Abstract: Hydrophobic carbon quantum dots (hbCQDs) with tunable photoluminescence were synthesized via a solvothermal approach and further hybridized with Rhodamine B (RhB) to extend emission into the visible range. The hbCQDs exhibit quasi-spherical morphology with an average particle size of 8 nm and predominantly disordered graphitic structure, as confirmed by TEM and XRD analyses. FTIR and XPS characterizations reveal surface functional groups including C–N, C=O/C–O, and S–H, which govern the photoluminescence properties. Pure hbCQDs display blue emission at 453 nm under excitation, with a quantum yield (QY) of 6.2%. Incorporation of RhB leads to dual-emission behavior: the surface-state emission remains in the blue region, while molecular-state emission from RhB appears in the orange-red region. The 0.2 mL RhB–CQD composite exhibits optimal properties, including a QY of 13% and a production yield of 82%, emitting white light under 365 nm UV excitation. Increasing RhB loading to 0.4 mL results in a shift of emission peaks and a reduced QY (<9%), with weaker orange fluorescence. These findings demonstrate that controlled RhB hybridization effectively tunes the emission spectrum of hbCQDs, offering a simple and reproducible strategy to achieve dual-color and white-light emission. The optimized hbCQDs/RhB composites hold significant potential for applications in hydrophobic media-compatible optoelectronics, light-emitting devices, and bioimaging.

Abstract:

Background. Quaternary phosphonium salts (QPSs) are extensively researched since represent new promising weapons to counteract critical superbugs, regardless their robust pattern of resistance. Methods. Here, dynamic light scattering analysis was carried out on QPSs 1, 3 and 4 recently reported and already found active against cancer cells, and phosphine 2 unveiling particles of 700-800 nm for 2, 3 and 4 and positive Zeta-potential (ζ-p ) for all (+4.2-+38.1 mV). 1, 3 and 4 plus 2, were microbiologically evaluated, assessing minimum inhibitory concentration values (MICs) (1-4), time-killing curves (1), and anti-biofilm capacity (1). Results. MICs on a total of 23 Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinically isolated superbugs, evidenced that, poorly soluble 2, 3 and 4 exhibited not reproducible MICs, while 1 provided interesting MICs, which made it worthy of further investigations. In fact, 1 was active against clinically relevant multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-positive species and not active against MDR Gram-negative species including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Specifically, MICs = 16-32 µg/mL and 16-64 µg/mL were determined against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and S. epidermidis (MRSE) respectively. MICs = 32-64 µg/mL were observed against teicoplanin- and vancomycin-resistant (VRE) Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium and no activity against P. aeruginosa (> 128 µg/mL). Notably, time-kill experiments established that 1 was bactericidal against MRSA, while strongly inhibited (up to 100%) the formation of biofilm produced by the strongest biofilm-producers S. epidermidis and S. aureus isolates of our collection, at MICs and 2.5 × MIC concentrations, depending on isolates considered. Interestingly, if used against Staphylococci, and mainly MRSA, 1 was softly haemolytic. It was no cytotoxic against not tumorigenic human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and murine embryonic fibroblasts (3T3) in all cases. Structure-activity relationships have been studied, leading to outcomes which could be of great help for designing optimized new QPSs. Conclusions. Findings of this study overturn previous antimicrobial reports on compound 1, suggesting it as a new excellent weapon to counteract bacterial resistance and biofilm production by MRSA and MRSE superbugs, as well as thinkable for future in vivo experiments and clinical development.

Abstract: Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to lithium-ion systems, driven by the abundance and low cost of sodium resources as well as the urgent demand for sustainable large-scale energy storage. In recent years, re-markable advances have been achieved in electrode materials, electrolytes, and inter-facial engineering, which have significantly improved the electrochemical performance of SIBs. Hard carbons and alloy-type anodes have shown encouraging progress in balancing capacity and stability, while layered oxides, polyanionic compounds, and Prussian blue analogues are leading candidates for cathodes due to their structural diversity and tunable redox properties. Concurrently, the development of advanced liquid and solid electro-lytes, together with strategies to control the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI), is enhancing safety and long-term cycling. Despite these achievements, critical challenges remain, including limited energy density, volumetric expansion in alloying anodes, interfacial instability, and scalability issues. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles, recent material in-novations, and failure mechanisms of SIBs, and highlights the current status of industrial progress led by companies such as Faradion, HiNa Battery, CATL, and Tiamat. Finally, future perspectives are discussed, emphasizing the role of sodium-ion technology in grid-scale storage, renewable energy integration, and sustainable battery recycling. By bridging academic advances and industrial development, this article outlines the roadmap toward the commercialization of sodium-ion batteries.

Abstract: This review explores the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into glycerol carbonate (GC), positioning this pathway as a sustainable strategy that couples environmental mitigation with the valorization of surplus glycerol from biodiesel production. Glycerol carbonate maintains extensive industrial utility as a green solvent, chemical intermediate, and functional component in polymers, cosmetics, and packaging. Distinct from prior literature, this study systematically integrates the evaluation of catalysts derived from agro-industrial waste and hybrid catalytic systems, correlating their structural architectures with catalytic efficiency. The review evaluates diverse catalytic frameworks, with a primary focus on heterogeneous systems. Silica-based materials are highlighted, particularly those synthesized from rice husk ash, an abundant amorphous silica source. The sol–gel method is identified as a robust route for engineering porous matrices with high surface areas and tunable structural properties. Furthermore, the doping of silica with metal oxides, such as niobium oxide (Nb2O5) and nickel oxide (NiO), is discussed as a strategic approach to introduce synergistic acid–base sites and redox properties that facilitate CO2 activation. The integration of ionic liquids into hybrid systems is also examined as a promising frontier to enhance reaction kinetics and selectivity. Finally, this review delineates the nexus between agro-industrial waste management and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, proposing a circular economy framework for the biodiesel value chain.

Abstract: This study evaluates the antimicrobial properties of nanocomposite materials based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and/or supplement-ed with biobased additives derived from blueberry pruning wastes, with the objective of developing biodegradable food packaging systems with antimicrobial properties. The nanocomposites were prepared using a solvent-casting processing approach, and their thermal, physicochemical, and antimicrobial properties were assessed. All the nanocomposites exhibited thermal stability up to 200 °C, confirming their suitabil-ity for conventional food packaging processing conditions. Antimicrobial activity tests re-vealed inhibitory effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Bleached PVA/CNFs films showed complete growth inhibition (100%) against E. coli and S. aureus. In contrast, unbleached PVA/CNFs and PVA/CNFsB supplemented with blueber-ry-derived additives exhibited selective inhibition against E. coli, highlighting the influ-ence of nanofibril composition and additive incorporation on antimicrobial performance. Zeta potential measurements revealed values of –35.3 mV for the CNFs, confirming their negatively charged surface, which may contribute to interactions with bacterial mem-branes. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the incorporation of CNFs generates nanostructured surfaces with exposed fibrillar domains, where bacteri-al cells become adhered and immobilized. These topographical features suggest that the antimicrobial behavior of the nanocomposites is associated with direct bacteria–surface interactions, supporting a contact-active antimicrobial behavior associated with the CNFs.

Abstract: 9-Mesitylacridinium salts are widely recognized as efficient organic photoredox catalysts owing to their strong excited-state oxidizing power and stability under visible-light ir-radiation. In this study, a new mesityl acridinium derivative bearing a di-tert-butylphenyl substituent on the nitrogen atom was synthesized. The introduction of tert-butyl groups on the N-aryl moiety was primarily aimed at improving solubility and chemical stability of the acridinium salt. The target compound was obtained in high overall yield starting from a 9(10H)-acridinone precursor through a concise synthetic sequence. The synthesis consists of a copper-catalyzed C–N coupling reaction to install the aryl substituent on the nitrogen atom, followed by a Grignard reaction and subsequent acid treatment to afford the corresponding acridinium salt. All transformations proceeded smoothly, providing efficient access to the desired novel acridinium derivative. This work presents a practical example of structural modification of mesitylacridinium derivatives directed toward enhanced solubility and stability, and provides a useful synthetic plat-form for the preparation of structurally diverse acridinium salts.

Abstract: Surface modification of metallic powders plays a critical role in improving their chemical stability, interfacial characteristics, and processing behavior in powder metallurgy applications. In this study, micron-sized iron powders were treated using a controlled gas-phase phosphating process to investigate surface layer formation and microstructural evolution. The influence of treatment conditions on phase stability, surface morphology, and elemental distribution was systematically analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results confirm the preservation of the body-centered cubic α-Fe phase within an optimized temperature range, while a conformal phosphate-based surface layer was successfully formed. Increased treatment severity led to partial surface oxidation and localized microstructural heterogeneity. Elemental mapping revealed homogeneous phosphorus distribution under controlled processing conditions, indicating uniform coating development. The study establishes clear correlations between gas-phase processing parameters and surface layer formation mechanisms. These findings provide insight into the controlled surface engineering of iron powders and offer practical guidance for optimizing gas-phase phosphating routes in advanced powder metallurgy and metallurgical applications.

Abstract: Both heat and photon energy are integral parts of scientific research. The study of the photon and the electron does not present up-to-date science in some phenomena. A misconception falls at the basic level. To eliminate the misconception, a discussion presents the electron dynamics in the silicon atom. The electron executes confined interstate dynamics for one forward or reverse cycle. As a result, the resulting shaped force-energy defines a unit photon. That unit photon has a shape similar to a Gaussian distribution with turned ends. A featured photon can interact with the side of a laterally orientated electron (of a semisolid or solid atom) to possibly convert into heat energy. When a featured photon interacts with the tip of a laterally oriented electron, that photon can convert into energy bits. The shapes of energy bits are similar to integral symbols. The reference point for the electron executing confined interstate dynamics is the center of a silicon atom. The north-south tips of the electrons align along the north-south poles. The energy shapes around the force tracing along the trajectory of electron dynamics. To execute confined interstate dynamics, forces of the two poles appear conservatively for turning the electron each time. The outer ring electron of the silicon atom reaches the ‘maximum limit point’ during the confined interstate dynamics. There is energy of one bit. In the remaining half cycle, that electron also generates energy of one bit. The electron dynamics of the silicon atom generate photons of a wave shape. Atoms of some other elements generate photons other than wave shapes. The execution of the electron dynamics is nearly at the speed of light. In addition to energy science, the study is useful in physical and chemical sciences.

Abstract: Mixed-halide perovskite solar cells with the composition Cs0.1(MA0.17FA0.83)0.9Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 were fabricated obtaining solar cells as glass/ITO/SnO2/triple cation perovskite/HTL/Au, subsequently used as photoanodes for efficient solar-driven water splitting by applying commercial catalytic nickel foils onto the Au back-contact pads of devices. To enable operation under alkaline media the de-vices were encapsulated using commercial PET–EVA multilayer films, providing a ro-bust barrier while leaving the Ni foils exposed as the electrochemically active interface. Two operating configurations were investigated and compared: (i) an outside configu-ration, where the perovskite solar cell powered an external electrochemical cell, and (ii) an immersed configuration, in which the encapsulated device was directly integrated into the electrolyte. In particular, the oxygen evolution reaction onset shifted from ~1.32 V vs RHE, when the Ni electrode was not powered by the perovskite absorber, to ~0.34 V vs RHE when the perovskite device powered the nickel foil for both immersed and outside configurations. The IS device achieved a maximum Applied Bias Photon-to-Current Ef-ficiency of ~20% under AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW cm⁻²), among the highest reported for perovskite-based photoanodes.

Abstract: Plant-based biomaterials are increasingly recognized as bio-instructive platforms capable of actively modulating immune responses rather than functioning solely as passive structural supports. In this context, the term plant-based is used operationally to denote photosynthetic biomass–derived platforms and includes both terrestrial plants and marine macroalgae, reflecting their shared richness in polysaccharides and secondary metabolites relevant to immune-engineering and regenerative medicine. Current evidence on plant-derived polysaccharides and phytochemicals is critically synthesized, including algal sulfated polysaccharides (fucoidan, alginate, carrageenan), terrestrial plant polysaccharides (e.g., Lycium barbarum and Aloe vera derivatives), and polyphenolic compounds, highlighting their roles as bioinstructive immunomodulators in biomedical contexts.Key immunoregulatory mechanisms are discussed, including macrophage polarization along an M1–M2 functional continuum, pattern-recognition receptor engagement, redox and metabolic regulation, and coordinated crosstalk between innate and adaptive immunity. Particular emphasis is placed on how material structure, molecular weight distribution, and chemical functionalization shape immune cell responses and downstream regenerative outcomes. Advanced delivery strategies, including polysaccharide-based hydrogels, nanocomposites, lipid-based phytosome formulations, and plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), are reviewed as enabling technologies to enhance stability, bioavailability, and spatiotemporal control of plant-derived bioactives. Applications in wound, musculoskeletal, and bone regeneration are summarized with attention to tissue-specific immunological requirements. Key barriers to clinical translation are also addressed, including source variability, batch-to-batch reproducibility, establishment of structure–activity relationships, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, regulatory classification (medical device vs. drug vs. combination product), and ethical considerations related to sourcing and traditional knowledge. For clarity, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are used as an umbrella term encompassing heterogeneous vesicular subpopulations; the term “exosomes” is retained only when supported by subtype-specific characterization, as many studies report mixed EV preparations.

Abstract: In this study we explore various non-destructive methods for the determination of density of 27 non-porous natural stones. Among the methods investigated the most accurate method was found to be the mass-based suspension method that uses Archimedes principle, with costs of equipment less than 20$. We have used this density measurement method to measure densities of natural stones and copper reference cube in the range of 1.07 – 8.93 g×cm-3, for stones that have volumes less than 16.4 cm3. The measurement are in excellent agreement with more precise methods that use a 4 decimal place analytical balance. The measurement uncertainty of the method was assessed with a Cu density reference cube and was found to be of the order of 0.1% in measuring the volume of stones with arbitrary shape. Finally, we provide details of the design features of a new liquid-based pycnometer that can measure the density of irregular shape natural stones without the need to form a powder. This pycnometer can also be used to measure density changes in liquids as a function of temperature and solute concentration.

Abstract: Polyaniline-cadmium sulfide-gold (PANI-CdS-Au) nanocomposites were synthesized with varying Au loadings (0.023, 0.046, 0.092)wt% to enhance antibacterial performance. Structural (FTIR, XRD) and morphological (FE-SEM) analyses confirmed successful formation, strong interactions among components, and homogeneous nanoparticle dispersion. UV–Vis spectra revealed gold surface plasmon resonance and polaronic transitions consistent with PANI emeraldine base. XRD results showed the expected wurtzite CdS and fcc Au phases. Agar well diffusion tests against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) demonstrated that the 0.092 wt% of Au composite produced the largest inhibition zones at 100 µg mL⁻¹ (E. coli: 36 mm; S. aureus: 24 mm), with the same trend at 25 µg mL⁻¹. These results position PANI-CdS-Au nanocomposites as promising antibacterial materials; additional cytotoxicity assays are recommended for biomedical translation.

Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous biocompatible radical molecule with demonstrated biomedical and antimicrobial benefits. Developing adaptable, long-lasting delivery systems for NO has become an essential goal for both combating resistant bacterial growth and providing sustained medical benefits. Silsesquioxane (SQ)-based organo-gels were chosen and synthesized as robust, tunable NO-release platforms. These highly stable SQ gel frameworks, composed of silicon–oxygen backbones with variable R-groups, exhibited high porosity and surface area, and offered chemical versatility, enabling control over NO loading and release. 3-Mercaptopropyl groups were utilized as sulfur-based NO-releasing substituents (-RSNOs), with additional R-groups capable of altering accessibility to RSNO sites through hydrophobicity and steric hindrance. The NO release profile, rate, and duration from the functionalized gels were also tailored by adjusting the number of RSNO sites in the elastomeric system, thereby enabling a customizable release profile. This combination of NO-releasing silsesquioxanes with silicone elastomers yields composite materials that are integratable into biomedical applications, offering NO release up to 40 days within modeled physiological conditions in PBS buffer.

Abstract: In this study we engineered bilayered electrospun scaffolds consisting of hydrophobic PDLLA and hydrophilic PVP layer which incorporate either native HA or semi-synthetic HA-Gly-OH at concentrations of 1% and 3% w/w. Generally, bilayer scaffolds electrospun on different days delaminated, while herein they maintained their integrity because electrospun on the same day. Sequential electrospinning enabled the bilayer structure, characterized via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Young’s modulus measurements to assess morphology and mechanics. In vitro cytotoxicity and cell viability assays with fibroblast cells confirmed good biocompatibility for both the individual layers and bilayer system. Among the tested formulations, the bilayer PDLLA/PVP–HA-Gly-OH 1% showed the most promising performance, attributed to the synergistic effects of HA and Gly-OH in promoting adhesion and proliferation.

Abstract: This study investigates the effect of progressive CaO/SrO substitution on the structure, crystallisation behaviour, and coordination chemistry of fluorapatite-forming glass-ceramics in the SiO₂–Al₂O₃–P₂O₅–CaO/SrO–CaF₂ system. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, ³¹P and ¹⁹F MAS-NMR, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to probe both crystallisation and local structural environments. Increasing SrO content reduced the glass transition temperature and suppressed homogenous nucleation, promoting surface-nucleated fluorapatite (Ca5−x​Srx​(PO4​)3​F) formation. XRD confirmed fluorapatite as the primary crystalline phase and revealed systematic lattice expansion consistent with partial Sr²⁺ incorporation. ¹⁹F MAS-NMR indicated limited Sr substitution at Ca(II) sites (solid-solution), while ³¹P MAS-NMR demonstrated pronounced phosphorus deshielding, reflecting sensitivity of phosphate tetrahedra to local coordination distortion rather than extensive Sr occupancy. Integrating these findings provides a comprehensive framework for interpreting structural and coordination changes in Sr-fluorapatite glass-ceramics.

Abstract: Water pollution is one of the most critical societal, environmental challenges and remains a persisting problem worldwide. The origin of this pollution is diverse while organic matter occupies a significant portion originating from different sources. This creates major environmental and health risks, requiring reliable and sensitive analytical tools for effective monitoring. The permanganate index stands as a conventional assessment method for organic pollution, but it demonstrates compound non-specificity toward compounds and limited sensitivity to various contaminant structures. This research introduces cyclic voltammetry as a standalone electrochemical method which provides sensitive detection and characterization of organic oxidizing compounds. Six organic compounds including gallic acid, phenol, oxalic acid, ascorbic acid, salicylic acid and p-benzoquinone were used as model compounds and studied in aqueous media. These compounds were analyzed individually, in single-compound mode, to characterize its redox behavior and to identify the voltammetric peaks. Subsequently, a multi-compound analysis was studied to check for the validity of the concept in a more complex matrix. Notably, a strong linear correlation was observed between the measured charge and the theoretical permanganate index, highlighting the quantitative reliability of the electrochemical method. Comparing the obtained results with the permanganate index method confirmed the superiority of cyclic voltammetry in terms of response time and detection capability. The outcomes demonstrate that cyclic voltammetry functions as a robust alternative to the classical chemical oxidation method for environmental water assessment.

Abstract: In 2.5D/3D stacked advanced packaging, one-part additive curing silicone composites are widely employed to achieve structural bonding and efficient heat dissipation. In this study, a thermally conductive silicone adhesive was prepared using medium viscosity vinyl silicone oil, hydrogen containing silicone oil, and micron-sized alumina powder as the primary components. The results demonstrated that the adhesive exhibited excellent thermal and mechanical performance. Specifically, its thermal decomposition temperature exceeded 400 °C, the thermal conductivity reached over 1.80 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, and the thermal resistance was below 12.0 °C·cm²·W⁻¹. The shear strength exceeded 5.00 MPa. Furthermore, after exposure to uHAST for 384 h, 1,000 thermal cycles, and thermal aging for 1,000 h, the adhesive maintained stable thermal conductivity and mechanical properties. The thermal conductivity remained above 1.70 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, and the shear strength remained higher than 5.00 MPa. In addition, the tensile modulus was maintained below 100 MPa, and the coefficient of linear thermal expansion was less than 160 ppm·°C⁻¹. Overall, the comprehensive performance of the adhesive satisfies the reliability requirements for advanced packaging substrates and heat dissipation lid assemblies.

Abstract: As the key enzyme catalyzing the final step in the biosynthesis of heme and chlorophyll, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) has become a crucial target for herbicide development. To date, more than 40 PPO-inhibiting herbicides have been developed, exhibiting multiple advantageous characteristics: they combine high efficacy with environmental friendliness, feature low effective concentrations, rapid action, long-lasting effects, and excellent control of both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weeds. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the structural biology of PPO—five crystal structures from tobacco, humans, and various bacteria have been resolved, most of which are presented as enzyme-inhibitor complexes. Although the development of such herbicides spans over five decades, novel PPO inhibitors still hold broad potential for innovation due to the resistance of early applied PPOs. This review systematically summarizes the three-dimensional structures of PPO from different sources, the interaction mechanisms between the enzyme and inhibitors, studies on quantitative structure-activity relationships of inhibitors, and outlines molecular design directions for the next generation of PPO inhibitors.

Abstract: Rising atmospheric CO₂ levels have increased the demand for robust, scalable adsorbents for practical CO₂ capture and separation. Porous organic polymers (POPs) are attractive candidates because their pore architecture and binding site properties can be precisely tuned via building blocks and linkage formation. This review summarizes experimental and computational studies of azo-linked POPs and, more broadly, nitrogen-nitrogen (N−N) linked systems, emphasizing how synthetic routes, building blocks, and framework topology govern CO₂ uptake. We highlight key synthetic strategies and representative systems, including porphyrin-azo networks, and discuss the relatively sparse experimental literature on alternative N−N linked POPs incorporating azoxy and azodioxy motifs. Emphasis is placed on reversible nitroso/azodioxide chemistry as a potential pathway to ordered porous organic materials. Computational studies provide a practical route to connect structure with adsorption behavior in largely amorphous or partially ordered networks. We review hierarchical workflows combining periodic DFT and electrostatic potential properties, grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations and binding-energy calculations to rationalize trends and identify favorable binding environments. Computational findings demonstrate that pore accessibility and stacking models can strongly influence predicted CO₂ adsorption. This review provides guidelines for designing POPs with enhanced CO₂ adsorption, offering an outlook and discussing challenges for future studies.

Abstract: Performance variability in MgO-based cements stems partly from poorly characterized dissolution kinetics of commercial lightly burned magnesia (LBM). Existing studies focus on high-purity materials under acidic conditions, but LBM dissolves also in alkaline condition where Mg(OH)₂ precipitation prevents reliable sampling at high pH. We validated pH monitoring against ICP-AES for tracking initial LBM dissolution kinetics across pH 2.0-11.0 and temperatures 25-85°C. Commercial LBM (32 ^m2/g, 7.5 wt% CaO) exhibited rates one to two orders of magnitude higher than synthetic magnesia (10⁻⁸ to 10⁻¹² mol/cm²·s). X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and BET analysis revealed enhanced reactivity from poor crystallinity, multiphase composition, and high surface area with textural porosity. Temperature effects peaked at 75°C before declining due to Mg(OH)₂ passivation. The validated method provides practical guidance for MBC quality control and performance optimization.