Abstract: UV−curable L(-)−borneol−functionalized antibacterial hydrogels for packaging of fresh−cut banana and cherry tomato (UV−LBs) were designed from L(-)−Borneol−Functionalized polyurethane acrylate prepolymers (LB−PUAs) and thiol–functionalized PVA (PVA–SH) by UV initiated thiol−ene click reaction. UV−LBs exhibit good thermal stability with Td5 in the range of 225−240 oC, high mechanical performance with the tensile strength and the elongation at break in the range of 1.38−2.05 MPa and 44.4−68.6%, respectively. The antibacterial efficiency of UV−LBs against S. aureus, E. coli, and M. albican can reach 67.4%, 75.6% and 83.7%, respectively. The storage time of fresh−cut banana and cherry tomato packaged can be extended from 12 h to 30 h, 4 d to 5 d, respectively.

Abstract: Green and biodegradable materials are also being considered as an alternative to the plastic-based products in the textile and packaging sectors as a sustainable alternative. In this study, four kinds of jute-based fabrics were used that included raw jute woven, bleached raw jute woven, jute-cotton union and bleached jute-cotton union subjected to a dip-pad-dry-cure to acquire water-repellent properties with the usage of Rucostar EEE6 (a C6-Fluorocarbon resin containing hyperbranched polymers in a hydrocarbon matrix). In the presence of acetic acid, finishing solutions of different concentrations of Rucostar EEE6 (120, 140 and 160 g/L) were prepared. Treated fabrics were dried at 100 °C at 30 mins and cured at 160 °C for 1 min to enhance fixation. Structural, chemical, mechanical, and functional characterizations were systematically performed to evaluate the performance of the treated fabrics. The use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed a consistent deposition of the finishing layer on the fiber surface and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the resin chemically reacted with the hydroxyl groups of the jute cellulose. Tensile strength test was performed in order to determine the impact of finishing on the durability of fabrics. Contact angle, spray rating test (AATCC Method 22) and drop test were used to assess water-repelling performance. The contact angle of the treated fabric was more than 90, which confirms that the fabric is hydrophobic. It is important to note that the sample treated with 140 g/L of Rucostar EEE6 and cured at 160 °C had a spray rating value of 100, which means the highest water repellency level and a high degree of water penetration resistance. On the whole, the results indicate that jute fabric with fluorocarbon resin finish exhibits a considerable improvement in hydrophobic properties and retains mechanical strength and natural feel, which implies a high level of potential application in the sustainable development of the textile industry as an alternative to plastic bags.

Abstract: Organic coating is the most applied method for corrosion protection. However, they can degrade over time by the effect of UV, moisture, and corrosive media. In order to monitor the coating performance for proper maintenance planning, an electrochemical sensor was fabricated from aluminum alloy and coated with 4 coating systems: (1) epoxy primer, (2) epoxy primer/polyurethan topcoat, (3) epoxy primer/ polyurethan topcoat/ aluminum powder-containing polyester resin, and (4) epoxy primer/ polyurethan topcoat/ aluminum powder-containing polyester resin/ acrylic. The sensors were exposed together with corresponding coupon samples at Pathum Thani (PTI: suburban) and Chon Buri (CBI: mild marine) in Thailand for 2 years. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement (EIS) via the sensor recorded the impedance and capacitance of coatings with parallel meteorological monitoring. Impedance data were converted into a Coating Aging Index to evaluate degradation. Rapid coating deterioration occurred at PTI during wet seasons, while CBI showed negligible changes. Among the examined variables via machine learning model, exposure time most strongly influenced coating degradation. Single epoxy layer exhibited the lowest durability, whereas additional polyurethane, aluminum‑pigmented polyester, and acrylic coatings provided progressively superior protection.

Abstract: The current study was aimed to investigate anti-corrosion performance of multi-layer polymeric coatings applied on 6005A and 6082 aluminum alloys under influences of monsoon tropical climate in Thailand. The coated samples representing the material used for a vehicle body of high-speed train were exposed to actual atmosphere of urban (Bangkok City) and marine (Songkhla City) environments. The maximum duration of the continuous exposure test was 18 months. After completion of exposure test, the physical deterioration characteristics of coatings was examined with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was conducted in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at 25C to evaluate the anti-corrosion coating performance after different exposure periods in atmospheric environments. Based on EIS results, the low-frequency impedance of the exposed coatings was higher than 109 cm2, meaning that the anti-corrosion coating could sufficiently protect the alloys against atmospheric corrosion attacks. However, the gradual degradation of anti-corrosion coating was also noted, particularly, when exposed at marine-coastal environment. The quantitative estimation results indicated that the anti-corrosion coating used in the current research could last for approximately 8 and 11 years when exposed in marine-coastal and urban environments, respectively.

Abstract: The poor performance of neat polylactic acid (PLA) and gelatin has driven the development of co- electrospun composites in biomaterials to achieve enhanced functional properties. In this study gelatin extracted from Crocker fish scale was co-electrospin with PLA. The composite fibres were fabricated at 2-17 wt.% gelatin. The electrospun fibres were evaluated via scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning microscopy (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Tensile test. FTIR analysis of PLA/gelatin fibres showed a peak growth at 1525cm-1 and a shift in the amide III band from 1239 cm-1 to 1192cm-1, indicating hydrogen bonding and chemical interaction between PLA and gelatin. The thermogram of the PLA/gelatin scaffold revealed an enhanced thermal stability with peak thermal stability (324oC) attained at 14 wt.% Gelatin. The DSC further confirms the interaction of PLA (Tg 75 OC) and gelatin (49 OC), forming a single glass transition temperature (Tg) at 70 OC. There was a slight increase in Tg of the composite fibres as the wight fraction of the gelatin increased. The SEM showed a good morphology resembling the native extracellular matrix (ECM) of the body. The ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation of the fibres declined with increasing gelatin content. The introduction of this gelatin into PLA resulted in improved physiochemical properties of PLA/gelatin fibres due to chemical interaction. Thus, this composite fibre could serve as a potential wound dressing material.

Abstract: The chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect enables spin-selective transport of electrons through chiral systems, linking handedness with spin polarization. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the emerging field of chiral electrocatalysis, detailing also the extensive experimental and theoretical endeavor conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental physical principles and mechanistic characteristics of this phenomenon. In particular, the CISS effect has garnered significant attention within the scientific community due to its potential for broad applicability across several fields, ranging from spintronics to biology. Among them, the prospective harnessing of CISS effect into electrocatalytic processes offers an innovative strategy to improve the performance of energy conversion and storage technologies. This review deeply examines the practical applications of the CISS effect across different electrocatalytic reactions, with particular emphasis on its influence on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and its critical role in energy conversion systems where ORR reaction is a key process - such as in metal-air batteries, whose safety and performance can be enhanced through spin-selective electron transport.

Abstract: Cancer remains a major global health challenge, and the limitations of conventional therapies have intensified interest in treatment strategies that combine improved selectivity with reduced systemic toxicity. Photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy have emerged as minimally invasive approaches capable of achieving spatiotemporally controlled tumour ablation. In this context, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), a transition metal dichalcogenide with strong near-infrared absorption, high photothermal conversion efficiency, and versatile surface chemistry, has gained increasing attention as a multifunctional platform for drug delivery and light-triggered cancer therapy. This review examines recent advances in engineered MoS₂ nanoplatforms for drug-enhanced cancer phototherapy, with emphasis on how surface design and therapeutic cargoes mechanistically amplify light-triggered tumour killing. Approaches such as polymer coatings, biomimetic membranes, targeting ligands, chemotherapeutic agents, nucleic acids, and photosensitisers have been explored to improve colloidal stability, tumour targeting, immune evasion, and stimulus-responsive drug release, while also adding complementary cytotoxic pathways such as chemotherapy, ROS generation, or gene silencing. Available in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that these systems generally exhibit favourable short-term biocompatibility under the tested conditions and can produce significant antitumour effects following irradiation. The review also discusses key biological barriers and translational challenges, including biodistribution, long-term safety, reproducibility, and regulatory considerations, highlighting opportunities for the development of clinically viable MoS₂-based phototherapeutic platforms.

Abstract: Sulfated chitosan (ChS) is a chemically modified polysaccharide derived from chitin that mimics heparan sulfate (HS) structures and has emerged as a promising antimicrobial biomaterial. Piscirickettsia salmonis (P. salmonis), the etiological agent of Salmonid Rickettsial Septicemia (SRS), represents the main driver of antibiotic use in Chilean aquaculture. In this study, the in vitro antibacterial activity of ChS against P. salmonis was evaluated. Elemental characterization by SEM-EDS confirmed successful sulfation of the polymer, with a degree of sulfation ranging from 0.92 to 0.95. Antibacterial assays revealed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1500 µg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC ≥1500 µg/mL). LIVE/DEAD™ fluorescence imaging showed the formation of bacterial aggregates with increasing size, frequency, and red fluorescence compared to controls over the exposure to ChS, indicating progressive membrane damage. This was supported by a reduction (p < 0.05) in the Green/Red fluorescence ratio of 37–46% between 5h and 96h of exposure, corresponding to alteration of cell membrane. Scanning electron microscopy revealed pronounced morphological alterations by ChS, including surface disruption and loss of cellular integrity. This was more severe compared to native chitosan. Also, ChS reduced (p < 0.05) biofilm formation (>50% at day 6 and 34.8% at day 8). These results demonstrated that ChS disrupts cell membrane and reduces biofilm formation in P. salmonis, which in consequence affects viability. This is currently the first report of the antibacterial effect of ChS as a HS analogue on P. salmonis.

Abstract: Syzygium polyanthum (Indonesian bay leaf) is widely consumed as a culinary spice and is traditionally used for health related purposes, yet chemical standardization of region specific materials remains limited, particularly for nonpolar fractions that contain volatile and semivolatile constituents. This study aimed to generate a baseline chemical fingerprint of the n hexane fraction of S. polyanthum leaves collected in Paniki Bawah, Mapanget District, Manado, Indonesia. Dried leaf powder was macerated with 96% ethanol for six days with daily solvent renewal, the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure, redissolved in warm distilled water, and fractionated by liquid liquid partitioning to obtain the n hexane fraction. The fraction was analyzed by GC MS, and peak identities were assigned by spectral library matching. Twenty constituents were tentatively identified, dominated by fatty acids and fatty acid methyl esters, with additional aliphatic ketones and terpene related compounds. Major annotations included decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, 2 undecanone, 2 tridecanone, nerolidol, and 6,10,14 trimethyl 2 pentadecanone. The clustering of multiple library hits at identical retention times suggests potential coelution; therefore, the reported profile is best interpreted as a qualitative screening fingerprint rather than definitive quantification. Overall, these findings provide a region specific reference for future marker selection, batch to batch comparison, and integration with targeted bioactivity assays to support quality control development for S. polyanthum based products.

Abstract: The compound Z-6-heneicosen-11-one, a possible pheromone component of the hickory tussock moth, Lophocampa caryae, and a known pheromone component of the Douglas fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata, was synthesized by a new four step procedure with a 39% overall yield and a six-step procedure incorporating a protecting group with a 28% overall yield. This new synthesis is comparable to other similar syntheses for this molecule in the literature.

Abstract: Conventional oxidative hair dyes rely on aromatic amines, raising concerns about human health and environmental safety. This study reports a natural hair-coloring system using size-controlled ink particles (SIPs, ~170 nm in diameter) from cuttlefish ink and chitosan. Because both SIPs and hair surfaces carry negative charges near neutral pH, pristine SIPs exhibited poor deposition onto hair. Polyelectrolyte complexation with chitosan reversed the SIP surface charge under acidic conditions (maximum ζ ≈ +41 mV at pH 2.4), enabling electrostatic deposition onto hair fibers. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed pH-responsive aggregation at pH 1.6–1.8 and redispersion at pH 2.8–4.3, while ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectra confirmed that the broadband absorption of melanin was preserved, consistent with predominantly noncovalent interactions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a particle-based composite coating on hair fibers. An optimal SIP:chitosan weight ratio of 10:1 at pH ~4.7 yielded the darkest and most uniform coloration (L* = 32.89, ΔE*_ab = 55.89) without metallic mordants, achieving darker coloration than representative plant-based natural colorants reported in the literature. These results demonstrate a marine-biomass-derived approach to natural black hair coloration with strong darkening performance.

Abstract: The performance and mechanism of heterogeneous catalytic reactions are fundamentally governed by the formation, stability, and reactivity of transient surface intermediates. These species—such as isocyanates, alkyl groups, carboxylates, formates, carbonates, alkoxy and acyl intermediates—often exist at low concentrations and with short lifetimes, making their identification challenging. This review summarizes current knowledge on the formation, spectroscopic identification, and thermal behavior of these intermediates on metal single crystals, metal nanoparticles, and oxide-supported catalysts. Emphasis is placed on key reactions including CO and NO oxidation–reduction, CO and CO₂ hydrogenation, Fischer–Tropsch–related pathways, and reforming of methane and light alcohols. Advanced surface-sensitive techniques (TDS, XPS, UPS, IR, HREELS) are highlighted for their role in elucidating intermediate structures and reaction pathways. The review also discusses how metal–support interactions, particle size, and surface morphology influence intermediate stability and catalytic selectivity. Overall, the work provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how transient surface complexes control technologically important catalytic transformations.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically established, minimally invasive modality that relies on the interaction between a photosensitizer (PS), light, and molecular oxygen to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Despite decades of development, the clinical performance of many photosensitizers remains limited—not primarily due to insufficient photodynamic activity, but rather to unfavorable physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties that impair in vivo efficacy. Natural products represent a structurally diverse and biologically relevant source of photosensitizers with intrinsic photochemical potential. However, their translation into clinically viable PDT agents has remained disproportionately limited. This discrepancy highlights a critical and often underappreciated bottleneck: pharmaceutical incompatibility. In this mini-review, we provide a pharmaceutics-centered perspective on natural product-based photosensitizers, shifting the focus from molecule discovery toward translational feasibility. We critically examine the key barriers that restrict clinical progression—including poor aqueous solubility, aggregation-induced quenching, instability, and suboptimal biodistribution—and assess the formulation strategies that enable their resolution. Particular emphasis is placed on nanotechnology-enabled delivery systems, targeted carriers, and hybrid platforms that enhance solubility, stability, and tissue selectivity. Representative compounds are discussed within a translational context, highlighting the contrast between advanced candidates such as hypericin and chlorophyll-derived chlorins and more limited systems such as curcumin. Collectively, this work demonstrates that the success of natural photosensitizers in PDT is determined less by intrinsic photodynamic efficiency and more by their compatibility with pharmaceutical engineering strategies. This perspective provides a concise framework to guide the rational development of clinically relevant natural photosensitizer systems.

Abstract: Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembling protein nanostructures that replicate the structural precision of viral capsids while lacking genetic material, rendering them inherently safe and highly modular biomaterials. Their genetically encoded architecture enables precise control over size, symmetry, mechanical stability, surface topology, and internal cavity volume, positioning VLPs as programmable protein-based nanocarriers for chemotherapeutic delivery. Recent advances in capsid engineering, biorthogonal conjugation, and template-guided assembly have enabled fine tuning of cargo loading, targeting ligand display, and stimuli-responsive drug release. Unlike many synthetic nanocarriers, VLPs offer atomically defined structure–function relationships, allowing rational modulation of biodistribution, cellular uptake, immune recognition, and therapeutic performance. This review examines VLPs as engineered protein biomaterials for precision chemotherapy, highlighting strategies for internal cargo integration, interfacial surface modification, mechanical reinforcement, and microenvironment-triggered release. Here we discuss how physicochemical parameters govern biological interactions and translational feasibility. Clinical progress underscores both the promise and remaining challenges of scalable manufacturing and immune modulation. By integrating biomaterials design principles with translational constraints, this review outlines a framework for the rational development of clinically viable VLP-based chemotherapeutic systems.

Abstract: The temporal dynamics and statistical properties of air nanobubbles (NBs) in ultrapure water were investigated using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Statistical analysis of NB lifetimes reveals a strong correlation between bubble size and persistence. The mean bubble diameter increases rapidly from ~100 nm for short-lived detections to a characteristic size of about 500 nm for bubbles surviving longer than 40 frames, after which the size remains approximately constant. The population of detected NBs decreases monotonically with increasing lifetime, approximately following an exponential decay. Spatial observations show that NBs are separated by micrometer-scale distances, excluding direct bubble–bubble interactions. Temporal analysis of the cumulative population yields a scaling exponent of ~0.6, suggesting correlated activation of localized gas micro-domains rather than independent stochastic events. These findings support a physical picture in which NBs behave as long-lived gas domains embedded in a gas–solution continuum, undergoing continuous molecular exchange with their surrounding environment. The results are consistent with non-extensive thermodynamic descriptions, where NBs are treated as diffuse interfacial entities rather than classical gas phases with sharp boundaries. Within this framework, bubble stability arises from coupling between bubble volume and local dissolved gas concentration, enabling persistence far beyond classical predictions.

Abstract: Background: A lean crystal engineering study was performed on early pre-clinical POLθ inhibitor MSC178 to enable sufficient exposure for high-dose PK studies. Methods: COSMOquick derived excess enthalpies in combination with toxicological assessment of co-formers were used for selection of four co-formers. Experimental crystallization trials were performed in a staged approach from 15 mg-scale over 50 mg upscale to final g-scale upscale of most promising co-crystal form with 2,4-DHBA. Results: 2,4-DHBA co-crystal form revealed a more enhanced and sustained supersaturation profile in biorelevant non-sink dissolution test compared to amorphous free base form as well as compared to 3,4-DHBA co-crystal form and 1,2-EDSA salt form. Moreover, 2,4-DHBA co-crystal form was shown to be physically stable in suspension vehicle for PK study. The high physical stability towards physical form conversion in the suspension vehicle as well as the more sustained supersaturation behavior in non-sink dissolution profile could be attributed to intrinsic features of the crystal structure as well as surface hydrophilicity assessment of the co-crystal particles, both suggesting that rather hydrophobic surfaces are present that aid to preferably attract stabilizing surfactants from the dissolution medium (taurocholate) and from the suspension vehicle (polysorbate, methocel), respectively. Successful upscale of the 2,4-DHBA co-crystal form was achieved in small g-scale, revealing mainly isotropic crystal growth in primary particles as well as pronounced tendency for isotropi-cally shaped dendrite-like secondary particles, both being favored by multi-dimensional hydrogen bonding network being present. Resulting favorable powder properties are also deemed highly promising for application in more sophisticated formulation vehicles such as Powder-In-Capsules for higher species animal PK studies. Excellent agreement was shown for extent of in-vitro supersaturation behavior and in-vivo exposure gain in high-dose PK study for the 2,4-DHBA co-crystal form vs amorphous free form. Conclu-sion: Co-crystal strategy can be successfully developed in early pre-clinical industrial re-search with lean methodologies to optimize sub-optimal phys.-chem. properties of a free base compound to achieve improved and less variable in-vivo exposure between animals in high-dose PK studies.

Abstract: Counterion-deficient liquid states are formulated within a solvent-general framework for charge-selective forcing under rapid electrostatic relaxation. When the Maxwell relaxation time is short relative to the forcing or chemical timescale, persistent bulk space charge is not an admissible long-lived description: the liquid interior relaxes toward near electroneutrality, finite residual charge localizes predominantly at the interface, and the compensating opposite charge need not be stored as an ordinary dissolved counterion in the same phase. On that basis, two complementary forcing branches are developed. In the negative branch, low-entry-energy electron delivery reduces dissolved cations or plates neutral material by populating the lowest accessible acceptor manifold, leaving anion-rich dissolved states. In the positive branch, low-entry-energy noble-gas dications act as formally universal two-electron scavengers that remove electrons from the highest available occupied density, including solvated-electron populations, lone-pair-rich molecular donors, and halide anions. A solvent-general admissibility window is derived in terms of entry kinetic energy, Maxwell relaxation, interfacial field, Rayleigh stability, leakage time, and heat-removal capacity. From these constraints, explicit operatingcurrent bounds are obtained, and an illustrative aqueous benchmark shows how Rayleigh, dielectric, and thermal limits separate in practice. Water, electron-solvating media such as calcium in tetrahydrofuran, and halide-containing liquids such as LiCl in tetrahydrofuran serve as representative realizations. The framework therefore yields predictive bookkeeping relations, dimensionless admissibility parameters, a noble-gas dication energy ladder, operational current ceilings, and experimentally falsifiable signatures that distinguish counterion-deficient chemistry from ordinary dissolved countercharge compensation.

Abstract: The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria represents one of the most critical challenges in modern healthcare and has stimulated intense research into alternative antimicrobial strategies. Antibacterial hydrogels have emerged as versatile biomaterials due to their high water content, tunable physicochemical properties, and ability to function as multifunctional platforms for drug delivery and tissue regeneration. This review analyzes recent advances in antibacterial hydrogel systems through a conceptual framework based on three complementary pillars: biological antibacterial agents, inorganic functional components, and structural material engineering. Biological strategies, particularly bacteriophage-based approaches, provide highly specific antibacterial activity capable of targeting multidrug-resistant pathogens and disrupting bacterial biofilms. Inorganic components such as hydroxyapatite nanoparticles contribute additional functionalities including drug adsorption, modulation of the ionic microenvironment, and osteoconductive behavior relevant for bone-related infections. Structural design strategies based on electrospinning enable the fabrication of fibrous architectures that enhance mechanical stability, regulate therapeutic release, and mimic extracellular matrix organization. The integration of these three pillars within multifunctional hydrogel platforms offers promising opportunities for developing advanced antibacterial biomaterials capable of addressing infection control while supporting tissue regeneration.

Abstract: Concerns about the environmental and health impacts of plasticized PVC have created a clear demand to find alternative packaging materials for medical and pharmaceutical use. As polyolefin-based alternative, we blended polypropylene-ethylene copolymers of different, ethylene content-controlled, phase structure, with styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS), as modifier, the latter being elastomeric and mechanically acting as cross-linked rubber due to a unique microphase separated morphology of hard spherical PS domains dispersed in the soft EB phase. Tests with injection-molded samples and cast films demonstrated promising combinations of flexibility, durability, and transparency—qualities essential for soft medical packaging like infusion pouches and blow-fill-seal bottles. For the desired level of flexibility (reflected by a flexural modulus of about 150 MPa), blends with two random-heterophasic (RAHECO) copolymers achieved this with only 15–25 wt.-% SEBS, compared to 37 wt.-% needed for a single-phase random copolymer (RACO); these blends also exhibited greater toughness. In contrast, a standard impact copolymer (HECO), with its more crystalline structure, required a higher modifier content of 45 wt.-% SEBS. Film morphology analysis indicated a gradual shift in disperse phase structure and orientation, leading to phase inversion at the highest SEBS content—without negatively affecting transparency.

Abstract: The self-assembly of peptide-based building blocks into ordered structures is widely exploited for the development of novel biomaterials, including hydrogels. In this review, we analyze the effect of chirality on the ability of peptides to form hydrogels. We describe systems composed of peptides of opposite chirality i.e. peptides composed of all L- or D-amino acids and peptides composed of amino acids with alternate chirality, i.e. one L- and D-amino acid or one block containing all L-amino acid followed by one block composed of all D-amino acids. Finally, we illustrate systems composed of mixtures of L- and D-peptides. The structural features of these compounds are discussed. We further compare the mechanical properties of hydrogels formed by homochiral and heterochiral peptides. Finally, we discuss the potential biological applications of these systems, focusing on the differences between hydrogels formed from peptides of opposite chirality or mixed chirality.