Surface Adhesion Research Articles

Tunable Lotus Leaf Effect by Three-Dimensionally Printed Stretchable Objects.

Adjustable wettability is important for various fields, such as droplet manipulation and controlled surface adhesion. Herein, we present high-resolution 3D stretchable structures with tunable superhydrophobicity, fabricated by a stereolithography-based printing process. The printing compositions comprise nonfluorinated monomers based on silicone urethane with dispersed hydrophobic silica particles. 3D lotus-like structures were designed and printed, having microsize pillars located at the external surfaces, with controlled dimensions and interspacing. The design of the pillars and the presence of the hydrophobic silica particles resulted in superhydrophobicity due to the surface structuring and entrapment of air between the pillars. The best structures display a contact angle of 153.3° ± 1.3° and rolling angle of 3.3° ± 0.5°, and their self-cleaning, water repellency, and buoyancy are demonstrated. The durability of the structure over time, water immersion, and heat exposure were tested, confirming the preservation of superhydrophobicity under these conditions. Upon stretching the surfaces, the interpillar distances change, thus enabling tuning the wetting properties and achieving good control over the contact and rolling angles, while the stretching-induced superhydrophobicity is reversible. This approach can expand the potential applications of superhydrophobic soft materials to fields requiring control over the wetting properties, including soft robotics, biomedical devices, and stretchable electronics.

Novel Glycidyl Carbamate Functional Epoxy Resin Using Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene

Herein, a novel glycidyl carbamate functional epoxy resin (GCE) is synthesized by the additional reaction of the isocyanate group of tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) with the hydroxyl group of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and glycidol. The successful synthesis of the GCE is confirmed by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, a dual-curing adhesive system is developed using acrylic acid and trimethylolpropane triacrylate with varying GCE contents, and its adhesive performance is assessed by testing adhesive strength, pencil hardness, and surface energy. As a result, the dual-cure adhesive containing 0.2 mol of GCE demonstrates an impressive adhesive strength of 11.1 MPa, a pencil hardness of B, and surface energy comparable to that of standard polycarbonate film.

Architectural dissection of adhesive bacterial cell surface appendages from a "molecular machines" viewpoint.

The ability of bacteria to interact with and respond to their environment is crucial to their lifestyle and survival. Bacterial cells routinely need to engage with extracellular target molecules, in locations spatially separated from their cell surface. Engagement with distant targets allows bacteria to adhere to abiotic surfaces and host cells, sense harmful or friendly molecules in their vicinity, as well as establish symbiotic interactions with neighboring cells in multicellular communities such as biofilms. Binding to extracellular molecules also facilitates transmission of information back to the originating cell, allowing the cell to respond appropriately to external stimuli, which is critical throughout the bacterial life cycle. This requirement of bacteria to bind to spatially separated targets is fulfilled by a myriad of specialized cell surface molecules, which often have an extended, filamentous arrangement. In this review, we compare and contrast such molecules from diverse bacteria, which fulfil a range of binding functions critical for the cell. Our comparison shows that even though these extended molecules have vastly different sequence, biochemical and functional characteristics, they share common architectural principles that underpin bacterial adhesion in a variety of contexts. In this light, we can consider different bacterial adhesins under one umbrella, specifically from the point of view of a modular molecular machine, with each part fulfilling a distinct architectural role. Such a treatise provides an opportunity to discover fundamental molecular principles governing surface sensing, bacterial adhesion, and biofilm formation.

Gecko-inspired adhesion enhanced by electroadhesive forces

Abstract Soft robotic manipulators have been increasingly adopted over the last decade due to their passive conformation to the shapes of objects, which can reduce control complexity. The performance of these grippers can be improved using flexible adhesive skins that increase tactile gripping forces, which is particularly important when grasping delicate objects and flexible substrates that are otherwise difficult to manipulate. In this work, we investigate how passive gecko-inspired fibrillar adhesion can be augmented by actively controlled electroadhesion (EA). The passive gecko-inspired outer skin (GS) enables adhesion with no power consumption while EA is controlled with an applied voltage. A numerical finite-element model is used to investigate how EA is affected by a commercially available gecko-inspired skin. The results show that the dielectric properties of the gecko-inspired skin reduce the magnitude of field intensity on the adhesive contact surface by only 2.1% at 3 kV. Compared with GS alone, EA with gecko-inspired skin (EAGS) increases the shear force by 66.8% and the normal force by 53.7% with an applied voltage of 4 kV. It is shown that the gecko skin’s adhesion force is enhanced by increased engagement of the fibrillar microstructure to object surfaces due to EA. This is experimentally demonstrated using frustrated total internal reflection imaging. This work shows that electroadhesive-enhanced gecko-inspired skin generates a greater adhesive force than the sum of forces from the separate gecko-inspired skin and EA. In this way, electrically controllable and passive adhesion mechanisms can be combined to improve the handling of flexible and delicate objects with smooth or rough surfaces.

An Experimental Study on the Effect of Nano Zinc Oxide on Reflective Coatings and Building Roof Temperatures

Most roofs on Earth are made of dark materials. Dark roof surfaces can retain heat better than light ones; in Iraq, summer time temperatures on the roofs of dark buildings reached 70–80 degrees Celsius in July and August. The effects of this temperature rise are detrimental to cooling and energy consumption. To lessen heat transfer into the building, use reflective surfaces that can reflect infrared radiation waves. Cool roofs have both short-term and long-term advantages. They can reduce a building's annual air conditioning energy consumption by up to 15%, extend the life of the roof and its service life, improve the energy efficiency of roofs particularly those with inadequate insulation at the front of the roof improve thermal comfort in buildings without air conditioning, and lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Solar heat is one of the main factors affecting the durability of roofing membranes, according to research and real-world experience with the deterioration of these materials over time. High solar reflectance materials can reflect more sunlight and maintain their coolness in the sun. This study examines a low-cost composite cool coating that uses 60% calcium carbonate and demonstrates a 15°C drop in surface concrete temperature for roof buildings when compared to an uncoated surface. Additionally, compared to 30%wt CaCO3, the effect of 60%CaCO3 in composite coating reduces adhesion strength. According to the study, the weight of CaCO3 in the composite coating increases while adhesion strength, surface roughness, and particle homogeneity distribution decrease. Conversely, the maximum weight of CaCO360% weight percent exhibits good IR reflectance and less tribological properties. While preserving good infrared reflectance, adding 10% ZnO to the coating solution (60% CaCO3/PVac) improves tribological properties. The adhesion strength of the 60% calcium carbonate polymer composite paint increased from 10.9 MPa to 40.2 MPa when the nanomaterial was present, while this material maintained the superior optical qualities of infrared reflection. The coefficient of thermal expansion varies between concrete and coating solutions. For instance, the coating that has 10% weight added ZnO has a peel resistance coefficient of 8*10-6 1/K. The 60%CaCO3/10%ZnO/PVac coating effectively lowers the temperature by 15–12 °C when applied to a building roof.

Electrochemical Deterioration of a Gold Thin Film in Bicarbonate Solution: Correlative Optical, Nano-Mechanical, and Chemical Considerations.

The electrochemical dissolution of metals in liquid electrolytes is of great concern for various electrochemical technologies. However, it is also the focus for boosting metal recovery processes, e.g., from electronic wastes, one of which is the extraction of gold (Au) using eco-friendly electrolytes. To shed more light on the possibility and improvement of such metal leaching, this work presents the investigation of electrochemical deterioration of a Au nanofilm coated on a silicon (Si) support─ubiquitous materials in electronic components─in aqueous potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) electrolyte, a solution widely used in food products. In addition to the time-dependent in situ Raman spectra revealing the reduced reflectivity of Au associated with its molecular degradation, the significant role of the electric double layer (EDL) at the metal/electrolyte interface is also indicated. Analyzing surface adhesion maps and force-distance spectra acquired using atomic force microscopy and spectroscopy (AFM/AFS), metal degradation is related to nanoscale worm-shaped reconstructed surface features that act as local sites of reduced refractive index. Complemented by the non-negligible fraction of K observed on the treated Au surfaces using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), an electrochemical framework of metal degradation is proposed, depicting the electric-field-induced transport of K+ and H+ ions toward the Au surface regardless of bias polarity and implying the formation of ternary gold hydrides. The consideration of faradic current in the EDL circuit also suggests the occurrence of ternary gold oxides. Such determination is reinforced by the attributability of the polar and electrostatic characteristics of the worm-like features to residual negatively charged anionic clusters of the hydrides and the oxides. The analysis process and the new understanding of metal degradation provide a potential route for inspecting other metal/solution systems.

Nanosecond Laser Interference Ablation of Fluorine-free Aluminum Alloy Surfaces for Dynamic Adhesion and Static Wettability Synergistically Modulating Water Collection

Water collection from mist is a potential solution to water scarcity, which is a critical issue worldwide. In this paper, laser interference ablation assisted with stearic acid immersion has been used to achieve synergistic modulation of dynamic adhesion and static wettability for water collection on fluorine-free aluminum alloy surface. The research demonstrates that there is an optimal balance point between dynamic adhesion and static wettability for water collection. This optimal point shifts toward low dynamic adhesion at the high misting rate due to the flooding on metastable surfaces with high dynamic adhesion. In addition, wetting transition induced by tilting is observed on metastable surfaces. The good stability of the proposed fluorine-free surface has been demonstrated by the long-term water collection and long periods of immersion in water. This work can provide theoretical inspiration and a scalable preparation method for green and stable water collection strategies.

Structural characteristics determining starch digestibility in cooked rice complexed with an emulsion formulation

To evaluate the effects of structural characteristics on amylose-lipid complex (ALC) formation and the starch digestibility of cooked rice grains with the addition of 0, 5, 10, and 20 % emulsification formulation (EMF), both cooked rice (CR) grains with intact structural characteristics and CR slurry with their structural characteristics destroyed were examined. When EMF was added, the surface firmness, adhesiveness and adhesion of the CR grain changed. Depressions associated with ALC formation were observed on the surface of CR grains. The addition of more than 10 % EMF significantly suppressed starch hydrolysis in CR grains, while there was no significant difference in the starch digestibility of CR slurry, regardless of the amount of EMF. These results revealed that the structural characteristics of a layer like ALC on the CR grain suppressed starch digestibility and that once the structural characteristics were destroyed, the inhibitory effect of ALC on starch digestibility was lost.

Study on the Adhesion Performance of Biochar-Modified Asphalt Based on Surface Free Energy and Atomic Force Microscopy

To investigate the effect of biochar on the adhesion performance of asphalt, the macroscopic and microscopic adhesion performance of 70# base asphalt, SBS-modified asphalt (SBSMA), sludge-based biochar-modified asphalt, and waste wood-based biochar-modified asphalt (WWBMA) were tested using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle tests, respectively. The impact of these two testing methods on the evaluation of adhesion performance was also analyzed. Research results indicated that biochar increased the number of bee-like structures on the asphalt surface while significantly reducing their average area. This improves the distribution of asphalt adhesion by reducing the adhesion difference between bee-like structured areas and non-bee-like structured areas while simultaneously enhancing the overall adhesion of the asphalt surface. Surface free energy (SFE) theory analysis indicates a linear correlation between the SFE obtained from the contact angle test and the atomic force microscopy test. Biochar significantly increases the SFE of asphalt and its components, thereby increasing the work of adhesion between asphalt and aggregate and reducing the work of debonding. Consequently, it improves the bonding performance between asphalt and aggregate, as well as its resistance to moisture damage.

Integrative analysis of gene expression, protein abundance, and metabolomic profiling elucidates complex relationships in chronic hyperglycemia-induced changes in human aortic smooth muscle cells

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health concern with significant cardiovascular complications (CVD). Despite extensive epidemiological data, the molecular mechanisms relating hyperglycemia to CVD remain incompletely understood. We here investigated the impact of chronic hyperglycemia on human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) cultured under varying glucose conditions in vitro, mimicking normal (5 mmol/L), pre-diabetic (10 mmol/L), and diabetic (20 mmol/L) conditions, respectively. Normal HASMC cultures served as baseline controls, and patient-derived T2DM-SMCs served as disease controls. Results showed significant increases in cellular proliferation, area, perimeter, and F-actin expression with increasing glucose concentration (p < 0.01), albeit not exceeding the levels in T2DM cells. Atomic force microscopy analysis revealed significant decreases in Young’s moduli, membrane tether forces, membrane tension, and surface adhesion in SMCs at higher glucose levels (p < 0.001), with T2DM-SMCs being the lowest among all the cases (p < 0.001). T2DM-SMCs exhibited elevated levels of selected pro-inflammatory markers (e.g., ILs-6, 8, 23; MCP-1; M-CSF; MMPs-1, 2, 3) compared to glucose-treated SMCs (p < 0.01). Conversely, growth factors (e.g., VEGF-A, PDGF-AA, TGF-β1) were higher in SMCs exposed to high glucose levels but lower in T2DM-SMCs (p < 0.01). Pathway enrichment analysis showed significant increases in the expression of inflammatory cytokine-associated pathways, especially involving IL-10, IL-4 and IL-13 signaling in genes that are up-regulated by elevated glucose levels. Differentially regulated gene analysis showed that compared to SMCs receiving normal glucose, 513 genes were upregulated and 590 genes were downregulated in T2DM-SMCs; fewer genes were differentially expressed in SMCs receiving higher glucose levels. Finally, the altered levels in genes involved in ECM organization, elastic fiber synthesis and formation, laminin interactions, and ECM proteoglycans were identified. Growing literature suggests that phenotypic switching in SMCs lead to arterial wall remodeling (e.g., change in stiffness, calcific deposits formation), with direct implications in the onset of CVD complications. Our results suggest that chronic hyperglycemia is one such factor that leads to morphological, biomechanical, and functional alterations in vascular SMCs, potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of T2DM-associated arterial remodeling. The observed differences in gene expression patterns between in vitro hyperglycemic models and patient-derived T2DM-SMCs highlight the complexity of T2DM pathophysiology and underline the need for further studies.

Biofilm-mediated antibiotic tolerance in Staphylococcus aureus from spinal cord stimulation device-related infections.

Staphylococcus aureus is a predominant cause of infections in individuals with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices. Biofilm formation complicates these infections, commonly requiring both surgical and antibiotic treatments. This study explored the biofilm matrix composition and antimicrobial susceptibility of planktonic and biofilm-growing S. aureus isolates from individuals with SCS-related infections. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) examined genotypes, virulome, resistome, and the pan-genome structure. The study also analyzed biofilm matrix composition, early surface adhesion, hemolytic activity, and antibiotic-susceptibility testing. WGS revealed genetic diversity among isolates. One isolate, though oxacillin susceptible, contained the mecA gene. The median number of virulence factor genes per isolate was 58. All isolates harbored the biofilm-related icaA/D genes. When assessing phenotypic characteristics, all strains demonstrated the ability to form biofilms in vitro. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile indicated that oxacillin, rifampin, and teicoplanin showed the highest efficacy against S. aureus biofilm. Conversely, high biofilm tolerance was observed for vancomycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and levofloxacin. These findings suggest that S. aureus isolates are highly virulent and produce robust biofilms. In cases of suspected biofilm infections caused by S. aureus, vancomycin should not be the primary choice due to its low activity against biofilm. Instead, oxacillin, rifampin, and teicoplanin appear to be more effective options to manage SCS infections.IMPORTANCESCS devices are increasingly used to manage chronic pain, but infections associated with these devices, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, present significant clinical challenges. These infections are often complicated by biofilm formation, which protects bacteria from immune responses and antibiotic treatments, making them difficult to eradicate. Understanding the genetic diversity, virulence, and biofilm characteristics of S. aureus isolates from SCS infections is critical to improving treatment strategies. Our study highlights the need to reconsider commonly used antibiotics like vancomycin, which shows reduced activity against biofilm-growing cells. Identifying more effective alternatives, such as oxacillin, rifampin, and teicoplanin, provides valuable insight for clinicians when managing biofilm-related S. aureus infections in patients with SCS implants. This research contributes to the growing evidence that biofilm formation is crucial in treating device-related infections, emphasizing the importance of tailoring antimicrobial strategies to the biofilm phenotype.

Development of Biodegradable and Recyclable FRLM Composites Incorporating Cork Aggregates for Sustainable Construction Practices

Reducing energy consumption in the building sector has driven the search for more sustainable construction methods. This study explores the potential of cork-modified mortars reinforced with basalt fabric, focusing on optimizing both mechanical and hygroscopic properties. Six mortar mixtures were produced using a breathable structural mortar made from pure natural hydraulic lime, incorporating varying percentages (0–3%) of cork granules (Quercus suber) as lightweight aggregates. Micro-computed tomography was first used to assess the homogeneity of the mixtures, followed by flow tests to evaluate workability. The mixtures were then tested for water absorption, compressive strength, and adhesion to tuff and clay brick surfaces. Adhesion was measured through pull-off tests, to evaluate internal bonding strength. Additionally, this study examined the relationship between surface roughness and bond strength in FRLM composites, revealing that rougher surfaces significantly improved adhesion to clay and tuff bricks. These findings suggest that cork-reinforced mortars offer promising potential for sustainable construction, achieving improved hygroscopic performance, sufficient mechanical strength, internal bonding, and optimized surface adhesion.

Robust and Reversible Thermal/Electro‐Responsive Supramolecular Polymeric Adhesives via Synergistic Hydrogen‐Bonds and Ionic Junctions

Adhesive conducting elastomers are rising materials towards cutting‐edge applications in wearable and implantable soft electronics. Yet, engineering the conductive adhesives with robust and tunable interfacial bonding strength is still in its infancy stage. We herein identify a structurally novel supramolecular polymer scaffold, characterized by synergistic coexistence of hydrogen‐bonding (H‐bonding) interactions and electrostatic ionic junctions, endowing the robust and tunable elastic conducting adhesives with remarkable thermal/electro‐responsive performance. H‐bonding association and electrostatic interaction play orthogonal yet synergistic roles in the strong supramolecular adhesive formation, serving as the leveraging forces for opposing both cohesion and adhesion energy. To do so, six‐arm star‐shaped random copolymers P(DAP‐co‐Thy‐co‐MBT)6 are strategically designed, bearing H‐bonding PDAP (poly(diaminopyridine acrylamide)) and PThy (poly(thymine)) segments, which can form hetero‐complementary DAP/Thy H‐bonding association, along with conductive poly(ionic liquid)s segment: PMBT, (poly(1‐[2‐methacryloylethyl]‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethane)‐sulfonamide)). DAP/Thy H‐bonding association, along with electrostatic ionic interaction, can yield dual supramolecular forces crosslinked polymeric networks with robust cohesion energy. Moreover, coexistence of poly(ionic liquid)s can impact and interfere the configuration of H‐bonding association, liberate more free DAP and Thy motifs to form H‐bonds towards substrate, affording strong surface adhesion in a synergistic manner. This work demonstrates a significant forward step towards potential adhesives devoted to hybrid electronic devices.

Robust and Reversible Thermal/Electro-Responsive Supramolecular Polymeric Adhesives via Synergistic Hydrogen-Bonds and Ionic Junctions.

Adhesive conducting elastomers are rising materials towards cutting-edge applications in wearable and implantable soft electronics. Yet, engineering the conductive adhesives with robust and tunable interfacial bonding strength is still in its infancy stage. We herein identify a structurally novel supramolecular polymer scaffold, characterized by synergistic coexistence of hydrogen-bonding (H-bonding) interactions and electrostatic ionic junctions, endowing the robust and tunable elastic conducting adhesives with remarkable thermal/electro-responsive performance. H-bonding association and electrostatic interaction play orthogonal yet synergistic roles in the strong supramolecular adhesive formation, serving as the leveraging forces for opposing both cohesion and adhesion energy. To do so, six-arm star-shaped random copolymers P(DAP-co-Thy-co-MBT)6 are strategically designed, bearing H-bonding PDAP (poly(diaminopyridine acrylamide)) and PThy (poly(thymine)) segments, which can form hetero-complementary DAP/Thy H-bonding association, along with conductive poly(ionic liquid)s segment: PMBT, (poly(1-[2-methacryloylethyl]-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethane)-sulfonamide)). DAP/Thy H-bonding association, along with electrostatic ionic interaction, can yield dual supramolecular forces crosslinked polymeric networks with robust cohesion energy. Moreover, coexistence of poly(ionic liquid)s can impact and interfere the configuration of H-bonding association, liberate more free DAP and Thy motifs to form H-bonds towards substrate, affording strong surface adhesion in a synergistic manner. This work demonstrates a significant forward step towards potential adhesives devoted to hybrid electronic devices.

Photothermally‐Induced Reversible Rigidity of Nacre‐Mimetic Composites Toward Semi‐Active Personal Safeguard

AbstractThe capacity to withstand challenges posed by complex environments is crucial for developing advanced high‐performance protective materials with mechanically adjustable nature. By constructing long‐range hierarchical network of shear‐stiffening gel‐carbon nanotube‐cellulose nanofiber (SCC) embedded within epoxy resin (ER), this work engineers a nacre‐inspired variable‐stiffness SCC‐ER composite (SCCE). Lightweight SCC scaffold attenuates falling impact force from 2.23 to 0.46 kN, and reaches 60 °C within 20 s under 1 sun exposure. Additionally, owing to the rigid ER matrix, SCCE exhibits 4.03 GPa elastic modulus, outperforming numerous conventional engineering materials in puncture resistance. Specific energy absorption of nacre‐mimetic SCCE presents 1.91 MJ m−3 while that of random structural SCCE is only 0.50 MJ m−3. More importantly, SCCE features representative photothermal‐induced reversible rigidity whose storage modulus varies from 9.85 MPa at 30 °C to 11.61 kPa at 116 °C under light stimulation. It also presents shape‐programmability, capable of adhering complex structural surfaces for protection. Eventually, SCCE‐based semi‐active adjustable protectors are constructed that leverage contactless photothermal effect to modulate rigidity. 5 mm‐thick smart SCCE‐protectors resist 163.93 m s−1 ballistic impact while 15‐mm commercial kneepads are penetrated at lower speed of 136.98 m s−1. This bio‐inspired semi‐active strategy proposes a promising avenue for enhancing personal protective equipment.

Nanovibrational Stimulation of Escherichia coli Mitigates Surface Adhesion by Altering Cell Membrane Potential.

Mechanical forces shape living matter from the macro- to the microscale as both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are force wielders and sensors. However, whereas such forces have been used to control mechanically dependent behaviors in mammalian cells, we lack the same level of understanding in bacteria. Surface adhesion, the initial stages of biofilm formation and surface biofouling, is a mechanically dependent process, which makes it an ideal target for mechano-control. In this study, we employed nanometer surface vibrations to mechanically stimulate bacteria and investigate their effect on adhesion. We discovered that vibrational stimulation at the nanoscale consistently reduces surface adhesion by altering cell membrane potential. Our findings identify a link between bacteria electrophysiology and surface adhesion and provide evidence that the nanometric mechanical "tickling" of bacteria can inhibit surface adhesion.

Biocompatible and hydrophilic copper-complexed polyvinyl alcohol coating for antifogging surfaces

Visibility is decreased when fog accumulates on the clear surface of optical devices. It is quite desirable to design the surface with antifogging properties. The current study used a dip coating process to prepare copper-incorporated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrophilic coating on the hydroxylated glass substrate. The formation of the PVA-Cu complex by the hydroxyl group was determined by FTIR and XPS methods. The surface morphology, adhesion test, wettability behavior, and cytotoxicity were investigated by SEM, cross-cut tape, contact angle measurement, and MTT experiment. By varying the CuCl2 concentration (0.0125–0.0625 M), the durability and adhesion of the coating were improved, as evidenced by its minimal mass loss and water uptake. The optimum coating condition showed a thickness of about 24.0 ± 0.7 μm and a good optical transmittance of over 90 %. Below 0.0375 M, the coating stability and water resistance could not be achieved due to the weak complexation of Cu with the PVA coating. In contrast, the PVA-Cu3 coating (0.0375 M, Cu2+ ions) was identified as an optimized condition for improved antifogging performance due to the effective complexation of Cu with the PVA matrix while maintaining the hydrophilicity and wettability behavior. Furthermore, no cytotoxicity was observed by L929 cell lines in response to the prepared coating. The current study results revealed that the adhesive, hydrophilic PVA-Cux coating with a contact angle of less than 62° might demonstrate strong antifogging properties and find its usage for endoscopic applications.

Influence of Enhanced Synthesis of Exopolysaccharides in Rhizobium ruizarguesonis and Overproduction of Plant Receptor to these Compounds on Colonizing Activity of Rhizobia in Legume and Non-Legume Plants and Plant Resistance to Phytopathogenic Fungi.

Rhizobial exopolysaccharides (EPS) may provide stabilization of membranes against external factors, as well as improved surface adhesion, but their role in interaction with legume and non-legume plants is still far from understanding. In this work, the transcriptional regulator RosR of Rhizobium ruizarguesonis, which regulates the synthesis of EPS, was overproduced in a pHC60 plasmid and expressed in the RCAM 1026 strain. This resulted in an improved production of EPS by this recombinant strain. Comparative analysis of the inoculation of pea Pisum sativum plants with R. ruizarguesonis pHC60-rosR and strain carrying the empty plasmid revealed an essential increase in the number of nodules, root length and biomass in plants inoculated with this EPS-overproducing strain. It demonstrates that the enhanced EPS synthesis by rhizobia may stimulate plant root colonization and subsequent nodule formation in pea plants. The influence of enhanced EPS synthesis in rhizobia on colonizing activity was also estimated in non-legume plant tomato Solanum lycopersicum. Our findings shown the increased colonization of the root surface and stimulation of the shoot biomass of inoculated plants. Inoculation of pea and tomato with EPS-overproducing rhizobial strain essentially increased plant resistance to phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium culmorum and F. oxysporum in both legume and non-legume plants, demonstrating a significant biocontrol effect of this recombinant strain. Furthermore, we have identified the PsLYK10 gene that encodes a putative EPS receptor in P. sativum, although no significant effect of PsLYK10 overexpression on nodulation in legume (pea P. sativum) and colonization of roots of non-legume plants by rhizobia was found compared to enhanced production of EPS by rhizobia.

Effect of adding various supplements on physicochemical properties and starch digestibility of cooked rice

This study investigated the physicochemical modifications of cooked rice caused by adding various supplements (rapeseed oil, dried wasabi powder, and dried chili pepper powder). The physicochemical and digestive properties of treated cooked rice were analyzed using multiple techniques to determine the impact of supplements on the rice quality, including its starch digestibility. All samples with added supplements showed an increase in surface firmness (0.77–0.95 kg·m/s2 (N)) and a decrease in thickness (2.23–2.35 mm) and surface adhesiveness (1.43–7.22 J/m3). Compared to the control group, two absorption peaks at 2856 and 1748 cm−1 and new signals at 1683 and 1435 cm−1 appeared in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Analysis of FTIR results revealed that the interaction force was mainly through noncovalent interactions. Moreover, adding supplements increased the resistant starch (RS) levels in all samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) suggested that oil-enriched phases, proteins, and polyphenols could cause large agglomeration and loose gel structure. These results suggested the formation of amylose-guest molecule complexes, which may influence starch functionality. Our work could provide insight into the starch–supplement interactions and the key factors affecting starch digestibility.

BRAF Modulates the Interplay Between Cell-Cell and Cell-Extracellular Matrix Adhesions in PECAM-1-Mediated Mechanotransduction.

Mechanotransduction, the process of how cells sense and convert mechanical stimuli into biochemical response, is crucial in the migration of leukocytes or cancer cells through the endothelium during inflammation or metastasis. Migrating cells exert forces on the endothelium through cell surface adhesion molecules, such as platelet endothelial adhesion molecule PECAM-1, and this is essential for a successful transmigration. To study PECAM-1-mediated mechanotransduction, we applied PECAM-1-antibody-coated magnetic beads and exerted about 40 pN force on the endothelial monolayer. We show that force increases cell-ECM adhesion in the cell center and is accompanied by the opening of cell-cell junctions. Upon depletion of the MEK/ERK kinase, BRAF force increases cell-ECM adhesion both at the cell periphery and in the cell center, but this does not result in the opening of cell-cell junctions. Decreasing cell-ECM adhesion in BRAF-depleted cells through FAK inhibition results in the remodeling of cell-cell junctions. Force-induced increase in cell-ECM adhesion in the cell center correlates with the activation of the transcriptional cofactor Yes-associated protein (YAP). Furthermore, the induced activation of YAP through LATS inhibition prevents junctional remodeling in control cells. Thus, the activation of YAP might determine the strength of cell-cell junctions during PECAM-1-mediated mechanotransduction.