TEOSINTE-BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) transcription factors play an essential role in regulating various physiological and biochemical functions during plant growth. However, the function of TCP transcription factors in G. hirsutum has not yet been studied. In this study, we performed genome-wide identification and correlation analysis of the TCP transcription factor family in G. hirsutum. We identified 72 non-redundant GhTCP genes and divided them into seven subfamilies, based on phylogenetic analysis. Most GhTCP genes in the same subfamily displayed similar exon and intron structures and featured highly conserved motif structures in their subfamily. Additionally, the pattern of chromosomal distribution demonstrated that GhTCP genes were unevenly distributed on 24 out of 26 chromosomes, and that fragment replication was the main replication event of GhTCP genes. In TB1 sub-family genes, GhTCP62 was highly expressed in the axillary buds, suggesting that GhTCP62 significantly affected cotton branching. Additionally, subcellular localization results indicated that GhTCP62 is located in the nucleus and possesses typical transcription factor characteristics. The overexpression of GhTCP62 in Arabidopsis resulted in fewer rosette-leaf branches and cauline-leaf branches. Furthermore, the increased expression of HB21 and HB40 genes in Arabidopsis plants overexpressing GhTCP62 suggests that GhTCP62 may regulate branching by positively regulating HB21 and HB40.

Posterior segment disease acts as a major cause of irreversible visual impairments. Successful treatment of posterior segment disease requires the efficient delivery of therapeutic substances to the targeted lesion. However, the complex ocular architecture makes the bioavailability of topically applied drugs extremely low. Invasive delivery approaches like intravitreal injection may cause adverse complications. To enhance the efficiency, several biomedical engineering systems have been developed to increase the penetration efficiency and improve the bioavailability of drugs at the posterior segments. Advantageously, biodegradable microspheres are found to deliver the therapeutic agents in a controlled fashion. The microspheres prepared from novel biomaterials can realize the prolonged release at the posterior segment with minimum side effects. Moreover, it will be degraded automatically into products that are non-toxic to the human body without the necessity of secondary operation to remove the residual polymer matrix. Additionally, biodegradable microspheres have decent thermoplasticity, adjustable hydrophilicity, controlled crystallinity, and high tensile strength, which make them suitable for intraocular delivery. In this review, we introduce the latest advancements in microsphere production technology and elaborate on the biomaterials that are used to prepare microspheres. We discuss systematically the pharmacological characteristics of biodegradable microspheres and compare their potential advantages and limitations in the treatment of posterior segment diseases. These findings would enrich our knowledge of biodegradable microspheres and cast light into the discovery of effective biomaterials for ocular drug delivery.

Petroleum depletion and climate change have inspired research on bio-based polymers and CO₂ capture. Tung-oil-based polyols were applied to partially replace polyether-type polyols from petroleum for sustainable polyurethane. Tung-oil-based polyurethane (TBPU), was prepared via a two-step polycondensation, that is, bulk prepolymerization and chain extension reaction. The graphene oxide (GO) was prepared via Hummer’s method. Then, TBPU was composited with the GO at different ratios to form a TBPU/GO hybrid film. The GO/TBPU films were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), followed by the measurement of mechanical properties and gas permeability. The results showed that the addition of tung-oil-based polyols enhanced the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of TBPU. The mechanical properties of the hybrid film were significantly improved, and the tensile strength and elongation at break were twice as high as those of the bulk TBPU film. When the GO content was higher than 2.0%, a brittle fracture appeared in the cross section of hybrid film. The increase of GO content in hybrid films improved the selectivity of CO₂/N₂ separation. When the GO content was higher than 0.35%, the resulting GO agglomeration constrained the gas separation and permeation properties.