Investigaciones financiadas por la Unión Europea (OpenAire) - Europar Batasunak finantzatutako ikerketak (OpenAire)

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Open Access
Anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects induced by phenolic compounds from onion waste extracts in ATDC-5 chondrogenic cell line
(MDPI, 2022) Paesa, Mónica; Ancín Azpilicueta, Carmen; Velderrain-Rodríguez, Gustavo; Martín-Belloso, Olga; Gualillo, Oreste; Osada, Jesús; Rodríguez Yoldi, María Jesús; Mendoza, Gracia; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2
Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative condition that is closely related to the destruction and inflammation of cartilage. The high prevalence of this pathology exhorts researchers to search for novel therapeutic approaches. Vegetable–fruit wastes have emerged as a promising origin of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that, in some cases, may also exert chondroprotective effects. This study aims to decipher the potential of onion waste products in the inhibition of molecular events involved in osteoarthritis. Onion extracts showed a high content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. Cytocompatibility was demonstrated in the chondrogenic cell line ATDC-5, exerting viability percentages higher than 90% and a slight increase in the S phase cycle cell. The induction of inflammation mediated by the lipopolysaccharide and onion extracts’ treatment substantially inhibited molecular markers related to inflammation and cartilage degradation, highlighting the promising application of onion extracts in biomedical approaches. The in silico analyses suggested that the results could be attributed to protocatechuic, ellagic, and vanillic acids’ greater cell membrane permeability. Our work provides distinctive information about the possible application of waste onion extracts as functional components with anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective characteristics in osteoarthritis.
Open Access
Coarse woody debris' invertebrate community is affected directly by canopy type and indirectly by thinning in mixed scots pine-European beech forests
(MDPI, 2020) Herrera Álvarez, Ximena; Blanco Vaca, Juan Antonio; Imbert Rodríguez, Bosco; Álvarez, Willin; Rivadeneira Barba, Gabriela; Zientziak; Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology - IMAB; Ciencias
Research Highlights: Thinning and tree species alter the forest floor microclimate by modifying canopy cover, radiation, wind, and humidity. Thus, forest management can directly influence the edaphic mesofauna responsible for decomposing coarse woody debris (CWD). Background and Objectives: This research was carried out in the Southwestern Pyrenees Mountains (Northern Spain) and aimed to determine the influence of forest thinning and canopy type (pure Pinus sylvestris L. or a mix of P. sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica L.) on CWD colonization by edaphic fauna. Materials and Methods: CWD samples were collected belonging to intermediate and advanced decomposition stages, approximately 10 cm long and 5 cm in diameter. Using a design of three thinning intensities (0%, 20%, and 40% of basal area removed), with three replications per treatment (nine plots in total), four samples were taken per plot (two per canopy type) to reach 36 samples in total. Meso- and macrofauna were extracted from CWD samples with Berlese-Tullgren funnels, and individuals were counted and identified. Results: 19 taxonomic groups were recorded, the most abundant being the mesofauna (mites and Collembola). Mixed canopy type had a significant positive influence on richness, whereas advanced decay class had a positive significant influence on total abundance and richness. In addition, there were non-significant decreasing trends in richness and abundance with increasing thinning intensity. However, interactions among thinning intensity, canopy type, and decay class significantly affected mesofauna. Furthermore, some taxonomic groups showed differential responses to canopy type. CWD water content was positively correlated with total invertebrate abundance and some taxonomic groups. Our results suggest that stand composition has the potential to directly affect invertebrate communities in CWD, whereas stand density influence is indirect and mostly realized through changes in CWD moisture. As mesofauna is related to CWD decomposition rates, these effects should be accounted for when planning forest management transition from pure to mixed forests.
Open Access
Complex selective manipulations of thermomagnetic programmable matter
(Springer Nature, 2022) Irisarri Erviti, Josu; Ezcurdia Aguirre, Íñigo Fermín; Sandúa Fernández, Xabier; Galarreta Rodríguez, Itziar; Pérez de Landazábal Berganzo, José Ignacio; Marzo Pérez, Asier; Ciencias; Zientziak; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC
Programmable matter can change its shape, stiffness or other physical properties upon command. Previous work has shown contactless optically controlled matter or magnetic actuation, but the former is limited in strength and the latter in spatial resolution. Here, we show an unprecedented level of control combining light patterns and magnetic fields. A mixture of thermoplastic and ferromagnetic powder is heated up at specific locations that become malleable and are attracted by magnetic fields. These heated areas solidify on cool down, and the process can be repeated. We show complex control of 3D slabs, 2D sheets, and 1D filaments with applications in tactile displays and object manipulation. Due to the low transition temperature and the possibility of using microwave heating, the compound can be manipulated in air, water, or inside biological tissue having the potential to revolutionize biomedical devices, robotics or display technologies.
Open Access
Determinants and tools to evaluate the ecological sustainability of using forest biomass as an alternative energy source
(2018) Blanco Vaca, Juan Antonio; Candel Pérez, David; Lo, Yueh-Hsin; Ciencias; Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua, PI037 InFORest
Forest biomass, the most ancient of fuels, is again in the center of renewable energy production. This chapter provides an introductory view of the main factors that condition the ecological sustainability of this energy source. The basic concepts of ecological sustainability, ecological rotation, and ecological thresholds (among others) are presented. The state of the art on approaches to assess the sustainability of forest biomass production for heat and electricity is discussed, and tools available for decision-makers to evaluate the sustainability of forest biomass production and management are described. This chapter then describes the main advantages and drawbacks of forest certification, growth and yield tables, and ecological models in relationship to their use in sustainable forest management for biomass and energy production.
Open Access
Effects of long-term sewage sludge application to a calcareous soil structure
(British Society of Soil Science, 2022) Simoes da Mota, Ana Claudia; Virto Quecedo, Íñigo; Poch, Rosa María; Zientziak; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD; Ciencias
Soil degradation is a growing challenge to global agriculture and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This has prompted calls for less use of mineral fertilizer and greater reliance on organic fertilizers. However, we need to understand better the long-term effects of organic fertilizer usage on soil structure to guide soil management practice, as many soil functions are sensitive to pore morphology and connectivity. In this study, we characterized topsoil (0–30 cm) pore architecture in relation to soil physical properties in a long-term experiment (LTE) site where calcareous soil had received 25 years of sewage sludge application. Two dosage rates (SSa, 20 and SSe, 80 Mg ha−1) were compared to mineral fertilization treatment and a control (no fertilization) in a random factorial block design. Soil microstructure and the types of pores were characterized using micromorphological methods and image analysis, in soil thin sections. Long-term sewage sludge SSa application improved soil microstructure (crumb and sub-angular-blocky type) and increased the presence of biopores, while mineral fertilized soil showed a platy to apedal microstructure, with more elongated pores and lower faunal activity. Mineral fertilized soil had the lowest total porosity values, with differences found in the aspect ratio of pores of equivalent diameter 100–200 μm. These findings suggest a relation between the different types of fertilization and soil pore shape and network. Further exploration of these changes in soil functioning is needed for a complete assessment of the consequences of SS application.
Open Access
Elucidating individual magnetic contributions in bi-magnetic Fe3O4/Mn3O4 Core/Shell nanoparticles by polarized powder neutron diffraction
(Wiley, 2023) Golosovsky, Igor V.; Kibalin, Iurii A.; Gukasov, Arsen; Gómez Roca, Alejando; López Ortega, Alberto; Estrader, Marta; Vasilakaki, Marianna; Trohidou, Kalliopi; Hansen, T. C.; Puente-Orench, I.; Lelièvre-Berna, E.; Nogués, Josep; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa, PJUPNA 2020
Heterogeneous bi-magnetic nanostructured systems have had a sustained interest during the last decades owing to their unique magnetic properties and the wide range of derived potential applications. However, elucidating the details of their magnetic properties can be rather complex. Here, a comprehensive study of Fe3O4/Mn3O4 core/shell nanoparticles using polarized neutron powder diffraction, which allows disentangling the magnetic contributions of each of the components, is presented. The results show that while at low fields the Fe3O4 and Mn3O4 magnetic moments averaged over the unit cell are antiferromagnetically coupled, at high fields, they orient parallel to each other. This magnetic reorientation of the Mn3O4 shell moments is associated with a gradual evolution with the applied field of the local magnetic susceptibility from anisotropic to isotropic. Additionally, the magnetic coherence length of the Fe3O4 cores shows some unusual field dependence due to the competition between the antiferromagnetic interface interaction and the Zeeman energies. The results demonstrate the great potential of the quantitative analysis of polarized neutron powder diffraction for the study of complex multiphase magnetic materials.
Open Access
ENSO and NAO affect long-term leaf litter dynamics and stoichiometry of Scots pine and European beech mixedwoods
(Wiley, 2019) González de Andrés, Ester; Blanco Vaca, Juan Antonio; Imbert Rodríguez, Bosco; Guan, Biing T.; Lo, Yueh-Hsin; Castillo Martínez, Federico; Ciencias; Zientziak
Litterfall dynamics (production, seasonality and nutrient composition) are key factors influencing nutrient cycling. Leaf litter characteristics are modified by species composition, site conditions and water availability. However, significant evidence on how large-scale, global circulation patterns affect ecophysiological processes at tree and ecosystem level remains scarce due to the difficulty in separating the combined influence of different factors on local climate and tree phenology. To fill this gap, we studied links between leaf litter dynamics with climate and other forest processes, such as tree-ring width (TRW) and intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) in two mixtures of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the south-western Pyrenees. Temporal series (18 years) of litterfall production and elemental chemical composition were decomposed following the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method and relationships with local climate, large-scale climatic indices, TRW and Scots pine´s iWUE were assessed. Temporal trends in N:P ratios indicated increasing P-limitation of soil microbes, thus affecting nutrient availability, as the ecological succession from a pine-dominated to a beech-dominated forest took place. A significant influence of large-scale patterns on tree-level ecophysiology was explained through the impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and El Niño – Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on water availability. Positive NAO and negative ENSO were related to dry conditions and, consequently, to early needle shedding and increased N:P ratio of both species. Autumn storm activity appears to be related to premature leaf abscission of European beech. Significant cascading effects from large-scale patterns on local weather influenced pine TRW and iWUE. These variables also responded to leaf stoichiometry fallen three years prior to tree-ring formation. Our results provide evidence of the cascading effect that variability in global climate circulation patterns can have on ecophysiological processes and stand dynamics in mixed forests.
Open Access
Exploring the complex interplay of anisotropies in magnetosomes of magnetotactic bacteria
(American Chemical Society, 2025-04-14) Gandía Aguado, David; Marcano, Lourdes; Gandarias, Lucía; Gubieda, Alicia G.; García-Prieto, Ana; Fernández Barquín, Luis; Espeso, José Ignacio; Martín Jefremovas, E.; Orue, Iñaki; Abad Díaz de Cerio, Ana; Fernández-Gubieda, María Luisa; Alonso Masa, Javier; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2
Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are at the forefront of interest for biophysics applications, especially in cancer treatment. Magnetosomes biomineralized by these bacteria are high-quality magnetic nanoparticles that form chains inside the MTB through a highly reproducible, naturally driven process. In particular, Magnetovibrio blakemorei and Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MTB exhibit distinct magnetosome morphologies: truncated hexa-octahedral and cuboctahedral shapes, respectively. Despite having identical compositions (magnetite, Fe3O4) and dimensions within a similar size range, their effective uniaxial anisotropies significantly differ at room temperature, with M. blakemorei exhibiting ∼25 kJ/m3 and M. gryphiswaldense ∼ 11 kJ/m3. This prominent anisotropy variance provides a unique opportunity to explore the role of magnetic anisotropy contributions in the magnetic responses of these magnetite-based nanoparticles. This study systematically investigates these responses by examining static magnetization as a function of temperature (M vs T, 5 mT) and magnetic field (M vs μ0H, up to 1 T). Above the Verwey transition temperature (∼110 K), the effective anisotropy is dominated by the shape anisotropy contribution, notably increasing the coercivity for M. blakemorei by up to twofold compared to M. gryphiswaldense. However, below this temperature, the effective uniaxial anisotropy rapidly increases in a nonmonotonic way, significantly changing the magnetic behavior. Computational simulations using a dynamic Stoner–Wohlfarth model provide insights into these phenomena, enabling careful interpretation of experimental data. According to our simulations, below the Verwey temperature, a uniaxial magnetocrystalline contribution progressively emerges, peaking around 22–24 kJ/m3 at 5 K. Our study reveals the complex evolution of magnetocrystalline contributions, which dominate the magnetic response of magnetosomes below the Verwey temperature. This demonstrates the profound impact of anisotropic properties on the magnetic behaviors and applications of magnetite-based nanoparticles and highlights the exceptional utility of magnetosomes as ideal model systems for studying the complex interplay of anisotropies in magnetite-based nanoparticles.
Open Access
Exploring the potential of the dynamic hysteresis loops via high field, high frequency and temperature adjustable AC magnetometer for magnetic hyperthermia characterization
(Taylor & Francis, 2020) Rodrigo, Irati; Castellanos Rubio, Idoia; Garayo Urabayen, Eneko; Arriortua, Oihane K.; Insausti, Maite; Ciencias; Zientziak
Aim: The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is the key parameter to optimize the effectiveness of magnetic nanoparticles in magnetic hyperthermia. AC magnetometry arises as a powerful technique to quantify the SAR by computing the hysteresis loops' area. However, currently available devices produce quite limited magnetic field intensities, below 45mT, which are often insufficient to obtain major hysteresis loops and so a more complete and understandable magneticcharacterization. This limitation leads to a lack of information concerning some basic properties, like the maximum attainable (SAR) as a function of particles' size and excitation frequencies, or the role of the mechanical rotation in liquid samples. Methods: To fill this gap, we have developed a versatile high field AC magnetometer, capable of working at a wide range of magnetic hyperthermia frequencies (100 kHz–1MHz) and up to field intensities of 90mT. Additionally, our device incorporates a variable temperature system for continuous measurements between 220 and 380 K. We have optimized the geometrical properties of the induction coil that maximize the generated magnetic field intensity. Results: To illustrate the potency of our device, we present and model a series of measurements performed in liquid and frozen solutions of magnetic particles with sizes ranging from 16 to 29 nm. Conclusion: We show that AC magnetometry becomes a very reliable technique to determine the effective anisotropy constant of single domains, to study the impact of the mechanical orientation in the SAR and to choose the optimal excitation parameters to maximize heating production under human safety limits.
Open Access
Grape stems as preservative in Tempranillo wine
(2022) Pires Nogueira, Danielle; Jiménez Moreno, Nerea; Esparza Catalán, Irene; Moler Cuiral, José Antonio; Ancín Azpilicueta, Carmen; Zientziak; Estatistika, Informatika eta Matematika; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2; Ciencias; Estadística, Informática y Matemáticas
SO2 is the most widely used preservative in the wine industry. However, there are several drawbacks related with the use of SO2 in wine, such as, its toxicity and the unpleasant odor in case of excess [1]. These reasons justify the importance of searching alternatives to reduce or eliminate this preservative from wine. Polyphenol rich extracts from agri-food industry by-products have been studied as a replacement for their high antioxidant activity, and positive results reported [2]. The grapes stems are discarded early on in the winemaking process, in spite of containing large amounts of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. The aim of this work was to determine whether the ground stem and its extract had the potential to totally or partially replace SO2 in wine.
Open Access
Graphene oxide: key to efficient charge extraction and suppression of polaronic transport in hybrids with poly (3-hexylthiophene) nanoparticles
(American Chemical Society, 2023) Colom, Eduardo; Hernández-Ferrer, Javier; Galán-González, Alejandro; Ansón-Casaos, Alejandro; Navarro-Rodríguez, Mario; Palacios-Lidón, Elisa; Colchero, Jaime; Padilla, Javier; Urbina Yeregui, Antonio; Arenal, Raúl; Benito, Ana M.; Maser, Wolfgang K.; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2
Nanoparticles (NPs) of conjugated polymers in intimate contact with sheets of graphene oxide (GO) constitute a promising class of water-dispersible nanohybrid materials of increased interest for the design of sustainable and improved optoelectronic thin-film devices, revealing properties exclusively pre-established upon their liquid-phase synthesis. In this context, we report for the first time the preparation of a P3HTNPs-GO nanohybrid employing a miniemulsion synthesis approach, whereby GO sheets dispersed in the aqueous phase serve as a surfactant. We show that this process uniquely favors a quinoid-like conformation of the P3HT chains of the resulting NPs well located onto individual GO sheets. The accompanied change in the electronic behavior of these P3HTNPs, consistently confirmed by the photoluminescence and Raman response of the hybrid in the liquid and solid states, respectively, as well as by the properties of the surface potential of isolated individual P3HTNPs-GO nano-objects, facilitates unprecedented charge transfer interactions between the two constituents. While the electrochemical performance of nanohybrid films is featured by fast charge transfer processes, compared to those taking place in pure P3HTNPs films, the loss of electrochromic effects in P3HTNPs-GO films additionally indicates the unusual suppression of polaronic charge transport processes typically encountered in P3HT. Thus, the established interface interactions in the P3HTNPs-GO hybrid enable a direct and highly efficient charge extraction channel via GO sheets. These findings are of relevance for the sustainable design of novel high-performance optoelectronic device structures based on water-dispersible conjugated polymer nanoparticles.
Open Access
Life cycle assessment in higher education: design and implementation of a teaching sequence activity
(MDPI, 2024) Navajas León, Alberto; Echarri San Martín, Itsaso Andrea; Gandía Pascual, Luis; Pozuelo, Jorge; Cascarosa, Esther; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2
The latest studies show that to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals on education, there must be a focus on adequately training higher education students. In this work, we present a study about the Life Cycle Analysis of knowledge of products and processes of engineering students. This aspect is very relevant in engineering education since it has direct implications on sustainability. The first step was to identify what the learning problems were, and taking them into account, a specific teaching sequence was designed and implemented over three academic years. Two activities, on an increasing level of complexity, of the application of Life Cycle Assessment are shown in this paper. The first one is the Life Cycle Analysis comparison between two steel and polypropylene pieces. The second one is the Life Cycle Analysis comparison between three different ends of life of a polypropylene piece: mechanical recycling, incineration, and landfill. Data on the evolution of students' marks while solving a ¿one step more difficult project¿ throughout these courses have been collected. The results show a generalized learning by the students about Life Cycle Analysis.
Embargo
New challenges in organic fertilization: soil quality indicators under long-term sewage sludge application
(2023) Simoes da Mota, Ana Claudia; Virto Quecedo, Íñigo; Poch, Rosa María; Ciencias; Zientziak
Soils represent a fundamental part of life on Earth and represent a crucial player on climate change action, for their capacity to sequester atmospheric carbon (C) through organic matter stabilization, constituting one of the largest C-reservoirs. The management of soil organic matter (SOM) seems highly relevant for maintaining or improving soil function in Mediterranean agricultural areas. Mediterranean soils face several threats that increase soil susceptibility to degradation processes, hampering soil ecosystem services. Under the framework of the European Green Deal, and the need to promote circular economy, the use of sewage sludge (SS) as a fertilizer seems a good solution. When properly managed, it can be a way to prevent environmental pollution, recycle nutrients, and decrease the need for commercial fertilizers. Long-term experiments (LTE) can provide valuable data for soil science. The main objective of this work is to make a holistic assessment to the state of the soil after 28 years of continuous fertilization with sewage sludge. To be resilient with future challenges on food security, soil needs to be addressed according to its importance on the planet wellbeing. The work carried out in this thesis provides a functional assessment of the continuous use of sewage sludge as an organic fertilizer in agricultural land in the region of Navarra. It is important to consider the multiple soil functions and de-centralize crop-production from health indicators. Soils are not good and not bad, management yes. The results provided by this thesis highlight the importance of a healthy management of the soil and the bias provided by small-set of indicators. Agricultural soils provide important services that should be valued, not only those related to food production, but also to other key functions such as the control of soil degradation and vulnerability or climate regulation. The scientific community must coordinate and collaborate with politicians, policy makers, and stakeholders to explore these services, and to guide a transition to sustainable agriculture to address the challenges of the future.
Open Access
Operation strategies guideline for packed bed thermal energy storage systems
(Wiley, 2019) Ortega-Fernández, Íñigo; Uriz Doray, Irantzu; Ortuondo, Asier; Hernández, Ana Belén; Faik, Abdessamad; Loroño, Iñaki; Rodríguez-Aseguinolaza, Javier; Ciencias; Zientziak
Packed bed thermal energy storage (TES) systems have been identified in the last years as one of the most promising TES alternatives in terms of thermal efficiency and economic viability. The relative simplicity of this storage concept opens an important opportunity to its implementation in many environments, from the renewable solar-thermal frame to the industrial waste heat recovery. In addition, its implicit flexibility allows the use of a wide variety of solid materials and heat transfer fluids, which leads to its deployment in very different applications. Its potential to overcome current heat storage system limitations regarding suitable temperature ranges or storage capacities has also been pointed out. However, the full implementation of the packed bed storage concept is still incomplete since no industrial scale units are under operation. The main underlying reasons are associated to the lack of a complete extraction of the full potential of this storage technology, derived from a successful system optimization in terms of material selection, design, and thermal management. These points have been evidenced as critical in order to attain high thermal efficiency values, comparable to the state-of-the-art storage technologies, with improved technoeconomic performance. In order to bring this storage technology to a more mature status, closer to a successful industrial deployment, this paper proposes a double approach. First, a low-cost by-product material with high thermal performance is used as heat storage material in the packed bed. Second, a complete energetic and efficiency analysis of the storage system is introduced as a function of the thermal operation. Overall, the impact of both the selected storage material and the different thermal operation strategies is discussed by means of a thermal model which permits a careful discussion about the implications of each TES deployment strategy and the underlying governing mechanisms. The results show the paramount importance of the selected operation method, able to increase the resulting cycle and material usage efficiency up to values comparable to standard currently used TES solutions.
Open Access
Progress and perspectives for the use of pillared clays as adsorbents for organic compounds in aqueous solution
(De Gruyter, 2022-09-14) Cardona Rodríguez, Yaneth; Vicente, Miguel Ángel; Korili, Sophia A.; Gil Bravo, Antonio; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2
The world is faced with several problems as regards water pollution. This is due to several factors, including the discharge of effluents into the environment with no prior treatment. This wastewater, therefore, contains significant levels of pollutants, including numerous toxic organic contaminants and others that are similarly undesirable. Several studies have attempted to find ways of removing wastewater contaminants using pillared interlayered clays (PILC) as adsorbents. In this work, we present a summary of those studies that have used PILC as adsorbents for the removal of organic compounds from aqueous solutions while simultaneously illustrating their potential for this purpose. A general overview is provided so that the reader can acquire a basic understanding of the PILC and their modified counterparts that have been used, and some of the characteristics that can directly affect their adsorption behavior, especially their textural and surface properties.
Open Access
Smarterial – Smart matter optomagnetic
(2021) Irisarri Erviti, Josu; Marzo Pérez, Asier; Galarreta Rodríguez, Itziar; Estatistika, Informatika eta Matematika; Ingeniaritza; Zientziak; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2; Estadística, Informática y Matemáticas; Ingeniería; Ciencias
Smart materials, also known as programmable materials, are a combination of different components that have the capability to change shape, move around and adapt to numerous situations by applying an external controllable field. Previous works have used optically guided matter or magnetically actuated materials, but similarly to soft robots, they are limited in spatial resolution or strength. Here we propose combining a low temperature thermoplastic polymer Polycaprolactone (PCL) with ferromagnetic powder particles (Fe). Focused light can heat this compound at specific locations and make it malleable. These heated spots can be actuated by external magnetic fields. Once the material cools down, this process can be repeated, or reversed. The compound can be actuated contact-less in the form of 3D slabs, 2D sheets, and 1D filaments. We show applications for reversible tactile displays and manipulation of objects. The laboratory team has characterised the density, weight, magnetic attraction, magnetic force, phase change, thermal and electrical conductivity and heat difusión (spread point test) for smart ferromagnetic compounds of different mixture proportions. The main advantages of this smart matter optomagnetic are the high spatial resolution of light and the strong force of magnetic attraction whilst mechanical properties of polymers are practically conserved. Due to the low temperature required and the possibility to use infrared or electromagnetic induction to heat the compound, the smart material can be used in air, water, or inside biological tissue. Eventually, Smart materials will enrich collaborative movements, such as grab and hold, and more complex ones, as reshaping and reassembling.
Open Access
Stability and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in rosehip extracts during in vitro digestión
(MDPI, 2023) Odriozola-Serrano, Isabel; Pires Nogueira, Danielle; Esparza Catalán, Irene; Vaz, Ana A.; Jiménez Moreno, Nerea; Martín-Belloso, Olga; Ancín Azpilicueta, Carmen; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2
Rosehips, particularly dog rose fruits (Rosa canina L.), are a great source of antioxidant compounds, mainly phenolics. However, their health benefits directly depend on the bioaccessibility of these compounds affected by gastrointestinal digestion. Thus, the purpose of this research was to study the impact of gastrointestinal and colonic in vitro digestions on the concentration of total and individual bioaccessible phenolic compounds from a hydroalcoholic extract of rosehips (Rosa canina) and also their antioxidant capacity. A total of 34 phenolic compounds were detected in the extracts using UPLC-MS/MS. Ellagic acid, taxifolin, and catechin were the most abundant compounds in the free fraction, while gallic and p-coumaric acids were the main compounds in the bound phenolic fraction. Gastric digestion negatively affected the content of free phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity measured using the DPPH radical method. However, there was an enhancement of antioxidant properties in terms of phenolic content and antioxidant activity (DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl): 18.01 ± 4.22 mmol Trolox Equivalent (TE)/g; FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power): 7.84 ± 1.83 mmol TE/g) after the intestinal stage. The most bioaccessible phenolic compounds were flavonols (73.3%) and flavan-3-ols (71.4%). However, the bioaccessibility of phenolic acids was 3%, probably indicating that most of the phenolic acids were still bound to other components of the extract. Ellagic acid is an exception since it presented a high bioaccessibility (93%) as it was mainly found in the free fraction of the extract. Total phenolic content decreased after in vitro colonic digestion, probably due to chemical transformations of the phenolic compounds by gut microbiota. These results demonstrated that rosehip extracts have a great potential to be used as a functional ingredient.
Open Access
TiO2/Al-PILC catalysts synthesized from a non-conventional aluminum source of aluminum and applied in the photodegradation of organic compounds
(Springer, 2024-07-17) Cardona Rodríguez, Yaneth; Gil Bravo, Antonio; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
This study explores the transformative potential of Pillared InterLayered Clays (PILC) derived from non-conventional aluminum sources as catalytic supports in the synthesis of TiO2/catalysts for the efficient photodegradation of organic pollutants in water. Montmorillonite (Mt) and three alumina-pillared montmorillonite (PILC) synthesized using various aluminum sources, were impregnated with titanium to synthesize TiO2/catalysts. The successful synthesis of these materials was confirmed through several characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption at -196 ºC, morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDX). The photolysis, adsorption, and catalytic behavior of the TiO2/catalysts were studied for the degradation of triclosan (TCS), 2,6-dichlorophenol (2,6-DCP), and bisphenol A (BPA). All synthesized catalysts surpassed the efficacy of commercial anatase, with TiO2/Al-PILC exhibiting superior performance in comparison to TiO2/Mt. Photodegradation was most effective under UV radiation, with TCS demonstrating the highest degradation (approximately 70%). Notably, Al-PILC samples, particularly those synthesized from saline slags, displayed enhanced properties. Among them, TiO2/Al-PILCAE exhibited the highest degradation rates under both UV and visible light, underlining the remarkable potential of saline slags as precursors for Al-PILC synthesis. This study provides valuable insights into the design and development of efficient catalysts for water treatment applications, paving the way for sustainable and effective solutions in the realm of environmental remediation.
Open Access
Transfering sustainability competences through green pedagogies and service-learning in higher education
(European Center of Sustainable Development, 2025-02-01) Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; Martínez Aldaya, Maite; Navarlaz Fernández, Isabel; Ciencias; Zientziak; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
Sustainability competences are reflected in the ability to look ahead to change and shape the future of the societies in which they live through active participation in the sense of sustainable development. Through service-learning, students take responsibility for their actions. The complex nature of sustainability issues makes it useful to explore problems and their solutions holistically. In the framework of the NEMOS project (A New Educational Model for Acquiring Sustainability Competences through Service-Learning), a collaborative process was initiated to pool the knowledge and experience of five Higher Education Institutions working together to implement new educational models for effectively acquiring sustainability competences through service-learning in food-related degrees. This EU-funded project was launched and aimed to advance the transition to sustainability education through practical and innovative educational approaches and interventions. Green pedagogy can support transformative learning through the exploration and clarification of learners
Open Access
Understanding the formation of Al13 and Al30 polycations to the development of microporous materials based on Al13-and Al30-PILC montmorillonites: a review
(Elsevier, 2021) Cardona Rodríguez, Yaneth; Gil Bravo, Antonio; Korili, Sophia A.; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2; Ciencias; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Hydrolysis of aluminum cations (Al3+), the third most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust, is considered relevant in many academic fields, including materials science and chemical engineering. AlIII -polycations and their different uses have also been widely studied, as reflected in the extensive literature in that field. This review summarizes some of those studies, from Al3+ hydrolysis to form Al13 ([Al13O4(OH)24(H2O)12]7+) and Al30 ([(Al30O8(OH)56(H2O)24)]18+) polycations and their specific use as pillaring agents for montmorillonite, which is the most commonly used clay mineral in Aluminum Pillared Interlayered Clays (Al-PILC) synthesis. The experimental conditions published over the years regarding the synthesis of both these AlIII-polycations, as well as the conditions employed to synthesize Al-PILC montmorillonite using Al13 and Al30 polycation solutions, are also summarized. This review highlights some of the findings that have made it possible to explain the formation of Al13- and Al30-PILC montmorillonites, and allow us to clearly understand their differences. Finally, the new tendencies in the development of these materials based on Al-PILC and the applications are also highlighted.