Abstract Kiwifruit is prone to rapid softening due to ethylene accumulation and is highly susceptible to microbial infection and decay. To address these two major challenges, a multifunctional film was developed via electrospinning using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and pullulan (PUL) as a composite polymer matrix, and incorporated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and thymol (THY) as photocatalyst and natural antimicrobial agent, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the uniform dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles within the fibers without obvious aggregation. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results verified the successful integration of anatase TiO2 and THY into the nanofiber film. The nanofiber film nearly completely degraded ethylene (200×10–6) within 4 h under irradiation, corresponding to a degradation rate of 12.5 µL/(g·h). Furthermore, the nanofiber film exhibited 100% antibacterial efficiency against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Botryosphaeria. Compared with PUL/PVA film, the TiO2/THY/PUL/PVA composite film exhibited enhanced thermal stability, ultraviolet absorption capacity, and mechanical strength. Under 4 °C storage condition, the active packaging film extended the shelf life of kiwifruit to more than 35 d, effectively maintained fruit firmness and color, delayed the decline in total soluble solids, vitamin C, and anthocyanins, decelerated weight loss and malondialdehyde accumulation, and markedly suppressed microbial infection. This study provides an effective strategy for developing active packaging materials with ethylene degradation and antimicrobial functions, offering considerable potential for advancing postharvest preservation technologies for kiwifruit and other climacteric fruits.

Electrolytically generated size-tunable micro-nano bubbles toward high-efficiency antibacterial applications in vitro.

Flexible and sustainable PBAT@g-C3N4/MWCNT nanocomposite films for the packaging of green grapes.

A Bacteria-infected-microenvironment-triggered self-adaptive protein-binding nano-inhibitor for photodynamic elimination of drug-resistant biofilms.

Characterization of novel Vibrio phages as potential biocontrol agents against Vibrio alginolyticus and insights into its phage-resistant mutant.

Fibroblast growth and sterilization are two critical factors for tissue repair, particularly in infected chronic wounds. Electrical stimulation improves the efficiency of tissue repair by accelerating the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, but preventing infection in the tissues typically requires the use of antibiotics. In this work, a self-powered nanodevice is fabricated for producing electrical stimulations for antibiotic-free disinfection. It integrates a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and a PLA-Au-PPY microneedle (MN) array. The TENG generates an output voltage of up to 6 V, which promotes the proliferation of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts by about three times, demonstrating strong cell aggregation capability. The electrical stimulation also doubles the antibacterial efficiency of the PPY layer by improving the charge transfer between PPY molecules and Escherichia coli. Therefore, the designed nanodevice presents promising potential for accelerating infected tissue repair and regeneration by promoting cell viability, accelerating tissue recovery, and offering antibiotic-free sterilization.

A series of copper-zinc co-doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CF-NPs) were prepared successfully using the sol-gel auto-combustion method. The XRD results revealed the formation of cubic crystals. FTIR studies suggested that doping and co-doping did not disturb the octahedral shape of the spinel. None of the samples showed significant weight loss in TGA. All the samples were almost thermally stable when studied using DSC. Images of FESEM showed that the particles were agglomerated. VSM confirmed the change in saturation magnetisation as well as coercivity values. TEM revealed the morphology and size of the particles. In this study, we focused on the antibacterial activities and long-term stabilities of different doped and co-doped samples of CF-NPs with copper and zinc ions. Their antibacterial activities were examined via the agar disk diffusion test against Bacillus paranthracis and Bacillus nitratireducens. ZnO/Ag composite/s of these synthesised samples were also prepared and studied to examine their antibacterial activities. The results revealed that co-doped CF-NPs and their composites with high dopant concentrations exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity, indicating their potential for various biomedical applications.

Peptide-protected gold nanoclusters (P-AuNCs) were ideal candidates for constructing antibacterial agents. However, the individual P-AuNCs could only exert limited target behavior and antibacterial efficiency. Herein, CA2R5/GSH-AuNCs were synthesized using CA2R5 and glutathione (GSH), and their purification was efficiently performed by adjusting pH from 7.0 to 9.0. DNA aptamer targeting Staphylococcus aureus was used to assemble CA2R5/GSH-AuNCs to form Apt-CA2R5/GSH-AuNCs. After purification at pH 9.0, Apt-CA2R5/GSH-AuNCs were mixed with silver ions to form Apt-CA2R5/GSH-Ag-AuNCs. The antibacterial activity of Apt-CA2R5/GSH-Ag-AuNCs was much higher than that of CA2R5/GSH-Ag-AuNCs formed by mixing CA2R5/GSH-AuNCs with silver ions. The inhibitory concentration of Apt-CA2R5/GSH-Ag-AuNCs against S. aureus did not change after 40 steps of successive bacterial cultivation. The formation of bacterial biofilms was inhibited after treatment with Apt-CA2R5/GSH-Ag-AuNCs. The death of the bacteria was attributed to disruption of the cell membrane and change of normal metabolism. This work could provide a new concept for constructing antibacterial peptide-based nanomaterials.

Veterinary and sanitary measures are one of the components of the technological process at food and meat processing plants, aimed at preventing the occurrence and spread of infection from primary processing to finished products. The objective of this study was to provide a sanitary and bacteriological assessment and experimentally study the bactericidal activity of «Biolok» for disinfecting surfaces and process equipment in sausage production facilities. Scientific novelty is a fundamental aspect of introducing a new disinfectant into meat production and processing facilities. It must meet all legal veterinary and sanitary requirements and be safe, both as food raw materials and as food products. Based on the results of production trials, a concept and recommendations for preventive disinfection regimens and methods were formulated. During the trials, disinfection of the treated objects was carried out using a wet method, using fine-droplet irrigation, at a relatively low solution flow rate (0.2-0.5 l/m2). A fundamental aspect and underlying criterion for introducing a new disinfectant into meat production and processing facilities is its compliance with all established veterinary and sanitary requirements and safety at all stages – from food raw materials to finished food products. The results of sanitary production trials of the product at a meat processing facility, in sausage production facilities, demonstrated high bactericidal efficacy. Studies have shown that «Biolok» effectively disinfects smooth surfaces with a 1.0% solution at a rate of 0.25-0.3 l/m² with a 3-hour exposure time, and rough surfaces with a 4.0% solution at a rate of 0.5 l/m² with a 3-hour exposure time, when current regulations require disinfection quality control for the isolation of coliform bacteria and staphylococci. The tested product demonstrated satisfactory results in terms of microbiological purity in meat processing facilities and can be recommended for sanitary and industrial measures in production facilities to ensure microbiological purity, with quality control for the isolation of E. coli and St. aureus .

Deep ultraviolet-B (UVB)-emitting persistent luminescent materials have aroused great interest for applications in optical information storage in ambient light, anticounterfeiting, medical diagnosis, and sterilization. However, such materials are relatively scarce. Designing non-rare-earth, Bi-doped phosphors with trap-controlled luminescence presents a promising approach to developing efficient UVB persistent luminescent phosphors. Herein, we developed a Ca3Ga2Ge3O12:Bi garnet phosphor that exhibits long-lasting UVB and near-infrared (NIR) persistent luminescence (PersL) due to the copresence of Bi3+ and Bi2+ and the visible emission of Bi pairs. Density functional theory calculations and experimental analysis, including thermoluminescence and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, revealed the stabilization of intrinsic and generated defects by aliovalent substitution, leading to prolonged afterglow and energy storage. Ca3Ga2Ge3O12:Bi demonstrates excellent antibacterial efficiency owing to long UVB PersL and thus can be used for pathogen-free surfaces and long-term self-sterilizing materials. Furthermore, trap engineering through the introduction of secondary cations (Al3+, Sc3+, Sr2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+) allows precise modulation of shallow to deep trap depths and tunable UVB/NIR luminescence of Bi3+/2+ ions. Notably, Mg2+ and Zn2+ doping reduced shallow traps and favored deeper trap formation, enhancing the phosphor's suitability for photostimulated luminescence applications. This study provides insights into trap-controlled luminescence in Bi-activated phosphors by composition modulation, offering potential applications in sterilization and optical information storage technologies.

Biofilms formed by bacterial symbiosis significantly strengthen bacterial resistance to external interference and cause chronic infections. Herein, a chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) coarmed bacteriophage cocktail was developed to eradicate Staphylococcus aureus biofilms by conjugating aggregation-induced emission photosensitizer (AIE PSs), glucose oxidase (GOx), and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on the bacteriophage surface. Leveraging the particular specificity of the bacteriophage toward host bacteria, the three conjugates can penetrate the biofilm and colocalize on the inner bacterial surface. When thus enriched, AIE PSs exhibited intensified fluorescence, enabling labeling and killing pathogens via photoirradiation-generated singlet oxygen. After combining AIE PSs with GOx/HRP, which can convert glucose nutrients into H2O2 and ultimately to hydroxyl radicals via cascade catalysis, the bactericidal efficiency was dramatically improved compared to individual phage-CDT (>468%) or phage-PDT (>290%) at the same PFU concentration of phage. The colocalized PSs and enzymes on the confined space of the bacterial surface are mutually promoted in the microenvironment of the biofilm, realizing synergistic enhancement. This strengthened bacteriophage cocktail offers an effective strategy for treating biofilm-related clinical superbug infections.

Water contamination with pharmaceuticals is a global challenge that affects both aquatic and human life. The presence of these pharmaceuticals has increased in recent years due to their high demand. In this study, varying compositions of Cu-NiO nanocomposites were synthesized using Sutherlandia frutescens plant extracts. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDS and TGA. The photocatalytic activity of these materials was tested on SMX and CIP antibiotics. Furthermore, their antibacterial efficiency against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains was investigated. XRD, through phase identification and SEM/EDS, confirmed the formation of nanocomposites with elements of Cu, O and Ni. The 15% CuNiO nanocomposite demonstrated the highest thermal stability with a minimal weight loss of 3%. The 15% CuNiO had the highest degradation efficiencies of 92% and 85% for SMX and CIP, respectively. The catalyst could be reusable for up to three trials with a 65% efficiency against CIP, while the photogenerated electrons (e−) were the most reactive species for the degradation of pharmaceuticals. Lastly, these materials were noted to have antibacterial efficiency against both Gram-negative and -positive strains, with the highest zone of inhibition against E. coli. This study has shown that novel green nanocomposites from S. frutescence can be used for targeting multiple pollutants simultaneously by degrading antibiotics efficiently and removing various bacterial strains.

Conventional antifouling coatings typically rely on external biocides or additives, yet their release leads to performance decay and environmental risks. Developing resins with intrinsic antifouling functionalities is therefore crucial for achieving durable protection. Herein, a dual-functional silicone was designed by covalently incorporating carboxyl groups with hydration-based fouling release capability and furan groups with intrinsic biocidal activity into the polymer side chains. After cross-linking, the coatings exhibited superior antifouling performance: protein adsorption was completely suppressed, while the adhesion of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was reduced from 46.3, 40.4, and 17.7%, respectively, on pristine silicone coating to 0%. Likewise, Chlorella vulgaris and Phaeodactylum tricornutum attachment decreased from 98.3 and 63.6 to 0%, respectively. The enhanced performance originates from the stable hydration layer provided by carboxyl groups, which blocks initial fouling, combined with the furan moieties that confer 100% bactericidal efficiency. This work establishes a molecular design strategy for intrinsically dual-functional silicone, providing a promising pathway toward long-lasting and environmentally benign antifouling coatings.

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts has gained significant attention due to its eco-friendly, cost-effective, and non-toxic approach. This study reports the synthesis of AgNPs using Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The phytochemical screening of Telfairia occidentalis showed that saponin, tannin, flavonoid, steroid and terpenoid are present in the sample. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the developed composites. Furthermore, the bactericidal efficiency of AgNPs-doped epoxy composites was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus to assess their antimicrobial properties. It was observed that the inhibition zone increases with the increase in AgNPs in the composites. The results indicate that the synthesized AgNPs exhibit potent antimicrobial activity, making them suitable for biomedical and industrial applications. Keywords: Green synthesis, Silver nanoparticles, Telfairia occidentalis , Epoxy composite, Antibacterial properties.

Objectives: The aim of this work was to fabricate a biocompatible nanocomposite by combining titanium-coated chitosan with selenium, zinc oxide and zirconium nanoparticles through an electroplating technique to enhance biological functionality. Methods: Chitosan substrates were coated with titanium using electroplating followed by the incorporation of Se, ZnO and Zr nanoparticles. The resulting nanocomposites were examined using UV-Vis spectroscopy, UV-DRS, Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate structural, chemical, elemental composition and morphological features. Antibacterial efficiency and cytocompatibility were assessed through in vitro biological assays. Findings: Characterization results confirmed the formation of a stable titanium-reinforced chitosan matrix with uniformly dispersed nanoparticles. Compared to pristine chitosan, the nanocomposite exhibited improved structural integrity and surface features. Biological studies showed a statistically significant enhancement in antibacterial and antifungal activity (p < 0.05) attributed to the synergistic action of Se, ZnO, and Zr nanoparticles, while maintaining high cell viability with negligible cytotoxic effects. Novelty: This study demonstrates a distinct electroplating-based route for integrating multiple bioactive nanoparticles into a titanium-modified chitosan framework, offering a multifunctional biomaterial with enhanced antimicrobial efficacy and preserved cytocompatibility for biomedical applications. Keywords: Chitason, Titanium, Selenium, Zirconium and ZnO nanoparticles, UV, UV-DRS, XRD and FTIR

Near-infrared responsive superhydrophobic coating with wettability transition on magnesium alloy for enhanced interfacial bonding, antibacterial activity, and osteogenic performance.

Recent advances in chitosan-based mixed matrix membranes for efficient wastewater treatment.

Investigation on structure-property relationships of MgO-SrO containing silicate-based bioactive glasses: An experimental and molecular dynamics simulation study.

ABSTRACT The integration of accurate detection and immediate bactericidal in a single platform significantly enhances pathogen monitoring and control capabilities, but nanomaterial functional compatibility remains a major challenge. Here, we developed a multifunctional nanoplatform integrating multimode flexible detection and magnetic aggregation‐induced sterilization by utilizing the synergistic effect of quinone–phenol grafting nanozymes loaded with Pt single atoms (Pt SA@Q‐ACDs) and magnetic carbon dots (Fe 3 O 4 @DCDs). In Pt SA@Q‐ACDs, Pt SA increased the electron transfer from the quinone–phenol system, and the hydroxyl and pyridine state N defects sequentially synergized to form a double anchor site, the energy barrier for reducing H 2 O 2 was reduced, constituting a “1 + 1 > 2” bicatalytic system, which improved signal output and sterilization efficiency. Fe 3 O 4 @DCD enriches target bacteria through magnetic induction, dramatically reduces background interference, and increases the sterilization efficiency to 100% while realizing the detection of pathogenic bacteria at the single‐cell level. Complementing this, we designed an intelligent portable device capable of dynamically switching and interpreting multimodal signals, enabling adaptable field deployment. The multifunctional platform can realize early warning from food processing to the terminal, combined with high bactericidal efficiency, and can implement “closed‐loop monitoring” for pathogenic bacteria in an all‐round way, which has great potential.

Contact-killing antimicrobial cationic starch/PBAT blown films: Physicochemical properties, antimicrobial mechanism, and preservation capacity on beef.