Design of the Multi-Bioactive Graphene-Oxide/Gelatin/Alginate Scaffolds as Dual ECM-Mimetic and Specific Wound Healing Phase-Target Therapeutic Concept for Advanced Wound Healing

To develop and evaluate graphene oxide/gelatin/alginate scaffolds for advanced wound therapy capable of mimicking the native extracellular matrix (ECM) and bio-stimulating all specific phases of the wound healing process, from inflammation and proliferation to the remodeling of damaged skin tissue in three dimensions. Methods: The scaffolds were engineered as interpenetrating polymeric networks by the crosslinking reaction of gelatin in the presence of alginate and characterized by structural, morphological, mechanical, swelling properties, porosity, adhesion to the skin tissue, wettability, and in vitro simultaneous release of the active agents. Biocompatibility of the scaffolds were evaluated in vitro by MTT test on fibroblasts (MRC5 cells) and in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans assay. Results: The scaffolds exhibited a highly porous interconnected morphology with adjustable porosity (93–96%) and mechanical strength (1.10–2.90 MPa), hydrophilic nature with high capacity to absorb physiological fluids, and stable adhesion to the skin tissue. The obtained results of MRC5 cell viability indicate that the scaffolds are safe for biomedical applications. No mortality was detected among the Caenorhabditis elegans throughout the incubation period, indicating that the scaffolds are not toxic. The results of in vitro release study of allantoin, quercetin, and caffeic acid confirm the scaffolds’ significant potential for simultaneous release. Conclusion: The graphene oxide/gelatin/alginate scaffolds are promising candidates for non-invasive, dual ECM-mimetic, and multi-target wound therapy, offering an innovative strategy to address the complexities of wound healing process

Denture base poly(methyl methacrylate) reinforced with SrTiO3/Y2O3: Structural, morphological and mechanical analysis

This study presented the use of SrTiO3/Y2O3 nanoparticles for the reinforcement of dental poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to enhance its mechanical properties important for everyday use of denture base materials. The average crystallite size of prepared nanoparticles was 19.9 nm. The influence of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt% SrTiO3/Y2O3 loading on absorbed impact energy, microhardness and tensile properties was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy of the composite fracture surface revealed multiple toughening mechanisms, with agglomerates directly included in the crack pinning, indicating improvement in mechanical performance. Dynamic mechanical analysis proved that agglomerates improved the elastic behavior of PMMA and confirmed the absence of a residual monomer. After the incorporation of SrTiO3/Y2O3, the mechanical properties of composites showed a high increase compared to neat PMMA. The optimal concentration of nanoparticles was 1 wt%, for which the microhardness, modulus of elasticity, and absorbed impact energy were higher by 218.4%, 65.8% and 135.6%, respectively. With such a high increase, this research showed that SrTiO3/Y2O3 represents an efficient filler which use does not have to be limited to dental materials. Highlights: SrTiO3/Y2O3 hybrid nanoparticles were prepared. PMMA-SrTiO3/Y2O3 composite showed increase in impact resistance up to 135.4%. Elastic behavior of PMMA was improved. With 1 wt% of SrTiO3/Y2O3, microhardness increased by 218.4%

Effectiveness of Household Processing Methods in Reducing Pesticide Residues in Apples

Different pests and diseases can seriously affect the production and quality of apples. To ensure yield and quality, intensive pesticide application is commonly practiced during apple growth, which frequently results in the presence of pesticide residues in the final product [1]. Therefore, monitoring and reducing pesticide residues in apples is important for protecting consumer’s health. This study was carried out in order to assess the effectiveness of different household processing methods in reducing pesticide residues presence in apple fruits. The methods examined included immersing the apples in tap water, acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate water solutions, and peeling. Apples analyzed in this study were obtained from local markets in Belgrade. The extraction of pesticide residues was performed by applying the QuEChERS method, followed by analysis with liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) [2]. Multiple pesticide residues were detected in the apple samples, indicating widespread application of plant protection products. The results revealed a variable effectiveness of the applied treatments, depending on the chemical properties and surface affinity of each pesticide. Peeling proved to be the most effective method for removing most residues, suggesting that a significant portion of residues is localized on or near the apple skin. However, this method showed limited efficiency for certain systemic pesticides, such as acetamiprid. These findings provide valuable insight for consumers aiming to reduce dietary exposure to pesticide residues through simple domestic practices

Prisustvo acesulfama u vodi beogradskih reni bunara kao indikatora komunalnog zagađenja

Grad Beograd je jedna od retkih evropskih prestonica koja ne poseduje postrojenje za prečišćavanje komunalnih otpadnih voda, usled čega se velika količina neprečišćenih otpadnih voda ispušta u reke Savu i Dunav. Ove otpadne vode sadrže različite vrste organskih i neorganskih zagađujućih materija, kao i patogenih organizama koji transportom kroz zemljište mogu da dospeju do podzemnih voda i izvora vode za piće. Iz ovog razloga, u okruženju sa velikim komunalnim opterećenjem, za efikasnu kontrolu kvaliteta voda, veoma su važni pouzdani markeri fekalnog zagađenja. Korišćenje bakterijskih indikatora najčešća je metoda u proceni kontaminacije komunalnim otpadnim vodama, međutim ovaj pristup ima svoje nedostatke poput nespecifičnosti za izvor, kratak životni vek u prirodnim vodama i duže vreme potrebno za analizu. Poslednjih godina sve više su u upotrebi hemijski markeri za identifikaciju kanalizacionog zagađenja, koji omogućavaju bržu i pouzdaniju detekciju, imaju veću specifičnost za izvor i otpornost na degradaciju. Među njima, veštački zaslađivači, kao široko korišćeni prehrambeni aditivi, predstavljaju veoma pouzdane i usko specifične markere zagađenja komunalnim otpadnim vodama, zbog njhove metaboličke inertnosti u ljudskom telu i prisutnosti u visokim koncentracijama u otpadnim vodama, kao i velike stabilnosti u životnoj sredini

Necessary Optimality Conditions for Lyapunov-Type Optimization Problem with State Constraints

This paper investigates a Lyapunov-type optimization problem incorporating an inequality integral constraint and a phase inequality constraint, both defined in L∞([0,T],Rn). The problem is approached directly using a theorem of the alternative, assuming differentiability, to derive necessary optimality conditions. Unlike earlier works, such as a nonsmooth convex isoperimetric problem with phase constraints or problems excluding phase constraints, this study focuses on a smooth case of problem. The problem formulation is motivated by the growing interest in continuous-time linear and nonlinear optimization problems, a field originally explored by Bellman (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 39:947–951, 1953). Building on prior results where new Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions were introduced for problems with inequality constraints, this work extends the scope by incorporating an integral constraint into the analysis. The manuscript outlines the problem’s preliminaries, introduces a regularity condition for systems of inequalities, and presents a theorem of the alternative as the foundation for deriving the main results. Necessary optimality conditions are established and illustrated with an example, while the application of computational methods demonstrates how these conditions contribute to finding optimal solutions. By utilizing recent advancements in theorems of the alternative, this paper contributes to the theory of continuous-time programming problems in both finite-dimensional and infinite-dimensional spaces. The findings highlight the importance of integrating analytical and computational approaches to address these increasingly relevant optimization challenges

Optimized UHPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of quaternary ammonium compounds in water

Objective Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a class of cationic surfactants with potent antimicrobial properties and widespread application in household and industrial disinfectants. Due to their chemical stability and extensive use, QACs are increasingly detected in surface water and wastewater, raising concerns over their potential adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to develop and validate a sensitive and selective analytical method for the quantification of 14 QACs in water samples using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS)

Comparison of Corrosion Resistance of Cu and Cu72Zn28 Metals in Apricot Fermentation Liquid

The production of fruit brandies is based on distilling fermented fruit juices. Distillation equipment is usually made of copper. In traditional manufacturing, it consists of a boiler (batch) distiller, a boiler (pot), a steam pipe, and a condenser, all of which are made of pure copper. This study determined the corrosion parameters for copper (Cu) and Cu72Zn28 (in wt%) alloy in fermented apricot juice at room temperature. The fermentation process examined in this research utilized natural strains of yeast and bacteria, supplemented by active dry yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. This research used the following methods: open circuit potential (OCP), linear polarization resistance (LPR), and Tafel extrapolation to identify corrosion parameters. Cu had a 3.8-times-lower value of corrosion current density than brass, and both were within the range of 1–10 μA·cm−2, with an excellent agreement between LRP and Tafel. This study proved that Cu is an adequate material for the distillation of fruit brandies from a corrosion perspective. Despite this, there are occasional reports of corrosion damage from the field. Significant corrosion impacts can arise, as evidenced by laboratory tests discussed in this paper. In the absence of a highly corrosive environment, this study indicates that, to some extent, microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) can influence the degradation of the equipment material

Towards bio-inspired wound dressings: Lactobacilli targeting Gram-negative pathogens

Diabetes mellitus includes a group of chronic metabolic disorders characterized by elevated blood glucose level or hyperglycemia. Among its most severe complications is the development of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), “hard-to-heal“ wounds that are highly susceptible to infection which may lead to amputation, sepsis, or even death. The efficacy of conventional treatments, including systemic antibiotics and topical antimicrobials, is increasingly compromised by the rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative and multi-targeted therapeutic strategies. In this context, probiotics have gained attention due to their intrinsic antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate biocomposites composed of probiotic bacteria immobilized onto pads made of activated charcoal fabric. Initially, suitable probiotic strains were selected based on their inhibitory actiivity against a resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from patients wounds. All experiments were conducted under conditions mimicking the DFU microenvironment, using simulated wound fluid under microaerophilic and hyperglycemic conditions. Subsequently, the immobilization method was optimized to ensure the viability and long-term stability of selected strains on the pads. Imobilized probiotic cells were visualized using electron microscopy and their viability was assessed in normal saline solution (0.9 % w/v NaCl). Further experiments will evaluate the antimicrobial activity of these biocomposites against clinically relevant pathogens associated with chronic wounds, under conditions mimicking the hyperglycaemic wound environment

Exergy analysis and machine learning for enhanced eaf steel recycling

This study relies on exergy principles to analyze the sustainability of the steel re cycling process in electric arc furnaces. Focusing on a balance between material and energy efficiencies, the research addresses the degradation of elements such as manganese and silicon from steel to slag phase. Machine learning techniques were employed to predict and optimize element distribution coefficients. By lever aging HSC v.9 software, a detailed exergy analysis was performed, utilizing pre cise coefficients for element distribution in steel and slag, with energy consump tion. The results demonstrate the potential of integrating exergy analysis and ma chine learning to enhance the sustainability of steel production, aligning with cir cular economy principles

Developing and improving enzyme-driven technologies to synthesise emerging prebiotics

Emerging prebiotics, mainly oligosaccharides and phenolic compounds, are gaining increasing attention in the scientific community owing to their health benefits and broad industrial potential. Prebiotics are widely used in foods, cosmetic formulations and dietary supplements. Emerging prebiotics offer additional advantages as they can be derived from low-cost, renewable materials and produced sustainably, in line with the principles of a circular economy. Green technological approaches, integrating expertise from different scientific disciplines, will be essential to develop efficient and environmentally friendly methods for the production of emerging prebiotic-enriched products. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advances in this field, highlighting the advantages and optimisation of enzyme-based catalysis. Insights into how enzymes enhance the control of oligosaccharide production by enabling the selective synthesis of regioisomers with desired chain lengths and modification of phenolic prebiotics are provided. Furthermore, different technologies to improve biocatalysts to contribute to the novel bioprocess intensification strategies applicable to emerging prebiotic processing are elucidated