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Activation of Toll-like receptor 2 reveals microbial contamination beyond endotoxins on micro- and nanoplastics
No full textCurrent literature on health hazards associated with micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) is largely influenced by studies that insufficiently account for potential microbial contamination of their test materials. This may lead to misinterpretation of outcomes, as the test materials may be incorrectly considered pristine MNPs. The present study screened eight MNP test materials for microbial contaminants using Toll-like receptor (TLR) reporter cells for TLR2 and TLR4 and the commonly used Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. Our results show that MNPs testing negative for endotoxins, based on the absence of TLR4 activation and negative LAL results, may still contain microbial ligands that selectively activate TLR2. Moreover, five of the eight MNP test materials contained microbial ligands capable of activating TLR2 and/or TLR4. Compared to the LAL assay, TLR4-based screening effectively detected endotoxin contamination. Overall, we found that the TLR reporter cell assay provides broader coverage than the LAL assay in detecting microbial ligands, which appear to be highly prevalent in MNP test materials
Multiscale insights into fibroblast growth factor 23 adsorption on polyelectrolyte layers: From molecular properties to biointerfaces
No full textFibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a clinically significant protein hormone regulating phosphate and vitamin D metabolism, with elevated levels linked to chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disorders, and impaired bone homeostasis. Despite its relevance as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target, its interactions with functional biomaterials remain poorly understood. In this work, we investigate the FGF23 adsorption on polyelectrolyte layers using a combination of theoretical modeling and experimental methods. Theoretical calculations provided insights into the protein's charge distribution and diffusion properties, while experimental measurements quantified its hydrodynamic diameter, electrophoretic mobility, and electrokinetic charge over a broad range of pH values. Microscale thermophoresis revealed quantitative binding affinities of FGF23 to hyaluronic acid, chitosan, and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride). Adsorption studies on mica, silica, and polyelectrolyte mono- and bilayers showed that FGF23 binds to both negatively and positively charged substrates, with binding affinities following: hyaluronic acid < poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) < chitosan. Desorption occurred more readily from negatively charged surfaces (mica, silica and hyaluronic acid), indicating weaker interactions compared to positively charged layers. These results reveal fundamental aspects of protein –polyelectrolyte interactions and highlight the reversible binding capacity of FGF23 to negatively charged surfaces. Such adsorption behavior provides a physicochemical framework for considering FGF23-polyelectrolyte systems in the design of therapeutic carriers and bioactive materials. However, any direct relevance to wound healing, chronic kidney disease, or cardiovascular disorders remains prospective and requires dedicated biological validation
Deformation-induced martensitic transformation in fused filament fabrication austenitic stainless steels during tension at wide range of temperatures (77 K, RT)
No full textThis study investigates the mechanical behaviour of fused filament fabrication (FFF) of 316L austenitic stainless steel compared to conventional 316L at room temperature and 77 K, focusing on deformation-induced martensitic transformation (DIMT). Results reveal that the Lüders-like effect, present in conventional 316L at 77 K, is absent in FFF 316L due to porosities that hinder martensitic front propagation. At room temperature, uniform strain distribution and DIMT were observed in conventional 316L, whereas in FFF 316L, martensitic nucleation occurred around pores, serving as a localized strengthening mechanism. Microstructural analysis identified Fe-δ islands along grain boundaries in FFF 316L, which contribute to its multiphase nature. Although FFF 316L demonstrates lower yield stress and elongation compared to conventional 316L, this study does not establish design allowables. The present findings are limited to monotonic tensile behaviour, fatigue performance and corrosion resistance under cryogenic conditions were not assessed. Further optimization of fabrication parameters to minimize ferrite content and porosities is suggested to enhance mechanical performance
pH sensitive gel pads for the visualization of anodes and cathodes on zinc
No full textZinc and zinc alloys have many applications. Zinc corrosion takes place in the atmosphere and is assumed to follow the water drop theory (a macroelement), in which the anode is at the centre of the drop and is surrounded by a cathode. This paper is the first to use gel electrolytes made of agar to visualize anodic and cathodic areas on zinc samples in order to examine the water drop theory. For that, agar gels were added with universal pH indicators, as the anode and cathode exhibit different pH values. In this paper, different amounts of pH indicators were tested to determine whether the indicator influences the potential, the impedance, phase shift, corrosion current and potential and corrosion layer resistance
NASICON Electrolytes for Room-Temperature Sodium-Sulfur Batteries: from Material Synthesis to Cell Testing
No full textSolid electrolytes (SE) allow to employ alkali-metal negative electrodes (NE) in new cell concepts, increasing energy density and safety of batteries for stationary and portable applications. The aim of this research is to develop a novel NASICON (NA Super Ionic CONductor) electrolyte for room-temperature (RT) sodium-sulfur (Na-S) cells employing a liquid sodium-potassium (Na-K) alloy at the SE/NE interface. The Na-K alloy can improve the interfacial contact between the sodium-metal NE and the SE
Regulating the heat stability of protein-phospholipid stabilised oil-water emulsions by changing the phospholipid headgroup or fatty acyl chain
No full textStabilising oil–water emulsions remains a central challenge across food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) and phospholipids (PLs) can act synergistically at oil-water interfaces: PLs adsorb rapidly, while β-LG forms a viscoelastic protein network that enhances long-term stability. However, competitive adsorption between proteins and PLs can disrupt interfacial structure. In addition, for commercial production, emulsions are often exposed to heat treatment during or after manufacture, for instance due to food safety requirements. Yet, the combined effects of PL structure and heat treatment on interfacial organisation and emulsion stability remain poorly understood.
Here we show that PL saturation and processing temperature jointly determine interfacial organisation, protein-PL interactions and emulsion stability. Using β-LG-PL emulsions, we combined ζ-potential measurements, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), micro-differential scanning calorimetry (μDSC), X-ray diffraction and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to link interfacial composition with functional stability.
Below the β-LG denaturation temperature (≤75 °C), saturated PLs promoted partial unfolding of β-LG at the interface without displacement, producing mixed protein-PL networks with enhanced viscoelasticity and stability. Unsaturated PLs displaced β-LG, yielding less elastic interfaces and promoting protein aggregation in the bulk. At ≥75 °C, increased hydrophobicity intensified protein-protein interactions irrespective of PL type.
Our findings reveal that saturated PLs shift the β-LG denaturation temperature upward by restricting molecular mobility, without preventing quaternary-level protein-protein interactions. Thermal denaturation, regardless of PL type, promoted interfacial multilayer formation at 90 °C. These results provide a mechanistic framework for tailoring emulsion stability via lipid saturation and processing temperature
Elucidation of the laser beam energy attenuation by the vapor plume formation during high-power laser beam welding
No full textIn high-power laser beam welding, a common phenomenon is the formation of a keyhole caused by the rapid evaporation of the material. Under atmospheric pressure, this evaporation generates a vapor plume that interacts with the laser beam, leading to energy attenuation and scattering of the laser radiation along its path. These interactions affect the stability of the process and the overall weld quality. This study investigates the influence of the vapor plume on the weld pool and keyhole dynamics during high-power laser beam welding of AlMg3 aluminum alloy through experimental and numerical approaches. The primary goal is to identify key vapor plume characteristics, particularly its length fluctuations, and to improve the accuracy of the numerical models. To achieve this, an algorithm was developed for the automated measurement of the vapor plume length using high-speed imaging and advanced data processing techniques. The measured plume length is then used to estimate additional vapor heating and laser energy attenuation using the Beer–Lambert law. A refined numerical CFD model, incorporating 3D transient heat transfer, fluid flow, and ray tracing, was developed to evaluate the vapor plume’s impact. Results show that already the time-averaged plume length effectively captures its transient influence and aligns well with experimental weld seam geometries. Additionally, energy scattering and absorption caused by the vapor plume led to a wider weld pool at the top surface. The study also shows an increased percentage of keyhole collapses due to the reduced laser power absorption at the keyhole bottom, further highlighting the importance of accurately modeling vapor plume effects
The impact of scanning strategy on cell structures in PBF-LB/M/IN718: an in situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction study
No full textIn additive manufacturing, any change of the process parameters, such as scanning strategy, directly affects the cooling rates, heat accumulation, and overall thermal history of the build. Consequently, parts built with different process parameters tend to have different levels of crystallographic texture, residual stress, and dislocation density. These features can influence the properties of the material and their development during post-processing operations. In this study, IN718 prisms were built by laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) using two different scanning strategies (continuous 67° rotations around the build direction, ROT, and alternating 0°/67° scans, ALT) to provide two different as-built conditions. In situ time-resolved synchrotron diffraction was performed during a solution heat treatment at 1027 °C for 1 h. Ex situ scanning electron microscopy was used to support and complement the in situ observations. An approach to quantify the effect of elemental microsegregation at the cell walls is developed based on the deconvolution of asymmetric γ-nickel matrix peaks. Following this approach, the scanning strategies are shown to affect the as-built fraction of cell walls in the material, resulting in a difference of approximately 5 %, in weight fraction, between ROT and ALT (19 % vs. 24 %, respectively). This microsegregation was observed to be rapidly homogenized during the heating ramp, and no significant changes to the peak shape in the γ peaks occurred during the isothermal part of the heat treatment, regardless of the scanning strategy
Valorization of Natural Fibers in Flame Retarded Poly(lactic acid)
No full textExtensive research has explored natural fiber reinforced composites, typically focusing on a single fiber within a polymer matrix. Comprehensive comparisons across different natural fibers in the same polymer, which are critical for industrial material selection, remain limited. This work presents a systematic comparison of untreated hemp, flax, and sisal fibers incorporated at varying fiber lengths and loadings into flame retarded poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Fire behavior, thermal, and mechanical responses were investigated through thermogravimetry, UL 94, and cone calorimetry, alongside crystallinity, molecular weight (MW), and microstructural analysis. Fiber incorporation reduced the peak heat release rate (pHRR) by up to 30 % in 30 wt% hemp, attributed to protective layer formation, but increased flammability in UL 94. A phytic acid melamine salt combined with expandable graphite and 20 wt% hemp produced incomplete combustion at 50 kW/m², raising char residue from 4 to 24 wt% and halving pHRR. Petrella plots revealed that fiber addition alone lowered fire load and flashover propensity as effectively as phytic acid melamine; with hemp, phytic acid and expendable graphite, the flashover hazard and fire load were halved. MW was preserved while crystallinity and modulus increased with fiber content. Hemp delivered the most consistent reinforcement, while optimized processing enabled flax and sisal to improve stiffness. Performance gains were strongest when individual fibers were dispersed via optimized processing, preventing bundle fracture under load. Plasma modification of the fibers improved the maximum tensile strength in the composites. A practical guide is provided for valorizing natural fibers in PLA composites, demonstrating routes to bio-based, compostable materials with improved fire safety and mechanical performance suitable for industrial processing
Mechanochemistry: Looking back and ahead
No full textStarting with the discovery of fire and the preparation of food in prehistoric times, mechanochemistry is the oldest form of chemistry that humans have controlled. Mechanochemical practices, such as grinding with a mortar and pestle, continued into the Middle Ages until dedicated scientific studies began in the 19th century. Since then,research in mechanochemistry has shown that many chemicalreactions can be performed via mechanical force without or with small amounts of solvent. Besides being time, material, and energy efficient, mechanochemical reactions often yield products that differ from those obtained in solution. Therefore, not only is mechanochemistry greener and more sustainable than conventional solution chemistry, but it also has the added value of providing new reactivity and selectivity. This is especially important today, when chemists need to invent high-performance materials, intermediates, and products with the use of sustainable feedstocks and develop environmental remediation pathways. At the same time, time-resolved in situ monitoring and computational modeling are necessary for addressing fundamental questions about the atomistic, molecular, and electronic nature of mechanochemical reactivity. Integrating digitalization, robotics, and artificial intelligence tools promises to increase the reproducibility and scalability of mechanochemical processes. Further evolution of mechanochemistry is expected to have a transformative effect on the chemical industry