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The development of a wound dressing with both antibacterial and healing-guiding functions is a major concern in the treatment of open and infected wounds. In this study, poly(hexamethylene biguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB) was loaded into a 3D silk fibroin (SF) scaffold based on electrostatic interactions between PHMB and SF, and PHMB/SF hybrid scaffolds were prepared via freeze-drying. The effects of the PHMB/SF ratio on the antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility of the hybrid scaffold were investigated. The results of an agar disc diffusion test and a bacteriostasis rate examination showed that when the mass ratio of PHMB/SF was greater than 1/100, the scaffold exhibited obvious antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. L-929 cells were encapsulated in the PHMB/SF scaffolds and cultured in vitro. SEM, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and CCK-8 assay results demonstrated that hybrid scaffolds with a PHMB/SF ratio of less than 2/100 significantly promoted cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation. In conclusion, a hybrid scaffold with a PHMB/SF ratio of approximately 2/100 not only effectively inhibited bacterial reproduction but also showed good cytocompatibility and is expected to be usable as a functional antibacterial dressing for wound repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang, China, the ambient relative humidity (RH) fluctuation in the caves is the main cause for the deterioration that has been observed, especially the deterioration of the earthen plaster and wall paintings linked to the presence of NaCl and Na2SO4 salt contaminants. To help identify the mechanism responsible for this salt-related deterioration and provide a theoretical basis for the development of a preventive conservation regime, this study addressed the basic moisture adsorption mechanisms of earthen plaster with soluble salts by taking an experimental approach. It is shown that, as ambient RH increases, the moisture adsorption process of the plaster containing the soluble salts can be regarded to have three basic stages, as evidenced by the results of the moisture adsorption tests performed on earthen plaster samples with different NaCl or Na2SO4 contents at various humidity levels. The moisture adsorption mechanism and its determining factors at each stage are also analysed. In addition, it is suggested that the hygroscopicity of the plaster structure and the interaction between the different kinds of salts in the plaster, which makes the dissolution or hydration of the salt in the plaster pores much easier, should be considered more seriously regarding increases in the ambient RH in the caves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]