Zhiguo Zhang

1 month ago | nature.com | Jiajun Wang |Jiawei Chu |Ling Fang |Min Yu |Zhiguo Zhang |Junjun Zhu

This study presents an analysis of the anatomical structure of the archaeological bamboo, complemented by an examination of its chemical composition, structural characteristics, cellulose crystallinity, and thermal stability. The degraded fibre cell walls exhibited distinct porosity, indicative of the loss of secondary cell wall substances. Partial separation of the secondary wall layers from the middle lamella was observed in certain cell types. The results revealed a predictable diminution in hemicellulose and cellulose content, contrasted by an augmentation in relative lignin and ash content. The cellulose content and cellulose crystallinity index of archaeological bamboo were sharply reduced to 7.2% and 8.2%, respectively. Prolonged entombment had resulted in the predominant degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose in the unearthed bamboo, while lignin had remained relatively stable. At the same maximum water content (MWC), the bamboo underwent more severe degradation of carbohydrates, including the crystalline cellulose. These findings underscored the importance of understanding the degradation processes of bamboo, especially the changes in its chemical properties, in order to accurately assess its preservation state.

1 month ago | nature.com | Mengruo Wu |Jiake Chen |Xiangna Han |Jiajun Wang |Zhiguo Zhang |Hong Guo | +1 more

Lignin-like materials share chemical similarities with wood and exhibit excellent mechanical properties along with resistance to aging and microbial degradation. This study focuses on eugenol as a target lignin-like monomer. Three eugenol nanoemulsions with concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30% were prepared using surfactant Pesticide Emulsifier 1602 and co-surfactant diethylene glycol mono butyl ether (DEGBE). Laccase facilitated the in-situ polymerization of eugenol on the cell walls of waterlogged archeological wood (WAW) from the Nanhai No.1 shipwreck at temperatures of 35 °C °C, 45 °C, and 55 °C for dehydration and consolidation purposes. The 30 wt% eugenol emulsion at 45 °C showed the best consolidation effectiveness, with a minimal shrinkage rate of 3.62% and a 400–1000% increase in bending strength compared to controls. The polymer reinforced the decayed wood while preserving cellular lumens, offering an innovative, environmentally sustainable conservation method for WAW.

Jan 16, 2025 | cell.com | Zhiming Li |Zhiguo Zhang

KeywordsDNA replicationstrand-specific sequencingepigenetic inheritanceparental histone transfernucleosome assemblyDNA damage repairgenome maintenanceIntroductionDNA replication is essential to all living organisms and entails a highly orchestrated process, ensuring the faithful transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.

Jan 15, 2025 | cell.com | Yimin Shang |Haowen Shi |Minzhi Liu |Deyu Li |Xiaomeng Liu |Minyang Wang | +3 more

Keywordssynthetic biologynitrogenasenitrogen fixation genetransgenic riceprotein instabilityGet full text accessLog in, subscribe or purchase for full access. References1. Zhang, X. ... Managing nitrogen for sustainable developmentNature. 2015; 528:51-592. Curatti, L. ∙ Rubio, L.M.Challenges to develop nitrogen-fixing cereals by direct nif-gene transferPlant Sci. 2014; 225:130-1373. Oldroyd, G.E. ∙ Dixon, R. Biotechnological solutions to the nitrogen problemCurr. Opin. Biotechnol. 2014; 26:19-244.

Aug 25, 2024 | mdpi.com | Zhiguo Zhang |Haoran Li

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