Sunlight-driven UV weathering is a major transformation pathway of environmental microplastics, promoting surface oxidation, molecular degradation, embrittlement, and progressive fragmentation toward smaller size fractions. However, comparisons across studies remain difficult because weathering is often described using descriptors that probe different aspects of degradation without being clearly distinguished. Surface-sensitive oxidation metrics, such as carbonyl or oxidation indices (CI/OI), are frequently emphasized, whereas fragmentation and embrittlement are more directly governed by bulk molecular-weight loss, mechanical weakening, and particle-size evolution. This review examines UV weathering of common polymers through a coupled chemico-mechanical perspective relevant to the micro-to-nano transition. We distinguish surface chemical descriptors, bulk molecular and mechanical descriptors, and fragmentation-related metrics, and critically assess the analytical methods used to measure them, including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, GPC/SEC, thermal methods, mechanical testing, and particle-size analyses. We argue that no single metric is sufficient to describe weathering progression, and that meaningful interpretation requires joint reporting of oxidation state, Mn/Mw changes, mechanical deterioration where available, and particle-size distribution as a function of cumulative or spectrum-weighted UV dose. We further propose a minimal QA/QC reporting framework including UV metadata, temperature, oxygen availability, blanks, replicates, recovery tests, and matrix-specific detection limits. By separating what different methods actually probe and linking them to fragmentation mechanisms, this review provides a more operational basis for interpreting UV-aged microplastics in environmental sampling and biomonitoring.

Nanoplastics are increasingly recognised as relevant contaminants in environmental biota, yet their integration into biomonitoring remains limited by analytical and interpretative uncertainties. This review critically examines nanoplastic detection in biological matrices, evidence of uptake and tissue distribution, and biomarkers of early biological effects. Although experimental studies suggest that model nanoplastics may reach internal tissues, quantitative confirmation of intact-particle translocation remains limited, and fluorescence-based findings may be affected by dye leaching, tissue autofluorescence, external particle association, and insufficient chemical confirmation. Oxidative stress, immune and inflammatory responses, genotoxicity, and metabolic disturbances are frequently reported across taxa, but their low specificity limits their use as stand-alone indicators. We therefore outline a tiered conceptual approach for future biomonitoring, integrating the following: (i) polymer-specific particle confirmation, (ii) assessment of internal burden using complementary mass-, number-, and size-based metrics, and (iii) interpretation through mechanistically linked multi-biomarker panels. This approach distinguishes environmental occurrence from internal exposure and biological effect and highlights the need for contamination control, complementary analytical methods, environmentally relevant exposure conditions, and transparent uncertainty reporting. Nanoplastics are not yet ready for routine biomonitoring, but coordinated analytical validation and mechanism-based interpretation may support their future inclusion in environmental monitoring and risk assessment.

Transparent hydrophilic coatings based on organic–inorganic core–shell nanoparticles were prepared by combining sol–gel synthesis with dip coating. PAA@SiO₂ particles were synthesized from poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), tetraethyl orthosilicate, and ammonium hydroxide, and the effect of PAA content (0.11–0.185 g) on coating wettability and optical performance was examined. FTIR spectroscopy, XPS, XRD, TEM/HR-TEM, FE-SEM, AFM, and UV–Vis spectrophotometry were used to characterize the chemical composition, structure, morphology, surface topography, and optical response. Of the four formulations, the coating prepared with 0.16 g PAA offered the best balance between wettability and transparency, with a water contact angle of 37.88 ± 0.42° and an average transmittance of 87.2 ± 0.6% over the 400–800 nm range. The film was 41.72 ± 2.36 nm thick, with an RMS roughness of 6.87 nm, and its refractive index at 550 nm was estimated to be 1.473. Following 604 h of UVA exposure, the contact angle increased from approximately 38° to 45°, while the transmittance decreased by approximately 1.8%. XPS fitting indicated modest changes in oxygen-containing surface species, whereas the silica-related signal remained broadly comparable. The coating also exhibited a pencil hardness of 4H and good retention in a qualitative tape-peel test. Thermal cycling preserved the film's visible integrity but increased the contact angle to approximately 90°, indicating a loss of hydrophilic functionality. Overall, the study clarifies the relationship between processing, structure, and performance in transparent PAA@SiO₂ coatings and identifies the durability limitations that should be addressed before application-specific use.

Flexible polymers modified with copper sulfides have emerged as a novel class of materials, presenting composite structures with remarkable properties suitable for applications in flexible electronics. This study focuses on the deposition of copper sulfide ($ \mathrm{Cu_x}S $) layers onto the surfaces of polyamide and polypropylene through the chemical bath deposition method, employing either 2 or 3 deposition cycles. The objective is to explore the impact of deposition cycles and discern the optimal conditions for the deposition process. Comprehensive analysis of the $ \mathrm{Cu_x}S $ thin films entails techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction to shed light on their structural and optical characteristics.

This study analyzes the effects of doping BaTiO3 with Er3+ within its perovskite ABO(3) structure, specifically investigating how substituting Er3+ at the Ba (A-site) and Ti (B-site) locations influences the material at different doping levels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analysis shows that all of the samples have polygonal grains. In BTO doped with 0.01 wt% and 0.1 wt% Er3+ grain size was up to 45 mu m. With the higher amount, the growth is slowing down and grains are 2-10 mu m. Raman spectra show part of common BaTiO3 modes only for the lowest content of Er3+. At higher Er3+ content, the usual modes are completely covered by strong luminescence originating from Er3+ deexcitation from energy level 2H(11/2). The intensity of the photoluminescence (PL) bands shows the influence of not only the Er3+ concentration, but also the crystallinity of the sample, especially their surface. The FIR reflectivity shows. slight wavelength shift for higher sintering temperature, but all spectra show lower intensity comparing with pure BaTiO3. FTIR transmission spectra show slight shifts of characteristic Ti-O bending mode at about 480 cm(-1) confirming the incorporation of Er3+ in BaTiO3 at 1320 degrees C and 1350 degrees C. Near IR excitation (1530 nm) provoked upconversion photoluminescent (UCPL) spectra of BaTiO3:Er3+ with PL lines at higher energies. The upconversion mechanism for each line was determined and the fluorescence lifetime was estimated. It is observed that the obtained intensities of UCPL increase gradually at both sintering temperatures with increase of Er3+ content.

Background/Objectives: Barium titanate (BaTiO3)-based nanocarriers have emerged as versatile and promising platforms for targeted drug delivery, owing to their unique combination of biocompatibility, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties, as well as responsiveness to external stimuli. These multifunctional ceramic nanoparticles can be precisely engineered to enable spatiotemporally controlled release of therapeutic agents, triggered by physical stimuli such as ultrasound, light, magnetic fields, temperature changes, and pH variations. Such an approach enhances treatment efficacy while reducing systemic side effects. Methods: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the development and biomedical application of BaTiO3-based nanocarriers. Special emphasis is placed on modern synthesis strategies, surface functionalization methods, and the integration of BaTiO3 with other functional nanomaterials to create hybrid systems with improved therapeutic performance. Key challenges in clinical translation are also discussed, including biocompatibility assessment, biodistribution, and regulatory requirements. Conclusions: BaTiO3-based nanocarriers show promise as materials well suited for advanced biomedical applications. The paper concludes with an outline of future research directions aimed at optimizing these advanced nanosystems for precision and personalized medicine, with applications in oncology, anti-infective therapy, and regenerative medicine.

This study investigated the changes in the optical properties of three types of microplastics-polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS)-when exposed to three different treatments: ozone, UV radiation, and plasma. Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine how each treatment affected the degradation of these polymers. The resulting changes in optical and structural characteristics were analyzed using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. These techniques provided valuable insights into the behavior and persistence of microplastics under various treatments, revealing specific structural modifications at the molecular level.

Background/Objectives: Syncope is a common clinical problem often requiring pharmacological treatment, yet evidence-based therapies remain limited. Midodrine, a vasopressor agent, is frequently used, though its autonomic effects over time remain unclear. This study aimed to assess autonomic nervous system changes and blood pressure response in syncope patients treated with Midodrine, placebo, or their combination. Additionally, the structural properties of the Midodrine placebo were analyzed using nanotechnological methods. Methods: A total of 67 patients with syncope were randomized to receive Midodrine, sucrose placebo, or their combination over three weeks. All participants underwent 24 h Holter ECG with heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring before and after therapy. Structural analysis of Midodrine tablets, sucrose, and Midodrine placebo was performed using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results: Patients receiving the Midodrine-placebo combination showed a significant reduction in HRV markers of parasympathetic activity (RMSSD, pNN50, HF) and an increase in sympathetic dominance (LF/HF ratio) compared to the other groups. Only this group showed a statistically significant rise in average systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Raman and XRD analyses revealed structural alterations in the sucrose-based placebo compared to its original form, indicating subtle changes in crystalline structure. Conclusions: In this exploratory study, the combination of Midodrine and placebo was associated with autonomic imbalance and modest increases in blood pressure, which may indicate a potential effect in patients with hypotensive syncope phenotypes. These preliminary findings should be interpreted with caution, and the structural modifications observed in the placebo formulation are presented as hypotheses requiring further investigation rather than established mechanisms.

Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)–poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) core–shell fibers were fabricated via coaxial electrospinning to develop a self-healing polymer composite. A PMMA shell containing a first-generation Grubbs catalyst was co-spun with a DCPD core at 0.5 mL h−1 and 28 kV, yielding smooth, cylindrical fibers. The diameter range of nanofibers was 300–900 nm, with 95% below 800 nm, as confirmed by FESEM image analysis. FTIR spectroscopy monitored shell integrity via the PMMA C=O stretch and core polymerization via the trans-C=C bands. The high presence of the 970 cm−1 band in the healed nanofiber mat and the minor appearance in the uncut core–shell mat demonstrated successful DCPD polymerization mostly where the intended damage was. The optical clarity of PMMA enabled the direct monitoring of healing progress via optical microscopy. The presented findings demonstrate that PMMA can retain a liquid active core and catalyst to form a polymer layer on a damaged site and could be used as a model material for other self-healing systems that require healing monitoring.

Flexible polymers modified with copper sulfides have emerged as a novel class of materials, presenting composite structures with remarkable properties suitable for applications in flexible electronics. This study focuses on the deposition of copper sulfide (CuxS) layers onto the surfaces of polyamide and polypropylene through the chemical bath deposition method, employing either 2 or 3 deposition cycles. The objective is to explore the impact of deposition cycles and discern the optimal conditions for the deposition process. Comprehensive analysis of the CuxS thin films entails techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction to shed light on their structural and optical characteristics.

Single phase cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) with nanoparticles of similar sizes (15.7-19 nm) was obtained by different synthesis methods: coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, coprecipitation followed by mechanochemical treatment, microemulsion and microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis. The obtained CoFe2O4 samples have been studied using a variety of characterization techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, far infrared (FIR) reflectivity and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) in combination with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in mid IR spectra. Different methods of synthesis produced nanoparticles with different lattice constants, internal stresses and different cation inversion values. This is confirmed in the subtle changes in the Raman and IR spectra of different CoFe2O4 nano-powders. The Raman spectra of CoFe2O4 were compared with the spectra of other ferrites and some cubic oxide spinels in an attempt to evaluate the contribution of tetrahedral and octahedral oscillations in certain Raman modes.

We conducted a comprehensive investigation into the nanostructuring of the ZnO/CoO mixture by laser heating and optical attributes of partial decomposition of the obtained two-phase system represented by ZnO and ZnCo2O4. Starting mixtures were obtained across a broad range of dopant, CoO, concentrations, spanning from 5 % to 90 % of CoO. The samples were methodically prepared using the coprecipitation method and subjected to calcination at 600 degrees C. Laser-induced heating experiments were conducted at nine distinct laser powers. The characterization of these samples was accomplished through the utilization of SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. XRD analysis unveiled the presence of ZnO and ZnCo2O4 phases. Concurrently, we systematically monitored nanostructuring effects caused by laser-induced heating, the influence of partial decomposition on the behavior of surface optical phonons (SOP), and phase transitions in the samples with varying dopant concentrations during the performed experiment. New phases, including Zn1-xCoxO, ZnyCo3-yO4, CoO, and even the Co3O4 phase, were unveiled. The Raman spectra obtained distinctly indicate the presence of surface optical phonons (SOP), emphasizing the existence of the ZnO phase. The alterations in the behavior of surface optical phonon (SOP) modes were meticulously examined by laser-induced heating nanostructuring effects where it became evident that there was a discernible loss of these modes with an increase in dopant concentration and laser power. This detailed study sheds light on the intricate interplay between dopant concentration, laser power nanostructuring, partial decomposition, and the evolution of phase transformations and surface optical phonon modes in the examined samples.

Lead telluride and germanium telluride are well-known IV-VI semiconductors, which is now the focus of research due to the perspective of application as thermoelectrics for midrange temperatures. Solid solutions and heterostructures on this basis, obtained by molecular beam epitaxy, are a promising direction for the development of these materials. In this paper, we have focused on the Raman spectra excited by the 514.5 nm laser line (out of resonance) of PbTe, GeTe, (Pb, Ge)Te, and (Pb, Ge, Eu)Te layers grown on BaF2 (111) monocrystalline substrates. The obtained phonon properties are related to the properties of the corresponding bulk materials or can be explained by a model that takes into account the difference in the masses of the constituent elements only, as is the case with the local mode of Ge in PbTe (registered at about 181 cm−1). Multiphonon processes registered for this phonon are a consequence of the change in the electronic structure of PbTe and electron-phonon interaction. An improvement in the quality of thin films due to doping with Eu ions was also registered.

In this work, we study the barium titanate doped different content Er3+ perovskite ceramics prepared by conventional solidstate sintering procedure. The as-made powder samples were pressed into a pellet shape and subsequently sintered at 1350 degrees C for 4 h in air. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the synthesized samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microcopy (AFM), Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. The XRD study revealed the formations of single phase tetragonal structure of barium titanate (BaTiO3). The SEM analysis shows that all of measured samples are characterized by polygonal grains. The uniform and homogeneous microstructure with grain sizes from 20 to 45 mu m is the main characteristic of the low doped samples (0.01 and 0.1 wt.% Er3+). For the samples doped with the higher dopant concentration (0.5 and 1.0 wt.%) the average grains sizes have been ranged from 2 to 15 mu m. Substitution of Er dopant into Ba-site reduced the grain sizes and roughness parameter of the BaTiO3 which was attributed to the smaller ionic radius of Er. The Raman and the FIR reflective spectra measured in this work were fitted. The intensity of the Raman and IR bands of Er3+ doped barium titanate is higher than that of undoped BT that could suggest a structure change from tetragonal to pseudo-cubic. FTIR shifts confirmed the incorporation of Er3+ in BaTiO3 at 1350 degrees C.

Surface modified ZnS nanoparticles / poly (methylmethacrylate) - (PMMA) nanocomposites were prepared by the solution casting method. The ZnS nanoparticles, as starting materials in the present study, were synthesized mechanochemically and their crystallite size was estimated as 2.3 nm. Surface modification of obtained nanoparticles was performed by 3-Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane. We investigate thin samples of the nanocomposite material and pure PMMA (about 290 μm) with a strong interference effect, and corresponding thick samples, as reference. The optical properties of this material were studied by far-infrared spectroscopy. The analysis of the far-infrared reflectivity spectra was made by the fitting procedure, according to the model for a thin plate of nanocomposites in the air. The dielectric function of the nanocomposites was modeled as a mixture of homogenous surface modified ZnS spherical inclusions in PMMA, by the Maxwell-Garnet formula. In the case of a PMMA thin sample, intense, well-defined interference was registered in the range of 90 to 200 cm− 1, while significantly weaker and less well-defined interference was registered in the range around 450 cm− 1. In the thin composite sample, in addition to the interference induced by sample thickness, interference induced by the existence of ZnS nanoparticles was also observed, located between the TO and LO phonons of ZnS. This opens the possibility of applying nanocomposites in interferometry.

Nanocrystalline CoFe2O4 has been synthesized by various synthesis methods. The obtained monodomain nanoparticles are similar in sizes (15.8-19 nm), but with different internal stresses, size distributions and cation inversion coefficients (0.51 - 0.90) due to different synthesis routes. The structure and cation distribution are investigated by XRD diffraction analysis, Raman and FIR spectroscopy. Measurement of magnetization, i.e. coercivity, enable the calculation of the anisotropy coefficient K-1 = (3.6-5.12).10(5) J cm(-3), which is very high in cobalt ferrite. The anisotropy coefficient directly depends on the nanoparticle size. It has been shown that magnetization linearly depends on the cation inversion, except in the sample with the largest nanoparticles (19 nm), where the more regular crystal structure prevails and higher values of magnetization were obtained. The average magnetic moments at 300 K are: mu(Fe) = 3.6 mu(B) and mu(Co) = 2.5 mu(B). It is obvious that with small adjustments in the synthesis, desirable nanoparticle properties can be obtained.

The effect of laser (532 nm line of Verdi G) heating during the Raman measurements, on partial decomposition of Bi12SiO20 single crystal, was addressed in this study. The degree of decomposition directly depends on the power density and duration of the laser treatment, which are registered by the phonon Raman spectra. After laser treatment, AFM measurements register additional small spherical islands on the surface. Analysis performed on irradiated and unirradiated samples showed significant changes in transmission spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, Verdet constant, magneto-optical property, and absorption coefficient. The material obtained after laser irradiation can be described as specific nanocomposite consisting of bismuth oxide and silicon oxide-based nano-objects (dimensions below 15 nm in diameter), which are arranged in a matrix of Bi12SiO20.

The aim of this study was to investigate the magnetic properties of mixed nanocrystalline Zn/manganese oxide compounds synthesized by a hydrothermal method. These compounds are designed as (ZnO)1−n(MnO)n, where index n ranges from 0.05 to 0.60. The results of magnetic measurements, including AC magnetic susceptibility as a function of temperature (up to 160 K) and frequency (from 7 Hz up to 9970 Hz), as well as DC magnetization in magnetic fields up to 9 T and temperature up to 50 K, are reported. We observed various types of magnetic behavior depending on the nominal weight content of MnO. Samples with a low nominal content (up to n = 0.10) of MnO exhibited Curie–Weiss behavior at higher temperatures. For samples with high nominal weight contribution (from n = 0.30 to 0.60), spin-glass-like or/and weak ferromagnetic behavior is observed.

The aim of the present work is to study the magnetic properties of nanocrystalline ZnO(MnO) synthesized by hydrothermal method. Detailed structural characterization was performed by use of X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy measurements. The morphology of the samples was studied using SEM and TEM. The results of magnetic measurements carried out using AC magnetic susceptibility as a function of temperature (up to 160 K) and frequency (from 7 Hz up to 9970 Hz) as well as DC magnetization in magnetic fields up to 5 T and temperature up to 50 K are reported. We observed different types of magnetic behavior depending on the nominal MnO content. Samples with low nominal content (up to 20 wt%) of MnO demonstrated Curie–Weiss behavior at higher temperatures. For samples with high content of magnetic dopant (from 30 wt% up to 60 wt% of MnO), spin-glass like or/and weak ferromagnetic behavior is observed.