Flexible glucose biosensor via co-electrodeposition of methylene blue and glucose oxidase on carbon nanotube yarns.

• Ni-1 intermediate buffer layer effectively restricted carbon migration, , which led to resistance against the formation of CDZ and CEZ • Ni-1 buffer with PWHT enhanced P91 HAZ impact toughness by 14%. • GTAW with Ni-1/IN625 provided enhanced P91–304 L weld performance. • The Ni-1 buffer resulted in homogeneous delta ferrite distribution. • Highest hardness was in CGHAZ and lowest in ICHAZ across all joints. The pursuit of efficiency in nuclear power plant components operating at high steam temperatures and pressures has driven the use of advanced alloys like P91 steel and 304 L stainless steel, yet the structural integrity of their dissimilar welds remains challenged by carbon migration and premature failure; prompting this study to investigate the effectiveness of a Ni-1 (∼92% Ni) intermediate buffer layer combined with ERNiCrMo-3 (IN625) filler metal via multi-pass Gas Tungsten Arc Welding to enhance their metallurgical and mechanical performance. The study compared three IN625 buttering applications: as-welded, post-weld heat-treated, and post-weld heat-treated with an intermediate Ni-1 buffer layer. Microstructural analysis, employing optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, revealed peninsula features and an unmixed zone at the interface. The fusion zone features included Mo, Nb, and Ti-rich precipitates. The P91 heat-affected zone demonstrated a soft delta ferrite zone. Mechanical testing showed tensile strengths of 674 MPa (as-welded), 653 MPa (post-weld heat-treated), and 633 MPa (post-weld heat-treated with buffering). Notably, the Ni-1 buffer with post-weld heat treatment resulted in a 14% improvement in P91 heat-affected zone impact toughness compared to the as-welded joint. Microhardness profiling revealed the highest hardness in the coarse-grain heat-affected zone and the lowest in the intercritical heat-affected zone. The study concludes that the Ni-1 buffer layer successfully suppresses carbon migration, preventing the formation of detrimental carbon-depleted and enriched zones. By mitigating metallurgical degradation and improving toughness, the Ni-1/IN625 dual-filler approach provides a robust solution for the structural reliability of P91-304 L SS joints in demanding nuclear applications.

Comparative study of spark plasma sintering and microwave synthesis for high-entropy oxides: Lu-Yb-Tm-Er-Ho-O system

Lentils (Lens culinaris Medikus, 1787) and faba beans (Vicia faba Linnaeus, 1753) are important crops in France facing threats from Bruchus spp. We analyzed 59 lentil and 45 faba bean fields across four French regions over three growing seasons (2019-2020 to 2021-2022). We investigated the diversity, colonization patterns and spatiotemporal distribution of bruchids at different crop phenological stages and distances from field edges. Bruchus rufimanus Boheman, 1833 and Bruchus signaticornis Gyllenhal, 1833 were the only species emerging from faba beans (97.8%) and lentils (99.5%), respectively. B. rufimanus colonization was concentrated during pod development, maintaining a balanced male-female ratio throughout. B. signaticornis exhibited a colonization period of ≈1 month, with a gradual increase in female proportion over time. The spatial distribution of bruchids and damage were relatively uniform within fields, indicating strong dispersal capabilities. A significant positive correlation, with a high degree of dispersion, was identified between female abundance and bruchid-damaged grains. We confirmed that B. rufimanus and B. signaticornis were the only species damaging faba beans and lentils in France, respectively. The homogeneous spatial distribution suggests a strong dispersal ability of bruchids. The high degree of dispersion in the relationship between female abundance and bruchid-damaged grains highlights the importance of regulatory factors influencing larval and egg survival. These results, together with the presence of B. signaticornis in faba beans, emphasize the need for species-specific, phenology-based and spatially informed integrated pest management strategies, to mitigate the impact of bruchids and reduce reliance on chemical in their control. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Microwave-assisted green synthesis of Ni-integrated ZnCo2O4 nanospheres with enhanced photocatalytic and supercapacitive performance

Trickle bed reactors (TBRs) are efficient biotechnological systems that utilize biofilm-forming microorganisms to valorize gaseous substrates, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and syngas. While CO conversion has been widely explored in batch systems, the impact of inoculum origin on continuous TBR performance is poorly understood. This study investigated the performance and microbial community dynamics of TBRs inoculated with three diverse sources: anaerobic sludge, anaerobic digestate, and cow manure. The reactors were operated under identical thermophilic conditions, using CO as the sole carbon and energy source. The reactor inoculated with anaerobic sludge demonstrated the fastest adaptation, achieving stable CO conversion within 10 days. In contrast, the other two reactors required over 70 days to reach a similar conversion level. Importantly, all reactors ultimately developed functionally stable biofilms dominated by the genera Methanothermobacter and Syntrophaceticus , showing a strong functional convergence. Spatial and temporal analysis of the microbial communities revealed that inoculum choice profoundly influenced the rate and pattern of microbial structuring. Anaerobic sludge promoted rapid and homogeneous community distribution, whereas cow manure resulted in pronounced spatial heterogeneity. These findings establish that inoculum selection is a critical determinant of early biofilm establishment and long-term process stability, providing key insights for optimizing continuous CO biomethanation in TBR systems. • Reactor startup and CO conversion were influenced by inoculum type. • The microbial community in the enriched biofilm was limited to two phyla. • All reactors formed a resilient Methanothermobacter -dominated biofilm community. • Spatial microbial dynamics varied by inoculum source. • The reactor with anaerobic sludge showed higher microbial temporal similarity.

High-performance cartilage tissue bioink for 3D bioprinting with minimal post-processing for articular cartilage regeneration.

The remineralization properties of two newly developed orthodontic primers.

Bioactive peptides derived from protein hydrolysates provide various health benefits; however, their practical application is limited by low gastrointestinal stability, enzymatic degradation, and poor intestinal absorption. Overcoming these challenges remains a key bottleneck for oral peptide delivery. This study aimed to develop and systematically compare uni-axial and co-axial electrospun pullulan/carboxymethylcellulose fibers incorporating liposome-encapsulated glutenin hydrolysate (GH) to enhance its stability, mucoadhesion, and controlled release along the gastrointestinal system. GH (7.5 mg mL-1) was encapsulated into lecithin-phytosterol (1:0.5, w/w) liposomes, yielding an average size of 76 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 57.52%. These liposomes were successfully embedded into nanofibers, showing homogeneous distribution and GH loading efficiencies of 61.04-85.22%. Compared with free GH, liposomal systems preserved the antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP values) of GH during gastrointestinal digestion, while the non-hybrid formulation demonstrated reduced preservation. Liposome-loaded nanofibers exhibited markedly lower GH release under gastric conditions (21.05-25.85%) than free-GH fibers (42.69%), while co-axial fibers provided the most sustained intestinal release. Additionally, liposomal incorporation significantly enhanced mucoadhesive properties. The hybrid liposome-nanofiber approach integrates protective and controlled-delivery mechanisms, resulting in enhanced preservation of antioxidant activity and sustained release compared with conventional fibers. This food-grade strategy shows strong potential for oral delivery of bioactive peptides in functional food and nutraceutical applications requiring gastrointestinal stability. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

PLGA based formulations with poly(2-oxazoline)s for controlled dexamethasone release from thin extrudates.

Characterization and performance assessment of HVOF sprayed tribaloy coating subjected to cyclic oxidation and hot corrosion conditions

The use of live anticoccidial vaccines has increased in the poultry industry in recent years. Historically, these vaccines have been widely used in breeders due to their suitability for long life production cycles. In contrast, their use in short-lived birds was traditionally limited, but this trend has changed significantly. This shift in mainly driven by the growing demand for antibiotic-free production systems (e.g., No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) or Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA) broiler production) and increasing resistance to anticoccidial drugs. The success of live vaccination depends largely on the method of administration and the homogeneous distribution of sporulated oocysts, both of which require careful management to ensure uniform coverage and early intestinal replication in the majority of chicks. Three vaccination strategies are commonly used in broiler production: vaccination as the sole preventive measure; incorporation of vaccines into rotation programmes that alternate with anticoccidials, and combined used of vaccines and anticoccidials within the same flock (bio-shuttle programmes). Future developments in the use of live anticoccidial vaccines are expected to be influenced by several factors, including changes in husbandry practices, expansion of the global poultry market, improvements in vaccine formulations, advancements in the knowledge of host immunity, and innovations in vaccine production. These evolving factors will shape both the design and application of vaccination strategies in the coming years.

Lithium metal anodes offer exceptionally high energy density but are hindered by unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, nonuniform lithium deposition, and large volumetric fluctuations. Although three-dimensional (3D) hosts have been widely developed to alleviate these limitations, the SEI layer generally forms as a single layer, which is easily destabilized during repeated cycling. To address this, double layer strategies that introduce alloy formation and an artificial SEI have been proposed, often incorporating inorganic species such as LiF and Li2S for their high ion conductivity. However, their low electronic conductivity still leads to issues such as high interfacial resistance. These limitations indicate the need for an additional layer that can play a complementary role by enhancing electronic conductivity. In this work, we developed a synergistic triple layer generated on nickel foam (STLG@NF) through an in situ electrochemical reaction. During initial cycling, Ni3S2 undergoes conversion to generate a Li2S-rich bottom layer with high ionic conductivity that promotes rapid and uniform Li+ transport. The middle carbon layer provides high electronic conductivity and mechanical reinforcement, enabling a more homogeneous electron distribution and accommodating repeated volume changes. On the surface, a well-regulated outer SEI layer forms, acting as a chemical barrier against continuous electrolyte decomposition and regulating Li+ flux through more uniform and stable ion transport. The synergistic coupling of these three layers stabilizes interfacial reactions, suppresses Li dendrite growth, and maintains structural integrity throughout cycling. As a result, the Li-STLG@NF anode delivers long-term stability in symmetric cells for over 3000 h with a low overpotential of 11 mV and maintains more than 80% capacity after 500 cycles in LiFePO4 full cells.

Powder bed fusion laser beam (PBF-LB) of Mg alloys shows strong potential for biodegradable, patient-specific implants. A key challenge is achieving adequate corrosion resistance and mechanical strength while maintaining biocompatibility. This study investigates whether varying hatch distance can balance these properties in PBF-LB processed WE43 (Mg-4Y-3RE-Zr; RE: rare earth elements). Optimal laser parameters were developed for hatch distances of 40, 50, and 60 μm (h40, h50, and h60), and samples were analyzed for microstructure, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. Results showed that h60 had a weaker texture and narrower grain size distribution, with fewer grains under 200 μm2. It also had the lowest degradation rate while maintaining comparable ultimate tensile strength to h50, which had the highest degradation rate. The improved corrosion resistance in h60 was attributed to a more homogeneous distribution of Mg-RE precipitates due to fewer and more homogenously distributed grain boundaries. Extracts from h60 and control materials were used to culture osteoblasts, showing no cytotoxicity after 3 days. Notably, osteoblasts exposed to 3D-printed WE43 extracts produced more lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) than those exposed to extruded WE43, suggesting faster cell proliferation. This study demonstrates the importance of hatch distance in the PBF-LB processing of WE43, as well as its potential in balancing corrosion and tensile properties while maintaining a good in vitro cellular response of bone resident cells.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is widely utilized for artificial joints to its superior wear resistance and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, restricted mechanical strength and surface hardness still pose a challenge, and formation of wear debris can lessen implant life. In this research, UHMWPE was reinforced with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (fMWCNTs) in combination with nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) as hybrid nanofiller (HNF) to enhance both mechanical and tribological features. The fMWCNTs were prepared by oxidative-ammonolysis treatment, confirmed by FT-IR analysis showing hydroxyl, carbonyl, and amine functional groups that enhanced compatibility and bonding strength with the polymer matrix. Nanocomposites with HNF concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 5.0 wt% were fabricated and characterized for tensile, flexural, hardness, and wear performance. The resulting data revealed that the addition of HNFs (1:1 in wt%) improved all mechanical characteristics at low and intermediate loadings, with the optimum enhancement at 3.0 wt%. This particular specimen displayed increases of (11.6, 12.4, and 9.6)% in each tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness, respectively, relative to the neat polymer. In addition, a decrease of 63.0% of specific wear rate implies exceptional wear resistance owing to homogeneous filler distribution and stable tribofilm development. However, a high content of 5.0 wt% demonstrated minimized mechanical efficiency caused by agglomeration, as reflected in FE-SEM images. These findings indicate that fMWCNTs- nHA blending yields a synergistic enhancement of strength, hardness and wear resistance of the matrix, making the present hybrid system a potential prospect in orthopedic implant uses.

In this study, raw and calcined eggshell-based biomaterials were modified with Ag⁺ ions, and their structural, surface, optical, and antimicrobial properties were systematically investigated. A sustainable approach was used to valorize eggshell waste, with AgNO₃ providing Ag-related species immobilized onto the material surface. X-ray diffraction confirmed the transformation of CaCO₃ to CaO upon calcination, while the absence of metallic silver peaks indicated incorporation of Ag⁺ within the nanocomposite. Zeta potential measurements showed increased positive surface charge after Ag⁺ modification, particularly in calcined samples, suggesting enhanced surface reactivity and colloidal stability. EDX analysis revealed localized Ag accumulation on non-calcined eggshells, whereas calcined composites exhibited more homogeneous Ag distribution. Photoluminescence studies showed green emission for ES@Ag⁺, while PL intensity was suppressed in C-ES@Ag⁺ due to Ag⁺-induced surface defects and charge transfer. Ag⁺ emission confirmed by UV-Vis. In addition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) analysis revealed that ES@Ag⁺ exhibited superior antimicrobial efficiency at lower concentrations compared to C-ES@Ag⁺, demonstrating consistent performance across both liquid and solid media. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Candida albicans ATCC 10239 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 via the agar well diffusion method. ES@Ag⁺ exhibited inhibition zones of 17.00 ± 0.05mm and 16.00 ± 0.07mm, while C-ES@Ag⁺ showed 15.00 ± 0.02mm and 9.00 ± 0.05mm for C. albicans and E. coli, respectively. These results demonstrate the potential of Ag⁺-modified eggshell nanocomposites as sustainable materials for biomedical and environmental applications. While antimicrobial efficacy is promising, further cytotoxicity and biocompatibility studies are needed to assess safety and performance.

In the present study, zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles (NPs) were produced by the eco-friendly green synthesis method using the aqueous extract of Ganoderma adspersum. ZnO and MgO NPs were characterized using XRD and SEM, which are among the most well-known structural and morphological characterization methods. Besides, the photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of NPs produced were investigated in detail. XRD measurements confirmed that both nanoparticles were produced as intended. Furthermore, it was determined that the ZnO NPs were in the form of nanonails with a homogeneous distribution, while the MgO NPs appeared to be arranged in a specific order and had an irregular planar morphology by means of SEM measurements. As for the photocatalytic performances of green synthesized ZnO and MgO NPs, it was found out that both NPs had high photocatalytic activity. As for the photocatalytic results, ZnO and MgO NPs produced with G. adspersum scavenged approximately 98.7% at 140min and 91.6% at 200min. Furthermore, it was determined that the synthesized both NPs exhibited significant antibacterial impacts in terms of inhibition zone against six different microorganisms (A. baumannii ATCC BA1609, E. coli ATCC BAA-2523, E. faecalis ATCC 49452, P. aeruginosa NCTC 12924, S. aureus NCTC 10788, Y. enterocolitica ATCC 27729). Antimicrobial activity investigation showed that ZnO and MgO NPs green synthesized by G. adspersum revealed the highest antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa NCTC 12924 with the inhibition zone value of 12.0 and 10.0mm, respectively).

High-porosity nanoporous separators exhibit fast ion conduction and homogeneous Li+ ion distribution, which are advantageous for effective dendrite suppression in Li-metal batteries. However, their controlled fabrication of highly porous nanostructures in thin film form remains challenging. Hence, the present study reports on the phase-separation-induced self-assembly of highly porous 3D aramid nanofiber (ANF) separators decorated with gelatin nanospheres (GNFs) for use in Li-metal batteries. During this process, the gelatin nanospheres are spontaneously self-assembled onto the ultraporous ANF matrix in order to minimize interfacial energy. The resulting nanoporous GNF separator exhibits high porosity (> 60%) along with preferential affinity toward PF6 - anions, thereby achieving a high Li+ cation conductivity (σ+) of 0.69 mS/cm. Notably, this conductivity is 4 times greater than that of commercial Celgard and 28 times greater than that of the gelatin-free ANF sample. The enhanced ionic conductivity and homogeneous ion distribution promote effective dendrite suppression for Li-metal anodes by the formation of stable solid electrolyte interphase layers. Resultantly, Li half cells with GNF separators show improved cycling stability, low overpotentials, and high coulombic efficiency. The Li/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cell exhibits enhanced cycle performance even at 4.5V, further enabled by the transition-metal ion capture capability from the gelatin nanospheres.

The rational design of three-dimensional (3D) piezoelectric architectural units represents a cutting-edge approach for fabricating highly sensitive piezoelectric materials. However, the precise control over the formation of piezoelectric crystals during the construction of 3D polymer architectures remains a formidable challenge. Here, we report a novel strategy that enables the induction of dominant polar forms while simultaneously constructing their 3D architectures. Utilizing porous cellulose templates, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) was self-assembled from solution into microspheres with diameters approximately 3 μm. During this self-assembly process, hydrogen bonding and dipole interactions between PVDF molecules and the cellulose template could facilitate the nucleation and growth of the polar forms. By manipulating the porous structure of cellulose, we successfully achieved two distinct spatial arrangements of PVDF polar microspheres: a homogeneous distribution of PVDF polar microspheres interspersed among the cellulose nanofibrils, and the aggregation of PVDF polar microspheres on the cell wall of the template. Our findings reveal that the former arrangement demonstrates superior piezoelectric sensitivity, boasting a piezoelectric voltage constant of 0.42 V·m/N at a low mass density of 0.3 g/cm3─approximately three times greater than that of the pure PVDF and the cellulose template alone. The remarkable piezoelectric sensitivity observed in the 3D porous PVDF/cellulose composite stems from the fact that the compressive stress applied to the polar microspheres induces a substantial effective electric displacement in the direction of the compressive force. This study opens the door to a new class of rationally designed piezoelectric sensors for wearable human-computer interaction applications.

Characterization of pericardium collagen stiffening after riboflavin/UV- and low energy electron irradiation by IR spectroscopic imaging.