Physicochemical Research Articles

The combined effect of ultrasound treatment and papain on the quality properties of beef

Individual ultrasound treatment or adding exogenous enzyme treatment such as papain has been successfully proven to not only marinate but tenderise the meat. Incorporating both treatments at the same time could further tenderise the meat but the quality of the meat might be compromised. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound treatment coupled with papain solution on the quality properties of meat. Four different treatments were carried out on the meat samples; control (C), papain treated (P), ultrasound treated (US), and a combination of papain and ultrasound treated (USP). Meat treated with USP did not affect the physicochemical properties of the meat as no significant difference was found in water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss and pH. Moreover, USP treatment was found to have effects on textural properties of the meat samples as positive linear relationships between the hardness of the treated meat with work of shear were found via Pearson correlation analysis. This is in line with the findings on the microstructure of the treated meat samples where tenderised meat samples exhibited disrupted muscle fibre. Thus, incorporating papain and ultrasound together improved the quality texture of the meat.

A hierarchically porous and SLIT3-releasing scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications

AbstractOne of the most fundamental characteristics of a biomaterial tailored for bone repair and regeneration is its ability to promote bone regeneration and healing of large defects. This work reports producing a functionalized and hieratically porous bone scaffold that significantly supports cell adhesion and proliferation by providing bone mimicry structure and controlled release of protein. The Slit Guidance Ligand 3 (SLIT3) protein was previously tested to promote bone formation and control the resorption process in natural bone healing. In this study, our goal was to design a nanocomposite bone scaffold to be functionalized with SLIT3 protein and then evaluate the uptake and release profile from surface into culture media to support bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) 3D culture. Indirect 3D printing of a polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, and polydopamine coated (PLGA-HANPs-PDA) was utilized to obtain a hierarchically porous and SLIT3 protein-releasing scaffold. The produced scaffold was evaluated and optimized using chemical, architectural, mechanical, and biological characterization techniques. Optimal physicochemical properties resulted in a unique microstructure with an average pore size of 178.06 ± 45 µm, 63% porosity, and stable and homogenous chemical composition. Mechanical testing demonstrated a compression strength up to 1.5 MPa at 75% strain, with a compression modulus of 0.58 ± 0.05 MPa. Preliminary biological experiments showed that the scaffold exhibited gradual SLIT3 protein release, biodegradability, and reliable biocompatibility for MSC cell culture. Finally, we showed for first time the bioactivity of SLIT3 protein within PLGA-HANPs-PDA scaffold to promote attachment and growth of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) seeded in bone mimicry scaffold matrix. The collected findings will serve as a bedrock for thorough and targeted in vitro studies to evaluate anticipated osteogenesis the MSCs.

Characterization of rice noodles fortified with different levels of stabilized rice bran

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of stabilized rice bran (SRB) on the functional, physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of rice noodles. This study assessed the influence of SRB on the cooking quality and functional and nutritional properties of rice noodles. A total of five different levels of SRB (0, 2, 5, 10, and 15% w/ w) were incorporated into the rice noodles. Compared to control rice noodles (0% SRB), those incorporating 10 and 15% SRB demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05) in cooking time (CT) and cooking loss (CL). As the level of SRB increased, the water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, and chewiness values of rice noodles decreased, respectively. The incorporation of SRB influenced (p < 0.05) the colour, proximate constituents (moisture, ash, carbohydrate, protein, fat, and crude fibre), antioxidant activity, and total phenolic contents of rice noodles. Noodles with 10% SRB showed the highest score for overall acceptability (7.86±1.14), while noodles with 15% SRB received the lowest score (6.31±0.81) in all sensory elements tested. Therefore, SRB can be used as a functional ingredient to enhance the nutritional and physicochemical properties of rice noodles with improved acceptability.

Fabrication and Encapsulation of Soy Peptide Nanoparticles Using Ultrasound Followed by Spray Drying

Peptide aggregation inevitably occurs during hydrolysis, and insoluble peptide aggregates (ISPA) are used as feed for animals due to their poor water solubility and unpleasant bitter flavor. Ultrasound was used to fabricate soy peptide nanoparticles by reassembling ISPA, followed by spray-drying encapsulation to develop low-bitterness peptide microcapsules with soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) and stevioside (STE) as wall materials. Powder properties, bitter taste, and the morphology of the microcapsules were evaluated. The formation of soluble peptide nanoparticles (<200 nm) was observed after ultrasound due to the reassembly of ISPA through the disruption of non-covalent intermolecular interactions. A gradual reduction in bitter taste was observed with increasing ultrasonic time. Moreover, spray-drying encapsulation with STE could effectively improve the flowability and wettability of the microcapsule powder owing to the rapid migration of surface-active STE to the atomized droplet surface, as evidenced by the lower angle of repose and wettability time. Peptide microcapsules with STE (spherical particles with smooth surfaces) exhibited lower density and reduced bitterness because STE (0–0.1%, w/w) exhibited an excellent bitter-masking effect. With high STE concentrations (>0.5%, w/w), microcapsules exhibited a higher bitter taste than unencapsulated peptides due to the increased surface distribution of STE on the microcapsules. These results provide an effective technique to improve the physicochemical properties of ISPA.

Synthesis of Trifluoromethylthio Compounds from Sulfur Containing Precursors

The trifluoromethylthio group (–SCF3) exhibits several distinctive physicochemical properties and can alter the molecular lipophilicity and other pharmacokinetic properties of functional molecules. Moreover, its potent electron‐withdrawing capability confers enhanced metabolic stability to functional molecules. Molecules containing trifluoromethylthio groups are extensively applied in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals and have garnered significant attention in recent years. The synthetic routes to trifluoromethylthio groups primarily fall into two categories: direct introduction of –SCF3 into target molecules, and indirect construction of –SCF3 through the introduction of –CF3 into sulfur containing precursors. In this review, we delineate approaches developed over the past seven years for the indirect construction of SCF3 groups via electrophilic, nucleophilic, radical, or other types of reactions involving –CF3 groups and sulfur‐containing precursors. These reactions are classified into seven categories depending on the employed: thiols, disulfides, thiosulfates, sodium sulfinates, sulfonyl chlorides, sulfoxides, and other sulfur‐containing precursors.

Schistosomiasis transmission: A machine learning analysis reveals the importance of agrochemicals on snail abundance in Rwanda.

Schistosomiasis is an important snail-borne parasitic disease whose transmission is exacerbated by water resource management activities. In Rwanda, meeting the growing population's demand for food has led to wetlands reclamation for cultivation and increased agrochemical enrichment for crop production. However, the ecological consequences of agrochemical enrichment on schistosomiasis transmission remain unexplored. A malacological survey was conducted in 71 villages selected from 15 schistosomiasis endemic districts. Snail sampling was done in wetlands used for agriculture, along lake Kivu and at constructed multipurpose water dams. Water physico-chemical parameters were collected at all snail sampling sites. Analysis of collected data was performed using Xgboost (gain) and Random Forest (mean decrease in accuracy), machine learning techniques, to construct models that evaluate and categorize the importance of all physico-chemical properties on the presence and abundance of intermediate host snails (IHS). Different sets of parameters were relevant for the presence and abundance of Biomphalaria spp. and/or Bulinus spp. snails. Electrical conductivity, elevation, magnesium and lead content were deemed to shape the presence and abundance of Bulinus spp. snails. The impact of phosphate ion concentration, ammonia ions, total nitrogen and total organic carbon levels mirrored their importance towards the presence and abundance of Biomphalaria spp. Factors such as pH, electric conductivity, total nitrogen content and total organic carbon influenced the coexistence of both species. Our study highlights the value of integrating a wide range of predictor variables, enabling effective variable selection to uncover important predictors of snail distribution. The results suggest that agrochemical compounds can enhance the abundance of IHS leading to an increased risk of Schistosoma transmission. Snail surveillance could therefore be integrated into agricultural expansion projects in our match towards schistosomiasis elimination. Recognizing the impact of agrochemicals on IHS is crucial for minimizing schistosomiasis transmission among those working in wetlands while meeting the growing need for food.

Effects of agroforestry land use on soil physicochemical properties and soil quality in Gilgel Gibe I catchment, Southwestern Ethiopia

Effects of agroforestry land use on soil physicochemical properties and soil quality in Gilgel Gibe I catchment, Southwestern Ethiopia

Enhancing Soil Health and Tea Plant Quality Through Integrated Organic and Chemical Fertilization Strategies

As the global demand for high-quality tea increases, adopting sustainable agricultural practices is crucial to maintaining environmental health and improving crop productivity. Employing organic fertilizers has the potential to boost agricultural output and improve soil health, as well as curb the spread of pests and diseases. The purpose of this survey was to determine the impact of a range of organic fertilizer mixtures on both tea plants and rhizosphere soil characteristics in tea plantations. This study investigated the response of Jin Guanyin tea (Camellia sinensis L.) plants to various organic fertilizer ratios: 2/3 chemical fertilizer + 1/3 organic fertilizer (JTC), 1/2 chemical fertilizer + 1/2 organic fertilizer (JHOC), 1/3 chemical fertilizer + 2/3 organic fertilizer (JTO), and organic fertilizer only (JOF), with chemical fertilizer alone (JCF) as the control. The experiment was conducted in Xingcun Town, Wuyishan, Fujian Province, China, on 13 October 2021. Key metrics measured included tea plant growth indicators, soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial functional diversity. Results show that JTC and JTO produce the largest leaf area and bud weight, significantly surpassing those in JCF. JCF demonstrated the longest new tip length and highest bud density, while JHOC achieved the highest chlorophyll content, significantly exceeding JCF. Soil analysis revealed that total nitrogen, available nitrogen, organic matter, and pH were highest in JOF, significantly overtaking JCF. Conversely, total phosphorus, available potassium, and available phosphorus levels were highest in JCF. JHOC also had the highest total potassium content compared to JCF. Soil enzyme activity assessments showed that polyphenol oxidase and urease activities peaked in JTC, significantly exceeding those in JCF. JHOC exhibited the highest acid phosphatase activity, while JTO exhibited the highest protease activity. Catalase activity was highest in JOF, both significantly surpassing JCF. Microbial functional diversity analysis indicated that combined organic fertilization improved soil microorganisms’ utilization of carbon sources, significantly enhancing the Shannon diversity index and evenness. Key carbon sources identified included α-cyclodextrin, D-galacturonic acid, and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid. Overall, JHOC emerged as the optimal fertilization strategy, yielding superior growth indicators, enhanced soil physicochemical properties, increased enzyme activity, and improved microbial functional diversity compared to JCF. This study has important value for guiding the rational application of fertilizers in tea gardens, improving the soil environment of tea gardens, enhancing the quality of tea leaves, and achieving sustainable tea production.

Multiscale structural characterization, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of pea starch produced by two different processes

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDry grinding pea starch (DG) and wet grinding pea starch (WG) are two primary industrial starches with significantly different structures, physicochemical properties, and application potentials. To date, there have been no detailed studies examining these differences. Therefore, the aim of this study was to (i) investigate the effects of dry grinding and wet grinding on the structure of pea starch, and (ii) examine how the structure of pea starch influences its physicochemical properties and digestibility.FindingsThe crystallinity (35.75%), medium and long amylopectin (AP) chains (22.00%), swelling power (17.23 g/g), gelatinization temperature (76.4°C), and gelatinization viscosity (5585.0 cP) of WG were higher than those of DG (24.29%, 20.36%, 16.90 g/g, 75.9°C, and 5196.3 cP). In contrast, the average particle size (APS) (24.31 μm), resistant starch content (45.80%), and gel hardness (509.70 g) were lower than those of DG (25.68 μm, 52.13%, and 617.53 g).ConclusionsSignificant structural differences exist between WG and DG, with APS and AP chain length distribution being the primary factors contributing to the distinct physicochemical characteristics of the two pea starches.Significance and NoveltyThis is the first detailed comparison of the properties of commercial pea starch produced by two different processes. The results provide theoretical insights that underpin the use of pea starch in functional foods and promote the development of new starch‐based products.

Response and Assembly Process of Soil Microbial Communities Under Different Reclamation Measures

Reclamation is essential for restoring the ecological function of soil in mining areas. However, the microbiological mechanism of soil ecological function reconstruction under different reclamation measures still needs to be clarified. Clarifying the characteristics of soil bacterial and fungal communities, assembly mechanisms, and their relationship with physicochemical properties under different reclamation measures is crucial for reshaping the ecological stability of soil in mining areas. Metagenomic sequencing technology was combined with the null model and neutral model to analyze the differences in soil microbial diversity, community composition, network structure, and community assembly process between the reclaimed natural recovery area （LH） and the reclamation fertilization area （MM）. The results suggested that： ① Compared with that in the LH treatment, the MM treatment significantly increased the soil nutrient content, and the total nitrogen （TN）, total phosphorus （TP）, available phosphorus （AP）, and available potassium （AK） contents increased by 34.70%, 72.72%, 468.98%, and 45.74%, respectively （P<0.05）. ② The dominant bacterial and fungal communities did not change under the LH and MM treatments； however, the abundance of bacterial communities changed significantly. Compared with that in the LH treatment, the relative abundance of Acidobacteria increased significantly by 5.4% in the MM treatment, while the relative abundance of Candidatus Rokubacteria decreased significantly by 235.72% （P<0.05）. Under different reclamation measures, the indicator microorganisms of bacterial and fungal communities changed. ③ Compared with that in the LH treatment, the MM treatment increased the complexity of bacterial networks, decreased the complexity of fungal networks, and increased the number of soil bacterial nodes and links. The reclamation measures transformed the key bacterial groups from Proteobacteria to Candidatus Rokubacteria and Planctomycetes. The key group of fungi was Ascomycota. 4.） The deterministic process dominated the assembly of bacterial and fungal communities. Homogeneous selection contributed the most to the bacterial community assembly in the LH treatment, and heterogeneous selection contributed the most to the MM treatment. The fungal communities were all dominated by heterogeneous selection. These results provide new insights into the soil microbial community structure and ecological function restoration in coal mining subsidence reclamation areas.

Improvement of Growth Media Quality Using Coconut Coir Dust, Coconut Ash, and Palm Kernel Shell Biochar

<p>The sustainable management of agricultural waste is vital for addressing environmental challenges while enhancing resource efficiency in agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of agricultural residues, specifically coconut and oil palm by-products, as growth media components. Growth media mixtures were formulated using coconut coir dust (CCD), coconut shell ash (CSA), and palm kernel shell biochar (PKSB), and their physicochemical properties were analyzed. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results indicated that a growth media mixture consisting of 100% CSA demonstrated high pH (7.89), electrical conductivity (2.70 dS m<sup>-1</sup>), cation exchange capacity (12.57 cmolc kg<sup>-1</sup>), and significant concentrations of P (13.90 mg l<sup>-1</sup>) and K (191.70 mg l<sup>-1</sup>), which suggests its suitability as a liming agent. However, this mixture exhibited limitations in aeration and water retention due to low porosity (24.3%). Furthermore, increasing the proportions of CSA and PKSB significantly enhanced the growth media’s bulk density and particle density. These findings provide valuable insights into developing efficient growth media from agricultural by-products, thereby contributing to sustainable waste management and innovative farming practices.</p>

Polysiloxane-Based Composite Coatings with Bactericidal Additives

This paper examines the effect of both natural and synthetic additives of different concentrations to a polysiloxane matrix in order to obtain bactericidal composites. Natural additives such as black cumin, cloves, and turmeric were compared with silver, a well-known antiseptic, and with graphene, which has potential bactericidal properties. The first stage of the research included the production of polysiloxane composites with the above-mentioned powders in the form of bulk solid samples, and then a series of tests were carried out on them to not only assess their bactericidal properties but also determine their effect on physicochemical properties such as chemical structure, surface wettability, roughness, hardness, and surface morphology. Based on the obtained results, the most promising composite recipes were selected, and coatings were produced from them on a super-smooth substrate, which had been previously cleaned using a plasma chemical method. The obtained results indicated that all obtained materials were characterized by high bactericidal activity. The conducted studies also showed a significant effect of the introduced additives on the mechanical properties of the polysiloxane matrix, including graphene, which improved the hardness of the composites. Plasma chemical modification of the substrates increased the adhesion of the tested coatings to them. In addition, the effect of the used additive was also visible in this area.

Enhancing the Efficiency and Sustainability of Producing Curcumin‐Infused Plant‐Based Milk Alternatives With a Two‐in‐One Post pH‐Driven Processing Strategy

ABSTRACTIncreasing food sustainability and health benefits is essential to meet the demands of a growing global population while minimizing environmental impact. This study used a green two‐in‐one post pH‐driven processing strategy to develop a sustainable and healthy plant‐based milk alternative. It achieved both extraction and encapsulation in one step by directly incorporating the health‐promoting curcumin from turmeric into soymilk. A high processing efficiency was observed, 94.2% ± 1.6%, with a high extraction efficiency of 96.4% ± 0.5%. Using raw turmeric instead of a purified curcumin significantly enhanced the sustainability in the use of raw materials, for example, reducing the CO2‐eq emissions by 22 times and energy use by 10 times, even with a very small percentage of curcumin (∼0.03 wt%) in the formulation. This strategy underscores the importance of using raw materials and minimizing processing steps to develop more sustainable foods. Additionally, the incorporation of curcumin was found to impart a yellow color to soymilk. No significant changes were observed in other physicochemical properties like particle size, zeta potential, and melting behavior, as most curcumin molecules were encapsulated within the lipid phase of soymilk. The curcumin‐infused soymilk powders also maintained excellent storage stability for 1 month under freezing temperature.

In Vitro-to-In Vivo Extrapolation on Lung Toxicity Induced by Metal Oxide Nanoparticles via Data-Mining.

While in silico analyses are commonly employed for chemical risk assessments, predicting chronic lung toxicity induced by engineered nanoparticles (ENMs) in vivo still faces many challenges due to complex interactions at multiple nanobio interfaces. In this study, we developed a rigorous method to compile published evidence on the in vivo lung toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles (MeONPs) and revealed previously overlooked in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) relationships. A comprehensive multidimensional data set containing 1102 in vivo data points, 75 pulmonary toxicological biomarkers, and 20 features (covering in vitro effects, physicochemical properties, and exposure conditions) was constructed. An IVIVE approach that related effects at the cellular level to in vivo lung toxicity in rodent model was established with prediction accuracy reaching 89 and 80% in training and test sets. Experimental validation was conducted by testing chronic lung fibrosis of 8 new MeONPs in 32 independent mice, with prediction accuracy reaching 88%. The IVIVE model indicated that the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in THP-1 cells could serve as an in vitro marker to predict lung toxicity. The IVIVE model showed great promise for minimizing unnecessary animal tests and understanding toxicological mechanisms.

Development of a New Vaccine Adjuvant System Based on the Combination of the Synthetic TLR4 Agonist FP20 and a Synthetic QS-21 Variant.

In this study, we formulated an alternative to AS01b by combining FP20, a synthetic TLR4 agonist, and QS21v, a minimal saponin adjuvant, aiming to improve the vaccine efficacy and stability. The phase transition temperature of FP20 was determined by using differential scanning calorimetry to be 43.9 °C, providing a foundation for the formulation process. The coformulation was prepared using a dry film method for even adjuvant distribution. Characterization by dynamic light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed a uniform particle size distribution of ∼120 nm. Cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM) revealed nanosized interactions between FP20 and QS21v, forming stable structures that likely enhanced the antigen presentation and immune activation. These physicochemical properties contributed to a robust in vivo synergy, where the coformulation elicited significantly higher antigen-specific antibody titers compared to individual adjuvants. These findings suggest that the FP20+QS21v coformulation provides a potent, stable, and safer alternative to traditional adjuvants, enhancing both vaccine efficacy and immunogenicity.

Response of Microbiological Properties to Short-term Nitrogen Addition in Perennial Alpine Cultivated Grassland

Removing nitrogen limitation is necessary to increase plant productivity in alpine grasslands. A short-term nitrogen addition experiment was conducted to understand the effects of nitrogen addition on the soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure of perennial alpine cultivated grassland in the region around Qinghai Lake. From June to August 2022, four N application gradients （T0： 0 kg·hm-2·a-1, T1： 22.5 kg·hm-2·a-1, T2： 45 kg·hm-2·a-1, T3： 67.5 kg·hm-2·a-1） were set up in a four-age perennial cultivated grassland, and soil samples were collected from the 0-20 cm soil layer. The soil physical and chemical properties and microbial community structure were determined under the different treatments. The results showed that soil water content （SWC）, soil organic carbon （SOC）, ammonium nitrogen （NH4+-N）, nitrate nitrogen （NO3--N）, available nitrogen （AN）, available phosphorus （AP）, total phosphorus （TP）, total nitrogen （TN）, and total carbon （TC） tended to increase with the increase in nitrogen application level and the T3 treatment significantly decreased the soil pH. Nitrogen addition did not significantly alter the Alpha diversity of soil microbial communities and different levels of nitrogen application affected the structure of soil microbial communities to different degrees. The T1 and T2 treatments increased the number of soil bacteria and fungi and T3 treatment decreased the number of soil bacteria and fungi. Nitrogen addition increased the relative abundance of the dominant flora of Actinobacteriota, Zygomycota, Blastococcus, and Gibberella and decreased the relative abundance of the dominant flora of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Sphingomonas, and Claroideoglomus. RDA analysis showed that SOC and soil electrical conductivity （EC） were the key soil physicochemical factors affecting changes in soil bacterial communities, and soil pH was the main factor affecting the distribution of soil fungal communities. Collectively, 67.5 kg·hm-2·a-1 may be the optimal level of N application to improve the soil environment of perennial alpine cultivated grasslands.

Protective Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum R2 and Lactobacillus sakei B2 on Low-Salt Sliced Sausages Stored at 5 °C

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of inoculating Lactobacillus plantarum R2 and Lactobacillus sakei B2 on low-salt sliced chicken sausages during storage at 5 °C. The results demonstrated that L. plantarum R2 inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens (p < 0.05). The results of the high-throughput sequencing indicated that the chicken sausage inoculated with L. plantarum R2 improved the microbiological quality of the sample. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and carbonyl content of the sausages treated with L. plantarum R2 and L. sakei B2 were lower than those of the control (p < 0.05). L. plantarum R2 exhibited a higher antioxidant activity compared to that of L. sakei B2. Therefore, L. plantarum R2 was found to have the potential to improve physicochemical properties, organoleptic characteristics, and food safety of low-salt sliced cooked chicken sausages.

Meta-analysis of Organic Carbon in Sandy Soil in Response to Amendment Application

Proper application of soil amendments can effectively increase the accumulation of soil organic carbon （SOC） in poor soils, thereby enhancing soil fertility level. The impacts of different types of amendments on the SOC content of sandy soils varies widely. Investigating the effects of various amendments on the SOC content of sandy soils and associated key controlling factors provides a scientific basis for formulating strategies to enhance the fertility of sandy soils. A data set was established with 617 pairs of data from 114 published studies that reported the effects of amendment application on SOC content of sandy soil during 1987 and 2023. Meta-analysis was used to quantitatively analyze the effects of amendment application on the SOC content of sandy soil globally under the conditions of various amendment types and application rates, climates, and soil properties. This study also investigated the major controlling factors for the changes in SOC in sandy soil after amendment application using regression analysis and random forest model. The research results showed that： ① Amendment application significantly increased SOC content by 61% on average in sandy soils and the application of inorganic amendment increased SOC in sandy soils （161%） to a significantly greater extent than that of organic amendment （37%） and compound amendment （54%）. ② The application amount and duration of inorganic amendments had no significant effect on the increase of SOC in sandy soil. Among the organic amendments, the increase of SOC in sandy soil was enhanced with the increase in the application amount of biomass carbon and organic fertilizer and decreased with the application duration of the amendment. ③ Climatic conditions, the amount and duration of amendments, and soil physicochemical properties combined explained 88% of the variability in SOC response in sandy soils. The magnitudes of SOC change due to amendment application significantly decreased with increased average annual temperature, initial SOC content, and soil pH, however, positively correlated with aridity, soil bulk density, and sand content. The application of amendments significantly increased SOC content in sandy soils. The type and application amounts of amendments, climatic conditions, and soil properties strongly regulated SOC in response to amendments. Therefore, the type and amounts of amendment, climate, and soil conditions should be comprehensively considered when applying amendments to effectively increase the organic carbon content and fertility level of sandy soils.

The Significance and Usage Strategies of Macromolecules in 3D Printed Ceramic Composites.

3D printing technology enables the creation of complex ceramic structures and enhances the efficiency of customized ceramic production. Polymers play a crucial role in 3D-printed ceramic composites due to their unique processability, yet their significance and application strategies remain underexplored. These polymers not only enable rapid and precise 3D shaping but also offer additional advantages due to their unique and adjustable physicochemical properties. Therefore, the appropriate selection and utilization of polymers are expected to drive new breakthroughs in the field of 3D-printed ceramic composites. This review provides an overview of relevant additive manufacturing technologies and processes, with a specific focus on the strategies for using polymers in 3D-printed ceramic composites, including their roles as binders, templates, preceramics, and matrices. Highlighting the critical functionalities and potential value of these ceramic composites from a practical application perspective.

Concomitant Inhibition and Collaring of Dual-Species Biofilms Formed by Candida auris and Staphylococcus aureus by Triazole Based Small Molecule Inhibitors

Background/Objectives: Biofilm-associated infections, particularly those involving Candida auris and Staphylococcus aureus, pose significant challenges in clinical settings due to their resilience and resistance to conventional treatments. This study aimed to synthesize novel triazole derivatives containing a piperazine ring via click chemistry and evaluate their efficacy in disrupting biofilms formed by these pathogens. Methods: Triazole derivatives were synthesized using click chemistry techniques. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds was tested against planktonic cells of C. auris and S. aureus in single and dual-species culture conditions. Biofilm disruption efficacy was assessed, alongside the evaluation of physicochemical properties, oral bioavailability potential, and toxicity profiles. Results: The compound T3 demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against planktonic cells of C. auris and S. aureus in both single and dual-species cultures. T3 exhibited significant efficacy in reducing microbial viability within biofilms formed by these pathogens. Physicochemical analyses revealed favorable solubility and permeability profiles, supporting its potential for oral bioavailability. Toxicity assessments showed a non-toxic profile, highlighting a promising safety margin for further development. Conclusions: This study underscores the anti-biofilm properties of novel triazole-piperazine derivatives, particularly T3, against single and dual-species biofilms of C. auris and S. aureus. These findings position T3 as a promising candidate for developing therapies targeting polymicrobial infections and provide a foundation for future research into alternative strategies for combating biofilm-associated infections.