Morphological Evolution of Sn-Metal-Based Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Operando X-Ray Imaging.

Sn-based electrodes are promising candidates for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. However, it suffers from deleterious micro-structural deformation as it undergoes drastic volume changes upon lithium insertion and extraction. Progress in designing these materials is limited to complex structures.

Operando X-Ray Tomoscopy of Laser Beam Welding.

The phenomena occurring in a weld seam during advancement of a laser beam over a metallic component are still under dispute. The occurrence and evolution of porosity and the occasional blowout of melt need to be understood. Here, a recently developed X-ray tomoscopy setup is applied, providing one hundred 3D images per second to capture the temporal evolution of the melt pool in an AlSi9Cu3(Fe) die-casting while a laser beam advances.

Microbial extracellular polymeric substances in the environment, technology and medicine.

Microbial biofilms exhibit a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), including polysaccharides, proteins, extracellular DNA and lipids. EPS promote interactions of the biofilm with other cells and sorption of organics, metals and chemical pollutants, and they facilitate cell adhesion at interfaces and ensure matrix cohesion. EPS have roles in various natural environments, such as soils, sediments and marine habitats.

A Novel 3D Printed Model of Infected Human Hair Follicles to Demonstrate Targeted Delivery of Nanoantibiotics.

Hair follicle-penetrating nanoparticles offer a promising avenue for targeted antibiotic delivery, especially in challenging infections like acne inversa or folliculitis decalvans. However, demonstrating their efficacy with existing preclinical models remains difficult. This study presents an innovative approach using a 3D organ culture system with human hair follicles to investigate the hypothesis that antibiotic nanocarriers may reach bacteria within the follicular cleft more effectively than free drugs.

Design and evaluation of nanostructured lipid carrier of Bergenin isolated from Pentaclethra macrophylla for anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages.

Herein, we report the properties of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) prepared with a gradient concentration of Bergenin (BGN) isolated from Pentaclethra macrophylla stem bark powder. A gradient concentration of BGN (BGN 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg) was prepared in a 5 % lipid matrix consisting of Transcutol HP (75 %), Phospholipon 90H (15 %), and Gelucire 43/01 (10 %) to which a surfactant aqueous phase consisting of Tween 80, sorbitol, and sorbic acid was dissolved. The NLCs were evaluated by size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release.