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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2025) | Viewed by 14151

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rosa Iacovino

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Guest Editor

Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
Interests: cyclodextrin; inclusion complex; preparation methods; drug delivery systems; X-ray diffraction; crystal structure
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Gianluca D'Abrosca

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Guest Editor Assistant

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
Interests: proteins; UV-visible spectroscopy; nuclear magnetic resonance; structural biology; circular dichroism; molecular docking; inclusion complexes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Molecules aims to collect papers about applied chemistry from European scholars. It is a compilation of novel, cutting-edge achievements in the most interesting areas of applied chemistry, which are as follows (among others):

Application-related studies on the synthesis/preparation of new molecules/materials;
New application-related analytical methods;
New application-related physical and theoretical chemistry output, especially regarding applied electrochemistry and catalysis;
Energy- and environment-related works;
Chemistry-related studies on new materials and medicines;
Industrial, pharma and agro-food applications of new chemical products;
Other applied chemistry-related studies.

Scientists from Europe are cordially invited to contribute original research papers or reviews to this Special Issue.

Dr. Rosa Iacovino
Guest Editor

Dr. Gianluca D'Abrosca
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

industrial applications
nano-materials
environmental chemistry
chemical synthesis
green chemistry
theoretical chemistry
analytical methods

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Use of Cefiderocol and Nanosilver in Wound Dressings to Control Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria

by Żaneta Binert-Kusztal, Agata Krakowska, Iwona Skiba-Kurek, Magdalena Luty-Błocho, Anna Kula, Aldona Olechowska-Jarząb, Przemysław Dorożyński and Tomasz Skalski

Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3072; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153072 - 23 Jul 2025

Viewed by 225

Abstract

This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of cefiderocol and various forms of silver (ionic and nanoparticulate) as potential components of wound-dressing reagents against both reference and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. The anticipated synergistic effect between cefiderocol and nanosilver was not consistently observed; in fact, for reference strains, the combination was less effective than cefiderocol alone. However, in MDR and cefiderocol-resistant A. baumannii strains, combining both agents enhanced antibacterial efficacy. Notably, the effectiveness of silver did not increase with concentration, and low or medium nanosilver concentrations were often more effective. Mechanistically, high concentrations of silver may antagonize cefiderocol’s action by inhibiting bacterial surface proteins involved in siderophore-mediated uptake. Generalized linear modeling confirmed that the strain type, silver form, concentration, and their interactions significantly influenced inhibition zones. These findings highlight the importance of agent selection, concentration, and formulation in designing effective antimicrobial wound dressings. They also suggest that further research is needed to optimize such combination therapies for clinical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Chemistry in Europe)

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17 pages, 1473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stimulation of Maize Growth and Development and Improvement of Soil Properties Using New Specialised Organic-Mineral Materials

by Marzena S. Brodowska, Mirosław Wyszkowski and Ryszard Grzesik

Molecules 2025, 30(14), 3050; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30143050 - 21 Jul 2025

Viewed by 187

Abstract

The use of mineral fertilisers has increased in recent years, but this has had a negative effect on the environment, including causing the water in rivers and lakes to become too rich in nutrients, a process known as eutrophication. Current research focuses on producing fertiliser materials that are environmentally friendly. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of novel specialised organic-mineral fertilisers (OMFs: NP 24-12, NP 10-10, and NP 10-10 Zn⁺) on the yield and chemical composition of maize. These fertilisers were compared with a control (no fertiliser) and with other fertilisers (mixture of commercial fertilisers (MCFs): NP 24-12 and NP 10-10) that were used as a reference. All fertilisers increased the SPAD index at the fifth leaf unfolded stage of maize, with the majority (apart from OMF NP 10-10) also increasing it at the panicle emergence stage. MCF NP 10-10 had the most positive effect on the plant height, while OMF NP 10-10 had the least positive effect. All fertilisers had a positive effect on maize growth and development, with MCFs NP 10-10 and NP 24-12 having by far the strongest effect on increasing crop yields. The yield of plants fertilised with OMFs NP 24-12, NP 10-10, and NP 10-10 Zn⁺ was lower than the yields of plants fertilised with MCF NP 24-12 and MCF NP 10-10. OMF NP 10-10 caused a greater increase in the contents of all elements, and OMF NP 24-12 caused a greater increase in most elements (except P and Ca) in maize than MCFs did at an identical NP ratio. OMF NP 10-10 Zn⁺ was found to have a significant impact on the mineral composition of maize, resulting in a decline in Ca and P levels, along with a notable increase in Mg, Zn, and Cu concentrations. The most significant differences were observed for Cu and Zn. The OMFs, notably NP 24-12 and NP 10-10, exhibited a comparatively diminished acidifying impact in comparison with the MCFs. The application of fertilisers resulted in a significant increase in soil nutrient levels, with most fertilisers increasing the soil N, P, and Zn contents. Additionally, the OMFs led to an increase in Cu. However, MCFs NP 24-12 and NP 10-10 reduced the soil Cu and Mn contents. Studies should include other species as they have different needs. Field experiments are also needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Chemistry in Europe)

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12 pages, 1972 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Biological Evaluation of hBest1-Containing Bilayer Nanostructures

by Pavel Bakardzhiev, Teodora Koleva, Kirilka Mladenova, Pavel Videv, Veselina Moskova-Doumanova, Aleksander Forys, Sławomira Pusz, Tonya Andreeva, Svetla Petrova, Stanislav Rangelov and Jordan Doumanov

Molecules 2025, 30(14), 2948; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30142948 - 12 Jul 2025

Viewed by 652

Abstract

Bestrophinopathies are a group of inherited retinal diseases caused by mutations in the BEST1 gene. The protein encoded by this gene, bestorphin-1 (hBest1), is a calcium-dependent transmembrane channel localized on the basolateral membrane of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. We have already demonstrated the surface behavior and organization of recombinant hBest1 and its interactions with membrane lipids such as 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol (Chol) in models of biological membranes, which affect the hBest1 structure–function relationship. The main aim of our current investigation is to integrate pure hBest1 protein into lipid bilayer nanostructures. We synthesized and characterized various hBest1-containing nanostructures based on 1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), SM, glycerol monooleate (GMO) and Chol in different ratios and determined their cytotoxicity and incorporation into cell membranes and/or cells by immunofluorescence staining. Our results show that these newly designed nanoparticles are not cytotoxic and that their incorporation into MDCK II cell membranes (used as a model system) may provide a mechanism that could be applied to RPE cells expressing mutated hBest1 in order to restore their ion transport functions, affected by mutated and malfunctioning hBest1 molecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Chemistry in Europe)

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15 pages, 4689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hyaluronic Acid Interactions with Pork Myofibrillar Proteins in Emulsion Gel-Type Systems

by Marzena Zając, Lei Zhou, Magdalena Mika, Ziyi Yang, Jingyu Wang, Ye Tao and Wangang Zhang

Molecules 2025, 30(10), 2230; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30102230 - 20 May 2025

Viewed by 495

Abstract

Health benefits associated with hyaluronic acid, along with its properties such as water-binding capacity and antimicrobial activity, suggest that incorporating it into meat systems could provide a basis for formulating functional meat products. This study aimed to evaluate the properties of myofibrillar protein gels and emulsions with varying concentrations of hyaluronic acid. The results indicate that increasing the hyaluronic acid concentration (0.008% to 0.04%) does not significantly affect the cooking loss, while a concentration of 0.08% enhances cooking loss. This, in turn, increased gel hardness, while the water-holding capacity remains unaffected. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) images revealed a partial disruption of the gel structure, with rising hyaluronic concentrations. In pork myofibrillar protein emulsions, smaller droplets and higher stability were observed after HA incorporation. Samples containing hyaluronic acid were more viscous and exhibited shear-thinning properties. Overall, the hyaluronic acid used in this study improved emulsion properties, whereas the gel structure was compromised. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Chemistry in Europe)

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16 pages, 2668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Yield of Methyl Ethyl Ketone through Levulinic Acid Decarboxylation in the AgNO₃/K₂S₂O₈ System: Mechanistic Insights and Characterization of Metallic Species

by Nydia I. Guzmán Barrera, Jérôme Peydecastaing, Jérôme Esvan, Joël Albet, Carlos Vaca-Garcia, Philippe Behra, Emeline Vedrenne and Sophie Thiébaud-Roux

Molecules 2024, 29(20), 4822; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29204822 - 11 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1547

Abstract

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is among the most extensively utilized solvents in various industrial applications. In this study, we present a highly efficient synthesis route for MEK via the decarboxylation of biomass-derived levulinic acid, using potassium persulfate (K₂S₂O₈) and silver nitrate (AgNO₃) as key reagents. The specific roles of AgNO₃ and K₂S₂O₈ were thoroughly investigated. Additional silver species, such as Ag₂O and AgO, were also detected during the reaction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses provided evidence of the evolution of solid phases throughout the reaction. Based on these findings, we propose a radical decarboxylation mechanism initiated by the generation of sulfate radicals (SO₄•⁻) through the catalytic breakdown of K₂S₂O₈ by AgNO₃. This mechanistic understanding, combined with a parametric study, enabled us to achieve an unprecedented level of levulinic acid conversion (97.9%) and MEK yield (86.6%) with this system, surpassing all previously reported results in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Chemistry in Europe)

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22 pages, 6197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Ascorbic Acid in the Process of Azo Dye Degradation in Aqueous Solution

by Adrianna Pach, Aleksandra Zaryczny, Agnieszka Podborska and Magdalena Luty-Błocho

Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3659; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153659 - 2 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2000

Abstract

In this work, the role of ascorbic acid in the process of azo dye degradation was explained. For this purpose, the kinetics of azo dye degradation under different conditions was studied. Among them, the influence of daylight protection/exposition, different concentrations of ascorbic acid (0.567–0.014 mol/dm³), and temperature (20 °C and 50 °C) on the rate of the dyes’ degradation was considered. For this process, the kinetic equation was proposed, which indicates that the process of azo dye degradation using ascorbic acid is first order. Moreover, the observed rate constants were determined, and the mechanism of azo dye degradation was proposed. Spectrophotometry results, together with FTIR, fluorescence spectroscopy, and DFT calculations, explain the origin of the decolorization of the azo dyes and highlight the role of ascorbic acid in this process. Detailed analysis of the obtained products indicates that the process itself goes through several stages in which equally or more toxic compounds are formed. Obtained results from LCMS studies indicate that during tropaeolin OO degradation, 1,2-Diphenylhydrazine (m/z 185.1073) is formed. Thus, the process of azo dye degradation should be carried out in protective conditions. The proposed mechanism suggests that ascorbic acid at high content levels can be used for azo dye degradation from aqueous solution and can be an alternative method for their removal/neutralization from waste solution but with caution during the process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Chemistry in Europe)

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15 pages, 2718 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mass Spectrometric Ortho Effect for Distinguishing the Coeluting Isomers of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and the Coeluting Isomers of Polybrominated Biphenyls: Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects

by Maurizio Masci

Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3484; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153484 - 25 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1488

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are persistent organic pollutants still widespread in the environment and in the food chain. Both groups of these synthetic xenobiotics consist of 209 possible congeners depending on the number and position of halogens. PCBs with the same number of chlorine atoms and PBBs with the same number of bromine atoms are isomers: ten different degrees of halogenation are allowed, which results in a lot of existing isomers for both groups. The isomers have perfect correspondence in the number and type of atoms with differences only in positioning, so their mass spectra are expected to be identical with a consequent significant analytical problem in the event of coelution of the chromatographic peaks. This is not always the case, since the mass spectrometric ortho effect is capable of effectively discriminating many coeluting PCB or PBB isomers, although not all possible ones. The present paper investigates, for the first time, the reliability of qualitative and quantitative analysis by using the ortho effect: this was conducted through targeted experimental measurements on real samples of food by using different detectors. In this context, it is shown how to recognize the presence of a PCB that does not have the ortho effect when coeluting with an isomer that has. This is an important aspect that has never been studied until now. The ortho effect is extremely simple to operate once the ordinary GC-MS runs have been performed: the analyst only needs to recheck the mass spectrum for measuring the intensity of the first dehalogenation ion. The topic is of practical relevance since two different isomers can have different health hazards, and the presence of a very toxic isomer could be masked by a less toxic one. The same mass spectrometric ortho effect also deals with PXBs (i.e., mixed poly-brominated/chlorinated biphenyls), which are emerging contaminants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Chemistry in Europe)

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23 pages, 780 KiB

Open AccessReview

Extraction Methods of Microplastics in Environmental Matrices: A Comparative Review

by Garbiñe Larrea, David Elustondo and Adrián Durán

Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3178; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153178 - 29 Jul 2025

Viewed by 91

Abstract

Due to the growing issue of plastic pollution over recent decades, it is essential to establish well-defined and appropriate methodologies for their extraction from diverse environmental samples. These particles can be found in complex agricultural matrices such as compost, sediments, agricultural soils, sludge, and wastewater, as well as in less complex samples like tap and bottled water. The general steps of MPs extraction typically include drying the sample, sieving to remove larger particles, removal of organic matter, density separation to isolate polymers, filtration using meshes of various sizes, oven drying of the filters, and polymer identification. Complex matrices with high organic matter content require specific removal steps. Most studies employ an initial drying process with temperature control to prevent polymer damage. For removal of organic matter, 30% H₂O₂ is the most commonly used reagent, and for density separation, saturated NaCl and ZnCl₂ solutions are typically applied for low- and high-density polymers, respectively. Finally, filtration is carried out using meshes selected according to the identification technique. This review analyzes the advantages and limitations of the different methodologies to extract microplastics from different sources, aiming to provide in-depth insight for researchers dedicated to the study of environmental samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Chemistry in Europe)

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48 pages, 3582 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mass-Spectrometry-Based Research of Cosmetic Ingredients

by Alina Florina Serb, Marius Georgescu, Robert Onulov, Cristina Ramona Novaconi, Eugen Sisu, Alexandru Bolocan and Raluca Elena Sandu

Molecules 2024, 29(6), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29061336 - 17 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5820

Abstract

Cosmetic products are chemical substances or mixtures used on the skin, hair, nails, teeth, and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, whose use is intended to clean, protect, correct body odor, perfume, keep in good condition, or change appearance. The analysis of cosmetic ingredients is often challenging because of their huge complexity and their adulteration. Among various analytical tools, mass spectrometry (MS) has been largely used for compound detection, ingredient screening, quality control, detection of product authenticity, and health risk evaluation. This work is focused on the MS applications in detecting and quantification of some common cosmetic ingredients, i.e., preservatives, dyes, heavy metals, allergens, and bioconjugates in various matrices (leave-on or rinse-off cosmetic products). As a global view, MS-based analysis of bioconjugates is a narrow field, and LC- and GC/GC×GC-MS are widely used for the investigation of preservatives, dyes, and fragrances, while inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS is ideal for comprehensive analysis of heavy metals. Ambient ionization approaches and advanced separation methods (i.e., convergence chromatography (UPC²)) coupled to MS have been proven to be an excellent choice for the analysis of scented allergens. At the same time, the current paper explores the challenges of MS-based analysis for cosmetic safety studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Chemistry in Europe)

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