Ultrafast peptide preparation brings shotgun proteomics into the minute era.

Thermochemical energy storage (TCES) based on salt hydrates offers high energy density and negligible standby thermal losses, but deployment is often constrained by a fundamental trade-off: increasing volumetric energy storage density can intensify vapour-transport limitations and slow hydration. This study establishes volumetric salt content as a unifying design parameter for CaCl 2 -vermiculite composites and quantifies its relationship with hydration kinetics. Atmospheric impregnation and vacuum-assisted impregnation are used deliberately to achieve volumetric salt contents of approximately 0.02 g cm −3 to 0.16 g cm −3 ; density measurements, SEM-EDX, and mercury intrusion porosimetry characterize how salt deposition and pore restructuring modify vapour transport pathways. Static sorption tests across two relative-humidity levels (33% and 53%) show that intrinsic hydration kinetics decrease systematically with increasing volumetric salt content and follow a humidity-corrected power-law relationship (coefficient of determination R 2 = 0 . 9319 ). Packed-bed experiments confirm that higher volumetric salt content yields higher and more sustained temperature rise under flowing-air conditions. In addition, at 40 wt% solution concentration, vacuum-assisted impregnation produces approximately 2.6 times higher volumetric salt content than atmospheric impregnation and delivers a larger sustained temperature rise. The proposed correlation provides a practical basis for selecting preparation conditions that balance volumetric capacity and power delivery in building applications. • Preparation route tunes pore structure and volumetric salt content. • Volumetric salt content correlates systematically with hydration kinetics. • Higher salt content yields higher and sustained temperature rise. • Preparation balances volumetric capacity and power delivery.

Recent advances in high-throughput automated sample preparation technologies in bioanalysis.

Antimony sulfide (Sb 2 S 3 ) has gathered great interest as a promising absorber material in new‐generation photovoltaic applications in recent years, due to its earth‐abundant composition and environmental compatibility. While the material has been extensively studied in detail in its bulk, crystalline form, obtaining Sb 2 S 3 in a colloidal form is challenging, although Sb 2 S 3 nanocrystals could enable low‐temperature processing from solution. Classical preparation methods routinely result in amorphous Sb 2 S 3 nanoparticles, which, due to their larger bandgap and poor crystalline ordering, are less interesting for optoelectronic applications. Modifying synthesis parameters to enhance crystallinity results in needle‐like crystallites >100 nm, unstable colloidal dispersions, and an incompatibility with solution‐processed optoelectronics. Here, we demonstrate a new, templated growth for Sb 2 S 3 nanocrystals leading to highly crystalline 1‐dimensional nanorods of exceptional quality and properties. We present the potential of such crystalline Sb 2 S 3 nanorods in solution‐processed planar nanocrystal solar cells. Such Sb 2 S 3 nanocrystal photovoltaic devices can be entirely processed at significantly lower deposition temperatures below 150°C and no longer rely on toxic cadmium sulfide interlayers as routinely used in bulk Sb 2 S 3 .

Noni fruit polysaccharide has inherent antioxidant activity but suffers from limitations such as insufficient activity and low bioavailability, making chemical modification a feasible strategy to enhance its functional properties. Compared with the existing research on modified polysaccharides, this study uniquely fills the relevant gap: Systematically clarifies the preparation method of chemically modified noni fruit polysaccharide, preliminarily clarifies the intrinsic mechanism of their antioxidant effect, and provides a reliable modification approach for the development of high-value noni fruit polysaccharide products. Three noni fruit polysaccharide derivatives were successfully prepared via chemical modification, and their structural characteristics and antioxidant activities were systematically investigated. In vitro antioxidant capacity was evaluated using ABTS+ radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, DPPH radical scavenging, and reducing power assays; in vivo antioxidant activity was assessed based on an ethanol-induced oxidative damage mice model. In addition, the antioxidant mechanism was explored using RAW264.7 cells, and the regulatory effect on related signaling pathways was verified. The key findings of this study showed that all three prepared noni fruit polysaccharide derivatives exhibited excellent antioxidant activity. In the ethanol-induced oxidative damage animal model, the noni fruit polysaccharide derivatives also displayed remarkable in vivo antioxidant performance: They significantly increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the organism, while notably reducing the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, thereby alleviating oxidative damage caused by ethanol. The preliminary mechanism studies further confirmed that the antioxidant activity of noni fruit polysaccharide derivatives was mainly mediated by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway, which is a key pathway involved in cellular antioxidant defense. These results collectively indicated that chemical modification significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of noni fruit polysaccharide, and the derivatives had stable and effective antioxidant performance both in vitro and in vivo, while also clarifying the specific molecular mechanism underlying their antioxidant effect. This study provides a solid theoretical basis for in-depth exploration of the antioxidant activity and structure-activity relationship of noni fruit polysaccharide and its derivatives, and lays a foundation for their potential application and development in the food and medical fields.

Average embryo survival in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) has declined sharply from about 80% to below 50% in North America over the past two decades. The underlying causes remain unclear, and no effective solutions currently exist for this problem, posing a major challenge to the production of a leading aquaculture species in the USA. Traditional selective breeding programs typically assign "breeding values" to broodstock fish based on growth-related traits; however, incorporating reproductive success traits (e.g., embryo hatch rates, metabolic biomarkers) into breeding value calculations may improve the efficiency of broodstock selection and help identify individuals more likely to produce viable offspring. Ovarian fluid (OF), collected non-lethally during egg harvesting, offers a valuable biological matrix for metabolomics-based biomarker discovery for fish reproduction. This study tested seven sample preparation methods for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics analysis of OF: (a) filtration; (b) protein precipitation; (c) lyophilization; (d) dilution; (e) lyophilization-filtration; (f) dilution-filtration; (g) filtration-concentration. The objectives were to confirm that OF contains measurable metabolites, and to establish a repeatable and practical OF sample preparation method for NMR metabolomic analysis. Among the methods tested, filtration-concentration produced the most consistent quality spectra with lower variability, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and ease of execution compared with alternative methods tested. In addition, this study demonstrates that blood contamination that may accidentally occur during ovarian fluid collection can significantly alter OF metabolite profiles, potentially affecting downstream analyses and data interpretation. These findings provide a foundation for standardized NMR metabolomics in salmon broodstock reproductive research.

Laser-induced graphene electrochemical sensor based on aramid nanofiber for the detection of Cd2+ in water.

Contamination of food products with mycotoxins is an important challenge to food safety and public health, highlighting the need for the development of efficient and reliable analytical methods. Sample preparation plays a crucial role in mycotoxin analysis due to the complexity of food matrices and the low concentrations involved. Conventional preparation techniques have limitations such as the use of large amounts of organic solvents, time-consuming processes, and process complexity. A new area of research focuses on replacing toxic organic solvents with green solvents in extraction processes for mycotoxins from food samples. Deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids, introduced as second-generation extraction mediums, are used in various sample preparation methods prior to analytical determinations. This review article discusses the use of these solvents in both classic and modern extraction methods used for mycotoxin analysis in food samples along with their advantages and disadvantages. All aspects of these methods are covered and the properties of these solvents will be considered. • ILs and DESs types, properties, and applications were reviewed. • The application of ILs and DESs based sample preparation methods was discussed. • Advantages and disadvantages of all developed methods were considered in food analysis. • The application of ILs and DESs in food analysis was reviewed.

Preparation of V-type granular starch in natural deep eutectic solvent and its physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility.

Application of stimulus-responsive gallium-based liquid metal nano systems in tumor therapy.

Decellularized plant scaffolds in food engineering: a comprehensive review of techniques, characterization, and potential in alternative meat applications.

A novel “green” sample preparation method for portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) geochemistry of unconsolidated sediments as compared to traditional laboratory protocols

Perfluorinated compounds （PFCs） are a new type of persistent organic pollutants. When consumers consume soft drinks contaminated with PFCs， it can cause severe systemic diseases. Increasing concern regarding the presence of PFCs in soft drinks has resulted in the need for reliable analytical methods for the monitoring of PFCs. However， the content of PFCs in soft drinks is extremely low and the matrix is complex， making it difficult to directly determine their content using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （HPLC-MS/MS）. Therefore， the necessary sample pretreatment is required before instrumental analysis. Magnetic solid-phase extraction （MSPE） is a simple， rapid， and efficient solid-liquid separation technique， and its extraction efficiency depends on the characteristics of the magnetic adsorbent. Covalent triazine frameworks （CTFs） are porous organic polymers connected by triazine bonds. They have the characteristics of large specific surface area， rich pore structure， adjustable functionality， good chemical stability and thermal stability， making them widely used in sample pretreatment. In this study， a magnetic fluorinated covalent triazine framework material （Fe2O3/CTF-F） was prepared by a one-pot method and characterized in detail. The X-ray photoelectron spectra （XPS）， Fourier-transform infrared （FT-IR） spectrum， and X-ray diffraction （XRD） pattern demonstrated the successful synthesis of Fe2O3/CTF-F with a high fluorine content （17.50%）， which was formed through tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile polymerization and hydrated ferric chloride decomposition. The highly fluorinated material can provide a specific and strong affinity for PFCs through fluorous-fluorous （F-F） interactions. The experimental results of nitrogen adsorption-desorption and magnetic properties showed that the Fe2O3/CTF-F has a high specific surface area （1 452.3 m2/g） and porosity （0.82 cm3/g）， as well as a strong magnetic responsivity （7.1 emu/g）. It indicates that the Fe2O3/CTF-F possesses a large number of accessible adsorption sites and a rapid magnetic separation capability， providing a guarantee for efficient extraction of PFCs. Subsequently， the Fe2O3/CTF-F was used as an adsorbent for MSPE technology for the efficient extraction of seven PFCs. Because of its many accessible adsorption sites and strong fluorine-fluorine interactions， the Fe2O3/CTF-F showed excellent extraction ability for PFCs. Finally， by combining the MSPE method with HPLC-MS/MS technology， a new analytical method was established for the analysis of PFCs in soft drinks. To achieve the best performance， single-factor experiments were conducted to optimize the dosage of the adsorbent， the extraction time， the elution solvent and elution time in the MSPE process. Under the optimal conditions， the established analytical method has the advantages of wide linear ranges （0.008-250.0 pg/mL）， high linear correlations （R≥0.999 2）， low LODs （0.002-0.005 pg/mL）， and good repeatability （RSDs≤8.2%， n=5）. The established analytical method was then used to analyze five kinds of soft drink samples， and ultra-trace amounts of PFCs were detected in all samples， with contents ranging from 3.5 to 54.6 pg/mL. Among them， the highest content of perfluorooctanoic acid （PFOA） measured was 54.6 pg/mL， and its content did not exceed the limit stipulated in the national standard GB 5749-2022 （80 pg/mL）. Besides， the established analytical method was also compared comprehensively with other reported methods. The established method only requires a small amount of adsorbent （5.0 mg）， and can achieve a low detection limit （0.002 pg/mL） after a short pretreatment time （20 min）. The comparison results indicate that the established method has the advantages of being rapid， sensitive， and accurate， and can be used for the monitoring of PFCs in soft drinks. Meanwhile， the preparation method of the Fe2O3/CTF-F in this study is very simple and convenient， which is conducive to the transformation and application of this method. In conclusion， the Fe2O3/CTF-F is a highly potential adsorbent for the efficient extraction of PFCs， and the established analytical method is also suitable for the high-sensitivity detection of PFCs in soft drinks.

Faba bean protein isolate based bigels: Impact of preparation method, protein concentration, and oleogelator type

Introduction: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a widely used treatment modality for infertile couples; however, the factors determining successful outcomes have been extensively studied. The prewash Total Motile Sperm Count (TMSC) has been shown to be a poor predictor of IUI outcomes and data regarding postwash Total Progressive Motile Spermatozoa Concentration (TPMSC) have remained inconsistent, with proposed values varying widely across studies. Aim: To evaluate the impact of TPMSC following sperm preparation by pellet and swim-up (PSU) and Double Density Gradient Centrifugation (DDGC) on the IUI outcomes. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 490 patients who underwent IUI at an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinic, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India between January 2015 and January 2025. After considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study cohort was broadly categorised based on the sperm preparation method (PSU: n=363, DDGC: n=127) and were then divided into four groups - Group I: TPMSC <5 x106 /mL, Group II: TPMSC 5-9x106 /mL, Group III: TPMSC 10-20x106 /mL, Group IV: TPMSC >20x106 /mL. The primary outcome was positive pregnancy rate, assessed and compared across TPMSC categories, while secondary outcomes included biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage rates. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, with categorical data evaluated using the Chi-square test. Results: A significant increase in pregnancy rate was observed in the group with TPMSC >20 x106 /mL (24.3%, p-value <0.001) when the sample was prepared by PSU, compared to lower TPMSC categories. In contrast, no such association was observed with the DDGC technique (p-value=0.154). There was no significant difference in biochemical, ectopic, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates among the groups. Conclusion: The overall clinical pregnancy rate was 15.1% in the PSU group and 15% in the DDGC group. However, no association was observed between TPMSC and secondary outcomes in either the PSU or DDGC groups.

ABSTRACT The catalytic upgrading of ethanol into C 2 + olefins has garnered increasing interest as a strategy for producing distillate fuels via olefin oligomerization. In this work, we present Cu/Ta x O y /SiO 2 as a highly efficient and stable catalyst system for the direct conversion of ethanol into butene‐rich olefins. The synergy between Cu and Ta x O y species supported on SiO 2 provides a favorable balance of metallic and acidic functions, yielding high carbon efficiency and sustained catalytic performance. A 7.5%Cu/26%Ta 2 O 5 /SiO 2 catalyst exhibited olefins selectivity of 90%–92% at ethanol conversions of 98%–99%, maintained over 140 h on stream. This was achieved by systematically examining catalyst design variables—including preparation method (sequential vs. co‐impregnation), Cu and Ta 2 O 5 loadings, and choice of SiO 2 support. Lifetime studies revealed an initial induction period during which alkane selectivity declined while olefin selectivity increased, indicative of alkane dehydrogenation. Structural and spectroscopic characterization (XRD, TEM, CO‐FTIR, pyridine‐FTIR) enabled us to attribute this behavior to evolving surface properties of the Ta x O y species under reaction conditions.

General chemical synthesis of cyanidin-3-O-glycosides: configuration determination and structure-activity relationship analysis.

Establishment of preparation methods for in vitro models of articular cartilage superficial zone injury.

This review systematically discusses the research progress of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticle (NP) composites in orthopaedic implants, focusing on their material characteristics, biological performance, preparation methods and applications. It also analyses their potential and associated challenges in bone repair. The paper first summarises the mechanisms by which MgO NPs enhance the mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, osteogenic activity, and antibacterial properties of conventional orthopaedic materials. The results show that MgO NPs significantly improve the overall performance of composites by refining grains, filling surface defects, releasing Mg2+, and regulating the local microenvironment. In addition, this paper discusses current applications of MgObased composites in bone fixation, bone defect repair, and drug delivery while outlining the key challenges hindering clinical translation. Finally, it highlights future research directions, emphasising material design, process optimisation, and intelligent release systems to advance the clinical application of MgO NPs composite in orthopaedic repair and regenerative medicine. Consequently, this review provides a theoretical basis and technical foundation for developing next-generation high-performance bone implant materials.

The design and development of Lipoedge liposomal CoQ10 primarily depends on the composition of liposomes, physicochemical characteristics, interaction of CoQ10 with the liposomal structure, and their ability to demonstrate anti-oxidant levels post encapsulation. This is determined by the rearrangement of the phospholipids to embed CoQ10 molecules in the bilayer. Phospholipids present in the liposomes are dominated by a class of phospholipids called Phosphatidylcholine (PC). Depending on the method of liposome preparation, PC rearrange into a bilayer formation to encapsulate CoQ10. However, the process of assembling PC molecules to encapsulate CoQ10 stably remain to be a challenge due to the fragile nature of CoQ10. This article tries to address this gap by bridging the current understanding of the manufacturing parameters critical to ensure liposomal systems to stably encapsulate CoQ10 molecules and at the same time maintain its biological efficacy.