Emulsion-filled gels of soy protein isolate for vehiculation of vitamin D3:Effect of protein solubility on their mechanical and rheological characteristics

The aim of this study was to develop heat-induced gels of soy protein isolate(SPI)filled with Brazil nut oil emulsions encapsulating vitamin D3(VD3).Before gelation,dispersions produced with different SPI concentrations(11-15%,w/w)were subjected to different pretreatments(manual mixing or mechanical stirring at 800 rpm for 10,20,and 30 min)and had their protein solubility quantified.The application of mechanical stirring increased the solubility of proteins and decreased the average particle size,affecting the microstructure(observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy)and rheological properties(evaluated by uniaxial compression and small strain oscillatory tests)of the heat-set gels.The incorporation of emulsions(produced with Brazilian nut oil)into gels formed emulsion filled gels(EFGs),which presented higher Young’s moduli andσH in comparison to non-filled gels(NFGs),indicating that the oil droplets were active within the matrices.The properties of EFGs subjected to small strain oscillatory tests,varied with the pretreatment conditions and SPI concentrations,highlighting the high influence of protein solubility,matrix inhomogeneities,and droplet clustering for determining the properties of such complex systems.Also,the heat-induced emulsion-filled gels of SPI produced were effective in protecting VD3,presenting good retention after 30 days of storage under refrigeration,and represent promising alternative for the production of future food gelled products.

Metal–Organic Gel Leading to Customized Magnetic‑Coupling Engineering in Carbon Aerogels for Excellent Radar Stealth and Thermal Insulation Performances

Metal–organic gel(MOG)derived composites are promising multi-functional materials due to their alterable composition,identifiable chemical homogeneity,tunable shape,and porous structure.Herein,stable metal–organic hydrogels are prepared by regulating the complexation effect,solution polarity and curing speed.Meanwhile,collagen peptide is used to facilitate the fabrication of a porous aerogel with excellent physical properties as well as the homogeneous dispersion of magnetic particles during calcination.Subsequently,two kinds of heterometallic magnetic coupling systems are obtained through the application of Kirkendall effect.FeCo/nitrogen-doped carbon(NC)aerogel demonstrates an ultra-strong microwave absorption of−85 dB at an ultra-low loading of 5%.After reducing the time taken by atom shifting,a FeCo/Fe3O4/NC aerogel containing virus-shaped particles is obtained,which achieves an ultra-broad absorption of 7.44 GHz at an ultra-thin thickness of 1.59 mm due to the coupling effect offered by dual-soft-magnetic particles.Furthermore,both aerogels show excellent thermal insulation property,and their outstanding radar stealth performances in J-20 aircraft are confirmed by computer simulation technology.The formation mechanism of MOG is also discussed along with the thermal insulation and electromagnetic wave absorption mechanism of the aerogels,which will enable the development and application of novel and lightweight stealth coatings.

Effect of Sodium Alginate and Calcium Chloride on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Shrimp(Penaeus Vannamei)Surimi Gels

The object of this study is to investigate the effects of sodium alginate(SA)and CaCl_(2) on the physicochemical characteristics of shrimp surimi by studying gel strength,water holding capacity(WHC),as well as by texture profile analysis(TPA).In addition,the mechanism was analyzed through chemical interactions,protein secondary structure,and microstructure.The results showed that with the addition of different concentrations of SA and CaCl_(2) to the shrimp surimi,the gel quality firstly increased and then decreased with the increase of SA and CaCl_(2) concentrations.The highest values of WHC,breaking force and gel strength were obtained with the addition of 1.2%SA or 0.1%CaCl_(2).When SA and CaCl_(2) were used in concert,the group containing 1.2%SA and 0.15%CaCl_(2) had the highest gel strength with the densest three-dimensional network structure of the gel.In addition,the results of chemical interaction analyses showed that hydrogen and ionic bonds were the main chemical bonds of shrimp surimi sol,while shrimp surimi gel mainly consisted of hydrophobic and disulfide bonds.The incorporation of SA and CaCl_(2) resulted in a significant increase in hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonding,which could effectively improve the gel properties of shrimp surimi.

Compliant Iontronic Triboelectric Gels with Phase-Locked Structure Enabled by Competitive Hydrogen Bonding

Rapid advancements in flexible electronics technology propel soft tactile sensing devices toward high-level biointegration,even attaining tactile perception capabilities surpassing human skin.However,the inherent mechanical mismatch resulting from deficient biomimetic mechanical properties of sensing materials poses a challenge to the application of wearable tactile sensing devices in human-machine interaction.Inspired by the innate biphasic structure of human subcutaneous tissue,this study discloses a skin-compliant wearable iontronic triboelectric gel via phase separation induced by competitive hydrogen bonding.Solvent-nonsolvent interactions are used to construct competitive hydrogen bonding systems to trigger phase separation,and the resulting soft-hard alternating phase-locked structure confers the iontronic triboelectric gel with Young’s modulus(6.8-281.9 kPa)and high tensile properties(880%)compatible with human skin.The abundance of reactive hydroxyl groups gives the gel excellent tribopositive and self-adhesive properties(peel strength>70 N m^(−1)).The self-powered tactile sensing skin based on this gel maintains favorable interface and mechanical stability with the working object,which greatly ensures the high fidelity and reliability of soft tactile sensing signals.This strategy,enabling skin-compliant design and broad dynamic tunability of the mechanical properties of sensing materials,presents a universal platform for broad applications from soft robots to wearable electronics.

A Research Progress of CO_(2)-Responsive Plugging Channeling Gels

In the heterogeneous reservoirs,CO_(2) flooding easily leads to CO_(2) gas channeling,which can seriously affect sweeping efficiency and reduce oil recovery.After thoroughly investigating the advantages and shortcomings of various CO_(2) plugging technologies,this paper focuses on the feasibility of improving conventional water-alternating gas(WAG)through CO_(2)-responsive gel materials.Based on the different chemical reaction mechanisms between the unique chemical structure and CO_(2),changes in the material’s physical and chemical properties can respond to CO_(2).The feasibility of utilizing these property changes for CO_(2)-responsive plugging is explored.Various CO_(2)-responsive gels and gel nanoparticles have been extensively researched in different fields,such as energy,medicine,and biology.This paper surveys the molecular structures,chemical compositions,response mechanisms,and changes of these CO_(2)-responsive gels,aiming to draw insights into the carbon dioxide-enhanced oil recovery(CO_(2)-EOR)field.Finally,the key issues and future development direction of CO_(2)-responsive plugging gels were analyzed.

Molecule‑Level Multiscale Design of Nonflammable Gel Polymer Electrolyte to Build Stable SEI/CEI for Lithium Metal Battery

The risk of flammability is an unavoidable issue for gel polymer electrolytes(GPEs).Usually,flameretardant solvents are necessary to be used,but most of them would react with anode/cathode easily and cause serious interfacial instability,which is a big challenge for design and application of nonflammable GPEs.Here,a nonflammable GPE(SGPE)is developed by in situ polymerizing trifluoroethyl methacrylate(TFMA)monomers with flame-retardant triethyl phosphate(TEP)solvents and LiTFSI–LiDFOB dual lithium salts.TEP is strongly anchored to PTFMA matrix via polarity interaction between-P=O and-CH_(2)CF_(3).It reduces free TEP molecules,which obviously mitigates interfacial reactions,and enhances flame-retardant performance of TEP surprisingly.Anchored TEP molecules are also inhibited in solvation of Li^(+),leading to anion-dominated solvation sheath,which creates inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interface/cathode electrolyte interface layers.Such coordination structure changes Li^(+)transport from sluggish vehicular to fast structural transport,raising ionic conductivity to 1.03 mS cm^(-1) and transfer number to 0.41 at 30℃.The Li|SGPE|Li cell presents highly reversible Li stripping/plating performance for over 1000 h at 0.1 mA cm^(−2),and 4.2 V LiCoO_(2)|SGPE|Li battery delivers high average specific capacity>120 mAh g^(−1) over 200 cycles.This study paves a new way to make nonflammable GPE that is compatible with Li metal anode.

Fire Retardant Mechanisms of Polymer Fire-retardant and Extinguishing Gels

This study evaluates the performance of polymer fire-retardant and extinguishing gels through experimental comparisons with traditional foam extinguishing agents and water.The findings indicate that polymer fire-retardant and extinguishing gels exhibit significant advantages over conventional water and foam in terms of fire suppression and prevention of re-ignition.Based on these results,the fire retardant mechanisms of the polymer gel are hypothesized.

3D Collagen Gels:A Promising Platform for Dendritic Cell Culture in Biomaterials Research

The three-dimensional(3D)cell culture system has garnered significant attention in recent years as a means of studying cell behavior and tissue development,as opposed to traditional two-dimensional cultures.These systems can induce specific cell reactions,promote specific tissue functions,and serve as valuable tools for research in tissue engineering,regenerative medicine,and drug discovery.This paper discusses current developments in the field of three-dimensional cell culture and the potential applications of 3D type 1 collagen gels to enhance the growth and maturation of dendritic cells.

Activation of adult endogenous neurogenesis by a hyaluronic acid collagen gel containing basic fibroblast growth factor promotes remodeling and functional recovery of the injured cerebral cortex

The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and reconstruct cortical layers II to VI in non-neurogenic regions,such as the cortex,remains unknown.In this study,we implanted a hyaluronic acid collagen gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor into the motor cortex immediately following traumatic injury.Our findings reveal that this gel effectively stimulated the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,as well as their differentiation into mature and functionally integrated neurons.Importantly,these new neurons reconstructed the architecture of cortical layers II to VI,integrated into the existing neural circuitry,and ultimately led to improved brain function.These findings offer novel insight into potential clinical treatments for traumatic cerebral cortex injuries.

Gel immersion in endoscopy:Exploring potential applications

The challenge of effectively eliminating air during gastrointestinal endoscopy using ultrasound techniques is apparent.This difficulty arises from the intricacies of removing concealed air within the folds of the gastrointestinal tract,resulting in artifacts and compromised visualization.In addition,the overlap of folds with lesions can obscure their depth and size,presenting challenges for an accurate assessment.Conversely,in intricately folded regions of the gastrointestinal tract,such as the stomach,intestine,and colon,insufficient delivery of air or CO_(2) into the cavity impedes luminal expansion,hindering the accurate visualization of lesions concealed within the folds.Although this underscores the requirement for substantial airflow,excessive airflow can hinder visualization of bleeding lesions and other abnormalities.Considering these challenges,an ideal endoscopic device would facilitate the observation of lesions without the requirement for air or CO_(2) delivery whereas,ensuring optimal expansion of the gastrointestinal tract.Recently,transparent gels with specific viscosities have been employed more frequently to address this issue.This review aims to elucidate how these gels address these challenges and provide a solution for enhanced endoscopic visualization.

Preparation and evaluation of ophthalmic thermosensitive in situ gels of penciclovir

Aim To develop pluronic F127 （PF127） based formulations of penciclovir （PCV） aimed at enhancing its ocular bioavailability. Methods Thermosensitive in situ gels of penciclovir were prepared through combination of HPMC K4M or carbopol 934P and pluronic F127. Optimized formulations were examined through measuring gelation temperature, rheology speciality, drug release behavior, pharmacokinetics and ocular irritation. Results The gelation temperature was reduced by adding HPMC K4M or carbopol 934P, and the viscosity was enhanced slightly. Either HPMC K4M or carbopol 934P delayed the release of PCV from in situ gel. PCV was released by non-Fickian diffusion. The study of ocular irritation for different PCV formulations did not show any irritation or damage for the cornea. PCV bioavailability from combination of carbopol 934P and pluronic F127 gels was higher than that obtained from any other gels. Conclusion Pluronic F127 formulations of PCV can be used as liquid for administration by instilling into the eye. Facilitated by the appropriate eye temperature, the formulations were transformed to gel phase. On the basis of in vitro and in vivo results, PCV formulations containing HPMC K4M or carbopol 934P and low concentration of pluronic F127 （12%） showed potential for use as a drug delivery system with improved ocular bioavailability.

Gelsolin表达下调降低鼠源肝癌细胞的侵袭能力

目的:研究高低淋巴道转移力细胞株Hca-F(淋巴道转移>80%)和Hca-P(淋巴道转移<30%)细胞中gelsolin的表达及其对Hca-F细胞侵袭能力的影响,阐明gelsolin在肝癌淋巴道转移过程中发挥的作用方法:应用荧光差异双向凝胶电泳技术及质谱定量和鉴定gelsolin在Hca-F细胞和Hca-P细胞中的表达;构建pSileneer-shR-NA-gelsolin表达载体,稳定转染Hca-F细胞并获得gelsolin的表达稳定下调的Hca-F细胞株,同时建立稳定转染pSilencer-无关序列Hca-F细胞株作为对照,在mRN水平和蛋白水平检测干扰后gelsolin的表达;Transwell 小室体外侵袭试验观察下调gelsolin表达后对Hca-F 细胞侵袭能力的影响结果:Gelsolin基因在Hca-F细胞中表达高于是Hca-P细胞( F/P= 1.7 );获得gelsolin稳定下调的Hca-F细胞株,RT-PCR和Wesiern Blot分析结果表明在稳定转染Hca-F细胞中,gelsolin在基因水平和蛋白水平的表达明显下调;在体外侵袭实验中,Hca-F细胞、对照组细胞、干扰组细胞穿过人工基底膜的细胞在570nm处的吸光度分别为0.2007±0.0129、0.2236±0.0446和0.1557±0.0051;表明下调gelsolin蛋白表达后,干扰组细胞穿过人工基底膜的细胞吸光度显著降低(P<0.05)。下调Hca-F细胞中gelsolin的表达后,转移的肿瘤细胞数量减少,癌细胞的侵袭能力下降结论:通过抑制gelsoin基因和蛋白的表达,可以降低鼠源肝癌细胞Hca-F侵袭能力的作用。

Preparation of Silica Gels with High Adsorption Activity for Extraction of Zirconium

Silica gels with a high specific surface area and high adsorption activity ,which have high selectivity and high adsorption capacity for zirconium in acidic high level radioactive liquid waste (HLLW), have been prepared from water-glass and hydrochloric acid through adding surfactants. The surfactant modifies the surface of the primary sol particles, thus suppresses the growth of the primary particle,but accelerates their agglomeration. The action of the surfactant is similar to that of the organic structure-directing agent and makes the sol cluster cross-linkage ring-like network in short order. The specific surface area of the silica gel is 998 m 2/g; the static adsorption capacity and the adsorption distribution coefficient for zirconium in HLLW are 32.6 mg/g and 56.1 mL/g, respectively.

Metal cation crosslinking of Ti O_2-alginate hybrid gels

In order to improve the substrate diffusion properties and stability of an immobilized enzyme alginate microgels modified with TiO2 nanoparticles were employed as the enzyme immobilizing support.Ionotropic gelation was applied for the preparation of hybrid gels while Ca2＋ Ce3＋ Ni2＋Cu2＋and Fe3＋were employed as the crosslinkers.Papain was selected as the model enzyme. UV-Vis spectroscopy was employed to investigate the activity of papain to evaluate kinetics and stability.Analysis results show that the highest affinity the lowest Michaelis-Menten constant Km =11.0 mg/mL and the highest stability are obtained when using Cu2＋as the crosslinker.The effect of the mass ratio of TiO2 to papain on the stability and leakage of papain is also investigated and the results show that 10∶1 TiO2∶papain is optimal because the proper use of TiO2 can reduce enzyme leakage and ensure enzyme stability.Preparing Cu/alginate/TiO2 hybrid gels via ionotropic gelation can provide a satisfactory diffusion capability and enzyme stability.

A method to determine Young's modulus of soft gels for cell adhesion

A convenient technique is reported in this note for measuring elastic modulus of extremely soft material for cellular adhesion. Specimens of bending cylinder under gravity are used to avoid contact problem between testing device and sample, and a beam model is presented for evaluating the curvatures of gel beams with large elastic deformation. A self-adaptive algorithm is also proposed to search for the best estimation of gels＇ elastic moduli by comparing the experimental bending curvatures with those computed from the beam model with preestimated moduli. Application to the measurement of the property of polyacrylamide gels indi- cates that the material compliance varies with the concentrations of bis-acrylamide, and the gels become softer after being immersed in a culture medium for a period of time, no matter to what extent they are polymerized.

Studies on Manganese Peroxidase Immobilized in Gelatin-containing Microemulsion-based Gels

The immobilized technique of manganese peroxidase(MnP) in gelatin-containing microemulsion-based gels and the effects of storage time and reuse times on its catalytic activity were studied. The results show that the MnP immobilized together with Mn 2+ and H_2O_2 could effectively oxidize syringaldazine in n-heptane. The immobilized MnP still had a high catalytic activity after one-month storage under a freezing condition. The reuse times have a relation to the amount of the immobilized H_2O_2. When the amount of the immobilized H_2O_2 is sufficient, the microemulsion-based gels containing MnP could be used many times.

In situ forming hydrogels based on chitosan for drug delivery and tissue regeneration

In situ forming hydrogels with simple sol–gel transition are more practicable as injectable hydrogels for drug delivery and tissue regeneration. State-of-the-art in situ gelling systems can easily and efficiently be formed by different mechanisms in situ. Chitosan is a kind of natural polysaccharide that is widely exploited for biomedical applications due to its good biocompatibility, low immunogenicity and specific biological activities. Chitosan-based in situ gelling systems have already gained much attention as smart biomaterials in the development of several biomedical applications, such as for drug delivery systems and regeneration medicine. Herein, we review the typical in situ gelling systems based on chitosan and mechanisms involved in hydrogel forming, and report advances of chitosan-based in situ gels for the applications in drug delivery and tissue regeneration. Finally, development prospects of in situ forming hydrogels based on chitosan are also discussed in brief.

DNA recovery from agarose gels with a simple centrifuge-driven sephadex filtration

Conventional methods of DNA recovery from agarose gel generally require expensive equipment, extended elution times, or considerable handling of the sample after elution. We developed a simple protocol for a quick and effective recovery of DNA from agarose gels with good yield and quality. Using a Sephadex resin filled spin column, DNA fragments of 500 bp to 6 kb in an agarose gel slice were easily recovered by a 2 min centrifugation. The recovery efficiencies were over 40% -50% and the eluted DNA can be used directly for downstream application, such as polymerase chain reactions （PCR） and restriction enzyme digestion. This method could also be used to recover large DNA fragment （48 kb） without degradation. The use of Sephadex helps to remove small molecular impurities from agarose and it also reduces the chance of clogging the column filter caused by direct contact with agarose.

GELS技术在光交换以太网中的应用(本期优秀论文)

具有层次化分割思想的运营商骨干网传输(PBT)技术,实现了数据平台和控制平台的分离。为了解决PBT缺乏完善的控制、管理等相关功能的不足,探讨了将GMPLS Ethernet Label Switching (GELS)技术应用至光交换以太网的设想,提出了GELS在PBT中应用的初步方案。

Activity and Enantioselectivity of Lipase Immobilized in CTAB Microemulsion-based Gels

Introduction The formation of gelatin-containing mieroemulsionbased gels（MBGs） was first described in 1986 and the physical/structural characterization was carried out by a number of groups with a variety of techniques including tracer diffusion, electrical conductivity, NMR, X-ray and small angle neutron scattering. The MBGs were proposed to comprise an extensive, rigid, interconnected network of gelatin/water rods stabilized by a monolayer of surfactant, in coexistence with a po- pulation of conventional W/O microemulsion droplets.