Search Results (1,209)

Eco-friendly lubricant manufacturing focuses on using biodegradable, renewable base oils, such as waste oil, and green-synthesized nanomaterials, such as agricultural residue-based nanoparticles, in order to replace conventional toxic lubricants with biodegradable alternatives and reduce environmental impact. These nanolubricants are produced through low-energy methods like mechanical, microwave, or chemical-free synthesis that can result in improvement in their performance. The produced lubricants exhibit enhanced tribological properties, including reduced friction and wear. Several formulations also raise the thermal degradation onset above that of their mineral benchmarks, although oxidative stability remains the weakest property of bio-based systems. This approach addresses industrial demands for sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally compliant lubrication technologies. Our study reviews sustainable, eco-friendly synthesis methods for producing high-performance nanolubricants from different waste oils, including cooking and mineral oils. In addition to the incorporation of residue-based nanoparticles (e.g., eggshell) in waste oils, the performance and properties of bio-based lubricants with engineered nanoparticles, such as metal nano-oxides and carbon-based nanomaterials, are also reviewed for comparison purposes. Within bio-based fluids at moderate contact severity, residue-derived additives are found to match their engineered counterparts in terms of friction and wear, while engineered two-dimensional lamellar additives retain an advantage under extreme-pressure conditions where residue-derived particles have not yet been evaluated. Neither class has been assessed by life cycle or biodegradation testing as a finished formulation. Full article

A hard protein corona was engineered onto tannic acid-modified magnetic nanoparticles (SAMN@TA), a magnetic and luminescent core–shell nano-carrier, using Bovine Serum Amine Oxidase (BSAO), an enzyme catalyzing the oxidation of polyamines and producing the corresponding aldehydes and hydrogen peroxide. The absorption and intracellular bioactivity of the self-assembled multimodal SAMN@TA@BSAO were investigated on an intestinal barrier model built with human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells. The tailored BSAO corona possessed fouling resistance and, at the same time, was able to activate the clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) mechanism. Despite its size and intrinsic complexity, the nano-vehicle was effectively transported across the cell layer, safely transiting across the cell cytoplasm and reaching the lumen. As a function of intracellular polyamine concentration, the system’s biological activity induced intracellular oxidative stress, leading to the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 oxidative protection pathway. The SAMN@TA@BSAO effect was well described by a dose–response curve with an EC50 of around 30 µg mL⁻¹ and a programmable killing efficiency (>50.0%), recalling the feasibility of a low molecular weight drug administration. The present study contributes to the nascent knowledge on engineering protein corona as a key to rationally design nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Full article

Fluorescent copper nanoclusters are promising functional nanomaterials; however, controlling their redox behavior through ligand engineering remains challenging. Herein, a multifunctional Vitamin B₁-derived fluorescent copper nanohybrid system was synthesized by a simple one-pot method, where Vitamin B₁ served as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. Spectroscopic and structural characterization supported the formation of ligand-stabilized fluorescent ultrasmall copper species exhibiting blue emission at 465 nm with a quantum yield of 5.7%. The B₁-Cu nanohybrid system displayed pronounced environment-dependent dual redox activity. ORAC analysis revealed a Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity of 229.2 ± 5.8 µM TE, compared with 28.1 ± 4.3 µM TE for pure Vitamin B₁, while the ABTS assay yielded an IC₅₀ value of 14.4 ± 0.4 µM, representing an approximately fivefold improvement over Vitamin B₁ (73.7 ± 1.9 µM). In addition, the material exhibited pH-dependent peroxidase-like activity, demonstrating its nanozyme functionality. Biological validation in maize protoplasts showed concentration-dependent intracellular ROS regulation, a pronounced hormetic response, and up to 83% higher GFP-mediated transformation efficiency than the untreated control. These findings demonstrate that ligand-directed modulation of fluorescent copper nanoclusters provides an effective strategy for engineering multifunctional redox-active nanohybrid systems for plant biotechnology and other redox-regulated biointerface applications. Full article

The emergence of nanotechnology has led to a rapid increase in intentional and unintentional exposure to engineered nanoparticles (NPs), raising significant concerns over their impact on humans, animals, and ecosystems. Nanotoxicology has evolved to assess these adverse effects, but the field faces key challenges including complex physicochemical characterization, difficulties in exposure assessment, dynamic biological interactions, and distinct regulatory gaps. To address these challenges, solutions such as the standardization of testing protocols, the adoption of advanced 3D in vitro and in silico modeling, and the implementation of “safer-by-design” principles are proposed. The development of biodegradable nanomaterials (NMs) and effective risk management further emphasizes that responsible development and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to balance technological innovation with human and environmental safety. Full article

Two-dimensional transition-metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are increasingly adopted in advanced electronic devices, where their metallic conductivity, optical tunability, and chemically addressable surfaces support next-generation multifunctional optoelectronics. Their practical performance, however, depends not only on their intrinsic properties but also on the heterogeneous interfaces where charges, photons, and ions interact. Unlike earlier reviews organized around synthesis routes or separate device categories, this review takes interfacial chemistry as a single organizing principle and follows it from surface terminations through to integrated systems. The structural and surface-chemical characteristics of MXenes are described first, showing how dynamic terminations and interfacial dipoles regulate work functions and energy-level alignment. We then discuss molecular functionalization, defect passivation, and heterojunction formation as strategies for reducing Schottky barriers and improving charge-transfer kinetics. Optoelectronic platforms built on these engineered interfaces, including high-efficiency photovoltaics, broadband photodetectors, and stretchable wearable systems, are subsequently detailed, together with emerging architectures that merge self-powered sensing with neuromorphic visual functions, a scope seldom treated alongside conventional devices in previous surveys. By connecting surface chemistry with device integration, this review outlines a materials-to-systems pathway toward more reliable and scalable MXene-based optoelectronic technologies. Full article

Frankincense, a natural resin obtained from Boswellia species, has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine and has attracted significant attention in biomedical applications owing to its vast therapeutic effects. While many studies and reviews have reported its pharmacological and biomedical applications, its potential in broader engineering domains and material science remains less explored. In biomedical engineering, frankincense-based compounds have been successfully incorporated into several matrices including hydrogels, nanomaterials, scaffolds, coatings for tissue engineering, food preservation and functional textiles. Frankincense has also exhibited significant potential as a functional component in engineering materials and environmental applications including its significant effects as a green corrosion inhibitor, drilling-fluid modifier and adsorbent materials. This review also highlights the economic aspects of frankincense utilization by evaluating and comparing its production, market value and scalability with other natural resin and gums. Additionally, environmental and sustainability factors associated with frankincense production, harvesting practices and resource availability have also been discussed. Overall, this review provides an overview of frankincense’s potential in diverse engineering applications and highlights the transition of frankincense from a traditional medicinal resin to a promising bio-based material for biomedical, material and environmental engineering applications. Full article

Engineered nanomaterials have been increasingly proposed for the treatment of contaminated soils. Nevertheless, most available evidence has been obtained in water, artificial substrates or short-term laboratory experiments, and performance in real soil is substantially more variable. This review examines nanoscale zero-valent iron, photocatalytic metal oxides, carbon-based nanomaterials, and supported or hybrid formulations, with particular attention to the soil properties and contaminant characteristics that control their mobility, transformation, reactivity, and persistence. Nano-enabled treatments can decrease the mobility of arsenic, chromium, lead, and other potentially toxic elements and can promote the degradation of selected pesticides and hydrocarbons. However, opposite responses have also been reported, including mobilisation of non-target elements, nanoparticle aggregation and passivation, effects on microbial communities and plants, contaminant rebound, and potential transport beyond the treated zone. Environmental assessment should therefore consider both the target contaminant and the applied or transformed nanomaterial, together with ecological and occupational exposure pathways. Current evidence does not support nanoremediation as a general replacement for conventional technologies. Its main value lies in its use as a site-specific component of integrated remediation strategies selected according to soil properties, contaminant behaviour, treatment scale, cost, life-cycle impacts, and future land use. European field experience remains limited, particularly in unsaturated soils, and no harmonised EU-wide authorisation procedure specifically for soil nanoremediation currently exists. Wider implementation will require realistic field trials, long-term monitoring, safer and recoverable formulations, transparent regulatory assessment, and evaluation of soil functions and ecosystem-service recovery. A site-specific decision framework is proposed to support material selection, risk–benefit evaluation, and responsible implementation. Full article

Functional nanomaterials, such as functionalized nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanocrystals, MXene and liposomes, have emerged as game-changers in tissue engineering, enabling precise modulation of cellular behaviors and dynamic biomimetic microenvironments. This review comprehensively summarizes and discusses the cutting-edge applications of nanomaterials in tissue regeneration (including bone, skin, neural and cardiac tissue regeneration), with a focus on their unique physicochemical properties (e.g., stimuli-responsiveness, nano-topography) and hybrid system design. Recent breakthroughs include 4D-printed shape-memory nanocomposites for irregular bone defects and “smart” wound dressings integrating antibacterial nanoparticles with real-time biosensing. However, clinical adoption remains constrained by unresolved challenges in biocompatibility, scalability of nanomanufacturing, and regulatory ambiguities. We critically analyze these barriers and propose a translational roadmap leveraging AI-driven material design and multi-omics validation platforms to accelerate commercialization. Full article

With the widespread adoption of the Internet of Things and wearable technology, flexible tactile sensors—serving as core components for detecting external mechanical signals—have become a key supporting technology across numerous fields. Piezoresistive flexible tactile sensors offer advantages such as simple structure, high sensitivity, and ease of integration. Paper-based sensing materials sensitized with nanomaterials are simple to prepare and low-cost, making them suitable candidates for tactile sensor fabrication. However, paper-based tactile sensors typically cannot simultaneously achieve a wide detection range and high sensitivity. This paper presents an engineered microstructure-sensitized flexible tactile sensor based on toilet paper/silver nanowires (AgNWs). This study integrates the structural advantages of engineered polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microstructures with the synergistic effects of toilet paper/silver nanowires (AgNWs) to construct a high-performance flexible sensing system. The device exhibits a wide pressure detection range (6.85–273.96 kPa), high sensitivity (39,570 kPa⁻¹), response and recovery times on the order of hundreds of milliseconds, and stable operation over approximately 10,000 cycles. This sensor demonstrates promising application potential in wearable biosensing, health monitoring, and related fields. Full article

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) represent a new class of bio-based polymer alternatives, where fungal networks act as natural binders within lignocellulosic composite architectures. This review systematically summarises the development of mycelium-based packaging materials from early laboratory research to industrial applications since the pioneering work of Ecovative Design in 2007. The review analyses how fungal strains and substrate compositions regulate the mechanical properties, density, hydrophobicity, and biodegradability of MBCs. Additionally, reinforcement strategies, including natural fibre reinforcement, nanomaterial modification, densification treatment, and process optimisation, are discussed for their roles in improving material performance. Furthermore, current commercial applications of mycelium-based packaging in electronics, food, cosmetics, and construction are reviewed, together with the major challenges limiting large-scale industrialisation, such as production scalability, cost competitiveness, and batch variability. Future research directions, including strain engineering, intelligent living materials, and automated biomanufacturing, are also outlined. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive reference for the design, optimisation, and commercial development of mycelium-based packaging materials within the framework of a circular bioeconomy. Full article

Flexible organic solar cells (FOSCs) are a promising green energy technology due to their mechanical flexibility, light weight, low cost, and compatibility with large-area solution processing. Although the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of rigid organic solar cells has exceeded 20%, a significant performance gap remains for flexible devices, primarily constrained by the limitations of two key components: the flexible substrate and the transparent electrode. This review systematically summarizes recent research progress on flexible substrates, including ultrathin glass, polymer substrates, stretchable substrates, and bio-based substrates, and flexible transparent electrodes, including ITO, conductive polymers, carbon-based nanomaterials, ultrathin metal films, metal grids, and metal nanowire networks. Building on this, the review explores strategies for the synergistic design of substrates and electrodes, analyzing critical pathways for their co-optimization across four dimensions: interface engineering, mechanical compatibility, optical coupling, and process integration. Examining representative case studies from the literature, optimal substrate–electrode pairings for different application scenarios are summarized. Finally, the review outlines a future perspective on the evolution from compatibility toward functional integration, offering a systematic framework for the development of next-generation flexible photovoltaic devices that are efficient, stable, and adaptable to diverse application requirements. Full article

Fiber-reinforced cementitious composites have become increasingly important in the development of durable and sustainable construction materials, particularly following the replacement of asbestos-based reinforcements. However, the long-term performance of these composites is strongly influenced by the characteristics of the fiber–matrix interface, where moisture transport, interfacial degradation, and stress transfer mechanisms govern durability and mechanical behavior. Consequently, considerable efforts have been devoted to developing surface engineering strategies capable of improving fiber–matrix compatibility and enhancing composite performance. This review examines recent advances in surface modification and interfacial engineering approaches applied to fiber-reinforced cementitious composites. The discussion covers fiber–matrix bonding mechanisms and the main modification strategies, including alkali treatments, hornification, silane coupling agents, polymeric and hydrophobic coatings, nanomaterial-assisted modifications, and carbonation-induced surface engineering. The effects of these approaches on interfacial properties, durability, dimensional stability, and mechanical performance are critically assessed. The literature indicates that treatments combining surface chemistry modification, moisture control, and mineral-based densification provide more consistent improvements in durability than single-mechanism approaches. Future developments are expected to focus on scalable treatment methods, low-carbon cementitious systems, and advanced materials design strategies, enabling the development of next-generation fiber cement composites with enhanced durability, sustainability, and long-term performance. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance represents a growing global health challenge, necessitating the development of effective non-antibiotic antimicrobial approaches. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has emerged as a promising localized antimicrobial strategy owing to its broad-spectrum activity, biofilm-targeting capability, and low propensity to induce resistance. However, its clinical translation remains restricted by limited photosensitizer (PS) performance, insufficient light penetration, oxygen dependency, biofilm-associated barriers, and the lack of standardized treatment protocols. Methods: This narrative review summarizes recent strategies developed to enhance the efficacy and translational potential of aPDT, including PS engineering, nanomaterial- and non-nanomaterial-based delivery systems, advanced light-source technologies, hypoxia-modulating approaches, and synergistic therapeutic strategies. In addition, current challenges associated with regulatory approval, manufacturing scalability, treatment standardization, and clinical implementation are discussed. Results: Recent advances have transformed aPDT from a conventional PS–light–oxygen system into a multifunctional antimicrobial platform. Emerging approaches improve bacterial targeting, biofilm penetration, reactive oxygen species generation, oxygen utilization, and therapeutic precision. Nevertheless, many advanced systems remain at the preclinical stage due to complexity, cost, safety concerns, and insufficient clinical validation. Conclusions: aPDT should be considered a targeted therapeutic option for accessible, localized, and biofilm-associated infections rather than a replacement for systemic antimicrobial therapy. Future clinical translation will depend on balancing technological innovation with biosafety, scalability, and protocol standardization. Strategies integrating intelligent PS design, oxygen regulation, and clinically feasible synergistic approaches may provide promising pathways toward the broader application of aPDT in antimicrobial management. Full article

MXenes have emerged as a rapidly expanding family of two-dimensional transition-metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, characterized by exceptional compositional diversity, tunable surface chemistry, metallic conductivity, hydrophilicity, mechanical flexibility, and rich redox activity. These characteristics make MXenes highly attractive for next-generation technologies, including energy storage and conversion, catalysis, electromagnetic interference shielding, sensors, water purification, biomedical systems, and smart functional devices. However, the performance of MXene-based materials is strongly governed by their synthesis routes, defect structures, interlayer spacing, surface terminations, oxidation stability, and interfacial interactions with polymers, metals, oxides, and other two-dimensional materials. Therefore, a structure–property-oriented understanding is essential for moving MXene research from empirical material development toward rational functional design. Unlike application-centered summaries, this review develops a cross-application engineering framework that connects MXene synthesis and processing with multiscale structure, functional properties, performance trade-offs, and translational requirements. First, major synthesis and processing strategies are discussed, including selective etching, delamination, intercalation, surface modification, and scalable fabrication. Next, the relationships between MXene composition, morphology, surface chemistry, electrical conductivity, electrochemical behavior, mechanical properties, and environmental stability are analyzed. Recent advances in functionalization, heterostructure construction, and composite engineering are then highlighted to illustrate how MXene properties can be tailored for emerging applications. Finally, key challenges related to oxidation, restacking, long-term stability, environmental safety, reproducibility, and industrial translation are critically evaluated. This review aims to establish a design framework for engineering MXene nanomaterials toward high-performance, stable, and scalable emerging technologies. Full article

Continuous and noninvasive body fluid monitoring has attracted increasing attention in personalized healthcare, chronic disease management, and wearable point-of-care testing. Fiber-optic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors are particularly promising for this purpose because they combine label-free and real-time with miniaturization and low sample volume requirements. However, current body fluid sensing technologies and conventional bare metal SPR interfaces still face critical challenges, including insufficient analytical accuracy in complex biofluids, broad resonance linewidths, weak signal readability for trace biomarkers, and mechanical perturbations during wearable operation. These limitations highlight the need for nanomaterial-engineered fiber-optic SPR platforms that can convert interfacial molecular events into stable and sensitive signals. The review summarizes recent progress in nanomaterial-enabled fiber-optic SPR biosensors for continuous body fluid monitoring. Emphasis is first placed on nanomaterial mediated local electromagnetic field enhancement and plasmonic mode regulation. Subsequent discussion focuses on their functions in interfacial recognition, analyte enrichment, rapid mass transport, antifouling protection, and flexible integration for continuous operation. On this basis, representative sensing targets, material strategies, and device architectures for tears, urine, exhaled breath condensate, saliva and sweat are systematically analyzed. Finally, current challenges and future opportunities are discussed from the perspective of sensing reliability, wearable integration, and real sample validation. Full article