Recent progress on adsorption of cadmium ions from water systems using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as an efficient class of porous materials.

Various articles have been written about MOFs, which are organic-inorganic polymer structures that are unique in three-dimensional porosity, crystalline structure, and their ability to adsorb cadmium ion pollutants from aqueous solutions. These materials possess active metal sites, highly porous structures, high specific surfaces, high chemical functionality, and porous topologies. It is necessary to study adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and mechanisms in order to better understand the adsorption process. Adsorption kinetics can provide information about the adsorption rate and reaction pathway of adsorbents. Adsorption isotherms analyze the possibility of absorbances based on the Gibbs equation and thermodynamic theories. Moreover, in practical applications, knowledge of the adsorption mechanism is essential for predicting adsorption reactions and designing MOFs structures. In this review, the latest suggested adsorption mechanisms, kinetics, and isotherms of MOFs-based materials for removing cadmium ions are presented. A comparison is then conducted between different MOFs and the mechanisms of cadmium ion removal. We also discuss the future role of MOFs in removing environmental contaminants. Lastly, we discuss the gap in research and limitations of MOFs as adsorbents in actual applications, and probable technology development for the development of cost-efficient and sustainable MOFs for metal ion removal.

Green Synthesis of pH-Responsive Metal-Organic Frameworks for Delivery of Diclofenac Sodium.

The current study developed a drug delivery system through the green chemistry-based synthesis of a biologically friendly metal-organic framework (bio-MOF) called Asp-Cu, which included copper ions and the environmentally friendly molecule L(+)-aspartic acid (Asp). For the first time, diclofenac sodium (DS) was loaded onto the synthesized bio-MOF simultaneously. The system's efficiency was then improved by encapsulating it with sodium alginate (SA). FT-IR, SEM, BET, TGA, and XRD analyses confirmed that DS@Cu-ASP was successfully synthesized. DS@Asp-Cu was found to release the total load within 2 h when used with simulated stomach media. This challenge was overcome by coating DS@Cu-ASP with SA (SA@DS@Cu-ASP). SA@DS@Cu-ASP displayed limited drug release at pH 1.2, and a higher percentage of the drug was released at pH 6.8 and 7.4 due to the pH-responsive nature of SA. In vitro cytotoxicity screening showed that SA@DS@Cu-ASP could be an appropriate biocompatible carrier with >90% cell viability. The on-command drug carrier was observed to be more applicable biocompatible with lower toxicity, as well as adequate loading properties and responsiveness, indicating its applicability as a feasible drug carrier with controlled release.

Metal-Organic Frameworks for Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier in the Treatment of Brain Diseases: A Review.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a vital role in safeguarding the central nervous system by selectively controlling the movement of substances between the bloodstream and the brain, presenting a substantial obstacle for the administration of therapeutic agents to the brain. Recent breakthroughs in nanoparticle-based delivery systems, particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), provide promising solutions for addressing the BBB. MOFs have become valuable tools in delivering medications to the brain with their ability to efficiently load drugs, release them over time, and modify their surface properties. This review focuses on the recent advancements in molecular-based approaches for treating brain disorders, such as glioblastoma multiforme, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. This paper highlights the significant impact of MOFs in overcoming the shortcomings of conventional brain drug delivery techniques and provides valuable insights for future research in the field of neurotherapeutics.

Applications, challenges and prospects of superabsorbent polymers based on cellulose derived from lignocellulosic biomass.

The synthetic superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) market is experiencing significant growth, with applications spanning agriculture, healthcare, and civil engineering, projected to increase from $9.0 billion USD in 2019 to $12.9 billion USD by 2024. Despite this positive trend, challenges such as fluctuating raw material costs and lower biodegradability of fossil fuel-based SAPs could impede further expansion. In contrast, cellulose and its derivatives present a sustainable alternative due to their renewable, biodegradable, and abundant characteristics. Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), rich in cellulose and lignin, shows promise as a source for eco-friendly superabsorbent polymer (SAP) production. This review discusses the applications, challenges, and future prospects of SAPs derived from lignocellulosic resources, focusing on the cellulose extraction process through fractionation and various modification and crosslinking techniques. The review underscores the potential of cellulose-based SAPs to meet environmental and market needs, offering a viable path forward in the quest for more sustainable materials.

New metal-organic framework coated sodium alginate for the delivery of curcumin as a sustainable drug delivery and cancer therapy system.

The utilization of biocompatible drug delivery systems with extended drug release capabilities is highly advantageous in cancer therapy, as they can mitigate adverse effects. To establish such a biocompatible system with prolonged drug release behavior, researchers developed an innovative drug carrier. In this study, a sustainable approach was employed to synthesize a new zinc-based metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF) through the reaction between synthesized Schiff base ligands and zinc ions. Comprehensive analyses, including FT-IR, XRD, SEM, BET surface area, and TGA techniques, were employed to thoroughly characterize the frameworks. Following comprehensive characterization, curcumin (CUR) was loaded onto the Zn-MOF, resulting in CUR entrapment efficiency and loading capacity of 79.23 % and 26.11 %, respectively. In vitro evaluations of CUR release from CUR@MOF exhibited controlled release patterns, releasing 78.9 % and 50.0 % of CUR at pH 5.0 and pH 7.4, respectively. To mitigate initial burst release, a coating of the biopolymer sodium alginate (SA) was applied to CUR@Zn-MOF. In vitro CUR release tests indicated that SA/CUR@Zn-MOF outperformed pristine CUR@Zn-MOF. The release of CUR conformed to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, displaying non-Fickian diffusion. Furthermore, an in vitro cytotoxicity study clearly demonstrated the potent anti-tumor activity of the synthesized CUR@Zn-MOF attributed to its controlled release of CUR. This led to the induction of apoptotic effects and cell death across HeLa, HEK293, and SH-SY5Y cell lines. These findings strongly suggest that the developed pH-sensitive carriers hold remarkable potential as targeted vehicles for drug delivery in cancer therapy.

Pectin-Coated Baclofen-Layered Zinc Hydroxide Nanohybrid as a Bio-Based Nanocomposite Carrier for Oral Delivery.

pH-sensitive pectin beads were proposed as a protective capsule for layered zinc hydroxide-drug (LZH-Drug) nanohybrids in the gastrointestinal tract in this paper. Baclofen was intercalated between LZH layers using the co-precipitation method as a model drug. By combining LZH-baclofen with pectin, the resulting nanohybrid (LZH-baclofen) was used to make bio-nanocomposite hydrogel beads. FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses were used to characterize the produced products. Baclofen anions are vertical to the LZH layers in the shape of a monolayer, according to the interlayer space of 19.6Å. The presence of nanocomposites is demonstrated by FTIR, which exhibits a peak at 3489 cm-1 for the OH group, 1564 and 1384 cm-1 for the-COO- vibration mode, indicating that baclofen is intercalated between the layered structures. After intercalation, baclofen's thermal stability is greatly improved. The nanohybrid is more compact, with agglomerates and flat surfaces of the intercalated substance, shown by SEM. In vitro release behaviors of baclofen from LZH and bio-nanocomposites in buffer solution were examined under pH values (pH = 1.2, 6.8, 7.4) chosen from a model of the passing materials through the gastrointestinal tract. For pectin encapsulated LZH-baclofen nanohybrid, drug release studies indicated superior protection against stomach pH and regulated release under intestinal tract conditions. Furthermore, nanohybrid and nanocomposite treatment of a normal fibroblast cell line resulted in cell survival up to 12.5 g/mL for a 24-h period, with inhibition reducing dose-dependently at higher concentrations. A novel intercalation molecule with a sustained release mode and improved toxicity against normal fibroblast cell lines has been produced as a result of the strong host-guest contacts between the LZH lattice and the baclofen anion. Further study into the utilization of brucite-like host materials in drug delivery systems should be based on these findings.

The green synthesis and applications of biological metal-organic frameworks for targeted drug delivery and tumor treatments.

Biological metal-organic frameworks (bio-MOFs) constitute a growing subclass of MOFs composed of metals and bio-ligands derived from biology, such as nucleobases, peptides, saccharides, and amino acids. Bio-ligands are more abundant than other traditional organic ligands, providing multiple coordination sites for MOFs. However, bio-MOFs are typically prepared using hazardous or harmful solvents or reagents, as well as laborious processes that do not conform to environmentally friendly standards. To improve biocompatibility and biosafety, eco-friendly synthesis and functionalization techniques should be employed with mild conditions and safer materials, aiming to reduce or avoid the use of toxic and hazardous chemical agents. Recently, bio-MOF applications have gained importance in some research areas, including imaging, tumor therapy, and targeted drug delivery, owing to their flexibility, low steric hindrances, low toxicity, remarkable biocompatibility, surface property refining, and degradability. This has led to an exponential increase in research on these materials. This paper provides a comprehensive review of updated strategies for the synthesis of environmentally friendly bio-MOFs, as well as an examination of the current progress and accomplishments in green-synthesized bio-MOFs for drug delivery aims and tumor treatments. In conclusion, we consider the challenges of applying bio-MOFs for biomedical applications and clarify the possible research orientation that can lead to highly efficient therapeutic outcomes.

Nanotechnology and quantum science enabled advances in neurological medical applications: diagnostics and treatments.

The beginning of the twenty-first century saw advancements in all areas of life, including medicine and nanotechnology. This review will look at the most recent advances in nanomaterials for diagnostics and treatments. The emphasis is on the application of nanofibers, nanosensors, and quantum dots (QDs) in medication delivery, neuron regeneration, chemical detection, and microelectrode probes. The manufacture of implantable nanofibers and nanosensors based on QDs, and their application-specific features impacting the interface with targeted brain cells were described. The collaborative efforts have helped us to understand the potential of nanostructured materials in fabrication to overcome the limits of micro and bulk materials in treatments and diagnostics. These advancements will eventually lead to using nanostructures, including nanofibers and nanosensors, in high throughput cutting-edge applications. Only when extensive safety investigations have been completed may the use of nanomaterials on an industrial basis be viable. This review discusses the recent advances in the usage of nanostructures and nanoparticles (NPs) for diagnostics and treatments, with a special focus on nanofibers, nanosensors, and quantum dots (QDs) applications in drug delivery, nerve regeneration, chemical detection, and microelectrode probes.

A fully bio-based coating made from alginate, chitosan and hydroxyapatite for protecting flexible polyurethane foam from fire.

The present study reports the successful synthesis of the flame-retardant and smoke-suppressant flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) through a fully bio-based coating. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is added to the solutions containing sodium alginate (SA) and chitosan (CH), respectively, to create negative and positive polyelectrolytes for Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly. The influence of the solution concentrations and bilayers numbers deposited on the flame-retardant and mechanical properties of FPUF samples is investigated systematically. Benefitting from the presence of such a fully bio-based coating, the resultant FPUF affords excellent smoke-suppressant and flame-retardant features. In particular, the FPUF coated by 9 bilayers of HAP-SA/HAP-CH exhibits significantly declined peak heat release rate, total release rate and smoke production release by 77.7 %, 56.5 % and 53.8 %, respectively. The compression test verifies the coated FPUFs exhibit lower recovery properties compared with the uncoated one. These results demonstrate that a green and cost-effective strategy is provided for producing flame-retardant, anti-dripping and smoke-suppressant FPUFs.

Synthesis, identification, and antibacterial activity of new sulfonamide nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles of sulfonamide are prepared by the reaction of a benzenesulfonyl chloride with ammonia or an amine in acetonitrile solvent. The ultrasonic treatment was applied for preparation of nanoparticles. The produced sulfonamide nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and other techniques. The antibacterial activities of sulfonamide nanoparticles derivatives tested against microorganism and compared with bulk forms (non-nano) conditions. The antibacterial activities of synthesized compounds were studied against two Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and two Gram-positive species, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. These compounds antifungal activities have been studied against, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus nigar.