Smart and Multifunctional Materials Based on Electroactive Poly(vinylidene fluoride): Recent Advances and Opportunities in Sensors, Actuators, Energy, Environmental, and Biomedical Applications.

From scientific and technological points of view, poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, is one of the most exciting polymers due to its overall physicochemical characteristics. This polymer can crystalize into five crystalline phases and can be processed in the form of films, fibers, membranes, and specific microstructures, being the physical properties controllable over a wide range through appropriate chemical modifications. Moreover, PVDF-based materials are characterized by excellent chemical, mechanical, thermal, and radiation resistance, and for their outstanding electroactive properties, including high dielectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric response, being the best among polymer systems and thus noteworthy for an increasing number of technologies. This review summarizes and critically discusses the latest advances in PVDF and its copolymers, composites, and blends, including their main characteristics and processability, together with their tailorability and implementation in areas including sensors, actuators, energy harvesting and storage devices, environmental membranes, microfluidic, tissue engineering, and antimicrobial applications. The main conclusions, challenges and future trends concerning materials and application areas are also presented.

Photoactivity of hypericin: from natural product to antifungal application.

Considering the multifaceted and increasing application of photodynamic therapy (PDT), in recent years the antimicrobial employment of this therapy has been highlighted, because of the antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal activities that have already been demonstrated. In this context, research focussed on antimycological action, especially for treatment of superficial infections, presents promising growth due to the characteristics of these infections that facilitate PDT application as new therapeutic options are needed in the field of medical mycology. Among the more than one hundred classes of photosensitizers the antifungal action of hypericin (Hyp) stands out due to its ability to permeate the lipid membrane and accumulate in different cytoplasmic organelles of eukaryotic cells. In this review, we aim to provide a complete overview of the origin, physicochemical characteristics, and optimal alternative drug deliveries that promote the photodynamic action of Hyp (Hyp-PDT) against fungi. Furthermore, considering the lack of a methodological consensus, we intend to compile the best strategies to guide researchers in the antifungal application of Hyp-PDT. Overall, this review provides a future perspective of new studies and clinical possibilities for the advances of such a technique in the treatment of mycoses in humans.

Toluidine blue O directly and photodynamically impairs the bioenergetics of liver mitochondria: a potential mechanism of hepatotoxicity.

Toluidine blue O (TBO) is a phenothiazine dye that, due to its photochemical characteristics and high affinity for biomembranes, has been revealed as a new photosensitizer (PS) option for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT). This points to a possible association with membranous organelles like mitochondrion. Therefore, here we investigated its effects on mitochondrial bioenergetic functions both in the dark and under photostimulation. Two experimental systems were utilized: (a) isolated rat liver mitochondria and (b) isolated perfused rat liver. Our data revealed that, independently of photostimulation, TBO presented affinity for mitochondria. Under photostimulation, TBO increased the protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation levels (up to 109.40 and 119.87%, respectively) and decreased the reduced glutathione levels (59.72%) in mitochondria. TBO also uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation and photoinactivated the respiratory chain complexes I, II, and IV, as well as the FoF1-ATP synthase complex. Without photostimulation, TBO caused uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and loss of inner mitochondrial membrane integrity and inhibited very strongly succinate oxidase activity. TBO's uncoupling effect was clearly seen in intact livers where it stimulated oxygen consumption at concentrations of 20 and 40 µM. Additionally, TBO (40 µM) reduced cellular ATP levels (52.46%) and ATP/ADP (45.98%) and ATP/AMP (74.17%) ratios. Consequently, TBO inhibited gluconeogenesis and ureagenesis whereas it stimulated glycogenolysis and glycolysis. In conclusion, we have revealed for the first time that the efficiency of TBO as a PS may be linked to its ability to photodynamically inhibit oxidative phosphorylation. In contrast, TBO is harmful to mitochondrial energy metabolism even without photostimulation, which may lead to adverse effects when used in PDT.

Temporal trends of persistent organic pollutant contamination in Franciscana dolphins from the Southwestern Atlantic.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were analyzed in 136 blubber samples of Franciscana dolphins from Brazil (Pontoporia blainvillei), which is the most threatened dolphin in the Southwestern Atlantic. The dolphins were caught by the fishery fleet and collected from 2000 to 2018 in three regions of São Paulo state: northern São Paulo (SPN), central São Paulo (SPC), and southern São Paulo (SPS). The POPs analyzed in this study were polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs), Mirex, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), chlordane compounds (CHLs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The concentrations ranged from 36 to 7200 ng g-1 lipid weight (lw) and 113-42200 ng g-1 lw for predominant compounds DDTs and PCBs, respectively. Similar profiles of PCB congeners were observed with a predominance of hexachlorinated compounds, representing approximately 50% of the total PCB amount; the highest PCB concentrations were observed from Baixada Santista (SPC) proximate to a highly urbanized and industrial coastal area. Significant differences were observed between the sexes and maturity of dolphins, mainly for PCBs, DDTs, and Mirex. In general, POPs other than HCB in Franciscana dolphins showed downward temporal trends, matching the regulatory periods for restricting and/or banning these compounds. Although POP concentrations are declining, PCB levels remain high in small dolphins, suggesting adverse health effects on Franciscanas. As organic contaminants are one of the numerous threats Franciscanas have been vulnerable to along the Brazilian coast, we recommend monitoring POPs levels every five years to check for declining (or stabilizing) trends.

Innovative Microemulsion Loaded with Unusual Dimeric Flavonoids from Fridericia platyphylla (Cham.) L.G. Lohmann Roots.

Fridericia platyphylla (Cham.) L.G. Lohmann is a species native to the Brazilian cerrado, with promising bioactivity. The organic fraction of the roots is rich in unusual dimeric flavonoids, reported as potential candidates for cancer treatment. The exploration of these flavonoids is very important, considering their diverse biological activities and the need for innovative therapeutic options. This work aimed to develop and characterize a microemulsion loaded with a non-polar fraction (DCM). The constituents were chosen, and the pseudo-ternary diagram was constructed to determine the region of microemulsion formation. The microemulsions blank (ME), with 3% (ME3) and 5% (ME5) of fraction DCM, were characterized in terms of droplet size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. Both MEs showed particle sizes <100 nm; only ME3 exhibited better values for polydispersity index and zeta potential and was therefore selected for further study. The organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics were evaluated, revealing limpidity and transparency typical of these microstructures, physiologically acceptable pH, refractive index of 1.42±0.01, and density of 1.017 g/cm3±0.01. The stability tests showed good stability profiles even after exposure to extreme thermal conditions, with minimal changes in pH and the content of the incorporated fraction. The in vitro release study demonstrated that ME3 enabled the controlled release of the fraction, with a cumulative amount released over 60% within 6 h. Furthermore, fraction DCM and ME3 exhibited no toxicity in Tenebrio molitor larvae. The developed microemulsion exhibited excellent properties, so this study represents the first successful attempt to develop a formulation that incorporates the dimeric flavonoid fraction.

Optimizing Active Sites for High CO Selectivity during CO2 Hydrogenation over Supported Nickel Catalysts.

Controlling the selectivity of CO2 hydrogenation catalysts is a fundamental challenge. In this study, the selectivity of supported Ni catalysts prepared by the traditional impregnation method was found to change after a first CO2 hydrogenation reaction cycle from 100 to 800 °C. The usually high CH4 formation was suppressed leading to full selectivity toward CO. This behavior was also observed after the catalyst was treated under methane or propane atmospheres at elevated temperatures. In situ spectroscopic studies revealed that the accumulation of carbon species on the catalyst surface at high temperatures leads to a nickel carbide-like phase. The catalyst regains its high selectivity to CH4 production after carbon depletion from the surface of the Ni particles by oxidation. However, the selectivity readily shifts back toward CO formation after exposing the catalysts to a new temperature-programmed CO2 hydrogenation cycle. The fraction of weakly adsorbed CO species increases on the carbide-like surface when compared to a clean nickel surface, explaining the higher selectivity to CO. This easy protocol of changing the surface of a common Ni catalyst to gain selectivity represents an important step for the commercial use of CO2 hydrogenation to CO processes toward high-added-value products.

Hypericin photodynamic activity in DPPC liposomes - part II: stability and application in melanoma B16-F10 cancer cells.

Hypericin (Hyp) is considered a promising photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), due to its high hydrophobicity, affinity for cell membranes, low toxicity and high photooxidation activity. In this study, Hyp photophysical properties and photodynamic activity against melanoma B16-F10 cells were optimized using DPPC liposomes (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) as a drug delivery system. This nanoparticle is used as a cell membrane biomimetic model and solubilizes hydrophobic drugs. Hyp oxygen singlet lifetime (τ) in DPPC was approximately two-fold larger than that in P-123 micelles (Pluronic™ surfactants), reflecting a more hydrophobic environment provided by the DPPC liposome. On the other hand, singlet oxygen quantum yield values (ΦΔ1O2) in DPPC and P-123 were similar; Hyp molecules were preserved as monomers. The Hyp/DPPC liposome aqueous dispersion was stable during fluorescence emission and the liposome diameter remained stable for at least five days at 30 °C. However, the liposomes collapsed after the lyophilization/rehydration process, which was resolved by adding the lyoprotectant Trehalose to the liposome dispersion before lyophilization. Cell viability of the Hyp/DPPC formulation was assessed against healthy HaCat cells and high-metastatic melanoma B16-F10 cells. Hyp incorporated into the DPPC carrier presented a higher selectivity index than the Hyp sample previously solubilized in ethanol under the illumination effect. Moreover, the IC50 was lower for Hyp in DPPC than for Hyp pre-solubilized in ethanol. These results indicate the potential of the formulation of Hyp/DPPC for future biomedical applications in PDT treatment.

Hypericin photodynamic activity. Part III: in vitro evaluation in different nanocarriers against trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Chagas is a parasitic endemic disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It represents a strong threat to public health due to its strong resistance against commonly available drugs. We studied the in vitro ability to inactivate the trypomastigote form of this parasite using photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms (or antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy, aPDT). For this, we chose to use the photosensitizer hypericin (Hyp) formulated in ethanol/water (1% v/v) and Hyp loaded in the dispersion of different aqueous nanocarrier systems. These included polymeric micelles of F-127 and P-123 (both Pluronic™ surfactants), and liposomal vesicles of phospholipid 2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC). These systems with Hyp had their activity compared against trypomastigote forms under light and in the dark. Hyp revealed a high level of effectiveness to eradicate protozoa in vitro. Samples at concentrations higher than 0.8 µmol L-1 of Hyp in Pluronic micelles showed efficacy even in the dark, with the EC50 around (6-8) µmol L-1. Therefore, Hyp/Pluronics can be used also as a chemotherapeutic agent. The best result for EC50 is at approximately 0.31 µmol L-1 for illuminated systems of Hyp in F-127 micelles. For Hyp in P-123 micelles under light, the results also led to a low EC50 value of 0.36 µmol L-1. The highest value of EC50 was 2.22 µmol L-1, which was found for Hyp/DPPC liposomes under light. For the Hyp-free (ethanol/water, 1% v/v)/illuminated group, the EC50 value was 0.37 µmol L-1, which also is a value that shows effectiveness. However, in free-form, Hyp is not protected against blood components, unlike when Hyp is loaded into the nanocarriers.

The normal electrocardiograms in the conscious newborn lambs in neonatal period and its progression.

BACKGROUND: Veterinary cardiology, especially electrocardiography, has shown major advancements for all animal species. Consequently, the number of ovine species used as experimental animals has increased to date. Few studies have been published on ovine systematic electrocardiography, particularly with respect to lamb physiology and neonatology. This study aimed to standardize the values of normal waves, complexes, and intervals of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in clinically Bergamasca healthy neonatal lambs, used as experimental animals. Serial computerized electrocardiography was performed in 10 male and 12 female neonates on the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and 35th days of age. The following parameters were analyzed: heart rate and rhythm, duration and amplitude of waves, duration of intervals, and heart electrical axis. RESULTS: During the first 35 days of life, (1) the sinusal heart rhythm was predominant, (2) there was a progressive decrease in the heart rate and R and T wave amplitude, and (3) a progressive increase in the PR, QT, and RR intervals. Finally, we confirmed that various components of neonatal evolution were more discernible in the augmented unipolar leads (aVF), which we recommend should be preferentially used in future studies. No significant statistical alterations were observed between males and females in relation to the analyzed parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The information assimilated in this study is anticipated to enhance the diagnosis of multiple congenital heart defects in Bergamasca lambs and could be implemented in studies that use ovine species as experimental models.

In situ study of copper reduction in SrTi1-xCuxO3 nanoparticles.

Perovskite strontium titanate is a promising functional material for gas sensors and catalysis applications. Herein, we report the preparation of SrTi1-xCuxO3 nanoparticles with Cu doped in the B sites using a modified polymeric precursor method. This study describes in detail the structural and local atomic configurations for the substitution of Cu into the titanium sites and its reducibility using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission gun scanning and transmission electron microscopies (FEG-SEM and TEM), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) analyses. Our results indicate that copper is segregated for x≥ 0.06. After exposing the samples to a hydrogen-rich atmosphere at temperatures over 500 K, copper is reduced from Cu(2+) to metallic Cu. This reduction was attributed to copper atoms that originated primarily from the CuO phase.

Structural, optical and photoelectrochemical characterizations of monoclinic Ta3N5 thin films.

Monoclinic Ta3N5 thin films were synthesized by thermal nitridation of amorphous Ta2O5 films directly sputtered by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The samples were studied by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry, rietveld refinements, spectroscopic ellipsometry and electrochemical techniques. The surface composition of Ta3N5 thin film was found to be different than the underlying film, affecting the optical properties of the material. Rietveld refinement has confirmed that the nitridation process results in Schottky and oxygen substitutional defects within the crystalline structure of monoclinic Ta3N5 thin film. The optical constants of the film were obtained by spectroscopic ellipsometry within a spectral range of 4.60-0.54 eV, i.e. 270-2300 nm. The suitable parameterization was found to consist of three Tauc-Lorentz and one Lorentz oscillators. The conduction band, valence band and the flat band positions were determined by photoelectrochemical techniques, presenting a strong dependence on pH of the eletrolyte. Improved photocurrent was obtained in alkaline conditions and attributed to the shorter depletion region width measured by Mott-Schottky and the lower recombination life time measured by open circuit potential decay analyses.

Tubular dysfunction in renal transplant patients using sirolimus or tacrolimus.

BACKGROUND: Tubular dysfunction is prevalent among kidney transplant patients using calcineurin inhibitors, but our knowledge of the tubular effects of mTOR inhibitors is more limited. METHODS: 60 kidney transplant outpatients using either the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus or the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus were investigated for renal tubular dysfunction. Proximal tubule function was assessed by quantification of albumin and ß2-microglobulin, tubular reabsorption of phosphate and fractional excretion of bicarbonate. Distal tubular function was evaluated by water deprivation test and by urinary acidification test using furosemide and fludrocortisone for pH, ammonium and titratable acidity measurements. RESULTS: The prevalence of distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) was 17% for both treatment groups. 70% of patients treated with sirolimus and 94% using tacrolimus presented with urine concentrating defect (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Distal RTA and urine concentrating defect were highly prevalent after kidney transplantation both in the sirolimus and tacrolimus treated patients. Acidification test was essential for the appropriate diagnosis of dRTA while dipstick urine specific gravity test was able to detect urine concentrating defect in this population.

Early withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitor from a sirolimus-based immunosuppression stabilizes fibrosis and the transforming growth factor-ß signalling pathway in kidney transplant.

AIM: The focus in renal transplantation is to increase long-term allograft survival. One of the limiting factors is calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-induced fibrosis. This study attempted to examine the histological aspect of interstitial fibrosis and the modulation of the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) canonical signalling pathway following early withdrawal of CNI from sirolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy. METHODS: Forty-five kidney transplant recipients with low-medium immunologic risk were randomized and underwent protocol biopsies obtained at the time of transplantation and at 3 and 12 months thereafter. The recipients were taking tacrolimus, sirolimus and prednisone. After the 3rd month, patients were randomized into two groups: sirolimus (SRL) (removed CNI and increased sirolimus) and tacrolimus (TAC) (maintained CNI). Renal biopsies were analyzed according to Banff's 2007 criteria. The sum of Banff's ct and ci constituted the chronicity index. Fibrosis was evaluated by the histomorphometrical analysis of the total collagen and myofibroblast deposition. Immunohistochemical characterization and quantification of TGF-ß, TGF-ß receptor 1 (TGF-ß-R1), receptor 2 (TGF-ß-R2) and phospho-Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) were performed. RESULTS: Maintenance of CNI was associated with the increase of the surface density of collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), (P = 0.001). Furthermore, increased TGF-ß (P = 0.02), TGF-ß-R1 (P = 0.02), p-Smad2/3 (P = 0.03) and stabilized TGF-ß-R2. On the other hand, the removal of CNI with increase in the dose of sirolimus limited the enhancement of the chronicity index at 12 m (SRL, 2.18 vs TAC, 3.12, P = 0.0007), diminished the deposition of fibrosis and promoted the stabilization of TGF-ß, TGF-ß-R2, p-Smad2/3 and myofibroblasts as well as the reduction of TGF-ß-R1 (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The early withdrawal of CNI limited the fibrosis progression through the stabilization of chronicity index and of the canonical TGF-ß signalling pathway.

Insights into the active surface species formed on Ta2O5 nanotubes in the catalytic oxidation of CO.

Freestanding Ta2O5 nanotubes were prepared by an anodizing method. As-anodized amorphous nanotubes were calcined at high temperature to obtain a crystalline phase. All materials were studied by means of BET analysis, XRD, TEM, SEM, XPS, and FTIR and were evaluated in the catalytic oxidation of CO. An XPS study confirmed the formation of different tantalum surface species after high temperature treatment of amorphous Ta2O5 nanotubes. Calcination at 800 °C generated Ta(4+) while higher temperature (1000 °C) treatment led to the formation of Ta(3+) species. These materials also showed significant differences in catalytic activity. Higher activity was observed for samples calcined at 800 °C than at 1000 °C, suggesting that Ta(4+) species are active sites for CO oxidation.

Design of Liquid Formulation Based on F127-Loaded Natural Dimeric Flavonoids as a New Perspective Treatment for Leishmaniasis.

Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (IPD) remain a challenge for medicine due to several interconnected reasons, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is an overlooked IPD causing persistent skin ulcers that are challenging to heal, resulting in disfiguring scars. Moreover, it has the potential to extend from the skin to the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and throat in both humans and various animals. Given the limited effectiveness and AMR of current drugs, the exploration of new substances has emerged as a promising alternative for ATL treatment. Arrabidaea brachypoda (DC). Bureau is a native Brazilian plant rich in dimeric flavonoids, including Brachydin (BRA), which displays antimicrobial activity, but still little has been explored regarding the development of therapeutic formulations. In this work, we present the design of a low-cost liquid formulation based on the use of Pluronic F127 for encapsulation of high BRA concentration (LF-B500). The characterization techniques revealed that BRA-loaded F127 micelles are well-stabilized in an unusual worm-like form. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that LF-B500 was non-toxic to macrophages but efficient in the inactivation of forms of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes with IC50 of 16.06 µg/mL. The results demonstrated that LF-B500 opened a new perspective on the use of liquid formulation-based natural products for ATL treatment.

A qualitative seminested PCR assay as an alternative to urine cytology for BK polyomavirus screening after renal transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) is a major cause of graft dysfunction after kidney transplantation. Therefore, routine screening for BK polyomavirus (BKV) infection with urine cytology or quantitative PCR-based assays has been recommended. Although less expensive than quantitative tests, qualitative PCR assays are not recommended for screening based on the assumption that their diagnostic accuracy is inferior to urine cytology. However, studies comparing the performance of both methods are scarce. METHODS: We compared the accuracy between a qualitative seminested PCR (snPCR) assay and urine cytology for the screening of BKV viruria in 104 renal transplant recipients. RESULTS: The snPCR assay was more sensitive than cytology (100 and 61%, respectively), yielding better negative predictive value (100 vs. 90%). In 7 (39%) of the 18 PVAN cases, BKV infection was detected exclusively by snPCR. Although the specificity of snPCR (63%) was lower than cytology (74%), their positive predictive values were similar (36 vs. 33%, respectively). In ROC curve analysis, the accuracy of snPCR was significantly higher (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: This qualitative snPCR assay was more accurate than urine cytology for the detection of BKV viruria in renal transplant patients.

Prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection in kidney transplant recipients.

In this cross-sectional study, 207 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative kidney transplant recipients were evaluated based on demographic and epidemiological data and on the levels of serological markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus infection and liver enzymes. Patients with HBV or human immunodeficiency virus infection were excluded. Sera were analysed for the presence of HBV-DNA. HBV-DNA was detected in two patients (1%), indicating occult hepatitis B (OHB) infection (the HBV-DNA loads were 3.1 and 3.5 IU/mL in these patients). The results of the liver function tests were normal and no serological markers indicative of HBV infection were detected. The prevalence of OHB infection was low among kidney transplant recipients, most likely due to the low HBsAg endemicity in the general population of the study area.

Development of Environmentally Responsive Self-Emulsifying System Containing Copaiba Oil-Resin for Leishmaniasis Oral Treatment.

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa species of the Leishmania genus, and the current treatments face several difficulties and obstacles. Most anti-leishmanial drugs are administered intravenously, showing many side effects and drug resistance. The discovery of new anti-leishmanial compounds and the development of new pharmaceutical systems for more efficient and safer treatments are necessary. Copaiba oil-resin (CO) has been shown to be a promising natural compound against leishmaniasis. However, CO displays poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) can provide platforms for release of hydrophobic compounds in the gastrointestinal tract, improving their aqueous solubilization, absorption and bioavailability. Therefore, the present work aimed to develop SEDDS containing CO and Soluplus® surfactant for the oral treatment of leishmaniasis. The design of the systems was accomplished using ternary phase diagrams. Emulsification and dispersion time tests were used to investigate the emulsification process in gastric and intestinal environments. The formulations were nanostructured and improved the CO solubilization. Their in vitro antiproliferative activity against promastigote forms of L. amazonensis and L. infantum, and low in vitro cytotoxicity against macrophages were also observed. More studies are necessary to determine effectiveness of SOL in these systems, which can be candidates for further pharmacokinetics and in vivo investigations.

Influence of Solvent Evaporation Temperature on the Performance of Ternary Solid Polymer Electrolytes Based on Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) Combining an Ionic Liquid and a Zeolite.

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) will allow improving safety and durability in next-generation solid-state lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Within the SPE class, ternary composites are a suitable approach as they provide high room-temperature ionic conductivity and excellent cycling and electrochemical stability. In this work, ternary SPEs based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) as a polymer host, clinoptilolite (CPT) zeolite, and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ([Bmim][SCN])) ionic liquid (IL) as fillers were produced by solvent evaporation at different temperatures (room temperature, 80, 120, and 160 °C). Solvent evaporation temperature affects the morphology, degree of crystallinity, and mechanical properties of the samples as well as the ionic conductivity and lithium transference number. The highest ionic conductivity (1.2 × 10-4 S·cm-1) and lithium transference number (0.66) have been obtained for the SPE prepared at room temperature and 160 °C, respectively. Charge-discharge battery tests show the highest value of discharge capacity of 149 and 136 mAh·g-1 at C/10 and C/2 rates, respectively, for the SPE prepared at 160 °C. We conclude that the fine control of the solvent evaporation temperature during the preparation of the SPE allows us to optimize solid-state battery performance.