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Journal articleWagner M, Biegler V, Wurm S, et al., 2025,
Pulp fibre foams: Morphology and mechanical performance
, Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, Vol: 188, ISSN: 1359-835XCellulose (pulp) fibre foams serve as bio-based alternative to fossil-based cellular lightweight materials. The mechanical properties of cellulose fibre foams are inferior compared with traditional polymer foams and available information is often limited to compression properties. We present a comprehensive analysis of cellulose fibre foams with densities ranging from 60 to 130 kg/m3, examining their compression, tensile, flexural, and shear properties. Key findings include a high mean zenithal fibre angle which decreases with increasing density, as well as a high strain rate amplification (SRA) in compressive strength, which also decreases with increasing density. With respect to formulation, the addition of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) enhanced fibre dispersion, bubble homogeneity of the wet foam, and dimensional stability of the end-product. These results provide a foundation for numerical models and advance the understanding of cellulose pulp fibre foams, highlighting their potential for certain applications.
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Journal articleOrzan E, Barrio A, Biegler V, et al., 2025,
Foaming and cross-linking of cellulose fibers using phytic acid.
, Carbohydr Polym, Vol: 347Bio-based compounds have become the focus in the development of next-generation materials. The polyphosphated structure and availability of phytic acid has sparked an interest to understand its properties and apply it to making fire-retardant fabrics. However, its degradative effect on natural fibers sets limitations to its potential uses. In this study, we unveiled a new dimension to explore with phytic acid: cellulose fiber foams. Phytic acid enabled synergistic foaming with carboxymethyl cellulose albeit causing issues in long-term wet foam stability. Adding cellulose fibers to this mixture and drying at 160 °C produced solid foams with increased compressive strength and stiffness; comparable to foams cross-linked with the commonly used citric acid. The reduced contact area in low-density fiber networks allowed the cross-linking between phytic acid and the fiber network to mitigate structural weakening due to fiber degradation. Imaging also revealed the formation of a film encompassing fiber bonds; attributed to the strong interaction between phytic acid and carboxymethyl cellulose. Furthermore, phytic acid imparted self-extinguishing fire-retardant properties to the cellulose fiber foams measured using thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry. This work showcases a simple new application for phytic acid without the use of catalysts or solvents. It serves to encourage further development of green practices to continuously challenge the industrial landscape.
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Journal articleBiegler V, Verdross P, Woodward RT, et al., 2024,
Cellulose fibre foam templated porous epoxy composites: Wetting matters
, Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, Vol: 187, ISSN: 1359-835XCellulose foams were used to produce porous epoxy-composites. The influence of fibre wetting by the resins on foam morphology and resulting compression properties was investigated. Impregnated foam morphology determined the composite structures and their mechanical properties. Fibre preforms of various densities (40–80 kg·m−3) were prepared by frothing surfactant stabilised fibre suspensions. The preforms, exhibiting compressive strengths of 0.02 MPa, were impregnated with three different resins (a lignin-based resin BLER/MA, and two commercial formulations, A/A and A/XB). Depending on the formation of closed- or open-cell structures in the cured foam composites, compressive strengths of up to 2 MPa (BLER/MA), 33 MPa (A/A), or 23 MPa (A/XB), and compressive moduli of up to 47 MPa (BLER/MA), 468 MPa (A/A), or 379 MPa (A/XB) were obtained. The surface area, fibre coverage homogeneity, and composite morphology were investigated in relation to wetting. A tool kit for fibre foam templated porous composite design is provided.
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Journal articleWoubshete M, Chan LI, Diallinas G, et al., 2024,
The dimer of human SVCT1 is key for transport function.
, Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr, Vol: 1866Humans and other primates lack the ability to synthesize the essential nutrient, Vitamin C, which is derived exclusively from the diet. Crucial for effective vitamin C uptake are the Na+ dependent Vitamin C transporters, SVCT1 and SVCT2, members of the nucleobase ascorbate transporter (NAT) family. SVCT1 and 2 actively transport the reduced form of Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, into key tissues. The recent structure of the mouse SVCT1 revealed the molecular basis of substrate binding and that, like the other structurally characterised members of the NAT family, it exists as a closely associated dimer. SVCT1 is likely to function via the elevator mechanism with the core domain of each protomer able to bind substrate and move through the membrane carrying the substrate across the membrane. Here we explored the function of a range of variants of the human SVCT1, revealing a range of residues involved in substrate selection and binding, and confirming the importance of the C-terminus in membrane localisation. Furthermore, using a dominant negative mutant we show that the dimer is essential for transport function, as previously seen in the fungal homologue, UapA. In addition, we show that a localisation deficient C-terminal truncation of SVCT1 blocks correct localisation of co-expressed, associated wildtype SVCT1. These results clearly show the importance of the dimer in both correct SVCT1 trafficking and transport activity.
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Journal articleLiu K, Grover M, Trusch F, et al., 2024,
Paired C-type lectin receptors mediate specific recognition of divergent oomycete pathogens in C. elegans
, Cell Reports, Vol: 43, ISSN: 2211-1247Innate immune responses can be triggered upon detection of pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns by host receptors that are often present on the surface of immune cells. While invertebrates like Caenorhabditis elegans lack professional immune cells, they still mount pathogen-specific responses. However, the identity of host receptors in the nematode remains poorly understood. Here, we show that C-type lectin receptors mediate species-specific recognition of divergent oomycetes in C. elegans. A CLEC-27/CLEC-35 pair is essential for recognition of the oomycete Myzocytiopsis humicola, while a CLEC-26/CLEC-36 pair is required for detection of Haptoglossa zoospora. Both clec pairs are transcriptionally regulated through a shared promoter by the conserved PRD-like homeodomain transcription factor CEH-37/OTX2 and act in sensory neurons and the anterior intestine to trigger a protective immune response in the epidermis. This system enables redundant tissue sensing of oomycete threats through canonical CLEC receptors and host defense via cross-tissue communication.
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Journal articleMolyneaux PL, Spagnolo P, 2024,
Targeting Autotaxin and LPA in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Admilparant's Positive Results Show Continued Promise.
, Am J Respir Crit Care Med -
Journal articleShah A, 2024,
The effects of COVID-19 on antifungal prescribing in the UK – lessons to learn
, Journal of Fungi, ISSN: 2309-608XFungal infections are increasingly prevalent however antifungal stewardship attracts little funding or attention. Previous studies have shown that knowledge of guidelines and scientific evidence regarding antifungals is poor, leading to prescribing based on personal experiences and the inherent biases this entails. We carried out a retrospective study of inpatient antifungal usage at two major hospitals. We assessed the longitudinal trends in antifungal usage and the effect of COVID-19 on antifungal prescription, alongside levels of empirical and diagnostically-targeted antifungal usage. Our results showed that the longitudinal patterns of total systemic antifungal usage within the trusts were similar to national prescribing trends, however the composition of antifungals varied considerably, even when looking exclusively at the more homogenous group of COVID-19 patients. We show a high level of empirical antifungal use in COVID-19 patients, with neither trust adhering to international recommendations and following prior prescribing habit. This study highlights the significant challenges to optimise antifungal use with prescribing behaviour largely dictated by habit, a lack of adherence to guidelines and high rates of empirical non-diagnostic based prescribing. Further research and resource are required to understand the impact of antifungal stewardship on improving antifungal prescribing behaviours in this setting and the effects on outcome.
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Journal articleMalcı K, Li IS, Kisseroudis N, et al., 2024,
Modulating Microbial Materials - Engineering Bacterial Cellulose with Synthetic Biology
, ACS Synthetic Biology, ISSN: 2161-5063 -
Journal articleChotirmall SH, Chang AB, Chalmers JD, 2024,
Infection vs Inflammation: The Bronchiectasis “Tug Of War”
, Chest, Vol: 166, Pages: 928-930, ISSN: 0012-3692 -
Journal articleWee LE, Tan JYJ, Chiew CJ, et al., 2024,
Response
, Chest, Vol: 166, Pages: e167-e168, ISSN: 0012-3692
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