Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has been investigated for solar-energy-driven photoelectrical water splitting due to its suitable band gap, abundance, cost savings, environmental friendliness, and chemical stability. However, its poor conductivity, weak light absorption, and large indirect bandgap (3.2 eV) has limited its application in water splitting. In this study, we precisely targeted these limitations using first-principle techniques. TiO₂ only absorbs near-ultraviolet radiation; therefore, the substitution (2.1%) of Ag, Fe, and Co in TiO₂ significantly altered its physical properties and shifted the bandgap from the ultraviolet to the visible region. Cobalt (Co) substitution in TiO₂ resulted in high absorption and photoconductivity and a low bandgap energy suitable for the reduction in water without the need for external energy. The calculated elastic properties of Co-doped TiO₂ indicate the ductile nature of the material with a strong average bond strength. Co-doped TiO₂ exhibited fewer microcracks with a mechanically stable composition. Full article

Diiron μ-aminocarbyne complexes [Fe₂Cp₂(NCMe)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(R)}]CF₃SO₃ (R = Xyl, [1a^NCMe]CF₃SO₃; R = Me, [1b^NCMe]CF₃SO₃; R = Cy, [1c^NCMe]CF₃SO₃; R = CH₂Ph, [1d^NCMe]CF₃SO₃), freshly prepared from tricarbonyl precursors [1a–d]CF₃SO₃, reacted with NaOCN (in acetone) and NBu₄SCN (in dichloromethane) to give [Fe₂Cp₂(kN-NCO)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(R)}] (R = Xyl, 2a; Me, 2b; Cy, 2c) and [Fe₂Cp₂(kN-NCS)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(CH₂Ph)}], 3 in 67–81% yields via substitution of the acetonitrile ligand. The reaction of [1a^NCMe–1c^NCMe]CF₃SO₃ with KSeCN in THF at reflux temperature led to the cyanide complexes [Fe₂Cp₂(CN)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CNMe(R)}], 6a–c (45–67%). When the reaction of [1a^NCMe]CF₃SO₃ with KSeCN was performed in acetone at room temperature, subsequent careful chromatography allowed the separation of moderate amounts of [Fe₂Cp₂(kSe-SeCN)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}], 4a, and [Fe₂Cp₂(kN-NCSe)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}], 5a. All products were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy; moreover, the molecular structure of trans-6b was ascertained by single crystal X-ray diffraction. DFT calculations were carried out to shed light on the coordination mode and stability of the {NCSe-} fragment. Full article

As resistance to the limited number of insecticides available for medical and veterinary pests becomes more widespread, there is an urgent need for new insecticides and synergists on the market. To address this need, we conducted a study to assess the toxicity of three monoterpenoids—carvone, menthone, and fenchone—in comparison to permethrin and methomyl against adults of two common pests: the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the house fly (Musca domestica). We also examined the potential for these monoterpenoids to enhance the effectiveness of permethrin and methomyl when used together. Finally, we evaluated the ability of each monoterpenoid to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, comparing them to methomyl. While all three monoterpenoids performed relatively poorly as topical insecticides (LD₅₀ > 4000 ng/mg on M. domestica; >6000 ng/mg on Ae. aegypti), they synergized both permethrin and methomyl as well as or better than piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Carvone and menthone yielded synergistic co-toxicity factors (23 and 29, respectively), which were each higher than PBO at 24 h. Currently, the mechanism of action is unknown. During preliminary testing, symptoms of acetylcholinesterase inhibition were identified, prompting further testing. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition did not appear to explain the toxic or synergistic effects of the three monoterpenoids, with IC₅₀ values greater than 1 mM for all, compared to the 2.5 and 1.7 µM for methomyl on Aedes aegypti and Musca domestica, respectively. This study provides valuable monoterpenoid toxicity and synergism data on two pestiferous insects and highlights the potential for these chemistries in future pest control formulations. Full article

Beta-blockers are a class of medications predominantly used to manage abnormal heart rhythms. They are also widely used to treat high blood pressure. From the liquid chromatography separation point of view, beta-blockers are interesting molecules due to their hydrophobic–hydrophilic properties. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the beta-blocker separation selectivity on four phosphodiester stationary phases in reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP LC) and hydrophilic interactions liquid chromatography (HILIC). On tested stationary phases, beta-blockers provide retention in both chromatographic systems, RP LC and HILIC. Additionally, it was found that cation-exchange mechanisms have a significant contribution to retention. Separations were enhanced by applying ChromSword software for gradient optimization and Intelligent Peak Deconvolution Analysis to separate unseparated peaks digitally. Full article

A series of novel double-angularly condensed diquinothiazines with aminoalkyl, amidoalkyl, sulfonamidoalkyl, and substituted phenyl groups was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anticancer activity against four selected human tumor cell lines (HTC116, SH-SY5Y, A549, and H1299). The cytotoxicity of the novel diquinothiazines was investigated against BEAS-2B cells. The activities of the compounds were compared to etoposide. Among them, compounds with aminoalkyl and phenyl groups showed excellent broad-spectrum anticancer activity. The most active 14-(methylthiophenyl)diquinothiazine, 3c, showed low cytotoxicity against BEAS-2B cells and high activity against tumor cell lines HTC116, SH-SY5Y, A549, and H1299, with IC₅₀ values of 2.3 µM, 2.7 µM, 17.2 µM, and 2.7 µM, respectively (etopiside 8.6 µM, 3.9 µM, 44.8 µM, and 0.6, respectively). Live long-term microscopic observations of cell survival using the starting molecule M0 were also performed. Flow cytometry showed the proapoptotic effects of the studied diquinothiazines. Inhibition of the cell cycle in the S phase was observed, which is associated with damage to nucleic acids and connected to DNA replication arrest. Full article

Reaction of [Au(tht)₂](ClO₄) (tht = tetrahydrothiophene), [Cu(CH₃CN)₄](ClO₄), 3,6-di-tert-butyl-1,8-diethynyl-9H-carbazole (H₃decz), and bis(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)ether (POP) in the presence of triethylamine (NEt₃) gave the cluster complex Au₄Cu₂(decz)₂(POP)₂ as yellow crystals. As revealed by X-ray crystallography, the Au₄Cu₂ cluster exhibits scissor-like structure sustained by two decz and two POP ligands and stabilized by Au-Cu and Au-Au interactions. The Au₄Cu₂ cluster shows bright yellow to orange photoluminescence upon irradiation at >300 nm, arising from ³[π (decz)→5d (Au)] ³LMCT (ligand-to-metal charge transfer) and ³[π→π* (decz)] ³IL (intraligand) triplet states as revealed by theoretical and computational studies. When it is mechanically ground, reversible phosphorescence conversion from yellow to red is observed owing to more compact molecular packing and thus stronger intermetallic interaction. Variable-temperature luminescence studies reveal that it displays distinct red-shifts of the emission whether the temperature is elevated or lowered from ambient temperature, suggestive of exceptional thermochromic phosphorescence characteristics. Full article

The mutualistic coexistence between the host and endophyte is diverse and complex, including host growth regulation, the exchange of substances like nutrients or biostimulants, and protection from microbial or herbivore attack. The latter is commonly associated with the production by endophytes of bioactive natural products, which also possess multiple activities, including antibacterial, insecticidal, antioxidant, antitumor, and antidiabetic properties, making them interesting and valuable model substances for future development into drugs. The endophytes of higher plants have been extensively studied, but there is a dearth of information on the biodiversity of endophytic microorganisms associated with bryophytes and, more importantly, their bioactive metabolites. For the first time, we name bryophyte endophytes “bryendophytes” to elaborate on this important and productive source of biota. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the diversity of compounds produced by endophytes, emphasizing bioactive molecules from bryendophytes. Moreover, the isolation methods and biodiversity of bryendophytes from mosses, liverworts, and hornworts are described. Full article

Cross-coupling reactions with [B₁₂H₁₁I]²⁻ as one partner have been used successfully for Kumada and Buchwald Hartwig couplings with Pd catalysis. Here, we found that the iodide could be substituted easily, and unexpectedly, with other halides such as Br and Cl, and with pseudohalides such as cyanide, azide, and isocyanate. We found that for Cl, Br, N₃, and NCO, tetrabutylammonium salts—or sodium salts—were successful halide sources, whereas for cyanide, CuCN was the only halide source that allowed a successful exchange. The azide could be reacted further in a click reaction with triazoles. While no substitution with fluoride occurred, tetrabutylammonium fluoride in the presence of water led to [B₁₂H₁₁OH]²⁻. Yields were high to very high, and reaction times were short when using a microwave oven as a heating source. Full article

Hydrogels have various promising prospects as a successful platform for detecting biomarkers, and human serum albumin (HSA) is an important biomarker in the diagnosis of kidney diseases. However, the difficult-to-control passive diffusion kinetics of hydrogels is a major factor affecting detection performance. This study focuses on using hydrogels embedded with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe TC426 to detect HSA in real time. The vortex fluidic device (VFD) technology is used as a rotation strategy to control the reaction kinetics and micromixing during measurement. The results show that the introduction of VFD could significantly accelerate its fluorescence response and effectively improve the diffusion coefficient, while VFD processing could regulate passive diffusion into active diffusion, offering a new method for future sensing research. Full article

In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate the in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial activities of Delonix regia, then in vivo evaluate its safety as a natural colorant and sweetener in beverages compared to synthetic colorant and sweetener in rats, then serve the beverages for sensory evaluation. Delonix regia flowers had high protein, polysaccharide, Ca, Na, Mg, K, and Fe contents. The Delonix regia pigment extract (DRPE) polysaccharides were separated and purified by gel permeation chromatography on Sephacryl S-200, characterized by rich polysaccharides (13.6 g/L). The HPLC sugar profile detected the monosaccharides in the extracted polysaccharides, composed of mannose, galactose, glucose, arabinose, and gluconic acid, and the structure of saccharides was confirmed by FTIR, which showed three active groups: carbonyl, hydrocarbon, and hydroxyl. On the other hand, the red pigment constituents of DRPE were detected by HPLC; the main compounds were delphinidin and cyanidin at 15 µg/mL. The DRPE contained a considerable amount (26.33 mg/g) of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds (64.7 mg/g), and flavonoids (10.30 mg/g), thus influencing the antioxidant activity of the DRPE, which scavenged 92% of DPPH free radicals. Additionally, it inhibited the population of pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocyogenes, Salmonella typhimurum, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in the range of 30–90 μg/mL, in addition to inhibiting 85% of pancreatic cancer cell lines. On the in vivo level, the rats that were delivered a diet containing DRPE showed regular liver markers (AST, ALP, and ALT); kidney markers (urea and creatinine); high TP, TA, and GSH; and low MDA, while rats treated with synthetic dye and aspartame showed higher liver and kidney markers; lowered TP, TA, and GSH; and high MDA. After proving the safety of DRPE, it can be safely added to strawberry beverages. Significant sensorial traits, enhanced red color, and taste characterize the strawberry beverages supplemented with DRPE. The lightness and redness of strawberries were enhanced, and the color change ΔE values in DRPE-supplemented beverages ranged from 1.1 to 1.35 compared to 1.69 in controls, indicating the preservative role of DRPE on color. So, including DRPE in food formulation as a natural colorant and sweetener is recommended for preserving health and the environment. Full article

A preparation method of nanocomposites based on poly (3-octylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (POT) and carbon black (CB) as the transducer of an all-solid potassium ion selective electrode is proposed. POT is used as the dispersant of CB, and the obtained nanocomposites have unique characteristics, including high conductivity, high capacitance and high stability. The potassium ion selective electrode based on POT and CB was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronopotentiometry. The results showed that the detection limit of potassium ions was 10^−6.2 M, and the slope was 57.6 ± 0.8 mV/façade. The water layer test and anti-interference test show that the electrode has high hydrophobicity, the static contact angle reaches 139.7° and is not easily affected by light, O₂ and CO₂. Full article

Silver nanoparticle composites have abundant biomedical applications due to their unique antibacterial properties. In the current work, green tea leaf extract was used as a natural reducing agent to synthesize AgNPs (AgNPs) using microwave irradiation technology. Furthermore, microwave irradiation has been used for the preparation of AgNPs/chitosan (Ch) grafted polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel samples. To approve the accomplishment of AgNPs hydrogel polymer, UV-spectrum, TEM, and FT-IR spectrum analyses and the release of silver ions, actions were taken. The wound-healing ability of the prepared hydrogel samples was measured via both the in vitro (fibroblast cells) and the in vivo using rat models. It was found that chitosan-grafted polyvinyl alcohol, including AgNPs, exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus using the agar diffusion method. It can be said that microwave irradiation was successful in creating a hydrogel that contained silver nanoparticles. A wound that was still open was successfully treated with these composites. Full article

Gold and silver nanoparticles are nanoparticles that have been widely used in various fields and have shown good benefits. The method of nanoparticle biosynthesis utilizing plant extracts, also known as green synthesis, has become a promising method considering the advantages it has compared to other synthesis methods. This review aims to give an overview of the phytochemical compounds in plants used in the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles, the nanoparticle properties produced using plant extracts based on the concentration and structure of phytochemical compounds, and their applications. Phytochemical compounds play an important role as reducing agents and stabilizers in the stages of the synthesis of nanoparticles. Polyphenol compounds, reducing sugars, and proteins are the main phytochemical compounds that are responsible for the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles. The concentration of phytochemical compounds affects the physical properties, stability, and activity of nanoparticles. This is important to know to be able to overcome limitations in controlling the physical properties of the nanoparticles produced. Based on structure, the phytochemical compounds that have ortho-substituted hydroxyl result in a smaller size and well-defined shape, which can lead to greater activity and stability. Furthermore, the optimal condition of the biosynthesis process is required to gain a successful reaction that includes setting the metal ion concentration, temperature, reaction time, and pH. Full article

Five heterocyclic derivatives were synthesized by functionalization of a flavone nucleus with an aminophenoxy moiety. Their cytotoxicity was investigated in vitro in two models of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells (A549 and NCI-H1975) by using MTT assay and the results compared to those obtained in healthy fibroblasts as a non-malignant cell model. One of the aminophenoxy flavone derivatives (APF-1) was found to be effective at low micromolar concentrations in both lung cancer cell lines with a higher selective index (SI). Flow cytometric analyses showed that APF-1 induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase through the up-regulation of p21 expression. Therefore, the aminophenoxy flavone-based compounds may be promising cancer-selective agents and could serve as a base for further research into the design of flavone-based anticancer drugs. Full article

A fast method for preparing aqueous graphene oxide (GO) dispersions by electrochemical oxidation of a graphite anode without preliminary intercalation with oxidizing agents is proposed. Ultrasonic probing was used in the modulation mode of ultrasonic waves (work/rest) for more efficient graphite oxidation–exfoliation. It is shown that the 4/2 s mode of ultrasonic modulation is the most effective due to the probe material’s low corrosion while maintaining the optimum synthesis temperature not exceeding 30–35 °C and achieving the best characteristics of the resulting product. Three cases of anodic oxidation of graphite to obtain graphene oxide were considered: (1) a combined cathode–anode compartment, (2) a split cathode–anode salt-bridged compartment, and (3) separated anode compartment with a 3.5 kDa dialysis membrane. It was determined that the approach to synthesis with a divided cathode–anode compartment makes it possible to obtain GO sheets with fewer defects compared to chemical methods or methods with a combined cathode–anode compartment and makes it possible to control the oxidation degree of the material (C:O ratio) by varying the current density. The prepared samples showed good stability for more than six months. The spectral and morphological characteristics were studied. Using chemiluminometry in the luminol/Co(II)/H₂O₂ system, the antioxidant properties concerning three key reactive oxygen species (H₂O₂, superoxide anion radical, and hydroxyl radical) were demonstrated. It was also shown that the prepared GO dispersions do not induce lipid and phospholipid peroxidation. Full article