Controllable preparation of honeycomb supermacroporous core-shell SiO2 coated with cellulose-derivate and investigation of confinement effect on chiral separation performance.

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) like triclosan (TCS) and bisphenol A (BPA) are persistent micropollutants in aquatic environments that threaten human health and ecosystems through bioaccumulation and disruption of hormonal pathways. Conventional water treatment processes often fail to achieve sufficient removal of these compounds, necessitating the development of efficient adsorptive methods. Rather than introducing new materials , this study compares the adsorption capabilities of four types of commercially relevant natural adsorbents—granular activated carbon (GAC), granular ferric hydroxide (GFH), natural clinoptilolite zeolite, and surfactant-modified bentonite organoclay—chosen for their structural diversity and environmental relevance. All experiments were conducted under identical batch conditions using single-solute systems to enable direct comparison of adsorption behaviour. Batch experiments and characterisation analysis assessed physical properties, sorption efficiency, kinetics, and equilibrium behaviour for TCS and BPA removal. Results revealed that GAC exhibited the most consistent and broad-spectrum removal (>95% for both TCS and BPA), suggesting that adsorption is governed by chemisorption, π–π interactions, and hydrogen bonding, best described by pseudo-second-order kinetics and suitable equilibrium models. Organoclays achieved near-complete TCS removal (up to 99.6%) via surfactant-mediated hydrophobic partitioning but were less effective for BPA (48–67%). GFH displayed remarkable selectivity, removing TCS with >90% efficiency but showing negligible affinity for BPA, reflecting compound-specific surface interactions such as surface complexation rather than non-specific adsorption . Zeolites demonstrated limited capacity, achieving ≤25% TCS removal and no detectable BPA adsorption, constrained by pore size and surface charge. These findings establish compound-specific adsorption mechanisms and selectivity patterns and highlight GAC as the most effective broad-spectrum option, while GFH and organoclays offer selective and potentially cost-effective alternatives. By decoupling surface area, pore structure, surface chemistry, and surface charge under controlled conditions, this study provides a mechanism-oriented comparative framework for adsorbent selection and optimisation in water treatment applications targeting EDCs. • GAC achieved the highest removal efficiency for both TCA and BPA (>95%). • Organoclays and iron-based materials showed selectivity toward TCA. • Adsorption predominantly followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich model. • Surface chemistry and porosity governed adsorbent performance and EDC selectivity. • Findings demonstrate cost-effective removal of TCS and BPA in water treatment.

• Determination of radiative properties of ceramic open-cell foams. • Parametric study on material and geometric properties. • Experimental validation of parameter identification. Since ceramic open-cell foams are mostly utilized in high-temperature applications, investigation of their thermophysical properties, regarding radiative heat transfer, is crucial. This study comprises a comprehensive characterization of the radiative properties of various ceramic foams, considering their specific scattering behavior. Spectroscopic measurements performed with a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer are combined with a numerical parameter identification procedure to establish extinction coefficients and scattering albedos using appropriate scattering phase functions. Fundamental differences in the radiation behavior of the foams are demonstrated, depending on whether the struts behave as semi-transparent or opaque. A parametric study revealed the influence of several material and structural parameters on the spectral or temperature-dependent extinction coefficients. At room temperature, when all ceramics behave opaquely, extinction coefficients are affected by the surface reflectivity, but mainly by the geometric properties of the foams (porosity, pore size). In contrast to carbon-containing foams with nearly constant radiative properties, extinction coefficients of foams made of oxidic ceramics show a nearly linear increase with increasing temperature. Validation is achieved by comparing model predictions, using Rosseland diffusion approximation and identified radiative properties, with measurement results at up to 700 °C of the effective thermal conductivity obtained from the transient plane source method (Hot Disk). Deviations largely amount to ±10 % for a pure alumina, as well as differently coated foams, when considering appropriate sample thickness and anisotropic scattering. Besides confirming the reasonability of the identified radiative properties, the suitability of both measurement devices and the simplified modelling procedure for ceramic open-cell foams is thus demonstrated.

Dipolar-Filtered Magic Sandwich Echo as an alternative method for NMR cryoporometry.

Designing tailored stationary phase materials is essential for extending chromatographic techniques from conventional molecular systems to the separation of (nano)particles. In this work, we investigate key aspects of the design of stationary phase materials using silica supraparticles. Supraparticles are defined spherical aggregates of sub-micron sized primary particles, which provide tunable pore sizes and thus form a variable model system to elucidate structure-property relations for the size-exclusion chromatography of colloidal nanoparticles. We fabricate supraparticles with tunable pore sizes (70-200nm) and particle sizes (13-25μm) and systematically enhance their mechanical stability through high-temperature sintering and binder reinforcement to ensure stability upon packing. Using gold nanoparticles (5-100nm) as model analytes, we demonstrate pore size-dependent elution behavior, quantify accessible pore volume via the dimensionless distribution coefficient, and investigate the role of pore size and supraparticle size on column efficiency. We further demonstrate effective separation of nanoparticles from molecular impurities and agglomerates, as well as partial to near-complete separation of binary nanoparticle mixtures depending on their size differences. Moreover, we analyze the packing structure inside columns using X-ray micro-computed tomography, revealing packing defects as a key cause of moderate performance, underscoring the importance of optimized packing protocols. Using supraparticles as a versatile model system, our work offers practical insights into the design of tunable stationary phase materials for efficient nanoparticle separation via chromatography.

Packing media regulate nitric oxide removal performance by driving community assembly and biofilm evolution in biotrickling filters.

Enhancing the oral disintegration of milk protein puffs for dysphagia via calcium chelators.

By precisely controlling the mechanical and physicochemical properties of hydrogels, it is possible to directionally remodel the immune microenvironment, providing a key strategy for the treatment of chronic inflammation. Macrophages, as central regulators in the immune microenvironment, have attracted attention for their important roles in regulating cytokines. Their functional state is largely dependent on the phenotypic polarization between classically activated pro-inflammatory (M1) type and alternatively activated anti-inflammatory/pro-repair (M2) type. This review focuses on how the key physicochemical properties of hydrogels (stiffness, pore size, viscoelasticity, degradation rate, surface charge, hydrophilicity, and hydrophobicity) can systematically regulate the M1/M2 phenotype polarization behavior of macrophages. A deep understanding of the physicochemical properties of hydrogels and their interactions with macrophages provides an important foundation for the design of immunomodulatory biomaterials. Furthermore, based on the aforementioned physicochemical properties, this paper explores the specific applications of immunomodulatory hydrogels in anti-inflammatory therapy, particularly their latest research progress and application prospects in the treatment of diabetic ulcers, atopic dermatitis, and hypertrophic scars, aiming to provide new insights and methods for future tissue engineering and clinical translation.

Linking pore flow propagation to pore size: correlations and underlying mechanisms

Metal-exchanged zeolites have emerged as versatile platforms for antimicrobial and antiviral applications due to their tunable pore architecture, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and ability to provide controlled metal ion release. This review critically evaluates the antibacterial and antiviral performance of silver-, copper-, and zinc-loaded natural and synthetic zeolites, with emphasis on structure-activity relationships and translational applicability. Across reported studies, metal-exchanged zeolites frequently achieve > 99% bacterial reduction or > 3-5 log₁₀ viral inactivation, depending on framework type, metal species, loading level, and contact time. Antibacterial activity is primarily associated with membrane disruption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and intracellular interference, whereas antiviral performance depends on surface adsorption, envelope destabilization, and controlled ion diffusion into virions. Compared with unmodified carriers and polymer-only matrices, metal-loaded inorganic carriers reported in the literature achieve > 99% microbial inhibition, depending on metal type, loading level, and exposure time. Natural zeolites such as clinoptilolite provide cost advantages and inherent adsorption properties but exhibit variability in composition and ion-exchange behavior. Synthetic zeolites (e.g., FAU, LTA, X, Y) offer tunable pore size, improved metal retention, and optimized release kinetics, enabling application-specific design. However, performance is strongly influenced by ion leaching behavior, cytotoxicity thresholds, environmental accumulation, and regulatory constraints in biomedical, food, textile, and water-treatment applications. Antimicrobial efficacy is governed not solely by metal identity but by the interplay between zeolite framework composition, Si/Al ratio, particle size, and ion-release dynamics. Future development requires standardized leaching assessment, long-term toxicological evaluation, and techno-economic analysis to support safe and scalable implementation.

Skin-mimetic bilayer hydrogel normalizes diabetic wound healing by orchestrating inflammatory cell dynamics: An early intervention strategy.

Ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction of polyphenols from Cornus officinalis: Optimization, mechanisms, and bioactivity.

Mesoporous carbon pore size regulation enhances Si/C anode performance in lithium-ion batteries

Silicon dioxide in nano-luminescent materials: Enhancing stability, structural regulation, and functional expansion.

Sustainable stabilization of marine soft clay using low-carbon binder with high-volume industrial waste: Performance, microstructure, and explainable ML prediction

Diabetic wounds are a severe complication of diabetes, imposing a significant economic burden on patients and their families. Egg white (EW) is a natural, cost-effective, and easily accessible nutrient that contains various bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic properties. Carbon dots (CDs) exhibit excellent biocompatibility and low toxicity. This study introduces a CDs-crosslinked EW hydrogel (CEWH), prepared using CDs as crosslinkers for EW. Our previous study has established CEWH as a multifunctional biomaterial for tissue engineering. In this study, we further demonstrate that CEWH acts as a scaffold for diabetic wound healing in a mouse model by recruiting macrophages and promoting their polarization toward the M2 phenotype, thereby improving the local wound microenvironment. Its large pore size and extended degradation profile facilitate vascular infiltration into the wound site. Moreover, CEWH not only enhances the proliferation of skin tissue cells but also promotes the regeneration of hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and nerves while facilitating collagen deposition, ultimately restoring normal skin architecture and accelerating wound closure in diabetic mice. Overall, our findings underscore CEWH's potential as an effective and affordable wound dressing, providing a safe and economically viable solution for diabetic wound treatment.

Magnetic MOF derivatives from Tunable MIL-88A for enhanced lipase immobilization and phosphatidyl EPA/DHA synthesis.

The development of advanced electrode materials is critical for improving the efficiency and durability of capacitive deionization (CDI) technologies for water desalination and separation processes. In this work, a novel conductive hydrogel based on agarose (Aga), tannic acid (TA), and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was designed, optimized, and evaluated as a functional coating for CDI electrodes. The hydrogel formulation was systematically optimized by varying the TA and PEDOT:PSS contents, identifying an optimal composition containing 10 wt% TA and 20 wt% PEDOT:PSS. This formulation exhibited a favorable combination of mechanical robustness, high porosity (~93%), well-distributed pore size, preserved swelling capacity, and enhanced electrochemical properties. Electrochemical characterization revealed improved cathodic stability and capacitive behavior, supporting enhanced ion storage and transport. When implemented in CDI cells, the hydrogel-coated electrodes demonstrated significantly enhanced salt adsorption capacity and higher charge efficiency compared to conventional activated carbon (AC) electrodes. Although the initial salt adsorption capacity was slightly lower than that of other soft-coated electrodes, the gel-based system showed progressive performance improvement and superior long-term cycling stability during aging tests. The enhanced hydration, facilitated ion transport, and sustained structural integrity contributed to improved operational efficiency and durability. Overall, the proposed Aga-TA-PEDOT:PSS hydrogel represents a promising electrode material for energy-efficient, stable, and scalable CDI systems, with potential applications in low-salinity and brackish water treatment. • Conductive Aga-TA-PEDOT:PSS hydrogels developed as CDI electrode coatings. • Optimized hydrogel shows high porosity and mechanical stability. • Gel-coated electrodes enhance ion transport and adsorption efficiency. • Superior cycling stability achieved compared to bare carbon electrodes. • Hydrogel electrodes improve CDI efficiency with potential energy savings.

The repair of critical-sized bone defects remains challenging due to insufficient blood vessel formation and nutrient delivery. To overcome this limitation, we developed a porous organic/inorganic composite scaffold, named Micro-MP, through a combined strategy of H2O2 gas foaming and freeze-drying. The scaffold incorporates an oxidized dextran/gelatin (OD/Gel) hydrogel with magnesium calcium phosphate cement (MCPC), forming a double network stabilized by multiple weak interactions. H2O2 plays a dual role by serving as both an oxidizing agent that strengthens the crosslinked network and a foaming agent that creates interconnected macropores. Subsequent freeze-drying introduces micropores within the macropore walls, resulting in a hierarchical pore architecture. Remarkably, the scaffold maintains comparable mechanical strength before and after foaming, as the oxidative function of H2O2 enhances network density. Furthermore, H2O2 treatment promotes apatite deposition on scaffold surfaces and improves protein adsorption capacity, thereby enhancing the attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSCs). This strategy effectively resolves the problem of maintaining mechanical strength during the foaming process while increasing pore size, offering a promising approach for bone regeneration.

Effects of freeze-thaw conditions and salt content on porosity and pore size distribution of chloride silty clay