Abstract:

The mechanism of catalytic low-temperature (T≤150 °C) oxidation of CO on Pd/Al₂O₃ was studied using labeled oxygen and thermal desorption analysis. It was found that the reaction proceeds through interaction in intermediate complexes of CO molecules with hydroxyl groups of Al₂O₃. A combined reaction mechanism through the formation and decomposition of carboxyl-type structures was proposed, in which adsorbed oxygen reoxidizes reduced palladium atoms and ensures the decomposition of carboxyl structures with the formation of CO₂ and the regeneration of OH groups. It was shown that with a small addition of Pd (0.04-0.1 wt.%) the activity of the catalyst increases significantly. The positive effect is due to the activation of CO or a change in the state of oxygen on the surface of the catalyst.

Abstract:

Efficient and localized singlet oxygen (SO) generation is essential for improving antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). In this study, a bis-imidazolium-based amphiphilic gelator is used that self-assembles into a supramolecular gel in a water–ethanol medium and incorporates Rose Bengal (RB) as a photosensitizer. The gel network provides a confined environment that promotes SO formation under light irradiation. RB@Gel was characterized with respect to its morphology, degradation behavior, and swelling properties. Biopharmaceutical assessment included in-vitro release, ex-vivo permeation studies and Hen’s Egg Test–Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) assay. Rheological measurements confirmed a viscoelastic profile, indicating structural stability and suitability for localized therapeutic applications. SO production within the gel was quantified using tetrasodium 9,10-anthracenediyl-bis(methylene)dimalonate (NaABMA), showing higher efficiency than that of RB in solution. The RB@Gel exhibited significant aPDT against E. coli in a direct-surface contact assay. Overall, the RB@Gel provides a stable, suitable platform capable of efficient SO generation and potent antibacterial activity, highlighting its promise for localized aPDT applications.

Abstract: Obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are becoming major health concerns worldwide, with 890 million people being obese as of 2022 [1]. Recently developed drugs to treat T2DM have shown remarkable results in weight loss, proving them-selves as efficient tools in fighting obesity. They are also called GLP-1 agonists, because they mimic the action of the natural glucagon-like peptide-1 a hormone that regulates blood sugar by stimulating insulin secretion. However, these medications are extreme-ly expensive, so recent studies are focusing on finding natural alternatives that could be more affordable. In silico studies are computer simulations on how molecules inter-act, and may save a lot of experimental work by giving indications on which com-pounds could be effective for a given purpose. The present study carried out molecular docking on selected phytochemicals with reported roles in weight management and their interactions with GLP-1 receptors, as well as gastric inhibitory polypeptide re-ceptors (GIPR) and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP4). The selected molecules were: ber-berine, chlorogenic acid, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), hesperidin, quer-cetin and rutin. The molecular docking results show that EGCG, hesperidin and rutin may have some good affinity with the GLP-1 receptor, berberine, hesperidin and rutin to DPP4, while none of the selected molecules had significant affinity to the GIP re-ceptor. However, these phytochemicals have much smaller molecules than the syn-thetic peptides that are used in the treatment of T2DM and obesity, so they may well bind to other receptors too and have little selectivity and specificity. The ADME profile indicates berberine as the most promising candidate for drug development. Further studies are needed to investigate if these molecules have practical application in the treatment of obesity and how they could be used.

Abstract: A series of azido- and cyclooctyne-functionalized N-hydroxysuccinimidyl esters (NHS esters) and benzotriazolides were prepared and used as N-acylation reagents to obtain azido- (BSA-1) and cyclooctyne-functionalized bovine serum albumin proteins (BSA-2), fluorescein derivatives 5 and 6, and homobifunctional linkers 3 and 4. Strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) and copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) of azido- functionalized fluorescent probe 5 and alkyne- functionalized fluorescent probe 6 with complementary functionalized proteins BSA-2 and BSA-1 yielded fluorescent cycloadducts BSA-2-5 and BSA-1-6. These cycloadducts were used to determine the loading of BSA-1 and BSA-2 with the respective azido and cyclooctyne groups based on their molar absorbances and fluorescence intensities. Dimerization through covalent cross-linking of BSA was then performed by SPAAC between azido-functionalized BSA-1 and cyclooctyne-functionalized BSA-2, and by treating BSA-1 and BSA-2 with 0.5 equiv. of com-plementary bis-cyclooctyne linker 4 and bis-azide linker 3. Although the formation of covalent dimers BSA-1-2-BSA, BSA-1-6-1-BSA, and BSA-2-5-2-BSA was detected by SDS-PAGE analysis, this was a minor process, and most of the functionalized BSA did not form covalent dimers.

Abstract: Due to its rich array of bioactive compounds, black pepper (Piper nigrum) is not only a spice in kitchens worldwide, but a plant of significant medicinal interest as well. Among these, piperine has wide-ranging biological effects and has become a focal point in scientific research. Besides piperine, black pepper also contains numerous other phytochemicals, like essential oils, flavonoids, terpenes, and lignans-all of which have shown pharmacological activities. This review offers an in-depth look at the various phytochemicals found in black pepper, detailing both traditional and modern techniques used for their extraction and purification. Particular attention is given to the total synthesis and chemical modifications of piperine and related compounds, outlining major developments and methodologies in this area. The review also briefly touches on the therapeutic applications validated so far. Overall, this work is intended to be a valuable resource for researchers interested in the chemical, synthetic, and medicinal potential of Piper nigrum.

Abstract:

In recent years, soil contamination with heavy metals—such as plumbum, cadmium, and cobalt—has become an increasingly pressing environmental issue due to the rapid expansion of industry, transportation, and urbanization. These elements are non-biodegradable, gradually accumulate along trophic chains, and can ultimately exert serious adverse effects on human health. In this study, we focused on sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) as a promising candidate for phytoremediation of heavy metal–contaminated soils. Both field and laboratory approaches were employed: in vitro culture of somatic cells was used to select stress-tolerant and high-yielding genotypes, while atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was applied to quantify heavy metal concentrations in soil and plant tissues. Experimental results demonstrated that callus induction frequency was strongly genotype-dependent. The highest callus formation rates were observed in Hybrid-2 (69.11%), SAB-3 (43.83%), SABB-1 (42.31%), and SAB-10 (40.32%). Among these, Hybrid-2 (27.94%) and SAB-3 (23.28%) also exhibited the highest frequencies of morphogenic callus formation, confirming their suitability for subsequent micropropagation and cell-based selection. Particular attention was paid to the distribution of toxicants among plant organs. The rate and direction of metal translocation from roots to shoots were found to critically influence the efficiency of subsequent metal removal, as stems constitute the major component of easily harvestable biomass. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of heavy metals remained sequestered in the roots: cobalt concentrations reached 12.7 ± 1.32 mg/kg at 1 MPC (Maximum Permissible Concentration) and 16.87 ± 2.78 mg/kg at 2 MPC, accounting for more than 50% of the total accumulated amount. Similar trends were observed for cadmium (~49%) and plumbum (up to 53%). Thus, our findings underscore the pivotal role of genotype in in vitro callus formation and morphogenesis, and further highlight the potential of sweet sorghum as an effective phytoremediation agent for reclaiming heavy metal–contaminated lands, particularly in arid regions.

Abstract: Large language models (LLMs) are increasingly integrated into education, yet their ability to perform calculation-based tasks and generate scientific visualizations has been limited. This study evaluates Microsoft Copilot (GPT 5) for chemistry education across four domains: (1) chemical equilibrium, pH, titration, and buffer calculations; (2) data visualization using histograms, box plots, correlation plots, and heatmaps; (3) multivariate analysis of periodic table properties through principal component analy-sis (PCA); and (4) image interpretation and creation in classroom contexts. Thir-ty-three representative questions were tested without additional prompting. Copilot delivered accurate, step-by-step solutions for acid–base and equilibrium problems, generated high-quality visualizations directly from uploaded datasets, and produced PCA score and loading plots with proper data standardization. These results indicate that GPT 5 significantly improves over earlier LLM versions, offering a practical tool for enhancing conceptual understanding and data literacy in chemistry education. However, limitations persist in interpreting complex chemical imagery, requiring hu-man oversight. Future work should focus on refining multimodal accuracy and devel-oping pedagogical frameworks for responsible AI integration.

Abstract: The methanol oxidation reaction was investigated on Co- and/or Ag-based γ-Al2O3 catalysts, which were prepared by different methods and further doped with noble metals (Pd, Pt). During the present study, three different reaction pathways were revealed. Complete oxidation of methanol to CO2 and H2O was achieved over Pd-doped catalysts (Pd-Co/Al-SI and Pd-Ag/Al-SI), while partial oxidation to intermediates, such as formaldehyde, was observed for Ag/Al catalysts. The dehydration reaction of methanol to dimethyl ether took place over Co/Al, Ag-Co/Al and Pt-Co/Al catalysts. The 0.5wt.% Pd-5wt.% Co/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, prepared via the spray impregnation (SI) method, exhibited the highest methanol oxidation efficiency (T50: 43°C) and was further evaluated in the presence of H2O and CO in the feed, for several hours on stream. Initially, the activity of the catalyst was decreased, while over time complete oxidation of methanol was achieved. Characterization of the used catalyst revealed that in addition to the Co3O4 phase initially formed in the fresh catalyst, a CoO phase was also formed, concluding that the active phase of the 0.5Pd-5Co/Al-SI catalyst for the methanol oxidation reaction is a mixture of Co3O4 and CoO phases.

Abstract: Lipid metabolism is a vital biological process essential for human health, encompassing key pathways necessary for the survival and homeostasis of all organisms. Liver X Recep-tors (LXRs) are extensively acknowledged as pivotal regulators of lipid homeostasis and inflammatory responses. Pharmacological activation of liver X receptor (LXR) has been shown to increase expression of ApoE and ABCA1 reducing neurodegeneration in murine models of Alzheimer´s disease. Because previous reports determined that Nectandra reticu-lata (Lauraceae) extract has agonistic LXRs activity, the objective of this study was to de-termine the metabolites present in this extract and to evaluate their in silico and in vitro agonistic activity. Identification was done by reversed phase (RP) ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD) and high resolution mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI-HR-MS). In silico study was performed by Auto Dock Vina. The in vitro agonist activity was evaluated using real-time re-verse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to determine the RNA expression of ApoE and ABCA1. The chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of three glycosylated flavonols: The in silico study showed that isolated flavonoids generate a hydrogen bond with T302 and T316 (LXRα and LXRβ respectively). The in vitro study showed that the flavonoids increased the expression of mRNA of both APOE and ABCA1 target genes of LXRs, as observed by qRT-PCR. The bioactive flavonoids isolated in this study possess documented antioxidant effect, when combined with their LXR agonist activity, they become promising bioactive candidates for use in nutraceutical formulations aimed at promoting brain health and anti-inflammatory effects.

Abstract:

Phosphogypsum (PG) is a byproduct of the wet phosphoric acid (WPA) production process. Since PG originates from phosphate rock (PR), it holds various concentrations of heavy metal and radionuclide posing environmental threat because of its large production and long-term accumulation. In addition to toxic heavy metals, PG may also be an alternative source of rare earth elements (REEs), since over 60 % REEs in PR transfers to PG during acid digestion. With the increasing demand of phosphoric acid (PA), global PG generation is approaching 300 million tons annually. Since 1994, an estimated 6.73 billion tons of PG has been produced worldwide with approximately 58% (approx. 3.7 billion tons) ending up in stacks. Assuming a conservative REEs content of 0.1%, these stacks may hold over 3.7 million tons of REEs. This review discusses phosphoric acid production processes and the transfer of REEs from PR to PG. In addition, it also discusses the current REEs world reserves, their presence in primary and secondary sources and their uses. The review critically evaluates the research that has been done so far and the recent innovations in REE recovery from PG and discusses the challenges associated with scalability and raw material variability.

Abstract: Natural clinoptilolite from the Shankhanai deposit (Kazakhstan) was modified via acid and thermal treatments to improve its physicochemical and catalytic properties. The zeolite was activated using 10% nitric acid alone, nitric acid followed by thermal treatment (600 °C), and a mixed acid solution (10% HNO₃ + 5% CH₃COOH) followed by mild thermal treatment (280 °C). Structural, textural, and thermal changes were characterized by XRD, FTIR, BET, TGA, SEM, and EDX. While nitric acid improved surface area (BET up to 59.9 m²/g), it compromised crystallinity. The mixed acid approach effectively enhanced porosity and acidity while preserving structural integrity. Preliminary catalytic testing in thiophene hydrodesulfurization showed improved conversion (up to 20.7%) in the absence of active metals, confirming the potential of modified zeolite as a catalyst support. The dual-acid method presents a promising, eco-friendly pathway for producing thermally stable and catalytically active zeolitic materials.

Abstract: Chemical sensors have undergone transformative advances in recent years due to the convergence of nanomaterials, advanced fabrication techniques, and state-of-the-art characterization methods. This review analyzes developments from 2019 to 2025 in the design and application of next-generation chemical sensors, with a focus on the United States as a key driver of global innovation. Nanomaterials such as graphene derivatives, MXenes, carbon nanotubes, metal–organic frameworks, and hybrid composites have enabled unprecedented sensitivity and selectivity, achieving detection limits down to parts-per-billion and even parts-per-trillion levels for gases, ions, and biomolecules. Concurrently, additive manufacturing, miniaturization, and flexible electronics have facilitated the creation of wearable, stretchable, and implantable sensors, expanding their utility in healthcare diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food safety, and industrial process control. Advanced characterization techniques including in-situ spectroscopy and high-resolution microscopy have elucidated interfacial mechanisms, guiding rational material design. Despite these advances, challenges remain in terms of scalability, reproducibility, long-term stability, and regulatory compliance, while data privacy emerges as a key concern for IoT-integrated sensing networks. Future perspectives highlight the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for real-time data interpretation, development of green and biodegradable materials, and the convergence of multidisciplinary approaches to address societal needs. Overall, nanomaterial-enabled chemical sensors are poised to become essential tools for advancing public health, environmental sustainability, and industrial innovation.

Abstract: The Textiles and Clothing sector is increasingly focused on transitioning towards circular production, with industrial companies striving to integrate sustainable practices. Achieving this goal can involve rapidly adopting innovative materials, meaning using innovative raw ones and maximising the use of recycled and recyclable fibres. This implicitly means acting on the total transparency of information along the entangled supply chains in this sector. It is precisely this complexity that hampers efforts to track and disclose material usage accurately. To address this issue, this paper presents a systematic literature review to explore the main challenges in adopting technologies like digital product passports, which can help track materials information along supply chains to support sustainable transitions. The review's findings are discussed, focusing on identifying key material-related data that should be monitored to ensure responsible material use and strengthen sustainable production practices in the textiles and clothing sector to guarantee control over the use of materials and prevent their early dismissal.

Abstract: Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as sustainable and tunable alternatives to conventional solvents for the extraction polysaccharides. This review presents a struc-ture-informed framework linking DES composition to polysaccharide solubility, em-phasizing the differential responsiveness of amorphous, interfacial, and crystalline domains. Amorphous polysaccharides are efficiently extracted under mild DES condi-tions, while crystalline polymers often require stronger hydrogen bond acceptors or thermal/mechanical activation. Beyond dissolution, DESs modulate key properties of the extracted polysaccharides, including molecular weight, monomer composition, and bioactivity. Comparative analysis highlights how acidic, basic, or metal-coordinating DESs selectively target distinct polymer classes. Emerging innovations, such as in situ DES formation, mechanochemical systems, and switchable solvents, enhance efficiency and reduce downstream processing demands. Furthermore, the integration of machine learning and COSMO-RS modeling enables predictive solvent design, reducing reliance on empirical screening. By combining mechanistic insight, compositional tailoring, and computational tools, this review provides a scientifically grounded perspective for ad-vancing DES-mediated extraction processes and enabling structure-preserving, appli-cation-oriented recovery of polysaccharides in food, pharmaceutical, and biorefinery domains.

Abstract: Cocoa pod husk (CPH) is a potential material to produce value-added products. The objective of this study was to optimize the microwave-assisted hydrothermal pretreatment (MA-HTP) of CPH and CPH hemicellulose (HMC-CPH) using a combination of response surface analysis (RSA), Box Behnken design (BBD), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance identification and quantification (1H NMR Qu) to provide an efficient protocol for the extraction of mono- and disaccharides. The methodology consisted of 15 CPH MA-HTPs and 15 HMC-CPH MA-HTPs (triplicate) designed by RSA-BBD; experimental variables: time, temperature and power; response: concentration of extraction products. Glucose, sucrose and fructose were identified as products of the extractions by 1H NMR. With 95% confidence, higher sucrose content was determined for CPH (45.62%) compared to HMC-CPH (17.34%) and high fructose content for both CPH and HMC-CPH (37.88% and 35.37%, respectively), minimal glucose concentrations were obtained in both CPH and HMC-CPH (4.57% and 0.93%, respectively). Using RSA-BBD, optimal temperature, power and time points were predicted for glucose CPH: 135.4°C-180.6 W and 5.8 min; sucrose: 154.3°C-256.3 W and 20. 2 min; fructose 129.5°C-173.8 W and 5.27 min. For HMC-CPH: glucose: 142.2°C-204.4 W and 10.5 min; sucrose 148.8°C-215.6 W and 14.3 min; fructose: 151.6°C-231.6 W and 13 min.

Abstract: The degradation of pyridine, considered one of the most polluting heterocycles used in industries, was performed. A fluidized bed photocatalytic reactor (FBR) with the cata-lyst Pt-ZnO/Al₂O₃ synthesized by precipitation and wet impregnation was used for its removal. FTIR, XRD, and SEM characterization were performed on the catalyst. The analyses confirmed the hexagonal structure of ZnO (average crystal size: 53.18 nm), the successful incorporation of Pt (increase to 57.21 nm), and a nano-rods morphology in Pt-ZnO favoring the photocatalytic activity. The kinetics followed the pseu-do-first-order model (R² > 0.95), obtaining a value of k1 = 1.943 × 10-3 min-1 (reaction constant) y k2 =1.527× 10-3 L/mg (absorption constant), reaching pyridine removal of 57.7% at conditions (pH 4, 160 ppm pyridine, 100 g catalyst), validating the efficiency of the RFL to improve mass transfer and catalytic exposure. With the results obtained, it was demonstrated that the Pt-ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalyst possesses high stability and poten-tial for the treatment of industrial wastewater contaminated with N-heterocycles.

Abstract: Because of their superior effects in optics and electronics, “Quantum dots” (QDs) have many applications in biomedical imaging, optoelectronics, photovoltaics and catalysis [1]. The synthesis of QDs significantly influences their size, shape, monodispersity, and functional performance, necessitating a comparative evaluation of different synthetic methodologies [2]. This review aims to provide comprehensive comparative analysis of the two primary synthesis approaches: bottom-up and top-down. Bottom-up methods, like colloidal, solvothermal, microwave-assisted, and green synthesis, enable us to have precise control over QD characteristics along with high quantum yields but often involve toxicity concerns and scalability limitations [3]. In contrast, top-down techniques like including lithography, laser ablation, and ball milling promise high-purity QDs with excellent crystallinity but suffer from high costs and energy consumption, limiting their large-scale availability [4]. A comparative analysis of various QDs synthesis methods showed that no single technique is universally superior; but the selection of the synthetic method depends on the focused applications of Nanocrystals [2]. For biomedical applications, non-toxic and biocompatible QDs synthesized through green methods are preferred, whereas high-performance optoelectronic applications benefit from monodisperse QDs synthesized via colloidal or solvothermal approaches [5]. Despite many significant advancements in synthetic methods of QDs, challenges remain in controlling toxicity, production scalability, and cost-effectiveness[4]. By integrating hybrid synthetic strategies of both bottom-up and top-down methods, advancements can be made to achieve a designed biodegradable, nontoxic QDs [6]. Overcoming these issues is key to increasing the use of QDs in industry and science, so they can be used reliably and widely throughout future nanotechnology.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to reflect and affirm that the distribution of chemical elements in the universe provides information about the universe. In this sense, based on an uneven distribution of chemical elements in the universe, it is possible to understand that there were countless intensities of the specific physical concept that originated these uneven chemical elements, showing that an equal general possibility of intensity of the specific physical concept originating the configuration of the current universe is impossible. Therefore, given the uneven distribution of chemical elements, information about the universe can be acquired, making the understanding of the universe more comprehensible, considering that it is possible to think deeply about contradictory actions in the real world and also think about the applicable reasons, therefore, becoming aware of the countless intensities of the specific physical concept to acquire the current nature of the universe. The study in question is related to the articles: “Obligatory Necessity Theory: Elements and Facts Influenced by the Intensity of the Specific Physical Concept” and “The Equations and Their Effects”, these articles are recommended readings for understanding this article in question.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Marine organisms such as sea cucumbers are rich sources of bioactive specialized metabolites with promising pharmaceutical potential, including antibacterial properties. This study aimed to chemically characterize and evaluate the antibacterial activity of the parent methanolic extract and its derived fractions, obtained through sequential liquid–liquid partitioning, from the sea cucumber Isostichopus sp. aff. badionotus collected from the Colombian Caribbean Sea. Methods: The chemical profiles of the extract and fractions were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) and the Global Natural Products Social (GNPS)-based molecular networking platform, enabling dereplication and identification of metabolites. Additionally, extracts and fractions were evaluated against eight Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Results: The dichloromethane fractions exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. For the first time, chemical characterization allowed the identification of a series of metabolites present in the extract and fractions. Conclusion: This study provides the first report of antibacterial activity in Isostichopus sp. aff. badionotus, demonstrating that medium-polarity compounds in the dichloromethane fraction exhibited moderate bacterial inhibition, particularly against Gram-positive strains.

Abstract: This study investigates the development of sustainable construction materials by transforming waste streams into eco-friendly bricks. Utilizing discarded plastics, agricultural byproducts, and industrial residues, these innovative building blocks demonstrate comparable or enhanced structural performance relative to conventional bricks while addressing pressing environmental concerns. The research evaluates various production methodologies, material compositions, and performance characteristics, revealing significant reductions in carbon emissions and resource consumption through waste valorization. Although technical challenges persist regarding quality consistency and large-scale implementation, the findings underscore the dual environmental and socioeconomic benefits of this approach, particularly for affordable housing solutions. The analysis advocates for continued technological refinement, standardized evaluation protocols, and policy frameworks to facilitate broader industry adoption of these sustainable alternatives in construction practices.