Search Results (10,171)

The growing demand for sustainable and high-performance lubricants has accelerated interest in biolubricants derived from renewable feedstocks. Vegetable oils are attractive candidates due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and favorable viscosity index. However, their application is limited by poor oxidative and thermal stability. The epoxidation of unsaturated fatty acids offers a versatile route to address these drawbacks by enhancing stability and introducing reactive epoxy groups for further functionalization. This review highlights the advances in the use of epoxidized vegetable oils (EVOs), as platforms for lubricant design. Post-epoxidation modifications, such as ring-opening reactions, crosslinking, hybridization with additives, and click-type chemistries, are critically examined with emphasis on their impact on viscosity, polarity, tribofilm formation, and overall tribological behaviour. Structure–property relationships were discussed to establish design principles linking chemical modifications with lubrication regimes, wear resistance, and film-forming ability. In addition, sustainability aspects, including biodegradability, ecotoxicity, and life cycle assessment, are reviewed to evaluate the trade-offs between performance enhancement and environmental compatibility of these modifications. Current challenges and future perspectives are outlined, including the need for standardized testing protocols, the integration of multifunctional modifications, and predictive modelling tools. By bridging molecular engineering, tribological performance, and sustainability, this review provides a roadmap for the rational design of advanced epoxidized oil-based biolubricants. Full article

The incorporation of cattle slurry in soil in short-rotation-cycle poplar cultivations can be a win–win strategy, insofar as a main feedstock derived from local intensive dairy cattle breeding can be used as a natural fertilizer and in bioenergy produced in the same region. The circularity of this process can contribute to boosting local socio-economic value. In this context, this work involved the installation of a poplar SRC plantation with a density of 5330 trees ha⁻¹ in a 4000 m² moderately fertile flat site, which was formerly used as a vineyard. Mechanical dosages of slurry of 0, 26.6, 53.2, and 106.5 Mg ha⁻¹, designated as treatments T0, T1, T2, and T3, were applied three times per year during 2019, 2020, and 2021. The variables quantified were related to plant growth, biomass productivity and mass balances of K, P, Cu, Zn, Mg, and N, and organic matter in the whole soil, plant, and slurry system during the first rotation cycle. For treatments T0 and T1, all these seven chemical components showed positive balances in the system, with cumulative demand by soil and biomass being higher than cumulative supply by slurry. Negative balances occurred for P with T2 and T3 and for Zn with T3, so that an overall condition of nutrient saturation of the whole system was not achieved. A no-slurry application, or at most a moderate application equivalent to T1, in the second rotation cycle should therefore be prescribed to allow a nutrient equilibrium status to be achieved through internal seasonal recycling mechanisms. The biomass average productivities ranged from 6.1 to 11.8 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, peaking under treatment T2, and are within the typical values for a first rotation cycle for poplar SRCs. The biomass fuel quality was not affected by the slurry treatments. A good performance of plant total height and growth in diameter at breast height suggested that poplar trees were not stressed by the applied slurry. Only treatment T1 could assure that cattle CO₂-eq methane emissions were overall equilibrated by the carbon sequestration from poplar cultivation, with an absence of climatic-warming impacts. Treatments T2 and T3 could only partially minimize that impact, which would always exist. Globally, this site-specific analysis showed that, under moderately fertile conditions, controlled cattle slurry fertilization of poplar SRC cultivations, which would assure a long-term steady-state equilibrium, can be a viable option to contribute to decentralized production of bioenergy in rural communities. Full article

Banana and plantain crops are essential for food security; Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC), is one of the most devastating disease affecting these crops worldwide. The pathogen infects the radicular system and subsequently colonizes and collapses the vascular tissue, leading to wilting and plant death. The aims of our study were to determinate the chemical composition of the essential oil from Origanum vulgare obtained by hydro-distillation, and to evaluate its antifungal activity against FOC race 1. GC/MS analysis identified 31 compounds in the oil. Eugenol (76.3%) and D-Limonene (6.13%) were the main components. Antifungal activity was evaluated in vitro and OEO inhibited the mycelial growth of FOC race 1 at 500 µL L⁻¹. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₅) were 111.1 and 174.1 µL L⁻¹, respectively. Fusarium wilt control evaluated in Silk banana vitroplants was analyzed by disease severity in the internal corm, controlled by oregano essential oil at 3000 µL L⁻¹. OEO treatments had no detrimental effects on Silk banana vitroplants. This paper provides knowledge to use oregano-derived compounds to develop bioproducts aimed at the integral and sustainable management of Fusarium wilt in banana and plantain crops. Full article

This study provides the first comprehensive chemical and biological profiling of Citrus lumia Risso & Poit. var. ‘Pyriformis’, a rare Mediterranean Citrus variety with unexplored nutraceutical potential. The fresh juice (CLPJ) showed a distinctive phytochemical composition, with 38.8 ± 0.99 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 mL of total phenols and 25.96 ± 2.37 mg rutin equivalents/100 mL of flavonoids. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) quantification revealed high levels of organic acids, including ascorbic acid (0.34 g/L) and citric acid (34.6 g/L). Liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) enabled the annotation of 28 polyphenolic constituents, featuring glycosylated flavanones and several uncommon flavonols and acylglycosidic derivatives whose structural patterns are typical of primitive Citrus lineages and largely absent in commercial cultivars. Functionally, CLPJ exhibited multi-target antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and promoted epithelial repair in Caco-2 cells without cytotoxic effects. Overall, the juice displays a distinctive chemotaxonomic fingerprint and promising multifunctional properties, supporting its potential as a functional food ingredient and contributing to the valorization of minor Mediterranean Citrus biodiversity. Full article

Cembrane-type diterpenoids (cembranoids), natural compounds derived from soft coral Sclerophytum flexibile, exhibit diverse biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-viral effects. Our previous research demonstrated that Sinulariolide, a member of this group, effectively inhibits TGF-β-induced IL-6 secretion, thereby suppressing inflammation-associated cancer development. Building on these findings, the present study employs a structure-activity relationship (SAR) approach to compare the anti-inflammatory properties of various cembranoids extracted from cultured soft coral Sclerophytum flexibile—a sustainable and environmentally friendly source that offers a consistent supply for research and therapeutic development. By isolating multiple cembrane-type analogs and analyzing their structural differences, we identified key chemical features that enhance their ability to interfere with TGF-β signaling and subsequent IL-6 production. The SAR analysis revealed distinct variations in anti-inflammatory efficacy among the tested compounds, pinpointing structural motifs crucial for inhibiting TGF-β-induced IL-6 secretion. These insights deepen our understanding of the molecular basis behind the anti-inflammatory action of cembranoids and guide the optimization of these compounds for potential therapeutic use. Full article

This study presents the development and comprehensive evaluation of a novel structured packing, termed ‘BH’ packing (derived from Beijing University of Chemical Technology), alongside the introduction of an innovative gas disturbance model and its successful industrial implementation. Addressing inherent limitations of traditional structured packings—such as liquid film aging and high mass transfer resistance in straight corrugated channels—the BH packing incorporates a uniquely designed alternating-angle corrugation (45°–30°–45°). This structural innovation actively disrupts the liquid film, intensifies gas–liquid interaction, and significantly enhances mass transfer efficiency. Experimental assessments demonstrate that the BH-250 packing outperforms conventional corrugated plate packings in gas distribution uniformity. Furthermore, the newly developed gas disturbance model can accurately capture the gas mixing dynamics within the packed bed. Its prediction results are more accurate than those of traditional mixing tank models, especially in regions near the tower wall. In industrial practice, the application of BH packing has led to remarkable improvements in product purity: methanol purity reached 99.95%, hexafluorobutene achieved 6N grade, and dichlorosilane impurities were reduced to parts per trillion (ppt) levels. These outcomes underscore the substantial contribution of BH packing to advancing separation efficiency and product quality in high-purity chemical production. Full article

Cork-derived biochars produced by slow pyrolysis (C-SP) and microwave-assisted pyrolysis (C-MWP) were evaluated for the removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] from aqueous solutions. The materials were characterized by proximate/elemental analysis, N₂ physisorption (BET), thermogravimetry and FTIR. C-SP exhibited a higher specific surface area (174.5 m²·g⁻¹), a larger micropore volume and stronger O–H/C–O surface signatures than C-MWP, which showed partial aromatization and less-developed texture. Batch equilibrium adsorption experiments at pH 2.0 with initial Cr(VI) concentrations of 5–150 mg·L⁻¹ and kinetic experiments (c₀ = 40 mg·L⁻¹) were analyzed by nonlinear fitting to standard isotherm and kinetic models. The experimentally observed maximum uptakes were qmax,obs = 32.7 mg·g⁻¹ (C-SP) and 35.9 mg·g⁻¹ (C-MWP) at pH 2.0. Under screening conditions (pH 1.1, 45 min), removals reached 72% (1.44 mg·g⁻¹) for C-SP and 87% (1.73 mg·g⁻¹) for C-MWP. The Freundlich model provided the best fit to the equilibrium data for C-SP, consistent with adsorption on an energetically heterogeneous surface, whereas for C-MWP the fitted isotherm models did not yield physically meaningful parameters. Kinetic modeling showed rapid initial uptake consistent with energetic heterogeneity of surface sites. However, kinetic fits alone do not determine whether uptake is dominated by physical adsorption, chemical binding or redox reactions; direct surface/speciation analyses would be required to substantiate mechanistic assignments. Full article

Electrical insulation systems (EISs) are the principal reliability bottleneck of modern electrical machines (EMs). Among the many stresses acting on insulation, thermal stress is the most pervasive because it accelerates chemical reactions that progressively erode dielectric and mechanical integrity, ultimately dictating service life. As EMs migrate into compact, high-power-density platforms—automotive, aerospace, and industrial drives—designers need lifetime models that are not merely explanatory but actionable, linking operating temperatures and missions to quantified ageing and risk. This review article traces the evolution of thermal-ageing modelling from fundamental chemistry to a practical design tool. The historical empirical lineage of Arrhenius equation, Arrhenius–Dakin model, and Montsinger model is first revisited, clarifying their assumptions, parameter definitions, and the construction of thermal endurance curves. A discussion then follows on extensions that address deviations from first-order kinetics and demonstrate how variable temperature histories can be incorporated through cumulative damage formulations suitable for duty-cycle analysis. Since models are required to be anchored in data, accelerated thermal ageing (ATA) practices on representative specimens are outlined, alongside a description of the Weibull post-processing for deriving percentile lifetimes aligned with design targets. Building upon these foundations, the Physics-of-Failure (PoF) approach is introduced as a reliability-oriented design (ROD) methodology, in which validated lifetime models guide material selection and geometry optimisation while supporting prognostics and health management during operation. The emerging trend towards a hybrid PoF–AI approach is also discussed, which integrates artificial intelligence to identify nonlinear degradation patterns and drifting parameter relationships beyond the reach of empirical models, with physical constraints ensuring that predictions remain consistent with known ageing mechanisms. Such integration enables the learning process to adapt to operational variability and coupled stress effects, thereby improving both the accuracy and physical interpretability of lifetime estimation. The review aims to provide a concise view of models, tests, and workflows that convert thermal-ageing knowledge into robust, design-time decisions. By linking empirical and physics-based insights with modern data-driven learning, these developments support proactive maintenance, sustainable asset management, and extended operational lifetimes for next-generation EMs. Full article

Introduction: Although the incidence of mechanical complications of myocardial infarction is decreasing, the associated mortality rate remains high. Such complications require an early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management. In most cases, surgery is the only definitive treatment, despite it being associated with high peri-operative mortality and morbidity. An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) may also be required for unstable patients. After the employment of mechanical assistance, ultrasound and chemical parameters are associated with successful weaning, indicating adequate cardiac function, perfusion, and oxygen delivery. Case presentation: The aim of this case report is to describe the weaning from the extracorporeal support in a case of post-myocardial-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) and Left ventricle (LV) apical aneurysm. The patient underwent surgery for VSD closure and aneurysm exclusion. After the emergency surgery, the patient developed a severe post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock, which required veno-arterial femoral–femoral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ff-ECMO), IABP, and maximal pharmacologic support. During the ICU stay, we weaned the patient from the ECMO support based on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) imaging and pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) monitoring and quantified the shunt fraction. On the fifth post-operative day, we started the weaning trial. Hemodynamic and ultrasound monitoring showed an adequate cardiac function, and the shunt fraction calculated with both the ultrasound parameters and Fick’s law was acceptable. We removed the ECMO the day after, and the weaning was successful. Discussion: Data deriving from the Swan–Ganz catheter has been found to be important in guiding the process of weaning a patient from extracorporeal support. Nevertheless, the TEE played a pivotal role in the decision-making process and in clinical management. We reduced the ECMO blood flow following a real-time echocardiographic cardiac function assessment. Conclusions: Following the fundamental guides for both PAC monitoring and TEE imaging, we successfully removed the extracorporeal support, with a positive outcome. Full article

This work introduces an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective strategy for synthesizing graphene nanomaterials from agricultural residues—walnut shells and apricot stones. The synthesis pathway combines desilication, controlled pre-carbonization, chemical activation with KOH, and mild exfoliation to produce few-layer graphene with a high degree of structural order. The process, conducted at 523–573 K for pre-carbonization and 1123 K for activation, enables the formation of graphene sheets with a specific surface area of approximately 1300 m²/g, carbon content of 80–90%, and average pore diameter below 100 nm. The materials were comprehensively characterized using SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, and BET analysis. Raman spectra revealed an I_G/I_2D ratio of ~1.5–2 a.u., confirming the presence of 4–5 graphene layers. Compared to conventional biomass-derived graphene routes, the developed approach ensures enhanced porosity, higher graphitic ordering, and improved purity, demonstrating its strong potential for energy storage, adsorptive purification, and environmentally benign nanotechnology applications. Full article

Background: Acorus calamus (sweet flag) is widely used in traditional medicine, yet its dermal safety profile remains insufficiently defined under modern regulatory standards. Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the skin irritation, corrosion, and sensitisation potential of A. calamus rhizome oil using new approach methodologies’ (NAMs) test batteries under GLP conditions. Results: The A. calamus rhizome oil was predicted as a Category 2 skin irritant, non-corrosive and GHS Category 1B skin sensitiser. Chemical analysis revealed β-asarone as the major constituent (~40.75%). The reconstructed human epidermis models established reversible irritation without corrosion. Mechanistic concordance across the Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay, KeratinoSens™, and Human Cell Line Activation Test showed activation of the three key events of the skin sensitisation adverse outcome pathway. Using the “2-out-of-3” Defined Approach with the KE 3/1 sequential strategy allowed for hazard classification into GHS Category 1B. Quantitative risk modelling using SARA-ICE models and SCCS parameters yielded conservative safe-use concentrations ranging from 0.13 to 0.78% (w/w) for leave-on products and up to 7.46% (w/w) for rinse-off formulations. Conclusions: The combined evidence from the NAM-based assays showed that A. calamus rhizome oil is a moderate sensitiser and irritant but not corrosive, providing critical data for risk assessment and regulatory decision-making, which was previously unknown. The SARA-ICE PoD-derived safe-use concentrations provide guidance for cosmetic formulators to ensure consumer safety, particularly in leave-on applications such as face and hand creams, where sensitisation risk is highest. This study demonstrates the utility of NAMs for botanical safety assessment and regulatory decision-making. Full article

This study explores the enhancement of mechanical and adhesive properties of unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) through the incorporation of bio-derived chitin nanowhiskers (CNWs) into the polymer matrix. CNWs are high-performance nanoparticles extracted from chitin, an abundant and renewable biopolymer. The research investigates the effects of processing strategies and CNW loadings on the chemical structure, thermal behaviour, mechanical strength, and adhesive performance of UPR–CNW nanocomposites. CNWs were incorporated into the UPR matrix via slurry compounding using different suspension media, including ethanol, acetone, and methyl ethyl ketone, and through direct mechanical mixing with CNW dry powders. Experimental results show that the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites are highly sensitive to both the thermal history during processing and the choice of suspension medium. Most importantly, the optimal adhesive performance was achieved via slurry compounding with a CNW suspension in ethanol, following an evaporative pre-treatment of the suspension to reduce ethanol content and thereby minimize transesterification of the polyester matrix. Full article

Platelet shortage poses a significant barrier to research and transfusion therapies because native megakaryocytes (MKs) are scarce in blood. To overcome this limitation, pluripotent stem cell–derived MKs (PSC-MKs) offer a standardized, donor-independent platform for research and therapeutic development, including disease modeling and ex vivo platelet production. Here, we report a chemically defined, feeder-free protocol to generate MKs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). The protocol combines the small molecule MPL agonist Butyzamide, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and three-dimensional (3D) suspension culture, achieving high efficiency and reproducibility. Butyzamide replaced recombinant thrombopoietin (TPO), yielding comparable CD41⁺/CD42b⁺ populations and enhanced polyploidization. M-CSF accelerated nuclear lobulation and induced 4N MKs, while 3D culture increased yield, cell size, and substrate detachment. Multiple independent assays confirmed mature MK hallmarks, multi-nuclei, demarcation membranes, granules, and elevated mitochondrial respiration. Single-cell RNA sequencing outlined a continuous trajectory from early progenitors to functionally specialized MK subsets. This platform enables reliable MK supply for mechanistic studies and in vitro platelet production, advancing both basic research and therapeutic development. Full article

Wound healing is a complex biological process involving overlapping phases of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Plant-derived agents have gained attention as alternatives or adjuncts to synthetic drugs owing to their accessibility and favorable safety profile. This study evaluated the wound-healing activity of Vacrol Oil Combination (VOC), a phytotherapeutic preparation, through in vivo wound models and in vitro enzyme inhibition assays. Linear incision wounds in rats and circular excision wounds in mice were treated with VOC, administered orally, topically, or in combination for 10 days. Experimental groups included a negative control (no treatment), a vehicle control (olive oil), VOC-treated groups, and a reference group treated with 0.2% nitrofurazone. Wound contraction, tensile strength, histopathology, and hydroxyproline levels were assessed. In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of VOC on hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase. VEGF and TGF-β1 levels were measured to assess the involvement of growth factors in the healing process. The chemical composition of VOC was characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), which identified carvacrol as the major compound, together with 1,8-cineole, linalool, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde as prominent constituents known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. VOC treatment significantly enhanced wound contraction and tensile strength compared to controls, with the oral + topical group showing the highest efficacy. Hydroxyproline levels and histological findings confirmed improved collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration. GC–MS analysis identified carvacrol as the major constituent of VOC, along with eugenol and linalool, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, VOC increased tissue levels of VEGF and TGF-β1, suggesting a role in stimulating angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. These findings indicate that the phytoconstituents of VOC, particularly carvacrol and oxygenated terpenes, act synergistically to promote wound repair. VOC demonstrates strong potential as a complementary phytotherapeutic agent for wound management, warranting further clinical investigation. Full article

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has served as a food source and medicinal agent for over thousands of years. Bioactive constituents, including allicin, diallyl sulfide/disulfide/trisulfide, ajoene, and S-allyl-cysteine, demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antineoplastic, antimicrobial and neuroprotective properties. Convergent mechanistic evidence suggests the modulation of redox homeostasis, attenuation of pro-inflammatory signaling, regulation of platelet activation, and induction of apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in tumor models. Computational studies, in conjunction with wet-lab data, offer molecular-level insights and guide candidate prioritization. Density functional theory elucidates radical-scavenging pathways and electronic descriptors that account for redox activity. Structure-based methods, including docking, molecular dynamics, and MM-GBSA, elucidate potential interactions between organosulfur scaffolds and enzymes or receptors pertinent to pharmacological effects. In silico ADME/Tox platforms predict generally favorable oral absorption for hydrophobic allyl sulfides, while polar derivatives exhibit more limited brain penetration. Emerging AI/ML pipelines combine network pharmacology with QSAR to focus on important targets and chemical types, while also spotting potential development. Formulation strategies, including nanoencapsulation and controlled-release systems, are utilized to stabilize labile thiosulfinates and modulate hydrogen-sulfide-releasing profiles, with potential applications in various disease conditions. Significant challenges encompass the standardization of preparations, variability in pharmacokinetics, heterogeneity in dose–response relationships, and interactions between drugs and nutrients or other drugs. The integration of mechanistic, computational, and formulation insights delineates a systematic approach to progress garlic-derived agents from diverse natural products to reproducible, mechanism-guided pharmaceuticals. Full article