Green Research Articles

Morphological Differentiation, Yield, and Cutting Time of Lolium multiflorum L. under Acid Soil Conditions in Highlands.

Livestock production in the basins of the northern macro-region of Peru has as its primary source pastures of Lolium multiflorum L. 'Cajamarquino ecotype' (ryegrass CE) in monoculture, or in association with white clover Ladino variety, for feeding. The objective of this research work was the morphological characterisation, yield evaluation, and cutting time evaluation of two local genotypes (LM-58 and LM-43) of Lolium multiflorum L. in six locations. An ANOVA was performed to compare fixed effects and interaction. It was determined that the LM-58 genotype is intermediate, growing semi-erect, with a dark green colouring and 0.8 cm broadleaf, and can reach an average stem length of 46 cm, up to 1.6 cm. day-1, achieving fourth-leaf growth at 28 days under appropriate management conditions. Despite the differentiated characteristics, according to BLASTn evaluation, the ITS1 sequences showed a greater than 99.9% similar identification to Lolium multiflorum L., characterising it as such. It was determined that the LM-58 genotype outperforms LM-43, achieving a forage yield of 4.49 Mg. ha-1, a seed production of 259.23 kg. ha-1, and an average of 13.48% crude protein (CP). The best biomass yield (49.10 Mg. ha-1.yr-1) is reached at 60 days; however, at 30 days, there is a high level of CP (14.84%) and there are no differences in the annual protein production at the cutting age of 60 and 45 days. With the results of the present study, LM-58 from a selection and crossbreeding of 680 ryegrass EC accessions emerges as an elite genotype adapted to the conditions of the northern high Andean zone of Peru.

Evaluation of Turfgrasses for Qualitative and Quantitative Traits in Varanasi Region of India

The present experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. This study was carried out to evaluate performance of eleven turfgrass genotypes for qualitative traits, quantitative traits and their genetic variability under same climatic condition. The experimental design was a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Eleven genotypes consist of Bermuda grass, Centipede grass, Panama grass, Bargusto grass, Tiftdwarf 419 grass, Local grass, Palma grass, Bahia grass, Manila grass, Crow Foot grass and Tanu Variant grass. These were assessed for their suitability to be used as turfgrass under Varanasi region. All the grasses exhibited semi prostrate growth habit except local grass having upright growth habit. Panama and Local grass showed fine leaf texture whereas, Manila grass exhibited coarse texture. Dark green colour was observed in Local, Crow Foot and Panama grass whereas, Centipede grass showed light green colour. Local grass exhibited maximum canopy height, leaf length, leaf width, chlorophyll content, stolen internode diameter, culm length, shoot length and shoot diameter. The maximum genotypic (187.22) and phenotypic variance (197.80) was observed for parameters like fresh weight. Canopy height showed maximum phenotypic coefficient of variation (47.04) and genotypic coefficient of variation (46.16) over all the parameters. Genetic advance maximum (27.49) for parameter fresh weight and genetic advance as a percentage of mean was maximum also for fresh weight (93.30). The maximum heritability at broad sense was observed for the parameter dry weight (98.25).

The Effect Of Adding Celery Leaves On The Quality Of Snow White Cookies

Snow princess cookies are one of the pastries that are very popular with Indonesian people, however, the variety of snow princess cookies is currently still lacking. Currently, the use of celery is still limited as a processed vegetable, so there is a need for innovation in processed celery. It is hoped that the addition of celery leaves can provide innovation in Snow White cookies because it provides a natural green color and also increases the fiber content and nutritional value of Snow White cookies. The aim of the research was to analyze the effect of adding celery leaves on the quality of Snow White cookies in terms of shape, color, aroma, texture and taste, this was motivated by the lack of variety in Snow White cookies. The use of celery is still not widely known by the public, the use of celery is only limited to processed vegetables. This type of research is pure experiment (true experiment). The research design used was a completely randomized design (CRD). Data was obtained from 3 limited panelists, using an organoleptic test format, then the data was analyzed using the analysis of variance test (ANOVA). If Fcount is greater than Ftable, then Duncan's test can be carried out. The research results show a significant influence on color quality. Meanwhile, the shape, aroma, texture and taste did not have a significant influence on the use of celery leaves on the quality of Snow White cookies. This is known from the conclusion which shows that the best overall score is neatly 3.78 (X0). The uniform shape was 3.78 in treatments (X1), (X2), (X3). Color 3.78 (X3) with green spots, aroma 4.00 (X0) fragrant category, texture 3.44 (X0) and (X3) not easily broken, texture 3.89 (X0) fragile, taste 4.00 (X0) sweet category.

Material synthesis, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface and physicochemical characteristics Novel Stilbazolium crystal of 4-(2-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxy-phenyl)-vinyl)-1-methyl pyridinium iodide (MEMPI) single crystal for NLO activity

In this study, a novel cation donor group 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxy benzaldehyde has been incorporated in the Stilbazolium cation with iodide anion to generate a new NLO activity of a single crystal of 4-(2-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxy-phenyl)-vinyl)-1-methyl pyridinium iodide (MEMPI). The MEMPI crystal was effectively formed via the solvent evaporation technique. The structure and hydrogen bond interactions found in the molecule were determined by employing single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the space group P21/c and monoclinic crystal pattern. The crystal structures are stabilized via intramolecular, intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions, C‒H···π, cation‒π, anion‒π, π···π stacking and lone pair-π interaction. In addition, a variety of O‒H···O, O‒H···I and C‒H···O interactions are also responsible for crystal packing. The 3D Hirshfeld surface and 2D fingerprint plots were used to examine the nature of intermolecular interaction. The 2D fingerprint maps indicate that the interactions between H···H contribute to 48.9 % of the total crystal stability. The newly synthesized material was characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR. In addition, the vibrational study of the synthesized molecule was performed using FTIR analysis. The grown crystal in linear optical characteristics were examined via a UV–Visible-NIR study. The photoluminescence (PL) activity of a MEMPI was studied with respect to the visible area and green colour emission was observed at 536 nm. The estimated CIE coordinates on the RGB colour gamut show the MEMPI crystal's ability to emit green light. The chemical etching approach was used to analyse the etch pit density and the growth habitat of the MEMPI crystal. The closed and open aperture Z-scan tests were carried out to determine the nature of third-order NLO susceptibility of the MEMPI crystal.

Substitutional effects of the anionic group systems [BO33−], [PO43− ], and [SO42−] on the down-conversion photoluminescence properties of Y2O3:Er3+ nanophosphors

A series of Y2O3, Y2O3: Er3+ (1 %) and Y2O3-AG: Er3+ (1 %) (where AG = BO33−, PO43−, and SO42−) nanophosphors were prepared via a chemical combustion technique. The primary X-ray powder diffraction results showed that the Y2O3:Er3+ phosphor materials crystallized into a cubic standard structure, while the Y2O3-AG: Er3+ phosphor materials transformed to hexagonal and tetragonal structures for the [PO43−] and [BO33−]-based phosphors, respectively. However, no changes were observed for the [SO42−]-based phosphor materials. The scanning electron microscope micrographs revealed that the particles were formed in the nanometre range with different sizes and shapes. The fourier-transformed infrared spectra showed the presence of various structural groups in the pure Y2O3 and Y2O3-AG: Er3+ phosphors. In addition to that, the optical bandgap energy values were obtained using the diffuse reflection spectra (DRS) spectra and Kubelka-Munk function theory. Under UV-379 nm excitation for the Y2O3-AG: Er3+ phosphors, the Y2O3–SO4: Er3+ emitted the most intense green light at 563 nm wavelength. The Commission Internationale de l'Elcairage colour coordinates and correlated color temperature values indicated that the Y2O3:Er3+, Y2O3-PO4:Er3+, and Y2O3–SO4:Er3+ phosphor materials are potential candidates for producing enhanced green color components in white light-emitting diode (w-LED) applications.

Three-dimensional microfluidic paper-based analytical device fabricated by cutting technique for highly sensitive and specific colorimetric detection of triglycerides in whole blood utilizing a mixed indicator system

In this study, we developed a three-dimensional microfluidic paper-based analytical device (3D-µPAD) for quantifying triglycerides (TGs) in whole blood samples. This method provides an alternative to conventional TGs detection and offers several advantages. The 3D-µPAD was fabricated using an in-house computer-controlled X-Y knife plotter, eliminating the need for hydrophobic reagents. This approach results in a more rapid, simple, highly reproducible, and cost-effective mass production process. To separate plasma from a drop of whole blood, the LF1 membrane was incorporated as a sample zone on the 3D-µPAD. The hydrolysis of TGs was catalyzed by lipase, producing H+ ions detected by a phenol red indicator read against cyan ink to reduce background interference. A spectrophotometer (i1 Pro 3 mini) measured the green color intensity in the 3D-µPAD’s detection zone, which was proportional to the TGs concentration and quantified within 10 min. Results were consistent with clinical methods, with a detection limit of 0.182 mmol L−1 in the 0.1–6 mmol L 0207B1 TGs concentration range. Using mixed indicators successfully reduced background interference and enhanced sensitivity for TGs determination. The 3D-µPAD demonstrated a storage stability of approximately 30 days. Our 3D-µPAD prototype offers a rapid, cost-effective, and user-friendly approach for pre-clinical TGs diagnostics, expanding the potential for point of care whole blood sample analysis.

Sensory and consumer aspects of sea lettuce (Ulva fenestrata) – impact of harvest time, cultivation conditions and protein level

The green seaweed Ulva fenestrata is a future food candidate, however, both compositional, e.g. protein content, and sensory qualities depend on cultivation and harvest conditions. The aim was to explore sensory qualities of, and consumer attitudes to, U. fenestrata derived from three different cultivation conditions and three harvest times. U. fenestrata was cultivated at sea and in two different land-based tank settings, one mimicking seawater and one with added process water from fishing industry to increase protein content. The seaweed was subjected to sensory analysis performed by an analytical sensory panel and a focus group consisting of consumers. The former assessed the seaweed as dried whole blades (9 samples) and as emulsions (9 samples). Consumers assessed whole blades and a vegan spread enriched with powdered U. fenstrata. All seaweed samples were intensely green; had tastes of umami, salt, bitter, and sour; odours and flavours of grass and fresh seaweed; and had a crispy texture. Cultivation in tanks resulted in a crispier texture than sea cultivation (p<0.001). Protein content increased from 14.4% to 21.6% in tank cultivation with process waters, which increased green colour intensity (p<0.007) and decreased intensity of bitterness (p<0.001). Overall, consumers were positive towards seaweeds as foods.

Effect of Pre-harvest Nutrient Application and Bagging with Different Colours of Polythene on Quality of Rainy Season Guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) cv. Allahabad Safeda

An investigation was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment consisted of sixteen treatments viz T0- Control, T1- Ca(NO3)2 (2%), T2- K2SO4 (2%), T3- Ca(NO3)2 (2%) + K2SO4 (2%), T4- Ca(NO3)2 (2%) + Bagging (Red colour polythene), T5- Ca(NO3)2 (2%) + Bagging (Green colour polythene). T6- Ca(NO3)2 (2%) + Bagging (Yellow colour polythene), T7- Ca(NO3)2 (2%) + Bagging (Silver colour polythene), T8- K2SO4 (2%) + Bagging (Red colour polythene), T9- K2SO4 (2%) + Bagging (Green colour polythene), T10- K2SO4 (2%) + Bagging (Yellow colour polythene), T11- K2SO4 2% + Bagging (Silver colour polythene), T12- Ca(NO3)2 (2%) + K2SO4 (2%) + Bagging (Red colour polythene), T13- Ca(NO3)2 (2%) + K2SO4 (2%) + Bagging (Green colour polythene), T14- Ca(NO3)2 (2%) + K2SO4 (2%) + Bagging (Yellow colour polythene), T15- Ca(NO3)2 (2%) + K2SO4 (2%) + Bagging (Silver colour polythene) which were arranged in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The foliar application of nutrients was done twice at ten days interval. The foliar application of nutrients was done twice at ten days interval days before Fifty-five days harvesting whereas Bagging of fruits was employed approximately at 30 days before harvesting of fruits using red, yellow, silver and green colours polythene bags. Analysis of the data indicated that treatment T14- Ca(NO3)2 (2%) + K2SO4 (2%) + Bagging (Yellow colour polythene) reported to be best for parameters namely Average fruit weight (163.88), Fruit width (cm) (8.37), Fruit length (cm) (6.17),Volume of fruits (cm3) (172.03) Yield/plant (kg) (5.49), Insect damage fruits (%) (0.68), Organoleptic quality (9.78).

Tailor-made packaging strategies of fresh pork belly with different fat content: Enhancing shelf life while minimizing environmental impact

Pork belly is a meat cut valued for its rich flavour and texture, attributed to its high fat content, which also makes it susceptible to oxidation. Therefore, meat producers and processors must carefully select packaging options to maximise shelf life while meeting consumer preferences. This study aimed to develop customised packaging strategies for sliced pork belly with varying fat content to extend shelf life while minimizing environmental impact. The research compared three packaging solutions: modified atmosphere packaging (MAP1: 70:30% O2:CO2, MAP2: 30:40:30% O2:CO2:N2) and vacuum skin packaging (VSP) for pork bellies with low (LF: 16.07 ± 1.87%), medium (MF: 37.39 ± 4.41%), and high fat content (HF: 57.57 ± 2.36%). Samples packaged in VSP exhibited the longest shelf life (13–14 days) with lower purge and reduced fat and colour oxidation compared to MAP-packaged samples for all studied belly types. Nonetheless, the impact of MAP on shelf life depended on the belly type. HF bellies, with lower proportions of unsaturated fatty acids, showed less purge, and greater colour and fat stability, resulting in a longer shelf life compared to LF and MF bellies. LF and MF bellies in MAP2 showed the shortest shelf life (around 6 days), followed by LF and MF in MAP1 (around 7–8 days). Life Cycle Assessment indicated VSP generally as the most environmentally favourable option for LF and MF bellies, whereas for HF bellies, the choice among the three packaging solutions depended on the specific impact category under consideration.

Assessing the impact of glazing and window shade systems on view clarity

Windows provide access to daylight and outdoor views, influencing building design. Various glazing and window shade materials are used to mitigate glare, overheating and privacy issues, and they affect view clarity. Among them, we evaluated the effect of window films, electrochromic (EC) glass, and fabric shades on view clarity. We conducted an experiment with 50 participants using visual tests adapted from clinical vision tests (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color sensitivity) and images displayed on a computer monitor in a controlled laboratory. Window films and EC glass tints outperformed fabric shades in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and view satisfaction with the exception of the darkest EC tint state and dark grey VLT 3% shade for color sensitivity and view satisfaction. The EC tints pose internal reflection issues and fabric shades are preferred for visual privacy. Window films and EC glass hinder participants’ blue–green color discrimination while fabric shades also decrease red–yellow color discrimination. Visual acuity predicts view satisfaction and contrast sensitivity is the strongest predictor for visual privacy. Generally, higher visible light transmittance and lower solar reflectance (darker color) enhance human visual performance. The proposed workflow provides an experimental procedure, identifies the primary variables and establishes a predictive framework for assessing view clarity of fenestration.

Leveraging Observations of Untrained Panelists to Screen for Quality of Fresh-Cut Romaine Lettuce

Fresh-cut romaine lettuce’s high perishability challenges ready-to-eat (RTE) salad production. Selecting cultivars less prone to browning and decay is crucial for extending shelf life. Traditional quality evaluation methods using instrumentation and trained panelists are time-consuming and logistically complex. This study investigated the effectiveness of untrained volunteers in assessing fresh-cut romaine lettuce quality. Given that the average consumer in the USA is familiar with the flavor characteristics of romaine lettuce, this study proposed to investigate the value of having untrained volunteers discern the quality of fresh-cut romaine lettuce. Therefore, six romaine lettuce accessions (Green Forest, King Henry, Parris Island Cos, PI 491224, SM13-R2, and Sun Valley) were assessed for sensory quality attributes (browning, green color, decay, and overall quality) and compared with instrumentation analyses (gas composition including O2 and CO2, electrolyte leakage, and color). The results showed significant quality differences (p &lt; 0.05) among the accessions, with some seasonal variability. Very importantly, the consumers’ (n = 159) assessments revealed similar results to those produced by either instrumentation or a trained panel. The consumers provided sensory scores that allowed for the grouping of accessions based on their postharvest quality, which efficiently matched their pedigree relationship. In conclusion, ad hoc consumer panels can be an effective way to characterize the quality of romaine lettuce for RTE salads.

Effects of Different Pretreatments on Hot Air Drying Characteristics, Nutrition, and Antioxidant Capacity of Tartary Buckwheat Sprouts.

In order to enhance the quality of hot air drying for Tartary buckwheat sprouts and minimize the loss of active substances, this research explored the impact of Color Protection(CP), Osmosis(OM), Blanching (BC), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and Ultrasound (US) in conjunction with hot air drying on the color, nutritional value, antioxidant properties, and other attributes of Tartary buckwheat sprouts. The findings revealed that as the drying temperature increased from 50 °C to 70 °C, the drying duration for Tartary buckwheat sprouts decreased across all treatment groups, leading to a higher dehydration rate. Treatments involving CP, US, and BC effectively reduced the drying time of Tartary buckwheat sprouts. Sprouts subjected to CP, β-CD, and US treatments exhibited elevated L* values and decreased a* values and displayed a more vibrant green color. When exposed to a hot air setting of 60 °C, the total flavonoid content in the CP, OM, β-CD, and US groups increased by 8.76%, 6.76%, 12.34%, and 4.25%, respectively, compared to the Control Group (CK). The application of the CP, OM, β-CD, and US treatments enhanced the sprouts' ability to combat ABTS and DPPH free radicals. Notably, under hot air conditions of 60 °C, the β-CD treatment demonstrated the most effective quality preservation during the hot air drying process for sprouts. This study provides valuable insights into the drying behavior of Tartary buckwheat sprouts and offers guidance for optimizing the drying procedures in industrial settings. Tartary buckwheat sprouts contain a variety of polyphenols and have a high water content. The study of changes in active components such as polyphenols and their alteration mechanisms in Tartary buckwheat sprouts under different processing methods is particularly important for the development of sprout processing.

Influence of steaming duration, chlorophyll-a and -b content and ratio, and pH on the color of green tea processed from multiple tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cultivars.

The color of green tea is an important quality indicator. In recent years, shading of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) plants has been widely adopted for green tea production to enhance its green color and umami taste. In this study, we identified factors that influence green tea color by (i) examining variation in the chlorophyll content of fresh new tea shoots among cultivars, cropping seasons, and the degree of shading, (ii) investigating the rate of conversion of chlorophyll to pheophytin during the tea manufacturing process, specifically with steaming duration, and (iii) analyzing the effects of the new tea shoot properties and the steaming process on colorimetric values of the steamed new tea shoots. Multiple regression analysis revealed that three factors contributed to the rate of conversion of each chlorophyll type to pheophytin in steamed new tea shoots (ranked by importance): steaming duration > each chlorophyll type (chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b) content of fresh new tea shoots > pH. The colorimetric hue angle (h) value of steamed new tea shoots was influenced by four factors (ranked by importance): steaming duration > total chlorophyll (chlorophyll-a + chlorophyll-b) content in fresh new tea shoots > pH > chlorophyll-a/chlorophyll-b ratio in fresh new tea shoots. Differences in the color of new tea shoots can be explained by the aforementioned four factors. The findings will be useful for cultivar selection, and determining the appropriate degree of shading and steaming duration, to produce high-quality green teas with a good appearance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sexual color ornamentation, microhabitat choice, and thermal physiology in the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis).

Common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) in Italy show a striking variation in body coloration across the landscape, with highly exaggerated black and green colors in hot and dry climates and brown and white colors in cool and wet climates. Males are more intensely colored than females, and previous work has suggested that the maintenance of variation in coloration across the landscape reflects climatic effects on the strength of male-male competition, and through this sexual selection. However climatic effects on the intensity of male-male competition would need to be exceptionally strong to fully explain the geographic patterns of color variation. Thus, additional processes may contribute to the maintenance of color variation. Here we test the hypothesis that selection for green and black ornamentation in the context of male-male competition is opposed by selection against ornamentation because the genes involved in the regulation of coloration have pleiotropic effects on thermal physiology, such that ornamentation is selected against in cool climates. Field observations revealed no association between body coloration and microhabitat use or field active body temperatures. Consistent with these field data, lizards at the extreme ends of the phenotypic distribution for body coloration did not show any differences in critical minimum temperature, preferred body temperature, temperature-dependent metabolic rate, or evaporative water loss when tested in the laboratory. Combined, these results provide no evidence that genes that underlie sexual ornamentation are selected against in cool climate because of pleiotropic effects on thermal biology.

Spectroscopic analysis of color origins in titanium-based thin films deposited by cathodic arc deposition

The distinctive colors observed in titanium-based (Ti-based) decorative coatings fabricated by cathodic arc deposition originate from the unique electronic, morphological, and chemical properties of these films. Most Ti-based film colors arise from their surface band gaps, as measured by electron energy loss spectroscopy, with the exception of the lowest brightness (TLB) and green hues. The green color in titanium dioxide films typically results from interference between light reflected from the film and substrate interfaces. In contrast, the black color in Ti-based coatings stems from the chemical structure, specifically the presence of Ti-C and C=C(sp2) bonds within the film. Moreover, the large band gap of the TLB film surface is attributed to surface oxidation, as detected by soft X-ray spectroscopy. Significantly, the film thickness and surface roughness are characterized by field emission secondary electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively.

The impact of subdermal adipose derived stem cell injections and early excision on systemic oxidative stress and wound healing in rats with severe scald burns

AimThis study aims to develop an experimental treatment model effective against oxidative stress in the acute period of severe burns and to analyze the mechanisms of healing large wound defects. MethodsFive rats, including 2 females and 3 males, were used as donors to obtain adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) from the inguinal fat pad. The stem cells were labeled with green fluorescent protein. The study included four groups of 17 rats, each with grade 3 scalding burns on 30 % of their body surface, and a control group of 10 rats with an equal number of males and females. After early excision, 106 ADSC-derived stem cells were administered subdermally to the burned wound and autografted to the stem cell group (n = 17). The early excision group (n = 17) received early excision and autograft, with 2 ml of normal saline injected subdermally into the burn wound edge. The PLM group (n = 17) was treated with a polylactic membrane (PLM) dressing after the burn. No treatment was given to the burn group (n = 17). Ten rats from all groups were sacrificed on the 4th day post-burn for oxidative stress evaluation. The control group (n = 10) was sacrificed on day 4. Blood and tissue samples were collected post-sacrifice. Oxidative stress and inflammation in the blood, as well as cell damage in the skin, liver, kidneys, and lungs, were investigated histopathologically and biochemically on the 4th day post-burn. On the 70th day after burn, wound healing was examined macroscopically and histopathologically. ResultsOn the 4th day, oxidative stress results showed that the levels of Total Oxidative Capacity (TOC) in the blood were lowest in the stem cell (7.4 [6–8.8]), control (6.7 [5.9–7.6]), and early excision (7.5 [6.6–8.5]) groups, with no significant difference between them. The burn group (14.7 [12.5–16.9]) had the highest TOC levels. The PLM group (9.7 [8.6–10.7]) had lower TOC levels than the burn group but higher levels than the other groups.Histopathological examination on the 4th day revealed low liver caspase-3 immunoreactivity in the stem cell and early excision groups among the burn groups. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity levels were as follows: stem cell group (20 [10–30]), early excision group (25 [15–50]), PLM group (70 [50–100]), control group (0), and burn group (80 [60–120]). Other oxidative stress and end-organ damage outcomes were consistent with these results.All rats in the stem cell group had burn wounds that healed completely by the 70th day. Examination of the skin and its appendages from the stem cell group with an immunofluorescence microscope demonstrated green coloration, indicating incorporation of stem cells. ConclusionStem cells may have the potential to form new skin and its appendages, providing better healing for large skin defects. Early excision treatment, by removing local necrotic tissues after extensive and deep burns, can prevent end-organ damage due to systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. We also believe that when these two treatments are used together, they can achieve the best results.

Multiple Stimuli-Responsive Color-Changing Polymer Materials for Reversible Writing and Anti-Counterfeiting.

Polymer materials with multiple stimuli-responsive properties have demonstrated many potential and practical applications. By covalently introducing spiropyran (SP1) and spirothiopyran (STP) into the polyurethane backbone, photochromic, mechanochromic, and thermally discolored polymer materials have been prepared. In this work, we report for the first time that white light (violet, blue, and green light) above a certain intensity can activate STP to green color. Based on the above discovery, the polyurethane with SP1 and STP can exhibit reversible three-color changes (brown, green, and purple) in response to four stimuli: ultraviolet irradiation, white light irradiation, mechanical stress, and heat. The color-changing polymer materials have high color contrast and excellent reversibility, and can be used for reversible writing, anticounterfeiting and information encryption, etc.

Lanthanide conjugated colour-tunable luminescent hydrogels as direct printable inks for anticounterfeiting and forensic applications

Counterfeiting is a global concern that jeopardizes individuals, businesses, and nations, costing trillions of USD annually. To combat this, researchers are continuously developing strong security features to formulate anti-counterfeiting inks. Herein, a novel approach has been adopted to prepare advanced luminescent hydrogel with ligand H3BTC for important applications in authentication of goods and fingerprint detection. In present investigations, Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions conjugated H3BTC hydrogels have been synthesized which emits strong green (542 nm) and red (614 nm) colours under UV lamp (254 nm). Additionally, the colour tunability for intermediate colours i.e. yellow and orange have also been achieved by varying the concentrations of Eu and Tb in H3BTC hydrogel. These hydrogels can be directly printed on any substrate using conventional screen-printing techniques. Moreover, these hydrogels can directly be used for thumb impressions with green and red emissions under 254 nm UV lamp, while appearing white in normal light and making them promising for new alternative solutions to design next-generation security ink for anticounterfeiting and forensic applications.

Stabilized chlorophyll-based food colorants from spinach: Kinetics of a tailored enzymatic extraction.

An organic solvent-free method based on limited dosing options (biocatalyst and zinc chloride) for the quick and mild recovery of chlorophyll (Chl) from spinach has been proposed. This tailored, custom-made protocol has been designed to produce stable green natural colorants. The kinetics of pigment extraction turned out to be a very useful tool to identify the proper conditions, in terms of biocatalyst dose (0.10-50U/g), extraction time (1-48h), and ZnCl2 amount (50-300ppm), both for enhancing the recovery yield and preserving the green color. Considering the extraction kinetics, the recovery yield, and the colorimetric data, the suitable conditions to produce stable green and food-grade colorants are 0.10U/g of enzyme, 3h, and 150ppm of ZnCl2 at 25°C. The extraction yield of Chl (4863µg/U) was about 51% greater than control, with a higher extraction rate constant (5.43×10-4g/(µgmin)). Considering the impact of ZnCl2 amount on Chl, its protective action resulted to be more noticeable toward Chl a: at 150ppm, an increased amount of about 2.5 and 1.5 times was found for Chl a and Chl b, respectively, in comparison to the reference (0ppm ZnCl2). PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research demonstrates how a suitable kinetic approach helps to provide a tailored protocol, customized for the vegetable matrix, to produce stable green natural colorants from spinach. Lowering enzyme dosage and ZnCl2 amount during the extraction of chlorophyll at low temperature is crucial for its potential use as a colorant in food industry, providing high economic values through saving time and environmental protection.

Encapsulated inorganic pigments in epoxy composite microspheres using emulsion synthesis

Inorganic pigments are a commonly used colorant with various applications and promising prospects. However, the implement of organic pigments is hindered by poor dispersion stability in coatings due to non-uniform morphology and size. Herein, encapsulated pigments of Cobalt Chrome Green CoCr2O4 (PG 26), Cobalt Blue CoAl2O4 (PB 28), Titanium Chrome Yellow TiCrSbO6 (PB 24) in epoxy microspheres are obtained via an oil-in-water emulsion polymerization. The morphology, particle size, thermal properties, glass transition temperature (Tg) and color performance of the composite microspheres were characterized by different analytical techniques. The average particle size varied with pigments types and loadings. When the content of CoCr2O4 and CoAl2O4 is in the range of 15 wt%-30 wt%, and TiCrSbO6 content is between 15 wt%-25 wt%, the composite microspheres exhibit a narrow particle size distribution, regular morphology, and smooth surface. The size followed the rule of CoAl2O4/epoxy (20–26 μm) > CoCr2O4/epoxy (14-16μm) > TiCrSbO6/epoxy (6–9 μm). Besides, according to the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) principle, the relationship between fluorescence intensity and reaction time was investigated, thus deducing the curing process of the epoxy groups with m-xylenol dimethylamine (MXDA). The kinds of three inorganic fillers exhibit varying effects on the diffusion process of MXDA. TiCrSbO6 promotes the progress of the epoxy-amine curing reaction. Notably, CoCr2O4 microspheres exhibited stable green value (a*) and color saturation (C*), TiCrSbO6 microspheres showed increased yellow value (b*) and saturation (C*), and CoAl2O4 microspheres enhanced blue value (b*) with minimal change in lightness (L*). Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the properties of inorganic pigment/epoxy composite microspheres and highlights their potential for improved dispersion stability in coating applications.