Abstract:

This work overviews recent (last 3-4 years) advances in sensing based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of plasmonic metal nanoparticles (PMNPs). Starting with a brief background, recent reviews in the field and relevant related areas are summarized. Next, recent progress in PMNP synthesis and post-synthetic transformations is discussed in the context of PMNP sensing utility. Subsequently, preparation of sensing substrates based on PMNPs is examined. Recent developments in colorimetric and LSPR sensing constitute the core of the review material with the focus on implementation of PMNPs and their sensing modalities. Advances in other sensing methods with direct relevance to PMNP implementations are also highlighted in the context. Perspectives on directions of further advances in LSPR sensing with PMNPs and overcoming existing limitations conclude this review.

Abstract: Mesoporous silica and its derivatives might enable applications ranging from biomedicine to petrochemical processing. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N2 adsorption-desorption measurements are usually used to characterize the ordered porous system. However, all these methods are short of conveying full surface information. In this work, low voltage scanning electron microscope (LVSEM) with beam deceleration technology was employed to image detailed surface pore structures of a ~2 nm pores diameters silica (MCM-41), SBA-15, KIT-6 and mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNSs). The prospect for the development direction on ultra-high resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) application was discussed in characterization of ordered porous materials. We demonstrate that complete dimension range of mesoscopic surface structure (2-50 nm) could be resolved by current low voltage SEM technology.

Abstract: This study investigates the comparison of acid dyeing of Polyamide 6 (PA6) fabric using a conventional heating method and microwave assisted technique. The research employed C.I. Acid Blue 324 as the model dye, systematically exploring the effects of critical process parameters, including pH, temperature, dyeing time, and dye concentration, on the resulting color strength (K/S). The findings from the conventional dyeing process confirmed the fundamental mechanism of acid dyeing on PA6, demonstrating a strong inverse correlation between pH and color strength, with the optimal color yield achieved at the most acidic condition tested pH 3.0. Furthermore, dye uptake and fixation were significantly enhanced by increasing temperature, with the highest K/S values obtained at 95°C over a 30 minute period. The most effective dyeing conditions, yielding the maximum color strength, are achieved at the highest combination of dye concentration (1.50 %) and temperature (95°C). In contrast, the microwave-assisted dyeing methodology demonstrated a remarkable acceleration of the dyeing process. By utilizing dielectric heating at 160 W, the required dyeing time was drastically reduced. The optimal conditions for microwave dyeing also favored an acidic media pH 3.0 and showed a strong positive correlation between microwave exposure time and K/S value. Dyeing is accelerated because microwave heating provides uniform temperature distribution in the dye bath. The microwave-assisted dyeing technique is confirmed as a rapid, energy-efficient, and effective alternative to conventional methods for dyeing Polyamide 6 fabrics. This technology not only shortens the processing time but also has the potential to make significant contributions to environmental sustainability through lower energy consumption and potentially reduced water usage. This work establishes a strong foundation for the development of more economically viable dyeing protocols aligned with green chemistry principles in the textile industry.

Abstract: This study presents the first metallurgical analysis of twenty-five votive statuettes of Hercules from the National Archaeological Museum of Campobasso, Molise, Italy. These artifacts, which have previously been unexamined from a metallurgical perspective in the region, were analyzed to understand their composition, manufacturing techniques, and current state of preservation. All the samples were first analyzed in situ using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and then were sampled to conduct microstructural analyses on polished cross-sections by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The statuettes revealed a ternary Cu-Sn-Pb alloy, consistent with historical alloying practices and manufacturing techniques typical of the period. The study highlights a homogeneous biphasic microstructure with dispersed lead nodules within the bronze matrix. The corrosion products on the surface have peculiar colors and textures due to both the finishing process and the alteration accord over centuries of abandonment, aiding the understanding of the material's behavior over time. The compositional results confirm the usage of materials and techniques in line with other coeval artifacts. Additionally, corrosion studies using Raman spectroscopy and the reproduction of the statuettes through casting will be conducted to develop a conservation protocol, to create inclusive displays for museum audiences.

Abstract: This study investigates the dielectric relaxation dynamics of lithium aluminosilicate (LAS) glass-ceramics using the Debye and Cole–Cole relaxation frameworks to elucidate their high-frequency dielectric behaviour. Numerical simulations were performed in a MATLAB environment across a wide range of frequencies and temperatures, employing the Debye, Cole–Cole, and Arrhenius models to characterize polarization and relaxation processes. The Debye model revealed a noticeable frequency dependence, with the dielectric constant (ε^') exhibiting high values at low frequencies and progressively decreasing with increasing frequency, while the dielectric loss (ε^'') exhibited a characteristic relaxation peak associated with the condition ωτ=1. Temperature-dependent analysis indicated that ε^' increased with temperature due to enhanced dipolar mobility, whereas ε^'' decreased, suggesting reduced energy dissipation at elevated temperatures. The Cole–Cole model predicted slightly higher dielectric constants but demonstrated similar overall trends, capturing the non-ideal relaxation behaviour characteristic of LAS. Activation energies obtained from Arrhenius analysis ranged from 0.046–0.476 eV (Debye) and 0.045–0.464 eV (Cole–Cole), aligning closely with reported literature values. These findings highlight the distributed and thermally activated nature of dipolar and ionic relaxation in LAS glass-ceramics.

Abstract: Rapid, sensitive monitoring of fluoroquinolone residues is essential for medicine and the food industry. We report a “turn-on” fluorescent biosensor based on nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal route using cotton waste as the carbon source and o-phenylenediamine as the nitrogen passivator. The N-CQDs display a quantum yield of 42% and stable photoluminescence. Levofloxacin binds to surface functional groups on the N-CQDs and inhibits photoinduced electron transfer (PET), restoring radiative decay and enhancing fluorescence. The sensor affords an ultralow LOD of 0.55 nM and a linear range of 1.83–40.00 nM with high selectivity against common interferents. The method was successfully applied to pharmaceutical tablet extracts, raw milk, chicken meat, and urine, achieving excellent spike-recovery and precision. This work demonstrates a sustainable, low-cost nanosensor that converts agricultural waste into a high-performance optical biosensing platform for drug-residue screening across clinically and industrially relevant matrices. The approach is readily scalable and compatible with routine fluorescence instrumentation, supporting rapid decision-making in food safety and healthcare settings.

Abstract: The functional integration of chiral liquid crystals and π-conjugated compounds has great potential for creating novel exotic materials. We synthesized a series of chiral donor–acceptor (D–A)-type fluorenone derivatives to investigate the influence of molecular structure upon their phase-transition behavior, ferroelectricity, and photophysical and photoconductive properties. Polarizing optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analyses revealed that several D–A-type fluorenone derivatives exhibited liquid crystal (LC) phases. These chiral LC fluorenone derivatives exhibited polarization hysteresis behavior in the chiral smectic C (SmC*) phase. Among the four ferroelectric liquid-crystalline fluorenone derivatives, (R,R)-2a exhibited the largest spontaneous polarization (over 3.0 × 102 nC cm–2). The formation of intramolecular charge-transfer states in each compound was evidenced in the UV–vis absorption spectra. Using the time-of-flight method, the ambipolar carrier transport in the SmC* phases of the fluorenone-based LCs was clarified. The hole and electron mobilities in the SmC* phases were on the order of 10–5 cm2 V–1 s–1, which is on par with the carrier mobilities of low-ordered smectic phases in conventional LC semiconductors.

Abstract: In this study, we prepared guar gum (GG) films using a compression molding technique for the first time, incorporating glycerol as a plasticizer and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as a reinforcing filler. The chemical structures, thermal properties, crystalline structures, phase morphology, mechanical properties, moisture content, and film opacity of thermo-compressed GG films were investigated. The results show that using glycerol as a plasticizer enhanced the flexibility of the thermo-compressed GG film and promoted its crystallization. The incorporation of glycerol and MCC enhanced the thermal stability of the GG film matrix. The addition of MCC enhanced the tensile strength of the plasticized GG film; however, it resulted in a decrease in elongation at break. The incorporation of MCC in plasticized GG films resulted in enhanced opacity and a decrease in moisture content. Thermo-compressed GG films can be customized to exhibit various properties by adjusting the glycerol and MCC contents, making them suitable for a range of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging applications.

Abstract: Oral drug delivery remains one of the most attractive routes for achieving safe, effective, and controlled therapeutic administration. Hydrogels represent promising systems for this purpose due to their biocompatibility, the versatility of natural and synthetic materials, and their tunable physicochemical properties. Among various candidates, dextrin-based hydrogels are particularly noteworthy, as they can respond to physiological gradients along the gastrointestinal tract, enabling targeted, site-specific, and sustained drug release for both localized and systemic treatments. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize dextrin-based hydrogels formulated from β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), KLEPTOSE® Linecaps (LC), and GluciDex®2 (GLU2) as building units, using citric acid (CA) and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) as cross-linkers, for potential application in oral drug delivery systems. The obtained polymers displayed adjustable particle dimensions, pH-sensitive swelling characteristics, and an optimized cross-linking density, as calculated using the Flory–Rehner theory. Furthermore, rheological evaluations and mucoadhesion assays revealed pronounced viscoelastic behavior and strong adhesion to mucosal surfaces, confirming their suitability for oral drug delivery applications. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of dextrin-based hydrogels as mucoadhesive carriers for oral drug delivery, particularly in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, where they may facilitate drug transport across biological barriers and enhance therapeutic concentrations within the brain.

Abstract: The irreversible cyclic strain/stress in battery electrodes during ion intercalation/deintercalation drives mechanical energy dissipation, accelerating cycle life degradation. However, the lack of quantitative methods to assess stress and mechanical energy dissipation hinders a mechanistic understanding of mechanical behavior in electrochemical systems. This work aims to develop a theoretical framework to quantify stress and strain energy evolution in practical heterogeneous composite electrodes. Under assumptions of plane stress and elastic deformation, the average stress/strain energy per cycle can be derived for battery electrode during dynamic ion insertion/extraction. By considering a concentration-dependent modulus, the present framework allows for the simultaneous determination of both the bilayer stress and the apparent Young's modulus of the electrode through measurements of its curvature and intrinsic chemical strain.

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: The chemical machining of copper is a ubiquitous process in electronics manufacturing used to create conductor patterns for printed circuits among a variety of electronic components. Popular etchants for this process are high-ionic-strength solutions of acidic ferric chloride, acidic cupric chloride, and alkaline cupric ammine chloride, which face challenges arising from passivity and stability of the dissolved metals, particularly in alkaline solutions. While these concepts are common to electrodissolution, they are not well-reviewed for systems which do not apply external voltage, as is the case for chemical machining, where complimentary redox reactions occur spontaneously and simultaneously on the same surface of the workpiece. This article serves to review the most influential challenges posed against copper chemical machining reactions through passivation and factors leading to precipitation of metal species in each of the three common etchants of transition metal salts. Academic texts are referenced in conjunction with primary evidence to introduce novel insight regarding the implications of ion transference in the electrolyte solutions and ligation effects in preventing hydrolysis in addition to opportunities for further research identified throughout the article.

Abstract: Food irradiation is gaining popularity worldwide as a method for extending shelf life and controlling pests and diseases. Post-treatment irradiation doses are usually monitored using instrumental methods, which may be expensive, labor-intensive, time-consuming, and not allow for low-dose detection. We previously proposed a chemical fingerprinting strategy for estimating irradiation doses based on measuring the rate of an indicator reaction. However, the feasibility of dose assessment was demonstrated only for freshly irradiated samples. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of determining the order of magnitude of dose in irradiated raw potato tubers after several days of storage. The samples were extracted with water, and the extracts were introduced into oxidation-reduction and aggregation reactions carried out in a 96-well plate. The reaction rates were monitored by measuring absorbance and fluorescence of the reaction products, followed by chemo-metric processing. The feasibility to estimate doses to an order of magnitude (0, 100, 1000 Gy) was shown for storage time of 0, 2, and 6 days at 4°C. The accuracy of dose recognition on day 6 was at least 97% by using SoftMax regression (SR) or linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Irradiated and non-irradiated samples can be confidently distinguished using partial least square–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The reaction-based method of dose assessment is simple, rapid, and does not require sophisticated equipment.

Abstract: The present study involves the synthesis of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized iron-based trimetallic nanoparticles with different metal addition sequences (Fe/Ag/Zn, Fe/Zn/Ag and Fe/(Zn/Ag)) using the sodium borohydride reduction method. In order to investigate the catalytic reactivity of the nanoparticles, a series of batch experiments were performed using methyl orange dye as a model pollutant. It was found that the Fe/Ag/Zn 5:0.1:5 system showed a maximum catalytic activity compared to the other studied trimetallic systems. About 100% of the methyl orange dye was degraded within 1 min and the second-order rate constant obtained was 0.0744 (mg/L)-1min-1; the rate of reaction was higher than that of the other trimetallic systems. Furthermore, the effects of pH, initial dye concentration and nanoparticle dosage on the degradation of methyl orange were investigated. The results showed that the reactivity of the Fe/Ag/Zn trimetallic nanoparticles was highly dependent on the aforementioned parameters. Higher reactivity was obtained at lower pH, lower initial methyl orange dye concentration and higher nanoparticle dosage. Lastly, liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) was used to elucidate the reaction pathway and identify by-products from methyl orange degradation. The degradation of methyl orange dye using Fe/Ag/Zn trimetallic nanoparticles was rapid; the nanoparticles proved to be effective at degrading methyl orange and can be used to remediate azo-dye wastewater from textile industries.

Abstract: This study explores the feasibility of constructing a microwave kiln for artisanal ceramics using accessible materials and homemade susceptors. Two modified microwave ovens (18L and 50L) were equipped with insulation and susceptors to achieve temperatures up to 1280°C. Susceptors were fabricated from silicon carbide (SiC) and magnetite (Fe₃O₄) powders via microwave-assisted reactive sintering. Magnetite-poor susceptors (SiC/Fe₃O₄ > 2 by weight) demonstrated excellent durability, maintaining stable thermal performance over multiple cycles. In contrast, magnetite-rich susceptors (SiC/Fe₃O₄ ∼ 1) exhibited high initial efficiency and the ability to control redox conditions but degraded significantly after 10–15 cycles due to partial melting. The microwave kiln achieved significant time savings, completing the ramp up of the firing cycles in 1 hour, compared to 8-10 hours in conventional kilns. Energy consumption per litre was comparable to large electric kilns but significantly lower than small ones. The fired ceramics, including porcelain and earthenware, showed excellent mechanical and aesthetic qualities, with glazes performing well even at lower temperatures than recommended. The study highlights the advantages of microwave heating, such as faster processing, energy efficiency, and the ability to control redox conditions, which mimic traditional gas-fired kilns. The developed susceptors are cost-effective and easy to manufacture, making this approach accessible to craftspeople and amateurs. While magnetite-rich susceptors enable redox control, their limited lifespan requires further optimization. This work demonstrates the potential of microwave kilns for artisanal ceramics, offering flexibility, efficiency, and quality comparable to traditional methods, with promising applications for unique or small-scale production. Future research should focus on refining susceptor durability and validating redox control effects on ceramic glazes.

Abstract: The epoxidation of 2,7-diaminooct-4-enedioic acid derivatives with different steric re-quirements at the homoallylic positions has been studied. Four readily available unsatu-rated bis-amino esters were used as model substrates for the synthesis of 2,7-diamino-4,5-epoxysuberic esters. The study revealed a reduced reactivity of all the un-saturated compounds towards epoxidation, but particularly of the most crowded one. Moderate stereoselectivity was observed in the epoxidation of C2-symmetric chiral un-saturated bis--amino esters. All substrates were converted to the corresponding epoxides in high yields using an excess of Oxone®/acetone.

Abstract: Cu-modified ferrites, prepared by solvothermal syntheses, at up to 200 oC, show the presence of copper metal particles, embedded in ferrite nanocrystalline particle agglomerates. Notably, these metallic copper micron sized crystallites are dramatically reduced in size, down to a few tens of nanometers, when part of the copper dopant is replaced by zinc. All materials are magnetic due to the presence of the cubic spinel phase, being ferrimagnetic, with a narrow hysteresis of 6 kOe for the largest particle size copper ferrite material of 15 nm, to superparamagnetic for the zinc-doped, 9-10 nm average particle size ferrite. The oxidant activity of the materials was studied in free-radical oxidation reactions (pH 7.4, physiological and pH 8.5, optimal for the generation of ROS) by the chemiluminescent method with: i) Fenton`s reagent (.OH, .OOH); ii) H2O2; iii) with O2.- radicals. All materials showed moderate inhibitory activities, converted to prooxidant at pH 7.4, except for the largest isolated copper particles containing material, which remained inhibitory. Materials antimicrobial potential was checked on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 via two classical methods namely the spot and well diffusion tests in agar medium. Тhe above tests included also a nanocrystalline CuO, tenorite, as a reference material too. Daphnia magna ecotoxicity test show that all investigated materials are rather toxic and since daphnia are a key component in freshwater ecosystems, the toxicity even at low concentrations may have significant consequences for the ecological balance. This requires careful monitoring and assessment of the possible use or disposal of these nanomaterials in the environment.

Abstract: This overview is intended to shed light on the current state of knowledge on highly efficient cavitation reactors, which are used in industry yet often remain undisclosed. The development of ultrasound (US) and hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) reactors requires a thorough understanding and precise engineering to ensure the efficacy of cavitation processes in larger industrial settings. Successful scaling-up must maintain a high energy density and ensure a homogeneous distribution of cavitation. Industrial reactor designs for both US and HC are typically optimized for continuous flow operations, though some configurations operate in a loop system. This review provides a concise examination of various reactor setups, with examples of relevant chemical and environmental applications, focusing on energy consumption and scalability challenges. Despite the similarities in the effects of acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitation, US and HC are best regarded as complementary technologies in industrial applications. This work presents our direct experience in designing novel cavitation reactors for specific applications, incorporating recent advances from the literature and insights from industry. Notably, the synergistic effects of hybrid technologies are gaining attention, particularly the integration of HC with cold plasma, which is emerging as one of the most effective techniques for treating polluted water. These technologies play a crucial role in modern process engineering, and continued advancements in their design and understanding will further expand their industrial applications in chemical processing.

Abstract: The integration of energy storage and environmental sensing functions into a single device represents a critical step toward the development of autonomous smart systems. In this work, we report the design and fabrication of photoresponsive supercapacitors based on TiO₂/graphene hybrid electrodes that simultaneously deliver enhanced energy storage performance and environmental monitoring capabilities. The nanocomposite electrodes are prepared via a scalable sol-gel and hydrothermal route, followed by mild thermal treatment to optimize interface interactions and photoactivity. Under UV and visible light illumination, the devices exhibit a significant increase in specific capacitance, up to 35% enhancement, due to improved charge separation and interfacial polarization effects. Moreover, the same hybrid materials demonstrate sensitivity to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and humidity, enabling their use as dual-function components in next-generation smart electronics. The synergistic combination of light-driven capacitive enhancement and real-time environmental response highlights the potential of these hybrid systems for self-powered, multifunctional platforms in wearable and distributed sensor networks.

Abstract: Since the first successful synthesis of borophene in 2015, this atomically thin boron allotrope has attracted extensive attention due to its polymorphic structures, metallic conductivity, and outstanding mechanical flexibility. As a new member of the two-dimensional (2D) materials family, borophene exhibits a unique triangular lattice with tunable hexagonal vacancies, leading to rich structural diversity and anisotropic physical properties. Recent breakthroughs in synthesis—particularly molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and solvothermal-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation (S-LPE)—have significantly expanded the accessible structural phases and improved control over film quality and stability. Meanwhile, borophene’s distinctive combination of structural and electronic characteristics has enabled its rapid development in both energy and biomedical applications. In energy storage, borophene serves as a promising anode material for lithium/sodium-ion batteries and a lightweight medium for hydrogen storage and supercapacitors, owing to its metallic conductivity, high surface charge density, and large adsorption capacity. In biomedicine, borophene-based nanoplatforms exhibit excellent photothermal conversion efficiency, enabling multifunctional roles in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Despite these advances, several challenges—such as environmental instability, oxidation susceptibility, and limited scalable synthesis—continue to restrict practical implementation. Future progress will depend on chemical functionalization, surface passivation, and machine-learning-assisted materials design to achieve oxidation-resistant, large-area, and biocompatible borophene derivatives. This review summarizes recent advances in borophene synthesis, structural engineering, and multifunctional applications, while outlining key scientific challenges and future opportunities for the realization of borophene-based materials in next-generation energy and biomedical systems.