Dense Microstructure Research Articles

Physicochemical, antioxidant, gastrointestinal digestion and probiotic growth promoting properties of water and alkali extracted polysaccharides from Schizophyllum commune.

Schizophyllum commune is a traditional edible and medicinal mushroom that has been successfully artificially cultivated in China. Polysaccharides from S. commune have attracted much attention because of their bioactivity. The present study aimed to investigate the physicochemical, gastrointestinal digestion and probiotic growth promoting properties of water extracted polysaccharides (WSP) and alkali extracted polysaccharides (WSP) from S. commune. The extraction rates and the total sugar contents of WSP and ASP were 11.97% and 14.36% and 57.71 g kg-1 and 52.34 g kg-1, respectively. The main monosaccharides of WSP are glucose and mannose, whereas glucose, mannose and galacturonic acid are the main monosaccharides of ASP. Although the molecular weight of WSP is greater than that of ASP, both WSP and ASP show the typical absorption peaks of polysaccharides and a triple helix structure. WSP shows a coarse granular microstructure, whereas ASP presents a dense porous microstructure. Moreover, WSP shows typical Newtonian fluid behavior, whereas ASP exhibits typical non-Newtonian fluid behavior. WSP presents better thermal stability and antioxidant properties than that of ASP. Both WSP and ASP have good hydrolysis resistance in vitro simulated digestion, but ASP shows better hydrolysis resistance. Both WSP and ASP can promote the growth of probiotic, but the promoting growth effect depends on the strain of the probiotic. In sum, WSP shows better physicochemical properties, but ASP has more potential to be an excellent prebiotic. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Geopolymers Manufactured by the Alkali Activation of Mining and Ceramic Wastes Using a Potential Sustainable Activator from Olive Stone Bottom Ashes

The reuse of by-products as alternative raw materials to traditional construction materials is required in order to ensure sustainable development in the construction sector and is a significant and important focus in the fields of materials science. This study developed geopolymers using by-products from mining, ceramics, and olive industries, including slate stone cutting sludge (SSCS) and chamotte (CH) as aluminosilicate sources, and olive biomass bottom ash (OSBA) as an alkaline activator with sodium silicate. A key novelty of the research lies in the use of SSCS, an underexplored by-product in geopolymerization studies, as a viable aluminosilicate source. The geopolymers were prepared with varying weight ratios of SSCS, CH, and OSBA/Na₂SiO₃ (1.7, 1.9, 2.2, and 2.4). Physical and mechanical tests determined the optimal formulation, while FTIR and SEM analyses revealed the material’s chemical and structural evolution. The FTIR analysis detected the quartz and carbonate phases, indicating incomplete quartz dissolution and carbonate formation during calcination. The SEM analysis revealed a dense microstructure with reduced porosity and enhanced geopolymerization in samples with higher OSBA content. The optimal geopolymer (60% OSBA, 30% CH, OSBA/Na₂SiO₃ ratio of 2.2) achieved a compressive strength of 33.1 MPa after 28 days. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of producing geopolymers using SSCS, CH, and OSBA, promoting the reuse of industrial by-products as sustainable alternatives to conventional binders.

Effect of bottom ash powder replacement rate, water cement ratio and sand cement ratio on alkali activated slag mortar

The main objective of this study is to clarify the effect of bottom ash (BA) powder replacement rate, water-cement ratio, and sand-cement ratio on alkali-activated slag mortar (AASM) by comprehensively investigating the following parameters: fluidity, consistency, setting time, pH, compressive strength, and flexural strength, as well as observing the microstructure by XRD and SEM. Finally, the relationship between the parameters was explored by means of correlation coefficient heatmaps in concert with scatter plots (including quadratic polynomial linear fitting). The results show that it is feasible to use up to 60% of BA powder to replace slag for AASM. Meanwhile, it is suggested that the AASM with a water-cement ratio of 0.44 and a sand-cement ratio of 2.6 can obtain better workability, mechanical properties, and a denser microstructure. The incorporation of BA powder produces the unique hydration product Magadiite. In addition, the mechanical models of compressive strength and flexural strength of AASM were proposed . This study provides a reference for the application of BA powder in the alkali-activated system, which is beneficial for resource recycling.

Geometrical shape learning as basis for compact microstructure representations and microstructure-properties linkages

Geometrical shape learning as basis for compact microstructure representations and microstructure-properties linkages

Improved konjac glucomannan/curdlan-based emulsion coating by mung bean protein addition for cherry tomato preservation.

Biopolymer-based emulsion systems have been used for food preservation. In this study, mung bean protein (MBP) was added to konjac glucomannan (KGM)/curdlan-based camellia oil emulsion (KC-CO) to develop KCM-CO emulsion system. KCM-CO emulsions showed good compatibility and stability during storage. The confocal laser scanning microscopy, atomic force microscope, and infrared spectroscopy revealed that camellia oil was successfully emulsified by MBP, and the resulting droplets were evenly distributed in the polysaccharide network formed by KGM and curdlan micelles based on hydrogen bonds. The emulsions behaved as an elastic solid, and the KCM-CO emulsion films exhibited a compact microstructure, and the emulsification of MBP enhanced the compatibility, as K54C40M6-CO had the smoothest surface. The addition of MBP significantly improved the elongation at break (EAB), water contact angle (WCA), dissolution, and gas permeability of the emulsion films. K54C40M6-CO showed the largest EAB (37.6%), strong hydrophobicity (WCA=97.8°), and low water vapor and oxygen permeability. In the preservation experiments, K54C40M6-CO coating significantly delayed the weight loss (by 41.2%) and firmness decline (by 54.5%), and maintained the appearance, total solids, total acids, and ascorbic acid content of cherry tomatoes, and inhibited the respiratory intensity by 44.2%. This coating showed great potential for fruit and vegetable preservation.

Nanostructured Quasiplanar Heterointerface for a Highly Stable and Ultrafast Switching Flexible Inorganic Electrochromic Smart Window.

Electrochromic (EC) technology can adjust optical properties under electrical stimulation with broad applications in smart windows, displays, and camouflage. However, significant challenges remain in developing inorganic EC films with high durability, rapid response, and mechanical flexibility due to intrinsic brittleness and dense microstructure. Herein, a nanostructured quasiplanar heterointerface (Q-PHI) is first introduced into the electrode/EC interlayer to realize a robust, ultrafast switching tungsten trioxide (WO3) EC film. The 200 nm-thick Q-PHI WO3 film exhibits remarkable EC performance, including large optical contrast (81.8% and 83.4% at 700 and 1500 nm), ultrafast switching of 2.4 and 1.8 s, and excellent stability (10,000 cycles with 21.3% optical-contrast loss). A large-area (20 × 15 cm2) flexible EC smart window is also successfully achieved. The mechanism lies in the intense built-in electric field and strong interfacial bonding induced by the Q-PHI with unique longitudinal gradient distribution, greatly enhancing the electron/ion transport kinetics, surface ion adsorption, and durability.

Microstructure and Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of Laser Cladding (CoCrNiFeMo)91.5B6.0Si2.5 High‐Entropy Alloy Coating on TC4 Titanium Alloy

(CoCrNiFeMo)91.5B6.0Si2.5 high‐entropy alloy (HEA) coatings are deposited on TC4 titanium alloy by laser cladding, and their microstructure and properties are investigated. The findings indicate that FCC1 and FCC2 are dendritic and euqiaxed structures, respectively, and that HEA coatings form a FCC + σ eutectic structure. A strong metallurgical bond and a high density interface fusion layer are created at v = 1200 mm min−1, and the laser energy density matches that of the cladding. The thermodynamic criteria for the FCC + σ eutectic phase in HEAs created by the nonequilibrium solidification are proposed as follows: δ ≤ 8.5%, 6.88 ≤ VEC ≤ 8, −17 ≤ ΔHmix ≤ 7 kJ mol−1, and PSFE ≥ 40 at%. The thermodynamic parameters of HEACs are as follows: δ = 8.46%, ΔHmix = −10.282 kJ mol−1, VEC = 7.2, and PSFE = 43 at%, which meet the criteria. The coating's cross‐sectional hardness gradually drops from HEA‐coating‐zone, fusion‐zone, heat‐affected zone, and TC4 matrix. When v = 1200 mm min−1, the HEA‐coating‐zone has the highest mean microhardness (830.96 HV1.0). HEA coatings have a double passivation zone with the highest Ecorr (−0.1774 V) and a much lower Icorr (0.047 μA cm−2) than that of other scanning rates. Its FCC + σ eutectic structure, greater crystallinity, improved passivation effect, more dense microstructure, and fewer lattice and grain boundary defects all work together to provide its exceptional electrochemical corrosion performance.

Mineralogical Characterization of Mortars in Ancient Portuguese Tile and Embrechado Restorations: The Cases of Maceió (AL) and Salvador (BA)

ABSTRACT Portuguese tiles and embrechados rare colonial historical and artistic heritage capable of safeguarding the luso-bazilian cultural link over time. The inappropriate use of mortars to resettle these elements gives rise to diverse pathological manifestations. Therefore, this article aims to characterize mineralogical mortars used in ancient Brazilian restorations to ascertain their composition and the presence of cementitious material or other contamination. To this end, the microstructure of mortar samples from the Cloister of the Church and Convent of São Francisco (BA) and samples from the Bom Jesus of Martírios Church (AL) were mapped. In this way, the XRD, XRF and SEM/EDS methods were applied. The mortars originating from the construction period of the works (18th and 19th century), mostly made of lime, had a porous microstructure, presence of medium silicon content, absence of chlorine, high calcium oxide content and little contamination. Those from subsequent restorations, mostly cementitious, presented dense microstructure, medium aluminum oxide content, high silicon dioxide content, low to medium calcium oxide content and contamination. It is suggested, therefore, that there be continuous documentary recording of interventions throughout the useful life of the building, to evaluate the performance of practices and thus obtain data with a view to improving processes and readjusting materials. In this sense, preparing detailed reports on the condition of the work before, during and after rehabilitation becomes essential.

Significance of Tool Coating Properties and Compacted Graphite Iron Microstructure for Tool Selection in Extreme Machining.

This study aims to determine the extent to which coating composition and workpiece properties impact machinability and tool selection when turning Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) under extreme roughing conditions. Two CGI workpieces, differing in pearlite content and graphite nodularity, were machined at a cutting speed of 180 m/min, feed rate of 0.18 mm/rev, and depth of cut of 3 mm. To assess the impact of tool properties across a wide range of commercially available tools, four diverse multilayered cemented carbide tools were evaluated: Tool A and Tool B with a thin AlTiSiN PVD coating, Tool C with a thick Al2O3-TiCN CVD coating, and Tool D with a thin Al2O3-TiC PVD coating. The machinability of CGI and wear mechanisms were analyzed using pre-cutting characterization, in-process optical microscopy, and post-test SEM analysis. The results revealed that CGI microstructural variations only affected tool life for Tool A, with a 110% increase in tool life between machining CGI Grade B and Grade A, but that the effects were negligible for all other tools. Tool C had a 250% and 70% longer tool life compared to the next best performance (Tool A) for CGI Grade A and CGI Grade B, respectively. With its thick CVD-coating, Tool C consistently outperformed the others due to its superior protection of the flank face and cutting edge under high-stress conditions. The cutting-induced stresses played a more significant role in the tool wear process than minor differences in workpiece microstructure or tool properties, and a thick CVD coating was most effective in addressing the tool wear effects for the extreme roughing conditions. However, differences in tool life for Tool A showed that tool behavior cannot be predicted based on a single system parameter, even for extreme conditions. Instead, tool properties, workpiece properties, cutting conditions, and their interactions should be considered collectively to evaluate the extent that an individual parameter impacts machinability. This research demonstrates that a comprehensive approach such as this can allow for more effective tool selection and thus lead to significant cost savings and more efficient manufacturing operations.

Enhancement of Joint Properties in B4C/TC4 Connections by adding AlN to AgCuTi brazing materials

ABSTRACT In this study, the surface treatment of boron carbide ceramics was conducted, and an AgCuTi-AlN + AgCu foil composite brazing material system containing aluminum nitride (AlN) particles were employed to connect B4C ceramics and TC4. The addition of 3 wt% AlN improved the structure of the intermediate layer, providing more nucleation sites for solid solution, resulting in a more compact microstructure. However, with an increased AlN content of 6 wt%, the fluidity of the brazing material decreased, leading to a degradation of mechanical properties. When the AgCuTi-3wt%AlN + AgCu foil composite brazing material system was applied for the joining process at 850°C, the highest shear strength obtained was 68 MPa, representing a 70% increase compared to the non-additive condition.

Peanut and Soy Protein-Based Emulsion Gels Loaded with Curcumin as a New Fat Substitute in Sausages: A Comparative Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the complete or partial substitution (0, 20, 40, and 100%) of the pork backfat in prepared sausage with protein emulsion gels loaded with curcumin. The effects of three protein emulsion gels (i.e., peanut proteins, ultrasound-modified peanut proteins, and soy proteins) on sausage characteristics (cooking loss, textural properties, microstructure, sensory characteristics, and antioxidant activity) were investigated and compared using a one-way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple tests. The results revealed that the addition of each emulsion gel reduced cooking loss and improved the textural properties of the sausages in a dose-dependent manner. When 20% of pork backfat was substituted with untreated or ultrasound-modified peanut protein emulsion gel (PPEG), cooking loss decreased to a greater extent than when soy protein emulsion gel (SPEG) was used. However, the latter yielded higher cohesiveness and resilience at the same substitution levels. Compared with untreated PPEG, the sausages containing modified PPEG (at 200 W for 20 min) had significantly greater resilience and a denser microstructure. In addition, when 100% of pork backfat was substituted with modified PPEG, the sausages had desirable sensory characteristics. All sausages enriched with protein emulsion gels loaded with curcumin presented higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacities than the control sausages. The sausages prepared with the modified PPEG had the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH: 37.43 ± 0.35%; ABTS: 39.48 ± 0.50%; TBARS: 0.65 ± 0.05 mg MDA/Kg), which may be attributed to the increased stability of curcumin in the modified PPEG with a denser network structure. Therefore, ultrasound-modified PPEG loaded with curcumin can be used as a new fat substitute in functional sausages or other healthy meat products.

Engineering performance and environmental assessment of sustainable concrete incorporating nano silica and metakaolin as cementitious materials

The carbon footprint associated with cement production, coupled with depletion of natural resources and climate change, underscores the need for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the effect of metakaolin (MK) and nano-silica (NS) on concrete’s engineering performance and environmental impact. Initially, compressive, tensile, and flexural strength tests, along with durability assessments like water absorption, sorptivity, rapid chloride permeability, and resistance to acid and sulphate attacks, were conducted. Later, X-ray Diffraction spectroscopy and Field-emission scanning electron microscopy were employed for microstructural analysis. Subsequently, the environmental impact of micro and nano materials was assessed using embodied carbon emissions and eco-strength efficiency. The results revealed that the hybrid mixes of 12.50% MK and 2% NS (M7) showed superior performance, demonstrating significant strength enhancements and eco-efficiency, achieving 0.15 MPa/kg CO2/m3 at 28th day. Meanwhile, the MK-only mix (M6) yielded the lowest embodied CO2 emissions at 330 kg CO2/m3. MK and NS effectively reduce porosity and enhance durability against environmental factors while lowering clinker content, contributing to sustainability. Furthermore, the microstructural behaviour showed early hydration, dense microstructure and additional Calcium Silicate Hydrate formation, leading to improved properties. The outcomes reveal that the concrete configuration has altered at micro and nano levels by the inclusion of MK and NS, demonstrating their substantial contribution to producing environmentally friendly, effective, and beneficial concrete.

Low-internal-phase and high-viscoelastic emulsion gel synergistically stabilized by buckwheat protein microgel and carboxylated cellulose nanofibers.

With the increasing demand for healthy diets, low-fat foods have gradually become a hot issue. This study successfully prepared low-internal-phase and high-viscoelastic emulsion gels using the synergistic effect between buckwheat protein microgel (BPM) and carboxylated cellulose nanofibers (CNF). The effects of the ratio of BPM to CNF on the microstructure, stability, rheological properties, and 3D printing characteristics of the emulsion gels were investigated. The results showed that the emulsion gels with good viscoelasticity could not be constructed when BPM or CNF alone was used as a stabilizer. The emulsion gels synergistically stabilized by BPM and CNF had a dense microstructure, good environmental stability, and rheological properties. When the ratio of BPM to CNF was 3:7, emulsion gels with different oil phase fractions (5 %, 10 %, 30 %, and 50 %) showed elasticity-dominated solid-like behavior and excellent environmental stability. The 3D printing results show that with the addition of CNF, the emulsion gel stabilized synergistically by BPM and CNF exhibits better extrusion and self-supporting behaviors, and all the print products can precisely replicate the preset models. Therefore, this study may provide new design ideas for constructing low-internal-phase and high-viscoelastic emulsions and their application in 3D-printed food.

Novel high-TC piezo-/ferroelectric ceramics based on a medium-entropy morphotropic phase boundary design strategy

The medium- or high-entropy strategy has emerged as a new paradigm for designing high-performance piezoelectric ceramics. However, the effectiveness of this approach remains unclear to the development of high Curie temperature (TC) piezo-/ferroelectric materials with outstanding performance. To develop high-performance piezo-/ferroelectric materials suitable for high-temperature environments, in this work, we design a novel ceramic system based on a medium-entropy morphotropic phase boundary (ME-MPB) strategy. Piezo-/ferroelectric ceramics of the formula, Pb(Yb1/2Nb1/2)O3–Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–PbTiO3, meeting the medium entropy criteria, were successfully synthesized using the conventional solid-state reaction method. The crystal structure, microstructure, dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric properties of the ceramics of the ME-MPB compositions were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that these ceramics possess a pure perovskite phase and dense microstructure. Notably, the prepared ceramics exhibited exceptional piezoelectric performance, with a high d33 up to 603 pC/N, a large strain of 0.20%, a high remanent polarization of 44.0 μC/cm2, and a high Curie temperature of 362 °C. This study demonstrates an effective design approach based on the ME-MPB strategy and points out a new pathway for developing high-performance materials for high-temperature applications as sensors, thereby expanding the research perspective on the design of medium-entropy piezo-/ferroelectric ceramics.

Investigation on the sodium silicate modulus-affected macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of alkali-activated slag concrete

This study systematically examines the effects of the modulus of Na2SiO3 on the compressive strength, hydration exothermic characteristics, pore structure, physical phase components, and microscopic morphology of slag concrete based on the fact that the modulus (mSiO2/mNa2O) of activated alkali has a significant impact on the properties of alkali-activated slag concrete (AASC). The results shown that as the modulus of Na2SiO3 increased, the compressive strength of alkali-activated slag concrete increased (11.31%-29.2%) and then dropped. The maximum compressive strength of AASC is found in AASC manufactured using Na2SiO3 with a modulus of 1.5. The cumulative heat release is greater for slag prepared with a modulus of 1, while the initial compressive strength is higher for slag prepared with a modulus of 2. In comparison to the AASC generated using Na2SiO3 with moduli of 1 and 2, the AASC prepared using Na2SiO3 with a modulus of 1.5 had the lowest porosity, a more optimized pore structure, the greatest C-(A)-S-H content, and the densest microstructure at the 28-day curing age, which is more conducive for the development of compressive strength of AASC.

Energy storage performance and dielectric tunability of AgNbO3 ferroelectric films

AgNbO3 ceramics have attracted significant attention as environmentally friendly energy storage materials; however, their low energy densities limit further development. In this study, a 400- nm AgNbO3 films with a dense microstructure and flat surface is prepared by pulsed laser deposition. The dielectric tenability and hysteresis loops of the film reveal its ferroelectric nature. The dielectric tunability of the AgNbO3 film was 63.6% at 600kV/cm. The breakdown strength reached 1500kV/cm, resulting in a high recoverable energy density of 13.3J/cm3. The recoverable energy storage density of AgNbO3 films indicates good temperature stability with a variation of < 10% between 30 ℃ and 150 ℃ and good frequency stability with a variation of < 10% between 103Hz and 105 Hz. These results suggest that AgNbO3 dielectric films are promising energy storage materials.

Effect of black highland barley polysaccharides and low frequency-static magnetic field on casein-based coacervates: Formation, characterization, and probiotic encapsulation capacity.

To evaluate the combination effects of highland barley polysaccharides (HBP) and low-frequency static magnetic field (LF-SMF) treatment on the structure and properties of acid-induced casein (CS) coacervates, this study conducted a comprehensive investigation at various stages- before, during, and after coacervation-for the first time. Compared with native CS, adding HBP caused CS to denature owing to hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, and LF-SMF treatment further promoted these changes. During the acidification (pH7.0-2.0) and coacervation processes, the integration of LF-SMF treatment with the addition of HBP enhanced the rate and extent of casein (CS) aggregation and crosslinking, attributable to alterations in the ζ-potential of CS. Among the formed coacervates, the yield and particle size of CS/HBP complex coacervates after being treated with LF-SMF (M-CS/HBP) increased from 67.9% to 78.4% and from 803.12nm to 1253.43nm, respectively. Additionally, M-CS/HBP demonstrated improved viscoelasticity and a more uniform, compact microstructure with denser packing. The alterations observed in CS-based coacervates were due to non-covalent interactions between CS and HBP, further promoted by LF-SMF treatment, leading to the unfolding and disordering of protein secondary structure. Consequently, M-CS/HBP complex coacervates demonstrated superior encapsulation efficiency for L. plantarum and provided enhanced protection for probiotics under adverse environments.

The in-vitro digestibility of instant noodles: Interplay of texture, microstructure and starch structure.

Instant noodles are a worldwide food staple. However, the correlation between its production methods and nutritional characteristics remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the effects of hydrothermal (steaming and boiling) and cooling techniques on instant noodles in-vitro digestibility. Texture of rehydrated noodles, microstructure observed by SEM and starch molecular structure measuring techniques were used to identify the underlying mechanisms. Our results demonstrate that boiling results in incomplete gelatinization of internal starch, leading to a microstructure with numerous pores and channels due to irregular starch distribution. This microstructure facilitates α-amylase diffusion and subsequent attachment to the substrate, yielding a higher starch digestion rate coefficient for boiled noodles (Nboiled) within the first 120min (K1, 5.7min-1) compared to steamed noodles (Nsteamed, K1, 4.4min-1). However, from 120 to 360min, Nboiled exhibited a lower rate coefficient (K2, 4.5min-1) due to the retarding effect of incompletely melted starch structure and greater texture rigidity, contrasting with Nsteamed (K2, 6.1min-1). Moreover, noodles subjected to boiling and subsequent cooling exhibited the lowest starch degradation by α-amylase throughout hydrolysis. This is attributed to their increased hardness, denser microstructure, and presence of ungelatinized or recrystallized starch. Therefore, the study concludes that cooking and cooling processes significantly influence noodle texture, microstructure, and starch structure, collectively impacting the nutritional value of instant noodles. Our findings provide valuable insights for the development of nutritionally enhanced instant noodles.

Microwave sintering of tin oxide and zinc oxide mixtures – Formation of Zn2SnO4 spinel phase, densification and evolution of microstructure

Microwave sintering of tin oxide and zinc oxide mixtures – Formation of Zn2SnO4 spinel phase, densification and evolution of microstructure

An in-situ forming controlled release soft hydrogel-based C5a peptidase drug delivery system to treat psoriasis.

The potent pro-inflammatory cytokine, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), is an enticing therapeutic target because of its accelerator role in several acute and chronic inflammatory processes. In this work, poloxamer 407 is developed as an in-situ gelling polymer for a long-acting formulation to deliver a serine protease, C5a peptidase (ScpA) from Streptococcus pyogenes. ScpA is well known for its activity against the complement factor C5a but has also recently been shown to cleave IFN-γ in vitro into inactive fragments. A compact and uniform gel microstructure was obtained by including dextran in the gel formulation. The sol-gel transition at physiologically temperatures occurred above 19 % w/w poloxamer 407 resulting in a release profile of active ScpA for up to 8 days, with no loss in specific enzymatic activity. No cytotoxicity from ScpA before or after release from the hydrogels to a human immortalized keratinocyte cell lines was detected. Using an in vitro psoriatic skin model with IFN- γ inducing the psoriatic state, the constant and prolonged release of ScpA from this simple thermo-responsive hydrogel, administered once, restored health as effectively as two doses of free enzyme over a 5 day period. These promising results confirm the feasibility of developing ScpA as a long-acting therapeutic using a poloxamer based in-situ forming parenteral gel for local delivery.