Optimal Conditions Research Articles

Multiple-Yolk-Shell NiO Microspheres for Selective Detection of m-Xylene.

m-Xylene is a volatile organic compound that is extensively used in various industrial processes. It is toxic, posing significant risks to human health and the environment. Therefore, developing gas sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity for m-xylene detection is critical. In this work, we demonstrated the synthesis of NiO-yolk double-shell (NiO-YDS) and NiO-yolk triple-shell (NiO-YTS) derived from NiO/Ni-BTC and NiO/Ni-PTA composites, respectively, using the microwave-assisted solvothermal method from Ni-BTC-derived NiO spheres. The NiO/Ni-BTC composite has trimesic acid (H3BTC) as an organic linker, while NiO/Ni-PTA has p-terephthalic acid (PTA). We investigated the sensing properties of these materials for 2-butanone, 2-nonanone, 3-methyl-1-butanol, acetone, benzene, ethanol, methanol, and m-xylene. These composites exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity for detecting m-xylene under dry conditions. Specifically, the NiO-YTS sensor showed a sensitivity of 217.5% to m-xylene, while the NiO-YDS sensor demonstrated a sensitivity of 179.8% at 350 °C in dry air. We emphasize the NiO-YTS composite due to its superior sensitivity and selectivity in detecting m-xylene compared with the NiO-YDS composite. The NiO-YTS sensor exhibited stable and reproducible sensing performance for 100 ppm of m-xylene under optimum working conditions, with a theoretical detection limit of 5.43 ppb and relatively fast response time (89 s) and recovery time (191 s). This work describes an easy method for synthesizing NiO-YDS and NiO-YTS derived from NiO/Ni-BTC and NiO/Ni-PTA composites. It demonstrates that these composites represent a new class of materials that can potentially enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of m-xylene gas sensors.

Experimental design and multiple response optimization of batch leaching tests of volcanic ashes.

Volcanic eruptions can release large amounts of tephra, lava, and gases, drawing attention due to their magnitude, energy, and impact on life and the environment. Among the most documented and sometimes dramatic effects of volcanic ashes are those linked to the input of diverse elements in the environment, which are released as a consequence of ash weathering. Laboratory studies have been conducted to investigate and predict the environmental input of chemical elements from volcanic ashes. This research paper describes the optimization of batch leaching tests used to investigate the release of ions from ashes collected in the Andes Cordillera after the eruption of the Puyehue volcano in 2011. Chemometric multivariate strategies were employed to evaluate the influence of variables affecting the leaching of volcanic ash. The effects of the main variables, namely contact time, the acidity of the leaching agent, the solid/liquid ratio, the particle size, and the stirring speed, were studied in leaching tests. To determine the optimal conditions for selected metal determinations, we employ Darringer's desirability function, which allows for the simultaneous optimization of the selected responses (element concentrations during the leaching process). Multielemental analysis (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, Cl, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, Hg, Tl, and Pb) was quantified by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry) following adequate dilution of test leaching. These results established the optimal experimental conditions for leaching volcanic ash. The most significant variables were the solid/liquid ratio and the stirring speed, resulting in two groups of elements with an adequate global desirability function (D) value.

Biosorption of Cr(VI) by Theobroma cacao pericarp.

This paper reports a comprehensive study of Theobroma cacao pericarp (TCP) residues, which has been prepared, characterized, and tested as an inexpensive and efficient biosorbent of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The maximum adsorption capacity of TCP obtained at optimal conditions (pH = 2, dose = 0.5g L-1, C0 = 100mg L-1) was qmax = 48.5mgg-1, which is one of the highest values reported by the literature. Structural and morphological characterization has been performed by FTIR, SEM/EDX, and pHPZC measurements. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of O-H, -NH, -NH2, C = H, C = O, C = C, C-O, and C-C functional groups that would be involved in the Cr(VI) biosorption processes. The experimental equilibrium data of biosorption process were successfully fitted to non-linear Langmuir (R2 = 0.95, χ2 = 11.0), Freundlich (R2 = 0.93, χ2 = 14.8), and Temkin (R2 = 0.93, χ2 = 14.7) isotherm models. Kinetics experimental data were well adjustment to non-linear pseudo-2nd (R2 = 0.99, χ2 = 2.08)- and pseudo-1st-order kinetic models (R2 = 0.98, χ2 = 2.25) and also to intra-particle Weber-Morris (R2 = 0.98) and liquid film diffusion (R2 = 0.99) models. These results indicate that Cr(VI) biosorption on heterogeneous surfaces as well as on monolayers of TCP would be a complex process controlled by chemisorption and physisorption mechanisms. The thermodynamic results indicate that the Cr(VI) biosorption on TCP is a feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic process. TCP can be regenerated with NaOH and reused up to 3 times.

Optimization of the preparation process of Spirulina blended liquor and Spirulina fermented wine, analysis of volatile components and in vitro antioxidant study.

The optimal conditions were explored for the preparation of Spirulina blended liquor (SBL) and Spirulina fermented wine (SFW), respectively. The parameters obtaining highest alga polysaccharide were calculated by response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for SBL preparation were base liquor of 42%vol, ultrasonication time of 37-min and ultrasonic power of 80W with polysaccharide content (PC) and alcohol content (AC) of 0.2181g/L and 39.7%vol, respectively. In the case of SFW, optimum fermentation occurred at 22°C, with a 4% inoculum and 6-day period with PC and AC of 8.533g/L and 11.2%vol, respectively. Headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to quantitatively analyze the volatile components of SBL and SFW. There were 32 and 40 main aroma compounds in SBL and SFW, respectively. Volatile organic compounds, including α-ionone and β-ionone, produced by Spirulina were detected in both SBL and SFW. Comparative evaluation of scavenging activity and total reducing power revealed the antioxidant capacity of SFW significantly outperformed that of SBL.

Mechanism of Sulfate Radical Formation on Activation of Persulfate Using Doped Metal Oxide and Its Role in Degradation of Tartrazine Dye in an Aqueous Solution.

Degradation of tartrazine dye (TZD) was performed in this study using sulfate radicals (SO4•-) generated from the activated sodium persulfate (SPS) using Fe3O4@PDA nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The average particle size of the NPs was 17.49 nm from XRD analysis. The presence of the C-N group at 1129 cm-1 in FTIR and 2.54% of the nitrogen element identified from the EDX plot was evidence of successful doping of polydopamine (PDA). Superparamagnetic nature with a decrease in the Ms value to 42.015 emu/g after doping was determined. Doping was further confirmed by XPS analysis with binding energies at 399.68 and 400.99 eV. The average particle size from HRTEM analysis was 21.47 nm with a lattice spacing of 0.30 nm. Turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF) values for Fe3O4@PDA were determined to be 3.72 and 0.0248 min-1 with respect to different systems, respectively. Optimum conditions for the Fe3O4@PDA/SPS system were 50 ppm TZD, 0.9 g/L catalyst, 12 mM SPS, and pH 4 with 94.68% efficiency in 150 min. The inhibition effect of ions in TZD degradation followed the order humic acid <NO3- < Cl- < CO32. The kinetic model fitting the Fe3O4@PDA/SPS system has pseudo-second-order kinetics. Excess formation of SO4•- produced hydroxyl radicals (•OH) that were identified by a scavenging test. Reusability of the NPs was performed for five cycles and showed acceptable degradation performance up to 82.47%. The intermediates identified from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) proved the cleavage of azo and sulfonate groups of TZD with the formation of nontoxic intermediates. Finally, the phytotoxicity assessment was studied using Vigna radiata (Green grams). The % decrease of the root, shoot, and seedling length for the degraded dye solution was negligible. Hence, this study proved that the Fe3O4@PDA/SPS system could effectively degrade TZD with nontoxic intermediate formation.

Improving the coverage area and flake size of ReS2 through machine learning in APCVD

Machine learning is playing a crucial role in optimizing material synthesis, particularly in scenarios where several parameters related to growth exhibit different and significant outcomes. An example of such complexity is the growth of atomically thin semiconductors through chemical vapor deposition (CVD), where multiple parameters can influence the thermodynamics and reaction kinetics involved in the synthesis. Herein, we performed a set of orthogonal experiments, varying the key parameters such as temperature, carries gas flux and precursor position to identify the optimal conditions for maximizing covered area and the size of rhenium disulfide (ReS2) crystals. The experimental results were used to establish correlations among the three thermodynamic variables through an artificial neural network. Contour plots were then generated to visualize the impact on the coverage and flake size of the crystals. This study demonstrates the capability of machine learning to enhance the potential of CVD-growth for the integration of 2D semiconductors like ReS2at larger scales.

Complementary Strategies for Installation of Thioimidates into Peptide Backbones.

Thioimidates are a precursor and synthetic branch point to access either thioamide or amidine isosteres of the native amide (peptide bond). Previous syntheses of thioimidate-containing peptides were prone to side reactivity and required slow, cumbersome steps that were difficult to monitor. We describe a more efficient approach to directly couple thioimidates onto the growing peptide chain. This work also outlines optimal conditions for thioimidate formation on solid support and identifies potential off-target sites for alkylation that impact the choice of protecting group.

Microalgae Separation in MP-PVC Contaminated Wastewater Using Plant-Based Coagulant over different extraction methods in Bauru, Brazil

This study investigates the effectiveness of coagulation-flocculation and sedimentation (CFS) for separating microalgae, focusing on the use of various Moringa oleifera extracts as natural coagulants. We examined photobioreactor effluent (PBR) both with and without microplastic PVC (MP-PVC) contamination, referred to as PBR R2 and PBR R1, respectively. Utilising response surface methodology, we identified optimal conditions for the removal of microalgae and MP-PVC. Validation tests demonstrated that the aqueous extract of delipidated Moringa oleifera powder (AEDMOP) achieved high removal efficiencies, with coagulant dosages of 630 mg L-1 for PBR R1 and 625 mg L-1 for PBR R2. Both conditions showed microalgae removal efficiencies exceeding 83% for turbidity, colour, OD540 nm, OD680 nm, and OD750 nm, and 63% for OD254 nm. Interestingly, the optimised conditions for PBR R2 required slightly less coagulant, likely due to the additional particulate matter from MP-PVC. While extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) exhibited a marginal effect on flocculation, further investigation into their role in CFS is necessary. Our findings highlight the potential of AEDMOP for efficient microalgae separation, even in the presence of microplastics.

Optimization of reed-based polyol production driven by response surface methodology and machine learning: Process modeling and hydroxyl value prediction

In pursuit of sustainable development goals, the transformation of biomass resources into high-value chemicals has become a focal point within the academic community. Despite being a biomass resource, reed (Phragmites australis) has not yet fully realized its potential in the production of bio-based polyols. This study utilized Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) enhanced by a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to model and optimize the liquefaction process of reeds. Furthermore, this study employed a pre-existing predictive model to estimate the hydroxyl value of reed-derived liquefaction products, thereby aiming to curtail expenses during the biomass chemical development phase. The results demonstrated that both the RSM and GA-ANN models accurately predict bio-polyol yield, with the RSM model outperforming the ANN model. Based on optimal conditions predicted by the RSM model, the best experimental process parameters were established: raw material particle size 2–12 mesh, solid-liquid ratio 5:1, glycerol content 32.5 %, catalyst content 3.6 %, temperature 169 °C, and reaction time 58 minutes. Under these conditions, the polyol yield reached 89.145 %, with a relative deviation of 2.366 %, and the bio-polyol exhibited a viscosity of 0.51 Pa·s. The predicted hydroxyl value for the bio-based polyol was found to be 399.19 mg KOH/g. The liquefied product is rich in hydroxyl groups, indicating its potential application value in preparing bio-based polymer materials. This study introduces innovative approaches to the economical production of bio-based polyols at the laboratory scale, which may pave the way for their broader industrial implementation.

Portable self-powered electrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive and real-time detection of microcystin-RR based on hydrovoltaic-photothermal coupling effect

Coupling different energy harvesting technologies to obtain an excellent output signal is essential for the development of high-performance self-powered electrochemical sensors. Herein, a novel hydrovoltaic-photothermal coupling self-powered electrochemical aptasensing platform was designed for sensitive detection of microcystin (MC-RR) with a digital multimeter as a direct visual readout strategy. The straightforward ultrasonic method was employed to synthesize polyaniline (PANI) and bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) nanosheets, which were then integrated as active components in a hydrovoltaic device. The unique layer structure of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials BiOBr can create flexible interlayer spaces to accommodate various ions and water molecules, which was beneficial to construct evaporation-driven channels. Meanwhile, the exceptional photothermal characteristics of polyaniline could accelerate the water evaporation rate, consequently boosting the migration speed of charge carriers and increasing output signal. Moreover, a digital multimeter was connected to the constructed sensor for real-time displaying the output signal. With the assistance of aptamer, a novel self-powered electrochemical aptasensing platform was constructed for sensitive detection of MC-RR. Under optimum conditions, the output signal of the hydrovoltaic-photothermal coupling cell was linearly related to the logarithm of MC-RR concentration in the range of 1 fM to 1 nM with a detection limit of 0.31 fM (S/N=3). Furthermore, this sensor also exhibited many advantages such as high selectivity, good repeatability and portability. Such novel strategy not only offers a completely new general approach to construct high-performance self-powered devices for the detection of MC-RR, but also provides a new strategy for advancing the miniaturization and field application of self-powered electrochemical sensors.

Humic acid-coated paper: An affordable mixed-mode weak-cation exchanger for isolating cocaine, codeine, and methadone from saliva samples for their direct infusion mass spectrometric analysis.

The use of natural materials as precursors for synthesizing sorptive phases can reduce the environmental impact of the sample preparation step. In this article, two natural materials, i.e., cellulose and humic acids, are combined, resulting in a porous and flat sorptive phase that combines hydrophobic and cation exchange interactions. The simple preparation, with low reagent consumption, and the high production capacity make this process affordable. The performance of the humic acid-coated paper has been studied towards three basic drugs (cocaine, codeine, and methadone), and it has allowed the determination of the targets in saliva by direct infusion tandem mass spectrometry. The simultaneous extraction of many samples and the rapid analysis (2 min) provide a high sample throughput. The resulting method has been validated following the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) M10 validation guide. Working at the optimum conditions, the linear range was established from 5 to 500 μg·L-1 and the detection limits were established at 1.5 μg·L-1 for all the analytes. At the LOQ, the inter-day precision and intra-day precision, expressed as relative standard deviation, were better than 13.6% and 17.9%, respectively. For low/mid/high quality controls, the inter-day precision and intra-day precision were better than 11.8% and 9.1%, respectively. The accuracy, calculated as relative recovery, was in the range of 83.8-106.1%. Several samples from patients under treatment with codeine-containing prescriptions were finally analyzed.

Cloning, characterization of β-glucosidase from Furfurilactobacillus rossiae in bioconversion and its efficacy.

Minor ginsenosides produced by β-glucosidase are interesting biologically and pharmacologically. In this study, new ginsenoside-hydrolyzing glycosidase from Furfurilactobacillus rossiae DCYL3 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli strain BL21. The enzyme converted Rb1 and Gyp XVII into Rd and compound K following the pathways: Rb1→Rd and Gyp XVII→F2→CK, respectively at optimal condition: 40°C, 15min, and pH 6.0. Furthermore, we examined the cytotoxicity, NO production, ROS generation, and gene expression of Gynostemma extract (GE) and bioconverted Gynostemma extract (BGE) in vitro against A549 cell lines for human lung cancer and macrophage RAW 264.7 cells for antiinflammation, respectively. As a result, BGE demonstrated significantly greater toxicity than GE against lung cancer at a dose of 500µg/mL but in normal cells showed lower toxicity. Then, we indicated an enhanced generation of ROS, which may be boosting cancer cell toxicity. By blocking the intrinsic way, BGE increased p53, Bax, Caspase 3, 9, and while Bcl2 is decreased. At 500µg/mL, the BGE sample was less toxic in normal cells and decreased the LPS-treated NO and ROS level to reduce inflammation. In addition, BGE inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory genes COX-2, iNOS, IL-6, and IL-8 in RAW 264.7 cells than the sample of GE. In conclusion, FrBGL3 has considerable downstream applications for high-yield, low-cost, effective manufacture of minor ginsenosides. Moreover, the study's findings imply that BGE would be potential materials for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agent after consideration of future studies.

Novel self-pretreatment of biomass by in-situ preparation of acid-assisted carbohydrate-derived DES

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) can greenly and efficiently fractionate biomass, but their utilization efficiency is severely limited by the high ratio of DES required and the wasted hemicelluloses released during the pretreatment. Herein, this work first developed a novel self-pretreatment of biomass by in-situ preparation of acid-assisted carbohydrate-derived DES with the aid of ball milling to facilitate enzymatic hydrolysis. The effect of hydrogen bond acceptor types, water content, acid content, and ball-milling time on enzymatic hydrolysis was studied systematically. Under the optimal condition (tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBAC), 1000 wt% H2O, 100 wt% acids, ball milling for 2 h), the yields of glucose and xylose produced from the pretreated substrates after enzymatic hydrolysis were >99.9 % and 88 %, respectively. Furthermore, the structural integrity of the residual lignin was well-preserved, making it suitable for positional structural characterization and ideal substrates for lignin degradation. Characterization suggested that the hemicelluloses fragments via in-situ acid hydrolysis acted as hydrogen bond donors and combined in situ with TBAC to form DES. This strategy avoided the use of high dosages of DES and the wastage of hemicelluloses, and promoted the sustainability of the entire biorefinery process.

Illuminating Cannabis sativa L.: The Power of Light in Enhancing C. sativa Growth and Secondary Metabolite Production

Light is crucial for higher plants, driving photosynthesis and serving as a powerful sensory signal that profoundly modulates growth, development, physiological functions, hormone activation, and biochemical pathways. Various light parameters—quality, intensity, composition, and photoperiod—exert a tremendous influence on plant growth and development, particularly in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). C. sativa, a crop of historical significance and unparalleled versatility, holds immense value in the food, fiber, and medicinal industries. The cultivation of medicinal cannabis is burgeoning in controlled environments due to evolving healthcare regulations. Optimal light conditions significantly enhance both yield and harvest quality, notably increasing the density of apical inflorescences and the ratio of inflorescence to total aboveground biomass. C. sativa metabolites, especially phenolic and terpene compounds and Phytocannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol), THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and CBG (cannabigerol), possess immense medicinal value. Secondary metabolites in C. sativa predominantly accumulate in the trichomes of female flowers and surrounding sugar leaves, underscoring the critical need to boost inflorescence weight and metabolite concentrations while ensuring product consistency. Different light parameters distinctly impact C. sativa’s metabolic profile, providing a robust foundation for understanding the optimal conditions for synthesizing specific secondary metabolites. While the effects of light measurement on various crops are well-established, scientific evidence specifically relating to light quality effects on C. sativa morphology and secondary metabolite accumulation remains scarce. In this review, we critically summarized how different light properties can alter cannabis growth (vegetative and reproductive), physiology and metabolism. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which specific wavelengths influence growth, development, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in C. sativa are not fully elucidated, which could be a prospective task for future researchers. Our review paves the way for a profound understanding of light’s influence on C. sativa growth and advancements in greenhouse settings to maximize metabolite production for commercial use.

A gold nanoparticle-enhanced dCas9-mediated fluorescence resonance energy transfer for nucleic acid detection

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated Cas proteins coupled with pre-amplification have shown great potential in molecular diagnoses. However, the current CRISPR-based methods require additional reporters and time-consuming process. Herein, a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-enhanced CRISPR/dCas9-mediated fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) termed Au-CFRET platform was proposed for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of nucleic acid for the first time. In the Au-CFRET sensing platform, AuNP was functionalized with dCas9 and used as nanoprobe. Target DNA was amplified with FAM-labeled primers and then precisely bound with AuNP-dCas9. The formed complex rendered the distance between AuNP acceptor and FAM donor to be short enough for the occurrence of FRET, thus resulting in fluorescence quenching. Moreover, AuNPs were demonstrated to enhance binding efficiency of dCas9 to target DNA in Au-CFRET system. The key factors regarding the FRET efficiency were analyzed and characterized in detail, including the length of donor/acceptor and the size of AuNPs. Under the optimal conditions, Au-CFRET could determinate CaMV35S promoter of genetically modified rice as low as 21 copies μL−1. Moreover, Au-CFRET sensing system coupled with one-step extraction and recombinase polymerase amplification can identify the genuine plant seeds within 30 min from sampling to results at room/body temperature without expensive equipment or technical expertise, and requires no additional exogenous reporters. Therefore, the proposed sensing platform significantly simplified the system and shortened the assay time for nucleic acid diagnoses.

Passive Ventilation of Residential Buildings Using the Trombe Wall

The article explores passive systems for regulating microclimates in residential settings, with a focus on modular constructions. It investigates the use of the trombe wall system for passive ventilation to ensure comfort and hygiene. The study examines building designs that enable effective air circulation without using mechanical systems. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the passive system of using solar energy with the trombe wall as a ventilation device in modular houses has been experimentally confirmed. Although the research confirms the effectiveness of this solar system in modular homes, there is limited documentation regarding its overall efficiency, particularly concerning the impact of the surface pressure coefficient on ventilation. The study establishes the correlations governing the thermosiphon collector’s effectiveness at varying air layer thicknesses. Optimal parameters, such as maximum air consumption (L = 120 m3h−1), are identified at an air layer thickness (δ) of 100 mm and outlet openings area (F) of 0.056 m2. These findings pave the way for improving passive systems aimed at maintaining optimal thermal and air conditions in modern homes. The findings suggest the potential for more efficient and sustainable housing solutions. Further research is essential to understand how factors like building design and wind speed affect ventilation system efficacy.

Modelling-assisted geometrical optimization of colloidal quantum color convertor based pixels fabricated by dielectrophoretic directed assembly

Hypothesis: Building competitive color conversion pixels for microdisplays made of semiconductor nanocrystals requires reaching a deposition thickness high enough to absorb all the blue light from the backlight unit. In the case of dielectrophoretic directed assembly of such nanocrystals, modeling and simulations may help understand what the intrinsic limitations of the process are, and may be used to propose new assembly routes.Experiments: A theoretical model of dielectrophoretic interactions between polarizable nano-spheres and an electrostatically patterned substrate has been developed. Monte Carlo simulations have been run using this model to rationalize the effects of parameters driving the dielectrophoretic directed assembly and to find optimal deposition conditions for reaching a maximal thickness of nanocrystal pixels. Experiments with CdSe quantum plates and with alumina spheres embedding quantum plates (micro-pearls) have been carried out and compared to the model.Findings: Modeling and simulations reveal that the directed assembly of semiconductor nanocrystals is limited essentially by the small object size, which sets the maximum dielectrophoretic force they can undergo. They indicate that using larger objects should allow reaching unprecedented assembly heights, but will induce lateral extension of the assembly. This trade-off has been illustrated with diagrams in the parameter space and confirmed experimentally with micro-pearls.

Additive manufacturing and in vitro study of biological characteristics of sulfonated polyetheretherketone-bioactive glass porous bone scaffolds.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a high-performance special engineering plastic, has gradually been used in bone substitutes due to its wear resistance, acid and alkali resistance, non-toxicity, radiolucency, and modulus close to that of human bone. However, its stable biphenyl structure determines strong biological inertness, thus artificial interventions are required to improve the biological activity of fabricated PEEK parts for better clinical applications. This study developed a novel strategy for grafting bioactive glass (BAG) onto the surface of PEEK through sulfonation reaction with concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4), aiming to improve the bioactivity of printed porous bone scaffolds manufactured by fused deposition modeling (FDM) to meet clinical individual needs. In vitro biological study was conducted on sulfonated polyetheretherketone-bioactive glass (SPEEK-BAG) scaffolds obtained by this strategy. The results demonstrated that the optimal modification condition was a 4-hour sulfonation reaction with 1 mol/L concentrated H2SO4 at high temperature and high pressure. The scaffold obtained under this condition showed minimal cytotoxicity, and the Ca/P molar ratio, yield compressive strength, and compressive modulus of this scaffold were 2.94 ± 0.02, 62.78 MPa, and 0.186 GPa respectively. The hydrophilicity and the biomineralization ability of PEEK modified by the proposed strategy were substantially improved. The SPEEK-BAG bone scaffolds exhibited excellent biocompatible properties, suggesting that the sulfonation reaction and BAG effectively enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. The presented method provides an innovative, highly effective, and customized strategy to improve the biocompatibility and bone repair ability of printed PEEK bone scaffolds for virous biomedical applications.

ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR6, A Central Regulator of Plant Growth in Response to Stress.

ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR6 (ERF6) has emerged as a central player in stress-induced plant growth inhibition. It orchestrates complex pathways that enable plants to acclimate and thrive in challenging environments. In response to various abiotic and biotic stresses, ERF6 is promptly activated through both ethylene-dependent and -independent pathways, and contributes to enhanced stress tolerance mechanisms by activating a broad spectrum of genes at various developmental stages. Despite the crucial role of ERF6, there is currently a lack of published comprehensive insights into its function in plant growth and stress response. In this respect, based on the tight connection between ethylene and ERF6, we review the latest research findings on how ethylene regulates stress responses and the mechanisms involved. In addition, we summarize the trends and advances in ERF6-mediated plant performance under optimal and stressful conditions. Finally, we also highlight key questions and suggest potential paths to unravel the ERF6 regulon in future research.

Fuzzy optimization of the photo-Fenton process on o-toluidine degradation in the aspect wastewater treatment

Significant volumes of wastewater, particularly from the textile industry, pose environmental concerns due to the presence of hazardous substances such as ortho-toluidine (OT). The photo-Fenton process can be used to break down and remove this hazardous organic compound. Previous studies on the photo-Fenton process have focused on local optimization of operating variables without considering cost factors. The photo-Fenton process is studied in this paper with UVA irradiation, Fe2+ dosage, and H2O2 concentration considered as variables. The study uses fuzzy optimization in a multi-objective framework for making decisions to determine the optimal values of OT degradation with its corresponding cumulative uncertainty error (YA), and the total operating cost (CT), both of which are essential for assessing the techno-economic feasibility of the process. The Pareto front was generated from the objective functions to establish the boundary limits for YA and CT. The results show an overall satisfaction level of 71.81% for the objective functions, indicating a partially satisficing solution for maximizing OT degradation while minimizing operating cost. The optimum conditions of the variables require 85.70 W m−3 UVA irradiation, 0.5177 mM for Fe2+ dosage, and 7.85 mM for the H2O2 concentration. These conditions yielded an OT degradation value of 83.22% and a total operating cost of 768.61 USD·m−3. Comparison with previous literature showed an OT degradation efficiency that was 16.78% lower. However, this tradeoff in the process efficiency is offset by a total operating cost that is 2.28 times cheaper, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of the fuzzy optimized solution.