Compounds

Antibiotics are increasingly detected in aquatic environments, raising environmental and public health concerns due to their persistence and contribution to antimicrobial resistance. This study examines copper sulfide (CuS) nanostructures as potential materials for sustainable water remediation. CuS nanoparticles were synthesized in aqueous media using thioglycolic acid (TGA) as a stabilizing ligand and characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM, SEM, and EDS. An optimized Cu:TGA molar ratio of 1:6 yielded stable nanoparticles with a distinct excitonic absorption at 312 nm, strong ligand coordination, and a covellite-type hexagonal crystalline phase. These nanoparticles were subsequently immobilized within calcium–alginate hydrogel beads of two controlled size regimes, producing structurally uniform and recoverable composites. SEM imaging revealed qualitative increases in surface texturing following CuS incorporation, while bead diameter analyses indicated minimal changes in morphology. Overall, the results confirm the successful synthesis, stabilization, and immobilization of CuS nanoparticles within alginate beads and establish a robust materials platform with potential for future adsorption and photocatalytic applications targeting antibiotic contaminants in water.

The effect of Ag₂Se content on the structure and mechanical properties of (1−x) (0.73GeSe₂-0.27Sb₂Se₃)-xAg₂Se glasses is analyzed. The glass structure is studied using XRD and NMR analyses. A particular consideration relates to a multiple increase in plasticity with increasing silver selenide content in chalcogenide glasses. The observed effects are attributed to the formation of silver–silver metallophilic interactions.

Stenocereus fruits are appreciated for their flavor and color, and their cultivation is highly sustainable, as they grow in arid zones without the need for fertilizers or agrochemicals. However, their nutritional and bioactive composition remains underexplored. This study evaluated the physicochemical and nutritional properties, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant capacity (AOX) of Stenocereus thurberi (red, white, purple, and orange), Stenocereus martinezzi (red), and Stenocereus gummosus (red). All fruits exhibited low total soluble solids (12.6 ± 0.2–14.7 ± 0.3 °Brix), acidity (0.81 ± 0.03–1.12 ± 0.03%), and moderate dietary fiber content (3.71 ± 0.05–4.86 ± 0.09%). S. martinezzi stood out for its high levels of betalains (33.7 ± 0.65 mg/100 g_fw), vitamin E (84.7 ± 0.2 µg/100 g_fw), and vitamin C (147.6 ± 11.4 mg/100 g_fw). At the same time, potassium, magnesium, and calcium were the predominant minerals in all samples. S. gummosus showed the highest total soluble phenols (120.6 ± 2.2 mg/100 g_fw) and was also notable for its flavonoid content. Flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic, and hydroxybenzoic acids were detected in all fruits. Red fruits had the highest AOX levels, followed by white, orange, and purple varieties. In conclusion, these fruits are nutritious, low in sugars, and rich in bioactive compounds, suggesting their potential as functional foods, particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic degenerative diseases.