Search Results (2,225)

A novel near-infrared (NIR) squaraine-based chemosensor, SQ-68, has been designed and synthesized for the sensitive and selective detection of Cu²⁺ and Ag⁺ ions, offering a compact solution for multi-analyte sensing. SQ-68 demonstrates high selectivity, with its performance influenced by the solvent environment: It selectively detects Cu²⁺ in acetonitrile and Ag⁺ in an ethanol–water mixture. Upon binding with either ion, SQ-68 undergoes significant absorption changes in the NIR region, accompanied by visible color changes, enabling naked-eye detection. Spectroscopic studies confirm a 1:1 binding stoichiometry with both Cu²⁺ and Ag⁺, accompanied by hypochromism. The detection limits are 0.09 μM for Cu²⁺ and 0.38 μM for Ag⁺, supporting highly sensitive quantification. The sensor’s practical applicability was validated in real water samples (sea, lake, and tap water), with recovery rates ranging from 73–95% for Cu²⁺ to 59–99% for Ag⁺. These results establish SQ-68 as a reliable and efficient chemosensor for environmental monitoring and water quality assessment. Its dual-analyte capability, solvent-tunable selectivity, and visual detection features make it a promising tool for rapid and accurate detection of heavy metal ions in diverse aqueous environments. Full article

Biocatalysis is one of the oldest fields that has been used in industrial applications, with one of the earliest purposeful examples being the mass production of acetic acid from an immobilized Acinetobacter strain in the year 1815. Efficiency, specificity, reduced reaction times, lower overall costs, and environmental friendliness are some advantages biocatalysis has over conventional chemical synthesis, which has made biocatalysis increasingly used in industry. We highlight three necessary fields that are fundamental to advancing industrial biocatalysis, including biocatalyst engineering, solvent engineering, and mechanistic engineering. However, the fundamental mechanism of enzyme function is often overlooked or given less attention, which can limit the engineering process. In this review, we describe how mechanistic enzymology benefits industrial biocatalysis by elucidating key fundamental principles, including the k_cat and k_cat/K_m parameters. Mechanistic enzymology presents a unique field that provides in-depth insights into the molecular mechanisms of enzyme activity and includes areas such as reaction kinetics, catalytic mechanisms, structural analysis, substrate specificity, and protein dynamics. In line with the objective of protein engineering to optimize enzyme activity, we summarize a range of strategies reported in the literature aimed at improving the product release rate, the chemical step of catalysis, and the overall catalytic efficiency of enzymes. Further into this review, we delineate kinetic solvent viscosity effects (KSVEs) as a very efficient, cost-effective, and easy-to-perform method to probe different aspects of enzyme reaction mechanisms, including diffusion-dependent kinetic steps and rate-limiting steps. KSVEs are cost-effective because simple kinetic enzyme assays, such as the Michaelis–Menten kinetic approach, can be combined with them without the need for specialized and costly equipment. Other techniques in protein engineering and genetic engineering are also covered in this review. Additionally, we provide information on solvent systems in enzymatic reactions, details on immobilized biocatalysts, and common misconceptions that misguide enzyme design and optimization processes. Full article

This study details how 3-(naphthalen-2-yl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (3NPEO) behaves in terms of photophysics when exposed to different solvents. The solvatochromic effect study reveals significant polarity shifts in the excited states of the 3NPEO compound, likely due to an intramolecular proton transfer mechanism. Measurements of dipole moments provide insight into their resonance structures in both ground and excited states. Electrochemical analysis revealed a reversible redox process, indicating a favorable charge transport potential. HOMO and LUMO energies of the compound were computed via oxidation and reduction potential standards. 3NPEO exhibits optimal one-photon and two-photon absorption characteristics, validating its suitability for visible wavelength laser applications in photonic devices. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics simulations demonstrated strong interactions between 3NPEO and the progesterone receptor enzyme, supported by structure–activity relationship (SAR) analyses. In vitro cytotoxicity assays on the MDAMB-231 breast cancer cell line showed moderate tumor cell inhibitory activity. Apoptosis studies confirmed the induction of both early and late apoptosis. These findings suggest that 3NPEO holds promise as a potential anticancer agent targeting the progesterone receptor in breast cancer cells. Overall, the findings highlight the substantial influence of solvent polarity on the photophysical properties and the design of more effective and stable therapeutic agents. Full article

Hydrogen energy is a pivotal carrier for achieving carbon neutrality, requiring green and efficient production via water electrolysis. However, the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) involves a sluggish four-electron transfer process, resulting in high overpotentials, while the prohibitive cost and complex preparation of precious metal catalysts impede large-scale commercialization. In this study, we develop a FeCo-based bimetallic deep eutectic solvent (FeCo-DES) as a multifunctional reaction medium for engineering a three-dimensional (3D) coral-like FeOOH-Co₂(OH)₃Cl/NF composite via a mild one-step impregnation approach (70 °C, ambient pressure). The FeCo-DES simultaneously serves as the solvent, metal source, and redox agent, driving the controlled in situ assembly of FeOOH-Co₂(OH)₃Cl hybrids on Ni(OH)₂/NiOOH-coated nickel foam (NF). This hierarchical architecture induces synergistic enhancement through geometric structural effects combined with multi-component electronic interactions. Consequently, the FeOOH-Co₂(OH)₃Cl/NF catalyst achieves a remarkably low overpotential of 197 mV at 100 mA cm⁻² and a Tafel slope of 65.9 mV dec⁻¹, along with 98% current retention over 24 h chronopotentiometry. This study pioneers a DES-mediated strategy for designing robust composite catalysts, establishing a scalable blueprint for high-performance and low-cost OER systems. Full article

Grain boundaries are among the most influential structural features that control the charge transport in polycrystalline organic semiconductors. Acting as both charge trapping sites and electrostatic barriers, they disrupt molecular packing and introduce energetic disorder, thereby limiting carrier mobility, increasing threshold voltage, and degrading the stability of organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). This review presents a detailed discussion of grain boundary formation, their impact on charge transport, and experimental strategies for engineering their structure and distribution across several high-mobility small-molecule semiconductors, including pentacene, TIPS pentacene, diF-TES-ADT, and rubrene. We explore grain boundary engineering approaches through solvent design, polymer additives, and external alignment methods that modulate crystallization dynamics and domain morphology. Then various case studies are discussed to demonstrate that optimized processing can yield larger, well-aligned grains with reduced boundary effects, leading to great mobility enhancements and improved device stability. By offering insights from structural characterization, device physics, and materials processing, this review outlines key directions for grain boundary control, which is essential for advancing the performance and stability of organic electronic devices. Full article

Isoflavones are the main phenolic compounds of soybean that affect its biological activity. The quantity of these valuable compounds extracted from plant material can significantly vary, influenced by the chosen extraction method and the specific extractants employed. Moreover, in cosmetics and pharmacy, the application of non-toxic, eco-friendly solvents is very important. This study aimed to develop the best mixture of extractants to maximize the recovery of individual isoflavones from soybean seeds by optimization of the proportion of three components: ethanol, water, and propanediol. The design of experiments (DOE) method was strategically employed. The extracts were obtained through accelerated solvent extraction and meticulously analyzed for isoflavone content using advanced electrospray ionization–time of flight–mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) profiling. The predominant isoflavones were daidzin, genistin, malonylgenistin, malonyldaidzin, and malonylglycitin. Our experiment demonstrated that employing three extractants in a balanced 1:1:1 v/v/v ratio resulted in the highest isolation of isoflavones compared to all other mixtures tested. Nevertheless, a detailed exploration of approximate values and utility profiles revealed a more effective composition for extraction efficiency. This optimal mixture features 32.8% ethanol, 39.2% water, and 27.8% propanediol, maximizing the yield of isoflavones from soybean seeds. The innovative use of mixture design and triangular response surfaces has proven to be a powerful approach for developing this superior three-component extraction mixture. This innovative approach not only enhances extraction efficiency but also paves the way for improved processing methods in the industry. Full article

Narcotics trafficking is a fundamental part of organized crime, posing significant and evolving challenges for forensic investigations. Addressing these challenges requires rapid, precise, and scientifically validated analytical methods for reliable identification of illicit substances. Over the past five years, forensic drug testing has advanced considerably, improving detection of traditional drugs—such as tetrahydrocannabinol, cocaine, heroin, amphetamine-type stimulants, and lysergic acid diethylamide—as well as emerging new psychoactive substances (NPS), including synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., 5F-MDMB-PICA), cathinones (e.g., α-PVP), potent opioids (e.g., carfentanil), designer psychedelics (e.g., 25I-NBOMe), benzodiazepines (e.g., flualprazolam), and dissociatives (e.g., 3-HO-PCP). Current technologies include colorimetric assays, ambient ionization mass spectrometry, and chromatographic methods coupled with various detectors, all enhancing accuracy and precision. Vibrational spectroscopy techniques, like Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, have become essential for non-destructive identification. Additionally, new sensors with disposable electrodes and miniaturized transducers allow ultrasensitive on-site detection of drugs and metabolites. Advanced chemometric algorithms extract maximum information from complex data, enabling faster and more reliable identifications. An important emerging trend is the adoption of green analytical methods—including direct analysis, solvent-free extraction, miniaturized instruments, and eco-friendly chromatographic processes—that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of innovations over the last five years in forensic drug analysis based on the ScienceDirect database and highlights technological trends shaping the future of forensic toxicology. Full article

Two solvents, n-hexane and ethyl acetate, were employed to extract oil from Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. seeds using the Soxhlet extraction technique. The process was optimized using Central Composite Design (CCD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). ANOVA and a second-order polynomial equation were applied to evaluate the effects of key operational factors, including extraction time (20–60 min) and solvent-to-solid ratio (0.2–0.6 g/mL), on oil yield. The physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, and functional groups of the extracted oil were analyzed. While both solvents influenced oil yield and quality, the fatty acid composition remained consistent, with unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, identified as the main components. Under optimized conditions, the highest oil yields were 22% with n-hexane and 19.91% with ethyl acetate. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of ester groups, suggesting potential applications in biodiesel production. These findings offer valuable insights for producing oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids for food, cosmetic and renewable energy industries. These findings pave the way for further advancements in industrial applications by promoting the sustainable use of plant-derived oils. Full article

Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as hawthorn, is a valuable plant in pharmaceutical production. Its flowers, leaves, and fruits are rich in antioxidants. This study explores the application of pulsed electric field (PEF) for enhanced extraction of bioactive compounds from C. monogyna leaves. The liquid-to-solid ratio, solvent composition (ethanol, water, and 50% v/v aqueous ethanol), and key PEF parameters—including pulse duration, pulse period, electric field intensity, and treatment duration—were investigated during the optimization process. To determine the optimal extraction conditions and their impact on antioxidant activity, response surface methodology (RSM) with a six-factor design was employed. The total polyphenol content in the optimized extract was 244 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight, while individual polyphenols were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Furthermore, antioxidant activity was assessed using ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging assays, yielding values of 3235 and 1850 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents/g dry weight, respectively. Additionally, correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate the interactions between bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. Compared to other extraction techniques, PEF stands out as an eco-friendly, non-thermal standalone method, offering a sustainable approach for the rapid production of health-promoting extracts from C. monogyna leaves. Full article

Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter responsible for important functions in mammals’ bodies, including mood, movement and motivation. High or low dopamine levels are associated mainly with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression. Therefore, contributing to the development of electrochemical devices to precisely determine the DA levels in urine samples, a simple and low-cost sensor is proposed in this work. The proposed sensor design is based on crosslinked chitosan films combining carbon black (CB) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs), incorporated onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) was applied to characterize the produced DESs and their precursors, while the films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The sensor modified with CB and DES–ethaline (DES (ETHA)-CB/GCE) showed a significantly enhanced analytical signal for DA using differential pulse voltammetry under the optimized working conditions. Moreover, a better heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k⁰) was obtained, about 45 times higher than that of the bare GCE. The proposed sensor achieved a linear response range of 0.498 to 26.8 µmol L⁻¹ and limits of detection and quantification of 80.7 and 269 nmol L⁻¹, respectively. Moreover, the sensor was successfully applied in the quantification of DA in the synthetic urine samples, with recovery results close to 100%. Furthermore, the sensor presented good precision, as shown from the repeatability tests. The presented method to electrochemically detect DA has proven to be efficient and simple compared to the conventional methods commonly reported. Full article

It is widely recognized that fine surface structures found in nature contribute to surface functionality, and studies on the design of functional materials based on biomimetics have been actively conducted. In this study, polymer thin films with hierarchically ordered surface structure were prepared by combining both nanoimprinting using anodically oxidized porous alumina (AAO) as a template and surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). To prepare such polymer films, we designed a new copolymer (poly{[2-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yloxy)ethyl methacrylate]-co-[2-(2-bromo-2-methylpropionyloxy)ethyl methacrylate]}; poly(MCMA-co-HEMABr)) with coumarin moieties and α-haloester moieties in the pendants. The MCMA repeating units function to fix the pillar structure by photodimerization, and the HEMABr ones act as the polymerization initiation sites for SI-ATRP on the pillar surfaces. Surface structures consisting of vertically oriented multiple pillars were fabricated on the spin-coated poly(MCMA-co-HEMABr) thin films by nanoimprinting using an AAO template. Then, the coumarin moieties inside each pillar were crosslinked by UV light irradiation to fix the pillar structure. SEM observation confirmed that the internally crosslinked pillar structures were maintained even when immersed in organic solvents such as 1,2-dichloroethane and anisole, which are employed as solvents under SI-ATRP conditions. Finally, poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) chains were grafted onto the thin film by SI-ATRP, respectively, to prepare the hierarchically ordered surface structure. Furthermore, in this study, the surface properties as well as the thermoresponsive hydrophilic/hydrophobic switching of the obtained polymer films were investigated. The surface morphology and chemistry of the films with and without pillar structures were compared, especially the interfacial properties expressed as wettability. Grafting poly(TFEMA) increased the static contact angle for both flat and pillar films, and the con-tact angle of the pillar film surface increased from 104° for the flat film sample to 112°, suggesting the contribution of the pillar structure. Meanwhile, the pillar film surface grafted with poly(NIPAM) brought about a significant change in wettability when changing the temperature between 22 °C and 38 °C. Full article

The development of metallic coatings as Ni-Co alloys, with particular emphasis on their homogeneity, processability, and sustainability, is of the utmost significance. To address these challenges, the utilization of phenylsalicylimines (PSIs) as additives within deep eutectic solvents (DES) was investigated, assessing their influence on the electrodeposition process of these metals at an intermediate temperature of 60 °C, while circumventing aqueous reaction conditions. The findings demonstrated that the incorporation of PSIs markedly enhances coating uniformity, resulting in an optimal cobalt content of 37% and an average thickness of 24 µm. Electrochemical evaluations revealed improvements in charge and mass transfer, thereby optimizing process efficiency. Moreover, computational studies confirmed that PSIs form stable complexes with Co (II), modulating the electrochemical characteristics of the system through the introduction of the diethylamino electron-donating group, which significantly stabilizes the coordinated forms with both components of the DES. Additionally, the coatings displayed exceptional corrosion resistance, with a rate of 0.781 µm per year, and achieved an optimal hardness of 38 N HRC, conforming to ASTM B994 standards. This research contributes to the development of electroplating bath designs for metallic coating deposition and lays the groundwork for the advancement of sophisticated technologies in functional coatings that augment corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Full article

The rising demand for sustainable energy storage has fueled the development of green batteries as alternatives to conventional systems. However, a major research gap lies in the unified integration of environmentally friendly materials and processes across all battery components—electrodes, electrolytes, and separators—without compromising performance or scalability. This review addresses this gap by highlighting recent advances in eco-conscious battery technologies, focusing on green electrode fabrication using water-based methods, electrophoretic deposition, solvent-free dry-press coating, 3D printing, and biomass-derived materials. It also examines the shift toward safer electrolytes, including ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, water-based systems, and solid biopolymer matrices, which improve both environmental compatibility and safety. Additionally, biodegradable separators made from natural polymers such as cellulose and chitosan offer enhanced thermal stability and ecological benefits. The review emphasizes the importance of lifecycle considerations like recyclability and biodegradability, aligning battery design with circular economy principles. While significant progress has been made, challenges such as standardization, long-term stability, and industrial scalability remain. By identifying key strategies and future directions, this article contributes to the foundation for next-generation green batteries, promoting their adoption in environmentally sensitive applications ranging from wearable electronics to grid storage. Full article

Background: Excessive alcohol consumption constitutes a serious cause of death worldwide. Fatty acid ethyl esters, as metabolites of the non-oxidative elimination pathway of ethanol, have been recognized as mediators of alcohol-induced organ damage. These metabolites serve as potential biomarkers for the assessment of ethanol intake and might be also used in post-mortem studies. Methods: In this study, the development and optimization of a simple, fast, precise, accurate, and cost-effective method with the use of gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for quantitative analysis of six fatty acid ethyl esters, namely ethyl laurate, myristate, palmitate, linoleate, oleate, and stearate, were conducted. Results: The optimized method was fully validated according to ICH guidelines. Additionally, identification of critical method parameters was possible by using the quality by design approach. By carrying out analyses according to the Plackett–Burman plan (design of experiments methodology), the robustness of the analytical method developed was confirmed for four (ethyl palmitate, linoleate, oleate, and stearate) ethyl esters. In the case of ethyl myristate, the variable significantly affecting the results appeared to be the temperature of solvent evaporation after the deproteinization step. Conclusions: Biochemical interpretation of the obtained results with available medical records suggests that plasma concentrations of selected fatty acid ethyl esters are valuable indicators of pre-mortem alcohol consumption and may be one of the key factors helpful in determining the cause and mechanism of death. Full article

Cyclic Solvent Injection (CSI), one of the most promising solvent-based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods, has attracted the oil industry’s interest due to its energy efficiency, produced oil quality, and environmental suitability. Previous studies revealed that foamy oil flow is considered as one of the main mechanisms of the CSI process. However, due to the presence of complex high-permeable channels known as wormholes in Post-Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sands (Post-CHOPS) reservoirs, understanding the effect of each operational parameter on the performance of the CSI process in these reservoirs requires a pore-scale investigation of different wormhole configurations. Therefore, in this project, a comprehensive microfluidic experimental investigation into the effect of symmetrical and asymmetrical wormholes during the CSI process has been conducted. A total of 11 tests were designed, considering four different microfluidic systems with various wormhole configurations. Various operational parameters, including solvent type, pressure depletion rate, and the number of cycles, were considered to assess their effects on foamy oil behavior in post-CHOPS reservoirs in the presence of wormholes. The finding revealed that the wormhole configuration plays a crucial role in controlling the oil production behavior. While the presence of the wormhole in a symmetrical design could positively improve oil production, it would restrict oil production in an asymmetrical design. To address this challenge, we used the solvent mixture containing 30% propane that outperformed CO₂, overcame the impact of the asymmetrical wormhole, and increased the total recovery factor by 14% under a 12 kPa/min pressure depletion rate compared to utilizing pure CO₂. Moreover, the results showed that applying a lower pressure depletion rate at 4 kPa/min could recover a slightly higher amount of oil, approximately 2%, during the first cycle compared to tests conducted under higher pressure depletion rates. However, in later cycles, a higher pressure depletion rate at 12 kPa/min significantly improved foamy oil flow quality and, subsequently, heavy oil recovery. The interesting finding, as observed, is the gap difference between the total recovery factor at the end of the cycle and the recovery factor after the first cycle, which increases noticeably with higher pressure depletion rate, increasing from 9.5% under 4 kPa/min to 16% under 12 kPa/min. Full article