The management of acid gases (i.e., H2S and CO2) is a fundamental requirement in process plants, such as refineries. Current strategies typically do not exploit the hydrogen content in hydrogen sulfide, which is usually burned. The acid gas-to-syngas (AG2S) technology represents an innovative approach for converting a mixture of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) into syngas (H2 and CO), with potential applications in fuels and chemical synthesis. This work investigates the optimal process design of AG2S in terms of the H2S/CO2 and H2S/O2 feed molar ratios to maximize syngas production. The study combines detailed kinetic and thermodynamic modeling to obtain a comprehensive process simulation, which serves as the basis for generating accurate surrogate models trained on flowsheet simulation data via a design of experiments (DoE) approach. These models allow for a reliable prediction of H2S conversion, syngas flow rate, H2/CO ratio, and selectivity. The results highlight limitations imposed by relatively low H2/CO ratios for downstream applications and illustrate the trade-off between syngas quality and quantity.
ConspectusHigh-efficiency catalytic reactions are crucial to the development of a clean and sustainable society. Thermocatalysis specializes in large-scale continuous production, but certain specific thermocatalytic processes are highly endothermic and require high operating temperatures to achieve the desirable equilibrium conversion efficiency. With the rapid development of renewable energy, electrocatalysis has drawn extensive attention because it enables green and precise chemical synthesis. Nevertheless, the electrocatalytic reaction, which undergoes a multiple-electron transfer process and suffers from inherently sluggish kinetics, faces a critical challenge for large-scale application due to its high overpotential and mass transfer limitation.Recently, the synergistic integration of thermocatalysis and electrocatalysis proposed by our group has demonstrated a series of advantages in enabling efficient catalytic reactions, which have attracted widespread research interest. The integration of thermal and electrocatalysis offers a transformative strategy that circumvents thermodynamic limitations of conventional reactions, manipulates reaction energy barriers and pathways, and thereby significantly improves the reaction rates and selectivity. Beyond these benefits, it also simplifies product separation, thereby enhancing the overall process economics. In this Account, we systematically summarize recent progress in synergistic coupling of thermocatalysis and electrocatalysis, focusing on three main strategies: (1) room-temperature thermocatalytic-electrocatalytic coupling, which circumvents traditional high reaction energy barriers via the synergy of spontaneous nonelectrochemical and electrochemical processes; (2) tandem thermocatalytic-electrocatalytic reaction, which accurately addresses the shortcomings of electrocatalytic and thermocatalytic module to break through the conversion-selectivity trade-off; and (3) an integrated thermocatalytic-electrocatalytic pathway, in which the electrochemical procedures can break the thermodynamic equilibrium of the reaction and thereby improve the overall energy efficiency. Together, these approaches provide a versatile way for constructing a high-efficiency catalytic system by revealing the design criterion of the coupling reaction process.Additionally, we discuss the key challenges and prospects in this emerging field in terms of three aspects: (i) further improving the matching degree between thermocatalysis and electrocatalysis; (ii) elucidating the mechanism of reaction activity enhancement; and (iii) trying to scale up the system for industrial-scale level production. We hope this Account will guide the development of more efficient catalytic systems in the years ahead.
Piezoelectric materials have emerged as promising electroactive biomaterials in regenerative medicine owing to their ability to convert mechanical forces into electrical signals and vice versa. These materials reproduce aspects of the body's native bioelectric microenvironment and influence key cellular processes, including adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Clinically, piezoelectricity has been exploited, in dental implants, where electromechanical activity enhances osseointegration and long-term stability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of piezoelectricity, the major classes of piezoelectric materials, and recent advances in fabrication strategies such as electrospinning, additive manufacturing, and nanogenerators. Applications across bone, nerve, cartilage, skin, and cardiovascular tissues are critically examined, with emphasis on mechanosensitive ion channels, intracellular signalling pathways, and gene regulation. Safety concerns, including ion release from ceramic materials, and the emergence of biocompatible, lead-free alternatives are discussed alongside translational barriers related to scalability, regulatory approval, and device integration. The aim of this review is to provide a mechanistic and clinically oriented perspective that informs the design of next-generation piezoelectric materials. Finally, future directions in self-powered implants and piezoelectric catalysis are highlighted to support their clinical translation for tissue repair and regenerative therapies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This review uniquely integrates the fundamental and translational aspects of piezoelectric biomaterials in regenerative medicine. We highlight how piezoelectric cues regulate cell behaviour through electrical stimulation, ion channel activation, particularly Ca²⁺ flux and downstream signalling pathways such as Wnt/GSK3β and PI3K/Akt. By linking these mechanisms to gene expression profiles and functional outcomes across bone, nerve, cartilage, cardiovascular, and skin tissues, this work provides a tissue-specific perspective that has not been comprehensively addressed before. Importantly, we emphasise the multifunctionality of piezoelectric scaffolds, showcasing their immunomodulatory, angiogenic, and biomechanical benefits. The review further bridges insights across chemistry, biology, materials science, and biofabrication, offering constructive guidance for designing next-generation, clinically translatable piezoelectric biomaterials.
Parabiotics (also termed paraprobiotics) are defined as non-viable microbial cells or their components, including peptidoglycans, teichoic acids, surface proteins, that confer health benefits without requiring viability which distinguishes them from traditional probiotics. Their non-viable nature eliminates risks such as microbial translocation, bacteremia, and sepsis, making them suitable for vulnerable populations including immunocompromised, critically ill, paediatric and elderly individuals. In addition, parabiotic exhibit improved thermal stability, extended shelf life, and easier incorporation into functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical formulations without cold-chain requirements. Mechanistically, parabiotics retain immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and have barrier-enhancing activities through interactions with host pattern recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors, modulation of cytokine responses, and reinforcement of gut epithelial integrity. Preclinical and clinical studies support their therapeutic potential such as in case of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus LB (L. acidophilus) has shown efficiency in managing acute paediatric diarrhoea, while heat-inactivated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PS23 (Lcb. paracasei) has demonstrated improvements in muscle strength and inflammatory markers, including reduced C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 and increased interlukin-10 in elderly individuals. Similarly, inactivated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lpb. plantarum) and Bifidobacterium strains have been associated with benefits in irritable bowel syndrome, atopic dermatitis, respiratory infections, visceral fat reduction, and antibiotic-associated dysbiosis. Synergistic combinations with prebiotics, postbiotics and related bioactives further enhance therapeutic outcomes in inflammatory, metabolic and infectious conditions. Advances in metagenomics, next-generation sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, CRISPR-Cas systems, and synthetic biology are accelerating strain characterization, functional evaluation, and scalable production. Despite ongoing challenges in standardization and regulated harmonization, parabiotics represent a safe and effective approach for microbiome-targeted interventions. This review synthesizes current evidence on their therapeutic applications, technological advancements, and translational potential, highlighting their role in precision health and next-generation functional nutrition.
At the nanoscale, various materials exhibit significant changes in their electrical and optical properties, showing optical and electrical performance that is entirely different from that of macroscopic materials, and thus have been widely applied. Among nanomaterials, the zinc oxide nanoclusters (ZnONCs) are commonly applied in the fields of antibacterial and bacteriostatic, photocatalysis, ultraviolet shielding, sensor preparation, and dye removal. In this paper, to reduce the use of toxic and harmful chemical reagents, the leaf extract of Aralia elata was used as the chemical modifier and stabilizer, and the functionalized zinc oxide nanocluster material (AE-ZnONCs) was prepared by the green hydrothermal synthesis method, which can be used for the removal of organic dyes in wastewater. SEM confirmed that the surface of AE-ZnONCs was an irregular lamellar structure, with AE extract adhering to the material surface. The AE-ZnONCs particle size range is 14.16 ~ 52.73 nm, with the average particle size of 31.71 nm. TEM characterization shows that the internal structure of AE-ZnONCs is a layered structure. EDS and XRD confirmed that the nanomaterials contained zinc oxide and AE plant components. TGA characterization confirmed that the mass proportion of AE extract attached to the material surface was 18.3%. BET confirmed that AE-ZnONCs presented a porous structure, with the relative surface area of 69.68 m2/g. AE-ZnONCs could rapidly and efficiently adsorb methylene blue (MB) and sunset yellow (SY) dyes from water; The XRD and SEM analyses have confirmed that the AE-ZnONCs material after the dye adsorption experiment still maintains a stable layered morphology structure, and the hydrothermally synthesized AE-ZnONCs also possesses structural stability. The MB adsorption process follows second-order kinetics and adheres to the Freundlich-type multi-layer adsorption isotherm model. SY adsorption process follows intraparticle diffusion model kinetics and adheres to the Freundlich-type multi-layer adsorption isotherm model. The green hydrothermal preparation method for functionalized zinc oxide promoted advantages such as abundant raw materials, high cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, controllable parameters, simple equipment, and easy operation, with broad application prospects.
Deep-red-emissive aggregation-induced emission-active luminogens (AIEgens) have emerged as powerful tools for advanced noninvasive cancer diagnosis, selective imaging, and therapeutic applications due to their deep tissue penetration, high contrast, high photostability, and excellent biocompatibility. Unlike traditional fluorophores that undergo aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), AIEgens become brightly emissive upon aggregation, enabling real-time visualization in complex biological environments. A major challenge in cellular imaging is the simultaneous and highly specific labeling of lipid droplets (LDs) and lysosomes, two organelles closely interconnected through lipophagic processes (degradation of LDs by lysosomes) and central to metabolic regulation. Existing small-molecule dyes often lack dual-targeting capability and typically diffuse throughout the cytoplasm before localizing to their intended targets. Herein, we provide easy access to three newly designed 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTD)-based D-π-A-π-D symmetric luminogens, MBM, DBD, and TBT, engineered for staining LDs and lysosomes. Even autophagosomes, a dynamic and double-membrane-bound organelle, are also stained with these probes. They exhibit strong red emission (630-740 nm) in both solid-state and highly aqueous media, demonstrating robust AIE properties. Colocalization studies confirm their reliable targeting of both organelles, supported by favourable binding affinities and other cross-experiments. The overall balance of hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of the photostable probes MBM, DBD, and TBT exhibited organelle specificity, photostability, efficient uptake, and tunable cytotoxicity. Thus, these red-emitting probes are recognized as promising candidates for multifunctional bioimaging and therapeutic applications. The high stability, low photobleaching, and large Stokes shifts make these dyes superior to commercially available conventional dyes like Nile Red.
The scale-up physics of ultrasound-enhanced separation is highly non-linear and remains insufficiently studied, limiting its industrial applications. To address this, the underlying mechanisms of ultrasound-enhanced extraction and adsorption were investigated using a 20 kHz probe with a diameter of 4 cm, and analyzed through interdisciplinary approaches, yielding novel insights. First, extraction and adsorption have distinct mass transfer resistances. For micron-level materials, the primary mass transfer resistance during extraction is concentrated at the solid-liquid interface, whereas the main resistance during adsorption is located inside the adsorbent. The disruption induced by ultrasound cavitation, instead of the direct effect of ultrasound cavitation, dynamically alters separation mass transfer mechanisms. Additionally, the solvent type used in separation influences the observable bubble density within the ultrasound cavitation cloud. The increased bubble number may not correspond to cavitation bubbles, as non-cavitation bubbles do not contribute to cavitation energy. Finally, a dimensionless rule has been formulated and validated to link separation with ultrasound cavitation across different scales. This rule introduces a polynomial relationship to quantify changes in separation yield (ΔC×Vm) using two dimensionless terms (lgACP×t×Lm and (rL). ACP×t×Lm represents ultrasonic separation factor incorporating the energy of single cavitation energy, cavitation bubble density and separation scale. rL characterizes the disruptive effects of ultrasound. As the first dimensionless rule to bridge ultrasound cavitation dynamics with mass transfer in separation processes, this work lays the foundation for scaling up these processes with greater precision and industrial applicability.
Prolonged exposure to pesticides is linked to neurodegenerative disorders through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal signaling. Therapeutic plants may offer a promising and natural alternative for protecting against such damage. Hence, the present study aims to understand the role of Curcuma amada in mitigating pesticide-induced neurotoxicity and its molecular mechanism in Drosophila. The pesticidal stress was induced in Drosophila through oral feed of ethion and its action was confirmed through behavioural assay. The stressed flies were treated with C. amada rhizome and the effect of both ethion and ethion +  C. amada was assessed through RNA profiling and gut microbiome analysis. Decrease in locomotory activity on exposure to ethion represents the induced neuronal stress and an increase was seen after C. amada was fed to the stressed flies. Many DEGs were identified through RNAseq results of stressed and C. amada treated which were further analysed using Cytoscape. In ethion and ethion + C. amada treated flies, the upregulated and downregulated genes were found to be associated with neuronal signal processing and mitochondrial function [MRPs, Dop2R, 5-HT1A, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (AARs), ND-B17]. A significant change in the gut microbial population (especially decrease in Lactiplantibacillus species) was observed in stressed flies. But the restoration of healthy bacterial population such as Lactiplantibacillus in C. amada treated flies evidencing the crucial role of gut microbiome in neuronal health. This study highlights the beneficial effects of C. amada from pesticidal stress which needs to be further researched to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms.
RNase Z is a conserved metallo-dependent endoribonuclease that catalyzes the 3'-end processing of precursor tRNAs. Although its canonical role in tRNA maturation is well established, its involvement in RNA turnover during stress responses remains poorly understood in many bacteria. In this study, we characterized the biochemical properties and regulatory functions of RNase Z from Deinococcus radiodurans (DrRNase Z). The rnz gene was cloned, overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant enzyme was purified to homogeneity. ICP-MS analysis revealed that DrRNase Z coordinates two Zn2+ ions per monomer and exhibits Zn2+-dependent phosphodiesterase activity. Kinetic analysis demonstrated catalytic parameters comparable to other RNase Z homologues. Using in vitro-transcribed substrates, DrRNase Z efficiently processed precursor tRNAArg by endonucleolytic removal of extra nucleotides downstream of the 3'-CCA sequence, while mature tRNA remained resistant to cleavage. Interestingly, rnz transcript levels decreased significantly following γ-irradiation or oxidative stress. In vitro assays further showed that DrRNase Z cleaves the oxidative stress-inducible katA mRNA and the stress-responsive small RNA IGR_1612, which enhances cellular growth under oxidative stress when ectopically expressed. These findings indicate that DrRNase Z not only participates in tRNA maturation but also contributes to the turnover of stress-induced mRNAs and sRNAs, thereby helping restore RNA homeostasis in D. radiodurans following stress exposure.
β-Sitosterol is a bioactive phytosterol with recognized anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, and immunomodulatory properties. While Zygophyllum fabago L. is known to contain steroidal compounds, systematic studies on the isolation of pure β-sitosterol from this species are limited, particularly regarding the use of green extraction technologies and the achievement of high-purity yields for industrial applications. This study aimed to isolate and identify β-sitosterol from the herb of Z. fabago L. utilizing subcritical CO2 extraction as an environmentally sustainable and selective methodology for nonpolar compounds. β-Sitosterol was isolated from the herb of Zygophyllum fabago L. using subcritical CO2 extraction (57-65 atm, 18-27 °C, 6 L/h). The crude extract was purified via vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) on silica gel 60 and recrystallized from methanol, with purity monitored by TLC (UV 254/366 nm and H2SO4 visualization). Identification was performed using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and the structure was confirmed by comparison with literature data. The subcritical CO2 extraction yielded 20 g of crude extract (2.3% yield). The purification process resulted in 1.0 g of pure β-sitosterol, representing a 5% yield relative to the crude extract. TLC analysis showed a single characteristic spot, and NMR data definitively confirmed the structure, identifying key signals such as the C-3 hydroxyl group, the Δ5 double bond, and the characteristic branched aliphatic side chain. These results demonstrate that Z. fabago L. is a high-yielding natural source of β-sitosterol. Furthermore, the study validates subcritical CO2 extraction as a highly effective and selective approach for the preparative isolation of phytosterols from plant matrices, offering significant advantages in terms of purity and environmental impact.
Traditional aptamer screening methods often prove ineffective for small molecule targets, primarily due to the inherent structural limitations of such compounds. Their simple architecture, limited functional groups, and restricted spatial complexity drastically reduce the probability of identifying nucleic acid sequences that bind with both high affinity and specificity. Consequently, the screening process becomes inefficient and labor-intensive, frequently failing to yield aptamers of satisfactory performance for practical applications. This represents a significant technical hurdle in expanding the use of aptamers in small-molecule detection and therapeutics. Based on this, this study innovatively proposes an aptamer design method based on single-nucleotide docking assembly, using the small molecule temicloxacin as an example. Through molecular dynamics simulations (50 ns, RMSD convergence threshold of 0.15 nm), the dynamic conformational characteristics of tilmicosin were analyzed. Subsequently, saturated docking was performed on four classes of mononucleotides, screening out 32 high-affinity mononucleotides (atomic contact distance ≤4 Å). Methods such as depth-first search algorithm (DFS) and weighted graph theory model were introduced to obtain the representative single nucleotides of eight classes of functional modules and linkage assembly, and finally 63 non-redundant candidate sequences were screened. Molecular docking results indicate that the optimal aptamer Til-14 exhibits high binding affinity with tilmicosin. with an affinity of 298.16 ± 95.588 nM measured via SYBR Green I fluorescence assay. Colloidal gold colorimetric analysis confirmed its high affinity (Kd = 279.323 ± 87.234 nM) and excellent specificity. This innovative method successfully addresses the key limitations of the traditional SELEX process in screening aptamers for small molecule targets. By enhancing the efficiency and specificity of selection, it not only facilitates the discovery of high-performance aptamers but also establishes a novel, generalizable framework for the construction of nucleic acid aptamers targeting other small molecules.
This study investigated the synergistic mechanism of partial debranching and microwave treatment on the complexation between highland barley amylopectin and 2-ethyl-6-methyl pyrazine (EMP) in an aqueous system, a key roasted aroma compound in tsampa. Pullulanase-mediated partial debranching optimized the chain length distribution by reducing steric hindrance, which alone enhanced EMP binding. Subsequent microwave treatment (300, 500, 700 W) further promoted complexation through distinct, power-dependent mechanisms that fundamentally differ from conventional water bath heating. Unlike the random thermal motion of water bath heating, microwave irradiation induced high-frequency dipole rotation and orientational polarization, driving starch chain rearrangement and conformational tightening. Especially, at 700 W, partial chain cleavage generated linear fragments that readily formed V-type inclusion complexes, doubling EMP encapsulation compared to native starch. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that microwave treatment induced tighter chain folding and stronger intermolecular interactions than water bath heating. This work demonstrates that microwave irradiation actively reorganizes starch architecture rather than merely providing thermal energy, offering a novel strategy for starch-based flavor encapsulation.
The paper presents the green preparation of WO3 nanostructures from Allium cepa peel extract, a biocompatible reducing and capping agent to purify mining wastewaters. Phytochemical screening established the presence of plentiful phenolic compounds, tannins, and saponins for reducing and stabilizing the nanoparticles. WO3 nanoparticles were confirmed by UV-vis absorbance (301-425 nm), while DLS analysis established dependence on calcination temperatures for sizing and colloidal properties. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the W-O-W core and -OH on surfaces. The morphology and crystallization were established by HRSEM/HRTEM and SAED analysis, supporting the role of calcination; further confirmed by XRD analysis (monoclinic WO3 nanoparticles). BET studies showed mesophase structures and specific surfaces that decreased with increased calcination temperatures. The adsorption capacity was highly dependent on time, adsorbent dosage, and temperature; optimal at 550 °C. The adsorption models fitted Langmuir models, while the kinetics followed pseudo-second order models, and thermodynamics confirmed spontaneity and endothermic properties. The adsorption process involves electrostatic forces, surface complexation, and ion exchange for effective multielement removal.
Diabetes is a highly prevalent chronic disease worldwide, and its early diagnosis is crucial for long-term monitoring and effective management. Sensitive identification and detection of glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a key biomarker that reliably reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, play an important role in the long-term monitoring of diabetes. Here, we present a fluorescent and aptamer-based highly sensitive biosensor method for HbA1c detection employing a newly designed, target-triggered, and movable toehold-assisted proximal catalytic hairpin assembly (mt-pCHA) amplification strategy. The recognition of HbA1c by the aptamer triggers the release of DNA strands to activate the mt-pCHA process, in which the assembly hairpins are arranged in close proximity on the preassembled Y-shaped scaffolds to enhance their local concentrations for accelerating reaction kinetics. Furthermore, the introduction of a movable toehold optimizes the strand displacement pathway and suppresses the background leakage while preserving the catalytic efficiency. With the HbA1c-triggered initiation of mt-pCHA, numerous quenched fluorescent hairpins are unfolded in the assembly process, leading to significantly magnified fluorescence recovery for ultrasensitive detection of HbA1c. Experimental validation demonstrates a strong linear response over the range of 5 ng/mL-50 μg/mL for HbA1c with a detection limit of 4.66 ng/mL. The assay exhibits negligible cross-reactivity toward hemoglobin (Hb) and performs reliably in diluted human whole blood hemolysate samples. These results highlight its potential as a versatile biosensing platform for the sensitive detection of low-abundance protein biomarkers.
Polymers play a crucial role in modern industry owing to their design flexibility and ease of processing. Recent advancements in synthesis have spurred the development of functional polymers, such as organic semiconductors and tough hydrogels, which excel in various applications compared to rigid materials. The performance of polymer-based devices depends on chain structures across multiple length scales, highlighting the need for processing technologies that can finely tune structures and properties. Laser-induced dynamics present an exciting avenue for achieving these objectives by enabling selective activation of pathways that modify functional polymers. By controlling laser parameters, properties such as electrical conductivity and surface morphology can be precisely engineered, minimizing the need for entirely new materials for different applications. This approach streamlines production, lowers costs, and improves material properties even under ambient conditions, setting it apart from conventional microfabrication techniques. Our review discusses the latest advancements in the interaction of lasers with various polymers that can be modified or enhanced by laser irradiation, focusing on energy delivery mechanisms and their influence on polymer properties. We explore how laser-driven structural changes can enhance electrical, mechanical, and optical characteristics. Finally, we discuss future applications of laser processes and design considerations necessary to meet specific application requirements that conventional methods often struggle to fulfill.
Coffee extracts contain numerous bioactive compounds. Given the dietary link between coffee consumption and colorectal cancer, this study compared the effects of roasted and green (unroasted) coffee extracts on human colorectal cancer cells (HCT116) and non-cancerous fibroblasts (BJ-5ta) to evaluate how processing influences proliferation and molecular signaling. Real-time cell analysis (RTCA), qRT-PCR, and label-free quantitative proteomic analysis were performed to assess cellular responses. MTS and RTCA showed that in BJ-5Ta fibroblasts, coffee extracts increased proliferation in the order CNR < CAR < CAU < CNU, whereas the trend was reversed in HCT116 cancer cells. Proteomic analysis revealed that in BJ-5Ta cells, unroasted coffee extract caused downregulation of the ribosome pathway, and natural coffee extract caused downregulation of the gap junction pathway, indicating reduced protein synthesis and cell-cell communication as a potential stress-adaptive response. In contrast, in HCT116 cells, unroasted coffee extract upregulated the ribosome pathway. Also, natural coffee extract upregulated the pentose phosphate pathway in HCT116 cells, which may enhance NADPH production and reduce oxidative stress. Current evidence suggests coffee's bioactive compounds may have different effects varying by coffee extract type and their preparation.
Pro-oxidative factors compromise surimi gel quality by inducing protein denaturation and aggregation. This study elucidated the interactions between malondialdehyde (MDA) and hemin with surimi actomyosin through multispectral analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results suggested that MDA and hemin induced actomyosin oxidation by altering protein conformation, surface hydrophobicity, and the microenvironment of aromatic residues, especially under low-pH/high-temperature conditions. The MD results confirmed that MDA weakly interacted with myosin owing to its flexible backbone and limited hydrophobicity (ΔE = +0.24 kcal/mol), whereas hemin forms stable interactions (ΔE = -33.64 kcal/mol), likely due to its central iron atom, rigid porphyrin ring, and polar groups. Under co-exposure, hemin facilitated the relocation of MDA into deeper binding pockets, forming a synergistic network driven by hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions (ΔE = +0.05 kcal/mol for MDA; -28.71 kcal/mol for hemin). These findings provide molecular-level insights into surimi quality deterioration and support strategies to mitigate protein oxidation during processing.
The challenge in achieving simultaneous electrochemical detection of multiple phytohormones stems from the intricacies involved in delineating oxidation mechanisms of multiple phytohormones, along with the precise delineation of peaks in the electrochemical profiles. Electron-rich phytohormones, which readily participate in electron transfer reactions, possess strong electron-donor properties and can drive redox processes in signal transduction. This work reports electrochemical simultaneous detection of multiple electron-rich phytohormones (indole-3-acetic acid, salicylic acid, and naphthaleneacetic acid) on a portable flexible sensor and virtual visualization. The approach integrates electrochemical investigations with theoretical computations to decipher the intricate oxidation mechanisms of these electron-rich phytohormones at the sensor interface. The number of electrons and protons transferred during the redox processes of the three electron-rich phytohormones were individually quantified via electrochemical method. Furthermore, through calculations and analysis of electronic structure properties-frontier orbital distribution, Fukui function, electroactive sites and oxidation reaction energy barriers-the structure-activity relationship governing the molecular oxidation process is clearly elucidated. This work not only establishes an experimental and virtual visualization platform for the rapid multicomponent electron-rich phytohormones electro-analysis, but also provides an in-depth clarification of their interfacial reaction mechanisms and electron transfer pathways. It reveals distinct differences in the electrochemical behaviors of these phytohormones, thereby advancing the field from empirical monitoring toward rationally designed detection systems.
This work reports the development of epoxy-based biocomposites via the valorization of coconut fiber, with tailored thermal and mechanical properties obtained by varying the reinforcement and curing system. An organosolv process was used to extract lignin from natural coconut fiber (NCF) using a 90% v/v aqueous acetic acid solution combined with 2% v/v HCl at 110 °C for 1 h, yielding organosolv coconut fiber lignin (OCFL) and modified coconut fiber (MCF). The polymeric matrix was composed of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A containing 0 or 50 wt% OCFL, while NCF and MCF were used as reinforcements. The biocomposites were prepared with a matrix-to-reinforcement mass ratio of 80:20 and cured with either a protic or an aprotic ionic liquid, specifically 10 wt% [HMIM][HSO4] at 180 °C or 10 wt% [BMIM][PF6] at 220 °C for 1 h. The biocomposites were characterized by thermogravimetry, constant-pressure calorimetry, gel content, water absorption, chemical resistance, scanning electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis. The results show that the thermal, thermos-oxidative, chemical, and mechanical properties of the biocomposites can be modulated by controlling the type of reinforcement, the lignin content in the matrix, and the curing ionic liquid. The valorization of coconut solid residues through a sustainable organosolv-based route thus enables the design of thermosetting materials with high glass transition temperatures, high gel content, and self-extinguishing behavior suitable for high-performance applications, with potential to partially replace petroleum-derived materials in selected sectors of the chemical industry.
The widespread coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and organic pollutants in water presents the challenges for advanced oxidation processes. Although the O3/H2O2 system demonstrated efficient degradation of various pollutants, its effectiveness with the background of microplastics (MPs), particularly those subjected to environmental aging, remains poorly understood and inadequately quantified. This work systematically investigated the inhibitory effects of pristine and aged MPs on the O3/H2O2 system and elucidated the underlying mechanisms through experimental and theoretical analyses. The findings revealed pollutant-specific dual oxidation pathways: electron-rich compounds underwent concurrent •OH-mediated oxidation and direct O3 molecular oxidation, whereas electron-deficient pollutants were degraded exclusively via •OH attack. Pristine MPs mainly suppressed degradation through physical adsorption. In contrast, aged MPs with oxygen-rich surfaces induced stronger inhibition by stabilizing O3, altering interfacial electron transfer and promoting inefficient surface consumption. Crucially, the O3/H2O2 system maintained high pollutant removal efficiency in real water matrices despite MPs-induced inhibition, and also exhibited no ecotoxicity in plant growth assays and yielded favorable life cycle outcomes. This study establishes a mechanistic foundation for optimizing advanced oxidation in microplastic-coexisted environments and demonstrated the practical feasibility of the O3/H2O2 system for such applications.