In recent years, the incidence of hospital-acquired infections has been increasing, which may be caused by the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A solution to this problem may be the synthesis of composites containing the addition of compounds with antimicrobial properties, which can form a covering layer. They can limit the spread of bacteria and also reduce the formation of biofilm on the surface of equipment. The optimization of the polymer composition of methacrylate-based composites modified with zinc oxide was identified as the main objective of the research presented in this article. With the use of ATR/FT-IR technique, the structure and qualitative evaluation of the obtained composite materials were performed. The modified composites' thermal resistance and decomposition process were also determined. The antimicrobial potential of the polymers against Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923) was determined with a modified disk diffusion method, the serial dilution method and the method with TTC. It was observed that incorporating zinc oxide into the structure of the described polymers significantly increased the antimicrobial potential of the composites and reduced bacterial biofilm formation on their surface. In the case of the effect of composite materials on P. aeruginosa, the largest zone of growth inhibition was determined for BPA.DM + AEH + 10 %ZnO, for E. coli, the largest zone of growth inhibition was 0.6 cm for BPA.DM + NVP + 10 %ZnO, and for S. aureus it was also 0.6 cm for BPA.DM + NVP + 10 %ZnO. Notably, all the materials exhibited antibacterial activity upon contact with bacterial cells. Assessing the percentage of bacterial growth inhibition revealed that had the greatest effect on P. aeruginosa was observed with BPA.DM + MMA + 10 % ZnO (49.7 % +/- 0.5 % after 12 h and 49.9 % +/- 2.1 % after 24 h) and BPA.DM + NVP + 10 % ZnO (62.4 % +/- 2.4 % after 12 h). The other materials with the greatest effect on E. coli were BPA.DM + AEH (46.0 +/- 3.1 % after 12 h and 48.0 +/- 0.9 % after 24 h), BPA.DM + AEH + 10 % ZnO (46.7 +/- 2.3 % after 12 h) and BPA.DM + NVP (53.5 +/- 2.2 % after 24 h). Against S. aureus, the highest percentage of growth inhibition was determined for BPA.DM + MMA (56.3 % after 24 h), BPA.DM + HEMA (48.6 % after 24 h), and BPA.DM + NVP (47.9 % after 24 h).

This study characterizes novel cross-linked polymeric composites based on bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (BPA.DM) as the primary matrix, incorporating 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP) or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as active diluents, and modified with antimicrobial agents: zinc oxide (ZnO), copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4), nanosilver (Ag), and benzethonium chloride (BEN). Release kinetics of active components into water and LH medium were measured over 20 days using HPLC (bisphenol A, benzethonium chloride), GF AAS (Cu, Zn, Ag), and GC-MS, revealing highest silver release from HEMA+Ag composites (1671 µg/L), substantial copper release from HEMA (354 mg/L) and NVP (319 mg/L) systems, while benzethonium chloride exhibited significantly lower migration. The effect of NVP- and HEMA-containing composites on the metabolism of the Cerrena unicolor was also assessed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical profilometry confirmed extensive surface degradation by C. unicolor mycelium, manifesting as cracks, increased porosity, and altered surface across HEMA- and NVP-based composites after 21-day incubation. Biochemical analysis of the fungus post-culture liquids demonstrated that both composite types markedly enhanced extracellular laccase activity at all tested time points (7, 14, 21 days), with ethanol-sterilized samples inducing a slower-migrating laccase isoform identified via zymography. These materials also increased total protein concentration and superoxide anion radical levels while reducing phenolic compounds relative to controls. The findings demonstrate that antimicrobial-modified BPA.DM composites not only undergo controlled biodegradation by C. unicolor but crucially serve as potential laccase inducers, highlighting their dual utility in bioactive material design and fungal enzyme biotechnology.

Epoxy resins are widely used in advanced engineering applications, including coatings, adhesives, and electronics. Therefore, improving their flame resistance is important for enhancing fire safety and extending their range of applications. A series of flame retardants based on melamine phosphate derivatives, such as melamine phosphate (MP), melamine dibutyl phosphate, and melamine bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, as well as a zinc borate-modified system (ZnB-MP) has been incorporated into commercially available epoxy resin (Epidian® 601). The blends were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm their chemical structure. Thermal behaviour was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry coupled with FTIR gas analysis (TG-FTIR). The flammability performance of the epoxy blends was evaluated using pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry, which allowed parameters such as heat release rate, total heat release, and heat release capacity to be determined. The incorporation of melamine phosphate-based flame retardants was found to significantly reduce the flammability of epoxy blends, leading to substantial decreases in heat release rate, total heat release, and heat release capacity. The most pronounced effect was observed in systems containing higher concentrations of MP and in cooperative ZnB-MP formulations.

This study presents a sustainable valorization strategy for Lignoboost kraft lignin by fractionating it into low-molecular-weight (LW) and high-molecular-weight (HW) fractions, alongside unfractionated softwood kraft lignin (SK). These lignins were incorporated at 0.1-1.0 wt% into UV-curable oligo (urethane-methacrylate) (OUM) protective coatings. The OUM resin was synthesized from isophorone diisocyanate, tolylene diisocyanate, poly (oxypropylene) diol, hexane-1,6-diol, and end-capped with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, with 2-ethylhexyl acrylate as reactive diluent. Coatings were prepared by blending the OUM with diurethane dimethacrylate (DUDM) as comonomer, adding lignin fractions, and curing under UV light. Fractionation significantly improved lignin compatibility with the urethane-methacrylate matrix. LW lignin fraction exhibited the best overall performance. At 0.5 wt% LW lignin, the coatings achieved the highest tensile strength (2.27 MPa), maximum elongation at break (63.2 %), and balanced Young's modulus (2.85 MPa), while maintaining good thermal stability (T-max = 394 degrees C) and markedly improved surface homogeneity (Ra = 166.6 nm at 1 wt%) compared to unfractionated SK lignin. In contrast, unfractionated SK lignin provided the highest stiffness at low loading (Young's modulus 3.98 MPa at 0.2 wt%) but caused greater surface heterogeneity, more voids, and the largest reduction in Shore hardness. HW lignin showed intermediate behavior. The results demonstrate that solvent fractionation, particularly toward lower molecular weight, enables precise tuning of thermal stability, surface topography, mechanical strength, elasticity, and hardness of bio-based UV-curable coatings. This approach transforms an abundant industrial by-product into a high-value additive, substantially increasing the renewable content of high-performance protective coatings while delivering superior structure-property control.

The antibiotic and drug resistance of various bacterial and fungal strains poses a significant challenge to medicine and industry. The subject of numerous studies is how to limit the spread of microorganisms and biofilm formation on various surfaces. This research focuses on the antibacterial and antifungal properties of cross-linked methacrylate-based composites for specific applications. These composites were modified using 10 wt.% of compounds with scientifically proven antimicrobial properties. These include nanosilver, copper sulphate, benzethonium chloride, and zinc oxide. The antimicrobial potential against the following bacteria and fungi was determined: Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus); Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli); and the pathogenic fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Using the modified disc-diffusion method alongside a serial dilution method demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the viability and formation of bacterial and fungal biofilms. It was demonstrated that-in liquid cultures-composites containing benzethonium chloride inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa by over 75%, more than 50% of E. coli and more than 70% of S. aureus. Growth inhibition of C. albicans exceeded 80% for selected composites (BPA.DM + NVP + CuSO4, BPA.DM + NVP + ZnO), while all composites inhibited the growth of A. niger by more than 45%, and in some cases (BPA.DM + HEMA + CuSO4, BPA.DM + HEMA + Ag, BPA.DM + MMA + Ag and BPA.DM + AEH + CuSO4) by more than 90%. Additionally, these composites significantly reduced biofilm formation on their surfaces. Modification with zinc oxide and benzethonium chloride resulted in materials that were non-toxic to normal human skin fibroblasts. To sum up the obtained results, it can be stated that these multifunctional materials with antibacterial properties could be used in medical devices, coatings, and other specialised applications where microbial contamination is a significant issue.

Studies on the influence of radiotherapy on the structure, thermal properties, and thermo-oxidative decomposition of breast silicone implants were conducted. Additionally, the potential use of breast silicone implant waste as a component in layered composites was investigated. ATR-FTIR, DSC, and TG/DTG/FTIR analyses confirmed that radiation does not affect the structure, thermal properties, or oxidative decomposition behavior of the shell and gel layers of breast silicone implants. The conducted tests demonstrated the successful fabrication of composite materials using a PUM matrix and breast silicone implant waste. The presence of the PUM matrix in the manufactured composites influenced the crystallization and melting behavior of the silicone phase. Moreover, the incorporation of a silicone implant waste layer into the composites increased their thermal stability while decreasing the glass transition temperature, storage modulus and hardness compared to neat PUM. The type of implant waste layer used (shell or gel) in the preparation of the PUM composites did not significantly affect the melting and glass transition temperatures, thermal stability, or oxidative decomposition behavior of the newly developed materials. As demonstrated, new layered composite materials based on silicone implant waste (shell and gel), with properties valuable for practical applications, were successfully developed.

The growing demand for sustainable packaging, stricter regulations on non-biodegradable plastic waste, and increasing consumer awareness of environmental pollution are driving the development of water-soluble packaging materials. This study investigates the potential of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) derived from spruce kraft lignin (SKL) and eucalyptus kraft lignin (EKL), as functional additives in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based films to achieve an optimal balance between high transparency and effective UV protection. To improve LNP dispersion within the PVA matrix, hydrophobic domains were introduced into lignin via acetylation, as confirmed by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The morphology of the nanoparticles was analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The resulting PVA–LNP nanocomposite films exhibited excellent transparency and outstanding UV-shielding capabilities. UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed the UV-blocking performance of the films, revealing that EKL-derived nanoparticles (EKL-C1) enhanced UV absorption more than eightfold compared to neat PVA, while SKL-derived nanoparticles (SKL-C1) achieved a 6.5-fold increase. This superior performance can be attributed to the higher syringyl (S) unit content and abundant methoxy groups in EKL-C1, which can improve UV absorption efficiency. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) further demonstrated smoother surface morphologies for EKL-C1-containing films, indicating improved nanoparticle dispersion and reduced aggregation. Mechanical testing before and after UV exposure confirmed the suitability of the films for packaging applications. These findings highlight the potential of lignin-based nanocomposite films as eco-friendly packaging and coating materials, offering a unique combination of high transparency and robust UV protection while, providing valuable insights into the structure–property relationships of lignin nanoparticles in biodegradable polymer films.

Eco-friendly flame retardants are becoming a popular alternative to traditional fire retardants, many of which contain toxic halogens. These modern additives, which are based on phosphorus, nitrogen, or silicon compounds, minimize the emission of harmful gases during combustion, making them safer for the environment and human health. This study aimed to synthesize and analyze poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites using a newly synthesized hybrid fire retardant, boehmite derivative (aluminium dibutyl phosphonate), as an environmentally friendly additive. The fire-retardant properties of chitosan, which is derived from the natural biopolymer chitin, have also been tested. The chemical structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed using ATR/FTIR spectroscopy and SEM-EDX analysis. Next, PVC-based dry blends were prepared with the addition of a stabilizer, plasticiser, chalk, and selected flame retardants (aluminium dibutyl phosphonate or chitosan) at concentrations of 10 wt%, 30 wt%, and 50 wt%, resulting in homogeneous materials intended for evaluating fire performance, thermal stability (DSC, TGA), and mechanical resistance.

Exudative wounds pose a significant challenge in clinical practice, as excessive exudate can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection. In response to the demand for advanced dressings that not only effectively absorb excess exudate but also actively support tissue regeneration, innovative biocompatible biomaterials have been developed using 3D printing technology. Thanks to the developed synthesis method, the curdlan-based materials were enriched with calcium ions and engineered to possess a porous structure, high hydrophilicity, and significant fluid absorption capacity. A notable advantage of the proposed dressing inserts is their compact dry form, which makes them easy to handle and integrate into multilayer wound dressing systems. Despite their small size, the materials can absorb substantial amounts of fluid, making them particularly promising for the treatment of highly exuding wounds, such as venous leg ulcers. Comprehensive analyses confirmed their thermal stability, biological safety (non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and hemocompatible), and the ability to stimulate skin cell proliferation. The obtained results highlight the strong potential of these biomaterials as next-generation dressing inserts for effective management of hard-to-heal wounds.

The development of new functionalized adsorbents in the form of polymeric microspheres, based on triethoxyvinylsilane (TEVS) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), has been achieved. These adsorbents were created by incorporating coumarin additives, synthesized in an environmentally friendly manner, into the TEVS-EGDMA polymer matrix. This includes coumarin-3-carboxylic acid and its ester derivatives (CRM1-4). The newly developed adsorbents (TEVS-EGDMA-CRM1, TEVS-EGDMA-CRM2, TEVS-EGDMA-CRM3, and TEVS-EGDMA-CRM4) have been applied for the removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solutions. The material was characterized using spectral techniques like pH(zpc), ATR-FTIR, SEM with EDS, DSC, and specific surface area (S-BET). The maximum adsorption capacity for Cd(II) is 58.73, 59.03, 59.16, 63.07 and 64.26 mg/g at pH 6.5, pH(zpc) 6.16, 6.28, 6.40, 6.49, and 6.63, and equilibration time of 240 min, respectively. The addition of coumarins to the microspheres improves the thermal resistance of samples. The kinetics are well-fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R-2 > 0.99). The equilibrium adsorption data are fitted by the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Raduskevich isotherms. The adsorption capacities calculated from the Langmuir model agree with the experimental results.

Given the challenges of developing fire-resistant materials that simultaneously meet environmental, safety, and thermomechanical requirements, this study presents the synthesis and comprehensive analysis of polymer compositions with various flame retardant additives. The polymeric compositions, consisting of oligo(urethane methacrylate) resin, diurethane dimethacrylate, and N-vinylpyrrolidone, were combined with one of several flame retardants: 1,3,5-tri(prop-2-en-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H), aluminum phosphate, zinc oxide with sodium metaborate tetrahydrate (1/1 by mass) or aluminum hydroxide. The spectroscopic properties (ATR/FTIR) and thermal behavior of these compositions were analyzed in detail using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) with the analysis of evolved gases. The results showed differences in endothermic effects, indicating that the type of flame retardant significantly affects thermal stability and degradation temperature. The thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that the different flame retardants affected the thermal stability of the compositions, with the highest resistance observed for the composite containing 1,3,5-tri(prop-2-en-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H). The results of the tests obtained using the pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter are discussed in detail. The mechanism of resin flame retardant interactions has been proposed.

This study investigates lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) from spruce and Eucalyptus kraft lignins as sustainable additives for sunscreen formulations. The lignins and their nanoparticles were characterized using spectroscopic, chromatographic, and microscopic techniques and incorporated into oil-in-water sunscreen emulsions, where they were evaluated for UV-blocking efficiency, stability, and rheological properties. Results demonstrated that LNPs significantly enhanced UV protection, with spruce kraft lignin nanoparticles providing superior broad-spectrum coverage (280–400 nm) and an SPF of 12.94, compared to Eucalyptus lignin nanoparticles, which primarily absorbed in the UVB range (280–320 nm) and reached an SPF of 7.00. Additionally, LNPs improved emulsion stability through Pickering stabilization and enhanced rheological properties, making them promising eco-friendly and multifunctional sunscreen additives.

Increasing global degradation of the aquatic environment is forcing the search for new and low-cost adsorbents of reduced toxicity, derived from natural and renewable sources. To meet these expectations, a new approach to adsorbent fabrication was developed. The study aimed to synthesize, characterize, and apply environmentally friendly adsorbents based on poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate-co-vinyl acetate) (EGDMA-VA) with unmodified/modified starch (St). The first step proposed a new mechanochemical method of starch modification using thiourea (T) and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (P). Then, the functionalized starch was used to obtain polymeric microspheres. The final step involves their application for the removal of toxic C.I. Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) dye. The pristine materials and adsorbents were characterized by ATR/FT-IR and XPS, DSC, SEM/EDX, porous structure, particle size distribution, tendency to swell, and pH(pzc). Adsorption batch studies of BY2 as a function of time (1-60 min), initial dye concentration (1-25 mg/L, pH=8.3), temperature (298-328 K), and competing electrolyte (5-15 g/L Na2SO4) and surfactant (0.1-0.5 g/L CTAB) presence were carried out. The kinetic studies were analyzed using pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and intraparticle diffusion models. The equilibrium studies revealed that the Freundlich isotherm model (k(F)=5.62-6.56 mg(1-1/n) L-1/n) described BY2-adsorbents systems rather than Langmuir, Temkin or Dubinin-Radushkevich. Thermodynamic parameters (Delta G degrees, Delta H degrees, and Delta S degrees) pointed to the exothermic nature of adsorption and its spontaneousness. Importantly, the starch-modified microspheres were regenerated, too.

Modified composites are an intriguing alternative to conventional materials due to their improved properties achieved by the addition of specific modifiers. The inclusion of antimicrobial agents enables the formation of a composite layer suitable for applications such as countertop surfaces and equipment housings, helping to reduce the spread of pathogens and thereby improving human safety. Polymeric materials of this type should have important properties, including effective UV curing in thin films and adequate mechanical and thermal resistance after curing. This article presents in-depth characterization of the structure and thermal properties of composite materials containing bisphenol A dimethacrylate with active diluents such as N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. The composites were modified with benzethonium chloride, copper(II) sulfate, nanosilver, and zinc methacrylate, each of which has documented antimicrobial efficacy. Thermal stability was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, and the gases emitted during heating were analyzed. The results indicate that the modified materials show high thermal stability, with noticeable levels observed at 98.4 °C for NVP-5

This article focuses on the development of bioinspired hybrid polymeric microspheres for the efficient removal of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) from aqueous solutions, leveraging the renewable and abundant nature of lignin as a sustainable component. The microspheres are synthesized via suspension polymerization, incorporating ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), vinyl acetate (VA), 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (VP), various acrylate monomers, silane compounds, and fractionated lignin to enhance functionality and ecofriendliness. The objective is to create thermally stable, morphologically defined sorbents with high adsorption capacity. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed excellent thermal resistance up to 305–335 °C, while scanning electron microscopy confirmed uniform spherical morphology. Sorption studies demonstrated that microspheres with low‐molecular‐weight lignin (KS‐6) exhibited a twofold increase in adsorption capacity ( q m up to 7.84 mg g −1 ) compared to nonlignin counterparts, attributed to enhanced hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and electrostatic interactions. Kinetic data best fit the pseudo‐second‐order model ( R 2 > 0.9999), indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism, with Freundlich isotherms suggesting multilayer adsorption on heterogeneous surfaces. These findings highlight the potential of lignin‐based microspheres as cost‐effective, sustainable sorbents for pharmaceutical pollutant removal, contributing to the valorization of lignin and advancing green water treatment technologies.

Prosthetic composites based on a commercial prosthetic resin (Vertex) or oligomeric methyl methacrylate (OMM) with the addition of zinc oxide (ZnO) were obtained using photochemical and thermal polymerization methods. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR) and differen-tial scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to evaluate the composites. Hardness of the composites in-creased with increasing ZnO content. The antibacterial activity of ZnO against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans was confirmed.

The TGA-EGA technique was used to study the influence of sulphanilic acid (SA) on the carbonisation process of the hybrid terpolymeric precursors composed of methacrylamide, divinylbenzene, and trimethoxyvinylsilane. The pristine polymers were impregnated with saturated solution of SA, dried, and carbonized at 600 °C under N2 atmosphere. The characteristic properties of both the pristine hybrid polymers and the resulting carbons were based on FTIR, Raman, and PXRD analyses, which revealed the materials were composed of amorphous polymeric or carbon phase interpenetrated by silica/silicate disordered network. The porosimetric analysis showed the resulted carbons possessed homogeneous supermicropores with the average pore width of 0.7 nm and reduced number of mesopores compared to pristine precursors. From the TGA results, it was followed that impregnated polymers decomposed in two stages, instead of one like pristine precursors did. Moreover, IDT of impregnated polymers was reduced by about 100 °C, and their Tmax was increased by 2–5.5 °C. Their decomposition proceeded slower by 22–37

Lignin as the second most abundant biopolymer on Earth has the potential to become the alternative to petroleum-derived materials. It exhibits excellent UV absorption ability due to its aromatic structure and the presence of numerous phenolic, ketone, and intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Due to its complex nature, it is important to investigate its properties which is a very important step towards the valorization of lignin. Revealing its structural complexity allows for a better examination of its influence on the properties of the final lignin-based materials. In our research, we used two different kraft lignins: commercial analytical kraft lignin (AL) and industrial LignoBoost kraft lignin (KL) as UV-protect additives in BPA(Bisphenol A)-free polymer coatings based on diurethane dimethacrylate (DIUR). The maximum addition of KL and AL was 2 wt%. Both lignin samples were characterized in detail (composition analysis, ash content, molar mass and polydispersity, surface morphology, thermal properties, and quantitative measurement of hydroxyl group content). We investigated the influence of lignins on the textural and thermal properties of the coatings. Finally, we studied the application of lignin as a value-added UV-protective component by UV-Vis electronic absorption spectroscopy. KL with a higher purity and lower number of aliphatic OH had a better dispersion in the polymer matrix than AL lignin which had more agglomeration in the polymer matrix. The better dispersion resulted in producing a smoother surface in the coatings made from KL. Finally, a noticeable and significant impact of KL additive on the photoprotective properties of the coating material was demonstrated. These results showed a potential application and opportunity in the valorization of available industrial lignins toward sustainable and value-added products.

Effective removal of organic and inorganic impurities by adsorption technique requires the preparation of new materials characterized by low production costs, significant sorption capacity, and reduced toxicity, derived from natural and renewable sources. To address these challenges, new adsorbents have been developed in the form of polymer microspheres based on ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and vinyl acetate (VA) (EGDMA/VA) containing starch (St) modified with boric acid (B) and dodecyl-S-thiuronium dodecylthioacetate (DiTDTA) for the removal of dyes: C.I. Basic Blue 3 (BB3) and C.I. Acid Green 16 (AG16) and heavy metal ions (M(II)): Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) from water and wastewater. The adsorbents were characterized by ATR/FT-IR, DSC, SEM, BET, EDS, and pHPZC methods. These analyses demonstrated the successful modification of microspheres and the increased thermal resistance resulting from the addition of the modified starch. The point of zero charge for EGDMA/VA was 7.75, and this value decreased with the addition of modified starch (pHPZC = 6.62 for EGDMA/VA-St/B and pHPZC = 5.42 for EGDMA/VA-St/DiTDTA). The largest specific surface areas (SBET) were observed for the EGDMA/VA microspheres (207 m2/g), and SBET value slightly decreases with the modified starch addition (184 and 169 m2/g) as a consquence of the pores stopping by the big starch molecules. The total pore volumes (Vtot) were found to be in the range from 0.227 to 0.233 cm3/g. These materials can be classified as mesoporous, with an average pore diameter (W) of approximately 55 Å (5.35–6.10 nm). The SEM and EDS analyses indicated that the EGDMA/VA microspheres are globular in shape with well-defined edges and contain 73.06% of carbon and 26.94% of oxygen. The microspheres containing modified starch exhibited a loss of smoothness with more irregular shape. The adsorption efficiency of dyes and heavy metal ions depends on the phases contact time, initial adsorbate concentration and the presence of competing electrolytes and surfactants. The equilibrium data were better fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model than by the Langmuir, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The highest experimental adsorption capacities were observed for the BB3 dye which were equal to 193 mg/g, 190 mg/g, and 194 mg/g for EGDMA/VA, EGDMA/VA-St/B, EGDMA/VA-St/DiTDTA, respectively. The dyes and heavy metal ions were removed very rapidly and the time required to reach system equilibrium was below 20 min for M(II), 40 min for BB3, and 120 min for AG16. 50% v/v methanol and its mixture with 1 M HCl and NaCl for dyes and 1 M HCl for M(II) desorbed these impurities efficiently.