Search Results (180)

Phytochemical-assisted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fabrication routes by utilising plant-derived metabolites as multifunctional reducing, capping, and stabilising agents. Polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and related biomolecules mediate the reduction of Ag⁺ to Ag⁰ under mild conditions while controlling nucleation, growth, and surface stabilisation, thereby dictating nanoparticle size, morphology, and colloidal stability. This review establishes clear links between phytochemical composition and the mechanistic pathways governing nanoparticle formation and biofunctional performance. Variations in extract chemistry influence electron transfer dynamics, surface functionalisation, and physicochemical properties, ultimately modulating biological activity. Enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant effects arise from synergistic interactions between the silver core and phytochemical capping layers, promoting membrane disruption, reactive oxygen species generation, and biomolecular interference. Despite promising applications in antimicrobial coatings, food preservation, agriculture, and anticancer systems, key challenges remain, including compositional variability, limited mechanistic standardisation, and insufficient toxicological evaluation. Nonetheless, phytochemical-assisted synthesis provides a tunable and sustainable platform for AgNP production, aligning nanomaterial design with green chemistry principles while enabling multifunctional bioactivity. By integrating phytochemical composition, mechanistic synthesis pathways, and structure–activity relationships across diverse applications, this review provides a critical framework for the rational design, standardisation, and scalable development of next-generation phytochemical-mediated AgNP systems. Full article

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (CP-AgNPs) using Calotropis procera (CP) offers a sustainable approach to producing multifunctional therapeutic nanomaterials. This study aimed to synthesize CP-AgNPs and evaluate their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer potential, with a focus on Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer cells. CP-AgNPs were prepared by phytochemical reduction using CP leaf extract and characterized by UV–Vis, XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, and Zeta. Antibacterial activity against H. pylori, time-kill kinetics, and SEM imaging of membrane damage were performed. Antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS) and anti-inflammatory assays, together with cytotoxicity studies in AGS cells (DAPI, AO/EtBr, and SEM), were also conducted. CP-AgNPs exhibited an SPR peak at 432 nm, face-centered cubic crystallinity, and spherical morphology (8–32 nm). They showed strong, dose-dependent antibacterial activity against H. pylori, surpassing metronidazole at higher doses. Time-kill assays and SEM confirmed membrane disruption. Antioxidant activity was notable (IC₅₀: 40 µg/mL for DPPH; 60 µg/mL for ABTS). CP-AgNPs demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects and dose-dependent cytotoxicity in AGS cells, inducing apoptosis and morphological alterations. The broad biological activity of CP-AgNPs likely arises from the synergy between silver ions and CP phytochemicals. Their superior antibacterial effects, combined with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, indicate strong therapeutic potential for gastric diseases. Anticancer activity in AGS cells suggests additional biomedical relevance, which may involve ROS-associated and apoptosis-related pathways, as suggested by previous studies. CP-AgNPs represent a promising natural nanoplatform for managing H. pylori infection, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gastric cancer, warranting further mechanistic and in vivo studies. Full article

The transition toward low-carbon energy systems has intensified interest in sustainable hydrogen production technologies. One of the most promising methods for producing green hydrogen is water electrolysis powered by renewable energy. This work reviews recent advances in electrode materials used in four major electrolysis technologies: alkaline (ALK), proton exchange membrane (PEM), solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC), and anion exchange membrane (AEM). A bibliometric analysis of scientific publications from 2021 to 2025 highlights the rapid growth of research and the increasing importance of electrode materials in improving electrolysis performance. Operating environments, material requirements, and catalytic properties are compared across these systems. Recent developments in electrocatalysts—including transition-metal alloys, heterostructured catalysts, defect-engineered materials, and nanostructured systems—are evaluated in terms of catalytic activity, durability, and scalability. Particular attention is given to reducing noble metal usage while maintaining high electrochemical performance. Results indicate that transition-metal-based catalysts and engineered interfaces can achieve activity comparable to noble-metal systems while offering better cost efficiency. However, challenges related to long-term durability, large-scale synthesis, and standardized testing persist. Continued interdisciplinary research in materials design and electrochemical engineering is essential to enable efficient, durable, and cost-effective green hydrogen production. Full article

This study evaluates volatile extracts (HE1 and HE2) from the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea as eco-friendly agents to control algal proliferation, specifically targeting the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and the green microalga Chlorella sorokiniana. Both extracts exhibited potent anti-microalgal activity against the two species with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 375 to 750 µg/mL. Furthermore, both extracts reduced cell density by more than 98% after eight days of treatment. Chlorophyll a and protein levels decreased significantly (>80%) in both species, indicating suppression of pigment synthesis. However, their physiological responses were distinct: M. aeruginosa underwent early acute oxidative stress and severe membrane damage, while C. sorokiniana exhibited delayed oxidative activation and a negative growth rate, suggesting non-lytic metabolic inhibition. An in silico study by molecular docking of the most abundant compounds identified in these volatile extracts, such as terpenoids (abietatriene, δ-cadinene) and a phenolic compound (atraric acid), showed that these compounds interact with vital cellular targets in M. aeruginosa and C. sorokiniana and likely contribute to the effects observed in these two species. Predictive toxicity by applying the ADMET framework confirmed the favorable bioavailability and low acute toxicity of these volatile compounds. Therefore, P. furfuracea volatiles are promising, species-specific, and environmentally safe candidates for mitigating aquatic algal proliferation through targeted oxidative and metabolic interference. Full article

Peptide therapeutics have emerged as a versatile class of biomolecules bridging the gap between small-molecule drugs and large biologics. Advantages of such molecules include high target specificity, potent bioactivity and reduced off-target toxicity. Despite these, broader clinical translation remains constrained by inherent limitations like poor metabolic stability, rapid renal clearance, limited membrane permeability and scalable synthesis. This review aims to systematically integrate advances in peptide science across natural discovery, synthetic methodologies, structural engineering, and translational delivery systems, while identifying critical research gaps hindering clinical adoption. We highlight diverse natural sources of bioactive peptides, including plant- (lunasin), animal- (Val-Pro-Pro (VPP) and Ile-Pro-Pro (IPP)), microbial- (nisin and cyclosporine), marine- (dolastatins) and venom-derived (chlorotoxin and ω-conotoxin MVIIA (ziconotide)) agents. Advances in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), green chemistry, and catalytic strategies are discussed alongside emerging in silico approaches, including artificial intelligence-driven sequence design and molecular modeling. Structural modifications such as cyclization, hydrocarbon stapling, PEGylation, and lipidation are critically evaluated for their role in enhancing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Furthermore, nanoformulation strategies, including self-assembling peptides and cell-penetrating systems, are examined for their potential to overcome biological barriers. Importantly, this review identifies key unresolved challenges, including the lack of predictive models for peptide delivery systems, safety concerns associated with long-term modifications, and limited in vivo validation of naturally derived peptides. Addressing these gaps through integrated computational and experimental approaches will be essential for advancing next-generation peptide therapeutics. Collectively, this work provides a comprehensive framework for the rational design and translation of peptide-based precision medicines. Full article

This study demonstrates how synthesis conditions and bacterial cellulose (BC) functionalization influence the physicochemical properties and antibacterial performance of BC membranes containing green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Mint and avocado-seed extracts enabled AgNP formation in aqueous media but differed in composition. UV–Vis screening across pH and temperature revealed inefficient synthesis at acidic pH, whereas higher temperatures produced broader localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) bands. Neutral conditions generated the most intense and narrow LSPR signals. Under optimized conditions (pH 7, 23 °C), AgNPs were confirmed by TEM, and their colloidal properties differed between extracts: mint-derived particles exhibited smaller hydrodynamic diameters and lower polydispersity than avocado-derived AgNPs. Two BC functionalization strategies were evaluated: immersion in pre-formed AgNP dispersions and in situ synthesis within the BC matrix. In situ membranes displayed stronger and better-defined LSPR peaks. Agitation released nanoparticles from all BC-AgNP membranes, with smaller species released from in situ systems. Antibacterial assays against E. coli showed greater bactericidal activity for in situ membranes. Avocado-derived in situ BC-AgNPs produced larger inhibition halos and prevented bacterial regrowth in liquid culture. Overall, in situ green synthesis within BC provides an effective route to robust and sustainable antibacterial BC membranes. Full article

In recent years, nanotechnology has made remarkable progress in the fight against infectious diseases. However, the development of safe and effective antiviral drugs remains a challenge, as viruses rely on host cells for replication. Plant-derived, environmentally friendly nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their low toxicity, which enables them to target viruses without damaging host cells. In this study, we describe the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract and explore their potential antiviral activity. The uva-ursi AgNPs were initially characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We then optimized two different gellan gum/alginate film formulations (1.6:0.4 and 1.2:0.8) as delivery matrices for the AgNPs and assessed Ag⁺ skin permeation using a Franz diffusion cell system. The antiviral potential of the uva-ursi AgNPs—both alone and incorporated into the films—was tested against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Our findings indicate that uva-ursi AgNPs may directly interact with the viral envelope, disrupting the lipid membrane and/or interfering with viral surface proteins. Overall, green-synthesized uva-ursi AgNPs may represent a natural, cost-effective, and safe alternative strategy for managing herpetic infections. Full article

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major clinical problem due to its resistance, virulence, and biofilm formation, which diminish antibiotic efficacy. This review explores natural products and antimicrobial nanoparticles (NPs) as alternative and combined strategies for controlling MRSA. Natural compounds, such as plant metabolites, essential oils, antimicrobial peptides, and fungal products, act by disrupting membranes, interfering with cellular processes, and limiting biofilm formation. Antimicrobial NPs, especially metal and metal oxide materials, act through membrane damage, oxidative stress, and metal ion release, enabling activity against resistant bacteria and improving biofilm penetration. Combining natural products with NPs increases stability, delivery, and local activity, enhances antibacterial effects, and reduces effective doses. Green synthesis enables direct integration of bioactive compounds, while nano-delivery platforms optimize solubility and controlled release. Nanotechnology-based applications such as wound dressings, nanocarriers, and multifunctional platforms support localized and sustained treatment and promote tissue repair. Despite these advances, clinical use is still constrained by safety concerns, variability in NP properties, and the lack of standardized evaluation and regulatory frameworks. Overall, combining natural products with antimicrobial NPs offers a practical strategy to augment MRSA treatment, but further progress depends on consistent design, robust safety evaluation, and clinical translation. Full article

ZnO can be easily obtained using different salts as precursors, and many examples are present in the literature describing the effect of several additives in the synthesis. In this paper, we study the effects of the addition of polyphenols present in the residues of the wine supply chain. The polyphenols are extracted from grape pomace and fractionated, exploiting a membrane-based process equipped with polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes (cut-off 1 kDa and 5 kDa) that can separate the plethora of molecules into larger than 5 kDa and smaller than 1 kDa. The extract and its fractions after the ultrafiltration process were used as additives for the thermal precipitation synthesis of ZnO from Zn acetate. The chemical and physical properties were studied with the aim of understanding the characteristics that influence the activity of the photocatalysts. To this purpose, a commercial system was used for comparison, and the photoactivity was analyzed with a caffeine solution upon irradiation, exploiting the UVA and VIS electromagnetic radiation for the activation of the catalytic materials. The kind of polyphenol fraction affects the surface behaviors of the nanoparticles. Morphology, presence of trapped hole/electron centers, and acidity/basicity of the surface sites of ZnO appear to be the most relevant features in the efficiency towards caffeine degradation. Full article

The shipping sector is responsible for a considerable share of global CO₂ emissions and is under pressure to reduce emissions and adopt carbon-neutral fuels. Among the proposed alternatives, methanol produced from green hydrogen and biogenic CO₂ represents a promising option. However, the feasibility of its production is significantly influenced by the composition and variability of the bio-CO₂ feedstock, which can negatively impact the complete value chain. To address these challenges, sampling campaigns were carried out at actual bio-CO₂-emitting sites, namely biogas and biomass combustion facilities, to characterize the impurity profiles and determine the appropriate conditioning requirements. A novel membrane gas absorption system with a Diethanolamine solution was deployed directly in the field to capture, as well as purify to a certain extent, the CO₂ stream. The system demonstrated high efficiency in removing most impurities, achieving high CO₂ capture rates and impurity reduction close to 90%. However, residual chlorine species were detected in the CO₂ streams from biogas plants, suggesting the need for additional conditioning to meet the purity specifications required for methanol synthesis. Given that the feedstock composition and upstream process conditions could significantly affect the final output and present considerable variations, the implementation of additional cleaning measures is recommended before synthesis. Full article

Growing concerns about environmental pollution and the sustainability of conventional nanomaterial synthesis have accelerated interest in plant-based routes for nanoparticle production. This review provides an in-depth analysis of more than 290 peer-reviewed research and review articles published between 2010 and 2025, extracted from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, on the green synthesis of metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles using plant extracts, with particular emphasis on their characterization and application in water treatment. Plant-derived phytochemicals serve as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, enabling nanoparticle formation without hazardous reagents. Key physicochemical characterization techniques, including UV–Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, are evaluated for their roles in confirming nanoparticle structure, morphology, surface chemistry, and optical behavior. The review focuses on water purification applications, highlighting adsorption and photocatalytic degradation as the most extensively investigated removal pathways. Particular attention is given to widely studied material classes such as silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron-based nanoparticles, which demonstrate effective removal of heavy metals, synthetic dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues. Current limitations related to synthesis reproducibility, mechanistic understanding, stability, and scalability are critically discussed. The review concludes by identifying priority research directions, including standardized synthesis protocols, deeper chemical analysis of plant extracts, and the integration of green nanoparticles into immobilized and membrane-based systems to advance their practical implementation in sustainable water treatment technologies. Full article

The rapid digitalization of power systems and the growing penetration of variable renewable energy sources have intensified the need for flexible and resilient smart-grid architectures capable of coordinating cross-sector energy flows. This review aims to provide a system-level synthesis of the artificial-intelligence-enabled integration of smart grids and green hydrogen, explicitly addressing coordination across physical infrastructure, digital control layers, market mechanisms, and environmental constraints. Following the PRISMA 2020 framework, 142 high-relevance studies published between 2010 and 2025 were systematically screened and classified into five interdependent thematic pillars: demand-side flexibility, ICT and IoT infrastructures, cybersecurity and resilience, communication and control performance, and AI-based optimization and decision-making. The synthesis reveals three principal findings. First, while core technologies such as photovoltaics, battery storage, and proton exchange membrane electrolyzers exhibit high component-level maturity, system-integration readiness remains limited by interoperability, communication latency, cybersecurity compliance, and market eligibility constraints. Second, electrolyzers can technically provide fast-response and multi-timescale flexibility services, yet their economic viability depends strongly on market product granularity, settlement intervals, and regulatory frameworks. Third, environmental and resource constraints, including water availability and material criticality, are emerging as binding factors that must be embedded directly into planning and optimization models. Overall, the review positions artificial intelligence as a cross-layer coordination mechanism that links operational control, digital observability, market participation, and sustainability boundaries, providing an integrated architecture to guide scalable and resilient smart grid–hydrogen deployment. Full article

Regrettably, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains the deadliest form of brain cancer, with a very unfavorable prognosis for life expectancy for the patient. We report, for the first time, the green colloidal synthesis of cobalt-doped magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Co-MNPs) as aqueous ferrofluids, using two anionic polysaccharide biopolymers, hyaluronic acid (HA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), as surfactants. These ferrofluids based on magnetite nanoparticles (HA@Co-MNP and CMC@Co-MNP) demonstrated superparamagnetic properties and magnetic-to-thermal conversion upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), with the extent of conversion dependent on surfactant type. In addition, the ferrophase acted as a nanozyme, mimicking peroxidase-like activity in response to hydrogen peroxide, which is present at higher levels in tumor cells. The coupling of magnetic-heat capabilities with biocatalytic behavior enhances glioblastoma cell elimination and suppresses 3D neurospheroid growth. The results also showed that active targeting based on the HA biopolymer shell, due to its affinity for CD44 membrane receptors overexpressed in GBM, outperformed CMC-coated ferrofluid analogs. These magnetocatalytic-responsive nanoplatforms offer a broad avenue for the diagnosis and therapy of numerous cancers, potentially improving patients’ quality of life and prognoses. Full article

In recent years, sustainable biopolymers have attracted increasing attention in environmental engineering as alternatives to conventional synthetic materials due to their renewable origins, biodegradability, and functional versatility. However, their performance and technological viability are strongly influenced by structural design, modification strategies, and behavior under realistic environmental conditions. This review critically analyzes recent advances in biopolymers for environmental remediation, covering their main application formats such as hydrogels, membranes, beads, aerogels, and composites, their interaction mechanisms with contaminants, and their performance relative to conventional adsorbents. Particular emphasis is placed on emerging approaches, including advanced functionalization, integration with inorganic phases, and green synthesis technologies, which have significantly improved efficiency, selectivity, and operational stability. Despite these advances, key limitations persist, particularly regarding mechanical robustness, regenerability, reproducibility, and scalability, underscoring the need for standardized evaluation protocols in complex matrices. The role of biopolymers within circular economy frameworks is also examined, emphasizing their capacity to integrate material sustainability, resource recovery, and multifunctional environmental applications. Overall, sustainable biopolymers are positioned not only as substitutes for traditional materials but also as strategic platforms for the development of next-generation regenerative environmental technologies. Full article

Mechanical energy, a ubiquitous renewable resource, can be effectively harnessed via piezocatalysis to convert physical stimuli into chemical energy for sterilization. As a promising green technology, piezocatalysis employs external mechanical force to physically disrupt bacterial membranes while simultaneously triggering redox reactions to generate bactericidal reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent advances highlight the superior performance and broad applicability of this technology in the antibacterial domain. This review systematically elucidates the antibacterial mechanisms of piezocatalysis, followed by a comprehensive survey of prevalent piezoelectric biomaterials (e.g., amino acids, cellulose, proteins) and their synthesis strategies. Furthermore, specific applications of these bio-piezoelectric composites in sterilization are consolidated. Finally, we critically assess the primary challenges and outline future developmental trajectories, offering a prospective pathway for next-generation eco-friendly disinfection strategies. Full article