jablonkagroup/rise_ai_scientists huggingface dataset:
Authors: Giovanni Gallo | Emma Piccoli | Luca Bombardi | Martina Aulitto | Salvatore Fusco
Source: FEBS Open Bio (article, 2026-03-27)
Field: Materials Science — Biomaterials

Enzymatic and microbial routes to bioplastics: The green chemistry frontier of biopolymers The rapid escalation of global plastic consumption, coupled with the environmental impacts of petrochemical polymers, has sparked a surge of interest in bioplastics, particularly those derived from microbial and enzymatic processes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the metabolic pathways, structural properties and emerging technological innovations shaping the next generation of bioplastics, with a particular focus on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The following sections outline the conceptual distinctions between bio-based and biodegradable plastics, the key bacterial pathways responsible for the biosynthesis of PHA, PLA precursors, bacterial cellulose, microbial polyamides and other bio-derived polymers. The physicochemical and morphological features of PHA-based materials are analysed as well. These features include monomer composition, crystallinity, copolymer architecture and molecular weight. The relationship between these features and the mechanical and thermal performance of the materials is then investigated. A dedicated section is allocated to recent advances in in vitro enzymatic PHA synthesis, covering PHA synthase (PhaC) classes, engineered variants, cell-free metabolic engineering platforms, enzyme immobilisation and surface-display strategies that enable fully programmable and modular polymerisation. Finally, we discuss future perspectives, with particular emphasis on sustainable feedstocks, process intensification through synthetic biology, techno-economic challenges and the regulatory landscape required for large-scale adoption. The present review integrates biochemical, structural and bioprocessing insights to map current progress and identify strategic directions for enabling enzymatic bioplastics as scalable, customisable and environmentally sound alternatives within a circular bioeconomy framework. Impact statement This review highlights recent advances in microbial and enzymatic routes for producing polyhydroxyalkanoate-based bioplastics, with emphasis on engineered enzymes and cell-free systems. By integrating biochemical and bioprocess insights, it outlines strategies to enable scalable and sustainable biopolymer production within a circular bioeconomy. Bioplastic ; Metabolic engineering ; Bioprocess ; Petrochemical ; Polyhydroxyalkanoates ; Sustainability ; Environmentally friendly biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties ; Microplastics and Plastic Pollution ; Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Yerbolat Makhambetov | Azamat Burumbayev | Bauyrzhan Kelamanov | Sultan Kabylkanov | Armat Zhakan | А. С. Ахметов | Zhadiger Sadyk | Onuralp Yücel | S. K. Mukanov
Source: Processes (article, 2026-02-04)
Field: Materials Science — Ceramics and Composites

Synthesis of Silicon Carbide from Technogenic Waste: A Large-Scale Laboratory Study This study presents the results of an investigation into the carbothermic synthesis of silicon carbide (SiC) from microsilica and petroleum coke. The research combines thermodynamic modeling with experimental validation conducted in an ore-thermal furnace. Thermodynamic calculations were performed using the HSC Chemistry 10 software package to evaluate the influence of temperature and the SiO2/C ratio on phase formation and the conditions of SiC synthesis. The results show that the synthesis process exhibits a strong dependence on temperature and is largely governed by the carbon balance of the charge. At an SiO2/C ratio of 1, the system is carbon-rich, which promotes effective reduction of silicon dioxide. However, at elevated temperatures, these conditions intensify gas-phase reactions and lead to increased silicon losses. The most favorable conditions for silicon carbide formation were achieved at an SiO2/C ratio of 1.5, which is close to the stoichiometric value. This conclusion is confirmed by the maximum degree of SiC recovery obtained under experimental conditions. In contrast, at an SiO2/C ratio of 2, carbon deficiency results in incomplete reduction in SiO2 and a lower yield of the target product. The phase composition of the synthesized samples was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, revealing β-SiC as the dominant crystalline phase. The morphology and structure of the materials were examined using scanning electron microscopy, which confirmed the formation of SiC particles and aggregates with characteristic features. A comparison between calculated and experimental results demonstrates that thermodynamic modeling adequately describes the main trends of the process and can be effectively applied to optimize SiC synthesis conditions during the processing of technogenic silica-containing waste. Silicon carbide ; Silicon ; Carbon fibers ; Yield (engineering) ; Stoichiometry ; Carbide ; Phase (matter) Advanced ceramic materials synthesis ; Recycling and utilization of industrial and municipal waste in materials production ; Coal and Its By-products
Authors: Ziyue Fu | Ling Chen | Lingjiang Mo | Yuefu Zhan | Liheng Ma
Source: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (article, 2026-01-12)
Field: Materials Science — Materials Chemistry

Cerium oxide nanoparticles for enhanced healing of diabetic foot ulcers One of the main complications of diabetes is diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which have a substantial global impact on morbidity, medical expenses, and lower limb amputations. A complicated microenvironment-characterized by bacterial infections, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and poor angiogenesis impedes the healing process of DFUs. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles), owing to their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, have emerged as a promising treatment. These nanoparticles can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue regeneration by modulating macrophage polarization and promoting angiogenesis. However, limitations such as poor biocompatibility, aggregation, and dose-dependent toxicity hinder their clinical application. Recent advances in coating strategies-including polymeric, natural biomolecule, and hybrid coatings have improved the stability, targeting, and controlled release of CeO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles. This review discusses the design, therapeutic mechanisms, and safety considerations of coated CeO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles in DFU treatment, with emphasis on combination therapies and smart-responsive coatings. Clinical translation challenges and future research directions are also addressed. Cerium oxide ; Diabetic foot ; Diabetes mellitus ; Nanoparticle ; Regeneration (biology) ; Reactive oxygen species ; Wound healing ; Coating Advanced Nanomaterials in Catalysis ; Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics ; Graphene and Nanomaterials Applications
Authors: Shuaiqi Meng | Z Li | Yuncheng Du | Xiao Cheng | Binbin Nian | Shan Fu | Xiaofei Song | Haiyang Cui
Source: Angewandte Chemie International Edition (article, 2026-01-16)
Field: Chemistry — Inorganic Chemistry

Empowering Precision C–H Functionalization: Advances in Peroxygenase Engineering Selective C-H functionalization remains a central challenge in modern synthesis as it enables direct diversification of molecular scaffolds without pre-functionalization. Peroxygenases, including both unspecific peroxygenases and P450 peroxygenases, offer a biocatalytic solution to this challenge, catalyzing oxyfunctionalization reactions in aqueous media under mild conditions with hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) as the sole oxidant. In this review, we highlight recent advances in peroxygenase engineering over the past five years, with a particular focus on strategies that enhance heterologous expression, catalytic activity, and control of regio- and enantioselectivity. We also discuss protein engineering approaches that mitigate H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-induced inactivation and summarize efforts to repurpose NADPH-dependent P450 enzymes into self-sufficient peroxygenases, thereby expanding their catalytic repertoire. Furthermore, we examine the integration of peroxygenases with in situ H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> generation systems by enzymatic, chemical, photocatalytic, and electrochemical methods to achieve balanced oxidant delivery and sustained turnover. Collectively, these developments have established peroxygenases as versatile and robust catalysts for selective C-H functionalization, opening new opportunities for their application in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and agrochemicals. Aqueous medium ; Hydrogen peroxide ; Catalysis ; Protein engineering ; Metabolic engineering ; Context (archaeology) Metal-Catalyzed Oxygenation Mechanisms ; Pharmacogenetics and Drug Metabolism ; Catalytic C–H Functionalization Methods
Authors: Haibiao Guan | Sheng Ni | Z. K. Liu | Dabao Xie | Jian Zhou | Dan Cao | Li Han | Changlong Liu | Xiaoshuang Chen | Haibo Shu
Source: Advanced Materials (article, 2026-01-24)
Field: Materials Science — Materials Chemistry

Sub‐5‐Min Ultrafast Growth of Millimeter‐Scale‐Length Tellurium Nanowires With Broadband Bulk Photovoltaic Response Bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) featured by polarization-dependent photoresponse at zero external bias exhibits huge potential for exploiting next-generation photodetectors. However, the BPVE is mainly limited in the wide-bandgap ferroelectrics and complex van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures and scarcely demonstrated in narrow-bandgap vdW semiconductors. Here we develop a surface self-limiting diffusion driven growth strategy to rapidly synthesize millimeter-scale-length narrow-bandgap tellurium (Te) single-crystal nanowires with highly uniform non-centrosymmetric structure. The sub-5-min ultrafast growth-a feat not realized in prior Te synthesis arises from ultralow self-limiting diffusion and nucleation barriers of H<sub>2</sub>Te precursors in a hydrogen-assisted space-confined environment. The fabricated photodetectors show broadband BPVE response from 520 nm to 4.6 µm, ultrahigh peak responsibility of 220 A/W and blackbody responsivity of 2.3 A/W, which are far superior to the state-of-the-art self-powered vdW devices. Furthermore, we demonstrate high-resolution polarization imaging and BPVE detector arrays in a single Te nanowire. This work opens perspectives of ultralong Te nanowires with robust BPVE for the development of high-performance on-chip integrated multidimensional photodetection systems. Photodetection ; Nanowire ; Tellurium ; Responsivity ; Ultrashort pulse ; Photodetector ; Heterojunction ; Nucleation ; Chalcogenide 2D Materials and Applications ; Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices ; Nanowire Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Mahmoud AlGharram | Tariq AlZoubi | Yahia F. Makableh | Omar Mouhtady
Source: Polymers (article, 2026-03-31)
Field: Materials Science — Polymers and Plastics

Electrochemically Deposited Ag/PANI on ITO: Non-Monotonic Disorder–Dispersion Coupling and Enhanced Third-Order Optical Nonlinearity Conducting polymer–metal nanocomposites are widely investigated as tunable photonic and optoelectronic media; however, reported property trends often remain empirical because electronic disorder at the absorption edge, refractive-index dispersion, free carrier dielectric response, and third-order nonlinearity are rarely quantified within a single, composition-controlled film series. This limitation is particularly relevant for electrochemically grown PANI coatings on transparent conductive substrates, where nanoparticle incorporation can simultaneously enhance polarization while introducing aggregation-driven heterogeneity. Here, Ag/PANI nanocomposite thin films were fabricated directly on indium tin oxide (ITO) by potentiostatic electrodeposition from an aniline/camphorsulfonic acid electrolyte containing controlled Ag nanoparticle loadings (5–15 wt.%). This study addresses the research gap by integrating complementary optical-disorder and dispersion formalisms with dielectric and nonlinear analyses to establish a composition structure optics map for device-relevant films. Ag incorporation narrows the indirect optical gap from 1.98 eV (PANI) to 1.81 eV (5 wt.%), 1.38 eV (10 wt.%), and 1.19 eV (15 wt.%), while markedly broadening the Urbach tail (0.377 eV → 1.28–1.64 eV at 5–10 wt.%). Wemple–DiDomenico modeling and Drude-type dielectric dispersion reveal strongly non-monotonic evolution of oscillator energetics and the carrier response, culminating in large bound-electron dielectric constants (ε∞ up to 469.8) and plasma frequencies (ωp up to 248 × 1012 Hz) at 15 wt.% Ag. Third-order nonlinearity is substantially enhanced but composition-sensitive: χ3 increases from 6.73 × 10−9 esu (PANI) to ~7.6 × 10−8 esu at 5 and 15 wt.%, whereas the Kerr coefficient peaks at 25.91 × 10−7 esu for 5 wt.% and is suppressed at intermediate/high loading. These results demonstrate that the optimal nonlinear performance is governed by a disorder–dispersion balance and microstructure-dependent local-field effects rather than the Ag fraction alone. Dielectric ; Indium tin oxide ; Band gap ; Nanocomposite ; Permittivity ; Nanoparticle ; Dispersion (optics) ; Polarization (electrochemistry) ; Thin film Conducting polymers and applications ; Nonlinear Optical Materials Research ; Nonlinear Optical Materials Studies
Authors: Diem My Vu | Bac V. G. Nguyen | Hoai Thu Le | Bao-Quoc Vu | Phuong Anh Huynh | Khanh-Duong Truong | Gia Phong Vu | Tra Nguyen | Minh-Tri Le | Phuoc-Vinh Nguyen
Source: Pharmaceutics (article, 2026-02-19)
Field: Materials Science — Materials Chemistry

Biosynthesis and Biological Properties of Nano-Silver from Aspergillus terreus Towards Antibacterial and Antitumor Applications <b>Background</b>: Nanomaterials have emerged as a transformative approach in modern pharmaceutical applications, offering advanced benefits compared to conventional therapies. Among available pharmaceutical nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported with broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential and drug delivery potency. Nevertheless, some studies suggested that chemical synthesis of AgNPs might result in redundant chemicals, posing environmental and health risks. To minimize undesired products, a promising approach is to biologically synthesize this potent nanomaterial. <b>Methods</b>: This study ultilized an eco-friendly system for AgNPs synthesis using <i>Aspergillus terreus</i> isolated from the air. Physical properties of biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated by UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Antibacterial activity of biosynthesized AgNPs was examined by well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration, while in vitro cytotoxicity was used to determine the antitumor activity of AgNPs. <b>Results</b>: The biosynthesized AgNPs had a size of around 60 nm, a PDI inferior to 0.2, and a zeta potential of -30 mV. They exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Additionally, these nanoparticles also exerted a selective antiproliferative effect on MCF-7, A549, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. <b>Conclusions</b>: Our research presented the potential of biosynthesized AgNPs using <i>Aspergillus terreus</i> for antimicrobial and anticancer applications, offering an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional chemical methods. Antimicrobial ; Aspergillus terreus ; Antibacterial activity ; Cytotoxicity ; Silver nanoparticle ; In vitro ; Zeta potential ; Biosynthesis Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications ; Cancer Research and Treatment ; Graphene and Nanomaterials Applications
Authors: Zhe Lu | Shi Bai | Hao Lü | Zhenhao Zhu | Jie Yu | Qian Wang | P. Zhang | Qian Lu | Zijian Zheng | You Yu
Source: Nature Communications (article, 2026-01-07)
Field: Materials Science — Surfaces, Coatings and Films

Rapid photocontrollable dopamine polymerization for instant adaptive wet adhesion Dopamine-based adhesives offer strong, versatile adhesion through diverse interactions but are limited by slow, poorly controlled oxidative polymerization and dopamine's inhibition of radical polymerization. We present an efficient photochemical strategy for in-situ fabrication of high-performance polydopamine-containing hydrogels with instant wet adhesion. By integrating a scalable synthesis of a protected dopamine derivative with rational photochemical design, we enable simultaneous, light-controlled oxidative and radical polymerizations, forming interpenetrated hydrogel networks within seconds. The resulting tough adhesives exhibit high polydopamine content and strong adhesion across diverse wet and dry substrates, outperforming conventional polydopamine-coated systems. This rapid, light-driven process is compatible with extrusion-based 3D printing, allowing spatially programmable adhesion and the creation of complex biomimetic architectures. Furthermore, the instant, robust adhesion enables integration of flexible electroluminescent devices that remain stable under large deformations. This work establishes a versatile platform for rapid, programmable adhesion in soft electronics and biointerfacing systems. Adhesion ; Adhesive ; Polymerization ; Self-healing hydrogels ; Polymer ; Cell adhesion Polymer Surface Interaction Studies ; Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications ; Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Authors: Neven Ž. Barišić | D. K. Sunko
Source: Journal of Physics Condensed Matter (article, 2026-01-26)
Field: Materials Science — Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Cuprates, pnictides and sulfosalts: lessons in functional materials Murunskite K<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>3</sub>FeS<sub>4</sub>is a representative sulfosalt, isostructural to the pnictides, but with electronic properties more similar to the insulating parent compounds of the cuprates. We use it as a bridge to compare the chemical and physical roles of metal and ligand orbitals in cuprates and pnictides. In cuprates, ionicity, covalency, and metallicity are tightly interwoven to give rise to high-temperature superconductivity (SC). Their most remarkable property is the interaction of an ionically localized hole on the copper (Cu) with a Fermi liquid (FL) on the oxygens (O), which is critically important for understanding all key properties of these materials. The localization is due to strong correlations on the Cu 3<i>d</i>orbital. We describe a scenario in which the localized hole gives rise both to SC by Cooper scattering of O holes, and to Fermi arcs, as observed in cuprate spectroscopy, the latter by a purely kinematic projection of the static local disorder, without invoking any residual interactions between the mobile O FL carriers. In the pnictides, the orbitals responsible for binding and metallic conduction appear to be separate. The Fe 3<i>d</i><i>e</i><sub><i>g</i></sub>orbitals hybridized with the ligands set the lattice spacing. The 3<i>d</i>t2gorbitals overlap directly between the Fe atoms, resulting in several electronic bands appearing at the Fermi level. The ensuing FL exhibits both charge and magnetic correlations. We argue that a similar SC scenario as in the cuprates is plausible in the pnictides, except that a light FL scatters on a slow nearly-antiferromagnetic (AF) one, rather than on localized holes as in the cuprates. In murunskite, the greater covalency of sulfur orbitals compensates for total disorder in the Fe atom positions, giving rise to an agglomeration of fractal magnetic clusters coexisting with perfect crystallographic order and exhibiting surprisingly robust quarter-zone AF. Because the open ligand orbitals play an important role in it, the essentially local quarter-zone AF of murunskite is more similar to the SC of the cuprates than to the half-zone AF of the pnictides, in which the ligands are passive. Cuprate ; Atomic orbital ; Isostructural ; Delocalized electron ; Electronic structure ; Superconductivity ; Fermi level ; Metal ; Scattering Iron-based superconductors research ; Rare-earth and actinide compounds ; Electronic and Structural Properties of Oxides
Authors: M.T. Expósito | V. Souza-Egipsy | B. Paredes | J. Ramos | J.F. Vega
Source: Polymer (article, 2026-01-22)
Field: Materials Science — Polymers and Plastics

Molecular interactions between ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers and functionalized tie layers for recyclable multilayer films The increasing demand for recyclable multilayer polymer packaging requires a deeper understanding of the interactions between barrier and tie-layer materials to enable circular design strategies. In this study, the compatibility between polyethylene–co-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer and typical tie-layer copolymers—polyethylene–co-ethyl acrylate, polyethylene–co-vinyl acetate, and a polyethylene–co-methacrylic acid ionomer partially neutralized with sodium—was investigated. EVOH crystalline nanoaggregates were prepared and embedded in the different matrices to evaluate physical and thermal interactions. Differential Scanning Calorimetry revealed a pronounced melting temperature depression of EVOH crystals when blended with functionalized matrices, particularly with the ionomer, indicating strong intermolecular interactions. In contrast, non-interacting systems retained their original melting behaviour, confirming the absence of chemical affinity. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy further corroborated these findings, showing hydrogen-bonding interactions between the hydroxyl groups of EVOH and the carbonyl or carboxylate groups of the functionalized tie layers. The combination of the results obtained from the different techniques provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing compatibility, offering valuable insights for the eco-design and recyclability enhancement of polyolefin-based multilayer packaging materials. • Pre-formed EVOH crystalline nanoaggregates used as molecular probes of polymer compatibility. • DSC reveals a clear hierarchy of EVOH–matrix interactions: EMANa > EVA > EEA >> PCL. • Strong interactions suppress EVOH crystal thickening, indicating restricted chain mobility. • FTIR confirms hydrogen bonding and ionic contributions at the EVOH/tie-layer interface. • Combined DSC–FTIR analysis guides eco-design of recyclable polyolefin multilayer films. Copolymer ; Differential scanning calorimetry ; Polymer ; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ; Hydrogen bond ; Ionic bonding ; Polyolefin ; Crystallinity ; Carboxylate Polymer crystallization and properties ; Polymer composites and self-healing ; Polymer Nanocomposites and Properties