Abstract: Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a potent choice for various applications, serving as an al-ternative and promising methodology for future advancements. They have been explored in nu-merous emerging applications, demonstrating immense promise and high efficiency. NPs can be utilized with various biomolecules for delivery or as surface materials to enhance their capabili-ties. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a glycoprotein recognized for its significant multifunctional properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and neuroprotective effects. Its activity has a broad distribution in the human body, with Lf receptors present in multiple regions. Current research shows that Lf is utilized in NP technology as a surface material, encapsulated biomolecule, and even as a NP itself. Due to the abundance of Lf receptors in various regions, Lf can be employed as a surface material in NPs for targeted delivery strategies, particularly in crossing the BBB and targeting specific cancers. Furthermore, Lf can be synthesized in a NP structure, positioning it as a strong candidate in future NPs related applications. In this article, we explored the highlighted and underexplored areas of Lf applications in NPs research.

Abstract: Ultrasound micromolding (USM) is an emerging processing technology that offers advantages concerning spatial resolution, material saving, minimum time residence, minimum exposition to high temperatures and low cost. Recent advances have been focused to the point nodal tech-nology, which improves the homogeneity of the molded samples and the repeatability of the properties of processed specimens. The present work demonstrates the suitability of the modi-fied USM technology to process the biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), which is a polymer that has well reported difficulties to be processed by conventional methods. Specifical-ly, conventional injection and microinjection, and USM technologies with and without point nodal configurations have been compared. Degradation studies and the evaluation of thermal and mechanical properties confirmed the successful preparation of P3HB micro-specimens, maintaining their functional integrity with minimal molecular weight loss. Exfoliated clay structures were observed for P3HB nanocomposites incorporating the C20 and C166 clays and processed by USM. The results point out the advantages of using the modified USM technology since C116 enhanced the P3HB degradation and consequently processed specimens were impos-sible to be obtained by conventional microinjection.

Abstract: This paper presents a methodology for the preparation of a new active component for ion-selective membranes, based on a di-substituted sulfonium derivative of the closo-decaborate anion at the apical vertices with octadecylalkyl substituents 1,10-B10H8(S(C18H37)2)2. This approach is characterised by physicochemical methods of analysis (11B, 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis). The compound obtained was used as an active component of a PVC-membrane selective to terbinafine hydrochloride. The sensor developed is highly selective to the drug to be detected, and has a linearity range of 4.0 × 10-8 – 1.0 × 10-2 and a detection limit of 1.0 × 10-8, and can detect terbinafine hydrochloride in the pH range of 3 to 6.

Abstract: The most common method of processing metal oxide and perovskite thin films in the laboratory is thermal annealing (TA), which is a constraint for the commercialization of large-scale perovskite solar cells. Here, we present a photonic curing (PC) process to produce fully photonically annealed perovskite cells - a fast process with well-controlled, short light pulses - to develop perovskite photovoltaic devices with high efficiency. We have also demonstrated how to use the parameters of the photonic annealing system to control the optical, electrical, morphological, and structural properties of perovskite layers for photovoltaic device applications. The effect of PC treatment on microstructure, granularity, and electronic properties was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL), and transient photocurrent (TPC). The degree of conversion of the perovskite precursor and its influence on the electronic structure have been identified. SnO2 and perovskite films were treated with a single pulse and produced PCE comparable to control samples treated by TA.

Abstract: This study demonstrates, for the first time, the formation of a hemiester of carbonic acid on self-assembled monolayers using voltammetric techniques and redox probes. A gold electrode (GE) was modified with 2-mercaptoethanol (ME) through self-assembly. With this modified electrode (GE-ME), a well-defined peak was observed by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for the negatively charged redox probe, ferricyanide/ferrocyanide, [Fe(CN)6]3-/4-, in sodium acetate as electrolyte adjusted to pH 8.2. In the presence of dissolved CO2, there is a decrease of the ferrocyanide peak current with time (~30% in 60 min), attributed to the formation of the hemiester 2-mercapto ethyl carbonate at the GE-ME/solution interface. Similarly, dissolved CO2 also affects the electrochemical impedance measurements by increasing the resistance to the charge transfer process with time (elevation of Rct values), compatible with the formation of the hemiester. The addition of barium salt led to the displacement of the equilibrium towards BaCO3 precipitation and consequent dissociation of the hemiester, attested by the recovery of the initial ferricyanide DPV signal. With the positively charged redox probe [Ru(NH3)6]2+ no decrease in the DPV peak was observed during the formation of the hemiester by reaction with bicarbonate. The repulsion of [Fe(CN)6]3-, but not of [Ru(NH3)6]2+ suggests that the formed species is the negatively charged 2-mercapto-ethyl carbonate, i.e., the hemiester with a dissociated proton. Due to the lack voltammetric signal from the hemiester itself, the formation of a self-assembled layer of thio-alcohol followed by the gradual formation of the corresponding carbonic acid hemiester allowed to reach an elegant way to demonstrate the electrochemical formation of these species.

Abstract: Given the abundance of kikuyu biomass resulting from the pruning of green areas, the aim of this study was to evaluate its use as a biosorbent (BK) for Cr (III) removal from polluted waters. The biomass was activated using H2SO4 (1.25%) and, NaOH (3.25%), and then characterized using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and, Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The surface area was measured using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The adsorption process was carried out by employing a jar test, evaluating the adsorption capacity (q) as a function of biomass granulometry, dose (BK) and the pH of the solution. In addition, the kinetic process, BK regeneration and adsorption capacity on fur industry effluents were evaluated. Our results confirmed the presence of active groups on BK such as: –OH, -C=C-, -C=O, and -C-O-, with an increase of 1308.58% in specific surface area, as well as the presence of chromium. The three variables under study were significant and related in a mathematical model. Maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) of 47.9, and 37.6 mg/g were obtained when using synthetic waters and fur industry effluents, respectively. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model confirmed that the adsorption mechanism is chemisorption. Furthermore, it was possible to regenerate the BK at a pH of 3 with an adsorption capacity of 28.7 mg/g. The possibility of using kikuyu within the circular economy was demonstrated.

Abstract:

A novel hierarchical porous biomorphic ZnO/SnO has been facilely synthesized in one step using bagasse as bio-template. The structural features of the ZnO/SnO2 n–n heterostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results revealed that the as-prepared ZnO/SnO2 retained the original pore morphology of the bagasse material, and the ZnO/SnO2 was demonstrated with higher sensing performance as compared with the pure SnO2. Particularly, when molar ratio SnO2:ZnO=1:1, the sensor displayed the highest response, showing an excellent response value of 37 under 100 ppm methanol at 340℃. Meanwhile, ZnO/SnO2 composite exhibit good gas selectivity and stability to methanol, which can mainly be attributed to the formation of n-n junctions between SnO2 and ZnO, high capability of absorbed oxygen species of the ZnO/SnO2 composite.

Abstract: The paper presents an overview of conductive polymer composites based on thermosets, ther-moplastics and elastomers modified with carbon nanotubes (CNT). To impart conductive prop-erties to polymers, metal or carbon dispersed materials or their combinations are used. The in-troduction of dispersed materials into polymers is associated with their microstructural proper-ties, as well as polymerization methods. Such polymerization methods as melt mixing, solution technology, introduction of fillers into the liquid phase of the composite with subsequent polymerization due to the use of a catalyst are known. Polymer composites that are capable of conducting electric current and changing their properties under the influence of an electric field, i.e. having one or more functional purposes, are called "smart" or intelligent. One of such applications is electric heating elements with the function of adaptive power consumption or the effect of self-regulation of temperature depending on the surrounding conditions. A wide variety of polymers and dispersed materials with conductive properties determine a wide range of func-tional capabilities of the composite, including a positive temperature coefficient of resistance, which is necessary to control temperature properties. The most effective filler in a polymer for obtaining a composite with specified properties are carbon nanomaterials, in particular CNTs. This is due to the fact that CNTs are a nanosized material that has a high bulk density with a low mass, which allows achieving high electrical conductivity. Calculation of model parameters of polymer composites containing carbon nanostructures can be carried out using neural networks and ma-chine learning, which provide a fundamentally new result.

Abstract: Nanomaterial properties such as size, structure, and composition can be controlled by manipulating radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, and electron beams. This control allows scientists to create materials with desired properties that can be used in a wide range of applications, from electronics to medicine. This use of radiation for nanotechnology is revolutionizing the way we design and manufacture materials. Additionally, radiation-induced nanomaterials are more cost-effective and energy-efficient. This technology is also having a positive impact on the environment, as materials are being produced with fewer emissions, less energy, and less waste. This cutting-edge technology is opening up new possibilities and has become an attractive option for many industries, from medical advancements to energy storage. It is also helping to make the world a better place by reducing our carbon footprint and preserving natural resources. This review aims to meticulously point out the synthesis approach and highlights significant progress in generating radiation-induced nanomaterials with tunable and complex morphologies. This comprehensive review article is essential for researchers to design innovative materials for advancements in health care, electronics, energy storage, and environmental remediation.

Abstract:

Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews pods can lose up to 50% of their vanillin during curing. One explanation for this is the transformation of vanillin due to enzyme action, such as peroxidases, which generate the formation of dimers like divanillin. Therefore, in this work, a simultaneous high-performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC-DAD) was developed and validated for the separation and quantification of the main compounds present in Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews and divanillin. The separation of 9 compounds of interest was achieved within 15 minutes using a Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm particle size). The variables optimized included the mobile phase (water as solvent A, methanol as solvent B, and acidified water, 10–2 M H3PO4, as solvent C), the separation gradient, and the column tempera-ture (40-60 °C). The maximum divanillin content was 0.02 g/100 g d.w. in a sample from Papantla de Olarte. Chromatographic performance evaluation revealed excellent resolution, retention factor, and selectivity. The method was successfully validated in terms of limits of detection and quantification, linearity, and precision, as well as its application to cured pods, with evidence of divanillin presence in all analyzed sample.