Flame-retardant coatings provide effective fire protection for various substrates, yet developing eco-friendly alternatives that combine strong adhesion, high-efficiency flame retardancy, and excellent thermal insulation remains a formidable challenge. Inspired by the nesting behavior of birds, a fully biomass-based fire-retardant coating without traditional flame-retardant elements was constructed through a green multiple-groups synergy strategy for "one stone for multiple birds" that concurrently incorporates nanostructuring, strong adhesion, thermal insulation, and universal flame retardancy. In this design, gallic acid (GA) self-assembles into nanofibrous-like supramolecular aggregates through π-π stacking, mimicking structural "twigs". Meanwhile, chitosan acts as a cohesive binder, replicating the adhesive function of "saliva". The resulting coating exhibits a bird nest-like interpenetrating structure with nanopores (<250 nm), which reduces the thermal conductivity of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) to 24.85 mW (m K)-1 from 28.57 mW (m K)-1. The synergy of decarboxylation/carbonization and radical scavenging imparts self-intumescent barrier properties and universal flame retardancy to diverse materials (fabric, RPUF, paper, wood), yielding a limiting oxygen index of 25-30%, and smoke and toxic gas suppression. This work presents a biomimetic strategy for sustainable, high-performance flame-retardant coatings with broad applicability.

Fog water collectors (FWCs) present a sustainable solution for arid regions where fog is a primary water source. To improve their efficiency, we developed a durable and high-performance mesh composed of electrospun hydrophobic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fibers combined with hydrophilic cellulose acetate (CA) microbeads. This hybrid design represents a novel biomimetic strategy, mimicking natural fog-harvesting mechanisms by optimizing wetting and drainage. Despite the significant reduction in average fiber diameter, the TPU-CA mesh maintained mechanical strength close to 1 MPa, comparable to pristine TPU. The introduction of hydrophilic domains into a hydrophobic fibrous network is a unique architectural approach that enhanced fog collection performance, achieving a high water harvesting rate of 127 ± 12 mg·cm−2·h−1. Remarkably, although the mesh remained predominantly hydrophobic, droplets shed completely from its vertical surface, exhibiting near-zero contact angle hysteresis. This synergistic wetting concept enables performance unattainable with conventional single-wettability meshes. Compared to single-material meshes, the TPU-CA hybrid showed nearly double the water collection efficiency. The innovative interplay between surface chemistry, microscale heterogeneity, and mechanical robustness is key to maximizing water capture and transport, offering a promising path for scalable, efficient FWCs in poor water-stressed regions.

Extensive efforts have been made to fabricate complex 3D thermal management materials from hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) using 3D printing and templating. However, these techniques are often energy-intensive, time-consuming, and inherently limited in scalability, owing to prolonged processing times and low throughput. Herein, we report a cold, rapid, and scalable stamping approach for constructing intricate, large-area h-BN-based thermal architectures. This strategy relies on forming highly viscoelastic h-BN doughs achieved through developing a para-aramid (p-aramid) fiber network and densification via a bimodal alumina mixture. The p-aramid network maximizes viscoelasticity with a minimal binder content (5.1 wt.%), enabling the doughs to exhibit pronounced plasticity during stamping while maintaining solid-like behavior after relaxation. Consequently, the doughs conform precisely to complex stamp geometries within 2 s under ambient conditions, preserving their high structural integrity. Scalability is demonstrated by stamping various 3D geometries exceeding 10cm, including cubes, cylinders, annular sectors, and honeycombs. Furthermore, the fiber-reinforced structures exhibit enhanced thermal conductivity (TC) and fatigue resistance under extreme temperatures (- 50°C and 200°C). Notably, the resulting architectures substantially improve the TC of the polymer composites when used as internal frameworks. This low-energy stamping strategy represents a paradigm shift in the processing of advanced thermal materials.

Tenascin-c functionalised self-assembling peptide hydrogels for critical-sized bone defect reconstruction.

Collagen content and crosslinks alter the biomechanical properties of corneal tissues.

Interconnected porous network of chitosan-gelatin cryogel particles prepared via the inverse Leidenfrost (iLF) effect.

Natural lignocellulose fibers-based bio-dressing for accelerated wound healing and machine learning-assisted smart multimodal sensing.

Herein, we report an ion-tolerant supramolecular hydrogel formed from a pyrene-conjugated amino acid in an electrolytic (saline) aqueous medium with a minimum gelator concentration of 1.8mM. The hydrogel exhibits thermoreversible and thixotropic behavior, undergoing reversible gel-sol transitions in response to thermal and mechanical stimuli. Spectroscopic and microscopic studies reveal that cooperative π-π stacking of pyrene units and directional hydrogen-bonding interactions from the amino acid backbone drive the self-assembly process. UV-visible and fluorescence analyses confirm the formation of J-type aggregates, while AFM demonstrates a concentration-dependent transition from spherical aggregates to an interconnected fibrous network. Circular dichroism spectroscopy indicates efficient transfer of supramolecular chirality, leading to left-handed helical assemblies that are disrupted at elevated temperatures. X-ray diffraction reveals an ordered lamellar packing with a characteristic π-π stacking distance of ∼0.38nm. Rheological investigations confirm the viscoelastic and thixotropic nature of the hydrogel. Importantly, the hydrogel exhibits good biocompatibility and effective antibacterial and antifungal activity, highlighting its potential as an injectable, ion-resilient soft material for antimicrobial applications, localized drug delivery, and tissue engineering under physiological saline conditions.

Negative and positive Poynting effects in tendon under simple shear.

ABSTRACT Bacterial collagen‐like proteins (CLPs) are composed of tandem Gly‐ X ‐ Y sequence repeats, but, unlike metazoan collagens, their X‐ and Y‐ positions are enriched in hydrophobic and polar residues rather than proline. This distinctive sequence bias suggests that CLPs may harbor sequence features that could promote amyloid‐like assembly. Using bioinformatic screening of CLPs, we identified amyloidogenic motifs enriched in alanine, isoleucine, leucine, or valine at the X‐ position and threonine at the Y‐ position. Guided by these findings, we designed a focused library of peptides incorporating Gly‐ X ‐Thr triplet and the highly abundant GATGVT sextet repeats. Peptides containing Gly‐ X ‐Thr produced insoluble fibers, restricting exploration of material properties. In contrast, peptides containing GATGVT repeats formed micrometer‐long fibers that physically crosslinked into a robust hydrogel upon centrifugation. Circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed length‐dependent variations in secondary structure. Imaging of the higher‐order structures confirmed densely packed fiber networks while rheological measurements indicated sequence‐length‐dependent viscoelastic behavior. Notably, a 30 residue GATGVT peptide hydrogel supported high in vitro cell viability of fibroblasts. Overall, these findings suggest that CLPs are an underexplored reservoir of sequence motifs with promising biomaterial potential.

This study investigates the reuse of mechanically recycled polyester–glass thermoset scraps (PS) as fillers in LDPE and HDPE matrices at 10–50 wt.% loading. Composites were produced through mechanical size reduction, single-screw extrusion, and compression molding without compatibilizers, and their mechanical and microstructural properties were systematically evaluated. LDPE composites exhibited a notable stiffness increase, with tensile modulus rising from 318.8 MPa (neat) to 1245.6 MPA (+291%) and tensile strength improving from 9.50 to 11.45 MPa (+20.5%). Flexural performance showed even stronger reinforcement: flexural modulus increased from 0.40 to 3.00 GPa (+650%) and flexural strength from 14.5 to 35.6 MPa (+145%). HDPE composites displayed similar behavior, with flexural modulus increasing from 1.2 to 3.1 GPa (+158%) and strength from 34.1 to 45.5 MPa (+33%). Surface-treated fillers provided additional stiffness gains (+36% in sPL4; +33% in sPH3). Impact strength decreased with loading (LDPE: −51%, HDPE: −61%), though surface treatment partially mitigated this (+14–19% in LDPE; +13% in HDPE). Density increased proportionally (PL: 0.95 → 1.20 g/cm3, PH: 0.99 → 1.23 g/cm3), while moisture uptake remained low (≤0.25%). Optical and SEM analyses indicated increasingly interconnected fiber networks at high loadings, driving stiffness and fracture behavior. Overall, PS-filled polyolefins offer a scalable route for converting thermoset waste into functional semi-structural materials.

ABSTRACT The fascia, a hierarchical composite structure present in the skin, can promote the rapid repair of damaged tissues and reduce the formation of scars. However, its important role in wound repair has been severely neglected. Therefore, we develop a wound dressing with a nanofiber network structure that mimics the skin fascia. Using methacryloyl chondroitin sulfate as a hydrogel substrate, a light‐clickable fascia‐inspired nanofibrous hydrogel (CA‐DAF‐BSA @ PFD) is constructed by electrospinning a dextran shell loaded with pirfenidone albumin nanoparticles (BSA @ PFD) to form a core‐shell fiber network. The hydrogel demonstrates good viscoelasticity, injectability, swelling resistance, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility. In vitro cell studies demonstrate that CA‐DAF‐BSA @ PFD hydrogel induces macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype and inhibits fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts. In vivo, CA‐DAF‐BSA @ PFD hydrogel can significantly promote granulation tissue regeneration and effectively reduce the formation of scar tissue by inhibiting excessive collagen deposition and abnormal fibrosis. This core‐shell fiber hydrogel exhibits significant potential as an advanced wound dressing, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for achieving both high‐efficiency and biocompatible tissue repair.

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the heart and great arteries in the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus). Five adult male bird were used. Different morphometric and histomorphometric parameters in the heart and its great arteries were measured. Detailed structure of the heart chambers was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The expression pattern of desmin α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. The heart was elongated and conical heart with mean length and width as 2.94 ± 0.46 and 2.38 ± 0.15 cm, respectively. The parietal wall of the right ventricle was composed of two distinct muscular layers. The left ventricular wall at middle and apical regions was thicker than right ventricular wall four and three times, respectively. At the level of SEM, the right muscular atrioventricular valve was attached to the right ventricular free wall by several muscular cords. The chordae tendineae of the left atrioventricular valve showed a branched appearance and each chordae tendineae was composed of three to four narrower cords twisted to each other's and attached to a common papillary muscle. The Purkinje fibre network was widely distributed in the myocardium and exhibited strong immunoreactivity for desmin but was negative for α‐ α‐SMA. In conclusion, the consistent morphological and immunohistochemical patterns observed across individuals provide a reliable description of cardiovascular adaptations in the common pheasant. The results contribute to the broader understanding of avian heart morphology and function, offering a foundation for comparative studies across bird species and informing conservation efforts for gamebirds.

This study synthesized an environmentally friendly halogen-free bis(mandelato)borate ionic liquid ([C10MIm][BMB], BMB) as an additive for lithium-based grease. A comprehensive evaluation of its rheological and tribological properties was conducted combined with molecular dynamic simulations to probe the interaction mechanism between the additive and soap molecules. A marked increase of 22 °C in the dropping point was observed with the addition of 2 wt % BMB, but the cone penetration was unaltered. At an elevated temperature of 125 °C, the thixotropic loop area was reduced by 51% compared with that of the base grease. Rheological analysis confirmed that BMB effectively enhanced the structural recovery capability of the grease at high temperatures, albeit with a moderate reduction in its structural strength. Based on tribological testing, the incorporation of BMB resulted in a 16.8% lower average coefficient of friction (COF) and 71% less wear volume compared to the base grease. Furthermore, it maintained stable lubrication under severe operating conditions (100 N and 130 °C), whereas the base grease failed. Mechanistic studies indicated that the anions of BMB adsorb electrostatically onto the friction interface and decompose to form a high-hardness B2O3/iron oxide composite boundary lubrication film. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed that BMB promotes the formation of a denser soap fiber skeleton structure by mitigating the intermolecular interactions between soap fibers. BMB significantly enhances the thixotropic recovery performance of the grease at elevated temperatures by facilitating a more stable and reversible three-dimensional soap fiber network, while the generated densely structured and rigid B2O3 boundary lubrication film ensures excellent high-temperature lubrication and antiwear capabilities. This work offers an effective strategy for developing high-performance environmentally friendly greases suitable for high-temperature and high-load applications.

ABSTRACTHeterogeneity and complexity of cytoskeletal structures, and how these are regulated, is poorly understood. Here, we use cells of the Drosophila pupal eye as models to explore diversity in the actin cytoskeleton. We found that different F-actin structures emerge in primary, secondary and tertiary pigment cells as they mature. Primary cells became characterized by dense accumulations of F-actin that we termed apical ribs of actin fibers (ARAFs). The formins Diaphanous and Dishevelled Associated Activator of Morphogenesis are essential for generation of ARAFs, which are connected into a network by α-Actinin, the villin Quail, and spectrins, and linked to the apical membrane by Quail and spectrins. ARAFs are similar to stress fibers and connect to adherens junctions. Impairing ARAFs indicated that this network maintains cortical tension and is crucial for primary cells to achieve their characteristic shapes. Our evaluation of the three-dimensional shape of primary cells revealed that ARAFs are essential for the shape of the curved apical membrane. Hence, a toolkit of conserved actin regulatory proteins builds and maintains a network of apical stress fibers that governs the morphology of primary cells.

This study combines SERS headspace analysis and machine learning to predict shelf life in real-time.

Study of polyphenol-pea protein isolate nanofiber interactions: Conformational changes and emulsification stability mechanisms.

Biomimetic hollow SiC fiber network with hierarchical layered architecture via template-assisted in situ coating for high-temperature insulation

Root-mediated hydraulic performance of fibre-reinforced vegetation concrete (VC): The influence of root architecture, spatiotemporal evolution, and root vitality state.

Permeability of bone and cartilage, and stiffness of collagen within cartilage, influence osteochondral fluid transport during cyclic compression: A study in finite elements.