2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from carbohydrate refining has been a promising bio-based building block for the construction of high-performance polymers. Herein, we not only choose renewable monomers, but employ an eco-friendly continuous flow approach to synthesize furan-based semi-aromatic polyamides (FPAs). The characteristics of the polycondensation reaction are firstly explored by regulating the operating parameters. Using esterified derivatives of FDCA and linear aliphatic diamines, structure–property analysis of synthesized FPAs is performed. The molecular weights, thermal properties and stability exceed those previously reported in the literature for both melt and enzymatic polycondensation. Furthermore, a variable-temperature two-step synthesis procedure is employed to improve the isolated yield of FPAs by removing by-products in the form of gas–liquid slug flow. The N-methylation rate and terminated end-groups uncover the advantages of continuous flow synthesis in terms of preventing side reactions, which promotes the growth of molecular weight. Finally, the FPAs are selectively hydrolyzed under acidic conditions. A closed loop cycle for recycling can be completed when the monomers are further polymerized back to a polyamide. Compared to traditional fossil-based manufacturing processes, the use of renewable resources and continuous flow technology in the production of value-added polymers provides a novel approach for the development of sustainable, carbon-dioxide-neutral industries.

Background: Preeclampsia, one of the most lethal pregnancy-related diseases, is associated with the disruption of uterine spiral artery remodeling during placentation. However, the early molecular events leading to preeclampsia remain unknown.Results: By analyzing placentas from preeclampsia, non-preeclampsia, and twin pregnancies with selective intrauterine growth restriction, we show that the pathogenesis of preeclampsia is attributed to immature trophoblast and maldeveloped endothelial cells. Delayed epigenetic reprogramming during early extraembryonic tissue development leads to generation of excessive immature trophoblast cells. We find reduction of de novo DNA methylation in these trophoblast cells results in selective overexpression of maternally imprinted genes, including the endoretrovirus-derived gene PEG10 (paternally expressed gene 10). PEG10 forms virus-like particles, which are transferred from the trophoblast to the closely proximate endothelial cells. In normal pregnancy, only a low amount of PEG10 is transferred to maternal cells; however, in preeclampsia, excessive PEG10 disrupts maternal vascular development by inhibiting TGF-beta signaling.Conclusions: Our study reveals the intricate epigenetic mechanisms that regulate trans-generational genetic conflict and ultimately ensure proper maternal–fetal interface formation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of diets supplemented with sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (SSL), polyglycerol fatty acid ester (PGFE), and combined emulsifiers (0.02% SSL and 0.08% PGFE) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and plasma lipid profiles in weaned piglets and to further evaluate the possible effects of feeding exogenous emulsifiers on digestive enzyme activities and liver bile acid (BA) metabolism. Twenty-eight barrows (age at 35 days, Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an initial body weight (BW) of 10.13±0.16 kg were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups (7 pigs/treatment). Dietary treatment groups included 1) basal diet (CTR); 2) basal diet with 0.1% SSL (SSL); 3) basal diet with 0.1% PGFE (PGFE); and 4) basal diet with 0.08% PGFE+0.02% SSL (PG-SL). SSL diet increased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of piglets during d 0-17 (P < 0.05) compared with the CTR treatment. Piglets fed emulsifier diets experienced a significant improvement in the digestibility of nutrients (dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, energy, calcium and phosphorus) during the first 17 days (P < 0.05). The level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was lower in the PGFE and PG-SL treatment groups than in the CTR treatment group (P < 0.05). Feeding emulsifier diets increased the lipase activity of the pancreas when compared with the CTR diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, the emulsifier diets significantly increased the mRNA expression of FXR (P < 0.05) and decreased the mRNA expression of CYP27A1 (P < 0.05) in the liver. In conclusion, the addition of emulsifiers improved nutrient digestibility and increased the mRNA expression of FXR BA receptors while inhibiting the mRNA expression of BA biosynthesis by CYP27A1 in weanling piglets.

Lignocellulose is the most abundant renewable resource in nature, providing a large supply of lignin. The efficient separation and utilization of lignin from lignocellulose can help alleviate the current shortage of fossil fuels. Ionic liquids, as green solvents, have been widely applied in the field of biorefining. However, most research has focused on the extraction and purification of cellulose, while lignin is often treated as a by-product. The high-value utilization of lignin has currently emerged as a hot topic. This review summarizes recent advances in the extraction of lignin from lignocellulose using ionic liquids and the mechanisms of lignin extraction. Additionally, it briefly discusses the applications of ionic liquids in the high-value utilization of lignin, including lignin depolymerization, modification, the preparation of lignin-based functional materials, and biofuels. This review aims to provide ideas for the extraction and high-value utilization of lignin through ionic liquids.