Modification Agent Research Articles

Modeling and optimization of surface modification process of ultrafiltration membranes by guanidine-based deep eutectic solvent.

Low performance and the high fouling tendency of Polyetherimide (PEI) membranes prevent their widespread commercial utility. In this study, we utilized a deep eutectic solvent (DES) as a versatile agent for surface modification of the PEI membrane using a simple and sustainable method. To attain an efficient PEI membrane, modeling and optimization of the modification condition were conducted via response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of two effective variables, including the choline/guanidine (Ch/Gu) ratio (0.5-2) and modification time (12-48h), were evaluated on four responses, i.e., pure water flux (PWF), flux recovery ratio (FRR), irreversible fouling ratio (Rir), and total resistance (Rt). The structural and chemical characteristics and filtration performance of the fabricated membranes were evaluated. The optimum condition was obtained at a 0.8 Ch/Gu ratio and 30h of modification time to reach the best performance of the DES-PEI membrane. The industrial application of optimally modified DES/PEI membrane was investigated by filtering penicillin and cephalexin antibiotics. The rejection data showed higher performance of the modified membrane (>95%) compared to the bare membrane (∼63%). Furthermore, the long-term filtration evaluation in dead-end and cross-flow setups indicated stable flux and rejection of the DES/PEI-modified membrane. The DES, including Ch/Gu, can be viewed as an agent to enhance both PWF and antifouling properties while broadening membrane applications in separating antibiotics for PEI membranes through an eco-friendly and cost-effective method.

A low chemical consumption cationization and salt-free dyeing process for cotton fabrics by reusing polyallylamine modification bath.

Cationic polymers have been used in the cationization of cotton fabrics for salt-free dyeing, but commonly used polymers are limited by their high molecular weight and low adsorption efficiency, leading to high dosage or complex modification conditions. In this study, polyallylamine with low molecular weight was found to be an efficient cationic agent for cotton modification and the modified fabrics can be salt-free dyed with different kinds of reactive dyes after the optimization of the modification process. Furthermore, the modification bath was reused by replenishing a small amount of cationic agent and adjusting the pH to the original level. The results showed that all the salt-free dyed cotton fabrics had excellent performance when the fabrics were modified with a 2 g L-1 polyallylamine solution at pH 12 for 1 h. During five consecutive bath reusing cycles, the elemental nitrogen content, zeta potential, and salt-free dyeing performance of the modified cotton fabrics were relatively stable, all the uptakes of C.I. reactive red 24 were >75 %, and all the K/S values of the dyed fabrics were higher than 11, much greater than that of conventional dyeing (about 6). In addition, compared with the conventional dyeing process and the salt-free dyeing with the bath-unreused route, the bath-reused and salt-free dyeing process reduces by 98.36 % and 62.31 % chemicals consumption per kilogram of dyed cotton fabric, respectively. This work provides a low-pollution process for salt-free dyeing of cationic cotton fabrics and provides a reference for improving the utilization efficiency of the cationic agent.

Preferred Chemical Agent for Electrochemical Modification of Physical and Mechanical Parameters of Mudstone

To study the influence of electrochemically modified mediums on the physical and mechanical parameters of mudstone samples, focusing on electrolyte solutions and electrode materials, this paper combines theoretical analysis and experimental research. It analyzes the modification mechanism of mudstone through electrochemical techniques, clarifying that the main factors improving the strength of mudstone are electro-osmotic drainage consolidation and electrochemical reaction cementation. The mudstone was electrochemically modified using the controlled variable method. The mudstone sample’s hydraulic properties and shear strength were measured before and after modification. The study compared and analyzed the effectiveness of different modified materials. The results indicated that the liquid limit of the modified mudstone samples decreased by 7.874%, while the plastic limit increased by 9.499%. The type of ions introduced by the electrolyte solution influenced the cementation strength of the mudstone. AlCl3 solutions with a 10% mass fraction and CaCl2 solutions with a 25% mass fraction both effectively modify the reinforcement; however, the AlCl3 solution with a 10% mass fraction is the most effective for modifying mudstone samples. The electrochemical modification of mudstone samples with the three electrode materials (graphite, iron and aluminum) revealed that the samples modified with graphite electrodes had the highest shear strength, while those modified with aluminum electrodes had the lowest shear strength. The internal friction angle of graphite electrode-modified mudstone specimens was 26.7°, compared to the original value of 23.9°, and the cohesion was 34.4 kPa, compared to the original value of 12.3 kPa, nearly three times the original value. It is recommended to use graphite electrodes and a 10% mass fraction of AlCl3 for the electrochemical modification of this type of mudstone in engineering applications.

Development of High Strength, High Water Resistant, Low‐Formaldehyde Emission Urea‐Formaldehyde Adhesive and Its Effect on the Properties of Wood Composites

ABSTRACTUrea–formaldehyde (UF) resin adhesive is one of the most widely applied in wood composite materials. However, it suffers from issues related to low water resistance and elevated levels of formaldehyde emission. In this study, polyamide–epichlorohydrin resin (PAE) was used as a modifier and crosslinking agent to prepare modified UF resin adhesives with high strength and water resistance using low molar ratio UF resin. The interaction between PAE, UF, and wood surface and the effect of PAE on the chemical structure, thermal stability, bonding strength, water resistance, adhesive layer characteristics, and formaldehyde emission of UF adhesive were studied. Compared with the pure UF adhesive, after adding 5% PAE, the dry bonding strength reached 1.405 MPa, which was 20.70% higher than that of the pure UF adhesive. At the same time, the wet bonding strength reached 1.188 MPa, which was increased by 33.33%. In addition, the formaldehyde emission of the prepared plywood was less than 1.5 mg/L, which met the E1 standard. This work presents a novel approach to address the challenge of balancing water resistance and formaldehyde emissions in UF resin adhesives, expanding the industrial utilization of UF resin wood adhesives.

The Role of Embodied Cognition in Understanding Mindfulness in Third-Wave Cognitive Behavioural Therapies

Due to a lack of engagement with the embodied dimensions of mindfulness, third-wave CBT has misleadingly construed mindfulness interventions as cognitive restructuring and behavioural modification agents. When the relationship between the mind and body is understood according to the model of embodied cognition, however, mindfulness’s process of change can be better articulated. We propose a novel understanding of the ‘decentring’ skills fostered through mindfulness via non-conceptual attention to the processes underlying cognition. Mindfulness, understood as a skilful mode of embodied social cognition, cultivates operative intentionality whereby attention to the lived body, and one’s internal representations, allows one to intervene in the complex feedback structure of the mind???body system, influencing cycles of organismic self-regulation. Mindfulness-based exposure therapies, on this model, are understood not cognitively or behaviourally, but through insights generated via the practitioner’s orientation towards internal representations, and how these habituated patterns of representation generate transformations in their exteroceptive, pre-reflective enactment of both self and world perception.

Damage mechanism analysis of polymer gel to petroleum reservoirs and development of new protective methods based on NMR technique

Polymer gels are widely used in water control and enhanced oil recovery in oil fields. However, the damage mechanism of polymer gels to layers with remaining oil and not requiring plugging and corresponding protective measures are unclear. In this paper, we investigated polymer gels' damage and protection performance through static gel-breaking experiments and dynamic plugging and oil recovery evaluations on rock cores. Moreover, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology was combined to analyze the damage performance of polymer gels on cores from the pore scale. In addition, a protective technique based on gel breakers for layers with remaining oil and not requiring plugging was proposed. Results showed that when polymer gels were injected into heterogeneous cores, they plugged high-permeability layers while also penetrating low-permeability layers. When the damage to the low-permeability layers was not alleviated, the conformance and oil displacement efficiency were significantly reduced. When the concentration of ammonium persulfate was 2%–5%, the gel-breaking time was shortest and the residue was very minimal. Ammonium persulfate could be used as a gel breaker and reservoir protective material. Furthermore, after injecting ammonium persulfate into heterogeneous reservoir cores, the gel damage on the face of low-permeability layers was relieved. Consequently, the improvement in sweep efficiency was achieved, showing the re-activation of the remaining oil in medium-low permeability layers. Therefore, the low-permeability layer protection process and core experiment study based on gel-breaking agents proposed in this study were suggested to provide a new technique for the field application of conformance modification agents, aiming to achieve higher recovery degrees.

Modification of rGO/ZIF-68 Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Electrochemical Sensor for Detection of Acetamiprid

Molecular imprinting (MIP) is one of the most efficient strategies used to provide recognition materials with continuous good selectivity, commonly employed in electrochemical sensors as recognition elements or modifier agents[1]. In this study, a highly sensitive Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) sensor was developed and successfully utilized for acetamiprid recognition. The MIP was decorated onto the surface of a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-68) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite modified with a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to fabricate the GCE/rGO/ZIF-68/MIP electrode. Spectroscopic and microscopic analyses such as XRD, FT-IR, XPS, and SEM were employed to evaluate the composition and morphology of the surface of the GCE/rGO/ZIF-68/MIP electrode. The electrochemical characterization of the electrodes was performed using cyclic voltammetry (CV), Squarewave voltammetry (SWV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Additionally, different parameters influencing the sensitivity of GCE/rGO/ZIF-68/MIP, such as the percentage of rGO, template:monomer ratio, number of electropolymerization cycles, pH, extraction and incubation time were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the MIP sensor exhibited a wide linear range, low detection limit, as well as good reproducibility, stability, and selectivity, and it was successfully used for the determination of pesticide in real solutions. The sensor was applied to real samples for the acetamiprid pesticide, and successful recovery values were obtained. Keywords: Electrochemical sensor; Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP); Acetamiprid.

Calcium nitrate as a modifier agent for metakaolin-based geopolymer mortar

Calcium nitrate, that is a calcium source, is generally used as an accelerating agent, antifreezing admixture, and corrosion inhibitor for Portland cement systems. Metakaolin, which is regularly used as a precursor in the production of geopolymers, lacks calcium. This can cause inefficiency of the geopolymerization process and alter the properties of the cementitious product. To overcome this problem, the potential benefits of adding calcium nitrate as an alternative calcium source for the metakaolin geopolymer mortar were investigated. Different ratios of calcium nitrate, ranging from 0.5 % to 10 %, were added into metakaolin geopolymer mortar. Different tests were conducted to know the effect of calcium nitrate on some properties of metakaolin geopolymer specimens, which were cured in either air or water. Advanced analysis methods were leveraged to unlock deeper meaning from the findings. The results indicated that adding calcium nitrate led to increased flowability and shortened setting time. The addition of 0.5–7 % calcium nitrate increased mechanical strength but reduced transport properties, whilst the addition of 10 % calcium nitrate led to adverse effects. The addition of 0.5–7 % calcium nitrate can mitigate the strength deterioration rate resulting from water curing and decrease drying shrinkage. The incorporation of appropriate ratios of calcium nitrate can form calcium silicate hydrate gel and densify the microstructure.

Improved composite network via bismuth iodide for efficient ice-nucleating application

The urgent demand for electricity requires more safe energy transportation. AgI-based weather modification agents are commonly employed to facilitate ice nucleation and remove the undesirable glaze icing to suppress the negative effects of natural disasters. However, the intrinsic nucleation potency of AgI strictly limits its further improvement. Here, a hexagonal BiI3 was added in AgI-based agents. The chemical interactions of BiI3 and precursors optimize the crystallization of the polymer composite, leading to an oriented composite network. In addition, BiI3 could alter the structure and morphology of the combustion products, therefore creating more possible heterogeneous nuclei sites. The resultant BiI3-modified AgI-based weather modification agent exhibits an ice nucleation ∼ 1014, which is nearly ten times higher than the sample without AgI-BiI3, leading to a 71.21 % enhancement of deicing efficiency compared to AgI sample. Our results indicate the effectiveness of BiI3 dopant to improve both nucleation and deicing performance for weather modification applications.

Salt-free neutral dyeing of cotton fiber with monochlorotriazine type reactive dyes

In this paper, we present the modification of cotton with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTA), demonstrating its capability not only for salt-free dye adsorption but also for achieving fixation reactions with monochlorotriazine-type reactive dyes under neutral conditions. The results of adsorption kinetics and isotherm experiments indicate that the adsorption of reactive dyes by modified cotton is chemisorption. Color-stripping experiments conducted on modified cotton dyed with different dyes revealed that GTA-modified cotton underwent fixation reactions with monochlorotriazine-type reactive dyes under neutral conditions. The reaction sites of modified cotton with reactive dyes were determined by measuring the 1H NMR of the model reaction products. Mechanism investigation using Density Functional Theory (DFT) on the fixation reaction revealed that the hydroxyl groups on the modification agent chain exhibit a lower pKa value and carry more negative charge, resulting in a lower reaction barrier with monochlorotriazine-type reactive dyes. Our research findings demonstrate that GTA-modified cotton fiber enhance the reactivity of cotton, providing significant guidance for the development of novel modifiers.

Matrix matters: How extracellular substances shape biofilm structure and mechanical properties

Biofilms possess unique mechanical properties that are vital to their stability and function. Biofilms are made of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted by microorganisms and comprise polysaccharides, proteins, extracellular DNA (eDNA), and lipids. EPS is the primary contributor and driver of the biofilm structure and mechanical properties such as stiffness, cohesion, and adhesion. EPS enhances the elasticity and viscosity of biofilms, allowing them to withstand mechanical stresses, shear forces, and deformation. Therefore, biofilms are notoriously difficult to remove and can result in billions of dollars in losses for various industries due to their adverse effects, such as contamination, pressure loss, and corrosion. As a result, it is essential to comprehend the mechanical properties of biofilms to control or remove them in various scenarios. We undertook a fundamental study to determine the relationship between individual EPS components and biofilm mechanical properties. In this study, a CDC biofilm reactor was used to grow pure culture biofilms (Staphylococcus epidermidis) which were treated with six EPS modifier agents (Ca2+, Mg2+, periodic acid, protease K, lipase, and DNAase I) to modify or cleave specific EPS components. The mechanical properties (Young's Modulus) of treated biofilms were subsequently tested using atomic force microscopy (AFM), the biofilm EPS functional groups were measured via the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and biofilm structural characteristics using confocal imaging. The FTIR results showed that EPS modifier agents successfully reduced their target EPS components. Similarly, the confocal microscopic analysis results showed that most of these modifier agents (except lipase) significantly reduced (P-value <0.05) the biovolume and thickness of treated biofilms. Conversely, most of these modifier agents (except protease K) significantly increased (P-value <0.05) the roughness coefficient of the biofilms. Finally, data from AFM showed that biofilm mechanical properties (Young’s modulus) significantly (P-value <0.05) changed with their EPS composition. These results have significant ramifications for biofilm management and control in myriad scenarios.

Highly Stable Oil-Soluble Iron-Sulfur Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization and Electrochemical Properties

To improve the stability of iron-sulfur clusters to air, an oil-soluble dialkyidithiophosphate (DDP) as a modifier, stabilizer, and coordination agent, was used to prepare highly stable iron-sulfur NPs in water-alcohol mixed solvents in this work. The morphology, surface composition, microstructure, stability and electrochemical properties of the as-prepared iron sulfure NPs were characterized by many techniques, such as Uv-vis, FT-IR, TEM, Raman, TG, and electrochemical analyzer. The results showed that DDP had been successfully covalently bonded onto iron sulfur NPs surface, and endowed the iron sulfur NPs with excellent oil-solubility, high stability, and good electrochemical performance. The stability test showed that the powders of iron sulfur NPs had excellent stability when exposed to oxygen. The electrochemical tests indicated that the iron sulfur NPs had excellent electrochemical reversibility. These findings suggest that the iron sulfur NPs prepared in this work has similar structure and electrochemical reversibility as the iron-slufur clusters in living organisms, and lays the foundation for its application in microelectronic devices and sensors.

Epigenetic changes driven by environmental pollutants in lung carcinogenesis: a comprehensive review.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with environmental pollutants identified as significant risk factors, especially for nonsmokers. The intersection of these pollutants with epigenetic mechanisms has emerged as a critical area of interest for understanding the etiology and progression of lung cancer. Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, can induce alterations in gene expression without affecting the DNA sequence and are influenced by environmental factors, contributing to the transformation of normal cells into malignant cells. This review assessed the literature on the influence of environmental pollutants on lung cancer epigenetics. A comprehensive search across databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase yielded 3,254 publications, with 22 high-quality papers included for in-depth analysis. These studies demonstrated the role of epigenetic markers, such as DNA methylation patterns of genes like F2RL3 and AHRR and alterations in the miRNA expression profiles, as potential biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The review highlights the need to expand research beyond homogenous adult male groups typically found in high-risk occupational environments to broader population demographics. Such diversification can reduce biases and enhance the relevance of findings to various clinical contexts, fostering the development of personalized preventive and therapeutic measures. In conclusion, our findings underscore the potential of innovative epigenetic therapies, such as DNA demethylating drugs and histone modification agents, to counter environmental toxins' carcinogenic effects. The growing interest in miRNA therapies and studies aiming to correct aberrant methylation patterns indicate significant strides toward better lung cancer management and a healthier future for global communities.

Silica surface modification using cellulose as a renewable organosilane derived from coconut coir fiber for carbon capture

The properties of silica surface modification for carbon capture were studied, utilizing cellulose-amine as a modification agent derived from dissolved coconut coir fiber. To form bonds with NH2 functional groups through amination processes, cellulosic biomass waste is utilized, which is analogous to replacing alkoxy ligands. The dual-function mixture reagents dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) were employed in the same system as the amine sources and solvents. Waterglass is used as a source of silica, and the modified particles are formed using a one-step consecutive sol-gel spray drying process used in a direct condensation route. Changes in the concentration of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) were examined to determine how they affected the essential parameters of the particles. The template is removed during particle formation without further physical or chemical processing. The particle morphology changed from donut-shaped to spherical after SLS application, as evidenced by the increase in SLS concentration. This also shows that the increase in the particle surface area is directly influenced by the increase in the formation of new pore structures with increasing SLS concentration. Through this mechanism, it is possible to extend the pore size distribution to the meso-macropore regime and initiate the formation of new mesopores. This has a direct impact on the capacity to absorb CO2 gas by increasing the cellulose-amine mass fraction that can be grafted to as high as 32.35 %wt. At an operating pressure of 6 bar, a maximum CO2 gas adsorption capacity of 5.32 mmol/g silica was attained by adding SLS 3 CMC to the silica particles. This value is 2.3 times higher than that obtained when using an aminosilane-based modification agent.

Microencapsulated phase change material in 3D-printable mortars

The present study investigates the potential of replacing sand with microencapsulated phase change materials (MEPCM) in 3D-printable mortar to provide a promising way to improve thermal performance in 3D-printed buildings. Adding MEPCM significantly enhanced the rheological properties and early hardening evolution of cementitious mortar for 3D printing applications without the need for viscosity modifier agents. In hardened mortars, microstructural analysis and thermal cycling experiments confirmed that MEPCM remained intact and stable within the cementitious environment. The thermal properties of the treated mortars, including latent heat and thermal conductivity, were improved for energy-saving applications. Despite this, the compressive strength of the mortars dropped considerably by increasing the concentration of MEPCM while a strength of above 20 MPa was maintained. Simulation results from 3D Finite Element Method (FEM) and 1D reduced order model (ROM) closely matched the experimental data from printed walls in a thermal setup, validating the use of 1D ROM simulations for long-term predictions. In a case study, a printed wall where MEPCM replaced 80 % of the sand showed a ∼40 % reduction in energy consumption compared to mortar without MEPCM under real weather conditions.

Sustainable Approaches for the Fabrication of Nanocellulose-Polyamide Membrane Based on Waste Date Palm Leaves for Water Treatment

A vast amount of agricultural waste, such as dried leaves, stems, pits, seeds, etc., are produced by date palm trees in Saudi Arabia each year. This waste is an excellent source of degradable biomass suitable for many uses. Crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) is one of the most important nanomaterials that can be used in various applications. Due to its unique properties, which include biorenewability, optical transparency, high mechanical strengths, and sustainability, nanocrystalline cellulose has become a significant nanomaterial in recent years. In this study, CNC was isolated from the waste date palm leaves and used for the production of PA-modified membranes for water treatment by reverse osmosis membrane technology. The membranes were prepared by surface polymerization with the polyamide as a selective layer on the polysulfone support film. Three membranes were produced, two with 0.01% and 0.02% (w/v) CNC and the third with PA-free CNC for comparison. Each membrane produced was tested using different characterization techniques. The polyamide membrane with 0.01% w/v CNC had a higher water permeability of 43.25 L/m2 h bar than the membranes with 0% w/v CNC (36.25 L/m2 h) and 0.02% w/v CNC (42.85 L/m2 h bar). Under the same conditions, salt retention was also found to be above 98% for both NaCl and MgSO4 for the two modified membranes. The contact angle was found to be 68.04±3.7, 72.83±0.8, and 63.76±5.5 for PA(0%CNC), PA-CNC (0.01% w/v), and PA-CNC (0.02% w/v), respectively. The 0.01% PA-CNC membrane exhibited a higher water contact angle, greater hydrophobicity and lower surface roughness. As a result, the isolated CNC might be appropriate for use as a modifier agent for membrane fabrication and water treatment.

Removal of quinoline in aqueous solutions using chemically modified and unmodified hydrochars from lotus seedpods: A comprehensive experimental study

In this study, a novel hydrochar adsorbent derived from lotus seedpods was synthesized and subsequently modified to enhance its adsorption efficiency for quinoline contaminated wastewater. Using lotus seedpods as biomass raw material, lotus seedpod hydrochar (LSH) was prepared by hydrothermal carbonization method, and it was modified with hydrochloric acid (HA) and phosphoric acid (PA) as modifiers to improve adsorption efficiency. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms of quinoline on both the unmodified and modified hydrochars were studied in detail to elucidate the underlying adsorption mechanisms. Furthermore, the effect of coexisting organic pollutants, i.e. phenol and pyridine, commonly found in coking effluents, on the quinoline adsorption efficiency of hydrochar was investigated. The regenerative potential of the adsorbent was explored through desorption studies to assess the reusability and practicality of hydrochar post-adsorption. The optimal conditions for modified LSH were determined as follows: an adsorbent dosage of 3 g/L, pH of 3, an initial quinoline concentration of 200 mg/L, and a contact time of 90 minutes. The maximum adsorption capacities for PA-LSH and HA-LSH were 48.59 mg/g and 49.12 mg/g, respectively. Among the types of modification agents, acid modifiers, particularly 20 % phosphoric acid and 20 % hydrochloric acid, significantly enhanced the adsorption efficiency, increasing the adsorption rates by 24.24 % and 14.56 %, respectively, compared to unmodified hydrochar (64.06 %). Coexisting pollutants minimally affected quinoline adsorption, with phosphoric acid-modified hydrochar maintaining 80.33 % removal in simulated coking wastewater. Regeneration with hydrochloric acid showed improved utility, with modified hydrochar sustaining over 80 % adsorption after three cycles. This research not only presents an innovative approach to the development of efficient adsorbents for quinoline removal, but also provides insight into the adsorption behavior of hydrochar in the complex wastewater systems. The findings contribute to both the advancement of sustainable water treatment technologies and the use of biomass-derived materials for environmental remediation. As such, this work holds promise for applications in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Engineered Immunomodulatory Nanoparticles Inhibit Root Resorption and Ankylosis

IntroductionExternal root resorption following avulsion injury is a complex process wherein differentiation of macrophages (Mϕ) to multinucleated osteoclasts is temporally regulated by resident periodontal fibroblasts (PDLF). The current study aims to assess the effect of engineered bioactive chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP), sustained released dexamethasone conjugated CSNP (CS-DEX) and CSNP functionalized with photosensitizer Rose Bengal (CSRB) for application in root resorption using an in-vitro PDLF-Mϕ direct coculture model and in-vivo delayed reimplantation model. MethodsPDLF-Mϕ direct coculture system was exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), macrophage colony stimulating factor, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa β ligand with or without CSNP/CS-DEX for 7 days. Clastic differentiation was assessed by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining on day 7. On day 2 and 7, immunofluorescence analysis was conducted to assess the expression of Mϕ polarization markers (CD80, CD206), multinucleation markers (NFATc1, STAT6) in Mϕ and matricellular protein periostin in PDLF and cytokine profiling in cell culture supernatants. Delayed replantation model with extraoral air dry/LPS exposure for 1h followed by root surface treatment with CS-DEX/CSRB was used in Wistar rats. After 21 days, rats were euthanized for histologic and immunofluorescence analysis. Statistical analysis one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons was used to analyze the data (P < .05). ResultsCS-DEX significantly reduced TRAP+ multinucleated cells and CSNP treatment showed no TRAP+ cells. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that CSNP/CS-DEX reduced CD80, NFATc1 and STAT6 expression and increased periostin as expressed by fluorescence intensity. CSNP/CS-DEX significantly reduced TNFα, MMP9 and increased IL10, TGFβ1. Osteoprotegerin was upregulated only by CSNP. Root surface treatment in delayed replantation model showed that CS-DEX and CSRB substantially reduced the degree of resorption and ankylosis. Further, CD80, CD206, and MMP2 expression in groups with root surface treatment with CS-DEX and CSRB was lower than airdry/LPS group and similar to healthy control and NFATc1, STAT6, and MMP9 expressions were lower than healthy control. ConclusionThe engineered nanosized immunomodulatory bioactive materials chitosan nanoparticles functionalized with photosensitizer and dexamethasone effectively reduced the clastic differentiation of Mϕ in in-vitro coculture and minimized the resorption and ankylosis in a delayed reimplantation model. These biomaterials have the potential to serve as root modification agents, promoting favorable healing outcomes in cases of dental avulsion.

Nanographene Oxide Promotes Angiogenesis by Regulating Osteoclast Differentiation and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Secretion.

An imbalanced system of angiogenesis-osteoblasts-osteoclasts is regarded as the main factor in bone remodeling dysfunction diseases or osseointegration loss. Osteoclast precursors are the key cells that accelerate bone-specific angiogenesis and maintain normal osteoblast and osteoclast function. Graphene oxide is an effective scaffold surface modification agent with broad application prospects in bone tissue engineering. However, the effect of graphene oxide on the interaction between osteoclasts and angiogenesis has not yet been elucidated. In this study, a rat calvarial defect model was established and treated with an electrochemically derived nanographene oxide (ENGO) hydrogel. Higher angiogenesis and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) B in preosteoclasts were observed in the ENGO group compared with that in the control group. Moreover, in vitro experiments demonstrate the efficacy of ENGO in substantially reducing the expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast-associated markers and inhibiting bone resorption activity. Additionally, ENGO enhances the secretion of the osteoclast-derived coupling factor PDGF-BB and promotes angiogenesis. Our investigation revealed the crucial role of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) in the ENGO-mediated regulation of osteoclast differentiation and PDGF-BB secretion. The decreased expression of IDH1 reduces the level of histone lysine demethylase 7A (KDM7A) and subsequently increases the H3K9me2 level in the cathepsin K promoter region. In summary, we found that ENGO promotes angiogenesis by inhibiting the maturity of RANKL-induced osteoclasts and enhancing PDGF-BB secretion. These results indicate that ENGO holds promise for the application in fostering osteoclast-endothelial cell crosstalk, providing an effective strategy for treating bone resorption and osteoclast-related bone loss diseases.

Interfacial engineering and defect passivation of SnO2 through agmatine sulfate in carbon-based perovskite solar cells

Electron transport layer has always played a crucial role in the performance of the perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Particularly, SnO2-based PSC has sparked considerable interest due to its superior properties. Even with such remarkable properties, certain challenges persist such as agglomeration of SnO2 particles which can lead to interfacial defects and poor morphology. To solve this problem, Agmatine Sulfate (AGTS) has been introduced as an interfacial modification agent which with the help of its active functional group including amide (-NH2) and hydroxyl (OH) has allowed to facilitate the interaction at the interface between SnO2 and perovskite. The interaction facilitates the growth of perovskite crystals while tuning the energy levels which has boosted the charge transfer capability of the layer. All these improvements in the properties have led to enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 11.17 % to 15.20 % for the encapsulated device. Furthermore, the modification also improved the long-term stability of the device as the AGTS-modified devices retained 87 % of their performance at 15–25 °C with humidity levels between 10 and 20 % for over a period of 31 days. Finally, the devices prepared with the AGTS also showed repeatability in their performance while boosting the overall performance of carbon-based PSCs (C–PSCs) and indicating a novel approach to not only increase but also accelerate the commercialization of C-PSC.