Search Results (564)

This review critically examines the recent advancements in the development and application of electrospun molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanofiber membranes for environmental remediation. Emphasizing the significance of these materials, the discussion highlights the mechanisms by which electrospun MIPs achieve high selectivity and efficiency in removing various pollutants, including dyes, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical residues such as NSAIDs and antiretroviral drugs. The synthesis methodologies are explored in detail, focusing on the choice of monomers, templates, and polymerization conditions that influence the structural and functional properties of the membranes. Characterization techniques used to assess morphology, surface area, porosity, and imprinting efficacy are also examined, providing insights into how these parameters affect adsorption performance. Furthermore, the review evaluates the performance metrics of electrospun MIPs, including adsorption capacities, selectivity, reusability, and stability in complex environmental matrices. Practical considerations, such as scalability, regeneration, and long-term operational stability, are discussed to assess their potential for real-world applications. The article concludes with an outline of future research directions, emphasizing the need for multi-template imprinting, integration with existing treatment technologies, and field-scale validation to address current limitations. Full article

As sensitive parts of the water treatment process, reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are the most important for desalination and wastewater treatment. But the performance of RO membranes deteriorates over time due to fouling, necessitating frequent replacements. One of the environmental challenges is the disposal of End-of-Life (EoL) RO membranes, which are made of non-biodegradable polymers. The reuse of EoL membranes as a sustainable approach for waste saving and resource efficiency has recently attracted considerable attention. The present work provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies for reusing EoL RO membranes as sustainable alternatives to conventional disposal methods. Furthermore, the fundamental principles of RO technology, the primary types and impacts of membrane fouling, and advanced cleaning and regeneration techniques are discussed. The conversion of EoL membranes into nanofiltration (NF), ultrafiltration (UF), and forward osmosis (FO) membranes is also covered in this review, as well as their uses in brackish water desalination, dye/salt separation, groundwater treatment, and household wastewater reuse. Environmental and economic benefits, as well as technical, social, and regulatory challenges, are also discussed. Finally, the review highlights innovative approaches and future directions for incorporating EoL membrane reuse into circular economy models, outlining its potential to improve sustainability and reduce operational costs in water treatment systems. Full article

The increasing demand for high-performance energy storage devices has stimulated interest in advanced electrolyte materials. Among them, ionic liquids ($\mathrm{I}\mathrm{L}\mathrm{s}$) stand out for their thermal stability, wide electrochemical windows, and good ionic conductivity. When doped into polymeric matrices, these ionic liquids form hybrid polymeric electrolytes that synergize the benefits of both liquid and solid electrolytes. This study explores a polymeric electrolyte based on polyethylene oxide ($\mathrm{P}\mathrm{E}\mathrm{O}$) doped with tributylmethylphosphonium iodide $\left(\mathrm{T}\mathrm{M}\mathrm{P}\mathrm{I}\right)$ and ammonium iodide ($\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{H}}_4\mathrm{I}$), focusing on its synthesis, structural and electrical properties, and performance in energy storage devices such as dye-sensitized solar cells and supercapacitors. Strategies to improve its ionic conductivity, mechanical and chemical stability, and electrode compatibility are also discussed, along with future directions in this field. Full article

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major human respiratory pathogen, particularly affecting infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. RSV exists in both spherical and filamentous forms, with the filamentous morphology associated with enhanced infectivity and cell-to-cell spread. Here, we demonstrate that RhoA, a small GTPase involved in cytoskeletal regulation, is essential for filamentous RSV morphogenesis through its role in organizing lipid raft microdomains. Rhosin, a selective RhoA inhibitor developed through structure-guided screening, disrupts GEF–RhoA interactions to block RhoA activation. The pharmacological inhibition of RhoA with Rhosin significantly reduced filamentous virion formation, disrupted RSV fusion (F) protein colocalization with lipid rafts, and diminished cell-to-cell fusion, without affecting overall viral replication. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that Rhosin-treated infected HEp-2 cells exhibited fewer and shorter filamentous projections compared to the extensive filament formation seen in untreated cells. β-galactosidase-based fusion assays confirmed that reduced filamentation corresponded with decreased cell-to-cell fusion. The biophysical separation of RSV spherical and filamentous particles by sucrose gradient velocity sedimentation, coupled with fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy, showed that Rhosin treatment shifted virion morphology toward spherical forms. This suggests that RhoA activity is critical for filamentous virion assembly, which may enhance viral spread. Immunofluorescence microscopy using lipid raft-selective dyes (DiIC₁₆) and fusion protein-specific antibodies revealed the strong co-localization of RSV proteins with lipid rafts. Importantly, the pharmacological inhibition of RhoA with Rhosin disrupted F protein partitioning into raft domains, underscoring the requirement for intact lipid rafts in assembly. These findings highlight a novel role for host RhoA signaling in regulating viral assembly through raft microdomain organization, offering a potential target for host-directed antiviral intervention aimed at altering RSV structural phenotypes and limiting pathogenesis. Full article

Iron–carbon micro-electrolysis and combined processes were used to treat simulated dyeing wastewater containing direct Big Red 4BE dye (concentration of 1500 mg/L, chromaticity of 80,000 times, and salt content of 20 g/L). Through single-factor experiments, the optimal reaction conditions were determined as follows: reaction time of 110 min, initial pH of 5, and iron and carbon mass ratio of 1:2. Under the optimal conditions, the concentration was reduced to 14.51 mg/L, the chromaticity was reduced to 3000 times, and the decolorization rate reached 99.03%. In order to further decrease the wastewater chromaticity, coagulation and Fenton oxidation were respectively employed for in-depth treatment after iron–carbon micro-electrolysis. The total decolorization rate of the dye wastewater exceeded 99.7%, with the treated effluent meeting the specified chromaticity discharge standard (80-fold). The integrated processes of iron–carbon micro-electrolysis combined with either coagulation sedimentation or Fenton oxidation demonstrated superior performance in treating direct Big Red 4BE dye wastewater. Full article

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material with broad application potential, known for its excellent photocatalytic performance, high chemical stability, low cost, and non-toxicity. These properties make it highly attractive for applications in photovoltaic energy, environmental remediation, and optoelectronic devices. For instance, TiO₂ is widely used as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production via water splitting and for degrading organic pollutants, thanks to its efficient photo-generated electron–hole separation. Additionally, TiO₂ exhibits remarkable performance in dye-sensitized solar cells and photodetectors, providing critical support for advancements in green energy and photoelectric conversion technologies. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) is renowned for its exceptional electrical conductivity, high hardness, wide electrochemical window, and outstanding chemical inertness. These unique characteristics enable its extensive use in fields such as electrochemical analysis, electrocatalysis, sensors, and biomedicine. For example, BDD electrodes exhibit high sensitivity and stability in detecting trace chemicals and pollutants, while also demonstrating excellent performance in electrocatalytic water splitting and industrial wastewater treatment. Its chemical stability and biocompatibility make it an ideal material for biosensors and implantable devices. Research indicates that the combination of TiO₂ nanostructures and BDD into heterostructures can exhibit unexpected optical and electrical performance and transport behavior, opening up new possibilities for photoluminescence and rectifier diode devices. However, applications based on this heterostructure still face challenges, particularly in terms of photodetector, photoelectric emitter, optical modulator, and optical fiber devices under high-temperature conditions. This article explores the potential and prospects of their combined heterostructures in the field of optoelectronic devices such as photodetector, light emitting diode (LED), memory, field effect transistor (FET) and sensing. TiO₂/BDD heterojunction can enhance photoresponsivity and extend the spectral detection range which enables stability in high-temperature and harsh environments due to BDD’s thermal conductivity. This article proposes future research directions and prospects to facilitate the development of TiO₂ nanostructured materials and BDD-based heterostructures, providing a foundation for enhancing photoresponsivity and extending the spectral detection range enables stability in high-temperature and high-frequency optoelectronic devices field. Further research and exploration of optoelectronic devices based on TiO₂-BDD heterostructures hold significant importance, offering new breakthroughs and innovations for the future development of optoelectronic technology. Full article

Betalains are nitrogen-containing, water-soluble, and non-toxic natural pigments found in various plant species. Among these, Celosia argentea (Amaranthaceae) has garnered attention as a significant source, accumulating substantial quantities of both red–purple betacyanins and yellow–orange betaxanthins. Impressively, betalain concentrations in C. argentea inflorescences can reach up to 14.91 mg/g dry weight (DW), a level comparable to that reported in red beetroot. Beyond harvesting from inflorescences, betalains can also be produced using cell culture systems, which can yield even higher amounts, up to 42.08 mg/g DW. Beyond their role as vibrant natural colorants, betalains exhibit impressive health-promoting properties, most notably potent antioxidant activities. For instance, C. argentea inflorescence extracts demonstrate approximately 84.07% 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 88.70% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging. Extracts derived from cell cultures show even higher scavenging capacities, reaching up to 99.28% for ABTS and 99.63% for DPPH, rivaling the antioxidant standard (ascorbic acid). Further research indicates additional potential benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective properties. This diverse bioactivity underpins their value across various industries. Betalains serve as natural colorants and functional ingredients in food and beverages, offer sustainable alternatives for textile dyeing, and hold therapeutic promise in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This review critically examines existing research on betalain production in C. argentea. Recognizing that research specific to C. argentea is less extensive compared with that on species such as Beta vulgaris and Hylocereus polyrhizus, this review analyzes its biosynthetic pathways, diverse biological properties, and wide-ranging applications. This is achieved by integrating available C. argentea-specific data with relevant insights drawn from these more broadly studied betalain sources. Furthermore, the review discusses perspectives on future research directions aimed at optimizing yield and exploring the full potential of betalains, specifically within C. argentea. Full article

One-dimensional TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TNAs) were vertically aligned and obtained via the electrochemical anodization method. In this study, Bi₂S₃-TiO₂-SiO₂/TNA heterojunction photocatalysts were successfully prepared with different amounts of Bismuth(III) sulfide (Bi₂S₃) loading on the TNAs by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, field-emission scanning electron microscope–energy-dispersive spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–Vis/DRS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The photocatalytic performances of the samples were investigated by degrading Basic Yellow 28 (BY 28) under visible-light irradiation. Optimization of the condition using the response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite rotatable design (CCRD) technique resulted in the degradation of BY 28 dye, showing that the catalyst with 9.6 mg/cm² (designated as Bi₂S_3(9.6)-TiO₂-SiO₂/TNA) showed the maximum yield in the degradation process. The crystallite size of about 17.03 nm was estimated using the Williamson–Hall method. The band gap energies of TiO₂-SiO₂/TNA and Bi₂S_3(9.6)-TiO₂-SiO₂/TNA were determined at 3.27 and 1.87 eV for the direct electronic transitions, respectively. The EIS of the ternary system exhibited the smallest arc diameter, indicating an accelerated charge transfer rate that favors photocatalytic activity. Full article

A composite photocatalyst of ceria–cadmium supported on mesoporous SBA-15 silica was synthesized and employed for the aqueous methylene blue (MB) degradation. The composites were prepared using an incipient wetness impregnation technique and a conventional sol–gel approach with triblock copolymer P123 as a structure-directing agent for SBA-15 preparation, enabling the uniform dispersion of CeO₂ and Cd species within the SBA-15 framework. The physicochemical properties of both CeO₂/SBA-15 and Cd-CeO₂/SBA-15 composites were analyzed using small-angle and wide-angle XRD, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, EDX spectroscopy, N₂ physisorption at 77 K, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The findings revealed that the SBA-15 support retained its well-ordered hexagonal mesostructure in both the ceria–SBA-15 and SBA-15-supported cadmium–ceria (Cd-CeO₂) composites. The highest degradation efficiency of 96.40% was achieved under optimal conditions, and kinetic analysis using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model indicated that the MB degradation process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, with a strong correlation coefficient (R² = 0.9925) and a rate constant (k) of 0.02532 min⁻¹. Under irradiation, the Cd-CeO₂/SBA-15 composites exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared to the pristine components, owing to the synergistic interaction between ceria and cadmium, enhanced light absorption, and improved charge carrier separation. The recyclability test demonstrated that the degradation efficiency decreased slightly from 96.40% to 94.86% after three cycles, confirming the stability and reusability of Cd-CeO₂/SBA-15 composites. The photocatalytic process demonstrated a favorable electrical energy per order (EE/O) value of 281.8 kWh m⁻³, indicating promising energy efficiency for practical wastewater treatment. These results highlight the excellent photocatalytic performance and durability of the synthesized Cd-CeO₂/SBA-15 composites, making them promising candidates for facilitating the photocatalytic decomposition of MB and other dye molecules in water treatment applications. Full article

The fashion industry is widely recognized for its environmental challenges, but the health impacts related to textile toxicity remain significantly underexplored. Beyond the well-known issues of pollution and resource depletion, modern clothing often harbors a hidden threat: hazardous chemicals embedded within fabrics. These include dyes containing heavy metals, antimicrobial agents that foster bacterial resistance, and synthetic fibers that release microplastics. Unlike environmental discussions, the dialogue around the direct and long-term health effects of these substances is still limited. This entry addresses critical yet often-overlooked concerns, such as how chemicals in textiles contribute to chronic skin conditions, hormonal disruptions, and even carcinogenic risks. It also examines the proliferation of bacteria in synthetic garments, leading to dermatological infections and rapid fabric degradation. Furthermore, the globalized nature of production masks the contamination risks transferred from producer to consumer countries. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this entry highlights the urgent need for integrating scientific innovation, stringent regulation, and consumer awareness to mitigate health hazards in fashion. It calls for the adoption of safer textile technologies, sustainable materials, and transparent production practices, paving the way for a fashion future that prioritizes human health as much as environmental sustainability. Full article

This work shows a sustainable methodology for the synthesis of biogenic materials designed for the removal and photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB), a highly dangerous environmental pollutant that induces reproductive toxicity. The classical synthesis of MCM-41-ordered mesoporous materials was modified using biocompatible rice husk as the silica template. Iron was incorporated and the so-prepared biogenic photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance UV-Vis, surface pH, cyclic voltammetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis of pyridine adsorption. The photocatalytic performance of the materials was evaluated following the removal by adsorption and the photon-driven degradation of RhB. The adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity of the biogenic materials were correlated with their properties, including iron content, texture, surface content, and electrochemical properties. The best biogenic material boosted the degradation rates of RhB under UV irradiation up to 4.7 and 2.2 times greater than the direct photolysis and the benchmark semiconductor TiO₂-P25. It can be concluded that the use of rice husks for the synthesis of biogenic Fe-modified mesoporous materials is a promising strategy for wastewater treatment applications, particularly in the removal of highly toxic organic dyes. Full article

Water pollution, driven by industrial wastewater, agricultural runoff, and domestic sewage, introduces organic pollutants (e.g., dyes and antibiotics) and heavy metal ions (e.g., Pb²⁺ and Cr(VI)), threatening ecosystems and human health. Although traditional water treatment technologies have now matured, they still have some deficiencies in terms of specific pollutants. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly zeolite imidazole frame-67 (ZIF-67)—a cobalt-based MOF with high surface area, tunable pores, and robust chemical stability—show excellent adsorption capacity for pollutants and have emerged as promising candidates for water treatment due to their efficacy in adsorption, catalysis, and photocatalysis. This review examines ZIF-67’s synthesis, functionalization strategies, and applications in removing organic pollutants and heavy metals. It explores its mechanisms, composite designs, and recyclability, while highlighting challenges and future directions for developing efficient, sustainable water treatment technologies. Full article

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is a prevalent condition in newborns, characterized by lacrimation excess due to anatomic occlusion of the nasolacrimal ducts (NLD). This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of CNLDO, encompassing its etiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and current treatment options. Diagnosis comprises the fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT) and imaging studies. In most cases, CNLDO resolves spontaneously within the first year of life. However, if spontaneous resolution does not occur, or if complications arise during observation period, treatment with conservative methods such as massage is introduced earlier, depending on the severity and complexity of the case. If these methods prove unsuccessful, more invasive procedures, including probing, intubation or dacryocystorhinostomy, are employed. While early diagnosis is crucial, its direct impact on treatment outcomes is more related to the prompt identification of cases that may require escalation of care. Full article

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are considered to support neovascularization and endothelial repair by being incorporated into newly formed or injured vessels and by improving vascularization in a paracrine manner by secreting proangiogenic factors. Here, we studied the role of gap junctional communication between EPC and endothelial cells in long-term co-cultures in vitro. The cultivation of endothelial cells together with mouse embryonic EPC (E 7.5) induced the spontaneous formation of angiogenic networks after 3–6 days consisting of both cell types, but not in the respective monocultures, whereas their respective cultivation on a basement matrix induced the formation of tube-like structures, as expected. The angiogenic network formation could not be mimicked by the incubation of endothelial cells with supernatants of EPC only. We therefore hypothesized that direct interaction and cell-cell communication is required to induce the angiogenic network formation in co-cultures with endothelial cells. Expression analysis demonstrated expression of the gap junctional protein connexin 43 (Cx43) in EPC. Moreover, dye injection studies as well as FACS analysis identified gap junctional communication between endothelial cells and EPC. The inhibition of gap junctions by pharmacological blockers significantly reduced the angiogenic network formation, confirming that gap junctional communication between both cell types is required for this process. Full article

Membrane technology is widely used in various aspects of wastewater treatment; however, single membrane technology has a series of disadvantages, such as high selectivity, poor recycling performance, and susceptibility to contamination. In this study, a treatment method combining an advanced oxidation process and membrane separation technology was proposed, and a geopolymer-based Fenton-like catalytic tubular membrane (GFM) was prepared by using H₂O₂ as a blowing agent by the direct foaming method. It was shown that the optimum conditions for the preparation of the membrane were a water glass modulus of 1.8 M, the addition of foaming agent of 1 mL, and a thickness of the membrane of 6.5 mm, with a flux of 6942 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹. Due to the characteristics of the tubular membrane, the possibility of adding hydrogen peroxide directly inside the membrane allows an optimal Fenton-like removal, which is better than outside the membrane, thus reducing the consumption of hydrogen peroxide. The tubular membrane has a multi-stage porous structure, high flux, and a high specific surface area (68.74 m²/g). The GFM/H₂O₂ Fenton-like system formed is capable of almost completely degrading all kinds of synthetic dyes under various stringent conditions, and the XRD, FTIR, and TG analyses and cycling tests showed that the GFM has excellent stability and a significant advantage in terms of reusability. Full article