Search Results (2,025)

Cervical cancer represents a significant global health challenge. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) appears to be a promising, minimally invasive alternative to standard treatments. However, the clinical efficacy of PDT is sometimes limited by the low solubility and aggregation of photosensitizers, their non-selective distribution in the body, hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment, and limited light penetration. Recent advances in nanoparticle and nanocomposite platforms have addressed these challenges by integrating multiple functional components into a single delivery system. By encapsulating or conjugating photosensitizers in biodegradable matrices, such as mesoporous silica, organometallic structures and core–shell construct nanocarriers increase stability in water and extend circulation time, enabling both passive and active targeting through ligand decoration. Up-conversion and dual-wavelength responsive cores facilitate deep light conversion in tissues, while simultaneous delivery of hypoxia-modulating agents alleviates oxygen deprivation to sustain reactive oxygen species generation. Controllable “motor-cargo” constructs and surface modifications improve intratumoral diffusion, while aggregation-induced emission dyes and plasmonic elements support real-time imaging and quantitative monitoring of therapeutic response. Together, these multifunctional nanosystems have demonstrated potent cytotoxicity in vitro and significant tumor suppression in vivo in mouse models of cervical cancer. Combining targeted delivery, controlled release, hypoxia mitigation, and image guidance, engineered nanoparticles provide a versatile and powerful platform to overcome the current limitations of PDT and pave the way toward more effective, patient-specific treatments for cervical malignancies. Our review of the literature summarizes studies on nanoparticles and nanocomposites used in PDT monotherapy for cervical cancer, published between 2023 and July 2025. Full article

This study investigates the feasibility of using volcanic lapillus as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in mortar production to improve the sustainability of the cement industry. Cement production is one of the main sources of CO₂ emissions, mainly due to clinker production. Replacing clinker with SCMs, such as volcanic lapillus, can reduce the environmental impact while maintaining adequate mechanical properties. Experiments were conducted to replace up to 20 wt% of limestone Portland cement with volcanic lapillus. Workability, compressive strength, microstructure, resistance to alkali-silica reaction (ASR), sulfate, and chloride penetration were analyzed. The results showed that up to 10% replacement had a minimal effect on mechanical properties, while higher percentages resulted in reduced strength but still improved some durability features. The control sample cured 28 days showed a compressive strength of 43.05 MPa compared with 36.89 MPa for the sample containing 10% lapillus. After 90 days the respective values for the above samples were 44.76 MPa and 44.57 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed good gel–aggregate adhesion, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed reduced calcium hydroxide content, indicating pozzolanic activity. Overall, volcanic lapillus shows promise as a sustainable SCM, offering CO₂ reduction and durability benefits, although higher replacement rates require further optimization. Full article

This study reports the development of a sustainable biocatalyst system for free fatty acid (FFA) production from cocoa bean shell (CBS) oil using Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL). CBS was explored as both a support material and a reaction substrate. Six immobilized systems were prepared using organic (CBS), inorganic (silica), and hybrid (CBS–silica) supports via physical adsorption or covalent binding. Among them, the covalently immobilized enzyme on CBS (ORG-CB) showed the most balanced performance, achieving a catalytic efficiency (Ke) of 0.063 mM⁻¹·min⁻¹ (18.6% of the free enzyme), broad pH–temperature tolerance, and over 50% activity retention after eight reuse cycles. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed enhanced thermal resistance for ORG-CB (Ed = 32.3 kJ mol⁻¹; ΔH‡ = 29.7 kJ mol⁻¹), while kinetic evaluation revealed that its thermal deactivation occurred faster than for the free enzyme under prolonged heating. In application trials, ORG-CB reached 60.1% FFA conversion from CBS oil, outperforming the free enzyme (49.9%). These findings validate CBS as a dual-function material for enzyme immobilization and valorization of agro-industrial waste. The results also reinforce the impact of immobilization chemistry and support composition on the operational and thermal performance of biocatalysts, contributing to the advancement of green chemistry strategies in enzyme-based processing. Full article

Background/Objectives: The incorporation of bioactive molecules into mesoporous carriers is a promising strategy to improve stability, solubility, and therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we report for the first time the encapsulation of the synthetic chalcone 4-Cl into KIT-6 mesoporous silica and evaluate its cytotoxicity, toxicological profile, and pharmacological activities (antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic) using an in vivo zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. Methods: Zebrafish were orally dosed with 4-Cl, 4-Cl/KIT-6, or KIT-6 (4, 20, 40 mg/kg) and mortality was recorded for 96 h. For analgesia, zebrafish pretreated with 4-Cl, 4-Cl/KIT-6, KIT-6, or morphine received a tail stimulus (0.1% formalin). Locomotor activity (quadrant crossings) was monitored for 30 min to assess analgesia (neurogenic: 0–5 min; inflammatory: 15–30 min). For inflammation, abdominal edema and weight gain were assessed 4 h after intraperitoneal carrageenan (1.5%). Zebrafish (n = 6/group) received 4-Cl, 4-Cl/KIT-6, or KIT-6 (4, 20, 40 mg/kg, p.o.). Controls received ibuprofen (100 mg/kg, p.o.) or 3% DMSO. Weight was measured hourly for 4 h post-carrageenan (difference between baseline and hourly weights). Results: Physicochemical characterizations confirmed successful encapsulation without compromising the ordered structure of KIT-6, as evidenced by a significant reduction in surface area and pore volume, indicating efficient drug incorporation. In vivo assays demonstrated that the 4-Cl/KIT-6 formulation maintained the pharmacological activities of the free chalcone, reduced toxicity, and, notably, revealed a significant anxiolytic effect for the first time. Conclusions: These findings highlight KIT-6 as a promising platform for chalcone delivery systems and provide a solid basis for future preclinical investigations. Full article

This study investigates the effects of samarium (Sm) promotion on the catalytic activity of 5 weight percent Ni catalysts for partial oxidation of methane (POM)-based hydrogen production supported on a Si-Al mixed oxide (10SiO₂+90Al₂O₃) system. Several 5% Ni-based catalysts supported on silica–alumina was used to test the POM at 600 °C. Sm additions ranged from 0 to 2 wt.%. Impregnation was used to create these catalysts, which were then calcined at 500 °C and examined using BET, H₂-TPR, XRD, FTIR, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, and TGA methods. Methane conversion (57.85%) and hydrogen yield (56.89%) were greatly increased with an ideal Sm loading of 1 wt.%, indicating increased catalytic activity and stability. According to catalytic tests, 1 wt.% Sm produced high CH₄ conversion and H₂ production, as well as enhanced stability and resistance to carbon deposition. Nitrogen physisorption demonstrated a progressive decrease in pore volume and surface area with the addition of Sm, while maintaining mesoporosity. At moderate Sm loadings, H₂-TPR and XRD analyses showed changes in crystallinity and increased NiO reducibility. Sm incorporation into the support and its impact on the ordering of carbon species were indicated by FTIR and Raman spectra. The optimal conditions to maximize H₂ yield were successfully identified through optimization of the best catalyst, and there was good agreement between the theoretical predictions (87.563%) and actual results (88.39%). This displays how successfully the optimization approach achieves the intended outcome. Overall, this study demonstrates that the performance and durability of Ni-based catalysts for generating syngas through POM are greatly enhanced by the addition of a moderate amount of Sm, particularly 1 wt.%. Full article

Here, we report the discovery of silica- and sulfur-enriched deposits forming on the seafloor off Zannone Island (western Mediterranean Sea), where hydrothermal activity is ongoing. Our multidisciplinary investigation reveals that these deposits form through the interplay between hydrothermal processes and microbial activity. The deposits result from a dynamic equilibrium involving microbial mediation, sedimentation, and episodic lithification, driven primarily by two mineralization pathways: silica and sulfur precipitation. This study provides new insights into the bio-sedimentary processes shaping authigenic crusts in shallow submarine hydrothermal settings, contributing to a broader understanding of mineralization in marine environments influenced by both geological and biological factors. Full article

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has made the public aware of the importance of combating pathogenic microorganisms before they enter the human body. This growing threat from microorganisms prompted us to conduct research into a new type of coating that would be an alternative to the continuous disinfection of touch surfaces. Our goal was to design, synthesise and thoroughly characterise such a coating. In this work, we present a nanocomposite material composed of a thin-layer mesoporous SBA-15 silica matrix containing copper phosphonate groups, which act as catalytic centres responsible for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In order to verify the structure of the material, including its molecular structure, microscopic observations and Raman spectroscopy were performed. The generation of ROS was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy analysis using a fluorogenic probe. The antimicrobial activity was tested against a wide spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while cytotoxicity was tested on BALB/c3T3 mouse fibroblast cells and HeLa cells. The studies fully confirmed the expected structure of the obtained material, its antimicrobial activity, and the absence of cytotoxicity towards fibroblast cells. The results obtained confirmed the high application potential of the tested nanocomposite coating. Full article

In the field of green chemistry, the development of more sustainable and cost-efficient methods for synthesizing primary amines is of paramount importance, with catalyst research being central to this effort. This work presents a facile, aqueous-phase synthesis of highly active cobalt catalysts (Co-Ph@SiO₂(x)) via pyrolysis of silica-supported cobalt–phenanthroline complexes. The optimized Co-Ph@SiO₂(900) catalyst achieved exceptional performance (>99% conversion, >98% selectivity) in the reductive amination of acetophenone to 1-phenylethanamine using NH₃/H₂. Systematic studies revealed that its exceptional performance originates from the in situ pyrolysis of the cobalt–phyllosilicate complex. This process promotes the uniform distribution of metal cobalt nanoparticles, simultaneously enhancing porosity and imparting bifunctional (acidic and basic) properties to the catalyst, resulting in outstanding catalytic activity and selectivity. The catalyst demonstrated broad applicability, efficiently converting diverse ketones (aryl-alkyl, dialkyl, bioactive) and aldehydes (halogenated, heterocyclic, biomass-derived) into primary amines with high yields (up to 99%) and chemoselectivity (>40 examples). This sustainable, non-noble metal-based catalyst system offers significant potential for industrial primary amine synthesis and provides a versatile tool for developing highly selective and active heterogeneous catalysts. Full article

Room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone foams are used in many industrial applications that require the material to perform over long time periods. However, mechanical properties tend to deteriorate when these foams age under a compressive load. The chemical aging is attributed to the presence of unreacted functional groups of the prepolymers, residues from acid, and catalytically active tin (II) species. Here, an optimized thermal treatment of an RTV foam that achieves completion of curing reactions and deactivation of reactive species is proposed. Foams that were thermally aged for three months under compressive load showed no signs of compression set, indicative of the effectiveness of the implemented post-curing approach. In addition, the effects of fillers (diatomaceous earth, fumed silica, and carbon nanofibers) on thermomechanical properties were investigated. Tensile strength, tear strength, and thermal conductivity increased when these fillers were added to the unfilled RTV formulation, with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) being the most effective filler. Rheological studies of RTV formulations indicated that 2.5 wt.% of CNFs is the upper limit that can be added to the RTV formulation. Full article

Fluidized solidified soil (FSS) has emerged as a promising material for marine pile scour remediation, yet its limited construction window and vulnerability to hydraulic erosion before sufficient curing constrain its broader application. This study systematically evaluates FSS formulations based on dredged sediment, cement partially replaced by silica fume (i.e., 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%), and quicklime activation under three water–solid ratios (WSR, i.e., 0.525, 0.55, and 0.575). Experimental assessments included flowability tests, unconfined compressive strength, direct shear tests, and microstructural analysis via XRD and SEM. The results indicate that SF substitution significantly mitigates flowability loss during the 90–120 min interval, thereby extending the operational period. Moreover, the greatest enhancement in mechanical performance was achieved at an 8% SF replacement: at WSR = 0.55, the 3-day UCS increased by 22.78%, while the 7-day cohesion and internal friction angle rose by 13.97% and 2.59%, respectively. Microscopic analyses also confirmed that SF’s pozzolanic reaction generated additional C-S-H gel. However, the SF substitution exhibits a pronounced threshold effect, with levels above 8% introducing unreacted particles that disrupt the cementitious network. These results underscore the critical balance between flowability and early-age strength for stable marine pile scour repair, with WSR = 0.525 and 8% SF substitution identified as the optimal mix. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ovarian cancer (OC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies of the female reproductive system. Glucose oxidase (GOx) has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent in cancer treatment by inducing tumor starvation through glucose depletion. Nonetheless, its clinical application is constrained due to its systemic toxicity, immunogenicity, poor in vivo stability, and short half-life. These challenges can be addressed through nanotechnology; in particular, biogenic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) offer promise as drug delivery systems (DDSs) that enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. Methods: Biogenic MSNs were extracted from the Equisetum myriochaetum plant via acid digestion, functionalized with 3-aminopropiltrietoxysilane (APTES) and glutaraldehyde (GTA), and loaded with GOx. The free and immobilized MSNs were characterized using FTIR, DLS, XRD, SEM/EDX, and BET techniques. A colorimetric approach was employed to quantify the enzymatic activity of both the free and immobilized GOx. The MTT assay was employed to assess the viability of SKOV3 cells. The obtained IC₅₀ concentration of the nanoformulation was administered to SKOV3 cells to analyze the expression of cancer-related genes using RT-qPCR. Results: IC₅₀ values of 60.77 ng/mL and 111.6 µg/mL were ascertained for the free and immobilized GOx, respectively. Moreover, a significant downregulation of the oncogene β-catenin (CTNNB1) was detected after 24 h with the nanoformulation. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that GOx-loaded biogenic MSNs may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report exploring the effect of GOx-loaded biogenic MSNs on SKOV3 cells. Full article

In this study, MIL-101 (Cr) was synthesized and characterized in terms of its physical properties. The adsorption breakthrough curves for toluene were measured and compared to those of conventional adsorbents (i.e., silica gel and activated carbon) at typical indoor concentrations of toluene. The results show that MIL-101 (Cr) exhibits a 5–8 times higher adsorption capacity for toluene compared to silica gel at low concentrations. The adsorption isotherm of MIL-101 (Cr) for toluene conforms to the Langmuir model. Increasing temperature reduces the adsorption breakthrough time and saturation time, but it leads to a significant decrease in the adsorption capacity. During the breakthrough experiment, flow rate had little effect on adsorption capacity, but higher flow rates notably decreased the breakthrough and saturation times. The negative values of ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS indicate that the adsorption of toluene on MIL-101 (Cr) is a spontaneous and exothermic process. Compared to traditional adsorbents, MIL-101 (Cr) exhibits desirable performance in toluene adsorption in indoor environments. It shows significant potential for indoor air purification applications. Full article

Rheum tataricum L.fil., known for its high tolerance to drought, salinity, and nutritional deficiency, is the least studied species of wild rhubarb. Extract of roots and rhizomes of R. tataricum has been traditionally used for the treatment of different diseases such as liver, kidney, womb, and bladder diseases and also relapsing fever. An ethanol extract of the roots of R. tataricum was prepared and further successively fractionated by extraction with tert-butyl methyl ether (TBME) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc). The obtained extract fractions were subjected to a series of chromatographic separations on silica gel for the isolation of its individual compounds. A total of 12 individual compounds, 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside of R-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanol (rhododendrin) 1, gallic acid 2, 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside of S-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanol (epi-rhododendrin) 3, their aglycones (-)-(2R)-rhododendrol 4 and (+)-(2S)-rhododendrol 5, gallotannin β-glucogallin 6, chlorogenic acids (3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid 7 and 5-O-caffeoyl-3-O-(p-coumaroyl) quinic acid 8), 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanon (raspberry ketone) 9 and three stilbenes (rhaponticin 10, desoxyrhaponticin 11 and resveratroloside 12), were isolated and characterized. The structure of desoxyrhaponticin 11 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analyses. The results of in vitro biological assays (the MTT test) showed that ethanol extract Rheum tataricum was non-toxic against the normal epithelial VERO cells. The isolated compounds 1, 4, 11 and 12 exhibited cytotoxicity against a cervical cancer cell line (CaSki), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) and glioblastoma cell line (SNB-19) at low micromolar concentrations. Polyhydroxystilbenes 11 and 12 showed the best potency against adenocarcinoma cells (GI₅₀ = 7–8 μM). The inhibition activity towards cancer cells was comparable to those of the standard drug doxorubicin. The available from R. tataricum secondary metabolites may serve as new leads for the discovery of anticancer drugs. Full article

Using innovative and sustainable materials has become crucial for developed countries. Reusing waste as a secondary raw material in industrial processes central to the circular economy could enhance environmental sustainability and support local economies. Building materials such as Portland cement have a significant environmental impact due to greenhouse gas emissions and construction and demolition waste (CDW), which is challenging to recycle. Research into sustainable alternatives is, therefore, essential. The European Union has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) supports the green transition in Italy by promoting sustainable materials like geopolymers. These ceramic-like materials are based on aluminosilicates obtained through the chemical activation of waste rich in silica and aluminosilicate compounds. Though promising, these materials require further research to address challenges like long-term durability and chemical variability. Collaboration between scientific research and industry is essential to develop specific protocols and suitable infrastructures. This article provides a critical review of the advancements and challenges in using alkali-activated waste as construction binders, focusing on Italy, and encourages the exploration of alternative sustainable materials beyond conventional Portland cement. Full article

Understanding the adsorption mechanism is essential for developing efficient technologies to capture carbon dioxide from industrial flue gases. In this work, laboratory measurements, density functional theory calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to study CO₂ adsorption and diffusion behavior in LTA-type zeolites. The CO₂ adsorption isotherms measured in zeolite 5A are best described by the Toth model. Thermodynamic analysis indicates that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic, with an enthalpy change of −44.04 kJ/mol, an entropy change of −115.23 J/(mol·K), and Gibbs free energy values ranging from −9.68 to −1.03 kJ/mol over the temperature range of 298–373 K. The isosteric heat of CO₂ adsorption decreases from 40.35 to 21.75 kJ/mol with increasing coverage, reflecting heterogeneous interactions at Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ sites. The adsorption kinetics follow a pseudo-first-order model, with an activation energy of 2.24 kJ/mol, confirming a physisorption mechanism. The intraparticle diffusion model indicates that internal diffusion is the rate-limiting step, supported by a significant reduction in the diffusion rate. The DFT calculations demonstrated that CO₂ exhibited a −35 kJ/mol more negative adsorption energy in zeolite 5A than in zeolite ITQ-29, attributable to strong interactions with Ca²⁺/Na⁺ cations in 5A that were absent in the pure silica ITQ-29 framework. The molecular dynamics simulations based on molecular force fields indicate that CO₂ diffuses more rapidly in ITQ-29, with a diffusion coefficient measuring 2.54 × 10⁻⁹ m²/s at 298 K, whereas it was 1.02 × 10⁻⁹ m²/s in zeolite 5A under identical conditions. The activation energy for molecular diffusion reaches 5.54 kJ/mol in zeolite 5A, exceeding the 4.12 kJ/mol value in ITQ-29 by 33%, which accounts for the slower diffusion kinetics in zeolite 5A. There is good agreement between experimental measurements and molecular simulation results for zeolite 5A across the studied temperature and pressure ranges. This confirms the accuracy and reliability of the selected simulation parameters and allows for the study of zeolite ITQ under similar simulation conditions. This research provides insights into CO₂ adsorption energetics and diffusion within LTA-type zeolite frameworks, supporting the rational design of high-performance adsorbents for industrial gas separation. Full article