The global built environment accounts for a substantial share of greenhouse gas emissions, driven by energy‐intensive operations, carbon‐heavy construction materials, and ageing building stock. Achieving the climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) demands an urgent transition toward net-zero carbon buildings. This paper explores strategic interventions that can fast-track decarbonisation across residential, commercial, and public infrastructure, combining technological innovation with enabling policies and market mechanisms. A structured, closed-ended questionnaire survey was administered to registered and practising construction professionals in the South African construction industry. The retrieved data were subjected to descriptive and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Findings from descriptive analysis showed easy access to green financing options, implementing energy efficiency upgrades and promoting the use of green rating tools as the top strategies. Findings from the EFA revealed five clusters: sustainable building advancement, policy and investment, building energy optimisation, comprehensive support, and sustainable design and technology integration strategies. The study concludes that achieving net-zero buildings at scale requires a coordinated “whole-system” approach, such as stringent regulatory frameworks, innovative financing, skilled human capital, and a cultural shift among stakeholders. South Africa’s experience can provide a template for other emerging economies, showing that rapid decarbonisation of buildings is technically feasible and economically advantageous when immediate and collaborative action is taken.

The development of high-performance gas sensors is crucial for environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and medical diagnostics. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are a promising material for gas sensing due to their high surface-area-to-volume ratio, exceptional electrical properties, and sensitivity to charge transfer. While conventional SWCNT gas sensors rely on measuring changes in electrical resistance, Raman spectroscopy offers a powerful and non-destructive optical method for detecting and characterizing gas molecules. Raman spectroscopy provides unique vibrational fingerprints of materials. The characteristic Raman bands of SWCNTs, such as the radial breathing mode (RBM), D-band, and G-band, are highly sensitive to their local environment. The adsorption of gas molecules onto the SWCNT surface leads to a charge transfer interaction, which perturbs the electronic and vibrational properties of the nanotubes. This interaction results in observable changes in the Raman spectrum, including shifts in the peak positions, alterations in intensity, and the appearance of new peaks. This work investigates the changes in the Raman spectrum of SWCNT films upon exposure to various gases, such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2​). Our findings demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy, particularly when utilizing resonant excitation, offers a highly sensitive and selective method for gas detection. This approach could lead to the development of robust, real-time optical gas sensors that complement or surpass traditional electrical-based sensors, providing a new pathway for advanced gas sensing technologies.

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the contamination of water by synthetic dyes represent serious environmental and public health concerns. To address these issues, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles were synthesized through a green approach using Eucalyptus plant extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. This eco-friendly method minimizes the use of hazardous chemicals and offers a sustainable route for nanoparticle production. The biosynthesized amorphous TiO₂ nanoparticles were calcined at different temperatures and characterized using standard techniques to confirm their structural, morphological, and optical properties.

Antibacterial activity was tested against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) using a 96-well microdilution assay to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). In parallel, photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated by monitoring methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV light irradiation. A comparative study with commercial TiO₂ nanoparticles was also conducted to benchmark the performance of the prepared nanomaterials.

The FTIR study showed the presence of terpenoids and flavonoids considered responsible for the formation and stabilization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, while the XRD studies revealed the crystalline nature of titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

The results revealed that bio TiO₂ nanoparticles calcined at 450 °C exhibited significantly lower MIC values compared to commercial TiO₂, indicating stronger antibacterial potency. Moreover, enhanced photocatalytic degradation of MB was observed, demonstrating their dual functionality.

These findings confirm the potential of Eucalyptus-mediated TiO₂ nanoparticles as cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternatives for biomedical and wastewater treatment applications.

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction (CO₂RR) presents a sustainable pathway to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while producing valuable carbon-based fuels and chemicals. However, achieving selective and efficient CO₂ conversion remains a major challenge often limited by poor catalyst stability and low active site utilization. Herein we report a rapid, scalable laser induced technique for the synthesis of copper single atom catalysts (Cu-SACs) embedded into nitrogen doped graphitic matrix using carbon nanodots as a precursor. The laser process offers precise control over atomic dispersion eliminates the need of complex post-synthesis treatments and allows graphitization and metal nitrogen coordination in a single step. Advanced spectroscopic and macroscopic characterizations confirm the atomic dispersion of copper and the formation of a conductive porous graphitic network. We achieved the highest Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 87.27% methanol at -1.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl with a reduction current density of -8 mA·cm^-2. Furthermore, composite demonstrated excellent stability, retaining its catalytic performance even after 12 hours of chronoamperometry testing without significant degradation attributed to the synergistic effects of atomic copper sites, nitrogen doping, and the conductive porous graphene network. This works highlights the synergistic benefits of laser-based synthesis and atomic level catalyst engineering in advancing efficient CO₂ to fuel conversion technologies.

In recent years, the accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics in the aquatic environment has increased, which threatens water security and the ecosystem. Microplastics and nanoplastics should be detected and removed from the aquatic environment to ensure the safety and security of the aquatic ecosystem. Thermal analysis is a promising technique to detect microplastics and nanoplastics in the aquatic environment. This study focuses on analyzing the influence of microplastics on the thermal conductivity of artificial seawater. The thermal conductivity of artificial seawater and PE (polyethylene) microplastics spiked with artificial seawater at the concentrations of 120 and 160 mg/L were measured using a thermal conductivity meter (Flucon LAMBDA thermal conductivity meter) with a temperature range of 28–70℃. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis was conducted on pristine PE microplastics and PE microplastics exposed to thermal conductivity analysis. Thermal conductivity measurements confirmed that PE microplastics lower the thermal conductivity of artificial seawater in the temperature range 28–40℃ due to their thermal insulation property. The thermal conductivity of artificial seawater was increased in the temperature range of 40–70℃ due to the Brownian motion of smaller-sized particles. SEM images confirmed that PE microplastics were fragmented when the temperature was above 40℃. These fragmented particles increased the thermal conductivity of artificial seawater. This study demonstrates that measuring thermal conductivity could be a novel and low-cost detection method for microplastics and nanoplastics in seawater.

The formation of cyclodextrin clathrates with NSAIDs leads to an improvement in their physicochemical properties. To confirm the structure of the inclusion complex, a combination of physicochemical analysis methods was used, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

To obtain the clathrate, γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) and the NSAID nimesulide, which is used in the treatment of acute and chronic pain, were employed. The possibility of complex formation was previously evaluated using the ChemOffice 16.0 and Gaussian 09W software packages. Complexation was achieved through co-precipitation and co-evaporation methods. Changes in the thermal properties of the obtained complexes were recorded by the DSC method.

During the study, thermograms and thermodynamic characteristics of γ-CD, nimesulide, and the proposed complexes were obtained. The shift of the endothermic peak of nimesulide (from 148°C to 191°C), corresponding to its melting point, indicates its possible incorporation into the γ-CD cavity and transition to an amorphous state. The endothermic peak of γ-CD at around 75°C decreases in intensity due to the expected change in hydration during complexation. The appearance of an endothermic peak near 283°C may correspond to the decomposition of the complex or a change in its structure.

Thus, the DSC study confirms the formation of an inclusion complex between γ-CD and nimesulide, and the data are consistent with the results of computer modeling, indicating the possibility of successful complexation.

The contamination of cosmetics and herbal products by pathogenic microorganisms presents a significant public health concern, especially in developing regions where quality control may be limited. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Lippia javanica, a medicinal plant traditionally used in Mozambique, against microbial contaminants commonly found in cosmetic products. Ethanolic extracts of L. javanica were tested for antimicrobial activity using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods against reference strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined to evaluate potency. For anti-inflammatory assessment, a COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) inhibition screening assay was conducted using a commercial ELISA-based method, which measures the reduction in PGF2α levels in the presence of test extracts.

The results revealed that L. javanica exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with strong inhibitory effects, particularly against S. aureus and E. coli, and MIC values ranging from 6.25 to 50 mg/mL. In the COX-2 inhibition assay, the extracts demonstrated dose-dependent suppression of COX-2 activity, indicating potential anti-inflammatory effects. The reduction in PGF2α production suggests the presence of bioactive compounds that may interfere with prostaglandin synthesis pathways.

These findings provide scientific support for the traditional use of L. javanica in treating infectious and inflammatory conditions. The results also highlight its potential as a source of natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents.

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), defined by their lack of stable tertiary structures, play pivotal roles in cancer development by modulating signaling cascades, transcriptional activity, and essential cellular processes. In the present analysis, experimentally validated cancer-associated IDPs from the DisProt database were systematically categorized into Fully Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (FIDPs, ≥90% disorder), Moderately Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (MIDPs, 30–90% disorder), and Ordered Proteins (ODPs, <30% disorder). A multi-layered computational framework, incorporating machine learning-based tools including PONDR, PONDR-DEPP, Depictor2, FuzDrop, and STRING, enabled functional profiling of these classes. FIDPs demonstrated a higher density of molecular recognition features (MoRFs), increased phosphorylation site prediction, and elevated liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) propensity compared to MIDPs and ODPs. Protein–protein interaction network analysis via STRING revealed that FIDPs are frequently positioned as central hubs in networks governing apoptosis, DNA repair, and cell cycle regulation. Furthermore, detailed mapping identified functionally relevant disordered regions enriched with predicted phosphorylation hotspots, MoRF segments, and LLPS-favorable domains. These intrinsically disordered segments reflect a high potential for dynamic regulation and molecular adaptability. The annotated IDR sites possess notable translational relevance, offering promising avenues for the design of natural disordered-based biosensors, the development of disorder-targeted therapeutics, and the exploitation of post-translational modification (PTM) patterns in cancer diagnostics and treatment strategies.

Introduction: Wound hydrogel dressings are valued for maintaining a moist environment that promotes tissue regeneration. Incorporating antibacterial components may reduce infections and accelerate healing. This study evaluated the visual integrity of hydrogels by varying quaternary ammonium monomer and crosslinker content.

Methods: As monomers containing quaternary ammonium groups, 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl-2-hydroxyethylmethyloctylammonium bromide (QAHAMA-8) and 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl-2-decylhydroxyethylmethylammonium bromide (QAHAMA-10) were used in amounts ranging from 2.5 to 100 mol.%. As the crosslinker N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (bis-AA) was used, and its content ranged from 0.5 to 5 mol.%. As the basic monomer acrylamide (AA) was used, and its content ranged from 0 to 97.5 mol.%, in respect to QAHAMA-10.

Results: Significant differences in sample integrity were observed. The mechanical integrity of the obtained hydrogels depended on both cross-link density and the content of quaternary ammonium monomer. At lower QAHAMA-8 and QAHAMA-10 contents, hydrogels with lower cross-linker amount, i.e., 0.5 and 1 mol.%, were integral. At higher QAHAMA-8 and QAHAMA-10 contents, hydrogels cross-linked with higher bis-AA contents were more integral. For example, for 0.5 mol.% bis-AA integral hydrogels were obtained for 2.5 mol.% to 10 mol.%, whereas for 50 and 100 mol.% of the quaternary ammonium monomer, integral hydrogels were obtained for 5 mol.% bis-AA. Overall, hydrogels of the higher visual quality were obtained for 1 mol.% of bis-AA and quaternary ammonium monomer for 5 mol.% to 30 mol.% (QAHAMA-8) and for 2.5 mol.% to 30 mol.% (QAHAMA-10).

Conclusions: The higher the bis-AA content, the greater the hydrogel brittleness. Only hydrogels cross-linked with 0.5 and 1 mol.% bis AA maintained their integrity over the entire concentration range of QAHAMA-8 and QAHAMA-10.

INTRODUCTION: A novel class of biocomposite duplex systems has been engineered via a straightforward physisorption technique, enabling the immobilization of chitosan onto chemically modified carbonaceous templates. These biocomposites exhibit distinctive sorbent and antimicrobial functionalities. METHODS: Comprehensive characterization including Raman, NMR, IR spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, TGA, and BET analysis revealed tunable composite morphologies and supramolecular interactions between the substrate and chitosan, modulated by incremental doping levels. RESULTS: Sorption studies using Rose Bengal dye demonstrated effective adsorption behavior, with capacities reaching upwards of mg/g. Remarkably, water uptake exceeded 15 g/g, due to the synergistic enhancement imparted by chitosan integration. Antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy was validated through pathogen elimination assays, where low biocomposite dosages achieved complete inhibition of Escherichia coli (Gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), and Candida albicans (fungal strain). CONCLUSION: These multifunctional biocomposites exhibit unique structure–function relationships, combining high water sorption with potent antipathogenic activity. Compared to existing materials, the biocomposites represent a versatile and diversiform platform with promising applications spanning environmental remediation and biomedical device development. The demonstrated antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy—achieving complete inhibition of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans—positions these biocomposites as strong candidates for integration into a range of biomedical applications, including wound dressings and tissue scaffolds: Their high water uptake and biocompatibility make them ideal for moist wound healing environments, while their antimicrobial properties help prevent infection, implying that this design of chitosan onto carbonaceous templates offers scalability and cost-effectiveness.