Antidepressant pollution is an emerging environmental threat. Citalopram (CIT) is one of the most prescribed drugs for anxiety and depression. It saves lives. However, the global consumption of CIT leads to its environmental persistence. In this study, we present the first high-efficiency solar-active photocatalyst designed for the degradation of CIT: a nickel-cobaltite@reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (NC@rGO). Detailed characterization techniques (TEM, SEM, XRD, Raman/IR spectroscopy, BET, zeta potential, and electrochemistry) reveal that the material consists of approximately 20 nm NC particles supported on conductive rGO sheets, featuring a surface area of 33 m2 g−1 and stable dispersion in aqueous solutions across various pH levels. This synergistic structure facilitates remarkable solar photocatalytic performance, achieving 73% CIT degradation within 120 min under solar light. Mott-Schottky analysis and scavenger studies confirm that degradation proceeds via direct hole oxidation and •O₂- radical attack. Critically, LC-MS/MS identification of degradation intermediates and subsequent cytotoxicity assays confirm that the process eliminates the parent pollutant without generating harmful byproducts. The NC@rGO composite thus offers a potent, environmentally benign solution for mitigating antidepressant pollution.

Nowadays, there is a growing need to develop environmentally friendly procedures that reduce the use of toxic chemicals in synthesis. Green synthesis methods have an advantage over conventional chemical methods because they do not pollute the environment significantly. This has generated more interest in using readily available plants to create nanomaterials. In this work, silver nanoparticles were obtained through green chemistry using natural reducing agents present in apple extract. The research focused on optimizing the synthesis conditions to obtain predictable structures. The characterization of the nanoparticles was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The achieved results led to the conclusion that the use of apple extract was suitable for obtaining homogenous and spherical silver nanoparticles at a wide range of core precursor concentrations and a variable pH. The diameter of the studied nanoparticles ranged from 6 to 22 nm. The nanoparticles obtained with apple extract were highly active against Gram-positive bacteria and fungus, but less active against Gram-negative bacteria. The development of nanotechnology in green chemistry processes will gradually increase with technological advances, being a key component in developing new synthesis processes for nano-object formation.

In this study, lyophilizates with the second-class antipsychotic agent lurasidone hydrochloride were developed as orodispersible platforms to improve patients’ adherence. The primary aim was to evaluate the effect of the amino acid additive (L-arginine, L-lysine, L-histidine) and the freeze-drying stage on the pharmaceutical performance of the designed formulations. The composition was initially optimized using an experimental design approach. The amino acids (in particular L-histidine) acted as dispersing agents, prevented drug aggregation and assured high drug content uniformity within the lyophilizate matrix. The freeze-drying stage reduced the particles dimensions which significantly increased solubility of lurasidone hydrochloride, and consequently, it’s dissolution rate. The presence of L-arginine in lyophilizate composition balanced out sufficient compression strength with a rapid drug release. Despite the fact that L-lysine enhanced the mechanical strength, it also caused delayed drug release. Notably, L-histidine and L-arginine accelerated transport of lurasidone hydrochloride through the porcine buccal epithelium with approximately 100% and 50% increase in absorption, respectively, when compared to commercial reference drug. Overall, the designed lyophilizates containing L-histidine and L-arginine, hold promise as orodispersible platforms for improved performance of lurasidone hydrochloride.

This study presents the novel NiFe2O4@TiO2@AuNPs composite, which integrates nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4, NF), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to prevent electron-hole recombination and optimize solar energy absorption. The composite consists of cubic spinel NF covered by anatase TiO2with exposed (101)- planes, and decorated with 15 nm AuNPs, as confirmed by XRD and TEM. SEM images revealed a cheese-like structure for NF and irregularly shaped nanoparticles for NF@TiO2@AuNPs. The composite has a mesoporous structure with a surface area of 8 m2 g-1 and an average pore diameter of 9 nm. The energy band gap is 1.66 eV, and electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) showed stable suspensions with a zeta potential >=|30mV | across pH 3-10. Photocatalytic degradation of tigecycline (TG) under solar-simulated light achieved a 76 % degradation efficiency, improving from 40 % for NF and 63 % for NF@TiO2. The kinetic rate constant for TG degradation with NF@TiO2@AuNPs was 0.01 min-1 . Recyclability tests showed only a 3 % decrease in activity after 5 cycles, indicating good stability. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed a decrease in charge transfer resistance (Rct) from 4280 S2 for NiFe2O4 to 2026 S2 for NF@TiO2@AuNPs, reflecting enhanced photocatalytic activity. LC-ESI/MS identified major degradation products with m/z values of 196.05, 195.05, and 113.06. Cytotoxicity assays revealed increased ROS production and cytokine alterations, but no significant changes in cell metabolism, demonstrating favorable biocompatibility. These findings suggest NF@TiO2@AuNPs is an efficient and stable photocatalyst for environmental remediation.

The ability of cancer to develop drug-resistance, in parallel with the undesired effects of chemotherapy, has led to the development of safe nanoparticles characterized by multi-sensitivity. Herein we focus on the synthesis and exploitation of the synthetic route of hybrid silver-iron oxide Nfs and their successful coating with citrate. The parameters of the synthetic route affecting the uniform formation of the Nfs are investigated to optimize the experimental route and the attained Nfs. Most importantly, the study focuses on the evaluation of the Nfs as theranostic agents in the case of glioblastoma. The results suggest that the Nfs are good candidates for CT contrast agents, as the contrast is enhanced after treatment. The in vitro evaluation shows that the Nfs exhibit cytotoxicity towards glioblastoma cells, whereas no significant toxicity towards red blood cells is reported. Finally, internalization studies provide insight information that helps unveil the exact mechanism of action of the Nfs.

Antibiotic resistance is a silent crisis unfolding in slow motion, and sustainable solutions are urgently needed. We developed a solar-powered, magnetically recoverable Au@TiO2@NF photocatalyst that degrades 91% of tigecycline in 33 minutes and eliminates its toxicity. The material's porous SiO2-templated framework (53 m2 g-1) integrates plasmonic gold nanoparticles and magnetic nickel ferrite (NF), optimizing light absorption and recyclability. Structural analysis confirmed crystalline anatase TiO2 and cubic NF phases, while electron microscopy revealed an interconnected porous network that enhances reactivity. Radical scavenger experiments identified superoxide radicals (˙O2 -) are the primary active species, with photogenerated holes and hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) playing complementary roles. This synergistic action is enhanced by our material's design: plasmonic gold injects hot electrons, while the tailored interface between TiO2 and NF promotes efficient charge separation, yielding a 3.6-fold efficiency gain over TiO2 alone. The catalyst is stable across a broad pH range (4.5-10) and is fully recovered post-reaction using a magnet, preventing secondary nanoparticle pollution. Degradation byproducts show no cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts, monocytes, or hepatocytes and reduce pro-inflammatory TNF-α by 40-60%. Crucially, it preserves CYP3A4 activity, avoiding drug-interaction risks. The material also functions as an electrochemical H2O2 sensor (LOD: 0.0447 mM), demonstrating multifunctionality. This work shows promise for antibiotic wastewater treatment. The solar-driven approach is efficient and environmentally safe.

Secnidazole is a second generation 5-nitroimidazole with high potential for application in anaerobic periodontal infections therapy. In this study, the process of developing the drug-loaded films composed of oppositely charged chitosan and pectin for intra-pocket administration is presented. Due to limitations of layer-by-layer technique in receiving systems of this type, which resulted from spontaneous crystallization of secnidazole at the stage of drying, a new preparation method was developed. For this purpose, drug cocrystallization technique as well as two-step drying procedure were implemented in order to minimize secnidazole crystals growth during solvent evaporation. Through visual assessment, mechanical strength measurements and scanning electron microscopy imaging, the most promising secnidazole-chitosan cocrystals-loaded films were selected for further physicochemical (via differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, optical microscopy) and pharmaceutical (in vitro release, antimicrobial and swelling tests) analyses. The impact of utilized polymeric composition and polyelectrolyte complex structures as well as secnidazole form (crystalline/amorphous) on the films performance was observed. The increased temperature of drying enhanced secnidazole-polymers miscibility, which resulted in desirable drug loading improvement and also significantly prolonged secnidazole release to the artificial saliva.

The alpha-Li3FeF6/Fe2O3,LiF/ox-MWCNTs composite has been investigated for the first time as a cathode material for lithium batteries. Due to the insulating properties of alpha-Li3FeF6, Li+ intercalation requires the activation of the material and the incorporation of conductive additives. In this work, thermal treatment is used as a new approach to activate alpha-Li3FeF6. Heating leads to the removal of adsorbed water from the surface of the nano- particles, the formation of an alpha-Li3FeF6/Fe2O3/LiF surface layer, and an increase in the specific capacity. Further improvement of the electrochemical properties was achieved by anchoring Li3FeF6 nanoparticles on oxidized multi-wall carbon nanotubes (ox-MWCNTs), combined with an increased material surface area and improved lithium transport properties during repeated discharge-charge cycling. Theoretical modelling of the alpha-Li3FeF6/ ox-CNTs interface indicates good electronic conductivity of the alpha-Li3FeF6/ox-MWCNTs. Functional groups attached to the nanotubes form covalent bonds with unsaturated iron sites on the surface, thus stabilizing the mutual interaction between the components and facilitating the charge transfer. The incorporation of alpha-Li3FeF6/Fe2O3, LiF into the oxidized MWCNTs lattice results in an improvement in the specific capacity, and a high initial discharge capacity of 138 mAh/g at 0.02 C (close to the theoretical capacity of 141 mAh/g) was obtained.

This study reports the formation and characterization of ordered mesoporous silica particles, MCM-48, used as supports to form C60Pd@MCM-48 nanocomposites. Silica nanopores were impregnated with a benzene solution containing fullerene C60 via capillary action, and then, this fullerene incorporated into the silica pores was chemically polymerized in a solution containing a precursor to the polymerization process. The morphology and structure of the resulting composite were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and thermogravimetry. The C60Pd polymer was extracted from the composite and formed spherical nanoparticles with a diameter of 2-3 nm. The C60Pd@MCM-48 composite exhibited electrochemical activity both in positive and negative potential ranges. Rates of both processes and the amount of oligomeric material involved in the electrochemical process were controlled by counterion transport through the silica pores filled with the C60Pd phase. The interaction between the coordination fullerene oligomer and the defected silica surface led to the easier reduction of the C60Pd phase in comparison to the pristine fullerene polymer deposited directly on the electrode surface.

The objective of the conducted research was to design 2 mm orodispersible minitablets of pediatric doses of hydrocortisone (0.5 mg; 1.0 mg) with desirable pharmaceutical properties and eliminate the sensation of a bitter taste using preparation of solid dispersion by ball mill. Hydrocortisone was selected as the model substance, as it is widely utilized in the pediatric population. ODMTs were prepared by compression (preceded by granulation) in a traditional single-punch tablet machine and evaluated using pharmacopoeial tests, DSC, and FTIR analysis. The methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of the taste-masking effect included in vivo participation of healthy volunteers, in vitro drug dissolution and utilization of an analytical device—“electronic tongue”. The research employed a preclinical animal model to preliminary investigate the bioequivalence of the designed drug dosage form in comparison to reference products. The study confirmed the possibility of manufacturing good-quality hydrocortisone ODMTs with a taste-masking effect owing to the incorporation of a solid dispersion in the tablet mass.

In this paper, we report on fabricating optical fibers with a controlled process of crystallization core during the drawing process. The research and synthesis of the core material of silica-germanium-antimony oxide glass were discussed. We also investigated the optical and luminescence properties were in relation to concentrating Eu2O3 and P2O5. Based on this investigation, we selected the most promising material for optical fiber core. In the next step, we drew optical fibers using a well-known rod-in-tube method. After drawing, we examine the optical fibers for luminescence shape changes. We observed a promising similarity between optical fibers and heat-treated samples with confirmed nanocrystals. Finally, XRD and TEM measurements confirm EuPO4 nanocrystals at the core of the optical fiber. Highlighting the successful control of crystallization in the one-step method used to draw optical fibers.

Poor water solubility of drugs is a limiting factor for their bioavailability and pharmacological activity. Many approaches are known to improve drug solubility, and among them, the physical method, solid dispersions (SDs), is applied. SDs are physical mixtures of a drug and a carrier, sometimes with the addition of a surfactant, which can be obtained by milling, cryomilling, spray-drying, or lyophilization processes. In this study, solid dispersions with etodolac (ETD-SDs) were prepared by the milling method using different carriers, such as hypromellose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, copovidone, urea, and mannitol. Solubility studies, dissolution tests, morphological assessment, thermal analysis, and FTIR imaging were applied to evaluate the SD properties. It was shown that the ball-milling process can be applied to obtain SDs with ETD. All designed ETD-SDs were characterized by higher water solubility and a faster dissolution rate compared to unprocessed ETD. SDs with amorphous carriers (HPMC, PVP, and PVP/VA) provided greater ETD solubility than dispersions with crystalline features (urea and mannitol). FTIR spectra confirmed the compatibility of ETD with tested carriers.

Multifunctional delivery systems capable of modulating drug release and exerting adjunctive pharmacological activity have attracted particular attention. Chitosan (CS) and pomegranate seed oil (PO) appear to be attractive bioactive components framing the strategy of complex therapy and multifunctional drug carriers. This research is aimed at evaluating the potential of CS in combination with PO in studies on topical emulgels containing hydrocortisone as a model anti-inflammatory agent. Its particular goal was to distinguish alterations in anti-inflammatory action followed with drug dissolution or penetrative behavior between the designed formulations that differ in CS/PO weight ratio. All formulations favored hydrocortisone release with up to a two-fold increase in the drug dissolution rate within first 5 h as compared to conventional topical preparations. The clear effect of CS/PO on the emulgel biological performance was observed, and CS was found to be prerequisite for the modulation of hydrocortisone absorption and accumulation. In turn, a greater amount of PO played the predominant role in the inhibition of hyaluronidase activity and enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of preparation E-3. Emulgels showed a negligible reduction in mouse fibroblasts’ L929 cell viability, confirming their non-irritancy with skin cells. Overall, the designed formulation with a CS/PO ratio of 6:4 appeared to be the most promising topical carrier for the effective treatment of inflammatory skin diseases among the tested subjects.

A composite of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles and coordination fullerene polymer (C60 Pd3 )n is formed by chemical deposition of spherical polymer nanoparticles on iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles in benzene containing C60 and Pd(0) complex. The composition of the composite can be controlled by the amount of magnetite and concentration of polymerization precursors as well as the time of polymerization. The magnetic composite material Fe3 O4 -γFe2 O3 /(C60 Pd3 )n is used as a model system to investigate its deposition on a magnetic electrode and its electrochemical properties. The iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles ensure both the magnetic activity of the composite and its nanostructured morphology. Both of these factors are responsible for the enhancement of the electrochemical activity of the polymer phase forming the composite in comparison to the pure polymer material deposited on the same magnetic electrode. In the magnetic field of the electrode, the composite undergoes permanent and strong bonding with the surface of the electrode. The nanostructured morphology of the Fe3 O4 -γFe2 O3 /(C60 Pd3 )n composite also provides very good capacitive properties.

Fungal infections are a group of diseases which are challenging to treat because of drug-resistant fungi species, drug toxicity, and often severe patient conditions. Hence, research into new treatments, including new therapeutic substances and novel drug delivery systems, is being performed. Mucoadhesive dosage forms are beneficial to improving drug bioavailability by prolonging the residence time at the site of application. Sodium alginate is a natural polymer with favorable mucoadhesive and gelling properties, although its precipitation in acidic pH significantly disrupts the process of drug release in gastric conditions. Hypromellose is a hydrophilic, semi-synthetic cellulose derivative with mucoadhesive properties, which is widely used as a control release agent in pharmaceutical technology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of hypromellose on alginate microparticles with posaconazole, designed to modify drug release and to improve their mucoadhesive properties for both oral or vaginal application.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) recently has been shown as a promising option in the treatment of premalignant lesions of the soft oral tissues. Effective delivery of photosensitizer is challenging due to poor drug adherence to the oromucosal epithelium. In the present work, emulgels composed of natural polysaccharide gums (tragacanth, xanthan and gellan) were evaluated as novel oromucosal platforms of delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) for PDT. Apart from mucoadhesive and textural analysis, the specific steps involved studies on drug penetration behavior and safety profile using a three-dimensional human oral epithelium model (HOE). All designed emulgels presented greater mucoadhesiveness when compared to commercial oromucosal gel. Incorporation of ALA affected textural properties of emulgels, and tragacanth/xanthan formulation with greater hardness and cohesiveness exhibited a protective function against the mechanical tongue stress. Permeability studies revealed that ALA is capable of penetrating across oromucosal epithelium by passive transport and all formulations promoted its absorption rate when compared to a commercial topical product with ALA. Importantly, the combination of tragacanth and xanthan profoundly enhanced photosensitizer retention in the buccal epithelium. Tested samples performed negligible reduction in cell viability and moderately low IL-1β release, confirming their non-irritancy and compatibility with HOE. Overall, the presented findings indicate that tragacanth/xanthan emulgel holds promise as an oromucosal ALA-carrier for PDT strategy.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Conventional therapies lack selectivity and suffer from toxicity and drug resistance, leading to metastasis. To overcome these limitations, a new category of nanomaterials exploiting the tumor characteristics has been developed in cancer nanotherapeutics. Among them, pH, metabolism, and the disrupted architecture of cells can be exploited for theranostic applications. Such nanomaterials can be inorganic nanoparticles with silver ones and gain high attention as diagnostic, therapeutic, and antibacterial compounds. Silver has been linked with triggering the death of cancer cells via DNA damage due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during photodynamic therapy. Thus, improvement of biocompatibility, modification with targeted agents, and drug conjugation promote the use of silver nanoparticles. In this work, we managed to synthesize hybrid Ag@SiO(2 )core-shell nanoparticles via a modified sol-gel method by tackling the known etching of silver caused by ammonia by employing different bases of the sol-gel reaction. The bases used in the synthetic route were diethylamine (DEA) and triethylamine (TEA) and were monitored with silver nanoparticles individually from the absorbance peak of silver in the UV-vis region, showing no etching of silver in contrast with ammonia, which is usually used in the sol-gel method. Furthermore, we synthesized biocompatible nanoparticles with anticancer and diagnostic properties toward breast cancer cells and glioblastoma cells. The nanoparticles were characterized both structurally and morphologically. Their biological evaluation suggests minor toxicity toward healthy cells and red blood cells (RBCs). Also, the diagnostic potential of the hybrid nanoparticles was exploited by optical fluorescence microscopy. Therefore, we strongly suggest the investigation of such nanostructures as a dual platform for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer.

The influence of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) on the physicochemical properties of polypyrrole nanoparticles (PpyNPs) was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The synthesis of the non-covalent PpyNPs/GQDs material was based on the known procedure of chemical pyrrole polymerization in the presence of a strong oxidant (ammonium persulfate, APS) and a surfactant (decyltrimethylammonium bromide, DeTAB). The obtained hybrids were in the form of spherical polymeric particles coated with GQDs with a diameter depending on the polymerization time and the amount of GQDs added during the synthesis. The morphology and porosity of the obtained materials were also influenced by the polymerization conditions, namely, composites with a higher GQD content showed higher BET specific surface area. On the other hand, the greatest attention was paid to the study of electrode processes taking place on the electrode modified with the PpyNPs/GQDs composite compared to the modification with pristine PpyNPs. GQDs incorporated into the polymeric network significantly change the energy level distribution at the interphase between Ppy and GQDs. Electronic interaction between both components results in GQDs participation in the Ppy-involved charge transfer processes. In consequence, oxidation of the mixed PpyNPs/GQDs system is much easier compared to the polymer itself. The charge transfer processes involving PpyNPs/GQDs composites are also much faster than those involving electroactive films formed only from PpyNPs. Additionally, a significant increase in the double-layer capacitance current is observed for composite materials. In conclusion, a clear improvement in the electrochemical behavior of polypyrrole in the composite material was observed, which was undoubtedly the result of the introduction of GQDs.

Recently, great interest has been focused on flexible charge storage devices. They can be used in various areas of technology, starting with portable devices and ending with the future of electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Among others, one-dimensional (1D) systems containing conductive polymers are used to create flexible cathode and anode materials for alkaline-ion batteries. Pure 1D polymeric materials show limited flexibility. To use them successfully in flexible batteries, composites of polymeric materials with carbon nanotubes are produced. Such composites still exhibit a one-dimensional flexible structure. The presence of carbon nanomaterial provides the composites with high mechanical durability and good electrical conductivity. Due to the nanoscale diameter and high aspect ratio, they can dramatically improve the capacity properties of electrode materials. In this chapter, some aspects related to the formation and electrochemistry of flexible low-dimensional structures involving conductive polymers are presented. Since carbon nanotubes are a common component of such 1D materials, the structure and physicochemical properties of multi- and single-walled carbon nanotubes are also discussed. The structure and electrochemical properties of selected conductive polymers are also briefly described. The design and capacity performance of flexible alkaline-ion batteries, using low-dimensional polymer structures, were also discussed.

Vanadium orthophosphate and oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotube (ox-MWCNT) composites were applied as anodic electroactive materials in a sodium-ion battery. Carbon nanotubes reduce the resistance of anodic materials, prevent drastic volume expansion, and allow easy transport of electrolyte ions, leading to an improvement in the electrochemical performance of electroactive materials. Theoretical modeling of the VPO4 /ox-CNT interphase indicates the conducting properties of the crystalline c-VPO4 /ox-MWCNT composite and the significant contribution of CNTs in the charge transfer process. As anodes in sodium-ion batteries, crystalline VPO4 (c-VPO4 ) and amorphous VPO4 (a-VPO4 ) exhibited initial discharge capacities of 125 mAh g(-1) and 110 mAh g(-1), respectively. The incorporation of vanadium phosphate into the network of ox-MWCNTs results in a large increase in the capacity performance of electroactive materials. Discharge capacities of 1642 mAh g(-1) and 1680 mAh g(-1) were obtained for the first cycle in the case of the c-VPO4 /ox-MWCNT 50 % w/w and a-VPO4/ox-MWCNT 50 % w/w anodes, respectively. The capacity of these composite materials significantly decreases in the second cycle, reaching a stable capacity performance. The limiting capacity was 328 mAh g(-1) for composites containing 50 % w/w ox-MWCNTs.