Novel photopolymerized network films based on a polysiloxane matrix containing varied amounts of polyoxyethylene (P3) or perfluorohexylethyl (F) dangling side chains were investigated. For films containing less than 10 wt % P3 and F, the wettability and elastic modulus were similar to those of the photopolymerized network matrix. However, angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements proved that the surface of films with F dangling chains was highly enriched in fluorine depending on both the amount of P3 and F and their relative ratio in the films. The biological performance of the films was evaluated against a new widespread and invasive marine biofoulant, the serpulid Ficopomatus enigmaticus. The diatom Navicula salinicola was also assayed as a conventional model organism for comparison. Films richer in P3 better resisted the settlement and promoted the release of calcified tubeworms of F. enigmaticus.

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Here we show that Triclosan (TCS), a high-volume antimicrobial additive that has been detected in human breastmilk, can be efficiently transferred by lactation to newborn mice, causing significant fatty liver (FL) during the suckling period. These findings are relevant since pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is escalating in the United States, with a limited mechanistic understanding. Lactational delivery stimulated hepatosteatosis, triglyceride accumulation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, signs of inflammation, and liver fibrosis. De novo lipogenesis (DNL) induced by lactational TCS exposure is shown to be mediated in a PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-PPARα cascade. The administration of obeticholic acid (OCA), a potent FXR agonist, as well as activation of intestinal mucosal-regenerative gp130 signaling, led to reduced liver ATF4 expression, PPARα signaling, and DNL when neonates were exposed to TCS. It is yet to be investigated but mother to child transmission of TCS or similar toxicants may underlie the recent increases in pediatric NAFLD.

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