Magnetically responsive soft smart materials have garnered significant academic attention due to their flexibility, remote controllability, and reconfigurability. However, traditional soft materials used in the construction of these magnetically responsive systems typically exhibit low density and poor thermal and electrical conductivities. These limitations result in suboptimal performance in applications such as medical radiography, high-performance electronic devices, and thermal management. To address these challenges, magnetically responsive gallium-based liquid metals have emerged as promising alternatives. In this review, we summarize the methodologies for achieving magnetically responsive liquid metals, including the integration of magnetic agents into the liquid metal matrix and the utilization of induced Lorentz forces. We then provide a comprehensive discussion of the key physicochemical properties of these materials and the factors influencing them. Additionally, we explore the advanced and potential applications of magnetically responsive liquid metals. Finally, we discuss the current challenges in this field and present an outlook on future developments and research directions.

The aim of this study was to conduct a thorough scientific investigation into the similarities and differences in the quality of the cellars of different Luzhou-flavor liquor wineries in Yibin production area and the reasons for them. This study analyzed cellar mud samples from five wineries in Yibin production area. The analysis of volatile flavor compounds was carried out using headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The bacterial and archaeal community structures and their correlations were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. The study indicates that the Distillery A had the highest levels of ammonium nitrogen and effective phosphorus, Distillery F had the highest humus levels, and Distillery I had the highest pH levels. The community structure of the principal bacterial and archaeal communities in the five subterranean clays exhibited similarity, and all samples were dominated by Firmicutes as the primary bacterial group. However, there was variation in bacterial abundance. The cellar mud also has obvious regional differences, and there are three genera of differentially dominant archaea in the archaea. In summary, significant differences were observed in the physicochemical indexes of bacterial and archaeal abundance across all five samples. These differences led to variations in both the content and composition of volatile constituents.

Appropriate stocking density plays an important role in ensuring the stability and improving the overall efficiency of the vermicomposting system. Although some studies have shown that earthworms can degrade lignocellulosic materials, relatively few studies have been conducted on the effect of earthworm stocking density on the degradation of a single green waste (GW) with high lignocellulosic content. Therefore, this study investigated the degradation effect of earthworms on GW at different stocking densities, and assessed the stability and maturity of the whole vermicomposting by comprehensively analysing the changes in physicochemical and biological properties of earthworms during vermicomposting, and by combining the growth of earthworms with a multi-dimensional assessment of the stability and maturity of the whole vermicomposting. In this study, six stocking densities (CK-T5) were set up, namely, no earthworms, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 worms/kg. The results showed that compared with the CK (without earthworms), when there were 30 earthworms per kg of GW (i.e. T3), the total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, organic matter decomposition, bacterial and fungal numbers, and germination index of earthworm compost products increased by 14 %, 29 %, 32 %, 35 %, 42 %, 94 %, and 125 %, respectively. T3 also enhanced the activities of cellulase and alkaline phosphatase. The results were further supported by principal component analysis. Finally, we conclude that when the stocking density of earthworms is appropriate (T3), it not only favours the growth of earthworms, but also positively affects the physicochemical properties of the vermicomposting process, which in turn significantly improves the biodegradation efficiency of GW.

This study used a combination method of ultrafine grinding and pregelatinization to modify rice starch (RS) to delay its retrogradation and provide a rationale for prolonging rice product shelf life. The structure and physicochemical properties of the pregelatinized ultrafine grinding rice starch (PURS) were compared with those of RS, ultrafine grinding rice starch (URS), and pregelatinized rice starch (PRS). The microstructure, molecular weight, branched starch length distribution, short-range order, crystal structure, and physical properties of RS, URS, PRS, and PURS were analyzed, respectively. Results showed that RS, URS, PRS, and PURS granules exhibited similar spherical or polygonal shapes, and the content of amylose and short-branched starch in PURS increased compared with RS, URS, and PRS. Furthermore, the cross-polarization of PRS and PURS disappeared. Long-chain amylopectin and average molecular weight of PURS decreased significantly after ultrafine grinding. Our study suggested reduced breakdown value and setback value and improved gel stability, and PURS was beneficial for delaying retrogradation compared to RS, URS, and PRS. The ultrafine grinding method improved the water swelling capacity (WSC), solubility, pasting properties, and gelation properties of PRS. The hardness of PURS was reduced by ultrafine grinding. These suggest that the combination of ultrafine grinding and pregelatinization could improve the properties of RS. Pearson\'s correlation analysis showed that the structure of PURS significantly influenced the physicochemical properties. The present study was helpful in better understanding the importance of ultrafine grinding in improving the anti-retrogradation of PURS and provided new insights into extending the shelf life of rice products by ultrafine grinding and pregelatinization.

Intracellular biomolecular condensates, which form via phase separation, display a highly organized ultrastructure and complex properties. Recent advances in optical imaging techniques, including super-resolution microscopy and innovative microscopic methods that leverage the intrinsic properties of the molecules observed, have transcended the limitations of conventional microscopies. These advances facilitate the exploration of condensates at finer scales and in greater detail. The deployment of these emerging but sophisticated imaging tools allows for precise observations of the multiphasic organization and physicochemical properties of these condensates, shedding light on their functions in cellular processes. In this review, we highlight recent progress in methodological innovations and their profound implications for understanding the organization and dynamics of intracellular biomolecular condensates.

Salts of weakly basic drugs can partially dissociate in formulations, to give basic drugs and counter acids. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of physicochemical properties on the basic drug-acid-polymer interactions and salt-polymer miscibility, and to explain the influence mechanism at the molecular level. Six maleate salts with different physicochemical properties were selected and PVA was used as the film forming material. The relationship between the physicochemical properties and the miscibility was presented with multiple linear regression analysis. The existence state of salts in formulations were determined by XRD and Raman imaging. The stability of salts was characterized by NMR and XPS. The intermolecular interactions were investigated by FTIR and NMR. The results showed that the salt-PVA miscibility was related to polar surface area of salts and Tg of free bases, which represented hydrogen bond interaction and solubility potential. The basic drug-acid-PVA intermolecular interactions determined the existence state and bonding pattern of the three molecules. Meanwhile, the decrease of the stability after formulation increased the number of free bases in orodispersible films, which in turn affected the miscibility with PVA. The study provided references for the rational design of PVA based orodispersible films.

Acrylic resins are widely used as the main components in removable orthodontic appliances. However, poor oral hygiene and maintenance of orthodontic appliances provide a suitable environment for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, strontium-modified phosphate-based glass (Sr-PBG) was added to orthodontic acrylic resin at 0% (control), 3.75%, 7.5%, and 15% by weight to evaluate the surface and physicochemical properties of the novel material and its in vitro antifungal effect against Candida albicans (C. albicans). Surface microhardness and contact angle did not vary between the control and 3.75% Sr-PBG groups (p > 0.05), and the flexural strength was lower in the experimental groups than in the control group (p < 0.05), but no difference was found with Sr-PBG content (p > 0.05). All experimental groups showed an antifungal effect at 24 and 48 h compared to that in the control group (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that 3.75% Sr-PBG exhibits antifungal effects against C. albicans along with suitable physicochemical properties, which may help to minimize the risk of adverse effects associated with harmful microbial living on removable orthodontic appliances and promote the use of various materials.

Composting additives can significantly enhance green waste (GW) composting. However, their effectiveness is limited due to the short action duration of a single-period addition. Therefore, this study proposes that multi-period additive modes to prolong the action duration, expedite lignocellulose degradation, reduce composting time, and enhance product quality. This study conducted six treatments (T1-T6), introducing a compound additive (BLP) during the mesophilic (MP) and cooling periods (CP). Each treatment consistently maintained 25% total BLP addition of GW dry weight, with variations only in the BLP distribution in different periods. The composition of BLP consists of Wbiochar: Wlactic acid: Wpond sediment in a ratio of 10:1:40. Specifically, T1 added 25% BLP in CP, T2 added 5% in MP and 20% in CP, T3 added 10% in MP and 15% in CP, T4 added 15% in MP and 10% in CP, T5 added 20% in MP and 5% in CP, and T6 added 25% in MP. In this study, composting temperature, pH value, electrical conductivity, total porosity, the contents of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and nutrient, scanning electron microscopy images, germination index, and the successions of different bacteria and fungi at the phylum and genus levels were detailed. Results showed T4 achieved two thermophilic periods and matured in just 25 days. T4 enhanced lignocellulose degradation rates (lignin: 16-53%, cellulose: 14-23%, hemicellulose: 9-48%) and improved nutrient content. The above results, combined with correlation analysis and structural equation model, indicated that T4 may promote the development of dominant bacteria (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes) by regulating compost physicochemical properties and facilitate the growth of dominant fungi (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) by modulating nutrient supply capacity. This ultimately leads to a microbial community structure more conducive to lignocellulose degradation and nutrient preservation. In summary, this study reveals the comprehensive effects of single-period and multi-period addition methods on GW composting, providing a valuable basis for optimizing the use of additives and enhancing the efficiency and quality of GW composting.

Dietary fibers have attracted much attention due to their multiple benefits on gut health. In this work, the protective mechanism of dietary fiber from sweetpotato residues (SRDF) on the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced intestinal barrier injury was investigated using microbiome-metabolomics-based approach. The physicochemical property analysis demonstrated a thermal stability below 200 °C and porous pectin-polysaccharide structure of SRDF with high in vitro functional activities. The biochemical analysis indicated that SRDF significantly ameliorated intestinal barrier function by improving intestinal morphology and permeability and inhibiting inflammatory response. Microbiome analysis demonstrated that SRDF significantly reversed the HFD-induced dysbacteriosis, decreased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroides and enhanced the relative abundance of probiotics, such as Muribaculaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae. Metabolomics analysis showed that SRDF also significantly altered the metabolic profile in the colon, wherein the differential metabolites were mainly involved in amino acid metabolism (especially tryptophan). Pearson correlation coefficient identified the beneficial relationship between intestinal microbiome and metabolome induced by SRDF. The limitation of this study was that the mouse model may not fully replicate the human intestinal responses due to the difference between the standard environmental conditions and natural world. Generally, our results implied the great potential of SRDF as a functional food ingredient.

Recent research has primarily focused on strategies for modifying insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) to enhance its performance and functionality. IDF is obtained from various inexpensive sources and can be manipulated to alter its biological effects, making it possible to revolutionize food processing and nutrition. In this review, multiple IDF modification techniques are thoroughly examined and discussed, with particular emphasis on the resulting changes in the physicochemical properties, biological activities, and microstructure of the fiber. An extensive overview of the practical applications of modified IDF in food processing is provided. Our study aims to raise awareness about the vast possibilities presented by modified IDF and encourage further exploration and utilization of this field in the realm of food production.