Search Results (3,890)

To address scaling issues in oilfield water injection, a degradable terpolymer scale inhibitor MA-AA-AMPS (terpolymer)was synthesized via aqueous solution polymerization using maleic anhydride, acrylic acid, and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid as monomers. Characterization confirmed the presence of carboxyl, sulfonic, and amide groups in the copolymer with good thermal stability. Scale inhibition tests showed that at 2% dosage, its scale inhibition efficiency exceeded 80%, remaining above 80% in the pH range of 3–8 and over 50% at 150 °C, with excellent tolerance to high-calcium environments. Biodegradation tests revealed BOD₅/COD > 0.3, with a biodegradation rate exceeding 50% in 15 days and reaching 83.4% in 30 days, indicating environmental friendliness. This scale inhibitor effectively solves scaling problems in oilfield water injection systems. Full article

In the context of polymer-based composites, the knowledge of the correlations between the processing conditions, the microstructure, and the final properties is essential to tailor polymeric systems for specific applications. Specifically concerning the extrusion process, an accurate design of the screw profile allows for achieving composites with modulable microstructures, according to the specific properties required by the intended application. In this work, films of polylactic acid-based composites with 5 wt.% of talc were obtained by means of a single-screw extruder equipped with a flat die and a calender unit. Three different screw profiles, namely a general-purpose compression screw, a screw with a reverse flow zone, and a barrier screw, were employed for the production of films. The ability of the screw profile in varying the degree of filler dispersion and distribution was assessed through morphological and rheological analyses, demonstrating that the barrier screw is more able in disaggregating the talc lamellae. Due to the achieved microstructures, films produced using this screw profile exhibited superior barrier properties, with a decrease of about 27% in the oxygen permeability as compared to unfilled PLA. However, a concurrent decrease in material ductility as compared to the other films was observed. Finally, the thermoformability of the composites was assessed; also in this case, trays with more precise edges and corners were obtained for the film formulated through the barrier screw. Full article

Effective intracellular delivery for ovarian cancer therapy remains a significant challenge. We present chrysin-loaded p(MMA-co-DMAEMA)-b-(OEGMA-co-DMA), PMOD-Chr, a nanoparticle platform precisely engineered via RAFT polymerization for advanced therapeutic delivery. This multi-functional platform features a hydrophobic p(MMA) core encapsulating chrysin (Chr), a pH-responsive p(DMAEMA) segment for endosomal escape, and a hydrophilic OEGMA (Oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) shell functionalized for enhanced cellular affinity and systemic stability. The combination of OEGMA and DMA (Dopamine methacrylamide) block facilitates passive targeting of ovarian cancer cells, enhancing internalization. Nanoparticles prepared via the nanoprecipitation method exhibited ~220 nm, demonstrating effective size modulation along with high homogeneity and spherical morphology. In A2780 and OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cells, PMOD-Chr demonstrated significantly enhanced cytotoxicity, substantially lowering the effective IC₅₀ dose of Chr. Mechanistically, PMOD-Chr induced a potent G2/M cell cycle arrest, driven by the upregulation of the CDK1/Cyclin B1 complex. Furthermore, the formulation potently triggered programmed cell death by concurrently activating both the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, evidenced by the modulation of Bax, Bcl2, and caspase 9, and the extrinsic pathway involving caspase 8. These findings emphasize that precision engineering via RAFT polymerization enables the creation of sophisticated, multi-stage nanomedicines that effectively overcome key delivery barriers, offering a highly promising targeted strategy for ovarian cancer. Full article

Improving the anaerobic digestion (AD) of swine manure is crucial for sustainable waste-to-energy systems, given its high organic load and process instability risks. This study examined the combined effects of substrate-to-inoculum ratio (SIR, 0.1–3.2) and magnetite-mediated direct interspecies electron transfer on biogas production, effluent quality, and microbial community dynamics. The highest methane yield (262 ± 10 mL CH₄/g COD) was obtained at SIR 0.1, while efficiency declined at higher SIRs due to acid and ammonia accumulation. Magnetite supplementation significantly improved methane yield (up to a 54.1% increase at SIR 0.2) and reduced the lag phase, particularly under moderate SIRs. Effluent characterization revealed that low SIRs induced elevated soluble COD (SCOD) levels, attributed to microbial autolysis and extracellular polymeric substance release. Furthermore, magnetite addition mitigated SCOD accumulation and shifted molecular weight distributions toward higher fractions (>15 kDa), indicating enhanced microbial activity and structural polymer formation. Microbial analysis revealed that magnetite-enriched Syntrophobacterium and Methanothrix promoted syntrophic cooperation and acetoclastic methanogenesis. Diversity indices and PCoA further showed that both SIR and magnetite significantly shaped microbial structure and function. Overall, an optimal SIR range of 0.2–0.4 under magnetite addition provided a balanced strategy for enhancing methane recovery, effluent quality, and microbial stability in swine manure AD. Full article

Element doping and functional group modification engineering serve as efficient approaches that contribute to the improvement of the functional efficiency in graphitic carbon nitride (CN) materials. A CN photocatalyst co-modified with sulfur (S) and cyano moieties was prepared through thermal condensation polymerization. The introduced S species modulated the band structure, increased charge carrier mobility, and significantly promoted charge separation and transport. Additionally, the introduction of cyano groups extended light absorption range and improved the material’s selective adsorption of reactant molecules. The as-prepared sulfur-modified CN photocatalyst obtained after a 6 h thermal treatment, which was capable of degrading organic pollutants and producing hydrogen (H₂) efficiently and stably, exhibited excellent catalytic performance. The photocatalyst’s photocatalyst exhibited a significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity, with a Rhodamine B (RhB) removal efficiency reaching 97.3%. Meanwhile, the H₂ production level reached 1221.47 μmol h⁻¹g⁻¹. Based on four-cycle experiments, the photocatalyst exhibited excellent recyclability and stability in both H₂ production processes and photocatalytic organic pollutant degradation. In addition, mechanistic studies confirmed the dominant role of ·OH and ·O₂⁻ as active species responsible for the reaction system’s performance. This study highlights that the co-decoration of heteroatoms and functional groups can markedly enhance the photocatalytic performance of CN-based materials, offering considerable potential for future applications in energy conversion and environmental remediation. Full article

To address the issues of traditional gels in high-temperature reservoir leakage plugging, such as injection–retention imbalance, poor high-temperature stability, and insufficient thixotropy, this study developed a thixotropic polymer gel system via molecular design and component optimization, aiming to achieve excellent thixotropy, high strength, and wide temperature adaptability (80–140 °C) while clarifying its gelation mechanism. First, the optimal polymer was selected by comparing the high-temperature stability and crosslinking activity of AM/AMPS copolymer (J-2), low-molecular-weight acrylamide polymers (J-3, J-4), and AM/AMPS/NVP terpolymer (J-1). Then, the phenolic crosslinking system was optimized: hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) was chosen for controlled aldehyde release (avoiding poor stability/dehydration) and catechol for high crosslinking efficiency (enhancing strength via dense crosslinking sites). Urea–formaldehyde resin (UF) was introduced to form a “polymer-resin double network,” improving high-temperature compression resistance and long-term stability. Cyclic shear rheological tests showed the gel system had a larger hysteresis area than the polymer solution, indicating excellent thixotropy before gelation. It gelled completely at 80–140 °C (gelation time shortened with temperature). At 120 °C, its viscosity was 7500 mPa·s, storage modulus (G′) 51 Pa, and loss modulus (G″) 6 Pa, demonstrating good shear thixotropy. The final system (1% J-1, 0.3% catechol, 0.6% HMTA, 15% UF) is suitable for high-temperature reservoir leakage plugging. Full article

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are increasingly recognized as decisive actors in photocatalytic redox chemistry, dictating both the selectivity and efficiency of target reactions, while most photocatalytic systems generate a mixture of ROS under illumination. Recent studies have revealed that tailoring the generation of specific ROS, rather than maximizing the overall ROS yield, holds the key to unlocking high-performance and application-specific catalysis. In this context, the selective production of specific ROS has emerged as a critical requirement for achieving target-oriented and sustainable photocatalytic transformations. Among the various photocatalytic materials, polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) has garnered considerable attention due to its metal-free composition, visible-light response, tunable structure, and chemical robustness. More importantly, the tunable band structure, surface chemistry, and interfacial environment of PCN collectively make it an excellent scaffold for the controlled generation of specific ROS. In recent years, numerous strategies including molecular doping, defect engineering, heterojunction construction, and co-catalyst integration have been developed to precisely tailor the ROS profile derived from PCN-based systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of ROS regulation in PCN-based photocatalysis, with a focus on type-specific strategies. By classifying the discussion according to the major ROS types, we highlight the mechanisms of their formation and the design principles that govern their selective generation. In addition, we discuss representative applications in which particular ROS play dominant roles and emphasize the potential of PCN systems in achieving tunable and efficient photocatalytic performance. Finally, we outline key challenges and future directions for developing next-generation ROS-regulated PCN photocatalysts, particularly in the context of reaction selectivity, dynamic behavior, and practical implementation. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered significant attention due to their potent antimicrobial properties and broad-spectrum efficacy against pathogens. Recent advances in polymer science have enabled the development of AgNPs-integrated hydrogels and membranes, offering multifunctional platforms for biomedical and food-related applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent strategies for synthesizing and incorporating AgNPs into polymeric matrices, highlighting both natural and synthetic polymers as carriers. The structural and functional properties of these nanocomposite systems, such as biocompatibility, mechanical stability, controlled silver ion release, and antimicrobial activity, are critically examined. The focus is placed on their application in wound healing, drug delivery, food packaging, and preservation technologies. Challenges such as cytotoxicity, long-term stability, and regulatory concerns are discussed alongside emerging trends and safety paradigms. This work underscores the potential of AgNPs–polymer hybrids as next-generation materials and outlines future directions for their sustainable and targeted application in biomedical and food systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: The intranasal (IN) route of administration is a promising non-invasive approach for brain targeting, bypassing the blood–brain barrier and enhancing bioavailability. Citalopram hydrobromide (CT), a widely prescribed sparingly water-soluble selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), faces challenges with oral and intravenous administration, including delayed onset, adverse effects, and patient compliance issues. Methods: This study aimed to develop a novel thermoresponsive polymeric micelle (PM) system based on Pluronic^® copolymers (Pluronic F127 and Poloxamer 188) improving CT’s solubility, stability, and nasal permeability for enhanced antidepressant efficacy. A preliminary study was conducted to select the optimized formulation. The preparation process involved using the thin-film hydration method, followed by freeze-drying. Comprehensive evaluations of optimized formulation characteristics included Z-average, polydispersity index (PdI), thermal behavior (lower critical solution temperature, LCST), encapsulation efficiency, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), thermodynamic solubility, and biological stability. Additionally, in vitro CT release and CT permeability in nasal conditions were studied. Stability under storage was also evaluated. Results: The optimized CT-PM formulation showed nanoscale micelle size (Z-average of 31.41 ± 0.99 nm), narrow size distribution (polydispersity index = 0.241), and a suitable thermal behavior for intranasal delivery (lower critical solution temperature (LCST) ~31 °C). Encapsulation efficiency reached approximately 90%, with an amorphous structure confirmed via XRPD, leading to a 95-fold increase in CT solubility. The formulation demonstrated appropriate biological and physical stability. In vitro studies showed a 25-fold faster CT release from optimized formulation compared to the initial CT, while CT-PM permeability in nasal conditions increased four-fold. Conclusions: This novel nanoscale thermosensitive formulation is a value-added strategy for nasal drug delivery systems, offering enhanced drug solubility, rapid drug release, stability, and improved permeability. This smart nanosystem represents a promising platform to overcome the limitations of conventional CT administration, improving therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance in depression management. Full article

Laminated glass (LG) composite systems are increasingly being utilized in architectural and security applications due to their enhanced strength and safety features. Understanding the structural response of LG systems is crucial for optimizing their performance under blast loads. This paper presents a comprehensive study of an analytical model for predicting the static and dynamic resistance functions of various LG systems used in blast-resistant designs to advance engineering analysis and design methods. The proposed analytical model integrates the strain-rate-dependent interlayer behavior with the glass dynamic increase factors to generate a physically consistent post-fracture membrane resistance, offering a unified framework for deriving the static and dynamic resistance functions directly applicable to single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) analyses across different LG layups. The developed models were validated statistically using full-scale water chamber results and dynamically against experimental blast field data and the results from shock tube testing. We validated the model’s accuracy for various LG layup configurations, including variations in the glass and interlayer sizes, types, and thicknesses. The established dynamic resistance model was developed by incorporating a strain-rate-dependent interlayer material model. The energy absorption of LG panels, influenced by factors like interlayer thickness and type, is critical for blast design, as it determines the panels’ ability to withstand and dissipate energy, thereby reducing the transmitted forces and deformations to a building’s structure. The dynamic model closely matched the dynamic deflection time histories, with a maximum difference of 6% for all the blast experiments. The static resistance validations across the various LG configurations consistently demonstrated reliable prediction results. The energy absorption comparisons between the analytical and quasi-static LG panel responses ranged from 1% to 17%. These advancements provide higher-fidelity SDOF predictions and clear guidance for selecting the interlayer type and thickness to optimize energy absorption. This will result in enhanced blast resistance and contribute to more effective blast mitigation in glazing system design. Full article

Vertebrate embryonic development relies on tightly regulated signaling pathways that guide morphogenesis, cell fate specification, and tissue organization. Among these, the Wnt signaling pathway plays a central role, orchestrating key developmental events. The non-canonical Wnt pathways, including the Planar Cell Polarity and Wnt/Ca²⁺ branches, are especially critical for regulating cytoskeletal dynamics during gastrulation. Recent studies highlight that these pathways interface with cytoskeletal effectors to control actin remodeling in response to extracellular cues. One such effector is Profilin, a small, evolutionarily conserved actin-binding protein that modulates actin polymerization and cellular architecture. Profilins, particularly Profilin1 and 2, are known to interact with Daam1, a formin protein downstream of PCP signaling, thereby linking Wnt signals to actin cytoskeletal regulation. Emerging evidence suggests that Profilins are active signaling intermediates that contribute to morphogenetic processes. Their context-dependent interactions and differential expression across species also suggest that they play specialized roles in development and disease. This review synthesizes the current understanding of Profilin’s role in non-canonical Wnt signaling, examining its molecular interactions and contributions to cytoskeletal control during development. By integrating data across model systems, we aim to clarify how Profilins function at the intersection of signaling and cytoskeletal dynamics, with implications for both developmental biology and disease pathogenesis. Full article

The emergence of bacterial resistance has spurred an urgent need to develop effective alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Phenylethyl alcohol from plants exhibits potential antimicrobial properties, but its efficacy is limited due to its compromised dispersion in water and structural stability in ambient conditions. Herein, for the first time, a polymerization-induced self-assembly strategy was employed to obtain different morphological nanogels with phenylethyl alcohol moieties as hydrophobic cores through in situ reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The well-defined copolymers of PTEG_x-co-PPMA_y with controllable molecular weights and narrow polydispersity were confirmed by a combination of techniques. The generated phenylethyl alcohol-based nanogels demonstrated potent antibacterial activity, particularly PTEG₃₀-co-PPMA₇₀ with a one-dimensional linear architecture, which achieved a minimum inhibitory concentration of 62 μg mL⁻¹ against E. coli. SEM revealed membrane disruption as the bactericidal mechanism, highlighting enhanced efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria due to structural differences in cell envelopes. This study establishes a robust platform for designing phenylethyl alcohol-based nanogels with controllable structures toward achieving potent antimicrobial performance, offering a promising strategy for combating bacterial resistance while addressing the dilemma of conventional antibiotic drug systems. Full article

Polypropylene (PP) dielectric capacitors are crucial for electronics and electric power systems due to their high power density. However, their relatively low energy density limits their practical application in energy storage devices, presenting a long-standing challenge. Montmorillonite (MMT), a natural phyllosilicate mineral abundantly found on earth, features a two-dimensional nanosheet structure and excellent insulating properties. MMT nanosheets have shown promise in enhancing the breakdown strength and energy storage capability of PP dielectric, but compatibility issues with the PP matrix remain a challenge. In this study, we propose a novel surface modification strategy in which polystyrene (PS)-capped MMT (PCM) nanosheets are synthesized through a polymerization–dissolution process. The modified PCM nanosheets demonstrate improved compatibility and are well dispersed within the PP matrix. Optimal loading of the PCM nanosheets effectively dissipate charge energy and hinder the growth of electric trees in the PP matrix. As a result, the PP nanocomposite with 0.2 wt% PCM nanosheets exhibits an enhanced breakdown strength of 619 MV m⁻¹ and a discharged energy density of 4.23 J cm⁻³, with an energy storage efficiency exceeding 90%. These findings provide a promising strategy for the development of high-energy-density dielectric capacitors in an economical manner. Full article

Bacterial-mediated infections represent a major risk factor for chronic wounds. Numerous polymeric dressings have been proposed to reduce this incidence and promote wound healing. In the present investigation, chitosan/collagen/honey-based sponges were prepared by freeze-drying. The effect of honey incorporation at different concentrations on the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of the sponges was evaluated. The SEM images showed that the surface and cross-sections of all samples had a porous structure. The pore size gradually increased in the range of 78.14 to 126.9 μm due to the increase in honey content in the sponges. This property resulted in considerably higher porosity degrees (79.90–90.13%) and absorption rates (ranges of 1357–1665% in deionized water and 865–1938% in PBS solution) in honey-loaded systems. Conversely, the honey composite formulations exhibited a reduction in permeability, with WVTR values ranging from 131.01 to 99.39 gh⁻¹m⁻² and values of WVP from 0.3255 to 0.2118 gm⁻¹d⁻¹mm Hg⁻¹. The mechanical properties showed that adding honey made the sponges more flexible (12.49–7.95% MPa) but decreased elongation rates in the sponges (16.36–7.56%) due to higher pore heterogeneity. The antibacterial tests indicated that all treatments had inhibitory effects against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and L. monocytogenes. The results from cells viability assays and in vitro healing models using human keratinocytes demonstrate that chitosan/collagen/honey sponges represent a potential alternative for applications such as wound dressings to help treat skin ulcers. The physicochemical, antibacterial, and biocompatibility properties of chitosan/collagen/honey sponges indicated their potential as a promising alternative for clinical use. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have garnered extensive application across various domains. However, frequent safety incidents associated with these LIBs have emerged as a significant impediment to their further advancement. Consequently, there is an urgent necessity to develop a novel fire extinguishing agent that possesses both rapid fire suppression and efficient cooling capabilities, thereby effectively mitigating the occurrence and propagation of fires in LIBs. This study pioneers the development of an adaptive thermosensitive microcapsule (TM) fire extinguishing agent synthesized via in situ polymerization. The TM encapsulates a ternary composite core—perfluorohexanone (C₆F₁₂O), heptafluorocyclopentane (C₅H₃F₇), and 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (2-BTP)—within a melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF) resin shell. The TM was prepared via in situ polymerization, combined with FE-SEM, FTIR, TG–DSC, and laser particle size analysis to verify that the TM had a uniform particle size and complete coating structure. The results demonstrate that the TM can effectively suppress the thermal runaway (TR) of LIBs through the synergistic effects of physical cooling, chemical suppression, and gas isolation. Specifically, the peak TR temperature of a single-cell LIB is reduced by 14.0 °C, and the heating rate is decreased by 0.17 °C/s. Additionally, TM successfully blocked the propagation of TR thereby preventing its spread in the dual-LIB module test. Limitations of single-component agents are overcome by this innovative system by leveraging the ternary core’s complementary functionalities, enabling autonomous TR suppression without external systems. Furthermore, the TM design integrates precise thermal responsiveness, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness, offering a transformative safety solution for next-generation LIBs. Full article