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This scientific investigation emphasizes the essential integration of nature's influence in crafting multifunctional surfaces with bio-inspired designs for enhanced functionality and environmental advantages. The study introduces an innovative approach, merging color decoration, humidity sensing, and antiviral properties into a unified surface using chitosan, an organo-biological polymer, to create cost-effective multilayered films through sol-gel deposition and UV photoinduced deposition of metal nanoparticles. The resulting chitosan films showcase diverse structural colors and demonstrate significant antiviral efficiency, with a 50% and 85% virus inhibition rate within a rapid 20 min reaction, validated through fluorescence cell expression and real-time qPCR (polymerase chain reaction) assays. Silver-deposited chitosan films further enhance antiviral activity, achieving remarkable 91% and 95% inhibition in independent assays. These films exhibit humidity-responsive color modifications across a 25–90% relative humidity range, enabling real-time monitoring validated through simulation studies. The proposed three-in-one functional surface can have versatile applications in surface decoration, medicine, air conditioning, and the food industry. It can serve as a real-time humidity sensor for indoor and outdoor surfaces, find use in biomedical devices for continuous humidity monitoring, and offer antiviral protection for frequently handled devices and tools. The customizable colors enhance visual appeal, making it a comprehensive solution for diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid type of polyimide fibers (PIF) grafted with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was developed for high-temperature tribological applications. Compared to pure PI samples, the mechanical properties (i.e., Young's modulus and hardness) of the PIF-based composite were enhanced following a rule of mixture prediction; the onset decomposition temperature of the MWCNT-PIF-based composite was increased by 14.5 °C and the wear rate at 300 °C decreased by 34.5%. To understand the grafting mechanism, Dmol3 simulation was performed, which revealed that the benzene ring and the hydroxyl group of diene-acceptor (DA) donated electrons to the oxygen atom in the nitrogen-containing five-membered ring of PIF and the straight chain structures had higher reactivity than a branched chain structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) have received growing attention due to their good water resistance, environmental friendliness, and recyclability. For the application of WPCs in interior decoration and other high–value fields, it is necessary to preserve these characteristics whilst enhancing their mechanical properties and surface aesthetics. In this study, we used a sandwich structure and four interface modifiers to prepare wood veneer/wood flour–polyvinyl chloride composites (WWPVCs). The results revealed that the WWPVCs treated with a silane coupling agent exhibited superior interfacial bonding and mechanical properties compared to those obtained using other interface modifiers. The interfacial bonding strength of the treated sample reached 1.22 MPa, which was 122% higher than that of the untreated sample. In addition, the wood failure ratio of the optimal sample reached 80%. Furthermore, the dipping–peeling length was found to be shorter than those achieved using other interface modifiers after tests at 63 and 100 °C, indicating that the material treated using the silane coupling agent exhibits an excellent resistance to moisture and heat. Notably, silane coupling agents are easily prepared as solvent–based modifiers, and they do not release harmful gases (e.g., formaldehyde), thereby rendering them highly effective in the preparation of environmentally friendly WPC products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural properties and whiteness of the substrate surface markedly effect printing quality and are closely related to the primer coating processes. Herein, four different roller coating schemes were applied on MDF surfaces to change their structural properties and color, and the whiteness, gloss, and roughness properties of the substrate surfaces were characterized for UV inkjet printing. Data analysis was conducted to explore the effects of these variables on the color reproduction, relative contrast, and printing gloss of the MDF substrates. The results showed that, according to CMYK, L*a*b* values and spectral reflectance data, the finishing of the MDF substrate with a 40 g/m2 layer of transparent primer combined with three layers of white primer at 20 g/m2 per roll coating layer had the best color reproduction effect for UV inkjet printing. Regarding the effects of relative contrast, the correlation with whiteness and glossiness was significant, while the correlation with glossiness was minor. The inkjet printing gloss value was positively correlated with substrate primer surface whiteness, while it was negatively correlated with roughness. When the surface whiteness of the substrate was relatively high, the roughness was lower and the printing effects were glossier. We sought to optimize the printing effects of all aspects of the MDF substrate by primer coating. The results of this work provide a feasible application method to improve printing quality and enhance the added value of low-quality boards, as well as to further expand the application of UV inkjet printing in the wood decoration market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the activity enhancement effect of noble metal deposited on TiO2 in photocatalytic nitrogen oxides oxidation. Titanium dioxide was decorated with Ag, Au, Pt or Pd in the sol-gel process. Synthesized catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurement (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). All catalysts together with pure TiO2 obtained by sol-gel (SG) technique were tested for their photocatalytic activity towards nitrogen oxide oxidation (high concentrations of 50, 150 and 250 ppm). FTIR spectrometry was used to determine the gas phase composition and identify TiO2 surface species. The Ag0.1 sample turned out to be deactivated within 60 min of UV/Vis irradiation. Photocatalytic oxidation rate towards NO2 turned to be the highest over SG (photocatalyst without metal deposition). NO2 formation was also observed for Au0.1, Au0.5, Pt0.1, Pt0.5 and Pd0.1. The best NOx removal, i.e., conversion to final product HNO3 was obtained with the Au0.5 photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ptolemaic Egypt (ca. 332–30 BC), numerous physical spaces served as loci of identity negotiation for elite individuals inhabiting a setting where imported Greek traditions interacted with local Egyptian ones. Such negotiations, or maneuverings, often took place through visual culture. This essay explores a sample of the Greek architectural elements and surface decorations used in wealthy Ptolemaic homes and what they communicate about the residents' sense of identity. The decorative choices made for a home conveyed information about the social status and cultural allegiances of its owner(s). Some comparisons are possible between Ptolemaic homes in Alexandria, the Delta, and the Fayyum and those from other Hellenistic sites in the eastern Mediterranean such as Priene and Delos. Elites in Alexandria and the Egyptian chora incorporated Greek traditions into their homes and adapted them in increasingly novel ways, creating architecture and surface decoration that was uniquely Ptolemaic. These households were visually in dialogue both with broader Hellenistic trends and with their Egyptian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new data transformation method for micro-manufacturing using a topological model for a micro-/nano-texture was proposed for a surface-decorated product. Femtosecond laser printing was utilized to form the micro-/nano-textures into the hardened thick layer of dies by plasma nitriding. At first, the plasma-nitrided AISI316L flat substrate was laser-printed as a punch to imprint the tailored nano-textures onto the AA1060 aluminum plate for its surface decoration with topological emblems. Second, the plasma-nitrided SKD11 cylindrical punch was laser-trimmed to form the nanostructures on its side surface. This nano-texture was imprinted onto the hole surface concurrently with piercing a circular hole into electrical steel sheet. The fully burnished surface had a shiny, metallic quality due to the nano-texturing. The plasma nitriding, the laser printing and the CNC (computer numerical control) imprinting provided a way of transforming the tailored textures on the metallic product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coatings are of great significance for irons and steels in regards to the harsh marine environment. Graphene oxides (GO) have been considered as an ideal filler material of epoxy coating. However, the undesired dispersion in the epoxy together with easy agglomeration and stacking remain great problems for practical application of GO composited epoxy coatings. A method that can effectively solve both self-aggregation and poor dispersion of GO is highly desired. Herein, we present a high dispersion strategy of graphene oxides in epoxy by co-decoration of nano-SiO2 and silane coupling agent. The co-decorated GO filled epoxy coating exhibits high anti-corrosion performance, including high electrochemical impedance, high self-corrosive potential, low self-corrosive current, and superior electrochemical impedance stability for ten days to Q235 carbon steel. This work displays new possibilities for designing novel coating materials with high performance toward practical marine anti-corrosion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, the interest in ferritin-based vaccines has been increasing due to their safety and immunogenicity. Candidates against a wide range of pathogens are now on Phase I clinical trials namely for influenza, Epstein-Barr, and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Manufacturing challenges related to particle heterogeneity, improper folding of fused antigens, and antigen interference with intersubunit interactions still need to be overcome. In addition, protocols need to be standardized so that the production bioprocess becomes reproducible, allowing ferritin-based therapeutics to become readily available. In this review, the building blocks that enable the formulation of ferritin-based vaccines at an experimental stage, including design, production, and purification are presented. Novel bioengineering strategies of functionalizing ferritin nanoparticles based on modular assembly, allowing the challenges associated with genetic fusion to be circumvented, are discussed. Distinct up/down-stream approaches to produce ferritin-based vaccines and their impact on production yield and vaccine efficacy are compared. Finally, ferritin nanoparticles currently used in vaccine development and clinical trials are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial construction of spherical protein assemblies has attracted considerable attention due to its potential use in nanocontainers, nanocarriers, and nanoreactors. In this work, we demonstrate a novel strategy to construct peptide nanocapsules (artificial viral capsids) decorated with enzymes via interactions between His-tag and Ni-NTA. A β-annulus peptide derived from the tomato bushy stunt virus was modified with Ni-NTA at the C-terminus, which is directed toward the exterior surface of the artificial viral capsid. The β-annulus peptide bearing Ni-NTA at the C-terminus self-assembled into capsids of about 50 nm in diameter. The Ni-NTA-displayed capsids were complexed with recombinant horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with a C-terminal His-tag which was expressed in Escherichia coli. The β-annulus peptide-HRP complex formed spherical assemblies whose sizes were 30–90 nm, with the ζ-potential revealing that the HRP was decorated on the outer surface of the capsid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combinations of Co(II), octacyanidotungstate(V), and monodentate pyridine N-oxide (pyNO) or 4-phenylpyridine N-oxide (4-phpyNO) led to crystallization of novel crystalline phases {CoII[CoII8(pyNO)12(MeOH)12][WV(CN)8]6} (1) and {CoII[CoII8(4-phpyNO)7(MeOH)17][WV(CN)8]6}·7MeOH·(4-phpyNO)3 (2). In both architectures, metal–cyanide clusters are coordinated by N-oxide ligands in a simple monodentate manner to give the spherical objects of over 1 nm core diameter and about 2.2 nm (1) and 3 nm (2) of the total diameter, terminated with the aromatic rings. The supramolecular architecture is dominated by dense and rich π–π interaction systems. Both structures are characterized by a significant structural disorder in ligand shell, described with the suitable probability models. For 1, the π–π interactions between the pyNO ligands attached to the same metal centers are suggested for the first time. In 2, 4-phpyNO acts as monodentate ligand and as the crystallization molecule. Magnetic studies indicate the high-spin ground state due to the ferromagnetic interactions Co(II)–W(V) through the cyanido bridges. Due to the high symmetry of the clusters, no signature of slow magnetic relaxation was observed. The characterization is completed by solid-state IR and UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy. The conditions for the stable M9M'6-based crystals formation are synthetically discussed in terms of the type of capping ligands: monodentate, bridging, and chelating. The potential of the related polynuclear forms toward the magnetism-based functional properties is critically indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury is considered the most hazardous pollutant of aquatic resources; it exerts numerous adverse effects on environmental and human health. To date, significant progress has been made in employing a variety of nanomaterials for the colorimetric detection of mercury ions. Electrospun nanofibers exhibit several beneficial features, including a large surface area, porous nature, and easy functionalization; thus, providing several opportunities to encapsulate a variety of functional materials for sensing applications with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity, and a fast response. In this review, several examples of electrospun nanofiber-based sensing platforms devised by utilizing the two foremost approaches, namely, direct incorporation and surface decoration envisioned for detection of mercury ions are provided. We believe these examples provide sufficient evidence for the potential use and progress of electrospun nanofibers toward colorimetric sensing of mercury ions. Furthermore, the summary of the review is focused on providing an insight into the future directions of designing electrospun nanofiber-based, metal ion colorimetric sensors for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO2–Ag2O composite nanorods with various Ag2O configurations were synthesized by a two-step process, in which the core TiO2 nanorods were prepared by the hydrothermal method and subsequently the Ag2O crystals were deposited by sputtering deposition. Two types of the TiO2–Ag2O composite nanorods were fabricated; specifically, discrete Ag2O particle-decorated TiO2 composite nanorods and layered Ag2O-encapsulated TiO2 core–shell nanorods were designed by controlling the sputtering duration of the Ag2O. The structural analysis revealed that the TiO2–Ag2O composite nanorods have high crystallinity. Moreover, precise control of the Ag2O sputtering duration realized the dispersive decoration of the Ag2O particles on the surfaces of the TiO2 nanorods. By contrast, aggregation of the massive Ag2O particles occurred with a prolonged Ag2O sputtering duration; this engendered a layered coverage of the Ag2O clusters on the surfaces of the TiO2 nanorods. The TiO2–Ag2O composite nanorods with different Ag2O coverage morphologies were used as chemoresistive sensors for the detection of trace amounts of NO2 gas. The NO2 gas-sensing performances of various TiO2–Ag2O composite nanorods were compared with that of pristine TiO2 nanorods. The underlying mechanisms for the enhanced sensing performance were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of ornament in Greek and Roman art has been the focus of increasing scholarly interest over the last decade, with many publications shedding new light on the dynamics of ornatus in antiquity, and the discourses that shaped and situated it. Through an analysis of the depiction of gemstones in Roman wall painting, this article demonstrates the importance of ornamental details both to the mechanics of two-dimensional representation and to the interpretation of the images they adorned. I argue that by evoking the material qualities and sensual pleasures of real precious stones, painted gems served on the one hand to enhance the illusory reality of wall painting, and on the other to extol the delights of luxury and refinement—that is, of ornamentation itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanostructures with uniform long-range ordered structure are of crucial importance for performance standardization of high-quality surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra. In this paper, we described the fabrication and SERS properties of Au decorated Cu (Au@Cu) nanoarrays. The Cu nanoarrays with uniform long-range ordered structure were first synthesized by in-situ electrochemistry assembly on insulated substrate. The Cu nanoarrays can reach a size of centimeters with strictly periodic nano-microstructure, which is beneficial for the production and performance standardization of SERS substrates. Then Au nanoparticals were decorated on the Cu nanoarrays by galvanic reaction without any capping agent. The obtained Au@Cu nanoarrays exhibit excellent SERS activity for 4-Mercaptopyridine, and the sensitivity limit is as low as 10−8 M. Therefore, this facile route provides a useful platform for the fabrication of SERS substrates based on nano ordered arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]