Search Results (1,745)

Coumarin derivatives constitute a versatile small-molecule chemotype with broad anticancer potential. This narrative review synthesizes recent in vitro and in vivo evidence on coumarin-based scaffolds, emphasizing breast cancer and covering lung, prostate, and colorectal models. We summarize major mechanisms of action—including induction of apoptosis (caspase activation and BAX/BCL-2 balance), modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, inhibition of angiogenesis (VEGFR-2), interference with estrogen biosynthesis (aromatase/ER axis), chaperone targeting (Hsp90), and attenuation of multidrug resistance (efflux pumps/autophagy)—and highlight representative chemotypes (e.g., benzimidazole, triazole, furocoumarins, topoisomerase- and CDK-oriented hybrids). Where available, we contrast potency and selectivity across models (e.g., MCF-7 vs. MDA-MB-231; A549; PC-3; colon lines) and discuss structure–activity trends linking substituent patterns (heteroaryl linkers, judicious halogenation, polar handles) to pathway engagement. We also delineate translational gaps limiting clinical progress—selectivity versus non-malignant cells, incomplete pharmacokinetic and safety characterization, and limited validation beyond xenografts. Finally, we outline priorities for preclinical optimization: biology-aligned target selection with biomarkers, resistance-aware combinations (e.g., PI3K/mTOR ± autophagy modulation; MDR mitigation), and early integration of ADME/tox and PK/PD to confirm on-target exposure. Collectively, the evidence supports coumarins as adaptable, multi-target anticancer leads, particularly promising in hormone-dependent breast cancer while remaining relevant to other tumor types. Full article

As an eco-friendly flame-retardant additive, magnesium hydroxide (MH) is widely employed in low-smoking, halogen-free polymer materials due to its environmentally benign nature. In order to enhance flame retardancy performance, the modified MH was modified with tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate (THPS) by a one-pot hydrothermal method. The resulting morphology was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and it shows the dispersion of nanometer particles and almost no aggregation. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) along with Raman spectroscopy show that the THPS is connected with the Mg(OH)₂ by chemical bond. The sample was incorporated into ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) to evaluate the flame retardancy was assessed via limiting oxygen index (LOI) and vertical burning tests (UL-94). The results show that THPS modified MH effectively enhanced the flame retardancy, achieving a V-0 rating and an LOI value of 31.3%. In addition, the composites retain good mechanical integrity. The thermal analysis with TGA and DTG shows the formation of the MgO decomposition product, along with water vapor and phosphorus-containing radicals released by modified MH in the combustion process, forming a strong flame-retardant protective layer. In addition, the maximum smoke density of EVA/MHP-3 composite was 155.4, lower than 411.3 for EVA/MH, with a 62.2% reduction in total smoke production. The result shows that THPS is effective for improving the flame-retardant efficiency of inorganic metal hydroxide in polymer composites. Full article

An effective method for synthesizing dihalogenated derivatives of condensed benzimidazole diones with a nodal nitrogen atom has been developed. As a result, five new heterocyclic quinones were obtained, which differed in the structure of the heterocycle annelated to imidazole, as well as the nature and arrangement of halogen atoms. A comprehensive analysis of the anticancer potential of new heterocyclic quinones revealed pronounced cytotoxic activity of the molecules against tumor cells. Using in silico methods for predicting activity spectra, it was found that the synthesized compounds are capable of interacting with a number of key targets that play an important role in oncogenesis, with the highest probability of binding to STAT3, the central regulator of cell growth, proliferation and metabolism. Experimental studies have shown that, despite the lack of pronounced ability to induce apoptosis, these substances effectively inhibit the activity of allosteric glycolytic enzymes, disrupting metabolic adaptation and energy balance of tumor cells. The obtained results expand the understanding of the molecular basis of the antitumor action of heterocyclic compounds and lay a solid foundation for their use as promising modulators of tumor cell metabolism. Full article

Nineteen previously and newly synthesized amphoteric 8-[(dialkylamino)methyl]-7-hydroxy-4-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-2H-chromen-2-ones were assayed as inhibitors of monoamine oxidases (MAO-A and B) and cholinesterases (AChE and BChE). Five of the tested compounds (2b, 2c, 3c, 5b, and 5c), namely those bearing the less bulky alkyls in the Mannich base 8-CH₂NR₂ (R = Me, Et) and the halogens (Cl, Br) at C6 of the 4-coumarin-3-yl moiety, showed moderate inhibitory potencies toward human MAO-A in the single-digit micromolar range (IC₅₀s from 1.49 to 3.04 µM). In particular, the 6′-Cl derivatives 2b and 5b proved to be reversible competitive inhibitors of human MAO-A with K_i values of 0.272 and 0.326 µM. Among the tested compounds, 3c proved to also be a moderate inhibitor of human AChE (IC₅₀ 4.27 µM). Molecular docking calculations suggested binding modes of the most active compounds to MAO-A and AChE binding sites consistent enough with the experimental data. Chemoinformatic tools suggest for the most active compounds, including the dual MAO-A/AChE inhibitor 3c, full compliance with Lipinski’s rule of five, high probability of gastrointestinal absorption, but low blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. While further efforts are required to improve their CNS distribution, herein new phenolic Mannich bases have been identified that may have potential for treating neurodegenerative syndromes. Full article

Marine-derived secondary metabolites have emerged as a rich potential source of anticancer agents, with marinopyrroles and pyrrolomycins representing structurally distinct halogenated pyrroles of interest. Initially characterized for their potent antibacterial properties, these compounds were later shown to exert cytotoxic activity across diverse hematologic and solid malignancies, frequently correlating with Mcl-1 dependence. Marinopyrrole A, a marine-derived natural product, exemplified this potential by inducing proteasomal degradation of Mcl-1, thereby sensitizing resistant cancer cells to Bcl-2 inhibitors and TRAIL-based therapies. In parallel, pyrrolomycins, particularly pyrrolomycin C and members of the F-series, demonstrated potent activity with submicromolar IC₅₀ concentrations across multiple cancer cell lines, and also perturbed cytoskeletal and membrane integrity. Together, these halogenated pyrroles illustrate multifaceted cancer cell cytotoxicity profiles but face translational barriers, including mechanistic ambiguity, poor solubility, and off-target toxicities. To address these limitations, extensive medicinal chemistry efforts have yielded synthetic derivatives with improved potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties, with notable examples such as MP1 and KS18 showing enhanced efficacy in MYC-driven neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, and drug-resistant multiple myeloma. Full article

Reliable DC cable insulation is crucial for photovoltaic (PV) systems and high-voltage DC (HVDC) networks. However, conventional materials such as cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) face challenges under prolonged DC stress—notably space charge buildup, dielectric losses, and thermal aging. Cross-linked polyolefin (XLPO) has emerged as a halogen-free, thermally stable alternative, but its comparative DC performance remains underreported. Methods: We evaluated the insulations of virgin XLPO, XLPE, and PVC PV cables under ±1 kV DC using time-domain indices (IR, DAR, PI, Loss Index), supported by MATLAB and FTIR. Multi-layer cable geometries were modeled in MATLAB to simulate radial electric field distribution, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to reveal polymer chemistry and functional groups. Results: XLPO exhibited an IR on the order of 10⁸–10⁹ Ω, and XLPE (IR ~ 10⁸ Ω) and PVC (IR ~ 10⁷ Ω, LI ≥ 1) at 60 s, with favorable polarization indices under both polarities. Notably, they showed high insulation resistance and low-to-moderate loss indices (≈1.3–1.5) under both polarities, indicating controlled relaxation with limited conduction contribution. XLPE showed good initial insulation resistance but revealed polarity-dependent relaxation and higher loss (especially under positive bias) due to trap-forming cross-linking byproducts. PVC had the lowest resistance (GΩ-range) and near-unit DAR/PI, dominated by leakage conduction and dielectric losses. Simulations confirmed a uniform electric field in XLPO insulation with no polarity asymmetry, while FTIR spectra linked XLPO’s low polarity and PVC’s chlorine content to their electrical behavior. Conclusions: XLPO outperforms XLPE and PVC in resisting DC leakage, charge trapping, and thermal stress, underscoring its suitability for long-term PV and HVDC applications. This study provides a comprehensive structure–property understanding to guide the selection of advanced, polarity-resilient cable insulation materials. Full article

To develop new hybrid anticancer agents, 3,5-bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidone scaffolds (compounds 1–6) were functionalized with (1R)-borneoyl chloroacetate (8) or (1S)-camphorsulfonyl chloride (10). Covalent attachment of the camphorsulfonyl moiety via N-sulfonylation yielded hybrid molecules (16–21) that exhibited selective cytotoxic and cytostatic activity against cancer cells, with submicromolar IC₅₀ values. In silico ADME analysis indicated that these camphorsulfonyl-conjugated piperidones have improved drug-like properties (enhanced absorption, metabolism, and bioavailability) compared to curcumin. The most potent analogs were halogen-substituted and trimethoxy-substituted analogs, which showed the strongest tumor cell growth inhibition while sparing normal cells. Overall, this terpene-functionalization strategy addresses curcumin’s pharmacokinetic limitations and improves its anticancer profile. These hybrid molecules hold promise as potential anticancer agents. Full article

Halogenated disinfection by-products such as 2,6-dichlorobenzoquinone (DCBQ) are emerging microcontaminants of concern due to their persistence and toxicity in aquatic environments. This study evaluated the oxidative degradation of DCBQ under UV irradiation, focusing on the effect of H₂O₂ dosage on removal efficiency and water quality. Batch experiments were conducted with H₂O₂ concentrations ranging from 0.0 to 10.0 mM. Kinetic analysis revealed that photolysis with UV alone followed an apparent order of 1.5, while the UV/H₂O₂ system showed an order of 2.5, reflecting the contribution of hydroxyl radicals and their dependence on both DCBQ and H₂O₂ concentrations. Color evolution displayed a series reaction behavior: the initial formation of chromophoric by-products followed first-order kinetics, whereas their subsequent removal proceeded with zero-order kinetics, consistent with radical-driven decolorization. Optimal performance was achieved with 1.0–2.0 mM H₂O₂, which promoted rapid DCBQ decay and significant reductions in aromaticity and color (100% in 2 h), whereas higher concentrations (10.0 mM) led to radical scavenging and lower efficiency. Dissolved oxygen increased during treatment, confirming oxidative pathways, while turbidity remained stable between 1 and NTU. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of UV/H₂O₂ for DCBQ removal and highlight the value of kinetic modeling in optimizing advanced oxidation processes for water treatment. Full article

Current standard treatments for osteosarcoma have not been changed for decades and have limited and variable success. The advancement of precision medicine technologies, along with the drug-repurposing and fast drug-screening methodologies available, has opened new avenues for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of halogenated boroxine (HB) and dextran-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles—DexCeNPs (SD2)—in an in vitro osteosarcoma model. Both agents were tested individually and in combination. The research encompassed assessments of treatment-related cytotoxicity and cell viability, oxidative stress, and apoptotic and necrotic responses, as well as the effects on 3D spheroid models. The results demonstrated that the effects of HB and SD2 were strongly influenced by the dose, exposure time, and cell type. Both exhibited distinguished antitumor activity through cytotoxicity and specific reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction. The combined treatment produced modulated responses that were dependent on the treatment ratio and cell line, suggesting potential synergistic or selective interactions. Notably, the outcomes of the analysis conducted in 3D models revealed reduced toxicity toward non-tumor cells. These findings suggest the improved efficacy of HB and SD2 used in combination as a selective and novel antitumor strategy and underscore the need for further mechanistic studies at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels to elucidate the underlying pathways and clarify the mechanisms of action. Full article

The efficiency of in vitro regeneration in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is highly influenced by the type and concentration of plant growth regulators (PGRs), particularly auxins. This study evaluated the effects of phenylacetic acid (PAA) and its derivatives—4-chlorophenylacetic acid (CPA) and 4-iodophenylacetic acid (IPA)—on callus proliferation, somatic embryogenesis, and plantlet regeneration in ‘Feizixiao’ litchi, as well as to establish an efficient regeneration protocol. The inclusion of CPA or IPA in callus proliferation medium significantly enhanced the proliferation rate, with 20 mg·L⁻¹ CPA being the most effective. The highest number of somatic embryos per gram of fresh embryonic callus weight (gFW⁻¹) (1131 embryos·gFW⁻¹) was observed with 40 mg·L⁻¹ PAA in proliferation medium. The addition of 10 mg·L⁻¹ IPA to the proliferation medium yielded the highest plantlet regeneration rate (50 plantlets·gFW⁻¹). Supplementing the somatic embryo induction medium with 5 mg·L⁻¹ PAA resulted in 460 somatic embryos·gFW⁻¹ and 86 regenerated plantlets·gFW⁻¹. These findings indicate that PAA and its derivatives are effective PGRs for the in vitro regeneration of litchi, providing a valuable protocol for the propagation of elite cultivars. Full article

Background: Marine macroalgae has been studied by our research group as alternative sources of bioactive compounds with promising antiparasitic activity, particularly against Schistosoma mansoni. Objectives: This study aimed to employ a metabolomics-based approach to identify anthelminthic active compounds from the macroalgae Laurencia aldingensis Saito and Womersley 1974 and Laurencia dendroidea J. Agardh 1852. Methods: The algae were extracted using a dichloromethane/methanol mixture, followed by liquid–liquid partitioning and sequential chromatographic fractionation using solvents of varying polarities. The resulting fractions were tested for biological activity against adult Schistosoma mansoni worms. Detailed chemical characterization of the extracts was conducted via HPLC-DAD-MS/MS, with subsequent data alignment and statistical analysis (Pearson correlation) to associate specific chemical compounds with the observed bioactivity. Results: Non-polar fractions (hexane and dichloromethane) exhibited significant anthelminthic activity, substantially reducing parasite viability and reproduction. Specific subfractions obtained from the dichloromethane fraction demonstrated notable activity. Metabolomic analysis revealed considerable chemical diversity, emphasizing the presence of bromophenols and halogenated sesquiterpenes, including potentially novel compounds with therapeutic potential against schistosomiasis. Conclusions: The metabolomics approach proved effective in identifying promising bioactive compounds from Laurencia spp. macroalgae with activity against S. mansoni. Full article

P(3HB) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, which can replace petroleum-derived plastics. Previous studies have shown that Azotobacter vinelandii strain OP-PhbP3⁺, which overexpresses the phasin protein PhbP3, produces high concentrations of P(3HB) and undergoes early autolysis, facilitating polymer release. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of this strain for P(3HB) production in 3 L bioreactors and assess the feasibility of a simplified recovery process. After 36 h of cultivation, rapid cell lysis was observed, resulting in a ~50% decrease in the protein content of the cell dry weight, without reducing P(3HB) concentration, which reached 4.6 g L⁻¹. Flow cytometry analysis revealed significant morphological changes during cultivation, which was consistent with the strain’s lytic behavior. The biomass recovered at 36 h was washed with SDS, obtaining a yield of 92.5% (respect to P(3HB) initial) and a purity of 97.6%. An alternative extraction procedure using the non-halogenated solvent cyclohexanone (CYC) resulted in an even higher yield of 97.8% with a purity of 99.3% of P(3HB). Notably, the weight average molecular weight of the polymer remained stable at 8000 kDa during the entire process. Overall, the combination of PhbP3 over-expression and environmentally friendly solvents, such as CYC, enabled efficient P(3HB) production with high yield and purity while preserving polymer quality. Full article

The controlled incorporation of halogens into carbon materials remains a challenge, particularly under mild and scalable conditions. In this work, we investigate the fixation of iodine on high-surface-area graphite (HSAG-100) using green solvents and moderate temperatures. Commercial HSAG was treated with iodine in aqueous and in organic media, with and without promoters, and characterized by XPS, LEIS, N₂ physisorption, TGA/TPD, and XRD. The results reveal that iodine contents up to ~0.6 at% can be achieved, with incorporation strongly influenced by solvent and reaction time. XPS and LEIS confirmed the presence of C–I bonds, while BET analysis showed only moderate decreases in surface area and unchanged mesopore size distribution. Thermogravimetric and TPD analyses demonstrated the high thermal stability of C–I species, and XRD patterns ruled out intercalation between graphene layers. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that iodine can be covalently anchored to HSAG under mild conditions, preserving the graphitic structure and generating stable edge functionalities, thus opening a route for the design of halogen-doped carbons for catalytic and electrochemical applications. Full article

Polyurethane foams containing heterocyclic rings are characterized by high thermal resistance, but unfortunately, they are flammable. This work examined the effect of halogen-free flame retardants such as melamine and expanded graphite: EG 096 and EG 290 on the properties of foams with a 1,3-pyrimidine ring. Oligoetherol obtained from 6-aminouracil, ethylene carbonate, and propylene oxide was foamed with polymeric diphenylmethane 4,4′-diisocyanate with the addition of flame retardants. The oxygen index was determined, and flammability tests were conducted on the resulting foams. Their apparent density, water absorption, thermal resistance, thermal conductivity coefficient, and compressive strength were also examined. Both melamine and expanded graphite significantly reduce the flammability of foams. The resulting foams are classified as V-0 flammability class, and their oxygen index is in the range of 24.9–29.5 vol.%. Expanded graphite is a better flame retardant and does not cause deterioration of other foam properties. Full article

Background/Objectives: Targeted cancer therapies increasingly rely on modulating specific cell death pathways and kinase signaling. Due to their structural versatility and potential to induce mechanistically distinct cytotoxic responses, benzoxazine–purine hybrids represent a promising scaffold for anticancer drug development. The objective of this study was to design and evaluate novel benzoxazine–purine derivatives for their antiproliferative activity and elucidate their underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: A series of benzoxazine–purine compounds was synthesized via a modular and efficient approach. The synthetic route involved a one-pot cyclization of substituted 2-aminophenols with epichlorohydrin, followed by tosylation and subsequent Mitsunobu coupling with halogenated purines. Their antiproliferative activity was assessed in MCF-7 (breast) and HCT-116 (colon) cancer cell lines using MTT assays. Selected compounds were evaluated further for kinase inhibition, effects on the cell cycle, membrane integrity (Annexin V/PI staining), ultrastructural changes (SEM), and caspase activation (Western blot). In silico ADMET profiling was also performed. Results: Compounds 9 and 12 exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activity, with low micromolar IC₅₀ values. Compound 12 showed dual HER2/JNK1 kinase inhibition and induced caspase-8-dependent pyroptosis-like cell death, characterized by membrane rupture and inflammatory features. In contrast, compound 8 lacked kinase inhibition and promoted S-phase arrest with apoptotic-like morphology. Both compounds demonstrated favorable physicochemical and ADMET profiles, including high intestinal absorption and an absence of mutagenicity. Conclusions: The rational design of benzoxazine–purine hybrids resulted in the discovery of compounds with distinct mechanisms of action. Compound 12 induces inflammatory cell death by modulating kinases, while compound 9 acts through a kinase-independent apoptotic pathway. These results underscore the therapeutic potential of scaffold-based diversification for developing targeted anticancer agents. Full article