Chemical Immobilization Research Articles

Cyclodextrin-assisted supramolecular host-guest inclusion for durable and sustainable optoelectronics

Metal halide perovskites and organic nonlinear optical materials have showcased enormous potential in many kinds of optoelectronic applications, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and patterned displays. However, further enhancement of optoelectronic performances has been largely limited by the intractable issues of these materials including high defect densities, unstable crystallographic structure, harsh fabrication conditions, and unfavorable biocompatibility and environmental sustainability. Encouragingly, several recent works have demonstrated an effective supramolecular host-guest inclusion strategy could ideally address abovementioned concerns by nesting optoelectronic materials within the cavities of cyclodextrin molecules and their analogs. Specifically, the supramolecule hosts embedded with multiple functional groups and/or crosslinked networks could robustly interact with those optoelectronic materials, which play multifaceted roles in terms of chemical chelation, spatial confinement, structural stabilization, defect passivation, ion immobilization and compensation, thus resulting in comprehensive enhancement of optoelectronic performances and sustainability. The current challenging issues and potential solutions are also discussed to provide a roadmap for achieving more durable and sustainable optoelectronics toward practical applications and real commercialization.

Triple Effect of "Conductivity-Adsorption-Catalysis" Enables MXene@FeCoNiP to be Sulfur Hosts for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

The weak chemical immobilization ability and poor catalytic effect of MXene inhibit its application in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, a novel MXene@FeCoNiP composite is rationally developed and utilized as a sulfur host for Li-S batteries. In this well-designed MXene-based nanostructure, the introduction of FeCoNiP in the interlayer of MXene nanosheets can not only effectively inhibit the restacking of MXene nanosheets but also act as an accelerator for the adsorption and catalysis of polysulfides to restrain the shuttling effect and facilitate the transformation of polysulfides. The existence of two-dimensional MXene nanosheets provides more active sites and improves the conductivity, which is beneficial for accelerating the reaction kinetics. Thus, the as-prepared MXene@FeCoNiP composites achieve an outstanding performance for Li-S batteries. This work provides an opportunity to construct an ideal sulfur host with the triple effect of "conductivity-adsorption-catalysis".

Comparative Safety Evaluation of Boma and Chemical Immobilization Techniques Applied for Translocation of Spotted Deer (Axis axis)

The translocation of wild ungulates poses significant stress to the animal species being transported, necessitating careful consideration. Chemical restraint helps to reduce the stress levels significantly by minimizing the mobility of the animals. Capture myopathy, a leading cause of mortality during chemical immobilization, is a critical concern. However, the Boma method offers a promising alternative to the conventionally used translocation methods. Objective: To compare the survival outcomes of the spotted deer captured and transported using both chemical restraint and the Boma method, therefore assessing their respective effectiveness. Methods: In the study, we used 22 spotted deer for chemical restraint method and 30 spotted deer were captured through Boma method and both of techniques were assessed, how capture methods influenced the fatality rate of the highly sensitive spotted deer which were being trans-located from Safari Zoo, Lahore to other captive sites of Punjab Pakistan. Results: The exceptional record of zero mortality in the Boma procedure was seen as compared to the chemical immobilization in which 31% of the total shifted animals were expired. The pathognomic white streaked/pale muscles in necropsy findings of dead animals later on confirmed the dead due to capture myopathy. Conclusions: The study established the finding that Boma technique is safer technique for trans-location of ungulates especially spotted deer as compared to the chemical immobilization.

Role of Vitamin E And Selenium as an Anti-Stressant in Translocation of Captive Ungulates

Wild ungulates especially in captivity face high stress in translocation that may cause even mortality. Chemical immobilization is employed to minimize stress by using sedatives. Vitamin E and Selenium may have impact on reducing stress. Objectives: To estimate the impact of Vitamin E and Selenium treatment in translocation of captive ungulates. Methods: The study was carried out while planned translocation of 40 ungulates from different zoological gardens of four districts of Punjab to Safari Zoo, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan was performed. The animals were divided into two equal groups i.e., A and B. Both groups were anesthetized with combination of Ketamine and Xylazine while Vitamin E and Selenium was also injected in group B after anesthesia. Blood samples were also drawn for hemato-chemical analysis in both groups. The necropsy of the dead animals was also done for internal organs and skeletal muscles examination. Results: In the group A, two chinkaras and two spotted deer were found dead at the time of release. The pale areas, hemorrhages and clotted blood were observed in necropsy. The values of Hemoglobin, Total Erythrocyte Count and Packed Cell Volume were moderately varied from the normal in both groups. The group A had greater lymphocyte count and lower neutrophils while in group B, lymphocyte count was lower, neutrophils were higher and Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), and cortisol levels were quite higher than normal. Conclusions: Vitamin E and Selenium has positive impact to reduce stress level in translocation of captive ungulates.

Design of anti-fouling membranes via prebiotic chemistry-inspired aminomalononitrile (AMN) coating strategy: Aldehyde-mediated chemical immobilization of pseudo-zwitterionic compounds

Although zwitterionic polymers were extensively explored for anti-fouling surface modification, the resulting significant loss in membrane permeability is undesirable. Assisted by co-deposition of aminomalononitrile (AMN) and terephthalaldehyde (TA), in this study a high-performance membrane with low fouling propensity was designed via chemical immobilization of a novel pseudo-zwitterionic compound, namely 3-(dimethyl(3-((3-sulfonatopropyl)ammonio)propyl)ammonio)propane-1-sulfonate (DMPDA-QS), onto the polyethersulfone (PES) substrate. The optimal membrane showed high water permeance (∼366 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) and high rejection (>98.0 %) to model proteins. The immobilization of this pseudo-zwitterionic compound led to a nearly neutral surface and enhanced hydrophilicity, and the dynamic fouling experiments proved its excellent antifouling performance against both negatively (i.e., bovine serum albumin, BSA) and positively (i.e., lysozyme, LYZ) charged foulants with flux recovery of >93% and >88% after 3-cycle filtration, respectively. A mathematical model was used to quantify the contribution of mass transfer resistance caused by reversible and irreversible fouling, showing nearly unchanged resistance of the modified membranes in contrast with 260% increase of the pristine PES after 3 filtration cycles. The developed fabrication strategy provided a viable and versatile route for designing high-performance antifouling membranes.

Construction of trifloaluminate ionic liquid catalyst on the silica surface dedicated for continuous flow Diels-Alder synthesis

Supported ionic liquid phases (SILP) are efficiently use for the construction of highly active, heterogeneous and recyclable catalysts. In this study, three strategies towards chemical immobilization of trifloaluminate ionic liquid catalyst into microporous/mesoporous silica support were investigated. The order of silica surface modification with trifloaluminate ILs components had crucial influence on the catalytic activity and stability which was tested in the model Diels-Alder reaction between isoprene and maleic anhydride in acetonitrile at room temperature. The best catalytic performance (maleic anhydride conversion > 97% in ten reaction cycles) was achieved for catalyst created through the synthesis of trifloaluminate ionic liquid in the first step with further bounding to the silica surface using 25 wt% of ionic liquid loading. The effective transformation of the Diels-Alder reaction to continuous flow synthesis led to 97% maleic anhydride conversion over 432 h with a TOF of 104.3 h−1 and significantly improved process sustainability.

Harnessing the power of nonthermal Plasma: A breakthrough in stabilizing Thallium contaminants in soil and unveiling the mechanism

Thallium (Tl) is a highly toxic element and can accumulate in human body through food, water, or air and cause damage to multiple organs. In this study, the nonthermal plasma (NTP) was employed to irradiate the potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate trihydrate (SDDC) to solve the issues brought by their poor stability and insufficient chelation capabilities in soils to intensify their performance on immobilizing monovalent Tl contaminants in soils. Both an orthogonal design (OD) and a central composite design (CCD) were adopted to arrange the multi-parametrical modification and stabilization experiments. The leaching toxicities ranging from 5.11 to 52.37 µg/L of Tl+ ions were obtained in the OD experiments. The changes in both NTP time and the molar ratios of KH2PO4 to SDDC had a significant effect on the activation procedure. The leaching concentration ranging from 0.37 to 7.34 µg/L was achieved in the CCD stabilization experiments. NTP activation and the rearrangement of the stabilization conditions both were beneficial to the transformation of physicochemical states of Tl pollutants in soils, which proved the existence of chemical immobilization brought by the irradiated stabilizers (NTP-PK-SDDCs) to the Tl contaminants. The stabilization process was targeted between only Tl contaminants and NTP-PK-SDDCs in soils. The NTP irradiation enhanced the physicochemical characteristics of stabilizers, further intensifying the immobilization of Tl species in the soils. The enhancement mechanism was attributed to the free radicals-induced doping, oxidation, and polycondensation and the bombards of electrons, which strengthened the electrostation and chemisorption of NTP-PK-SDDCs towards Tl ions. The potential impact of this study includes the development of more effective and sustainable remediation methods for Tl-contaminated soils, contributing to environmental protection and human health.

Pushing the Operational Barriers for g-C3N4: A Comprehensive Review of Cutting-Edge Immobilization Strategies

This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in immobilization strategies for graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a metal-free photocatalyst that has gained significant attention for its optical and physicochemical properties comparable to traditional photocatalysts like TiO2. However, a critical challenge regarding their application has emerged from the difficulty of its recovery due to its powdery nature. Therefore, several alternatives are being explored to immobilize this material, facilitating its recovery and reuse. This review systematically categorizes various physical and chemical immobilization techniques, providing an in-depth analysis of their advantages, drawbacks, and applications. Techniques such as encapsulation, electrospinning, casting, and coating, along with their adaptations for g-C3N4, are thoroughly examined. Additionally, the impact of these strategies on enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency and operational stability of g-C3N4, particularly in environmental applications, is also assessed. Thus, this review aims to provide valuable insights and guide future research in the realms of photocatalysis and environmental remediation. The review contributes to the understanding of how immobilization strategies can optimize the performance of g-C3N4, furthering its potential applications in sustainable and efficient environmental solutions.

Coupling chemical modification and immobilization of cellulase improves thermal stability and low-melting mixture solvent tolerance for in situ saccharification of bagasse

In situ saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass in low-melting mixture solvents (LoMMSs) is a promising approach for biorefinery. In this study, chemical modification of cellulase coupled with immobilization was designed to improve thermal stability and LoMMS tolerance of cellulase for in situ saccharification. Cellulase was firstly chemically modified with succinic anhydride and ethylenediamine respectively to form succinylated cellulase (S-Ce) and aminated cellulase (A-Ce), then the modified cellulases were immobilized with amino-functionalized metal-organic frameworks to establish ZIF-8/A immobilized A-Ce and S-Ce. Circular dichroism, fluorescence measurements, X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectra and scanning electron microscopy were applied to characterize the modified cellulase or immobilization carrier. ZIF-8/A immobilized A-Ce presented desired thermal stability and LoMMS tolerance. Reducing sugar yields via ZIF-8/A immobilized A-Ce during in situ saccharification of bagasse maintained stably till Bet/AA concentration reached 50%, and declined relatively slowly compared with free or other immobilized cellulase when Bet/AA concentration further increased to 90%. In situ saccharification of bagasse via ZIF-8/A immobilized A-Ce in concentrated Bet/AA (50%) can be operated at a wide temperature range (50–60 °C). The corresponding reducing sugar yield with ZIF-8/A immobilized A-Ce was 58% higher than that with free cellulase in 50% Bet/AA at 60 °C.

Construction of a continuous packed bed laccase reactor for the elimination of tetracyclines in seawater

Tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) are extensively present in the marine environment and have adverse effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems. Laccases are a type of green biocatalyst for TCs degradation. In this study, a continuous packed bed reactor based on the immobilized modified laccase was constructed to degrade TCs at environmentally relevant levels in seawater. Results showed that the chemical modification and immobilization of laccase had a synergistic effect on its activity and stability in seawater: after incubation in seawater for 12 h, the residual activity of free laccase was only 22.3%, while that of the immobilized modified laccase (A/PhA-Lac) was 79.3%. A laccase reactor was constructed based on A/PhA-Lac, and the response surface regression model was established to optimize the laccase reactor operating conditions. The laccase reactor under optimal conditions could continuously degrade TCs (5 μg/L each) in seawater within 10 h and reach the highest removal rate at 4 to 5 h (removal rates of tetracycline, oxytetracycline, and chlorotetracycline were 94.7%, 86.6% and 98.0%, respectively). The luminescent bacteria microtoxicity and seawater microbial community analysis revealed that the laccase reactor significantly mitigated the toxicity of TCs in seawater. This study provided an environmentally friendly and effective method for the elimination of antibiotics in seawater.

Comparison of Ketamine-Xylazine, Butorphanol-Azaperone-Medetomidine, and Nalbuphine-Medetomidine-Azaperone for Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Immobilization.

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are frequently handled using chemical immobilization in North America for management and research. In a controlled environment, we compared three drug combinations: ketamine-xylazine (KX), butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM), and nalbuphine-medetomidine-azaperone (NalMed-A) for raccoon immobilization. In crossover comparisons, raccoons received a mean of the following: 8.66 mg/kg ketamine and 1.74 mg/kg xylazine (0.104 mL/kg KX); 0.464 mg/kg butorphanol, 0.155 mg/kg azaperone, and 0.185 mg/kg medetomidine (0.017 mL/kg BAM); and 0.800 mg/kg nalbuphine, 0.200 mg/kg azaperone, and 0.200 mg/kg medetomidine (0.020 mL/kg NalMed-A). Induction time was shortest with KX (mean±SE, 10.0±0.7 min) and longest with NalMed-A (13.0±1.3 min). A sampling procedure was completed on 89% (16/18), 72% (13/18), and 89% (16/18) of the raccoons administered KX, BAM, and NalMed-A, respectively. Reasons for incomplete sampling included inadequate immobilization (one KX and one NalMed-A), responsive behaviors (one each with KX, BAM, NalMed-A), or animal safety (four BAM). Mean recovery time for KX was 32.8±7.1 min without antagonizing and 28.6±5.2 min following delivery of an antagonist. Mean recovery time was 6.2±0.8 min for BAM and 5.1±0.5 min for NalMed-A after antagonizing. Only with KX were raccoons observed to recover without use of an antagonist. Supplemental oxygen was provided to 23% (3/13), 72% (13/18), and 71% (12/17) of raccoons immobilized with KX, BAM, and NalMed-A, respectively. Hypoxemia at <80% oxygen saturation occurred in 0% (0/17), 27% (4/15), and 6% (1/16) of the raccoons administered KX, BAM, and NalMed-A, respectively; all raccoons fully recovered from chemical immobilization. All combinations could be used for raccoon immobilization; however, the need for delivery of supplemental oxygen to a majority of raccoons immobilized with BAM and NalMed-A may limit broader use of these agents for certain field studies involving capture, sample, and release of free-ranging animals from a practical standpoint.

Comparing the Efficacy of Two Immobilization Drug Combinations for the Chemical Restraint of Bobcats (Lynx rufus).

Chemical immobilization agents that provide rapid induction time, short duration of action, wide margin of safety, and postreversal recovery are important attributes to the handling process of immobilized animals. We evaluated differences in induction, recovery, and physiologic parameters in 23 (13 female, nine adults and four yearlings; 10 male, nine adults and one yearling) free-ranging bobcats (Lynx rufus) chemically immobilized with an intramuscular combination of ketamine (10 mg/kg) and xylazine (KX; 1.5 mg/kg; n=11) or a combination of butorphanol (0.8 mg/kg), azaperone (0.27 mg/kg), and medetomidine (BAM; 0.32 mg/kg; n=12). Induction parameters, time to first effect, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, and anesthesia between bobcats administered KX and BAM were similar. Pulse rate was significantly higher for KX than for BAM. Time to standing and full recovery after reversal were faster for bobcats administered BAM than KX. Six of 11 (55%) bobcats given KX were effectively immobilized with a single injection, and five required additional drugs to allow adequate time for processing. Of 12 bobcats given BAM, six (50%) were effectively immobilized with a single injection, three (25%) individuals were not completely immobilized and required additional doses to allow adequate time for processing, and three (25%) required additional doses after complete arousal during processing. We found that BAM provided reduced sedation and processing times (<30 min), whereas KX provided extended sedation and processing times beyond 30 min. We suggest that researchers increase initial BAM drug volumes for yearling and adult bobcats at time of processing and consider taking appropriate safety precautions when handling free-ranging bobcats.

Remediation of Arsenic and Cadmium Co-Contaminated Soil: A Review

The concurrent presence of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil is widespread and severe, highlighting the need for remediation. However, remediating As and Cd co-contaminated soils is more complex than remediating soils contaminated with a single heavy metal due to the opposite properties of As and Cd in soil. Thus, the different forms of As and Cd in co-contaminated soils and their transformation rules have been systematically reviewed in this paper. Simultaneously, hyperaccumulators and immobilization amendments used in the remediation of As–Cd co-contaminated soil were reviewed. Moreover, the mechanisms of phytoremediation and chemical immobilization techniques in the treatment of As and Cd co-contaminated soil and the remediation effects were expounded in detail. To promote the development of ecological civilization, this paper proposes further remediation strategies and guidance for the remediation of As–Cd co-contaminated soil.

Immobilisation efficacy of conducted electrical weapons on captive white-tailed deer

Context Wildlife emergencies (e.g. injured animals) often require capture or humane dispatch of animals to resolve the situation. Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) have the potential to immobilise white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) for a short duration to avoid potential risks of extended immobilisation (e.g. chemical immobilisation) and increase safety for managers and the public during humane killing by gunshot. Aims To test rapid immobilisation with minimal long-term physiological consequences of CEW immobilisation of white-tailed deer. Methods We arranged five treatment groups of captive deer, including (1) chemical immobilisation with 5-s CEW exposure (n = 5), (2) chemical immobilisation with 15-s CEW exposure (n = 5), (3) 5-s CEW exposure with no chemical immobilisation (n = 10), (4) 15-s CEW exposure with no chemical immobilisation (n = 10) and (5) a control group with no chemical immobilisation or CEW exposure (n = 10). We conducted treatments 1 and 2 to determine short-term physiological effects of CEWs on deer, related to overall welfare. In treatment groups 1 and 2, we sedated deer to collect blood immediately before CEW exposure, and 2 days and 5 days post-exposure for serum biochemical analysis (to measure physiological markers of organ and tissue damage). We observed deer before, during and after treatments to evaluate potential behavioural changes. Key results All deer showed signs of muscle paralysis immediately after exposure to CEW and regained muscle control immediately after the exposure ended. Serum biochemistry results for treatment group 1 and 2 revealed significant increases in creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 2 days post-treatment, before returning to pre-exposure concentrations by day 5-post-exposure, suggesting temporary myopathy. By 15-days post-exposure, deer that were only exposed to the CEW had 27 of 39 (69%) remotely fired probes still attached. No long-term behavioural or physiological changes were observed post-treatment. Conclusions Our findings suggest that for immobilisation of white-tailed deer, short-term exposure to a CEW to is a potential alternative to typical capture techniques and can provide sufficient immobilisation to approach and humanely kill deer by gunshot if necessary in wildlife emergencies. Implications As with all capture techniques, trainings and protocols should be developed to ensure the safety of personnel and animals during CEW exposures.

Quantifying Siglec-sialylated ligand interactions: a versatile 19F-T2 CPMG filtered competitive NMR displacement assay.

Sialic-acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) are integral cell surface proteins crucial for the regulation of immune responses and the maintenance of immune tolerance through interactions with sialic acids. Siglecs recognize sialic acid moieties, usually found at the end of N-glycan and O-glycan chains. However, the different Siglecs prefer diverse presentations of the recognized sialic acid, depending on the type of glycosidic linkage used to link to the contiguous Gal/GalNAc or sialic acid moieties. This fact, together with possible O- or N-substitutions at the recognized glycan epitope significantly influences their roles in various immune-related processes. Understanding the molecular details of Siglec-sialoglycan interactions is essential for unraveling their specificities and for the development of new molecules targeting these receptors. While traditional biophysical methods like isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) have been utilized to measure binding between lectins and glycans, contemporary techniques such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), microscale thermophoresis (MST), and biolayer interferometry (BLI) offer improved throughput. However, these methodologies require chemical modification and immobilization of at least one binding partner, which can interfere the recognition between the lectin and the ligand. Since Siglecs display a large range of dissociation constants, depending on the (bio)chemical nature of the interacting partner, a general and robust method that could monitor and quantify binding would be highly welcomed. Herein, we propose the application of an NMR-based a competitive displacement assay, grounded on 19F T2-relaxation NMR and on the design, synthesis, and use of a strategic spy molecule, to assess and quantify sialoside ligand binding to Siglecs. We show that the use of this specific approach allows the quantification of Siglec binding for natural and modified sialosides, multivalent sialosides, and sialylated glycoproteins in solution, which differ in binding affinities in more than two orders of magnitude, thus providing invaluable insights into sialoglycan-mediated interactions.

SpyDirect: A Novel Biofunctionalization Method for High Stability and Longevity of Electronic Biosensors.

Electronic immunosensors are indispensable tools for diagnostics, particularly in scenarios demanding immediate results. Conventionally, these sensors rely on the chemical immobilization of antibodies onto electrodes. However, globular proteins tend to adsorb and unfold on these surfaces. Therefore, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiolated alkyl molecules are commonly used for indirect gold-antibody coupling. Here, a limitation associated with SAMs is revealed, wherein they curtail the longevity of protein sensors, particularly when integrated into the state-of-the-art transducer of organic bioelectronics-the organic electrochemical transistor. The SpyDirect method is introduced, generating an ultrahigh-density array of oriented nanobody receptors stably linked to the gold electrode without any SAMs. It is accomplished by directly coupling cysteine-terminated and orientation-optimized spyTag peptides, onto which nanobody-spyCatcher fusion proteins are autocatalytically attached, yielding a dense and uniform biorecognition layer. The structure-guided design optimizes the conformation and packing of flexibly tethered nanobodies. This biolayer enhances shelf-life and reduces background noise in various complex media. SpyDirect functionalization is faster and easier than SAM-based methods and does not necessitate organic solvents, rendering the sensors eco-friendly, accessible, and amenable to scalability. SpyDirect represents a broadly applicable biofunctionalization method for enhancing the cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and longevity of electronic biosensors, all without compromising sensitivity.

Validation of a LC-MS/MS method to simultaneously quantify thiafentanil and naltrexone in plasma for pharmacokinetic studies in wildlife

Thiafentanil is a popular opioid agonist that is fully reversed by administering naltrexone. This agonist–antagonist combination is administered to a wide variety of wildlife species for chemical immobilisation, however plasma concentrations for thiafentanil remain unreported. This report describes a method that was developed and validated using human plasma and cross-validated for the analysis of goat plasma. Samples were extracted using a simple protein precipitation and analysed using LC-MS/MS. The assay was validated over the calibration range 4.38 − 1120 ng/mL for thiafentanil and 15.63 − 4000 ng/mL for naltrexone. The mean inter-day accuracies for QCs prepared in human plasma (n = 18) ranged from 94.8 − 103.8 % for thiafentanil and 94.8 − 95.9 % for naltrexone with corresponding precisions of 3.4 − 7.9 % and 2.8 − 11.4 %, respectively. The mean accuracies for QCs prepared in goat plasma (n = 6) ranged from 89.0 − 100.5 % for thiafentanil and 89.0 − 98.0 % for naltrexone with the associated precisions ranging from 7.1 − 11.6 % and 4.8 − 12.3 %, respectively. Both analytes were stable on bench for six hours and for three freeze–thaw cycles. The impact of heat-inactivation, necessary for the inactivation of potential foot-and-mouth disease, on analyte stability, matrix effect and recovery were evaluated, and a correction factor was established to determine the original analyte concentrations. The method was applied to pharmacokinetic samples collected from goats. The use of goats as a model species provides the first insight into the plasma concentrations of thiafentanil.

Nanoparticles in Soil Remediation: Challenges and Opportunities

Nanoremediation emerges as a promising technology for mitigating soil contamination, encompassing various nanotechnology applications, including chemical degradation, Fenton-type oxidation, photocatalytic degradation, immobilization, and integration with bioremediation techniques like phytoremediation. In addressing soil pollution, the most extensively researched nanomaterials (NMs) are based on carbon, metal and metal oxide, nZVI, and other nanocomposites. Nevertheless, limitations accompany the use of NMs in soil remediation. To assess whether nanotechnology applications outweigh environmental threats, it is crucial to investigate potential effects of NMs on terrestrial vegetation, soil organisms, and human well-being. The impacts of NMs on ecology and the soil environment must be taken into consideration when formulating remediation strategies. Future directions for applied and fundamental studies could include developing multifaceted nanocomposites, integrating them with technologies like bioremediation. Additionally, exploring real-time control and monitoring of NMs and their efficacy in removing pollutants is worth consideration. Pursuing these avenues is vital for advancing the field of soil remediation and comprehending the impact of nanotechnology on the environment.

Roles of wood waste biochar for chloride immobilization in GGBS-blended cement composites

Due to its environmentally friendly features and economic benefits, biochar has garnered increasing attention as a sustainable and carbon-negative material in the construction sector. This study investigated the roles of wood waste biochar in enhancing the chloride immobilization capacity (CIC) of GGBS-blended cement (PG) composites by assessing the chemical chloride immobilization, physical chloride immobilization, and chloride migration resistance. The results indicated an initial increase in the chloride immobilization ratio (CIR) of PG composites, followed by a decrease upon the further increase in biochar dosage. The highest CIR was achieved by PGBC2, containing 2.0 wt% biochar. Microscale characterization revealed that biochar addition increased the formation of Friedel’s salts, thereby augmenting chemical chloride immobilization in the PG composites. Furthermore, biochar addition enhanced the adsorption of calcium ions and provided nucleation sites that supported the continuous hydration reaction, forming more hydration products and reinforcing the physical chloride immobilization. The highest compressive strength and elastic modulus were aligned with the lowest water adsorption and total porosity among all the tested groups, supporting the increased resistance of chloride migration in the PGBC composites. These findings offer novel insights into leveraging wood waste biochar for fortifying the durability of GGBS-blended concrete structures in chloride-rich environments.

Emerging Bioprinting for Wound Healing.

Bioprinting has attracted much attention due to its suitability for fabricating biomedical devices. In particular, bioprinting has become one of the growing centers in the field of wound healing, with various types of bioprinted devices being developed, including 3D scaffolds, microneedle patches, and flexible electronics. Bioprinted devices can be designed with specific biostructures and biofunctions that closely match the shape of wound sites and accelerate the regeneration of skin through various approaches. Herein, a comprehensive review of the bioprinting of smart wound dressings is presented, emphasizing the crucial effect of bioprinting in determining biostructures and biofunctions. The review begins with an overview of bioprinting techniques and bioprinted devices, followed with an in-depth discussion of polymer-based inks, modification strategies, additive ingredients, properties, and applications. The strategies for the modification of bioprinted devices are divided into seven categories, including chemical synthesis of novel inks, physical blending, coaxial bioprinting, multimaterial bioprinting, physical absorption, chemical immobilization, and hybridization with living cells, and examples are presented. Thereafter, the frontiers of bioprinting and wound healing, including 4D bioprinting, artificial intelligence-assisted bioprinting, and in situ bioprinting, are discussed from a perspective of interdisciplinary sciences. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects in this field are highlighted.