Innovative System Research Articles

Optimized Hybrid Osprey with PSO Control for Improved VSC-HVDC-Wind Power Integration

Innovative power systems include offshore wind farms (OWFs) to generate electricity from renewable sources. So, reliable control systems are also necessary to make sure these power systems run smoothly. The purpose of this study is to combine the Osprey Optimization with Particle Swarm Optimization (OOPSO) to fine-tune the gains of Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers within the investigated wind energy conversion system (WECS) to enhance its performance. The study confirms the effectiveness of using the Hybrid OOPSO algorithm to optimize PI controllers in a WECS. The WECS includes two voltage source converter (VSC) stations at each end of a high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system. The transmission system links OWFs to the grid. The research demonstrates that the Hybrid OOPSO algorithm is superior to the genetic algorithm (GA) and PSO by enhancing setup stability and allowing fast voltage regaining following different fault cases. The introduced method performs more remarkably than traditional methods such as GA and PSO. The results of this study have shown that the proposed OOPSO enhances the overshoot in onshore voltage transient response under a symmetrical fault condition by 26% over PSO, 24% over GA, and 16% over OOA. The study is conducted using MATLAB/Simulink. The study underscores the importance of advanced optimization methods to guarantee offshore wind energy systems' efficient and dependable functioning.

Disease X and COVID-19: turning lessons from India and the world into policy recommendations

Disease X is caused by pathogen X, an unknown infectious agent that can potentially trigger an epidemic or pandemic. Pathogen X might be any pathogen, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and prions. WHO uses the term ‘Disease X’ for any new emerging disease caused by an unknown pathogen X. Disease X stands for any possible future pandemic in WHO’s shortlist of high-priority diseases. This review looks at the manifestations of the recent COVID-19 epidemic as the first Disease X to evaluate what has happened and to learn from what went wrong in India and worldwide. To this end, a summary is presented of response measures by governments, often lacking flows of information, discrepancies in the views of experts and decisions of policymakers, and undesirable variations in individual and collective behavior and their consequences. The elements of combating Disease X in a world with considerable inequalities in relevant knowledge, expertise, information, quality of governance, and financial possibilities are discussed. Based on this, recommendations are given for an innovative global pandemic preparedness system.

Graduation-inspired manufacturing system and synchronization mechanism for hybrid assembly cell lines

This paper presents an innovative flexible assembly system – hybrid assembly cell lines (HACL) to adapt to small batch, high product variety and dynamic demands. HACL provides specially designed trolleys for assembly operations, materials and tools to form the workstations flexibly and quickly at low reconfiguration cost. To conduct accurate and effective control for this complex assembly system, this paper presents a modified Graduation-inspired Manufacturing System (GMS), a recently proposed new card-based control system. GMS for HACL designs three kinds of tickets and the ticketing mechanism to absorb the uncertainties of HACL. Job tickets are for workload control and synchronization of part deliveries; setup tickets are for cell line formation and synchronization of resources of tools and machines; operation tickets are for production execution and synchronization of workers and operations in cell lines. GMS for HACL develops Internet of Things-enabled (IoT-enabled) architecture for managing the smart tickets to achieve automatic and intelligent interoperability between GMS and the physical workstations of HACL. This work designs synchronization mechanism based on specific model and genetic algorithm to synchronize manufacturing resources under GMS for HACL

Design, numerical optimisation and experimental validation of an innovative solar-powered tube heater with multiple air impingement jets

This research investigates a novel tube heater designed for the seamless integration of an innovative solar thermal system into the powder-based coating process to heat steel tube at a temperature of 240 °C. It incorporates a comprehensive numerical model developed and assessed using ANSYS FLUENT, concentrating on seven critical parameters that significantly influence the tube heater’s performance and size. These parameters include tube heater length, jets’ length, funnel height, Z/Djet, Y/Djet and X/Djet ratios, as well as jet diameter. The findings underline the critical role of tube heater length in enhancing heat transfer and maximising thermal efficiency, while reducing jet length and funnel height demonstrated negligible effects on thermal performance, promoting material economy. A lower Z/Djet ratio enhanced heat transfer uniformity, improving thermal performance, while optimal X/Djet and Y/Djet ratios were identified as 4 maintaining a balance between heat transfer rate and energy consumption. A smaller jet diameter proved beneficial since the potential core was not achieved, increasing heat transfer to the steel tubes. The experimental model, conducted to validate the novel tube heater’s performance, remarkably aligns with the numerical model, showing an R-squared value of 0.992. These results affirm the numerical setup’s accuracy and reliability in capturing the tube heater’s thermal behaviour. It is concluded that the novel tube heater stands as a highly efficient solution for the seamless integration of solar thermal systems into the powder-based coating process of steel tubes, promising significant emissions reduction.

Differential Pressure Power Generation in UGS: Operational Optimization Model and Its Implications for Carbon Emission Reduction

Underground Gas Storage (UGS) is an important facility for natural gas peak adjustment and ensuring the balance between energy supply and demand. The daily gas injection and production capacity of large UGS can reach several hundred million or even billions of cubic meters, and the energy consumed by the injection and production equipment is not to be underestimated, which also contains a large amount of pressure energy that can be utilized for power generation. In this context, the optimization of low-carbon operation of UGS is of great practical significance in engineering. In this study, an innovative UGS system operation optimization method is proposed to integrate a natural gas differential pressure generator set in the UGS system. Considering the complex interconnections among multiple storage areas, multiple wells and wellsites, and the hydro-thermodynamic constraints during the operation of injection and production pipeline network, and with the objective of minimizing the carbon emission, the UGS integrated with Differential Pressure Power Generation System (UGSIDPPGS) is established. In order to solve this complex model, this paper designs an optimization solution framework based on variational assignment, which effectively avoids the problem of falling into inferior solutions during the solution process. The optimization model is applied to the case study of a large-scale depleted gas reservoir in China, and the optimal operation schemes under three scenarios are successfully obtained. The results show that the UGSIDPPGS optimization model, not only effectively utilizes the pressure energy, generates up to 56.908×106kW·h per month, and reduces the CO2 emission by 56,738 tons, but also achieves the low-carbon and economic operation of the UGS. In conclusion, the operation strategy proposed in this study is of great value for optimizing the operation of UGS, and provides practical guidance and suggestions for the low carbon and environmental protection of UGS and the utilization of new energy sources.

Novel Heavy Fuel Oil based IGCC Polygeneration System based on Integration with Ejector Cooling and Heat Recovery of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell in Adsorption Desalination

An innovative polygeneration system based on the gasification of heavy fuel oil including Orimulsion, Mazut, and Asphaltene has been proposed. In this system, electricity, hot water, cooling, hydrogen, fresh water, and nitrogen are produced in an innovative way to improve the system. In this regard, the integration of an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle-Organic Rankine Cycle- Ejectero Refrigeration Cycle-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Adsorbation Deselination-Polyer Electron Electrolyzer has been proposed. The proposed system was investigated from the points of view of energy, exergy, exergoeconomic, and exergoenvironmental. In addition, to model the air separation unit, machine learning techniques have been employed.The results show that if Mazut is used as a gasification material, the system will have 36.81%, 33.3%, and 66.22 mPts/kWh in terms of polygeneration energy efficiency, polygeneration exergy efficiency and Levelized environmental impact of electricity, respectively and if Orimulsion is used, the Levelized cost of electricity value will be 33.32$/MWh which are the best performance in three fuel. Nitrogen production in this system is 35.08 kg/s, and hydrogen production is 0.0051 kg/s. The value of specific daily water production in the AD unit is 8.40 day, and the flow of hot water produced is 7.37 kg/s.

Enhancing the efficiency of phytoremediation using water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid removal with modified biochar as an assisted agent

This study explores an innovative integrated system for removing the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from aquatic environments, utilizing a combination by modified biochar derived from waste biomass of palm kernel shells (PKS-BM) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The characterization of the biochar revealed significant surface functional groups, a substantial surface area, and a mesoporous structure conducive to adsorption application. Biochar-assisted phytoremediation demonstrated markedly higher removal efficiencies of 2,4-D as compared to phytoremediation alone, achieving up to 98.7%, 96.9%, and 90.3% removal efficiency for 2,4-D concentrations of 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, and 150 mg/L, respectively. Additionally, the presence of biochar significantly enhanced the morphological growth of Eichhornia crassipes, particularly under higher concentrations of 2,4-D, by mitigating toxic effects and supporting healthier plant development. These findings suggest that integrating biochar into phytoremediation system offers a promising, sustainable approach for effectively removing herbicides from contaminated water bodies while also promoting plant health and growth.

A biodegradable lipid nanoparticle delivers a Cas9 ribonucleoprotein for efficient and safe in situ genome editing in melanoma

The development of melanoma is closely related to Braf gene, which is a suitable target for CRISPR/Cas9 based gene therapy. CRISPR/Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) stand out as the safest format compared to plasmid and mRNA delivery. Similarly, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) emerge as a safer alternative to viral vectors for delivering the CRISPR/Cas9-sgRNA gene editing system. Herein, we have designed multifunctional cationic LNPs specifically tailored for the efficient delivery of Cas9 RNPs targeting the mouse Braf gene through transdermal delivery, aiming to treat mouse melanoma. LNPs are given a positive charge by the addition of a newly synthesized polymer, deoxycholic acid modified polyethyleneimine (PEI-DOCA). Positive charge enables LNPs to be delivered in vivo by binding to negatively charged cell membranes and proteins, thereby facilitating efficient skin penetration and enhancing the delivery of RNPs into melanoma cells for gene editing purposes. Our research demonstrates that these LNPs enhance drug penetration through the skin, successfully delivering the Cas9 RNPs system and specifically targeting the Braf gene. Cas9 RNPs loaded LNPs exert a notable impact on gene editing in melanoma cells, significantly suppressing their proliferation. Furthermore, in mice experiments, the LNPs exhibited skin penetration and tumor targeting capabilities. This innovative LNPs delivery system offers a promising gene therapy approach for melanoma treatment and provides fresh insights into the development of safe and effective delivery systems for Cas9 RNPs in vivo. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: CRISPR/Cas9 technology brings new hope for cancer treatment. Cas9 ribonucleoprotein offers direct genome editing, yet delivery challenges persist. For melanoma, transdermal delivery minimizes toxicity but faces skin barrier issues. We designed multifunctional lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for Cas9 RNP delivery targeting the Braf gene. With metal microneedle pretreatment, our LNPs effectively edited melanoma cells, reducing Braf expression and inhibiting tumor growth. Our study demonstrates LNPs' potential for melanoma therapy and paves the way for efficient in vivo Cas9 RNP delivery systems in cancer therapy.

Design, multi-aspect investigation and economic advantages of an innovative CCHP system using geothermal energy, CO2 recovery using a cryogenic process, and methanation process with zero CO2 footprint

The significance of devoting attention to environmental pollution control strategies is widely recognized as an effective means of mitigating the harmful environmental effects caused by fossil fuels in industrial and power plant sectors. Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and recovery technologies have opened up the possibility of utilizing this pollutant gas. Hence, the current study suggests a methodology for the CO2 hydrogenation of the flue gas leaving a power plant. This approach facilitates methane generation via a methanation reactor, subsequently is utilized as fuel for a power plant. For this purpose, a cryogenic method using liquefied natural gas cold energy facilitates CO2 recovery. Moreover, the whole system utilizes geothermal energy to launch a power plant for power generation and supply the power demands of a hydrogen production unit, relying on a water electrolysis process. The hydrogen generated is employed for CO2 hydrogenation, while the oxygen produced is utilized for the combustion reaction. Heating provider units and an absorption chiller are also included in the design. The system is modeled utilizing Aspen HYSYS software. This study incorporates a sensitivity analysis alongside energy, exergy, environmental, and economic assessments. The energy and exergy efficiencies, as determined by the thermodynamic analysis, are 30.87% and 48.61%, respectively. Additionally, according to the economic study, the levelized energy cost amounts to 16.65 $/MWh, demonstrating a substantial reduction of 87.6% compared to the power generation mode. One notable merit of the suggested system lies in its zero CO2 footprint framework, showing a noteworthy supremacy when compared with previous studies.

Air Valve System Innovation

How SAMOA Industrial’s innovative air distribution system enhances operational efficiency and reduces maintenance costs

Municipal wastewater treatment using an innovative two-stage sequential microalgal co-cultivation system with different hydraulic retention time: A sustainable approach to circular economy

The present study proposes a sustainable circular bioeconomy approach for municipal wastewater (MWW) treatment, employing a sub-pilot two-stage sequential microalgal co-cultivation system (TSSCS), and evaluates the impact of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on MWW treatment efficiency, as well as biomass and biomolecule productivity. In the first stage of TSSCS, 2 ratios of Tetraselmis indica and one ratio of Picochlorum sp. (2TS:1PC) were used for the treatment of 75% raw MWW + 25% ASN-III, while in the second stage, 2PC:1TS was employed for the treatment of 50% 2TS:1PC effluent+ 50% ASN-III. At the end of the first and second stages of TSSCS, nutrient removal efficiencies were as follows: total nitrate (TN) was <80% and 90% on HRT-10 and HRT-12; total phosphate (TP) was <85% and 95% on HRT-16, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was <75% and <85% on HRT-14 and HRT-10, respectively. In the TSSCS, 2TS:1PC (S1) and 2PC:1TS (S2) showed maximum biomass productivity of 2.65 and 2.78g/L on /L on HRT-14 and HRT-12, respectively. Additionally, biomass of 2TS:1PC (S1) and 2PC:1TS (S2) contains lipid content (38.67 and 40.67%), β-carotene (4.09 and 3.00mg/g), and astaxanthin (0.69 and 0.31mg/g), respectively.

Emerging strategies for treating medical device and wound-associated biofilm infections.

Bacterial infections represent a significant global threat to human health, leading to considerable economic losses through increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity. One major challenge in treating these infections is the presence of biofilms - structured bacterial communities that form protective barriers, making traditional treatments less effective. Additionally, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has exacerbated treatment difficulties. To address these challenges, researchers are developing and exploring innovative approaches to combat biofilm-related infections. This mini-review highlights recent advancements in the following key areas: surface anti-adhesion technologies, electricity, photo/acoustic-active materials, endogenous mimicking agents, and innovative drug delivery systems. These strategies aim to prevent biofilm formation, disrupt existing biofilms, and enhance the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments. Currently, these approaches show great potential for applications in medical fields such as medical device and wound - associated biofilm infections. By summarizing these developments, this mini-review provides a comprehensive resource for researchers seeking to advance the management and treatment of biofilm-associated infections.

Innovative Hybrid Energy Storage Systems with Sustainable Integration of Green Hydrogen and Energy Management Solutions for Standalone PV Microgrids Based on Reduced Fractional Gradient Descent Algorithm

This paper investigates innovative solutions to enhance the performance and lifespan of standalone photovoltaic (PV)-based microgrids, with a particular emphasis on off-grid communities. A major challenge in these systems is the limited lifespan of batteries. To overcome this issue, researchers have created hybrid energy storage systems (HESS) along with advanced power management strategies. This study introduces innovative multi-level HESS approaches and a related energy management strategy designed to alleviate the charge/discharge stress on batteries. Comprehensive Matlab Simulink models of various HESS topologies within standalone PV microgrids are utilized to evaluate system performance under diverse weather conditions and load profiles for rural site. The findings reveal that the proposed HESS significantly extends battery life expectancy compared to existing solutions. Furthermore, the paper presents a novel energy management strategy based on the Reduced Fractional Gradient Descent (RFGD) algorithm optimization, tailored for hybrid systems that include photovoltaic, fuel cell, battery, and supercapacitor components. This strategy aims to minimize hydrogen consumption of Fuel Cells (FCs), thereby supporting the production of green ammonia for local industrial use. The RFGD algorithm is selected for its minimal user-defined parameters and high convergence efficiency. The proposed method is compared with other algorithms, such as the Lyrebird Optimization Algorithm (LOA) and Osprey Optimization Algorithm (OOA). The RFGD algorithm exhibits superior accuracy in optimizing energy management, achieving a 15% reduction in hydrogen consumption. Its efficiency is evident from the reduced computational time compared to conventional algorithms. Although minor losses in computational resources were observed, they were substantially lower than those associated with traditional optimization techniques. Overall, the RFGD algorithm offers a robust and efficient solution for enhancing the performance of hybrid energy systems.

Cobalt sulfide derived from metal organic framework for selective treatment of low concentration copper wastewater: Catalytic ability, reaction efficacy, and mechanism

Here, cobalt sulfide derived from metal organic frameworks (S-Co/MOF) was synthesized and applied in capacitive deionization (CDI) for the selective removal of Cu2+. A series of characterizations confirmed the successful preparation of S-Co/MOF. Under an applied voltage of 1 V and an initial concentration of 25 mg L−1, the electro-sorption capacity of the S-Co/MOF electrode can reach 57.39 mg g−1, which is much higher than that of the Co/MOF electrode. Moreover, the S-Co/MOF electrode exhibits excellent cycling stability under continuous operations. The S-Co/MOF shows effective selectivity for Cu2+ when removing copper-plating wastewater with coexisting ions such as Pb2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+. Density functional theory calculations also confirm that the Co/MOF with high binding energy is beneficial to the electro-sorption process. Consequently, the CDI with the S-Co/MOF electrode provides an effective method for the selective removal of copper-plating wastewater, paving the way for innovative electrochemical systems in water treatment applications.

Synergistic photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue using TiO2 composites with activated carbon and reduced graphene oxide: a kinetic and mechanistic study

This comprehensive study explored the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions as a model pollutant, utilizing solar-driven photocatalysis with nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) and composites with activated carbon (AC) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). This research introduces continuous solar reactor instead of conventional batch experiments investigating its design configuration. Utilizing response surface methodology (RSM), the study determined the optimal process conditions (MB concentration at 30 mg/L, pH 8.82, irradiation time 138 min), under which TiO2 achieved a 93.13% MB removal efficiency. The study further revealed that the integration of TiO2 with AC and RGO (5% wt.) significantly enhanced the MB photocatalytic degradation. The TiO2/AC composite achieved 98.3% MB degradation in 138 min of solar exposure, related to its large specific surface area of 146 m2/g and a pore volume of 0.439 cm3/g. Likewise, the TiO2/RGO composite demonstrated 97% removal with a surface area of 102 m2/g and a pore volume of 0.476 cm3/g, significantly better than nano-TiO2. Additionally, the research investigated the role of the solar reactor configuration on MB removal. Using 26 mm Pyrex tube diameter with 15 cm long on parabolic aluminum concentrator inclined at 30° optimally achieved the peak MB degradation efficiency. Recyclability tests shown a noticeable decrease in nano-TiO2 efficiency to 56.03% without regeneration; however, after regeneration following the third cycle, the efficiency significantly recovered to 70.07%. Thereby, this paper introduces an innovative, continuous, and well-designed solar reactor system for dye removal, employing nano-TiO2 and its composites with AC and RGO for improved photocatalytic efficiency under statistically optimized process conditions.

Design, development and experimental evaluation of a concentrator agrivoltaic system with integrated spectrally splitting Fresnel lens

The main aim of this research is to develop and evaluate a cost-effective, innovative agrivoltaic system that optimizes land use by simultaneously producing agricultural products and generating electricity on the same land. In this regard, a highly transparent concentrator agrivoltaic system that utilizes the spectral splitting property is developed. The system consists of a Fresnel lens coated with a dichroic thin film and a receiver made of silicon solar cells. In this system, the sunlight is first focused by a Fresnel lens and then split into two spectral ranges by the dichroic film: (i) photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), which passes through the film and can be utilized by the plants, and (ii) the remaining spectrum, which is reflected to the receiver to generate electricity. Cherry tomatoes and mint were planted under the system. The results showed that the receiver reduces the intensity of the focused radiation by almost 3.28 times. The optical efficiency of the receiver is 83.1% and the electricity generated is up to 18.1 watts. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) under the agrivoltaic system ranges from 229 to 778 μmol/m2. s, while the daily light integral (DLI) varies between 13.5 and 27 mol/m2.d. Cherry tomatoes grown in the shade of the agrivoltaic system are larger, heavier and have a deeper red hue, while the mint plants have larger, greener, and longer leaves. In addition, the agrivoltaic system provides cooler soil temperatures, ranging from 3.66°C to 9.53°C, and retains 5.7% to 8.4% more moisture, resulting in less water consumption. The total initial cost of the system was USD 587 and included the agricultural and photovoltaic components and maintenance. Over a period of ten years, the cumulative costs are likely to amount to USD 1,165. However, the system has strong economic potential, starting at an annual income of USD 27 and expected to exceed USD 15,000. This analysis indicates a favorable return on investment that should pay for itself within six years.

A NIRS-based recognition of coal and rock using convolution-multiview broad learning system

Achieving high production in the top coal caving process from thick coal seams is crucial. Thus, the timely decision of when to stop caving poses an urgent challenge to impact the mining loss rate and cost recovery. To address this issue, an innovative recognition system has been developed using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) technology. It stands out for its on-site usability, it enables rapid data collection and local recognition at the longwall face. Furthermore, to overcome the limitations of existing methods in adapting to variations in spectral data quality during on-site collection and the lack of integration of spectral data across different feature processing stages, a coal-rock recognition method has been developed which can ignore the influence of acquisition factors(granularity, light source angle, and detection sensor angle). This method incorporates the features of convolution and multi-view into the BLS model, the designed model structure exhibits a remarkable recognition accuracy of 99.78 %. The model was deployed into the recognition system, and experimental tests were conducted on the working face. The results showed that the recognition system can effectively identify the entire coal-caving process and achieve a recognition accuracy of 92.3 %. This capability is crucial for determining the optimal point to stop roof caving.

Unlocking desalination’s potential: Harnessing MXene composite for sustainable desalination

Amidst freshwater scarcity, desalination is an effective solution, elevating pure water to a paramount commodity. Researchers actively pursue cost-effective alternatives to traditional desalination methods, with solar steam-based technologies now-a-days. Herein we report the synthesis of hierarchical photothermal absorber consisting of Ti3C2Tx decorated polypropylene fiber (PPF) composite and further used for solar desalination applications. Ensuring system stability amidst temperature fluctuations, pH variations, and mechanical stresses is pivotal for optimal desalination and wastewater treatment performance. Seamless integration of components is imperative to achieve this. Structurally, the Ti3C2Tx MXene@PPF composite evaporator showcases impressive metrics, such as high evaporation rate of 4.63 kg m-2h−1 along with a remarkable solar-evaporation efficiency of 93.48 % when tested under 1 sun illumination. Moreover, the composite absorber exhibits good mechanical stability, exceptional chemical stability even under harsh conditions (such as acid and alkali environments), outstanding salt tolerance and maintained a consistent evaporation rate over extended durations. Also, the absorber achieves good mechanical properties. These findings underscore the Ti3C2Tx MXene@PPF composite evaporator’s potential as a groundbreaking material for solar steam generation, offering high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Beyond saline water desalination, its salt-preserving attributes and filtration capabilities position it as a promising alternative for wastewater treatment. This study presents an innovative and scalable solar water purification system applicable to a diverse range of water contaminants and manufacture in a cost-effective way.

How digital transformation shapes European union countries’ national systems of innovation: A configurational moderation approach

Digital transformation is changing the innovation landscape, not only of firms but also at the macro level. This study aims to analyse how configurations of European Union countries’ innovation inputs that lead to innovation outputs are affected by the levels of national digital transformation. A novel configurational moderation approach is adopted to assess the impact of digital transformation on the 27 EU countries’ national systems of innovation (NSI). Results showed that the presence of all innovation inputs is a sufficient configuration for the presence of high innovation outputs, while three different configurations were found to be sufficient for its absence. The configurational moderation analysis revealed that digital transformation effectively moderates the arrangement of innovation inputs leading to the presence of high innovation outputs, where the human capital and research pillar loses its importance. The results of this study can be understood as benchmarks, against which less innovative countries may compare and develop their NSI. They also shed light on the specific configurations followed by each EU country in achieving innovation outputs, which could be an input for Union-based policies directed at the development of concrete innovation pillars in specific Member States. Furthermore, findings enlighten international business managers about the strengths and weaknesses of EU countries’ NSI, which may aid them in their internationalisation decisions.

Ce-doped CuAl-layered double hydroxides as glucose-triggered cascade catalyst for enhanced antibacterial therapy

Peroxidase (POD) mimicking layered double hydroxides (LDH) has significant potential for various biomedical applications. However, their effectiveness is often constrained by the need for an acidic pH and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Herein, we have developed CuAl-LDH and cerium (Ce)-doped CuAl-LDH (CuAlCe-LDH) to overcome these limitations. By physical absorption between glucose oxidase (GOx) onto CuAlCe-LDH nanosheets, we obtained CuAlCe-LDH@GOx nanozyme end-products. Different high-throughput instrumentation studies were adopted to confirm the formation and physiochemical features of CuAlCe-LDH@GOx. This innovative system leverages glucose to generate gluconic acid and H₂O₂ in situ, thereby locally acidifying the environment and activating POD-like activity without adverse effects. The H₂O₂ produced is further decomposed by CuAlCe-LDH, forming hydroxyl radicals (·OH) with strong antibacterial properties. Further, the as-obtained CuAlCe-LDH@GOx activates the catalytic cascade and demonstrates robust antibacterial efficacy both in vitro and in vivo, with minimal biological toxicity. Therefore, our approach provides alternative, safe, and effective nanozymes with strong POD-mimicking potential for therapeutic applications.