The demand for environmentally sustainable methods to enhance the performance of low-carbon steel (LCS) has led to increased interest in organic waste-derived carburizing agents. This study explores the potential of using a blend of Shea Nut Shell (SNS) and Eggshell (ES) ash, mixed in a 1:3 ratio, as an eco-friendly carburizing medium for improving the mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties of LCS. Carburization was carried out at 900°C for 30 minutes, and the effects were assessed through comprehensive characterization. Mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, and impact energy were evaluated alongside microstructural analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and wear rate testing. Corrosion resistance was investigated in H₂SO₄ and NaCl environments over a 21-day period. Results show that carburized LCS achieved significantly higher hardness (514.55 HB) compared to the uncarburized counterpart (399.05 HB), with improved toughness as indicated by increased impact energy absorption. However, un-carburized LCS maintained higher tensile strength. Microstructural examination revealed enhanced carbon diffusion and pearlite formation, contributing to reduced wear in carburized samples. EDS confirmed increased surface carbon content, while corrosion behavior varied: carburized LCS performed better in saline (NaCl) conditions, whereas uncarburized LCS offered better resistance in acidic (H₂SO₄) environments. In conclusion, the SNS-ES ash mixture presents a promising route for sustainable carburization of LCS, particularly for components exposed to saline environments such as agricultural tools and automotive parts. Future work will focus on optimizing treatment durations, expanding corrosion testing in simulated service environments, and scaling the process for industrial applications.

Purpose The purpose of this study MAO/COF composite anti-corrosion coatings is to mitigate the electrochemical corrosion of magnesium alloys and extend their service life. Design/methodology/approach The MAO/COF coating was characterized by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman. Optimal process parameters were determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization. Corrosion resistance and durability of the different coatings were evaluated before and after salt spray exposure via electrochemical testing, and corrosion protection mechanisms were revealed by theoretical calculations. Findings The results indicate that the optimal process parameters obtained via single-factor optimization are 70°C, 6 h and a precursor molar ratio of 1:2. Under these conditions, the MAO/COF coating exhibits superior electrochemical performance compared to other coatings: its charge transfer resistance (Rct) is 3.08 × 105 Ω·cm2, which is two and one orders of magnitude higher than that of AZ91D and MAO, respectively; its corrosion current density (Icorr) is 1.45 × 10–8 A·cm2, three and two orders of magnitude lower than that of AZ91D and MAO, respectively. Meanwhile, quantum mechanical calculations, molecular dynamics simulations and radial distribution function analyses confirm strong interfacial interactions between COF and MAO, indicating good compatibility and stable adsorption within the composite system. Originality/value During the hydrothermal process, COF coatings are in situ grown on the surface of MAO coatings through chemical bonding, forming a dense and highly insulating barrier that effectively blocks corrosive media and significantly enhances the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys.

Circulating tumor cells （CTC） have emerged as crucial mediators in the metastatic cascade， offering invaluable insights as real-time liquid biomarkers for cancer progression， prognosis， and treatment response. Their exceptionally low concentration in peripheral blood， which typically ranges from a handful to a few dozen cells per milliliter amidst billions of background blood cells， poses formidable challenges for isolation and molecular characterization. Despite this， the efficient and specific capture of CTC holds tremendous potential for revolutionizing early cancer detection， dynamic monitoring of therapeutic efficacy， and guiding personalized treatment strategies. Currently， the primary technologies for CTC enrichment fall into two categories： immunoaffinity-based methods that employ antibodies targeting epithelial surface markers such as epithelial cell adhesion molecule （EpCAM）， and label-free approaches that leverage physical properties including cell size， deformability， and density， exemplified by membrane filtration and centrifugal techniques. However， these conventional methods are hampered by several inherent limitations， including high operational costs， dependence on highly variable surface antigen expression， insufficient capture specificity leading to low purity， and significant interference from heterogeneous blood components such as leukocytes and platelets. Consequently， there is an urgent and growing need to develop novel functional materials and platforms that offer enhanced selectivity， robust stability in physiological conditions， excellent biocompatibility， and improved clinical applicability for the effective isolation and analysis of CTC. In this study， we innovatively integrate cell imprinting technology with a rational amino acid-based affinity strategy to develop a tryptophan-histidine-arginine （WHR） tripeptide-functionalized cell-imprinted hydrogel for highly efficient and selective capture of CTC. The design leverages the unique properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles （MSN） as carriers， which are first synthesized and then surface-modified with epoxy groups via silane coupling agents. The WHR tripeptide is subsequently grafted onto the MSN surface through a ring-opening reaction， yielding the WHR@SiO₂ composite material. This material demonstrates strong and specific binding affinity toward sialic acid （Neu5Ac） and sialylated glycopeptides （SGP）， which are overexpressed on the surface of many cancer cells. Building on this molecular recognition capability， a three-dimensional cell-imprinted hydrogel is fabricated using poly（ethylene glycol） dimethacrylate （PEGDMA） as the cross-linking backbone via free radical polymerization. The hydrogel is molded against SMMC-7721 template cells to create cavities that complement the target cells in size， shape， and surface topology， thereby enhancing capture efficiency through both physical and biochemical matching. Experimental results demonstrate that the WHR-modified hydrogel achieves a remarkable capture efficiency of up to 94% for SMMC-7721 cells， significantly outperforming hydrogels modified with individual amino acids such as tryptophan， histidine， or arginine alone. The system also exhibits excellent hemocompatibility， with minimal adsorption of human serum albumin （HSA）， below 5%， indicating superior anti-fouling properties in biological environments. In vitro cytotoxicity assessments confirm high biocompatibility， with cell viability exceeding 90% after 48 h of co-culture. Further characterization through scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and atomic force microscopy （AFM） reveals well-defined surface imprints that mirror the morphology of template cells， confirming the successful integration of topographical cues. The synergy between the physical structure of the imprinted cavities and the biochemical affinity of the WHR tripeptide is identified as the key factor contributing to the high capture performance， even at low cell concentrations （as few as 100 cells/mL）. In conclusion， this work presents a robust and efficient platform for CTC capture that combines cell imprinting for morphological recognition with WHR-mediated affinity for sialylated glycoproteins. The hydrogel demonstrates high selectivity， stability， and biocompatibility， offering a promising tool for clinical applications in liquid biopsy and early cancer detection. The modular design of the system also allows for adaptation to other cancer types by altering the peptide sequence or template cells， highlighting its broad potential in cancer research and diagnostics.

In recent years， molecularly imprinted polymers have shown considerable promise in analytical detection and early diagnosis of diseases due to their high selectivity and specificity. Nevertheless， the practical implementation of these methods is still restricted by several intrinsic limitations associated with traditional synthesis approaches， including a strong reliance on organic solvents， poor recognition efficiency in aqueous media， and low adsorption capacity. To overcome these challenges， this study presents an innovative strategy that integrates superhydrophilic resin with graphene aerogel （GA）， resulting in successful fabrication of a superhydrophilic molecularly imprinted resin-GA composite （HMIR-GA） via surface in situ polymerization in water. The resulting HMIR-GA exhibited a significantly enhanced adsorption capacity and improved recognition performance in aqueous environments towards tumor biomarker. Characterization of the HMIR-GA was performed using Fourier transform infrared （FT-IR） spectroscopy， scanning electron microscopy （SEM）， nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis， and contact angle measurements. FT-IR spectra revealed that the broad peak at 3 400 cm-1 can be ascribed to the formation of -OH associations. The absorption peak at 1 724 cm-1 corresponds to the stretching vibration peak of C=O on the surface of graphene oxide （GO）. The absorption peaks at 1 602 cm-1 and 1 462 cm-1 are assigned to the C=C stretching vibration peaks of resorcinol. During the reaction process， due to the reduction effect of ammonia water， the C=O on graphene oxide is reduced. The characteristic peak at 1 069 cm-1 is induced by the stretching vibration of C-O-C， representing the formation by the reaction between resorcinol and hexamethylenetetramine. These characteristic peaks clearly demonstrate that the HMIR have been successfully incorporated into the graphene aerogel. The FT-IR results confirm the successful synthesis of HMIR-GA. SEM reveals that the surface of graphene oxide exhibits a wrinkled lamellar structure. In contrast， the fabricated HMIR-GA and superhydrophilic molecularly non-imprinted resin-GA composite （HNIR-GA） display a loose and porous architecture， indicating that the synthesized HMIR has been successfully grown onto the graphene aerogel. The porous structure is conducive to the rapid adsorption of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid （5-HIAA）， which is beneficial for enhancing the performance of relevant applications. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller （BET） specific surface areas of HMIR-GA and HNIR-GA are 95.1 m²/g and 44.5 m²/g， respectively. The pore volumes are 0.31 cm³/g and 0.20 cm³/g， respectively. In comparison with HNIR-GA， HMIR-GA possesses a larger specific surface area and pore volume， which is conducive to enhancing its adsorption capacity for 5-HIAA. To evaluate the hydrophilicity of HMIR-GA and HNIR-GA， contact angle measurements were performed. The results showed that when water droplets were placed on the surfaces of these two materials， they rapidly spread and fully wetted the surfaces within 0.07 s， indicating that HMIR-GA and HNIR-GA exhibited superior hydrophilic properties. This enhanced hydrophilicity facilitates the effective adsorption and extraction of the tumor biomarker 5-HIAA from urine samples. Static and competitive adsorption experiments revealed that HMIR-GA has a strong affinity for 5-HIAA. The evaluation of adsorption kinetics was carried out by employing both the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models， indicating a better fit with the pseudo-second-order model （R²=0.999 3）， suggesting that chemisorption is the dominant mechanism. Furthermore， equilibrium adsorption data were analyzed using the following models-Langmuir， Freundlich， Temkin， and Dubinin-Radushkevich （D-R）. The best fit was achieved with the Freundlich isotherm model （R²≥0.985 2）， indicating multilayer adsorption on heterogeneous surfaces. A highly sensitive method for precise determination of 5-HIAA was established by employing HMIR-GA as a pipette tip solid-phase extraction adsorbent coupled with high performance liquid chromatography. The calibration curve exhibited excellent linearity across the mass concentration range of 0.02-40.0 μg/mL （r=0.999 8）. The limits of detection （LOD） and quantification （LOQ） were 3.7 ng/mL and 12.3 ng/mL， respectively， based on signal-to-noise ratios of 3 and 10. Method accuracy was verified through recovery tests at spiked mass concentrations of 0.1， 1.0， and 10.0 μg/mL， yielding recoveries between 75.7% and 92.5% with relative standard deviations （RSDs） below 3.4%. Precision assessments via intra-day and inter-day tests yielded RSDs of 2.9% and 4.1%， respectively （n=6）. Finally， the developed method was applied for the determination of 5-HIAA levels in real urine samples. This work not only provides a robust and environmentally friendly strategy for the fabrication of functionalized molecularly imprinted polymers but also shows great promise for clinical applications， offering crucial technical support for early diagnosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to report a low-cost electroless deposition (EN) process of Ni-P thin films using a wet-chemical process on flexible polyimide substrate (Kapton ® 300HN DuPont™), comprising surface functionalization with NaOH, nucleation with Sn and Pd, and acceleration with HCl. The pretreatment performed on the polyimide surface was investigated using a contact angle system and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Structural, morphological and electrical characterization of the Ni-P film were performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), stylus scan profiler, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and four-point probe measurements. The results showed that the pretreatment of the flexible polyimide enables a faster EN process, with lower thermal expenses, delivering a compact, spherical shaped Ni-P film -free of holes, scratches, and flaws, with particle size ranging from 380 to 780 nm. Graphical abstract

Evaluating the efficacy of Vibrospiral novel sealer placing instrument: a Confocal and Scanning Electron Microscope in-vitro study.

Wood is the most common source of cellulose, but overexploitation and deforestation have led to a need for alternative sources. Banana plant biomass provides a sustainable alternative to wood-based cellulose. This study explored the extraction and characterization of cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from Musa × paradisiaca L. plant leaves, pseudostems, and peduncles and evaluated their potential as pharmaceutical excipients. A chlorine-free extraction process was used for cellulose extraction, and MCC was obtained through acid hydrolysis. The extracted materials were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The FTIR analysis indicated the removal of noncellulosic impurities, whereas SEM revealed microfibrillated structures for cellulose and rod-like shapes for MCC. All the samples exhibited thermal stability. Banana leaf microcrystalline cellulose (BL-MCC), banana pseudostem microcrystalline cellulose (BS-MCC), banana peduncle microcrystalline cellulose (BP-MCC), and Avicel PH-101 had crystallinity indices of 77%, 84%, 83%, and 85%, respectively, and degree of polymerization (DP) values of 270, 265, 255, and 240, respectively. The yields of cellulose from BL, BS, and BP were 23.1 ± 1.41%, 37.33 ± 1.4%, and 45 ± 0.8%, respectively, and those of MCC were 77.5 ± 0.4%, 85 ± 0.7%, and 87.3 ± 0.5%, respectively. The formulated tablets were evaluated for uniformity of weight, hardness, friability, disintegration time, and dissolution rate, and exhibited acceptable physical and mechanical properties. These findings suggest that the MCC from banana biomass shows potential for successful use in tablet formulations and thereby serve as an alternative source for the production of pharmaceutical excipients.

Synthesis and analysis of Ni-Co-TiN composite coating via ultrasonic vibration-assisted jet electrodeposition

A multiscale modeling approach is proposed to investigate the mechanical properties of carbon fiber/silicon carbide (C/SiC) composites fabricated by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) process. First, reactive molecular dynamics simulations are conducted to estimate the mechanical properties of the SiC matrix fabricated via CVI. Subsequently, a two-level micromechanics-based homogenization is developed to account for the effects of various constituents (e.g., porosity and carbon fiber) on the mechanical properties of the C/SiC composites. A series of numerical parametric studies is performed to examine the influence of the model parameters on the mechanical properties of the C/SiC composites. In addition, experimental investigations, including tensile tests and scanning electron microscopy, are conducted to validate the proposed modeling approach. The results indicate that the proposed modeling approach provides predictions that are in good agreement with the experimental results, thereby demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed modeling scheme.

Tiglit is an aubrite meteorite which fell in 2021 in Morocco. Fragments of the Tiglit meteorite, recovered shortly after its fall, were analyzed for phase and chemical composition using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. These studies confirmed the presence of pyroxene (enstatite), olivine, plagioclase, sulfides, carbon phases (seldom reported in aubrites), and iron oxides. Unexpectedly, calcite and polymorphic SiO2 phases were also detected. The formation of calcite is related to the terrestrial alteration of oldhamite—a sulfide present in aubrites—after the fall.

Porous Cu/Cu2O catalytic materials with a unique pore structure were successfully synthesized via a one-step solvothermal method using Cu-MOF-74 as the intermediate, followed by induced collapse and oxidation. The structural properties and catalytic performance of the as-prepared Cu/Cu2O materials in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) were systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) combined with in situ thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry (TG-MS). The results show that the specific surface area of the Cu/Cu2O material is 46.6697 m2/g, and the average pore diameter is 9.4608 nm. Owing to the synergistic effect of Cu0/Cu+ dual sites on promoting electron transfer during AP thermal decomposition, the Cu/Cu2O catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity. Specifically, at a heating rate of 20 °C/min, the addition of 2 wt% Cu/Cu2O reduces the high-temperature decomposition temperature of AP from 473.1 °C to 321.1 °C (a decrease of 151.0 °C), lowers the thermal decomposition activation energy from 296.63 kJ/mol to 253.21 kJ/mol (a reduction of 43.42 kJ/mol), and increases the heat release by 617.8 J/g compared to pure AP. TG-MS analysis revealed that Cu/Cu2O accelerates the decomposition of AP by adsorbing and activating NH3 and HClO4 generated in the low-temperature decomposition stage, facilitating the formation of reactive intermediates such as ClOₓ and promoting the oxidation of nitrogen-containing species. This study demonstrates that the porous Cu/Cu2O material synthesized by the one-step solvothermal method is a promising catalyst for enhancing the thermal decomposition performance of AP in solid propellants.

Abstract The edible flowers of Clitoria ternatea and Malvaviscus arboreus , cultivated under agroecological principles, represent promising sources of functional ingredients. This study evaluated their convective drying behavior (50–80 °C), powder morphology, and technofunctional properties. The experiments involved convective drying under controlled airflow, with moisture ratio data fitted to mathematical models. The Page model provided the best fit (R² >0.99). Thermodynamic parameters were determined to assess the energy nature of moisture diffusion, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterized powder microstructure. Multivariate analysis (PCA) was applied to differentiate samples based on their physical and functional traits. M. arboreus required longer drying times (150–840 min) and exhibited higher activation energy (57,753 J mol⁻¹) than C. ternatea (44,806 J mol⁻¹), indicating greater resistance to moisture transfer. Both processes were endothermic (ΔH > 0) and non-spontaneous (ΔG > 0). Microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed clear differences between the species. C. ternatea powders exhibited higher solubility (12.8%) and better flowability, making them suitable for instant food applications, while M. arboreus powders showed greater cohesiveness, suggesting use in structured formulations. Multivariate analysis (PCA) effectively distinguished the two species based on their physical and thermodynamic profiles. These findings demonstrate that C. ternatea holds stronger potential for functional powder production, whereas M. arboreus requires further process optimization. This work highlights the value of agroecological edible flowers as sustainable ingredients with distinct technological functionalities.

Influence of parallel hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on morphology of zinc electro­deposits has been investigated. Zn was electrodeposited potentiostatically from the alkaline electrolyte at overpotentials both inside and outside the plateau of the limiting diffusion current density, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the resulting deposits. Holes originating from detached hydrogen bubbles were formed among the branchy, fern-like dendrites at overpotentials outside the plateau of the limiting diffusion current density, while HER was not detected at the overpotential inside the plateau. The overpotential of electrodeposition had no significant effect on the amount of hydrogen produced (the HER current efficiency was in the 17.7-19.1 % range), but it did affect the hole size. Depending on the overpotential of the electrodeposition, the size of holes was from several to about 100 mm, including those obtained by a coalescence of neighbouring hydrogen bubbles, and decreased with the increasing overpotential. The absence of inhibition of dendritic growth in spite of a high value of evolved hydrogen was attributed to Zn, which belongs to the group of normal metals characterized by high values of both the exchange current density and the overpotential for hydrogen evolution.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) represent one of the most promising emerging material families, particularly for advanced surface engineering applications. In this work, a near-high-entropy alloy (near-HEA) coating was produced on a 316L stainless steel substrate using laser metal deposition (LMD) from a powder mixture of Inconel 625, Cr and Mo, without the intentional addition of Fe. Due to dilution from the substrate, the resulting alloy contained elevated Fe content while maintaining Cr, Ni and Mo concentrations within the generally accepted compositional range of HEAs. The deposited layer exhibited a dual-phase microstructure consisting of a face-centered cubic (FCC) phase and a highly distorted tetragonal phase forming a periodic network with a characteristic length scale of several hundred nanometers. The hardness of the coating increased to approximately three times that of the substrate, reaching values of 600–700 HV. To further modify the surface properties, laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) were generated on the polished coating using femtosecond pulsed laser irradiation at different energy densities. The morphology and subsurface structure of the resulting periodic patterns were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. LIPSS with characteristic dimensions ranging from the micrometer to nanometer scale were successfully produced. Cross-sectional analyses revealed that the underlying dual-phase microstructure remained continuous within the laser-structured regions, indicating that LIPSS formation occurred predominantly via metallic ablation without significant phase transformation or amorphization. These results demonstrate the combined applicability of LMD and femtosecond laser structuring for producing mechanically enhanced, micro- and nanostructured near-HEA coatings with potential for advanced surface-related functionalities.

In this preliminary study, chitosan-based molecularly imprinted polymers crosslinked with glutaraldehyde were synthesized and evaluated for the selective removal of m-cresol, a volatile phenol associated with the sensory defect known as smoke taint in wine. Three formulations of chitosan-based molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP-Gs) were synthesized using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker and m-cresol as a template. Non-imprinted polymers (NIP-Gs) served as controls. The polymers were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, which confirmed successful crosslinking and structural differences between MIPs and NIPs. Adsorption performance was evaluated using solid-phase extraction cartridges packed with the synthesized polymers, employing a Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The MIPs exhibited higher adsorption efficiency and selectivity toward m-cresol compared to NIPs, achieving removal rates of 15% to 40%, depending on polymer formulation and analyte concentration. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate polymer–analyte interactions at the molecular level, providing mechanistic insight into the preferential binding of m-cresol within the imprinted cavities. Physicochemical analyses of red wine showed that m-cresol removal occurred with minimal impact on key phenolic parameters, supporting the functional selectivity of MIPs. These results demonstrate that chitosan-based MIPs constitute a promising class of materials for selective adsorption applications in complex liquid systems.

In this work, an attempt was made to study the effects of various shielding gases on the quality of SS304H welded using a CO2 laser. The SS 304H sheets of 5 mm thickness were welded using three different shielding gases, viz. 100% CO2100% Argon and 80% Argon + 20% CO2 shielding gases at a flow rate of 15 liters/min. Weld quality was evaluated based on the analysis of mechanical properties, including hardness, tensile strength, and impact strength. The property variations are justified through metallurgical investigations, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analyses. Overall, the usage of 100% CO2 as shielding gas resulted optimum microstructural and mechanical characteristics with a hardness value of 280 HV and tensile strength of 729 MPa, though with a low impact toughness value of 33 J.

This study reveals the effects of artificial space-like proton irradiation on three meteorite samples that are Northwest Africa (NWA) 4560 LL3.2 and NWA 5838 H6 chondrite meteorites, as well as the Dhofar (Dho) 007 eucrite. We used low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy (LV-SEM) and Raman Spectroscopy to examine the structure and composition of olivine and pyroxene grains in the meteorites before and after the irradiation events. This article focuses on the strongest and most intense irradiation, which was performed by protons up to 12 keV with a fluence value of 1019 ions/cm2 that lasted ~30 h. According to the Raman spectra, significant lattice disruption in all analyzed silicates occurred, and a more extensive amorphous, glassy layer developed under the strongest irradiation conditions. Relative to the second irradiation, peak 1 (820.0 cm−1) shifts slightly negatively (–0.46 cm−1) with a small FWHM increase (+0.88 cm−1), while peak 2 (850.3 cm−1) shifts positively in both parameters (+0.40 and +4.04 cm−1) in NWA 4560 olivines. In NWA 5838 olivines, both olivine peaks (820.5 and 850.8 cm−1) shift positively (+7.40 and +7.90 cm−1) and broaden (+2.75 and +4.29 cm−1). In Dho 007 pyroxenes, peak 1 (997.1 cm−1) shifts positively (+3.01 cm−1) with an FWHM decrease (−0.46 cm−1), peak 2 (669.7 cm−1) shifts slightly negatively (−0.75 cm−1) while broadening strongly (+29.23 cm−1), and peak 3 (327.7 cm−1) shifts positively (+0.86 cm−1) with reduced FWHM (−4.55 cm−1). Three characteristic amorphous bands appear in all examined meteorite silicates, located at ~550–1000 cm−1, ~1100–1700 cm−1, and ~1700–1850 cm−1. Olivines in NWA 4560 and NWA 5838 exhibited similar responses across all irradiation events. In contrast, Dho 007 pyroxenes showed variable compositional changes without a consistent or well-defined pattern in our SEM dataset. The Fo decrease in our experiments likely results from preferential Mg sputtering in the olivine lattice, leading to relative Fe enrichment, similar to but more pronounced than after the first irradiation. Pyroxenes exhibit a comparable response, with Fs and En increasing and Wo sharply decreasing, reflecting preferential Ca loss relative to Mg alongside Fe enrichment. Investigating these processes improves the interpretation of planetary remote sensing data and advances our understanding of planetary surface evolution, while also clarifying how surface materials respond to space environmental conditions.

Glycation due to increased blood sugar levels aggravates diabetic complications. Glycation hampers the structural and functional integrity of human serum albumin (HSA). Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)/aspirin exhibits anti-glycation properties. Although the precise molecular mechanism of ASA in glycation has not yet been conclusively demonstrated, acetylation has been considered the central mechanism underlying its biological action. The present study aims to unveil the specific mechanism of action of ASA on glycated HSA through meticulously designed approaches. Fluorescence and UV-visible spectroscopy were used to analyse glycation adducts in the presence of ASA. ANS-based fluorescence spectroscopy, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to study the structural modifications of glycated HSA in the presence of ASA. Furthermore, we investigated functional modifications in glycated HSA using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The analyzed data showed a direct association between glycation and the impaired structural and functional integrity of HSA, which was partially restored by ASA. Our data corroborate that ASA's prominent anti-glycation activity may be attributable to mechanisms other than acetylation.

Biodeterioration of low-density polyethylene microplastics by dark septate endophytic fungi supported by mass loss and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy evidence

Two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride 2D g-C3N4 has the potential for gas sensing as a metal-free semiconductor with a layered structure, high surface area, and tunability of electronic properties. In this context, 2D g-C3N4 nanosheets were prepared by the thermal polycondensation of urea followed by ultrasonic exfoliation. X-ray diffraction revealed diffraction peaks corresponding to the (110) and (002) crystallographic planes of g-C3N4. Scanning electron microscopy showed a nanosheet structure with a 10-nm crystallite size, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy demonstrated a uniform distribution of carbon and nitrogen. Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy revealed a band gap of 2.8 eV. Gas sensing measurements exhibited an increase in response to isopropanol and ethanol as the operating temperature and gas concentration increased. Impedance spectroscopy provided additional insight into the sensing mechanism. Observed depressed semicircles in Nyquist plots were fitted with a charge transfer resistance Rct in parallel with a constant phase element model. The charge transfer resistance Rct fell systematically with isopropanol exposure, confirming the crucial role of adsorption-induced electron transfer in the gas sensing response.