Regeneration Conditions Research Articles

Efficient continuous SF6/N2 separation using low-cost and robust metal-organic frameworks composites

Physisorption presents a promising alternative to cryogenic distillation for capturing the most potent greenhouse gas, SF6, but existing adsorbents face challenges in meeting diverse chemical and engineering concerns. Herein, with insights into in-pore chemistry and industrial process design, we report a systematic investigation that constructed two low-cost composites pellets (Al(fum)@2%HPC and Al(fum)@5%Kaolin) coupled with an innovative two-stage Vacuum Temperature Swing Adsorption (VTSA) process for the ultra-efficient recovery of low-concentration SF6 from N2. Record-high selectivities (> 2×104) and SF6 dynamic capacities (~ 2.7 mmol/g) were achieved, while exceptional SF6 productivities (~ 58.7 L/kg), yields (~ 96.8%), and recyclability (~ 1000 cycles) were demonstrated in fixed-bed adsorption-desorption experiments under mild regeneration conditions. 2D solid-state NMR/in-situ FTIR, DFT-D binding/diffusion simulation analyses revealed the multi-site binding mode and the ultra-fast diffusion of SF6 within the channels. The proposed VTSA processes successfully met the dual stringent requirements of both environmental protection and electricity equipment operation: the SF6 recovery of 99.91% accompanied with a SF6 purity/working capacity of 99.91%/2.1 mmol/g, which significantly outperformed the industrial employed adsorbent zeolite 13X and showed only 18.7% the energy consumption of the cryogenic distillation.

Enhancing Stability and Activity of Fe-Based Catalysts for Propane Dehydrogenation via Anchoring Isolated Fe-Cl Sites.

The eco-friendly features and desirable catalytic activities of Fe-based catalysts make them highly promising for propane dehydrogenation (PDH). However, simultaneously improving their stability and activity remains a challenge. Here, we present a strategy to address these issues synergistically by anchoring single-atom Fe-Cl sites in Al3+ vacancies of Al2O3. The as-synthesized Fe-Cl/Al2O3 catalyst exhibited greater charge transfer between Cl and Fe than that between O and Fe in conventionally impregnated single-atom Fe/Al2O3 catalysts, resulting in higher effective magnetic moments for Fe-Cl/Al2O3 compared to Fe/Al2O3. When tested in PDH, the durability of Fe-Cl/Al2O3 exceptionally lasted for 250 h under continuous regeneration conditions comprising 60 % C3H8 (40 % N2), followed by pure C3H8 at 600 °C while maintaining a high propylene space-time yield of 1.2 molC3H6 gFe -1 h-1, surpassing the performance of previously developed Fe-based PDH catalysts. We demonstrate that anchoring Fe-Cl into Al3+ vacancies simultaneously enhances stability and suppresses coke formation, owing to unique atomically dispersed Fe-Cl active structures. Compared with Fe/Al2O3 catalysts, charge transfer between Cl and Fe active centers reduces the activation energy barrier for C-H activation during C3H8 dehydrogenation, thereby improving catalytic activity; this may be related to their spin state as observed in in-situ X-ray emission spectroscopy studies during PDH.

Impact of partial regeneration method on the reduction of CO2 desorption energy

Amine-functionalized solid materials have shown efficacy for low-concentration CO2 environments; however, their regeneration is often hindered by slow desorption kinetics at low temperatures. To address this, an innovative approach termed “The Partial Regeneration Method” is introduced as a driving method to enable low-temperature regeneration of CO2 adsorbents at low concentration levels. Analysis of desorption kinetics mechanisms reveal that at low temperatures, CO2 molecules exhibit reduced kinetic energy and intraparticle diffusion coefficients. Furthermore, as it approaches chemical equilibrium temperature, the re-adsorption reaction rate increases. The partial regeneration method which selectively targets CO2 molecules with low re-adsorption rates could be more effective in a such low temperature conditions. This method involves intentionally halting regeneration midway and proceeding to the next adsorption process. Experimental application of specific energy requirements and scenario analysis demonstrated a 50.7% decrease in energy consumption compared to the conventional methods. By optimizing amine loading to reduce excessive re-adsorption, the shortened cycle period compensates for the decreased adsorption per cycle. Increasing the number of cycles led to a 97.5% improvement in CO2 adsorption capacity over a one-month period. Thus, when faced with unavoidable inefficient low-temperature regeneration conditions, the proposed partial regeneration method emerges as a promising solution for minimizing energy consumption.

Exploring the Interaction of Biotinylated FcGamma RI and IgG1 Monoclonal Antibodies on Streptavidin-Coated Plasmonic Sensor Chips for Label-Free VEGF Detection.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical angiogenesis biomarker associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer. This study leverages pre-biotinylated FcγRI interactions with IgG1-type monoclonal antibodies to develop a sensitive VEGF detection method. Utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology, we characterized the binding dynamics of immobilized biotinylated FcγRI to an IgG1-type antibody, Bevacizumab (AVT), through kinetic studies and investigated suitable conditions for sensor surface regeneration. Subsequently, we characterized the binding of FcγRI-captured AVT to VEGF, calculating kinetic constants and binding affinity. A calibration curve was established to analyze the VEGF quantification capacity and accuracy of the biosensor, computing the limits of blank, detection, and quantification at a 95% confidence interval. Additionally, the specificity of the biosensor for VEGF over other protein analytes was assessed. This innovative biomimetic approach enabled FcγRI-mediated site-specific AVT capture, establishing a stable and reusable platform for detecting and accurately quantifying VEGF. The results indicate the effectiveness of the plasmonic sensor platform for VEGF detection, making it suitable for research applications and, potentially, clinical diagnostics. Utilizing FcγRI-IgG1 antibody binding, this study highlights the industrial and clinical value of advanced biosensing technologies, offering insights to enhance therapeutic monitoring and improve outcomes in anti-VEGF therapies.

Biomechanics of Osseointegration of a Dental Implant in the Mandible Under Shock Wave Therapy: In Silico Study.

The most time-consuming aspect of dental prosthesis installation is the osseointegration of a metal implant with bone tissue. The acceleration of this process may be achieved through the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy. The objective of this study is to investigate the conditions for osseointegration of the second premolar implant in the mandibular segment through the use of a poroelastic model implemented in the movable cellular automaton method. The mandibular segment under consideration includes a spongy tissue layer, 600 µm in thickness, covered with a cortical layer, 400 µm in thickness, and a gum layer, 400 µm in thickness. Furthermore, the periodontal layers of the roots of the first premolar and first molar were considered, while the implant of the second premolar was situated within a shell of specific tissue that corresponded to the phase of osseointegration. The model was subjected to both physiological loading and shock wave loading across the three main phases of osseointegration. The resulting fields of hydrostatic pressure and interstitial fluid pressure were then subjected to analysis in accordance with the mechanobiological principles. The results obtained have indicated that low-intensity shock wave therapy can accelerate and promote direct osseointegration: 0.05-0.15 mJ/mm2 in the first and second phases and less than 0.05 mJ/mm2 in the third phase. In comparison to physiological loads (when bone tissue regeneration conditions are observed only around the implant distal end), shock waves offer the primary advantage of creating conditions conducive to osseointegration along the entire surface of the implant simultaneously. This can significantly influence the rate of implant integration during the initial osteoinduction phase and, most crucially, during the longest final phase of bone remodeling.

Thermal degradation of tertiary amine for CO2 capture: Structure–activity relationships and density functional theory calculations

AbstractAqueous amine solution is a promising absorbent for CO2 capture, yet irreversible reaction, that is, degradation can happen for amine and leads to performance decrease and many operating difficulties. Despite numerous research on reaction between amine and CO2 for absorption, the reaction of amine degradation is not fully understood, especially for tertiary amine which is a vital component in constructing high‐performance CO2 absorbent. Considering the variety of tertiary amines, this article studied the thermal stability of five tertiary amine solutions at different temperatures to mimic the regeneration condition. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation was applied to reveal the degradation mechanism. The alkylation reaction that triggered the degradation of tertiary amine was deemed as the limiting step. Then the molecular simulation method was extended to 12 tertiary amines, aiming to further illustrate the influence of molecular structure on the alkylation reaction. These results provide basic data and theoretical guidance for developing the anti‐degradation CO2 absorbent.

Effectiveness of Enzymatic Necrolysis in Patients with Burns

Rationale. Currently, there has been developed a technique for managing enzymatic necrolysis of II-III degree burn wounds using the two-component drug NexoBrid; this treatment option is possible to apply only in the early terms, up to 72 hours, after injury. There are no indications for the use of the technology in later terms after the injury. The aim of research was to study the potential and effectiveness of enzymatic necrolysis when using the drug NexoBrid in patients with burns of II-III degree at various stages after injury (before and after 72 hours). Methods. The study included 23 patients. In 15 cases, enzymatic necrolysis with Nexobrid was carried out in first 72 hours after injury; in 8 cases, in 5-9 days after injury. Results. In both groups, comparable results were obtained regarding the effectiveness of enzymatic necrolysis. The use of enzymatic necrolysis at the late stages (7 days) after injury was effective in the presence of moist necrotic tissue in the wounds, which allowed simultaneously, in the shortest possible time, cleaning burn wounds with uncomplete dermal necrosis (borderline burns of II degree and “mosaic” burns II-III degree) from necrosis, transforming wound process to second stage, creating conditions for regeneration of borderline and “mosaic” burns from the remaining skin derivatives with underlying use of dressings, thus creating a moist wound environment, and in the case of deep burns, reducing the time of their preparation and the area of autodermoplasty. Conclusion. The use of enzymatic necrolysis with the drug NexoBrid in patients with burns of II-III degree is effective up to 7 days after injury in the presence of a moist scab in the wounds.

Repeated fuel treatments fall short of fire-adapted regeneration objectives in a Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest, USA.

Fire exclusion over the last two centuries has driven a significant fire deficit in the forests of western North America, leading to widespread changes in the composition and structure of these historically fire-adapted ecosystems. Fuel treatments have been increasingly applied over the last few decades to mitigate fire hazard, yet it is unclear whether these fuel-focused treatments restore the fire-adapted conditions and species that will allow forests to persist into the future. A vital prerequisite of restoring fire-adaptedness is ongoing establishment of fire-tolerant tree species, and both the type and reoccurrence of fuel treatments are likely to strongly influence stand trajectories. Here, we leveraged a long-term study of repeated fuel treatments in a Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forest to examine the regeneration response of six native tree species to the repeated application of common fuel treatments: prescribed fire, mechanical, mechanical plus fire, and untreated controls. Our objectives were to (1) quantify differences in forest structure and composition following the repeated application of alternative fuel treatments that may influence the establishment environment and then (2) identify the stand structure and climate conditions influencing seedling dynamics. We found that both treatment type and intensity are highly influential in shifting forests toward more fire-adapted conditions and determining species-specific regeneration dynamics. Specifically, the conifer species tracked here increased in either colonization or persistence potential following repeated applications of fire, indicating fire may be most effective for restoring regeneration conditions broadly across species. Fire alone, however, was not enough to promote fire-adapted composition, with concurrent mechanical treatments creating more favorable conditions for promoting colonization and increasing abundances of fire-tolerant ponderosa pine. Yet, even with repeated fuel treatment application, establishment of fire-intolerant species far exceeded that of fire-tolerant species over this 20-year study period. Moreover, increasing growing season water stress negatively impacted seedling dynamics across all species regardless of treatment type and intensity, an important consideration for ongoing management under heightened climatic stress. While repeated treatments are waypoints in restoring fire-adapted conditions, more intense treatments via gap-creation or hotter prescribed fires targeting removal of fire-intolerant species will be necessary to sustain recruitment of fire-tolerant species.

Comparative Evaluation of Mathematical Model and In Vivo Study of Calcium Phosphate Bone Grafts.

One of the key factors of the interaction 'osteoplastic material-organism' is the state of the implant surface. Taking into account the fact that the equilibrium in regeneration conditions is reached only after the reparative histogenesis process is completed, the implant surface is constantly modified. This work is devoted to the numerical description of the dynamic bilateral material-medium interaction under close to physiological conditions, as well as to the assessment of the comparability of the model with in vitro and in vivo experimental results. The semi-empirical model obtained on the basis of chemical kinetics allows us to describe numerically the processes occurring in the in vitro systems and extrapolates well to assess the behavior of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) material under conditions of ectopic (subcutaneous) implantation in Wistar rats. It is shown that an experiment conducted using a perfusion-diffusion bioreactor in a cell culture medium with the addition of fetal bovine serum (FBS) allows for achieving morphologically and chemically identical changes in the surface of the material in comparison with the real organism. This fact opens up wide possibilities for the creation of an analog of a 'laboratory-on-a-chip' and the transition from classical in vivo models to more controlled and mathematically based in vitro systems.

Innovative ammonia harvesting from wastewater: A controlled closed-loop process at high pH for enhanced nutrient recovery

This study presents a new, sustainable, high-pH recirculating batch process for the regeneration of NH4+-laden cation exchange resins, while recovering the ammonia as a pure, reusable, solid salt (NH4Cl). The process efficiently recycles a minimal volume of regeneration solution while reducing NaCl consumption between cycles. The regeneration solution, containing a high concentration of NaCl maintained at high pH (pH > 11) allows Na+ to replace the desorbed NH4+, which, due to the high pH, completely transforms into NH3. Real time pH monitoring of the regeneration solution and the column effluent provided accurate tracking of the regeneration rate and allowed concise endpoint determination. Ammonia was recovered by evaporation of the exhausted regeneration solution followed by sublimation (and thereafter deposition) of NH3 and HCl, which produced pure NH4Cl salt.The optimal working conditions for the cation exchange regeneration were identified as 1 M NaCl, pH 12.0, and regeneration solution volume of 1 bed volume. Single-column application of six adsorption-regeneration cycles (no zeolite replacement) showed that the process conditions do not degrade the resin’s adsorption performance. Cost assessment of two possible ammonia recovery options indicated that while stripping NH3 from the regeneration solution and reabsorbing it in an acidic solution is operationally easier, the sublimation-based approach yields a more valuable product. For an optimized sublimation approach, a low regeneration solution volume, combined with a high resin capacity for NH4+, are essential.This process demonstrates a sustainable solution for ammonia salt recovery from wastewater, offering a circular approach that does not only add an important control to the regeneration step, but also harvests ammonia as a reusable product.

Carbothermal Shock Derived Electrochemical Regeneration of Spent Biochar for Remediation of Ciprofloxacine Contaminated Water

Biochar, derived from waste biomass, is a potent material for carbon dioxide sequestration, owing to its stable, non-degradable aromatic structure [1]. Biochar is found to have advantageous characteristics, such as a unique pore structure, large specific surface area, complex surface-active functional groups, and stable chemical properties. These properties make biochar as a high potential biosorbent for removal of pollutants from water [2]. Meanwhile, the escalating use of pharmaceuticals has led to pervasive environmental residues, posing public health risks. Specifically, antibiotic contamination risks augmenting antibiotic resistance, underscoring the need for efficient wastewater treatment methods [3]. However, current wastewater treatment plant(WWTP) based on biological treatment was not effectively eliminate this types of waste in the water and it is necessary to investigate efficient method for removal of antibiotics from wastewater.This study explores the use of biochar for ciprofloxacin (CIP) removal from water and introduces a novel electrochemical biochar regeneration technique. We utilized sludge from chemical plants to produce biochar through standard and alkali-activated pyrolysis, yielding CB (normal pyrolysis) and CAB (alkali activated pyrolysis) types with distinct physicochemical properties. CAB, with an exceptionally high surface area (~2330 m²/g) and carbon purity (95.4%), demonstrated superior CIP adsorption capacity (~550 mg/g). We investigated the CIP adsorption isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, which appear dominated by π-π and electrostatic interactions facilitated by the high pyrolysis temperatures reducing oxygen-containing groups on the biochar. After the biochar became saturated with CIP, we regenerated it using joule heating in Ar atmosphere, employing the carbothermal shock method for rapid, short-duration temperature increases [4]. In contrast to traditional CTS which can sometimes lead to structural damage by directly heating the material on the carbon substrate [5], we used radiant heat from the CTS process to ensure controlled temperature elevation. This modified approach maintains the structural integrity of the biochar by avoiding direct contact between the biochar and the carbon substrate while facilitating the regeneration process. Additionally, this method facilitates the physical separation of the biochar from the carbon substrate, enhancing the recovery and reuse of biochar. Such an approach contributes to the efficient regeneration of biochar and environmentally friendly processing. We examined parameters such as distance from the substrate and duration to optimize the regeneration conditions. Ultimately, we assessed the efficacy of the CIP adsorption by the regenerated biochar. Traditional thermal treatments for biochar regeneration are energy-intensive and time-consuming. We propose an innovative approach using joule heating under a nitrogen atmosphere, employing carbothermal shock for rapid, efficient regeneration. By optimizing parameters such as voltage and duration, we identified ideal conditions for regenerating biochar, significantly enhancing its CIP adsorption efficacy. This study not only highlights the potential of biochar in environmental remediation but also introduces an energy-efficient regeneration method, contributing to sustainable pollution management solutions.

Habitat assessment, population characteristics, and conservation recommendations for Nepali paper plant, Daphne bholua: ensuring the future of handmade paper production in Nepal’s Central Himalayas

Abstract Daphne bholua Buch. -Ham. ex D. Don (Thymelaeaceae) is a woody shrub native to the temperate forests of the Himalaya. Since the 12th century, the bark of D. bholua has been used as a raw material for handmade paper in Nepal, and employed for value-added products, including government documents, and religious texts. However, unsustainable commercial harvesting now threatens this centuries-old artisanal tradition. To inform and improve the conservation of this important species, we evaluated its habitat characteristics, size class distribution, and regeneration status along an elevation gradient (1900–2500 m) in Madane Mountain, central Nepal. We established 108 plots (5 m× 5 m) at three sites, each with three canopy types: closed, semi-closed, and open. We analyzed habitat characteristics, considering variations in physical and topographic variables and patterns of associated species in different elevation sites. D. bholua exhibited the highest mean density at higher elevations with minimal disturbance, whereas the lowest elevation site, experienced greater human disturbance, with the lowest density. Furthermore, the population structure displayed a ‘reverse J-shaped’ curve, suggesting favorable conditions for natural recruitment and regeneration. Our research findings also indicate that D. bholua populations thrive in semi-closed forest canopies, particularly when associated with Rhododendron arboreum, Quercus semecarpifolia, and Sarcococca coriacea. The outcomes may hold significant value for policymakers, conservationists, harvesters, paper manufacturers, and regulatory bodies aiding in development of environmentally sound conservation programs tailored to various elevations. Our key recommendation may appear surprising: we advise establishing a small, meticulously managed hand papermaking industry in the villages linked to Madane and nearby areas. This initiative would generate supplemental income and produce a culturally valuable and economically marketable product.

Optimal concentrations of plant growth regulators and cultivation conditions for plant regeneration from leaf explants of Aster maackii

Optimal concentrations of plant growth regulators and cultivation conditions for plant regeneration from leaf explants of <i>Aster maackii</i>

Molecule‐level Design to Form Pocket Structures for Improving Amine Efficiency in CO2 Capture

AbstractSolid amine adsorbents represent a promising class of CO2 sorbents, but their amine efficiency is limited by the inaccessibility of peripheral amines. The surface of mesocellular silica foam (MCF) is functionalized with the mixture of short‐chain 3‐Glycidyloxypropyl) triethoxysilane (GPTES) and long‐chain Octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS), forming pocket structures on the support surface, thereby exposing more amine sites and enhancing the amine efficiency of polyethylenimine (PEI). The resulting adsorbent demonstrates a high CO2 adsorption capacity (5.02 mmol g−1 at 50 °C, 10 vol.% CO2, and 50%RH), high amine efficiency (0.43 at the dry condition), outstanding cyclic stability (0.5% performance decline per cycle under the conditions of dry CO2 regeneration), and fast adsorption kinetics (15 min for adsorption saturation at 50 °C). First‐principles calculations and CO2 temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD) experiments demonstrate that the introduction of GPTES and OTMS is beneficial to decreasing adsorption energy and forming paired carbamic acid states and ammonium carbamate states.

The MyoGravity project to study real microgravity effects on human muscle precursor cells and tissue

Microgravity (µG) experienced during space flights promotes adaptation in several astronauts’ organs and tissues, with skeletal muscles being the most affected. In response to reduced gravitational loading, muscles (especially, lower limb and antigravity muscles) undergo progressive mass loss and alteration in metabolism, myofiber size, and composition. Skeletal muscle precursor cells (MPCs), also known as satellite cells, are responsible for the growth and maintenance of muscle mass in adult life as well as for muscle regeneration following damage and may have a major role in µG-induced muscle wasting. Despite the great relevance for astronaut health, very few data are available about the effects of real µG on human muscles. Based on the MyoGravity project, this study aimed to analyze: (i) the cellular and transcriptional alterations induced by real µG in human MPCs (huMPCs) and (ii) the response of human skeletal muscle to normal gravitational loading after prolonged exposure to µG. We evaluated the transcriptomic changes induced by µG on board the International Space Station (ISS) in differentiating huMPCs isolated from Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies of a pre-flight astronaut and an age- and sex-matched volunteer, in comparison with the same cells cultured on the ground in standard gravity (1×g) conditions. We found that huMPCs differentiated under real µG conditions showed: (i) upregulation of genes related to cell adhesion, plasma membrane components, and ion transport; (ii) strong downregulation of genes related to the muscle contraction machinery and sarcomere organization; and (iii) downregulation of muscle-specific microRNAs (myomiRs). Moreover, we had the unique opportunity to analyze huMPCs and skeletal muscle tissue of the same astronaut before and 30 h after a long-duration space flight on board the ISS. Prolonged exposure to real µG strongly affected the biology and functionality of the astronaut’s satellite cells, which showed a dramatic reduction of responsiveness to activating stimuli and proliferation rate, morphological changes, and almost inability to fuse into myotubes. RNA-Seq analysis of post- vs. pre-flight muscle tissue showed that genes involved in muscle structure and remodeling are promptly activated after landing following a long-duration space mission. Conversely, genes involved in the myelination process or synapse and neuromuscular junction organization appeared downregulated. Although we have investigated only one astronaut, these results point to a prompt readaptation of the skeletal muscle mechanical components to the normal gravitational loading, but the inability to rapidly recover the physiological muscle myelination/innervation pattern after landing from a long-duration space flight. Together with the persistent functional deficit observed in the astronaut’s satellite cells after prolonged exposure to real µG, these results lead us to hypothesize that a condition of inefficient regeneration is likely to occur in the muscles of post-flight astronauts following damage.

Organogenesis in a Broad Spectrum of Grape Genotypes and Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of the Podarok Magaracha Grapevine Cultivar.

We present data on the ability for organogenesis in 22 genotypes of grapevine and developed a direct organogenesis protocol for the cultivar Podarok Magaracha and the rootstock Kober 5BB. The protocol does not require replacement of culture media and growth regulators, and the duration is 11 weeks. The cultivation of explants occurs on modified MS medium with the addition of 2.0 mg L-1 benzyladenine and indole-3-butyric acid (0.15 mg L-1 for the rootstock Kober 5BB or 0.05 mg L-1 for the cultivar Podarok Magaracha). The direct organogenesis protocol consists of three time periods: (1) culturing explants for 2 weeks in dark conditions for meristematic bulk tissue, (2) followed by 4 weeks of cultivation in light conditions for regeneration, and (3) 5 weeks of cultivation in dark conditions for shoot elongation. Based on this protocol, conditions for the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of the Podarok Magaracha cultivar were developed with an efficiency of 2.0% transgenic plants per 100 explants. Two stably transformed lines with integration into the genome of the pBin35SGFP plasmid construction, confirmed by Southern blotting, were obtained.

Study on the chloride removal performance of porous anion exchange resin models constructed via 3D printing technology

Industrial production produces a large amount of wastewater containing chloride (Cl-) ions, and elevated concentrations of Cl- pose substantial environmental hazards. This study presents a novel approach using ion exchange resin for the removal of chloride, combined with the advantages of controllable and rapid model design afforded by 3D printing technology, to prepare a porous ion exchange model (PIEM). The optimal conditions for pretreatment, chloride removal, and alkaline regeneration of PIEM were systematically explored. Under these optimal conditions, the chloride removal efficiency of a single PIEM in simulated wastewater with a 1000 mg/L Cl- concentration was 67.4 %. Following five cycles, the chloride removal efficiency stabilized at 40 %. When thirty PIEMs assembled into a quartz tube device were used and subjected to six cycles, the total chloride removal efficiencies reached 85.2 % for 2 L of simulated wastewater with a Cl- concentration of 1000 mg/L and 52.6 % for 1 L of actual wastewater with a Cl- concentration of 2915 mg/L. The mechanism of chloride removal by PIEM involves ion exchange and hydrogen bonding adsorption between the ion exchange resin and Cl- in the surrounding wastewater. This study develops a new method of removing chloride by immobilizing ion exchange resin through 3D printing, which prevents the significant loss of ion exchange resin during the chloride removal process and ensures high efficiency in removing chloride, providing new insights for the development of chloride removal technology.

New possibilities for surgical treatment of borderline burns using biological wound coverings

Objective: selection of optimal biological wound coverings for the treatment of patients with borderline burns. Material and methods. The results of treatment of 30 patients aged 28-58 years were analyzed. All patients were diagnosed with second degree burn wounds of varying localization and area from 5 to 20% (according to International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision). Of these, 13 (43%) patients in group I (age 48 [39; 54] years) underwent surgical removal of necrosis, and ChitoPran® biological wound dressings were applied to the wounds. The remaining 17 (56%) patients in group II (age 42 [28; 58] years) also underwent early surgical treatment, but the grafts were covered with synthetic Voskopran™ wound coverings. Results. In group I, where the biological wound coating ChitoPran® was used, the epithelialization period was 10 (9.0; 10.0) days. In group II, where the synthetic wound coating Voskopran™ was used, the epithelialization period was 12 (11.0; 13.0) days (p=0.031). The data obtained show that biological wound coatings ChitoPran® demonstrate an advantage in accelerating the timing of wound epithelization compared with synthetic wound coatings Voskopran™. In group I, the duration of hospitalization was 10.5 (10.0; 11.0) days, for group II — 11.5 (10.0; 12.0) days (p=0.048). Conclusion. A comparative assessment of the effectiveness of biological wound coverings in the treatment of patients with borderline burns showed that, in contrast to the synthetic wound covering Voskopran™, the use of the biological wound covering ChitoPran® provides favorable conditions for regeneration, due to which the period of epithelization of wounds was reduced by an average of 1-2 days, and hospitalization time is on average up to 2 days.

Highly concentrated collagen/chondroitin sulfate scaffold with platelet-rich plasma promotes bone-exposed wound healing in porcine.

In the case of wounds with exposed bone, it is essential to provide not only scaffolds with sufficient mechanical strength for protection, but also environments that are conducive to the regeneration of tissues and blood vessels. Despite the excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability of collagen and chondroitin sulfate, they display poor mechanical strength and rapid degradation rates. In contrast to previous methodologies that augmented the mechanical properties of biomaterials through the incorporation of additional substances, this investigation exclusively enhanced the mechanical strength of collagen/chondroitin sulfate scaffolds by modulating collagen concentrations. Furthermore, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was employed to establish optimal conditions for vascular and tissue regeneration at the wound site. High-concentration collagen/chondroitin sulfate (H C-S) scaffolds were synthesized using high-speed centrifugation and combined with PRP, and their effects on endothelial cell proliferation were assessed. A porcine model of bone-exposed wounds was developed to investigate the healing effects and mechanisms. The experimental results indicated that scaffolds with increased collagen concentration significantly enhanced both tensile and compressive moduli. The combination of H C-S scaffolds with PRP markedly promoted endothelial cell proliferation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that this combination significantly accelerated the healing of porcine bone-exposed wounds and promoted vascular regeneration. This represents a promising strategy for promoting tissue regeneration that is worthy of further exploration and clinical application.

Entropy‐Driven Carbon Dioxide Capture: The Role of High Salinity and Hydrophobic Monoethanolamine

Addressing atmospheric CO2 levels during the transition to carbon neutrality requires efficient CO2 capture methods. Aqueous amine scrubbing dominates large‐scale flue gas capture but is hampered by the energy‐intensive regeneration step, sorbent loss, and consequent environmental concerns with volatile amines. Herein, hydrophobic non‐volatile alkylated monoethanolamine (MEA) is introduced as a water‐lean CO2 absorbent in brine. The effects of alkylation of MEA, salinity, and aggregation of absorbents on the improved CO2 capture process are systematically investigated. The CO2 absorption facilitates spontaneous self‐aggregation of hydrophobic absorbents, which increases the entropy of water in high‐ion strength solutions. This effect is controlled by the salinity of aqueous solutions, affording comparative gravimetric CO2 uptake performance to benchmark MEA. It is experimentally verified that the hydrophobicity of alkylated MEAs in saline water is responsible for facile absorption, and also for mild regeneration conditions. Therefore, the entropy‐driven approach minimizes absorbent evaporation, corrosion, and decomposition, thus paving the way to realize energy‐efficient carbon capture.