The present study investigated the influence of pore size of strut-based Diamond and surface-based Gyroid structures for their suitability as medical implants. Samples were made additively from laser powder bed fusion process with a relative density of 0.3 and pore sizes ranging from 300 to 1300 μm. They were subsequently examined for their manufacturability and mechanical properties. In addition, non-Newtonian computational fluid dynamics and discrete phase models were conducted to assess pressure drop and cell seeding efficiency. The results showed that both Diamond and Gyroid had higher as-built densities with smaller pore sizes. However, Gyroid demonstrated better manufacturability as its relative density was closer to the as-designed one. In addition, based on mechanical testing, the elastic modulus was largely unaffected by pore size, but post-yielding behaviors differed, especially in Diamond. High mechanical sensitivity in Diamond could be explained partly by Finite Element simulations, which revealed stress localization in Diamond and more uniform stress distribution in Gyroid. Furthermore, we defined the product of the normalized specific surface, normalized pressure drop, and cell seeding efficiency as the indicator of an optimal pore size, in which this factor identified an optimal pore size of approximately 500 μm for both Diamond and Gyroid. Besides, based on such criterion, Gyroid exhibited greater applicability as bone scaffolds. In summary, this study provides comprehensive assessment of the effect of pore size and demonstrates the efficient estimation of an in-silico framework for evaluating lattice structures as medical implants, which could be applied to other lattice architectures.
Makapuno is a natural mutant coconut cultivar with jelly-like endosperm. Here, we investigated the nutritional compositions, active ingredients, and antioxidant activities of Makapuno meat and water. The contents of macronutrients, sugars, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids were reported. We found that Makapuno meat has higher dietary fiber with lower protein and fat content compared to normal coconut meat. Medium-chain fatty acids were the major fat component of Makapuno meat and water. Phytochemical analysis revealed that while flavonoid content was lower, the total phenolic, alkaloid, and tannin contents of Makapuno meat were comparable with those of mature coconut. However, Makapuno water contained higher alkaloid content when compared to mature and young coconuts. The antioxidant activities, as examined by DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, showed that Makapuno meat and water had antioxidant activities, and Makapuno water exhibited protective activity against DNA damage. Hence, this research provides the nutraceutical importance of Makapuno, which could be used in the food industry.
Lipopeptides have been extensively studied as potential antimicrobial agents. In this study, we focused on the C14-KYR lipopeptide, a modified version of the KYR tripeptide with myristic acid at the N-terminus. Here, membrane perturbation of live E. coli treated with the parent KYR and C14-KYR peptides was compared at the nanoscale level using AFM imaging. AFM analyses, including average cellular roughness and force spectroscopy, revealed the severe surface disruption mechanism of C14-KYR. A loss of surface roughness and changes in topographic features included membrane shrinkage, periplasmic membrane separation from the cell wall, and cytosolic leakage. Additional evidence from synchrotron radiation FTIR microspectroscopy (SR-FTIR) revealed a marked structural change in the membrane component after lipopeptide attack. The average roughness of the E. coli cell before and after treatment with C14-KYR was 129.2 ± 51.4 and 223.5 ± 14.1 nm, respectively. The average rupture force of the cell treated with C14-KYR was 0.16 nN, four times higher than that of the untreated cell. Our study demonstrates that the mechanistic effect of the lipopeptide against bacterial cells can be quantified through surface imaging and adhesion force using AFM.
The introduction of the non‐native North African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) and its hybrids with Thailand’s native bighead catfish ( Clarias macrocephalus ) has been a turning point in Thailand’s aquaculture sector, affecting sustainable food production and economic growth. Although the global production of these species has significantly increased, a decline in catfish production has been observed in Thailand. This shift has raised concerns regarding the ecological impacts, disease transmission and resource competition with native species, leading to potential biodiversity loss. This review examined the implications of North African catfish and hybrid aquaculture on local ecosystems and socioeconomic conditions. The rapid growth and environmental adaptability of these fish pose threats to native species through competition and hybridisation. Effective management strategies, including the evaluation of market dynamics, biosecurity measures and the promotion of socially integrated entrepreneurship, are essential for addressing these challenges. Current aquaculture practices that prioritise short‐term gains over long‐term sustainability were scrutinised, emphasising the need for a One Health approach that integrates the health of ecosystems, humans and animals. Sustainable practices, such as integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and the use of high‐quality feed, are recommended to minimise ecological degradation. Finally, this review calls for the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the long‐term viability of the aquaculture sector and promote equitable economic benefits. By addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the introduction of North African catfish, Thailand’s aquaculture industry can be enhanced for sustainability, contributing to food security while preserving ecological integrity.