO) nanostructures using Seed-assisted hydrothermal technique. The effective growth of CuO on surface hydrolyzed WCF samples were achieved by seeding followed by growth treatment in the prepared precursor solution. The impact of hydrothermal process parameters such as number of seeding cycles, duration of growth treatment and molar concentration of growth solution were studied by performing 96 set of experiments with three repetitions. In this work detailed analysis of structural, morphological, and elemental attributes of the CuO-coated WCF fabrics samples have been done. The WCF fabrics were uniformly coated with monoclinic CuO nanostructures having nanopellets, nanoflakes, nanowires, and nanoflowers morphologies. Different characterization techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and thermo-gravimetric analyzer were used to study different attributes of CuO-modified WCF samples. The number of seeding treatments and the length of growth treatment had a significant impact on growth of CuO nanostructures on WCF. The detailed analysis exhibits that the developed CuO-modified WCF samples may enhance interfacial surface area, bonding capacity and reduce void content by allowing nanostructures to cross-link together and with polymer matrix while fabricating composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel acyl chloride-mediated strategy is used to synthesize rhodanine-modified UiO-66 adsorbent. Benefitting from the high grafting density of rhodanine, the optimal UiO-66-NH 2 @20Rd exhibits ultra-high adsorption capacity and selectivity for Ag(I) recovery. This study highlights that such a general strategy can provide a valuable avenue toward various functional adsorption materials. [Display omitted] Silver (Ag) recovery is essential for ecological protection, human health and economic benefits. Effective capture of Ag(I) from wastewater is still challenging due to insufficient accessible sites of adsorbents. Herein, an acyl chloride-mediated strategy is developed to synthesize rhodanine (Rd) modified UiO-66 derivatives for Ag(I) adsorption. Benefitting from the high grafting density of Rd, the optimal Rd-modified UiO-66-NH 2 (UiO-66-NH 2 @20Rd) features an ultra-high uptake capacity (maximum capacity of 923.9 mg·g−1) and selectivity (maximum selectivity coefficient of 1665.52) for Ag(I). Almost 90 % of Ag(I) could be captured in one minute over UiO-66-NH 2 @20Rd and maintained a removal rate of 98.9 % even after six cycles. Moreover, a fixed-bed column test demonstrates that approximately 21,780 bed volumes of Ag(I) simulated wastewater can be effectively treated, indicating great promise for practical application. Mechanism investigation illustrates that outstanding performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of Ag(I) adsorption and reduction on dense rhodanine sites. This study highlights that such a general strategy can provide a valuable avenue toward various functional adsorption materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we delved into innovative strategies to make neat E‐glass fabrics (NGFs) more impact‐ and tensile‐resistant by using shear‐thickening fluids (STFs). To achieve this goal, the polyethylene glycol (PEG) in STFs has been modified. Subsequently, the STF‐impregnated fabric composites were prepared from unmodified PEG and functionally modified PEGs using malonic and tartaric acids, V/S/GF, M/S/GF, and T/S/GF composites, respectively. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was conducted to confirm the chemical modification of PEGs. The rheological tests showed a significant improvement in the peak viscosity of modified STFs compared with virgin STF. Dynamic rheological analysis also studied media‐particle interaction, revealing improved media‐particle interaction in STFs due to abundant H‐bonding. In addition, a series of experimental tests, namely compressive impact resistance and strip tensile strength tests, have been conducted to investigate the effect of STF modification on the NGF. The results revealed notable improvements in tensile strength and energy dissipation in the T/S/GF and M/S/GF composites compared with V/S/GF and NGF. Importantly, this improvement extended to the impact performance of single, triple, and quintuple layers. Notably, we found that the peak load of 5 T/S/GF was 37.71%, 18.57%, and 11.87% lower than that of 5NGF, 5 V/S/GF, and 5 M/S/GF, respectively. The idea that made these improvements possible came from PEG functionalization, which helps hydrogen bonds form between the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium, leading to higher viscosity. This, in turn, increases inter‐yarn friction, effectively enhancing the spring‐like properties of T/S/GF and M/S/GF compared with V/S/GF. A two‐step artificial intelligence regression analysis underpinned these findings, elucidating the interplay of molecular mechanisms in high‐performance fabric composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetabular cup liners made of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), in hip implants fail mostly due to wear debris generation and poor wear resistance. Consequently, strengthening UHMWPE becomes essential. The current work exhibits how the addition of 5 vol% carbon nanotubes (CNT) and functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNT) in UHMWPE (denoted as U) affects the mechanical properties (hardness, elastic modulus) and tribological properties (wear resistance) of biocomposites. To form a composite, powders were mixed using a planetary centrifugal mixer followed by freeze‐drying to disperse‐CNTs, followed by its compression molding at 220°C for 1 h at 10 MPa. With the addition of CNT and fCNT, ≥95% densification was obtained for all samples resulting an increase in hardness and elastic modulus from 74.96 MPa to 168.11 MPa (124%) and 1.65 GPa to 2.96 GPa (79%), respectively, which led to the reduction in wear rate from 12.5 × 10−5 mm3/Nm (U) to 2.5 × 10−5 mm3/Nm (UfCNT). The amount of apatite formation enhanced from U (58.2%) to UfCNT (65.1%) is confirmed via X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Cell proliferation studies have validated the cytocompatible efficacy of U‐CNT composites with osteoblast‐like MG‐63 cells, making UfCNT as potential material for acetabular cup liners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are widespread in the aquatic environment and also measurable in ground and drinking water. Because of the insufficient PFAA elimination in conventional water treatment processes, e. g. active carbon based methods, consumers in areas with contaminated water supplies are exposed to an elevated health hazard. For this purpose, the applicability of five differentially fluorinated silica-based adsorbents (HSU00107954-958) to remove the potentially human toxic perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids(PFSAs) perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) from water was investigated with regard to removal efficiencies (REs) and equilibrium loadings. During the adsorbent screening at nanomolar concentrations (20.0–33.4 nmol L−1) maximum REs of 46.9% for PFBS (HSU00107954), 79.4% for PFHxS (HSU00107954), and between 86.5 to 96.7% for PFOS (HSU00107956, and HSU00107954, respectively) have been achieved. Even at picomolar concentrations (