Search Results (1,110)

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally important horticultural crop, with Asia contributing 60.45% of total production, followed by the Americas at 13.36%. Tomato productivity is increasingly constrained by southern blight, a destructive disease responsible for yield losses ranging from 30 to 90% and annual economic damage of $10–20 million. The causal pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii, infects the stem base and induces reddish-brown cankers through secretion of oxalic acid (OA) and cell wall-degrading enzymes, which girdle tissues, impair water transport, and result in rapid plant wilting and death. Its persistence in soil via sclerotia, broad host range, and adaptability make the disease difficult to manage. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and other multi-omics approaches have substantially improved understanding of pathogen virulence factors, host defense responses and disease epidemiology. These studies have revealed key roles of OA, carbohydrate-active enzymes, effector proteins, and sclerotial melanization in pathogenesis, while highlighting the activation of salicylic acid (SA)-, jasmonic acid (JA)-, and ethylene (ET)-mediated defense pathways in tomato. Although cultural, biological, and chemical measures are available, these measures often provide inconsistent protection when used alone. Promising strategies include the use of biocontrol agents, hypovirulence-inducing mycoviruses, and chemical fungicides such as carboxamides and quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs), though fungicide resistance remains a risk factor. Integrated Disease Management (IDM) approaches, such as combining biocontrol agents with fungicides, demonstrate enhanced efficacy. This review also evaluates progress in resistance breeding, grafting, RNA interference (HIGS and SIGS), CRISPR-based genome editing, and exploitation of wild genotypes for durable resistance. Furthermore, emerging precision agriculture tools, including hyperspectral imaging, machine learning-assisted disease detection and climate-resilient management strategies, were discussed as new components of sustainable disease management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cyclotides are plant-derived macrocyclic peptides distinguished by their head-to-tail cyclized backbone and cystine knot motif, which confer remarkable stability against thermal, enzymatic, and chemical degradation. These features, combined with a compact and rigid structure, position cyclotides as promising scaffolds for future antibacterial agents in response to the escalating threat of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and the stagnation of conventional antibiotic discovery pipelines. This review summarizes the structural features, antibacterial mechanisms, bioengineering strategies, and translational potential of cyclotides against MDR infections. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted using recent original research articles and reviews on cyclotide structure, antibacterial activity, bioengineering, computational modeling, and pharmaceutical applications. Results: Cyclotides exhibit potent antimicrobial activity, primarily through membrane disruption mediated by amphipathic surfaces and affinity for anionic bacterial membranes. Some variants also demonstrate anti-virulence and antibiofilm properties, broadening their therapeutic relevance for difficult-to-treat infections. Bioengineering approaches, including epitope grafting and rational design, have improved selectivity and potency while reducing cytotoxicity. Advances in computational modeling, molecular dynamics, and artificial intelligence have accelerated the prediction and optimization of antimicrobial activity, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic properties. Conclusions: Innovations in synthesis, including recombinant expression and enzymatic ligation, are helping overcome translational barriers related to cost and scalability. Although challenges remain in oral bioavailability and systemic delivery, strategies such as lipidation and scaffold modification support the development of cyclotide-based therapeutics as adaptable platforms for peptide drug discovery. Full article

Increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition and soil salinization commonly co-occur in subtropical economic forests, and responses to these stressors differ between sexes in dioecious plants. In this study, we explored soil chemical and stoichiometric responses of male and female Torreya grandis to N deposition under salt stress by adopting a two-factor completely randomized design. The two factors were (1) plant sex (2-year-old grafted male and female seedlings of T. grandis) and (2) environmental treatment (four nitrogen deposition levels: low, moderate, and high N combined with salt stress, as well as a control without salt addition). We then determined the rhizosphere C, N, P, Ca, K, and Mg concentrations and their stoichiometric ratios. The results showed that all indicators were significantly affected by sex, nitrogen treatment and their interaction (p < 0.0001). Males maintained significantly higher soil C and N levels than females across all treatments, with female soil N and C contents being 5.74–25.72% and 10.78–23.64% lower than those of males, respectively, and exhibiting far more stable stoichiometry. Moderate nitrogen deposition (SMN) increased male C:N, C:P and N:P ratios by 38.76%, 59.75% and 13.84%, distinctly lower than the 85.89%, 98.20% and 16.04% increments in females. In contrast, females had higher Mg content under all salt–nitrogen-combined treatments and greater stoichiometric plasticity, showing a 37.55% higher C:N ratio than males under low nitrogen addition (SLN). Moderate N relieved salt-induced nutrient limitation and alleviated salt-induced P immobilization, while excessive N (SHN) exacerbated stoichiometric imbalance: SHN elevated the N:P ratio by 109.73% in males and only 69.59% in females, narrowing the sexual difference in C:N ratio to 10.92% and triggering severe phosphorus limitation in male rhizosphere soil. Soil–leaf nutrient relationships and correlations differed greatly between sexes, indicating divergent nutrient adaptation strategies. Males adopted a Ca-dominated stress tolerance strategy, and females depended on Mg homeostasis for reproduction. This work provides a scientific basis for sex-specific nutrient regulation and sustainable cultivation of T. grandis under global change. Full article

Raw lacquer, a natural polymer derived from the bast of lacquer trees (Toxicodendron vernicifluum), is renowned as the “King of Coatings” due to its exceptional film-forming properties, abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, its inherent limitations—including stringent drying conditions, slow curing rates, deep coloration, and difficult application—have severely restricted its modernization and widespread adoption. This review systematically summarizes recent research advances in the modification and application of raw lacquer, focusing on four major modification strategies: (1) Nanocomposite modification—incorporating functional nanofillers such as Al₂O₃, cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), polydopamine (PDA) melanin-like nanoparticles, and SiO₂ to significantly enhance film hardness, compactness, UV-aging resistance, and drying kinetics. (2) Chemical structure modification—employing molecular design strategies including aminoanthraquinone grafting, tung oil blending, water-based emulsification, and terpene/allyl group functionalization to improve hydrophobicity, flexibility, fast-drying properties, and achieve dual photo/oxygen curing. (3) Biomass synergistic composites—utilizing natural polymers such as chitosan and lignin, along with bio-inspired adhesion mechanisms (e.g., PDA), to confer advanced functionalities including antibacterial and antifouling properties. (4) Curing behavior regulation—precisely controlling drying kinetics through inorganic salt ion microenvironment engineering, nonionic surfactants, and salicylaldehyde Schiff base-based driers. Building upon these foundations, this review further expands on the emerging high-value applications of modified lacquer in preventive conservation of cultural heritage, advanced functional coatings (anti-corrosion, super-hydrophobicity, flame retardancy), biomedical materials (hemostasis, antibacterial activity, drug-controlled release, water treatment adsorption), and intelligent responsive flexible electronics. Finally, addressing challenges including weak fundamental research, bottlenecks in green industrialization, and lack of standardization, future development directions are proposed encompassing interdisciplinary innovation, sustainable modification strategies, integration of multifunctional intelligent systems, and big data-driven research paradigms, aiming to provide theoretical guidance and technical references for the high-value utilization and modernization of lacquer resources. Full article

The performance of CdS-based photocatalysts can be enhanced by incorporating graphene co-catalysts in close contact with the photoactive phase. However, assembling these distinct components remains a bottleneck, as their differing chemical natures often limit effective interfacial interaction when they are synthesized separately. In this work, we present an adaptable PEI-mediated interfacial assembly strategy for promoting the nucleation and growth of nanocrystalline CdS phases on different graphene-based supports within a common, yet support-adapted, approach. Specifically, by functionalizing the surface of various graphene materials with hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a multifunctional interlayer mediator, we achieve controlled CdS formation. This strategy provides a common chemical framework for producing CdS nanocrystals closely associated with the carbon surface, regardless of the substrate. Diverse materials, including low-defect graphene sheets (G-Sheets), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and graphene oxide (GO), were integrated using tailored architectures: noncovalent PDI-anchoring for GNP and G-Sheets and direct covalent functionalization for GO. In the latter case, PEI acts simultaneously as a mild reducing agent, yielding a covalently grafted reduced graphene oxide hybrid (rGO-PEI). XRD patterns confirm comparable CdS crystallinity across all hybrids, while photocatalytic hydrogen evolution measurements reveal a strong dependence on the nature of the graphene support. rGO-PEI@CdS exhibits the highest hydrogen evolution rate (0.44 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹) without any noble-metal cocatalyst, highlighting the role of surface defects and oxygen functionalities in interfacial charge transfer. Thermal treatment of rGO-PEI@CdS enhances activity (average 1.20 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹) but leads to partial deactivation over time. Overall, this study provides an adaptable PEI-mediated framework for integrating diverse graphene-type materials as co-catalysts within CdS-based photocatalytic materials and investigates structure–function relationships in graphene@CdS systems. Full article

Conventional strategies to enhance the hydrophobicity of polyurethane (PU) coatings typically rely on fragile micro/nanostructures or irradiation-induced crosslinking, both of which suffer from poor controllability and often compromise mechanical robustness. Herein, we report a UV-triggered crosslinking strategy based on coumarin chemistry that enables precise, controllable network formation, thereby simultaneously enhancing the hydrophobicity, adhesion strength, and thermal stability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based PU coatings. A series of coumarin-functionalized PDMS-PU coatings (HNP-PDMS-PUx) was prepared by blending coumarin-grafted PDMS (HNP) with PDMS-PU elastomers. Upon 365 nm UV irradiation, the coumarin moieties dimerize, forming a dense, chemically crosslinked “brush-like” structure on the coating surface. The optimal coating (HNP-PDMS-PU_3/1) exhibited a significant increase in water contact angle from 108° to 129° on average, reaching a maximum of 134°. The UV-treated coating also showed enhanced adhesion strength (a 45% increase) and improved thermal stability, while maintaining good flexibility (F7 rating) and abrasion resistance (contact angle remained at 126° after 30 cycles). Moreover, the coating demonstrated excellent easy-cleaning performance against both liquid and solid contaminants. This work provides a photochemical strategy that replaces uncontrollable or irreversible crosslinking methods with a controllable UV-triggered approach, enabling synergistic enhancement of multiple properties. Full article

Cellulosic fibers can impart many unique benefits into composite applications, such as reduced weight or structural reinforcement; however, these materials also increase hygroscopicity and decrease thermal stability, restricting broader applications. The present work adapted an experimental process for functionalizing the cellulose surface using citric acid (CA) for three fibers: a 100% cellulose bleached soft Kraft pulp (e.g., creafill) and two natural fibers with similar composition but different fiber morphology, flax fiber and banana fiber. The process uses CA with a sodium hypophosphite (SHP) catalyst to chemically functionalize fiber surfaces, and the reaction mechanism was investigated through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), which suggested a grafting mechanism rather than a surface-based crosslinking between neighboring sites. Functionalized fibers were compounded into polylactic acid (PLA) at 20 wt.% to better understand how this functionalization might impact critical performance properties like thermal stability, crystallization, thermal mechanical properties, and water uptake of these composites. The study demonstrated varying levels of efficacy for the functionalization of cellulosic fibers with CA/SHP and the fiber with the most open microstructure, e.g., banana fiber, exhibited the largest change in its properties with a 38% reduction in water uptake compared to untreated banana fiber composites. Parallel evaluation of the functionalization process for different fibers demonstrates the importance of fiber morphology on surface modification and can enable their use in composites by demonstrating the efficacy of this potentially low-cost, low-toxicity method for reducing hygroscopicity and improving thermal stability. Full article

In this study, the amination-based modification of kraft lignin (KL) was implemented through phenolization treatment combined with the Mannich reaction to synthesize the aminated lignin (APKL) with high nitrogen content. Afterward, the chemical structural changes and reaction mechanism of KL during the modification process were surveyed in depth using diverse analytical techniques. The results revealed that the phenolization treatment markedly raised the active site number in KL from 5.79 to 25.5 mmol/g, which led to a significant increase in the chemical reactivity of KL. Meanwhile, the amine group was successfully grafted onto the best phenolized kraft lignin (PKL) after the Mannich reaction. Furthermore, the effects of amination reagent, reactant mass ratio, temperature and time on the nitrogen content of APKL were systematically examined to optimize the reaction conditions for amination. Using FTIR, molecular weight and elemental analyses, the optimal amination conditions were determined as a reaction temperature of 75 °C, reaction time of 3 h and PKL₆/arginine/formaldehyde mass ratio of 3:21:28. Under these parameters, APKL₁₀ with a higher nitrogen content of 19.2% and lower C/N ratio of 2.46 was acquired. In addition, TG and SEM results revealed that the obtained APKL₁₀ possessed a flake-like structure and outstanding thermal stability, which was beneficial for its subsequent application as a slow-release soil fertilizer. More importantly, the soil column leaching test confirmed that the as-prepared APKL₁₀ had excellent nitrogen slow-release properties in the soil. As a result, this kraft lignin derivative generated by phenol treatment followed by amination-based modification could serve as an efficient nitrogen fertilizer, providing a long-term nitrogen source for plant growth in soil. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial degenerative joint disease characterized by chronic inflammation, progressive cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and impaired joint lubrication, creating a complex pathological microenvironment that remains challenging to treat. In this study, a glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-mimetic sulfated chitosan (SCS) was synthesized via chemical modification of chitosan by grafting sulfonic acid groups, aiming to address these pathological features simultaneously. The therapeutic potential of SCS in OA was systematically evaluated. In vitro results demonstrated that SCS significantly promoted ECM synthesis in chondrocytes. Tribological analysis further revealed that SCS effectively enhanced cartilage lubrication in OA porcine cartilage, as evidenced by a marked reduction in the coefficient of friction, which decreased by 19% under a 5 N load and by 30% under a 10 N load. PCR analysis showed that SCS treatment significantly upregulated chondrogenic-related genes. In addition, SCS exhibited pronounced anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating the expression of inflammatory and catabolic genes. Importantly, in vivo studies demonstrated that SCS effectively preserved cartilage ECM and alleviated synovitis. Collectively, these findings indicate that SCS can simultaneously promote cartilage matrix regeneration, improve lubrication, and suppress inflammation, thereby effectively alleviating OA progression in a complex pathological environment. This study highlights the potential of SCS as a multifunctional GAG-mimetic biomaterial for osteoarthritis therapy. Full article

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction relies on interference screw fixation, yet insufficient graft osseointegration remains a critical clinical challenge. This study aimed to develop and characterize a 3D-printed polymeric–hydroxyapatite composite interference screw with an osteoinductive surface to enhance localized osteogenic responses. Screws were designed, modeled, and fabricated using fused deposition modeling 3D printing with a polycaprolactone-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-hydroxyapatite composite. Physico-chemical characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Biocompatibility was assessed through mesenchymal stem cell metabolic activity assays and morphological analysis. Osteogenic gene expression was quantified by RT-qPCR following culture in osteogenic differentiation medium. In vivo osseointegration was evaluated histologically at five and nine weeks following implantation in the proximal tibial epiphysis of a rat model. 3D printing successfully produced screws with consistent geometry and surface characteristics. The composite material supported robust mesenchymal stem cell proliferation without cytotoxicity or morphological abnormalities. Histological examination revealed progressive bone formation with no adverse tissue reactions, including the absence of cyst formation, osteolysis, or excessive fibrosis. RT-qPCR revealed upregulation of osteogenic markers in those enhanced screws. These results indicate that the 3D-printed polymeric–hydroxyapatite composite screws are biocompatible and capable of stimulating localized osteogenic activity, supporting their potential as a biological foundation for future evaluation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction applications. Full article

Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP), a bioactive glucomannan derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Bletilla striata, has garnered increasing attention in both the biomedical and food sectors due to its unique physicochemical properties and diverse biological activities. While existing reviews have partially covered BSP’s structural features or single-field applications, a systematic review integrating its structure–activity relationship, full-spectrum chemical modification strategies, and parallel advances in the dual core fields of biomedicine and the food industry remains lacking. This review systematically consolidates recent advances in BSP research, focusing on three interconnected aspects: (1) the structure–activity relationships of BSP, highlighting how molecular weight (10⁴–10⁵ Da), monosaccharide composition (mainly glucose and mannose with variable ratios), glycosidic linkages, and higher-order self-assembled structures (e.g., triple-helix conformation) dictate its functionality in biological systems and food matrices; (2) chemical modification strategies—including carboxymethylation, graft copolymerization, cross-linking, polysaccharide–trace element complexation, phosphorylation, acetylation, and cholesterylation—that overcome intrinsic limitations of native BSP to enhance solubility, targeting, bioactivity, and food-related functional properties; and (3) the expanding applications of BSP and its derivatives in biomedicine (hemostatic materials, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems, immunomodulation, and antitumor effects) and in the food industry (as natural stabilizers, emulsifiers, functional additives, and bio-based packaging components). Compared with previously published reviews, this work establishes a complete closed-loop logical system from structural characterization to rational modification and cross-field application and provides the most up-to-date systematic summary of BSP research. Key challenges—such as an incomplete understanding of structure-function correlations, insufficient pharmacokinetic data, and a lack of standardized quality control—are discussed, and future research directions are proposed. This review aims to provide a systematic theoretical basis for advancing BSP as a versatile multifunctional material for applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and biomedical fields. Full article

To meet the requirements for passive heat dissipation and self-cleaning of aluminum alloy enclosures used in 5G base-station active antenna units (AAUs), a scalable surface modification strategy involving sandblasting, NaOH etching, and PFTEOS grafting was developed for 6061 aluminum alloy. Microscale rough structures were first constructed by sandblasting, and hierarchical micro/nano structures composed of microscale pits and nanoscale plate-like/coral-like features were subsequently formed through NaOH etching and boiling-water treatment. Finally, a low-surface-energy PFTEOS layer was grafted onto the structured surface to achieve superhydrophobicity. The effects of sandblasting pressure and etching time on surface morphology, chemical composition, wettability, and infrared emissivity were systematically investigated. The results show that sandblasting enhanced infrared emissivity by increasing surface roughness and promoting optical trapping, while NaOH etching further improved emissivity through the formation of hierarchical micro/nano structures and infrared-active AlOOH/Al₂O₃ phases. After PFTEOS grafting, the surface wettability changed from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic, while the high infrared emissivity was maintained. Compared with the untreated aluminum alloy, the modified surface exhibited a remarkable increase in water contact angle from 80.10° to 153.63° and infrared emissivity from 0.0102 to 0.8951. Moreover, the water contact angle remained above 150° after continuous water-jet impact, indicating good preliminary resistance to hydraulic shear. This work provides a feasible surface-engineering route for integrating high infrared emissivity and self-cleaning capability on aluminum alloy surfaces for outdoor thermal management applications. Full article

Background: In this work, gold nanoparticles synthesized by the chemical method were exposed to natural green light, then associated with a lipid layer of phosphatidylcholine by physical adsorption, without excluding their partial encapsulation. Methods: A suspension of lipid vesicles grafted with irradiated nanoparticles (Au(ir)L) was obtained that showed improved colloidal stability, evidenced by a higher negative ζ potential (−23.8 mV compared to −17.08 mV for AuL), an increased hydrodynamic size, and a higher lipid coverage, suggesting improved nanoparticle–membrane electrostatic interactions. The biological effects of these vesicles were evaluated in a zebrafish model of scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment. Behavioral and biochemical analyses were conducted to assess their impact on anxiety-like behavior, memory, and oxidative stress, using galantamine as a reference compound. Results: Under non-induced conditions, no significant behavioral differences were observed between the control and nanoparticle-treated groups, supporting the biocompatibility of the formulations. In scopolamine-treated zebrafish, both AuL and Au(ir)L showed partial improvements in behavioral parameters; however, these effects were not consistently statistically significant across all endpoints. Notably, more consistent effects were observed at the biochemical level, where both formulations, particularly Au(ir)L, significantly modulated acetylcholinesterase activity and reduced markers of oxidative stress, including lipid peroxidation. Conclusions: Overall, these findings suggest that lipid-grafted gold nanoparticles, especially in their irradiated form, exhibit moderate neuroprotective potential, primarily supported by biochemical outcomes and accompanied by partial behavioral improvements. Full article

The transition toward sustainable food packaging requires the integration of biodegradable materials with functional bioactivity. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a naturally abundant polyphenol, has emerged as a multifunctional compound with the capacity to simultaneously modulate polymer structure and impart active and intelligent functionalities. This review critically examines recent advances in CGA-containing packaging systems, covering fabrication strategies from physical incorporation and chemical grafting to nanostructured and stimuli-responsive architectures. The analysis reveals that CGA plays a dual role. At the molecular level, it regulates the polymer network structure through hydrogen bonding, covalent interactions, and conformational rearrangement. This, in turn, influences mechanical strength, barrier performance, and optical properties. Functionally, CGA provides antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, although its effectiveness depends strongly on the incorporation strategy and concentration. Notably, nanostructured systems and conjugation approaches enable controlled release and enhanced stability. These methods overcome limitations associated with rapid diffusion and environmental degradation, including oxidation, UV exposure, and pH-related instability. Despite these advances, key challenges remain, including CGA instability, uncontrolled release behavior, and limited regulatory and scalability data. Furthermore, while CGA is well established in active packaging, its application in intelligent systems remains limited in the literature, with only a few studies reported on its intelligent applications. Overall, this review highlights the structure–function relationships governing CGA-containing packaging systems and outlines future directions for the rational design of cost-effective, scalable, and multifunctional packaging systems, positioning CGA as a promising component in sustainable strategies for food preservation and waste reduction. Full article

Water contamination by arsenic(V) [As(V)] and Congo red (CR) dye poses concurrent threats to public health and aquatic ecosystems, particularly in regions where metallurgical and textile industries coexist. Developing a single adsorbent capable of simultaneously addressing these chemically distinct pollutants, while recovering value from the spent material remains an open challenge in sustainable water treatment. This study reports the synthesis and evaluation of a novel ternary MgZnFe-LDH/1,2,4-triazole composite (TM-LDH/TZ), engineered for the concurrent adsorptive removal of As(V) and CR, and the subsequent repurposing of the pollutant-loaded material as an electrocatalyst for the urea oxidation reaction (UOR). The composite was prepared via co-precipitation and triazole surface grafting, then characterized by FTIR, XRD, BET, TGA, FESEM, and HRTEM. Batch adsorption experiments examined the influence of pH, adsorbent dose, initial concentration, and temperature, with equilibrium data modeled through Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and the statistically grounded Advanced Monolayer Model (AMM); kinetics were assessed using pseudo-first/second-order and Elovich models. Maximum Langmuir adsorption capacities reached 204.75 mg g⁻¹ for As(V) and 499.72 mg g⁻¹ for CR simultaneously at pH 5 and 25 °C, surpassing the majority of previously reported single-pollutant adsorbents. Elovich and pseudo-second-order kinetics confirmed chemisorption as the governing pathway for As(V) and CR, respectively, while AMM thermodynamic analysis verified spontaneous adsorption across all experimental conditions. The spent composite delivered a UOR peak current density of 184.67 mA cm⁻² that is nearly twice that of the fresh material, with a reduced charge-transfer resistance of 1.19 Ω, and removal efficiency remained above 85% through three successive regeneration cycles. The bifunctional design, coupling high-capacity dual-pollutant removal with catalytic valorization of waste, positions TM-LDH/TZ as a circular-economy-aligned platform for advanced water remediation. Full article