Brain diseases affect millions of people and have a huge social and economic impact.The use of neural probes for studies in animals has been the main approach to increasing knowledge about neural network functioning.U...Brain diseases affect millions of people and have a huge social and economic impact.The use of neural probes for studies in animals has been the main approach to increasing knowledge about neural network functioning.Ultimately,neuroscientists are trying to develop new and more effective therapeutic approaches to treating neurological disorders.The implementation of neural probes with multifunctionalities(electrical,optical,and fluidic interactions)has been increasing in the last few years,leading to the creation of devices with high temporal and spatial resolution.Increasing the applicability of,and elements integrated into,neural probes has also led to the necessity to create flexible interfaces,reducing neural tissue damage during probe implantation and increasing the quality of neural acquisition data.In this paper,we review the fabrication,characterization,and validation of several types of flexible neural probes,exploring the main advantages and drawbacks of these devices.Finally,future developments and applications are covered.Overall,this review aims to present the currently available flexible devices and future appropriate avenues for development as possible guidance for future engineered devices.展开更多
The widespread and indiscriminate use of biocides poses significant threats to global health,socioeconomic development,and environmental sustainability by accelerating antibiotic resistance.Bacterial resistance develo...The widespread and indiscriminate use of biocides poses significant threats to global health,socioeconomic development,and environmental sustainability by accelerating antibiotic resistance.Bacterial resistance development is highly complex and influenced significantly by environmental factors.Increased biocide usage in households,agriculture,livestock farming,industrial settings,and hospitals produces persistent chemical residues that pollute soil and aquatic environments.Such contaminants contribute to the selection and proliferation of resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes(ARGs),facilitating their dissemination among humans,animals,and ecosystems.In this review,we conduct a critical assessment of four significant issues pertaining to this topic.Specifically,(i)the role of biocides in exerting selective pressure within the environmental resistome,thereby promoting the proliferation of resistant microbial populations and contributing to the global spread of antimicrobial resistance genes(ARGs);(ii)the role of biocides in triggering transient phenotypic adaptations in bacteria,including efflux pump overexpression,membrane alterations,and reduced porin expression,which often result in cross-resistance to multiple antibiotics;(iii)the capacity of biocides to disrupt bacteria and make the genetic content accessible,releasing DNA into the environment that remains intact under certain conditions,facilitating horizontal gene transfer and the spread of resistance determinants;(iv)the capacity of biocides to disrupt bacterial cells,releasing intact DNA into the environment and enhancing horizontal gene transfer of resistance determinants;and(iv)the selective interactions between biocides and bacterial biofilms in the environment,strengthening biofilm cohesion,inducing resistance mechanisms,and creating reservoirs for resistant microorganisms and ARG dissemination.Collectively,this review highlights the critical environmental and public health implications of biocide use,emphasizing an urgent need for strategic interventions to mitigate their role in antibiotic resistance proliferation.展开更多
The growing environmental awareness,the search for alternatives to fossil resources,and the goal of achieving a circular economy have all contributed to the increasing valorization of biowaste to produce bio-based pol...The growing environmental awareness,the search for alternatives to fossil resources,and the goal of achieving a circular economy have all contributed to the increasing valorization of biowaste to produce bio-based polymers and other high-value products.Among the various biowaste materials,lignin has gained significant attention due to its high aromatic carbon content,low cost,and abundance.Lignin is predominantly sourced as a byproduct from the paper industry,available in large quantities from hardwood and softwood,with variations in chemical structure and susceptibility to hydrolysis.This study focuses on softwood lignin obtained through the LignoForce^(TM) technology,comparing the thermal and chemical characteristics,and stability,of a recently produced batch with that of a batch that has been stored for four years.Additionally,the development of lignin-based thermoplastic polymer mixtures using Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol(PET-G)and a blend of Polycarbonate and Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene(PC/ABS)with high lignin content(50–60 wt%)is explored,as well as the production of filaments for carbon fiber production.For this purpose,following melt mixing,the lignin-based mixtures were spun into filaments,which were subsequently subjected to thermal stabilization in an oxidative atmosphere.The lignin phase was well distributed in the PET-Gmatrix and the twomaterials presented a good interface,which further improved after thermal treatment under an oxidative atmosphere.After thermal treatment an increase in tensile modulus,tensile strength,and elongation at break of approximately 160%,200%,and 100%,respectively,was observed,confirming the good interface established,and consistent with structural changes such as cross-linking.Conversely,the PC/ABS blend did not form a good interface with the lignin domains after melt mixing.Although the interactions improved after thermal treatment,the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased by approximately 30%,while themodulus increased by approximately 20%.Overall,the good processability of the lignin/polymer mixtures into filaments,and their physical,chemical,and mechanical characterization before and after thermal oxidation are good indicators of the potential as precursors for carbon fiber production.展开更多
The radial surface coating layer of compression piston rings is used to improve their wear resistance during the internal combustion engine operation.However,at top dead centers,the friction coefficient of the piston ...The radial surface coating layer of compression piston rings is used to improve their wear resistance during the internal combustion engine operation.However,at top dead centers,the friction coefficient of the piston ring–cylinder liner pair is detrimental to the engine’s tribological performance.In this work,dimples with different texture dimensions and densities were tested in a home-developed tribometer.The friction coefficient was measured for all samples,and for those with the best results,their wear resistance was assessed.The texture with an aspect ratio of 0.25 and a density area of 15%reported the best tribological results.展开更多
基金This work was supported by the CMEMS-UMinho Strategic Project(Nos.UIDB/04436/2020 and UIDP/04436/2020)and the MPhotonBiopsy(No.PTDC/FIS-OTI/1259/2020https://doi.org/10.54499/PTDC/FIS-OTI/1259/2020)+2 种基金João R.FREITAS thanks Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia(FCT)for the Ph.D.grant(No.2020.07708.BD)Sara PIMENTA thanks FCT for the grant(No.2022.00101.CEECIND/CP1718/CT0008https://doi.org/10.54499/2022.00101.CEECIND/CP1718/CT0008).
文摘Brain diseases affect millions of people and have a huge social and economic impact.The use of neural probes for studies in animals has been the main approach to increasing knowledge about neural network functioning.Ultimately,neuroscientists are trying to develop new and more effective therapeutic approaches to treating neurological disorders.The implementation of neural probes with multifunctionalities(electrical,optical,and fluidic interactions)has been increasing in the last few years,leading to the creation of devices with high temporal and spatial resolution.Increasing the applicability of,and elements integrated into,neural probes has also led to the necessity to create flexible interfaces,reducing neural tissue damage during probe implantation and increasing the quality of neural acquisition data.In this paper,we review the fabrication,characterization,and validation of several types of flexible neural probes,exploring the main advantages and drawbacks of these devices.Finally,future developments and applications are covered.Overall,this review aims to present the currently available flexible devices and future appropriate avenues for development as possible guidance for future engineered devices.
基金supported by national funds through FCT/MCTES(PIDDAC):LEPABE,UIDB/00511/2020(DOI:10.54499/UIDB/00511/2020)UIDP/00511/2020(DOI:10.54499/UIDP/00511/2020)+2 种基金ALiCE,LA/P/0045/2020(DOI:10.54499/LA/P/0045/2020)by Project Innov Anti Biofilm(ref.101157363)financed by European Commission(Horizon-Widera 2023-Acess-02/Horizon-CSA)Mariana Sousa's PhD scholarship(2023.00337.BD)is provided by The Foundation for Science and Technology(FCT).
文摘The widespread and indiscriminate use of biocides poses significant threats to global health,socioeconomic development,and environmental sustainability by accelerating antibiotic resistance.Bacterial resistance development is highly complex and influenced significantly by environmental factors.Increased biocide usage in households,agriculture,livestock farming,industrial settings,and hospitals produces persistent chemical residues that pollute soil and aquatic environments.Such contaminants contribute to the selection and proliferation of resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes(ARGs),facilitating their dissemination among humans,animals,and ecosystems.In this review,we conduct a critical assessment of four significant issues pertaining to this topic.Specifically,(i)the role of biocides in exerting selective pressure within the environmental resistome,thereby promoting the proliferation of resistant microbial populations and contributing to the global spread of antimicrobial resistance genes(ARGs);(ii)the role of biocides in triggering transient phenotypic adaptations in bacteria,including efflux pump overexpression,membrane alterations,and reduced porin expression,which often result in cross-resistance to multiple antibiotics;(iii)the capacity of biocides to disrupt bacteria and make the genetic content accessible,releasing DNA into the environment that remains intact under certain conditions,facilitating horizontal gene transfer and the spread of resistance determinants;(iv)the capacity of biocides to disrupt bacterial cells,releasing intact DNA into the environment and enhancing horizontal gene transfer of resistance determinants;and(iv)the selective interactions between biocides and bacterial biofilms in the environment,strengthening biofilm cohesion,inducing resistance mechanisms,and creating reservoirs for resistant microorganisms and ARG dissemination.Collectively,this review highlights the critical environmental and public health implications of biocide use,emphasizing an urgent need for strategic interventions to mitigate their role in antibiotic resistance proliferation.
基金funded by Project Better Plastics—Plastics in a Circular Economy—PPS4(Circularity by Alternative Feedstocks)Grant agreement ID:POCI-01-0247-FEDER-046091RR was funded by FCT through the PhD grant with reference UI/BD/154446/2022.
文摘The growing environmental awareness,the search for alternatives to fossil resources,and the goal of achieving a circular economy have all contributed to the increasing valorization of biowaste to produce bio-based polymers and other high-value products.Among the various biowaste materials,lignin has gained significant attention due to its high aromatic carbon content,low cost,and abundance.Lignin is predominantly sourced as a byproduct from the paper industry,available in large quantities from hardwood and softwood,with variations in chemical structure and susceptibility to hydrolysis.This study focuses on softwood lignin obtained through the LignoForce^(TM) technology,comparing the thermal and chemical characteristics,and stability,of a recently produced batch with that of a batch that has been stored for four years.Additionally,the development of lignin-based thermoplastic polymer mixtures using Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol(PET-G)and a blend of Polycarbonate and Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene(PC/ABS)with high lignin content(50–60 wt%)is explored,as well as the production of filaments for carbon fiber production.For this purpose,following melt mixing,the lignin-based mixtures were spun into filaments,which were subsequently subjected to thermal stabilization in an oxidative atmosphere.The lignin phase was well distributed in the PET-Gmatrix and the twomaterials presented a good interface,which further improved after thermal treatment under an oxidative atmosphere.After thermal treatment an increase in tensile modulus,tensile strength,and elongation at break of approximately 160%,200%,and 100%,respectively,was observed,confirming the good interface established,and consistent with structural changes such as cross-linking.Conversely,the PC/ABS blend did not form a good interface with the lignin domains after melt mixing.Although the interactions improved after thermal treatment,the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased by approximately 30%,while themodulus increased by approximately 20%.Overall,the good processability of the lignin/polymer mixtures into filaments,and their physical,chemical,and mechanical characterization before and after thermal oxidation are good indicators of the potential as precursors for carbon fiber production.
基金supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia(FCT)and MAHLE,Componentes de Motores,S.A.through the grant SFRH/BDE/110654/2015by the project Add-Additive with the reference POCI-01-0247-FEDER-024533.
文摘The radial surface coating layer of compression piston rings is used to improve their wear resistance during the internal combustion engine operation.However,at top dead centers,the friction coefficient of the piston ring–cylinder liner pair is detrimental to the engine’s tribological performance.In this work,dimples with different texture dimensions and densities were tested in a home-developed tribometer.The friction coefficient was measured for all samples,and for those with the best results,their wear resistance was assessed.The texture with an aspect ratio of 0.25 and a density area of 15%reported the best tribological results.
