Durable Self-Cleaning Radiative Cooling Coatings for Building Energy Efficiency.

Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) is an energy-saving technology without an additional energy supply or environmental pollution. At present, most PDRC coatings for buildings are only aiming at high solar reflectivity (RS) and high mid-infrared emissivity (EMIR) while ignoring practicalities such as adhesion strength, scalability, and durability. In this work, modified calcined kaolin/(ethylene trifluorochloroethylene copolymer-polydimethylsiloxane) (MK/(FEVE-PDMS)) coating with super practicability is prepared by using MK as a filler, FEVE as an adhesive, and PDMS as a hydrophobic modifier. The RS and EMIR of the coating are 92.5 and 94.6%, respectively. The MK/(FEVE-PDMS) coating exhibits superhydrophobicity, with an advancing contact angle (ACA) of 160.2° and a hysteresis contact angle of 7.3°. At an average solar irradiance of 742.78 W m-2, the coating achieved a temperature drop of 13.12 °C (shielded with PE film) and 3.09 °C (without shielding), respectively, relative to the environment. The coating adheres firmly to the substrate with an adhesion strength of class 2. The superhydrophobicity of the coating provides excellent durability and ease of repair, which can resist UV aging and mechanical damage. The durable superhydrophobicity gives the coating long-term stability in PDRC performance. Additionally, the cheap raw materials and the preparation process, consistent with the production of existing paints, show excellent scalability. Moreover, the energy consumption simulation results show that the energy saving ratio of the coating is more than 10% in the densely populated Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta. The durable self-cleaning radiative coating developed in this work has potential application prospects in areas where the demand for cooling in summer is large and the demand for heating in winter is small.

Exploring the immune escape mechanisms in gastric cancer patients based on the deep AI algorithms and single-cell sequencing analysis.

Gastric cancer is a prevalent and deadly malignancy, and the response to immunotherapy varies among patients. This study aimed to develop a prognostic model for gastric cancer patients and investigate immune escape mechanisms using deep machine learning and single-cell sequencing analysis. Data from public databases were analysed, and a prediction model was constructed using 101 algorithms. The high-AIDPS group, characterized by increased AIDPS expression, exhibited worse survival, genomic variations and immune cell infiltration. These patients also showed immunotherapy tolerance. Treatment strategies targeting the high-AIDPS group identified three potential drugs. Additionally, distinct cluster groups and upregulated AIDPS-associated genes were observed in gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines. Inhibition of GHRL expression suppressed cancer cell activity, inhibited M2 polarization in macrophages and reduced invasiveness. Overall, AIDPS plays a critical role in gastric cancer prognosis, genomic variations, immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy response, and targeting GHRL expression holds promise for personalized treatment. These findings contribute to improved clinical management in gastric cancer.

Non-transgenic, PAMAM co-delivery DNA of interactive proteins NbCRVP and NbCalB endows Nicotiana benthamiana with a stronger antiviral effect to RNA viruses.

BACKGROUND: Viral diseases continue to pose a major threat to the world's commercial crops. The in-depth exploration and efficient utilization of resistance proteins have become crucial strategies for their control. However, current delivery methods for introducing foreign DNA suffer from host range limitations, low transformation efficiencies, tissue damage, or unavoidable DNA integration into the host genome. The nanocarriers provides a convenient channel for the DNA delivery and functional utilization of disease-resistant proteins. RESULTS: In this research, we identified a cysteine-rich venom protein (NbCRVP) in Nicotiana benthamiana for the first time. Virus-induced gene silencing and transient overexpression clarified that NbCRVP could inhibit the infection of tobacco mosaic virus, potato virus Y, and cucumber mosaic virus, making it a broad-spectrum antiviral protein. Yeast two-hybrid assay, co-immunoprecipitation, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation revealed that calcium-dependent lipid-binding (CaLB domain) family protein (NbCalB) interacted with NbCRVP to assist NbCRVP playing a stronger antiviral effect. Here, we demonstrated for the first time the efficient co-delivery of DNA expressing NbCRVP and NbCalB into plants using poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) nanocarriers, achieving stronger broad-spectrum antiviral effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our work presents a tool for species-independent transfer of two interacting protein DNA into plant cells in a specific ratio for enhanced antiviral effect without transgenic integration, which further demonstrated new strategies for nanocarrier-mediated DNA delivery of disease-resistant proteins.

Innovative Solid Slippery Coating: Uniting Mechanical Durability, Optical Transparency, Anti-Icing, and Anti-Graffiti Traits.

Slippery coatings, such as the slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS), have gained significant attention for their potential applications in anti-icing and anti-fouling. However, they lack durability when subjected to mechanical impact. In this study, we have developed a robust slippery coating by blending polyurethane acrylate (PUA) with methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and perfluoropolyether (PFPE) in the solvent of butyl acetate. The resulting mixture is homogeneous and allows for uniform coating on various substrates using a drop coating process followed by drying at 160 °C for 3 h. The cured coating exhibits excellent water repellency (contact angle of ~108° and sliding angle of ~8°), high transparency (average visible transmittance of ~90%), exceptional adherence to the substrate (5B rating according to ASTMD 3359), and remarkable hardness (4H on the pencil hardness scale). Moreover, the coating is quite flexible and can be folded without affecting its wettability. The robustness of the coating is evident in its ability to maintain a sliding angle below 25° even when subjected to abrasion, water jetting, high temperature, and UV irradiation. Due to its excellent nonwetting properties, the coating can be employed in anti-icing, anti-graffiti, and anti-sticking applications. It effectively reduces ice adhesion on aluminum substrates from approximately 217 kPa to 12 kPa. Even after 20 cycles of icing and de-icing, there is only a slight increase in ice adhesion, stabilizing at 40 kPa. The coating can resist graffiti for up to 400 cycles of writing with an oily marker pen and erasing with a tissue. Additionally, the coating allows for easy removal of 3M tape thereon without leaving any residue.

Nanoparticle-dsRNA Treatment of Pollen and Root Systems of Diseased Plants Effectively Reduces the Rate of Tobacco Mosaic Virus in Contemporary Seeds.

Most crop viruses are carried and spread by seeds. Virus-infected seeds are seed-borne viral disease infections, and thus, reducing the rate of seed infection is an urgent problem in the seed-production industry. The objective of this study was to use nanoparticles (NPs) to directly deliver dsRNA into plants or pollen to initiate RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce viral carryover in seeds. Chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (HACC), complexed with dsRNAs, was selected for targeting the genes for the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) coat protein (CP) and TMV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) to form HACC-dsRNA NPs. These NP-based dsRNAs were delivered to the plants using four different methods, including infiltration, spraying, root soaking, and pollen internalization. All four methods were able to reduce the seed-carrying rate of offspring seeds of the TMV-infected plants, with pollen internalization being the most effective in reducing the TMV-carrying rate from 95.1 to 61.1% in the control group. By measuring the plant uptake of fluorescence-labeled NPs and dsRNAs, the transportation of the HACC-dsRNA NPs into the plants was observed, and the uptake of dsRNA in combination with small RNA sequencing was further confirmed, resulting in the silencing of homologous RNA molecules during the topical application. The results demonstrated that the incidence of TMV infection was reduced by various degrees via RNAi induction without the need to develop transgenic plants. These results demonstrate the advantages of NP-based RNAi technology in breeding for disease resistance and developing a new strategy for virus-resistant breeding in plants.

Unraveling the regulatory network of miRNA expression in Potato Y virus-infected of Nicotiana benthamiana using integrated small RNA and transcriptome sequencing.

Potato virus Y (PVY) disease is a global problem that causes significant damage to crop quality and yield. As traditional chemical control methods are ineffective against PVY, it is crucial to explore new control strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in plant and animal defense responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. These endogenous miRNAs act as a link between antiviral gene pathways and host immunity. Several miRNAs target plant immune genes and are involved in the virus infection process. In this study, we conducted small RNA sequencing and transcriptome sequencing on healthy and PVY-infected N. benthamiana tissues (roots, stems, and leaves). Through bioinformatics analysis, we predicted potential targets of differentially expressed miRNAs using the N. benthamiana reference genome and the PVY genome. We then compared the identified differentially expressed mRNAs with the predicted target genes to uncover the complex relationships between miRNAs and their targets. This study successfully constructed a miRNA-mRNA network through the joint analysis of Small RNA sequencing and transcriptome sequencing, which unveiled potential miRNA targets and identified potential binding sites of miRNAs on the PVY genome. This miRNA-mRNA regulatory network suggests the involvement of miRNAs in the virus infection process.

Preparation of ZnO Nanoparticle/Acrylic Resin Superhydrophobic Coating via Blending Method and Its Wear Resistance and Antibacterial Properties.

Herein, a facile method for the preparation of an acrylic resin-based superhydrophobic coating is provided. Firstly, ZnO nanoparticles were modified with silane to obtain hydrophobic ZnO, which was then homogeneously blended with acrylic resin. Subsequently, the mixture was sprayed on an aluminum sheet to form a cured coating. The surface composition and morphology of the coating were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hydrophobicity, wear resistance, and antibacterial properties of the prepared samples were tested. The optimized hydrophobicity was achieved with 10 wt% modification agent and resin-to-ZnO mass ratio of 1:4, exhibiting contact and sliding angles of 168.11° and 7.2°, respectively. Wear resistance was insufficient with a low resin content, while it grew with the increase in the resin content. However, when the resin content was excessively high, the hydrophobicity was reduced because the resin could wrap the modified ZnO nanoparticles and decrease the number of hydrophobic groups on the surface. Compared with the pure acrylic resin coating, the ZnO nanoparticle/acrylic resin superhydrophobic coating demonstrated a significant enhancement in the antibacterial properties.

Water and mildew proof SiO2 & ZnO/silica sol superhydrophobic composite coating on a circuit board.

In order to improve the waterproof and mildew resistance of electronic equipment, a superhydrophobic coating was prepared on a circuit board. First, hexadecyl trimethoxysilane was used to modify the nano silica and nano zinc oxide particles, and then the modified nanoparticles were mixed with the silica sol. Then the superhydrophobic coating was prepared on the surface of the printed circuit board by a spraying process. The preparation technology and physical and chemical properties of the coating were studied. The contact angle of the final sample can reach 169.47°, the sliding angle can reach 1.2°, it has good acid and alkali corrosion resistance, resistance to NaCl, self-cleaning performance and antimildew performance.

The polydopamine-enhanced superadhesion and fracture strength of honeycomb polyurethane porous membranes.

The superhydrophobic properties of biological surfaces in nature have attracted extensive attention in scientific and industrial circles. Relative to the rolling superhydrophobic state of lotus leaves, the adhesive superhydrophobic state of geckos and Parthenocissus tricuspidata is also significant in many fields. In this work, polydopamine (PDA) with its excellent biological compatibility and strong adhesion was selected as a substance to simulate the secretion of the suckers of P. tricuspidata and it was precipitated at the surface of honeycomb polyurethane porous membranes (PUPM). The results demonstrated that the honeycomb PUPM, as prepared, displayed special super-adhesion properties similar to those of geckos and P. tricuspidata. PDA formed via self-polymerization in aqueous solution was equivalent to a double-sided adhesive, acquiring a micro-nano structure of PDA and PUPM and displaying increased surface hydrophobicity and improved adhesion properties. Even when the surface precipitation of PDA and modification with n-dodecyl mercaptan made the contact angle increase to more than 160°, the surface adhesion to water was rather strong and remained stable. The addition of the PDA adhesive can effectively change the microporous structure of PUPM, enhancing the viscosity, and facilitating an enhancement in the fracture strength.

Tunable water adhesion on titanium oxide surfaces with different surface structures.

Tunable water adhesion with high static contact angle (SCA) on titanium oxide surfaces was achieved by a two-step process: first, titanium oxide surfaces with different structures were obtained by immersion the titanium alloy substrates into H2O-H2O2-HF solution at 140 °C for different time of 30, 60, and 120 min; then, low-surface-energy molecules of 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (PFOTS) were deposited thereon. SCA for all so-fabricated samples were higher than 150° and sliding angle (SA) for different immersion time of 30 min, 60 min, and 120 min is 180°, 31±2°, and 8±1°, respectively. To analyze the correlation between the surface structures and the dynamic wetting behaviors, we adopted, three contact modes (i.e., Wenzel, Cassie impregnating, and Cassie modes). The analyses showed that the surface adhesion was influenced greatly by water/solid interfacial interaction and could be artificially tuned between Wenzel state with high adhesion to Cassie state with low adhesion through the design of appropriate microstructures.

[Comparative study on the genotoxicity of gasoline-fueled vehicle exhaust and methanol-fueled vehicle exhaust].

OBJECTIVE: Comparing the genotoxicity of gasoline-fueled vehicle exhaust (gasoline exhaust for short) with that of methanol-fueled vehicle exhaust (methanol exhaust for short) so as to provide a scientific basis for replacement of gasoline by methanol as fuel in vehicle. METHODS: The MTT method was used first to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the two kinds of vehicle exhausts, and the concentration that had no obvious cytotoxicity would be used as the highest dose in the experiments. The A549 cells micronucleus test and single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay (comet assay) in vitro were applied to compare the genotoxicity of gasoline exhaust and methanol exhaust. RESULTS: The MTT results showed that the gasoline-fueled vehicle exhaust exerted stronger cytotoxicity to A549 cells in both 2 h and 24 h exposure times, compared with the methanol exhaust. In A549 cells micronucleus test in vitro, at doses 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 L/ml, the micronucleated cell (MNC) rates were 2.65%, 4.35%, 4.95% and 5.85% respectively, which were higher than those (1.30% and 1.35%) of controls (P<0.01). For the methanol-fueled vehicle exhaust, there was no significant difference in the rate of A549 cells micronucleus between the test groups and control group. In the comet assay, gasoline-fueled vehicle exhaust could induce A549 cells DNA damage. The rate of caudate cell and the length of DNA migration increased with the escalation of dosing level. However, the methanol-fueled vehicle exhaust did not show any DNA damage to A549 cells. CONCLUSION: The results demanstrate that gasoline-fueled vehicle exhaust can induce DNA and chromosome damage, it has a distinct genotoxicity, whereas the methanol-fueled vehicle exhaust does not show any potential genotoxicity in both tests.