Micro-sized Particles Research Articles

Acoustofluidic tweezers via ring resonance.

Ring resonator (RR) devices are closed-loop waveguides where waves circulate only at the resonant frequencies. They have been used in sensor technology and optical tweezers, but controlling micron-scale particles with optical RR tweezers is challenging due to insufficient force, short working distances, and photodamage. To overcome these obstacles, an acoustofluidic RR-based tweezing method is developed to manipulate micro-sized particles that can enhance particle trapping through the resonance interaction of acoustic waves with high Q factor (>3000), more than 20 times greater than traditional acoustic transducers. Particles can be precisely manipulated within the RR by adjusting the signal phase, with trapping amplified by enlarging the connected waveguide. Rapid particle mixing is achieved when particles are placed between the waveguide and RR. The signal path is strengthened by strategically positioning the RR in a two-dimensional plane. Acoustofluidic RR tweezers have immense potential for advancing applications in biosensing, mechanobiology, lab-on-a-chip, and cell-cell communication research.

Tensile fracture behavior and friction and wear properties of TiB2 particle reinforced Al-Si matrix composites

In this study, TiB2/Al-Si composite material was fabricated by addition of Al-TiB2 master alloy, and the influence of varying micro-sized TiB2 particle content on the mechanical and tribological properties of the composite material was investigated. The results revealed that the introduction of TiB2 particles effectively refined the Al-Si matrix alloy microstructure, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the Al-Si matrix alloy. When the TiB2 particle content reached 0.8 wt%, the composite material exhibited optimal mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 318 MPa and elongation of 7.2 %, improving of 8.9 % and 69.1 %, respectively, compared to the matrix alloy. Moreover, wear rates of the composite material demonstrated significantly lower than the matrix alloy under different loading conditions in this paper. The improved mechanical properties of the composite material were attributed to grain refinement strengthening, second phase strengthening and the coefficient of thermal expansion strengthening. Under low loads, abrasive wear was the dominant wear mechanism; while under high loads, a combination of abrasive and adhesive wear occurred. The addition of TiB2 particles effectively enhanced the hardness of the matrix alloy, reduced the dynamic friction coefficient, suppressed adhesive wear, and improved the wear resistance of the composite material.

Pressure Distributions and Flow Regimes: An Integrated Approach For CO2 Sequestration Project Design and Evaluation in Hydraulically Fractured Shale Reservoirs

This paper introduces an integrated approach for estimating the key parameters of CO2 storage projects in depleted hydraulically fractured shale reservoirs. The approach focuses deep insights into evaluating these projects based on the pressure distribution and flow regimes. The objective is reducing the uncertainties in the design and evaluation criteria of CO2 storage by better understanding the flow mechanisms in the porous media. This understanding helps in perfectly modeling CO2 distribution and characterizing the expected flow regimes.Several analytical models are developed for the pressure behavior of CO2 multi-size scale flow mechanisms. Diffusion flow, slip flow, adsorption flow, and Darcy and non-Darcy flow are all considered. The flow in the nano-size organic particles, the micro-size kerogen particles, and the macro-size matrix is analytically described. The flow inside natural fractures in the stimulated and unstimulated reservoir volume as well as the flow of CO2 in the hydraulic fractures are modeled. Several rectangular reservoir configurations, hydraulic fracture characteristics, and petrophysical properties of the matrix, kerogen, and organic matter are examined. An estimation model for the total volume of CO2 that could be stored in the depleted fractured reservoirs is presented. The contribution of the unstimulated and stimulated porous media as well as the hydraulic fractures to the total volume is determined by characterizing the flow regimes. Different models are proposed for the time at which CO2 reaches the hydraulic fracture tips, the borders between stimulated and unstimulated porous media, and the reservoir boundary. Profound explanations are introduced for the impact of the constrained pressure on the total capacity of the reservoirs for CO2 storage.The study has reached several conclusions. The characteristics of the organic matter, kerogen, and the micro-size scale matrix do not significantly impact the pressure distribution and flow regimes. Conversely, the pressure distribution and flow regimes are significantly impacted by the characteristics of the hydraulic and natural fractures. The hydraulic fractures may offer a reasonable capacity for CO2 storage, meanwhile, the capacity of stimulated and unstimulated reservoir volume is controlled by reservoir configuration and fracture spacing. The constrained pressure may strictly reduce the total capacity of CO2 storage in the reservoir. The total volume of the injected CO2 can be determined from the pressure point when the injection pulse has reached to reservoir boundary. Beyond this point, it is not recommended to inject CO2 as it could increase reservoir pressure more than initial pressure. The pressure of the depleted reservoir before injection is a key parameter in the design and evaluation of the CO2 storage in shale reservoirs.This study introduces a novel approach for the design and evaluation criteria of CO2 storage in depleted shale reservoirs. The approach uses the pressure distribution and flow regimes that could be observed in the multi-size scale components of the reservoirs. The study proposes several models for estimating CO2 geosequestration capacity in the hydraulic fractures, stimulated and unstimulated reservoir volume as well as the total storage capacity of the reservoirs. The approach confidently addresses the concerns regarding the applicability of unconventional resources for CO2 storage and the total capacity offered by these reservoirs for this purpose.

Chemical synthesis, structural and magnetic properties of Al-doped neodymium orthoferrite

Crystalline and single phase of Al doped orthoferrite with stoichiometry NdFe1-xAlxO3 was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The effect of Al doping on the structure features was investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) technique. In this sense, Rietveld refinement was applied in refining the PXRD data. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the morphology. And from image analyses show a sub-micron particle size distributions for all samples. Using hydrothermal synthesis method, a micro-sized particle distribution is reached. Measurement of magnetic hysteresis loops showed that the highest coercivity (Hc) obtained was 5.2 kOe for the sample with x=2. Compared to previous results using sol-gel synthesis, the hydrothermal method used in this study showed improved magnetization properties.

Understanding the impact of porosity on Li-ion diffusion enhancement in micro-sized silicon particles for advanced batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) require advanced and practical anode materials, such as porous silicon (PSi), which can meet these expectations due to their rapid Li-ion diffusion rates and structural relaxation. Several studies have focused on the structural design of PSi or its composites to improve Li-ion diffusion; however, no systematic and quantitative evaluations of the impact of porosity on Li-ion diffusion and battery performance have been reported. Therefore, to understand the impact of porosity on Li-ion diffusion, we developed micro-sized porous silicon (m-PSi) particles with various porosities via metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) method using different concentrations of AgNO3 (0.02–0.08 M). Among the as-prepared samples, m-PSi-0.06 (prepared using 0.06 M AgNO3) with ∼70 % porosity achieved a maximum Li-ion diffusion rate of 2.35 × 10−9 cm2 s−1. This led to a high-rate capability, enhanced Li-ion storage, and better cyclic retention of 61.4 % compared to the non-porous micro-sized Si (m-Si) (5.8 %) sample at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. Furthermore, the optimal porosity of m-PSi-0.06 resulted in an impressive rate capability of 760 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 4 A g−1 with a recovery rate of 80 %. The improved efficiency of m-PSi-0.06 is attributed to its optimized mesoporosity, which ensures sufficient space for Li-ion storage and shortens the effective transmission path to accelerate Li-ion diffusion. Moreover, the mesopores provide a greater number of active sites for the reversible adsorption of Li ions, thereby improving the capacitive behavior of the anode. In contrast, the highly nanoporous m-PSi-0.08, with a pore diameter of 1–3 nm, impeded Li-ion movement and restricted diffusion. These results reveal that a high nano porosity hinders Li-ion diffusion, whereas an optimal mesoporosity ensures swift diffusion in m-PSi anodes. These insights could guide the design of Si-based anode materials for advanced LIBs.

Temperature induced fast-setting of cement based mineral-impregnated carbon-fiber reinforcements for durable and lightweight construction with textile-reinforced concrete

Developing durable and sustainable mineral-impregnated carbon-fiber (MCF) reinforcement system is today an effective measure to solve common service issues of conventional steel or FRP reinforcement in building sector. This study introduces a novel methodology for the design and realization of fast-setting cement based MCF reinforcements via targeted thermal activation. The process involves impregnating continuous yarns with a micro-sized particle cement suspension utilizing custom-built manufacturing equipment. Subsequently, the impregnated yarns undergo controlled heating at moderate temperatures to accelerate the cure process and strength development. Flexural and tensile performance of the MCFs exhibits progressive improvements with longer curing durations (from 2 to 20 h) and higher temperatures (from 40 °C to 60 °C). Enhanced mechanical properties are attributed to advanced hydration reactions and microstructural densification, as proven by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscopy, isothermal calorimetry and micro-computed tomography (μCT). When heating at 60 °C for 20 h, as-produced MCFs demonstrate optimal tensile strength of 2747 MPa and flexural strength of 482 MPa, with exceptional bond with concrete substrate, comparable to conventional FRPs. The proposed post-treatment shows promising potential for significantly enhancing the flexibility of mineral matrix composites, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial and field applications.

Synthesis and characterization of MWCNTs nanocomposite for fabrication of tensometric transducers

A nanocomposite was prepared using MWCNTs and micro-sized bronze particles dispersed in elastomer silicone organic compound (SILAGER 8030). The nano-composite was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, EDS and Raman spectroscopy; showing the rough surface of the composite with interweaving of nano threads. This nano-composite was used to manufacture strain gauge. The conductivities were measured concerning wt% of micro-sized bronze, compression and time. The maximum electrical conductivity obtained was 2.1 S/m at 5.0 wt% bronze metal alloy and MWCNT (3.0 wt%) at 16% compression. With increasing amplitude and frequency of ultrasonic exposure, an increase in the pressure associated with cavitation in the liquid was observed. Each value of ultrasound exposure corresponded to a certain value of electrical resistance. At the same time, with an increase in the intensity of the cavitation effect on the strain gauge transducer, extremum points appeared, which corresponded to a decrease in resistance. The developed material is highly useful for manufacturing strain gauges to be used in liquid ring vacuum pumps as a measuring transducer of liquid ring pressure into signals associated with changes in resistance. This allows liquid ring vacuum pumps to be precisely controlled; improving their energy efficiency and reliability.

Electrostatic interactions between soft nanoparticles beyond the Derjaguin approximation: Effects of finite size of ions and charges, dielectric decrement and ion correlations

HypothesisElectrostatic interactions between colloids are governed by the overlap of their electric double layers (EDLs) and the ionic screening of the structural charges distributed at their core surface and/or in their peripheral ion-permeable shell, relevant to soft particles like polymer colloids and microorganisms. Whereas ion size-mediated effects on the organization of isolated EDLs have been analysed, their contribution to the electrostatic energy of interacting soft particles has received less attention Theory and simulationsHerein, we elaborate a formalism to evaluate the electrostatic interaction energy profile between spherical core/shell particles, building upon a recent Poisson-Boltzmann theory corrected for the sizes of ions and particle structural charges, for ion correlations and dielectric decrement. Interaction energy is derived from pairwise disjoining pressure and exact Surface Element Integration method, beyond the Derjaguin approximation. The theory is sufficiently flexible to tackle homo- and hetero-interactions that involve weakly to highly charged hard, porous or core/shell nano- to micro-sized particles in asymmetric multivalent electrolytes. FindingsResults illustrate how ion steric effects, ion correlations and dielectric decrement impact the sign, magnitude and range of the interactions depending on the particle size, the Debye length, and the geometric and electrostatic properties of the particle core and shell components.

Оценка бионакопления и токсического действия наночастиц кобальт (ii) алюмината для задач обеспечения гигиенической безопасности

Hygienic safety plays an important role in preventing health harm under chemical exposures. Hygienic regulation of levels of existing and new substances in environmental objects is the core element here carried out within experimental research aimed at establishing their toxic properties. Cobalt (II) aluminate nanoparticles (CoAl2O4 NPs) are a typical example of a new material with presumably higher toxic potential upon oral exposure as opposed to micro-sized particles (MPs). Given that, the development of safety standards requires identifying features of the negative impact of CoAl2O4 NPs, which are different from MPs upon oral exposure. The study was performed on Wistar rats orally exposed to NPs and MPs for 20 days at the total dose of 10,550 mg/kg of body weight. NPs have chemical composition similar to MPs, smaller size (87.11 times) and larger specific surface area (1.74 times). NPs have a more pronounced ability to bioaccumulate in the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys as compared to MPs (up to 7.54 times). Exposure to NPs resulted in more pronounced (up to 3.60 times) changes in blood indicators associated with developing redox imbalance, cytotoxic effect, liver, pancreas and kidney dysfunction, inflammatory process, and thrombocytopenia. NPs caused hemorrhagic infarcts and pulmonary edema not established upon MPs exposures. The calculated value of the tentatively permissible exposure level (TPEL) was 0.02 mg/dm3 for these NPs content in drinking water, which is 10 times lower than the same value for MPs. Thus, CoAl2O4 NPs upon oral exposure for 20 days at the total dose of 10,550 mg/kg of body weight have more marked bioaccumulation relative to MPs, which causes more pronounced negative effects identified by changes in blood indicators and developing pathomorphological changes. The study findings allow increasing accuracy and objectivity when developing safety standards for CoAl2O4 levels in food products and drinking water to ensure greater hygienic safety of the population.

Assessment of bioaccumulation and toxic effects of Cobalt (II) aluminate nanoparticles for hygienic safety purposes

Hygienic safety plays an important role in preventing health harm under chemical exposures. Hygienic regulation of levels of existing and new substances in environmental objects is the core element here carried out within experimental research aimed at establishing their toxic properties. Cobalt (II) aluminate nanoparticles (CoAl2O4 NPs) are a typical example of a new material with presumably higher toxic potential upon oral exposure as opposed to micro-sized particles (MPs). Given that, the development of safety standards requires identifying features of the negative impact of CoAl2O4 NPs, which are different from MPs upon oral exposure. The study was performed on Wistar rats orally exposed to NPs and MPs for 20 days at the total dose of 10,550 mg/kg of body weight. NPs have chemical composition similar to MPs, smaller size (87.11 times) and larger specific surface area (1.74 times). NPs have a more pronounced ability to bioaccumulate in the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys as compared to MPs (up to 7.54 times). Exposure to NPs resulted in more pronounced (up to 3.60 times) changes in blood indicators associated with developing redox imbalance, cytotoxic effect, liver, pancreas and kidney dysfunction, inflammatory process, and thrombocytopenia. NPs caused hemorrhagic infarcts and pulmonary edema not established upon MPs exposures. The calculated value of the tentatively permissible exposure level (TPEL) was 0.02 mg/dm3 for these NPs content in drinking water, which is 10 times lower than the same value for MPs. Thus, CoAl2O4 NPs upon oral exposure for 20 days at the total dose of 10,550 mg/kg of body weight have more marked bioaccumulation relative to MPs, which causes more pronounced negative effects identified by changes in blood indicators and developing pathomorphological changes. The study findings allow increasing accuracy and objectivity when developing safety standards for CoAl2O4 levels in food products and drinking water to ensure greater hygienic safety of the population.

Synthesis and characterization of micro-sized polyisobutylene and evaluation of its toxicological effects on the development and homeostasis of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Rampant industrialization has led to widespread reliance on hydrocarbon polymers for various commercial applications. While these synthetic polymers, commonly known as plastics, degrade in slowly in the environments, the toxic effects of their micro-sized particles remain underexplored. In this study, we synthesized polyisobutylene (PIB) microparticles in the lab and evaluated their toxicity and accumulation in a zebrafish model. Pristine and fluorescent PIB-microplastics (MPs), with particle sizes ranging from 2 to 10 μm, were synthesized using the solvent evaporation method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the stability of the suspensions. Zebrafish larvae exposed to various concentrations of PIB-MPs exhibited numerous morphological and molecular changes, including delayed hatching, impaired swimming behavior, increased reactive oxygen species levels, altered mRNA levels of genes encoding antioxidant proteins, and reduced survival rates. Dissections revealed PIB-MP accumulation in the guts of larvae and adult fish within 7–21 days, causing damage to the intestinal mucosa. These findings provide insights into how contaminants like PIB can induce pathophysiological defects in aquatic fauna and pose potential health hazards to humans.

Ruthenium-based microstructures modified by gold particles as composite electrode material for non-enzymatic epinephrine detection

A simple and efficient technique for voltammetric enzymeless detection of epinephrine (EP) was proposed. In this technique, we applied hierarchical Ru-based electrode modified by Au nano- to micro-sized particles that was fabricated using laser-assisted synthesis. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were employed to characterize electrochemical properties of the fabricated electrode material. For EP detection, we obtained two DPV calibration curves that were linear in the range of 0.05–5 μM and 5–500 μM. The highest sensitivity (45.0 μA μM−1 cm−2) and the lowest detection limit (6.4 nM) were observed for the first linear range, whereas the estimated sensitivity and limit of detection for the second linear range were 2.0 μA μM−1 cm−2 and 18.7 nM, respectively. We also demonstrated that the proposed technique can be used for selective EP determination in the presence of such common interfering analytes as ascorbic acid and dopamine. The results of this study can be potentially used for development of low-cost voltammetric sensor platforms for non-enzymatic epinephrine detection.

Experimental investigation of hybrid reinforced A356 aluminium alloy synthesised by stir casting technique

Abstract One of the most significant alloys to be employed in the automotive, aerospace, and military industries in recent years is A356 aluminium. Because of A356's excellent compatibility with other metals and nanoparticles, novel hybrid composites may be made using it. The characteristics of these hybrid composites are mostly the result of the additives' interaction with the A356 alloy's current elemental composition. Aluminium composites were synthesized through stir casting method by reinforcing 2%, and 4% SiC, 2% and 4 % Al2O3 and 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5% SiC and Al2O3 both. The homogeneous distribution of SiC and Al2O3 microparticles in reinforced composite is revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The addition of SiC and Al2O3 reinforcements greatly improved the mechanical characteristics of the synthesised composites; for example, a composite with 4% SiC reinforcement reached its maximum hardness and maximum tensile strength of 165 HV and 257MPa respectively. Maximum elongation of 6.72 % was observed for 0.5% SiC and 0.5% Al2O3 reinforced composite. Minimum wear rate is observed for 4% SiC reinforced composite material. This study aims to identify gaps in the potential variations and compatibility of various additives with one another in order to create a brand-new hybrid reinforced alloy suitable for automotive braking system applications: brake rotors made of a disc or a brake pad, depending on the properties of the hybrid reinforced alloy that was made. Hence, the current work presented focuses on the preparation of hybrid reinforcement of A356 with silicon carbide and alumina powders.

Preparation of polystyrene microplastic particles by solvent-dissolution-precipitation

The reliable characterisation of the physicochemical properties of micro-sized plastic particles requires quality reference materials for establishing, calibrating, and validating methods. Heterogeneity in particle size, shape and surface chemistry are important factors for reference materials for them to mimic environmental microplastics. This paper introduces a method for preparing model polystyrene micro and nano plastic reference materials using a solvent dissolution-precipitation approach. Polystyrene microplastic particles with mean particle sizes of 0.35, 15.7, 30.0 and 52.3 micron were produced using solvent precipitation under different synthesis conditions with the particle present in a well dispersed and partially dispersed system. The particle size can be controlled by reducing the initial polystyrene-cyclohexane concentration and adjusting the volume of methanol. At a fixed polystyrene-cyclohexane ratio, particles within the specified size range were consistently produced. Chemical analysis using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that synthesized microplastics maintain their chemical properties, aligning with the original composition of virgin polystyrene pellets. A similar conclusion was drawn after examining the surface chemistry of the virgin and synthesised microplastic particles using ATR-FTIR analysis. The polystyrene particles produced in this way may be of use as reference materials and might be of interest for toxicological studies.

Numerical simulation study of the influence of stirred vessel structure on particle suspension characteristics in dilute solutions

The Euler-Euler/RANS approach has been used to simulate the particle suspension in solid–liquid stirred vessels, with experimental validation conducted through the Electrical Sensing Zone Method (ESZ). An innovative evaluation method has been introduced to quantify the critical impeller speed Nc required for particles to achieve a specific uniform suspension state in dilute solutions. The impact of different vessel bottom shapes (flat, round, and W-shaped) on particle suspension characteristics is examined. The results indicate that optimizing the bottom shape to align with flow streamlines markedly enhances particle suspension, a conclusion supported by the Online Micro-sized Particle Analyzer (OMiPA). Further analysis shows baffle configurations transform the tangential and radial velocities into the axial velocity, which is not conducive to providing initial conditions for particle suspension but improves overall suspension uniformity. Overall, effective particle suspension relies on the interaction between main flow and turbulent fluctuations, with tangential and radial flows playing critical roles.

Evolution of microstructure, texture and formability of Al–Mg–Si alloys at different hot rolling finish temperatures

The impact of hot rolling finish temperature (HRFT) on the evolution of microstructure, texture, as well as formability—including deep drawability and bendability—of Al–Mg–Si alloy was studied in present work. The obtained results reveal that HRFT has a notable influence on the dynamic softening and dynamic precipitation behaviors during the hot rolling process of the investigated alloy. This leads to the volume fraction and number density of micro-sized Mg2Si particles increase as the increase of HRFT, those of nano-sized particles decrease, and the dislocation density decrease, in the hot-rolled sheets. These microstructural variations persist in the cold-rolled sheets, subsequently affecting the ultimate microstructure, texture, as well as formability of T4P sheets. The deep drawability improves as the HRFT rises, as indicated by the increase in normal anisotropy (r‾) and decrease in planar anisotropy (Δr). This is attributed to the weakening of texture intensity. The bendability, quantified by the minimum hemming factor (Rmin/t), deteriorates as the HRFT rises from 260 °C to 390 °C, attributed to the strengthening of P component along with the weakening of Cube component. Conversely, with the HRFT rises from 390 °C to 420 °C, the bendability improves dramatically due to the significant reduction in the average grain size. A combination of excellent deep drawability and bendability could be obtained by elevating the HRFT to 420 °C, attributed to the combined effect of weakened texture intensity and fine grains.

In situ Measurement of Phosphate using Fe3O4/Chelex®100-Agarose-Oxalic Acid Hydrogel in Diffusive Gradient in Thin Films

ABSTRACT. This study would be the first to develop a novel combination of Chelex®100 and Fe3O4 as a mixed binding gel for in situ phosphate measurement employing Diffusive Gradient in Thin Films (DGT). Fe3O4 and Chelex®100 were utilized as binding agents within a single binding layer for phosphate measurements in laboratory and natural water settings. The synthesized Fe3O4 was identified as magnetite and consisted of micro-sized particles. The pore size of the mixed binding gel ranged from 22.39 to 112.5 µm. Incorporating Chelex®100 with Fe3O4 in oxalic acid cross-linked agarose did not diminish phosphate adsorption efficiency. As adsorption time and phosphate concentration in solution increased, the quantity of adsorbed phosphate in the mixed binding gel also increased. Optimal phosphate elution was achieved using a basic solution, with a phosphate elution efficiency of 95.3 ± 0.4% observed with 0.4 M NaOH. The diffusion coefficient measured using the mixed binding gel was 1.08 times greater than that of polyacrylamide cross-linked with an agarose derivative (APA) gel, typically employed in the DGT technique. Phosphate concentration measurement with Fe3O4/Chelex®100-agarose oxalic acid in a DGT passive sampler at pH 4-8 yielded values twice those in bulk solution. Similar results were obtained when measuring phosphate in a 0.01 – 0.1 M NaNO3 solution. A T-test showed that the phosphate concentration obtained from mixed binding layer-DGT as an alternate passive sampler was not significantly different from grab sampling. This study underscores the suitability of Fe3O4-Chelex®100 impregnated in agarose-oxalic acid gel for monitoring phosphate in natural water via DGT. Keywords: Agarose, diffusive gradient in thin films, mixed binding gel Fe3O4, oxalic acid.

Insights into the photoreactivity mechanisms of micro-sized rubber particles with different structure: The crucial role of reactive oxygen species and released dissolved organic matter

Micro-sized rubber particles (MRPs), as a significant component of tire wear particles (TWPs), increasingly garnered attention due to the potential ecological risks. However, the impact of photoaging of MRPs and the characteristics of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from MRPs on the photoreactivity of co-existing pollutants is remain unclear. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study selected MRPs with different structure including butadiene rubber (BR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and took tetracycline (TC) as the target pollutant to firstly study potential effects of structural characteristics and active components of MRPs on TC photodegradation process under simulated sunlight irradiation. The results indicated that BR, NBR and SBR enhanced TC photodegradation to varying extents, with SBR having the most pronounced effect. This effect was attributed mainly to the high electron transport capacity and the generation of more triple excited DOM (3DOM*) of SBR, thereby producing more active species (•OH and 1O2) and significantly promoting TC photodegradation. Additionally, the unsaturated bonds and aromatic groups in MRPs-DOM was identified as another crucial factor influencing their photoreactivity. This study will provide a new perspective for understanding the potential ecological effects between MRPs and co-existing pollutants in the natural environment.

Combustion of single micron-sized magnesium particles in carbon dioxide

An experimental system integrating micro-sized single particle generation, ignition, and observation was proposed and constructed for investigating the combustion characteristics of magnesium single particles in carbon dioxide. Defining the onset of combustion using the boiling point temperature allows for precise measurement of combustion time without artificial interference. Results revealed four modes of combustion for magnesium particles (Vapor-phase combustion, surface reaction, Micro explosion and flash-out mode) in carbon dioxide. Vapor-phase combustion is diffusion-controlled (with a D01.76 scaling, where D0 is the initial particle diameter). Additionally, the micro-explosion mode primarily occurs in particles with diameters exceeding 70 μm, and the combustion time is rather insensitive to the particle size (Typically 0.5 ∼ 2.2 ms in this study). The characteristic temperatures of the particles were determined using two-color pyrometry, indicating that the particle combustion temperature decreases with increasing particle size. Magnesium particles typically reach temperatures approximately 800 K higher than normal vapor-phase combustion temperatures before experiencing micro-explosions. Analysis of combustion products shows that the oxide shell formed by the combustion of magnesium particles has a three-layer structure. Both the outer and inner layers are mixed layers of magnesium oxide and solid carbon produced during combustion reactions, and the middle layer is the initial oxidation layer of the particles.

The interplay between hyaluronic acid and stem cell secretome boosts pulmonary differentiation in 3D biomimetic microenvironments

Mesenchymal stem cells (MCSs) secretome provide MSC-like therapeutic effects in preclinical models of lung injury, circumventing safety concerns with the use of live cells. Secretome consists of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), including populations of nano- to micro-sized particles (exosomes and microvesicles) delimited by a phospholipidic bilayer. However, its poor stability and bioavailability severely limit its application. The role of Hyaluronic acid (HA) as potential carrier in biomedical applications has been widely demonstrated. Here, we investigated the interplay between HA and MSCs- secretome blends and their ability to exert a bioactive effect on pulmonary differentiation in a 3D microenvironment mimicking lung niche. To this aim, the physical-chemical properties of HA/Secre blends have been characterized at low, medium and high HA Molecular Weights (MWs), by means of SEM/TEM, DLS, confocal microscopy and FTIR. Collectively physical-chemical properties highlight the interplay between the HA and the EVs. In 3D matrices, HA/Secre blends showed to promote differentiation in pulmonary lineage, improved as the MW of the HA in the blends decreased. Finally, HA/Secre blends' ability to cross an artificial mucus has been demonstrated. Overall, this work provides new insights for the development of future devices for the therapy of respiratory diseases that are still unmet.