Search Results (20,300)

Green husks, which are the fleshy pericarp of Juglans regia L. fruit, are an abundant yet under-utilized source of bioactive compounds. They are useful for plant defense and have potential for valorization to multiple commercial products. This study characterized total phenolic content (TPC) and individual phenolics in green husks of four Hungarian-bred cultivars (Milotai 10, Milotai intenzív, Milotai kései, Esterhazy kései) and one U.S. cultivar (Chandler). Phenolic compounds were extracted with aqueous organic solvents, quantified by HPLC-DAD and qualitatively identified by HPLC-MS. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the effects of cultivar, year, sampling time, and cumulative growing degree days (GDDs) on TPC and compound profiles. Mean TPC ranged from 34.9 to 57.2 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW, with significantly higher values in the warmest year, 2024, and in cultivar Esterhazy kései compared with Chandler. Across cultivars and years, phenolic levels were generally elevated at early lignification (S1, BBCH 73–75) and at full maturity (S5–S6, BBCH 87–88), with depressed concentrations during mid-fruit development (S2–S4, BBCH 77–86). Several hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and naphthoquinones showed cultivar-specific and year-dependent patterns. Thermal conditions (cumulative GDDs) explained a substantial proportion of residual variation in TPC. These results highlight the combined roles of genotype, seasonal climate, and developmental stage dependencies in biosynthetic processes of phenolics in walnut green husks despite the diversity in factor effects. Full article

Apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) are among the most widely consumed fruits worldwide and represent a significant dietary source of phenolic compounds. Efficient extraction is a critical step for the isolation, characterization, and quantification of phenolic compounds. The extraction yield and composition are strongly influenced by multiple parameters, including solvent type and concentration, temperature, extraction time, solid-to-liquid ratio, and the presence and concentration of acidifying agents. This study aimed to optimize an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) procedure using response surface methodology (RSM) to evaluate the effects of extraction temperature, solvent-to-sample ratio (SSR) and citric acid concentration on total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Statistical analysis showed that SSR and temperature were the most influential factors affecting phenolic recovery, while citric acid concentration exerted a secondary, interaction-driven effect. Optimization using a desirability function identified the operating conditions that maximized phenolic and flavonoid recovery: 55 °C, 10 mL/g SSR and 0.2% citric acid concentration. Model predictions were validated experimentally, confirming the reliability of the approach for TPC and TFC. Chlorogenic acid and flavan-3-ols, including monomers, such as catechin and epicatechin, and polymers such as procyanidins, were identified. Overall, the proposed approach provides a statistically supported framework for phenolic compound analysis in apples. Full article

This research aimed to develop glycerol–gelatin vaginal suppositories loaded with melatonin to enhance the localized effects of antineoplastic agents. The solubility of melatonin in different solvents was determined, and glycofurol, which is approved for pharmaceutical use, presented the highest solubilizing capacity. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of melatonin incorporated into suppositories against HeLa cells was evaluated using MTT assays, individually and in combination with cisplatin. The results indicate that melatonin enhances the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin. The optimal formulation obtained from an experimental design was 33% gelatin, 1% PVA, 1% PEG 6000, 10% glycerol, 15% glycofurol, and 40% water. To ensure that the vaginal suppositories presented the necessary physical properties for optimal handling and application, tests were performed to determine weight uniformity, texture, surface features and disintegration time. Vaginal suppositories weighted around 1.43 g, showed Young’s modulus values of 7389.6 N/m² and hardness around 1100 g_f, and they disintegrated after 30 min at pH 4.2. Additionally, for in vitro melatonin release, FTIR and XRD tests confirmed the presence of melatonin in the formulation. It is concluded that the developed vaginal suppositories can be explored as potential vehicles for localized delivery of melatonin to the tumor site to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Full article

Diesel engines have evolved significantly over the last century while maintaining core qualities such as reliability, durability, and fuel economy. Currently, the viability of their continued use is under discussion, mainly due to the environmental impact of polluting emissions from conventional fossil fuels. An advantage of these engines is their high fuel flexibility, which includes the capability to operate with pure vegetable oils. Following the established limitations of large-scale conventional biodiesel use, this perspective explores the implementation of straight vegetable oils (SVOs) blended with low-viscosity, low-octane (LVLC) oxygenated solvents to address climate targets such as the “Fit for 55” agenda. The discussion examines the potential of these advanced biofuels to contribute to the 2050 carbon neutrality goals while addressing the technical and economic requirements of the transport sector. Full article

In this study, a waste-to-resource route for water remediation is presented by supporting Pd and Cu nanoparticles (NPs) on hydrochar (HC) derived from spent coffee grounds (SCG). Unlike conventional noble-metal catalysts, HC was first produced via hydrothermal carbonization of SCG, followed by a completely green, tannic acid-assisted reduction step that simultaneously deposits Pd and Cu NPs without toxic reductants or organic solvents. The resulting catalysts were evaluated for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli; BL21) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including biofilm inhibition. Among formulations, the bimetallic catalyst containing approximately equal proportions of Pd and Cu (HC@Pd_0.5Cu_0.5) achieved the fastest 4-NP reduction, completing the reaction in ~3 min, with an apparent first-order rate constant of 1.35 min⁻¹ and a total turnover frequency of 483.6 h⁻¹. Notably, Cu incorporation enhanced antibacterial performance, with the Cu-rich variant (HC@Pd_0.25Cu_0.75) achieving the strongest inhibition (MICs of 1.25 mg/mL against E. coli and 2.5 mg/mL against S. aureus) and effective biofilm suppression. This dual-action catalyst, derived entirely from waste through green methods, advances circular-economy principles and green chemistry by simultaneously tackling chemical pollutants and microbial contaminants in water, thereby contributing to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Full article

To address the trade-off between storage stability and curing reactivity in NCO-terminated waterborne polyurethane (WPU) systems, a solvent-free WPU emulsion with dual-curing characteristics was developed using vanillin (VAN) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate/pentaerythritol triacrylate (HEA/PETA). Hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (DMBA) were used as the isocyanate component and internal hydrophilic moiety, respectively, to prepare a self-dispersible polyurethane prepolymer. VAN was introduced as a latent isocyanate-related component, while HEA/PETA served as acrylate-bearing reactive modifiers, followed by self-emulsification to form a stable aqueous dispersion. The prepolymer structure, curing behavior, and adhesive performance on bamboo substrates were systematically investigated. The results supported the successful introduction of VAN-derived structures into the polyurethane chains and the retention of polymerizable C=C bonds from HEA/PETA. Thermal analysis suggested dual-curing behavior with two distinguishable thermal events, involving lower-temperature polymerization of unsaturated groups and a VAN-related higher-temperature reaction. The resulting WPU exhibited dry and wet shear strengths above 23 MPa and 9 MPa, respectively. These findings demonstrate a feasible strategy for integrating emulsion stability, staged curing, and adhesive performance in solvent-free WPU systems. Full article

Leucomisine is a major component of renewable plant raw material Artemisia leucodes Schrenk, a sesquiterpene γ-lactone exhibiting antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antiparasitic, and hepatoprotective activities. However, the use of leucomisine in pharmaceuticals is limited by its insufficient bioavailability associated with low aqueous solubility. Therefore, the effect of solid-state synthesis based on leucomisine using the methods of “solvent removal”, “simple mixing”, and “mixture heating”, with disodium glycyrrhizinate as a carrier, on the aqueous solubility of leucomisine was investigated. It was established that the synthesized solid dispersions exhibit increased solubility (7–19-fold) and dissolution rate (36–100-fold) of leucomisine released from the carrier. The most pronounced stimulation of the dissolution process was observed for samples obtained using the “simple mixing” method. Based on physicochemical studies (visible-range spectrophotometry, microcrystalloscopy, investigation of optical properties of solutions, and X-Ray phase analysis), it was determined that the enhancement of solubility is attributed to the loss of crystalline state, micronization, and the solubilization process of leucomisine by the carrier, as well as to the formation of a colloidal solution of leucomisine stabilized by disodium glycyrrhizinate. Full article

Background: n-3 Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; 22:5 n-3) is increasingly viewed as a distinct long-chain omega-3 fatty acid with biological activities that are not fully captured by eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, progress remains limited by restricted access to high-purity DPA: most commercial sources contain DPA as a minor component, and published isolation strategies often yield only enriched mixtures or require multi-step workflows that are difficult to scale in standard laboratories. Objectives: We aimed to establish a robust, laboratory-accessible purification workflow to obtain DPA ethyl ester at high purity while preserving oxidative quality. Methods: Candidate lipid sources were screened to select an optimal DPA-containing feedstock. Oils were stabilized with antioxidants and pre-fractionated by cold crystallization (−20 °C) to reduce saturated lipids and oxidation by-products. Preparative separation used a stacked C18 flash system (15 μm + 45 μm in series) operated isocratically (methanol/water 92:8, v/v) at 120 mL/min. Fractions were analyzed by GC and iteratively reinjected to progressively enrich the DPA window. Solvent was recovered by distillation and reused. Results: Omegavie^® 4020EE (5.4% n-3 DPA) was identified as the best starting material. Pretreatment eliminated detectable TBARS-derived malondialdehyde. The isocratic purification-loop strategy produced tens of grams of DPA ethyl ester at >98% purity (GC–FID) defined as n-3 DPA area% of total identified fatty acid methyl esters by GC–FID, with per-cycle DPA recovery of 91–95%, overall recovery of 76% from the starting DPA content, and >90% solvent recycling. The workflow is scalable at the gram-to-tens-of-grams level for research laboratories, although solvent burden and column maintenance remain practical constraints for larger-scale implementation. Identity and purity were confirmed by GC–MS and ^1H NMR, and oxidation indices remained low (peroxide value < 0.2 meq/kg; p-anisidine < 3). Conclusions: This scalable, solvent-conscious protocol enables reliable access to high-purity DPA and should be adaptable to other low-abundance polyunsaturated fatty acids. Full article

Tissue scaffolds are one of the main components of the tissue engineering triad, playing a vital role in tissue engineering. However, their production procedures heavily rely on solvent-intensive and energy-demanding methods. This raises serious questions about industrial-scale manufacturability, residual solvent toxicity to living health, and sustainability for nature and the environment. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to identify robust scaffolds that provide a suitable microenvironment for resident cells and promote tissue regeneration, while reducing waste through environmentally friendly production methods. In this context, the scalable and ecologically friendly production methods emerge as necessary alternatives as biodegradable polymer scaffolds are used in more therapeutic settings. Clinically applicable and green synthesis-based supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) technologies, melt electrowriting (MEW), and solvent-free processing techniques are the main topics of this study for a critical analysis of biodegradable polymer scaffold production techniques. Scaffold structure–property correlations, polymer selection and interactions, production procedures, the benefits and drawbacks of existing fabrication technologies, and sustainability issues are discussed in detail. It aims to contribute a novel perspective and approach to literature by presenting and comparing production-oriented approaches as sustainable and green methods. The challenges in the development of biodegradable tissue scaffolds, along with the significance of green manufacturing techniques, are also revealed. The approach is designed to connect processing factors to scaffold features in addition to evaluating current technologies. This review tries to offer a framework for producing biodegradable polymer scaffolds in a sustainable and clinically implementable context. Full article

Sensitive detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) in food matrices remains an important analytical challenge. Here, a colorimetric biosensor was constructed based on a bimetal oxide nanozyme composed of Ce-Fe oxide. This biosensor achieved sensitive detection of E. coli O157:H7. The Ce-Fe oxide synthesized on the basis of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) had the advantages of low solvent consumption and short preparation time. By regulating the two key factors of metal valence and oxygen vacancy content, the peroxidase (POD) activity of the nanozyme was significantly improved. Compared with the single-metal oxide nanozyme Fe oxide, the addition of Ce increased the Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ ratio from 0.37 to 0.49, implying a possible enhancement of electron transfer between Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺. The detection limits (LODs) of the biosensor based on Fe oxide and that based on Ce-Fe oxide were 10² CFU/mL and 10¹ CFU/mL, respectively, comparable to existing validated methods. Moreover, these two biosensors achieved satisfactory recovery rates (91–104%) and RSDs (1.2–8.8%) in the spiked lake water, juice, and lettuce samples of E. coli O157:H7, indicating their high potential for application in spiked sample detection. In summary, the method proposed in this study for improving the POD activity of nanozymes through electron transfer in DES solutions is beneficial to the development of metal oxide nanozymes. Full article

Mechano-sorptive phenomena (MSP) refer to the coupled mechanical response of polymers under simultaneous mechanical stress and fluid sorption. The most researched MSP are environmental stress cracking (ESC) and mechano-sorptive creep (MSC). ESC initiates at regions of localized stress and solvent sorption, presenting as brittle fracture, while MSC is characterized by large, time-dependent, and partially recoverable creep associated with transient bulk sorption. ESC experiments can however also result in significant plastic deformation, in which case the term environmental stress yielding (ESY) has been used. Similarly, MSC can evolve into tertiary creep followed by rupture, in which case the phenomenon is termed mechano-sorptive creep rupture (MSCR). Both behaviors originate from solvent diffusion into the amorphous phase, leading to disruption of non-covalent interactions between polymer chains. This review bridges seemingly disconnected research to illustrate that ESC and MSC represent extremes on a continuum of MSP, rather than disparate phenomena. We identify the principles of polymer thermodynamics and experimental methods necessary to separate polymer deformation under MSC into reversible stress-induced swelling and irreversible non-equilibrium deformation. Finally, we illustrate how MSP underline the functionality of several biomimetic materials including dentin adhesives, mutable collagenous tissue, spider silk, tendons, and articular cartilage, as well the synthesis of biomimetic materials by solvent vapor annealing assisted by soft shear. Full article

This paper presents a method for the measurement of absolute molecular weight of cellulose using a multi-angle light scattering (MALS) detector in 99% dimethyl sulfoxide/1% 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (DMSO/EmimOAc). The paper also delivers a suitable dn/dc value for cellulose in this solvent. It discusses the pros and cons of using absolute molecular weight measurements versus traditional column calibration in this solvent. The conclusion is that the dn/dc for cellulose in this solvent is 0.049 ± 0.003 mL/g. Absolute molecular weight measurements in this solvent are somewhat beneficial for celluloses with Mw > 250 kg/mol. However, for low-Mw celluloses (e.g., Avicel), it has severe limitations. Herein, it is confirmed that the DMSO/EmimOAc system can be used to replace the traditional DMAc/LiCl system for cellulose molecular weight analysis of some cellulose materials. However, the former is more costly and time-consuming than the latter. Full article

The poultry sector generates large amounts of feather waste every year, providing an abundant keratin-rich residue that is difficult to valorise due to its crosslinked and highly compacted crystalline structure. In the present work, with the aim of promoting its use in biodegradable plastic films, environmentally friendly processes, such as mechanical grinding (compactor grinder, CG), deep eutectic solvents (DES), and steam explosion process (SE) are being explored as alternatives to conventional chemical processes. Thus, biodegradable feather-based films were produced by compounding treated feathers in a torque rheometer at 40 wt.% with glycerol, ethylene glycol, and 1,2-propanediol (propylene glycol), followed by hot pressing. All formulations produced homogeneous and translucent films, which were characterized in terms of colorimetric properties and thermal and mechanical behaviour, as well as their degradation in soil conditions, revealing pronounced differences in properties as a function of the specific combination of feather treatment and plasticizer employed. Interestingly, soil disintegration tests revealed the fastest degradation of films of DES-treated feathers plasticized with glycerol. Overall, controlling feather treatment and plasticizer type enables tuning of mechanical performance and biodegradation, supporting keratin-based films as a viable route for feather waste valorisation. Full article

The efficient removal of dyes and separation from dissolved salts are crucial for the recovery of valuable resources from saline textile wastewater. In this study, hollow fiber membranes were fabricated using the non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method and then improved with a dual-coating process to create effective nanofiltration (NF) membranes. First, hollow fiber substrates with Fe³⁺ were fabricated using NIPS. Subsequently, the inner surface of the membrane was coated with phytic acid (PA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI), which increased the thickness of the separation layer and reduced the size of the surface pores, thereby improving the separation efficiency. The loose NF membrane exhibited superior water permeance (pure water permeability of 280 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹·bar⁻¹) and, with dye rejection rates consistently exceeding 95%, also remarkable dye/salt selectivity (with separation factors of CR/NaCl: 64.08, CR/Na₂SO₄: 21.21, CBB/NaCl: 14.75, and CBB/Na₂SO₄: 10.74). The flux recovery of the membrane was over 80% for humic acid, and the membrane exhibited favorable stability under acidic and alkaline conditions, confirming its excellent antifouling and stability performance. In conclusion, this study presents a straightforward and effective approach for fabricating hollow fiber loose NF membranes, underscoring their potential for treating hypersaline wastewater and resource recovery. Full article

We report a π-extended N-phenylphenothiazine dye bearing thiophene substituents, designed to address the practical compromise between long-wavelength near-infrared (NIR) absorption and the isolability of a stable radical cation state. The target compound was synthesized via Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling and exhibited good solubility in common organic solvents. Cyclic voltammetry in dichloromethane showed a reversible one-electron oxidation at E⁰ = 0.19 V vs. Fc/Fc⁺. Chemical oxidation afforded the corresponding radical cation, which showed an intense NIR absorption maximum at 910 nm. DFT calculations support thiophene-induced narrowing of the HOMO–SOMO gap and predict a pronounced bathochromic shift of the main absorption band. The radical cation was isolated as a stable PF₆⁻ salt and readily processed into spin-coated films, which retained strong NIR absorption and remained stable for months under ambient conditions. Full article