Design of biomass-based renewable materials for environmental remediation

Various materials have been used to remove environmental contaminants for decades and have been an effective strategy for environmental cleanups. The current nonrenewable materials used for this purpose could impose secondary hazards and challenges in further downstream treatments. Biomass-based materials present viable, renewable, and sustainable solutions for environmental remediation. Recent biotechnology advances have developed biomaterials with new capacities, such as highly efficient biodegradation and treatment train integration. This review systemically discusses how biotechnology has empowered biomass-derived and bioinspired materials for environmental remediation sustainably and cost-effectively.     

Electronic control of helical chirality.

Chiral phenomena are common in living systems. Despite the fact that development of materials has often been inspired by chemistry from the biological world, materials that take advantage of inherent chirality have found relatively few applications. It is therefore probable that much remains to be gained from novel applications of molecular, macromolecular and supramolecular chirality. Among the most intriguing recent advances in studies of chiral materials is the development of mechanisms to control the shape and properties of chiral molecules. Photo-induced helical chirality inversions have been studied for several years and significant achievements have been reported. Recently, electronically triggered systems have drawn significant attention. These technologies offer the potential for development of novel materials that take advantage of photonic or electronic modulation of molecular recognition, optical or mechanical properties.     

Studies of the reactions of ferric iron with glutathione and some related thiols. Part V. Solid complexes containing FeII and glutathione or FeIII with oxidized glutathione

A number of polymeric iron(III) oxidised glutathione materials have been prepared. Mössbauer spectroscopic, magnetic susceptibility data and electronic reflectance spectra studies on these iron(III) materials are discussed.Two stoichiometries 1:1 and 1:2 have been established for iron(II)-glutathione materials. Spectroscopic studies show that the 1:1 materials contain high spin iron(II) in distorted five and six coordinated environments, whereas the 1:2 materials contain only distorted six-coordinated high spin iron(II). The nature of the coordinating ligands are discussed.     

Recent progress on the construction and application of dithienylethene-based photochromic AIEgens

Photochromic fluorescent materials have rapidly developed as a new class of intelligent materials, offering a unique combination of traditional photochromic and organic fluorescent materials. These materials possess remarkable photoresponsiveness that can be observed by the naked eye and exhibit fluorescence color change. Consequently, they have found widespread applications in various domains, including molecular switches, logic encryption, medical diagnosis and treatment, and biosensors. Among the multitude of photochromic systems, those based on dithienylethenes (DTEs) have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional photochromic efficiency, commendable reversible photoresponse and fatigue resistance, as well as excellent photostability and thermal stability. Nevertheless, these photochromic fluorescent materials continue to grapple with the issue of aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), a common problem faced by traditional fluorescent materials. Therefore, the integration of DTE systems with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) systems presents a promising solution to tackle this predicament, enabling an improved quantum yield for photochromic fluorescent materials in their aggregated state and broadening their range of applications. This review comprehensively summarizes and evaluates the construction strategies and application prospects of DTE-based photochromic AIE luminogens (AIEgens) in recent years, while also providing an outlook on their future development.     

Combinatorial materials synthesis and high-throughput screening: an integrated materials chip approach to mapping phase diagrams and discovery and optimization of functional materials.

Combinatorial materials synthesis methods and high-throughput evaluation techniques have been developed to accelerate the process of materials discovery and optimization and phase-diagram mapping. Analogous to integrated circuit chips, integrated materials chips containing thousands of discrete different compositions or continuous phase diagrams, often in the form of high-quality epitaxial thin films, can be fabricated and screened for interesting properties. Microspot x-ray method, various optical measurement techniques, and a novel evanescent microwave microscope have been used to characterize the structural, optical, magnetic, and electrical properties of samples on the materials chips. These techniques are routinely used to discover/optimize and map phase diagrams of ferroelectric, dielectric, optical, magnetic, and superconducting materials.     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis of biological samples

The elemental compositions of 18 biological reference materials have been processed, for 14 stepped combinations of irradiation/decay/counting times, by the INAA Advance Prediction Computer Program. The 18 materials studied include 11 plant materials, 5 animal materials, and 2 other biological materials. Of these 18 materials, 14 are NBS Standard Reference Materials and four are IAEA reference materials. Overall, the results show that a mean of 52% of the input elements can be determined to a relative standard deviation of ±10% or better by reactor flux (thermal plus epithermal) INAA.

     

Synthesis and application of virus-based hybrid nanomaterials

A virus is a nanoscaled biomolecular substance composed of genes, protecting capsid proteins, and envelopes. The nanoscale dimensions and surface functionalities of virions have been exploited to attract and assemble inorganic and organic materials to produce functional nanomaterials with large surface areas. Genetic modifications of virus capsid proteins lead to the selective deposition and controlled growth of inorganic substances producing organized virus-based hybrid materials. Due to these properties, viruses hold promise for development as platforms for the creation of hybrid materials with multiple functionalities. This article reviews the characteristics of commonly used viruses and their fabrication into virus-based hybrid materials that have been applied in engineering applications such as nanowires and catalysts.     

Prospecting and Exploring Anthropogenic Resource Deposits: The Case Study of Vienna's Subway Network

Urban mining is seen as a key strategy for the recovery of secondary raw materials from the built environment. Although large material stocks have been reported in infrastructure networks, their actual recoverability over time has received little attention so far. This article presents a case study on the prospection and exploration of the anthropogenic resources deposited in Vienna's subway network. After quantifying the built‐in materials in the network, a resource classification was performed, distinguishing between (1) materials that have to be replaced and are thus potentially extractable as secondary raw materials after a considerable time span (<100 years) and (2) materials remaining in the subway and thus are not extractable. Results given in tonnes (t) show that the subway network consists mainly of concrete (12,000,000 t), iron & steel (600,000 t), gravel (300,000 t), bricks (250,000 t), copper (10,000 t), and aluminum (6,000 t). A first evaluation demonstrated that 3% of the built‐in materials (mainly copper, aluminum, and gravel) have to be renewed after a considerable time span (<100 years) and, consequently, can be seen as potentially extractable resources. Ninety‐seven percent of the built‐in materials were classified as not extractable (mainly concrete, iron & steel, and bricks), because they were found in permanent structures and lines that have been declared as cultural heritage monuments. For the materials that were found to be potentially extractable as secondary raw materials, a further investigation that particularly considers their end of life in practice and the existence of a hibernating stock is required.     

抗微生物作用的纳米材料研究新进展

通过对国内外抗微生物作用的纳米材料研究进行综述,总结几种最常应用的抗微生物作用的纳米材料的应用范围、作用原理及优缺点,为纳米材料的选用提供参考。目前抗微生物作用的纳米材料主要有金属元素型纳米材料、金属氧化物型纳米材料、非金属无机化合物型纳米材料、有机化合物型纳米材料和天然纳米材料等;纳米材料的抗微生物机制主要有催化反应与接触反应学说两种;有些纳米材料按现有制作方法和使用方法,具有一定的生物毒性。因此,今后应重视如何降低纳米材料的生物毒性以及进一步开发应用天然纳米材料的研究。     

Use of powder metallurgy for development of implants of Co-Cr-Mo alloy powder]

This paper discusses the application of powder metallurgy for the development of porous implantation materials. Powders obtained from Co-Cr-Mo alloy with different carbon content by water spraying and grinding, have been investigated. Cold pressing and rotary re-pressing methods were used for compressing the powder. It was found that the sintered materials obtained from water spraying have the most advantageous properties.     

锂离子电池层状正极材料的研究进展

从结构、性能、合成工艺及其应用等方面,综述了锂离子电池正极材料LiCoO2、LiNiO2及其衍生物的研究进展。着重介绍了LiNi1-xCoxO2材料的合成方法、电化学性能及其改性的最新成果。     

导入燕麦DNA的普通小麦HMW-GS及品质性状分析

以导入燕麦DNA普通小麦后代品系为材料(11份),进行了HMW-GS组成及品质性状分析,结果表明,11份材料的HMW-GS组成均与受体'宁春4号'(1、17+18、5+10)不同,产生了3种亚基组成类型,其中1、7+9、5+10组合类型的材料有7个.燕麦DNA导入普通小麦后,其后代品系的蛋白质含量、湿面筋含量、沉降值及硬度的平均值分别比受体'宁春4号'高1.35个百分点、5.73百分点、9.49 mL和1.23百分点.     

细菌在超级电容器电极材料应用的研究进展

作为决定超级电容器电化学性能的主要因素,电极材料近年来获得了广泛关注。细菌以其廉价、丰富、环保、自然界可提供等优点成为了很有前景的生物材料。以细菌及其相关产物为基础的复合电极材料,以其比表面积大、循环稳定性好、电容量高等优点已成为超级电容器电极材料领域的最前沿的研究热点。文中对细菌不同部位及不同种类细菌在超级电容器电极材料制备方面各自的特点和涉及的相关技术进行梳理和归纳,系统阐述了以细菌为基础的复合电极材料的最新研究进展,并对超级电容器前景进行了展望。     

Advance and prospect of bionanomaterials

Over the past few years, bionanomaterial science has emerged as a new exciting field in which theoretical and experimental studies of structure and function of bionanomaterials have become a focus, and the importance of DNA, RNA, and peptides as bionanomaterials to the fundamental development in biology and nanomaterials has begun to be recognized. In particular, biochemistry, biophysics, biomechanics, thermodynamics, and electronic properties of DNA, RNA, and peptides, as well as intelligent composite biological materials, have become a new interdisciplinary frontier in life science and material science. There is an increasing need for a more systematic study of the basic issues involved in bionanomaterials and a more active participation of researchers in the application domain of such novel materials. Great advances have been and are being made in nanobiochip materials, nanoscale biomimetic materials, nanomotors, nanocomposite materials, interface biomaterials, and nanobiosensor and nano drug delivery systems, with enormous prospect in industrial, defense, and clinical medicine applications. Here we review some of the main advances in this field over the past few years, explore the application prospects, and discuss the concepts, issues, approaches, and challenges, with the aim of stimulating a broader interest in developing bionanomaterials technology.     

Techniques for the Assessment of Growth of Micro-organisms on Plumbing Materials Used in Contact with Potable Water Supplies

Water samples from plumbing installations have often been of poorer microbiological quality than samples collected from the distribution main. This deterioration is often associated with a musty taste or visible turbidity in the water and slimes have sometimes been observed on water fittings. A technique to assess the ability of plumbing materials to support microbial growth is described and the most common categories of materials capable of supporting growth are identified. The most significant micro-organisms frequently found to grow on unsuitable materials were coliform organisms, especially members of the genus Citrobacter. Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi.     

组织工程生物支架材料

组织工程支架材料表面的微观和亚微观结构对细胞的黏附与生长有很重要的影响,纳米结构材料的应用为该结构展现了较广阔的前景。另外,组织工程支架材料的表面修饰及孔径调控对生物材料的改进有很重要的作用。介绍了生物材料的基本要求和分类,纳米结构材料在组织工程中的应用及生物材料表面修饰,以及以泡沫支架为例介绍材料孔径调控。     

Carbon Solving Carbon's Problems: Recent Progress of Nanostructured Carbon‐Based Catalysts for the Electrochemical Reduction of CO2

The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to useful molecules offers an elegant technological solution to current energy security and sustainability issues because it sequesters carbon from the atmosphere, provides an energy storage solution for intermittent renewable sources, and can be used to produce fuels and industrial chemicals. Nanostructured carbon materials have been extensively used to catalyse some key electrochemical processes because of their excellent electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and abundant active sites. This progress report focuses on nanostructured carbon materials, namely graphene materials, carbon nanotubes, porphyrin materials, nanodiamond, and glassy carbon, which have recently shown promise as high performing CO₂ reduction electrocatalysts and supports. Along with discussion regarding materials synthesis, structural characterisation, and electrochemical performance characterisation techniques used, this report will discuss the findings of recent computational CO₂RR studies which have been key to elucidating active sites and reaction mechanisms, and developing strategies to break conventional scaling relationships. Lastly, challenges and future perspective of these carbon‐based materials for CO₂ reduction applications will be given. Much work is still required to realise the commercial viability of the technology, but advanced experimental techniques coupled with theoretical calculations are expected to facilitate future development of the technology.     

Recent Progress on Spray Pyrolysis for High Performance Electrode Materials in Lithium and Sodium Rechargeable Batteries

Advanced electrode materials have been intensively explored for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), and great progresses have been achieved for many potential candidates at the lab‐scale. To realize the commercialization of these materials, industrially‐viable synthetic approaches are urgently needed. Spray pyrolysis (SP), which is highly scalable and compatible with on‐line continuous production processes, offers great fidelity in synthesis of electrode materials with complex architectures and chemistries. In this review, motivated by the rapid advancement of the given technology in the battery area, we have summarized the recent progress on SP for preparing a great variety of anode and cathode materials of LIBs with emphasis on their unique structures generated by SP and how the structures enhanced the electrochemical performance of various electrode materials. Considering the emerging popularity of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), recent electrode materials for SIBs produced by SP will also be discussed. Finally, the powerfulness and limitation along with future research efforts of SP on preparing electrode materials are concisely provided. Given current worldwide interests on LIBs and SIBs, we hope this review will greatly stimulate the collaborative efforts among different communities to optimize existing approaches and to develop innovative processes for preparing electrode materials.     

General practitioners' use of written materials during consultations

Russell et al have shown that the compliance of patients can be enhanced by general practitioners'' providing them with written materials.'' We examined what educational materials for patients were used by general practitioners and where the materials came from.     

骨生物材料通过细胞途径降解的研究进展

生物材料作为移植物已广泛应用于骨组织修复,在应用生物材料时需要考虑材料各个方面的性能,如生物兼容性、力学强度、可塑性等。材料的可降解性也是骨修复材料不得不考虑的方面。既往研究表明,生物材料可以通过物理、化学和生物三种方式进行降解。在材料的生物降解过程中,经细胞途径降解是其中重要的一环。这种降解途径主要是通过巨噬细胞、破骨细胞的生物学行为及其所分泌的生物活性氧、酶、酸性代谢物等作用机制进行。认识细胞作用对生物材料的降解有助于更好地理解细胞的生物学行为,精准设计、制造更合理的骨修复材料,既利于材料植入时的初始稳定,也可以符合材料降解与新骨形成的匹配,促进骨再生和骨修复。