Increased Water Uptake Research Articles

Usability of 'Pink Pearl' 'Aiolos' and 'Blue Jacket' Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis L.) varieties with Pre- and Postharvest Boric Acid Application as Cut Flowers

The study aimed to investigate the effect of boric acid (BA) treatments on availability of 'Pink Pearl' 'Aiolos' and 'Blue Jacket' hyacinth varieties as cut flower. For this purpose, 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm boric acid doses were applied to hyacinths in pre- and post- harvest period. Boric acid (BA) was sprayed to leaves before harvest, while mixed into vase solution after harvest. The potted hyacinth plants were placed in a high plastic tunnel after stratification. The temperature in plastic tunnel kept at 18-20 oC during the cultivation. Pre-harvest treatments were performed as spraying prepared BA solutions to the leaves when the leaves reached to full size. During the vegetation period, the qualitative and quantitative parameters such as total leaf number, spike stalk length, leaf color (L* and hue (ho)), leaf chlorophyll (SPAD) value, total floret number, leaf length, total plant length, and total blooming spike number were measured. After harvest, hyacinth plants were placed in vase solution and monitored for post-harvest strength under 12 hours light/12 hours dark photoperiod conditions. Water uptake, the spike stalk length, and the vase longevity of the spike were observed during the vase life period. The BA treatments did not show any significant effect on the vase life of the hyacinth spike. The 150-ppm BA, however, improved leaf quality by increasing leaf chlorophyll and ho values while decreasing L* values. In conclusion, it can be suggested that the ‘Aiolos’ cultivar has a potential as cut flower due to its longer plants and flower stems both in pre- and post-harvest period, as well as its longer vase life. Among the BA applications, it was concluded that the 100 ppm application is a viable option for increasing water uptake and reducing weight loss during the vase period.

Foliar water uptake and phyllosphere microbe colonization increase under higher soil nitrogen availability

Leaf water uptake (FWU) represents an alternative pathway to plant water acquisition that can have positive effects on water and carbon balance. Leaf surface traits including the phyllosphere microbes can affect the leaf wetness capacity and FWU. These functional and structural leaf traits could change depending on soil resources availability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the responses of FWU and leaf surface traits such as contact angle, water drop adhesion (LWA) and phyllosphere-associated microbiota to soil nitrogen addition. Three dominant plant species, Azorella prolifera, Senecio filaginoides, and Papostippa speciosa, of an arid steppe in Patagonia exposed to nitrogen (+N) and nitrogen plus water (+NW) addition for ten years were selected. Leaf contact angle did not exhibit statistical differences among treatments within species. LWA was higher in all treatments with respect to the control (C) for shrub A. prolifera and grass P. speciosa. Nitrogen addition increased significantly FWU in A. prolifera and in P. speciosa with respect to C. Colony-forming units of culturable microorganisms (CFU) on leaf surface responded to N addition, but the changes were statistically significant in S. filaginoides and P. speciosa in +NW, increasing three and eight times, respectively, in relation to the C. A positive linear relationship was found between FWU and LWA across species and treatments. On the other hand, CFU of phyllosphere was negative and exponentially correlated with LWA and FWU, across species and treatments. The results suggest that soil N enrichment could affect functional leaf traits and phyllosphere microbiota in a way that may confer a higher potential to cope with drought by facilitating the use of alternative water sources. On the other hand, we suggested that species with leaves more colonized have less surface exposed for FWU and could have lower wettability depending on the hydrophobicity degree of microbes. However, a higher cover of epiphyte’s microorganisms could compensate the effects of lower FWU by avoiding the leaf dehydration. This study contributes to a better understanding of plant leaf-microbe interactions under higher N atmospheric deposition and intensive fertilization as global agricultural production is expected to increase.

Enhancement of mechanical properties of hybrid polymer composites using palmyra palm and coconut sheath fibers: The role of tamarind shell powder

This study investigates the enhancement of mechanical characteristics of hybrid polymer composites reinforced with palmyra palm leaflet (PPL) and coconut sheath leaf (CSL) fibers by integrating tamarind shell powder as a filler material. The composites were fabricated with varying ratios of PPL and CSL fibers, and their tensile strength, flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), impact strength, hardness, and water absorption were evaluated. The composite with 20% PPL and 10% CSL exhibited superior mechanical performance, achieving the highest tensile strength of 42 MPa, flexural strength of 94 MPa, ILSS of 7.52 MPa, and impact strength of 5.98 J. Hardness values peaked at 84 SD for the same composition. Moreover, the integration of tamarind shell powder significantly improved the mechanical properties compared to composites without filler, which showed lower values across all parameters. Water absorption tests revealed an increase in water uptake with filler incorporation, though within acceptable limits for practical applications. Scanning electron microscopy supported these results by revealing enhanced fiber-matrix bonding and better dispersion of the filler, resulting in fewer voids and defects. This research highlights the potential of bio-based fillers in optimizing the mechanical performance of hybrid composites for sustainable engineering applications.

Functional divergence exists in mucilage-mediated seed dispersal, but not in germination of myxospermic Lepidium campestre and Lepidium draba (Brassicaceae)

The aim of this study was to compare the role of mucilage in seed dispersal and germination of the two closely related invasive weed species, Lepidium campestre and Lepidium draba. The study investigated the staining patterns of mucilage and its effects on seed germination, water uptake, dehydration, adherence to sand particles and dispersal by wind, water and animals following standard protocols. The mucilaginous seeds of L. campestre had a higher pectin and cellulose content than L. draba. This difference has a significant effect on water uptake and retention. The mucilage increased water uptake in both species, with L. campestre seeds absorbing significantly more water (836% compared to 75% in L. draba). Remarkably, the mucilage of both species had very little effect on seed germination. Significantly, the seeds of L. draba readily germinated under dry conditions, suggesting that this species may have developed different germination strategies. In addition, the seeds and fruits of L. draba showed a higher potential for dispersal via water and wind, whereas those of L. campestre adhered to animals. Further, L. campestre seeds showed significantly stronger adherence to sand particles (1872%) compared to those of L. draba (445%). This suggests that L. campestre seeds are more likely to disperse locally and possibly adhere to animals or soil particles. Our results suggest that mucilage produce by the two invasive weed species results in different methods of dispersal, which may help explain differences in their distribution patterns.

Neuroprotective Effects of Rapid Local Ischemic Postconditioning in Successful Endovascular Thrombectomy Patients.

We aim to assess the efficacy of rapid local ischemic postconditioning (RL-IPostC) following successful reperfusion in patients with acute ischemic stroke with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who underwent endovascular thrombectomy. We conducted an ambidirectional cohort study with 78 prospectively enrolled patients with RL-IPostC and endovascular thrombectomy and 129 retrospectively enrolled patients with endovascular thrombectomy. The RL-IPostC procedure involved 5 cycles of 15-s balloon inflation and deflation in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery. The primary outcome was functional independence, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2. Secondary outcomes included excellent outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-1) and early therapeutic response. Imaging outcomes involved infarct volume changes and cerebral edema measurements. Outcomes were compared with postpropensity score matching (1:1) and assessed using univariable and multivariable regression models. In the matched cohort of 136 patients (mean age, 71±14 years; 70 men [51%]), RL-IPostC was associated with a higher rate of functional independence (adjusted odds ratio, 2.47 [95% CI, 1.10-5.68]; P=0.030). The RL-IPostC group exhibited significantly reduced infarct volumes at 24 hours (difference, -12.2 [95% CI, -23.9 to -0.53]; P=0.041) and less infarct growth (difference, -12.2 [95% CI, -23.9 to -0.45]; P=0.042). Furthermore, RL-IPostC correlated with lower increases in net water uptake (difference, -0.04 [95% CI, -0.07 to -0.01]; P=0.018), lower decrease cerebrospinal fluid volume (difference, -7.75 [95% CI, -11.7 to -3.84]; P<0.001), and reduced midline shift at 24 hours (difference, -1.39 [95% CI, -2.48 to -0.30]; P=0.013). RL-IPostC tends to promote functional independence and reduces infarct growth and cerebral edema in patients with acute ischemic stroke post-reperfusion.

Nonalkaline Fabrication of Al-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks with Tailored Water Sorption Properties via Polymeric Hydroxy-Aluminum Basicity Modulation.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous crystalline materials composed of metallic nodes and organic ligands, demonstrating increasing potential in water harvesting in arid and semiarid regions. This study presents a nonalkaline, water-based, and scalable synthesis strategy designed to adjust the water sorption properties of aluminum-based MOFs (Al-MOFs), specifically, AlFum and MOF-303, by modifying the basicity of the metal source, polymeric hydroxy-aluminum, as an alternative. Characterizations, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), confirmed the successful synthesis of Al-MOFs. The results revealed that high-basicity polymeric hydroxy-aluminum introduced additional mesoscopic intraparticle defects, interparticle voids, and hydrophilic surface sites to the primary microporous Al-MOFs. This led to an enhanced external surface area and uniformity in the particle size. Consequently, the water sorption performance of basicity-modulated Al-MOFs was significantly improved. Specifically, within the typical working humidity between 0.05 and 0.3, using polymeric hydroxy-aluminum of the highest basicity resulted in a 23% and 68% increase in water uptake for AlFum and MOF-303, respectively, achieving capacities of 0.43 and 0.37 g·g-1. Cyclic water adsorption-desorption tests further indicated the hydrolytic stability of prepared Al-MOFs. This study offers a novel approach to engineering MOF properties through metal source modulation, with important implications for applications in water harvesting and heat transfer.

Ecotypic differentiation of leaf silicon concentration in the grass Brachypodium hybridum along a rainfall gradient.

Ecotypic differentiation, reflected in substantial trait differences across populations, has been observed in various plant species distributed across aridity gradients. Nevertheless, ecotypic differentiation in leaf silicon concentration, known to alleviate drought stress in plants, remained hardly explored. Here, we provide a systematic test for ecotypic differentiation in leaf silicon concentration along two aridity gradients in the grass Brachypodium hybridum in Israel. Seed material was sampled in 15 sites along a macroclimatic aridity gradient (89 - 926mm mean annual rainfall) and from corresponding north (moister) and south (more arid) exposed slopes (microclimatic gradient) at similar altitudes (mean north: 381m a.s.l., mean south: 385m a.s.l.). Plants were subsequently grown under common conditions and their leaf silicon concentration was analysed. Leaf silicon concentration increased with increasing aridity across the macroclimatic gradient, but did not differ between north and south slopes. The higher leaf silicon concentrations under more arid conditions can enhance the ability of plants to cope with more arid conditions by two mutually not exclusive mechanisms: (i) withstanding drought by reducing water loss and increasing water uptake or (ii) escaping drought by facilitating fast growth. Our study highlights that leaf silicon concentration contributes to ecotypic differentiation in annual grasses along macroclimatic aridity gradients.

Urea‐based construction of hydrogen bonding networks for poly(biphenyl alkylene)s anion exchange membrane for fuel cells

AbstractIn recent decades, the “trade‐off” problem of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) has been a concern. Herein, a series of urea‐based multication poly(biphenyl alkylene)s AEMs are prepared by obtaining an ether bond‐free backbone through ultra‐strong acid catalysis, grafting it with multication side chains, and then by accessing urea‐based groups in different ratios. By accessing the urea group, noncovalent bonds are used to link the molecules to act as cross‐links, giving them solubility that chemical cross‐links do not have. The PBTA‐DQA‐35U membrane possessed the highest ionic conductivity of 62.43 mS/cm. Compared with the PBTA‐DQA membrane (80°C, WU = 20.45%, SR = 17.67%), the PBTA‐DQA‐25U membrane showed an increase in water uptake but not much change in swelling (WU = 30.23%, SR = 19.36%), which was attributed to the fact that the hydrophilic urea groups provide cation transport sites while hydrogen bonding inhibits membrane swelling. The PBTA‐DQA‐35U ionic conductivity is retained above 75% after 960 h of alkali stability testing. The power density of the MEA device assembled using PBTA‐DQA‐35U membrane is 421.78 mW/cm2.

Bipolar Membranes Via Divergent Synthesis: On the Interplay between Ion Exchange Capacity and Water Dissociation Catalysis.

Bipolar membranes (BPMs) enable the operation of electrochemical reactors with electrode compartments in different chemical environments or pH. The transport properties at the microscopic scale are dictated by the composition and morphology of the interfacial junctions as well as the specific chemistry of the ion-exchange layers that support the current of protons and hydroxide ions. This work elucidates the relation between water-dissociation efficiency and the physicochemical properties of the individual ion-exchange membrane layers in the poly(styrene-b-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-b-polystyrene) (SEBS)-based BPM. The optimal water dissociation performance of three previously reported water-dissociation catalysts in the SEBS-based BPM was examined, with junction thickness of graphene oxide > TiO2 > SnO2, resulting in disparate junction morphologies at the BPM's interface. A hybrid junction system, which included both the effective water dissociation catalyst SnO2 and direct contacting of the ion-exchange membrane layer, exhibited high water dissociation efficiency. This was likely due to the immediate ion transport pathway provided by direct membrane contact around the catalyst, which also improved the interfacial adhesion. A higher ion exchange capacity (IEC) in BPMs substantially enhanced the water dissociation performance in BPMs without water-dissociation catalysts. However, the incorporation of the effective SnO2 catalyst into the BPMs with a lower IEC significantly improved performance, an effect attributed to the hybrid junction system. Additionally, the increase in water uptake and ion conductivity of the cation exchange layer with higher IEC suggested that the cation exchange layer and its interface to the water-dissociation catalyst layer may play a key role in water dissociation. This study identifies the key parameters of individual BPM components and their interactions to water dissociation performance, offering new insights to guide in the construction of future BPMs optimized for enhanced water dissociation efficiency at high current densities.

Structure and function of skin barrier lipids: Effects of hydration and natural moisturizers in vitro

Lipid membranes play a crucial role in regulating the body’s water balance by adjusting their properties in response to hydration. The intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum (SC), the outermost skin layer, serves as the body’s primary defense against environmental factors. Osmolytes, including urocanic acid (UCA) and glycerol, are key components of the natural moisturizing factor that help the SC resist osmotic stress from dry environments. This study examines the effects of UCA and glycerol (each at 5 mol %) on isolated human SC lipids. For this, different techniques were employed, offering complementary information of the system’s multiscale characteristics, including humidity-scanning quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, electrical impedance spectroscopy, and studies of water loss and permeability. Our results show that UCA increases water sorption and makes lipid films more liquid-like at high relative humidity, without significantly altering the lipid lamellar structure, chain order, or orthorhombic chain packing. Lipid films containing UCA exhibited higher water loss and significantly higher model drug permeability compared to lipid films without UCA. Further, incorporation of UCA resulted in kinetically faster changes in electrical properties upon contact with aqueous solution compared with control lipids. These observations suggest that UCA reduces lipid cohesion in regions other than the acyl chain-rich leaflets, which may impact SC desquamation. In contrast, glycerol did not influence the hydration or permeability of the SC lipid matrix. However, it increased the proportion of orthorhombic domains at high humidities and slowed the kinetics of the hydration process, as evidenced by slower changes in the dielectric properties of the lipid film. These findings suggest that glycerol enhances lipid cohesion rather than increasing water uptake, which is typically the expected function of humectants. Consequently, UCA and glycerol appear to have distinct roles in maintaining epidermal homeostasis.

Rice plants treated with biochar derived from Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) optimize resource allocation towards seed production.

The use of biofertilizers is becoming an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to promote sustainable agriculture. Biochar from microalgae/cyanobacteria can be applied to enhance the productivity of food crops through soil improvement, slow nutrient absorption and release, increased water uptake, and long-term mitigation of greenhouse gas sequestration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the stimulatory effects of biochar produced from Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) biomass on the development and seed production of rice plants. Biochar was produced by slow pyrolysis at 300°C, and characterization was performed through microscopy, chemical, and structural composition analyses. Molecular and physiological analyses were performed in rice plants submitted to different biochar concentrations (0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 mg mL-1) to assess growth and productivity parameters. Morphological and physicochemical characterization revealed a heterogeneous morphology and the presence of several minerals (Na, K, P, Mg, Ca, S, Fe, and Si) in the biochar composition. Chemical modification of compounds post-pyrolysis and a highly porous structure with micropores were observed. Rice plants submitted to 0.5 mg mL-1 of biochar presented a decrease in root length, followed by an increase in root dry weight. The same concentration influenced seed production, with an increase of 44% in the number of seeds per plant, 17% in the percentage of full seeds per plant, 12% in the weight of 1,000 full seeds, 53% in the seed weight per plant, and 12% in grain area. Differential proteomic analyses in shoots and roots of rice plants submitted to 0.5 mg mL-1 of biochar for 20 days revealed a fine-tuning of resource allocation towards seed production. These results suggest that biochar derived from Arthrospira platensis biomass can stimulate rice seed production.

Water sorption behavior of poly(norbornene)-based anion exchange polyelectrolytes: Experiments and simulation

Poly(norbornene)s (PNBs) are great potential candidates for anion exchange polyelectrolytes (AEPs), however, PNBs-based AEPs usually suffer from excessive water sorption. Herein, the underlying mechanism behind high water sorption was proposed by using the quaternized PNBs as a model AEP. With a moderate ionic content of 2.15 mmol/g, the hydrogenated AEP has a high water uptake of 253 % at 25 °C, which is caused by heterogeneous quaternization and weak interchain interactions. When the brominated AEP was immersed in trimethylamine aqueous (TMA/H2O) solution, TMA penetrates tightly packed polymer chains, seriously destroying vdW interchain interactions. Subsequently, the quaternized cationic groups induce spontaneous water sorption. Although ionic moieties possess strong interchain electrostatic interactions, the solid AEPs restrict polymer chains to form highly cohesive domains for resisting water sorption. Additionally, carbon–carbon double bonds in the PNBs preferentially interact with TMA/H2O, further increasing water uptake. This work provides theoretical guidance for preparing high-performance AEPs based on all-hydrocarbon aliphatic backbones.

Strategies for Achieving High and Sustainable Plant Productivity in Saline Soil Conditions

The accumulation of salt in arable lands is a source of significant abiotic stress, contributing to a 10% decline in the world’s total arable lands and threatening food productivity and the sustainability of agriculture. About 76 million hectares of productive land are estimated to have been affected by human-induced salinization such as extreme salt deposits in soil, which are mainly caused by the actions of humans. For instance, continued irrigation and the frequent use of chemical fertilizers need to be understood. To ensure food availability, it is essential to improve upon traditional farming methods using current technologies to facilitate the reclamation of saline-affected arable lands to achieve high and sustainable food production. This review details current innovative strategies such as the modification of metabolic pathways, manipulation of antioxidant pathways, genetic engineering, RNA interference technology, engineered nanoparticles, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), organic amendments, and trace elements for improving saline marginal lands. These strategies were identified to have contributed to the improvement of plants salinity tolerance in diverse ways. For instance, the accumulation of plant metabolites such as amino acids, sugars, polyols, organic acids, saponins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, and tannins detoxify plants and play crucial roles in mitigating the detrimental effects of oxidative damage posed by salinity stress. Multiple plant miRNAs encoding the up- and down-regulation of single- and multi-ion transporters have been engineered in plant species to enhance salt tolerance. Nanomaterials and plant root system colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal increase water uptake, photosynthetic efficiency, and biomass allocation in plants exposed to saline stress by excluding 65 percent of the Na+ uptake and enhancing K+ uptake by 84.21 percent. Organic amendments and trace elements reduced salinity concentrations by 22 percent and improved growth by up to 84 percent in maize subjected to salinity stress. This study also discusses how researchers can use these strategies to improve plants growth, development, and survival in saline soil conditions to enhance the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. The strategies discussed in this study have also proven to be promising approaches for developing salinity stress tolerance strategies for plants to increase agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Confocal Raman Microscopy – Shedding Light on the Ionomer Properties of PFSA Membranes

Perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers are the state-of-the-art material for the proton exchange membrane (PEM) in various electrochemical energy conversion devices, e.g., PEM fuel cells, PEM water electrolyzers, or redox flow batteries, combining chemical and mechanical durability with high proton conductivity.The most prominent example of a PFSA material is NafionTM, which is a so-called long side chain (LSC) ionomer due to its comparably long side chain between the polymer backbone and the charged sulfonyl end group. On the other hand, short side chain (SSC) ionomers like Aquivion® and 3M Ionomer or composite membranes are promising approaches to improve performance in harsh conditions, such as low humidity or high operating temperatures.1 SSC PEMs feature increased water uptake, proton conductivity,2 and crystallinity3 compared to LSC PEMs. Composite PEMs can be specifically tailored to the required operating conditions by carefully designing the interlayers or additives. As the performance and longevity of electrochemical cells are a delicate convolution of various (composite) membrane properties and parameters, a method for evaluating ionomer membrane properties is crucial for rationally engineering optimized PEMs.Here, we use confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) to investigate application-relevant properties of PFSA PEMs and for high-resolution imaging of composite membranes.4 Thus, the high spatial resolution of confocal optical microscopy and the chemical sensitivity of Raman scattering are combined in a single measurement approach. NafionTM, 3M Ionomer, and Aquivion® at varying equivalent weights (EW) feature distinctive Raman spectra (Fig. 1) that show characteristic spectral changes depending on the ionomer’s side chain structure and EW. We show that the EW of these PFSA types can be reliably measured using Raman spectroscopy. Further, parameters such as swelling, ionizable group content, and water uptake can be quantified by CRM non-destructively and contact-free. The diffraction-limited resolution of CRM of less than 2 µm enables a view of the local distribution of these properties and, therefore, allows to image and analyze composite membranes. In summary, we comprehensively study ionomer properties of (composite) membranes and establish CRM as a powerful platform for characterizing advanced PEMs for electrochemical energy deviceReferences A. S. Aricò, A. Di Blasi, G. Brunaccini, F. Sergi, G. Dispenza, L. Andaloro, M. Ferraro, V. Antonucci, P. Asher, S. Buche, D. Fongalland, G. A. Hards, J. D. B. Sharman, A. Bayer, G. Heinz, N. Zandonà, R. Zuber, M. Gebert, M. Corasaniti, A. Ghielmi and D. J. Jones, Fuel Cells, 10(6), 1013–1023 (2010).Y.-C. Park, K. Kakinuma, H. Uchida, M. Watanabe and M. Uchida, Journal of Power Sources, 275, 384–391 (2015).K. D. Kreuer, M. Schuster, B. Obliers, O. Diat, U. Traub, A. Fuchs, U. Klock, S. J. Paddison and J. Maier, Journal of Power Sources, 178(2), 499–509 (2008).M. Maier, D. Abbas, M. Komma, M. S. Mu'min, S. Thiele and T. Böhm, Journal of Membrane Science, 669, 121244 (2023). Figure 1

Anion exchange membrane incorporating polymers of intrinsic microporosity for large organic anions

To meet a growing demand for the applications of electro-membrane technologies in the fields related to organic acid, this work attempts to incorporate polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) with rigid and twisted structure into the preparation of anion exchange membrane (AEM) and investigates the possible effects of PIM addition on the transport behaviors of bulky organic anions therein. Firstly, molecular dynamics simulations are conducted to optimize the blend ratio between the modified PIM and chloromethylated Polysulfone. Furthermore, performances of as-prepared AEMs with different blend ratios are evaluated in some typical organic salt systems, including sodium lactate, sodium gluconate, and sodium citrate. Results demonstrate that water uptake increases and electrical resistance decreases significantly with increasing PIM loading despite the moderate reductions in ion exchange capacities. For example, a reduction of >50 % in electrical resistance when the PIM fraction increases up to 20 %. Small angle X-ray scattering reveals that these changes appear to be the result of micro-phase separation and increase of internal free volume. Additionally, electrometathesis-based organic acid conversion experiments confirm that the blend AEMs indeed contribute to reduce process energy consumption, for instance, a reduction of up to 23.29 % for the gluconic acid conversion. Although the addition of PIM results in a loss of membrane permselectivity to some extent, the corresponding current efficiency is still acceptable. Incorporation of Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity is worth exploring for the preparation of Bulky Organic Anions-oriented AEM.

New Insights into ZIF-90 Synthesis.

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are traditionally synthesized using N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF). However, DMF is toxic and hazardous to human health and the environment, hence other alternative solvents need to be considered. Herein, three different solvents like methanol, water and acetone were used to replace DMF and to explore the syntheses of ZIF-90 using a conventional and a microwave-assisted solvothermal method to obtain hydrothermally stable products, which also exhibit an increased water uptake. Pure ZIF-90 was synthesized under ambient pressure at 60 °C for 90 min using the conventional solvothermal method in an acetone-water solution, while under microwave irradiation it was formed in only 5 min at 80 °C. Altering methanol, water and acetone in the reaction mixture significantly affected the structural and water adsorption properties of ZIF-90s, which were monitored via PXRD, TGA, nitrogen and water sorption, and SEM. The highly efficient, less toxic, low-cost and activation-free microwave synthesis resulted in the formation of ZIF-90 nanoparticles that exhibited the highest maximum water adsorption capacity (0.37 g/g) and the best hydrothermal stability between water adsorption at 30 °C and desorption at 100 °C at 12.5 mbar among all the products obtained.

Influence of Rare-Earth Doping Content and Type on Phase Transformation and Transport Properties in Highly Doped CeO2.

Rare-earth doped CeO2 materials find extensive application in high-temperature energy conversion devices such as solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyzers. However, understanding the complex relationship between structural and electrical properties, particularly concerning rare-earth ionic size and content, remains a subject of ongoing debate, with conflicting published results. In this study, we have conducted comprehensive long-range and local order structural characterization of Ce1-xLnxO2-x/2 samples (x ≤ 0.6; Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Gd, and Yb) using X-ray and neutron powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and electron diffraction. The increase in the rare-earth dopant content leads to a progressive phase transformation from a disordered fluorite structure to a C-type ordered superstructure, accompanied by reduced ionic conductivity. Samples with low dopant content (x = 0.2) exhibit higher ionic conductivity in Gd3+ and Sm3+ series due to lower lattice cell distortion. Conversely, highly doped samples (x = 0.6) exhibit superior conductivity for larger rare-earth dopant cations. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms increased water uptake and proton conductivity with increasing dopant concentration, while the electronic conductivity remains relatively unaffected, resulting in reduced ionic transport numbers. These findings offer insights into the relationship between transport properties and defect-induced local distortions in rare-earth doped CeO2, suggesting the potential for developing new functional materials with mixed ionic oxide, proton, and electronic conductivity for high-temperature energy systems.

Bioresorbable Polyester Coatings with Antifouling and Antimicrobial Properties for Prevention of Biofilm Formation in Early Stage Infections on Ti6Al4V Hard-Tissue Implants.

Implants made from titanium are used as prostheses because of their biocompatibility and their mechanical properties close to those of human bone. However, the risk of bacterial infection is always a major concern during surgery, and the development of biofilm can make these infections difficult to treat. A promising strategy to mitigate against bacterial infections is the use of antifouling and antimicrobial coatings, where bioresorbable polymers can play an important role due to their controlled degradability and sustained drug release, as well as excellent biocompatibility. In the present study, poly(d,l-lactide) (PDLLA) and poly[d,l-lactide-co-methyl ether poly(ethylene glycol)] (PDLLA-PEG) were studied, varying the PEG content (20-40% w/w) to analyze the effectiveness of PEG as an antifouling molecule. In addition, silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) was used as an additional antimicrobial agent with a concentration ≤5% w/w and incorporated into the PEGylated polymers to create a polymer with both antifouling and antimicrobial properties. Polymers synthesized were applied using spin coating to obtain homogeneous coatings to protect samples made from titanium/aluminum/vanadium (Ti6Al4V). The polymer coatings had a smoothing effect in comparison to that of the uncoated material, decreasing the contact area available for bacterial colonization. It was also noted that PEG addition into the polymeric chain developed amphiphilic materials with a decrease in contact angle from the most hydrophobic (Ti6Al4V) to the most hydrophilic PDLLA-PEG (60/40), highlighting the increase in water uptake contributing to the hydration layer formation, which confers the antifouling effect on the coating. This study demonstrated that the addition of PEG above 20% w/w and AgSD above 1% w/v into the formulation was able to decrease bacterial adherence against clinically relevant biofilm former strains Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Development and mechanical characterization of horse hair with titanium dioxide nanoparticles reinforced polyester composite

This study aims to examine the effects of waste material more especially horse hair as fiber on mechanical and physical properties. Tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties of horse hair fiber and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) polyester composite were investigated to determine whether the latter might be used as a new material in various engineering applications for a longer life. To improve the impact resistance of the composite, horse hair fiber is mixed in different ratios with titanium dioxide and polyester as filler. Tensile, flexural, and impact mechanical properties were assessed using the Universal Testing Machine, the Rockwell Hardness Testing Machine, and the Izod Impact Test. Specimens were hand-put up using various fiber weight ratios. The results of this study showed that Specimen 5 showed a tremendous increase in flexural strength (98.87 MPa), tensile strength (91.46 MPa), hardness (115 HV), impact strength (15.98 J m−1), and water uptake (10.18%) as compared to the neat and also with the other Specimens. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the fracture surface in more detail in order to search for failure mechanisms and the dispersion of nanoparticles. SEM micrographs verified the uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles. Results suggest that these composites can be used as a material for a variety of applications, including biological claims that they are a practical, durable, and environmentally friendly choice.

Fabrication of low-viscosity injectable mineralized hydrogel sensor with redox-activated hybrid nanoparticle structure for cancer detection

A redox-responsive low-viscosity, injectable hydrogel (LVI-gel) sensor with capabilities involving bimodal cancer detection via the incorporation of glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-activated nanoparticles (PD-Cu2+) is proposed and made injectable with varying degrees of mineralization. The PD-Cu2+ complex, in the presence of overexpressed GSH and ROS, undergoes a structural change that causes a regain of fluorescence and a shift in conductivity, accompanied by the variations in the mechanical, and adhesive properties for cancer detection. The release of catechol moieties brought about by the structural change of the PD-Cu2+ complex influences the shift in hydrogen bonding, resulting in increased water uptake, further reducing viscosity (η decreases by 95.14 %) and increasing adhesiveness (360.28 % increase) in the presence of GSH 10 mM. The alterations in mechanical and electrical properties further affect the bending response via LCR (control: ΔR/R0 ∼ 0.55 and GSH 10 mM: ΔR/R0 ∼ 0.89), which was confirmed in vitro via wireless response with HeLa, PC-3, and B16F10 as cancer cells. The effect of Cu2+-catalyzed oxidation of GSH was observed in vivo from the immunohistochemical studies and the downregulation of transcription for GPx1/Rn18s. Additionally, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and catalase (CAT) activity along with the downregulation of the oncogenic NFκβ and TNF gene are observed. Finally, the ex situ sensing activity was monitored by the shift in resistance and the wireless response, demonstrating the ease with which the sensor could diagnose.