Search Results (2,681)

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as highly versatile materials for the development of next-generation optical biosensors owing to their tunable porosity, large surface area, and customizable chemical functionality. Recently, MOF-based platforms have shown substantial potential in various optical transduction modalities, including fluorescence, luminescence, and colorimetric sensing, enabling the highly sensitive and selective detection of biological analytes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in MOF-based optical biosensors, focusing on their applications in pathogen detection and environmental monitoring. We highlight key design strategies, including MOF functionalization, hybridization with nanoparticles or dyes, and integration into microfluidic and wearable devices. Emerging methods, such as point-of-care diagnostics, label-free detection, and real-time monitoring, are also discussed. Finally, the current challenges and future directions for the practical deployment of MOF-based optical biosensors in clinical and field environments are discussed. Full article

The development of efficient antibiotic-releasing materials derived from sustainable and recyclable compounds represents a key area within biomedical materials science, particularly in the treatment of antibacterial infections. Herein, a Fe³⁺/terephthalate-based metal–organic framework (MIL-53) and a novel advanced material made of MIL-53 with biogenic hydroxyapatite (1) were prepared by solvothermal reactions, and these were studied in detail as a Penicillin-G-releasing material. After loading Penicillin G on 1 and MIL-53, the antibiotic percentage release was studied, and the antimicrobial effectiveness of each material was evaluated against two bacterial ATCC strains (E. coli and S. aureus) and various Penicillin-G-resistant uropathogenic strains such as E. coli isolates (HHM 25, ERV 6, and FGI 4). Functional, structural, and morphological characteristics of these materials were thoroughly studied by analytical tools (FTIR, XRD, BET, SEM-EDS, and XPS). The Penicillin G load did not exceed 50% in both materials. The Penicillin G adsorption mechanism involves several types of interactions with the materials. The release of the antibiotic was more efficient from MIL-53, where the load did not exceed 20%. The release was analyzed using mathematical models. They indicated that when Penicillin G is released from MIL-53, the process follows diffusion through a uniform matrix; however, 1 is more porous, which helps with the release by diffusion of Penicillin G, and 1 exhibits more than a 90% inhibition of the growth of bacteria and strains like MIL-53. This suggests a valuable approach to antibiotic activity against resistant pathogens. The use of composite materials derived from the Fe-MOF with a sustainable matrix of hydroxyapatite as antibiotic-releasing materials has been unexplored until now. Full article

Titanium, the second most abundant and one of the cheapest, non-toxic transition metals in the Earth’s crust, is highly favorable for catalytic applications due to its widespread availability, low cost, low toxicity, and well-documented biocompatibility. However, because of its high affinity for oxygen and inherent Lewis acidity, titanium complexes generally exhibit lower tolerance toward various functional groups compared with complexes of later transition metals. The incorporation of cyclopentadienyl ligands significantly enhances the structural tunability of these complexes in their 3D configuration. By modifying the ligand framework, it is possible to fine-tune the Lewis acidity of the central titanium atom as well as the lability and binding characteristics of the ligands. This strategy enables precise control over the catalytic performance of titanocene complexes. The main body of this review provides an overview of recent advances in titanocene catalysis within the field of chemical synthesis since 2019. It includes illustrative examples that demonstrate the substrate scope and practical applications of titanocene catalysts in the synthesis of complex organic molecules and natural products. Finally, the review outlines current research opportunities and strategic directions for future developments in titanocene-based catalysis. Full article

Soil contamination by heavy metals represents a critical environmental challenge, demanding reliable assessment methods. While biotoxicity assays are widely employed, the selection of sensitive biomarkers for heavy-metal contamination remains poorly defined. This study systematically assessed the sensitivity of biological indicators by analyzing 17 peer-reviewed studies (2003–2024) from various databases. The results revealed significant changes in the physiological and biochemical indicators of soil organisms exposed to heavy metals. Specifically, compared to control groups, the experimental groups showed 180%, 150%, and 145% catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, respectively. Meta-regression analysis indicated that biomarker responses are shaped by metal type, concentration, exposure duration, soil organism species, and soil variables. Cadmium exposure significantly increased CAT activity (+2.26), SOD activity (+3.46), POD activity (+3.44), and MDA content (+2.80). While CAT activity exhibited significant publication bias, POD and MDA remain promising biomarkers, with applicability varying across species and environmental conditions. This study presents a decision framework for biomarker selection based on metal speciation and soil properties, aiming to standardize ecological risk assessments and strengthen regulatory monitoring of heavy-metal impacts on soil health. Full article

Spin-spray-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is an innovative method for producing nanostructured thin films due to its rapid assembly and extensive coverage of substrates. In this study, a nanofiltration (NF) membrane consisting of multilayers of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and poly(sodium-4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) was fabricated on a polysulfone (PSF) support. The resulting membrane was further coated with a metal–organic framework (MOF303). The resulting (PEI/PSS)₅-MOF303 showed a rejection rate of 18.94 ± 1.58% and a permeability of 0.91 ± 0.13 L/(h·bar·m²)while also showing enhanced antifouling properties. This work explores the possibility of spin-spray-assisted LbL assembly as a promising method for fabricating membranes. Full article

This study is a systematic critical review aimed at rigorously evaluating the potential of Hermetia illucens larvae (black soldier fly larvae, BSFL) as a sustainable protein source for animal feed through a standardized methodological framework. To address the significant challenge posed by the increasing global demand for protein feed to agricultural sustainability, we retrieved relevant studies published between October 2008 and June 2025 from three core databases—PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science—and conducted study screening and data extraction in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. BSFL represent a viable alternative, with a high protein content of 40–60% and efficient organic waste conversion capabilities. This systematic review explores the potential of BSFL to replace traditional protein sources such as fishmeal and soybean meal in animal feed, highlighting their advantages in enhancing growth performance, improving gut health, and reducing methane emissions in ruminants. However, there are still critical research gaps, including the need for standardized safety assessments regarding heavy metal accumulation and chitin digestibility. Addressing these challenges through optimized rearing techniques and rigorous safety evaluations will be crucial for scaling up BSFL production and advancing the development of circular agriculture. Full article

The global scarcity of freshwater, driven by population growth and the unequal distribution of water resources, has intensified the need for alternative water supply technologies. Among the most promising solutions, adsorption-based atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) systems offer the ability to extract water vapor directly from ambient air, even under low-humidity conditions. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the thermodynamic principles and material characteristics governing these systems, with particular emphasis on adsorption isotherms and their role in predicting and optimizing system performance. A generalized theoretical framework is proposed to assess the energy efficiency of thermally driven AWH devices, based on key material parameters. Recent developments in sorbent materials, especially metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and advanced zeolites, are examined for their high-water uptake, regeneration efficiency, and potential for operation under real climatic conditions. The Dubinin–Astakhov and modified Langmuir isotherm models are reviewed for their effectiveness in describing nonlinear sorption behaviors critical to performance modeling. In addition, component-level design strategies for adsorption-based AWH systems are discussed. The integration of solar energy is also discussed, highlighting recent prototypes and design strategies that have achieved water yields ranging from 0.1 to 2.5 L m⁻²/day and specific productivities up to 2.8 L kg⁻¹ using MOF-801 at 20% RH. Despite notable progress, challenges remain, including limited productivity in non-optimized setups, thermal losses, long-term material stability, and scalability. This review concludes by identifying future directions for material development, system integration, and modeling approaches to advance the practical deployment of efficient and scalable AWH technologies. Full article

Atherosclerosis is a progressive, multifactorial disease driven by the interplay of lipid dysregulation, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and maladaptive vascular remodeling. Despite advances in systemic lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory therapies, residual cardiovascular risk persists, highlighting the need for more precise interventions. Targeted drug delivery represents a transformative strategy, offering the potential to modulate key pathogenic processes within atherosclerotic plaques while minimizing systemic exposure and off-target effects. Recent innovations span a diverse array of platforms, including nanoparticles, liposomes, exosomes, polymeric carriers, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), engineered to engage distinct pathological features such as inflamed endothelium, dysfunctional macrophages, oxidative microenvironments, and aberrant lipid metabolism. Ligand-based, biomimetic, and stimuli-responsive delivery systems further enhance spatial and temporal precision. In parallel, advances in in-silico modeling and imaging-guided approaches are accelerating the rational design of multifunctional nanotherapeutics with theranostic capabilities. Beyond targeting lipids and inflammation, emerging strategies seek to modulate immune checkpoints, restore endothelial homeostasis, and reprogram plaque-resident macrophages. This review provides an integrated overview of the mechanistic underpinnings of atherogenesis and highlights state-of-the-art targeted delivery systems under preclinical and clinical investigation. By synthesizing recent advances, we aim to elucidate how precision-guided drug delivery is reshaping the therapeutic landscape of atherosclerosis and to chart future directions toward clinical translation and personalized vascular medicine. Full article

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have become a hot topic in various research fields nowadays. And MOF-derived metal oxides prepared by the sacrificial template method have been widely applied as catalysts for pollutant removal. Accordingly, we prepared a series of MOF-derived MnO_x catalysts with diverse morphologies (rod-like, flower-like, slab-like) via the pyrolysis of MOF precursors, and the as-prepared MnO_x catalysts demonstrated superior performance compared to the one prepared using the co-precipitation method. MnO_x-II, with a flower-like structure, exhibited excellent activity for formaldehyde (HCHO) catalytic ozonation at room temperature, reaching complete HCHO conversion at O₃/HCHO of 1.5 and more than 90% CO₂ selectivity at an O₃/HCHO ratio of 2.5. On the basis of various characterization methods, it was clarified that the enhanced catalytic performance of MnO_x-II benefited from its larger BET surface area, abundant oxygen vacancies, better redox ability at lower temperature, and more Lewis acid sites. The H₂O resistance and stability tests were also conducted. Furthermore, DFT calculations substantiated the enhanced adsorption of HCHO and O₃ on oxygen vacancies, while in–situ DRIFTS measurements elucidated the degradation pathway of HCHO during catalytic ozonation through detected intermediates. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections demands innovative non-antibiotic therapeutic strategies. Dual-modal photoresponse therapy integrating photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal (PTT) effects offers a promising rapid antibacterial approach, yet designing single-material systems with synergistic enhancement remains challenging. This study aims to develop uniform Cu-based metal–organic framework micrometer cubes (Cu-BN) for efficient PDT/PTT synergy. Methods: Cu-BN cubes were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method using Cu(NO₃)₂ and 2-amino-p-benzoic acid. The material’s dual-mode responsiveness to visible light (420 nm) and near-infrared light (808 nm) was characterized through UV–Vis spectroscopy, photothermal profiling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assays. Antibacterial efficacy against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was quantified via colony counting under dual-light irradiation. Results: Under synergistic 420 + 808 nm irradiation for 15 min, Cu-BN (200 μg/mL) achieved rapid eradication of multidrug-resistant E. coli (99.94%) and S. aureus (99.83%). The material reached 58.6 °C under dual-light exposure, significantly exceeding single-light performance. Photodynamic analysis confirmed a 78.7% singlet oxygen (¹O₂) conversion rate. This enhancement stems from PTT-induced membrane permeabilization accelerating ROS diffusion, while PDT-generated ROS sensitized bacteria to thermal damage. Conclusions: This integrated design enables spatiotemporal PDT/PTT synergy within a single Cu-BN system, establishing a new paradigm for rapid-acting, broad-spectrum non-antibiotic antimicrobials. The work provides critical insights for developing light-responsive biomaterials against drug-resistant infections. Full article

The increasing use of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), and personal care products (PCPs) has led to the widespread presence of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in aquatic environments, posing a significant global challenge for environmental conservation. In recent years, advanced materials-based nanofiltration (NF) technologies have emerged as a promising solution for water and wastewater treatment. This review begins by examining the sources of OMPs, as well as the risk of OMPs. Subsequently, the key criteria of NF membranes for OMPs are discussed, with a focus on the roles of pore size, charge property, molecular interaction, and hydrophilicity in the separation performance. Against that background, this review summarizes and analyzes recent advancements in materials such as metal organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), graphene oxide (GO), MXenes, hybrid materials, and environmentally friendly materials. It highlights the porous nature and structural diversity of organic framework materials, the advantage of inorganic layered materials in forming controllable nanochannels through stacking, the synergistic effects of hybrid materials, and the importance of green materials. Finally, the challenges related to the performance optimization, scalable fabrication, environmental sustainability, and complex separation of advanced materials-based membranes for OMP removal are discussed, along with future research directions and potential breakthroughs. Full article

This paper discusses the integrated technology of CO₂ adsorption and catalysis, which combines adsorption and catalytic conversion, simplifies the traditional process, reduces energy consumption, and improves efficiency. The traditional carbon capture technology has the problems of high energy consumption, equipment corrosion, and absorbent loss, while the integrated technology realizes the adsorption, conversion, and catalyst regeneration of CO₂ in a single reaction system, avoiding complex desorption steps. Through micropore confinement and surface electron transfer mechanism, the technology improves the reactant concentration and mass transfer efficiency, reduces the activation energy, and realizes the low-temperature and high-efficiency conversion of CO₂. In terms of materials, MOF-based composites, alkali metal modified oxides, and carbon-based hybrid materials show excellent performance, helping to efficiently adsorb and transform CO₂. However, the design and engineering of reactors still face challenges, such as the development of new moving bed reactors. This technology provides a new idea for CO₂ capture and resource utilization and has important environmental significance and broad application prospects. Full article

The complex system of high-entropy materials makes it challenging to reveal the specific function of each site for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, with nickel foam (NF) as the substrate, FeCoNiCrMo/NF is designed to be prepared by metal–organic frameworks (MOF) as a precursor under an argon atmosphere. XRD analysis confirms that it retains a partial MOF crystal structure (characteristic peak at 2θ = 11.8°) with amorphous carbon (peaks at 22° and 48°). SEM-EDS mapping and XPS demonstrate uniform distribution of Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, and Mo with a molar ratio of 27:24:30:11:9. Electrochemical test results show that FeCoNiCrMo/NF has excellent OER characteristics compared with other reference prepared samples. FeCoNiCrMo/NF has an overpotential of 285 mV at 100 mA cm⁻² and performs continuously for 100 h without significant decline. The OER mechanism of FeCoNiCrMo/NF further reveal that Co and Ni are true active sites, and the dissolution of Cr and Mo promote the conversion of active sites into MOOH following the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM). The precipitation–dissolution equilibrium of Fe also plays an important role in the OER process. The study of different reaction sites in complex systems points the way to designing efficient and robust catalysts. Full article

Industrial catalysts are accelerating the global transition toward renewable energy, serving as enablers for innovative technologies that enhance efficiency, lower costs, and improve environmental sustainability. This review explores the pivotal roles of industrial catalysts in hydrogen production, biofuel generation, and biomass conversion, highlighting their transformative impact on renewable energy systems. Precious-metal-based electrocatalysts such as ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir), and platinum (Pt) demonstrate high efficiency but face challenges due to their cost and stability. Alternatives like nickel-cobalt oxide (NiCo₂O₄) and Ti₃C₂ MXene materials show promise in addressing these limitations, enabling cost-effective and scalable hydrogen production. Additionally, nickel-based catalysts supported on alumina optimize SMR, reducing coke formation and improving efficiency. In biofuel production, heterogeneous catalysts play a crucial role in converting biomass into valuable fuels. Co-based bimetallic catalysts enhance hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) processes, improving the yield of biofuels like dimethylfuran (DMF) and γ-valerolactone (GVL). Innovative materials such as biochar, red mud, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) facilitate sustainable waste-to-fuel conversion and biodiesel production, offering environmental and economic benefits. Power-to-X technologies, which convert renewable electricity into chemical energy carriers like hydrogen and synthetic fuels, rely on advanced catalysts to improve reaction rates, selectivity, and energy efficiency. Innovations in non-precious metal catalysts, nanostructured materials, and defect-engineered catalysts provide solutions for sustainable energy systems. These advancements promise to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental footprints, and ensure the viability of renewable energy technologies. Full article

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have characteristics such as a large specific surface area, distinct functional sites, and an adjustable pore size. However, the inherent low conductivity of MOFs significantly affects the charge transfer efficiency when they are used for electrocatalytic sensing. Combining MOFs with conductive materials can compensate for these deficiencies. For MOF/metal nanoparticle composites (e.g., composites with gold, silver, platinum, and bimetallic nanoparticles), the high electrical conductivity and catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles are utilized, and MOFs can inhibit the agglomeration of nanoparticles. MOF/carbon-based material composites integrate the high electrical conductivity and large specific surface area of carbon-based materials. MOF/conductive polymer composites offer good flexibility and tunability. MOF/multiple conductive material composites exhibit synergistic effects. Although MOF composites provide an ideal platform for electrocatalytic reactions, current research still suffers from several issues, including a lack of comparative studies, insufficient research on structure–property correlations, limited practical applications, and high synthesis costs. In the future, it is necessary to explore new synthetic pathways and seek; inexpensive alternative raw materials. Full article