Search Results (1,335)

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is a widely cultivated fruit tree species valued for its nutritional and sensory properties. The global market is dominated by a limited number of cultivars selected for appearance, shelf life, and consumer preference. As a result, many traditional or autochthonous cultivars, which often possess richer phytochemical profiles and greater environmental adaptability, remain underutilized. Herein, a comprehensive study of the sugar and organic acid content of the apple pulp and leaves of 19 autochthonous apple cultivars, along with 5 standard and 6 resistant cultivars for comparison, was undertaken. Fructose (47.9–74.0 mg/g FW), glucose (16.4–33.7 mg/g FW), and sucrose (25.0–34.0 mg/g FW) were detected at the highest concentrations in the apple pulp, while sorbitol (49.9–71.5 mg/g DW) predominated in the apple leaves. Principal component analysis identified xylose, quinic acid, shikimic acid, arabinose, raffinose, malic acid, citric acid, and isocitric acid as the main factors responsible for the classification patterns among cultivars. A number of autochthonous cultivars, such as ‘Gružanjska letnja kolačara’, ‘Šećeruša’, ‘Demirka’, and ‘Hajdučica’, showed characteristics comparable to commercial cultivars such as ‘Red Delicious’, ‘Golden Delicious’, and ‘Gala Galaxy’. The obtained results empasize the value of some of the analyzed cultivars and contribute to the broader re-evaluation of the local apple germplasm. Full article

Currently, various techniques are efficient in eliminating high quantities of fluoride from water, while the deep treatment of a low concentration of fluoridated water is inadequate. In this work, four metallic phosphates were synthesized, including YP, ZrP, CeP, and LaP, to enhance the elimination of fluoride. The X-ray diffractometer data demonstrated that ZrP was amorphous, while CeP, LaP, and YP were highly crystalline. YP had a strong fluoride removal ability in a neutral environment, and ZrP exhibited a superior fluoride adsorption effect in acidic media. The adsorption kinetic results suggested that YP, CeP, and LaP could achieve the adsorption equilibrium within 150 min, which was faster than ZrP. YP had the largest fluoride adsorption capacity fitted by Langmuir of 31.61 mg/g at 298 K, followed by ZrP, which was greater than those of CeP and LaP. All four metallic phosphates showed high selectivity in the interference of competing anions and organics, with YP and ZrP exhibiting superior selectivity than CeP and LaP. The adsorption mechanism was ligand exchange between metallic phosphate particles and fluoride, which was validated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The adsorption rate of metallic phosphates remained essentially stable in five consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles. Overall, metallic phosphates, especially YP and ZrP, have enormous potential in enhancing fluoride removal in the treatment of fluoridated water. Full article

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease marked by disruption of the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota imbalance, leading to significant impairment in patient quality of life. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of a synbiotic formulation composed of purified fucoidan from bloom-forming Sargassum horneri and the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced zebrafish model of UC. Polysaccharides from S. horneri were extracted using Celluclast-assisted extraction and fractionated via DEAE anion-exchange chromatography, resulting in six fucoidan fractions. The sixth fraction (SH-F), with a molecular weight of 254 kDa, showed the highest fucose, sulfate contents, and demonstrated the highest effect on promoting L. plantarum growth. Structural analysis revealed that SH-F contained α-L-Fucp-(1→3), α-L-Fucp-(1→4), β-D-Galp-(1→2,3,4), α-L-Fucp-(1→3,4), and terminal α-L-Fucp residues where Fuc₁(SO₃)₁, Gal1Fuc₁(SO₃)₁, and Fuc₂(SO₃)₂ were the most common glycans. Synbiotic administration significantly attenuated DSS-induced colonic shrinkage, inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-ɑ, and IL-1β), restored tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin), and downregulated the iNOS, COX2, and NF-κB signaling pathway in adult zebrafish. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed restoration of gut microbial diversity and increased abundance of beneficial bacterial taxa to improve DSS-induced UC. These findings highlight the potential synergistic effects of SH-F and L. plantarum as a combinatorial strategy to regulate gut inflammation and enhance epithelial barrier function, potentially offering new insights and therapeutic opportunities for UC intervention. Full article

Composite anion exchange membranes (AEMs) based on poly(terphenylene piperidinium) (PTPiQA) and impregnated with varying loadings of quaternized graphene oxide (QGO) as filler were developed, and their properties as anion exchange membranes for use in water electrolysis (AEMWEs) and fuel cells (AEMFCs) were explored. This study investigates the trade-off between mechanical robustness, ionic conductivity, and alkaline stability in QGO-reinforced twisted polymer backbones. QGO synthesized by functionalization with ethylenediamine (EDA), followed by quaternization with glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC), was used as a filler for PTPiQA, and the properties of the resulting composites PTPiQA-QGO-X investigated as a function of QGO loading for X between 0.1 and 0.7 wt%. Among all compositions, PTPiQA-QGO-0.3% exhibited the highest OH⁻ conductivity of 71.56 mS cm⁻¹ at room temperature, attributed to enhanced ionic connectivity and water uptake. However, this increase in conductivity was accompanied by a slight decrease in ion exchange capacity (IEC) retention (91.8%) during an alkaline stability test in 1 M KOH at 60 °C for 336 h due to localized cation degradation. Mechanical testing revealed that PTPiQA-QGO-0.3% offered optimal dry and wet tensile strength (dry TS of 42.77 MPa and wet TS of 30.20 MPa), whereas higher QGO loadings yielded low mechanical strength. These findings highlight that 0.3 wt% QGO balances ion transport efficiency and mechanical strength, while higher loadings improve alkaline durability, compromising mechanical durability and guiding the rational design of AEMs for AEMWEs and AEMFCs. Full article

Electricity access deficits remain acute in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where more than 600 million people lack reliable supply. Green hydrogen, produced through renewable-powered electrolysis, is increasingly recognized as a transformative energy carrier for decentralized systems due to its capacity for long-duration storage, sector coupling, and near-zero carbon emissions. This review adheres strictly to the PRISMA 2020 methodology, examining 190 records and synthesizing 80 peer-reviewed articles and industry reports released from 2010 to 2025. The review covers hydrogen production processes, hybrid renewable integration, techno-economic analysis, environmental compromises, global feasibility, and enabling policy incentives. The findings show that Alkaline (AEL) and PEM electrolyzers are immediately suitable for off-grid scenarios, whereas Solid Oxide (SOEC) and Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyzers present high potential for future deployment. For Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the levelized costs of hydrogen (LCOH) are in the range of EUR5.0–7.7/kg. Nonetheless, estimates from the learning curve indicate that these costs could fall to between EUR1.0 and EUR1.5 per kg by 2050, assuming there is (i) continued public support for the technology innovation, (ii) appropriate, flexible, and predictable regulation, (iii) increased demand for hydrogen, and (iv) a stable and long-term policy framework. Environmental life-cycle assessments indicate that emissions are nearly zero, but they also highlight serious concerns regarding freshwater usage, land occupation, and dependence on platinum group metals. Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya exhibit considerable promise in the early stages of development, while Niger demonstrates the feasibility of deploying modular, community-scale systems in challenging conditions. The study concludes that green hydrogen cannot be treated as an integrated solution but needs to be regarded as part of blended off-grid systems. To improve its role, targeted material innovation, blended finance, and policies bridging export-oriented applications to community-scale access must be established. It will then be feasible to ensure that hydrogen contributes meaningfully to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 7 in SSA. Full article

In this study, a commercial anion-exchange resin (D301), known for high regenerability but limited selectivity, was chemically modified to enhance its sorption performance. The modification included graft polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate followed by thiourea functionalization, yielding a new sorbent, TD301, with chelating functional groups. Characterization using SEM/EDS, IR spectroscopy, XPS, and zeta potential measurements confirmed the successful introduction of sulfur- and nitrogen-containing groups, increased surface roughness, and decreased surface charge in the pH range 2–6. These changes shifted the sorption mechanism from nonspecific ion exchange to selective coordination. Sorption properties of TD301 were evaluated in mono- and bimetallic Mo–W systems, as well as in solutions obtained from real ore decomposition. The modified sorbent showed fast sorption kinetics and high selectivity for Mo(VI) at pH 1.5, while retaining high W(VI) uptake at pH 0.5. In binary systems, separation factors (α) reached 128.4, greatly exceeding those of unmodified D301. In real leachates (Mo ≈ W ≈ 0.04 g/L), TD301 selectively extracted W at pH 0.66 and Mo at pH 1.5. These findings demonstrate that TD301 is an effective sorbent for pH-dependent Mo/W separation in complex matrices, with potential for resource recovery, wastewater treatment, monitoring, and suitability for repeated use. Full article

Hydrogen, as a clean energy source, has enormous potential in addressing global climate change and energy security challenges. This paper discusses different hydrogen production methodologies (steam methane reforming and water electrolysis), focusing on the electrolysis process as the most promising method for industrial-scale hydrogen generation. The review delved into three main electrolysis methods, including alkaline water electrolysis, proton exchange membrane electrolysis, and anion exchange membrane electrolysis cells. Also, the production of hydrogen as a by-product by means of membrane cells and mercury cells. The process of reforming natural gas (mainly methane) using steam is currently the predominant technique, comprising approximately 96% of the world’s hydrogen synthesis. However, it is carbon intensive and therefore not sustainable over time. Water, as a renewable resource, carbon-free and rich in hydrogen (11.11%), offers one of the best solutions to replace hydrogen production from fossil fuels by decomposing water. This article highlights the fundamental principles of electrolysis, recent membrane studies, and operating parameters for hydrogen production. The study also shows the amount of pollutant emissions (g of CO₂/g of H₂) associated with a hydrogen color attribute. The integration of water electrolysis with renewable energy sources constitutes an efficient and sustainable strategy in the production of green hydrogen, minimizing environmental impact and optimizing the use of clean energy resources. Full article

Anion exchange ionomer (AEI) binders are critical to the performance of alkaline electrochemical devices (i.e., fuel cells, electrolyzers, and batteries), as they facilitate ion transport, provide structural integrity, and improve the overall performance and lifespan of these devices. These binders not only ensure ion transport but also provide mechanical stability to the electrode materials. Recently, there has been significant progress in designing AEIs that are more compatible with existing electrode materials and electrolytes. This review summarizes the different types of AEI binders, focusing on their chemical structure, functionalization, conductivity, and how they affect the performance of alkaline fuel cells, specifically, anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). It also discusses how factors like functional groups, polymer backbone and side-chain flexibility, and ion exchange capacity balance conductivity, mechanical strength, and water uptake (WU). Recent advances in material design, such as polymer blends, composites, and crosslinked ionomers, as well as electrode setup, such as asymmetric ionomer electrodes, are explored as methods for improving stability and ion transport. The main challenges facing AEIs, including water management, alkaline degradation, phase separation, mechanical robustness, and long-term durability, are discussed along with strategies for overcoming them. Finally, we outline future research directions for developing scalable, economical solutions and integrating these binders with new electrode materials to help improve the performance and stability of next-generation AEMFCs. Full article

Conventional methods for testing steroids and hormones (SHs) in environmental samples are exhaustive, complex, and score poorly in sustainability matrices. Therefore, this study evaluates the automated sample preparation approach using the modular Biomek i7 Workstation for the analysis of 27 SHs in wastewater. Method development involved optimizing Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) parameters, preparing wastewater matrix blank, and assessing extraction efficiency using three solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Extraction efficiency trials showed suitability in the order of Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance (HLB) > Mixed-Mode Cation Exchange (MCX) > Mixed-Mode Anion Exchange (MAX). The method demonstrated specificity for all targeted SHs, with Cholesterol showing a maximum interfering peak of 17.71% of the quantification limit (LOQ). The method met matrix effect tolerance of ±20% for 26 SHs, while Epi Coprostanol (34.92%) showed signal enhancement >20%. The 8-point calibration curve plotted using automated extraction demonstrated acceptable linearity across the tested range. Spiked studies at low (LQC), middle (MQC), and higher (HQC) quality control (QC) levels (n = 6, repeated on three separate occasions) demonstrated % RSD values within 20% and recoveries ranging from 71.54% to 115.00%. The method met validation criteria, showing reliability in Intra-Laboratory Comparison (ILC) and Blind Testing (BT). The method outperformed the conventional approach in greenness assessment (Complex Modified Green Analytical Procedure Index) and practicality evaluation (Blue Applicability Grade Index), offering an effective and sustainable protocol for environmental testing laboratories. Full article

Structural analysis of glycosphingolipids provides novel insights into organismal classification and reveals conserved functional roles that transcend taxonomic boundaries. To elucidate the structural characteristics of acidic glycosphingolipids (AGLs) in the adductor muscle of the Japanese giant scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis), AGLs were isolated and purified by column chromatography using anion exchange resin and silica gel. Structural characterization was performed using mass spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and immunological techniques. The sugar chain structure was identified as GlcA4Meβ1-4(GalNAc3Meα1-3)Fucα1-4GlcNAcβ1-2Manα1-3Manβ1-4Glcβ1-Cer, consistent with the mollu-series core reported for mollusks. In addition to uronic acid, the structure was distinguished by internal fucose and methylated sugars, features commonly found in bivalves. The presence of xylose in the sugar chains of AGLs was also suggested. In contrast, the ceramide moiety was composed primarily of fatty acids C16:0 and C18:0 and the long-chain base d16:1. This chemical structure provides valuable insights into the biological classification of P. yessoensis and the mollu-series glycolipids containing fucose and methylated sugars, which may serve as bioactive components shared across species in the phylum Mollusca and class Bivalvia. Full article

Conventional methods for detecting pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in environmental samples are complex, resource-intensive, and not sustainable. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate an automated sample preparation approach using the Biomek i7 Workstation to analyze 69 PPCPs in wastewater, with the objective to improve monitoring of public health and environmental protection. The method underwent extensive development, including optimization of UPLC-MS/MS parameters, preparation of wastewater matrix blank sample and assessment of extraction efficiency using three types of SPE cartridges. Extraction efficiency trials revealed that the order of suitability for SPE cartridges is Mixed-Mode Anion Exchange (MAX) > Mixed-Mode Cation Exchange (MCX) > Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance (HLB). The method demonstrated specificity for all targeted PPCPs, with the max interfering peak for 1, 7 Dimethylxanthine reaching 14.79% of the response at the target limit of quantification (LOQ). The method met ±20% matrix effect tolerance for 63 PPCPs, while 6 PPCPs showed signal enhancement. The 8-point procedural calibration curve prepared using automated robotic extraction has demonstrated linearity across the tested range. A spiking study at low (LQC), medium (MQC), and high (HQC) quality control levels (n = 6), repeated on three separate occasions, showed % RSD values within 20% and % recovery between 80 and 120%. The method met validation requirements, showed reliability in Intra-Laboratory Comparison, Blind Testing (BT) and received high ratings for greenness (Green Analytical Procedure Index, Analytical GREEnness) and practicality (Blue Applicability Grade Index). Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent evidence challenges the classical chemiosmotic theory, suggesting that proton movement along membrane surfaces—not bulk-phase gradients—drives bioenergetic processes. Proton accumulation on membranes like the myelin sheath and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) may represent a universal mechanism for cellular energy storage. This study investigates whether phospholipids from these membranes, combined with anionic bee venom proteins, enhance proton absorption, potentially elucidating a novel bioenergetic pathway. Methods: Five phospholipids (phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine) from rat liver were isolated to model myelin/ER membranes. Anionic proteins (pI 5.65–5.80) were purified from bee venom via cation exchange chromatography. Liposomes (with/without proteins) were prepared, and proton absorption was quantified by pH changes in suspensions versus pure water. Statistical significance was assessed via ANOVA and t-tests. Results: All phospholipid liposomes examined in this study absorbed protons under the tested conditions, with phosphatidylethanolamine showing the highest capacity (pH increase: 7.00 → 7.18). Liposomes enriched with anionic proteins exhibited significantly greater proton absorption (e.g., phosphatidylserine + proteins: pH 8.15 vs. 7.15 alone; p < 2.43 × 10⁻⁶). Sphingomyelin-protein liposomes absorbed the most protons, suggesting that protein–phospholipid interactions modulate surface proton affinity. Conclusions: Anionic bee venom proteins amplify proton absorption by phospholipid membranes, supporting the hypothesis that lipid–protein complexes act as “proton capacitors”. This mechanism may underpin extramitochondrial energy storage in myelin and ER. Pharmacologically, targeting these interactions could mitigate bioenergetic deficits in aging or disease. Further research should define the structural basis of proton capture by membrane-anchored proteins. Full article

Addressing the challenge of sulfonated lignite (SL) removal from oilfield wastewater, this study introduces a novel hierarchical MgFe-layered double hydroxide (LDH) adsorbent. The material was fabricated via in situ co-precipitation, utilizing a template formed by the NaCl-induced co-assembly of oleylaminopropyl betaine (OAPB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SLS) into zwitterionic, anionic, shear-responsive viscoelastic gels. This gel-templating approach yielded an LDH structure featuring a hierarchical pore network spanning 1–80 nm and a notably high specific surface area of 199.82 m²/g, as characterized by SEM and BET. The resulting MgFe-LDH demonstrated exceptional efficacy, achieving a SL removal efficiency exceeding 96% and a maximum adsorption capacity of 90.68 mg/g at neutral pH. Adsorption kinetics were best described by a pseudo-second-order model (R² > 0.99), with intra-particle diffusion identified as the rate-determining step. Equilibrium adsorption data conformed to the Langmuir isotherm, signifying monolayer uptake. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed the process was spontaneous (ΔG < 0) and exothermic (ΔH = −20.09 kJ/mol), driven primarily by electrostatic interactions and ion exchange. The adsorbent exhibited robust recyclability, maintaining over 79% of its initial capacity after three adsorption–desorption cycles. This gel-directed synthesis presents a sustainable pathway for developing high-performance adsorbents targeting complex contaminants in oilfield effluents. Full article

In coastal countries facing a shortage of drinking water, seawater desalination is essential for the production of potable water. During desalination, a large volume of waste stream, known as brine, is generated. This stream contains high concentrations of salts, particularly those of economic importance to the European Union, such as magnesium and calcium. By further processing this stream, these materials can be recovered. One method studied for separating magnesium from wastewater is membrane crystallization (MCr). The MCr process developed in this work utilizes ion-exchange membranes that separate the model brine solution from a precipitating agent, which is a solution of sodium hydroxide. During the process, the membrane allows the transport of anions between the two solutions, enabling the reaction between OH⁻ anions and Mg²⁺ cations, which leads to the formation of a magnesium hydroxide precipitate. The formed precipitate can then be filtered out of the brine solution, which now has decreased salinity due to crystallization facilitated by the ion-exchange membrane. However, precipitation occurs near the membrane surface, resulting in the deposition of magnesium hydroxide onto the outer surface of the membrane. The aim of this study is to investigate methods for effectively removing magnesium hydroxide from the membrane surface, with a primary focus on maximizing the yield of magnesium hydroxide crystals in suspension. Crystal removal was induced by circulation of hydrochloric acid, followed by circulation of demineralized water through the membrane module after crystallization. In this study, a membrane module made of hollow-fiber anion-exchange membranes was employed. The production cost of these membranes is approximately 50% lower per square meter compared to flat-sheet membranes commonly used in electrodialysis, demonstrating strong potential for commercial application. More than 85% magnesium conversion was achieved during the process, yet the majority of the crystals remained attached to the membrane. Circulation of hydrochloric acid and demineralized water after the crystallization process caused detachment of the crystals into suspension, nearly doubling their yield. Full article

Understanding the molecular structure and water transport behavior in anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) is essential for advancing efficient and cost-effective alkaline fuel cells. In this study, large-scale all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of QPAF-4, a promising AEM material, were performed at multiple water uptakes (λ = 2, 3, 6, and 13). The simulated systems comprised approximately 1.4 to 2.1 million atoms and spanned approximately 26 nm, thus enabling direct comparison with both wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments. The simulations successfully reproduced experimentally observed structure factors, accurately capturing microphase-separated morphologies at the mesoscale ($~$8 nm). Decomposition of the SAXS profile into atom pairs suggests that increasing water uptake may facilitate the aggregation of fluorinated alkyl chains. Furthermore, the calculated pair distribution functions showed excellent agreement with WAXS data, suggesting that the atomistic details were accurately reproduced. The water dynamics exhibited strong dependence on hydration level: At low water uptake, mean squared displacement showed persistent subdiffusive behavior even at long timescales ($~$200 ns), whereas almost normal diffusion was observed when water uptake was high. These results suggest that water mobility may be significantly influenced by nanoconfinement and strong interactions exerted by polymer chains and counterions under dry conditions. These findings provide a basis for the rational design and optimization of high-performance membrane materials. Full article