Physicochemical Research Articles

Enhancing the Stability and Activity of Enzymes through Layer-by-Layer Immobilization with Nanocomposite Hydrogel

In this study, a layer-by-layer immobilization strategy was meticulously designed to enhance the stability and activity of enzymes. The approach utilized calcium magnesium carbonate (CaMg(CO3)2) nanoparticles as an immobilization template for abundant binding sites for enzyme attachment but also provide a microenvironment conducive to maintaining enzyme conformation with their unique physicochemical properties. Subsequently, the polymerization of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) to form the nanocomposite hydrogel poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-calcium magnesium carbonate (pHEMA-CaMg(CO3)2) introduces a layered architecture, enabling the spatially immobilized enzymes. The pHEMA-CaMg(CO3)2 nanocomposite hydrogel immobilized carbonyl reductase retained over 80% catalytic activity after one month and 81% after 10 cycles of aryl ketone reduction. Similarly, the immobilized lipase within the pHEMA-CaMg(CO3)2 nanocomposite hydrogel exhibited over 80% catalytic activity after one month and demonstrated an impressive 85% activity retention after 10 reuse cycles in glycerol trioctanoate hydrolysis reactions. The FTIR spectra and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy mapping showed after multiple repeated uses indicating that the secondary structure of the immobilized enzyme was well preserved, further validating the superiority of our immobilization strategy in safeguarding enzymes integrity and functionality over extended periods and repeated applications.

Influence of sonication-assisted fermentation on the physicochemical features and antioxidant activities of yogurts fortified by polyphenol-rich pineapple peel powder with varied chemical profiling

This study investigated the effects of pineapple peel powder with varied chemical profiles and sonication-assisted polyphenol biotransformation during fermentation on the quality characteristics of yogurt products. It aimed at exploring the feasibility of sonication-assisted fermentation to enhance the physicochemical properties, control post-acidification, and improve antioxidant activities in yogurts fortified with polyphenol-rich pineapple peel powder. Targeted analysis showed that polyphenol-rich pineapple dietary fiber obtained by ultrasonication-assisted extraction (NPFU) exhibited the slowest rates of acidification, highest antioxidant capacity, and lowest degree of whey separation at 21.67 %. Sonication pretreatments significantly increased transformation of free phenolic acids derived from pineapple peel fiber during fermentation, particularly increasing the accumulation of ferulic acid, caffeic acid and 5-hydroxyflavone, revealing the positive effects of sonication-mediated fermentation in promoting the hydrolysis of conjugated phenolics into free fractions. Yogurts fortified with pineapple peel fiber displayed significantly higher antioxidant activities (p < 0.05) compared to those with pineapple peel whole powder, corresponding with the increased free phenolics. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis was employed to explore the mechanisms underlying the alleviated post-acidification by sonication-assisted fermentation during storage. Metabolomic profiling revealed that the bioactive components from pineapple peel extract significantly influenced the metabolism pathways of lactic acid bacteria particularly involving galactose metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, closely associated with the acid production of the strains and the regulation of the post-acidification rates of yogurt during storage. These results confirmed the potential of ultrasound-assisted fermentation combined with the addition of pineapple dietary fiber to enhance yogurt quality, providing an innovative tool to develop future yogurt products with high marketability.

Designing a Secretory form of RTX-A as an Anticancer Toxin: An In Silico Approach.

Cancer is a leading cause of death and a significant public health issue worldwide. Standard treatment methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are only sometimes effective. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are needed for cancer treatment. Sea anemone actinoporins are pore-forming toxins (PFTs) with membranolytic activities. RTX-A is a type of PFT that interacts with membrane phospholipids, resulting in pore formation. The synthesis of recombinant proteins in a secretory form has several advantages, including protein solubility and easy purification. In this study, we aimed to discover suitable signal peptides for producing RTX-A in Bacillus subtilis in a secretory form. Signal peptides were selected from the Signal Peptide Web Server. The probability and secretion pathways of the selected signal peptides were evaluated using the SignalP server. ProtParam and Protein-sol were used to predict the physico-chemical properties and solubility. AlgPred was used to predict the allergenicity of RTX-A linked to suitable signal peptides. Non-allergenic, stable, and soluble signal peptides fused to proteins were chosen, and their secondary and tertiary structures were predicted using GOR IV and I-TASSER, respectively. The PROCHECK server performed the validation of 3D structures. According to bioinformatics analysis, the fusion forms of OSMY_ECOLI and MALE_ECOLI linked to RTX-A were identified as suitable signal peptides. The final proteins with signal peptides were stable, soluble, and non-allergenic for the human body. Moreover, they had appropriate secondary and tertiary structures. The signal above peptides appears ideal for rationalizing secretory and soluble RTX-A. Therefore, the signal peptides found in this study should be further investigated through experimental researches and patents.

Preparation and investigation of physicochemical properties of g-C3N4/LaCoO3 heterostructure for photocatalytic dye degradation

Photocatalytic decomposition of pollutant is the most optimal approach for the wastewater remediation. Nevertheless, the development of a catalyst that is both cost-effective and extraordinarily active remains a substantial challenge. The g-C3N4/LaCoO3 heterostructure were prepared by different weight percentages of g-C3N4 (15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 wt%). The g-C3N4 and LaCoO3 were exhibits hexagonal and rhombohedral crystal structure respectively. The g-C3N4/LaCoO3 heterostructure exhibits tiny particles were anchored over the coarse like structure. The g-C3N4/LaCoO3 heterostructure promote visible light harvest and inhibit charge carrier recombination than the bare LaCoO3 and g-C3N4 and which helps to enhance the organic pollutant elimination performances. The g-C3N4/LaCoO3 heterojunction exhibits superior methylene blue degradation when compared to bare LaCoO3 and g-C3N4. Furthermore, the composite of LaCoO3/g-C3N4–60 wt% exhibits higher photocatalytic activity and exceptional stability were observed under visible light irradiation.

Synergistic antimicrobial potential of essential oil nanoemulsion and ultrasound and application in food industry: A review

Essential oils such as those from clove or oregano are considered as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) food ingredients and natural sanitizers to control the growth of microorganisms. However, their utilization in food industry is seriously limited since their poor water solubility and toxicological effects at high doses. Generally, appropriate preparing method to make them into nanoemulsion as sanitizers has great potential to overcome these drawbacks. As a non-thermal technology, ultrasound is able to inactivate microorganisms. And the synergistic hurdle technology of ultrasound and essential oil nanoemulsion has acquired importance within the food industry because it is reasonably effective and environmentally-friendly. This paper reviews the preparation method and physicochemical properties of plant essential oil nanoemulsion and focuses on the research progress on the synergistic antimicrobial effect of nanoemulsion and ultrasound and their application in food industry, hoping to provide further research with detailed information and potential utilization of the technique.

Blended mangosteen/pomegranate peels as a precursor for porous carbon material via microwave assisted‑potassium carbonate activation: Box-Benken design optimization for fuchsin basic and methylene violet dyes removal

Solid waste disposal and water pollution are the critical issues. Thus, this work aims to convert common domestic fruit wastes namely mangosteen peel (MP) and pomegranate peel (PP) into a mesoporous activated carbon (MPPP-AC) via microwave-induced strong alkaline salt (K2CO3) activation. The potential application of MPPP-AC was tested for the removal of two structurally different toxic cationic dyes namely fuchsin basic (FB) and methylene violet (MV). The physicochemical properties of MPPP-AC were analyzed utilizing several analyses such as XRD, SEM-EDX FTIR, pHpzc, and BET analysis. The adsorptive performance of MPPP-AC was optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM) with Box-Behnken design (BBD). Three key adsorption variables including the dose of MPPP-AC (A: 0.02–0.1 g/100 mL), solution pH (B: 4–10), and time of contact (C: 10–60 min) were optimized in the BBD. The highest FB removal and MV removal were found to be 80.2 % and 92.8 % respectively at 0.1 g/100 mL of MPPP-AC dosage and solution pH = 10. Thus, the best fit for the adsorption isotherm data for FB and MV dyes was the Freundlich model, whereas the pseudo-second-order model was best explained for the kinetic data. The MPPP-AC has maximum adsorption capacity for FB (85.5 mg/g) and MV (90.1 mg/g). Various forms of interaction were involved in the MV and FB dye binding process onto MPPP-AC such as the filling of pores, π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces. The finding of this research exhibits the possibility of transforming a blending of MP and PP wastes into activated carbon which shows desirable adsorptive performance for eliminating cationic dyes from water.

Identification of cadmium-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and characterization of its Cd-biosorption and strengthening effect on phytoremediation: Development of a new amphibious-biocleaner for Cd-contaminated site

The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in decontaminating cadmium-contaminated soil and water is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. This study aimed to isolate a PGPR strain from the rhizosphere soil of Solanum nigrum and evaluate its potential and mechanisms in remediating Cd-contaminated environments. The results showed that the isolated strain, Klebsiella sp. AW2, can tolerate 240 mg/L Cd2+. Batch biosorption experiments indicated that the optimal conditions for PGPR biosorption were a pH of 5.0, a biosorbent dosage of 1.0 g/L, and a Cd2+ concentration of 10 mg/L, resulting in a biosorption rate of 40.99%. Model fitting results revealed that the Cd biosorption process followed a uniform surface monolayer chemisorption mechanism, likely involving complexation with functional groups such as -NH, -OH, and -C=O, according to Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and desorption experiments. Furthermore, pot experiments demonstrated that PGPR application significantly enhanced the phytoremediation efficiency of Cd-contaminated soil, increasing the phytoextraction ratio by 32.41%. This improvement was primarily achieved by promoting S. nigrum growth and facilitating Cd horizontal transfer from rhizosphere soil to plants through influencing the rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties and Cd2+ influx in roots. In addition, the copy number of the 16S rRNA gene of the PGPR revealed that the PGPR was predominantly localized in the rhizosphere soil, directly leading to increased availability of Cd for plant uptake. Overall, these findings indicate that Klebsiella sp. AW2 is a promising biocleaner for Cd-contaminated environments and provide valuable insights into the application of biosorbents in phytoremediation efforts.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollen-based microgel and its promising medical and environmental applications

Pollen, a natural bi-layered porous microcapsule, plays a crucial role in plant reproduction by protecting the plant's genetic material. Due to its unique properties, it has garnered attention for medical and environmental applications. Recent studies have focused on transforming the pollen's rigid structure to soft, gel-like matter, enabling the creation of pollen-based products such as paper and sponge. The main factor in the gelation process involves pectin-to-pectate conversion within the pollen's inner layer. Previously, claimed that this transformation is restricted to eudicot plants, and some others, such as monocot plant pollens do not exhibit this gelation phenomenon. In this study, we successfully produced microgel from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollen (DPP), challenging this assertion. A significant portion of these monocot plant pollens exceeds the requirement of date production, presenting an opportunity for large-scale production without environmental concerns. Here, we have prepared pollen-based microgel, paper, and sponge and conducted a comprehensive analysis using various techniques such as optical and fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), elemental CHN analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), rheological measurements, mechanical analysis, pH-sensitivity tests, swelling analysis, and oil absorption capacity. By discerning the specific physicochemical properties of these materials, we propose potential medical and environmental applications for further investigation.

Construction and characterization of Laminaria polysaccharide functionalized selenium nanoparticles based on an activity-oriented approach

Laminaria polysaccharides (LP) have been shown to effectively stabilize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), forming LP–SeNP complexes with enhanced bioactivity. However, the correlation between their bioactivity and physicochemical properties remains inadequately explored. This study used chemical reduction with LP as stabilizer to investigate how LP-to-selenium mass ratio (LPSMR), reaction time, and temperature influence particle size, selenium content, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of LP–SeNPs. The results showed that enhanced DPPH scavenging correlated with higher selenium content and smaller particle size, primarily modulated by LPSMR and temperature. Under optimal conditions (LPSMR of 1; temperature of 25°C), the resulting LP–SeNPs exhibited uniform morphology with a particle size of 81.41nm and selenium content of 653.91mg/g. This stability was achieved through non-covalent interactions between LP and SeNPs, providing superior light and acid resistance compared to unmodified SeNPs. Notably, LP–SeNPs showed synergistic antioxidant effects, with lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for scavenging DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion radicals than LP or SeNPs alone, and enhanced hypoglycemic activity. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed LP–SeNPs had reduced toxicity compared to Na2SeO3 and selenopeptide. These findings provide insights into the structure-activity relationships of LP–SeNPs and support their potential application as antioxidant and hypoglycemic agents.

N,N-Disubstituted 4-Sulfamoylbenzoic Acid Derivatives as Inhibitors of Cytosolic Phospholipase A2α: Synthesis, Aqueous Solubility, and Activity in a Vesicle and a Whole Blood Assay.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) is the key enzyme that initiates the arachidonic acid cascade through which pro-inflammatory lipid mediators can be formed. Therefore, cPLA2α is considered an interesting target for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. Although several effective inhibitors of the enzyme have been developed, none of them has yet reached clinical application. Recently, we have prepared new 4-sulfamoylbenzoic acid derivatives based on a cPLA2α inhibitor found in a ligand-based virtual screening. The most effective of these compounds were now subjected to further variations in which the substitution pattern on the sulfamoyl nitrogen atom was changed.. The new compounds were tested in vitro in a vesicle assay for cPLA2α inhibition as well as for their water solubility, metabolic stability, and selectivity towards related enzymes. In addition, they were evaluated ex vivo in a whole blood assay in which metabolites of the arachidonic acid cascade formed after activation of cPLA2α were quantified using a combined online dilution/ online solid phase extraction HPLC-MS method. Inhibitors with submicromolar inhibitory in vitro potency were found with favourable water solubility and selectivity. However, their efficacy did not match that of the highly effective, known, structurally related cPLA2α inhibitor giripladib, which was also tested as a reference. One advantage of some of the new compounds compared to giripladib was their significantly improved water solubility. When analyzing the substances in the ex vivo whole blood assay, it was found that the obtained inhibition data correlated better with the in vivo results when the phorbol ester 12-Otetradecanoylphorbol- 13-acetate was used for activation of the enzyme in the blood cells instead of the calcium ionophore A23187. New compounds with good activity towards cPLA2α and reasonable physicochemical properties were identified. Overall, the results obtained could be helpful in the development of clinically applicable inhibitors of this enzyme.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of genes encoding late embryogenesis proteins in Cicer arietinum

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins play defensive roles during seed maturation and seed germination processes. However, there is no such investigation was carried out in chickpea. In present study, genome wide identification and characterization of LEA encoding genes has been investigated, and identified 65 and 74 LEA encoding genes in desi and kabuli cultivar of chickpea, respectively. All these genes have been classified into eight subfamilies on the bases of their phylogenetic analysis and conserved domain. Maximum members of LEA encoding genes were found to be a part of the LEA_2 gene family. The analysis of physicochemical properties of LEAs was also conducted. LEA encoding genes have been found to be located in all chromosomes (8 chr) of chickpea and identified as involved in response to stimulus, biological processes, molecular functions and cellular components based upon gene ontology analysis. Gene expression analysis of randomly selected 8 LEA encoding genes has been carried out during different seed developmental stages which revealed the higher expression of LEA encoding genes during later stage of seed development in chickpea and proved their potential role in desiccation process during seed maturation. During seed germination, expression analysis of LEA encoding genes was found to be higher during the initial stages of seed germination. In conclusion, this work highlights the genome wide identification and characterization of LEA encoding genes in chickpea and proposed potential roles during seed developmental processes. This information could also be useful as a reference investigation for molecular breeding of chickpea for recalcitrant behaviour of seed.

The chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs in collagen hydrogels and the effect of MMPs among cell-material interactions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the advanced structure of collagen on the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs encapsulated in collagen hydrogels, with an emphasis on MMPs which might affect the cell-material interactions. Collagen and gelatin-based hydrogels with comparable physicochemical properties but mainly distinctive in molecular structure were prepared and further utilized to load BMSCs to study the chondrogenesis. The detection results of MMPs in hydrogels with and without TIMP at both gene and protein levels suggested that MMPs were involved in cell recognition, adhesion, migration, proliferation and further remodeling of cell microenvironment. The chondrogenic gene detection, histological observation and extracellular matrix analysis indicated that the BMSCs were well differentiated into chondrocytes and maintained the phenotypes in collagen hydrogels (C group) which preserved the native structures, comparing with those results acquired from gelatin hydrogels (G group). Finally, the expression of several integrin subunits was investigated to analyze the connection of these cell membrane surface proteins and microenvironment remodeled by MMPs in collagen and gelatin hydrogels. The conclusion was drawn that the advanced structure of collagen affected the chondrogenesis of BMSCs via the cell-material interactions, among which MMPs were one of the major factors crucial to form appropriate microenvironment to modulate the BMSCs fate.Graphical abstract

Performance and mechanism of bio-oil "chain-pyrolytic" crumb rubber and SBS composite modified asphalt

To enhance the high-temperature performance of bio-oil degraded crumb rubber (CR) modified asphalt, a "chain-pyrolysis" treatment of CR was conducted using waste frying oil. This involved adding the CR in batches to the high-temperature waste oil to increase the CR-to-oil ratio, and control the degree of CR degradation. The effects of pyrolysis batch on the physicochemical properties of CR were evaluated through solubility, particle size analysis, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscope. The performance and mechanism of "chain-pyrolytic" crumb rubber/Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene composite modified asphalt (PCR/SBSCMA) were investigated using conventional performance tests, rheological tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and atomic force microscope. Results show that during the "chain-pyrolysis" process of CR, the sol content decreases, reaching a plateau after 3 batches and decreasing after 7 batches, indicating a decline in degradation degree. The particle size increases, whereas the rubber hydrocarbon content marginally rises, and the surface texture complexity diminishes with each batch. With an escalation in pyrolysis batch of CR, the penetration of the PCR/SBSCMA hits a minimum, the ductility gradually diminishes and the softening point slowly increases after 3 batches. The phase angle and non-recoverable creep compliance decrease, while the complex shear modulus and recovery rate enhance, significantly boosting the elasticity of the modified asphalt. The preparation of PCR and modification of PCR/SBSCMA contain the cleavage of sulfur bonds, the formation of oxygen functional groups, and the CR swelling. The uniform dispersion of polymer phases, presence of fine carbon black, and establishment of a stable colloidal system contribute the high-temperature mechanical properties and stability of the PCR/SBSCMA. The reduction of light components in the PCR/SBSCMA caused by swollen CR results in diminished surface roughness, disappeared "bee-like" structure, and improved homogeneity, which is conducive to low-temperature ductility. Overall, the PCR/SBS composite modification method promotes the high-quality and sustainable development of the utilization of waste tires and biomass in asphalt pavement.

Biodegradable active films based on Chlorella biomass and cellulose nanocrystals isolated from hemp stalk fibers

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)-reinforced biopolymers have emerged as a widely embraced approach for enhancing the characteristics of biopolymers due to their exceptional properties. Biocomposite (Chl-CNC) films were fabricated by blending Chlorella biomass and varying concentrations of CNCs via a solution casting technique. CNCs were effectively isolated from hemp stalk fibers, as confirmed by structural, surface, thermal, and morphological analysis. The crystallinity of films increased by CNC incorporation, which was confirmed by the XRD. The presence of molecular interactions between CNC and protein-rich Chlorella biomass was illustrated with the FTIR analysis. These interactions enhanced the physicochemical properties of the films. Further, films demonstrated a high level of soil biodegradation in the 42 days, while their total phenolic, chlorophyll, carotenoid contents, and antibacterial activity were unaffected by the incorporation of CNCs. The Chl-CNC films, regardless of CNC addition, indicated antimicrobial activity toward Escherichia coli but not Staphylococcus aureus. These results indicate that developed biobased and biodegradable Chl-CNC films could be highly beneficial in active food packaging applications.

Biochar for sustainable agriculture: Improved soil carbon storage and reduced emissions on cropland

Climate change, driven by excessive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural land, poses a serious threat to ecological security. It is now understood that significant differences exist in the responses of soil GHG emissions and soil carbon (C) sequestration to the application of different C-based materials (i.e., straw, organic manure (OM), and biochar). Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms by which differences in the properties of these materials affect soil GHG emissions is essential to comprehensively investigate the mechanisms through which variations in material properties influence soil GHG emissions. Herein, we conducted a field experiment to evaluate the responses of soil GHG emissions to cropland application of different C-based materials and employed molecular modeling calculations to explore the mechanisms by which differences in the properties of these materials affect soil GHG emissions. The results showed that biochar demonstrated superior resistance to biochemical decomposition and soil GHG adsorption capacity, leading to a significant reduction in soil GHG emissions due to its excellent physicochemical properties. The active surface properties of straw and OM enhanced their interaction with decomposing enzymes and accelerated their biochemical decomposition. Wheat-maize rotation with biochar application reduced CO2 emissions by 1089.8 kg CO2eq ha-1 and increased soil organic carbon by 141.8% compared to the control after one year. Collectively, these results contribute to the optimization of cropland application strategies for crop residues to balance soil C sequestration and soil GHG emissions, and to ensure sustainable agriculture and ecological security.

Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Water and Public Perceptions of Water Quality in Tasik Chini, Pahang, Malaysia

The study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of water and assess the public perception of the water quality status in the Tasik Chini watershed based on a community survey. The water sample was analyzed based on standard methods and categorized according to WQI (Water Quality Index). Multivariate statistical analysis was adopted to find spatial variations in water quality, determining the pollution level and sources of contamination. The study results were compared with NWQS (National Water Quality Standard for Malaysia). The results showed that the value of dissolved oxygen (DO) was low (4.68 mg.L-1), while the level of biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total dissolved solids (TDS) was found to be high, 2.92 mg.L-1, 26.10 mg.L-1 and 22.93 mg.L-1 respectively. High turbidity was recorded in a mining area in the rainy season (35.76 NTU). The DOE-WQI value categorized the lake under class II and class III. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the major sources of contamination were due to anthropogenic activities, especially settlement, mining, agriculture, and illegal activities. Overall, Tasik Chini’s water quality status was classified as slightly polluted to highly polluted based on hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) results. The survey showed that 55% of the local community reported that the water quality was poor. The knowledge and attitude level of the local people was medium category, while community practice was low. The Pearson correlation coefficient test showed a strong significant relationship at 0.01 level between knowledge and attitude and knowledge and practices. The scientific findings with public perceptions might be useful for policymakers and the general public to improve the management system for a desirable future.

Proanthocyanidin-Imbued Cellulosic 3-Dimentional Intrinsic Aligned Nanostructures: A Novel Approach for Dental and Bone Regeneration using Dental Pulp Derived Stem Cells

Developing effective scaffolds to address significant bone and dental defects is crucial in regenerative osteal and dental medicine. Traditional methods utilizing synthetic micropatterned scaffolds have effectively stimulated osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of stem cells through parallel, 3D topographic, hexagonal, and elongated architectural features. However, these approaches face significant cost, scalability, and biocompatibility challenges. Recent advancements have highlighted the potential of decellularized plant scaffolds, such as those derived from Beaucarnea recurvata leaves (BLDS), which offer intrinsic microstructural advantages with solving reproducibility, scalability, incurred cost, and biocompatibility challenges. This study explores the enhancement of BLDS using grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), a natural polyphenol known for its beneficial effects on bone and dental stem cell differentiation. By functionalizing BLDS with GSPE, we investigated its impact on osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (DPDMSCs). The modified scaffolds exhibited improved physicochemical properties, including enhanced cell proliferation, protein absorption, scaffold interactions, and upregulated osteogenic and dental marker gene expression. SEM imaging revealed significant cellular growth and morphological changes indicative of successful differentiation. Furthermore, BLDS-GSPE demonstrated increased ALP activity and mineral deposition, suggesting its potential as a cost-effective, reproducible and biocompatible alternative for bone and dental repair compared to conventional synthetic biomaterials.

Therapeutic effects of bee drone milk-fortified soymilk on cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity: Mechanisms and potential benefits

Soybean and bee drone milk are promising functional food candidates due to their bioactive compounds and health benefits. This study evaluated fortified soymilk with drone milk (BSDM) in mitigating cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity and explored the mechanisms involved. Different BSDM concentrations were analyzed for physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and sensory attributes. Male Wistar rats were divided into control, BSDM, cisplatin, and cisplatin + BSDM groups. Sperm motility, hormone levels, oxidative stress markers, apoptosis, and inflammation were assessed. BSDM supplementation enhanced phenolic levels, antioxidant potential, nutritional characteristics, and consumer acceptance of soymilk. Rats treated with cisplatin showed reduced testes weight, sperm parameters, hormone levels, and testicular glutathione, along with increased malondialdehyde, total nitrite, NF-κB, caspase-3,and TNF-α expression. BSDM administration mitigated testicular toxicity, restored function, and repaired histological abnormalities by regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. These findings suggest BSDM as a functional food for alleviating cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity.

Mechanical strength, hydration products, and microstructure of waste-derived composite-activated cementitious materials by varying titanium gypsum phase composition

The high carbon footprint of commercial chemical activators has hindered the industrial application of alkali-activated cementitious materials as a substitute for Portland cement, leading to substantial pollution and carbon emissions. This study aims to investigate the effect of the Titanium Gypsum (TiG) phase composition on the mechanical strength, hydration products, and microstructure of Red Mud (RM)-Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS)-based waste-derived composite-activated cementitious Materials (GRGM). The properties were characterized through flexural and compressive strength measurements, XRD, FTIR, TG-DTG, MIP, and SEM-EDS. The results revealed that GRGM mortars, prepared by combining dihydrate gypsum and hemihydrate gypsum in specific proportions as a waste-derived sulphate activator, exhibited flexural and compressive strengths of 8.9 MPa and 56.5 MPa at 28 d, respectively. It was observed that the presence of hemihydrate gypsum played a crucial role in promoting the transformation of C(N)-A-S-H gel to C-S-H gel, enhancing the growth of ettringite and influencing its degree of polymerization. A hemihydrate gypsum content of at least 15 % significantly accelerated this transformation process, resulting in a broader range of hydration products. This diversification ultimately led to the densification of the pore structure in GRGM paste, thereby improving the mechanical strength of the specimens. Additionally, a hemihydrate gypsum content of less than 15 % resulted in a significant reduction in mechanical strength. Furthermore, the production energy consumption of GRGM was calculated to be 89.388 MJ/t, much lower than the energy consumption and carbon emissions typically associated with cement manufacturing. This paper elucidates the mechanisms by which various single-phase and double-phase waste-derived sulphate activators influence several critical physicochemical properties of waste-derived composite-activated cementitious materials. The study further explores the potential of TiG as a waste-derived activator for the design of waste-derived composite-activated cementitious materials, thereby strengthening the theoretical framework supporting their applications.

Electrospinning drug-loaded polycaprolactone/polycaprolactone-gelatin multi-functional bilayer nanofibers composite scaffold for postoperative wound healing of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) tumor resection surgery poses challenges due to incomplete cancer cell removal, which increases the risk of local recurrence and micrometastasis, while large-scale surgical wounds are susceptible to severe infections. Therefore, a drug-loaded multi-functional bilayer nanofibers skin scaffold was fabricated for postoperative wound care of cSCC. Briefly, the antibacterial drug enrofloxacin (ENR) was loaded into polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers using electrospinning to form an antibacterial nanofiber membrane (PCL-ENR) as the outer layer of scaffold. The anticancer drug bleomycin (BLM) was loaded into PCL/Gelatin (Gel) nanofibers via electrospinning to form an anticancer nanofiber membrane (PG-BLM) as the inner layer of scaffold. ENR and BLM were successfully loaded into the scaffold. The scaffold had excellent physicochemical properties, with the outer layer exhibiting hydrophobicity and excellent antibacterial activity, and the inner layer showing hydrophilicity and outstanding anticancer activity. The elongation at break and tensile modulus of the scaffold were 26.35 ​± ​1.61 ​% and 15.25 ​± ​1.56 ​MPa, respectively. In vitro and in vivo experiments suggested that the scaffold not only has good biocompatibility to promote wound healing but also could inhibit the proliferation of A431 ​cells, which has great potential clinical application in postoperative wound care of cSCC.