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Search Results (1,203)

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27 pages, 3387 KB  
Article
Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents as Innovative Multifunctional Ingredients in Cosmetic Formulations: Scaling up from Lab to Industry
by Justyna Werner, Ewa Kilian-Pięta, Kornelia Rzepczyk, Mateusz Szczygiełda, Agnieszka Duczmal, Daria Mysiak and Damian Krystian Kaczmarek
Processes 2026, 14(17), 2850; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14172850 - 4 Sep 2026
Viewed by 324
Abstract
In recent years, the cosmetic and dermo-cosmetic industries have experienced a shift driven by the principles of green chemistry and the growing consumer demand for clean-beauty platforms. Conventional personal care formulations heavily rely on synthetic glycols, petroleum-derived penetration enhancers, and heavy chemical preservatives [...] Read more.
In recent years, the cosmetic and dermo-cosmetic industries have experienced a shift driven by the principles of green chemistry and the growing consumer demand for clean-beauty platforms. Conventional personal care formulations heavily rely on synthetic glycols, petroleum-derived penetration enhancers, and heavy chemical preservatives to stabilize active ingredients and optimize topical application. However, these ingredients are increasingly scrutinized due to their associated carbon footprints and processing inefficiencies. Consequently, the development of multi-functional, bio-based, and ecologically sustainable solvents has emerged as a primary frontier in modern cosmetic engineering. For the first time, this study focused on determining the physicochemical properties and direct cosmetic application potential of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs) based on 1,3-propanediol (PDO) and glycerin (GLY) paired with organic acids (citric, succinic, malic, and lactic) at a 6:1 molar ratio. Unlike traditional, highly viscous eutectic mixtures, the engineered NADESs successfully optimized liquid dynamic viscosities, overcoming a major barrier for topical application. The new NADESs and, for comparison, a physical mixture of their substrates were incorporated into aqueous serums and O/W emulsions. Accelerated stability trials (40 °C/4 °C, 3 months) combined with pH monitoring revealed that while liquid serums maintained exceptional stability, the emulsion formulations were highly dependent on the specific acid structures. All formulations of cosmetics demonstrated very good radical scavenging activity (up to 89% DPPH inhibition) and microbiological purity, complying with the ISO 17516:2014 standard. Furthermore, in vivo sensory evaluations visualized via heatmaps confirmed that NADESs effectively eliminated the characteristic “sticky effect” of polyols, significantly enhancing product ease of application on skin. This study provides the first systematic evidence that these NADESs offer seamless cold-process compounding, reduced homogenization times, and simplified single-pot operations. Consequently, this work establishes a novel, clean-beauty-compliant platform for advanced dermo-cosmetic manufacturing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Processes)
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30 pages, 13136 KB  
Article
Soursop-Derived Gut Metabolites Restore Adipose Metabolic Homeostasis and Attenuate Fructose-Induced Adipotoxicity: Mechanistic Insights into the Soursop–Gut–Adipose Axis
by Ochuko L. Erukainure and Chika I. Chukwuma
Antioxidants 2026, 15(9), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15091106 - 2 Sep 2026
Viewed by 254
Abstract
Adipotoxicity is a major contributor to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and increasing evidence highlights the gut–adipose axis as a promising therapeutic target. Soursop (Annona muricata) is rich in phytochemicals that can be biotransformed by the gut microbiota into bioactive [...] Read more.
Adipotoxicity is a major contributor to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and increasing evidence highlights the gut–adipose axis as a promising therapeutic target. Soursop (Annona muricata) is rich in phytochemicals that can be biotransformed by the gut microbiota into bioactive metabolites with metabolic benefits. The present study investigated whether metabolites generated by in vitro fecal fermentation of soursop fruit (SWSF) and peel (SWSFP) protect against fructose-induced adipotoxicity. SWSF and SWSFP were fermented with rat fecal microbiota, and the resulting metabolites were evaluated in an ex vivo fructose-induced adipotoxicity model using perigonadal white adipose tissue. Activities of enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, the polyol pathway, glutathione metabolism, glyoxalase-1 activity, purinergic signaling, and inflammatory lipid metabolism were determined. GC–MS-based metabolomics and pathway enrichment analyses were performed on fecal and adipose tissues. Soursop fermentation significantly remodeled the fecal metabolome, enriching metabolites associated with fatty acid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, β-oxidation, sterol metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. Fructose-induced adipotoxicity disrupted glucose metabolism, activated the polyol pathway, impaired glutathione metabolism and glyoxalase-1 activity, suppressed ATPase and ENTPDase activities, and elevated 5-LOX and 12/15-LOX activities. Treatment with soursop-enriched fecal metabolites significantly reversed these alterations in a dose-dependent manner. Adipose metabolomics further demonstrated restoration of pathways associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, mitochondrial β-oxidation, glycerolipid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism, indicating improved lipid homeostasis and reduced inflammatory lipid signaling. SWSF and SWSFP generally exhibited greater metabolic protection than the reference antioxidant compound, gallic acid. Soursop-derived gut metabolites attenuate fructose-induced adipotoxicity by coordinately restoring glucose metabolism, redox homeostasis, carbonyl detoxification, purinergic signaling, and lipid metabolism through the gut–adipose axis. These results suggest soursop as a potential functional food for preventing and managing adipose tissue dysfunction and metabolic disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay Between Gut Microbiota and Oxidative Stress)
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27 pages, 34776 KB  
Article
Closing the Polyurethane Loop: Repolyols from Chemically Recycled Bio-Modified Foams for Viscoelastic Applications
by Michał Kucała, Elżbieta Malewska, Maria Kurańska and Aleksander Prociak
Polymers 2026, 18(17), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18172142 - 2 Sep 2026
Viewed by 352
Abstract
This article develops new-generation viscoelastic polyurethane foams (VPUFs) obtained using repolyols derived from chemically recycled flexible foams and bio-based polyurethane foams, in accordance with the Circular Economy framework. The repolyols were produced by chemolysis using a low-molecular-weight glycolyzing agent. The repolyols were used [...] Read more.
This article develops new-generation viscoelastic polyurethane foams (VPUFs) obtained using repolyols derived from chemically recycled flexible foams and bio-based polyurethane foams, in accordance with the Circular Economy framework. The repolyols were produced by chemolysis using a low-molecular-weight glycolyzing agent. The repolyols were used as a partial substitute for conventional petrochemical polyols in VPUF formulations. The physicochemical properties of the repolyols, including hydroxyl value (HV), amine value (AmV), and viscosity, were characterized. The effect of the repolyols on the foaming reaction and the cellular structure of the resulting foams was assessed. The resulting VPUFs were tested for apparent density, hardness, hysteresis, resilience, recovery time, and comfort factor. Replacing up to 15% by weight of conventional petrochemical polyols with repolyols results in VPUF with 36% higher apparent density, 32% higher hardness and 27% higher hysteresis than REF. The developed polyurethane foams are in line with the principles of sustainable development and the Circular Economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Polyurethane Research and Technology)
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15 pages, 7771 KB  
Article
Influence of Silver Content on the Structural Characteristics and Antibacterial Activity of ZnO–Ag Nanoparticles Against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium
by Myrna Reyes-Blas, Kimberly Torres-Rivera, Diego Caquías-López, Paola Batista-Cruz, Ian Passalacqua-Montes and Sonia J. Bailón-Ruiz
Foundations 2026, 6(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/foundations6030033 - 1 Sep 2026
Viewed by 118
Abstract
Antimicrobial nanomaterials have attracted increasing attention as potential alternatives for controlling pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, pure ZnO and Ag-modified ZnO nanoparticles prepared using nominal Ag contents of 1 and 5 wt.% were synthesized using a reflux-assisted polyol method and evaluated to determine [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial nanomaterials have attracted increasing attention as potential alternatives for controlling pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, pure ZnO and Ag-modified ZnO nanoparticles prepared using nominal Ag contents of 1 and 5 wt.% were synthesized using a reflux-assisted polyol method and evaluated to determine the influence of Ag content on their structural characteristics and antibacterial activity. The synthesized materials were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). UV-Vis and FTIR analyses confirmed the characteristic optical response and chemical features of ZnO-based materials. XRD patterns revealed that all samples retained the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO, while additional reflections corresponding to face-centered cubic (FCC) Ag were observed in the Ag-containing samples and increased in intensity with Ag content. Crystallite sizes estimated by the Scherrer equation were 16.9 ± 2.6 nm for ZnO, 12.9 ± 1.6 nm for ZnO-Ag 1%, and 32.6 ± 10.1 nm for ZnO-Ag 5%. HRTEM confirmed the formation of crystalline nanoparticles with average particle sizes of approximately 16 nm and 12 nm for ZnO and ZnO-Ag 1%, respectively. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against the reference strains Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14020. ZnO–Ag 5% exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 250 ppm against E. coli and 750 ppm against S. typhimurium, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 750 and 1500 ppm, respectively. These findings demonstrate that increasing Ag content influences the structural properties of ZnO nanoparticles and enhances their antibacterial performance, highlighting the potential of ZnO-Ag nanomaterials for antimicrobial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Sciences)
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21 pages, 10027 KB  
Review
Metabolic Dysregulation and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Retinopathy: Glycogen Metabolism, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Antioxidant Defences
by Vinuka De Silva, Lochlan J. Fennell and Mitchell A. Sullivan
Antioxidants 2026, 15(9), 1093; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15091093 - 31 Aug 2026
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of preventable visual impairment and develops through intertwined metabolic, oxidative, inflammatory, and neurovascular disturbances. This review examines how chronic hyperglycaemia disrupts retinal glucose handling and redox homeostasis, with particular emphasis on glycogen metabolism as an underappreciated [...] Read more.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of preventable visual impairment and develops through intertwined metabolic, oxidative, inflammatory, and neurovascular disturbances. This review examines how chronic hyperglycaemia disrupts retinal glucose handling and redox homeostasis, with particular emphasis on glycogen metabolism as an underappreciated contributor to disease progression. Pathological glycogen accumulation in retinal amacrine cells and the retinal pigment epithelium may arise through altered glycogen synthase localisation and glucose-6-phosphate-dependent activation, potentially disturbing intracellular trafficking and cellular energy balance. These metabolic changes converge with mitochondrial electron transport chain dysfunction, NADPH oxidase activation, polyol pathway flux, and light-driven lipid peroxidation to increase reactive oxygen species generation. At the same time, transient suppression of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defences, TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome signalling, ferroptotic injury, and VEGF-associated oxidative feedback promote blood–retinal barrier breakdown and persistent neuroinflammation. We propose that dysregulated glycogen metabolism and impaired antioxidant capacity form an integrated metabolic–redox network that helps explain cell-specific vulnerability and metabolic memory in DR. Targeting multiple nodes within this network may support earlier, disease-modifying strategies beyond treatment of advanced vascular complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Defenses and Inflammation in Diabetic Retinopathy)
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28 pages, 430 KB  
Review
The Oral and Nasal Gateway Microbiomes: Salivaomics and Systemic Health at the Airway–Digestive Interface
by Mark L. Cannon, John Peldyak, Paul R. Reynolds and Gustavo Ferrer
Microorganisms 2026, 14(9), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14091913 - 29 Aug 2026
Viewed by 595
Abstract
The oral cavity is a mucosal and mineralized interface shared by the digestive tract and the upper airway. This narrative review proposes the oral–nasal gateway microbiome as a clinically useful model for understanding oral, nasal, and systemic health. The model includes bacteria, fungi, [...] Read more.
The oral cavity is a mucosal and mineralized interface shared by the digestive tract and the upper airway. This narrative review proposes the oral–nasal gateway microbiome as a clinically useful model for understanding oral, nasal, and systemic health. The model includes bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa, viruses, bacteriophages, microbial metabolites, and host-derived salivary components. Its gateway role is supported by anatomy, continuous salivation, periodontal vascular exposure, oral–gut microbial overlap, nitrate–nitrite–nitric oxide biology, oral and nasal airway interactions, maternal–child microbial transmission, and enrichment of oral organisms in selected distal diseases and tumors. Oral communities respond rapidly to diet, salivary flow, airway physiology, smoking and vaping, xerostomic medications, antibiotics, and antiseptic rinses, and these changes may influence the nasal microbiome. Published evidence summarizes bacterial pathobionts and protective commensals; Candida and other oral fungi; herpesviruses; papillomaviruses; bacteriophages; salivaomics; pregnancy and early-life prevention; probiotics; polyols; remineralization chemistry; environmental exposures; and tumor microbiology. As of manuscript preparation, SalivaDB catalogs 15,821 salivary biomarker entries across 201 diseases and 48 disease categories. The practical endpoint is not sterilization of the oral cavity but restoration of microbial homeostasis, salivary competence, airway stability, dietary balance, and biologically informed, timely prevention. Full article
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23 pages, 8152 KB  
Article
Hidden Solid-State Transformation of Darunavir in Low-Temperature Hot-Melt-Extruded Granules: Implications for Pharmacy Compounding and Routine Quality Control
by Mark Mandrik, Veronika Makarova, Ludmila Korol, Ivan Sadkovskii, Ivan Krasnyuk and Sergey Antonov
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(9), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18091079 - 27 Aug 2026
Viewed by 312
Abstract
Background: Hot-melt extrusion (HME) is a scalable pharmaceutical technology increasingly relevant to flexible manufacturing, including small-batch production, personalized dosage-form development, and potential use in pharmacy compounding. When translated into compounding practice, however, HME introduces a risk that routine quality-control methods available in pharmacies [...] Read more.
Background: Hot-melt extrusion (HME) is a scalable pharmaceutical technology increasingly relevant to flexible manufacturing, including small-batch production, personalized dosage-form development, and potential use in pharmacy compounding. When translated into compounding practice, however, HME introduces a risk that routine quality-control methods available in pharmacies may be insufficient to reliably assess the stability of extrusion-based preparations. Methods: Granules containing 50% (w/w) darunavir were prepared by HME at 70 and 90 °C using a previously developed polymeric premix. Samples were stored for 24 months under ambient conditions. During storage, routine quality attributes were evaluated, including appearance, particle size distribution, loss on drying, disintegration time, content uniformity, and assay. Solid-state changes were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), with a reference PEG-associated darunavir sample prepared and characterized for comparative analysis. Changes in drug release and darunavir content were assessed by dissolution testing and HPLC analysis, respectively. Results: Granules produced at both extrusion temperatures retained acceptable routine quality attributes throughout the 24-month storage period. No substantial changes were detected by visual inspection, pharmacopoeial tests, or UV assay. However, DSC revealed a new thermal event after storage, while XRD showed the formation of a new crystalline phase. Comparison with the reference PEG-associated sample supported the assignment of this phase as a PEG-associated crystalline phase of darunavir. Importantly, this transformation occurred even though the routine quality attributes evaluated in pharmacy compounding practice remained unchanged. Dissolution profiles differed between samples tested immediately after preparation and after long-term storage, with a more pronounced overall difference for granules produced at 90 °C, whereas HPLC confirmed comparable darunavir content in all investigated samples. Discussion: Our results show that routine compounding quality control can meet conventional acceptance criteria while failing to detect API solid-state changes in the investigated HME-derived system. In the PEG-containing matrix, amorphous darunavir undergoes storage-induced crystallization, forming a PEG-associated crystalline phase consistent with its known affinity for polyol-containing media. Conclusions: Acceptable routine quality attributes do not necessarily reflect the solid-state stability of APIs in HME-based formulations. These results highlight the need for solid-state risk assessment when developing extrusion-based systems intended for pharmacy compounding and other personalized manufacturing models in which routine quality control may not include advanced solid-state characterization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Technology, Manufacturing and Devices)
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17 pages, 7984 KB  
Article
Preparation and Properties of Dynamic Covalent-Based Epoxidized Soybean Oil-Derived UV-Curable Resin
by Wei Wang, Wen Lei, Han Luo, Wangwang Yu and Yong Chen
Polymers 2026, 18(17), 2055; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18172055 - 24 Aug 2026
Viewed by 225
Abstract
To develop ultraviolet (UV)-curable resin with excellent mechanical, thermal-resistant and self-healing properties, epoxidized soybean oil was utilized as a bio-based raw material in this paper, and its epoxy groups were ring-opened and modified with methanol and tert-butyl acetoacetate to introduce hydroxyl groups and [...] Read more.
To develop ultraviolet (UV)-curable resin with excellent mechanical, thermal-resistant and self-healing properties, epoxidized soybean oil was utilized as a bio-based raw material in this paper, and its epoxy groups were ring-opened and modified with methanol and tert-butyl acetoacetate to introduce hydroxyl groups and flexible segments, yielding a functionalized polyol, which was reacted with isophorone diisocyanate to prepare a hydroxyl-terminated polyurethane prepolymer containing dynamic covalent bonds. The prepolymer was further end-capped with hydroxyethyl acrylate to obtain a UV-curable polyurethane acrylate resin. The physico-mechanical properties and self-healing efficiency of the samples were systematically investigated. The results showed that the prepared specimens had efficient self-healing capability and could achieve efficient repair of damaged interfaces through appropriate heat treatment without the need for external catalysts; the onset decomposition temperatures of all the samples were greater than 225 °C, demonstrating good thermal stability; the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus could be as great as 31.1 MPa, 393.7 MPa, 29.6 MPa and 851.6 MPa, respectively. All these indicated that the prepared samples had good overall performances. This study provides a new strategy for the design and preparation of self-healing photocurable resins based on renewable resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Analysis and Characterization)
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19 pages, 4435 KB  
Article
Development of Silicone Elastomer-Based Composite Films Containing Ibuprofen and Functional Additives
by Mari Atabekyan, Zoya Farmazyan, Nelly Avagyan, Vigen Topuzyan, Stepan Grigoryan, Gohar Khachatryan and Karen Khachatryan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(16), 7446; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27167446 - 20 Aug 2026
Viewed by 1001
Abstract
Silicone elastomers are attractive matrices for transdermal drug delivery systems, but the controlled release of poorly water-soluble drugs from hydrophobic silicone networks remains challenging. Medical-grade silicone elastomers are generally regarded as chemically stable, biologically inert, and highly biocompatible polymer matrices, which supports their [...] Read more.
Silicone elastomers are attractive matrices for transdermal drug delivery systems, but the controlled release of poorly water-soluble drugs from hydrophobic silicone networks remains challenging. Medical-grade silicone elastomers are generally regarded as chemically stable, biologically inert, and highly biocompatible polymer matrices, which supports their use in biomedical and pharmaceutical materials. Here, ibuprofen-loaded silicone/polyol composite films were prepared from hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-OH) using glycerol- and 1,2-propylene glycol-derived alkoxysilane cross-linkers and amino-terminated PDMS as a metal-free room-temperature-vulcanising catalyst. The effects of cross-linker composition, glycerol, PEG 200 and selected functional additives on film formation, morphology, apparent ibuprofen release and preliminary Strat-M® permeation were evaluated. FTIR analysis indicated no covalent reaction between ibuprofen and the silicone network, but suggested hydrogen-bonding interactions with polyol-rich domains, particularly in glycerol-containing systems. Raman mapping supported ibuprofen incorporation within the films, while SEM showed phase-separated microdomains whose morphology depended on the formulation. Apparent release into 0.9% NaCl at 37 °C was formulation-dependent over 72 h. The optimised F-9 film showed approximately 83% cumulative apparent release, whereas the F-10 film containing copper oxide nanoparticles and sea buckthorn oil showed the highest numerical cumulative apparent release, approximately 94%. Kinetic analysis of the apparent release data supported a mainly diffusion-controlled contribution, modulated by hydrophilic microdomains. These results provide preliminary materials-development evidence that silicone/polyol films can be used to tune apparent ibuprofen release and merit further optimisation for local topical or transdermal applications; however, efficient skin permeation and biological performance require dedicated validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Strategies for Bioactive Compounds)
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33 pages, 1964 KB  
Article
Sustainable Valorization of Water Hyacinth Leaves (WHL) Holocellulose for Bioethanol Production Using Hybrid Microwave Irradiation/Ternary Deep Eutectic Solvent Pretreatment: Spectroscopic and Microscopic Structural Characterization
by Temesgen Atnafu Yemata, Adane Adugna Ayalew, Kidanemariam Alemu Mengistie, Nigus Gabbiye Habtu, Zenamarkos Bantie Sendekie, Tadele Mihret, Yun Zheng, Alameraw Mebrat, Messele Kassaw Tadsual, Tessera Alemneh Wubieneh, Mengistu Damitie Chanyalew, Fentahun Adamu Getie, Elsabeth Tsegaye, Ibrahim Musa Ibrahim, Hawi Jihad Kedir, Metadel Kassahun Abera, Tesfaye Alamirew Dessie, Agegnehu Alemu, Aynadis Molla Asemu and Belay Teffera
Spectrosc. J. 2026, 4(3), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/spectroscj4030015 - 17 Aug 2026
Viewed by 279
Abstract
Water hyacinth leaves (WHL) are an inexpensive renewable fuel resource that can be employed for energy creation through hydrolysis of simple fermentable reducing sugars. In this work, a hybrid microwave irradiation (MWI)–ternary deep eutectic solvent (TNDES) system involving choline chloride (ChCl) as a [...] Read more.
Water hyacinth leaves (WHL) are an inexpensive renewable fuel resource that can be employed for energy creation through hydrolysis of simple fermentable reducing sugars. In this work, a hybrid microwave irradiation (MWI)–ternary deep eutectic solvent (TNDES) system involving choline chloride (ChCl) as a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), triethanolamine (TEOA) as an amine-based hydrogen bond donor (HBD), monoethylene glycol (MEG), diethylene glycol (DEG), or triethylene glycol (TEG) as polyol-based HBD components was employed as an efficient and green material for pretreatment of WHL for further transformation of the polysaccharide portion. The results showed that hybrid MWI/TNDES (ChCl-TEOA-MEG, ChCl-TEOA-DEG, and ChCl-TEOA-TEG) pretreatments were very efficient for lignin removal from WHL, with efficacy ranging from 80.4 ± 3.2 to 87.7 ± 3.8% compared with pretreatment using hybrid MWI/binary NDES (ChCl-TEOA) (75.6 ± 2.4%). The higher efficacy of the hybrid MWI/TNDES pretreatment was attributed to the impacts of MWI on extracting biological materials and the lower viscosity, higher pH, and lower density associated with the TNDESs. The results indicate that WHL pretreated using hybrid MWI and ChCl-TEOA-MEG, ChCl-TEOA-DEG, and ChCl-TEOA-TEG resulted in significantly boosting cellulose digestibility (4–5 times that of pristine WHL and 1.5 times that of hybrid MWI/ChCl-TEOA-treated WHL). The effect of MWI/TNDES pretreatment was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) pictures, and lignin and hemicellulose elimination were clearly observed in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The lignin-rich material separated by the hybrid MWI/TNDES pretreatment was analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to obtain the thermal behaviors of this hybrid, pretreated WHL material. In our experimentation with hybrid MWI/TNDES, under optimum circumstances of MWI time of 6 min, MWI power of 300 W, and a temperature of 90 °C, 43–49 g/L TRS yield was achieved by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis employing WHL substrate after being optimized by the single-factor experiments (SFE) approach, while the optimized TRS for untreated WHL and hybrid MWI/binary ChCl-TEOA were estimated to be 12 g/L and 32 g/L, respectively. The hybrid MWI/ChCl-TEOA-TEG pretreated WHL resulted in a high ethanol yield (ca. 22.3 g/L) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae after 72 h of fermentation. This work demonstrates the potential of WHL as a sustainable bioenergy feedstock for bioethanol production in industrial biorefineries. The research establishes effective and green solvent pre-treatment materials and methods (based on hybrid MWI/TNDES) for the efficient removal of lignin and hemicellulose from WHL and cellulose recovery. In general, the research contributes to the development of environmentally friendly and cost-effective hybrid MWI/TNDES processes for WHL biomass conversion and offers strong evidence that hybrid MWI/TNDES processes represent a high-potential method for managing WHL infestations while generating useful products. Future studies should further investigate ways to enhance the efficacy of acid-catalyzed hydrolysis processes and assess the scalability of the technology for industrial applications. Full article
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46 pages, 4362 KB  
Review
Low-Molecular-Weight Polyols as Key Factors in Sulfur- and Borate-Mediated Protomembrane Formation Before the RNA World
by Valery M. Dembitsky
Membranes 2026, 16(8), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16080272 - 15 Aug 2026
Viewed by 290
Abstract
The emergence of biological membranes was a critical step in the origin of cellular life because compartmentalization enabled molecular concentration, selective interactions, and increasingly complex chemical evolution. While fatty acids are widely considered the primary constituents of primitive membranes, the origin of the [...] Read more.
The emergence of biological membranes was a critical step in the origin of cellular life because compartmentalization enabled molecular concentration, selective interactions, and increasingly complex chemical evolution. While fatty acids are widely considered the primary constituents of primitive membranes, the origin of the hydrophilic molecular scaffolds required for more stable amphiphilic systems remains unresolved. In this review, we propose a new conceptual framework in which low-molecular-weight polyols—including ethylene glycol, glycerol, tetritols, and related sugar alcohols—served as key molecular intermediates linking abiotic carbohydrate chemistry with the emergence of proto-lipids and protomembranes during a pre-phosphate stage of Earth history. Experimental and theoretical studies indicate that abiotic carbon chemistry can generate abundant polyols capable of esterification, etherification, hydrogen bonding, and reversible complexation with borate species. We hypothesize that borate-mediated stabilization of sugars and polyols promoted molecular selection, while sulfur-rich geochemical environments supplied chemically diverse amphiphiles and redox-active reaction networks. Building upon these observations, we propose a pH-dependent evolutionary model in which acidic sulfur-rich environments favored sulfo-protolipids, near-neutral environments promoted mixed polyol–fatty acid membranes, and alkaline boron-rich systems facilitated borate-associated amphiphiles and dynamic supramolecular membrane organization. We further suggest that borate-cross-linked polyol hydrogels acted as transitional soft-matter systems connecting molecular synthesis, membrane self-assembly, compartmentalization, and the emergence of proto-informational assemblies. Modern glycolipids, sulfolipids, archaeal ether lipids, and calditol-containing tetraether membranes are discussed as structural analogues, rather than direct evolutionary descendants, supporting the chemical versatility of polyol-based membrane architectures. Although the proposed evolutionary framework remains hypothetical, it integrates current knowledge from prebiotic organic chemistry, membrane biophysics, boron coordination chemistry, sulfur geochemistry, and systems chemistry into a unified and experimentally testable model for the evolution of proto-lipids, protomembranes, and early protocellular organization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biological Membranes)
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28 pages, 4074 KB  
Article
From Solvent Design to Biological Response: Structure–Property Relationships of Edible Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Extraction of Nigella sativa Bioactives
by Emina Mehmedović, Vesna B. Jovanović, Maja Krstić Ristivojević, Smilja Marković, Ivana Prodić, Husejin Keran and Katarina Smiljanić
Molecules 2026, 31(16), 2854; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31162854 - 15 Aug 2026
Viewed by 548
Abstract
Edible Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) offer a route to ready-to-use extracts without solvent removal. This study examined how rational formulation design influences physicochemical properties, extraction performance, energy efficiency, thermal behavior, and cytocompatibility during bioactive recovery from Nigella sativa seeds. Twelve formulations spanning [...] Read more.
Edible Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) offer a route to ready-to-use extracts without solvent removal. This study examined how rational formulation design influences physicochemical properties, extraction performance, energy efficiency, thermal behavior, and cytocompatibility during bioactive recovery from Nigella sativa seeds. Twelve formulations spanning malic acid–polyol, citric acid–polyol, binary polyol, and ternary acid–polyol families were evaluated under standardized ultrasound-assisted conditions and compared with ethanolic ultrasound-assisted extraction, Soxhlet extraction, and cold-pressed oils. Selected NADES formulations outperformed the conventional systems. E1 (malic acid:glycerol:water) achieved the highest total phenolic content and lowest specific energy consumption (40.00 kJ mg−1 GAE), below the Soxhlet benchmark (55.17 kJ mg−1 GAE), whereas E9 (glycerol:xylitol:water) exhibited the greatest ABTS activity. Neat-NADES apparent pH and viscosity were inversely associated with total phenolic content, while viscosity and density were inversely associated with ABTS activity. ATR-FTIR showed stable, solvent-dominated fingerprints over 15 days, whereas DSC better differentiated neat NADES from their extracts. Most systems remained cytocompatible at 10,000× dilution, while acid–polyol formulations reduced viability at 500×; partial neutralization of N5/E5 restored viability. NADES performance was formulation- and application-dependent, requiring joint optimization of composition, acidity, viscosity, energy efficiency, and biologically compatible concentration. Full article
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19 pages, 578 KB  
Systematic Review
The Impact of Children’s Dietary Habits on the Oral Microbiome: A Systematic Review
by Victor Julien, João Pedro Carvalho, José Carlos Andrade, Célia Fortuna Rodrigues and António Rajão
Nutrients 2026, 18(16), 2656; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18162656 - 14 Aug 2026
Viewed by 406
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The oral microbiome plays a central role in maintaining oral health from early life, with childhood representing a critical period for its establishment and long-term stability. While many environmental factors influence this dynamic microbial ecosystem, diet is distinct in being both [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The oral microbiome plays a central role in maintaining oral health from early life, with childhood representing a critical period for its establishment and long-term stability. While many environmental factors influence this dynamic microbial ecosystem, diet is distinct in being both universal and highly modifiable. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesize current evidence regarding the impact and mechanisms of distinct dietary habits, food matrices, and nutritional components on the composition, diversity, and ecological resilience of the pediatric oral microbiome. Methods: A literature review aligned with PRISMA guidelines was conducted via digital searches on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases (January 2015–December 2025). Search strategies combined MeSH terms and keywords targeting “Microbiota”, “Mouth”, “Child”, “Diet”, and “Oral health”. Results: From 1068 records identified, 16 relevant articles met the inclusion criteria. Dietary habits may influence taxonomic and functional profiles. Frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sucrose-rich sodas, and sweet treats induces notable dysbiosis and enriches acidogenic/aciduric taxa. Conversely, protective food matrices, including probiotic-fortified dairy products, polyol-based sugar-free chewing gums (xylitol and maltitol), bovine milk, and bioactive-rich agents like green tea, actively suppress cariogenic pathways (specifically Streptococcus mutans) and support commensal, health-associated genera without disrupting overall microbial structures. Conclusions: Diet represents an important modifiable factor shaping the pediatric oral microbiome, capable of either driving dysbiosis or reinforcing symbiosis. Cultivating a microbiome-informed dietary approach early in childhood supports a resilient microbial architecture, offering a non-invasive, public health framework for long-term oral and systemic disease prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Nutrition)
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30 pages, 3611 KB  
Review
Chemical Recycling of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) to Functional Glycolysates: Overcoming Phase Instability and Secondary Crystallization
by Marek Lewandowski, Przemysław Kosobucki and Jacek Stuczyński
Polymers 2026, 18(16), 1961; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18161961 - 11 Aug 2026
Viewed by 558
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste management faces challenges as mechanical recycling limitations become apparent under strict EU regulations. This review critically evaluates PET glycolysis as a vital chemical recycling method, focusing on overcoming barriers to industrial implementation. While systematizing knowledge on reaction mechanisms and [...] Read more.
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste management faces challenges as mechanical recycling limitations become apparent under strict EU regulations. This review critically evaluates PET glycolysis as a vital chemical recycling method, focusing on overcoming barriers to industrial implementation. While systematizing knowledge on reaction mechanisms and parameters, a significant research gap is identified: the necessity for utilizing a high initial mass fraction of waste PET in the reaction feed. Specifically, exceeding a critical concentration of PET-derived oligomers in the resulting glycolysis reaction mixture (typically when the initial waste PET input is above 40% by mass) inevitably triggers phase instability and secondary crystallization during storage. This instability at high concentrations is fundamentally driven by the altered oligomer molecular-weight distribution and the thermodynamic supersaturation of rigid aromatic segments upon cooling. Traditional laboratory approaches using a high excess of glycolyzing agent fail to meet industrial stability demands for subsequent polyester polyol synthesis. Currently, preventing crystallization relies on costly branched glycols or modifiers to disrupt molecular symmetry. This article highlights the urgent need for alternative, additive-free methods to achieve phase stability, such as the elimination of released ethylene glycol from the reaction environment. By addressing shortcomings in glycolysate shelf-life studies, this review charts innovative directions for developing technologies that convert high concentrations of waste PET into phase-stable glycolysates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Recycling of Polymers, 2nd Edition)
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40 pages, 14130 KB  
Article
Metabolomic Profiling of Endomyces magnusii During Long-Term Cultivation on Glycerol and Glucose
by Olga I. Klein, Katerina V. Sazanova, Elena P. Isakova, Natalya N. Gessler, Alexander M. Prosvirin, Ekaterina V. Solovyeva and Yulia I. Deryabina
J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080592 - 10 Aug 2026
Viewed by 309
Abstract
Introduction: The study purpose was to identify possible key metabolites that determine the adaptation of the Endomyces magnusii yeast to long-term cultivation (four weeks) using glycerol as an “oxidative” and glucose as a “fermentative” substrate. Methods: The metabolic profile was assayed using gas [...] Read more.
Introduction: The study purpose was to identify possible key metabolites that determine the adaptation of the Endomyces magnusii yeast to long-term cultivation (four weeks) using glycerol as an “oxidative” and glucose as a “fermentative” substrate. Methods: The metabolic profile was assayed using gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry, followed by bioinformatic analysis (PARADISe, Golm metabolome database (GMD), MassBank, UniChrom). Results: PCA and PLS-DA analyses showed that the type of carbon source contributed significantly to the overall variability of the data, and the greatest variance was observed for the groups grown on different substrates for the first cultivation week. Growth on glycerol increased the chronological lifespan of E. magnusii due to the early launch of adaptive oxidative stress, the active use of lipids as an energy source, the accumulation of membrane sterols, osmo-protective polyols, organic acids (malic, methyl glycerinic, palmitic, linoleic), and some sugars (lyxose, galactose), which increased the overall resistance and maintained high cell survival. On the contrary, cultivation using glucose provoked a sharp substrate depletion, inducing passive storage of sugars (trehalose), diauxic shock, and less effective antioxidant protection, which provided lower cell survival upon prolonged growth. Conclusions: (1) Metabolic signs associated with prolonged culturing were identified in all the compounds classes tested (polyols, fatty acids, lactones); (2) some metabolites (in particular, dulcitol), being hypothetical biomarkers of aging, are at the same time protective agents involved in the adaptation of yeast cells to the deep stationary growth stages. Our data can serve as a basis for comparative studies of aging-related metabolism in other eukaryotic models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress Research in Filamentous Fungi and Yeasts—2nd Edition)
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