Effects of dietary metabolizable energy level on hepatic lipid metabolism and cecal microbiota in aged laying hens.

Lipid metabolic capacity, feed utilization, and the diversity of gut microbiota are reduced in the late laying stage for laying hens. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) on hepatic lipid metabolism and cecal microbiota in late laying hens. The 216 Peking Pink laying hens (57-wk-old) were randomly assigned to experimental diets of 11.56 (HM = high ME), 11.14 (MM = medium ME), or 10.72 (LM = low ME) MJ of ME/kg, with each dietary treatment containing 6 replicates per group and 12 chickens per replicate. The HM group showed higher triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations in the liver compared with the LM group; second, the HM group showed higher TG concentration and the LM group showed lower T-CHO concentration compared with MM group; finally, the HM group showed a lower hepatic lipase (HL) activity compared with the MM and LM groups (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the microbial community structure of the cecum between the HM and MM groups (P < 0.05). The decrease of dietary ME level resulted in a gradual decrease relative abundance of Proteobacteria. At the genus level, beneficial bacteria were significantly enriched in the LM group compared to the MM group, including Faecalibacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium, (linear discriminant analysis [LDA] >2, P <0.05). In addition, at the species level, Lactobacillus crispatus, Parabacteroides gordonii, Blautia caecimuris, and Lactobacillus johnsonii were significantly enriched in the LM group (LDA>2, P < 0.05). The HM group had a higher abundance of Sutterella spp. compared to the LM group (LDA>2, P <0.05). In conclusion, this research suggests that the reduction in dietary energy level did not adversely affect glycolipid metabolism or low dietary ME (10.72 MJ/kg). The findings can be helpful for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and increasing benefit for gut microbiota in late laying hens.

Deletion of Transferrin Receptor 1 in Parvalbumin Interneurons Induces a Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia-Like Phenotype.

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a severe neurodegenerative movement disorder, the underlying pathophysiology of which remains poorly understood. Mounting evidence has suggested that iron homeostasis dysregulation can lead to motor function impairment. However, whether deficits in iron homeostasis are involved in the pathophysiology of HSP remains unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we focused on parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons, a large category of inhibitory neurons in the central nervous system, which play a critical role in motor regulation. The PV+ interneuron-specific deletion of the gene encoding transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), a key component of the neuronal iron uptake machinery, induced severe progressive motor deficits in both male and female mice. In addition, we observed skeletal muscle atrophy, axon degeneration in the spinal cord dorsal column, and alterations in the expression of HSP-related proteins in male mice with Tfr1 deletion in the PV+ interneurons. These phenotypes were highly consistent with the core clinical features of HSP cases. Furthermore, the effects on motor function induced by Tfr1 ablation in PV+ interneurons were mostly concentrated in the dorsal spinal cord; however, iron repletion partly rescued the motor defects and axon loss seen in both sexes of conditional Tfr1 mutant mice. Our study describes a new mouse model for mechanistic and therapeutic studies relating to HSP and provides novel insights into iron metabolism in spinal cord PV+ interneurons and its role in the regulation of motor functions.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Iron is crucial for neuronal functioning. Mounting evidence suggests that iron homeostasis dysregulation can induce motor function deficits. Transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) is thought to be the key component in neuronal iron uptake. We found that deletion of Tfr1 in parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons in mice induced severe progressive motor deficits, skeletal muscle atrophy, axon degeneration in the spinal cord dorsal column, and alterations in the expression of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP)-related proteins. These phenotypes were highly consistent with the core clinical features of HSP cases and partly rescued by iron repletion. This study describes a new mouse model for the study of HSP and provides novel insights into iron metabolism in spinal cord PV+ interneurons.

Ionic modification of graphene nanosheets to improve anti-corrosive properties of organosilicon composite coatings.

Composite coatings with anti-corrosive properties were fabricated using quaternized silicone oil modified graphene oxide and silicone polymer. Quaternized silicone oil was successfully synthesized through copolymerization of octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), chloropropylsilane and triethylamine. The quaternized silicone oil modified graphene oxide (M-GO) was characterized by using 1H NMR, FT-IR, Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), Thermogravimetry (TG) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the M-GO was formed successfully. The M-GO could be dispersed without aggregation in some organic solvents, and the concentration of M-GO could be up to 3 mg ml-1. The M-GO-reinforced silicone composites exhibited obvious improvements in thermal stability, mechanical properties and especially anticorrosive properties with the highest E corr (-121 mV) and the lowest I corr (6.058 × 10-9 A cm-2), and the protection efficiency of the matrix could reach 99.97%. The anticorrosive mechanism of the fabricated composite coatings was investigated. This work provides a ready strategy for modification of GO and fabrication of high performance graphene-based silicone composite materials.

Imparting Waterproofing Properties to Leather by Polymer Nanoemulsion Based on Long-Chain Alkyl Acrylate.

The demand for waterproof leather has been increasing, and environmentally friendly waterproof fatliquors have recently received increasing attention. In this work, two polymer nanoemulsions containing carboxyl groups were synthesized and used as waterproof fatliquors for chrome-tanned leather. First, a reactive emulsifier (C12-Na) was prepared using itaconic anhydride and lauryl alcohol. Subsequently, two polymer nanoemulsions were prepared through mini-emulsion polymerization with C12-Na as the emulsifier, 4,4'-azobis (4-cyanovaleric acid) as the initiator, and lauryl acrylate (LA)/stearyl acrylate (SA) as monomers; these were named PLA and PSA. PLA and PSA were characterized using FT-IR, a Zetasizer, and GPC. It was found that the critical micellar concentration (CMC) of C12-Na was 2.34 mmol/L, which could reduce the surface tension of water to 26.61 mN/m. The average particle sizes of PLA and PSA were 53.39 and 67.90 nm, respectively. The maeser flexes of leather treated with PLA and PSA were 13928 and 19492 at a 5% dosage, respectively, and the contact angles reached 148.4° and 150.3°, respectively; these values were both higher than for a conventional fatliquor. Compared with PLA, the leather treated with PSA exhibited better fullness, and tensile and tearing strength. The prepared nanoemulsions have prospective applications in leather manufacturing as waterproof fatliquors.

Bio-based films with high antioxidant and improved water-resistant properties from cellulose nanofibres and lignin nanoparticles.

In this study, we propose a simple route for the fabrication of bio-based composite films from cellulose nanofibres (CNF) and lignin. First, CNFs were periodate oxidised to obtain dialdehyde cellulose nanofibres (DACNF). Subsequently, lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) with diameters between 50 and 150 nm were prepared using kraft lignin and mixed with DACNF to fabricate DACNF-LNP nanocomposite films via a condensation reaction. The addition of LNPs rendered the films with high ultraviolet-shielding and antioxidant properties. The water contact angle increased for the composite films compared with that of pure CNF film, while the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) decreased. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films were significantly improved by the addition of LNPs. The dry tensile stress of DACNF-LNPs5 with 5 % LNPs significantly increased from 47 to 164 MPa. It was also higher than that of CNF-LNPs5 (105 MPa), in which CNFs were not periodate oxidised. After immersion in water for 1 h, the wet tensile strength of DACNF-LNPs5 was 31 MPa, 3 times higher than that of CNF-LNPs5 (7 MPa). These results indicate that the water-resistant properties of the composite films were significantly enhanced. The films prepared from green and renewable bioresources exhibited potential applications in food packaging and biomedical materials.

Study on the adsorption properties of multiple-generation hyperbranched collagen fibers towards isolan-series acid dyes.

In the present study, collagen fibers derived from leather solid wastes were used and modified as insoluble vectors and successfully employed as adsorbents for the removal of acid dyes. A "one-step" method was applied to synthesis effective adsorbents, which provided a sustainable way to reuse leather solid wastes via multifunctional modification. The adsorption properties of amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer (HBPN)-modified collagen fibers for the removal of different kinds of acid dyestuff from aqueous solutions were studied. The adsorption capacities of the second generation of modified collagen fibers (CF-HBPN-II) toward Isolan Black 2S-LD, Supralan Yellow, Isolan Grey K-PBL 02, Isolan Dark Blue 2S-GL 03, and Isolan Brown NHF-S were determined to be 224.87, 340.14, 287.36, 317.80, and 251.25 mg g-1, respectively. Three kinetic models, namely, pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion, were used to analyze the kinetic data. The fitting result indicated that the adsorption process of Isolan Black 2S-LD on CF-HBPN-II followed a pseudo-second-order rate model. The adsorption equilibrium of amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer-modified collagen fibers (CF-HBPN) was analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. The Langmuir isotherm was suitable to describe the adsorption process of Isolan Black 2S-LD. R L was observed to be in the range of 0-1. The values of ΔH, ΔS and ΔG suggest that adsorption is an endothermic and spontaneous process. The adsorbed dye from the modified collagen fiber was successfully desorbed by 0.1 M NaOH. This research provides theoretical guidance for the engineering and recycling application of bio-based adsorbents.

A Fluorescent Tracer Based on Castor Oil for Monitoring the Mass Transfer of Fatliquoring Agent in Leather.

Fatliquoring is one of the most important processes in leather making, in which the collagen fibers are split effectively, while the crust acquires a good softness and mechanical strength. The effectiveness of fatliquoring depends not only on the variety and dosage of fatliquoring agent but also on its distribution in hierarchical collagen fiber layers. Up to now, the research about the mass transfer of fatliquoring agent in leather is very limited because quantifying the distribution of invisible fatliquor in leather is very difficult. In this paper, a fluorescent tracing technique based on modified castor oil was established and send used to investigate the mass transfer of fatliquor in leather. The crucial fluorescent tracer was synthesized favorably by the reaction of castor oil, successively with maleic anhydride and 5-aminofluorescein, which was confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR and DSC. The fluorescent tracer was pH-sensitive and emitted an intense fluorescent signal at pH 8-10. Then, it was applied to monitor the fatliquoring process in real-time. Compared with Sudan IV or Nile Blue sulphate dyeing tests, this fluorescent tracing technique could conveniently visualize and quantify the penetration and distribution of fatliquor in leather process.

Enhancing Removal of Cr(VI), Pb2+, and Cu2+ from Aqueous Solutions Using Amino-Functionalized Cellulose Nanocrystal.

In this work, the amino-functionalized cellulose nanocrystal (ACNC) was prepared using a green route and applied as a biosorbent for adsorption of Cr(VI), Pb2+, and Cu2+ from aqueous solutions. CNC was firstly oxidized by sodium periodate to yield the dialdehyde nanocellulose (DACNC). Then, DACNC reacted with diethylenetriamine (DETA) to obtain amino-functionalized nanocellulose (ACNC) through a Schiff base reaction. The properties of DACNC and ACNC were characterized by using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Kaiser test, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta potential measurement. The presence of free amino groups was evidenced by the FT-IR results and Kaiser test. ACNCs exhibited an amphoteric nature with isoelectric points between pH 8 and 9. After the chemical modification, the cellulose I polymorph of nanocellulose remained, while the crystallinity decreased. The adsorption behavior of ACNC was investigated for the removal of Cr(VI), Pb2+, and Cu2+ in aqueous solutions. The maximum adsorption capacities were obtained at pH 2 for Cr(VI) and pH 6 for Cu2+ and Pb2+, respectively. The adsorption all followed pseudo second-order kinetics and Sips adsorption isotherms. The estimated adsorption capacities for Cr(VI), Pb2+, and Cu2+ were 70.503, 54.115, and 49.600 mg/g, respectively.

Cellulosic paper with high antioxidative and barrier properties obtained through incorporation of tannin into kraft pulp fibers.

In this work, we prepared novel cellulosic paper by incorporating tannin into the kraft pulp for potential application in active food packaging. The kraft pulp fibers were firstly periodate oxidized to obtain the dialdehyde cellulosic fibers, and then reacted with varied dosages of tannin to incorporate them into the fibers by covalent bondings between aldehyde groups on cellulose and active hydrogen on tannin. Handsheets were prepared using the tannin incorporated fibers through papermaking process and the properties were characterized. The percentage of tannin in the paper increased with the increase of the tannin dosage. FT-IR spectra confirmed the successful incorporation of tannin into the cellulosic fibers. It was found that paper after incorporation of tannin turned to be surface hydrophobic with contact angles higher than 90°, which may probably due to the covalent bonds between tannin and cellulose. The handsheets show high antioxidative and UV-shielding properties, which both increased with the increase of the tannin percentage in the paper. Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) decreased after the incorporation of tannin, and this could facilitate its application in food packaging. The breaking length of tannin incorporated paper decreased insignificantly, less than 10% with the tannin percentage as high as 45%.

Axonal iron transport in the brain modulates anxiety-related behaviors.

Iron is essential for a broad range of biochemical processes in the brain, but the mechanisms of iron metabolism in the brain remain elusive. Here we show that iron functionally translocates among brain regions along specific axonal projections. We identified two pathways for iron transport in the brain: a pathway from ventral hippocampus (vHip) to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to substantia nigra; and a pathway from thalamus (Tha) to amygdala (AMG) to mPFC. While vHip-mPFC transport modulates anxiety-related behaviors, impairment of Tha-AMG-mPFC transport did not. Moreover, vHip-mPFC iron transport is necessary for the behavioral effects of diazepam, a well-known anxiolytic drug. By contrast, genetic or pharmacological promotion of vHip-mPFC transport produced anxiolytic-like effects and restored anxiety-like behaviors induced by repeated restraint stress. Taken together, these findings provide key insights into iron metabolism in the brain and identify the mechanisms underlying iron transport in the brain as a potential target for development of novel anxiety treatments.

Fabrication of Cellulose Nanocrystal/Chitosan Hydrogel for Controlled Drug Release.

In this work, a novel nanocomposite hydrogel based on cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and chitosan (CS) was fabricated and applied as a carrier for the controlled delivery of theophylline. CNC was firstly periodate-oxidized to obtain dialdehyde nanocellulose (DACNC). Then, chitosan was crosslinked using DACNC as both the matrix and crosslinker in different weight ratios, to fabricate CNC/CS composites. The prepared composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential measurement and swelling ratio tests. FT-IR results confirmed the successful reaction between the free amino groups on chitosan and the aldehyde groups on DACNC. With the increase of chitosan percentage in the hydrogel, the isoelectric point was shifted towards an alkaline pH, which was probably caused by the higher content of free amino groups. The swelling ratio of the composite also increased, which may have been due to the decrease of crosslinking density. Because the swelling ratio of the drug-loaded hydrogels differed under varied pH values, the cumulative drug release percentage of the composite hydrogel was achieved to approximately 85% and 23% in the gastric (pH 1.5) and intestinal (pH 7.4) fluids, respectively. Therefore, CNC/CS hydrogel has application potential as a theophylline carrier.

A Self-Switchable Polymer Reactor for Controlled Catalytic Chemistry Processes with a Hyperbranched Structure.

A self-switchable polymer reactor with a hyperbranched structure for controlled catalytic chemistry processes is reported. This polymer reactor was made of silver nanoparticles and a polymer carrier consisting of hyperbranched polyethylenimine and hydroxyethyl acrylate that behaved as thermally switchable domains. Below the transfer temperature, relatively strong catalytic reactivity was demonstrated due to the leading role of hydrophilic groups in the switchable domains, which opened access to the substrate for the packaged silver nanoparticles. In contrast, it showed weak catalysis at relatively high temperatures, reducing from the significantly increased hydrophobicity in the switchable domains. In this way, the polymer reactor displays controllable, tunable, catalytic activity based on this approach. This novel design opens up the opportunity to develop intelligent polymer reactors for controlled catalytic processes.

Distributed Joint Source-Channel Coding Using Quasi-Uniform Systematic Polar Codes.

This paper proposes a distributed joint source-channel coding (DJSCC) scheme using polar-like codes. In the proposed scheme, each distributed source encodes source message with a quasi-uniform systematic polar code (QSPC) or a punctured QSPC, and only transmits parity bits over its independent channel. These systematic codes play the role of both source compression and error protection. For the infinite code-length, we show that the proposed scheme approaches the information-theoretical limit by the technique of joint source-channel polarization with side information. For the finite code-length, the simulation results verify that the proposed scheme outperforms the distributed separate source-channel coding (DSSCC) scheme using polar codes and the DJSCC scheme using classic systematic polar codes.

Preparation and Characterization of Self-Colored Waterborne Polyurethane and Its Application in Eco-Friendly Manufacturing of Microfiber Synthetic Leather Base.

A novel self-colored waterborne polyurethane (SCPU) was synthesized and used in the preparation of a microfiber synthetic leather (MS-Leather) base in order to reduce the pollution caused by N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and dyes. The SCPU was prepared using the reaction of a reactive brilliant red K-2G with a waterborne polyurethane which was then extended via a first generation of hyperbranched poly(amine-ester). With the introduction of the dye, new absorption peaks at 1118 cm-1 [S=O], 1413 cm-1 [N=N], and 1635 cm-1 [C=N] appeared in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of SCPU, and SCPU mean particle size increased to 162 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) peak intensity of SCPU at 19.27° was 1310 cts. The thermal stability of SCPU at 200⁻280 °C was inferior to that of the control sample; however, it improved at temperatures above 360 °C. Finally, a free-dyeing MS-Leather base prepared by using SCPU without DMF was manufactured. It was found that the dyes were distributed mainly in the polyurethane matrix rather than in the microfibers. Moreover, the color changes of the base before and after being washed in both a water and a soap solution were 0.93 and 4.21, respectively. This indicated that the base's washing color fastness to water was better than to a soap solution.

Tire-road friction estimation and traction control strategy for motorized electric vehicle.

In this paper, an optimal longitudinal slip ratio system for real-time identification of electric vehicle (EV) with motored wheels is proposed based on the adhesion between tire and road surface. First and foremost, the optimal longitudinal slip rate torque control can be identified in real time by calculating the derivative and slip rate of the adhesion coefficient. Secondly, the vehicle speed estimation method is also brought. Thirdly, an ideal vehicle simulation model is proposed to verify the algorithm with simulation, and we find that the slip ratio corresponds to the detection of the adhesion limit in real time. Finally, the proposed strategy is applied to traction control system (TCS). The results showed that the method can effectively identify the state of wheel and calculate the optimal slip ratio without wheel speed sensor; in the meantime, it can improve the accelerated stability of electric vehicle with traction control system (TCS).

Adsorption of Cu (II), Pb (II) and Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions using black wattle tannin-immobilized nanocellulose.

A novel nanocomposite based on black wattle (BW) tannin and nanocellulose was prepared and applied in heavy metal ions adsorptive removal from aqueous solutions. Firstly, nanocrystalline cellulose was oxidized by sodium periodate to get dialdehyde nanocellulose (DANC). BW tannin was then covalently immobilized onto DANC, which was used as both the matrix and crosslinker, to obtain tannin-nanocellulose (TNCC) composite. The resulting nanocomposite was characterized using FTIR, AFM, and TG. The successful immobilization was confirmed by the chromogenic reaction between FeCl3 and TNCC and FT-IR analysis. AFM images revealed that TNCC was ellipsoidal particles with lengths ranging from 100-400nm. Zeta potential measurement showed that TNCC was negative charged at a pH range from 1-12. Compared to the original tannin, the thermal stability of TNCC was slightly increased by the addition of nanocellulose. TNCC demonstrated the maximum adsorption efficiency at pH2 for Cr(VI) and pH 6 for Cu(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The adsorption for these three metal ions followed pseudo second-order kinetics, indicating the chemisorption nature. The adsorption isotherms all fitted well with the Sips model, and the calculated maximum adsorption capacities were 51.846mgg-1, 53.371mgg-1 and 104.592mgg-1 for Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cr (VI), respectively.

Adsorptive removal of anionic dyes from aqueous solutions using microgel based on nanocellulose and polyvinylamine.

A novel nanocomposite microgel based on nanocellulose and amphoteric polyvinylamine (PVAm) was fabricated via a two-step method. Firstly, cellulose nanocrystal was oxidized by sodium periodate to yield dialdehyde nanocellulose (DANC). DANC was then used as a crosslinker to react with PVAm to obtain a pH responsive microgel with high density of free amine groups. The microgel was characterized using FTIR, XRD, AFM and elemental analysis. AFM images revealed that the nanocomposite was microspherical particles with a diameter ranging from 200 to 300nm. The microgel was found to be effective in anionic dye removal at acidic conditions. The adsorption isotherms for congo red 4BS, acid red GR and reactive light yellow K-4G fit well with the Sips model, and the maximum adsorption capacities were 869.1mgg(-1), 1469.7mgg(-1) and 1250.9mgg(-1), respectively. The adsorption for these three anionic dyes all followed pseudo second order kinetics, indicating a chemisorption nature.

A Ca-alginate particle co-immobilized with Phanerochaete chrysosporium cells and the combined cross-linked enzyme aggregates from Trametes versicolor.

For improving stability of immobilized white-rot fungus to treat various effluents, Phanerochaete chrysosporium cells and the combined cross-link enzyme aggregates (combi-CLEAs) prepared from Trametes versicolor were co-immobilized into the Ca-alginate gel particles in this paper. The activity yields of obtained combi-CLEAs were 42.7% for lignin peroxidases (LiPs), 31.4% for manganese peroxidases (MnPs) and 40.4% for laccase (Lac), respectively. And their specific activities were 30.2U/g as combi-CLEAs-LiPs, 9.5 U/g as combi-CLEAs-MnPs and 28.4 U/g as combi-CLEAs-Lac. Further, the present of the combi-CLEAs in the particles extremely improved their ability to degrade the dyes. Compared to the immobilized Ph. chrysosporium without the combi-CLEAs, the co-immobilized particles enhanced the decolorized rate of Acid Violet 7 (from 45.2% to 93.4%) and Basic Fuchsin (from 12.1% to 67.9%). In addition, the addition of the combi-CLEAs improved the adaptability of the white-rot fungal particles to adverse environmental conditions.

Combined anticalcification treatment of bovine pericardium with decellularization and hyaluronic acid derivative.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of decellularization and hyaluronic acid derivative on the improvement of anticalcification of glutaraldehyde fixed bovine pericardium (GFBP) using a rat subcutaneous implantation model A cell extraction process was employed to remove the cells and cellular components from bovine pericardium (BP), leaving a framework of largely insoluble collagen. Then acellular BP was cross-linked by glutaraldehyde solution and treated with hyaluronic acid derivative (HA-ADH) which was obtained by coupling adipic dihydrazide (ADH) on-COOH of hyaluronic acid (HA). The results of in vivo calcification tests showed that the calcium content was decreased dramatically by decellularization alone (from 28.07 ± 18.87 to 2.44 ± 0.55 µg Ca/mg dry tissue after 8 weeks' implantation), and even less concentration was shown by the combination of HA derivative treatment and decellularization (GFaBP-HA group) (0.25 ± 0.08 µg Ca/mg dry tissue after 8 weeks' implantation). In addition, GFaBP-HA group not only presented a lower degree of calcification, but also showed lower ratios of Ca/P molar, which corresponded to amorphous calcium phosphates. The obtained results indicated that GFaBP-HA was a potential candidate for the manufacture of anticalcification bioprostheses.

Polyvinylamine-G-galactose is a route to bioactivated silica surfaces.

Polyvinylamine (PVAm) was derivatized with lactobionic acid to give PVAm-GAL with pendant galactose groups along the PVAm chain. The galactose substituents were shown to undergo two types of specific interactions: (1) condensation with phenylboronic acid moieties on polymers and on surfaces; and, (2) the specific binding of RCA120, a galactose-specific lectin. Surface binding and assembly was monitored with Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM-D) measurements. Multilayer assemblies based on boronic ester formation were destroyed by lowering the pH, or by introducing sorbitol. We propose that the physical adsorption of PVAm-GAL onto silica or other negatively charged support surfaces is a simple route to galactose-rich interfaces, possibly useful for affinity separations, cell targeting and cell culturing.