Natural latex serum (NLS) is one of the natural rubber latex fractions from Hevea brasiliensis tree, which is formed by centrifuged serum and is composed of proteins, acids, nucleotides, salts and carbohydrates. The proteins present in NLS have demonstrated several interesting biological properties, including angiogenic, healing, osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, in addition to inducing neovascularization, bone formation and osseointegration. Thus, we proposed to characterize NLS by physicochemical techniques and to investigate the biocompatibility by toxicological assays and safety test in Galleria mellonella. Infrared spectrum showed vibrational bands characteristic of amide I, II and III that are linked to the protein content, which was confirmed by the High Performance Liquid Chromatography profile and by the Electrophoresis analysis. This material did not exhibit hemolytic (rate 70%) and was able to enhance the proliferation of fibroblasts (>600%) after 3 days. The pronounced proliferative effect observed in fibroblast cells can be explained by the presence of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) like protein revealed by the Western blot test. Moreover, NLS did not provoke toxic effects (survival ∼80%) on the G. mellonella model, indicating that it is a biocompatible and safe material.

Touted benefits of nanoparticle-based fertilizers include enhancing crop nutrition by fortifying fruits or grains with nutrient metals and reducing environmental impacts of fertilizer use. However, the properties of the nanoparticles (NPs) and application routes required to achieve these benefits are not yet established. This study examined how a Zn-phosphate shell on ZnO NPs (ZnO_Ph NPs) affected root uptake, cellular distribution, transformation, and translocation of Zn in pepper plants (Capsicum annuum), and compared the efficacy of root- to foliarly-applied NPs. Pepper plants roots were exposed to ZnO NPs (26 ± 8 nm), ZnO_Ph NPs (48 ± 12 nm), or ionic Zn. After 6 weeks, 30–37% of root-applied Zn was absorbed, with 6.0–7.2% (2.4–2.9 μg) reaching the fruits. ZnO_Ph NPs resulted in lower total Zn uptake, but higher mobility into the root vasculature and stem epidermis, likely due to P–Zn co-delivery modulating translocation mechanisms. Foliar application of these NPs led to lower Zn uptake (2.4% for ZnO_Ph NPs; 0.5% for ZnO NPs) compared to root application. However, a greater proportion of the Zn that was taken up for foliar-applied ZnO_Ph NP translocated to the fruits (27%) compared to root application (10%). Root and foliar applications also led to contrasting Zn speciation in the stem vasculature. Foliar-applied Zn formed only carboxyl and phytate-like complexes, while root-applied Zn also formed Zn–S–R complexes, indicating distinct Zn transport and storage responses, possibly explaining the higher relative mobility to the fruits when foliar-applied. These findings demonstrate that Zn uptake efficiency and speciation depend on both application method and nanoparticle formulation. They also suggest that multi-nutrient NPs can fortify foods, potentially offering a new strategy for improving plant nutrition.

Copper-based nanoformulations allow higher leaf adhesion, targeting specific leaf tissues and improved biocompatibility compared to CuSO ₄ , offering advantages in safer plant protection strategies.

This study investigates the role of oxygen vacancies in the CO₂ adsorption and desorption dynamics of SBA‐15:CeO₂ nanocomposites synthesized by direct (DS) and postsynthesis (PS) methods. Physicochemical analyses reveal that the DS method increases the concentration of oxygen vacancies and structural defects within the CeO₂ framework, which significantly boosts CO₂ adsorption capacity and strengthens the gas‐surface interactions. Among the materials, S_Ce4.a demonstrates the highest adsorption capacity, reaching 29.4 mg g⁻¹ at 25 °C and 10.7 mg g⁻¹ at 70 °C. These results indicate a physisorption mechanism governed by both thermal conditions and oxygen vacancies. Furthermore, S_Ce4.a and S_Ce10.a. exhibit remarkable stability over 20 adsorption–desorption cycles. The findings suggest that a lower cerium oxide content provides more accessible adsorption sites, making these materials promising candidates for high‐performance. Overall, this work highlights synergistic interplay between oxygen vacancies and mesoporous structures, paving the way for the rational design of advanced materials for CO₂ capture technologies.

This study evaluated the effects of supplementation with Toxfin™ Dry, a mineral adsorbent composed of bentonite and sepiolite, on productive performance, egg quality, intestinal morphometry, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant status, and sphingolipid metabolism of laying hens challenged with T-2 toxin and fumonisin. A total of 480 Hy-Line W-36 laying hens at 25 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized design with six treatments and eight replicates of 10 birds each, over 112 days divided into four 28-day cycles. Treatments consisted of a control diet, either uncontaminated or contaminated with 2 mg/kg T-2 toxin and 60 mg/kg fumonisin B1, with or without 1 kg/ton Toxfin™ Dry. Mycotoxin challenge reduced egg production (p < 0.0001), egg weight (p < 0.0001), egg mass (p < 0.0001), feed intake (p < 0.0001), eggshell strength (p < 0.0001) and thickness (p < 0.0001), Haugh unit (p < 0.0001), and villus ratio (p < 0.0001), while increasing inflammatory and hepatic biomarkers, malondialdehyde levels, and the sphinganine ratio, with more pronounced effects under combined contamination. Supplementation with Toxfin™ Dry mitigated most adverse effects, with responses approaching those of the control group. The adsorbent reduces intestinal mycotoxin bioavailability and helps maintain performance and physiological homeostasis in laying hens.