Abstract: A simple, rapid, and cost-effective method for the determination of BaP in edible oil was developed and validated. Nickel oxide deposited silica (SiO2@NiO) prepared by depositing nickel oxide onto silica using liquid phase deposition method was employed as solid-phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent for the extraction of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in edible oil followed by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) analysis. The edible oil was diluted with n-hexane and then directly loaded to SiO2@NiO for SPE. The n-hexane was also used to clean the fat-soluble interference in the edible oil, while BaP was selectively captured due to the electron donor-acceptor interaction with SiO2@NiO. The extraction conditions such as amount of sorbent, volume of washing solvent, type and volume of desorption solvent were optimized. The method demonstrated good linearity over the range of 6-1875 ng/g with the limit of detection of 1.3 ng/g, the spiked recoveries in the range of 97.4-105.1 %, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 3.0 %. The method was applied for the analysis of BaP in 12 actual oil samples and the results showed that unrefined oil and high-temperature frying oil were at risk of BaP exceeding the acceptable level.

Abstract: This article presents a reflective survey of research contributions that are related to functional thin film materials, photovoltaic-related architectures, and energy-oriented applications. By synthesising findings from multiple investigations focused on semiconductors, metal-oxide composite systems, nanostructured coatings, and building relevant constituents, the work concentrates on proceeding of fabrication strategies as well as structure-property interrelationships and application-driven performance metrics. Rather than giving a full review of the literature, the article combines some of the experimental observations to highlight recurrent themes such as process optimisation, interface engineering, and multifunctional material behaviour. Particular emphasis is placed on the modulation of optical, electrical, and functional performance by modest variations in deposition conditions, dopant incorporation strategies, and structural design. A cross-there theme analysis shows practical feasibility, long-term stability, and scalability as important as peak performance in determining the suitability of advanced materials for energy applications. Unlike conventional component-focused reviews, this perspective articulates a translational design logic linking materials processing decisions directly to device reliability and system-level energy performance, providing a conceptual framework for accelerating lab-to-field deployment of sustainable energy technologies. The purpose is to highlight cross-cutting translational challenges and design principles that link functional materials to device- and system-level deployment, with particular relevance to real-world and remote-environment energy applications.

Abstract: Tea tree essential oil (TTO), extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves, is increasingly recognized as a powerful natural antimicrobial for modern food safety applications due to its terpene-rich composition and broad biological activity. Dominant constituents such as terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, and α-terpinene contribute to strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiofilm effects, positioning TTO as a clean-label alternative to synthetic preservatives. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the physicochemical properties of TTO, including chemotype variability, hydrophobicity and solubility constraints, oxidative instability, and interactions with food components that influence its functionality. The antimicrobial mechanisms of TTO against major foodborne pathogens and spoilage fungi are examined, emphasizing membrane disruption, disturbance of cellular homeostasis, oxidative stress induction, and quorum-sensing interference. Recent advances such as nanoemulsions, encapsulation, and polymer-based delivery systems have improved TTO stability, reduced volatility, and enabled controlled release, supporting its incorporation into edible coatings, active packaging, and sanitation formulations. These innovations enhance microbial reduction in fresh produce, meat, dairy, and minimally processed foods. Remaining challenges include sensory impacts, volatility losses, regulatory limitations, and concentration-dependent toxicity. Overall, current evidence underscores TTO’s potential as a versatile, sustainable antimicrobial for next-generation food protection strategies.

Abstract: Objectives: Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) we developed and validated an in vitro assay for the quantitative determination of beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) activity, supplementing limited current methodologies to assess the efficacy of BACE1 inhibitor compounds. A hexa-histidine tagged peptide substrate of BACE1 was used as the analyte for the determination of in vitro BACE1 activity; it was validated according to ICH guidelines. Methods: The HPLC analysis was performed on the Agilent 1290 Series Infinity II UHPLC System equipped with a Phenomenex Kinetex EVO C18 (100 × 3 mm) 5 µm column. The method was developed using a gradient program comprising of 10 % aqueous acetonitrile (0.02 M TFA) to 30% aqueous acetonitrile (0.02 M TFA) for 5 minutes at a flow rate of 0.6 ml/min. Results: The method showed linearity over the range of 14.92 to 72 µM with R^2=0.9997. The accuracy of the method in terms of mean recovery ranged between 96.62 to 98.38 %. The %RSD for intra- and inter-day precision were less than 5 %. Two commercial inhibitors, AZD3839 and OM99-2, were used to evaluate the performance of the method at their respective IC50, resulting in inhibition of 53.46 and 50.74 % respectively. The described method addresses the void for a practical and cheap alternative to quantitatively determine the activity of BACE1 compared to current commercially available detection assays. Conclusions: We have successfully developed a HPLC method to measure the inhibitory function of two commercial inhibitors of BACE1, indicating suitability of the method for the identification and characterisation of novel BACE1 inhibitors.

Abstract: Understanding the interactions of nanomaterials with complex tumour models is essential for advancing their use in nanomedicine. Calcium fluoride nanoparticles doped with neodymium and yttrium (CaF₂:Nd³⁺, Y³⁺) exhibit promising properties for biomedical applications, particularly for optical sensing and tagging. This study investigates their interaction with 3D cell spheroids derived from breast cancer (MCF-7) and brain cancer (U-87 MG) cell lines as tumour models. Specific protocols have been developed in Total-reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) to evaluate nanoparticles’ internalisation and diffusion within spheroids by quantifying the concentrations of Ca, Nd, and Y taken up by the cells. Minimal background interference enabled precise multi-element detection in low-volume biological samples, yielding very low detection limits and minimal uncertainties. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of TXRF for quantifying rare-earth-doped nanoparticles in 3D cancer models and reveals that, although both cell lines permit nanoparticle diffusion into cells, higher accumulation is observed in glioblastoma cell spheroids. A Weibull diffusion model was applied to help understand the observed internalisation kinetics of nanoparticles into U-87 MG and MCF-7 spheroids. The relevant differences suggest cell-line-dependent uptake behaviour, potentially influenced by differences in cellular architecture, the porosity of the generated spheroid, and its intercellular 3D microstructure. These findings highlight the importance of tumour-specific interactions in the investigation of nanoparticle systems for targeted cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

Abstract: Biomarkers are objective medical signals and can facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of a multitude of diseases, including those whose symptomatology is largely subjective.Electrochemical biosensors offer an ideal platform for the application of emerging knowledge resulting from biomarker research. They combine the sensitivity of electrochemical detection techniques with the specificity of a biochemical reaction.In this review article, an introductory reference was made to the usefulness of biomarkers and the importance of their validation, to the problems encountered in the diagnosis of diseases, as well as to the structural characteristics and role of biosensors.ubsequently, applications of electrochemical biosensors for the determination of biomarkers from recent literature were presented, which were classified based on the biological mechanism of recognition of the sensor into enzymatic, immunochemical, DNA, other (biomimetic) and multipotent.

Abstract: Given the increasing environmental degradation, this study investigates advanced ZnO-based materials for the mineralization of toxic compounds through the combined action of photo- and piezocatalysis. Two complementary strategies were employed to enhance catalytic efficiency. First, ZnO1-xNx thin films were deposited by reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (R-HiPIMS) to reduce the band gap energy. Second, flower-like ZnO nanostructures were synthesized using the pulsed thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) technique to increase the specific surface area. Both systems were further modified by decoration with Ag₂O nanoparticles to improve charge separation. The materials were comprehensively characterized in terms of optical properties (UV–Vis spectroscopy), chemical composition and bonding (XPS), crystalline structure (XRD), surface morphology (FE-SEM), and photo-piezocatalytic performance. Catalytic activity was evaluated via the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation and mechanical vibrations. Nitrogen incorporation in ZnO1-xNx thin films led to an increase in photocatalytic efficiency from 20% to 28.7%, while the simultaneous application of light and mechanical stimulation increased efficiency to approximately 50%. Under identical irradiation conditions, Ag₂O-decorated ZnO/ZnO1-xNx exhibited reaction rate constants up to 65% higher than bare counterparts, attributed to reduced electron–hole recombination. ZnO nanostructures achieved degradation efficiencies of 59%, rising to 88.3% with Ag₂O decoration under solar illumination for 120 min. When combined with mechanical vibrations, after 60 min, the degradation efficiencies reached 93% for ZnO and 98% for Ag₂O/ZnO systems. A photodegradation mechanism of Ag2O NPs decorated ZnO heterostructures was proposed.

Abstract: Perovskite oxide photoanodes are attractive for alkaline water oxidation but are commonly limited by interfacial recombination and sluggish charge transfer. Here we enhance anisotropic SrTiO₃ (STO) photoelectrodes via Al doping and identify an optimal composition at 4% Al. In 0.1 M NaOH (pH 13) under simulated AM 1.5G illumination, 4% Al:STO exhibits the highest transient/steady photocurrent and the best LSV performance among all samples, together with a markedly reduced interfacial impedance, indicating accelerated charge extraction and transfer. High-resolution XPS confirms Al incorporation and reveals suppressed Ti3⁺-related defect states with modified oxygen-associated surface species, consistent with mitigated trap-assisted recombination. Band-structure analysis shows a negative shift in flat-band potential and slight band-gap narrowing after Al doping, providing more favorable carrier energetics. Steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence further demonstrate strong PL quenching and prolonged carrier lifetime for 4% Al:STO. ECSA analysis suggests increased electrochemically accessible surface sites at the optimal doping level. Overall, moderate Al doping synergistically tunes defects, band energetics, and interfacial kinetics to improve STO photoanodes for solar water splitting.

Abstract: Waste-to-energy (WtW) systems constitute a complex thermochemical interface between energy production and waste management. This can be done by generating CO2 streams of mixed biogenic and fossil origin. Net-negative emissions can be achieved by integrating carbon capture and storage (CCS) into WtE plants. However, the physical chemistry of the capturing process under heterogeneous conditions is not yet fully understood. This review analyzes the molecular and thermodynamic foundations of CO2 capture in WtE contexts and emphasizes solvent-solute interactions, reaction equilibria, and energy landscapes governing sorption and regeneration. Moreover, the chemistry of amine-based systems, ionic liquids, and solid sorbents will be examined, with respect to flue gas composition, impurity tolerance and degradation pathways, as well as the thermodynamic and kinetic frameworks for CO2 compression, phase behavior and geochemical storage reactions. The present review presents WtE–CCS as a particular field where the principles of physical chemistry contribute substantially to the development of sustainable approaches to environmental management.

Abstract: challenge for sustainable electrochemical technologies. This work reports a disruptive one-pot synthesis strategy for the preparation of Pd-based nanocomposites at the nanogram-scale, utilizing the tunable redox properties of electrogenerated hydrophilic carbons (EHC). We demonstrate that EHC generated in tartaric buffer (EHC@T) acts as a multi-functional platform, serving simultaneously as a conductive support and reducing agent. Crucially, the integration of a second component, EHC generated in phosphate buffer (EHC@P), provides an architectural synergy: beyond its oxygen-storing capacity, EHC@P is shown to be indispensable for the chemical and electrochemical stabilization of the ultralow Pd loadings The resulting Pd–EHC@T,P nanocomposite was tested for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity, showing a unique 'oxygen-memory' effect: the persistence of significant reduction current even in deoxygenated media. These findings open a new pathway for developing cost-effective, sustainable nanocatalysts and enables the design of electrochemical applications previously considered unfeasible.

Abstract: Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae are gaining attention for their high feed conversion efficien-cy, transforming organic matter into nutrients. As interest in insects as food ingredients grows, quality control becomes essential. This study evaluates the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) using benchtop and portable equipment to simultane-ously determine crude proteins and lipids in BSF larvae flour. Larvae were reared on agro-industrial waste, processed into flour, and analyzed using reference methods. NIRS data were examined with PCA for sample grouping and PLS regression for quantification. The benchtop method NIRS showed superior accuracy, with RMSECV of 1.24% and R²CV of 0.946 for lipids, and 0.59% and 0.989 for proteins. The portable device, though less pre-cise, effectively identified nutritional patterns. This green analytical approach eliminates toxic reagents, reduces environmental impact, and ensures rapid, precise analysis. It supports sustainable insect production, fostering food security, and eco-friendly agro-industrial practices.

Abstract: Eleven resin cements, used as core build-up materials in this study, were evaluated via the following measurements: (a) push-out force between root dentin and fiber post; (b) pull-out force between core build-up material and fiber post; (c) shear bond strength of resin cement to root dentin; (d) flexural strength of resin cement; and (e) flexural modulus of elasticity of resin cement. All tests were performed at two time periods: after 1-day storage in water (Base) and after 20,000 thermocycles (TC 20k). For the push-out test, single-rooted human premolars were used to create simulated cavities. The specimens were sectioned horizontally perpendicular to their long axes into 2-mm slices. These slices were then subjected to push-out test to determine the bond strength between human root dentin, resin cement layer, and the fiber post. There were no significant differences in bond strength between Base and TC 20k. Therefore, surface pretreatments of multiple substrates with universal adhesives for fiber post cementation could ensure not only strong, but also durable, adhesion over time.

Abstract:

Electrospinning and electrospraying nanotechnologies were used to valorise agro-industrial residues into biohybrid controlled-release polyphenol (CRP) scaffolds. Four polyhydroxybutyrate ± polycaprolactone (PHB±PCL) architectures were fabricated that differed in polymer phase, Klason lignin from hazelnut-shell (HS-KL) presence vs absence and co-location with grape-pomace polyphenols (GP-PP), as well as distribution between fibres and bead-like depots. Scaffolds were characterised using optical microscopy/stereomicroscopy/SEM, FTIR, UV/VIS spectroscopy and dynamic water contact angle (absorption). GP-PP release was monitored for 14 days at ~25 °C and 37 °C, the latter representing shallow-soil hot-spell conditions in Mediterranean zones. All matrices exhibited multimodal release, with modest initial bursts and three phases (burst, mid, and late tail), analogous to controlled-release fertiliser profiles. At ~25 °C, the PHB/PCL matrix with HS-KL confined to PHB fibres and GP-PP in large PCL beads showed the highest total GP-PP release, whereas the architecture with HS-KL and GP-PP co-located in both PHB and PCL fibres and in PCL depots combined high total release with a smoother, well-metered late phase. At 37 °C, this HS-KL-GP-PP co-located scaffold was the most robust, retaining the highest total and late tail release. These results identify HS-KL-GP-PP co-located PHB/PCL architectures as promising carriers for temperature-resilient delivery of bioactive polyphenols in Mediterranean agrosystems.

Abstract: The incorporation of recycled metallurgical slags into refractory materials constitutes a promising approach to enhancing sustainability in the refractory industry. This study investigates the effect of vanadium-bearing slag aggregates as partial replace-ments for tabular alumina in castables and compares their behaviour with high-alumina and bauxite-based castables. Two vanadium-bearing slags with differ-ent mineralogical compositions were introduced in the 1-3 mm aggregate fraction with substitution up to 25 wt.%. Their effects on microstructure, thermo-mechanical performance and corrosion resistance were evaluated. The introduction of vanadi-um-bearing slag significantly alters the microstructure of the castables, affecting their performance. Both slags displayed grains with higher porosity, microcracking, and heterogeneity compared with tabular alumina, but show similarities with bauxite grains. Slag 1, enriched in calcium aluminate phases, provides limited mechanical strength but improved corrosion resistance due to improved bonding with the matrix. Slag 2, containing a higher spinel content, enhances mechanical strength, showing behaviour comparable to bauxite-based castables, particularly at 10 wt.% replacement. Vanadium is mainly present in metallic form and as Mg(Al,V)2O4 spinel in both slags. Upon firing, vanadium migrates toward grain boundaries and reacts with surround-ing calcium aluminate phases to be incorporated in Ca(Al,V)2O4 and Ca(Al,V)4O7, while the spinel phase remains stable.

Abstract: An alkene-tethered enaminone was synthesized in four steps from bromoacetic acid and 3,3-dimethylallyl alcohol. The enaminone was fully characterized, including UV-Vis spectra. TBADT-catalyzed HAT of the alkene-tethered enaminone initiated a fragmentation that yielded the literature-known phenylacetone-derived enaminone.

Abstract: This study investigates the valorization of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled cotton fibers from textile waste into porous fiber-based insulation composites using a lowenergy cold-pressing process and a water-borne hybrid binder based on polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and modified cornstarch. Insulation boards were produced with target densities ranging from 300 to 340 kg·m⁻³, achieved by systematically adjusting the percentage weight fractions of recycled cotton fibers and binder components. The influence of board density on microstructure, inter-fiber bonding, and structure-property relationships was evaluated. The resulting boards exhibited thermal conductivity values between 0.0710 and 0.0739 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹. Compressive strength measured at 10% relative deformation of the specimen thickness ranged from 46 to 162 kPa, while internal bond strength varied between 2 and 6 kPa. Water absorption decreased by approximately 18% with increasing density, indicating improved binder distribution and reduced open porosity. The PVAc–starch binder system enabled effective inter-fiber bonding without formaldehyde-based resins or energy-intensive curing, supporting a low-energy and circular processing concept for textile waste valorization. Overall, the results demonstrate that recycled cotton fibers represent a viable feedstock for porous insulation composites combining balanced thermal, mechanical, and moisture-related performance with reduced environmental impact.

Abstract: Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃) is a promising material for developing the next generation of multifunctional electronic devices. However, the production of high-quality BiFeO₃ thin films is compromised by the tendency for structural and electronic defects to form during synthesis, which degrades their functional properties. In this work, BiFeO₃ thin films were prepared by chemical solution deposition to determine optimal conditions for minimizing oxygen vacancies and to evaluate the impact of these point defects on their physical properties. The films were pyrolyzed at 300 °C for 60 min and 360 °C for 10 min, and crystallized in air and in an O₂ atmosphere, at 600 °C and 640 °C for 40 min. High oxygen vacancies were observed in films prepared at low pyrolysis temperatures and crystallized in air, whereas oxygen vacancies were minimized in the film pyrolyzed and crystallized at high temperatures in an O₂ atmosphere. The oxygen vacancies markedly affected the films’ physical properties, leading to increased dielectric loss, dielectric dispersion, dc conductivity, and leakage current, with consequent degradation of photovoltaic and magnetic performance. These findings highlight the critical importance of controlling synthesis parameters to suppress oxygen vacancy formation and achieve high-quality BiFeO₃ thin films.

Abstract: Porous Ca₂Mg₂Al₂₈O46 (C₂M₂A₁₄) ceramics are highly competitive candidates in the field of critical metal filtration due to their attractive non-metallic inclusions removal capacity. However, the low mechanical strength and inadequate thermal shock resistance (TSR) of these materials restrict their further application. In this work, ZrO₂ toughened C₂M₂A₁₄-based porous ceramics are fabricated by using the polymer sponge replica method. Nano-sized ZrO₂ particles derived from nano-ZrO₂ sol are beneficial to enhance the mechanical properties and TSR of porous ceramics. The optimized porous C₂M₂A₁₄ ceramics exhibit robust compressive strength (2.15 MPa), good residual strength ratio (66.4%) and excellent filtration efficiency in the reduction of total oxygen content (68.4%) by adding 3 wt% ZrO₂ sol. These excellent comprehensive properties of as-prepared porous C₂M₂A₁₄ ceramics make it a potential alternative material for critical metal filtration.

Abstract: Phenazine derivatives are attractive organic chromophores due to their redox activity and photophysical properties, yet their application in photocatalytic hydrogenation reactions remains underexplored. In this work, a homogeneous phenazine-based photocatalytic system was developed and applied to the visible-light-driven hydrogenation of nitro compounds under mild conditions. The photocatalysts’ activity was evaluated using nitrobenzene as a model substrate in the presence of triethanolamine as a sacrificial hydrogen and electron donor. Reaction parameters including photocatalyst structure, solvent, hydrogen source, irradiation wavelength, and catalyst loading were systematically investigated. Under optimized conditions, nitrobenzene was converted to aniline with yields of up to 81% after 12 h of irradiation at ambient temperature. Kinetic studies revealed that prolonged irradiation does not enhance conversion and can lead to decreased yields due to the instability and reconversion of azo-type intermediates. Substrate scope investigations demonstrated higher reductive efficiency for nitroarenes bearing electron-withdrawing substituents, whereas aliphatic nitro compounds were only partially reduced, often yielding oxime or N–OH intermediates. UV–Vis, fluorescence, and EPR spectroscopy provided mechanistic insight and confirmed the involvement of radical species generated upon light irradiation. Overall, this study establishes phenazine-based photocatalysts as effective metal-free systems for the hydrogenation of nitroarenes under visible light and mild reaction conditions.

Abstract: The cement industry is one of the largest industrial sources of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with clinker production representing the most energy- and carbon-intensive stage of cement manufacturing. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is widely used to quantify the environmental impacts of clinker production and to support benchmarking of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. However, plant-level benchmarking studies based on real industrial operational data remain limited, and the relationship between energy efficiency improvements and overall climate change impacts is not always clearly resolved. In this study, the environmental performance of clinker production at a representative integrated cement plant is assessed using a cradle-to-gate LCA approach. The analysis is based on real industrial operational data and uses a functional unit of 1~t of Portland cement clinker. Life cycle inventory data are compiled for raw material inputs, energy consumption, and direct CO2 emissions, and the results are benchmarked against a harmonized literature-based reference dataset. Global warming potential (GWP) is evaluated using IPCC 100-year characterization factors. The results show that the case-study plant exhibits lower thermal energy demand (3162~MJ/t clinker) and electricity consumption (52.23~kWh/t clinker) compared to the literature benchmark. Despite these improvements in energy-related indicators, the total GWP of clinker production at the case-study plant (1010~kg~CO2-eq/t clinker) is comparable to the benchmark value (995~kg~CO2-eq/t clinker). Contribution analysis indicates that process-related CO2 emissions from limestone calcination dominate the total GWP, accounting for approximately 73\% of total emissions. These findings demonstrate that improvements in energy efficiency alone do not necessarily translate into proportional reductions in overall climate change impacts for clinker production. The study highlights the importance of harmonized benchmarking and underscores the need for mitigation strategies that directly address process-related emissions in order to achieve substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the cement industry.