The increasing need for pure and potable water, the escalating problems of environmental pollution, and the quest for energy sustainability all demand innovative approaches in the field of carbon-based nanotechnology. This article presents a thorough review of the nanocatalytic process, with a special focus on the potential of graphene-based materials to revolutionize wastewater treatment and make a significant impact on the global water quality index. We have searched the relevant articles from Scopus, WoS, and Google Scholar using appropriate keywords to select the articles for writing this narrative review article. Graphene and its derivatives are excellent catalysts for degrading pollutants due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, electrical conductivity, enhanced adsorption characteristics, and chemical reactivity. This review also explores their mechanisms for removing heavy metals, organic compounds, and pathogens. Amalgamating graphene with other nanoparticles or functional groups enhances its catalytic efficiency and selectivity. Advancements in graphene composites can lead to nanocatalysts for water purification and resource recovery from waste. Furthermore, this review article highlights graphene-based nanocatalysts' environmental and scalability aspects, emphasizing their role in enhancing water treatment and energy conservation for better public health. It advocates for their integration into a circular economy and suggests that future research focus on long-term stability, toxicity, and regulatory considerations in wastewater treatment applications.
The frequent rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is due to the increasing use of antibiotics in the healthcare system. Probiotics could offer a potential alternative, although their efficacy tends to be diminished in the presence of antibiotics, rendering co-fortification an impractical solution. Stand-alone probiotics cannot completely counteract the effects of antibiotics and often die off in the stomach due to the lower acidic pH. Similarly, antibiotics significantly reduce the action of probiotics; as a result, their therapeutic potential is diminished. Based on the biofilm protection characteristic, chitosan and alginate nanogel are used to encapsulate probiotics with temporary protection against antibiotics, enabling the simultaneous delivery of probiotics and antibiotics. This study involved encapsulation of the probiotic within chitosan-coated alginate nanoparticles (Cs-Alg+ProB NPs), which were made using the ionic gelation technique. The physicochemical characteristics, probiotic release profile across varying pH levels, swelling properties, coincubation of probiotics with antibiotics, and in vitro toxicity evaluation of the produced nanocomplex were examined. The hydrodynamic size of nanoparticles increased from 295.3 +/- 7.13 nm to 328.7 +/- 13.07 nm after probiotic encapsulation, confirming successful loading, as supported by zeta potential changes. Enhanced probiotic release and swelling were observed under acidic pH. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model indicated Fickian diffusion as the release mechanism. Coincubation with amoxicillin demonstrated that encapsulation protects probiotics, a finding that can be extended to provide therapeutic benefits against MDR bacteria to protect public health.
Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, and conventional therapies are often limited by toxicity and poor selectivity. Green nanotechnology provides an eco-friendly approach to developing biocompatible and efficient anticancer agents. In this study, we developed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) encapsulated in gelatin-alginate (Gel-Alg) hygrogel using Calendula officinalis (CO) flower extract (Gel-Alg-Ag-CO) to evaluate their therapeutic potential. The hydrogel formulation was synthesized using AgNPs derived from the aqueous extract of CO as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The nanocomposite was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Phytochemical and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were performed to identify bioactive compounds. Biocompatibility was assessed in vivo using zebrafish embryos. Anticancer activity was evaluated in HepG2 liver cancer cells through morphological assessment and MTT assay. The Gel-Alg-Ag-CO nanohydrogel displayed an average hydrodynamic size of 97.68 nm, a negative zeta potential (-31.03 mV), and a crystalline face-centered cubic structure. FTIR confirmed the involvement of functional groups in the stabilization process. Phytochemical and GC-MS analyses revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and fumaric acid derivatives, with fumaric acid, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentyl tridecyl ester, as the major compound (25.79
INTRODUCTION:Menstrual hygiene practices are a critical health concern, and if neglected, they may lead to reproductive tract infections (RTIs), toxic shock syndrome, and other vaginal diseases. To prevent these conditions, antiseptic and antibacterial properties must be incorporated into sanitary napkins. METHODS:In this study, nanolayered topsheets were synthesized by embedding silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into PVA in Aloe vera extract, which was then coated onto a non-woven fabric. The polymer-entrapped AgNPs in Aloe vera (AgNPs + PVA + Aloe vera) were characterized using UV-visible spectrometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, FTIR, and SEM analyses. RESULTS:The release kinetics of AgNPs from the coated fabric were studied in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF), showing an initial burst release followed by sustained release. The toxicity of the released nanosilver was evaluated both in vitro using A375 cells and in vivo using zebrafish embryos, establishing a safe dose of 3 μM. The antimicrobial effect of the coated fabric was tested against S. aureus and E. coli, showing clear zones of inhibition. DISCUSSION:The AgNPs and the coated fabric demonstrated comparable antimicrobial activity. CONCLUSION:This product has potential for use in coating sanitary napkins to provide skin-soothing and antimicrobial effects.
The synthesis is presented of highly fluorescent hexamine-derived carbonized polymer dots (HACDs), which are made possible by ethylenediamine and folic acid. Density functional theory is used to clarify the formation mechanism and optimize the electronic structure of HACDs that resemble polymers. Our study reveals effective intramolecular charge transfer pathways and a favorable reaction coordinate, supported by electrostatic potential mapping and HOMO-LUMO transitions. The resulting HACDs have a ∼3.3 eV optical bandgap, an extraordinary quantum yield of 80.1
There has been a growing focus on ‘molecular chameleons’ possessing structural flexibility; compounds that can dynamically adjust their conformations depending on the characteristics of the medium to either conceal or reveal polar parts in aqueous/lipidic environments. Drug discovery has shifted in the past few decades toward more complex molecules, such as cyclic and macrocyclic peptides, as well as PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs). These large macromolecules are intended to balance cell permeability, aqueous solubility, and strong target binding capacity for effective pharmacokinetics; though they are more difficult to design than conventional small drug molecules. Molecular chameleons are useful for this task because of their capacity to adapt to various environments. The science underlying the structural flexibility of molecular chameleons, their growing significance, role in therapeutics and design strategies using contemporary tools are all covered in this review.
Background/objectives: Delayed wound healing, along with excessive scar formation, is the major clinical drawback due to the presence of stubborn bacteria, oxidative stress, prolonged inflammation, and irregular tissue regeneration. Utilizing nanomaterial-based wound dressings offers significant advancements and minimal cytotoxicity, but also presents issues such as poor biocompatibility, low solubility, and reduced permeability. These factors limit the effectiveness of nanomaterial-based wound dressings in promoting complete tissue regeneration. To overcome these limitations, plant-derived bioactives are integrated with nanomaterials within a hydrogel cage to enhance antibacterial activity, mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration. Methods: A multifunctional alginate–gelatin hydrogel incorporating silver nanoparticles and plant extracts (AG-AgNP-PE) was developed to promote scar-free wound healing, alongside a plant extract-free silver nanoparticles-loaded hydrogel for comparative evaluation of the functional contribution of plant bioactives. The biological performance of the formulated hydrogels was systematically evaluated through antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm assays, while in vitro cytocompatibility and proregenerative activity were assessed using MTT and Alamar Blue assays, live/dead cell imaging, and a scratch-wound assay, complemented by in vivo evaluation in zebrafish embryos. Results: Pro-angiogenic activity was further investigated using the CAM model, and therapeutic efficacy was validated in an in vivo rat burn wound model through microscopic wound assessment, histopathological examination, and biochemical assays. Conclusions: Among the hydrogels, AG-AgNP-PE exhibited superior performance across all key properties, highlighting the synergistic effect of the nanomaterial combined with plant extracts within hydrogel cages and positioning it as a promising multifunctional wound dressing for rapid tissue regeneration and scar-free wound healing, suitable for advanced wound management.
Amyloidosis encompasses a spectrum of diseases in which insoluble protein aggregates are deposited in various parts of the body, including the brain, giving rise to Alzheimer’s disease, prion disease, and Parkinson’s disease, and also being a manifestation of Type II diabetes. The soluble protein gets aggregated as insoluble plaques by an unknown phenomenon, leading to the disease. If an agent is developed that can dissociate or disintegrate these plaques, it can be proposed as a lead molecule for amyloid dissociation. In the present study, we have taken the aqueous extract of a herb, Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and synthesized zinc oxide nanoflowers (ZnO-NFs-Skp). The plant extract was characterized using phytochemical analysis, and the ZnO-NFs-Skp were characterized using various photophysical tools like dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, XRD, FTIR, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in vitro cytotoxicity of the ZnO-NFs-Skp was assessed in the PC12 cell line using an MTT assay and a fluorescent dual-staining assay. The effect of ZnO-NFs-Skp on zebrafish embryos was evaluated for in vivo biocompatibility. Finally, the amyloid degradation of the ZnO-NFs, after incubation with preformed insulin amyloids, the model amyloid protein used for the amyloid study, was evaluated at different time intervals using the Thioflavin T fluorescence assay. The results indicated that the Shankhapushpi extract had alkaloids, coumarins, and glycosides. The hydrodynamic diameter of ZnO-NF-Skp was found to be 181 nm, and the zeta potential was −17.7 mV. SEM imaging showed a carnation flower-like morphology with a petal thickness of 30 ± 5 nm. The ZnO-NFs-Skp did not induce any toxicity up to a dose of 160 μg/mL, both in vitro and in vivo. The amyloid degradation study revealed 38% degradation of the IA, 24 h after incubation at 37 °C. SEM analysis also evidenced the degradation of IA. Compared to ZnO nanoparticles (18%), ZnO-NFs-Skp could degrade almost double (35%) the amount of IA after 12 h incubation, as shown by the ThT assay. Overall, the data suggested that Shankhapushpi-mediated ZnO-NFs (ZnO-NFs-Skp) are biocompatible and have a good capacity to degrade amyloids. In the future, amyloid degradation using Aβ-42 and the prion protein needs to be investigated.
Scar-free wound healing remains a major challenge in regenerative medicine. In this study, a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based hydrogel nanocomposite containing silver nanoparticles (CMC@Ag) was developed, along with a phytocompound-enriched variant (CMC@Ag+P) incorporating aloe vera, curcumin, and plantain peel extracts. The phytocompound-infused hydrogel exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and scar-free healing potential, supporting tissue regeneration. An in vitro scratch assay using the A375 cell line showed 89% cell proliferation and migration at high doses and 69% at low doses of CMC@Ag+P. Zebrafish toxicity assays confirmed its safety, with hatchability rates of 82% (low dose) and 71% (high dose). The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay demonstrated strong angiogenic activity, particularly in CMC@ Ag+P, indicating improved vascularization essential for tissue repair. Statistical analysis using the Student’s t-test revealed significant differences between hydrogel-treated groups and controls (p < 0.05), confirming the enhanced healing and scar-minimization effects. Previous animal studies further validated the scar-free wound healing potential of these hydrogel highlighting the synergistic role of phytocompounds in promoting effective tissue regeneration.
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a challenge in the healthcare sector globally, exacerbated by increasing antibiotic resistance. Methods: Photophysical characterization of CO-ZrO2-NPs was done using UV-vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, and zeta potential measurements. Biocompatibility assessment was performed in vitro and in vivo using MTT assay, haemolysis assay, and zebrafish embryo toxicity assay, followed by antimicrobial activity estimation using the disc diffusion method. Results: The results demonstrated the absorption peak at 300 nm, a hydrodynamic diameter of 156 nm, and a zeta potential of-21 mV, showing moderate stability. The particle size ranged from 163 nm to 224 nm with spherical morphology in SEM, and 50-80 nm in TEM image, with an average particle size of 66 nm. The nanoparticles showed that above 95 % cells were alive, lower than 5 % haemolysis, and no developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos, indicating a good biocompatibility up to a dose of 50 mu g/mL. The antimicrobial activity showed zones of inhibition (ZOIs) of 16 +/- 0.14 and 16 +/- 0.15, respectively, for E. coli and S. aureus post-treatment with 100 mu g/mL of CO-ZrO2-NPs. Anti-biofilm activity was quantified using a crystal violet staining method, which showed a decline in biofilm mass when compared with the untreated control. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH assay, showing that the CO-ZrO2-NPs possessed antioxidant activity, however, lower than that of ascorbic acid at the respective dose. Conclusion: Results demonstrate the successful green synthesis of stable CO-ZrO2-NPs with significant antimicrobial, moderate antioxidant properties, and moderate anti-biofilm activity against key uropathogens. This study highlights the potential of green-synthesized CO-ZrO2-NPs as one of the therapeutic approaches to kill UTI-causing pathogens.
Manganese-based nanomaterials have emerged as highly promising candidates for cancer theranostic owing to their unique multifunctional capabilities in chemodynamic therapy, immune regulation, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Herein, we present a biodegradable and multifunctional nanotherapeutic platform constructed by encapsulating manganese-doped carbon dots (MnCDs) within the zinc-based metal-organic framework (MOF)-ZIF-8 and further embedding the composite into a K-Carrageenan (K-Car) biopolymeric hydrogel matrix, referred to as the MnCD@ZIF-8@K-Car gel. This nanoplatform was designed for the efficient encapsulation of the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5 FU) and exhibited a pronounced pH-responsive drug release profile under tumor-mimicking acidic conditions. The MnCD@ZIF-8@K-Car system demonstrated intense blue fluorescence, enabling effective in vitro fluorescence imaging, and exhibited excellent T1-T2-weighted MRI contrast enhancement at low concentrations. Moreover, the nanocomposite catalyzed Fenton-like reactions with endogenous hydrogen peroxide in the microenvironment, producing highly reactive hydroxyl radicals that induce oxidative damage to intracellular biomolecules and suppress tumor cell proliferation. In addition, the ZIF-8 imparted notable bacteriostatic activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Cellular internalization and cytotoxicity investigations revealed selective toxicity toward folate-receptor-overexpressing HeLa cells, while comparatively reduced cytotoxic effects were observed in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and nonmalignant L929 fibroblasts. Overall, this multifunctional MnCD@ZIF-8@K-Car nanohydrogel integrates pH-responsive chemotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, biosensing, dual-modal imaging, and antibacterial functionality within a single system, highlighting its strong potential for advanced cancer theranostic applications.
Background and purpose: Alzheimer's disease is the primary contributor to neurodegenerative conditions. These pathologies are identified by the deposition of β-amyloid peptide within brain regions. It develops insoluble fibrils known as senile plaques. These plaques are associated with synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and progressive cognitive decline. Hence, the degradation and elimination of β-amyloid peptide fibrils from the body are viable therapeutic approaches for managing Alzheimer’s disease. Experimental approach: In the current study, liposomal nanoformulated iota carrageenan was synthesized and characterized using different photophysical tools. The nanoformulated iota carrageenan effectively degraded β-amyloid peptide 1-42, with 45.5 % reduction confirmed by Thioflavin T fluorescence assay. This activity was further supported by turbidity and dynamic light scattering analysis. Key results: The biocompatibility of nanoformulated iota carrageenan and its degraded β-amyloid peptide was determined using an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- -2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), live/dead cell assay on PC12 cells. Structural disintegration of the β-amyloid peptide fibrils was validated through atomic force microscopy, revealing a significant reduction in fibrillar morphology. In silico studies also evidenced the interaction between the β-amyloid peptide and nanoformulated iota carrageenan. In addition, the neuroprotective potential of nanoformulated iota carrageenan, as evidenced by nanoformulated iota carrageenan-treated β-amyloid peptide, was supported by neurite outgrowth studies. These studies showed that differentiated PC12 cells exhibited larger neurite growth with extensive branching, indicating the reversal of β-amyloid peptide-induced neurotoxicity. CAM assay demonstrated enhanced blood vessel formation in chick embryos treated with nanoformulated iota carrageenan and its β-amyloid peptide-degraded group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that nanoformulated iota carrageenan holds potential and has nontoxic therapeutic effects for Alzheimer’s disease. Additional in vivo validation is required in future investigations.
C60 fullerene possesses a unique cage-like architecture, remarkable stability, and significant biomedical potential. This study investigates its physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant properties, and anticancer activity. UV–vis spectroscopy revealed an absorption peak at 175 nm, confirming the successful synthesis of C60 nanoparticles and buckyball formation. FTIR spectra displayed characteristic peaks at 3747 cm⁻1 (–OH), 2356 cm⁻1 (C = O), and 1793 cm⁻1 (C = C), indicating functional group interactions within the carbon framework. Raman analysis showed an ID/IG ratio of 1.15, suggesting minimal structural defects and low dangling bond presence following bottom-up synthesis. FESEM imaging demonstrated particle agglomeration with sizes ranging from 20 to 400 nm and slight surface corrugation, likely due to heterogeneous chemical interactions during synthesis. XRD patterns exhibited prominent peaks at 23° (220), 25° (222), 30° (422), 35° (333), and 49° (200), confirming the polycrystalline nature of C60 resulting from X-ray diffraction of its carbon lattice. Biological evaluation using MCF-7 breast cancer cells showed significant anticancer activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 8.82 μg/mL after 24 h incubation. MTT and confocal analyses indicated dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability accompanied by increased intracellular ROS generation, suggesting effective suppression of cancer cell proliferation. In vivo biocompatibility assessment using zebrafish embryos demonstrated approximately 95
Background and purpose:Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, failing to identify a complete cure. Liver cancer is the sixth most frequent cancer worldwide, and its cure is still not assured. Nanoparticles, especially the metal oxide nanoparticles, have been explored as anticancer agents in recent times. In an attempt to make the best use of waste, plantain peel, a byproduct of agriculture, was used to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles. Experimental approach:The plantain peel extract was evaluated for its chemical composition by GC-MS analysis, which revealed a predominant presence of tetratetracontane. The copper oxide nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). Bio-inertness was assessed using an MTT assay of fibroblasts, a haemolysis assay, and zebrafish embryo analysis. The anticancer activity against HepG2 cells was estimated. Key results:The absorption peak was found at 402 nm, the hydrodynamic diameter was 323 nm, the zeta potential was +10.74 mV, and a band gap of 1.3 eV. The SEM images showed a size range of 54 to 85 nm with a chrysanthemum-petal-like morphology. EDAX showed the presence of Cu and O, and the XRD and FTIR peaks corroborated with that of CuO. The result showed that up to a dose of 50 μg mL-1, the nanoparticles did not induce any toxicity. Finally, the anticancer activity, evaluated using the HepG2 cell line, showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect with an IC50 of 26.20 μg mL-1. Conclusion:The outcome of this study suggested that the synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles can be used at controlled doses to kill cancer cells. Further studies are needed using other cancer cell lines and in vivo cancer models.
All forms of neural communications, from cognition to emotion, are regulated by neurotransmitters, which are otherwise the chemical language of the brain. Precise detection of these neurotransmitters is essential for the perception of neurophysiology and diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases as well. Among the existing techniques for the detection of these molecules, fluorescence sensing is evolving as a powerful approach in terms of high sensitivity, rapid response, and real-time visualization of the chemical events occurring in the neural system. In recent years, nanomaterials have transformed this field by integrating tunable optical properties, excellent photostability, and modifiable surface chemistry into biocompatible nanostructures. We summarize the recent advances of these architectures to show how the material type and dimensionality, as well as the surface functionality, play roles in sensing through the mechanisms of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), photoinduced electron transfer (PET), inner filter effect (IFE), and aggregation-induced emission (AIE). The discussion has also been extended to the correlation of fluorescence modulation with the selectivity and sensitivity in the mechanism-to-function relationship. The potential utility of such innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, spectral deconvolution analysis via big data algorithms, and chip-integrated sensing, was explored as a means to enable real-time neurochemical detection. This converging area of nanotechnology and neuroscience leaves a mark not just in analytical accuracy, but also parallels human brain rhythms.
Magnetoliposomes, which are magnetically sensitive lipid nanocarriers, have garnered increasing attention in biomedical research due to their promising potential. Their biocompatibility and ability to transport therapeutic cargos with tailored physicochemical properties make lipid-based carriers, such as liposomes, highly valued in medical applications. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in integrating magnetic nanomaterials into medical technologies, particularly in areas such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and therapeutic techniques like hyperthermic treatment, which targets and eliminates cancerous cells. This article provides an overview of the development of magnetically activated lipid nanocarriers, with a particular focus on magnetoliposomes in the medical field. The review examines the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles and liposomes, the engineering of magnetoliposomes, and their applications in healthcare. Furthermore, the article examines synthesis techniques in detail, offering insights into the complex interactions between magnetic materials and lipid carriers. The synergistic combination of magnetic elements and lipid nanocarriers is driving a paradigm shift in medicine, offering the potential to revolutionize both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Biguanides, especially metformin, are essential for managing type 2 diabetes, a major global health concern. They show favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles and have been in clinical use for decades, although their therapeutic mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated beyond their primary role in hepatic glucose production. Recent investigations have highlighted the significant roles of the gastrointestinal tract, gut microbiota, and tissue-resident immune cells in modulating metformin efficacy. Metformin is of interest for repurposing across various disorders, including cancer, aging, inflammation, and microbial infections. These manifestations are a consequence of their pleiotropic molecular effects and of treatment benefit, which depend on dose or duration. Nevertheless, the associated lactic acidosis, as well as other rare and serious adverse effects, requires a full knowledge of their toxicity profile and organ responses. Novel nanotechnology-based strategies can provide new opportunities to improve the therapeutic index of biguanides by enhancing bioavailability, increasing tissue specificity, and reducing systemic toxicity. In this review, we have examined the complex pharmacology of biguanides, discussed organ-specific therapeutic and toxicological effects, and critically evaluated targeted delivery to optimize their clinical utility through nanotechnology interventions.
Cancer continues to pose a significant global health issue, highlighting the demand for novel and targeted treatment options. This research explores the anticancer capabilities of folic acid conjugated liposomal nanoformulation of Amphiroa anceps, a marine red alga to improve tumour specificity. In vitro tests revealed that the incorporation of folic acid substantially enhanced the effectiveness of tumour targeting, while biocompatibility assessments confirmed greater specificity for cancer cells compared to the extract without conjugation. In vivo studies showed that the formulation was safe at doses under 100 μg/mL. Furthermore, the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay indicated the presence of anti-angiogenic properties, which were further amplified through folic acid conjugation, implying a potential role in obstructing the development of tumour vasculature. These results underscore the promise of A. anceps as a natural anticancer agent and highlight the benefits of folic acid-based targeting in enhancing therapeutic effectiveness.
The fermentative biohydrogen generation offers potential to achieve an environment-friendly and sustainable energy supply, converting organic wastes into a valuable source. The progress of feedstock pretreatment, metabolic pathway engineering, nanomaterial incorporation, and intelligent process control greatly improves the efficiency and scalability of biohydrogen production. An expanded list of substrates, such as lignocellulosic waste biomass, algal biomass, food processing by-products, and agro-industrial wastes, is now employed by using the pretreatment methods in an optimized manner. Genetically modified strains and mixed microbial communities can improve dark fermentation, photofermentation, as well as photolysis. Nanomaterials also play a favorable role in increasing enzyme activity and accelerating the electron transfer, further favoring hydrogen production. Such artificial intelligence techniques as neural networks, support vector machines, and adaptive neuro-fuzzy systems are available for the real-time monitoring, modeling, and optimization of the processes. This review notes these progresses collectively into a thematic agglomerate of feedstock innovations, microbe husbandry, reactor design, process integration, and digital control. By structuring the requirements, opportunities, and technology readiness levels (TRLs) in each of these areas, it provides a comparative analysis that identifies near-term deployable solutions from longer-term research priorities. In general, the work provides a roadmap to progress biohydrogen production from laboratory research to concretize scaling and circular economy applications in bioeconomy approaches and assure its key role as a contributor to future renewable energy systems.
Background and purpose: Protein misfolding and subsequent amyloid formation are associated with various diseases like localized amyloidosis, type II diabetes, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Insulin can undergo fibrillation under specific physiological conditions, leading to the formation of localized amyloid deposits. Repeated subcutaneous administration of insulin fibrils induces amyloid mass at injection sites. Experimental approach: This study investigated the pathological consequences of insulin fibril deposition in a rat model and evaluated the anti-amyloid efficacy of iota-carrageenan (CG) and its liposomal nanoformulation (nCG). Repeated subcutaneous administration of insulin for 28 days induced the formation of a well-defined amyloid mass. Key results: Treatment with nCG markedly reduced amyloid accumulation and effectively suppressed amyloid progression. Histopathological examination demonstrated a concentration-dependent reduction in amyloid deposits following CG treatment, while nCG-treated groups exhibited no detectable amyloid accumulation. The formation and inhibition of amyloid were further validated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Congo red and thioflavin T (ThT) staining. In addition, nCG showed excellent biocompatibility, with no observable pathological alterations in major organs. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings indicate that both CG and nCG possess significant anti-amyloid activity, with nanoformulated CG showing enhanced efficacy in preventing insulin-induced localized amyloidosis.