Fiber Quality Research Articles

Short review and prospective: chalcogenide glass mid-infrared fibre lasers

Rare-earth ion doped, silica glass, optical fibre amplifiers have transformed the world by enabling high speed communications and the Internet. Fibre lasers, based on rare-earth ion doped silica glass optical fibres, achieve high optical powers and are exploited in machining, sensing and medical surgery. However, the chemical structure of silica glass fibres limits the wavelength of laser operation to < 2.5 µm, which excludes the mid-infrared longer wavelength range of 3–50 µm. Rare-earth ion doping of fluoride glasses enables manufacture of fibre lasers up to a limiting 3.92 µm wavelength, but the fluoride glass chemical structure again prevents operation at longer wavelengths. Optical fibre lasers that are constructed from different rare-earth ion doped chalcogenide glass fibres will potentially operate across the 4–10 µm wavelength range, where suitable high-power lasers currently do not exist. We present a short review here of our recent work in achieving first time, continuous wave, mid-infrared fibre lasing beyond 5 μm wavelength in Ce3+-doped selenide chalcogenide fibre. We place this disruptive breakthrough into the wider fibre laser context, and also present the unprecedented advances in new cross-sector applications that will be enabled by mid-infrared fibre lasers in the 4–10 µm wavelength range. To surpass the few mW power output of the Ce3+-doped chalcogenide glass fibre lasing achieved to date, the glass quality of the doped chalcogenide fibres must now be improved, similar to the challenges originally facing the first glass fibre lasers based on silica.

Study of Ethiopian genetically modified and organic cotton fiber quality compared with conventional cotton

Study of Ethiopian genetically modified and organic cotton fiber quality compared with conventional cotton

The functions of laccase gene GhLAC15 in fiber colouration and development in brown-colored cotton.

The monotonicity of color type in naturally colored cottons (NCCs) has become the main limiting factor to their widespread use, simultaneously coexisting with poor fiber quality. The synchronous improvement of fiber quality and color become more urgent and crucial as the demand for sustainable development increases. The homologous gene of wild cotton Gossypium stocksii LAC15 in G. hirsutum, GhLAC15, was also dominantly expressed in the developing fibers of brown cotton XC20 from 5 DPA (day post anthesis) to 25 DPA, especially at the secondary cell wall thickening stage (20 DPA and 25 DPA). In XC20 plants with downregulated GhLAC15 (GhLAC15i), a remarkable reduction in proanthocyanidins (PAs) and lignin contents was observed. Some of the key genes in the phenylpropane and flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were down-regulated in GhLAC15i plants. Notably, the fiber length of GhLAC15i plants showed an obvious increase and the fiber color was lightened. Moreover, we found that the thickness of cotton fiber cell wall was decreased in GhLAC15i plants and the fiber surface became smoother compared to that of WT. Taken together, this study revealed that GhLAC15 played an important role in PAs and lignin biosynthesis in naturally colored cotton fibers. It might mediate fiber color and fiber quality by catalyzing PAs oxidation and lignin polymerization, ultimately regulating fiber colouration and development.

Performance of Some Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Genotypes for Agronomical and Within-Boll Yield Characters

Evaluating the cultivars' performance is an important step in the cotton breeding process. Therefore, we tested the yield, fiber quality and within-boll yield components of genotypes, and associations among observed characters were estimated. Ten cotton genotypes inc., Bomba, Özbek 100, Ramses, May 455, Bir 949, Fiona, Şahin 2000, Sahra, Sasha and Eva, were planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications in 2022. The highest seed cotton yield was recorded in Sasha and Bomba genotypes. Ramses performed the higher ginning out-turn (47.70%) and favorable fiber fineness (4.62 mic.). Bir 949 (32.65 mm), Ramses (31.49 mm) and Sasha (31.31 mm) for fiber length; Sasha (35.18 g tex-1) and Sahra (34.08 g tex-1) for fiber strength exhibited desirable performances. The highest relative leaf water content (%) as a drought indicator was recorded in Ramses (67.79), Fiona (67.45), Şahin 2000 (65.25) and Bomba (65.11). The number of fibers per seed ranged from 10.82 thousand (Özbek 100) to 13.00 thousand (Bir 949). It was concluded that it seemed difficult to associate the seed cotton yield, fiber quality and relative leaf water content. Therefore, the genotypes in which all three traits are optimized should be emphasized.

Genetic Analysis of Cotton Fiber Traits in Gossypium Hybrid Lines.

Cotton plays a crucial role in the progress of the textile industry and the betterment of human life by providing natural fibers. In our study, we explored the genetic determinants of cotton architecture and fiber yield and quality by crossbreeding Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense, creating a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. Utilizing SNP markers, we constructed an extensive genetic map encompassing 7,730 markers over 2,784.2 cM. We appraised two architectural and seven fiber traits within six environments, identifying 58 QTLs, of which 49 demonstrated stability across these environments. These encompassed QTLs for traits such as lint percentage (LP), boll weight (BW), fiber strength (STRENGTH), seed index (SI), and micronaire (MIC), primarily located on chromosomes chr-A07, chr-D06, and chr-D07. Notably, chr-D07 houses a QTL region affecting SI, corroborated by multiple studies. Within this region, the genes BZIP043 and SEP2 were identified as pivotal, with SEP2 particularly showing augmented expression in developing ovules. These discoveries contribute significantly to marker-assisted selection, potentially elevating both the yield and quality of cotton fiber production. These findings provide valuable insights into marker-assisted breeding strategies, offering crucial information to enhance fiber yield and quality in cotton production.

An analysis of lncRNAs related to fiber quality and the discovery of their target genes in a Gossypium hirsutum line with Gossypium mustelinum introgression.

Analysis of fiber quality lncRNAs and their target genes from a pair of Gossypium mustelinum near-isogenic lines provide new prospects for improving the fiber quality of Upland cotton. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an important part of genome transcription and play roles in a wide range of biological processes in plants. In this research, a pair of near-isogenic cotton lines, namely, a Gossypium mustelinum introgression line (IL9) with outstanding fiber quality and its recurrent Upland cotton parent (PD94042), were used as the experimental materials. Cotton fibers were selected for lncRNA sequencing at 17 and 21days post-anthesis. A total of 2693 differentially expressed genes were identified. In total, 5841 lncRNAs were ultimately screened, from which 163 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified. Target genes of the lncRNAs were predicted by two different methods: cis and trans. Some of the target genes were related to cell components, membrane components, plant hormone signal transduction and catalytic metabolism, and the results indicated that there might also be important effects on the development of fiber. Four differentially expressed target genes related to fiber quality (Gomus.D05G015100, Gomus.A05G281300, Gomus.A12G023400 and Gomus.A10G226800) were screened through gene function annotation, and the functions of these four genes were verified through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Compared to the negative controls, plants in which any of these four genes were silenced showed significant reductions in fiber strength. In addition, the plants in which the Gomus.A12G023400 gene was silenced showed a significant reduction in fiber uniformity, whereas the plants in which Gomus.A05G281300 was silenced showed a significant increase in fiber fineness as measured via micronaire. Our results showed that these genes play different roles during fiber development, impacting fiber quality.

Modeling of contact mechanics and defects investigation in automated fiber placement

AbstractThe layup quality of prepreg fibers onto complex surfaces is the most concerned issue in automated fiber placement (AFP), which is intimately related to the contact stress in tractive rolling contact. An analytical model of tractive rolling contact is proposed in this paper to clarify the defects mechanism during the AFP process, which considers the mold curvatures, mechanical properties of contacted objects, and pose information to make it suitable for irregular surfaces and arbitrary conditions. Classical Hertz theory in this model is expanded to 3D contact area, and multi‐scale deformations are united in the accurate calculation of contact stress under geometric constraints. Based on the model, the phenomena of adhesion, microslip, and the transition between them in AFP are systematically analyzed. For engineering applications, a discrete processing strategy is proposed to quickly obtain the local curvatures of the mold. Additionally, an algorithm is designed to calculate the contact stress of any path. Experimental results on an aircraft component demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed model in restoring the contact stress distribution during AFP. In conjunction with specific layup information, this model exhibits utility in forecasting laying defects and parameter optimization.Highlights An analytical modeling approach based on Hertz theory is proposed to calculate the contact stress in automated fiber placement. A model‐based algorithm is designed and combined with the proposed discrete scheme to quickly restore the contact stress distribution. Contact states related to stress are systematically investigated and defects analysis based on computational mechanics results is illustrated.

EFFECT OF SALICYLIC ACID APPLICATION ON COTTON (Gossypium hirsutum L.) YIELD AND FIBRE QUALITY

This study was carried out to determine the effect of SA (salicylic acid) application on the yield, yield components, and fibre quality characteristics of cotton at different growth stages (squaring, flowering and squaring + flowering). The experiment was carried out at Siirt University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crop’s experimental area during the 2022 cotton growing season. The experimental design was a split-plot design with four replications. The main plot and sub-plots consisted of SA applications [Control (0.0 mM), squaring (1.0 mM), flowering (1.0 mM), squaring (0.5 mM) + flowering (0.5 mM)] and varieties (MAY 455, Stoneville 468, Fiona), respectively. SA application and variety interactions were significant in terms of the first boll opening days and the number of nodes. There were significant differences between varieties, except for the number of monopodial branches, number of bolls, chlorophyll content value, normalised difference vegetation index value, and micronaire and fibre strength. The MAY 455 cotton variety had the highest values in terms of seed cotton yield (2993.1 kg ha-1) plant height (62.14 cm), boll weight (6.51 g), seed cotton weight per boll (4.90 g), number of seeds per boll (29.46), number of nodes to first fruiting branch (8.65), fibre yield (1361.0 kg ha−1) and 100-seed weight (8.82 g), while the Fiona variety came to the fore in terms of number of days to first boll opening (118.0 d), number of sympodial branches (7.56), number of nodes per plant (17.79), ginning percentage (46.45%), fibre length (828.52 mm) and fibre reflectance (82.18 Rd). There was a slight increase in yield (223.8 kg ha−1) compared to the control. SA application may show different effects on each cotton variety, and the positive effect may increase by applying SA at different intervals.

A Feasible and Efficient Monitoring Method of Synthetic Fibers Released during Textile Washing

Microfibers (MFs) are one of the most common and hazardous forms of microplastic found in the aquatic environment. The methods of collecting and analyzing MFs released during washing have to be developed and standardized to understand and model the process of microfibers’ emission better. This study tests a new, innovative method to check if laundry fiber sampling can be approached comprehensively. Pieces of synthetic materials (aged and new polyester, polyester-cotton blend) were placed in chromium-nickel filters envelope-like folded. Then, textile weathering during washing was monitored by the quality and quantity of fibers found directly on the filter surface. Laundry parameters like temperature, detergent presence, and filter size were changed, and results were monitored by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a well-known standard in microplastic identification. In addition, ATR spectra were collected to characterize the materials in detail and evaluate their aging level. Spectroscopy can be used to detect and examine both mechanical and chemical degradation, and the collected microfibers can be assigned to the material they come from. Finally, a quantitative comparison of fibers released during different washing conditions can be used for the process optimization to minimize its environmental impact.

Efficient low-carbon manufacturing for CFRP composite machining based on deep networks

ABSTRACT The drilling quality of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) components is a key factor affecting the service life of the components, while energy saving and emission reduction in industrial production are crucial. In this study, drilling experiments were conducted on T300 plywood using a 55° coated tungsten steel drill bit, and CNN-LSTM neural network models were used to construct mapping relationships between process parameters (spindle speed, feed rate, and fibre lay-up sequence) and delamination factor and machine energy consumption. A new method of predicting the delamination factor by process parameters is proposed, and explored the optimal process parameter combinations that reduce the energy consumption of machine tools and minimise the delamination factor at the same time. The research results show that within the parameter settings, a spindle speed of 7000 r/min, a feed rate of 40 mm/min, and a lay-up sequence of [0°, 0°, −45°, 90°]6s ensure both low power consumption in the drilling process and the highest possible hole quality. This paper clearly demonstrates the feasibility of achieving low-power, high-quality drilling of CFRP through parameter optimisation, providing guidance to the manufacturing industry to improve the quality of CFRP hole-making while easing the pressure on carbon emissions.

Comprehensive Analysis of Cotton Fiber Infrared Maturity Distribution and Its Relation to Fiber HVI and AFIS Properties

Cotton fiber maturity has been reported as average maturity and maturity distribution in a sample, through measuring the fibers in the way of either an individual fiber cross-section or a longitude of several subsamples by cross-sectional image analysis (IA), advanced fiber information system (AFIS), and Cottonscope method. As a different approach, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy was proposed to estimate fiber maturity (MIR) and maturity distribution at a bundle fiber level on the basis of three MIR (low-, mid-, and high) classifications. Although maturity distributions from IA, AFIS, or Cottonscope measurement are reported, they are not related with high-volume instrument (HVI) and AFIS qualities considerably. Novelty of this study examined the effect of individual three MIR indices and additional MIR differentials on HVI and AFIS qualities in commercial cotton fibers. There were statistically significant and moderate-to-strong correlations between the MIR indices and fiber maturity and fineness measurements, and also moderate correlations between the MIR indices and other fiber qualities (for example, HVI strength). In particular, there was a moderate correlation between MIR readings and one fiber length parameter [AFIS L(n)] or two short fiber content (SFC) properties [AFIS SFC(w) and AFIS SFC(n)]. Meanwhile, MIR differential (D3) was observed to be correlated with HVI strength significantly and strongly. The result indicated the capability of ATR FT-IR spectroscopy for monitoring fiber maturity distribution in commercial cotton fibers and further in understanding fiber quality measurement.

Enhanced Cotton Yield and Fiber Quality by Optimizing Irrigation Amount and Frequency in Arid Areas of Northwest China

Optimizing irrigation strategies is crucial for sustaining cotton production in the face of growing water scarcity. The three-year experimental study (2020–2022) focused on the impact of varying irrigation amounts (320, 370, and 420 mm) and frequencies (4-, 8-, and 12-day intervals) on cotton growth, yield, yield components, and fiber quality in southern Xinjiang. Employing a completely randomized design with three replications, the results indicated higher irrigation amounts resulted in numerically 2.5–7.5% higher lint yields compared to those under medium and low irrigation amounts, notably significant in 2021. Boll density emerged as the primary yield component influencing yield loss due to irrigation amount, followed by seed cotton weight boll−1. Increased boll density was associated with a greater total number of fruiting sites. Additionally, the increased seed cotton weight boll−1 could be linked to an increased seed number boll−1 and a decreased boll fraction at the lower fruiting branches with lower seed cotton weight boll−1. Higher irrigation frequency improved lint yield by increasing boll density, though a significant effect was observed only in 2020. Increased irrigation amounts generally led to longer fiber lengths but lower micronaire values, while increased irrigation frequency resulted in longer, stronger fibers and reduced micronaire values. Furthermore, the highest yield stability was observed under the condition of high irrigation amount and high frequency. This study holds certain guiding significance for water resource management in cotton production in arid regions.

Selection of Cotton Varieties in a Competitive Nursery in the South of Kazakhstan

The Turkestan region is a cotton-growing zone in the south of Kazakhstan, which is the northernmost cotton-growing zone in the world. 115-125 thousand hectares of medium-staple cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) are cultivated here annually, of which 80-85 thousand hectares are sown in the Maktaaral and Zhetysay districts. This region is highly susceptible to salinity, drought, invasion of dangerous pests (cotton budworm, beet borer, spider mites, aphids), and diseases (fusarium blight (wilt), gummosis). Considering the high salt content in the arable soil horizon, the aridity of the climate of the Turkestan region are the main limiting factor of the region, and selection and genetic methods is the most effective and economical way to reduce their negative impacts on cultivated vegetation, then research work on the study and creation of new resistant cotton varieties in these soil and climatic conditions are relevant. Considering all the above problems, scientists of the Agricultural Experimental Station of Cotton and Melon Growing LLP have set themselves the goal of creating heat- and drought-resistant, precocious cotton varieties with high productivity, resistance to salinization, diseases, pests, possessing high technological qualities as the yield and quality of fiber of types III-IV, based on previously obtained ones during hybridization of intraspecific and interspecific lines of families. For 30 years, scientist-breeders of Kazakhstan have created 13 varieties of medium-fiber cotton, of which 8 are approved for use in the Turkestan region in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The research method is based on hybridization, multiple selection, and testing of offspring by the half method, according to the full diallel scheme (first Griffing model for F1). The created seven varieties PA-3031, PA-3044, M-4005, M-4007, M-4011, Bereke-07, Myrzashol-80, and M-4017 are zoned for more than 92% of the acreage in cotton-growing farms in the south of Kazakhstan, for the variety M-5027, which is resistant to pests, the patent has been issued 2021 and in 2022 it is planned to enter it into the register of approved varieties.

Yield and Fiber Quality Characteristics of Mutation-Based IMI Tolerant Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Lines

The economical and effective weed control in cotton can succeed by breeding IMI-tolerant genotypes. For this purpose, we treated seeds with gamma rays at different doses and sprayed the plants with imazamox in M1-M5 generations. Thirty-three M4 lines in 2020 and seventeen M5 lines in 2021 with two comparative varieties were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. M4 lines generally had superior fiber properties than standard varieties. We transferred 17 M4 lines, superior in terms of yield, ginning out-turn and fiber quality, to the M5 generation. All M5 lines exhibited finer fibers than comparative varieties. Seed cotton yield and ginning out-turn of eight M5 lines were superior to the comparative varieties. Five IMI-tolerant genotypes with high yield and favourable fiber quality were transferred to further generations.

Red Dragon Fruit Peels: Effect of Two Species Ratio and Particle Size on Fibre Quality and Its Application in Reduced-Fat Alpaca-Based Sausages

This research aimed to assess the influence of red dragon fruit peels ratio (RDF-PR) from two species, Hylocereus hybridum (HH) and Hylocereus undatus (HU), and particle size (PS) on quality parameters of red dragon fruit peel powder (RDF-PP) and its further application in emulsified alpaca-based sausages as partial substitutes of pork-back fat. A three-level full factorial design (nine treatments) was employed to evaluate the effect of RDF-PR (HH(0%):HU(100%), HH(50%):HU(50%), and HH(100%):HU(0%)) and PS (499–297, 296–177, and &lt;177 µm) on the dependent variables: L*, a*, b*, C, h°, water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, swelling capacity, pectin yield, degree of esterification (analysed through FT-IR), and crude fibre content. The data analysed through a response surface methodology showed that treatment one (T1) is the best with the optimised conditions at 100% HU RDF-PR and PS of &lt;177 µm. The statistical validation of T1 exhibited the highest water-holding capacity (32.1 g/g peel), oil-holding capacity (2.20 g oil/g peel), and pectin yield (27.1%). A completely randomised design (four formulations) was then used to assess the effect of partial replacement of pork-back fat by T1 in emulsified alpaca-based sausages on the colourimetric, physicochemical, and texture properties (hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, springiness, adhesiveness, and adhesive force). Likewise, a sensory hedonic scale was employed to evaluate the appearance, colour, odour, flavour, texture, and overall acceptability of sausages. The results revealed that 65.7% of pork-back fat content was successfully replaced compared with a control formulation. Additionally, F3 showed significantly (p &lt; 0.05) better colourimetric, physicochemical, and textural characteristics, such as lower hardness (34.8 N) and chewiness (21.7 N) and higher redness (a* = 19.3) and C (22.9), compared to a control formulation. This research presents RDF-PP as a promising fat substitute for developing healthier, reduced-fat meat products using fibre-rich agroindustry by-products.

Investigation of Some Cotton Varieties in terms of Yield, Ginning Turnout and Some Fiber Quality Characteristics in Amik Plain Ecological Conditions

Başta tekstil sanayi olmak üzere çok çeşitli sanayi kollarına hammadde sağlayan pamuk, dünya genelinde birçok ülkenin ilgi odağında olan stratejik bir endüstri bitkisidir. Ülkemiz tarım, sanayi ve ticareti açısından vazgeçilemez bir üründür. Gossypium hirsutum L. türüne ait 8 pamuk çeşidi (BA 151, BA 308, BA 320, Celia, Deltaopal, Flora, SG 125 ve Teks) bu çalışmada materyal olarak kullanılmıştır. Bu çalışma, materyal olarak kullanılan çeşitlerin Amik Ovası ekolojik koşullarında kütlü verimi, çırçır randımanı ve bazı lif kalite özelliklerini incelemek amacıyla 2018 yılında yürütülmüştür. Çalışmaya ilişkin deneme Tesadüf Blokları Deneme Deseni uyarınca üç tekerrürlü olarak kurulmuştur. Denemeye ilişkin çeşitler 10 m uzunluğundaki 4 sıralı parsellere sıra arası 70 cm olacak şekilde deneme mibzeriyle ekilmiştir. Ardından bitkiler yaklaşık 15 cm boya ulaştıklarında sıra arası mesafe 18 cm olacak şekilde seyreltilmiştir. Çalışmada incelenen çeşitler arasındaki farklılıkların kütlü verimi, lif uzunluğu ve lif kopma dayanıklılığı özellikleri için istatistiksel olarak % 1; çırçır randımanı, lif parlaklığı ve lif sarılığı özellikleri için ise % 5 düzeyinde önemli olduğu saptanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda elde edilen bulgular, incelenen tüm özellikler yönünden Teks çeşidinin öne çıktığını göstermektedir. Bu sonuçlar doğrultusunda, anılan çeşidin Amik Ovası ekolojik koşullarına uygun olabileceği ve önerilebileceği kanaatine varılmıştır.

Registration of Arkot 1202, Arkot 1207, Arkot 1208, and Arkot 1214 cotton germplasm lines

AbstractArkot 1202 (Reg. no. GP‐1143, PI 702793), Arkot 1207 (Reg. no. GP‐1144, PI 702794), Arkot 1208 (Reg. no. GP‐1145, PI 702795), and ‘Arkot 1214’ (Reg. no. GP‐1146, PI 702796) are conventional cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm lines released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in June 2023. Arkot 1202, Arkot 1207, and Arkot 1208 lines share ‘UA48’ (PVP 201100041) as a common parent. The second parent for Arkot 1202 and Arkot 1207 was MD25‐87Y and ‘Columbia’, respectively. The second parent for Arkot 1208 was the F1 of a double cross of F1 (Ark 0219‐15 crossed with LA063071653) and F1 (Arkot 0222 crossed with Ark 0203‐11). Arkot 1214 was derived from a four‐way cross of two double crosses: F1 (MD25‐26ne crossed with Arkot 0113) and F1 (Arkot 0114 crossed with ‘UA222’). In replicated field tests at four Arkansas sites over 5 years, the four lines produced more lint yield than UA48 and UA222. Wide adaptation of the lines was indicated by high lint yields of lines in 2020 regional tests. All four lines displayed high resistance to bacterial blight and Fusarium wilt race 1. Plant (leaf, stem, and bract) trichomes and tarnished plant bug response of Arkot 1202 and Arkot 1214 were equal to UA48, but Arkot 1207 and Arkot 1208 were equal to UA222. Yield component values of the four lines were equal to or better than UA222. The maturity and fiber quality of Arkot 1202 approached that of UA48 while the other three were similar to UA222.

Advanced 3D Electrospinning "Xspin" System: Fabrication of Bifiber Floating Oral Pharmaceutical Scaffolds for Controlled Drug Delivery.

Electrospinning has become a widely used and efficient method for manufacturing nanofibers from diverse polymers. This study introduces an advanced electrospinning technique, Xspin - a multi-functional 3D printing platform coupled with electrospinning system, integrating a customised 3D printhead, MaGIC - Multi-channeled and Guided Inner Controlling printheads. The Xspin system represents a cutting-edge fusion of electrospinning and 3D printing technologies within the realm of pharmaceutical sciences and biomaterials. This innovative platform excels in the production of novel fiber with various materials and allows for the creation of highly customized fiber structures, a capability hitherto unattainable through conventional electrospinning methodologies. By integrating the benefits of electrospinning with the precision of 3D printing, the Xspin system offers enhanced control over the scaffold morphology and drug release kinetics. Herein, we fabricated a model floating pharmaceutical dosage for the dual delivery of curcumin and ritonavir and thoroughly characterized the product. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrated that curcumin chemically reacted with the polymer during the Xspin process. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the solid-state properties of the active pharmaceutical ingredient after Xspin processing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the surface morphology of the Xspin-produced fibers, confirming the presence of the bifiber structure. To optimize the quality and diameter control of the electrospun fibers, a design of experiment (DoE) approach based on quality by design (QbD) principles was utilized. The bifibers expanded to approximately 10-11 times their original size after freeze-drying and effectively entrapped 87% curcumin and 84% ritonavir. In vitro release studies demonstrated that the Xspin system released 35% more ritonavir than traditional pharmaceutical pills in 2 h, with curcumin showing complete release in pH 1.2 in 5 min, simulating stomach media. Furthermore, the absorption rate of curcumin was controlled by the characteristics of the linked polymer, which enables both drugs to be absorbed at the desired time. Additionally, multivariate statistical analyses (ANOVA, pareto chart, etc.) were conducted to gain better insights and understanding of the results such as discern statistical differences among the studied groups. Overall, the Xspin system shows significant potential for manufacturing nanofiber pharmaceutical dosages with precise drug release capabilities, offering new opportunities for controlled drug delivery applications.

Characteristics of the New Fiber Flax Variety HERA in Terms of Fiber Quality Parameters Regard to Agronomic Assessment and Seeds Quality

ABSTRACT The work deals characteristics of new flax Hera variety in terms of fiber quality with regard to agronomic assessment and seeds quality. The results of the analyzes were related to the reference varieties Nike, Sara and Modran grown in Poland in 2022 season. The study included evaluation of agrotechnical experiment, flax straw and fiber evaluation taking into account the morphology and surface as well cross section of flax fiber. Moreover, seeds quality assessment were conducted. Hera variety was characterized by the highest total (6.27 t/ha, 0.627 kg/m2) and straw yield (5.16 t/ha, 0.516 kg/m2). Straw of Hera variety was characterized by the best average total (78.5 cm) as well as average technical (66.5 cm) length and average diameter (1.43 mm). In addition, it has fiber to raw straw content (16.42%) at a level comparable to the reference varieties. The metrological analysis of the fiber showed that the Hera variety fiber can be a good raw material for production of yarns.

Genome-wide identification of the key Kinesin genes during fiber and boll development in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L).

Kinesin is a kind of motor protein, which interacts with microtubule filaments and regulates cellulose synthesis. Cotton fiber is a natural model for studying the cellular development and cellulose synthesis. Therefore, a systematic research of Kinesin gene family in cotton (Gossypium spp.) will be beneficial for both understanding the function of Kinesin protein and assisting the fiber improvement. Here, we aimed to identify the key Kinesin genes present in cotton by combining genome-wide expression profile data, association mapping, and public quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Results showed that 159 Kinesin genes, including 15 genes of the Kinesin-13 gene subfamily, were identified in upland cotton; of which 157 Kinesin genes can be traced back to the diploid ancestors, G. raimondii and G. arboreum. Using a combined analysis of public QTLs and genome-wide expression profile information, there were 29 QTLs co-localized together with 28 Kinesin genes in upland cotton, including 10 Kinesin-13 subfamily genes. Genome-wide expression profile data indicated that, among the 28 co-localized genes, seven Kinesin genes were predominantly expressed in fibers or ovules. By association mapping analysis, 30 Kinesin genes were significantly associated with three fiber traits, among which a Kinesin-13 gene, Ghir_A11G028430, was found to be associated with both cotton boll length and lint weight, and one Kinesin-7 gene, Ghir_D04G017880 (Gh_Kinesin7), was significantly associated with fiber strength. In addition, two missense mutations were identified in the motor domain of the Gh_Kinesin7 protein. Overall, the Kinesin gene family seemingly plays an important role in cotton fiber and boll development. The exploited Kinesin genes will be beneficial for the genetic improvement of fiber quality and yield.