Series Of Tests Research Articles

Effect of hydro-chemical corrosion on mechanical properties of red sandstone under uniaxial and triaxial compression

The degradation of mechanical characteristics of sandstone, a common engineering material in acid environment, is directly related to the project service life forecast. In order to investigate the influence of water–rock interaction on the mechanical properties of red sandstone, a series of uniaxial and triaxial compression tests were conducted on sandstone immersed in solutions of different pH values and immersion times. Moreover, the effects of acid chemical corrosion on the microscopic structure of the sandstone were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) tests. A chemical damage strength model was then formulated within the theoretical framework of chemical reaction kinetics theory. The results indicate that the different hydro-chemical solutions have a significant deterioration effect on the sandstone. In immersion tests, the water–rock reaction of sandstone is essentially completed after 30 days of immersion. With increasing immersion time, the uniaxial compressive strength of sandstone immersed in neutral and weakly acidic saline solutions shows an initial rapid decrease followed by a slow increase, while sandstone immersed in distilled water and strongly acidic solutions shows varying degrees of decrease over time. High confining pressure weakens the corrosion effect of the solutions on the sandstone, particularly, the neutral solution. In the triaxial compression tests, strong acid has a great corrosion effect on sandstone. The average peak strength of sandstone immersed in pH2, pH4, pH7, and distilled water decreased by 30.2%, 28.7%, 25.1%, and 22.8%, respectively. The model considers calcium precipitation not only reflects the change in pH value of the immersion solution with time but also effectively predicts the strength of sandstone immersed in different solutions. The results deepen our understanding of the deterioration mechanism of silicon-based porous rock under different chemical solutions and would be of importance for the long-term stability analysis of rock engineering in complex groundwater environments.

Construction of g-C3N4/Ti3C2/α-Fe2O3 ternary composite: Synergistic enhancement of photocatalytic performance by Schottky junction/Z-scheme heterojunction-structure and wide light absorption range

Semiconductor materials for photocatalysis have been extensively researched in recent years due to their commendable stability and non-toxicity. However, the practical applications of these materials are constrained by their inherent characteristics, such as the rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers and the limited range of light absorption. In this paper, a simple method combining calcination and solvothermal was used to prepare a novel ternary composite material of g-C3N4/Ti3C2/α-Fe2O3. A series of photoelectrochemical tests showed that the ternary composite had excellent photogenerated carrier transfer, separation ability, and a wide range of light absorption. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated using the organic pollutant Methylene blue, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as experimental targets. The results indicated that it degraded 50.69 % of the Methylene blue and killed 99.22 % of Staphylococcus aureus and 98.05 % of Escherichia coli within the specified time, demonstrating effective photocatalytic degradation and antibacterial properties. The superior photocatalytic performance is attributed to the effective combination of the highly conductive Ti3C2 material, the semiconductor α-Fe2O3 with a wide light absorption range, and g-C3N4, coupled with the well-matched Z-type heterojunction and Schottky junction within the composite. This research can offer insights for the future development and application of environmentally friendly photocatalytic semiconductor materials.

Environmental taxes promote the synergy between pollution and carbon reduction: Provincial evidence from China

Since its implementation in 2018, China's environmental tax has become a crucial mechanism in the nation's strategy for reducing environmental pollution. However, its synergistic effect between pollution and carbon reduction has not been adequately focused on and evaluated. This study employs the difference-in-differences (DID) model to analyze the impact of the environmental tax policy on the emissions of pollutant and CO2 as well as the synergistic effect between them. The baseline results reveal that the implementation of environmental taxes significantly reduces the emissions of SO2 and CO2 and enhances the level of synergistic effects. This finding passed a series of robustness tests. Additional analysis reveals that the environmental tax promotes reductions in SO2 and CO2 emissions through adjustments in industrial and energy consumption structures. Furthermore, mechanism analysis from an econometric perspective provides theoretical support for the synergistic effect of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. In the process of achieving CO2 reduction, SO2 plays a crucial mediating role. The heterogeneity effect suggests that in non-coastal areas and regions with larger governmental scales, the environmental tax exhibits significant emission reduction effects. It is advisable to strengthen the legal safeguard of environmental tax, dynamically adjust tax rates, and timely expand the tax scope to improve the environmental tax system and enhance its policy effects. This study provides empirical evidence and policy insights to optimize the environmental tax, offering valuable references for environmental tax reforms in developing countries.

Towards Green Development: Exploring the Impact of Housing Price Bubbles on Regional Green Innovation Efficiency Based on Chinese Provincial Panel Data Analysis

Innovation is an eternal theme of human development, and green innovation efficiency serves as the basis for achieving innovation-driven development in a country or region, as well as an important aspect of ecological civilization construction. In this context, based on the panel data of 30 Chinese provinces during 2003–2020, this study explores the effect of housing price bubbles on green innovation efficiency by using a global SBM-DEA model with unexpected outputs and a two-way fixed effects model. The results show that housing price bubbles considerably reduced green innovation efficiency, which is also verified by a series of robustness and endogeneity tests. Heterogeneity tests show that housing price bubbles in eastern and high human capital regions have a significantly higher inhibitory effect on green innovation efficiency than that in the central and western regions and low human capital regions. The mechanism test shows that housing price bubbles have reduced green innovation efficiency by intensifying the mismatch of labor and capital between regions. Moreover, high housing prices will further deepen the negative impact of housing price bubbles on green innovation efficiency, while expanding economic openness will help alleviate the negative impact. Therefore, to effectively enhance regional green innovation efficiency, we put forward a series of policy measures in terms of strengthening the adjustment of housing policies, optimizing the resource allocation structure, and implementing differentiated environmental control tools.

Research Progress of Zero-Busbar Technology Based on Heterojunction Photovoltaic Modules

In order to reduce manufacturing costs, the design of silicon-based solar modules is changing from a super-multi-busbar design to a zero-busbar (0BB) design. In this study, two different 0BB technologies based on heterojunction with intrinsic thin-layer solar cells—conventional soldering, and Integrated Film Covering (IFC)—were investigated. IFC-based 0BB technology was found to have a lower contact resistance, which well matches the theoretical calculations and module power testing results. To further measure module reliability, a series of tests on solders and silver pastes were carried out. The results show that Sn43Pb43Bi14 solder is more suitable for soldering-based 0BB technology, whereas Sn32Pb42Bi26 solder is more suitable for IFC-based technology. Additionally, silver paste, which is used for solder ribbon contact areas (SRCAs), is suitable for soldering-based 0BB technology. When Ag@Cu paste is used in SRCAs with IFC-based 0BB technology, a reliable connection can also be achieved. After optimization, modules using both techniques were subjected to and passed lifetime tests, including the thermal cycling, humidity freeze, and hot-spot tests required in IEC standards, as well as more rigorous tests such as thermal–dynamic and thermal–static mechanical loading. The results show that the two technologies have great potential for future mass production.

Experimental and numerical study on the hydrodynamic responses of a novel offshore floating photovoltaic system

Over the past decade, floating photovoltaics (FPVs) have experienced rapid growth. To effectively reduce costs and actively promote the engineering application of floating photovoltaic systems, an innovative FPV design characterized by low cost, high stability, and excellent seakeeping performance is proposed in this paper. A series of floating pontoons serve as buoyant elements within the system, offering the necessary buoyancy, and solar panels are installed on a support structure which is made up of a truss frame. A series of regular and irregular wave model tests were conducted at the wave basin of Jiangsu University of Science and Technology with model scale determined as 1:20 to assess hydrodynamic characteristics of the FPV. Twenty-One regular wave tests were conducted to establish the Response Amplitude Operator (RAO) of the FPV. Furthermore, irregular wave tests were performed to predict hydrodynamic performance of the FPV under more realistic scenarios. It was found that the FPV system encounters the highest level of danger during beam sea conditions, as compared to when it faces heading sea and quartering sea conditions. Additionally, a comparative numerical model which has been validated by experimental data was applied to study hydrodynamics of the FPV and mooring tensions under extreme sea conditions, thus providing design considerations and profound insights for the future development of this FPV system.

Negative temperature coefficient effect of TPU/SWCNT/PEDOT:PSS polymer matrices for wearable temperature sensors

Composite-based temperature sensors utilizing the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) effect have gained significant attention across various fields, particularly in healthcare. However, the development of innovative, highly linear, and high-performance NTC-based temperature sensors remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a composite temperature sensor comprising thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). A series of performance tests demonstrated that the TPU/SWCNT/PEDOT:PSS (TSP) composite effectively monitors temperature variations with both linearity and superior performance, attributed to the synergistic NTC effects of SWCNTs and PEDOT:PSS. This flexible temperature sensor retained its sensing functionality after repeated cycles of temperature fluctuations and multiple bending tests. Moreover, due to the unique properties of CNTs, the TSP sensor exhibited photothermal responses, showing highly sensitive resistance changes upon exposure to infrared radiation. The TSP sensor proved to be effective for various practical applications, including biosignal monitoring through thermal detection, temperature tracking during phone charging, and accurate temperature sensing on curved surfaces. Additionally, non-contact heat detection can be reliably performed regardless of whether tensile stress is applied. These findings underscore the immense potential of TSP sensors for future use in wearable healthcare technologies.

Investigating the influence of particle shape on discrete element modeling of granular soil under multidirectional cyclic shearing

In this study, a series of undrained multidirectional cyclic simple shear tests were conducted using the discrete element method. Various stress paths, including figure-8, circular, teardrop, and straight-line shapes, were considered. Realistic and irregular particles were generated by integrating the theory of random fields for spherical topology with the Fourier-shape-based method. The influence of particle shape irregularity was assessed using a synthetic parameter derived from four common descriptors: aspect ratio, roundness, convexity, and sphericity. The study revealed that the liquefaction resistance of samples subjected to a constant cyclic shear stress ratio predominantly depended on the stress trajectory and particle shape. Numerical results demonstrated that the sample undergoing the unidirectional simple shear exhibited the highest liquefaction resistance, whereas the figure-8 shape exhibited the lowest. Furthermore, greater irregularity in particle shape corresponded to increased resistance to failure. Additionally, microstructural evolutions of granular samples were quantified throughout the simulation using the contact-normal-based fabric tensor. This allowed for a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between internal structure and external loading, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the macroscopic observations discussed above.

Verification of Numerical Models of Steel Bar Coverings Using Experimental Tests—Preliminary Study

In the design of metal bar coverings, the key problem is to correctly determine the numerical model of the analyzed structure. The description of numerical models may differ from the actual, real behavior of the structure. Therefore, there is a need to verify and calibrate them using experimental studies. The aim of this research will be to verify and assess the accuracy of the numerical model of a metal bar roof by conducting experimental studies. A series of repeatable experimental tests will be conducted on the structure model to determine the path of static equilibrium and the form of stability loss of the steel covering. During the test, as the load increases, data will be collected on the displacements of nodes. The displacements of the nodes will be verified using precise triangulation laser sensors and electronic sensors. Based on the results of the tests, conclusions will be drawn regarding the accuracy of the numerical models. Comparison of the results obtained from the numerical models with the experimental data will allow for the identification of possible discrepancies and understanding how the numerical models can be improved. This in turn will contribute to the development of more advanced and more accurate methods for the analysis of metal bar roof structures in the future.

Does vertical integration reduce the cost of equity?

Faced with the increasing risk of supply chain disruption, more firms are using mergers and acquisitions or investments to expand their core business's upstream and downstream supply chain and improve their vertical integration. In this vertical integration trend, the cost of capital for core firms is crucial to coordinating the entire supply chain. We manually collected input-output matrix data of segmented departments and supply chain value-added data to explore how vertical integration impacts the cost of equity. Using A-share listed firms from 2008 to 2021 as our sample, the results of our regression analyses show that vertical integration plays a significant role in reducing the cost of equity. These results remain consistent throughout a series of robustness tests. The channel tests indicate that vertical integration can reduce the cost of equity by reducing operating risk and mitigating information asymmetry. Additional analyses show that vertical integration's impact on the cost of equity is more pronounced for firms with more intense industry competition, lower product market positions, lower supply chain concentration, weaker corporate governance, and more aggressive strategies, as well as firms in regions with lower marketization processes and weaker trust environment. Our findings contribute to the literature on the economic consequences of vertical integration from the perspective of corporate financing behavior and extend the literature on cost of equity determinants to the field of supply chains.

Role of IFN-γ, IL-33, and IL-35 concentrations in tuberculous pleural effusion in diagnosis and analysis of the effectiveness of combined tests

This study examines the diagnostic utility of the combined interleukin-33 (IL-33), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and interleukin-35 (IL-35) test in tuberculous pleural effusion. Forty patients with pleural effusion of unknown etiology admitted to the hospital between December 2020 and December 2023 were selected as the study group. The patients were further categorized into tuberculous (TB) (n = 20) and malignant (n = 20) groups on the basis of their relevant data, while sera from 20 healthy medical checkups were used as control group. Thoracentesis was used to collect pleural fluid, and after its collection, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized to detect the concentration content of IL-35, IL-33, and IFN-γ in pleural fluid of patients with different types of diseases. Data processing and analysis were executed through SPSS23.0 software to plot the receiver operating characteristic curve and compare the area of the area under the line of each index. Adenosine deaminase level was statistically higher in TB group patients (59.91 U/L) than in malignant group (14.31 U/L) (P < .05). Pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase levels did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (P > .05). T-SPOT test had a higher positive rate in the TB group (85%) and a lower positive rate in the malignant group (45%). The TB group exhibited significantly higher levels of IFN-γ expression than the malignant group (P < .05). The TB group had higher levels of IL-33 and IL-35 compared to the malignant group, with a statistically significant difference (P < .05). The TB group had a greater level of IL-33 (81.05 ± 10.11 pg/mL) than the cytology-positive group (39.37 ± 9.63 pg/mL), while the difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). The level of IL-35 (70.11 ± 10.37 pg/mL) in the TB group was lower than the level of IL-35 (72.13 ± 9.58 pg/mL) in the cytology-positive group. The specificity of the series of combined tests reached 95.81%, which was statistically superior to the single-factor test (P < .05). In the TB group, IFN-γ and IL-33, IFN-γ and IL-35, and IL-33 and IL-35 showed positive correlation. Combined determination of the concentration levels of IL-35, IL-33, and IFN-γ is of value in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy.

An experimental investigation on the arching effect of cohesive materials in trapdoor tests

This study conducted a series of trapdoor tests on low cohesion material at different buried depths, the failure patterns and the variations of soil pressure were investigated, and the development of the arching effect in trapdoor tests was analyzed. The results showed two failure models for soils: when the buried depth ratio was smaller than 2, two rupture surfaces developed obliquely upward from two sides of the trapdoor and merged into one triangular rupture surface; when the ratio was greater than 2, two rupture surfaces developed vertically upward and merged into one tower-shaped rupture surface. As the burial depth increased, the inner boundaries of the soil arch moved upward, and the widths of the inner and outer boundaries expanded. Furthermore, the maximum arching trajectory, obtained by connecting the maximum tangential stress points, was closer to the inner boundary and shifted towards the outer boundary when the trapdoor was lowered. Based on the experimental results, a new composite arch model was proposed to calculate the soil pressure above a trapdoor, it can better describe the development of soil pressure in a trapdoor test.

Comparison of tribological and corrosion characteristics of AISI 316Ti and AISI 430 stainless steels

Abstract This study presents an investigation into the tribological, corrosion, and tribocorrosion properties of AISI 316Ti (austenitic) and AISI 430 (ferritic) stainless steels. The comparative analysis focuses on microstructural characterization, hardness, and a series of tribological, electrochemical, and tribocorrosion tests conducted in 0.9% NaCl using a specialized linear tribometer to reveal the quality of the studied materials in tribocorrosion applications. Friction tests were performed under both dry and corrosive conditions, while tribocorrosion tests were conducted under open circuit potential (OCP) conditions in 0.9% NaCl, with the electrode potential of the test specimen monitored during friction. To evaluate the electrochemical behavior of the materials, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were conducted using a 0.9% NaCl solution. The measured corrosion potential (Ecorr) suggests that AISI 430 is thermodynamically more stable than AISI 316Ti; however, AISI 316Ti demonstrated higher polarization resistance (RP) values compared to AISI 430. The findings indicate that material qualities significantly influence the coefficient of friction (CoF). Additionally, a notable antifriction effect of 0.9% NaCl was observed during tribological testing, resulting in a lower CoF compared to dry friction conditions. A cathodic shift in OCP during tribocorrosion testing was also observed in both materials, indicating an increase in corrosion vulnerability when the passive layer is degraded.

Impact response of pseudoelastic nitinol

The response of polycrystalline nitinol with solely austenite structure was studied in three series of planar impact tests characterized by loading of the nitinol samples of 0.5–10 mm thickness by 1 mm thick aluminum impactor accelerated up to velocities of about 387, 429, and 567 m/s. In all the tests, the velocities of the free surfaces of the samples were monitored by a laser velocity interferometer. It was found that in all three test series, the amplitude of elastic precursor wave, being initially greater than 4 GPa, rapidly decays with the propagation distance down to ∼2.5 GPa, below which the decay is hindered by atomic clusters of the nanometer size. Based on the part of the velocity histories indicating the shock-induced austenite–martensite transformation, the initial, of about 2.5 × 103 s−1, and the maximum, up to 1 × 105 s−1, rates of the transformation were determined. As well, the impact stress slightly greater than 4 GPa was determined as that required for the onset of the B2 → B19′ transformation under shock loading. The unloading parts of the same velocity histories allowed a rough estimate of the fraction of the shock-transformed martensite and the elucidation of the virtually complete reversibility of the transformation.

Experimental Investigation on the Permeability and Fine Particle Migration of Debris-Flow Deposits with Discontinuous Gradation: Implications for the Sustainable Development of Debris-Flow Fans in Jiangjia Ravine, China

The particle size distribution (PSD) is a crucial parameter used to characterize the material composition of debris-flow deposits which determines their hydraulic permeability, affecting the mobility of debris flows and, hence, the sustainable development of debris-flow fans. Three types of graded bedding structures—normal, reverse, and mixed graded bedding structures—are characterized by discontinuous gradation within a specific deposit thickness. A series of permeability tests were conducted to study the effects of bed sediment composition, particularly coarse grain sizes and fine particle contents, on the permeability and migration of fine particles in discontinuous debris-flow deposits. An increase in fine particles within the discontinuously graded bed sediment led to a power-law decrease in the average permeability coefficient. With fine particle contents of 10% and 15% in the bed sediments, the final permeability coefficient consistently exceeded the initial value. However, this trend reversed when the fine particle contents were increased to 20%, 25%, and 30%. Lower fine particle contents indicated enhanced permeability efficiency due to more interconnected voids within the coarse particle skeleton. Conversely, an increase in fine particle content reduced the permeability efficiency, as fine particles tended to aggregate at the lower section of the seepage channel. An increase in coarse particle size decreased the formation of flow channels at the coarse–fine particle interface, causing fine particles to move slowly along adjacent or clustered slow flow channels formed by fine particles, resulting in decreased permeability efficiency. Three formulae are proposed to calculate the permeability coefficients of discontinuously graded bed sediments, which may aid in understanding the initiation mechanism of channel deposits. Based on experimental studies and field investigations, it is proposed that achieving sustainable development of debris-flow fans requires a practical approach that integrates three key components: spatial land-use planning, in situ monitoring of debris flows and the environment, and land-use adjustment and management. This comprehensive and integrated approach is essential for effectively managing and mitigating the risks associated with debris flows, ensuring sustainable development in vulnerable areas.

PENGUJIAN CUTTER ENDMILL HSS DIAMETER 12 MM DENGAN PEMOTONGAN DEPT OF CUT TERHADAP BAJA AMUTIT DI MESIN MILLING LAGUN FU 100 (LFR 25)

This study aims to analyze the relationship between machining parameters and tool wear (flank wear) in the milling process of amutite steel (SKS3) using a 12 mm diameter High-Speed Steel (HSS) endmill cutter. The machining parameters studied included cutting speed (Vc = 14 m/min and 18 m/min), feed rate (F = 30 mm/min and 75 mm/min), and depth of cut (Doc = 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 mm). The linear regression method was used to build a mathematical model relating these parameters to tool wear. Experimental data were obtained through a series of machining tests with predetermined parameter variations. The regression analysis results showed that tool wear or flank wear (Vb) was significantly affected by cutting speed (Vc), feed rate (F), and depth of cut (Doc), with constant and exponent values obtained through logarithmic transformation and regression analysis. The regression model obtained has a good level of accuracy in predicting tool wear, although there is a difference between the theoretical and actual Vb values. This discrepancy may be caused by factors not measured in the experiment, such as variations in workpiece material or environmental conditions. This research also provides that the 12 mm diameter HSS endmill cutter is proven to be capable of carrying out the depth-of-cutting process on amutite steel material in the Lagun FU 100 milling machine with the specified depth-of-cut.

The Impact of Digital Trade Development on Regional Green Innovation

Using provincial panel data from China spanning 2011 to 2022, this paper analyzes the impact, mechanisms, and regional differences in digital trade’s effects on regional green innovation. It also explores the threshold effect between digital trade and green innovation, with environmental regulation serving as the threshold variable. The results indicate the following: first, after accounting for government intervention, foreign direct investment, human capital, industrialization, information technology infrastructure, and economic development, digital trade significantly promotes regional green innovation. This conclusion remains valid after a series of robustness tests. Second, digital trade promotes regional green innovation through three mechanisms: accelerating industrial structure upgrading, promoting industrial agglomeration, and enhancing technology transfer. Third, environmental regulation leads to a non-linear relationship between digital trade and green innovation. Higher levels of environmental regulation make digital trade’s contribution to green innovation more significant. Finally, the effects of digital trade on green innovation vary by region in China. This impact is more pronounced in eastern provinces, regions with advanced digital economies, areas with well-developed transport infrastructure, and provinces with a higher degree of trade openness. These findings hold substantial implications for advancing green innovation and promoting sustainable social development in China.

Optimizing fiber-reinforced flexible concrete blankets: A study on basalt fiber effects on strength properties

Flexible concrete blankets (FCB) are valued for convenient construction and rapid hardening but are hindered by low tensile and flexural strengths. This study examines the enhancement of FCB by incorporating basalt fibers into the cement matrix, with a focus on improving compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths. A series of tests evaluated the apparent density, setting time, and strength properties of the fiber-reinforced cement matrix across various fiber lengths, fiber contents, and water-cement ratios. Results show that increasing fiber length and content reduces apparent density and extends setting time. Basalt fiber addition effectively enhances compressive and flexural strengths, although excessive fiber length, content, and water-cement ratios lead to reduced performance. The optimal configuration (3 mm fiber length, 0.1 % fiber content, and a 0.38 water-cement ratio) yields the best mechanical properties. Orthogonal analysis indicates that compressive strength is most influenced by fiber content, followed by fiber length and water-cement ratio, while flexural strength is primarily affected by fiber length. Additionally, FCB with surface-pasted fiber cloth exhibits higher tensile strength than mixtures with dispersed fibers.

Evaluating strength and erosion resistance of EICP-Stabilised silt using soybeans crude extract as urease source

ABSTRACT Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) has recently garnered attention as a sustainable and eco-friendly method for soil improvement. In this study, various molar concentrations of urea and calcium chloride were employed alongside soybeans crude extract as an economical source of urease enzyme for EICP stabilisation of a silty soil. A series of index, mechanical, and durability tests were conducted to assess the impacts of EICP on the applicability of the soil as a building material. The results revealed significant reductions in soil plasticity and particle agglomeration within the finer fraction of the soil, with increasing carbonate content due to EICP treatment. Furthermore, EICP led to a decrease in soil’s potential for compression and swelling, with compression and swelling indices reduced by up to 3.5 times and 3.8 times, respectively. Substantial enhancements in unconfined strength were also noted in both dry and lab-equilibrated conditions. Lastly, treated samples demonstrated significant resistance against water erosion in durability tests, with treated samples only failing contact tests.

Exploring Bioinformatics-Driven Approaches for Enhanced Diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis Infections: Analysis of Target Proteins

Chlamydia trachomatis, a major cause of sexually transmitted infection, poses a range of symptoms including genital discharge, pain during urination, and abdominal pains in women, and can lead to serious health complications such as pelvic inflammatory diseases, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy if left untreated. The need for rapid and accurate detection is imperative so prompt treatment and control of the disease can be achieved. This study conducted an immunoinformatic analysis of proteins of Chlamydia trachomatis (incA, hctA, ompA, omcB, rpoB, and HSP60) for the development of a lateral flow assay-based diagnostic test. Detailed in silico evaluation of selected proteins from publicly available genomic databases was conducted to evaluate their suitability as targets for lateral flow assay-based detection. The series of tests included antigenicity, toxicity, solubility, physicochemical characteristics and molecular docking of the derived constructs, and protein sequence. Chimeric construct was derived from the prediction of linear B cell epitopes, helper T cell major histocompatibility complex II binding epitopes, and IL4 and IL10 inducers using bioinformatic tools at standard thresholds. With a Ramachandra’s score of 95.4% and Z-score of -5.1, results indicate that the construct efficacy is high in potential to provide extreme specificity and sensitivity for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in clinical samples as compared to traditional culture-based methods using nucleic acid amplification, hereby providing a quicker and more accurate diagnostic tool for Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Findings offer valuable data for the development of a rapid and reliable diagnostic point-of-care test kit for Chlamydia trachomatis that allows for drastic reduction in clinical wait time and treatment.