Abstract The development of bio-based polymeric materials from renewable waste streams represents a key challenge in sustainable material science. In this work, cellulose acetate obtained from grapevine lignocellulosic residues was used as a polymer matrix for composite films incorporating exhausted microalgal biomass of a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii culture as a biofiller. Microalgal residues are proposed to modulate intermolecular interactions and microstructural organization within cellulose acetate matrices, allowing for the tuning of thermal stability and mass transport properties. Films were prepared by solvent casting using glycerol as a plasticizer and investigated to elucidate structure–property relationships. Mechanical analysis shows that microalgal incorporation increases breaking stress while maintaining Young’s modulus and elongation at break. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy reveals interactions among cellulose acetate, glycerol, and microalgal biomolecules. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicates enhanced thermal stability, with thermal transitions shifting by more than 50 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations reveal a more compact microstructure. This structural reorganization results in increased surface wettability (contact angle decrease from ∼36° to ∼20°) and a significant reduction in water absorption (–57%), alongside increased mass transport properties. In particular, water vapor permeability increases by ∼40% and oxygen permeability by ∼14%. More broadly, this work establishes a scalable strategy to upcycle complementary bio-waste streams into multifunctional materials with tunable properties. The ability to simultaneously control barrier performance, wettability, and thermal stability highlights the potential of these systems for advanced sustainable packaging and functional coatings. Overall, this approach advances the rational design of high-performance bio-based materials, contributing to the transition toward circular and low-carbon material platforms.

The convergence of nanotechnology and nucleic acid isothermal amplification (IA) is reshaping the molecular diagnostics landscape, bridging the gap between laboratory precision and field-scale testing. Unlike conventional PCR-based tests, AI techniques operate at constant temperature, allowing rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of nucleic acids with portable or even instrument-free instrumentation. Nanomaterials, including magnetic nanoparticles, gold nanostructures, and two-dimensional materials, among others, are now playing a critical role in enhancing AI systems. They facilitate efficient sample preparation through magnetic extraction, stabilize enzymatic reactions under suboptimal conditions, and serve as highly responsive transducers for generating optical or electrochemical signals. The integration of nanomaterials has also enabled advanced detection formats, from lateral flow assays and microfluidic cartridges to smartphone-coupled and CRISPR-assisted biosensors. These hybrid platforms combine high sensitivity and specificity with the simplicity required for point-of-care (POC) or resource-limited settings. Despite ongoing challenges in terms of standardization, reproducibility, and large-scale production, the analytical advantages of nano-assisted IA, such as accelerated workflows, multiplexing capabilities, and quantitative portability, pose this convergence as a keystone for next-generation diagnostic devices. This review examines recent advances, analytical implications, and future prospects for synergies between nanomaterials and IA, highlighting their transformative potential for accessible, rapid, and equitable molecular testing.

Forensic science is the application of scientific principles and methods to support legal decision-making in criminal and civil law. Biosensors could play a very important role in this field. The aim of this review is to analyze the current state of biosensors used in forensic science, with a focus on their technological maturity and practical applicability. The aim is to understand which types of biosensors have been used in forensic field analysis and which are still limited to laboratory studies. We will also focus on new emerging crime scene indicators, such as pathogenic microorganisms, which play an important role in solving complex cases, such as those related to environmental contamination or suspicious deaths. Therefore, an overview of existing technologies is provided and future prospects for the application of biosensors in real-world situations are explored, offering insights into the design of devices that could be easily employed by law enforcement agencies in the field to collect timely and valuable information for solving forensic cases.

Pollution by micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) is a major concern today, with direct consequences for human health and the environment. Microalgae, among the main primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, suffer from MNPs contamination due to the worrying amount of plastic waste and its persistence in the environment. This problem has mobilized international organizations and raised awareness among the scientific community for the identification of effective solutions. Policies aimed at reducing plastic products, waste management, and recycling are attempting to limit this problem; however, plastic pollution appears to be irreversible. Therefore, a critical analysis of the effects of MNPs on various microorganisms (e.g., microalgae) is urgently needed. Therefore, the objective of this review was to identify the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on microalgal populations, based on the currently available literature. Particular attention was paid to available laboratory studies on MNPs effects on microalgae physiology - as growth rate, pigment content, photosynthetic activity, oxidative stress - and morphology, with the aim of providing an update on the state of the art.

Microalgae represent some of the most promising eukaryotic platforms in biotechnology due to their rapid growth, simple cultivation requirements, reliance on sunlight as a primary energy source, and ability to synthesize high-value bioactive compounds. These characteristics have made microalgae attractive candidates in various fields, including biofuel production, carbon capture, and pharmaceutical development. However, several technical limitations have limited their large-scale use as sustainable biofactories. A paradigm shift is currently occurring thanks to the genetic manipulation of microalgae, driven by CRISPR-Cas technology. Significant progress has been made in the model species Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, particularly in the targeted and efficient insertion of foreign DNA. Despite this progress, key challenges remain, and further optimization of CRISPR-Cas methodologies is needed to fully unleash the genetic potential of this organism. This review provides an overview of the convergence of CRISPR-Cas technologies in microalgae research, highlighting their impact on genetic studies, metabolic engineering, and industrial applications. It summarizes recent advances in microalgal genome editing through CRISPR systems, outlines current technical challenges, and highlights future directions for improving the implementation of this innovative technology in microalgal biotechnology.

Helicase-dependent amplification (HDA) is an isothermal DNA amplification technique that utilizes the enzymatic activity of helicases to unwind double-stranded DNA, enabling the amplification of specific target sequences without the need for temperature cycling. This review provides an overview of the principles of HDA, focusing on the role of DNA helicase families and how they contribute to the efficient and specific amplification of nucleic acids. Furthermore, we analyze the diverse applications of HDA in point-of-care (POC), highlighting its potential to revolutionize diagnostic technologies by enabling rapid, portable, and cost-effective detection of pathogens, genetic mutations, and biomarkers. Additionally, other applications of HDA in diagnostics, such as detection of environmental contaminants and foodborne pathogens, are discussed. A comparison of HDA with conventional PCR and other isothermal amplification techniques reveals several advantages, including its simplicity, speed, and minimal equipment requirements, though challenges related to sensitivity, specificity, and scalability remain. Therefore, HDA emerges as a promising tool for advancing modern diagnostic technologies, particularly in resource-limited settings.

The growing concern for environmental sustainability has led to an increased interest in biodegradable materials derived from renewable resources. This study explores the innovative use of residual biomass from the green photosynthetic microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, left over after polysaccharide extraction, as a natural filler in the development of the compostable protein-based material SP-Milk®. The microalgal biomass was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Visible Spectroscopy to assess its chemical and structural composition. Subsequently, it was incorporated into a biodegradable protein matrix, and the resulting biocomposites were evaluated for mechanical and thermal properties. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of algal filler improves the mechanical strength and elasticity of the material while reducing its glass transition temperature, highlighting its potential for use in sustainable applications as a possible substitute for conventional plastics. The biocomposite materials developed, based on the protein-based material SP-Milk® and residual microalgal biomass, are environmentally friendly, contributing to the reduction in pollution and the risks associated with plastic accumulation. Thus, this study offers a simple, effective, and sustainable strategy for the valorization of microalgal biomass, enabling the production of biodegradable materials with enhanced mechanical performance, suitable for applications such as sustainable packaging within a circular economy framework.

Lately, microalgae use in cultural heritage conservation and protection has gained interest for their ability to meet the sector's innovation and sustainability demands, benefiting both the environment and practitioners.An eco-friendly material, extracted from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with hot water treatment and ethanol precipitation, for paper-based artwork conservation is presented. The study represents an advancement over the current state of the art, detailing the polysaccharide extract characterization and its validation in real application on samples. The polysaccharides' chemical composition was analyzed by spectroscopy and chromatography methods, revealing glucose (28 %), mannose (27 %), rhamnose (36 %), and xylose (9 %) mixture. The obtained bio-material was tested as a consolidant on artificially depolymerized paper samples and incoherent paint layers. Some commercial consolidants (Klucel G, Funori, Sturgeon glue, and crystalline nanocellulose) were used to compare and evaluate extract efficacy. The consolidating treatment was analyzed via optical and electron microscopy, mechanical strength quantification, and color alteration. The data obtained showed a breaking load increase (∼35 %) and no color variation, proving a notable consolidating capacity of the mixture on the artificially aged paper and pictorial film samples, compared with commercially available products. These findings show the potential of this polysaccharide extract as a sustainable solution for paper artwork conservation.

As the number of joint arthroplasties continues to increase, joint infections have emerged as a significant and devastating complication associated with total joint arthroplasty. The formation and persistence of bacterial biofilms create a formidable barrier against both the host immune system and antibiotics, contributing to the pathogenesis of joint infections, antibiotic resistance, and treatment failures. This review examines the latest trends on biosensors powered by isothermal nucleic acid amplification technologies designed to manage joint infections, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, with a particular attention on their integration into point-of-care testing. In detail, a special focus on such innovative approaches for rapid and specific identification of pathogenic nucleic acids will cover the entire process from sampling to extraction, amplification, and detection methods.

This work aimed to assess the potential efficacy of a novel polysaccharides-based extract as a green consolidant for the pictorial layer on marble substrates. Understanding its properties could lead to determining whether it can ensure the correct conservation and transmission of the cultural heritage. Four different types of marble specimens were prepared with paint based on malachite (egg, tempera grassa, rabbit glue, and linseed oil as binders). Colorimetric analyses, peeling tests, SEM-EDS, and FTIR spectroscopy were used to test the properties of the consolidant. Results reveal that no aesthetic changes occur when using the extract on painted surfaces and that the cohesive properties of most pictorial films increase after its application, confirming the consolidating effect. In conclusion, the use of an innovative green product for the restoration of marble-painted surfaces can be considered a possible good solution for consolidating treatment. Through this initial explorative research, we suggest an innovative approach to the protection of cultural heritage that doesn’t cause harm to both the restorer’s health and the environment.

Starting from the knowledge of ancient materials, the present work aims at developing green eco-friendly restoration mortars.A multi-step approach is proposed for this purpose including a characterization of ancient mortars, followed by that of the raw materials, ending with an in-depth one of the new products.Therefore, new mortars have been produced following the ancient recipe used in the construction of the Aqua Traiana aqueduct (Rome, 2nd century CE).Minero-petrographic and mechanical features, along with the assessment of porosity, water absorption, hydraulic index, and the evaluation of phytotoxicity toward microalgae cells, have been considered to evaluate the new products.The results proved that the nature of the aggregate and of the binder influence the porosity and the formation of newly reaction phases. The growth of these minerals creates a porous network inside the binder paste which shows an efficient reactivity in the formation of C-S-H compounds.

A novel hybrid hydrogel nanocomposite immunosensor was developed for the electrochemical detection of hemoglobin in blood. The transducing element was based on carbon black (CB)-nanomodified screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) on which a poly(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate hydrogel (PEGDA) doped with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was photopolymerized in situ. The fabricated PEGDA-AuNPs/CB-SPEs were then functionalized with oriented anti-hemoglobin antibodies. The immunosensor was analyzed by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) at different modification steps, while its morphology was evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The analytical performances of the resulting PEGDA-AuNPs/CB-SPE immunosensor were assessed by DPV analysis, demonstrating the ability of the proposed system to detect hemoglobin in both standard solution and serum samples with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.005 mg/mL within a dynamic response in a concentration range from 0.005 to 0.1 mg/mL. Slight interference was observed in the presence of glucose and ascorbic acid at concentrations much higher than those physiologically present in the blood. Moreover, any matrix effect was evidenced in serum samples, with a good recovery value of 107 +/- 4 % obtained for a hemoglobin concentration of 0.025 mg/mL.

In recent years, there has been a significant interest on sustainability and health-safety across various domains. Notably, many traditional chemicals employed in the preservation of Cultural Heritage pose environmental and human health risks. The NYMPHA project aimed to develop an eco-friendly solution using microalgae-derived polysaccharides to remove biological patinas from cultural heritage wooden materials, addressing sustainability and health concerns. To validate its efficacy, the product underwent testing on diverse woods such as silver fir, beech, and sessile oak, selected for their distinct anatomical characteristics. The analytical methodology involves three key steps: 1) determining the optimal extraction and application method through spectro-colorimetric measures and UV imaging; 2) evaluating surface color stability; and 3) assessing the product's effectiveness before and after exposure to a biological attack using spectro-colorimetry. Results indicate that the NYMPHA product can induce a color variation on some wood surfaces. Moreover, although it is reported that algae can have biocidal effects, in this experiment, this action is not observed probably due to the absence of sulphates in the polysaccharide molecule extracted from this specific strain. This emphasizes the necessity for further research and to explore new solutions beyond controlled laboratory conditions, specifically on naturally degraded materials.

Galectins are an ancient family of lectins characterized by the specific binding of b-galactosides through evolutionarily conserved sequence elements of the carbohydrate recognition domain. Interest in this protein family is growing due to the crucial role of galectins not only as therapeutic agents but also as biomarkers of the inflammatory stage occurring in several diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. For this reason, the biosensing of galectin becomes crucial for the evaluation of a pathological state as well as for the followup of a therapeutic treatment. The design of biosensors for galectin detection is becoming a reality in recent years, as complementary analytical tools to be exploited at the point of need to support laboratory setup methodologies. This review reports the latest trends in biosensing systems for galectins based on different natural and artificial bioreceptors, integrated into different transduction systems and exploiting nanomaterials to improve analytical performance.

Today, complete blood count (CBC) analyses are highly automated and allow for high throughput and accurate and reliable results. However, new analytical tools are in great demand to provide simple, rapid and cost-effective management of hematological indices in home care patients. Chronic disease monitoring at home has become a benefit for patients who are finding cost savings in programs designed to monitor/treat patients in offsite locations. This review reports the latest trends in point-of-care (POC) diagnostics useful for home testing of key hematological counts that may be affected during home therapy treatment.

Point-of-care nucleic acid screening is a crucial clinical practice for addressing nosocomial infections in developed and developing countries, as well as in settings where a centralized laboratory approach encounters limitations. This rapid and accurate detection is important not only for the timely initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy but also for resolving outbreaks and minimizing subsequent antimicrobial resistance. Current systems to diagnose nosocomial infectious diseases are mainly culture-based or PCR-based methods, with limitations of complex and time/cost-consuming procedures. Designing an integrated device that can simultaneously deliver sample preparation, nucleic acid amplification, and detection in a sensitive, specific, and timely manner remains a challenge. This review reports recent advances that may address this challenge, with particular emphasis on emerging developments that may lead to significant improvements in the point-of-care diagnosis of multidrug-resistant pathogens and new directions that can be used to guide antibiotic therapy.

In addition to its remarkable genome editing capability, the CRISPR-Cas system has proven to be very effective in many fields of application, including the biosensing of pathogenic infections, mutagenic defects, or early cancer diagnosis. Thanks to their many advantages in terms of simplicity, efficiency, and reduced time, several CRISPR-Cas systems have been described for the design of sensitive and selective analytical tools, paving the way for the development and further commercialization of next-generation diagnostics. However, CRISPR-Cas-based biosensors still need further research efforts to improve some drawbacks, such as the need for target amplification, low reproducibility, and lack of knowledge of exploited element robustness. This review aims to describe the latest trends in the design of CRISPR-Cas biosensing technologies to better highlight the insights of their advantages and to point out the limitations that still need to be overcome for their future market entry as medical diagnostics.

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C. reinhardtii) is one of the most well-studied microalgae organisms that revealed important information for the photosynthetic and metabolic processes of plants and eukaryotes. Numerous extensive studies have also underpinned its great potential as a biochemical factory, capable of producing various highly desired molecules with a direct impact on human health and longevity. Polysaccharides, lipids, functional proteins, pigments, hormones, vaccines, and antibodies are among the valuable biomolecules that are produced spontaneously or under well-defined conditions by C. reinhardtii and can be directly linked to human nutrition and diet. The aim of this review is to highlight the recent advances in the field focusing on the most relevant applications related to the production of important biomolecules for human health that are also linked with human nutrition and diet. The limitations and challenges are critically discussed along with the potential future applications of C. reinhardtii biomass and processed products in the field of nutraceuticals and food supplements. The increasing need for high-value and low-cost biomolecules produced in an environmentally and economy sustainable manner also underline the important role of C. reinhardtii.

Herein, a novel completely green biosensor was designed exploiting both the biological and instrumental components made of eco-friendly materials for the detection of herbicides encapsulated into biodegradable nanoparticles for a sustainable agriculture. Similar nanocarriers, indeed, can deliver herbicides to the correct location, reducing the amount of active chemicals deposited in the plant, impacting the agricultural and food industries less. However, handling measurements of nanoherbicides is crucial to provide comprehensive information about their status in the agricultural fields to support farmers in decision-making. In detail, whole cells of the unicellular green photosynthetic alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii UV180 mutant were immobilized by a green protocol on carbonized lignin screen-printed electrodes and integrated into a photo-electrochemical transductor for the detection of nanoformulated atrazine. Specifically, atrazine encapsulated into zein and chitosan doped poly-ε-caprolactone nanoparticles (atrazine-zein and atrazine-PCL-Ch) were analyzed following the current signals at a fixed applied potential of 0.8 V, in a range between 0.1 and 5 µM, indicating a linear relationship in the measured dose-response curves and a detection limit of 0.9 and 1.1 nM, respectively. Interference studies resulted in no interference from 10 ppb bisphenol A, 1 ppb paraoxon, 100 ppb arsenic, 20 ppb copper, 5 ppb cadmium, and 10 ppb lead at safety limits. Finally, no matrix effect was observed on the biosensor response from wastewater samples and satisfactory recovery values of 106 ± 8% and 93 ± 7% were obtained for atrazine-zein and atrazine-PCL-Ch, respectively. A working stability of 10 h was achieved.