Search Results (105)

Microbial inoculation is widely used to improve composting performance, yet its effectiveness hinges on inoculum composition, substrate characteristics, and composting technology, which remain poorly understood. This study compared single versus mixed inoculants across different substrates and assessed their interactions with biochar amendment and nanomembrane covering, focusing on organic matter transformation, inorganic nutrient dynamics, and biological pollution control. Mixed inoculation significantly improved heating performance in cattle manure compost compared to single strains (p < 0.05) and sustained thermophilic conditions in sludge-sawdust compost, but showed limited impact in chicken manure-sludge compost. It reduced humic acid (HA) accumulation in chicken manure-sludge compost (14.29% to −39.28%) while increasing HA content in sludge-sawdust compost (3.55–5.41 g/kg, p < 0.05). Inorganic nitrogen retention was enhanced; specifically NO₃⁻-N concentrations rose by 175.1–222.6% in the chicken manure-sludge and by 6.7–17.9% in the sludge-sawdust compost. Microbial community analysis indicated enrichment of inoculant strains during the thermophilic phase, supporting nitrogen conservation and humification. However, inoculation increased potential pathogenic bacteria by over 51.2% across all composts and enriched predicted antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) by 9.9–22.96% in chicken manure-sludge compost, while reducing the membrane covering’s inhibitory effect on predicted ARGs (rebound by 29.5%). Moreover, we found that the predicted ARG profiles, derived from 16S-based PICRUSt2 functional inference, covaried strongly with microbial community structure, with environmental factors such as organic carbon shaping predicted ARG dynamics mainly through indirect effects on microbial communities. These findings highlight that while mixed inoculation boosts composting efficiency, it also raises biosafety concerns. Thus, a comprehensive evaluation integrating organic, inorganic, and biological perspectives is essential before promoting thermophilic inoculants. Full article

Chronic wounds are frequently associated with persistent inflammation, motivating the development of biofunctional materials capable of modulating cellular responses. In this proof-of-concept study, electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanomembranes were surface-functionalized by post-electrospinning drop coating with extracts derived from Agave sisalana agroindustrial residue obtained through two distinct routes: a saponin-rich fraction (EDP) and an acid-hydrolyzed sapogenin-enriched fraction (EAH). The study aimed to investigate how the extract phytochemical profile influences cytocompatibility and bioactivity when incorporated onto electrospun platforms. Phytochemical analysis revealed high total saponin content in EDP (33.83 ± 2.93 g/100 g) and significant sapogenin content in EAH (11.56 ± 0.60 g/100 g). SEM and FTIR-ATR analyses confirmed preservation of the fibrous architecture and polymer backbone, indicating predominantly physical surface incorporation. Biological evaluation demonstrated extract-dependent responses: PCL+EDP 5% exhibited marked cytotoxicity, consistent with the known membrane-disruptive properties of glycosylated saponins, whereas PCL+EAH 5% maintained high cell viability and showed anti-inflammatory activity (75% inhibition of phagocytosis; 56% protection against hemolysis) along with enhanced fibroblast migration (100% wound closure at 72 h). These findings highlight the critical role of extract chemical composition in determining the biological performance of surface-functionalized nanofibrous systems and support sapogenin-enriched fractions as safer bioactive modifiers for electrospun biomaterial platforms. Full article

This study addresses the challenges of large-scale processing and resource utilization of mango waste in the Panzhihua region. Its focus is on investigating the key role of material ratio optimization in improving the humification quality of compost products. Three typical wet weight ratios of discarded mango and pruning branches were used (T1, T2, T3) toconduct high-temperature aerobic composting experiments under the stable environmental conditions provided by nanomembrane coverage. The temperature of the compost pile, nitrogen transformation, and dynamic changes in humic components were systematically monitored. The results showed that the T2 treatment achieved the optimal compost performance, entering the high-temperature period (≥55 °C) within 4 days, with a peak temperature of 61.9 °C, and the high temperature lasting for 13 days. The carbon-nitrogen ratio decreased by 46.6%, and the ammonia volatilization rate was the lowest (0.0135 mg/(m²·d)); the degree of humification was the highest, with the HA/FA ratio reaching 2.19 and the seed germination index being 222.49%. This study demonstrates that an appropriate “fruit-to-branch” ratio, under the stable environment created by nanomembrane coverage, can synergistically promote the compost humification process and product quality. This provides a reliable theoretical basis and technical pathway for the resource utilization of mango waste. Full article

High-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) are characterized by the formation of a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) induced by the polarization effects. Considerable studies have been conducted to improve the electrical properties of HEMTs by regulating the 2DEG density. In this study, a Si/GaN heterojunction was fabricated through the transfer of a heavily boron-doped Si nanomembrane. The holes in the p-Si layer integrated on top of the HEMT not only increased the surface positive charge, which eventually increased the density of electrons at the AlGaN/GaN interface, but also acted as a passivation layer to improve the performance of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. Electrical characterization revealed that the maximum drain current increased from 668 mA/mm to 740 mA/mm, and the maximum transconductance improved from 200.2 mS/mm to 220.4 mS/mm. These results were due to the surface positive charge induced by the p-Si layer, which lowered the energy band diagram and increased the electron concentration at the AlGaN/GaN interface by a factor of 1.4 from 1.52 × 10²⁰ cm⁻³ to 2.11 × 10²⁰ cm⁻³. Full article

This work presents the design, the development and the experimental validation of a portable, low-cost sensing system for the detection of waterborne pollutants. The proposed system is based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and PPF+Ni nanomembrane sensors. Designed in response to the increasing demand for in situ water quality monitoring, the system integrates a simplified, scalable EIS acquisition architecture compatible with microcontroller-based platforms. The sensing configuration utilises the voltage divider principle, ensuring simplicity in signal conditioning by allowing compatibility with different electrode types through passive impedance matching. In addition, new merit figures have been proposed and implemented to analyse the measures. The proposed platform was experimentally characterised for its measurement stability, accuracy and environmental robustness. Sensitivity tests using benzoquinone as a target analyte demonstrated the capability of detecting concentrations as low as 0.1 mM with a monotonic response over increasing concentrations. A comparative study with a commercial electrochemical system (PalmSens4) under identical conditions highlighted the higher resolution and practical advantages of the proposed method despite operating with a lower impedance range. Additionally, the system exhibited reliable discrimination across tested concentrations and greater adaptability for integration into field-deployable environmental monitoring platforms. Future developments will focus on optimising selectivity through new sensor materials and analytical modelling of uncertainty propagation in the analysis based on defined figures of merit. Full article

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) pellicles must withstand intense thermal stress during exposure due to their limited heat dissipation, which results from their ultrathin geometry and the vacuum environment within EUV scanners. To address this challenge, we investigated the crystalline phase-dependent emissivity of nanometer-thick molybdenum disilicide (MoSi₂) membranes. Membranes exhibiting amorphous, hexagonal, and tetragonal phases were independently prepared via controlled annealing, and their thermal radiation properties were evaluated using heat-load testing under emulated EUV scanner conditions. The Hall effect measurements revealed distinct variations in carrier density and mobility across phases, which were theoretically correlated with emissivity using the Lorentz–Drude model. The results demonstrate that emissivity increases in the hexagonal phase due to increased carrier density and reduced scattering, offering improved thermal radiation performance. These findings establish the phase engineering of conductive silicides as a viable strategy for enhancing radiative cooling in EUV pellicles and offer a theoretical framework applicable to other high-temperature nanomaterials. Full article

Biocatalytic nanomembranes have emerged as promising platforms for micropollutant remediation, yet their practical application is hindered by limitations in removal efficiency and operational stability. This study presents an innovative approach for fabricating highly stable and efficient biocatalytic nanomembranes through the co-immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and glucose oxidase (GOx) within a covalent organic framework (COF) nanocrystal. Capitalizing on the dynamic covalent chemistry of COFs during their self-healing and self-crystallization processes, we achieved simultaneous enzyme immobilization and framework formation. This unique confinement strategy preserved enzymatic activity while significantly enhancing stability. HRP/GOx@COF biocatalytic membrane was prepared through the loading of immobilized enzymes (HRP/GOx@COF) onto a macroporous polymeric substrate membrane pre-coated with a polydopamine (PDA) adhesive layer. At HRP and GOx dosages of 4 mg and 4.5 mg, respectively, and a glucose concentration of 5 mM, the removal rate of bisphenol A (BPA) reached 99% through the combined functions of catalysis, adsorption, and rejection. The BPA removal rate of the biocatalytic membrane remained high under both acidic and alkaline conditions. Additionally, the removal rate of dyes with different properties exceeded 88%. The removal efficiencies of doxycycline hydrochloride, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and 8-hydroxyquinoline surpassed 95%. In this study, the enzyme was confined in the ordered and stable COF, which endowed the biocatalytic membrane with good stability and reusability over multiple batch cycles. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive analysis aimed at validating the use of an innovative nanosensor based on graphitic nanomembranes for the smart monitoring of industrial wastewater. The validation of the potential of the nanosensor was carried out through the development of advanced analytical methodologies, a direct experimental comparison with commercially available electrode sensors commonly used for the detection of chemical species, and the evaluation of performance under conditions very similar to real-world field applications. The investigation involved a series of controlled experiments using an organic pollutant—benzoquinone—at varying concentrations. Initially, data analysis was performed using classical linear regression models, representing a conventional approach in chemical analysis. Subsequently, a more advanced methodology was implemented, incorporating machine-learning techniques to train a classifier capable of detecting the presence of pollutants in water samples. The study builds upon an experimental protocol previously developed by the authors for the nanomembranes, based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results clearly demonstrate that integrating the nanosensor with machine-learning algorithms yields significant performance. The intrinsic properties of the nanosensor make it well-suited for potential integration into field-deployable platforms, offering a real-time, cost-effective, and high-performance solution for the detection and quantification of contaminants in wastewater. These features position the nanomembrane-based sensor as a promising alternative to overcome current technological limitations in this domain. Full article

Malignant melanoma is a highly metastatic skin cancer, representing about 5% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States. Conventional chemotherapy often has limited effectiveness and severe systemic side effects. This study explores a localized, topical delivery system using cisplatin-loaded nanomembranes as a safer and more targeted alternative. Cell viability assays established the safe cisplatin concentrations for tissue culture. Gelatin-based nanomembranes incorporating cisplatin were fabricated via electrospinning. Biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy were tested by applying the membranes to cultured melanoma and normal skin cells. Controlled drug release profiles were evaluated by adjusting cross-linking times. Cisplatin concentration between 3.125 and 12.5 µg/mL were found safe. Nanomembranes with these doses effectively eliminated melanoma cells with minimal harm to healthy skin cells. Drug-free membranes showed high biocompatibility. Cross-linking duration allowed tunable and stable drug release. Cisplatin-loaded gelatin nanomembranes offer a promising topical therapy for melanoma, enhancing drug targeting while reducing systemic toxicity. This approach may serve as a cost-effective alternative to systemic treatments like immunotherapy. Future research will focus on in vivo testing and clinical application. Full article

This work presents new results and conclusions on nanomembrane filtration and reverse osmosis of Mavrud red wine, produced in Bulgaria. The experiments were focused on lowering the alcohol content while preserving the valuable substances in the wine. Commercially available nanomembranes were used (Alfa Laval NF99HF, Alfa Laval RO99, NADIR NP030P). Two modes of nanofiltration (concentration mode and diafiltration mode, including constant volume diafiltration and two-step diafiltration) and reverse osmosis were employed for this study. The nanofiltration membranes (Alfa Laval NF99HF, NADIR NP030P) used for wine dealcoholization showed high separation effectiveness. Several wine components were recognized as indicators to be monitored during the process: carboxylic acids (citric, tartaric, malic, succinic, acetic); monosaccharides (glucose, fructose); alcohol (ethanol). The monitoring of the named compounds was performed with an HPLC-RID system on an H-charged ion exclusion analytical column. Based on the analysis of the collected samples, it could be stated that the alcohol content in the wine was lowered from 11.8% to 4.3 vol% of ethanol, when the sequential diafiltration mode of operation is used. Content change depends on the type of molecule; for example, in most cases the citric acid is strongly retained (Rej > 90%) by the membrane, whereas the acetic acid could permeate significantly (Rej < 20%). The obtained results present valuable information about the changes in the composition of the Mavrud wine which will aid in the preservation of the chemical composition and valuable substances in the event of future full or partial dealcoholization of this wine variety. Full article

We provide an approach to detect a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center, which might be a defect in a diamond nanomembrane, using a dual-coupling optomechanical system. The NV center modifies the energy-level structure of a dual-coupling optomechanical system through dressed states arising from its interaction with the mechanical membrane. Thus, we study the photon blockade in the cavity of a dual-coupling optomechanical system in which an NV center is embedded in a single-crystal diamond nanomembrane. The NV center significantly influences the statistical properties of the cavity field. We systematically investigate how three key NV center parameters affect photon blockade: (i) its coupling strength to the mechanical membrane, (ii) transition frequency, and (iii) decay rate. We find that the NV center can shift, give rise to a new dip, and even suppress the original dip in a bare quadratic optomechanical system. In addition, we can amplify the effect of the NV center on photon statistics by adding a gravitational potential when the NV center has little effect on photon blockade. Therefore, our study provides a method to detect diamond nanomembrane defects in a dual-coupling optomechanical system. Full article

With the increasing demand for safe, high-quality, and sustainable food, nanomembranes have attracted significant interest as innovative solutions in food processing. They are extremely thin structures created from special materials that allow for the selective filtration of very small particles. In the food industry, such approaches are increasingly used for packaging and processing, as they can slow down food degradation and thus extend its shelf life. This article examines the potential of utilizing nanomembranes as ecological tools at various stages of the food chain, ranging from advanced filtration of food liquids to the development of smart and active packaging. This study reviews the recent research in the field, highlighting the applications developed and presenting targeted advantages and disadvantages. The developed applications primarily focus on extending the shelf life of products while also discussing their antioxidant and antibacterial attributes. By highlighting the latest applications and emerging research directions, this article underscores the pivotal role of nanomembranes in facilitating the transition to a modern, sustainable, and environmentally responsible food industry. However, current research faces several challenges. Most products are less biodegradable and, consequently, could harm the environment. Additionally, data on the long-term effects of these materials on human health, particularly when used in packaging that comes into direct contact with food, remain insufficient. Therefore, more sustainable solutions are needed, such as nanomembranes based on natural biopolymers. Further studies are required to assess their safety and real-world effectiveness under industrial conditions. Full article

Nanoporous membranes based on the single crystalline nickel-based superalloy CMSX-4 are a promising class of materials for membranes, especially for use in premix membrane emulsification. In addition to the pore size, the strength and stability of the membrane structure are key factors for subsequent use. The production of the membranes is based on the directional coarsening of the γ/γ′-microstructure by creep deformation, in which the material is subjected to a tensile load at high temperatures so that a bicontinuous network of the γ- and γ′-phase is formed. The subsequent dissolution of the γ-phase leaves a network of γ′-phase, which can be used as a membrane structure; the former γ-matrix channels now serve as pores. Previous investigations focusing on the evolution of the microstructure during membrane fabrication found that a particularly small pore size can be achieved when the creep deformation temperature is lowered from 1000 °C to 950 °C while increasing the stress from 170 MPa to 250 MPa. This study will now investigate the strength and fracture behaviour of membranes produced by these improved parameters. For this purpose, four creep states with creep strains between 1.3% and 5.7% are investigated in tensile tests at room temperature, with the load being applied perpendicular and parallel to the raft structure. The results show that the strength of nanomembranes during perpendicular loading essentially depends on the cross-linking between γ′-rafts. Generally, an increase in creep strain leads to an increase of the cross-linking resulting in higher tensile strength. During parallel loading, γ′-inhomogeneities play an important role resulting in a loss of strength. The analysis of the fracture surfaces and evaluation of EBSD measurements reveal an insufficient cross-linking between dendrites and around γ′-inhomogeneities, leading to preferred crack paths. Therefore, the differences in orientation within the single crystal play a key role in the strength of the nanomembranes. Full article

Urban noise is considered a growing problem in major cities around the world. This paper explores the development of a nanomembrane-based material for noise attenuation. The experimental results show that a combination of acoustic foam and nanomembranes can act as a Helmholtz resonator. The average sound absorption coefficient was around 90%, with peak frequencies varying from 2400 Hz to 4000 Hz. The average thickness of the nanomembranes was approximately 5.0 µm, while the acoustic foam was 13 mm thick. The mean noise reduction, around 10 dB, depends on the morphology of the nanomembranes, their thickness, and their pore size. Full article

The energy band alignment of a stacked Si/GaN heterostructure was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profiling, highlighting the influence of the amorphous interface region on the electronic properties. The crystalline Si/GaN pn heterostructure was formed by stacking a Si nanomembrane onto a GaN epi-substrate. The amorphous layer formed at the stacked Si/GaN interface altered the energy band of the stacked heterostructure and affected the injection of charge carriers across the junction interface region. This study revealed the interfacial upward energy band bending of the stacked Si/GaN heterostructure with surface potentials of 0.99 eV for GaN and 1.14 eV for Si, attributed to the formation of the amorphous interface. These findings challenge the conventional electron affinity model by accounting for interfacial bonding effects. Electrical measurements of the stacked Si/GaN pn heterostructure diode exhibited a rectifying behavior, consistent with the XPS-determined energy band alignment. The diode outperformed early design with a low leakage current density of 5 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm² and a small ideality factor of 1.22. This work underscores the critical role of the amorphous interface in determining energy band alignment and provides a robust methodology for optimizing the electronic performance of stacked heterostructures. The XPS-based approach can be extended to analyze and develop multi-layered bipolar devices. Full article