Preparation Method Research Articles

A Review on Sustainable Slow-Release N, P, K Fertilizer Hydrogels for Smart Agriculture.

The agricultural sector of any country plays a pivotal role in its economy. Irrigation and the provision of appropriate nutrient levels in soil are essential for optimizing plant growth and enhancing crop productivity. To support the increasing need for food due to the growing population worldwide, synthetic fertilizers have been widely used in the agricultural sector. These fertilizers could readily dissolve in the irrigation water or soil moisture, causing excessive release of the nutrients that plants cannot uptake from the root zone. The excess nutrients in the soil further harm the environment via surface run-off, leaching, and volatilization. Thus, materials with high water absorption and retention capacity, and precise control over the prolonged fertilizer release offer a potential solution to address these issues. To meet these requirements, the development of slow-release fertilizer hydrogels (SRFHs) represents a promising approach. SRFHs serve as natural agrochemicals to enhance crop growth and yield through controlled and self-sustained delivery of water and nutrients. This review provides a comprehensive study on the recent advancements in SRFHs, including their preparation methods, properties, slow-release behavior, and applications in smart agriculture. The response of soil microbial diversity to slow-release fertilizers is briefly discussed, and the future potential of SRFHs is highlighted herein.

Identification of Legionella by MALDI Biotyper through three preparation methods and an in-house library comparing phylogenetic and hierarchical cluster results

The identification and typing of bacteria are very expensive and time-consuming due to their growth times, and the expertise needed. MALDI-TOF MS represents a fast technique, reproducible with molecular approaches. This technique is still poorly applied in Legionella surveillance with estimation occurring only at the genus level. The aim of this study was to compare three sample preparation methods: direct smear (DS), extended direct smear (EDS), and full extraction (E), using MALDI Biotyper, developing an in-house library. Moreover, Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was compared to mip and rpoB gene sequencing. The dataset was composed of 104 isolates belonging to six Legionella species. The isolates were identified with a sensitivity of 97.11% for DS, 98.08% for EDS, and 95.19% for E. The error rates were 2.88% for DS, 1.92% for EDS, and 4.90% for E, with no significant differences among them. The HCA confirmed the relationship among the isolates reported in the phylogenetic trees. An improvement in sensitivity was obtained using an in-house library. The results suggest the use of a fast and inexpensive DS method, combined with instrument and in-house library for routine Legionella surveillance. HCA analysis could be useful for screening isolates, before undertaking expensive and time-laborious molecular techniques.

Biomagnetic monitoring of urban atmospheric pollution: A review of magnetic signatures from different types of plants.

Biomagnetic monitoring has rapidly emerged as a valuable tool in urban atmospheric pollution (UAP) assessment due to its high spatial resolution, complementing traditional monitoring systems. This review systematically elucidates the principles of plant dust retention and the factors influencing it, while also reviewing the advancements in global research on UAP monitoring through the magnetic properties of various plant species. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the current applications of biomagnetic monitoring in UAP and identify critical challenges, including species-specific monitoring discrepancies, complex pollution sources, and non-standardized sample preparation methods. Additionally, we propose future research directions to address these challenges and enhance the efficacy of biomagnetic monitoring in UAP.

The Analysis of Conductive Polymer Materials

In recent years, more and more researchers have begun to focus on the study of conductive polymer materials, which not only breaks the traditional cognition that polymer materials are insulators, but also their excellent performance makes them applicable in many aspects. In this paper, a literature review research method will be used to introduce the classification, conducting mechanism, preparation methods and practical applications of conductive polymer materials, based on the research conducted by scientific researchers in recent years. This paper will also combine relevant literature to provide a forecast of their future development. Through research, the paper finds that conductive polymer materials, as a new type of conductive material, have shown great potential in many fields and have broad development prospects in the future. Currently, conductive polymer materials have made considerable contributions in the fields of electronic devices, flexible electronics, sensing technology, and biomedicine. Although conductive polymer materials have made certain progress in many fields, there are still many challenges to be overcome in their development. In the future, with the development of materials science and nanotechnology, conductive polymer materials will achieve breakthroughs in more fields and achieve more widespread applications.

Fabrication of Self-Standing Inorganic-Organic Composite Films at a Miscible Interface by "Soft Spray" Technique.

Membranes have extensive applications in catalysis, separation, antimicrobial activities, and sensing. However, developing a simple and environmentally friendly method for preparing membranes remains challenging. Here, we report a novel strategy for fabricating self-standing inorganic-organic composite films at the miscible liquid/liquid interface using a soft spray technique. Specifically, metal salt solutions are sprayed onto the interface between an alkaline poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solution to form heterogeneous metal hydroxide/PVA composite films with PVA as the supporting substrate. The preparation method is simple, easy to manipulate, environmentally friendly, and resource-efficient. It has been extended to prepare metal phosphate/PVA, metal carbonate/PVA, and metal sulfide/PVA composite films. Notably, the copper hydroxide/PVA (Cu(OH)2/PVA) composite films exhibit exceptional tensile strength (19.0 MPa) and remarkable antimicrobial properties (99.9%). This simple soft spray-assisted technique provides a novel approach for fabricating miscible interface composite films.

Review of Bioinspired Composites for Thermal Energy Storage: Preparation, Microstructures and Properties

Bioinspired composites for thermal energy storage have gained much attention all over the world. Bioinspired structures have several advantages as the skeleton for preparing thermal energy storage materials, including preventing leakage and improving thermal conductivity. Phase change materials (PCMs) play an important role in the development of energy storage materials because of their stable chemical/thermal properties and high latent heat storage capacity. However, their applications have been compromised, owing to low thermal conductivity and leakage. The plant-derived scaffolds (i.e., wood-derived SiC/Carbon) in the composites can not only provide higher thermal conductivity but also prevent leakage. In this paper, we review recent progress in the preparation, microstructures, properties and applications of bioinspired composites for thermal energy storage. Two methods are generally used for producing bioinspired composites, including the direct introduction of biomass-derived templates and the imitation of biological structures templates. Some of the key technologies for introducing PCMs into templates involves melting, vacuum impregnation, physical mixing, etc. Continuous and orderly channels inside the skeleton can improve the overall thermal conductivity, and the thermal conductivity of composites with biomass-derived, porous, silicon carbide skeleton can reach as high as 116 W/m*K. In addition, the tightly aligned microporous structure can cover the PCM well, resulting in good leakage resistance after up to 2500 hot and cold cycles. Currently, bioinspired composites for thermal energy storage hold the greatest promise for large-scale applications in the fields of building energy conservation and solar energy conversion/storage. This review provides guidance on the preparation methods, performance improvements and applications for the future research strategies of bioinspired composites for thermal energy storage.

Preparation and performance study of a Tm3+-doped silica optical fiber by sol-coating and laser drawing technology

High-concentration Tm3+-doped silica optical fibers have significant application value in areas such as single-frequency lasers. This paper investigates the sol-coating in the silica capillaries process and CO2 laser drawing technology and successfully fabricates a Tm3+-doped single-mode silica optical fiber. The core composition adopts a Tm-La-Al-Si system; the Tm3+ doping concentration is 0.5 mol%; the core and cladding diameters are 5 and 130 µm, respectively; and the numerical aperture (NA) is 0.28. A laser seed source with a wavelength of 1940 nm is established, and the laser gain characteristics of the optical fiber are tested. The small-signal net gain coefficient at the wavelength of 1940 nm is measured to be 0.15 dB/cm. The sol-coating method employed in this study enhances the doping concentration of Tm ions, while the laser drawing technique mitigates ion diffusion effects. The results indicate that this Tm3+-doped silica fiber preparation method offers a novel, to the best of our knowledge, approach for manufacturing high-concentration doped silica fibers and holds significant reference value for related research fields.

Preparation and Characterization of High-entropy Alloys for Electrocatalysis

High-entropy alloys (HEAs), due to their exceptional mechanical properties, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance, have garnered significant attention in the field of materials science. This paper reviews the primary preparation methods of HEAs, such as carbothermal shock, electrochemical synthesis, and spark plasma sintering, and analyzes the characteristics of these methods in terms of compositional control and synthesis efficiency. Through various characterization techniques, researchers can gain an in-depth understanding of the microstructure and elemental distribution of HEAs, thereby enhancing their performance in applications such as catalysis. Although substantial progress has been made in HEA research, challenges such as phase separation and equipment costs continue to hinder large-scale industrial applications. Future studies should focus on improving the controllability and environmental sustainability of preparation processes to advance the widespread application of HEAs in energy, catalysis, and electronics.

Research Progress of Cu-Ni-Si Series Alloys for Lead Frames

This paper reviews the research progress of Cu-Ni-Si alloy as a lead frame material for ICs. Cu-Ni-Si alloy is considered a strong candidate for lead frame materials due to its excellent mechanical properties and adequate electrical conductivity. The types and properties of Cu-Ni-Si alloys are then discussed in detail, emphasizing strength and conductivity as two key indicators for evaluating the properties of Cu-Ni-Si alloys, as well as the challenges posed by their inverse correlation. The preparation methods of Cu-Ni-Si alloy, including conventional melting, vacuum melting, and jet forming, are also discussed, and the effects of different casting techniques on the alloy’s properties are analyzed. Furthermore, the conductivity and strengthening mechanisms of Cu-Ni-Si alloy, including solid solution strengthening, second phase strengthening, and deformation strengthening, are discussed. The effects of the Ni-Si atomic ratio, trace elements, and rare earth elements on the alloy’s properties are also discussed. Finally, the current research status of Cu-Ni-Si alloy is summarized, and future research directions are identified, including the development of new preparation technologies, establishment of systematic databases, and promotion of green manufacturing and sustainable alloy development.

Recent Advances of Carbon Dots: Synthesis, Plants Applications, Prospects, and Challenges.

Nanomaterials and nanotechnology have garnered significant attention in the realm of agricultural production. Carbon dots (CDs), as a class of nanomaterials, play a crucial role in the field of plant growth due to their excellent properties. This review aims to summarize recent achievements on CDs, focusing on their methods of preparation and applications in plants systems. The effects of CDs on seed germination, growth, photosynthesis, nutritional quality, and stress resistance were studied. It has been demonstrated that CDs can promote seed germination and growth, as well as improve photosynthetic efficiency, ultimately leading to increase plants yield. The nutritional quality of the plants treated with CDs was significantly improved. Specifically, the levels of essential mineral elements, vitamins, amino acids, and other constituents that are beneficial to human health increased notably. Additionally, CDs show positive effects on augmenting plant resistance against environmental stresses, such as drought conditions, heavy metal toxicity, and high salinity. Finally, the prospects and challenges of the application of CDs in plant systems are also discussed, which provide a scientific basis for the future application of CDs in agricultural production.

Modification of Ti13Nb13Zr Alloy Surface via Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation and Silver Nanoparticles Decorating.

The dynamically developing field of implantology requires researchers to search for new materials and solutions. In this study, TiNbZr samples were investigated as an alternative for popular, but potentially hazardous TiAl6V4. Samples were etched, sandblasted, subjected to PEO, and covered in AgNP suspension. Simultaneously, SEM images were taken, and the wettability and roughness of the surface were measured. Samples covered in AgNPs were subjected to biological trials. A six-day measurement of human fibroblast proliferation was conducted to assess biocompatibility, and the population of E. coli and S. aureus was measured over eight hours. Results showed that the TiNbZr PEO surface is biocompatible with human fibroblast cells and promotes growth. However, deposited AgNPs exhibited only slight effectiveness in decreasing bacterial growth over the first two hours. The results suggest that the method of surface preparation is sufficient and might promote osseointegration. On the other hand, more efficient and reliable methods of application of AgNPs should be researched.

A comparison between different chemical fractionation methods for immunoglobulin preparation

ABSTRACT Background Application of antibodies in therapeutics and diagnostics are growing Continually. Herein, we aimed to find the most qualified immunoglobulin (Ig) chemical preparation method. Methods A rabbit was immunized against recombinant SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (NP) and reactive polyclonal antibodies were prepared using the ammonium sulfate (AS), caprylic acid (CA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and caprylic acid/ammonium sulfate (CA/AS) methods. Different antibody solutions were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and subsequently quantified by ImageJ software for further analysis in terms of Ig purity, Ig recovery, and albumin impurity. Ultimately, the prepared antibodies were assessed via Western blotting and ELISA to evaluate their ability to bind NP. Results Prepared Ig solutions via the CA/AS method had the highest Ig purity (followed by CA, PEG, and AS) and lowest albumin impurity (followed by CA, AS, and PEG). The PEG method had the highest recovery followed by AS, CA, and CA/AS methods. Moreover, antibodies prepared via different methods demonstrated comparable binding capacities to NP in ELISA and Western blotting. Conclusions CA/AS, closely followed by CA, proved to be the most qualified method for the preparation of Ig yielding the highest Ig purity while the PEG method resulted in the highest Ig recovery rate.

Micrometer‐Sized Liposome‐Based Systems: A Hierarchical Breakdown

Liposomes have attracted attention as a compartment for various synthetic biomolecular systems, including artificial cells and drug delivery carriers. Notably, micrometer‐sized liposomes (MSLs) have emerged as a key platform for engineering de novo biomolecular systems, extending beyond their role as model compartments in scientific research. However, there is still a lack of reviews on MSLs from the perspective of artificial systems across various disciplines from basic sciences to applied sciences and to engineering. In this review, we aim to fill this gap by providing a hierarchical breakdown that offers a systematic overview of MSL design and experimental methods. Primarily targeted at readers new to the field, our review presents a unified description of MSL‐based functional systems and guidance on experimental details such as lipid composition and preparation methods. Our approach seeks to present a consolidated perspective of functionalized liposomes as an artificial system, contributing to advancements across various disciplines.

Preparation of Small Extracellular Vesicles Using Sequential Ultrafiltration with Regenerated Cellulose Membranes of Different Molecular Weight Cutoffs: A Study of Morphology and Size by Electron Microscopy.

There is still room for improvement in the isolation and purification techniques for extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly in the separation of exosomes (small EVs) from other membrane vesicles such as microvesicles and apoptotic bodies. Furthermore, it is crucial to establish preparation methods that preserve the intrinsic properties of EVs in this context. In this study, we focus on the isolation and preparation of small EVs, exosomes, from the culture supernatant of a human cell line. We discuss the sequential use of regenerated cellulose membranes with different molecular weight cutoffs, based on direct evaluation by transmission electron microscopy, and examine the challenges of characterizing biological membrane vesicles, small EVs, identified during this process.

Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of Mulberry Fruit Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction: A Comprehensive Review.

High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity represents a significant challenge to male reproductive health, affecting approximately 13% of the global adult population. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence regarding mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit extract's therapeutic potential for HFD-induced male reproductive dysfunction. Through comprehensive analysis of the peer-reviewed literature from multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar; 2005-2024), we evaluated mulberry extract's effects on testicular morphology, spermatogenesis, sperm parameters, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Mechanistic studies reveal that standardized mulberry extract mediates protective effects through multiple pathways: enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD: +45%, Catalase: +38%, GPx: +35%), reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α: -64%, IL-6: -58%), and modulated NF-κB signaling (-42.3%). These effects are facilitated by mulberry's rich phytochemical profile, particularly anthocyanins (2.92-5.35 mg/g dry weight) and polyphenols (4.23-6.38 mg/g). The extract demonstrates particular efficacy in preserving seminiferous tubule integrity and maintaining blood-testis barrier function, with treated groups maintaining up to 85% of normal tubular architecture compared to HFD controls. Key molecular mechanisms include AMPK/SIRT1 pathway activation (2.3-fold increase), enhanced mitochondrial function (67% increase in mtDNA copy number), and epigenetic regulation of metabolic pathways. Temporal analysis indicates optimal therapeutic effects after 28 days of treatment, with initial improvements observable within 14 days. While current evidence is promising, limitations include predominant reliance on rodent models and lack of standardized extraction protocols. Future research priorities include well-designed human clinical trials, standardization of preparation methods, and investigation of potential synergistic effects with other therapeutic agents. This comprehensive review indicates that mulberry extract is a promising therapeutic candidate for obesity-related male infertility, warranting further clinical investigation.

Amoxicillin Concentrations in Samples of Musculoskeletal Infections

Amoxicillin is a frequently used beta‐lactam antibiotic and at the same time a fragile analyte. Aim of this work was to investigate the sensitive properties of amoxicillin in biological samples and validate a quantification method for amoxicillin in soft tissue samples. Simple protein precipitation and 2D‐High performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was used for sample preparation and analysis. The formation of a covalent amoxicillin methanol‐adduct could be observed in varying extents depending on matrix and sample preparation method. In‐Source Products (ISPs) were investigated in plasma, soft tissue, and water and no differences could be observed. We successfully validated a method for amoxicillin determination in tissue samples using the sum of 2 ISPs of amoxicillin for quantification. 37 study samples of different deep‐seated infections could be analyzed. Measured amoxicillin concentrations ranged from below 0.5 mg/kg up to 87 mg/kg. Concentrations in abscesses were lower than in other infections.

Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Thienopyranone Heterocycles: Synthesis, Reactivity, and Application

Abstract: Thiophene and pyranone are valuable heterocyclic compounds that play a crucial role in the development of new drug molecules. The combination of thiophene and pyranone moieties in hybrid structures has opened exciting possibilities for various applications, leading to the discovery of thienopyranones (Thpyns), such as 5H-thieno[3,2-b]pyran-5-one, 2H-thieno[2,3-b]pyran-2-one, 4H-thieno[3,2-c]pyran-4-one, 7H-thieno[2,3-c]pyran-7-one, all of which exhibit intriguing properties. This review offers an in-depth analysis of the preparation methods and chemical reactivity of thienopyranones

Optimization and Experimental Study of Penetration Depth of Pocket Penetrometer

The pocket penetrometer has become an ideal tool for the rapid testing of soil parameters in the field due to its portability, ease of use, and cost effectiveness, but there is still room for improvement in its accuracy. In this study, a penetration test on red clay was investigated by increasing the penetration depth and combining the self-designed penetrometer, sample preparation method, and data analysis method. The improved sample preparation technique performs well in improving sample uniformity and preparation efficiency. The quantitative processing of the penetration curves improves the objectivity and accuracy of the test results. The penetration test results of various reshaped soils showed that the relationships between liquidity index, shear strength, and penetration resistance were less affected by the liquid–plastic interface. In addition, the penetration test results of remolded soils and in situ soils showed that the empirical formulas are still informative in evaluating the shear strength of soils despite the differences in the test soils.

Modification Mechanism and Performance of High-Content Polyurethane-Modified Asphalt

To explore the influence of the polyurethane blending ratio on the micro-characteristics of polyurethane-modified asphalt, three samples of the modified asphalt with different blending ratios (40%, 50%, and 60%) were prepared. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to elucidate the modification mechanism of polyurethane-modified asphalt. To investigate how the preparation method affects the performance of polyurethane-modified asphalt mixtures, two different preparation methods, namely internal blending and external blending, were adopted. The road performance of the polyurethane-modified asphalt mixtures was evaluated through the utilization of rutting tests, low-temperature trabecular bending tests, and freeze–thaw splitting tests. The FTIR test results indicate that during the modification of polyurethane, there is a change in both the intensity and position of the absorption peak, which affects the local arrangement of the molecular structure. Upon reaching a polyurethane blending ratio of 50%, a cross-linked network structure that is similar to polyurethane is formed. The results of the AFM test demonstrate that an increase in polyurethane content results in a corresponding increase in surface roughness. At a polyurethane content of 50%, the curing reaction is most effective, which is beneficial for enhancing the bonding performance between the asphalt and the aggregate, thereby enhancing the overall water stability of the mixture. The results of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests indicate that the microstructure is more stable when the polyurethane content is 50%. The results of the performance test of the polyurethane-modified asphalt mixture indicate that the dynamic stability of the polyurethane-modified asphalt mixture is approximately four times that of the SBS-modified asphalt mixture. The flexural tensile strength and maximum flexural strain of the polyurethane-modified asphalt mixture are, respectively, 1.5 and 3.2 times those of the SBS-modified asphalt mixture, indicating that its anti-deformation ability is stronger in a low-temperature environment, and it is found that the low-temperature performance of the mixture prepared with the internal blending method is better than that with the external blending method. The splitting strength of the polyurethane asphalt mixture before and after freezing and thawing is greater than that of an SBS asphalt mixture: before freezing and thawing, by about 3.8 times; after freezing and thawing, by about 3 times. Although the freezing and thawing of the polyurethane mixture has damage, it still meets the requirements of the use of pavement materials. It can be observed that the incorporation of polyurethane alters the internal structure of the asphalt, which markedly enhances the properties of the asphalt mixture and offers a novel perspective on the development of modified asphalt materials.

Cold-spray repair of CuCrZr crystallizers: Effect of substrate pretreatment

Cold spraying is a promising technique for repairing damaged CuCrZr crystallizers, and the interface between the repair coating and the substrate plays a critical role in determining the heat transfer efficiency of the repaired crystallizers. In this study, two coating/substrate interfaces were prepared through polishing and grit-blasting the CuCrZr substrate surface. Effect of substrate pretreatment on microstructure and performance of the CuCrZr coating was studied using electron backscatter diffraction, adhesive shear strength and thermal conduction tests. Results show that the surface preparation method does not affect the microstructure and hardness of the CuCrZr coating, but the coating sprayed on the grit-blasted substrate has a lower shear adhesive strength and heat conductivity than the coating sprayed on the polished substrate. This difference is attributed to the formation of a work hardening zone during the grit-blasting process. After releasing this work hardening by annealing at 500°C, the difference in heat conductivity then disappears, but the average shear adhesive strength of the annealed coating on the polished substrate is still higher than that on the grit-blasted substrate. Therefore, polishing the substrate could serve as a more viable option for the cold spray repair of CuCrZr crystallizers.