Boron transport and remediation performance in sediment microbial fuel cells via electromigration and synergistic ecosystem interactions

Boron (B) is a crucial micronutrient, particularly in volcanic soils where its deficiency hampers agriculture. Here, we investigate the genetic basis of leaf B accumulation in natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana that colonized volcanic islands in Cape Verde. Using a combination of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and mapping in a recombinant intercross population, we identified a case of convergent phenotypic evolution in which multiple variants in the two principal B transporter genes, BOR1 and BOR2, increase leaf B accumulation in parallel. These include multiple tandem duplications at BOR1 that arose independently in different populations. Overall, this study reveals a remarkable case of convergent evolution occurring within a relatively short time scale, where different types of de novo mutations at B efflux transporter genes achieve similar phenotypic outcomes. Further, our findings show that integrating recombinant populations with GWAS in natural populations can improve power to overcome allelic heterogeneity.

BackgroundBoron (B) is a vital trace element necessary for the healthy growth and development of plants and significantly affects agricultural productivity. The efficient absorption and transport of boron in plants is mainly mediated by boron effector transporters encoded by the BOR gene family. However, research on the boron transporter (BOR) in cotton has been limited.ResultsIn this research, we identified 50 BOR proteins across three cotton species that presented conserved structural features and functions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the BOR proteins of different cotton species can be divided into four subfamilies, with most of the BOR proteins from upland cotton assigned to subfamily III. Synteny analysis suggested that gene duplication and rearrangement played a role in the evolution of cotton from diploids to tetraploids. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that GhBOR1 expression was upregulated not only in the leaf tissues but also in the leaves of early-maturity cultivars. We further verified the function of this gene using VIGS. Compared with the control plants (TRV:00), the GhBOR1 gene-silenced plants presented delayed flowering and decreased pollen viability, suggesting that GhBOR1 played a crucial role in regulating flowering time and pollen viability in cotton. Furthermore, silencing GhBOR1 also influenced the expression of critical genes involved in flowering regulation, suggesting that GhBOR1 might promote flowering by regulating the activity of these genes.ConclusionA total of 23 GhBORs were identified in upland cotton, among which GhBOR1 played a pivotal role in controlling flowering time and pollen viability, providing genetic resources for breeding for early maturity.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-025-07275-2.

Boron is a critical yet poorly understood micronutrient, especially regarding its transport within plant leaves. Little research has been done to enhance the bioavailability of Boron in rice using organic compounds like fulvic acid for better nutrient quality and yield. While fulvic acid (FA) is well-known for enhancing the mobility of metallic nutrients like iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), however, its role in facilitating Boron, a metalloid, remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of FA in mediating Boron transport to improve grain quality and yield in Basmati rice. A field trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design (13 × 24 ft²), applying foliar treatments of Boron alone and Boron combined with FA at critical growth stages (tillering and panicle formation). The study assessed the impact of these treatments on rice morpho-physiological parameters, grain yield and leaf Boron content. The results revealed that both foliar treatments significantly improved yield and leaf Boron content over control. However, the promising results were obtained in response to boron's only application. Boron application (T2) significantly increased number of tillers (41%), chlorophyll content (55%), 1000 grain weight (32%), Boron content (131%) and yield per plot (43) as compared to control (T1). While combined application Boron + FA (T3) substantially enhanced number of tillers (34%), fertile florets per panicle (23%), Boron content (46%) and yield per plot (33%) over control (T1). The present findings suggest that Boron foliar application enhances grain weight, yield, and rice quality while reducing panicle sterility. However, FA did not significantly mediate Boron uptake in rice, indicating limited interaction between FA and this non-metallic micronutrient.

L‑type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) has emerged as a critical molecular target for advancing boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), a promising treatment that leverages selective boron accumulation and neutron irradiation to eradicate cancer cells. The frequent upregulation of LAT1 in aggressive tumors (such as gliomas and specific subtypes of lung and breast cancer) underpins its essential role as the principal mediator of tumor‑selective boron compound uptake in BNCT. The present review comprehensively examines the structure and function of LAT1, the mechanistic principles of boron transport (including LAT1 mediation) and the key regulatory pathways governing BNCT efficacy. Building on this and given the role of LAT1 in reprogramming tumor metabolism through amino acid transport, advanced metabolomics tools, particularly liquid chromatography‑mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, offer a novel approach for clarifying the contribution of LAT1 to BNCT. These techniques hold significant potential to map metabolic profiles altered by LAT1‑mediated boron compound uptake, thereby elucidating downstream biochemical consequences relevant to the therapeutic efficacy and resistance mechanisms. Synthesizing the dual role of LAT1 as both a vulnerability and therapeutic target in BNCT, the present review systematizes key challenges, including the need for selective boron compounds, resistance mechanisms and off‑target effects, while mapping actionable pathways to unlock its potential via refined regulation strategies, next‑generation delivery agents and personalized approaches. By addressing these knowledge gaps, this synthesis provides a foundational framework to harness LAT1‑targeted BNCT, offering potential to advance precision oncology paradigms and improve clinical outcomes for patients with LAT1‑enriched tumors.

Myosin XI plays a major role in cytoplasmic streaming and is essential for intracellular transport. Here, we investigated the physiological roles of myosin XI in nutrient transport using double (2ko) and triple (3ko) myosin XI knockout mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana. The results revealed that the mutants exhibited more severe boron deficiency phenotypes under boron-limiting conditions, and the boron concentration in the aerial parts of mutant plants was lower than that in the wild-type. Microscopic analysis demonstrated a reduction in general endocytosis and abolishment of NIP5; 1's polar localization in 2ko and 3ko plants. Overall, these results indicate that myosin XI is necessary for proper boron transport via the maintenance of the endocytic pathway and NIP5; 1's polar localization.

• Deficiency of B augmented oxidative stress and circumvented foliar boron ( 10 B) transport failure from source to sink tissue. • Sufficient B facilitated the mobility of foliar-applied 10 B by increasing carbohydrate synthesis from source to sink leaves and roots under water deficit conditions. • Thereby enhancing sink strength and promoting antioxidative defense against ROS under water deficit conditions. Drought is a global abiotic stressor which affects boron (B) availability due to reduced mobility. This is particularly affecting B-demanding crops such as sugar beet. However, linking B translocation dynamics and drought-mitigating factors is largely unknown. Therefore, we hypothesize that foliar B application facilitates B long-distance transport, triggering, e.g., osmoregulation and the antioxidant defense system. Plants were grown under sufficient (2.5 mg kg −1 ) and deficient (0.25 mg kg −1 ) conditions of 11 B-boric acid for 28 days after sowing, then 24 days of ample and limited water, with or without foliar 10 B-boric acid of 300 mg L −1 . In this study, it was observed that foliar-applied 10 B translocates from source to sink tissue and increases mobility at sufficient 11 B supply under water-deficit conditions. Conversely, B-induced accumulation of sucrose and osmolality ( ψ s) indicates lower foliar 10 B transport failure from source to sink tissue. Further, higher levels of H 2 O 2 and MDA under B deficiency and limited water supply cause a reduction of dry matter. However, foliar-applied 10 B at sufficient 11 B resulted in the upregulation of the antioxidant defense systems, as reflected by enzyme activities, e.g., CAT, and AsA-GSH cycle enzymes. In contrast, it leads to a decrease in SOD activity, indicating the cellular redox balance. Our findings highlight and provide unprecedented insights into understanding the dynamics of B translocation from source to sink using B tracers ( 10 B and 11 B), where B status delineates the distribution and mobility of foliar B. This suggests protection against ROS and coordination of carbohydrate metabolism while mitigating antioxidative stress.

Boron is an essential micronutrient required for plant cell wall integrity, as it is necessary for crosslinking the pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan II. Reproductive organs require a greater amount of boron for development and growth compared with vegetative organs. However, the mechanism by which plants distribute boron to specific organs is not fully understood. Under boron-limited conditions, the borate exporter BOR1 plays a central role in transporting boron from the roots to the shoots in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Here, we found that BOR1 is expressed in the tapetal cells of young anthers in unopened buds, showing polar localization toward the locule where microspores develop. Tapetum-localized BOR1 undergoes endocytosis and is subsequently degraded during anther development. BOR1 degradation occurs independently of the lysine residue at Position 590 of BOR1, which is responsible for high boron–induced ubiquitination and degradation. Loss-of-function bor1 mutants exhibit disrupted pollen structure, causing reduced fertility under boron-sufficient conditions in the wild type. These phenotypes were rescued by supplementing with high boron concentrations. Furthermore, inflorescence stem grafting experiments suggested that BOR1-dependent boron transport in the flower is necessary for pollen development and subsequent fertilization under boron-sufficient conditions. Our findings suggest the borate exporter BOR1, together with the previously described boric acid channel NIP7;1, facilitates boron transport in tapetal cells toward the locule, thereby supporting pollen development in young anthers under boron-limited conditions.

An integrated modeling framework for investigating the application of solid boron (B) powder injection for real-time surface conditioning of plasma-facing components (PFCs) in tokamak environments is presented. Utilizing the DIII-D impurity powder dropper (IPD) setup, this study simulates B powder injection scenarios ranging from milligrams to tens of milligrams per second, corresponding to boron flux rates of 1020–1021 B/s in standard L-mode conditions. The comprehensive modeling approach combines EMC3-EIRENE for simulating the deuterium plasma background and the Dust Injection Simulator (DIS) for the ablation and transport of the boron powder particles. EMC3 trace impurity fluid modeling results show substantial boron transport to the inboard lower divertor, predominantly influenced by the main ion plasma flow. The dependency on powder particle size (5–250μm) was found to be insignificant for the scenario considered. The effects of erosion and redeposition were considered to reconcile the discrepancies with experimental observations, which saw substantial deposition on the outer divertor plasma-facing components. For this purpose, the WallDYN3D code was updated to include boron sources within the plasma domain and integrated into the modeling framework. The mixed-material migration modeling shows evolving boron deposition patterns, suggesting the formation of mixed B-C layers or predominantly B coverage depending on the powder mass flow rate. While the modeling outcomes at lower B injection rates tend to align with DIII-D experimental observations, the prediction of near-pure boron layers at higher rates has yet to be experimentally verified in the carbon environment of the DIII-D tokamak. The extensive reach of boron layers found in the modeling suggests the need for modeling that encompasses the entire wall geometry for more accurate experimental correlations. This integrated approach sets a precedent for analyzing and applying real-time in-situ boron coating techniques in advanced tokamak scenarios, potentially extendable to ITER.

Abstract The thermal equation of state (EoS) of a natural schorl has been determined at high temperatures up to 673 K and high pressures up to 15.5 GPa using in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction combined with a diamond-anvil cell. The pressure-volume (P-V) data were fitted to a third-order Birch-Murnaghan EoS with V0 = 1581.45 ± 0.25 Å3, K0 = 111.6 ± 0.9 GPa, and K0′ = 4.4 ± 0.2; additionally, when K0′ was fixed at a value of 4, V0 = 1581.04 ± 0.20 Å3, and K0 = 113.6 ± 0.3 GPa. The V0 (1581.45 ± 0.25 Å3) obtained by the third-order Birch-Murnaghan EoS agrees well with the V0 (1581.45 ± 0.05 Å3) measured at ambient conditions. Furthermore, the axial compression data of schorl at room temperature were fitted to a “linearized” third-order Birch-Murnaghan EoS, and the obtained axial moduli for the a- and c-axes are Ka = 621 ± 9 GPa and Kc = 174 ± 2 GPa, respectively. Consequently, the axial compressibilities are βa = 1.61 × 10–3 GPa–1 and βc = 5.75 × 10–3 GPa–1 with an anisotropic ratio of βa:βc = 0.28:1.00, indicating axial compression anisotropy. In addition, the compositional effect on the axial compressibilities of tourmalines was discussed. Fitting our pressure-volume-temperature (P-V-T) data to a high-temperature third-order Birch-Murnaghan EoS yielded the following thermal EoS parameters: V0 = 1581.2 ± 0.2 Å3, K0 = 110.5 ± 0.6 GPa, K0′ = 4.6 ± 0.2, (∂KT/∂T)P = –0.012 ± 0.003 GPa K–1 and αV0 = (2.4 ± 0.2) × 10–5 K–1. These parameters were compared with those of previous studies on other tourmalines, and the potential factors influencing the thermal EoS parameters of tourmalines were further discussed.

<p indent="0mm">Boron isotopes have found extensive applications in fields such as source tracing and paleoenvironmental research. It is important to obtain accurate boron isotope equilibrium fractionation factors between different boron species in brine to study boron isotope geochemistry in salt lakes. These boron species include boric acid (B(OH)₃), borate ion (B(OH)₄⁻) and polyborate ion B₃O₃(OH)₄⁻, B₃O₃(OH)₅²⁻, B₄O₅(OH)₄²⁻ and B₅O₆(OH)₄⁻. In this study, the boron isotope equilibrium fractionation factors between B(OH)₃ and B(OH)₄⁻ and polyborate ions in brine were accurately calculated by quantum chemical calculation method, and the effects of anharmonic effect and solvation effect on the calculation results were corrected. According to the results, the equilibrium boron isotope fractionation factors between B(OH)₃ and B(OH)₄^– and polyborate ions are as follows: <italic>α</italic>_3-4<italic> </italic>= 1.0286, <italic>α</italic>_3-334<italic> </italic>= 1.0389, <italic>α</italic>_3-335<italic> </italic>= 1.0717, <italic>α</italic>_3-45<italic> </italic>= 1.0889, <italic>α</italic>_3-56<italic> </italic>= 1.1180, <italic>α</italic>_4-334<italic> </italic>= 0.9545, <italic>α</italic>_4-335<italic> </italic>= 0.9849, <italic>α</italic>_4-45<italic> </italic>= 0.9728, <italic>α</italic>_4-56<italic> </italic>= 0.9711. The identification of these fractionation factors provides foundational data and theoretical insights into the boron isotope fractionation occurring during the transport of boron in salt lakes brine.

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and development; however, the process of B toxicity in citrus production is still poorly understood. We proposed a hypothesis that B toxicity in citrus trees is related to the characteristics of B transport from soil to leaf or fruit. For this, a field experiment was conducted for two treatments, control (B free or without B) and B fertilizer treatment (100 g Na2B4O7·10H2O plant-1), to investigate the effects on plant growth, nutrient uptake, fruit yield and quality, and B transport in 10-year-old pomelo trees [Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck cv. Guanximiyou]. Our results showed that excess B fertilization directly led to B toxicity in pomelo trees by dramatically increasing soil total B and water-soluble B contents. B toxicity induced interveinal chlorosis in leaves and decreased leaf biomass and function, resulting in a decreased 45.3% fruit yield by reducing 30.6% fruit load and 21.4% single fruit weight. Also, B toxicity induced changes in mineral elements between leaf positions and fruit parts, in which the concentrations of B, potassium, and magnesium were increased while those of nitrogen and iron were decreased. Under B toxicity conditions, fruit quality parameters of total soluble solids (TSS), TSS/titratable acidity (TA), total soluble sugar, sucrose, pH, vitamin C, and total phenol contents decreased, which were regulated by the lower carbohydrate production in new leaves and the lower transport capacity in old leaves. Moreover, B toxicity significantly increased the transfer factor and bio-concentration factor of B in pomelo plants, with higher levels in leaf organs than in fruit organs. Taken together, excess B fertilization-induced B toxicity in pomelo trees, with induced growth inhibition and nutrient disorder, results in reduced fruit yield and quality, which are related to B transport from soil to organs. The findings of this study highlight the understanding of B toxicity in citrus plants and strengthen B management in pomelo production for high yield and high quality.

This article is a Commentary on Wang et al. (2024), 243: 1795–1809.

Affinity-based engineering of carbon nanotube embedded polyamide membranes for simultaneous desalination and boron removal

BnaA4.BOR2 contributes the tolerance of rapeseed to boron deficiency by improving the transport of boron from root to shoot

Boron (B) powder injection is a potential alternative to glow discharge boronization as a wall conditioning method for tokamaks. This technique is currently being studied in WEST experiments, during which B powder is injected by an Impurity Powder Dropper developed by PPPL. In order to interpret and analyse experimental trends, and to help develop future experiments, a modelling workflow using a boundary plasma simulation (SOLEDGE-EIRENE) and powder ablation simulation (Dust Injection Simulator) was developed and tested. The effect of adding a B neutral source to simulated deuterium + oxygen (D + O) plasmas was compared to experimental data from the WEST C5 campaign, where B powder was injected in a dedicated experiment. While the impact of B injection on radiated power measurements at the upper divertor was similar, there were significant differences in measurements of , outer strike point electron temperature and O-II line intensity at the lower divertor between experiment and simulation. This discrepancy suggests that those parameters were affected by phenomena not present in the simulations, with the most likely candidates being reduced D recycling and a reduced O sourcing from the divertor.

Abstract Mathematical simulation of biological fluids is of upmost significance due to its numerous medical uses. Interpreting various biological flows necessitates a thorough knowledge of the peristaltic mechanism. This paper presents a computational study for the peristaltic pumping within vertical asymmetric channels filled with BN‐EG nanofluid under the influence of temperature‐dependent electrical conductivity and thermal radiation. Experimental study showed that the nanofluid created by suspending Boron Nitride particles in a combination of Ethylene Glycol exhibited non‐Newtonian characteristics. Further, the Carreau's fluid model provides accurate predictions about the rheological properties of BN‐EG nanofluid. Various configurations of the outer boundaries are considered, namely, square wave, multi‐sinusoidal wave, trapezoidal wave, and triangular wave. A uniform magnetic field together with nanoparticles and mass concentrations, joule heating, first‐order chemical reaction as well as viscous dissipation are considered. Influences of the Dufour and Soret numbers are examined, and the cases of biological scientific assumptions which is known as low Reynolds number and long wavelength are applied. All the computations are obtained numerically using Mathematica symbolical software (ND‐Solve), and the obtained results are presented in terms of the axial velocity u, heat transfer rate Z, concentration profile Ω, temperature profile θ, extra stress tensor , pressure gradient , pressure rise and stream function ψ. The major outcomes revealed that the maximizing in electrical conductivity coefficient, variable viscosity coefficient and magnetic field parameter is better to obtain a higher rate of the heat transfer while the increase in thermo‐diffusion effects as well as linear thermal radiation coefficient causes a reduction in the rate of heat transfer.

Boron transport enhancement with different capping layers by specific annealing temperatures studied by X-ray and polarized neutron reflectometry

Abstract Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plants. B deficiency and toxicity are widespread agricultural problems worldwide. To maintain appropriate B levels in tissues, plants require B‐sensing mechanisms to regulate its transport. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the boric channel NIP5;1, the borate transporter BOR1, and their homologs in the plasma membrane are responsible for efficient uptake and translocation of B when its supply is limited. Importantly, these transport systems are downregulated under high‐B conditions at multiple post‐transcriptional levels. NIP5;1 is downregulated by mRNA degradation following the B‐dependent ribosome stalling at the minimum upstream open reading frame (uORFs, AUGUAA) in the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR). Upon high B supply, BOR1 is ubiquitinated and transported to the vacuole via the endocytic pathway for degradation. Under higher B supply, BOR1 is further downregulated by translational suppression dependent on multiple uORFs in the 5′ UTR. These responses are important for preventing B toxicity. High‐B‐induced ubiquitination of BOR1 was shown to be dependent on its transport activity, suggesting that conformation transition during the borate transport cycle in the plasma membrane controls the rate of ubiquitination. The ribosome stalling that leads to mRNA degradation of NIP5;1 and translational suppression of BOR1 is presumably dependent on B binding to factors involved in translation in the cytosol. This review summarizes recent studies on B sensing and proposes future directions for research.

Modeling and optimization of salt and boron removal in reverse osmosis system