Traditional Preparation Methods Research Articles

High Temperature Shock (HTS) Synthesis of Carbon‐Based Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Applications

ABSTRACTCarbon‐based nanomaterials play a significant role in the field of electrochemistry because of their outstanding electrical conductivity, chemical and thermal resistance, structural flexibility, and so on. In recent years, we have observed a rapid rise of research interest in the high‐temperature shock (HTS) method, which is fast, stable, environmentally friendly, and versatile. The HTS method offers excellent controllability and repeatability while tackling challenges and limitations of traditional preparation methods, providing a new way to prepare and optimize carbon‐based nanomaterials for electrochemical applications. During the HTS synthesis, the reaction is driven by the high temperature while further growth of obtained nanoparticles is inhibited by the rapid heating and cooling rates. The preparation of carbon‐based nanomaterials by HTS has many advantages, including controlled carbon vacancy that may drive phase transformation, precise engineering of carbon, and other defects that may function as active centers, formation and preservation of metastable phase owing to the high energy and rapid cooling, fine‐tuning of the interaction between loaded species and carbon support for optimized performance, and facile doping and compounding to induce synergy between different constituents. This article provides a comprehensive review of various carbon‐based nanomaterials prepared by the HTS method and their applications in the field of electrochemistry during the past decade, emphasizing their synthesis and principles to optimize their performance. Studies showcasing the merits of HTS‐derived carbon‐based nanomaterials in advancing Lithium‐ion batteries, Lithium‐sulfur batteries, Lithium‐air batteries, water‐splitting reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, CO2 reduction reaction, nitrate reduction reaction, other electrocatalytic reactions, and fuel cells are highlighted. Finally, the prospects of carbon‐based nanomaterials prepared by HTS method for electrochemical applications are recommended.

Rapid Sintering Method for Preparing Matrix-Matched Reference Materials in LA-MC-ICP-MS - An Example of Hafnium.

Matrix effects can significantly bias Hf isotopic ratios in situ Hf isotope analyses using laser ablation (LA-) multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), necessitating the use of matrix-matched reference materials for accurate microanalysis. This work introduces a novel fast hot-pressing (FHP) sintering method to produce such reference materials efficiently for in situ analysis. By optimizing sintering temperatures, FHP technology enables the rapid preparation of in situ analysis reference materials with dense structures and homogeneous Hf isotopic compositions. The Hf isotope compositions of the FHP-sintered cassiterite and rutile were assessed using femtosecond LA-MC-ICP-MS, with results consistent with those determined by MC-ICP-MS. The homogeneity tests reveal minimal heterogeneity among the sintered sample tablets, suggesting their potential as reference materials for in situ Hf isotopic determination in cassiterite and rutile. The FHP method offers a rapid, cost-effective alternative to traditional preparation methods, producing large quantities of reference materials with compact structures. This procedure provides great promise for the synthesis of various isotope matrix-matched reference materials.

Hedonic Test of Instant Powdered Ginger Drink with Sugar and Sugar-Palm Sugar Combination

Stress, environmental pollution, radiation, and excessive food processing contribute to the production of free radicals, which are harmful to the body. Antioxidants play a role in preventing free radicals from damaging nucleotides. Ginger contains high levels of antioxidants, making it beneficial for overall health. However, ginger has a short shelf life, and its traditional preparation methods are less preferred by many people. Therefore, ginger is now available in the form of instant drink powders, which can be prepared like tea or coffee. This study is a descriptive study using the hedonic test method. Thirty students were selected as panelists. The panelists evaluated two types of ginger drinks made with different sweeteners: sugar and a combination of sugar and palm sugar (sugar-palm sugar). The parameters assessed in this study were color, aroma, taste, and sweetness level. The results of the hedonic test showed that the ginger drink sweetened with the sugar-palm sugar combination had the highest preference percentages across all parameters: color, aroma, taste, and sweetness level. For color, the "like" preference level achieved a percentage of 40%. For aroma, the "really like" preference level reached 43.33%. Taste received a "really like" preference level of 53.33%, and sweetness achieved a "like" preference level of 36.67%. In conclusion, the panelists preferred the ginger drink sweetened with the sugar-palm sugar combination over the drink sweetened with just sugar. This preference is attributed to the addition of palm sugar, which balances the ginger's strong flavor while retaining its distinct taste. Furthermore, the combination of ginger and palm sugar produces a harmonious blend of color, aroma, taste, and sweetness that complements both ingredients.

Quantitative Spatial Analysis of Chromatin Biomolecular Condensates using Cryo-Electron Tomography.

Phase separation is an important mechanism to generate certain biomolecular condensates and organize the cell interior. Condensate formation and function remain incompletely understood due to difficulties in visualizing the condensate interior at high resolution. Here we analyzed the structure of biochemically reconstituted chromatin condensates through cryo-electron tomography. We found that traditional blotting methods of sample preparation were inadequate, and high-pressure freezing plus focused ion beam milling was essential to maintain condensate integrity. To identify densely packed molecules within the condensate, we integrated deep learning-based segmentation with novel context-aware template matching. Our approaches were developed on chromatin condensates, and were also effective on condensed regions of in situ native chromatin. Using these methods, we determined the average structure of nucleosomes to 6.1 and 12 Å resolution in reconstituted and native systems, respectively, and found that nucleosomes have a nearly random orientation distribution in both cases. Our methods should be applicable to diverse biochemically reconstituted biomolecular condensates and to some condensates in cells.

Electrocatalysts for the Formation of Hydrogen Peroxide by Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a widely used strong oxidant, and its traditional preparation methods, anthraquinone method, and direct synthesis method, have many drawbacks. The method of producing H2O2 by two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e- ORR) is considered an alternative strategy for the traditional anthraquinone method due to its high efficiency, energy saving, and environmental friendliness, but it remains a big challenge. In this review, we have described the mechanism of ORR and the principle of electrocatalytic performance testing, and have summarized the standard performance evaluation techniques for electrocatalysts to produce H2O2. Secondly, according to the theoretical calculation and experimental results, several kinds of efficient electrocatalysts are introduced. It is concluded that noble metal-based materials, carbon-based materials, non-noble metal composites, and single-atom catalysts are the preferred catalyst materials for the preparation of H2O2 by 2e- ORR. Finally, the advantages and novelty of 2e- ORR compared with traditional methods for H2O2 production, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the above-mentioned high-efficiency catalysts, are summarized. The application prospect and development direction of high-efficiency catalysts for H2O2 production by 2e- ORR has been prospected, which is of great significance for promoting the electrochemical yield of H2O2 and developing green chemical production.

Bubble-Assisted Sample Preparation Techniques for Mass Spectrometry.

This review delves into the efficacy of utilizing bubbles to extract analytes into the gas phase, offering a faster and greener alternative to traditional sample preparation methods for mass spectrometry. Generating numerous bubbles in liquids rapidly transfers volatile and surface-active species to the gas phase. Recently, effervescence has found application in chemical laboratories for swiftly extracting volatile organic compounds, facilitating instantaneous analysis. In the so-called fizzy extraction, liquid matrices are pressurized with gas and then subjected to sudden decompression to induce effervescence. Alternatively, specifically designed effervescent tablets are introduced into the liquid samples. In situ bubble generation has also enhanced dispersion of extractant in microextraction techniques. Furthermore, droplets from bursting bubbles are collected to analyze non-volatile species. Various methods exist to induce bubbling for sample preparation. The polydispersity of generated bubbles and the limited control of bubble size pose critical challenges in the stability of the bubble-liquid interface and the ability to quantify analytes using bubble-based sample preparation techniques. This review covers different bubble-assisted sample preparation methods and gives practical guidance on their implementation in mass spectrometry workflows. Traditional, offline, and online approaches for sample preparation relying on bubbles are discussed. Unconventional bubbling techniques for sample preparation are also covered.

The fabrication of graphene supported Ni nanoparticles and its doping influence on the microstructure and superconductivity of MgB2

A highly dispersed Ni nanoparticle supported on a graphene matrix (nano-Ni/G) has been successfully synthesized using a novel chemical reduction process to overcome agglomeration in traditional MgB2 preparation methods. The influence of the reduction technique on nanoparticle size and structure was thoroughly investigated using a model system. The resulting nanoparticles were small enough (10 nm) to decorate the 2D graphene layers as sandwich structures. This unique morphology contributes to providing more effective flux pinning centers by forming tiny MgNi2.5B2 and efficiently substituting C for B in MgB2 bulks through the principle of double action. Moreover, the low-melting eutectic liquid formed by Mg-Ni at 506 °C is beneficial for the fast fabrication of well-connected MgB2 at low temperatures. Furthermore, a small enhancement of critical current density (Jc) was observed in the doped sample with respect to the undoped ones. However, the advantages of the as-prepared nanoparticles were greatly suppressed by the large presence of MgO during the deposition process, leading to lower superconducting performance than undoped MgB2 bulks. Based on the analysis, further investigation should focus on inducing more flux pinning centers by controlling impurities during the deposition process for achieving optimal performance.

NATURAL PRODUCT MELON PULP AND ITS USE AS A NUTRIENT

Objective: This study explores the nutritional composition, health benefits, and traditional and modern uses of melon pulp, known as qovun qoqi, a culturally significant food in Central Asia. Methods: A descriptive analytical approach was utilized, examining existing literature on melon varieties (Cucumis melo L.) to assess their vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content, alongside bioactive properties. Qualitative data analysis further contextualizes the historical significance and evolving applications of melon pulp, especially in the context of traditional preparation methods and contemporary uses in nutraceutical and cosmetic products. Results: Findings reveal melon pulp as a nutrient-dense, hydrating ingredient rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, beneficial for bodily functions, skin health, and chronic disease prevention. Notably, the study addresses challenges in its usage, such as seasonality and handling. Novelty: By synthesizing both nutritional data and cultural perspectives, this research underscores the relevance of melon pulp in modern health-focused diets and as a versatile component in natural product industries. This work contributes to the growing recognition of traditional foods in sustainable health practices, emphasizing the potential of melon pulp as a valuable, natural ingredient for diet and wellness products.

Non-destructive integration of spark-discharge produced gold nanoparticles onto laser-scribed graphene electrodes for advanced electrochemical sensing applications

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorated graphene materials are preferable materials in a wide range of electrochemical applications, however, the current methods for preparing them have several limitations. Herein, we have developed a green, solution-free, and non-destructive method for the in-situ generation of AuNPs on laser-scribed graphene electrodes (LSGEs), addressing the limitations of traditional preparation methods. This novel technique, contrasting with the conventional solution-based electrochemical deposition, utilizes spark discharge to modify LSGEs, demonstrating superior performance in sensors and biosensors applications. Through comprehensive characterizations (scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM)), we observed significant distinctions in particle size, metal loading, stability, surface-to-volume ratio, and graphene quality between spark-discharge produced AuNPs (SP-AuNPs) and electrodeposition produced AuNPs (EC-AuNPs). The average particle sizes of the SP-AuNPs and EC-AuNPs are 10 nm and 38 nm, respectively. The SP-AuNPs modified LSGEs demonstrate exceptional electroanalytical performance in dopamine detection, with a broad detection range (0.6–90 µM) and low LOD (0.40 µM), further validated in human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y. Our findings suggest that the spark discharge method represents a significant advancement in the synthesis of metal nanoparticle enhanced LSG electrodes, with broad implications for electrochemical sensing, biosensing, and biomedical applications.

A novel micromixer based on coastal fractal for manufacturing controllable size liposome

The traditional lipid preparation methods are complex, time-consuming, and consume a large amount of reagents, increasing costs and difficulties. Although microfluidic technology is considered a promising solution, achieving controllable liposome production with a simple and inexpensive microfluidic mixing device remains an important problem. This paper presents a wall-type micro-mixer based on coastal zone fractals. Four parameters related to the geometric shape of the coastline fractal in the microchannel are used as design variables, and the mixing index is the objective function. Single-objective optimization numerical analysis of the primary wall-type fractal baffle micromixer under four Reynolds numbers conditions yields the optimal structural configuration. Visualization experiments verify the correctness and accuracy of the numerical simulation, and the optimized mixer is used to produce liposomes. The results show that the micro-mixer with the optimal double-sidewall cross arrangement enhances chaotic convection and improves mixing efficiency. At Re = 0.1 and Re = 100, the mixing efficiency reaches 99%, 50.44% higher than the reference design. By changing the relative flow rates of lipid and aqueous solutions, microfluidic blank liposomes with a particle size of 165.12 ± 11.6 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.35± are obtained. This wall-type fractal micro-mixer has broad application prospects due to its high mixing efficiency.

A Brief Review of Hemp Fiber Length Measurement Techniques

Accurate fiber length measurement is essential for the processing and quality management of textile products. This article reviews the current methods used to measure fiber length, including manual, photoelectric, capacitive, and optical techniques. Existing sample preparation processes for natural fiber characterization have been primarily developed for cotton and wool fibers. However, hemp fibers present unique challenges due to their greater length variability, high strength, and low elongation, making some traditional sample preparation methods less effective. Image processing offers a promising approach for scalable and precise measurement of hemp fiber length. Nevertheless, current image processing techniques are limited by the inability to effectively handle overlapping fibers, which increases both the time and cost of testing. Continued research into developing more advanced segmentation algorithms could lead to more widely adopted commercial methods for fiber measurement.

Ethnobotanical Documentation of Yerba Mate in Syria

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Yerba Mate (_Ilex paraguariensis_) is a traditional herbal beverage consumed for its stimulating effects and health benefits, with a deep cultural association in Syria following its introduction by migrants from South America in the early 20th century. This study documents the cultural, social, and health-related practices surrounding Yerba Mate in Syria, highlighting its integration into local customs and herbal preparations. OBJECTIVE: To explore and document the traditional uses, social practices, and preparation methods of Yerba Mate among Syrian consumers, and to investigate the health benefits and cultural significance attributed to it. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to 430 participants from different regions across Syria, collecting data on Yerba Mate consumption habits, social practices, reasons for use, perceived effects, and traditional preparation methods. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using statistical software. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) index was used to assess the prevalence of herbal additives in Yerba Mate preparations. RESULTS: Yerba Mate is consumed regularly by 89.2% of participants, with health benefits being a key motivator for 60% of users. Syrian traditions enhance Yerba Mate with local and imported herbs, with 68.6% of regular drinkers incorporating herbs like wormwood (_Artemisia herba-alba_) and chamomile (_Matricaria chamomilla_), each offering specific health benefits. The survey revealed high consumption patterns, particularly in group settings (51.6%), and frequent daily use by 50% of participants. CONCLUSION: Yerba Mate has become a deeply rooted part of Syrian culture, with local adaptations that incorporate traditional medicinal herbs. These combinations not only enhance the health benefits of the drink but also reflect a blend of imported traditions with Syrian herbal knowledge. The study highlights Yerba Mate's social significance in Syria and suggests the need for further research into its potential therapeutic uses in traditional medicine. Given the unique Syrian practice of mixing Mate with various herbs, further investigation is needed to assess the differences in effects, flavor, and prevalence among these herbal combinations.

Hot extrusion, tensile deformation behavior and deformation mechanism analysis of a wrought superalloy with a high γ′ phase volume fraction of 64 %

A hundred kilograms of GH4975 extrusion bar, featuring fine equiaxed grains, were successfully fabricated using electron beam smelting layer solidification(EBSL) and hot extrusion techniques. Subsequent analysis focused on the microstructure and tensile properties of the extruded bar. The study also delved into the influence of temperature on tensile deformation behavior and mechanisms of the alloy after standard heat treatment(SHT). The results revealed uniformity in precipitated phase size and morphology across the extruded bar, with grain size being the largest at the center and smallest at the edge. Tensile tests conducted at 20 °C and 650 °C show an obvious work hardening phenomenon, and the deformation mechanism is dominated by APB coupled dislocation pairs shearing. With the increase of deformation temperature, the work-hardening phenomenon gradually weakens, and SFs emerge as the primary deformation mechanism at 750 °C. As the deformation temperature further rises, cross slip, Orowan bypass and dislocation climbing gradually dominate. The fracture mode changes from brittle fracture to ductile and brittle mixed fracture, and ultimately to brittle fracture. Compared with the traditional preparation method, the hundred kilograms of GH4975 extrusion bar prepared by this technology still show better mechanical properties.

Oxidation of Toluene over the Pt-Embedded Mesoporous CeO2 Hollow Nanospheres with Advanced Catalytic Performances.

In this study, the novel Pt-embedded mesoporous CeO2 hollow nanospheres (Pt-MS-CeO2-H) with varying Pt contents (0.5-3.0 wt %) were facilely prepared. The Pt nanoparticles were one-pot embedded within the mesoporous shell of Pt-MS-CeO2-H and assisted with the reduction Ostwald ripening process. The traditional preparation methods often face challenges, such as the uneven distribution or aggregation of nanoparticles, as well as difficulty in maintaining high catalytic activity at low Pt content. Compared with the traditional supported Pt/MS-CeO2 catalyst, the embedding strategy facilitated precise control over the position, distribution, and uniformity of Pt nanoparticles within the CeO2 mesoporous shell. Additionally, the encapsulation process of Pt nanoparticles played a pivotal role in generating oxygen vacancies and activating surface chemical adsorption of oxygen. Resultantly, the toluene oxidation performances of 1Pt-MS-CeO2-H catalyst showed much lower T90 (171 °C) than 1Pt/MS-CeO2 (311 °C). To elucidate the underlying reasons, in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy of toluene oxidation was employed to identify the reaction intermediates and pathways over these catalysts. In summary, the Pt-embedded mesoporous CeO2 hollow nanosphere catalysts were considered as potential candidates when designing high-performance toluene catalytic oxidation catalysts.

Co–Ni bimetallic oxide with tuned surface oxygen vacancies efficiently electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia

The electrocatalytic reduction reaction of nitrate (NO3−) to ammonia (NH3) provides an efficient and clean NH3 production method, which has the potential to replace the traditional industrial preparation methods. However, the limited activity and Faraday efficiency (FE) of existing catalysts impede the practical application of this technology. Herein, in this work, a high-performance catalyst with high NH3 yield and FE was fabricated. Co–Ni bimetallic oxide (NiCo2O4) catalysts with tuned surface oxygen vacancies (OVs) contents were prepared by changing the heating rate during calcination, NiCo2O4 calcined at a heating rate of 5 °C/min (NiCo2O4-5) possessed the highest surface OVs content. Experimental studies showed that NiCo2O4 with higher surface OVs had better NO3RR activity, inhibited the production of nitrite (NO2−), and exhibited higher selectivity to NH3. Among prepared catalysts, NiCo2O4-5 demonstrated superior performance in electrocatalytic reduction of NO3− to NH3, achieving a high NH3 FE (94.4 %) and yield (193.2 mmol/h g−1) at a suitable applied voltage. Besides, in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested that NiCo2O4-5 preferentially followed the NO3RR pathway as follows: *NO3 → *HNO3 → *NO2 → *HNO2 → *NO → *HNO → *N → *NH → *NH2 → *NH3.

Thiol-functionalized MOF modified 3D printed monolithic microextraction array for analysis of trace Cd and Pb in human urine

Controlling the position, size, and shape of pores is a limitation of traditional monolithic preparation methods. The application of 3D printing technology offers high customizability, allowing the precise printing of pore positions, sizes, and shapes according to the designer's 3D model. Herein, by using Projection Microstereolithography (PμSL), we prepared a 3D-printed monolithic array with post-modification of thiol-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF), and combined it with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the online analysis of trace Cd and Pb in human urine. To achieve array monolithic microextraction, six 3D-printed monolithic columns were modified with thiol-functionalized MOF-808 (MOF-808-SH), and were then assembled in the 3D printed extraction device incorporating gas valve and scaffold. The MOF-808-SH modified 3D-printed monolithic column exhibits excellent extraction performance to Cd2+ and Pb2+ due to rich active adsorption sites and hierarchical porous structure, and has long life span (>100 reused times). Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) are 3.5 and 17.6 ng L−1 for Cd2+ and Pb2+, respectively, with the relative standard deviations of 4.9 % and 8.2 % (0.1 μg L−1, n = 7), and the sample throughput is 11 h−1. To validate the accuracy of the method, the method was used to determine Cd and Pb in Certified Reference Materials of freeze-dried human urine, the determined results agree well with the certified values. This method was also successfully applied to the determination of trace Cd and Pb in real human urine samples. The developed method offers low LODs, robust anti-interference capability, high sample throughput, long reuse cycles, and automation analysis, showing great potential for the analysis of trace heavy metals in biological samples.

Reconfigurable Exotic Liquid Crystal Elastomer “Smart” Surfaces via Hot Embossing

AbstractSmart surfaces, distinguished by their dynamic responses to environmental changes, may enhance the functionality, interactivity, and efficiency of materials and devices. Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are ideal candidates for creating smart surfaces, allowing reversible topographical changes in response to environmental stimuli. However, traditional thermoset LCE preparation methods require complex manufacturing processes, including photopolymerization, and the resulting surfaces (often pillars) are nonreprogrammable and nonrecyclable. In this work, hot embossing is used in combination with a thermoplastic LCE for creating self‐healing and reprogrammable exotic surfaces capable of reversibly responding to environmental stimuli, significantly simplifying fabrication. It is demonstrated that hot embossing can be effectively applied to fabricate surfaces with arrays of pillars, cones, tubes, or mushroom shapes. The exotic surface structures exhibit reversible and programmable shape changes in response to heat and can be erased and rewritten to alternate complex topographies. As an additional feature, the LCE can be recycled and reused to create photo‐responsive surface topographies that can be spatiotemporally addressed by light. Light‐responsive LCE surfaces are prepared by incorporating a photothermal dye without loss of reconfigurability. Demonstrators are fabricated such as locally controlled object movement on a surface by light.

Precisely Tunable Instantaneous Carbon Rearrangement Enables Low-Working-Potential Hard Carbon Toward Sodium-Ion Batteries with Enhanced Energy Density.

As the preferred anode material for sodium-ion batteries, hard carbon (HC) confronts significant obstacles in providing a long and dominant low-voltage plateau to boost the output energy density of full batteries. The critical challenge lies in precisely enhancing the local graphitization degree to minimize Na+ ad-/chemisorption, while effectively controlling the growth of internal closed nanopores to maximize Na+ filling. Unfortunately, traditional high-temperature preparation methods struggle to achieve both objectives simultaneously. Herein, a transient sintering-involved kinetically-controlled synthesis strategy is proposed that enables the creation of metastable HCs with precisely tunable carbon phases and low discharge/charge voltage plateaus. By optimizing the temperature and width of thermal pulses, the high-throughput screened HCs are characterized by short-range ordered graphitic micro-domains that possess accurate crystallite width and height, as well as appropriately-sized closed nanopores. This advancement realizes HC anodes with significantly prolonged low-voltage plateaus below 0.1V, with the best sample exhibiting a high plateau capacity of up to 325mAhg-1. The energy density of the HC||Na3V2(PO4)3 full battery can therefore be increased by 20.7%. Machine learning study explicitly unveils the "carbon phase evolution-electrochemistry" relationship. This work promises disruptive changes to the synthesis, optimization, and commercialization of HC anodes for high-energy-density sodium-ion batteries.

Ethnomedicine Study of Medicinal Plants for Therapy of Elderly Sleep Disorders in Tengger Tribe

Ethnomedicine offers valuable insights into plant-based therapies, potentially leading to the discovery of novel drugs. Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep, maintaining sleep, and early morning awakening, are prevalent among the elderly population and can significantly worsen Alzheimer's disease progression. This study explores the medicinal plants utilized by the Tengger tribe's elderly population for treating sleep disorders. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study involved qualitative data collection through snowball sampling and in-depth interviews with 99 elderly participants and three traditional healers of the Tengger tribe. Quantitative data was obtained through questionnaires administered during field surveys. Participants were selected based on specific criteria: elderly individuals over 60 years of age, native Tengger tribe members with a history of using medicinal plants for sleep disorders; traditional healers were required to be native Tengger tribe members with knowledge passed down through generations. The study identified a total of 11 medicinal plants used for sleep disorders. Five plant species emerged as the most dominant based on the highest citation value (FC) analysis: kale (Ipomoea reptans), agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis), sintok (Cinnamomum sintoc), Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), and soursop (Annona muricata). The most commonly used plant parts were leaves, bark, and roots. Traditional preparation methods included boiling and burning the plant materials. Notably, knowledge of these medicinal plants is primarily transmitted orally within the community. Our findings highlight five medicinal plants employed by the Tengger elderly to manage sleep disorders, with limited documented evidence of their efficacy.

Advanced technology based on Poly(deep eutectic solvent) core–shell nanomaterials enriched with Fructus Choerospondias phenols for efficient defense against UVB-induced ferroptosis

Plant phenolic compounds serve as significant natural antioxidants. However, traditional preparation methods face sustainability challenges. In this study, we synthesized a novel deep eutectic solvent (DES) modified core–shell nanomaterial composed of betaine, ethylene glycol and dopamine hydrochloride based on the spatial arrangement formed by the abundant weak interaction forces in the poly(deep eutectic solvent) (PDES). Utilizing the PDES magnetic nanomaterial and combined with ultrasound-assisted matrix solid phase dispersion (UA-MSPD), it was able to efficiently enrich Fructus Choerospondias phenols (FCP) up to 61.468 ± 0.405 mg/g. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to analyze the adsorption mechanism between the material and the target compounds, which involved weak interactions of electrostatics, hydrogen bonds, and π-π stacking, while maintaining the activity of phenols without destroying the molecular structure. Remarkably, the adsorption efficiency of the material remained above 80 % after six repetitions, indicating excellent reusability. FCPs were identified and analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The FCP prepared by Fe3O4@SiO2@PDES exhibited superior in vitro antioxidant performance, achieving enrichment and purification in one step. Cell experiment results showed that FCP could scavenge ROS, regulate cytokines, and reduce ferroptosis caused by ultraviolet radiation, making FCP have therapeutic value in practical applications. The technology opens up a new way for the green and sustainable production and enrichment of plant phenolic compounds for anti-aging treatment.