Search Results (349)

The accelerating global demand for sustainable energy, driven by population growth, industrialization, and environmental concerns, has intensified the search for renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. Biofuels, including bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, and biohydrogen, offer a viable and practical pathway to reducing net carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Yet, their large-scale production remains constrained by biomass recalcitrance, high pretreatment costs, and the enzyme-intensive nature of conversion processes. Recent advances in enzyme immobilization using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), covalent organic frameworks, metal–organic frameworks, and biochar have significantly improved enzyme stability, recyclability, and catalytic efficiency. Complementary strategies such as cross-linked enzyme aggregates, carrier-free immobilization, and site-specific attachment further reduce enzyme leaching and operational costs, particularly in lipase-mediated biodiesel synthesis. In addition to biocatalysis, nanozymes—nanomaterials exhibiting enzyme-like activity—are emerging as robust co-catalysts for biomass degradation and upgrading, although challenges in selectivity and environmental safety persist. Green synthesis approaches employing plant extracts, microbes, and agro-industrial wastes are increasingly adopted to produce eco-friendly nanomaterials and bio-derived supports aligned with circular economy principles. These functionalized materials have demonstrated promising performance in esterification, transesterification, and catalytic routes for biohydrogen generation. Technoeconomic and lifecycle assessments emphasize the need to balance catalyst complexity with environmental and economic sustainability. Multifunctional catalysts, process intensification strategies, and engineered thermostable enzymes are improving productivity. Looking forward, pilot-scale validation of green-synthesized nano- and biomaterials, coupled with appropriate regulatory frameworks, will be critical for real-world deployment. Full article

Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit exceptional optical and electromagnetic (EM) properties that are, however, confined to their near–field region, limiting effective interactions with non-adsorbed species. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), renowned for their high surface area and tunable pores, provide an ideal complement through surface enrichment and subsequent molecular enrichment within their pores. The integration of plasmonic NPs with MOFs into nanohybrids overcomes this spatial constraint. This architectural synergy creates a synergistic effect, yielding properties superior to either component alone. This review summarizes recent advances in NP–MOF nanohybrids, with a focus on synthesis strategies for diverse architectures and their emergent functionalities. We highlight how this synergistic effect enables breakthrough applications in chemical sensing, cancer therapy, and catalysis. Finally, we conclude our discussion and present a critical outlook that explores the challenges and future opportunities in the design and applications of NP–MOF nanohybrids. Full article

The global surge in illicit drug use has intensified the demand for rapid, portable, and reliable on-site detection technologies. Traditional analytical approaches, such as laboratory-based instrumentation and biological sample assays, while accurate, are often constrained by high costs, long processing times, and the need for specialized equipment, rendering them unsuitable for field applications. This review highlights recent progress in chemical sensor technologies designed for the detection of widely misused drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. Parallel advancements in the detection of environmental contaminants, particularly concerning micro- and nanoplastics, are also discussed. Emerging sensing platforms employing nanoparticle functionalization, graphene nanosheets, MXenes, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and supramolecular colorimetric assays demonstrate significant potential for achieving high sensitivity, selectivity, and operational simplicity in portable formats. These innovations enable real-time detection with minimal user expertise, thereby advancing applications in forensic analysis, environmental monitoring, and public health protection. The review also addresses current limitations related to detection accuracy, reagent stability, and matrix interferences and proposes future directions for optimizing sensor robustness and performance under diverse field conditions. Full article

A cobalt-containing zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) was carbonized by different routes to composite materials (cZIFs) composed of metallic Co, Co₃O₄, and N-doped carbonaceous phase. The effect of the carbonization procedure on the water pollutant removal properties of cZIFs was studied. Higher temperature and prolonged thermal treatment resulted in more uniform particle size distribution (as determined by nanoparticle tracking analysis, NTA) and surface charge lowering (as determined by zeta potential measurements). Surface-governed environmental applications of prepared cZIFs were tested using physical (adsorption) and electrochemical methods for dye degradation. Targeted dyes were methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO), chosen as model compounds to establish the specificity of selected remediation procedures. Electrodegradation was initiated via an intermediate reactive oxygen species formed during oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on cZIFs serving as electrocatalysts. The adsorption test showed relatively uniform adsorption sites at the surface of cZIFs, reaching a removal of over 70 mg/g for both dyes while governed by pseudo-first-order kinetics favored by higher mesoporosity. In the electro-assisted degradation process, cZIF samples demonstrated impressive efficiency, achieving almost complete degradation of MB and MO within 4.5 h. Detailed analysis of energy consumption in the degradation process enabled the calculation of the current conversion efficiency index and the amount of charge associated with O₂^•−/^•OH generation, normalized by the quantity of removed dye, for tested materials. Here, the proposed method will assist similar research studies on the removal of organic water pollutants to discriminate among electrode materials and procedures based on energy efficiency. Full article

Marine biofouling presents a persistent challenge for maritime industries, necessitating the development of eco-friendly and intelligent antifouling strategies. In this work, an ATP-responsive nanocontainer was developed by encapsulating a natural organic compound (CS106-10), isolated from Talaromyces trachyspermus in cold seep sediments, together with D-phenylalanine (D-Phe) into ZIF-90 nanoparticles (D-Phe/CS106-10@ZIF-90). These nanoparticles were incorporated into zinc acrylate resin to fabricate a novel self-polishing antifouling coating. CS106-10, as a natural antifoulant, provided efficient and environmentally sustainable bactericidal activity, while D-Phe acted as a synergistic adjuvant to inhibit and disrupt biofilm formation. More importantly, the ATP-responsive ZIF-90 framework enabled controlled, on-demand release of antifouling agents in response to local metabolic signals associated with biofilm growth. Laboratory and real-sea evaluations confirmed that the composite coating effectively suppressed biofilm formation and significantly reduced the required dosage of conventional toxic antifoulants. This study integrates a natural antifoulant with an ATP-responsive metal–organic framework, providing new insight for developing antifouling coatings. Full article

An electrochemical immunosensor was fabricated to identify CA15-3, a biomarker for breast cancer (BC). A composite sensor substrate made of “zeolitic imidazolate framework-8” (ZIF-8) and “reduced graphene oxide” (rGO) was chosen and its conductivity was further improved by the addition of chitosan (CS)-doped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The CS@AuNPs are able to conjugate with antibodies via the strong Au-S interaction, which offers multiple active sites for antibody immobilization and enhances the sensor performance. This immunosensor is capable of ultrasensitive detection of CA15-3 by specific antigen–antibody –interactions. In healthy people, normal serum CA15-3 is up to 25 U/mL. Under optimized experimental conditions, the alteration in the signal intensity measured by the sensor was related to the CA15-3 activity. The quantitative relationship was linear over 0.001–400 U/mL with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0031 U/mL at a “signal-to-noise ratio” (S/N) of 3 and a “correlation coefficient” (r²) of 0.9983. The developed immunosensor showed great accuracy, stability, and selectivity, and was able to detect CA15-3 in human serum samples. These results validate its potential as a reliable analytical platform for BC diagnosis and early clinical screening. Full article

In recent years, the interest in electrochemical biosensors has been constantly growing for epithelial cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The incorporation of the different nanomaterials as metal nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials, Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs), and nanocomposites, along with specific monoclonal antibodies, and nucleic acids (aptamers) has improved both sensitivity and specificity in these methodologies. In this review, we have presented examples of electrochemical biosensors for the determination of different epithelial cancer biomarkers. Based on numerous reports in the recent literature, we highlight the use of single and multiplexed analytical platforms for the quantification of epithelial cancer biomarkers. In addition, we outline potential development pathways, current challenges, and future prospects in the field of electrochemical immuno-, apta-, and genosensors. Full article

Soil degradation and pollution pose significant threats to global agricultural sustainability and food security. Conventional remediation methods are often constrained by low efficiency, high cost, and potential secondary pollution. Nanobiotechnology, an emerging interdisciplinary field, offers innovative solutions by integrating functional nanomaterials with plant–microbe interactions to advance soil remediation and sustainable agriculture. This review systematically elaborates on the mechanisms and applications of nanomaterials in soil remediation and enhanced plant stress resilience. For contaminant removal, nanomaterials such as nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI) and carbon nanotubes effectively immobilize or degrade heavy metals and organic pollutants through adsorption, catalysis, and other reactive mechanisms. In agriculture, nanofertilizers facilitate the regulated release of nutrients, thereby markedly enhancing nutrient use efficiency. Concurrently, certain nanoparticles mitigate a range of abiotic stresses—such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity—through the regulation of phytohormone balance, augmentation of photosynthetic performance, and reinforcement of antioxidant defenses. However, concerns regarding the environmental behavior, ecotoxicity, and long-term safety of nanomaterials remain. Future research should prioritize the development of smart, responsive nanosystems, elucidate the complex interactions among nanomaterials, plants, and microbes, and establish comprehensive life-cycle assessment and standardized risk evaluation frameworks. These efforts are essential to ensuring the safe and scalable application of nanobiotechnology in environmental remediation and green agriculture. Full article

The increasing significance of intellectual property (IP) in recent decades highlights its crucial role in driving innovation and shaping competitive strategies. While many studies have attempted to evaluate the technological level of specific sectors or companies, few offer a standardized and scalable approach for cross-domain comparison. This study proposes a patent-based framework to comparatively evaluate technological maturity across different fields using a concise set of intellectual property (IP) indicators. The selected metrics, renewal trends, family size, grant rate, and citation patterns, capture legal, economic, and technological dimensions of innovation without requiring field-specific calibration. We apply this approach to two representative nanomedical technologies, Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and inorganic nanoparticles (iNPs), within the domain of cancer therapy. Our analysis highlights distinct trajectories: MOFs show increasing patent activity and sustained short-term citation growth, consistent with an emerging field; iNPs exhibit signs of stabilization and declining citation intensity, suggesting greater maturity. These findings demonstrate the utility of standardized IP indicators for mapping innovation dynamics across domains. The proposed framework offers a replicable tool for strategic technology assessment, with potential applications in research prioritization, technology forecasting, and early-stage investment analysis. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the morphological impact of carbamazepine (CBZ) coated with carbon nanodots functionalised with silver nanoparticles (CNDs@AgNPs) and metal–organic framework (MOF-5) nanoparticles on the hearts of male rats with experimental epilepsy. Methods: Seventy male Wistar rats were randomly selected for the study and divided into ten groups of seven animals each. Haematoxylin–eosin staining was performed on heart tissue, and the levels of interleu-kin-6 (IL-6) and catalase (CAT) and the oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined bio-chemically. In addition, we performed morphological measurements of the heart. Results: When the heart tissues were evaluated histopathologically in all groups, it was observed that cells with pyknotic nuclei and haemorrhagic areas increased in the heart images, especially in the PTZ group with epilepsy only. Histologically normal cardiac cells and cardiac tissue were observed in the other groups. The distance between the atria was below 10 mm only in PTZ + CBZ 50 mg/kg and PTZ + CNDs@MOF-5 25 mg/kg groups. The distance between the apex of the heart and the base of the heart was the lowest in CNDs@MOF-5 25 mg/kg and CNDs@MOF-5 50 mg/kg groups. Conclusions: PTZ-induced epilepsy causes significant histopathological changes, while cardiac tissue structure is largely preserved in the treatment groups. In our literature review, we did not find any previous studies examining the effects of carbamazepine coated with two different types of nanoparticles on the cardiac morphology in an experimental epilepsy model. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI) remains a major challenge in the treatment of ischemic stroke, characterized by intertwined oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Existing monotherapies often fail to address this dual pathology effectively. We developed PLSCZ, a biomimetic nanoplatform integrating a catalytic core of imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)-encapsulated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes with a hybrid platelet membrane shell. This design strategically employs metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to effectively overcome the critical limitations of enzyme instability and provide a cascade catalytic environment, while the biomimetic surface modification enhances targeting capability, thereby enabling dual-pathway intervention against CIRI. Methods: PLSCZ was engineered by co-encapsulating SOD and CAT within a ZIF-8 core to form a cascade antioxidant system (SCZ). The core was further coated with a hybrid membrane composed of rapamycin-loaded phospholipids and natural platelet membranes. The nanoparticle was characterized by size, structure, enzyme activity, and targeting capability. In vitro and in vivo efficacy was evaluated using oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) models and a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (tMCAO/r) rat model. Results: In vitro, PLSCZ exhibited enhanced enzymatic stability and cascade catalytic efficiency, significantly scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and restoring mitochondrial function. The platelet membrane conferred active targeting to ischemic brain regions and promoted immune evasion. PLSCZ effectively polarized microglia toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, restored autophagic flux, and preserved blood–brain barrier integrity. In vivo, in tMCAO/r rats, PLSCZ markedly targeted the ischemic hemisphere, reduced infarct volume, improved neurological function, and attenuated neuroinflammation. Conclusions: By synergistic ROS scavenging and anti-inflammatory action, the PLSCZ nanozyme overcomes the limitations of conventional monotherapies for CIRI. This biomimetic, multi-functional platform effectively reduces oxidative stress, modulates the phenotype of microglia, decreases infarct volume, and promotes neurological recovery, offering a promising multi-mechanistic nanotherapeutic for CIRI and a rational design model for MOF-based platforms. Full article

The escalating threat of antibiotic resistance has prompted the search for alternative antibacterial therapies. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), which utilizes light-activated photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), offers a promising, non-invasive approach. The aim of this review is to analyze recent advances in nanoparticle-mediated aPDT and synthesize crucial design principles necessary to overcome the current translational barriers, thereby establishing a roadmap for future clinically applicable antimicrobial treatments. Emerging nanoparticle platforms, including upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs), carbon dots (CDs), mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), liposomes, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), have demonstrated improved photosensitizer delivery, enhanced ROS generation, biofilm disruption, and targeted bacterial eradication. Synergistic effects are observed when aPDT is integrated with photothermal, chemodynamic, or immunotherapeutic approaches. The review further examines the mechanisms of action, biocompatibility, and antibacterial performance of these nanoparticle systems, particularly against drug-resistant strains and in challenging environments such as chronic wounds. Overall, nanomaterial-mediated aPDT presents a highly promising and versatile solution to antimicrobial resistance. Future perspectives include the integration of artificial intelligence to personalize aPDT by predicting optimal light dosage and nanoplatform design based on patient-specific data, rigorous clinical validation through trials, and the development of safer, more efficient nanoparticle platforms. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are extensively utilized in cosmetics and healthcare products, creating an urgent need for sensitive quantification methods. We report the first application of a metal–organic framework for electrochemical AgNPs sensing in cosmetic samples. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with polyethyleneimine-encapsulated MOF-235 (PEI-MOF-235/GCE); the PEI layer enriches AgNPs through Ag–N coordination, whereas the high-surface-area MOF catalyzes their oxidative dissolution. Under optimized conditions (catalyst loading 1.4 µg mm⁻³, pH 4.3 PBS), differential-pulse voltammetry provided a linear range of 10–100 ng L⁻¹ and a detection limit of 3.93 ng L⁻¹ (S/N = 3). The sensor exhibited excellent stability (RSD ≤ 4.7%) and good anti-interference capability toward common aquatic ions. Compared with a standard HPLC method, recoveries in spiked cosmetic samples were 97.9–102.6%. This MOF-based strategy offers a sensitive, selective, and field-deployable platform for routine monitoring of trace AgNPs. Full article

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for environmental remediation, particularly in photocatalysis. In this work, a novel ZMIP nanocomposite was fabricated by integrating MIP-202(Zr) bio-MOF with ZnO nanoparticles. For the first time, ZnO nanoparticles were green-synthesized using water lettuce extract and incorporated into MIP-202(Zr) via a mild hydrothermal route. The resulting hybrid was applied as a visible-light photocatalyst for carbamazepine (CBZ) degradation in real pharmaceutical wastewater. Structural analyses (XRD, FTIR, TEM, EDS) verified the successful incorporation of ZnO into the MIP-202(Zr) framework. The composite exhibited a narrowed bandgap of 2.74 ± 0.1 eV compared to 4.05 ± 0.06 eV for pristine MIP-202 and 3.77 ± 0.04 eV for ZnO, highlighting enhanced visible-light utilization in ZMIP. Operational parameters were optimized using response surface methodology, where CBZ removal reached 99.37% with 84.39% TOC mineralization under the optimal conditions (90 min, pH 6, 15 mg/L CBZ, 1.25 g/L catalyst). The catalyst maintained stable performance over five reuse cycles. Radical quenching and UHPLC-MS analyses identified the dominant reactive oxygen species and generated intermediates, elucidating the degradation mechanism and pathways. Beyond CBZ, the ZMIP photocatalyst effectively degraded other pharmaceuticals, including doxorubicin, tetracycline, paracetamol, and ibuprofen, achieving degradation efficiencies of 82.93%, 76.84%, 72.08%, and 67.71%, respectively. Application on real pharmaceutical wastewater achieved 78.37% TOC removal under the optimum conditions. Furthermore, the supplementation of the photocatalytic system by inorganic oxidants ameliorated the degradation performance, following the order KIO₄ > K₂S₂O₈ > KHSO₅ > H₂O₂. Overall, ZMIP demonstrates excellent activity, reusability, and versatility, underscoring its potential as a sustainable photocatalyst for real wastewater treatment. Full article

Coagulation–flocculation, historically reliant on simple inorganic salts, has evolved into a technically sophisticated process that is central to the removal of turbidity, suspended solids, organic matter, and an expanding array of micropollutants from complex wastewaters. This review synthesizes six decades of research, charting the transition from classical aluminum and iron salts to high-performance polymeric, biosourced, and hybrid coagulants, and examines their comparative efficiency across multiple performance indicators—turbidity removal (>95%), COD/BOD reduction (up to 90%), and heavy metal abatement (>90%). Emphasis is placed on recent innovations, including magnetic composites, bio–mineral hybrids, and functionalized nanostructures, which integrate multiple mechanisms—charge neutralization, sweep flocculation, polymer bridging, and targeted adsorption—within a single formulation. Beyond performance, the review highlights persistent scientific gaps: incomplete understanding of molecular-scale interactions between coagulants and emerging contaminants such as microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and engineered nanoparticles; limited real-time analysis of flocculation kinetics and floc structural evolution; and the absence of predictive, mechanistically grounded models linking influent chemistry, coagulant properties, and operational parameters. Addressing these knowledge gaps is essential for transitioning from empirical dosing strategies to fully optimized, data-driven control. The integration of advanced coagulation into modular treatment trains, coupled with IoT-enabled sensors, zeta potential monitoring, and AI-based control algorithms, offers the potential to create “Coagulation 4.0” systems—adaptive, efficient, and embedded within circular economy frameworks. In this paradigm, treatment objectives extend beyond regulatory compliance to include resource recovery from coagulation sludge (nutrients, rare metals, construction materials) and substantial reductions in chemical and energy footprints. By uniting advances in material science, process engineering, and real-time control, coagulation–flocculation can retain its central role in water treatment while redefining its contribution to sustainability. In the systems envisioned here, every floc becomes both a vehicle for contaminant removal and a functional carrier in the broader water–energy–resource nexus. Full article