Desalination via reverse osmosis is emerging as a key technology in response to the growing scarcity of freshwater resources. However, conventional membranes still face limitations in terms of durability, fouling, and low ion selectivity. This study aims to develop hybrid membranes based on cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and graphene oxide (GO), in order to simultaneously optimize permeability, thermal stability, and salt retention. The membranes were prepared by phase inversion from polymer formulations incorporating GO, and characterized using FTIR, DSC, filtration tests (pure and saline water), and water absorption measurements. The results demonstrate high chemical compatibility among the components, with the formation of stabilizing hydrogen bonds. The AP-GOf membrane (CA/CAP with functionalized GO) showed the highest permeability (23.75 L/m2hbar), while the hybrid membrane based on cellulose acetate (CA, 12 wt%), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP, 5 wt%), and graphene oxide (GO) exhibited the best trade-off between water flux (94.32 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ at 15 bar) and ion retention (70.7% Mg²⁺, 57% Ca²⁺, 54.8% NaCl). Increasing the CA content improved selectivity, while the plasticizing effect of CAP and the structuring role of GO enhanced permeability. These findings indicate that fine-tuning the polymer/GO ratios allows tailoring membrane performance to specific needs. In conclusion, the A12%-P5%-GO membrane represents a promising solution for sustainable brackish water desalination, combining effective separation performance with environmental compliance.

Palladium, iridium and iridium-palladium particles were applied to ordered mesoporous carbon material CMK-3 by a simple hydrothermal method. Iridium particles with a diameter of 3-6 nm were formed on the carbon material upon reduction from aqueous solutions of potassium hexachloroiridate(IV) by sodium tetrahydroxoborate in alkaline media at a temperature of 180 °C. Palladium particles had a wide size distribution from 3 to 40 nm and were obtained by decomposition of an alkaline solution of tetraamminepalladium(II) chloride in an autoclave. The corresponding reflections of metal phases were detected by X-ray phase analysis. The proportion of metallic Ir and Pd on the surface was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and amounted to 25% and 75%, respectively. After bombardment with argon ions for 1 minute, the surface fraction of iridium was more than 50%, and that of palladium was more than 90%. The obtained catalysts were used in the process of reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of birch wood, which allowed to effectively separate lignocellulosic biomass into valuable chemical products. The use of catalysts based on Pd and Pd-Ir led to a significant increase in the yield of liquid products (up to 58.6% by weight) and a decrease in the lignin content in the solid residue (up to 6.0% by weight). The highest wood conversion (60.7% by weight) was achieved using the Pd/CMK-3 catalyst. The results of the work demonstrate the prospects for using the synthesized catalysts for sustainable processing of biomass into valuable chemical products.

The sol-gel method was employed to synthesize silica nanoparticles on cotton fabric using two precursors: tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and sodium silicate, under acidic and basic conditions, in order to compare their effects on the fabrics’ properties. This method aimed to simplify the synthesis process, thereby reducing the number of steps and associated costs. Additionally, the physical and chemical properties of the treated fabrics were studied. Various analytical techniques were used to evaluate the properties, including the water drop test, X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The flame-retardant properties were also investigated through the char yield method. Morphological analysis showed that the nanoparticles were spherical, and the acidity or alkalinity of the medium influenced particle formation. The use of acid or base as a catalyst affected nanoparticle formation. XRD patterns revealed typical broad peaks, indicating the amorphous nature of the synthesized nanoparticles. ICP analysis confirmed the stability of nanoparticles on the fabrics after washing. In situ synthesis of SiO2 nanoparticles significantly enhanced the fabric's flame retardant properties, although the residual char increased. The water drop test demonstrated an improvement in the fabric's hydrophilic properties. The mechanical properties of the treated fabrics were examined and the properties were generally improved.

Considering the worldwide trend of embracing recycling for a greener future, this study transforms cotton-based textile waste into eco-friendly carbon black. It reports an innovative synthesis of carbon black from 100% cotton-based post-consumer textile waste by pyrolysis in an inert nitrogen environment at three temperatures. The synthesized carbon black was applied as a reinforcing material in epoxy resin composites in five different concentrations. Commercial carbon black N-660 was used as a benchmark material. The best results were exhibited by carbon black when synthesized at 950 °C. Morphology analysis confirmed the agglomerate formation of commercial carbon black and the dispersed nature of the prepared carbon black. Raman analysis confirmed defect reduction and increased graphitization of carbon black by increasing pyrolysis temperature. Also, the epoxy composites exhibited improved mechanical properties after the addition of the cotton-based carbon black. Overall, the post-consumer textile waste was successfully converted into valuable textile composites with enhanced properties.

Colon-specific drug delivery has emerged as a promising strategy for treating colonic diseases while minimizing systemic side effects. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the development of phytochemical-based nanoparticles that offer enhanced targeting, improved drug stability, and controlled release profiles. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of plant-derived phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, and their application in nanoparticle systems for colon-targeted therapy. The unique bioactive properties, biocompatibility, and low toxicity of phytochemicals make them ideal candidates for nanoparticulate formulations. The review discusses various nanocarrier systems including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, micelles, and silica-based nanoparticles, emphasizing their role in enhancing the solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of encapsulated phytochemicals. It also explores preparative methods, such as nanoprecipitation, ionotropic gelation, and solvent evaporation. Moreover, synergistic combinations of phytochemicals with chemotherapeutic agents in multifunctional nanoparticles demonstrate improved outcomes against diseases like colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. Despite encouraging progress, challenges such as clinical translation, reproducibility, and large-scale manufacturing remain. Overall, phytochemical-based nanoparticles hold immense potential to revolutionize colon-specific drug delivery, offering a safe and effective platform for localized and personalized therapy.

Quality by Design (QbD) is a structured, scientifically driven methodology aimed at ensuring product quality through well-defined objectives and proactive risk management. In the present work, a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RPHPLC) method was developed and optimized following QbD principles for the precise quantification of rutin in its bulk form, as well as in lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticle (LPHN) formulations. Optimization was guided by Box Behnken design using Design Expert® software, which enabled systematic evaluation of three critical analytical parameters. The developed method demonstrated linearity within a concentration range of 10–50 μg/mL. System suitability testing showed a theoretical plate count of 7033 and a tailing factor of 1.12, both within acceptable analytical limits. High precision was confirmed by relative standard deviation (%RSD) values below 1%, while robustness was maintained with variability restricted to under 2%. The quantitative analysis yielded a rutin recovery rate of 98.78 ± 0.61%, with no interference from nearby eluting peaks. Validation of the method adhered strictly to ITH Q2(R1) guidelines, confirming the method’s suitability across key parameters, such as accuracy, linearity, precision, robustness, and specificity. This QbD-driven development approach provided a clear insight into variable interactions and enabled the creation of a dependable, reproducible, and accurate analytical method well-suited for application in pharmaceutical formulation development and quality control processes.

Naringenin (NR), a bioactive flavonoid with antioxidant and therapeutic potential, has limited pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications owing to its poor water solubility and stability. To overcome these challenges, this study presents a novel core-shell nanocarrier system comprising zein (Zn) nanoparticles coated with calcium-crosslinked gellan gum (GG) for enhanced NR stability and sustained release. Zn-NR-GG nanoparticles were formulated via anti-solvent precipitation and calcium-mediated gelation, resulting in a uniform gel network with an average size of 234 nm. The GG shell provides structural integrity, preventing nanoparticle aggregation and enzymatic degradation under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The nanoparticles exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (>91%), enhanced antioxidant activity, and a controlled NR release profile of 56.66 ± 0.11% over 4 h. The stability assessments demonstrated resistance to thermal, ionic, and pH variations, underscoring their robustness for bioactive delivery. The integration of protein-polysaccharide interactions with calcium-induced gelation offers an effective strategy for improving NR solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy. This study highlights Zn-NR-GG nanoparticles as promising polymeric biomaterials for controlled nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

Double-network (DN) hydrogels combine two interpenetrating polymer networks with contrasting roles: a brittle, rigid primary network that dissipates energy through sacrificial bond breakage, and a flexible secondary network that maintains integrity. This architecture imparts exceptional toughness, stretchability, and crack resistance, making DN hydrogels valuable for biomedical, soft robotics, and energy-storage applications. Incorporating natural polymers, particularly nanostructured biopolymers like nanocellulose, enhances biocompatibility, sustainability, and tunability. This review outlines DN hydrogel design principles and nanocellulose structures, focusing on their role in polyacrylamide (PAM) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices. Emphasis is placed on how cellulose nanofibers (CNF) improve mechanical strength, stability, and dynamic response through entanglement, hydrogen bonding, and nanoconfinement. The review concludes with challenges and future opportunities for nanocellulose-based DN hydrogels in multifunctional and sustainable material design.

This study explores the dyeing of hemp fabric, a natural cellulosic material, using henna as a natural dye in a supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) medium. Given the significant environmental impact of conventional textile finishing, the research aims to provide an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize dyeing conditions, focusing on temperature, pressure, and time. The dyed samples were evaluated in terms of color fastness properties to assess the dye uptake and performance. The results showed that efficient dyeing was achieved without water, with maximum color strength (K/S value) at 120 °C, 21 MPa, and 90 minutes. The experimental K/S value closely matched the predicted value, validating the model's accuracy. Overall, the study demonstrated that natural dyeing of hemp in scCO₂ is feasible and sustainable, offering a waterless and environmentally friendly alternative for textile coloration.

Recognized for its potential for over 50 years, chitosan continues to captivate researchers aiming to develop innovative biomaterials across a wide spectrum of applications including biomedicine, agriculture, environmental protection, cosmetics, and food technology. Following extensive investigations into its safety, properties, and possible uses, chitosan has now entered a phase of maturity, where the focus shifts toward translating research into market-ready products. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive understanding of the influence of the structural parameters of chitosan on its functional properties is necessary. These parameters, which are highly dependent on the source and method of preparation, significantly affect not only physicochemical characteristics, such as crystallinity, solubility, and viscosity, but also key bioactivities including biodegradability, antimicrobial efficacy, hemostatic potential, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this context, the present review aims to provide an analysis of the relationship between structural parameters of chitosan and its properties, offering a valuable insight into the rational design of chitosan-based products with real-world applicability.