Introduction. Hardystonite (Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇) is a novel promising compound for bone tissue engineering due to its biocompability and favorable mechanical properties. Currently, widely used methods include mechanochemical and sol–gel synthesis of Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇. But these methods require specialized equipment and reagents. Herein, we present a simple and efficient method for the synthesis of hardystonite.

Methods. Synthesis was carried out by a wet method based on the formation of low soluble compounds in aqueous solution. Briefly, aqueous solutions of Ca(OH)₂, Na₂SiO₃, and ZnCl₂ were consistently mixed, maintaining a molar ratio closely approximating the stoichiometry of the following theoretical reaction: 2Ca(OH)₂ + 2Na₂SiO₃ + ZnCl₂ = Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇ + 2NaCl + 2NaOH + H₂O. The resulting precipitate was aged in the mother solution, then filtered, washed with distilled water, dried, and calcined at 1250°C. The product was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Zeta potential and specific surface area were also determined.

Results. According to XRD and IR, freshly precipitated powder consists of poorly crystalline calcium silicate hydrate and hydrated zinc oxide, with calcium carbonate impurity. Upon calcination, dehydration and decarbonation occur, leading to the crystallization of Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇ via solid-state reactions between the formed precursors. The resulting powder exhibits a zeta potential of -16.3 mV and a specific surface area of 1.7 m²/g.

Conclusions. This study demonstrates that single-phase hardystonite powder can be effectively synthesized via a facile and productive chemical precipitation method, followed by calcination of the resulting precipitate. This approach offers a compelling alternative to existing synthetic routes, potentially facilitating broader research and application of hardystonite in bone tissue engineering.

Cancer cases are rapidly increasing worldwide, with lung cancer being one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Cancer detection at an early stage benefits in factors like better survival rate, faster prognosis, etc. There are various lung cancer biomarkers present in the saliva, feces, urine, and breath of human beings that can help in the prediction of cancer. One of the biomarkers is thyl Acetate present in human urine, whose detection leads to the early detection of lung cancer. For the sensing application, we investigated vacancy-ordered double perovskite, which is a high-potential material due to its optoelectronic and redox properties. In our work, we synthesised a vacancy-ordered lead free double perovskite using the chemical precipitation method and further explored it for sensing Ethyl Acetate (EA). Moreover, the material characteristics were investigated using XRD, UV, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy. Due to its low bandgap, the material efficiently absorbs visible light, enabling the generation of electrical power, thus enhancing its feature for self-powered sensors. Additionally, with ample vacancies, it shows excellent electrochemical sensing properties. It facilitated both electrochemical and photoelectrochemical EA sensing that was inspected in potentiometric and amperometric modes. The sensing material showed interesting results in both dark and light at -0.2 V. In the wide linear concentration range from 1 nM to 60 nM, the Limit of Detection is 3.55 pM. This sensor exhibits excellent selectivity towards interfering species, including urea, uric acid, glucose, sucrose, and ions such as Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^−, etc. The LSV approach demonstrates efficient real-time detection capabilities in simulated urine samples. Moreover, the self-powered sensor showed high selectivity, high sensitivity, low response, and low recovery time.

Currently, phenomena such as civilizational development, the fast pace of life, and increased pollution are leading to the development of civilizational diseases. Research conducted over the years indicates that despite significant advances in medicine, problems related to the circulatory, skeletal, and immune systems are not decreasing. In addition, an aging population contributes to the development of many skeletal diseases. For this reason, it is necessary to work on increasingly advanced implants.

This paper focuses on the production of titanium–ceramic composite materials using powder metallurgy, followed by the selection of appropriate sintering conditions. The addition of hydroxyapatite to the metallic material introduces properties such as bioactivity, which improves the osseointegration of damaged bone tissue. In turn, the Ti6Al4V titanium alloy, as one of the widely used materials in implantology, is characterized by excellent mechanical properties and good biocompatibility.

The obtained materials were then subjected to structural and phase analysis. In order to assess their behavior under conditions resembling the physiological environment, tests were carried out in incubation fluids. Microstructural analysis of the composite surfaces was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) to determine the amount of calcium and phosphorus, indicating the formation of apatite layers.

The studies indicate that the modification of titanium alloy with bioactive ceramics affects its physicochemical properties, particularly in terms of biocompatibility and integration with bone tissue. The introduction of this type of modification may contribute to the development of more advanced medical implants that effectively support the bone regeneration process.

The research was funded by the National Science Centre as part of the OPUS competition in the Weave program, under registration number 2022/47/I/ST8/01778.

Introduction.

Sephadex G-10 resin is a polymeric network composed of dextran units cross-linked by epichlorohydrin. Its physicochemical properties make it an excellent stationary phase for size-exclusion chromatography. This material allows to use physiological solutions (Krebs’, Tyrode’s, Locke’s… For example, Krebs-HEPES) as mobile phases.

In organic chemistry and pharmacology, the real-time monitoring of natural products is very important in the chemical and biological characterization of active compounds of extracts from living organisms. One example is the direct coupling chromatographic separation of organic extracts to study living tissues or organs.

Methods.

Size-exclusion chromatographic separation with Sephadex G-10 was carried out: medium-pressure liquid chromatography separation (MPLC) coupled directly to biological detection using perfused organs was used for chemical study of hydro-ethanolic extracts from Nicotiana glauca Graham (Solanaceae). The elution medium was Krebs-HEPES (a physiological solution). Perfused rings or portions of organs from the rat were employed: aorta artery, trachea, deferent conduct and ileum.

The chemical characterization of the separated and isolated compounds was realized by mass spectrometry analysis and infrared spectroscopy.

Results.

This type of pore size in Sephadex G-10 allows the lowest fractionation range (substance with molecular weight is below 700 Da (or g/mol), normally around 100-1000 Da. For this reason, anabasine (162.23 Da of molecular weight, MW) and nornicotine (MW: 148.21 Da) were isolated and identified as compounds responsible for contractile actions in smooth muscle of rat ileum and trachea.

This application of Sephadex G-10 separation could be carried out by a single person, with non-contaminating mediums, reducing time and cost of research, and minimizing the number of animals slaughtered.

Conclusions.

The application of Sephadex G-10 chromatography simplifies and rationalizes the bio-guided isolation and identification of natural products, positioning this approach within the framework of green chemistry dereplication methodologies and paving the way for future automated or robotic platforms.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted considerable attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and potential applications in biomedicine, including antimicrobial activity and targeted drug delivery. The formation of a protein corona is a key determinant of nanoparticle behavior in biological environments, influencing stability, biodistribution, and cellular interactions. In this work, we investigated the interaction between AgNPs and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein, focusing on the physicochemical changes induced by the corona formation.

AgNPs were synthesized via a chemical reduction method and subsequently incubated with BSA under controlled conditions. Surface tension measurements were performed to evaluate changes in the interfacial properties of the nanoparticle–protein system, providing insight into adsorption processes at the nanoscale. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to characterize particle morphology, size distribution, and the presence of protein layers on the nanoparticle surface.

Surface tension analysis revealed a concentration-dependent decrease in interfacial tension upon BSA addition, indicating effective adsorption and surface modification of AgNPs. TEM images confirmed the formation of well-dispersed nanoparticles with spherical morphology and the presence of a thin, uniform organic coating consistent with a protein corona. The average particle size increased slightly after BSA adsorption, supporting the formation of a stable protein layer.

These findings demonstrate that BSA effectively interacts with AgNPs, inducing significant alterations in surface properties and nanoparticle morphology. The combination of surface tension measurements and TEM analysis provided complementary information, enabling a deeper understanding of the physicochemical effects of protein corona formation. Such insights are crucial for optimizing the design of nanoparticle-based systems for biomedical applications, where precise control over protein–nanoparticle interactions is essential to achieve predictable biological responses.

Given that chicken is one of the most affordable and healthiest sources of protein, its daily consumption continues to rise globally. As a result, approximately 3 billion pounds of chicken feathers are produced worldwide each year, much of which is discarded as waste. These feathers contribute to soil and water pollution and serve as breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms. Consequently, feather waste poses a significant threat to ecosystems and has become a source of environmental pollution. With this in mind, the aim of this work is to develop and use poultry feather waste (PFW) in powdered form as an additive or auxiliary agent combined with a superplasticizer in cementitious materials such as cementitious pastes and cement mortars. An experimental study was carried out in two parts. In the first phase, PFW powder is incorporated into the superplasticizer, which is then added to cementitious pastes at varying dosages. A rheological analysis is conducted to evaluate the effect on flow behavior. In the second phase, the superplasticizer containing PFW powder is applied to cement mortars. This stage focuses on the physical–mechanical characterization of the modified mortars. The results indicate that PFW can be effectively used as a component of superplasticizer formulations in cement mortar systems, enhancing fluidity without compromising the mechanical performance of the material.

About 40% of global energy is used in buildings, with windows being one of the least energy-efficient components. Smart glass has shown promise in reducing energy consumption and improving building comfort. In this work, we report a novel smart glass utilizing an eco-friendly aqueous solution of a non-ionic surfactant (1 wt% Triton CF-32 in water), offering dual-mode optical modulation via thermally induced phase separation. Importantly, the non-ionic surfactant used is a well-established commercial product with exceptionally low cost. Its adoption obviates the need for developing new material synthesis routes or establishing additional production lines. The aqueous solution is encapsulated in ITO-coated glass cells, exhibiting a sharp transition from a transparent to a turbid state near its cloud point. This reversible clouding effect can be triggered either passively (sunlight) or actively (Joule heating under applied voltage), enabling robust and energy-efficient switching behavior. In active mode, the transparency of the glass can be electrically controlled by the application of different voltages. This voltage-driven modulation enables significant control over the optical properties of the device. The system exhibits excellent thermo-responsive optical performance, with a luminous transmittance of approximately 77%, a haze of about 90%, and a solar modulation efficiency of around 64%. The proposed smart glass, fabricated from a biocompatible aqueous solution, offers an environmentally sustainable approach while achieving excellent energy conservation performance.

Composites based on Ti6Al4V titanium alloy and hydroxyapatite (HA) are promising materials for implants due to their mechanical properties and bioactivity. The introduction of gentamicin can give them antimicrobial properties, which are important in preventing post-implantation infections. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of sintering temperature on the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of Ti6Al4V/HA composites modified with gentamicin against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At the same time, the sintering temperature can affect both the microstructure and the effectiveness of antibiotic release. Composite samples were prepared by cold pressing and sintering in a protective atmosphere at two different temperatures. The sintering temperature had a significant impact on the microstructure and porosity of the composites. After sintering, the surface was modified with gentamicin. Morphology analysis was performed using SEM microscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy. XRD diffraction analysis and biofilm analysis were also performed. The sintering temperature used significantly affects the final antimicrobial properties of Ti6Al4V/HA composites. The sintering temperature influences the formation of a more porous structure, which increases the effectiveness of gentamicin. Optimizing the parameters of heat treatment may therefore be crucial for the design of implant materials with antibacterial properties.

The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support of the project “New Generation of Bioactive Laser Textured Ti/Hap Implants” under the acronym “BiLaTex” carried out within M-ERA.NET 3 Call 2022 programme in the National Centre for Research and Development (registration no.: ERA.NET3/2022/48/BiLaTex/2023).

The development of sustainable biomaterials with antifungal properties is an important objective in agricultural, environmental, and materials biotechnology. Chitinases, enzymes that hydrolyze chitin in fungal cell walls, are attractive eco‑friendly biocontrol candidates; however, their industrial application is often limited by low heterologous yields and costly purification. In this study, a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y2805) was engineered to secrete a chitinase (Chit36) from Trichoderma atroviride using an optimized extracellular production system incorporating a plant‑derived signal peptide. This design enabled direct use of culture filtrates without downstream purification, thereby reducing process complexity and potential environmental burden. The recombinant filtrates showed strong chitinolytic activity and significantly inhibited the growth of multiple species of plant and opportunistic fungal pathogens in standardized plate‑ and broth‑based assays relative to vector‑only controls. Time‑course microscopy revealed suppression of early hyphal elongation and germ‑tube abnormalities, resulting in delayed or aberrant colony development. Additional imaging indicated cell wall surface irregularities and localized swelling consistent with chitin degradation and impaired wall integrity. Together, these observations provide experimental evidence that the recombinant yeast platform produces bioactive materials with reproducible antifungal effects. Ongoing studies are assessing enzyme stability, broadening pathogen coverage, and evaluating formulation and storage conditions to define application‑relevant performance and constraints within sustainable antifungal strategies.

Aptasensors are highly valuable tools for detecting antibiotic residues because they combine the specificity of aptamers—synthetic single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can bind tightly to target antibiotics—with the sensitivity of advanced sensor technologies. Antibiotic and cortisol residues in food products, water, and the environment pose significant risks to human health, such as promoting antimicrobial resistance and causing allergic or toxic effects [1, 2].

In this study, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were prepared in the laboratory, starting from a solution of trihydrated gold (III) chloride solution (HAuCl4•3H2O) with a molar concentration of 0.50 mM and from a solution of sodium citrate with a molar concentration of 0.17 M, following a method adapted from the literature [3]. The synthesis was carried at about 98 °C, while the mixture was vigorously magnetically stirred at 950 rpm. The resulting Au NPs, with average diameters varying between 20 and 30 nm, were further functionalized with aptamers in order to develop electrochemical aptasensors for the specific detection of antibiotic and cortisol residues. The functionality of the modified sensors was then confirmed using a variety of characterization and testing methods, such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy (UV-VIS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX).

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