Article
Polymer Science
Chia-Wei Chang, Jia-Jhen Lee, Kun-Tsung Lu
Summary: This study investigated the use of renewable polymeric material Refined Oriental Lacquer (ROL) as a wood protective coating, with Acacia confusa Merr. heartwood extractive added as a natural photostabilizer to enhance lightfastness. Results showed that the addition of heartwood extractives reduced photodegradation of ROL films, with even a 1 phr addition showing noticeable improvement. However, higher additions negatively affected drying times and film performance. Additionally, ROL films with 1 phr addition had superior properties compared to raw oriental lacquer films.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mauricio Jose Paz, Tainara Vieira, Heveline Enzweiler, Alexandre Tadeu Paulino
Summary: Agrochemicals are potential environmental pollutants due to their toxicity and resistance to degradation. Chitosan/sawdust/magnetite composite membranes were synthesized and characterized for the photodegradation of agrochemicals in water, showing potential as catalysts for water and wastewater purification processes with varying efficiency under different experimental conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Renjie Li, Junyuan Li, Jiangtao Shi, Yongyue Zhang, Yuxin Sun, Yuxi Chen, Zhipeng Liu
Summary: The strong blue fluorescence produced by water immersion of Pterocarpus wood is derived from the extract. This fluorescence is of significance for identifying Pterocarpus wood. The mechanism of fluorescence in this species and the possible fluorescent molecules are analyzed through liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The study also investigates the effects of pH and concentration changes on the fluorescence intensity in the extract, revealing the quenching of the fluorescent molecule by aggregation and its instability under over-acidic conditions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elda Chiaino, Roberto Stella, Caterina Peggion, Matteo Micucci, Roberta Budriesi, Laura Beatrice Mattioli, Carla Marzetti, Federica Pessina, Massimo Valoti, Maria Frosini
Summary: Oxidative stress and inflammation are crucial factors in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that Acacia catechu Willd. heartwood extract (AC) has antioxidant properties and can protect neurons in human cells and rat brain slices. AC can prevent cell death, restore mitochondrial function, and inhibit the expression of proteins involved in apoptosis and signaling pathways.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yang Wang, Shuang-Gang Ma, Li Li, Shi-Shan Yu
Summary: This study isolated various new alkaloid enantiomers from the bark of Acacia confusa, some of which showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, providing important references for future drug research.
JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Priya Bisht, Krishna K. Pandey, Harish C. Barshilia
Summary: Transparent wood composite (TWC) is a promising material with good optical and mechanical properties, suitable for applications in smart windows, energy efficient building elements, and solar energy concentrators. The study found that TWC is highly sensitive to UV light exposure, showing rapid photo-discolouration, chemical degradation, and a decrease in optical transmittance, requiring the incorporation of UV absorber to reduce degradation for outdoor applications.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xinyi Liu, Caichao Wan, Xianjun Li, Song Wei, Luyu Zhang, Wenyan Tian, Ken-Tye Yong, Yiqiang Wu, Jian Li
Summary: Wood-based nanotechnologies have attracted attention for photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants due to their abundance, renewability, high reaction activity, and unique structural features. This review summarizes research on wood-based nanocatalysts for photodegradation of pollutants, including strategies for designing novel photocatalysts, methods for improving photocatalytic properties, and emphasizing the structure-activity relationship of photocatalysts. Future prospects for wood-derived photocatalysts are briefly discussed.
FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Andre L. Oliveira, Amanda de S. M. de Freitas, Jessica S. Rodrigues, Karina P. P. do Carmo, Marystela Ferreira, Vagner R. R. Botaro
Summary: By adding tannin from black wattle to polystyrene, the photodegradation process can be significantly reduced. The film with 5% tannin additive showed the highest antioxidant protection among all compositions, indicating its potential application in the packaging market.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
A. Portela-Grandio, S. Peleteiro, R. Yanez, A. Romani
Summary: A novel delignification process using an organosolv process catalyzed with an acidic ionic liquid was proposed for the fractionation of Acacia dealbata wood. The process achieved high solubilization of lignin and hemicelluloses, with efficient recovery rates, and successfully recovered main components like xylose, furfural, and acetic acid from the black liquor.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Veronica Rocha, Pedro Ferreira-Santos, Zlatina Genisheva, Eduardo Coelho, Isabel C. Neves, Teresa Tavares
Summary: Stable silver nanoparticles with spherical morphology and variable size were synthesized using aqueous Eucalyptus globulus leaves extract. These nanoparticles exhibit dual-functional properties of antibacterial activity and dye photodegradation.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Dace Cirule, Edgars Kuka, Matiss Kevers, Ingeborga Andersone, Bruno Andersons
Summary: The study found that besides UV radiation, LED lamps could lead to significant photodegradation of both TM and UM wood, resulting in noticeable color change, alteration in chemical structure, and formation of water-soluble components. TM wood showed improved photo-stability when exposed to UV radiation, while more changes in FTIR spectra were observed for TM than UM wood in the LED lamps experiment. Comparing TM and UM wood, the changes due to photodegradation were quite similar for TM wood of all species while significant differences were observed in the case of UM wood.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. Kalam, A. G. Al-Sehemi, S. Alrumman, M. A. Assiri, A. M. Alfaify, M. F. Moustafa
Summary: The study utilized green synthesis to obtain silver nanoparticles with high antimicrobial specificity against multidrug resistant microbes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Linzhen Wu, Yizhi Chen, Yi Li, Qi Meng, Tao Duan
Summary: This study prepared highly ordered graphite carbonitride@wood-derived carbon material using natural materials, which has a wide pore size distribution and excellent functional integration, demonstrating superior performance in photocatalysis and supercapacitors.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chandrsekaran Aruljothi, Parasuraman Balaji, Ellappan Vaishnavi, Thangavelu Pazhanivel, Thandavan Vasuki
Summary: This study prepared a magnetically recyclable CuFe2O4/rGO nanocomposite by hydrothermal method and investigated its photocatalytic performance under sunlight irradiation. The experimental results showed that the CuFe2O4/rGO (10 wt.%) nanocomposite exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity in tetracycline degradation, with degradation rates 1.55 and 1.85 times higher than those of CuFe2O4/rGO15 and CuFe2O4/rGO20, respectively.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yue Dong, Wenxin Du, Xing Gao, Minghui Guo
Summary: A bifunctional reactor was fabricated to utilize renewable solar energy for efficient and low-cost production of clean water. The reactor demonstrated improved efficiency with the hybrid material, which enhanced the photothermal effects and reduced the recombination rate of photogenerated carriers. The experimental results showed significant removal of contaminants in different polluted water sources.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Nai-Wen Tsao, Shih-Chang Chien, Yueh-Hsiung Kuo, Sheng-Yang Wang
Summary: Taiwania cryptomerioides, a living fossil from the Mesozoic Tertiary period, is known for its distinguished yellowish-red heartwood color. This study identified three new sesquiterpenoids and confirmed the presence of lignans in the sapwood of Taiwania, supporting previous research on heartwood formation.
JOURNAL OF WOOD SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ping-Chung Kuo, Yue-Chiun Li, Anjar M. Kusuma, Jason T. C. Tzen, Tsong-Long Hwang, Guan-Hong Ye, Mei-Lin Yang, Sheng-Yang Wang
Summary: This study isolated and characterized five undescribed compounds and seventy-two known compounds from P. taiwanensis needles, with six compounds showing significant anti-inflammatory bioactivity. Among them, compounds 49, 50, and 51 were found to form stable complexes with the ghrelin receptor through hydrogen bonds and different types of interactions, indicating flavonoids may be responsible for the potential anti-aging effects of pine needle tea.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wen-Wei Hsiao, K. J. Senthil Kumar, Hui-Ju Lee, Nai-Wen Tsao, Sheng-Yang Wang
Summary: Calocedrus formosana wood essential oil (CFEO) and its bioactive components exhibit anti-melanogenic activity and have the potential to be used in the development of skin whitening products.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sheng-Yi Chen, Yi-Hao Hsu, Sheng-Yang Wang, Ying-Yin Chen, Cheng-Jie Hong, Gow-Chin Yen
Summary: The study demonstrates that lucidone can enhance cell apoptosis, inhibit autophagic protein expression, and suppress multidrug resistance protein 1 through the HMGB1/RAGE/PI3K/Akt pathway, thereby improving chemosensitivity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Tzu-Cheng Chang, Shang-Tzen Chang, Sen-Sung Cheng
Summary: Reactive oxygen species-induced oxidation stress is a major cause of human health problems. Plant polyphenols have the potential to remove these reactive oxygen species and improve human health. This study found that bark extract of Zelkova serrata has antioxidant activities, suggesting its potential as a resource for health improvement.
JOURNAL OF WOOD CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Nai-Wen Tsao, Yen-Chi Lin, Yen-Hsueh Tseng, Shih-Chang Chien, Sheng-Yang Wang
Summary: This study identified the main compounds of exudates from 13 conifers in Taiwan, revealing that the main volatiles were alpha-pinene, beta-ocimene, beta-pinene, sabinene, and caryophyllene. It also found that the nonvolatile compounds were diterpenoids, classified into three types. The analysis results of conifers' epigenetics by GC-MS and HSQC were similar to traditional taxonomy classification, indicating the usefulness of this technology in classifying conifers. Additionally, certain conifers showed strong antifungal activity against white-rot and brown-rot fungi.
JOURNAL OF WOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. J. Senthil Kumar, M. Gokila Vani, Sheng-Yang Wang
Summary: This study found that limonene can protect skin cells from damage and aging caused by solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. This protective effect is achieved by increasing the expression of endogenous antioxidants and activating the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defense system. In addition, limonene can also inhibit UVB-induced hyperpigmentation and maintain the stability of tight junction proteins.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ying-Hao Yeo, Fu-Lan Hsu, Yi-Lin Chen, Tzu-Cheng Chang
Summary: Recent investigations have revealed the problems of allergic reactions and endocrine disruption caused by artificial sunscreen additives, as well as the negative impact on aquatic organisms like corals. Therefore, finding natural and environmentally friendly ingredients for sunscreens has become a crucial issue. This study evaluated the potential of renewable parts of Garcinia subelliptica to be used as natural sunscreen additives, focusing on branches, leaves, and fruits. The results indicated that the leaves, rich in biflavonoids, showed the most potential for the development of natural sunscreen additives.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kotapati Kasi Viswanath, Song-Yi Kuo, Ying-Wen Huang, Nai-Wen Tsao, Chung-Chi Hu, Na-Sheng Lin, Sheng-Yang Wang, Yau-Heiu Hsu
Summary: This study uncovers the interaction between virus-responsive promoter and the corresponding transcription factor in plants, and reveals that NbMYB30 can affect the expression of the AGO5 gene and the accumulation of viruses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wen-Hsuan Chen, Anthony Bain, Sheng-Yang Wang, Yi-Chiao Ho, Hsy-Yu Tzeng
Summary: The vegetative and reproductive growth of plants play a crucial role in regulating the interactions within an ecosystem. In the case of plant-insect interactions, plants use visual and chemical cues to signal their reproductive period. Ficus mutualism, however, relies solely on chemical cues for the figs to attract pollinating wasps. This study examines the phenological pattern and volatile compound emissions of Ficus septica in Central Taiwan. The results show that the fig species displays continuous growth throughout the year, with a decrease in winter. The emissions of odor blends from male and female trees are similar, but with seasonal variations, and are influenced by the size of the wasp population.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Gyaltsen Dakpa, Kanthasamy Jayabal Senthil Kumar, Nai-Wen Tsao, Sheng-Yang Wang
Summary: This study investigated the metabolic alterations induced by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the regulatory effect of antcin A on these changes. The results showed that antcin A significantly reversed the altered metabolites mediated by the SARS-CoV-2 protein and inhibited the up-regulation of related receptors.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chieh-Yin Chen, Pei-Chen Wu, Nai-Wen Tsao, Yen-Hsueh Tseng, Fang-Hua Chu, Sheng-Yang Wang
Summary: The study on the leaves and extracts of Cinnamomum insularimontanum demonstrated good anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting its potential for the development of healthcare products.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yu-Tung Ho, I-Hsuan Liu, Shang-Tzen Chang, Sheng-Yang Wang, Hui-Ting Chang
Summary: Agathis species are widely distributed in Southeast Asia, Australasia, South Pacific islands, etc. They have been traditionally used as folk medicines. This study analyzed the chemical composition of Agathis dammara (Lamb.) Rich. leaf essential oil and found that it has an antimelanogenesis effect.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nai-Wen Tsao, Ying-Hsuan Sun, Fang-Hua Chu, Shih-Chang Chien, Sheng-Yang Wang
Summary: The relationship between lignan biosynthesis and programmed cell death (PCD) of ray parenchyma cells during the heartwood formation of Taiwania was investigated. The PCD of ray parenchyma cells and the synthesis of lignans are two important processes involved in heartwood formation and both are regulated by genes. The genotoxic induces the PCD of tracheids, while biological factors like fungi, bacteria, and viruses induce the PCD of ray parenchyma cells, which could lead to oxidative stress. The accumulation of savinin in ray parenchyma cells is found to cause PCD, as confirmed by in vitro experiments and the production of taiwanin A, the marker of heartwood formation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Po-Heng Tsai, Pei-Chen Wu, Hui-Ru Li, K. J. Senthil Kumar, Sheng-Yang Wang
Summary: This study investigated the antidepressant effect of Hirami lemon and its underlying mechanisms. The results showed that the fruit extract and essential oil of Hirami lemon could reverse depression and anxiety-like behaviors induced by chronic mild stress and restore gut microbiota dysbiosis. Furthermore, analysis of the chemical components of Hirami lemon revealed the presence of various compounds. Therefore, Hirami lemon has the potential to serve as a source of natural antidepressant agents.
Article
Polymer Science
Tetsu Sato, Mariko Takahashi, Takeshi Saito, Masahito Toyonaga, Itsuo Tanuma, Rie Yamada, Satoru Hosoda
Summary: An automatic evaluation system for photooxidation has been developed and successfully applied to assess the photo-OIT of LDPE samples containing photooxidation stabilizers. The system allows independent setting of various measurement conditions and provides detailed information on the photooxidation process.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Zongzheng Zuo, Shuxue Zhou
Summary: In this study, three fluoroalkyl trimethoxysilane (FATMS) additives with different chain lengths were incorporated into a two-component polyurethane clearcoat to improve its hydrophobic durability. The coatings modified with FATMS maintained their surface hydrophobicity under various conditions, but quickly lost it when exposed to both UV irradiation and/or high temperature with water. The results suggest that the FATMS route is more suitable for indoor applications at room temperature.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Song Li, Feng Zhao, Xueya Wang, Zhihua Liu, Jingze Guo, Yutong Li, Shuangmei Tan, Zhenxiang Xin, Shuai Zhao, Lin Li
Summary: Green flame retardants have garnered attention for their environmental friendliness, but current options fall short in achieving high flame retardancy for flammable polymers and maintaining environmental protection. This study takes a two-pronged approach to address flame retardants and the flame-retardant process. An eco-friendly bio-based synergistic flame retardant (PAU), synthesized using phytic acid (PA) and urea (U), is used to create a flame retardant coating that can be directly applied to any surface shape using polydopamine as an adhesive. The resulting EPS-PAU exhibits excellent flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and light weight while only slightly increasing the density.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
