Search Results (2,125)

Remote and digital laboratories have become critical resources for sustaining experimental activities in natural sciences and engineering when direct access to physical facilities is constrained. This scoping review of 470 articles published between 2021 and 2026 examines the current state of research on remote laboratory development and educational implementation, identifying disciplinary patterns, pedagogical approaches, and reported learning outcomes. The analysis, based on systematic searches of Web of Science, Scopus, and Springer Nature, reveals a marked asymmetry: research concentrates overwhelmingly on university engineering, whilst chemistry, physics, and especially biology remain underrepresented, the corpus concentrates geographically in Europe, North America, and Asia, and production accelerated sharply during the pandemic before stabilizing or declining. A critical finding is that much of the literature (particularly in engineering) treats student learning as secondary validation of technical infrastructure rather than as a primary research question. The review identifies a consistent and significant gap in rigorous investigations of scientific skill development in remote laboratories for natural sciences, and limited evidence, within the analyzed search strategy, of explicit pedagogical or didactic frameworks for integrating these technologies into science teaching sequences. These findings point to a clear research priority: the field requires concrete didactic and pedagogical models for integrating remote laboratories into natural science education, with sustained attention to authentic scientific reasoning and experimental competencies, particularly at pre-university levels where the gap is most pronounced. Full article

Existing reviews on micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) removal from water rarely link adsorbent structural features to the molecular interactions governing removal performance. This review addresses this gap by examining MNP adsorption from a mechanism-oriented perspective, mapping six canonical interaction pathways across five adsorbent classes. Adsorption emerges as a system-dependent process governed by the interplay between polymer properties and surface chemistry rather than by the material alone. Interactions such as π–π stacking and hydrophobic affinity dominate for non-functionalized polymers on carbon-rich surfaces, while electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonding become more relevant for oxidised particles. Pore structure becomes significant when particle size and porosity match, whereas chemisorption provides a stronger and faster pathway in systems containing reactive metal sites. Across material classes, differences relate more closely to scalability and sustainability than to intrinsic adsorption capacity. Bio-based materials offer a favourable balance between performance and practical implementation, while more advanced systems provide greater control but remain limited by synthesis complexity. Laboratory capacities often overestimate real performance, and removal efficiency in complex matrices is a more reliable metric. Future progress will depend on improved standardisation, integration with modelling, and validation under realistic conditions to support the transition from laboratory studies to practical applications. Full article

Hydrogels are hydrated three-dimensional polymeric networks with biomedical potential because they can encapsulate therapeutic agents and provide localised, sustained, or stimulus-responsive drug delivery. Their performance is determined by interacting variables, including polymer composition, synthesis route, crosslinking chemistry, drug loading, swelling, degradation, and the biological microenvironment. This multidimensional design space often makes hydrogel development slow and dependent on trial-and-error experimentation. This review examines the data-driven development of biomedical hydrogels for controlled drug delivery, focusing on clinical applications and emerging machine-learning approaches that support material selection, formulation design, synthesis optimisation, and release prediction. The review first discusses natural and synthetic hydrogels, including alginate, chitosan, gelatin-based systems, hyaluronic acid, and polyethylene glycol, with emphasis on how their physicochemical properties influence biocompatibility, synthesis flexibility, and drug-release behaviour. Key applications are then considered, including wound healing, cancer therapy, glucose-responsive insulin delivery, and inflammatory disease management. Particular attention is given to injectable and stimuli-responsive hydrogels, where formulation conditions and synthesis parameters can be tuned to improve localisation, therapeutic exposure, and release control. The review evaluates machine-learning methods, including random forest, gradient boosting, artificial neural networks, Gaussian process regression, and active learning, for predicting hydrogel properties, modelling release profiles, optimizing synthesis and formulation variables, and prioritizing experimental candidates. Finally, translational challenges are addressed, including small non-standardised datasets, limited external validation, weak in vitro-clinical correlations, material safety, explainability, reproducibility, scalability, and regulatory requirements. By integrating clinical, materials, synthesis, and machine-learning perspectives, this review highlights opportunities for developing safer and clinically relevant hydrogel-based drug-delivery systems. Full article

Pharmaceutical compounds, emerging medicinal residues, and personal care products (PPCPs) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments and are causing a serious global environmental problem because of their persistence, bioaccumulation, and harmful effects on the environment and human health. Conventional wastewater treatment technologies are sometimes not capable of removing them completely, causing persistent releases of biologically active micropollutants to surface water, groundwater, and drinking water systems. In this context, biomass-derived catalysts are a promising class of advanced materials for environmental remediation because of their sustainable and cost-efficient nature. The catalysts are composed of bio-residues, such as agricultural residues, forestry wastes, and other bioresources, that have tunable surface chemistry, high porosity, and can be activated and functionalized to increase their catalytic activity. This review summarizes recent advances in biomass-derived catalysts for the removal of pharmaceuticals and PPCPs from water. Special attention is given to synthesis methods, such as pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, chemical activation, heteroatom doping, and metal or metal-oxide hybridization. The catalytic mechanisms of pollutant degradation, including adsorption, radical-based advanced oxidation processes, and non-radical electron-transfer mechanisms, are critically discussed. Moreover, the effect of key operating parameters, catalyst stability, and real wastewater test performance are studied. Sustainability aspects such as green synthesis routes, integration of circular bioeconomy, and life-cycle aspects are also emphasized. Finally, current issues like catalyst deactivation, scaling-up, and the lack of a full mechanistic understanding are identified, and future research avenues are suggested to enable the implementation of efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly catalytic systems for large-scale wastewater treatment applications. Full article

Gelatin hydrogels combine biological origin, biodegradability, abundant chemical functionality, and broad processability, but their native thermoreversible physical networks generally lack the stability required for sustained operation. Crosslinking overcomes this limitation while regulating hydration, mechanics, transport, degradation, and responsiveness. This review examines gelatin hydrogel crosslinking from a structure–property–function perspective, connecting molecular design with physicochemical characterization and functional performance. Temperature-induced gelation and ion-mediated physical interactions are compared with small-molecule- and coupling-agent-mediated, enzyme-catalyzed, and photoinduced covalent crosslinking strategies, highlighting their different balances among reversibility, stability, processability, and biocompatibility. Particular attention is given to the characterization methods required to relate junction chemistry and network organization to swelling, thermal behavior, mechanical response, degradation, and molecular or ionic transport. These relationships are evaluated across drug delivery and controlled release, tissue engineering and wound healing, food packaging, preservation and delivery, water remediation and environmental management, wearable sensing and bioelectronics, and energy storage. Across these fields, the central challenge is not to maximize crosslinking, but to balance network stability with the molecular mobility required for function. By integrating complementary crosslinking mechanisms with multiscale characterization, gelatin can be engineered as a programmable platform for advanced soft materials. Full article

The development of highly efficient and durable electrocatalysts for water electrolysis is fundamentally constrained by sluggish reaction kinetics, limited active-site regulation, and structural degradation under harsh operating conditions. High-entropy materials (HEMs), featuring maximized compositional diversity and configurational entropy, have emerged as versatile platforms for catalytic optimization. However, the rational incorporation of rare-earth (RE) elements into high-entropy systems and their intrinsic roles in regulating catalytic behavior remain largely unexplored. Owing to their unique electronic configurations, large atomic size mismatch, variable oxidation states, and strong affinity toward oxygen species, RE elements provides additional opportunities to manipulate electronic structures, lattice distortion, defect chemistry, and surface reconstruction behaviors within high-entropy frameworks. Rather than cataloguing individual catalyst systems, this review critically organizes RE-regulated HEMs along a structure-activity chain linking the high-entropy host and RE incorporation to local coordination/electronic effects, catalytic pathways, operando reconstruction, and long-term stability. The fundamental design principles and various modulation strategies, along with their catalytic applications toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and overall/seawater electrolysis are discussed, along with emphasis on the structure-activity relationships revealed by advanced characterization techniques and theoretical calculations. Finally, the remaining challenges and perspectives associated with RE incorporation regarding the activity-stability trade-off, long-term structural evolution, resource efficiency, and practical scalability are analyzed, aiming to offer guidelines for the rational design of RE-engineered high-entropy electrocatalysts with optimized activity, stability, and practical applicability for sustainable energy conversion technologies. Full article

Tungsten trioxide (WO₃) and molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) are redox-active Group VI transition-metal oxides widely used in functional thin-film technologies. Many studies have examined single-phase WO₃ and MoO₃ films. However, WO₃/MoO₃ nanocomposite thin films and heterostructures have not yet been comprehensively reviewed as interface-engineered platforms for smart and sustainable technologies. This review addresses this gap by analyzing WO₃/MoO₃ thin-film nanocomposites through the concept of interfacial synergy. Particular attention is paid to the structural complementarity of WO₃ and α-MoO₃, oxygen nonstoichiometry, mixed W⁶⁺/W⁵⁺/W⁴⁺ and Mo⁶⁺/Mo⁵⁺/Mo⁴⁺ valence states, crystallographic-shear suboxides, W–O–Mo interfaces, and fabrication routes for mixed, graded, and multilayer films. The functional advantages of these systems do not arise from simply combining the two oxides. Instead, they result from charge and oxygen-vacancy redistribution, shortened ion–electron transport pathways, phase stabilization, and the formation of new active sites at interface boundaries. The review also emphasizes the need to distinguish genuine interfacial synergy from apparent improvements caused by surface area, film thickness, porosity, hydration, or measurement conditions. Finally, the review links structural features, defect chemistry, and interface-controlled properties to device-level functionality. This framework highlights promising directions for WO₃/MoO₃ nanocomposite films in a wide range of smart and sustainable technologies. Full article

To resolve thermodynamic uncertainties in global gas–particle partitioning and persistent organic pollutant transport, this work integrates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the CHASER V4.0 chemistry–climate model, presenting the first global online simulations of naphthalene (NAP), phenanthrene (PHE), pyrene (PYR), and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) within this framework to study their fate in the atmosphere. Soot adsorption (K_SA(T)) is coupled with organic matter absorption (K_OA(T)) under an extended Dachs–Eisenreich dual-mode scheme. The coupled model was evaluated at urban, background, and Arctic stations, satisfactorily capturing the broad global spatial gradients (pooled spatial R = 0.78 on a log₁₀ scale; spatial FAC2 = 80% for BaP excluding severe sub-grid hotspots) and seasonal cycles (R = 0.62–0.93). The K_SA(T) scheme rectifies the under-prediction of the particle-bound fraction (φ) in cold high-latitude regions (increasing polar φBaP by up to ~0.6), inherent in the baseline K_OA(T) scheme. Sensitivity tests show that elevated elemental carbon (f_EC) enhances soot adsorption and particle-phase shielding against oxidation, extending the mean lifetime of BaP to 1.72 days (compared to 0.57–0.72 days for lighter congeners) and sustaining transoceanic outflow. Overall, this framework provides an essential tool for assessing transboundary toxicant transport, climate-sensitive health risks, and pollution mitigation policies. Full article

Food contact materials (FCMs) represent a major route of exposure to chemicals since they can migrate from packaging into food, raising health concerns. Due to its heterogeneous nature and complexity, the monitoring of chemicals present in or released by FCMs poses a significant analytical challenge, requiring both target methods for the quantitative determination of both intentionally and non-intentionally added substances (IAS and NIAS) and untargeted approaches to fingerprint the material and identify previously unknown IAS and NIAS. In recent years, green analytical chemistry has become fundamental for method development, promoting safer, faster and more sustainable workflows with reduced solvent consumption, waste generation and environmental impact. This review discusses recent advances in green analytical workflows for FCM characterization, with emphasis on sample preparation and instrumental analysis, covering the state of the art from 2020 to 2026. Full article

Aligned with green chemistry principles and the pursuit of sustainable synthesis, we developed a lignin–resorcinol–furfural (LRF) gel system within a deep eutectic solvent (DES), in which lignin partially replaces resorcinol and furfural serves as a bio-based alternative to formaldehyde. We further examined the correlation between the lignin substitution ratio (65–90%) and the gelation kinetics, microstructure, and electrochemical performance of the resulting carbon aerogels (LRFC). The findings reveal that the lignin substitution ratio exerts a critical influence on both the crosslinking uniformity and the overall network architecture of the resulting LRFC. The results demonstrated that LRFC65, with a lignin substitution ratio of 65%, exhibited the optimal electrochemical performance: a specific capacitance of 117.2 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.2 A g⁻¹, along with lower charge transfer and diffusion resistance. This work offers promising prospects for high-value bio-based furfural and lignin valorization. Full article

Polymer nanocomposites have attracted considerable attention owing to their ability to achieve substantial improvements in mechanical, thermal, electrical, barrier, and multifunctional properties through the incorporation of low concentrations of nanoscale fillers. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in polymer nanocomposites, focusing on the relationships between nanofiller characteristics, processing strategies, interfacial interactions, and the resulting material performance. Different classes of nanofillers, including carbon-based, ceramic, metallic, polymeric, and hybrid nanostructures, are systematically compared with respect to their morphology, surface chemistry, of processing routes, including melt blending, solution processing, in situ polymerization, and surface functionalization, on nanoparticle dispersion and polymer–nanofiller interfacial adhesion is critically discussed. The review further evaluates how these factors govern the mechanical, thermal, electrical, dielectric, and barrier properties of polymer nanocomposites and summarizes their applications in aerospace, automotive engineering, electronics, biomedical devices, energy systems, construction, and advanced packaging. Current technological challenges, including nanoparticle aggregation, long-term stability, process scalability, environmental impact, and nanomaterial safety, are also examined. Finally, emerging research directions, including hybrid nanofillers, sustainable polymer systems, digital materials design, and machine-learning-assisted optimization of polymer nanocomposites, are highlighted. This review provides an integrated perspective on the design and processing of high-performance polymer nanocomposites and identifies key opportunities for future research and industrial implementation. Full article

In rapidly expanding African cities, the ecotoxicological relevance of PM₁₀ remains largely unresolved, especially where particle mass, chemical composition and emission sources are rarely assessed together. Here, 116 daily PM₁₀ samples collected in Luanda between 27 June and 5 November 2023 were tested using the Microtox^® Aliivibrio fischeri assay on aqueous extracts. Chemical speciation was combined with centred log-ratio (CLR) compositional clustering to identify recurring chemical regimes, while Positive Matrix Factorisation (PMF) was used to resolve the corresponding emission sources. Toxicity was moderate but highly variable: Toxic units after 15 min (TU₁₅) ranged from 0.84 to 8.54, with changes in toxicity units between 5 and 15 min (ΔTU) varying from −1.51 to +4.84. Only 3 of the 116 samples showed TU₁₅ < 1, and none reached TU₁₅ ≥ 10. The strongest responses occurred under a metal-enriched chemical regime (C2), characterised by elevated Zn, Pb and Cd concentrations, which showed the highest mean TU₁₅ (4.22) and ΔTU (1.52). This regime coincided with PMF evidence identifying non-ferrous metallurgy plus galvanised/metal scrap handling and burning as the factor most strongly associated with toxicity (ρTU₁₅ = 0.63; ρΔTU = 0.78), followed by a Ni-rich metallurgical factor with possible aviation influence (ρTU₁₅ = 0.51). Conversely, a marine/ionic chemical regime (C3) showed lower, stable toxicity, consistent with negative marine aerosol associations. These findings show that integrating chemical regimes with PMF-resolved sources identifies metal-related emissions as the main drivers of PM₁₀ ecotoxicity. Full article

Density measurement with vibrating tube density meters is a fundamental technique in biotechnology, for example, as the metrological base for spectroscopy calibrations. However, conventional multi-point adjustments frequently rely on hazardous halogenated solvents. In this work, green alternatives for density calibration are evaluated with a focus on replacing hazardous substances while maintaining analytical performance. Propylene carbonate is identified as an intrinsic candidate standard for densities up to 1.20 g/mL, eliminating reliance on conventional halogenated liquids. For routine verification and system suitability testing, binary aqueous solutions of sodium chloride and guanidine hydrochloride are proposed as secondary standards. Guanidine hydrochloride solutions provide particular advantages due to their moderate viscosity and high refractometric sensitivity, allowing independent verification of composition and extended usability. In addition, historical density data for NaCl and CsCl solutions were re-evaluated to showcase that in silico modeling can derive density–temperature–composition relations with reasonable overall accuracy. Overall, the proposed approach demonstrates that accurate density calibration in bioanalytical laboratories can be achieved using low-toxicity, non-halogenated substances thereby reducing environmental impact while supporting fit-for-purpose analytical performance. Full article

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic receptors with cavities shaped around a template, combining antibody-like selectivity with chemical, thermal, and mechanical robustness; low cost; and reusability. This Review examines recent advances in MIP-based biosensing, from bulk materials to thin-film, nanostructured, surface-imprinted, and epitope-imprinted architectures designed to improve site accessibility and performance in complex biofluids. We connect polymer chemistry and interface design to molecular recognition and electrochemical, optical, and mass-sensitive transduction. Applications range from small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses to whole cells, encompassing miniaturized, wearable, and point-of-care formats. Particular attention is devoted to design assisted by computational methods and machine learning, as well as to the challenges of reproducibility, standardization, metrology, and sustainability that still limit translation. Rather than universal substitutes for antibodies, MIPs are presented as programmable biointerfaces that integrate molecular recognition, signal transduction, device engineering, and the design of low-environmental-impact materials. Full article

Transparent glazing systems are increasingly required to provide simultaneous control over light transmission, solar heat gain, thermal losses, surface contamination, and environmental durability, creating new challenges for the development of multifunctional coating technologies. This review critically examines advanced optical and self-cleaning coatings developed for transparent glass and polymeric substrates, with particular emphasis on the relationships between materials chemistry, surface/interface chemistry, microstructure, and functional performance. Dielectric multilayers, metal oxides, ceramic coatings, sol-gel-derived hybrid systems, and emerging chromogenic materials are discussed in terms of their chemical compositions, structural characteristics, and mechanisms governing optical, thermal, and surface properties. Particular attention is given to structure–property relationships associated with photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmission, near-infrared (NIR) management, thermal emissivity, solar modulation, wettability, and self-cleaning behavior, together with their implications for energy-efficient transparent glazing and greenhouse environments. The influence of coating architecture, porosity, surface roughness, interfacial interactions, and deposition conditions on functional performance and long-term stability is critically evaluated. The advantages and limitations of representative deposition strategies are further compared, considering scalability, process compatibility, substrate sensitivity, and application to heat-sensitive polymeric films. Environmental degradation mechanisms induced by ultraviolet irradiation, moisture, thermal cycling, and mechanical stresses are analyzed to identify the key factors governing coating durability and sustainability. Finally, current knowledge gaps and emerging research directions are identified, highlighting the need for rational materials design, multifunctional integration, scalable fabrication, and improved structure-property-durability correlations for next-generation transparent glazing and greenhouse applications. Full article