Journal of Leather Science and Engineering最新文献

As consumers prioritize safer and more sustainable skincare ingredients, the traditional facial mask industry faces challenges due to the use of non-biodegradable materials and chemical preservatives that irritate the skin and harm the environment. In the present investigation, an innovative all-biomass solid facial mask was developed using electrospinning technology to incorporate naturally effective ingredients into bio-based fibers made of gelatin and pullulan polysaccharide. This process produced a nanofiber-based, fast-dissolving facial mask with essence uniformly embedded throughout the fibers. Unlike traditional facial masks that rely on preservatives, this solid mask avoids their use while offering excellent water and moisture retention. Owing to its nanostructured architecture and water-soluble fiber materials, it dissolves completely in water within just 7 s. Yak skin collagen peptides incorporated into the nanofiber film demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, scavenging 88.3% of DPPH free radicals. Biocompatibility testing combined with animal skin and eye irritation testing further confirmed the safety of the facial mask. This innovative approach not only supports the sustainable development of environment and resources but also delivers safer, more effective skincare solutions for consumers.

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Uranium plays a pivotal role in nuclear energy production, and extracting it from seawater offers a promising solution to alleviate shortages in land-based uranium resources. However, the marine environment with ultra-low uranium concentrations, high salinity, and microbial activity poses significant extraction challenges, compounded by selectivity and cost limitations in current methods. In the present investigation, an anti-biofouling amino oxime-functionalized collagen/sodium alginate aerogel (CF-AO/SA) was fabricated using leather waste-derived collagen. The dual cross-linked CF-AO/SA network, enhanced by Zn²⁺ incorporation, showed improved structural stability and antibacterial properties, as well as high uranium adsorption capacity, selectivity, and reusability. It achieved 320.7 mg g⁻¹ in 14 ppm uranium solution and maintained 78.6% removal efficiency after five cycles. Additionally, the removal rate of uranium was 89% in simulated seawater. Field tests in Zhuhai's Jinwan District (113.35° E, 21.99° N) showed 5.16 mg g⁻¹ uranium adsorption and excellent mechanical strength after 30 days in seawater. Furthermore, the production cost of CF-AO/SA was estimated at $3.652 per kilogram, which is lower than other reported adsorbents. The newly developed bio-based aerogel beads have substantial potential for practical applications for uranium capture in seawater and provide a novel high-value utilization way for leather wastes.

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Collagen, recognized as the primary structural component of human skin, is essential for preserving dermal integrity and function. Its progressive depletion has been closely associated with structural deterioration of the dermis and the visible signs of skin aging. Among current therapeutic strategies, the injection of exogenous collagen has been established as an effective method for alleviating aging-related skin changes. In the present study, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the injectability, cellular interactions, and photoaging repair efficacy of recombinant human collagen type III (RHC). The RHC solution was found to demonstrate favorable injectability and support the adhesion and chemotactic behavior of L929 cells, while also upregulating the expression of type I and type III collagen. In co-culture systems with lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, RHC treatment suppressed macrophage proliferation and reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting notable immunomodulatory properties. Upon intradermal injection of RHC into photoaged rat skin, an increased density of dermal collagen fibers was observed, accompanied by a more organized and uniform fiber arrangement. Additionally, hydroxyproline content and the expressions of collagen I and III were markedly elevated in the RHC group compared with the control and hyaluronic acid groups. Collectively, these findings suggest that RHC holds considerable promise as a therapeutic agent for both medical and cosmetic purposes targeting the restoration and maintenance of youthful skin characteristics.

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Hollow polymer microspheres (HPMs) were synthesized through emulsion polymerization for application in leather retanning, offering a novel approach to lightweight leather processing. Seed emulsion polymerization enabled the controlled synthesis of four distinct HPM sizes ranging from 300 to 650 nm. Comprehensive characterization revealed that HPMs exhibited distinct hollow structures, narrow particle size distributions, and excellent storage stabilities in emulsion form. The retanning performance of HPMs was evaluated in wet-blue. The HPMs demonstrated excellent permeation during the retanning process, selectively filling the gaps among the fibers, particularly larger spaces. The maximum thickening rate of HPM emulsion (solid content of 10%) retanned leathers reached 18.01%, surpassing the 11.32% achieved with the commercial acrylic resin retanning agent (AR, solid content of 30%) at the same dosage. The maximum absorption of HPM (88.31%) closely approached that of AR (90.23%). Furthermore, HPM retanned leathers showed satisfying performances in physical and mechanical properties. These findings demonstrate the potential of HPMs as lightweight and highly selective filling retanning agents with excellent thickening and absorption properties, offering an attractive alternative to traditional retanning agents.

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Mid-facial depression is a key sign of facial aging, primarily caused by the loss of collagen leading to depletion of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the existing fillers for soft tissue augmentation have shown certain limitations in repairing mid-facial depression. Therefore, we herein report the development of a novel recombinant humanized type III collagen gel (C3Gel) through rational design and modification of a commercially available recombinant type III humanized collagen lyophilized fiber product. Both biological activity and tissue repair mechanisms of C3Gel were systematically evaluated in vitro and in vivo. C3Gel formed a dense fibrous structure around cells, significantly improving the ECM environment and providing strong support for cells, thereby promoting cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. After injection of C3Gel into the dorsal region of rats, we observed a significant increase in the expression of type I collagen and elastin that improved tissue mechanical properties and elasticity. High-throughput RNA sequencing analysis revealed that C3Gel activated the integrin signaling pathway to improve binding between cells and ECM, resulting in the increased expression of downstream genes by activating the PI3K-Akt pathway which promoted the production of ECM components, such as collagen and laminin. At the same time, the expression of matrix metalloproteinases was inhibited to maintain ECM stability. Moreover, C3Gel is not carcinogenic in mice. Therefore, C3Gel demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and significant tissue repair ability, offering a safe, efficient, and long-term stable solution for mid-facial soft tissue augmentation, while providing new insights for other applications in regenerative medicine.

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Cell migration is a fundamental biological process that plays a crucial role in both physiological and pathological conditions, and is largely influenced by the complex microenvironment, particularly the extracellular matrix (ECM), a macromolecular network that governs various cellular interactions. Extensive research has established that ECM-cell interactions are critical in multiple biological processes, with some directly regulating cell migration. Among ECM components, collagens stand out as key regulators of cell movement. However, existing reviews have provided only limited perspectives on the role of collagen-based biomaterials in directing migration across different cell populations. This gap in knowledge hinders a comprehensive understanding of collagen’s full potential. Drawing from systematic literature and our ongoing research, this review aims to summarize advancements over the past five years in the application of collagen-based biomaterials for modulating cell migration. The discussion primarily focuses on three pivotal cell types: stem cells, immune cells, and cancer cells. By shedding light on the functions, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of collagen in cell migration, this review will contribute to the development of innovative collagen-based biomaterials with applications in wound healing and tissue regeneration.

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Developing chrome-free tanning agents to manufacture eco-leather products is the most promising way to address chrome pollution and achieve a sustainable leather industry. Herein, we report on a facile strategy to synthesize a novel biomass-based epoxy tanning agent (BET) based on sucrose and γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy) propytrimethoxysilane (KH560). FTIR, XPS, ²⁹Si NMR, and GPC analyses confirmed the reaction between sucrose and KH560 via forming Si–O–C bonds, suggesting the successful preparation of BET. The subsequent application experiments showed that the BET-tanned leather demonstrated superior performance with a well-organized collagen fiber network and a shrinkage temperature exceeding 80 °C, outperforming commercial TWS-tanned leather in thermal stability during post-tanning and resistance to yellowing. Moreover, the BET-tanned crust leather exhibited enhanced tensile strength (25.65 vs. 16.18 N/mm²) and tear resistance (84.01 vs. 60.71 N/mm) compared to TWS-tanned crust leather, along with reduced extensibility under a specific load and at break. Compared with the TWS-tanned crust leather, the BET-tanned crust leather also displayed superior smooth grain surface, dyeing uniformity, softness, and fullness. These promising results pave the way for developing alternative chrome-free tanning agents, aiding the sustainable development of the leather industry.

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Collagen, an abundant extracellular matrix protein in food-producing animals, is widely integrated into food systems for its unique physicochemical properties. Oral collagen-based supplements have received increasing attention for their potential to enhance overall well-being. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the application of oral collagen supplements in food systems, promoting their broader use in food processing, preservation, and the development of functional foods. Specifically, the applications of oral collagen-based supplements in functional foods, focusing on their biological activities, health benefits, and functional properties are summarized. Importantly, their molecular mechanisms of biological activities are critically discussed, including antioxidant, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory activities. The health benefits of oral collagen-based supplements, particularly in improving skin, immune, and gastrointestinal health are also explored. Additionally, various functional properties of collagen-based supplements are evaluated, including their stability, bioavailability, taste masking, and sensory attributes.

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