Nanoscale Pickering emulsion food preservative films/coatings: Compositions, preparations, influencing factors, and applications

Pickering emulsion (PE) technology effectively addresses the issues of poor compatibility and low retention of hydrophobic active ingredients in food packaging. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that each stage of the preparation process for PE films/coatings (PEFCs) can significantly influence their functional properties. With the fundamental considerations of environmental friendliness and human safety, this review extensively explores the potential of raw materials for PEFC and introduces the preparation methods of nanoparticles, emulsification technology, and film-forming techniques. The critical factors that impact the performance of PEFC during the preparation process are analyzed to enhance food preservation effectiveness. Moreover, the latest advancements in PE packaging across diverse food applications are summarized, along with prospects for innovative food packaging materials. Finally, the preservation mechanism and application safety have been systematically elucidated. The study revealed that the PEFCs provide structural flexibility, where designable nanoparticles offer unique functional properties for intelligent control over active ingredient release. The selection of the dispersed and continuous phases, along with component proportions, can be customized for specific food characteristics and storage conditions. By employing suitable preparation and emulsification techniques, the stability of the emulsion can be improved, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the films/coatings in preserving food. Including additional substances broadens the functionality of degradable materials. The PE packaging technology provides a safe and innovative solution for extending the shelf life and enhancing the quality of food products by protecting and releasing active components.

Research Progress on Cu-15Ni-8Sn Alloys: The Effect of Microalloying and Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Properties

Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy is the best choice to replace beryllium bronze alloy. This alloy has unparalleled application value in aerospace, ocean engineering, electronic information, equipment manufacturing, and other fields. However, the application of Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy is challenged and limited because of a series of problems in its preparation and processing, such as easy segregation, difficult deformation, and discontinuous precipitation. It is an effective way to improve the comprehensive properties of Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy using alloying design and process optimization to control the as-cast, deformed, and heat-treated microstructures. At present, it is a hot spot for scholars to study. In this paper, the grade generation, system evolution, and preparation technology development of Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy are comprehensively reviewed. The phase transformation sequence of the Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy is discussed. The influence of the type, amount, and existing form of alloying elements on the strength of Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy and its mechanism are systematically summarized. Furthermore, the latest research progress on the effects of solid solution, cold deformation, and aging on the phase structure transformation and mechanical properties of Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy is summarized. Finally, the future development trend of the Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy is projected. The research results of this paper can provide a reference for the control of the microstructure and properties of high-performance Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloys used in key fields, as well as the optimization of the preparation process and alloy composition.

Recent Progress for Single-Molecule Magnets Based on Rare Earth Elements

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) have attracted much attention due to their potential applications in molecular spintronic devices. Rare earth SMMs are considered to be the most promising for application owing to their large magnetic moment and strong magnetic anisotropy. In this review, the recent progress in rare earth SMMs represented by mononuclear and dinuclear complexes is highlighted, especially for the modulation of magnetic anisotropy, effective energy barrier (U_eff) and blocking temperature (T_B). The terbium- and dysprosium-based SMMs have a U_eff of 1541 cm^-1 and an increased T_B of 80 K. They break the boiling point temperature of liquid nitrogen. The development of the preparation technology of rare earth element SMMs is also summarized in an overview. This review has important implications and insights for the design and research of Ln-SMMs.

Effects of Shellac Self-Repairing and Carbonyl Iron Powder Microcapsules on the Properties of Dulux Waterborne Coatings on Wood

Magnetic carbonyl iron powder (CIP) microcapsules were created by in situ polymerization using melamine resin as the wall material and CIP as the core material. They were mixed with shellac self-repairing microcapsules to prepare dual-functional wood coatings, and the effect of different amounts of CIP microcapsules in the Dulux Waterborne primer on the performance of the primer was investigated. The findings demonstrated that the core-wall ratio had a significant impact on the characteristics of CIP microcapsules. The microcapsule coating rate reached 57.7% when the core-wall ratio was 0.65:1. The maximum reflection loss of CIP microcapsules with the core-wall ratio of 0.70:1 is -10.53 dB. When the addition amount of shellac self-repairing microcapsules is 4.2%, and the additional amount of CIP microcapsules with a core wall ratio of 0.65:1 and 0.70:1 is 3.0%, the coating color difference is the smallest. The number of microcapsules causes a noticeable drop in the coating's gloss, and the amount of microcapsules causes a small negative change in the coating's adherence. With an increase in the number of microcapsules, the coating's hardness, impact resistance, and tensile resistance first rose and subsequently fell. When the content of CIP microcapsules with core-wall ratio of 0.65:1 and 0.70:1 was 9.0%, the hardness, elongation at break and repair rate of the coating reached the best performance. According to a comprehensive analysis, when the content of CIP microcapsules with core-wall ratio of 0.70:1 is 9.0%, the coating has good performance. At this time, the coating has a color difference of 1.83, a glossiness of 19.3, an adhesion of 2 H, a hardness of 3 H, an impact resistance of 17 kg·cm, and a repair rate of 33.3%. This provides a technical basis for the application of multifunctional coatings on wooden substrates.

The Preliminary Study on Preparation Technology of PolyHb-SOD-CAT-CA - The Effects of Different Extractants

Aim： As a new generation of blood substitutes, polyHb-SOD-CAT-CA has shown good application prospects in the existing research and explorations, resulting in the necessity of research on its process and preparation technology for future development.

INTRODUCTION

To explore the alternative to extractants for the preparation technology of polyHb-SOD-CAT-CA derived both from bovine blood and human cord blood, compared to the toluene currently used in the existing studies, several organic solvents, including n-hexane and ethyl ether, were investigated during the polyHb-SOC-CAT-CA preparation process.

METHODS

During the technological process, the effects of investigated organic extractants on the properties and stability of hemoglobin and enzymes, including SOD, CAT and CA, were investigated by monitoring the property indexes of macromolecules, including Hb concentrations, MetHb contents, molecular weight distribution, oxygen affinity of Hb, enzymes activities, and so on.

RESULTS

Among the investigated experimental groups, the results, including the Hb recoveries, MetHb contents, oxygen affinity, the molecular weight distribution of obtained complex, and enzyme activity, presented to be the best in n-hexane groups, followed by those in toluene groups, and these results in ether groups showed to be the worst. Meanwhile, during the preparation process, both for bovine and human cord derivatives, the changing of properties indexes of Hb and enzymes investigated demonstrated similar declining trends on the whole, and the oxygen-carrying properties and enzyme activities showed to be in the effective range.

CONCLUSION

Among the investigated organic extractants, both for preparation of bovine and human cord-derived polyHb-SOD-CAT-CA complex, n-hexane indicated to have much less negative influence on the properties and stability of Hb and enzyme molecules, including SOD, CAT, and CA. Moreover, the obtained human cord blood polyHb-SOD-CAT-CA also showed effective oxygen-carrying properties and enzyme activities, suggesting the promising application prospects of polyHb-SOD-CAT-CA and the new generation HBOC products in the future.

[Application and problems analysis of traditional Chinese medicine volatile oil preparation technology based on ionic liquids]

Ionic liquids(ILs) are salts composed entirely of anions and cations in a liquid state at or near room temperature, which have a variety of good physicochemical properties such as low volatility and high stability. This paper mainly reviewed the research overview of ILs in the application of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) volatile oil preparation technology. Firstly, it briefly introduced the application of TCM volatile oil preparation technology and composition classification and physicochemical properties of ILs, and then summarized the application of ILs in the extraction, separation, analysis, and preparation of TCM volatile oil. Finally, the problems and challenges of ILs in the application of TCM volatile oil were explained, and the application of ILs in TCM volatile oil in the future was prospected.

Research Progress of p-Type Oxide Thin-Film Transistors

The development of transparent electronics has advanced metal–oxide–semiconductor Thin-Film transistor (TFT) technology. In the field of flat-panel displays, as basic units, TFTs play an important role in achieving high speed, brightness, and screen contrast ratio to display information by controlling liquid crystal pixel dots. Oxide TFTs have gradually replaced silicon-based TFTs owing to their field-effect mobility, stability, and responsiveness. In the market, n-type oxide TFTs have been widely used, and their preparation methods have been gradually refined; however, p-Type oxide TFTs with the same properties are difficult to obtain. Fabricating p-Type oxide TFTs with the same performance as n-type oxide TFTs can ensure more energy-efficient complementary electronics and better transparent display applications. This paper summarizes the basic understanding of the structure and performance of the p-Type oxide TFTs, expounding the research progress and challenges of oxide transistors. The microstructures of the three types of p-Type oxides and significant efforts to improve the performance of oxide TFTs are highlighted. Finally, the latest progress and prospects of oxide TFTs based on p-Type oxide semiconductors and other p-Type semiconductor electronic devices are discussed.

Review on Preparation Technology and Properties of Refractory High Entropy Alloys

Refractory high entropy alloys have broad application prospects due to their excellent comprehensive properties in high temperature environments, and they have been widely implemented in many complex working conditions. According to the latest research reports, the preparation technology of bulk and coating refractory high entropy alloys are summarized, and the advantages and disadvantages of each preparation technology are analyzed. In addition, the properties of refractory high entropy alloys, such as mechanical properties, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and radiation resistance are reviewed. The existing scientific problems of refractory high entropy alloys, at present, are put forward, which provide reference for the development and application of refractory high entropy alloys in the future, especially for plasma-facing materials in nuclear fusion reactors.

Preparation and Modification Technology Analysis of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMCs)

As a new type of flexible smart material, ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) has the advantages of being lightweight and having fast responses, good flexibility, and large deformation ranges. However, IPMC has the disadvantages of a small driving force and short lifespan. Based on this, this paper firstly analyzes the driving mechanism of IPMC. Then, it focuses on the current preparation technology of IPMC from the aspects of electroless plating and mechanical plating. The advantages and disadvantages of various preparation methods are analyzed. Due to the special driving mechanism of IPMC, there is a problem of short non-aqueous working time. Therefore, the modification research of IPMC is reviewed from the aspects of the basement membrane, working medium, and electrode materials. Finally, the current challenges and future development prospects of IPMC are discussed.

Nanocrystals based mucosal delivery system: Research Advances

Nanocrystal technology is a new way to increase the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. As an intermediate preparation technology, nanocrystals are widely used in drug delivery for oral, venous, percutneous and inhalation administration, which exhibits a broad application prospect. By referring to the domestic anforeign literatures, this paper mainly reviews the preparation methods of nanocrystals for poorly soluble natural products and its application in the mucosal delivery for skin, eye, oral cavity and nasal cavity. This can provide the reference for the research and development of nanocrystal technology in natural product preparations.

[Stability improvement of Chinese medicinal essential oils based on delivery systems and their application in medical field]

Essential oils from Chinese medicine are popular in the fields such as medicine, food, and cosmetics because of their unique biological characteristics. However, since essential oils are lipophilic compounds with high volatility, poor stability, and strong irritation, various preparation technologies need to be employed to improve stability, reduce irritation, and increase bioavailability. At present, a variety of preparation technologies have been applied to the encapsulation of essential oils. Various encapsulation strategies are formed because of different delivery systems featured with multiple principles and characteristics and are widely used to improve the stability of essential oils. Essential oils of Chinese medicine are widely used in the medical field, and they are under continuous innovation and development in clinical research, the pharmaceutical industry, medical products, etc. The present study summarized various delivery systems that could improve the stability of essential oils and reviewed the applications of essential oils encapsulated in the delivery systems in the medical field to provide re-ferences for the improvement of stability of essential oils and their safety, efficiency, and wide use in the medical field.

[Quality control mode based on engineering quality view of Chinese medicine pharmacy]

Due to the characteristics of confusing varieties of Chinese medicinal materials, different sources, complex chemical composition, non-standard preparation process, and non-standard pharmaceutical equipment, the quality of Chinese medicinal preparations is difficult to be controlled and evaluated effectively under the current quality control mode and method of Chinese medicinal preparation. The present study proposed an engineering quality view of Chinese medicine pharmacy and a strategy to control the quality of Chinese medicinal preparations based on the current situation. The "overall, dialectical, and dynamic" multi-factor engineering quality view, covering original medicinal materials, preparation technologies, pharmaceutical equipment, and Chinese medicinal preparations, ensures the traceable process, measurable procedures, and feedback quality. The quality control mode of Chinese medicinal preparation with controllable sources, standardized preparation technologies, green pharmaceutical equipment, and intelligent manufacturing is built up.

Preparation of Melamine/Rice Husk Powder Coated Shellac Microcapsules and Effect of Different Rice Husk Powder Content in Wall Material on Properties of Wood Waterborne Primer

The melamine/rice husk powder-coated shellac microcapsules were prepared by in-situ polymerization with melamine resin mixed with rice husk powder as microcapsule wall material and shellac as microcapsule core material. The effect of the addition amount of microcapsules with different wall material ratios on the performance of wood waterborne primer coating was investigated. The results show that the most important factor affecting the performance of microcapsules is the content of rice husk powder. Through the preparation and analysis of shellac microcapsule primer coating coated with melamine/rice husk powder, when the content of microcapsule powder is 0-6%, it has little effect on the optical properties of wood waterborne primer coating, and the microcapsule with 5.5% rice husk powder has little effect on the color difference of primer coating. The coating hardness increases with the increase of rice husk powder content in wall material. When the rice husk powder content in wall material is more than 5.5%, the coating hardness reaches the best. When the content of microcapsule powder is 3.0-9.0%, the adhesion of the coating is better, and the coating with rice husk powder content of 5.5% in microcapsule wall material has better impact resistance. When the content of rice husk powder was 5.5% and the content of microcapsule powder was 6%, the elongation at break of the primer coating was the highest and the tensile resistance was the best. The composition of wood waterborne primer did not change after adding microcapsule. The water-based primer with microcapsule has better aging resistance. The water-based primer coating with rice husk powder content of 5.5% and the addition amount of 6% had the best comprehensive performance, which lays the technical reference for the toughness and self-repairing of the waterborne wood coatings.

[Study on benchmark preparation technology of boiled and powdered classical prescriptions by taking Houpo Wenzhong Decoction as an example]

In recent years,the development and application of classical famous prescriptions have attracted much attention. However,the differences between ancient and modern conditions lead to difficulties in carrying out practical work. In this paper,with Houpu Wenzhong Decoction as an example,the key technologies of boiling granularity,water addition,boiling time and sample pretreatment methods were investigated on the basis of sufficient literature research. The experimental results showed that there was no significant difference in the concentration of index components between those with different granularity( 2 mm and 3-5 mm) and different decocting time( 30 min and 60 min),but the extraction rate of index components was relatively high when the granularity of powder was 2 mm and decocting time was 30 min. With the increase of water content,the concentration of index components and the extraction rate were increased in varying degrees. A certain proportion of methanol aqueous solution was used as the resolvent before content determination of the reference sample of Houpu Wenzhong Decoction,which could take into account both the spectral information of water-soluble components and fat-soluble components in the prescription,and help to display the overall information of the prescription' s chemical components more comprehensively. At the same time,the boiling and dispersing classical prescriptions in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Prescriptions( the first batch) were collected and summarized in this study; the key influencing factors of decocting process were analyzed from different angles,and preliminary research suggestions were put forward,so as to provide a certain direction and reference for the establishment of quality standard of Houpu Wenzhong Decoction,as well as for the development,research and clinical application of boiling and dispersing classical prescriptions.

Optimum Preparation Method for Self-Assembled PEGylation Nano-Adjuvant Based on Rehmannia glutinosa Polysaccharide and Its Immunological Effect on Macrophages

BACKGROUND

Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide is the main reason that contributes to the immunological function of R. glutinosa. Due to its disadvantages in clinical use, here we designed the PEGylation nano-RGP (pRL) to improve the drug-targeting effect and the immunological function. Our present work aims to establish the optimum condition of preparing the pRL and to investigate its immunological function on macrophages.

METHODS

pRL was prepared by thin film hydration method combined with ultra-sonication technique. And its preparation conditions were optimized with response surface methodology. Also, the lyophilization method was optimized. The characteristics of the pRL were evaluated, including particle size, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and morphology. The immunological function of pRL on macrophage was investigated through CCK-8 test, ELISA and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The lipid-to-cholesterol molar ratio of 8:1, the addition of DSPE-PEG2000 of 9% and the lipid-to-drug ratio of 5.4:1 were the optimum preparation technology for pRL. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of pRL under this preparation technology was 95.81±1.58%, with a particle size of 31.98 ± 2.6 nm. The lactose-to-lipid ratio (2:1) was the optimal lyophilization method. pRL promoted macrophage proliferation, which is significantly better than that of nano-RGP without PEGylation (RL). pRL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells showed a high secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is the characteristic indicator of M1 polarization. Enhanced cellular uptake through macropinocytosis-dependent and caveolae-mediated endocytosis was observed in pRL-treated RAW264.7 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our study concluded that PEGylation effectively overcame the poor targeting effect of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide (RGP) and significantly improved the immunological profile of its nano-formulation, which suggested that pRL could serve as an immune adjuvant in clinical application.