Search Results (191)

Forests are critical ecosystems that play a fundamental role in supporting biodiversity and maintaining climate stability. However, forest monitoring and exploration present huge challenges due to the vast scale and complex terrain. This paper proposes a novel bionic robot, PteroBot, designed to support a new paradigm for forest exploration inspired by the locomotion of Pteromyini. PteroBot is capable of regulating its gliding posture via a flexible membrane, enabling low-energy and low-disturbance mobility within forest environments. An adaptive gliding control system tailored to the robot’s structure is developed and its effectiveness is validated through aerodynamic analysis, simulation, and experimental testing. Results show that under a cascaded closed-loop attitude controller, PteroBot achieves an average glide ratio of 2.02 and demonstrates controllable turning via attitude modulation. Additionally, comparative tests with UAVs demonstrate that PteroBot offers significant advantages in energy efficiency and acoustic disturbance. Experimental outcomes confirm that PteroBot offers a biologically inspired and ecologically compatible solution for forest exploration, with strong potential in applications such as environmental monitoring, habitat assessment, and covert reconnaissance. Full article

The filtration behaviors of dynamic membrane (DM) under gravity-driven and pump-driven modes were investigated in a pilot-scale DM bioreactor (DMBR) for domestic wastewater treatment. After DM formation, both modes achieved effective solid–liquid separation, producing effluent with turbidity below 1 NTU, with the gravity-driven module exhibiting marginally lower turbidity than the pump-driven system. Although the flux in the gravity-driven mode (30–48 L/m²·h) was approximately half that of the pump-driven mode, the transmembrane pressure (TMP) required was only 10–20% of that under the pump-driven operation. The DM formed under pump-driven conditions was thicker and more compact, leading to more frequent and rapid TMP increases. Inorganic content accounted for 85% of the pump-driven DM mass, significantly higher than that in the gravity-driven DM (50%) and activated sludge (15%), indicating a pronounced accumulation of inorganic solids on the mesh filter surface, particularly under the pump-driven operation. This accumulation increased filtration resistance and elevated TMP. Therefore, enhancing the removal of inorganic solids prior to the DMBR can improve system stability and facilitate broader application of the DMBR technology. Full article

Non-thermal technologies (NTTs) such as ultrasound (US), pulsed electric fields (PEF), high-pressure processing (HPP), cold plasma (CP), and pulsed light (PL) are emerging as versatile tools in food fermentation, offering microbial control and process enhancement without the detrimental heat effects of conventional methods. Operating at ambient low temperatures, these techniques preserve heat-sensitive compounds, modulate microbial activity, and improve mass transfer, enabling both quality retention and functional enrichment. Recent studies highlight their potential to stimulate metabolic pathways and enhance the release of bioactive compounds, opening new opportunities for fermented food production. The bibliometric analysis of the recent literature further reveals a growing interest in NTT applications in fermentation, with HPP and PEF showing the highest industrial maturity. Each technology exhibits distinct mechanisms and optimal niches across upstream, midstream, and downstream stages: HPP for uniform volumetric treatment, US for fermentation intensification, CP for surface-selective oxidative chemistry, PEF for membrane permeability control, and PL for rapid, residue-free decontamination. While the degree of industrial readiness varies, critical barriers such as scale-up limitations, high capital costs, energy distribution uniformity, process standardization, and techno-economic feasibility remain to be overcome. Beyond technical aspects, the successful commercialization of NTTs will also depend on addressing regulatory approval pathways, ensuring consumer trust and acceptance, and demonstrating their contribution to sustainability goals through lower energy use, reduced food waste, and environmentally responsible processing. Strategic, stand-alone, or hybrid applications of NTTs can therefore act not only as technological alternatives but also as enablers of a more sustainable, consumer-centered, and innovation-driven food system. Full article

Liposomes are nanoscale, spherical vesicles composed of phospholipid bilayers, typically ranging from 50 to 200 nm in diameter. Their unique ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules makes them powerful nanocarriers for drug delivery, diagnostics, and vaccine formulations. Several FDA-approved formulations such as Doxil^® (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA), AmBisome^® (Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, USA), and Onivyde^® (Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Basking Ridge, NJ, USA) highlight their clinical significance. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of how molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, particularly coarse-grained (CG) and atomistic approaches, advance our understanding of liposomal membranes. We explore key membrane biophysical properties, including area per lipid (APL), bilayer thickness, segmental order parameter ($S_{CD}$), radial distribution functions (RDFs), bending modulus, and flip-flop dynamics, and examine how these are modulated by cholesterol concentration, PEGylation, and curvature. Special attention is given to curvature-induced effects in spherical vesicles, such as lipid asymmetry, interleaflet coupling, and stress gradients across the leaflets. We discuss recent developments in vesicle modeling using tools such as TS2CG, CHARMM-GUI Martini Maker, and Packmol, which have enabled the simulation of large-scale, compositionally heterogeneous systems. The review also highlights simulation-guided strategies for designing stealth liposomes, tuning membrane permeability, and enhancing structural stability under physiological conditions. A range of CG force fields, MARTINI, SPICA, SIRAH, ELBA, SDK, as well as emerging machine learning (ML)-based models, are critically assessed for their strengths and limitations. Despite the efficiency of CG models, challenges remain in capturing long-timescale events and atomistic-level interactions, driving the development of hybrid multiscale frameworks and AI-integrated techniques. By bridging experimental findings with in silico insights, MD simulations continue to play a pivotal role in the rational design of next-generation liposomal therapeutics. Full article

The application of ceramic membranes in hemodialysis modules remains underexplored, as prior investigations have primarily concentrated on flat-sheet samples or small-scale assessments. This study advances the field by fabricating Al₂O₃ hollow fiber membranes, integrating them into a lab-scale module, and systematically evaluating the influence of sintering temperature on their structural characteristics, hemocompatibility, and dialysis performance. Al₂O₃ hollow fiber membranes were prepared using a phase inversion method and then sintered at three different temperatures. All membranes exhibited superior protein adsorption behavior compared to conventional polymer-based membranes, which indicates higher biocompatibility. Furthermore, the amount of adsorbed protein decreased with increasing sintering temperature. This suggests that the amount of protein adsorption can be controlled by adjusting the heat treatment conditions. The lab-scale hemodialyzer integrated with a membrane sintered at 1200 °C achieved the fastest urea removal rate of approximately 90% in 2 h and reached a Kt/V value of 1.1 after 60 min, which is comparable to the performance of commercial polymer-based hemodialyzers. Full article

This article presents the development, integration, and experimental validation of a modular microgrid for sustainable hydrogen production, addressing global electricity demand and environmental challenges. The system was designed for initial validation in a thermoelectric power plant environment, with scalability to other applications. Centered on a six-compartment skid, it integrates photovoltaic generation, battery storage, and a liquefied petroleum gas generator to emulate typical cogeneration conditions, together with a high-purity proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. A supervisory control module ensures real-time monitoring and energy flow management, following international safety standards. The study also explores the incorporation of blockchain technology to certify the renewable origin of hydrogen, enhancing traceability and transparency in the green hydrogen market. The experimental results confirm the system’s technical feasibility, demonstrating stable hydrogen production, efficient energy management, and islanded-mode operation with preserved grid stability. These findings highlight the strategic role of hydrogen as an energy vector in the transition to a cleaner energy matrix and support the proposed architecture as a replicable model for industrial facilities seeking to combine hydrogen production with advanced microgrid technologies. Future work will address large-scale validation and performance optimization, including advanced energy management algorithms to ensure economic viability and sustainability in diverse industrial contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Given the multifaceted role of estrogen hormones in skeletal muscle pathophysiology and their well-established immunomodulatory properties, this study aimed to characterize the expression of the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in patients with inflammatory myopathies (IM). Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on muscle biopsies from 13 patients with IM, 11 with non-inflammatory myopathies (N.IM), and 5control subjects. Intergroup differences in GPER score were statistically evaluated. We performed an analysis based on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The scoring system evaluates overall pathology (VAS score) based on four distinct components: inflammation, vascular involvement, myopathic changes, and connective tissue alterations. Results: Immunolocalization analysis demonstrated that GPER is constitutively expressed in human skeletal muscle and is upregulated in IM. Enhanced expression included both sarcolemmal and intracellular membrane localization. Notably, GPER upregulation showed a positive correlation with the severity of tissue inflammation. The IM group had significantly higher VAS scores compared to both the N.IM and control groups. Conclusions: We provide the first histopathological characterization of GPER expression in human skeletal muscle. In IM, GPER upregulation may play a protective role by negatively modulating the release of inflammatory mediators, as suggested by experimental evidence from other models of inflammation. The emerging therapeutic development of GPER agonists may represent a promising avenue for the treatment of inflammatory myopathies. Full article

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pollution represents a significant environmental challenge due to its widespread use and recalcitrant nature. PET-degrading enzymes, particularly Ideonella sakaiensis PETases (IsPETase), have emerged as promising biocatalysts for mitigating this problem. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the discovery and heterologous expression of IsPETase and closely related enzymes. We highlight innovative approaches, such as in silico and AI-based enzyme screening and advanced screening assays. Strategies to enhance enzyme secretion and solubility, such as using signal peptides, fusion tags, chaperone co-expression, cell surface display systems, and membrane permeability modulation, are critically evaluated. Despite considerable progress, challenges remain in achieving industrial-scale production and application. Future research must focus on integrating cutting-edge molecular biology techniques with host-specific optimisation to achieve sustainable and cost-effective solutions for PET biodegradation and recycling. This review aims to provide a foundation for further exploration and innovation in the field of enzymatic plastic degradation. Full article

Topical percutaneous drug delivery has recently emerged as a novel strategy for the treatment of allergic diseases, offering targeted drug delivery to mucosal tissues adjacent to the skin. Unlike conventional topical approaches that act on the skin surface or mucosal membranes, topical percutaneous drug delivery enables non-invasive pharmacologic modulation of deeper structures such as the conjunctiva, nasal mucosa, and trachea. This review explores the rationale, pharmacokinetic foundation, clinical data, and future prospects of transdermal therapy in allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma-related cough. In allergic conjunctivitis, eyelid-based transdermal delivery of antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and epinastine has shown rapid and long-lasting symptom relief, with epinastine cream recently approved in Japan following a randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrating its efficacy. Preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetic studies support the eyelid’s unique permeability and sustained drug release profile, reinforcing its utility as a delivery site for ocular therapies. In allergic rhinitis, diphenhydramine application to the nasal ala demonstrated symptomatic improvement in patients intolerant to intranasal therapies, though anatomical separation from the inflamed turbinates may limit consistent efficacy. Similarly, cervical tracheal application of steroids and antihistamines has shown potential benefit in asthma-related cough, especially for patients refractory to inhaled treatments, despite anatomical and depth-related limitations. Overall, site-specific anatomy, skin permeability, and disease localization are critical factors in determining therapeutic outcomes. While trans-eyelid therapy is supported by robust data, studies on the nasal ala and trachea remain limited to small-scale pilot trials. No major adverse events have been reported with nasal or tracheal application, but eyelid sensitivity requires formulation caution. To validate this promising modality, further RCTs, pharmacokinetic analyses, and formulation optimization are warranted. Topical percutaneous drug delivery holds potential as a non-invasive, site-directed alternative for managing allergic diseases beyond dermatologic indications. Full article

Although platinum-based catalysts are highly effective for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), their high cost and scarcity limit large-scale commercialization. As a result, platinum group metal-free catalysts—particularly Fe-N-C materials—have received increasing attention as promising alternatives. Despite significant progress, no platinum-group metal-free (PGM-free) catalyst has yet matched the performance and durability of commercial Pt/C in acidic media. Recent advances in synthesis strategies, however, have led to notable improvements in the activity, stability, and active site density of Fe-N-C catalysts. This review highlights key synthesis approaches, including pyrolysis, MOF-derived templates, and cascade anchoring, and discusses how these methods contribute to improved nitrogen coordination, electronic structure modulation, and active site engineering. The continued refinement of these strategies, alongside improved catalyst screening techniques, is essential for closing the performance gap and enabling the practical deployment of non-PGM catalysts in PEMFC technologies. Full article

Long-range intercellular communication is essential for multicellular biological systems to regulate multiscale cell–cell interactions and maintain life. Growing evidence suggests that intercellular calcium waves (ICWs) act as a class of long-range signals that influence a broad spectrum of cellular functions and behaviors. Importantly, mechanical signals, ranging from single-molecule-scale to tissue-scale in vivo, can initiate and modulate ICWs in addition to relatively well-appreciated biochemical and bioelectrical signals. Despite these recent conceptual and experimental advances, the full nature of underpinning mechanotransduction mechanisms by which cells convert mechanical signals into ICW dynamics remains poorly understood. This review provides a systematic analysis of quantitative ICW dynamics around three main stages: initiation, propagation, and regeneration/relay. We highlight the landscape of upstream molecules and organelles that sense and respond to mechanical stimuli, including mechanosensitive membrane proteins and cytoskeletal machinery. We clarify the roles of downstream molecular networks that mediate signal release, spread, and amplification, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release, purinergic receptor activation, and gap junction (GJ) communication. Furthermore, we discuss the broad pathophysiological implications of ICWs, covering pathophysiological processes such as cancer metastasis, tissue repair, and developmental patterning. Finally, we summarize recent advances in optical imaging and artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) technologies that reveal the precise spatial-temporal-functional dynamics of ICWs and ATP waves. By synthesizing these insights, we offer a comprehensive framework of ICW mechanobiology and propose new directions for mechano-therapeutic strategies in disease diagnosis, cancer immunotherapies, and drug discovery. Full article

Access to clean water remains a critical global challenge, exacerbated by population growth, industrial activity, and climate change. In response, this study presents the development and characterization of thermo-responsive and salt-adaptive ultrafiltration membranes functionalized with a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)–co-poly(dimethylacrylamide) (PNIPAM-co-PDMAC) copolymer. By combining the thermo-responsive properties of PNIPAM with the hydrophilic characteristics of PDMAC, these membranes exhibit dual-stimuli responsiveness to temperature and ionic strength, allowing for precise control of permeability and fouling resistance. The experimental results demonstrated that the copolymer’s hydration state and dynamic pore size modulation are sensitive to changes in salinity and temperature, with sodium chloride (NaCl) significantly influencing the transition behavior. Preliminary fouling tests confirmed the antifouling capabilities of these membranes, with salt-triggered hydration transitions effectively reducing irreversible fouling and extending membrane durability. The membranes’ reversible properties and adaptability to dynamic operating conditions highlight their potential to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of water treatment processes. Future investigations will focus on scaling up the fabrication process and assessing the long-term stability of these membranes under real-world conditions. This study underscores the promise of smart membrane systems for advancing global water sustainability. Full article

Animal welfare in barns is strongly influenced by air quality, with gaseous emissions like ammonia posing significant respiratory health risks. However, current state-of-the-art ammonia monitoring systems are labor-intensive and expensive. Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) sensors offer a promising alternative due to their compatibility with sensor networks, enabling high-resolution ammonia monitoring across spatial and temporal scales. While MOS sensors exhibit high sensitivity to various volatile compounds, temperature-cycled operation is commonly employed to enhance selectivity, effectively creating virtual sensor arrays. This study aims to improve ammonia detection by designing a virtual sensor array through a cyclic data-driven approach, integrating machine learning with solid-state sensor modeling. The results of a two-week dataset with measurements of four different pig barns demonstrate ammonia sensing with a sampling rate of about 2/min and a range of 1–30 ppm. The method is robust and exhibits a 10% increase in normalized RMSE when comparing testing results of an unseen sensor module with results of the training dataset. A filter membrane boosts accuracy and prevents data loss due to contamination, such as flyspecks. Overall, the used MOS sensor BME688 is effective and economical for widespread continuous ammonia monitoring and localization of ammonia sources in pig barns. Full article

This article describes the results of research to develop a new technology to treat storm and drainage water generated on a territory of industrial enterprises and reuse it as a feed water for boiler feed and steam generation. To develop such a system, it is necessary to resolve issues related to pretreatment, scaling, and fouling, as well as to provide a minimal discharge in the company’s sanitation network. Principles of the new approach to reach high calcium removal are based on the use of two or three stages of low-pressure nanofiltration membranes instead of the conventional facilities that contain one stage of reverse osmosis membranes. High permeability, low pressure, high recovery, and reduced reagent consumption provide an economic effect. The technology uses low-rejection membranes “nano NF” developed and produced by “Membranium Co.” (Vladimir, Russia). In the article, the results of investigations on the evaluation of scaling rates in membrane modules and rates of homogeneous crystallization in concentrate flow are presented. Processing these results enables us to detect recovery values when scaling begins on the membrane surface as well as to determine the maximum recovery value for the beginning of homogenous nucleation in the concentrate flow. Full article

Membrane contactors have proved to be effective for recovering ammonia from wastewater by absorbing it into a trapping solution. This study compares the performance of sulfuric acid and citric acid as trapping solutions in a pilot-scale plant for recovering ammonia from sludge digestion liquors using membrane contactors in a liquid–liquid configuration operating at pH 10 and a temperature of 37 °C and using ultrafiltration (UF) technology as pretreatment. The performance of the process using sulfuric acid at a lower pH (9.5) and temperature (30 °C) was also studied, as well as the advantage of including a CO₂-stripping module in the process. The ammonia elimination efficiency was 88% and 86% when using sulfuric acid and citric acid, respectively. The nitrogen concentration of the produced ammonium sulfate and ammonium citrate reached 23.2 and 14.7 g NH₃-N·L⁻¹, respectively. The ammonia elimination efficiency when using sulfuric acid decreased to 49% when decreasing the pH to 9.5 and to 85% when decreasing the temperature to 31 °C. UF technology was able to reduce the concentration of suspended solids by 90% and the chemical oxygen demand by 37%. However, the UF membranes for the pretreatment and the membrane contactors for ammonia recovery had to be constantly cleaned with acid due to scaling, which significantly increased maintenance efforts. The CO₂-stripping module reduced the consumption of the caustic soda solution by 23% for increasing the pH level of the treated water. Finally, the specific energy consumption of the plant was 8 kWh·m⁻³. Full article