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Keywords = impregnation effectiveness

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14 pages, 1821 KB  
Article
Hydrothermal Aging Mechanism of CeO2-Based Catalytic Materials and Its Structure–Activity Relationship Study on Particulate Matter Oxidation Performance
by Yantao Zou and Liguang Xiao
Catalysts 2025, 15(10), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15100962 - 7 Oct 2025
Viewed by 187
Abstract
With the increasing emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, improving air pollution control technology has become imperative. In this study, Ce-based catalysts are used as research objects to explore the effects of hydrothermal aging on their performance in oxidizing PM. Different Mn, [...] Read more.
With the increasing emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, improving air pollution control technology has become imperative. In this study, Ce-based catalysts are used as research objects to explore the effects of hydrothermal aging on their performance in oxidizing PM. Different Mn, Na, Pt and Zr-doped Ce-based catalysts were prepared based on the impregnation method and the PM oxidation performance of Ce-based catalysts before and after hydrothermal aging was investigated using thermogravimetric experiments, and the catalytic activity change pattern of fresh/hydrothermal aging Ce-based catalysts was analyzed by comparing the comprehensive combustion index S and combustion stability index Rw, revealing the PM oxidation process. The conclusion showed that the cerium-based catalyst significantly enhanced the oxidation efficiency of PM compared with PU. By comparing the performance of different metal-modified catalysts, it was found that the order of activity was: Pt > Na > Mn > Zr. With the metal doping increased, only the comprehensive combustion index S and combustion stability index Rw of Na/CeO2 catalysts decreased. After hydrothermal aging treatment, the Zr/CeO2 catalysts showed the best hydrothermal aging resistance, and the comprehensive combustion index S and combustion stability index Rw remained stable (<5%). Ce-based catalysts have the strongest to weakest hydrothermal aging resistance in the following order: Zr > Mn > Pt > Na. This study not only provides an important scientific reference for the application of Ce-based catalysts in the field of environmental purification but also contributes new ideas and methods to promote the green and sustainable development of air pollution control technology. Full article
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20 pages, 2587 KB  
Article
Load-Dedicated Fiber Reinforcement of Additively Manufactured Lightweight Structures
by Sven Meißner, Daniel Kalisch, Rezo Aliyev, Sebastian Scholz, Henning Zeidler, Sascha Müller, Axel Spickenheuer and Lothar Kroll
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(10), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9100548 - 6 Oct 2025
Viewed by 233
Abstract
This study focuses on a novel lightweight technology for manufacturing variable-axial fiber-reinforced polymer components. In the presented approach, channels following the load flow are implemented in an additively manufactured basic structure and impregnated continuous fiber bundles are pulled through these component-integrated cavities. Improved [...] Read more.
This study focuses on a novel lightweight technology for manufacturing variable-axial fiber-reinforced polymer components. In the presented approach, channels following the load flow are implemented in an additively manufactured basic structure and impregnated continuous fiber bundles are pulled through these component-integrated cavities. Improved channel cross-section geometries to enhance the mechanical performance are proposed and evaluated. The hypothesis posits that increasing the surface area of the internal channels significantly reduces shear stresses between the polymer basic structure and the integrated continuous fiber composite. A series of experiments, including analytical, numerical, and microscopic analyses, were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the composites formed, focusing on Young’s modulus and tensile strength. In addition, an important insight into the failure mechanism of the novel fiber composite is provided. The results demonstrate a clear correlation between the channel geometry and mechanical performance, indicating that optimized designs can effectively reduce shear stress, thus improving load-bearing capacities. The findings reveal that while fiber volume content influences the impregnation quality, an optimal balance must be achieved to enhance mechanical properties. This research contributes to the advancement of production technologies for lightweight components through additive manufacturing and the development of new types of composite materials applicable in various engineering fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Composites, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 2525 KB  
Article
Dry Reforming of Methane Using Gd-promoted Ni/SBA-16 Catalyst: Structure, Activity and Process Optimization with Response Surface Methodology
by Salma A. Al-Zahrani, Mohammed F. Alotibi, Ahmed I. Osman, Ahmed A. Bhran, Maha Awjan Alreshidi, Ahmed Al Otaibi, Hessah Difallah A. Al-Enazy, Nuha Othman S. Alsaif and Ahmed S. Al-Fatesh
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(19), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15191527 - 6 Oct 2025
Viewed by 219
Abstract
This work examines the effect of gadolinium (Gd) promotion on nickel-based SBA-16 catalysts for the dry reforming of methane (DRM), with the goal of improving syngas production by optimizing catalyst composition and operating conditions. Catalysts with varying Gd loadings (0.5–3 wt.%) were synthesised [...] Read more.
This work examines the effect of gadolinium (Gd) promotion on nickel-based SBA-16 catalysts for the dry reforming of methane (DRM), with the goal of improving syngas production by optimizing catalyst composition and operating conditions. Catalysts with varying Gd loadings (0.5–3 wt.%) were synthesised using co-impregnation. XRD, N2 physisorption, FTIR, XPS, and H2-TPR–CO2-TPD–H2-TPR were used to examine the structural features, textural properties, surface composition, and redox behaviour of the catalysts. XPS indicated formation of enhanced metal–support interactions, while initial and post-treatment H2–TPR analyses showed that moderate Gd loadings (1–2 wt.%) maintained a balanced distribution of reducible Ni species. The catalysts were tested for DRM performance at 800 °C and a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 42,000 mL g−1 h−1. 1–2 wt.% Gd-promoted catalysts achieved the highest H2 (~67%) and CO yield (~76%). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to identify optimal reaction conditions for maximum H2 yield. RSM predicted 848.9 °C temperature, 31,283 mL g−1 h−1 GHSV, and a CH4/CO2 ratio of 0.61 as optimal, predicting a H2 yield of 96.64%, which closely matched the experimental value of H2 yield (96.66%). The 5Ni–2Gd/SBA-16 catalyst exhibited minimal coke deposition, primarily of a graphitic character, as evidenced by TGA–DSC and Raman analyses. These results demonstrate the synergy between catalyst design and process optimization in maximizing DRM efficiency. Full article
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17 pages, 3115 KB  
Article
Leakage-Proof and High-Conductivity Composite Phase Change Material Using Low-Melting-Point-Alloy-Encapsulated Copper Foam/Paraffin for Superior Thermal Homogeneity in Lithium-Ion Battery Modules
by Shengzhi He, Jiajun Zhao, Dongxu Ouyang and Mingyi Chen
Materials 2025, 18(19), 4604; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18194604 - 4 Oct 2025
Viewed by 377
Abstract
Ensuring thermal stability is a major concern in lithium-ion battery systems. Although phase change materials (PCMs) provide a passive approach for temperature regulation, they are limited by poor heat conduction and potential leakage during phase transitions. This study develops a novel composite PCM [...] Read more.
Ensuring thermal stability is a major concern in lithium-ion battery systems. Although phase change materials (PCMs) provide a passive approach for temperature regulation, they are limited by poor heat conduction and potential leakage during phase transitions. This study develops a novel composite PCM (CPCM) using paraffin (PA) as the matrix, copper foam (CF) as a conductive skeleton (10–30 pores per inch, PPI), and a low-melting-point alloy (LMA) as an encapsulant to prevent leakage. The effects of CF pore size on thermal conductivity, impregnation ratio, and leakage resistance were systematically investigated. Results show that CPCM with 10 PPI CF achieved the highest thermal conductivity (4.42 W·m−1·K−1), while LMA encapsulation effectively eliminated leakage. The thermal management performance was evaluated on both a single 18,650 LIB cell and a 2S2P module during rate discharging at 1C, 2C, and 3C. For the module at 3C, the 10 PPI CPCM significantly lowered the maximum temperature from 75.9 °C to 44.6 °C and critically reduced the maximum temperature difference between cells from 10.2 °C to a safe level of 1.2 °C, significantly improving temperature uniformity. This work provides a high-conductivity and leakage-proof CPCM solution based on LMA-encapsulated CF/PA for enhanced thermal safety and uniformity in LIB modules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Materials)
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28 pages, 6064 KB  
Review
Advances in Wood Processing, Flame-Retardant Functionalization, and Multifunctional Applications
by Yatong Fang, Kexuan Chen, Lulu Xu, Yan Zhang, Yi Xiao, Yao Yuan and Wei Wang
Polymers 2025, 17(19), 2677; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17192677 - 3 Oct 2025
Viewed by 460
Abstract
Wood is a renewable, carbon-sequestering, and structurally versatile material that has supported human civilization for millennia and continues to play a central role in advancing sustainable development. Although its low density, high specific strength, and esthetic appeal make it highly attractive, its intrinsic [...] Read more.
Wood is a renewable, carbon-sequestering, and structurally versatile material that has supported human civilization for millennia and continues to play a central role in advancing sustainable development. Although its low density, high specific strength, and esthetic appeal make it highly attractive, its intrinsic flammability presents significant challenges for safety-critical uses. This review offers a comprehensive analysis that uniquely integrates three key domains, covering advanced processing technologies, flame-retardant functionalization strategies, and multifunctional applications. Clear connections are drawn between processing approaches such as delignification, densification, and nanocellulose extraction and their substantial influence on improving flame-retardant performance. The review systematically explores how these engineered wood substrates enable more effective fire-resistant systems, including eco-friendly impregnation methods, surface engineering techniques, and bio-based hybrid systems. It further illustrates how combining processing and functionalization strategies allows for multifunctional applications in architecture, transportation, electronics, and energy devices where safety, durability, and sustainability are essential. Future research directions are identified with a focus on creating scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally compatible wood-based materials, positioning engineered wood as a next-generation high-performance material that successfully balances structural functionality, fire safety, and multifunctionality. Full article
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30 pages, 5419 KB  
Article
MIL-100(Fe)-Enabled Oral Delivery of Syringic Acid with Enhanced Pharmacokinetics
by Joshua H. Santos, Hannah Jean Victoriano, Mary Sepulveda, Hung-En Liu, Shierrie Mae N. Valencia, Rikkamae Zinca Marie L. Walde, Emelda A. Ongo and Chia-Her Lin
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(10), 1282; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17101282 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 335
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Plant-derived bioactive compounds like syringic acid, a phenolic acid from the shikimic acid pathway, have shown potential against chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and cerebral ischemia. However, its poor water solubility and rapid systemic elimination result in low oral bioavailability, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Plant-derived bioactive compounds like syringic acid, a phenolic acid from the shikimic acid pathway, have shown potential against chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and cerebral ischemia. However, its poor water solubility and rapid systemic elimination result in low oral bioavailability, limiting therapeutic potential. This study aimed to enhance its oral bioavailability using MIL-100(Fe), a metal–organic framework (MOF) known for high surface area and drug-loading capacity. Methods: MIL-100(Fe) was synthesized using an optimized method and loaded with syringic acid through impregnation at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Characterization included PXRD, FTIR, BET, SEM, and DLS. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated following OECD 423 guidelines, and bioavailability was assessed in Sprague Dawley rats. Results: The 1:2 MIL-100(Fe) to syringic acid ratio achieved the highest drug loading at 64.42 ± 0.03% (12 h). PXRD and FTIR confirmed successful loading (notably at 1239.2 cm−1), and TGA indicated thermal stability at ~350 °C. SEM revealed octahedral particles with an average size of 270.67 ± 2.60 nm. BET showed reduced surface area post-loading. In vitro drug release exhibited media-dependent profiles. Toxicity tests indicated no adverse effects at 2000 mg/kg. Oral administration of SYA@MIL-100(Fe) resulted in a 10.997-fold increase in relative bioavailability versus oral syringic acid and a 12.82-fold increase compared to intraperitoneal administration. Conclusions: MIL-100(Fe) is a safe and effective oral carrier for syringic acid, significantly enhancing its bioavailability. This platform shows strong potential for delivering phenolic compounds in pharmaceutical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Drug Delivery Systems for Natural Extracts)
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14 pages, 2269 KB  
Article
Study on the Effect of the Nucleophilicity of Amine Accelerators on the Process and Dielectric Properties of Epoxy Materials for Dry Bushing
by Huize Cui, Shuo Chen, Ruilu Guo, Chumeng Luo, Chong Zhang, Wenpeng Li, Yushun Zhao, Taisen Lu and Yanning Zhao
Polymers 2025, 17(19), 2655; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17192655 - 30 Sep 2025
Viewed by 171
Abstract
The impregnation and curing process of dry bushing requires the epoxy material for bushing to have a good process performance. In addition, the actual operating conditions of dry bushing put forward high requirements on the dielectric properties of the epoxy material. Amine accelerators [...] Read more.
The impregnation and curing process of dry bushing requires the epoxy material for bushing to have a good process performance. In addition, the actual operating conditions of dry bushing put forward high requirements on the dielectric properties of the epoxy material. Amine accelerators can not only improve the technological properties of epoxy materials such as gel time and curing exothermic temperature rise by regulating the reaction rate of epoxy resin and anhydride curing agent, but also optimize the dielectric properties of epoxy materials by regulating the crosslinking density of epoxy materials. However, there are many types of amine accelerators, and the effects of amine accelerators with different nucleophilicity on epoxy materials vary greatly. In this paper, four kinds of amine accelerators with different nucleophilic ability were selected to study the influence of the nucleophilic ability of amine accelerators on the process and dielectric properties of epoxy materials. The results show that the stronger the nucleophilicity of the amine accelerator, the shorter the gel time of the epoxy mixture and the higher the exothermic temperature rise during curing, indicating a poorer processing performance. However, stronger nucleophilicity also endows the epoxy material with superior dielectric properties. Among them, the strong nucleophilic ability of TEA shortens the gel time of the material by 50% and increases the curing exothermic temperature rise by 55.3% compared with the weak nucleophilic ability of the DET epoxy system; the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the material are reduced by 8.3% and 39.5%, respectively, and the breakdown strength is improved by 11.4%. This paper reveals the contradictory relationship between the process and dielectric performance of epoxy materials triggered by the difference in the nucleophilic ability of amine accelerators, and it also provides a new research idea for the improvement of the process and in the dielectric performance of epoxy materials for dry bushing. Full article
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13 pages, 1662 KB  
Article
Loading of Ni2+ in Coal by Hydrothermal Treatment to Conduct Catalytic Pyrolysis Under the Context of In Situ Pyrolysis
by Li Xiao, Xiaodan Wu, Youwu Li, Ying Tang, Yue Zhang, Shixin Jiang, Jingyun Cui, Chao Wang and Zhibing Chang
Processes 2025, 13(10), 3086; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103086 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
Identifying suitable catalyst types and efficient loading methods remains a key research challenge for implementing the in situ catalytic pyrolysis of tar-rich coal. This study investigated a lignite and a gas coal, employing NiCl2 solution for Ni2+ catalyst loading via room-temperature [...] Read more.
Identifying suitable catalyst types and efficient loading methods remains a key research challenge for implementing the in situ catalytic pyrolysis of tar-rich coal. This study investigated a lignite and a gas coal, employing NiCl2 solution for Ni2+ catalyst loading via room-temperature impregnation and hydrothermal treatment on coal particles sized 6–13 mm. The efficiency of Ni2+ loading through hydrothermal treatment and the characteristics of pyrolysis product distribution and composition before and after treatment were examined. The results indicated that after NiCl2 solution impregnation, the Ni2+ content in lignite increased from nearly undetectable to over 20 mg/g, whereas in gas coal, it only rose to less than 2 mg/g. Ion exchange is hypothesized to be a primary pathway for Ni2+ loading into coal. After hydrothermal treatment at 170 °C, the Ni2+ loadings in lignite and gas coal reached 33.6 and 1.45 mg/g, respectively. The loaded Ni2+ exhibited distinct catalytic effects on the two coals. For lignite, Ni2+ catalyzed the deoxygenation of oxygen-containing compounds and the aromatization of aliphatic hydrocarbons. For gas coal, hydrothermal treatment with NiCl2 solution at 170 and 220 °C promoted hydrogen transfer reactions, resulting in an increase in tar yield from 10.67% to 11.30% and 11.64%, respectively. Also, the H2 yield decreased, accompanied by a decrease in aromatic hydrocarbons and an increase in phenolic compounds within the tar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)
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19 pages, 317 KB  
Review
Overview of Commercial Vaccines Against Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis: Current Landscape and Future Directions
by Josiane Aparecida Martiniano de Pádua, Diego Ribeiro, Victor Freire Ferreira de Aguilar, Tuane Ferreira Melo, Lilian Lacerda Bueno, Ana Laura Grossi de Oliveira, Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara and Kelly Moura Keller
Pathogens 2025, 14(10), 970; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14100970 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 522
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonosis commonly caused in Brazil by the parasite Leishmania infantum. This protozoan parasite can infect several species of mammals, with dogs being the main reservoir in urban areas. Several methods are used to prevent the disease, including collars [...] Read more.
Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonosis commonly caused in Brazil by the parasite Leishmania infantum. This protozoan parasite can infect several species of mammals, with dogs being the main reservoir in urban areas. Several methods are used to prevent the disease, including collars impregnated with 4% deltamethrin to prevent contact between the sandfly and the animal, and vaccines. Vaccines aim to stimulate an immune response that can effectively fight the parasite, with the Th1 immune response being the most desired. There are several research groups around the world dedicated to testing new immunogens against Leishmania spp. and there are currently two commercially available vaccines used to prevent the disease, Neoleish® and Leti-Fend®. Leish-Tec®, a vaccine previously licensed for use in dogs in Brazil, was suspended in May 2023 due to non-compliance in some batches. This also happened with CaniLeish®, which was discontinued by the European Commission in October 2023. These vaccines have different characteristics that influence their use as a public health measure, and therefore the objective of this review is to describe these immunogens, their characteristics, and their use as a collective prevention measure for canine visceral leishmaniasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Leishmania & Leishmaniasis)
19 pages, 3880 KB  
Article
Flame-Retardant Wood Scrimber/Plywood Composites: Preparation, Characterization, and Enhanced Structural Performance
by Liyuan Yao, Feifan Song, Ming Wei, Aijuan Wang, Xiaonan Xu, Zhilin Chen, Rui Rong and Peng Jiang
Polymers 2025, 17(18), 2556; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17182556 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 467
Abstract
Veneer-based wood composites are widely used for interior applications, yet their high flammability and smoke emission significantly limit their safe use in buildings. In this study, a multifunctional flame-retardant polyethylene adhesive film was developed via melt blending and hot pressing of a mixture [...] Read more.
Veneer-based wood composites are widely used for interior applications, yet their high flammability and smoke emission significantly limit their safe use in buildings. In this study, a multifunctional flame-retardant polyethylene adhesive film was developed via melt blending and hot pressing of a mixture of amino trimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP), hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid (HDEP), melamine (MEL), and sodium alginate (SA). This film was laminated onto veneers to fabricate flame-retardant decorative plywood. Simultaneously, wood scrimber units for structural applications were prepared by impregnating wood with a flame-retardant system consisting of sodium silicate (Ss) and sodium tetraborate (St). These treated components were integrated to form a flame-retardant wood scrimber/plywood composite (AHM-S), with the wood scrimber as the core layer and the treated plywood as surface layers. Compared to the control, the AHM-S composite showed a 44.1% reduction in the second peak heat release rate (pk-HRR2), a 22.6% decrease in total heat release (THR), and a 12.7% reduction in maximum flame spread distance (MD300°C). Moreover, the time to reach 275 °C on the unexposed side (T275°C) was extended by 90.2%. These improvements are attributed to the synergistic flame-retardant effects of the surface film and impregnated core, which jointly suppress flame spread and delay thermal degradation. The composite demonstrates promising fire safety and mechanical performance for engineered wood applications. Full article
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30 pages, 21126 KB  
Article
From Nature to Remediation: Biomaterials for Malachite Green Retention and Degradation
by Raluca Florenta Doroftei, Mihaela Silion, Daniela Ioniță, Andrei Dascalu, Florin Nedeff, Ana-Maria Georgescu, Ana-Maria Rosu, Diana Mirila and Ileana-Denisa Nistor
Materials 2025, 18(18), 4374; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18184374 - 19 Sep 2025
Viewed by 359
Abstract
The increasing presence of synthetic dyes in aquatic environments presents a serious threat to ecosystems and human health. This study investigates the potential of natural biomaterials, specifically fish-derived components extracted from Cyprinus carpio (fish bladder and fish scales), for the simultaneous retention and [...] Read more.
The increasing presence of synthetic dyes in aquatic environments presents a serious threat to ecosystems and human health. This study investigates the potential of natural biomaterials, specifically fish-derived components extracted from Cyprinus carpio (fish bladder and fish scales), for the simultaneous retention and degradation of a potentially toxic dye: Malachite Green (MG). The biomaterials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (HPLC-MS) for degradation monitoring. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted under varying biomaterial dosage, contact time and pH. Results demonstrated that all tested biomaterials exhibited significant adsorption capacities, with fish scales (FS) achieving a maximum removal efficiency of 91.2%, and fish bladder (FB) reaching 82% under optimal conditions. In catalytic ozonation tests, the fish scales impregnated with vanadium (FS-V) catalyst demonstrated significantly higher degradation efficiency, reaching 63.84% at an ozone flow rate of 0.5 g O3·h−1. The comparative analysis highlights the multifunctionality of these eco-friendly biomaterials, offering both pollutant capture and partial degradation. These findings suggest that low-cost, naturally derived biomaterials can serve as effective alternatives to synthetic adsorbents in water treatment applications, contributing to sustainable environmental remediation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Green Materials)
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15 pages, 5799 KB  
Article
New Approaches on Micropropagation of Arracacia xanthorrhiza (“Arracacha”): In Vitro Establishment, Senescence Reduction and Plant Growth Regulators Balance
by Patrick Dias Marques, Thiago Sanches Ornellas, Yohan Fritsche, Ingrilore Flores Mund, Clarissa Alves Caprestano, Valdir Marcos Stefenon, Marcelo F. Pompelli and Miguel Pedro Guerra
Horticulturae 2025, 11(9), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091134 - 18 Sep 2025
Viewed by 492
Abstract
The present study is part of the efforts to develop a micropropagation protocol for Arracacia xanthorrhiza, focusing on improving in vitro establishment, reducing senescence, and balancing plant growth regulators. To control bacterial contamination during culture initiation, ampicillin and tetracycline were tested using [...] Read more.
The present study is part of the efforts to develop a micropropagation protocol for Arracacia xanthorrhiza, focusing on improving in vitro establishment, reducing senescence, and balancing plant growth regulators. To control bacterial contamination during culture initiation, ampicillin and tetracycline were tested using impregnated paper disks. Ampicillin at 100 mg·L−1 achieved 92.4% survival and reduced bacterial contamination to 25.2%, compared to 65.6% in the untreated control, confirming its effectiveness as a low-cost and non-toxic solution. Senescence reduction was evaluated through the addition of activated charcoal and silver nitrate (AgNO3); the latter, at 26 µM, significantly enhanced explant survival, reduced leaf senescence, and promoted shoot and sprout formation. Three plant growth regulators—6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin (KIN), and meta-topolin (mT)—were tested at multiple concentrations. Meta-topolin at 1 µM produced 3.5 sprouts and 7.2 leaves per plant, demonstrating three times greater biological activity than BAP and optimal morphogenetic response. The integration of antimicrobial control, ethylene inhibition, and cytokinin optimization resulted in a reliable and scalable protocol for A. xanthorrhiza micropropagation. As a concluding remark, these findings provide a practical and efficient framework for clean plant production, with direct applications in conservation, breeding, and commercial propagation of this underutilized Andean crop, while highlighting the need for further validation across genotypes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Propagation and Seeds)
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18 pages, 3306 KB  
Article
Towards a New Plastination Technique for Moisture Management of Western Red Cedar Without Loss of Strength and with Enhanced Stability
by Olivia H. Margoto, Madisyn M. Szypula, Grant R. Bogyo, Victor Yang and Abbas S. Milani
Materials 2025, 18(18), 4353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18184353 - 17 Sep 2025
Viewed by 414
Abstract
Amidst environmental concerns regarding the use of petroleum-based materials, wood and wood-based products are among the key players in the pursuit of green construction practices. However, environmental degradation of these materials remains a concern during structural design, particularly for outdoor applications. Borrowed from [...] Read more.
Amidst environmental concerns regarding the use of petroleum-based materials, wood and wood-based products are among the key players in the pursuit of green construction practices. However, environmental degradation of these materials remains a concern during structural design, particularly for outdoor applications. Borrowed from anatomy to preserve human body parts, this study applies and assesses a technique called ‘plastination’ as a new means for moisture management of Western Red Cedar (WRC). Specifically, the proposed technique includes acetone dehydration of WRC, followed by SS-151 silicone vacuum-assisted impregnation and silicone curing. To evaluate the method’s effectiveness, Micro X-ray Computed Tomography (μCT), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and static water contact angle measurements were employed. Tensile testing was also performed to quantify the treatment’s effect on WRC’s mechanical properties under moisture conditioning. μCT confirmed an impregnation depth of 21.5%, while FTIR and TGA results showed reduced moisture retention (3.6 wt%) in plastinated WRC due to the absence of hydroxyl groups. Mechanical testing revealed enhanced deformability in treated samples without compromising tensile strength. Upon moisture conditioning, plastinated WRC retained its tensile properties and showed 59% lower moisture absorption and 15% lower weight as compared to conditioned virgin samples. Full article
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15 pages, 2336 KB  
Article
Tribo-Catalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange Dye via Cu/Al2O3 Nanoparticles
by Claudia Cirillo, Mariagrazia Iuliano, Sana Abrar, Elena Navarrete Astorga and Maria Sarno
Lubricants 2025, 13(9), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13090418 - 17 Sep 2025
Viewed by 470
Abstract
In this study, we report, for the first time, the tribo-catalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) using Cu/Al2O3 nanoparticles under mechanical stirring conditions. The hybrid catalyst was synthesized via a wet impregnation method and characterized through different techniques, confirming structural [...] Read more.
In this study, we report, for the first time, the tribo-catalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) using Cu/Al2O3 nanoparticles under mechanical stirring conditions. The hybrid catalyst was synthesized via a wet impregnation method and characterized through different techniques, confirming structural integrity and compositional uniformity. When subjected to friction generated by a PTFE-coated magnetic stir bar, Cu/Al2O3 nanoparticles exhibited high tribo-catalytic activity, achieving up to 95% MO degradation within 10 h under dark conditions. The observed activity surpasses that of alumina alone and is attributed to the synergistic effects between copper and alumina, facilitating charge separation and enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Tribo-catalytic efficiency was further influenced by stirring speed and contact area, confirming the key role of mechanical friction. Reusability tests demonstrated stable performance over five cycles, highlighting the material’s durability and potential for practical environmental remediation applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tribo-Catalysis)
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26 pages, 12279 KB  
Article
Mast Cell Association with the Microenvironment of a Phosphaturic Mesenchymal Tumour Secreting Fibroblast Growth Factor 23
by Andrey Kostin, Alexei Lyundup, Alexander Alekhnovich, Aleksandra Prikhodko, Olga Patsap, Sofia Gronskaia, Zhanna Belaya, Olga Lesnyak, Galina Melnichenko, Natalia Mokrysheva, Igor Buchwalow, Markus Tiemann and Dmitrii Atiakshin
Med. Sci. 2025, 13(3), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030195 - 16 Sep 2025
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Background: Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumours secreting fibroblast growth factor 23 (hereinafter referred to as FGF23+ PMT) are rare neoplasms that can cause hypophosphataemic osteomalacia, owing to excessive FGF23 production. Mast cells (MCs) play a key role in tumour biology by modulating proliferative activity of [...] Read more.
Background: Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumours secreting fibroblast growth factor 23 (hereinafter referred to as FGF23+ PMT) are rare neoplasms that can cause hypophosphataemic osteomalacia, owing to excessive FGF23 production. Mast cells (MCs) play a key role in tumour biology by modulating proliferative activity of atypical cells, resistance to innate and acquired immunity, angiogenesis, and metastatic behaviour. However, MCs associated with FGF23+ PMT have not previously been investigated. This study, to our knowledge, is the first to characterise features of the tumour microenvironment through spatial phenotyping of the immune and stromal landscape, together with histotopographic mapping of intercellular MC interactions with other subcellular populations in FGF23+ PMT. Methods: Histochemical staining (haematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue, Giemsa solution, picro-Mallory protocol, silver impregnation), as well as monoplex and multiplex immunohistochemical staining with spatial phenotyping, were performed to detect atypical FGF23-secreting cells, immune cells (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD20, CD38, CD68, or CD163), stromal components (CD31, α-SMA, or vimentin), and specific MC proteases (tryptase, chymase, or carboxypeptidase A3). Bioinformatics analysis using artificial intelligence technologies was applied for spatial profiling of MC interactions with tumour, immunocompetent, and stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment. Results: Bioinformatic analysis of the entire tumour histological section, comprising over 70,000 cells stained using monoplex and multiplex immunohistochemical protocols, enabled identification of more than half of the cell population. The most abundant were CD14+ (30.7%), CD163+ (23.2%), and CD31+ (17.9%) cells. Tumour-associated MCs accounted for 0.7% of the total pool of immunopositive cells and included both mucosal and connective tissue subpopulations, predominantly of the tryptase + chymase-CPA3-specific protease phenotype. This pattern reflected combined multidirectional morphogenetic processes in the patient’s FGF23+ PMT. More than 50% of MCs were colocalized with neighbouring cells of the tumour microenvironment within 20 μm, most frequently with monocytes (CD14+CD68+), M2 macrophages (CD68+CD163+), and endothelial cells (CD31+). In contrast, colocalization with atypical FGF23-secreting cells was rare, indicating minimal direct effects on tumour cell activity. Interaction with T lymphocytes, including CD8+, was also infrequent, excluding their activation and the development of antitumour effects. Mapping of MC histotopography validated the hypothesis of their inductive role in monocyte differentiation into M2 macrophages and probable polarisation of macrophages from M1 into M2, thereby contributing to slow tumour growth. MCs were further involved in extracellular matrix remodelling and participated in the formation of pro-osteogenic niches within the FGF23+ PMT microenvironment, leading to pathological osteoid development. Conclusions: This study demonstrated active MC participation in the evolution of the FGF23+ PMT microenvironment. The findings may be applied in translational medicine to develop novel algorithms for personalised therapy in patients with FGF23-secreting tumours, offering an alternative when surgical removal of the tumour is not feasible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Section Cancer and Cancer-Related Diseases)
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