Research Articles

The biogenic amalgamation of P-gold nanoparticles (P-AuNPs) was achieved utilizing the unrefined extract of the endophytic organism Fusarium solani ATLOY-04 swarmed in Plumbago rosea. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized via UV‒Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Dynamic light scattering, revealing that 8 to 15 nm nanoparticles were synthesized and were stable. The effects of anticancer cells (MCF-7) on colon cancer (HT-29) and human breast cancer were tested. After the P-AuNPs-treated cells hatched, the MTT test revealed a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability, with the greatest toxicity observed in the cells treated with the μ g/mL and 60 μ g/mL doses of P-AuNPs. The observation of additional apoptotic cells utilizing AO/EtBr, DAPI, and Rhodamine 123 revealed that P-AuNPs initiated apoptosis within the treated cells via atomic fracture, layer breakage, and disturbance of the MMP. Stream cytometry results revealed that cancer cells gathered within the G1 stage after treatment with P-AuNPs, which shows that P-AuNPs affected cancer cell cycle progression. Gold nanoparticles increased the expression of caspase 3 genes and downregulatedp53 protein in MCF-7 cell lines.

In this study, high-performance packaging paper was developed by dissolving softwood cellulose in a LiOH/urea system and incorporating nano-mica to enhance its mechanical properties and thermal stability. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed partial crystalline transformation in the regenerated cellulose films. Mechanical testing showed that the composite film with 10% mica exhibited a tensile strength of 87.69 MPa and a modulus of 6.82 GPa, demonstrating excellent tensile strength, rigidity, and tear resistance, making it suitable for high-strength packaging applications. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the composite paper underwent  major thermal degradation at approximately 350 °C, offering superior thermal stability over conventional cellulose-based packaging materials, making it ideal for industrial and electronic component packaging. This study successfully developed a sustainable, high-performance packaging material through the synergistic effects of nanocellulose and nano-mica, providing new insights for advanced cellulose-based packaging solutions.

While the rheological properties of low-consistency cellulose nanofibril (CNF) suspensions and the mechanical properties of dry CNF films have been reported, research on high-consistency suspensions and wet CNF mats remains limited. Understanding suspension behavior during dewatering over a wide range of solids contents is essential. In this study, CNF consistency was controlled up to 20% using pressurized dewatering, and rheological behavior was characterized up to 10.2% solids content. Tensile testing was applied at higher concentrations where mat-like behavior emerged. The network strength followed a consistent power-law relationship across the entire solids content range, with a scaling exponent of 2.74, indicating that CNF flocculation is fundamentally similar to that of pulp fiber behavior despite its higher aspect ratio and smaller dimensions. CNF initiated network formation at a consistency more than twice as low as that of pulp fiber and exhibited a 5- to 20-fold higher network strength. At high solids contents, tensile strength increased exponentially, while elongation reached a maximum at approximately 50% solids content, suggesting a transition from capillary-driven consolidation to a hydrogen-bonded network. Nanofibrillation enhanced both tensile breaking stress and strain-at-break across all investigated solids contents. These results provide a framework for controlling CNF structural properties during dewatering and consolidation.

This study investigated the feasibility of substituting Norway spruce (Picea abies) with European larch (Larix decidua) in structural applications, specifically in laminated strand lumber (LSL). Four types of experimental LSL panels were manufactured from these species. Two reference panels were produced exclusively from a single species: larch (LSL-L) and spruce (LSL-S). A third variant (LSL-L:S) consisted of a homogeneous mixture of 60% spruce and 40% larch strands. The fourth configuration (LSL-L:S:L) was designed as a mechanically differentiated three-layer structure, with larch strands in the surface layers. The mechanical and physical properties of the panels were evaluated by determining bending strength (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond strength (IB), compression strength, water absorption (WA), and thickness swelling (TS). Statistically significant differences among panel types were identified for density and IB strength. The LSL-L:S:L configuration exhibited a significantly higher IB value (0.66 MPa) compared with the other variants. No statistically significant differences were observed in bending. Nevertheless, panels manufactured entirely from larch strands (LSL-L) and those containing 40% larch (LSL-L:S) demonstrated higher mean values than the spruce reference panels (LSL-S) in both bending and compression tests. Significant differences were also detected for WA and TS.

The static and cyclic structural behavior of the column-head Dougong bracket from the Memorial Hall of Confucius (Ming Dynasty, Shandong Province, China) was investigated using finite element analysis (FEA). An ANSYS model was developed based on the orthotropic constitutive law of Pinus sylvestris integrated with the Hill yield criterion. The bracket was subjected to vertical monotonic static loading (Z-axis) and horizontal low-cycle reciprocating loading (X- and Y-axes). Under vertical loading, the ultimate bearing capacity was 348.97 kN, with a peak stress of 13.21 MPa at the Huagong-Ludou interface. Under horizontal loading, symmetric hysteresis loops were observed, with peak thrusts of 394.52 kN (Y-axis) and 748.19 kN (X-axis). Ductility coefficients were 2.55 (Y) and 2.53 (X), and equivalent viscous damping coefficients were 0.123 (Y) and 0.104 (X). The vertical response followed a tri-linear stiffness degradation model, while multi-linear restoring force models characterized the horizontal behavior. These results provide a triaxial mechanical database for this high-grade Ming bracket, clarify the load-transfer path within the double-ang system, and offer practical restoring force models for heritage conservation. The study confirms that FEA is a reliable and cost-effective approach for assessing Dougong mechanics, supporting evidence-based preservation of historical timber structures.

Reliable embedment properties are essential for the design of bolted glulam connections, yet most available equations were developed for sawn timber. This study investigated the embedment behavior of Douglas-fir glued-laminated timber by full-hole tests on 13 specimen series with a constant 1 mm hole clearance. The matrix was designed to isolate the effects of bolt diameter (8 to 16 mm), load-to-grain angle (0 to 90°), and member thickness (30 to 40 mm). Increasing bolt diameter markedly increased embedment stiffness, from 4.20 to 8.46 kN/mm in the 35 mm parallel-to-grain series, while strength changed only slightly. For the 12 mm reference series, both yield strength and stiffness decreased from 0° to 60° and then partially recovered at 90°, confirming pronounced anisotropic behavior. Increasing thickness improved the overall response, although the strength trend over 30–35–40 mm was not strictly monotonic. Existing Eurocode 5 and NDS equations showed noticeable deviations, especially for off-axis loading. A modified Hankinson-type model gave the closest agreement with the measured yield embedment strengths and offers a more reliable basis for the design and assessment of low-to-medium diameter bolted glulam connections.

Cold plasma is an eco-friendly approach for tailoring starch-based film-forming solutions (FFS) through reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). This study compared (i) plasma-activated water (PAW) blended with distilled water at 10:90, 20:80, and 30:70 (PAW:DW) and (ii) direct plasma treatment of potato starch FFS for 5, 10, and 15 min, evaluating rheological, textural, optical, and structural responses. PAW exhibited strong activation (pH 2.56; ORP 434.7 mV) with elevated conductivity and dissolved solids, indicating ionic enrichment. Apparent viscosity increased in all treated samples relative to the control, with the highest viscosity observed for PAW-blended FFS. Dynamic oscillatory measurements indicated that direct plasma exposure reduced viscoelastic moduli in a time-dependent manner, consistent with disruption of the starch network at higher treatment intensities, whereas PAW blends partially preserved elasticity. Color analysis showed increased lightness and whiteness index in PAW-treated samples, indicating improved optical uniformity. FTIR spectra showed changes in O–H stretching intensity and emergence/ intensification of oxidation-related bands, which is consistent with chemical modification of the starch matrix. Overall, direct plasma and PAW blending induced distinct molecular rearrangements in hydrated starch systems, offering tunable pathways for tailoring starch-based film-forming systems for potential biodegradable packaging applications, as a precursor to future film-level investigations.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely used in construction, medical devices, wire and cable insulation, and consumer products because of its low cost, flame retardancy, and corrosion resistance. However, its inherent rigidity and brittleness limit its use in flexible materials, making plasticization necessary. In this study, poly(lactic acid)-block-poly(caprolactone) (PLA-PCL) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization, and multi-amino carbon dots (CDs) were prepared by a hydrothermal method and incorporated into PLA-PCL through acid-base interactions. The PLA/PCL ratio was optimized to improve the mechanical performance of flexible PVC. Results showed that CDs-PLA-PCL had good compatibility with PVC. Under the optimal formulation, the PVC/CDs-PLA-PCL film exhibited a tensile strength of 56.01 MPa and a toughness of 172.98 MJ/m³, representing 2.31- and 2.09-fold increases over DOP-plasticized PVC, respectively. The films also showed excellent migration resistance and fluorescence, indicating that CDs-PLA-PCL is a promising plasticizer for high-performance flexible PVC materials.

Against the backdrop of increasingly severe global food security challenges and constraints on arable land, the remediation and efficient utilization of saline-alkali land has become a critical issue. While biochar shows significant potential for the remediation of saline-alkali soil, the mechanisms involved at the aggregate scale remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of application levels (0%, 1%, 2% and 5%) of rice straw biochar on the physicochemical properties, aggregate organic carbon, and mineralization in saline-alkali soil. The results indicated that biochar application significantly decreased soil pH and the concentrations of Na⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions, while increasing the levels of K⁺ ions and exchangeable Ca²⁺ ions. These changes effectively improved the soil’s ionic environment and fertility, thereby promoting the growth of rapeseed seedlings. Biochar also enhanced microbial biomass carbon and activity, facilitating organic carbon transformation and stabilization. Furthermore, an appropriate amount of biochar significantly increased the proportion of 0.075 to 0.2 mm and 3 to 2 mm aggregates, thereby promoting the aggregation of microaggregates into macroaggregates. These findings clarify how biochar enhances the stability of aggregate organic carbon by improving soil structure, regulating ion composition, and modulating microbial activity. This provides a theoretical basis for the remediation of saline-alkali soil.

This research investigated the effect of glutaraldehyde solutions on antibacterial resistance of composite boards manufactured with different combinations of urea formaldehyde (UF) and glutaraldehyde (GA) binder adhesives. The composite boards were general-purpose furniture panels (e.g., kitchen worktops, shelving, laboratory benchtops, or cabinet components) intended for household or workshop environments where surfaces may encounter microbial contamination from hands or spills, but not for direct food contact. Composite boards with varying UF/GA ratios and different binder solution concentrations were manufactured. The surfaces of these boards were treated with different numbers of layers (one or two) using GA solutions at 10% and 20% concentrations. The antibacterial performance of all samples was quantitatively evaluated by measuring the percentage of microbial growth. The results revealed a strong synergistic effect between the binder chemistry and surface treatment on antibacterial activity. The highest antibacterial performance was observed when the board containing 7.5% UF and 7.5% GA was treated with two layers of 10% GA solution, which suppressed microbial growth to a remarkably low level of 4.30%. Conversely, high-concentration GA applications adversely affected performance and noticeably reduced antibacterial efficacy in samples containing only pure UF or GA.