bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fossil Plant Remains Diagnostics by Laser-Induced Fluorescence and Raman Spectroscopies
Authors: Bunkin Alexey F. , Pershin Sergey M. , Artemova Diana G. , Gudkov Sergey V. , Gomankov Alexey V. , Sdvizhenskii Pavel A. , Grishin Mikhail Ya. , Lednev Vasily N.
Published: December 2022

Fossilized plant remains have been studied simultaneously by laser induced fluorescence and Raman spectroscopies, to reveal the prospective methods for onsite or/and laser remote sensing in future extraterrestrial missions. A multiwavelength instrument, capable of fluorescence and Raman measurements, has been utilized for the study of isolated plant fossils, as well as fossils associated with sedimentary rocks. Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that plant fossils and rocks’ luminosity differed significantly due to chlorophyll derivatives (chlorin, porphyrins, lignin components etc.); therefore, fossilized plants can be easily detected at rock surfaces onsite. Raman spectroscopy highly altered the fossilized graphitic material via the carbon D and G bands. Our results demonstrated that combined laser-induced fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy measurements can provide new insights into the detection of samples with biogenicity indicators such as chlorophyll and its derivatives, as well as kerogenous materials. The prospects of multiwavelength LIDAR instrument studies under fieldwork conditions are discussed for fossils diagnostics. The method of laser remote sensing can be useful in geological exploration in the search for oil, coal-bearing rocks, and rocks with a high content of organic matter.
Nitrogen-Doped Nickel Graphene Core Shell Synthesis: Structural, Morphological, and Chemical Composition for Planar Hybrid Solar Cells Application
Authors: Kang Seung Beom , Jo Younjung , Lam Nguyen Hoang , Truong Nguyen Tam Nguyen , Jung Jae Hak , Kim Chang-Duk
Published: December 2022

In this study, nitrogen-doped nickel graphene core cells (N-NiGR) are synthesized using the thermal chemical vapor deposition method. The structural, morphological, and chemical composition properties of N-NiGR are investigated using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. N-NiGR has shown potential as a material that can assist charge carrier transportation in the photoactive a layer of planar hybrid solar cell (PHSC) owing to its high charge carrier mobility and stability with the solution process. Here, we investigated for the first time an enhancement of the solar cell efficiency (by up to a 2% increase) in PHSCs by incorporating the charge selective N-NiGR into the device’s photoactive layer. Synthesized N-NiGR with different concentrations are incorporated into the active layer of the devices as charge transport material. The device structure of an ITO-coated glass/Hole transport layer/(PBT7+N-NiGR+SnS)/Electron transport layer/Cathode is fabricated and the maximum power conversion efficiency of the device was observed to be about 4.35%.
Critical Laser Intensity of Phase-Matched High-Order Harmonic Generation in Noble Gases
Authors: Minneker Björn , Klas Robert , Rothhardt Jan , Fritzsche Stephan
Published: December 2022

The efficient generation of high-order harmonic radiation has been a challenging task since the early days of strong-field physics. An essential requirement to achieve efficient high-order harmonic generation inside a gas medium is the phase matching of the high-order harmonic radiation and the incident laser pulse. The dominant contribution to the wave–vector mismatch Δk is associated with the ionization probability of the medium. In this work, we derive two analytical formulas to calculate the critical intensity of a general linearly polarized laser pulse that obey the phase-matching condition Δk=0. The analytic formulas are valid in the tunneling regime (ADK model) and the regime of the tunnel and multi-photon ionization (PPT model), respectively. We compare our results to numerical computations and discuss the scaling of the critical intensity depending on the pulse duration and the wavelength of a realistic incident laser pulse. The analytical approach demonstrated in this work is highly accurate and can compete with the existing numerical computational methods by an error of less than 1% and a decrease in the computation time of approximately 4 to 6 orders of magnitude. This enables complex theoretical studies of the efficiency scaling in HHG or to consider the effects of ground state depletion efficiently.
Short-Term Exposure of Dactylis glomerata Pollen to Atmospheric Gaseous Pollutants Is Related to an Increase in IgE Binding in Patients with Grass Pollen Allergies
Authors: Fernández-González María , Ribeiro Helena , Rodríguez-Rajo Fco. Javier , Cruz Ana , Abreu Ilda
Published: December 2022

The concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and tropospheric ozone (O3) in urban and industrial site atmospheres are considered key factors associated with pollen-related respiratory allergies. This work studies the effects of NO2 and O3 on the protein expression profile and IgE binding in patients with grass allergies to Dactylis glomerata pollen extracts. Pollens were collected during the flowering season and were exposed to NO2 and O3 in a controlled environmental chamber. The amount of soluble protein was examined using the Bradford method, and the protein expression profile and antigenic properties were analysed using the immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Our results showed apparent inter-sera differences concerning the number and intensity of IgE reactivity, with the most prominent at bands of 55 kDa, 35, 33, and 13 kDa. In the 13 kDa band, both gases tend to induce an increase in IgE binding, the band at 33 kDa showed a tendency towards a reduction, particularly pollen exposed to O3. Reactive bands at 55 and 35 kDa presented an increase in the IgE binding pattern for all the patient sera samples exposed to NO2, but the samples exposed to O3 showed an increase in some sera and in others a decrease. Regarding the ELISA results, out of the 21 tested samples, only 9 showed a statistically significant increase in total IgE reactivity after pollen exposure to the pollutants. Our study revealed that although airborne pollen allergens might be affected by air pollution, the possible impacts on allergy symptoms might vary depending on the type of pollutant and the patient’s sensitisation profile.
An Integrated Metabolomic and Gene Expression Analysis of ‘Sachinoka’ Strawberry and Its Somaclonal Mutant Reveals Fruit Color and Volatiles Differences
Authors: Bian Ruiqing , Yu Shuang , Song Xinyu , Yao Jinxiang , Zhang Junxiang , Zhang Zhihong
Published: December 2022

Plant tissue culture produces a wide range of genetic variations which are useful for quality improvement of the plant species. However, the differences in metabolic components and the key genes responsible for the difference in metabolic components between somaclonal variation and the original parent are still largely unknown. In this study, a mutant named ‘Mixue’ was identified with somaclonal variation of the ‘Sachinoka’ strawberry. The contents of pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in the red fruit of ‘Mixue’ were significantly decreased compared with ‘Sachinoka’. In comparison with ‘Sachinoka’, the expression levels of FaMYB10, FaMYB11.2, FaWD40 and FaTT19 in the turning fruit of ‘Mixue’ were significantly down-regulated, while the expression of FaMYB1 was significantly up-regulated in the red fruit. ‘Sachinoka’ and ‘Mixue’ fruits were found to have 110 volatile components. Among them, 15 volatile components in the red fruit of ‘Mixue’ were significantly increased compared with ‘Sachinoka’, such as nerolidol, benzaldehyde, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl isovalerate, which led to an enhanced aroma in ‘Mixue’ and might result from the up-regulated expression of FaNES1, FaCNL and FaAATs in ‘Mixue’. These results provide useful information on the effect of somaclonal variation on metabolic components of strawberry fruit and lay the foundation for the improvement in quality of strawberry.
Biomimetic Strategies for Developing Abiotic Stress-Tolerant Tomato Cultivars: An Overview
Authors: Rai Gyanendra Kumar , Kumar Pradeep , Choudhary Sadiya Maryam , Kosser Rafia , Khanday Danish Mushtaq , Choudhary Shallu , Kumar Bupesh , Magotra Isha , Kumar Ranjit Ranjan , Ram Chet , Rouphael Youssef , Corrado Giandomenico , Behera Tusar Kanti
Published: December 2022

The tomato is one of the most important vegetables in the world. The demand for tomatoes is high in virtually any country, owing to their gastronomic versatility and nutritional and aromatic value. Drought, salinity, and inadequate temperature can be major factors in diminishing yield, affecting physiological and biochemical processes and altering various metabolic pathways, from the aggregation of low molecular–weight substances to the transcription of specific genes. Various biotechnological tools can be used to alter the tomato genes so that this species can more rapidly or better adapt to abiotic stress. These approaches range from the introgression of genes coding for specific enzymes for mitigating a prevailing stress to genetic modifications that alter specific metabolic pathways to help tomato perceive environmental cues and/or withstand adverse conditions. In recent years, environmental and social concerns and the high complexity of the plant response may increase the attention of applied plant biotechnology toward biomimetic strategies, generally defined as all the approaches that seek to develop more sustainable and acceptable strategies by imitating nature’s time-tested solutions. In this review, we provide an overview of some of the genetic sequences and molecules that were the objects of biotechnological intervention in tomato as examples of approaches to achieve tolerance to abiotic factors, improving existing nature-based mechanisms and solutions (biomimetic biotechnological approaches (BBA)). Finally, we discuss implications and perspectives within the GMO debate, proposing that crops modified with BBA should receive less stringent regulation.
Primary Root Excision Induces ERF071, Which Mediates the Development of Lateral Roots in Makapuno Coconut (Cocos nucifera)
Authors: Thuzar Mya , Sae-lee Yonlada , Saensuk Chatree , Pitaloka Mutiara K. , Dechkrong Punyavee , Aesomnuk Wanchana , Ruanjaichon Vinitchan , Wanchana Samart , Arikit Siwaret
Published: December 2022

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is widely recognized as one of nature’s most beneficial plants. Makapuno, a special type of coconut with a soft, jelly-like endosperm, is a high-value commercial coconut and an expensive delicacy with a high cost of planting material. The embryo rescue technique is a very useful tool to support mass propagation of makapuno coconut. Nevertheless, transplanting the seedlings is a challenge due to poor root development, which results in the inability of the plant to acclimatize. In this study, primary root excision was used in makapuno to observe the effects of primary root excision on lateral root development. The overall results showed that seedlings with roots excised had a significantly higher number of lateral roots, and shoot length also increased significantly. Using de novo transcriptome assembly and differential gene expression analysis, we identified 512 differentially expressed genes in the excised and intact root samples. ERF071, encoding an ethylene-responsive transcription factor, was identified as a highly expressed gene in excised roots compared to intact roots, and was considered a candidate gene associated with lateral root formation induced by root excision in makapuno coconut. This study provides insight into the mechanism and candidate genes involved in the development of lateral roots in coconut, which may be useful for the future breeding and mass propagation of makapuno coconut through tissue culture.
Chayote Fruit (Sechium edule var. virens levis) Development and the Effect of Growth Regulators on Seed Germination
Authors: Ramírez-Rodas Yeimy C. , Arévalo-Galarza Ma. de Lourdes , Cadena-Iñiguez Jorge , Soto-Hernández Ramón M. , Peña-Valdivia Cecilia B. , Guerrero-Analco José A.
Published: December 2022

The chayote fruit is a nontraditional vegetable belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. The fruit has an endocarpic recalcitrant seed that emerges postharvest, drastically shortening its shelf life. In this study, the changes during fruit and seed development before and after harvest (ah) are reported. Additionally, in order to investigate how growth regulators (GRs) affect seed germination, 2-cloroethylphosphonic acid (CPA) (200 µL L−1), gibberellic acid (GA3) (100 and 200 mg L−1), auxin (2,4-D) (0.5 and 1.0 mM), and abscisic acid (ABA) (0.5 and 1.0 mM) were applied after harvest. The results showed that the chayote fruit reached horticultural maturity at 21 days after anthesis, with a sigmoid trend: phase I featured slow growth and high transpiration; in phase II, growth was accelerated and accumulation of endosperm was observed; and in phase III, both growth rate and transpiration were reduced, soluble sugars increased, and the seed showed 25% cotyledon development. At day 13 ah, CPA, GA3, and 2,4-D (0.5 mM) increased seed germination, with values between 10 and 15 mm of the embryonary axis, and the treatments with 2,4-D (1 mM) and ABA (0.5 and 1.0 mM) retarded their growth (2–6 mm). This research allowed us to reveal the phenological phases and the shelf life of the chayote fruit, as well as the results of possible postharvest treatment with GRs; our results suggest that strategies to delay viviparism and prolong the shelf life of the fruit should be applied before 10 days ah, when the embryonic axis of the seed has not developed.
Insecticidal Activity of Essential Oils against Mealybug Pests (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Avila Miriam del Valle , Achimón Fernanda , Brito Vanessa Daniela , Aguilar Ramiro , Pizzolitto Romina Paola , Zunino María Paula , Peschiutta María Laura
Published: December 2022

Most mealybugs of the Pseudococcidae family are important pests of agriculture and ornamental gardens. Our aim was to perform a review and meta-analysis on 14 published scientific articles on the insecticidal activity of essential oils (EOs) against mealybug species of the Pseudococcidae family. Data on (1) species, genus, families, and plant parts from which the EO was extracted; (2) the main compounds of each EO; (3) the highest and lowest concentrations tested; and (4) the application method used for the toxicological studies was collected from each study. The metafor package (R software) was used to perform a three-level random effects meta-analysis. The families Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Myrtaceae, Zingiberaceae and Euphorbiaceae and the genera Citrus, Cymbopogon, Syzygium, Cinnamomum and Jatropha were the most used among the studies. According to the results from the meta-analyses, 13 out of 24 genera analyzed were effective against mealybugs. All methods were effective, but fumigation and indirect contact were the most frequently used methodologies. The results obtained from the present review and meta-analysis could be used for the potential development of natural biopesticide formulations against mealybugs belonging to the Pseudococcidae family.
Volatile Oils Discrepancy between Male and Female Ochradenus arabicus and Their Allelopathic Activity on Dactyloctenium aegyptium
Authors: Abd-ElGawad Ahmed M. , Assaeed Abdulaziz M. , El Gendy Abd El-Nasser G. , Dar Basharat A. , Elshamy Abdelsamed I.
Published: December 2022

Volatile oils (VOs) composition of plants is affected by several exogenous and endogenous factors. Male and female plants of the dioecious species exhibit variation in the bioactive constituents’ allocation. The chemical variation in the VOs between male and female plants is not well studied. In the present study, the chemical characterization of the VOs extracted from aerial parts of male and female ecospecies of Ochradenus arabicus was documented. Additionally, the extracted VOs were tested for their allelopathic activity against the weed Dactyloctenium aegyptium. Via GC-MS analysis, a total of 53 compounds were identified in both male and female plants. Among them, 49 compounds were identified from male plants, and 47 compounds were characterized in female plants. Isothiocyanates (47.50% in male and 84.32% in female) and terpenes (48.05% in male and 13.22% in female) were the main components of VOs, in addition to traces of carotenoid-derived compounds and hydrocarbons. The major identified compounds of male and female plants are m-tolyl isothiocyanate, benzyl isothiocyanate, butyl isothiocyanate, isobutyl isothiocyanate, carvone, and α-bisabolol, where they showed variation in the concentration between male and female plants. The O. arabicus VOs of the male plants attained IC50 values of 51.1, 58.1, and 41.9 μL L−1 for the seed germination, seedling shoot growth, and seedling root growth of the weed (D. aegyptium), respectively, while the females showed IC50 values of 56.7, 63.9, and 40.7 μL L−1, respectively. The present data revealed that VOs composition and bioactivity varied significantly with respect to the plant gender, either qualitatively or quantitatively.
Metabolic Profiles, Genetic Diversity, and Genome Size of Bulgarian Population of Alkanna tinctoria
Authors: Nikolova Milena , Aneva Ina , Zhelev Petar , Semerdjieva Ivanka , Zheljazkov Valtcho D. , Vladimirov Vladimir , Stoyanov Stoyan , Berkov Strahil , Yankova-Tsvetkova Elina
Published: December 2022

Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch Boraginaceae is a medicinal plant whose root is used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. A. tinctoria roots have been subject to numerous studies. However, the aerial parts have been explored less. The objective of the present study was to compare the chemical profile of aerial parts and roots as well as the total alkannin content in roots of 11 populations of the species from different floristic regions of Bulgaria. Methanolic extracts from 22 samples were analyzed by GC/MS. Phenolic, fatty, and organic acids, sterols, polyols, fatty alcohols, and sugars were identified. Ononitol (4-O-methyl-myo-inositol) was found as the main compound in the aerial parts. The total alkannin content in the roots was evaluated by the spectrophotometric method and compared with that of the commercial product. Populations with high alkannin content and rich in other bioactive compounds were identified. A relatively low genetic diversity in the studied populations was observed. The present study is the first comprehensive study on metabolite profiles and genetic diversity of the Bulgarian populations of A. tinctoria. The occurrence of ononitol in the aerial parts of the species is reported for the first time, as well as the phenolic acid profiles of the species in both aerial parts and roots. The results showed that aerial parts of the plant are also promising for use as a source of valuable biologically active substances.
In Vitro Evaluation of Antidiabetic Potential of Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala Fruit Extract
Authors: Chukiatsiri Suttida , Wongsrangsap Nattakarn , Ratanabunyong Siriluk , Choowongkomon Kiattawee
Published: December 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a complex global public health condition. Medicinal plants are significant resources in the research of alternative new drug active compounds. Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala (C. nervosum) is an indigenous berry fruit widely grown in Southeast Asia. The fruit of C. nervosum exhibit various medicinal properties and health benefits. This study aimed to investigate antidiabetic properties of C. nervosum fruit extract by in vitro assays and in vitro models. C. nervosum fruit extracted using three different solvents (hexane, ethanol, and distilled water) were tested for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, followed by glucose uptake in HepG2 and L6 myoblasts. Lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells treated with C. nervosum fruit extracts was then examined. The results revealed that ethanolic extract of C. nervosum fruit showed better inhibition against α-amylase (IC50 of 0.42 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 of 0.23 μg/mL) compared with other extracts. Furthermore, ethanolic extract showed higher glucose uptake potential than the standard antidiabetic drug, metformin, in HepG2 cells. The ethanolic extracts resulted in enhanced glucose utilization in L6 myoblasts compared to untreated control. All extractions showed no significantly increased lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells compared to the untreated control cells. The investigation confirmed that the ethanolic extract exhibited the highest antidiabetic activity among all extracts. These results imply that C. nervosum fruit extract has antidiabetic properties and therefore they may be used as useful therapeutic agents for treating diabetes.
Fundamentals of Plant Morphology and Plant Evo-Devo (Evolutionary Developmental Morphology)
Authors: Sattler Rolf , Rutishauser Rolf
Published: December 2022

Morphological concepts are used in plant evo-devo (evolutionary developmental biology) and other disciplines of plant biology, and therefore plant morphology is relevant to all of these disciplines. Many plant biologists still rely on classical morphology, according to which there are only three mutually exclusive organ categories in vascular plants such as flowering plants: root, stem (caulome), and leaf (phyllome). Continuum morphology recognizes a continuum between these organ categories. Instead of Aristotelian identity and either/or logic, it is based on fuzzy logic, according to which membership in a category is a matter of degree. Hence, an organ in flowering plants may be a root, stem, or leaf to some degree. Homology then also becomes a matter of degree. Process morphology supersedes structure/process dualism. Hence, structures do not have processes, they are processes, which means they are process combinations. These process combinations may change during ontogeny and phylogeny. Although classical morphology on the one hand and continuum and process morphology on the other use different kinds of logic, they can be considered complementary and thus together they present a more inclusive picture of the diversity of plant form than any one of the three alone. However, continuum and process morphology are more comprehensive than classical morphology. Insights gained from continuum and process morphology can inspire research in plant morphology and plant evo-devo, especially MorphoEvoDevo.
Effect of Soil Type and In Vitro Proliferation Conditions on Acclimation and Growth of Willow Shoots Micropropagated in Continuous Immersion Bioreactors
Authors: Trasar-Cepeda Carmen , Sánchez Conchi , Casalderrey Mar , Bello Diana , Vielba Jesús María , Rico Saleta , Aldrey Anxela , Vidal Nieves
Published: December 2022

Salix viminalis L. is a species with high capacity for micropropagation and acclimation and could therefore be used to evaluate emergent techniques in the field of plant propagation. The aims of this study were to propagate willow in liquid medium with a continuous immersion system, to explore the application of photoautotrophic conditions and to investigate the adaptation of willow plantlets to different soils that could be used as alternatives to commercial peat. For proliferation, we used 3% sucrose or sugar-free medium, and as substrates, we used commercial peat, a soil from an oak forest with high organic matter content and a crop soil with low organic matter content. The effect of sugar supplementation during proliferation and the soil characteristics during acclimation and growth were evaluated on the basis of aerial and root growth and the hydrolytic and dehydrogenase enzymatic activities of the soils. The results indicate that under photoautotrophic conditions, the supplementation of sucrose during micropropagation did not affect the subsequent growth of the plantlets. All plants acclimated without loss, but the type of soil influenced the height and vigor. Plants produced the highest shoots in peat, whereas the most root development occurred in crop soil. Soil enzyme activities were more influenced by the type of soil than by the presence of plants.
A Functionalized Polysaccharide from Sphingomonas sp. HL-1 for High-Performance Flocculation
Authors: Huang Haolin , Li Jingsong , Tao Weiyi , Li Shuang
Published: December 2022

The characterization and flocculation mechanism of a biopolymer flocculant produced by Sphingomonas sp. HL-1, were investigated. The bio-flocculant HL1 was identified as an acidic polysaccharide, mainly composed of glucose, and also contained a small amount of mannose, galacturonic acid and guluronic acid. The flocculating activity of the purified HL1 polysaccharide could be activated by trivalent cations, and its flocculation mechanism was mainly charge neutralization and bridging. The working concentration of fermentation broth HL1 in a kaolin suspension was only 1/10,000 (v/v), in which the polysaccharide concentration was about 2 mg/L. The bio-flocculant HL1 maintained high efficiency at a wide range of pH (pH 3–10). It also exhibited good flocculating activity at a temperature range of 20–40 °C; it could even tolerate high salinity and kept activity at a mineralization degree of 50,000 mg/L. Therefore, the bio-flocculant HL1 has a good application prospect in the treatment of wastewater over a broad pH range and in high salinity.
Improving the Heat Resistance and Flame Retardancy of Epoxy Resin Composites by Novel Multifunctional Cyclophosphazene Derivatives
Authors: Fan Wangxi , Li Zefang , Liao Qin , Zhang Lintong , Kong Longjie , Yang Zhou , Xiang Meng
Published: December 2022

A novel multiple-ring molecule containing P and N, called HCCP-SA, was successfully prepared by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of salicylamide (SA) and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP). Particularly, HCCP-SA possessed the dual functions of heat resistance and flame retardancy. The molecular structure of HCCP-SA was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. HCCP-SA was bonded into the molecular chain of epoxy resin by the ring-opening curing reaction of epoxy resin, aiming to form a heat-resistant and flame-retardant composite (E-HS-x). In particular, the best-prepared E-HS-x composite with a 20 phr content of HCCP-SA (E-HS-20) presented excellent thermal stability, with an initial decomposition temperature of 267.94 °C and a max weight loss speed of only 0.95 mg·min−1. Moreover, E-HS-20 exhibited remarkable flame retardancy with a limiting oxygen index value of 27.1% and a V-2 rating in the UL94 flame retardancy test. The best-prepared E-HS-20 composite would be a suitable and potential candidate for heat-resistant and flame-retardant polymer materials.
Fabrication of Woven Jute Fiber Epoxy Bio-Composites through the Epoxy/Thiol-Ene Photopolymerization Technique
Authors: Acosta Ortiz Ricardo , Yañez Macías Roberto , Ku Herrera José de Jesús , García Valdez Aida Esmeralda
Published: December 2022

An eco-friendly epoxy/thiol-ene photopolymerization (ETEP) process was employed to prepare epoxy bio-composites using a commercial biobased epoxy resin and a woven jute fabric as reinforcement. In this process the components of the thiol-ene system, an allyl-functionalized ditertiary amine curing agent, a multifunctional thiol and a radical photoinitiator, were added to the epoxy resin to produce a polyether–polythioether crosslinked co-network. Moreover, the jute fibers were functionalized with thiol groups using the 3-mercaptopropyl (trimethoxysilane) with the purpose of creating a chemically bonded polymeric matrix/fiber system. The obtained bio-composites prepared with the thiol-functionalized cellulose fibers exhibited an increase up to 52% and 40% in flexural modulus and strength with respect to the non-functionalized counterparts. Under the three-point bending loadings, the composites displayed higher deformation at break and toughness due to the presence of polythioethers in the co-network. The prepared bio-composites developed in this work are excellent candidates to extend the use of cellulose fibers for structural applications.
Polylactic Acid/Polyaniline Nanofibers Subjected to Pre- and Post-Electrospinning Plasma Treatments for Refined Scaffold-Based Nerve Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Guo Yongjian , Ghobeira Rouba , Aliakbarshirazi Sheida , Morent Rino , De Geyter Nathalie
Published: December 2022

Composite biopolymer/conducting polymer scaffolds, such as polylactic acid (PLA)/ polyaniline (PAni) nanofibers, have emerged as popular alternative scaffolds in the electrical-sensitive nerve tissue engineering (TE). Although mimicking the extracellular matrix geometry, such scaffolds are highly hydrophobic and usually present an inhomogeneous morphology with massive beads that impede nerve cell-material interactions. Therefore, the present study launches an exclusive combinatorial strategy merging successive pre- and post-electrospinning plasma treatments to cope with these issues. Firstly, an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) treatment was applied on PLA and PLA/PAni solutions prior to electrospinning, enhancing their viscosity and conductivity. These liquid property changes largely eliminated the beaded structures on the nanofibers, leading to uniform and nicely elongated fibers having average diameters between 170 and 230 nm. After electrospinning, the conceived scaffolds were subjected to a N2 dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) treatment, which significantly increased their surface wettability as illustrated by large decreases in water contact angles for values above 125° to values below 25°. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses revealed that 3.3% of nitrogen was implanted on the nanofibers surface in the form of C–N and N–C=O functionalities upon DBD treatment. Finally, after seeding pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells on the scaffolds, a greatly enhanced cell adhesion and a more dispersive cell distribution were detected on the DBD-treated samples. Interestingly, when the APPJ treatment was additionally performed, the extension of a high number of long neurites was spotted leading to the formation of a neuronal network between PC-12 cell clusters. In addition, the presence of conducting PAni in the scaffolds further promoted the behavior of PC-12 cells as illustrated by more than a 40% increase in the neurite density without any external electrical stimulation. As such, this work presents a new strategy combining different plasma-assisted biofabrication techniques of conducting nanofibers to create promising scaffolds for electrical-sensitive TE applications.
Crystallinity Dependence of PLLA Hydrophilic Modification during Alkali Hydrolysis
Authors: Shi Jiahui , Zhang Jiachen , Zhang Yan , Zhang Liang , Yang Yong-Biao , Manor Ofer , You Jichun
Published: December 2022

Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) has been extensively used in tissue engineering, in which its surface hydrophilicity plays an important role. In this work, an efficient and green strategy has been developed to tailor surface hydrophilicity via alkali hydrolysis. On one hand, the ester bond in PLLA has been cleaved and generates carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, both of which are beneficial to the improvement of hydrophilicity. On the other hand, the degradation of PLLA increases the roughness on the film surface. The resultant surface wettability of PLLA exhibits crucial dependence on its crystallinity. In the specimen with high crystallinity, the local enrichment of terminal carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in amorphous regions accelerates the degradation of ester group, producing more hydrophilic groups and slit valleys on film surface. The enhanced contact between PLLA and water in aqueous solution (i.e., the Wenzel state) contributes to the synergistic effect between generated hydrophilic groups and surface roughness, facilitating further degradation. Consequently, the hydrophilicity has been improved significantly in the high crystalline case. On the contrary, the competition effect between them leads to the failure of this strategy in the case of low crystallinity.
Hyper-Pseudo-Viscoelastic Model and Parameter Identification for Describing Tensile Recovery Stress–Strain Responses of Rubber Components in TBR
Authors: Pan Gao , Chen Meimei , Wang Yao , Zhang Jichuan , Liu Li , Zhang Liqun , Li Fanzhu
Published: December 2022

Tires are often in service under dynamic conditions. Realizing the high-precision prediction of the mechanical response of rubber materials under cyclic loading can provide guidance for the design of high-performance tires. In this work, the tensile recovery stress-strain responses of rubber materials in nine different components of a truck and bus radial (TBR) tire were obtained through experiments. Before fitting, an experimental data processing method was proposed to facilitate the parameter identification for a hyper-pseudo-viscoelastic model, that is, the raw experimental data were changed to the adjusted test data. The HyperFit software was used to fit the adjusted test data based on the Yeoh hyperelastic model and the Ogden-Roxburgh pseudoelastic model to obtain the initial material parameters for the two models. In order to describe the permanent set, the Prony series viscoelastic model was introduced. The Isight software was adopted to optimize the parameters. The results showed that the hyper-pseudo-viscoelastic model (i.e., the combination of Yeoh, Ogden-Roxburgh and Prony series models) can describe the tensile recovery mechanical responses (loading curve, unloading curve and permanent set) of nine different rubber components in TBRs. The fitting results are in good agreement with the adjusted data, and all the coefficients of determination (R2) exceed 0.975. Finally, the cyclic deformation simulation of a dumbbell rubber specimen was carried out based on the above constitutive model and fitted parameters. R2 was used to describe the simulation accuracy and its value reached 0.968.
Carboxymethyl-Cellulose-Containing Ag Nanoparticles as an Electrochemical Working Electrode for Fast Hydroxymethyl-Furfural Sensing in Date Molasses
Authors: Alqahtani Nashi K. , Alnemr Tareq M. , Shulaybi Faisal A. , Mohamed Hisham Abdelmonem , Gouda Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Novel biosensors based on carboxymethyl cellulose extract from date palm fronds containing Ag nanoparticles as an electrochemical working electrode for fast hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) sensing in date molasses were prepared. The morphological, structural, and crystallinity characteristics of the prepared Ag@CMC were described via SEM, DLS, TEM, and XRD. In addition, Raman spectroscopy and UV–VIS spectroscopy were performed, and thermal stability was studied. The investigated techniques indicated the successful incorporation of AgNPs into the CMC polymer. The sensing behavior of the prepared AgNPs@CMC electrode was studied in terms of cyclic voltammetry and linear scan voltammetry at different HMF concentrations. The results indicated high performance of the designed AgNPs@CMC, which was confirmed by the linear behavior of the relationship between the cathodic current and HMF content. Besides, real commercial samples were investigated using the novel AgNPs@CMC electrode.
Studying the Physical and Chemical Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane Matrix Reinforced by Nanostructured TiO2 Supported on Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Katz Sari , Lachman Noa , Hafif Nir , Rosh Lilach , Pevzner Alexander , Lybman Amir , Amitay-Rosen Tal , Nir Ido , Rotter Hadar
Published: December 2022

In this study, a reactive adsorbent filler was integrated into a polymeric matrix as a novel reactive protective barrier without undermining its mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. For this purpose, newly synthesized TiO2/MCM/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites were prepared, and their various properties were thoroughly studied. The filler, TiO2/MCM, is based on a (45 wt%) TiO2 nanoparticle catalyst inside the pores of ordered mesoporous silica, MCM-41, which combines a high adsorption capacity and catalytic capability. This study shows that the incorporation of TiO2/MCM significantly enhances the composite’s Young’s modulus in terms of tensile strength, as an optimal measurement of 1.6 MPa was obtained, compared with that of 0.8 MPa of pristine PDMS. The composites also showed a higher thermal stability, a reduction in the coefficient of thermal expansion (from 290 to 110 ppm/°C), a 25% reduction in the change in the normalized specific heat capacity, and an increase in the thermal degradation temperatures. The chemical stability in organic environments was improved, as toluene swelling decreased by 40% and the contact angle increased by ~15°. The enhanced properties of the novel synthesized TiO2/MCM/PDMS composite can be used in various applications where a high adsorption capacity and catalytic/photocatalytic activity are required, such as in protective equipment, microfluidic applications, and chemical sensor devices.
Evaluating and Modeling the Degradation of PLA/PHB Fabrics in Marine Water
Authors: Bao Qi , Zhang Ziheng , Luo Heng , Tao Xiaoming
Published: December 2022

Developing degradable bio-plastics has been considered feasible to lessen marine plastic pollution. However, unanimity is still elusive regarding the actual degradability of bio-plastics such as polylactide (PLA) and poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). Thus, herein, we studied the degradability of fabrics made from PLA/PHB blends in marine seawater. The dry-mass percentage of the PLA/PHB fabrics decreased progressively from 100% to 85~90% after eight weeks of immersion. Two environmental aging parameters (UV irradiation and aerating) were also confirmed to accelerate the abiotic hydrolysis of the incubated fabrics. The variation in the molecular structure of the PLA/PHB polymers after the degradation process was investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). However, the hydrolysis degradability of bulky PLA/PHB blends, which were used to produce such PLA/PHB fabrics, was negligible under identical conditions. There was no mass loss in these solid PLA/PHB plastics except for a decrease in their tensile strength. Finally, a deep learning artificial neural network model was proposed to model and predict the nonlinear abiotic hydrolysis behavior of PLA/PHB fabrics. The degradability of PLA/PHB fabrics in marine water under the synergistic destructive effects of seawater, UV, and dissolved oxygen provides a pathway for more sustainable textile fibers and apparel products.
Starch Physicochemical Properties of Normal Maize under Different Fertilization Modes
Authors: Wang Jue , Lu Dalei
Published: December 2022

Improving the quality with desired functions of natural starch through agronomic practice will meet the increasing need of people for natural, functional foods. A one-off application of slow-release fertilizer is a simple and efficient practice in maize production, though its influence on the starch quality is scarce. In the present study, the structural and functional properties of the starch of normal maize under two fertilization modes (one-off application of slow-release fertilizer at the sowing time (SF), and three applications of conventional fertilizer at the sowing time, and topdressing at the jointing and flowering stages (CF)) under the same fertilization level (N/P2O5/K2O = 405/135/135 kg/ha) were studied using Jiangyu877 (JY877) and Suyu30 (SY30) as materials. The observed results indicate that the size of starch granules was enlarged by fertilization and the size was the largest under CF in both hybrids. The amylose content was unaffected by CF and reduced by SF in both hybrids. In comparison to no fertilizer (0F), the peak 1/peak 2 ratio was decreased by CF in both hybrids, whereas the ratio under SF was unaffected in JY877 and decreased in SY30. The amylopectin average chain-length was reduced by fertilization and the reduction was higher under CF in JY877. The relative crystallinity was increased by CF in both hybrids and the value under SF was unaffected in SY30 and increased in JY877. The peak, trough, and final viscosities of starch were increased by fertilization in both hybrids. The starch thermal characteristics in response to fertilization modes were dependent on hybrids. The retrogradation enthalpy and percentage were increased by CF in both hybrids, whereas those two parameters under SF were increased in SY30 and decreased in JY877. In conclusion, starch with similar granule size, higher peak 1/peak 2 ratio, and lower relative crystallinity was obtained under SF than under CF for both hybrids. Longer amylopectin chain-length was observed in JY877, which induced lower pasting viscosities in SY30 and lower retrogradation characteristics in JY877.
Low Power Consuming Mode Switch Based on Hybrid-Core Vertical Directional Couplers with Graphene Electrode-Embedded Polymer Waveguides
Authors: Zhong Lixi , Huang Quandong , Zhang Jiali , Xu Ou
Published: December 2022

We propose a mode switch based on hybrid-core vertical directional couplers with an embedded graphene electrode to realize the switching function with low power consumption. We designed the device with Norland Optical Adhesive (NOA) material as the guide wave cores and epoxy polymer material as cladding to achieve a thermo-optic switching for the E11, E21 and E12 modes, where monolayer graphene served as electrode heaters. The device, with a length of 21 mm, had extinction ratios (ERs) of 20.5 dB, 10.4 dB and 15.7 dB for the E21, E12 and E11 modes, respectively, over the C-band. The power consumptions of three electric heaters were reduced to only 3.19 mW, 3.09 mW and 2.97 mW, respectively, and the response times were less than 495 µs, 486 µs and 498 µs. Additionally, we applied such a device into a mode division multiplexing (MDM) transmission system to achieve an application of gain equalization of few-mode amplification among guided modes. The differential modal gain (DMG) could be optimized from 5.39 dB to 0.92 dB over the C-band, together with the characteristic of polarization insensitivity. The proposed mode switch can be further developed to switch or manipulate the attenuation of the arbitrary guided mode arising in the few-mode waveguide.
Low Hysteresis and Fatigue-Resistant Polyvinyl Alcohol/Activated Charcoal Hydrogel Strain Sensor for Long-Term Stable Plant Growth Monitoring
Authors: Wang Lina , Zhang Zhilin , Cao Jie , Zheng Wenqian , Zhao Qi , Chen Wenna , Xu Xinye , Luo Xiaoyu , Liu Qi , Liu Ximei , Xu Jingkun , Lu Baoyang
Published: December 2022

Flexible strain sensor as a measurement tool plays a significant role in agricultural development by long-term stable monitoring of the dynamic progress of plant growth. However, existing strain sensors still suffer from severe drawbacks, such as large hysteresis, insufficient fatigue resistance, and inferior stability, limiting their broad applications in the long-term monitoring of plant growth. Herein, we fabricate a novel conductive hydrogel strain sensor which is achieved through uniformly dispersing the conductive activated charcoal (AC) in high-viscosity polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution forming a continuous conductive network and simple preparation by freezing-thawing. The as-prepared strain sensor demonstrates low hysteresis (<1.5%), fatigue resistance (fatigue threshold of 40.87 J m−2), and long-term sensing stability upon mechanical cycling. We further exhibit the integration and application of PVA-AC strain sensor to monitor the growth of plants for 14 days. This work may offer an effective strategy for monitoring plant growth with conductive hydrogel strain sensor, facilitating the advancement of agriculture.
Active Loading of Pectin Hydrogels for Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Vesvoranan Oraya , Liu Betty S. , Zheng Yifan , Wagner Willi L. , Sutlive Joseph , Chen Zi , Khalil Hassan A. , Ackermann Maximilian , Mentzer Steven J.
Published: December 2022

Hydrogels provide a promising method for the targeted delivery of protein drugs. Loading the protein drug into the hydrogel free volume can be challenging due to limited quantities of the drug (e.g., growth factor) and complex physicochemical properties of the hydrogel. Here, we investigated both passive and active loading of the heteropolysaccharide hydrogel pectin. Passive loading of glass phase pectin films was evaluated by contact angles and fractional thickness of the pectin films. Four pectin sources demonstrated mean contact angles of 88° with water and 122° with pleural fluid (p < 0.05). Slow kinetics and evaporative losses precluded passive loading. In contrast, active loading of the translucent pectin films was evaluated with the colorimetric tracer methylene blue. Active loading parameters were systematically varied and recorded at 500 points/s. The distribution of the tracer was evaluated by image morphometry. Active loading of the tracer into the pectin films required the optimization of probe velocity, compression force, and contact time. We conclude that active loading using pectin-specific conditions is required for the efficient embedding of low viscosity liquids into pectin hydrogels.
Fe3O4-Filled Cellulose Paper for Triboelectric Nanogenerator Application
Authors: Yamklang Wimonsiri , Prada Teerayut , Bunriw Weeraya , Kaeochana Walailak , Harnchana Viyada
Published: December 2022

Cellulose-based materials have recently drawn much interest due to their sustainability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low cost. In this present work, cellulose fiber paper (CFP) was fabricated from sugarcane leaves and used as a friction material for a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). Fe3O4 was incorporated to CFP triboelectric material to increase the dielectric constant of CFP for boosting power generation of TENG. The Fe3O4 filled CFP was synthesized using a facile one-pot co-precipitation technique. The effect of Fe3O4 content in CFP on dielectric property and TENG performance was investigated and optimized. The CFP filled with Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibited the improved dielectric constant and possessed a superior TENG performance than pristine CF. The highest power density of 1.9 W/m2 was achieved, which was able to charge commercial capacitors serving as a power source for small electronic devices.
Textile Functionalization Using LTA and FAU Zeolitic Materials
Authors: Murrieta-Rico Fabian N. , Yocupicio-Gaxiola Rosario I. , Antúnez-García Joel , Reyes-Serrato Armando , Sánchez Perla , Petranovskii Vitalii
Published: December 2022

COVID-19 has drawn worldwide attention to the need for personal protective equipment. Face masks can be transformed from passive filters into active protection. For this purpose, it is sufficient to apply materials with oligodynamic effect to the fabric of the masks, which makes it possible to destroy infectious agents that have fallen on the mask with aerosol droplets from the air stream. Zeolites themselves are not oligodynamic materials, but can serve as carriers for nanoparticles of metals and/or compounds of silver, zinc, copper, and other materials with biocidal properties. Such a method, when the particles are immobilized on the surface of the substrate, will increase the lifetime of the active oligodynamic material. In this work, we present the functionalization of textile materials with zeolites to obtain active personal protective equipment with an extended service life. This is done with the aim to extend the synthesis of zeolitic materials to polymeric fabrics beyond cotton. The samples were characterized using XRD, SEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Data of physicochemical studies of the obtained hybrid materials (fabrics with crystals grown on fibers) will be presented, with a focus on the effect of fabrics in the growth process of zeolites.