Abstract: Today, interest in natural remedies for biocontrol of crop pests is paramount. Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) is studied worldwide to obtain interesting bioactive compounds. Its anti-parasitic activity is associated with the presence of alkaloids in its roots. In this work, we explored the possibility of obtaining from P. granatum roots pelletierine-like alkaloids, which were extracted, characterized, isolated and used for the biocontrol of pests such as Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum padi and Meloidogyne javanica. Two different extracts were obtained, characterised and quantified by GC-MS and LC-ESI-HRMS. In vitro assays of nematicidal activity were performed comparing the extracts with isopelletierine and pseudopelletierine as pure molecules. The results of these assays showed a difference in activity between iso- and pseudopelletierine, especially in terms of the nematocidal effect against M. javanica with isopelletierine being more active than pseudopelletierine. This leads us to conclude that only extracts from P. granatum roots with a high concentration of isopelletierine alkaloid can be used in effective pest control products.

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: This work demonstrates an efficient and reproducible method for the covalent biofunctionalization of epoxy solder mask surfaces on printed circuit boards (PCBs) produced using a conventional manufacturing process, enabling the implementation of capacitive biosensors without the need for any additional PCB fabrication steps and thereby supporting low-cost biosensing applications. Surface activation was achieved using 600 mM 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) and 600 mM EDC/NHS, followed by immobilization of 600 µM bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein, achieving spatial variability below 10%. This methodology can be directly applied to other proteins by simply substituting the biomolecule of interest. ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed successful chemical modification through the appearance of characteristic carboxyl and amide bands, while BCA assays verified effective protein attachment. The sensing performance of the functionalized surface was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy on interdigitated PCB-based electrodes. A clear decrease in the impedance module was observed at 1 MHz after BSA immobilization and subsequent anti-BSA binding with a variation of 2826 ± 235 Ω and 4214 ± 239 Ω respectively (p < 0.001). Remarkably, anti-BSA was detected at concentrations as low as 10 ppb. These results highlight not only the strong biochemical activity and stability of the modified solder mask surface, but also its potential for scalable, robust, and cost-effective PCB-integrated biosensors for clinical biomarker detection and point-of-care diagnostics, as well as other widespread diagnostic and sensing applications.

Abstract: Development of new polymers, that cannot be achieved by using conventional catalysts has been the central research objective, and copolymerization is an effective strategy to modify the materials’ (thermal, physical, mechanical and electronic) properties. Modified half-titanocenes, Cp’TiX2(Y) (Cp’ = cyclopentadienyl; X = Cl, Me etc.; Y = anionic donor such as phenoxide, ketimide, amidinate etc.), are known to be the effective catalysts. This review introduces several selected efforts for efficient synthesis of ethylene copolymers containing cyclic olefins, biobased conjugated dienes, disubstituted α-olefins including effect of cocatalysts. Moreover, here introduces analysis using XAS (X-ray absorption spectroscopy), which has been recognized as powerful method providing direct information of the catalytically active species, such as coordination numbers and the distances of the coordinated atoms as well as oxidation state and the geometry of the metal centre in catalyst solution.

Abstract: Aldolases are powerful biocatalysts for the stereoselective formation of carbon–carbon bonds and are widely used in the synthesis of chiral intermediates for pharmaceutical applications. Among them, 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase (DERA) has been extensively exploited for the preparation of the conserved side chain of statins. In this work, we report a novel chemoenzymatic approach for the synthesis of nucleobase-substituted lactol products as potential precursors of new statin analogues. A C49M variant of DERA from Pectobacterium atrosepticum (PaDERA C49M) was employed to catalyze sequential aldol additions using aldehyde-functionalized nucleobases as non-natural electrophilic substrates. The formation of nucleobase-containing lactols was confirmed, demonstrating for the first time the acceptance of nucleobase-derived aldehydes in DERA-catalyzed aldol reactions. This strategy provides access to structurally novel statin side-chain precursors and expands the synthetic potential of DERA toward the generation of new classes of bioactive compounds.

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 photocatalytic dehydrogenative coupling of methanol to produce the high-value-added chemical ethylene glycol (EG) has garnered widespread attention owing to its environmental benignity and mild reaction conditions. The ternary metal sulfide Zn₂In₂S₅(ZIS), by virtue of its unique stoichiometric ratio, demonstrates a high intrinsic selectivity for the activation of the α-C-H bond in methanol. However, pristine ZIS faces the challenge of rapid recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, which severely restricts its photocatalytic efficiency. In this study, the conductive polymer polyaniline (PANI) was successfully coupled with the ZIS photocatalyst via a simple one-step hydrothermal polymerization method to fabricate a series of PANI/ZIS nanocomposite photocatalysts. Systematic evaluation results indicate that the optimal catalyst, 7.5%-PANI/ZIS, exhibits exceptional catalytic performance under visible light, achieving an ethylene glycol generation rate as high as 4.87 mmol/g/h, representing a 6.76-fold enhancement over pristine ZIS (0.72 mmol/g/h). The significant performance enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effects of PANI and ZIS, which formed Type-II heterojunction effectively promotes the separation and transport of photogenerated charges and significantly reduces the charge transfer resistance. This research provides new insights into interfacial engineering based on conductive polymers and is of significant scientific importance for the high-value utilization of C1 small molecules.

Abstract: Three alloys, two based on cobalt and one on nickel, containing 5 or 10 wt.%Al for their resistance to hot oxidation, and Ta and C for forming TaC carbides for they creep–resistance at high temperature, were synthesized by casting. They were subjected to the control of their as–cast microstructures and to oxidation tests at 1200°C for 50 hours in a thermobalance. The initial microstructures of the two low Al alloys, both containing 5 wt.%Al, are not significantly modified by the Al introduction by comparison to the more usual {25 to 30 wt.%Cr}–containing original alloys. In contrast, their oxidation behaviors are either catastrophic (Co alloy) or acceptable but not really alumina–forming. To improve the oxidation resistance of the Co alloy a version with 10 wt.%Al was additionally elaborated. Increasing the Al content improved significantly the oxidation behavior but also induced obvious modifications in the microstructure, with the appearance of the Co3Al intermetallic replacing almost a half of the volume fraction of the Co solid solution matrix. Except the 5wt.%Al cobalt alloy over which a thick double–structured scale made of CoO and of a mix of CoO and spinel formed, the 5wt.%Al nickel alloy and the 10wt.%Al cobalt alloy were covered a duplex external oxide scale with an outermost spinel oxide and an innermost alumina oxide, rather protective considering the parabolic constants but threatened by spallation even for the rather slow cooling. The responsibility of tantalum, the oxide of which seems deleterious for adherence, was pointed out.

Abstract: A novel poly(ionic liquid) nanofiber membrane (PIL NF) was synthesized by the cyclization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with piperazine, converting the nitrile groups into imidazoline units, followed by quaternization with 1-bromobutane. The resulting PIL NF was further functionalized by loading the photocatalyst, phosphomolybdic acid (PMo), via anion exchange, forming a new type of photocatalytic material, PM-PIL. Under visible light irradiation, the PM-PIL photocatalyst achieved an impressive methyl blue degradation rate of 98%. Additionally, the nanofiber membrane morphology facilitates the efficient recovery of the catalyst, with 98% of the initial degradation efficiency maintained after five photocatalytic cycles. This robust, highly efficient, and recyclable material provides a new approach for catalyst support. To the best of our knowledge, PM-PIL is the first reported photocatalyst of this kind. This cost-effective, functionalized membrane material utilizes solar light as an economical and clean energy source, offering promising potential for sustainable environmental applications.

Abstract: The main theme of present comprehensive review paper is the microwave-assisted heat-ing (MWH) developed in CNR SCITEC laboratories in Genoa. By modifying a domestic microwave, this technique has been used to prepare various innovative materials through synthesis, sintering, or heating (foaming or melting). These materials include inorganic compounds like superconductive magnesium diboride (MgB2), as well as organic and or-ganic-inorganic composite. The review highlights the significant improvements in en-ergy efficiency, time saving, material properties, and environmental sustainability achieved through these processes. Specific applications discussed include the rotational molding of polyethylene powders, sintering of hydroxyapatite-based scaffolds, and the preparation of cork composites for sound-absorbing panels, expanded polystyrene com-posites for building elements, and polyvinylidene fluoride piezoelectric compo-sites. Future potential applications and market demand for these technologies are also explored.

Abstract:

This study investigates the development of Ni-based catalysts for low-temperature dry methane reforming (DMR) at 550 °C. The catalysts were prepared by dispersing Ni on γ-Al₂O₃ modified with 9 wt% MgO and 1 wt% ZrO₂, while 10 wt% Ni–x wt% ZrO₂ promoters (0, 1, and 3 wt%) were introduced using the incipient wetness impregnation method. A Ni–NiO–ZrO₂ surface network was generated on the 10 wt% Ni–3 wt% ZrO₂ catalyst via an ammonia vapor–assisted impregnation route. The ZrO₂ promoter strengthened the metal–support interaction, which increased the total amount of reducible Ni while shifting the reduction to higher temperatures. This modification also promoted CO₂ activation relative to CH₄, thereby enhancing the RWGS pathway and lowering the H₂/CO ratio. In contrast, the Ni–NiO–ZrO₂ network formed through the ammonia-assisted method increased the concentration of surface-accessible Ni, reduced excessive coverage by ZrO₂, and significantly improved oxygen mobility. These features facilitated continuous oxygen transfer, enhanced coke oxidation, and ensured a more balanced activation of both reactants. Overall, the combined structural and functional synergies achieved through promoter optimization and the ammonia vapor–assisted preparation method resulted in superior catalytic activity and selectivity for DMR at 550 °C.

Abstract: Surfactants are commonly employed in cleaning, cosmetic and pharmaceutical formula-tions due to their ability to lower surface tension and facilitate the formation of emulsions, foams, and dispersions. Recent research highlights the advantages of synergistic interac-tions between anionic and nonionic surfactants to improve overall performance. In this study the physicochemical properties and performance of binary mixtures of the anionic surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and the amphoteric surfactant lauryl dimethyl amine oxide (LDAO) at varying ratios (100% SLS, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50) were investigated. Key parameters analysed included critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface tension (), foam volume and potential irritability, assessed via the Zein test. The results revealed a clear synergistic effect between SLS and LDAO: all mixtures showed reduced CMC and minimum surface tension compared to the individual surfac-tants, while exhibiting enhanced foam volume and stability. Regarding irritability, in-creasing LDAO content consistently led to decreased protein denaturation, indicating lower irritancy levels. Furthermore, the results obtained in the Zein test confirmed that mixtures induced less protein denaturation than the sum of their individual surfactant components, with formulations ranging from moderately to non-irritating. The results obtained indicate that the more stable mixed micelle systems (SLS+LDAO) might improve the performance of cleaning formulations (, CMC, foam) while reducing the irritability.

Abstract: Silica–chitosan hybrid composites containing up to 3.5 % chitosan were prepared via a reproducible and simple sol–gel route through the hydrolysis and condensation of tet-raethoxysilane (TEOS). The obtained gels were systematically characterized in terms of their textural, optical and thermal properties using UV–Vis spectroscopy, TG/DTA analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction and thermal conduc-tivity measurements. The bulk gel density was found to increase with chitosan content, indicating gradual compaction of the silica network and high sample homogeneity. These structural changes were accompanied by alterations in thermal stability, optical transparency, and heat transfer properties. DTA analysis revealed a broad exothermic feature, which may indicate a thermally induced process, such as partial carbonization. The resulting composites are suitable for various applications, including thermal insu-lation with controlled thermal conductivity, optical devices, biocompatible coatings, adsorbents for pollutant removal, controlled drug delivery, catalytic supports, and sensors. UV/Vis measurements display an intense absorption feature of the composites at 280 – 305 nm, which is promising for optical filter applications in combination with the increased mechanical stability due to chitosan addition.

Abstract: The petroleum industry faces intensifying challenges related to the depletion of easily accessible reservoirs and the growing energy demand, necessitating the adoption of ad-vanced chemical agents that can operate under extreme conditions. Cationic gemini sur-factants, characterized by their unique dimeric architecture consisting of two hydrophilic head groups and two hydrophobic tails, have emerged as superior alternatives to con-ventional monomeric surfactants due to their enhanced interfacial activity and physico-chemical resilience. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the literature concerning the molecular structure, synthesis, and functional applications of cationic gemini surfactants across the entire oil value chain, from extraction to refining. The analysis reveals that gemini surfactants exhibit critical micelle concentrations signifi-cantly lower than their monomeric analogues and maintain stability in high-temperature and high-salinity environments. They demonstrate exceptional efficacy in enhanced oil recovery through ultra-low interfacial tension reduction and wettability alteration, while simultaneously serving as effective drag reducers, wax inhibitors, and dual-action bio-cidal corrosion inhibitors in transportation pipelines. Cationic gemini surfactants repre-sent a transformative class of multifunctional materials for the oil industry.

Abstract: Synthetic Amorphous Silica (SAS) is produced and marketed since the early 1940’s and can be regarded as a nanostructured material since the first production even though the term ‘nano’ was not defined back then, and early publications describe the structure often as ‘milli-micron’. The present paper of Evonik Industries AG reviews the history of innovation and production of this “seasoned”, but evergreen product.

Abstract: Fulgides are a group of organic compounds that exhibit photochromic properties both in solid state and in solutions. The compounds attracted research attention due to their wide potential applications including photochromic eyewear, smart windows, optical switch, data storage, chemical and biological sensors. We are reporting here the synthesis and crystal structures of fulgides of four different substituents at the para position of a phenyl moiety in the molecules. It was found among the 4 structures that 1) all the 4 compounds packed in space groups of an inversion center; 2) the distance between the two carbon atoms C8 and C11, which form a single C-C bond in the cyclized products, falls in the range of 3.5-3.7 Å; 3) the torsion angle, defined by C6-C3-C4-C11, falls in the range of 23.4o to 32.5o. The fulgides exhibited photochromism. The fulgides should have no ferroelectric property due to their crystallization into centrosymmetric spaces groups.

Abstract: The valorization of agricultural residues helps improve crop economic efficiency and alleviate environmental pressures. Owing to the merits of simplicity, high efficiency, low costs, and scalability, adsorption removal of contaminants using biochar has been widely investigated. The adsorption removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater using biochar derived from agricultural residue follows the principles of the circular economy and green chemistry, facilitating both environmental remediation and agricultural development. This review outlined the mechanism of biochar adsorption, the preparation of biochar from agricultural residues, and their applications for wastewater remediation. Furthermore, the economic evaluation and environmental impacts, as well as the future directions and challenges, in this field, have also been presented.

Abstract: In the study, lignin was extracted from coconut pith (CP) using soda pulping method, utilizing Response Surface Methodology to optimize key process parameters. The dependent variables were the extraction temperature and time, and NaOH concentration, with the yield (g lignin/10 g material) as the response. The statistical results identified ex-traction temperature (ρ = 0.0044) and time (ρ = 0.0035) as significant factors. NaOH con-centration, though not significant individually (ρ = 0.757), exhibited interaction effect with time (ρ = 0.006). The theoretical optimal extraction conditions were 159.0 °C, 169.0 min, and 2.1% NaOH, under which an actual coconut pith lignin (CPL) yield of 1.806 g/10 g CP was achieved. Characterization of CPL showed a composition of 92.96 ± 0.32% ac-id-insoluble lignin. To demonstrate its applicability, CPL was incorporated into a phenol-formaldehyde (PF) adhesive formulation, substituting the phenol component. The Adhesive Shear Strength Test demonstrated that the lignin-formaldehyde (LF) adhesive had a mean failing load of 0.819 kg/cm², nearly half that of the prepared PF adhesive at 1.78 kg/cm². The FT-IR spectra of the CPL and LF adhesives revealed notable differences in the 1750 – 1000 cm⁻¹ region, suggesting distinct structure and bond formations. These findings illustrate the potential of CPL as a sustainable phenol substitute in industrial adhesive formulations and in other applications.

Abstract: This paper demonstrates the successful synthesis of novel hybrid heterogeneous catalysts for the sustainable conversion of CO2 into cyclic organic carbonates (COCs). The nanocat-alysts have been fabricated by encapsulating pre-formed ultra-small gold nanostructures into a nascent zinc-coordination polymer (ZnCP) framework formed from two organic building blocks: 2,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (1,4-NDC) and 5-amino-1H-tetrazole (5-Atz), which serves as a nitrogen-rich ligand. Applying the fabri-cated catalysts in the synthesis of COCs yields high yields (up to 97%) and high selectivity (up to 100%), with exceptionally high turnover frequencies (TOFs) (up to 408 h-1). The cat-alytic process can be carried out under mild conditions (80°C, 1.5 MPa CO2) and without the use of solvents. Nitrogen-rich ligand molecules in the structure of ZnCPs enhance catalytic performance thanks to additional nucleophilic centres, which are effective in the epoxides' ring-opening process. The hybrid catalysts with encapsulated gold nanostructures, which modify the liquid-gas interface between epoxide and CO2, give significantly higher yields and TOFs for less active epoxides. The designed hybrid nanocatalysts exhib-it superior stability under the studied reaction conditions and can be reused without loss of activity. The developed coordination polymers are built of green components, and green chemistry principles are employed to prepare these catalytic materials.

Abstract: This research investigates the potential of secondary lavender biomass (Lavandula officinalis) as a raw material for paper production within the context of the circular economy and its practical applications. Lavender stems, a by-product of essential oil extraction, were processed using the nitrate-alkali pulping method. The chemical composition of the raw material was analysed according to TAPPI standards, and the resulting pulp was characterised in terms of its mechanical and physical properties, including tensile strength and air permeability. Lavender stems contained 29.43% cellulose and 24.10% lignin, indicating moderate delignification efficiency. The pulp yield was 24.2% with a Kappa number of 15.9. Of the prepared sheets, the paper with a weight of 80 g·m⁻² showed the best mechanical properties, with a breaking length of 1.71 km and a tensile strength index of 16.76 N·m·g⁻¹.In addition, lavender-based paper demonstrated a repellent effect against textile moths (Tineola bisselliella), reducing insect activity by approximately 70% compared to control samples. This bioactivity is attributed to residual volatile compounds such as linalool and linalyl-acetate. Overall, lavender secondary biomass represents a promising non-wood fibre for the production of bio-degradable, functional paper materials that combine structural integrity with natural repellent properties.