Abstract:

This study investigates the application of Plasma Transferred Arc (PTA) surface treatment as an advanced method for the regeneration of railway wheels. Traditional wheel reprofiling, performed using semi-automatic lathes, involves the removal of at least 6 mm of metal from the running surface, leading to progressive rim thinning and eventual wheel replacement. Furthermore, the reprofiled surfaces lack any subsequent treatment to extend their operational lifespan. To address these limitations, PTA cladding was selected for its capability to produce enhanced surface layers with improved mechanical properties. Unlike commonly used diode laser treatments, PTA enables the deposition of alloying materials in wire form, providing a robust and controlled cladding process. The resulting surface structure comprises a heat-affected zone, a transition zone, and a remelted zone, all exhibiting significantly increased hardness compared to the untreated base metal. The cladding process allows for the incorporation of metal particles into the surface layer, facilitating the formation of a high-quality, wear-resistant top layer. These findings demonstrate the potential of PTA surface treatment to extend the service life of railway wheels by providing a durable and hard-wearing surface, thereby reducing maintenance frequency and costs [1–3].

Abstract: Pomegranate peel, accounting for 35-50% of the fruit's weight, is an underutilized by-product rich in ellagitannins and pectin. Although pomegranate juice has already been subjected to fermentation, this study aimed to demonstrate for the first time, that a simple fermentation process of pomegranate peel using Saccharomyces cerevisiae can yield tannin-rich extracts and enhance the potential prebiotic properties of pomegranate polysaccharides. Peels of ‘Wonderful’ and ‘G1’ cultivars, significantly differing in peel thickness, were used for fermentation applying three processes at room temperature monitored at 48 and 72 h. HPLC-DAD analysis showed that yeast-driven fermentation increased total tannin (up to 70% in dry extracts) compared with spontaneous fermentation (40-43%). A potential enhancement of prebiotic activity was associated with the reduction in the molecular weight of native polysaccharides (from a maximum of 705 kDa down to 26 kDa), as evaluated by DLS and DOSY-1H-NMR. Polysaccharides after fermentation were more effectively utilized by Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus plantarum than those from control samples, as demonstrated by in vitro assays. These findings highlight a promising strategy for the valorization of pomegranate peel through the production of functional ingredients highly enriched in tannins and containing potentially prebiotic polysaccharides.

Abstract: The corrosion behavior and passive-film stability of a β-TiZrNbTa (β-TZNT) alloy were thoroughly examined in artificial seawater (ASW), with a focus on the effects of pH, temperature, immersion time, fluoride ion concentration, and potential scan rate. In addi-tion to electrochemical methods such as open-circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning elec-tron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for surface characteriza-tion. The establishment of a stable and efficient passive layer enriched with Zr-, Nb-, and Ta-oxides was responsible for the β-TZNT alloy's superior corrosion resistance in fluo-ride-free ASW when compared to commercially pure titanium. Reduced passive-film re-sistance resulted from corrosion kinetics being greatly accelerated by decreasing the pH and increasing the temperature. Due to the chemical dissolution of TiO₂ through soluble fluoride complexes, the presence of fluoride ions significantly reduced passivity and in-creased corrosion current densities by more than an order of magnitude. A bilayer pas-sive structure with a compact inner barrier layer and a porous outer layer was identified by EIS analysis. The integrity of this structure gradually decreased as the fluoride con-centration and acidity increased. Over time, passive film degradation predominated in fluoride-free seawater, whereas prolonged immersion encouraged partial re-passivation in fluoride-containing media. Overall, the findings highlight the potential and constraints of β-TZNT alloy for advanced marine and offshore applications by offering new mecha-nistic insights into the synergistic effects of fluoride ions and environmental parameters on corrosion performance.

Abstract: Background: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) represents a highly selective therapeutic modality for recalcitrant cancers, leveraging the nuclear reaction initiated by thermal neutron capture in Boron-10 (10B) to deliver high-linear energy transfer radiation (α-particles and 7Li ions) directly within tumor cell boundaries. However, the widespread clinical adoption of BNCT is critically hampered by the pharmacological challenge of achieving sufficiently high, tumor-selective intracellular 10B concentrations (20-50 μg of 10B /g tissue). Conventional small-molecule boron carriers often exhibit dose-limiting non-specificity, rapid systemic clearance, and poor cellular uptake kinetics. Methods: To overcome these delivery barriers, we synthesized and characterized a novel dual-modality nanoplatform based on highly biocompatible, functionalized graphene oxide (GO). This platform was structurally optimized through covalent conjugation with high-boron content carborane clusters (dodecacarborane derivatives) to enhance BNCT efficacy. Crucially, the nanocarrier was further decorated with plasmonic gold nanostructures (AuNPs), thereby endowing the system with intrinsic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties, which enabled real-time, high-resolution intracellular tracking and quantification. Results: We evaluated the synthesized GO@Carborane@Au nanoplatforms for their stability, cytotoxicity, and internalization characteristics. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility against the non-malignant human keratinocyte line (HaCaT), while showing selective toxicity (upon irradiation, if tested) and high cellular uptake efficiency in the aggressive human glioblastoma tumor cell line (T98G). The integrated plasmonic component allowed for the successful, non-destructive monitoring of nanoplatform delivery and accumulation within both HaCaT and T98G cells using SERS microscopy, confirming the potential for pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies in vivo. Conclusion: This work details the successful synthesis and preliminary in vitro validation of a unique Graphene Oxide-based dual-modality nanoplatform designed to address the critical delivery and monitoring challenges of BNCT. By combining highly efficient carborane delivery with an integrated photonic trace marker, this system establishes a robust paradigm for next-generation theranostic agents, significantly advancing the potential for precision, image-guided BNCT for difficult-to-treat cancers like glioblastoma.

Abstract: Green cosmetics are mainly based on plant-derived ingredients, using sustainable bio-technological tools for their preparation. The present research aimed to investigate the Usnea barbata extract in Jojoba oil (JO) enriched with 10% Vitamin E and 5% Pepper-mint oil (PEO), as a potential natural product for skin applications. Materials and Methods: The U. barbata extract (UBPJO) was obtained through cold maceration. Phytochemical screening was performed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Folin Ciocalteu method, and Graphite-Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectro-photometry. The physicochemical properties were evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. Then, rheological characteristics and oxidation stability (measuring the time required to reach the oxidation starting point, IP) of both oil samples (PJO and UBPJO), were investigated. Results: Total phenolic content in UBPJO was 2.5 times higher than in PJO (p < 0.05), while heavy metal levels (As and Pb) were slightly higher (p > 0.05). UBPJO has higher shear stress, viscosity, and spreadability than PJO, but without significant differences (p > 0.05). Finally, IP measurements indicated appreciable oxidative stability (UBPJO vs. PJO: 153.02 h vs 137.35 h, p > 0.05). Conclusions: The phytochemical composition and physicochemical properties support the inclusion of UBPJO in various skin-protective formulations.

Abstract: Application of MXene-polymer composites in wearable and implantable medical devices requires the development of hydrophilic and biocompatible MXene-polymer hydrogel composites with high electromechanical response, flexibility, and durability. Here, we formulate low weight percentage MXene-hydrogel copolymer inks enabling direct light printing (DLP) of MXene-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-polyacrylic acid (PAA)-hydrogel composites. The low wt% MXene-PVA-PAA composites demonstrate high biocompatibility, mechanical flexibility, high sensitivity and high precision for sensing acute bending angles. The sub-millidegree angle resolution and sub-microradian stability of these electromechanical sensors demonstrates their suitability for applications such as high precision tracking of joint movements. In addition, the synthesized MXene membranes show promise for applications in osmotic energy conversion, with a harvested electric power density of 6.79 Wm-2.

Abstract: It has long been recognized that the oxygen reduction reaction occurs more readily on Pt(111) surfaces that include steps, both (111) and (100), than on near-perfect Pt(111). Theoretical models were developed involving the water structure in the electric double layer and its interactions with adsorbed OH, with the actual O₂ reduction occurring on the (111) terraces adjacent to the steps. However, the present density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirms that O₂ adsorbs strongly at the steps and can undergo dissociation aided by adjacent water molecules to produce adsorbed OH. OH produced at the steps can move to the (111) terraces, where it can be more readily reduced to H₂O and desorbed. This model avoids the scaling relation, which predicts that all oxygen-containing reactants and intermediates are proportional to each other on any given surface. Efforts to develop new O₂ reduction catalysts have been hampered by this assumption, which supposes that the reaction rate can be increased by decreasing OH adsorption strength, even though decreased OH adsorption strength is accompanied by decreased O₂ adsorption strength. This proposed model can explain the experimental results on stepped surfaces and may also be important for the development of Pt nanoparticle catalysts.

Abstract: Inter-row mulching with reflective film (RF) has been increasingly adopted in cool-climate vineyards to improve light availability and promote grape ripening. This study investigated the effects of ground-reflected light on the flavoromic profiles of wine grape berries (Vitis vinifera L.) over two consecutive vintages (2020–2021) in the Beijing Fangshan region of Eastern China, an area characterized by high precipitation and limited sunlight during ripening. Physicochemical analyses showed that RF treatment significantly increased total soluble solids (TSS) and decreased titratable acidity (TA) at harvest. Targeted metabolomic analyses using HPLC–MS and GC–MS identified 21 flavonoids and 35 volatile compounds responsive to altered light conditions. RF treatment markedly enhanced the accumulation of anthocyanins and flavonols, especially malvidin-based derivatives, and increased terpene and norisoprenoid concentrations, while C6/C9 compounds were more abundant in control berries. Multivariate analysis revealed that PC1 was mainly associated with anthocyanin accumulation, clearly separating RF-treated samples, whereas PC2 reflected differences in flavonols and flavan-3-ols, with higher flavonols under RF and higher skin- and seed-derived flavan-3-ols in controls. Overall, these findings demonstrate that ground-reflected light plays a critical role in modulating grape flavor composition and provides practical guidance for improving fruit quality in suboptimal climatic regions.

Abstract:

Polyphenols are a structurally diverse group of plant secondary metabolites widely recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and chemoprotective properties, which have stimulated their extensive use in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic products. However, their chemical heterogeneity, wide polarity range, and strong interactions with plant matrices pose major challenges for efficient extraction, separation, and reliable analytical characterization. This review provides a critical overview of contemporary strategies for the extraction, separation, and identification of polyphenols from plant-derived matrices. Conventional extraction methods, including maceration, Soxhlet extraction, and percolation, are discussed alongside modern green technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. Particular emphasis is placed on environmentally friendly solvents, including ethanol, natural deep eutectic solvents, and ionic liquids, as sustainable alternatives that improve extraction efficiency while reducing environmental impact. The review further highlights chromatographic separation approaches—partition, adsorption, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, and affinity chromatography—and underlines the importance of hyphenated analytical platforms (LC–MS, LC–MS/MS, and LC–NMR) for comprehensive polyphenol profiling. Key analytical challenges, including matrix effects, compound instability, and limited availability of reference standards, are addressed, together with perspectives on industrial implementation, quality control, and standardization.

Abstract:

The family of N,N-dimethylaminomethylferrocenes is one of the most important in ferrocene chemistry. They serve as precursors for a range of anti-malaria and anti-tumour medicinal compounds in addition to being key precursors for ferrocene ligands in the Lucite alpha process. A brief discussion on the importance of, and the synthesis of N,N-dimethylaminomethyl-substituted ferrocenes preludes the synthesis of the new ligand 1,1´,2,2´-tetrakis-(N,N-dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene. The crystal structure of this compound is reported and a comparison is made with its disubstituted analogue, 1,2-bis-(N,N-dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene. The tetrahedral nickel dichloride complexes of both these ligands have been crystallographically characterised. Finally, a pointer to future research in the area is given which includes a discussion of a new method to extract ferrocenylmethylamines from mixtures using additives and a new synthetic avenue from substituted cyclopentadiene itself.

Abstract: Forensic ethanol gas standards are used for, among other, the calibration and metrological verification of evidential breath analysers as described in OIML-R126. A correction for the amount fraction ethanol in forensic gas standards due to cylinder wall adsorption is described. The correction was developed for both the national primary measurement standards as well as for derived primary reference materials. A novel method based on the well-known decanting principle was developed and assessed using two suites of gas mixtures with ethanol amount fractions between 50 μmol mol⁻¹ to 1000 μmol mol⁻¹ in nitrogen. From the results, it is inferred that the initial adsorption loss is a function of the amount fraction and an interpolation formula was developed accordingly. To account for differences in adsorption between cylinders, a mixed effects model was used to describe the adsorption loss data with an excess standard deviation to account for between-cylinder effects.

Abstract: A series of Fe-ZSM-5 catalysts with varying Fe loadings were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. Their catalytic performance was evaluated for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with ammonia. The catalyst with a Fe:Al molar ratio of 1:1 demonstrated the highest NOx conversion (99.9%) and exhibited a broader operating temperature window (240–390°C) compared to catalysts with other Fe/Al ratios. Characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) confirmed that the incorporation of iron ions preserved the high crystallinity and MFI structure of the ZSM-5 zeolite. NH3-temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD) profiles revealed the presence of two distinct acid sites at approximately 250 °C and 400 °C.

Abstract: The surface properties and electrical behavior of carbon-based materials can be effectively tailored by energetic ion irradiation. In this study, graphene oxide (GO), cyclic olefin copolymer foils (COC, Topas 112 and 011, respectively) were irradiated with 1 MeV Au ions using a 3 MV Tandetron accelerator at fluences of 1 × 10¹⁴, 1 × 10¹⁵, and 2.5 × 10¹⁵ ions/cm². The irradiation induced systematic modifications in surface chemistry, morphology, wettability, and electrical properties. Compositional changes before and after irradiation were investigated using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA), while surface morphology and roughness were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), revealing a clear fluence-dependent evolution of nanoscale topography. The vibrational characteristics will be assessed through Raman spectroscopy. Surface wettability was evaluated by static contact angle measurements, and surface free energy was determined using the Owens–Wendt–Rabel–Kaelble (OWRK) method, showing a consistent decrease in water contact angle and an increase in surface free energy with increasing ion fluence in Topas 112/011 but not in GO. Electrical characterization demonstrated a pronounced fluence-dependent decrease in sheet resistivity across all investigated substrates. The results show that 1 MeV Au-ion irradiation enables controlled modification of both surface and electrical properties of carbon-based foils.

Abstract: We report the crystallization and single-crystal X-ray analysis of the monohydrate hy-drochloride salt of chloroquine, designed CQCl·H2O, an antimalarial drug (CQ) with the formula C₁₈H₂₆ClN₃. The crystal structure reveals a well-defined supramolecular architecture stabilized by an extensive hydrogen-bonding network involving CQH⁺ cations, chloride anions, and water molecules. Notably, this study provides the first crystallographic characterization of a monoprotonated chloroquine salt. Additionally, our findings demonstrate the feasibility of isolating pseudo-polymorphic forms of a commercially available CQ salt via heterogeneous crystallization.

Abstract: The term “pristine interface” is used for differentiating emulsions that consist of only water and oil with no surfactant from the Pickering emulsions, which are also surfactant-free but stabilized with colloidal particles. We review 23 papers dedicated to such emulsions prepared from a wide variety of liquids. We studied here the evolution of one of such emulsion, hexadecane-in-water at 4% vl, over a long period of time, from days to weeks. We discovered that the droplet size is growing with time with the rate that depends on mixing conditions, which supports a coalescence hypothesis. However, this coalescence is unusual because the size reaches a certain constant value, which contradicts typical coalescence behavior. In order to explain this peculiarity, we employ a theoretical model that was developed for pristine nano-bubbles stability. We hypothesize the existence of a layer of structured water molecules at the interface, following Eastoe and Ellis (Adv in Colloid and Interface Sci., 134-135, 89-95, 2007) and many other prominent scientists. Then we point out that the Electric Double Layer exerts a force on the water dipole moments in this layer (dielectrostatic force) that compensates Kelvin’s pressure. The droplet size calculated using this model is close to the measured sizes. The second factor associated with this layer is the repulsion of the water dipole moments, which we show can compensate for surface tension parallel to the interface. After ruling out alternative hypotheses with our data, we conclude that the model suggested for explaining the stability of nano-bubbles is also consistent with our results for these “pristine emulsions”.

Abstract:

Dendrobium officinale (DO) is a traditional medicinal and edible plant whose polysaccharides help modulate gastrointestinal and metabolic functions. Fresh DO is commonly processed into “Fengdou” to prolong shelf life, but the effects of this processing on polysaccharide structure and bioactivity remain unclear. In this study, polysaccharides from fresh DO (FDOP) and Fengdou (DDOP) were isolated, purified, and comparatively characterized. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis indicated similar functional groups and O-acetylated pyranosyl structures in both polysaccharides. Based on monosaccharide composition, methylation, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analyses, both samples were identified as mannose-glucose heteropolysaccharides. However, FDOP was characterized by a higher mannose-to-glucose ratio (79.77:19.57) and molecular weight (187.1 kDa), as well as a more structurally diversified →4-linked backbone, whereas DDOP contained more glucose (68.74:30.94) and exhibited a lower molecular weight (125.1 kDa) and simplified backbone. In zebrafish models, both polysaccharides were found to alleviate loperamide-induced constipation and reduce lipid accumulation. DDOP showed stronger constipation-relieving activity, whereas FDOP exerted more pronounced hypolipidaemic effects, which may be attributed to its higher molecular weight, mannose enrichment, and more complex backbone structure. These findings provide a structural basis and theoretical support for developing DO-derived polysaccharides as functional food ingredients targeting constipation and dyslipidaemia.

Abstract: In this study, ferulated arabinoxylans (FAXs) were extracted from maize bran by optimizing al-kaline extraction method and explored their purification, identification and antioxidant potential. The current results showed that FAXs yield ranged from 14.7 to 18.9 % from maize bran. It was found that the FAXs were mainly composed neutral sugars including xylose (21–44%), arabinose (12–30%), galactose (2.7-7.4%) and glucose (4.6–9.4%), with an A/X ratio of 0.68–0.74. In addition, FAXs extracts showed significantly (p < 0.05) high content of ferulic acid in bound form as com-pared to free form. Furthermore, biopolymers FAXs possess powerful radical scavenging prop-erties due to their polyphenolic content and structural characteristics. FTIR spectra of maize bran extracted FAXs exhibited the presence of polysaccharide compounds. The corresponding bands were related to glycosidic linkage, which is assigned to the C-OH bend vibration in FAX. In functional characteristics, FAXs showed high water holding capacity, emulsion properties and emulsion stability in all treatments. In current research, FAXs have been comprehensively char-acterized, and several promising applications across the food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries can be explored based on these findings.

Abstract: In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 44 new drugs, reflecting a slight decrease compared to previous years but maintaining the overall trends in pharmaceutical inno-vation. Biologics accounted for 25% of approvals, including eight monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), two antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), and one fusion protein, with cancer remaining the primary therapeutic focus. TIDES, comprising three oligonucleotides and one peptide, continued to con-solidate their presence in the market, with the three oligonucleotides featuring N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) for liver-targeted delivery. Small molecules dominate the re-mainder, with a high prevalence of N-aromatic moieties and fluorine atoms present in most of the molecules.. Peptide manufacturing and sustainability concerns, including PFAS usage, remain key challenges. Despite these advances, the high cost of innovative therapies limits access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This report provides a structural and chemical analysis of the newly approved drugs, highlighting trends in molecular design, therapeutic areas, and technolog-ical innovations shaping modern drug discovery.

Abstract:

Transparent materials are highly desirable for multiple optical devices, composite armours, smartphone screens and can be used as host materials for solid-state lasers. However, achieving transparency in composite materials is challenging due to the difference in refractive indices between the matrix and the fillers. The authors investigate the impact of various factors, including particle size, film thickness, and volume fraction, on the optical properties of epoxy-based nanocomposites. Using Rayleigh scattering theory, they assess the effect of different materials and manufacturing parameters on the transmittance of nanocomposites. Their findings suggest that a theoretical transmittance of over 90% can be achieved by using particle sizes less than 10 nm and film thicknesses less than 1 µm.

Abstract:

The valorization of wine by-products aligns with circular bioeconomy principles. This study investigates the ultrasound-assisted aqueous extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds and cell wall polysaccharides from Syrah grape stems (Vitis vinifera L.) to produce cellulose-rich gels with enhanced antioxidant properties. Extractions were performed at three temperatures (10, 20, and 50 °C) and three ultrasonic power densities (120, 206, and 337 W/L), and compared to conventional extraction (CE, 200 rpm). The results demonstrated that UAE significantly accelerated the extraction kinetics for total phenolics (TP), flavonols, and antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP), achieving up to a 3.1-fold increase in TP yield at 20°C. Notably, UAE at 337 W/L and 20 °C produced antioxidant levels equivalent to those obtained by CE at 50 °C, enabling high efficiency at lower, compound-preserving temperatures. Carbohydrate analysis revealed that the extracts were inherently "cellulose-rich" (glucose ~49–52 mol%), with co-extracted pectins and hemicelluloses forming a composite hydrogel matrix. While total polysaccharide yield was maximized at 10 °C, UAE's primary role was the structural modification of polymers rather than increasing bulk yield. The process reduced extraction times by 3- to over 6-fold to achieve equivalent bioactive yields compared to CE. This work establishes UAE with water as a green, efficient strategy for the integrated, one-step recovery of antioxidant phenolics and gel-forming polysaccharides from grape stems, transforming this underutilized residue into a multifunctional, value-added ingredient for food and pharmaceutical applications.