Search Results (1,037)

In this study, a green and efficient extraction methodology was developed by leveraging the unique properties of chitosan—namely its non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and adhesive nature—to enhance the recovery of bioactive ingredients from Forsythia suspensa leaves. The core mechanism involves the formation of complexes between chitosan and the target bioactive ingredients, which significantly boosts their extraction efficiency. To substantiate this mechanism, comprehensive characterization was performed using Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and molecular docking analyses. The results provided robust evidence of a strong interaction between chitosan and the bioactive ingredients, leading to a marked enhancement in both the stability and aqueous solubility of the target compounds. For process optimization, a multi-objective approach was implemented using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) to simultaneously maximize the extraction yields of phillyrin and forsythoside A. The algorithm identified the optimal parameters as a leaf-to-chitosan mass ratio of 10:11.75, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:52 g/mL, a temperature of 80 °C, and a duration of 120 min. Under these optimized conditions, the corresponding extraction yields for phillyrin and forsythoside A were 1.68 ± 0.16% and 3.23 ± 0.27%, respectively. These findings collectively indicate that chitosan-assisted extraction represents a highly promising and advanced technology for the sustainable and effective extraction of bioactive ingredients from botanical sources. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health burden. While early-stage CRC has a high survival rate, most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease, necessitating more effective and less toxic therapeutic targets. This review examines recent advancements, challenges, and future directions in targeted therapies for CRC, focusing on HER inhibitors. We assess the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and explore strategies to overcome resistance mechanisms. Targeted therapies like cetuximab and panitumumab have improved outcomes for CRC patients with wild-type KRAS. However, resistance mechanisms and intra- and inter-tumour heterogeneity limit their effectiveness. Recent advancements include the development of dual TKIs, antibody/drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, and CAR-T cells against HER family members and other targets that are showing promise in preclinical and clinical trials. Targeted therapies have transformed CRC treatment, but more research is needed to overcome some of the current challenges, such as late diagnosis and the heterogenous nature of CRC, as well as the discovery of more reliable biomarkers for response to the therapy and patient selection. Future research should focus on identifying novel biomarkers of diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive value, developing next-generation inhibitors, drug repurposing, and combining small-molecule targeted therapies with immunotherapy. Such advances could ultimately help increase both the treatment options and outcomes for patients with CRC. Full article

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for the human body and plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Plants serve not only as a major dietary source of selenium but also as natural biofactories capable of synthesizing a wide range of organic selenium compounds. The bioavailability and toxicity of selenium are highly dependent on its chemical form, which can exert varying effects on human physiology. Among these, organic selenium species exhibit higher bioavailability, lower toxicity, and greater structural diversity. In recent years, plant-derived selenium-containing compounds—selenium-enriched proteins, peptides, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and nanoselenium—have garnered increasing scientific attention. Through a systematic search of databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, this review provides a comprehensive overview of selenium uptake and transformation in plants, selenium metabolism in humans, and the classification, composition, structural features, and biological activities of plant-derived selenium compounds, thereby providing a theoretical basis for future research on functional foods and nutritional interventions. Full article

The integration of organoids with biosensors serves as a miniaturized model of human physiology and diseases, significantly transforming the research frameworks surrounding drug development, toxicity testing, and personalized medicine. This review aims to provide a comprehensive framework for researchers to identify suitable technical approaches and to promote the advancement of organoid sensing towards enhanced biomimicry and intelligence. To this end, several primary methods for technology integration are systematically outlined and compared, which include microfluidic integrated systems, microelectrode array (MEA)-based electrophysiological recording systems, optical sensing systems, mechanical force sensing technologies, field-effect transistor (FET)-based sensing techniques, biohybrid systems based on synthetic biology tools, and label-free technologies, including impedance, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and mass spectrometry imaging. Through multimodal collaboration such as the combination of MEA for recording electrical signals from cardiac organoids with micropillar arrays for monitoring contractile force, these technologies can overcome the limitations inherent in singular sensing modalities and enable a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic responses of organoids. Furthermore, this review discusses strategies for integrating strategies of multimodal sensing approaches (e.g., the combination of microfluidics with MEA and optical methods) and highlights future challenges related to sensor implantation in vascularized organoids, signal stability during long-term culture, and the standardization of clinical translation. Full article

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have emerged as essential agents in food preservation, tackling significant issues related to shelf life extension, quality maintenance, and safety assurance. This thorough analysis consolidates current developments in MNP-based nano-packaging and nano-freezing technologies, emphasizing their processes, effectiveness, and commercial feasibility. Metallic nanoparticles augment packaging efficacy via antibacterial properties, oxygen absorption, and real-time freshness assessment, while transforming freezing techniques by inhibiting ice crystal development and maintaining cellular integrity. Notwithstanding their potential applications, regulatory uncertainties, toxicity issues, and scalability challenges necessitate collaborative multidisciplinary approaches. We rigorously survey the technological, environmental, and safety aspects of MNP deployment in the food sector and suggest research priorities for sustainable implementation. Full article

Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a persistent fluoroquinolone antibiotic, poses serious environmental concerns due to its low biodegradability and widespread presence in aquatic ecosystems. This study investigates the synergistic application of low-frequency ultrasonic cavitation and biological treatment to enhance CIP removal efficiency. Experiments have shown that under the optimal biological treatment conditions (6 g/L sludge concentration, pH 8), single biological treatment for 48 h can only remove 41.9% CIP and 24.9% total organic carbon (TOC). Ultrasonic pretreatment was conducted under varying frequencies and pH conditions to determine optimal cavitation parameters, while biodegradation performance was evaluated at different sludge concentrations and pH levels. Results indicated that in 10 mg/L CIP wastewater under alkaline conditions (pH 9.0), CIP and TOC removal efficiencies reached 58.9% and 35.2%, respectively, within 30 min using 15 kHz ultrasound irradiation. When ultrasonic pretreatment was followed by biological treatment, overall removal rates increased to 96.3% for CIP and 90.4% for TOC, significantly outperforming either method alone. LC-MS analysis identified several degradation intermediates during ultrasonic pretreatment, revealing key transformation pathways such as piperazine ring cleavage, hydroxylation, and defluorination. Furthermore, toxicity evaluation using the T.E.S.T. model confirmed a substantial reduction in ecological risk after ultrasonic treatment. Overall, the combined ultrasonic–biological process offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable strategy for the efficient removal of fluoroquinolone antibiotics from wastewater. Full article

The presence of acetaminophen (ACTP) in aquatic environments has become a significant concern due to its environmental persistence and the potential formation of toxic transformation products. This study systematically compares the performance of three electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs), electro-oxidation (EO), electro-Fenton (EF), and solar photo-electro-Fenton (SPEF), for the degradation and mineralization of ACTP in aqueous media using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes. Reactions were conducted under varying operational parameters, including current densities (15–60 mA cm⁻²), initial ACTP concentrations (10–30 mg L⁻¹), and Fe²⁺ dosages. In the SPEF system, natural sunlight was utilized as the source of UV-A irradiation (30–35 W m⁻²). Among the evaluated processes, SPEF exhibited the highest degradation efficiency, achieving up to 97% ACTP removal and 78% chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction within 90 min. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified phenol and catechol as major intermediates, suggesting a degradation pathway involving hydroxylation, aromatic ring cleavage, and subsequent oxidation into low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids. Kinetic modeling revealed pseudo-first-order behavior, with a maximum rate constant of 0.0865 min⁻¹ under optimized conditions determined via Box–Behnken experimental design. Additionally, SPEF demonstrated enhanced energy efficiency (~0.052 kWh gCOD⁻¹) and improved oxidant regeneration under solar radiation, highlighting its potential as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. These results support the implementation of SPEF as a sustainable strategy for mitigating the environmental impact of emerging contaminants, especially in regions with high solar availability and limited technological resources. Full article

Cancer treatment faces significant challenges due to drug resistance, non-specific toxicity, and limited penetration of therapeutic agents. Here, we discuss the latest advancements in the design and application of tumor-targeted nanoparticles, focusing on polymer-based, biomimetic, and inorganic nanocarriers, as well as innovative surface modification strategies, to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment, including the co-delivery of chemotherapeutic agents with biologicals or photo/sonosensitizers for synergistic therapeutic effects. This review not only highlights the current importance of nanoparticle design and application for tumor targeting but also provides insights into future directions for more effective cancer therapies. By integrating advanced material science with biology, these strategies hold the potential to transform the landscape of cancer treatment, offering hope for improved patient outcomes and personalized therapeutic approaches. Full article

This review provides a critical summary of the biological remediation of heavy metals by leveraging the potential of microbes in soils and water ecosystems, highlighting major research findings and practical obstacles. Heavy metals (HMs) pose a severe threat to environmental health due to their toxicity and persistence, necessitating effective remediation strategies. Biological remediation, especially through microorganisms and enzymatic actions, offers a promising alternative to conventional methods due to its eco-friendly and cost-effective nature. The review discusses various microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and algae known for their metal-binding capacities and transformation abilities. It delves into the mechanisms of bioremediation, such as biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biotransformation, facilitated by microbial enzymes like oxidoreductases and hydrolases that remove or bind the chemical structure of HMs. This paper also explores genetic engineering approaches to enhance microbial efficacy in HMs’ uptake and resistance. Furthermore, the review addresses the significant challenges in scaling bioremediation from a laboratory to the field, such as the complexity of environmental conditions, the presence of mixed contaminants, and the need for system optimization to improve efficiency and sustainability. It also evaluates the current legislative framework governing bioremediation practices, suggesting a need for clearer policies to support the integration of biological methods into mainstream remediation strategies. Conclusively, while microbial and enzymatic remediation presents considerable potential, extensive research is needed to overcome existing hurdles and develop robust, field-applicable systems. This paper calls for a multidisciplinary approach combining microbiology, engineering, and environmental sciences to advance this promising field. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple crop for over half of the global population; however, pathogenic infections pose significant threats to its sustainable production. Although chemical pesticides are commonly employed for disease control, their prolonged usage has led to pathogen resistance, reduced effectiveness, and non-target toxicity, rendering them unsustainable for agricultural practices. Nanomaterials (NMs) present a promising alternative due to their small size, tunable release properties, and diverse mechanisms for disease resistance. This review examines how NMs can enhance rice disease management through (1) direct pathogen suppression; (2) the activation of plant defense pathways; (3) the formation of nanoscale barriers on leaves to obstruct pathogens; (4) targeted delivery and controlled release of fungicides; and (5) modulation of the microbiome to bolster resilience. Moreover, we critically analyze the agricultural potential and environmental implications of NMs, develop optimized application strategies, and, for the first time, propose the innovative ‘NMs-Rice-Soil’ Ternary System framework. This groundbreaking approach integrates nanotechnology, plant physiology, and soil ecology. The pioneering framework offers transformative solutions for sustainable crop protection, illustrating how strategically engineered NMs can synergistically enhance rice productivity, grain quality, and global food security through science-based risk management and interdisciplinary innovation. Full article

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a persistent degradation product of widely used fluorinated compounds such as hydrofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrochlorofluoroolefins. Its chemical stability, water solubility, and environmental persistence raise concerns about potential human and ecological risks. To provide an overview of current knowledge on TFA, we conducted a literature search (PubMed and Scopus, December 2024–January 2025) focusing on its environmental fate, human exposure, toxicokinetic, ecotoxicology, and regulation. A narrative approach was applied, prioritizing recent and high-quality evidence. TFA is ubiquitous in air, water, food, and consumer products. Human exposure occurs mainly through ingestion and inhalation. It is rapidly absorbed and excreted mostly unchanged in urine, with limited metabolic transformation. Though not bioaccumulated in fat, its environmental persistence and ongoing exposure raise concerns about long-term systemic effects. Ecotoxicological data show chronic toxicity in aquatic and terrestrial species, with environmental concentrations often exceeding safety thresholds. Currently, no binding EU limit exists for TFA, although several countries have proposed drinking water guidelines. TFA represents an emerging environmental contaminant with potential human health and ecological impacts. Strengthened monitoring, long-term toxicological studies, and precautionary regulatory action are urgently needed. Full article

Soil co-contamination with antimony (Sb) and arsenic (As) presents significant ecological and human health risks, demanding effective stabilization solutions. This study evaluated iron–manganese-modified hydrochar (FMHC) for synergistic Sb-As stabilization in contaminated smelter soils. Through 60-day natural aging and 30 accelerated aging cycles, we assessed stabilization performance using toxicity leaching tests (acid/water/TCLP), bioavailable fraction analysis, bioaccessibility assessment, and Wenzel sequential extraction. The key findings reveal that FMHC (5 wt%) achieves durable stabilization: (1) leaching concentrations remained stable post-aging (Sb: 0.3–4.5 mg·L⁻¹, >70% stabilization; As: <0.4 mg·L⁻¹, >94% stabilization); (2) bioavailable fractions showed maximum reductions of 64% (Sb) and 53% (As), though with some fluctuation; and (3) bioaccessible As was consistently reduced (55–77%), while Sb exhibited greater variability (maximum 58% reduction). Speciation analysis revealed similar stabilization pathways: Sb stabilization resulted from decreased non-specifically and specifically adsorbed fractions, while As stabilization involved the reduction in non-specifically/specifically adsorbed and amorphous to poorly crystalline Fe/Al hydrous oxide-bound fractions. These transformation mechanisms explain FMHC’s superior performance in converting labile Sb/As into stable forms, offering a sustainable solution for the green remediation of Sb-As co-contaminated soils in mining areas. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dermatitis is frequently treated with dexamethasone cutaneous application, which causes adverse effects mainly when it is chronically administered. Sesamol is a phytochemical compound known for its anti-inflammatory activity and low toxicity. Therefore, this study reports the optimization of a guar gum hydrogel with enhanced physicochemical and microbiological stability, providing an effective dosage form for topical application of sesamol nanocapsules to treat irritant contact dermatitis. Methods: Nano-based hydrogel containing 1 mg/g sesamol was prepared by adding the nanocapsule suspension to form a 2.5% (w/v) guar gum dispersion. Dynamic rheological analysis indicates that the formulations exhibit a non-Newtonian flow with pseudoplastic behavior. Hydrogels were evaluated by Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and, following spectrum acquisition, an unsupervised chemometrics model was developed to identify crucial variables. Additionally, the physicochemical and microbiological stability of the hydrogel was evaluated over a 60-day period. Results: ATR-FTIR spectra of all hydrogels evaluated are very similar after preparation and 60 days of storage. However, it showed a slight increase in average diameter and PDI and decreased pH values after 60 days. Microbiological assessment demonstrated that the hydrogel met the requirements for the microbial count over 60 days. The dermatitis model was induced by repeated applications of croton oil in the right ears of mice. The effectiveness of the hydrogels was evaluated by assessing ear edema and migration of polymorphonuclear cells. The nano-based hydrogel exhibited anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of dexamethasone. Conclusions: Therefore, the nano-based hydrogel containing sesamol exhibits therapeutic potential for treating cutaneous inflammatory diseases. Full article

The increasing shortage of drinking water, driven by reduced rainfall and the intensification of industrial and agricultural activities, has raised justified concerns about the quantity and quality of available water resources. These sectors not only demand high water consumption but also discharge large amounts of toxic substances such as organic matter, metal ions and inorganic anions, posing risks to both public health and the environment. This study evaluated the effectiveness of clay-based nanomaterials in the treatment of contaminated industrial wastewater from the mining sector. The materials tested included montmorillonite, high-loading expandable synthetic mica, and their organically functionalized forms (MMT, Mica-Na-4, C18-MMT, and C18-Mica-4). The experimental results show that these clays had minimal impact on the pH of the water, while a notable decrease in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was observed. Ion chromatography indicated an increase in nitrogen and sulfur compounds with higher oxidation states. Inductively coupled plasma analysis revealed a significant reduction in the calcium concentration and an increase in the sodium concentration, likely due to cation exchange mechanisms. However, the removal of copper and iron was ineffective, possibly due to competitive interactions with other cations in the solution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the structural modifications and interlayer spacing changes in the clay materials upon exposure to contaminated water. These findings demonstrate the potential of clay minerals as effective and low-cost materials for the remediation of industrial wastewater. Full article

Widespread antibiotic residues are accumulating in the environment, potentially causing adverse effects for humans, animals, and the ecosystem, including an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, resulting in worldwide concern. There are various commonly used physical, chemical, and biological treatments for the degradation of antibiotics. However, the elimination of toxic end products generated by physicochemical methods and the need for industrial applications pose significant challenges. Hence, environmentally sustainable, green, and readily available approaches for the transformation and degradation of these antibiotic compounds are being sought. Herein, we review the impact of sustainable fungal laccase-based bioremediation strategies. Fungal laccase enzyme is considered one of the most active enzymes for biotransformation and biodegradation of antibiotic residue in vitro. For industrial applications, the low laccase yields in natural and genetically modified hosts may constitute a bottleneck. Methods to screen for high-laccase-producing sources, optimizing cultivation conditions, and identifying key genes and metabolites involved in extracellular laccase activity are reviewed. These include advanced transcriptomics, proteomics, and metagenomics technologies, as well as diverse laccase-immobilization technologies with different inert carrier/support materials improving enzyme performance whilst shifting from experimental assays to in situ monitoring of residual toxicity. Still, more basic and applied research on laccase-mediated bioremediation of pharmaceuticals, especially antibiotics that are recalcitrant and prevalent, is needed. Full article