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Because leg injuries produce welfare concerns and impact production for broilers, numerous interventions have been suggested as potential solutions. One mineral which may affect bone quality is silicon. The objective of this study was to determine if supplementing bioavailable silicon could affect bone morphology, mineralization, and strength without negatively influencing welfare and meat quality. Male broilers were raised from d 1 after hatching until 42 d of age and randomly assigned to treatment groups for silicon supplementation in water: Control (no supplement, C; n = 125), Normal (0.011 ml supplement/kg bodyweight, N; n = 125) and High (0.063 ml supplement/kg bodyweight, H; n = 125). Toe damage, footpad dermatitis, hock burn, and keel blisters were assessed on d 42. Blood samples were collected from wing veins for serum osteocalcin, pyridinoline cross-links, and mineral analysis. Clinical QCT scans and analysis were conducted immediately before four-point bending tests of tibias. Texture analysis was performed on cooked fillets. Silicon supplementation tended to increase daily water consumption in N and H as compared to C ( P = 0.07). Footpad dermatitis and hock burn scores were higher in H than in N or C ( P < 0.05 for both comparisons). Supplementation altered serum minerals ( P < 0.001), but bone density, morphology, and strength measures were similar among groups. The highest level of supplementation in the current study on a kg bodyweight basis was above recommended intakes but below previous amounts demonstrating silicon’s positive influence on bone, indicating that previously suggested minimum thresholds need to be reevaluated. Factors such as growth rate and mechanical loading likely play a greater role in developing bone quality than trying to supplement on top of good basic nutrition alone.

Background/Objectives: Vascular aging is associated with increased arterial stiffness and changes in the wall structure, leading to a loss of elasticity. Silicon is abundant in arteries and plays a key role in the synthesis and stabilization of elastin fibers. In animal models of accelerated cardiovascular aging, a specific nutritional supplement based on silicon-enriched spirulina (SpSi) has been shown to have beneficial effects on vascular function. The present study, designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this SpSi supplement on aging-related changes in vascular function among healthy older adults. Methods: Here, 120 healthy volunteers aged 60–75 years were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the SpSi group (n = 60) or placebo group (n = 60). Over 6 months, the participants received either 3.5 g of specific 1% silicon-enriched spirulina (SpSi group) or placebo tablets daily. The primary outcome was the assessment of arterial wall pressure waveforms, which included blood pressure (BP) readings and the determination of the aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV). Secondary outcomes included the vasomotor endothelial function through post-ischemic vasorelaxation, measured using the reactive hyperemia index (RHI), and carotid intima–media thickness. Results: When considering the entire sample, none of the studied parameters differed between the placebo and SpSi groups. However, when focusing on individuals with high–normal blood pressure (i.e., systolic BP between 130 and 150 mmHg) and aPWV levels above cutoff values (>10 m/s), the BP decreased by 8% (p < 0.001) and aPWV decreased by 13.5% (p < 0.0001) in subjects receiving SpSi. In individuals with BP and aPWV levels below the cutoff values, no effect was observed. Conclusions: In healthy elderly individuals, SpSi supplementation improved high–normal blood pressure and aortic pulse wave velocity, suggesting an enhanced vascular function.

Silicon has been widely used as a material for microelectronic for more than 60 years, attracting considerable scientific interest as a promising tool for the manufacture of implantable medical devices in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the use of such material involves responsibilities due to its toxicity, and researchers are pushing towards the generation of new classes of composite semiconductors, including the Silicon Carbide (3C-SiC). In the present work, we tested the biocompatibility of Silicon and 3C-SiC using an in vitro model of human neuronal stem cells derived from dental pulp (DP-NSCs) and mouse Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs), a particular glial cell type showing stem cell characteristics. Specifically, we investigated the effects of 3C-SiC on neural cell morphology, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential. Data showed that both DP-NSCs and OECs, cultured on 3C-SiC, did not undergo consistent oxidative stress events and did not exhibit morphological modifications or adverse reactions in mitochondrial membrane potential. Our findings highlight the possibility to use Neural Stem Cells plated on 3C-SiC substrate as clinical tool for lesioned neural areas, paving the way for future perspectives in novel cell therapies for neuro-degenerated patients.

It is well documented that slag-based silicon fertilizers have beneficial effects on the growth and disease resistance of rice. However, their effects vary greatly with sources of slag and are closely related to availability of silicon (Si) in these materials. To date, few researches have been done to compare the differences in plant performance and disease resistance between different slag-based silicon fertilizers applied at the same rate of plant-available Si. In the present study both steel and iron slags were chosen to investigate their effects on rice growth and disease resistance under greenhouse conditions. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to examine the effects of slags on ultrastructural changes in leaves of rice naturally infected by Bipolaris oryaze, the causal agent of brown spot. The results showed that both slag-based Si fertilizers tested significantly increased rice growth and yield, but decreased brown spot incidence, with steel slag showing a stronger effect than iron slag. The results of SEM analysis showed that application of slags led to more pronounced cell silicification in rice leaves, more silica cells, and more pronounced and larger papilla as well. The results of TEM analysis showed that mesophyll cells of slag-untreated rice leaf were disorganized, with colonization of the fungus (Bipolaris oryzae), including chloroplast degradation and cell wall alterations. The application of slag maintained mesophyll cells relatively intact and increased the thickness of silicon layer. It can be concluded that applying slag-based fertilizer to Si-deficient paddy soil is necessary for improving both rice productivity and brown spot resistance. The immobile silicon deposited in host cell walls and papillae sites is the first physical barrier for fungal penetration, while the soluble Si in the cytoplasm enhances physiological or induced resistance to fungal colonization.

Background Plant resistance inducers based on nanomaterials (NMs) are a cutting-edge and promising field of interdisciplinary research, focused on developing environmentally and ecologically friendly alternatives for protecting crops. Studies have shown that NMs composed of silicon (SiO 2 ) and carbon quantum dots (CDs) can help plants better withstand various environmental and pest-related stresses. Results We synthesized and characterized SiO 2 -coated CDs (SiO 2 @CDs) NMs that were found to be absorbed by tobacco leaves. Our research demonstrated that spraying tobacco leaves with a solution containing 100 mg/L SiO 2 @CDs was more effective in promoting plant growth and controlling pest populations, specifically adult aphids compared to using either CDs or SiO 2 alone at the same concentration. The group treated with SiO 2 @CDs achieved a significant 71% mortality of adult aphids after just 7 days, which was significantly different from the control group. Mechanistically, SiO 2 @CDs enhanced both the plant’s physical resistance by utilizing Si, and stimulated the production of chemical defense compounds (such as salicylic acid), thereby improving aphid resistance. Additionally, the application of SiO 2 @CDs significantly reduced oxidative stress in the leaves caused by aphid infestation, bolstered the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation. Our biosafety experiments indicated that the SiO 2 @CDs were less toxic and safer for non-target organisms in the environment, as well as for human cells. Conclusion This study demonstrates that SiO 2 @CDs exhibit excellent performance as a multifunctional insecticide in managing aphid-induced plant pest infestations, highlighting their promising and environmentally friendly potential in pest control and agroecosystem optimization.

Background Today, improving the nutritional status of plants using external supplements, particularly based on nanotechnology, is of great importance to compensate for the damage caused by abiotic stresses. Salinity is one of the chief environmental stresses limiting the growth and yield of crops by reducing the osmotic potential and disrupting the absorption of water and nutrients. The present study was conducted to compare the priming effect of foliar spraying the following treatments: silicon nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs; 50 mg L −1 ), chitosan nanoparticles (CTS NPs; 0.1%), chitosan-silicon nanoparticles (CTS-SiO 2 NPs; 25 and 50 mg L −1 ) and distilled water (control). These treatments were assayed on reducing the effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity stress (0 and 150 mM) on two-year old pomegranate seedlings. Results The results showed that under salinity stress, foliar application of combined chitosan-silicon treatment provided a better role in moderating the negative effects of stress than the single use of these nanomaterials and improved seedling height (HT), diameter (DIA), leaf area (LAI), fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a and carotenoid content, membrane stability index (MSI), APX, concentrations P, K, and K/Na ratio. The combined chitosan-silicon treatment also reduced the rate of electrolyte leakage (EL) under stress conditions. Chitosan foliar application alone increased leaf number (LN) and reduced nitrogen and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) levels under stress. Silicon also reduced the amount of MDA and Na. Conclusions Therefore, it seems that the application of CTS-SiO 2 NPs could be considered as an effective method to reduce the negative effects of salt stress on pomegranate. This study represents one of the early scientific investigations demonstrating the synergistic potential of CTS-SiO 2 nanoparticles in boosting pomegranate tolerance to salinity stress, highlighting its novelty while acknowledging that further research is needed for definitive confirmation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main hepatic primary malignancy. Patients with advanced HCC receiving the recommended therapies have a poor outcome. In different settings, nanotechnology has gained attraction as a potential alternative strategy for improving therapeutic effectiveness. Among several nanoparticles (NPs), inorganic NPs, such as zinc and silicon oxides (ZnO and SiO ), are mainly chosen as drug nanocarriers, as both present great adsorption properties and biocompatibility. The objective is to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the proapoptotic effects of ZnO and SiO NPs in differentiated hepatoblastoma cells (HepG2) and mesenchymal liver cancer cells (SNU449). Dose-dependent induction of cell cytotoxicity by ZnO and SiO NPs (5 to 50 µg/mL) was determined in HepG2 and SNU449 cells. NPs intracellular localization was assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell death was determined by trypan blue staining and caspase-3 and -8 activities. Cell respiration was determined using MitroStress assay (Seahorse, Agilent). ZnO NPs, but not SiO NPs, reduced cell viability in HepG2 and SNU449. Interestingly, SNU449 appeared to be more susceptible than HepG2 to ZnO NPs (IC50 of 27.4 ± 1.4 µg/mL and 41.8 ± 0.4 µg/mL, respectively). SiO NPs tended to be localized in lysosomes in both cell lines, while ZnO NPs demonstrated a random distribution with a high presence in mitochondria and related structures. As expected, SiO NPs did not reduce cell survival and cell respiration, while ZnO NPs promoted cell death and decreased oxygen consumption rate. ZnO NPs mitochondrial accumulation was associated with increased apoptosis in HepG2, while necroapoptosis was mainly involved in ZnO-induced cell death in SNU449. SiO demonstrated no cytotoxic profile against liver cancer cells. ZnO NPs demonstrated to accumulate in mitochondria impacting cell respiration and cell death in liver cancer cells. ZnO induced apoptosis and necroptosis in HepG2 and SNU449, respectively.

Rice brown spot (BS) exerts devastating agronomic effects on grain quality and overall productivity. In Peninsular Malaysia, BS disease incidence is fairly prevalent and little is known about the diversity of BS pathogens in the local granaries. Fifteen isolates from BS symptomatic rice plants were identified at five different rice granaries across Peninsular Malaysia. Based on the morphological and molecular analyses, two isolates were confirmed as Bipolaris oryzae while the rest were identified as Exserohilum rostratum . Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that BS incidence in rice granaries in Peninsular Malaysia is caused by a pair of closely related fungal pathogens, E. rostratum and B. oryzae, with the former being more predominant. Cultural characterization of E. rostratum isolate KT831962 showed the best growth and sporulation activity on corn meal agar plates incubated in complete darkness. The effects of calcium silicate (CaSiO 3 ) and rice husk ash (RHA) soil amendment against MR219 and MR253 rice varieties were evaluated during rice- E. rostratum interaction. Results showed that soil amelioration using CaSiO 3 and RHA singly and in combination with manganese (Mn) significantly reduced rice BS disease severity. The BS disease index was reduced significantly to less than 31.6% in the silicon-treated rice plants relative to the control plants at 41.2%. Likewise, the grain yield at the harvest stage showed significantly higher yield in the Si-treated rice plants in comparison to the control, non-Si treated rice plants. The findings highlight the potential of RHA agro-waste as Si fertilizer in a sustainable rice production system.

Abstract The expansion of eucalyptus cultivation to new areas with unfavourable environmental conditions can bring the risk of severe water stress at the beginning of seedling growth, which requires management or the use of agents that mitigate this condition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of silicon and biostimulant application on eucalyptus seedlings under water stress conditions. The experiment was installed in a randomized block design in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, where five doses of silicon dioxide (SiO2 - 91%) incorporated into the substrate (0.0; 1.17; 2.33; 3.50 and 4.66 g L-1) were tested in the presence (20.0 mL L-1 water) or absence of Stimulate® biostimulant, with five replicates. The experiment was installed in 6.0 L-1 polyethylene bags under simulation of water stress in an open area. The combined application of silicon and biostimulant influenced stem diameter and root dry mass. The dry mass of the leaves and the total height of the seedlings were only influenced by the application of silicon. The SiO2 doses, which in combination with the biostimulant or not, provided higher values for the total height, stem diameter, dry mass of leave, stem and root parameters, ranged from 2.90 to 3.83 g SiO2 L-1. Both the occurrence and severity of water stress symptoms were modified by the application of silicon, combined or not combined with biostimulants. The isolated application of biostimulant and silicon at a dose of 4.66 g L-1 as well as the use of this dose in combination with biostimulant resulted in longer and less severe stress symptoms. Resumo A expansão do eucalipto para novas áreas, com condições ambientais adversas, pode proporcionar riscos de intenso estresse hídrico no início do crescimento das mudas, necessitando de manejos ou insumos capazes de amenizar essa condição. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação de silício e de bioestimulante em mudas de eucalipto sob condição de estresse hídrico. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, testando cinco doses de dióxido de silício (SiO2 - 91%) incorporado ao substrato (0,0; 1,17; 2,33; 3,50 e 4,66 g L-1), na presença (20,0 mL L-1 de água) ou ausência do bioestimulante Stimulate®, com cinco repetições. O experimento foi instalado em sacos de polietileno de 6,0 L-1, com simulação de estresse hídrico e condução em área aberta. O uso combinado de silício e bioestimulante afetou o diâmetro do caule e a massa seca de raiz. A massa seca de folhas e altura total das mudas foram influenciadas apenas pela aplicação de silício. As doses de SiO2, associadas ou não ao bioestimulante, que proporcionaram maiores valores para os parâmetros altura total, diâmetro do caule, massa seca de folhas, caule e raiz, variaram de 2,90 a 3,83 g de SiO2 L-1. Tanto o aparecimento como a severidade dos sintomas de estresse hídrico foram alterados pela aplicação do silício, combinado ou não com bioestimulante. A aplicação isolada, tanto do bioestimulante como do silício, na dose de 4,66 g L-1, assim como o uso desta dose combinada com o bioestimulante, proporcionaram maior tempo e menor severidade dos sintomas de estresse.

Black silicon is a synthetic nanomaterial that contains high aspect ratio nanoprotrusions on its surface, produced through a simple reactive-ion etching technique for use in photovoltaic applications. Surfaces with high aspect-ratio nanofeatures are also common in the natural world, for example, the wings of the dragonfly Diplacodes bipunctata . Here we show that the nanoprotrusions on the surfaces of both black silicon and D. bipunctata wings form hierarchical structures through the formation of clusters of adjacent nanoprotrusions. These structures generate a mechanical bactericidal effect, independent of chemical composition. Both surfaces are highly bactericidal against all tested Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and endospores, and exhibit estimated average killing rates of up to ~450,000 cells min −1  cm −2 . This represents the first reported physical bactericidal activity of black silicon or indeed for any hydrophilic surface. This biomimetic analogue represents an excellent prospect for the development of a new generation of mechano-responsive, antibacterial nanomaterials. The topographical features of insect wings result in some interesting surface properties, including hydrophobicity and antibacterial activity. Here the authors identify the surface of black silicon as a mimic of dragonfly wings and show that it too possesses antibacterial activity.