A local shrinkage approach for creating dynamic hot-spots on thermoresponsive nanocellulose-based SERS substrate.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a highly sensitive technology to detect target analytes. The construction of dynamic "hot-spots" represents a significant approach to enhancing detection sensitivity. Herein, a hybrid plasma platform with dynamic "hot-spots" was developed for SERS recognition based on the assembly of gold nanospheres (AuNSs) on temperature-sensitive bacterial cellulose (BC) film grafted with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM).

Turning Waste into Treasure: Functionalized Biomass-Derived Carbon Dots for Superselective Visualization and Eradication of Gram-Positive Bacteria.

Gram-positive bacteria pose significant threats to human health, necessitating the development of targeted bacterial detection and eradication strategies. Nevertheless, current approaches often suffer from poor targeting specificity. Herein, the study utilizes purple rice lixivium to synthesize biomass carbon dots (termed BCDs) with wheat germ agglutinin-like residues for precisely targeting Gram-positive bacteria.

Cellulose-based photo-curable chiral nematic ink for direct-ink-writing 3D printing.

3D printing technology is one of the most promising strategies for constructing topological functional materials. The development of functional inks is a core issue in the technical development of 3D printing technology. In this study, we engineered photonic crystal inks based on chiral nematic liquid crystals of cellulose derivative, i.

Dynamically mechanochromic, fluorescence-responsive, and underwater sensing cellulose nanocrystal-based conductive elastomers.

Utilizing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to mimic biological skin capable of converting external stimuli into optical and electrical signals represents a significant advancement in the development of advanced photonic materials. However, traditional CNC photonic materials typically exhibit static and singular optical properties, with their structural color and mechanical performance being susceptible to water molecules, thereby limiting their practical applications. In this study, CNC-based conductive elastomers with dynamic mechanochromism, fluorescence responsiveness, and enhanced water resistance were developed by incorporating carbon quantum dots (C QDs) and hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) into CNC photonic films via an in-situ swelling-photopolymerization method.

Self-Healing Flexible Fiber Optic Sensors for Safe Underwater Monitoring.

The advancement of underwater monitoring technologies has been significantly hampered by the limitations of traditional electrical sensors, particularly in the presence of electromagnetic interference and safety concerns in aquatic environments. Fiber optic sensors are therefore nowadays widely applied to underwater monitoring devices. However, silicon- and polymer-based optical fibers often face challenges, such as rigidity, susceptibility to environmental stress, and limited operational flexibility.

The Discovery of Novel ER-Localized Cellobiose Transporters Involved in Cellulase Biosynthesis in Trichoderma reesei.

Sugar transporters are of great importance in sensing and transporting varied sugars for cellulase biosynthesis of lignocellulolytic fungi. Nevertheless, the function and the relevant mechanism of sugar transporters in fungal cellulase biosynthesis remain to be explored. Here, putative maltose transporters Mal1, Mal2, Mal3, Mal4, and Mal5 in Trichoderma reesei were investigated.

Biodiesel Production from Soybean Oil Using a Free-Enzyme and Whole-Cell Dual Lipase System as a Biocatalyst.

A dual lipase system has been developed to convert soybean oil into biodiesel through synergistic catalysis of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL) and Yarrowia lipolytica lipase 2 (YLL) in this study. Pichia pastoris recombinant strains expressing lipases were successfully constructed, and the activities of TLL and YLL in the fermentation supernatant reached 23,142.71 ± 280.

Biodiesel Production from Waste Oil Through Efficient Enzymatic Synthesis Using Yarrowia lipolytica Lipase 2 in the Presence of Glucose, β-Cyclodextrin, or G50.

In this study, the liquid lipase Yarrowia lipolytica lipase 2 (YLLip2) expressed by Pichia pastoris GS115 was used to produce biodiesel from waste oil. Four signal peptides were compared to express YLLip2 in P. pastoris, among which SP23 exhibited greater secretion performance.

A Metal-Polyphenol-Based Antidepressant for Alleviating Colitis-Associated Mental Disorders.

Emerging evidence suggests that patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are predisposed to psychosocial disturbances, such as depression and anxiety. Regrettably, clinical antidepressants exhibit unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy in IBD-associated psychosocial disturbances, primarily attributed to the inherent intestinal disorders and intricate bidirectional relationship between the gut and the brain. Herein, we report a metal-polyphenol-based antidepressant to alleviate mental disorders in dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental acute colitis mice via modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of N, S Co-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Fluorescent Sensing of Fe(III) and Hydroquinone in Water and Cell Imaging.

The detection of heavy metal ions and organic pollutants from water sources remains critical challenges due to their detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Herein, a nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dot (NS-CQDs) fluorescent sensor was developed using a microwave-assisted carbonization method for the detection of Fe ions and hydroquinone (HQ) in aqueous solutions. NS-CQDs exhibit excellent optical properties, enabling sensitive detection of Fe and HQ, with detection limits as low as 3.

Ultraviolet (UV) assisted fabrication and characterization of lignin containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) from wood residues.

This study aimed to explore the synergistic mechanism of lignin chromophore modifications via UV treatment and to analyze the effects of mechanical treatments on LCNF properties for future uses. The procedure involved two steps: first, lignin's chromophore modification via UV illumination, and then the ball milling process was proceeded for 1 h, followed by high-intensity ultrasonic for 15-135 min. Characterization included preserved lignin content percentage, FTIR, UV-vis NMR, and color analysis for UV-modified samples, and to access the influence of mechanical treatment on LCNF samples further yield, zeta potential analysis, XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were performed.

Strong and ductile cellulose film improved by the in situ incorporation of a genetically engineered protein conjugated synthetic polymer during bacterial cellulose growth.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has been extensively applied to fabricate advanced biomaterials, although it remains challenging due to its poor toughness and water stability. Herein a genetically engineered protein-conjugated synthetic polymer is designed to improve BC film's strength and flexibility. Initially, the hybrid polymer is constructed by grafting Family 3 carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM3) to amphoteric polyacrylamide polymer (AmPAM), one of the paper industry's most widely used dry-strength agents.

Active biodegradable bacterial cellulose films with potential to minimize the plastic pollution: Preparation, antibacterial application, and mechanism.

Petroleum-based films have triggered a serious global pollution crisis because they are difficult to recycle, degrade, and reuse. Developing alternative sustainable active films represents a powerful strategy to address these issues. Here, a multifunctional biodegradable bacterial cellulose (BC) film incorporated with guanidine-based polymer (PHGH)/gallic acid (GA) was constructed (termed OBC-PHGH/GA).

Strong Metal-Support Interaction between Pt and TiO over High-Temperature CO Hydrogenation.

The catalytic activities and stability of oxide-supported metal catalysts are significantly affected by metal-support interactions (MSI) between oxidic supports and supported metals. The surface properties of the support, such as its phase and defects, are crucial in MSI, including both the strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) and electronic metal-support interaction (EMSI). In this study, modulation of SMSI was achieved on rutile-supported Pt nanoparticles (NP) over high-temperature CO hydrogenation.

Smart paper-based materials incorporating nitrogen and boron co-doped MXene quantum dots for rapid adsorption and sensitive detection of CrO.

Dichromate ion (CrO) is a highly toxic chromium-containing compound that poses significant hazards to the digestive, respiratory systems, skin, and mucous membranes. Currently, the detection and adsorption of CrO face significant challenges, including the time-consuming and low sensitivity nature of traditional analytical methods. The limited efficiency and capacity of existing adsorbents hinder their practical application in real-time water quality monitoring and environmental remediation.

Organic matter excreted by the protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila and its effects on the bioaccumulation of nanoparticles.

Although organic matter (exudate) excreted by aquatic organisms is an important component of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the natural environment, its potential effects on the bioaccumulation of nanoparticles (NPs) remain unclear. In the present study, we examined the effects of the exudates from the protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila on the bioaccumulation (including uptake and cell surface adsorption) of iron oxide (FeO, polyacrylate coated) and silica (SiO) NPs in T. thermophila.

Lignin-containing cellulose nanocrystals enhanced electrospun polylactic acid-based nanofibrous mats: Strengthen and toughen.

Biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibrous mats prepared by electrospinning serve as suitable packaging materials. However, their practical applications are limited by their weak mechanical properties, poor thermal stability, and high cost. In this study, green and low-cost lignin-containing cellulose nanocrystals (LCNCs) with different lignin contents were developed and employed as reinforced materials to synergistically enhance the thermal, mechanical, and hydrophobic properties of PLA electrospun nanofibrous mats.

Anti-counterfeiting labels with controllable and anti-interference coding information based on core-shell Ag@SiO nanomaterials for ink printing.

The core-shell structured Ag@SiO nanomaterial integrated with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy promises a critical application in anti-counterfeiting. Security labels have been fabricated based on Ag@SiO embedded with Raman reporters. The Ag@SiO nanomaterial shows good stability and excellent anti-interference property for anti-counterfeiting.

Bioinspired multifunctional cellulose film: In situ bacterial capturing and killing for managing infected wounds.

Bacterial infection of cutaneous wounds can easily lead to occurrence of chronic wounds and even more serious diseases. Therefore, multifunctional, biodegradable, and reusable wound dressings that can quickly manage wound infection and promote wound healing are urgently desired. Herein, inspired by the "capturing and killing" action of Thunb.