Blown spun fibers-based colorimetric sensor for detecting trace zinc in seminal fluid.

Rapid and accurate analysis of zinc in seminal fluid is an important tool for male infertility diagnosis and forensic investigation of sexual assault. Among the traditional techniques employed for this purpose, colorimetric solid-state sensors offer a simple and efficient alternative for screening this analyte. Herein, we evaluated the feasibility of using solution blow spinning as a fast, simple, and cost-effective method to develop porous membranes that can be manufactured as low-cost colorimetric solid-state sensing materials.

Analysis of Macronutrients in Soil Using Impedimetric Multisensor Arrays.

The need to increase food production to address the world population growth can only be fulfilled with precision agriculture strategies to increase crop yield with minimal expansion of the cultivated area. One example is site-specific fertilization based on accurate monitoring of soil nutrient levels, which can be made more cost-effective using sensors. This study developed an impedimetric multisensor array using ion-selective membranes to analyze soil samples enriched with macronutrients (N, P, and K), which is compared with another array based on layer-by-layer films.

All-MXene electronic tongue for neurotransmitters detection.

Neurotransmitters (NTs) are molecules produced by neurons that act as the body's chemical messengers. Their abnormal levels in the human system have been associated with many disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, which makes the monitoring of NTs fundamentally important. Specifically for clinical analysis and understanding of brain behavior, simultaneous detection of NTs at low levels quickly and reliably is imperative for disease prevention and early diagnosis.

Wireless Sensor for Meat Freshness Assessment Based on Radio Frequency Communication.

Wireless communication technologies, particularly radio frequency (RF), have been widely explored for wearable electronics with secure and user-friendly information transmission. By exploiting the operational principle of chemically actuated resonant devices (CARDs) and the electrical response observed in chemiresistive materials, we propose a simple and hands-on alternative to design and manufacture RF tags that function as CARDs for wireless sensing of meat freshness. Specifically, the RF antennas were meticulously designed and fabricated by lithography onto a flexible substrate with conductive tape, and the RF signal was characterized in terms of amplitude and peak resonant frequency.

Acaricidal activity of synthetic spilanthol derivative against ticks of medical and veterinary importance.

The ANESPSAT, a synthetic spilanthol derivative, and its nanoformulation were evaluated against Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma sculptum ticks. ANESPSAT activity was compared with spilanthol and derivatives (ANESPE and others). The compound was synthesized in a gram-scale by a 2-step process, comprising a direct ester amidation and a Horner-Wadsworth- Emmons reaction.

Exploring the potential of cellulose autofluorescence for optical detection of tannin in red wines.

The growing demand for opto-electronic devices within an automated landscape has opened up new opportunities for harnessing sustainable cellulose materials for sensors technology. Cellulose, a versatile material, enables its combination with other materials, but in most of these applications, cellulose is typically employed as support or substrate, while its inherent autofluorescence remains largely underexplored for sensors. In light of this context, this study delves into the autofluorescence characteristics of pristine cellulose nanocrystals extracted from wood via enzymatic route for optical sensors tailored to detect tannins.

Biotransformation of progesterone by endophytic fungal cells immobilized on electrospun nanofibrous membrane.

Biotransformation of steroids by fungi has been raised as a successful, eco-friendly, and cost-effective biotechnological alternative for chemical derivatization. Endophytic fungi live inside vegetal tissues without causing damage to the host plant, making available unique enzymes that carry out uncommon reactions. Moreover, using nanofibrous membranes as support for immobilizing fungal cells is a powerful strategy to improve their performance by enabling the combined action of adsorption and transformation processes, along with increasing the stability of the fungal cell.

Silk fibroin-derived electrospun materials for biomedical applications: A review.

Electrospinning is a versatile technique for fabricating polymeric fibers with diameters ranging from micro- to nanoscale, exhibiting multiple morphologies and arrangements. By combining silk fibroin (SF) with synthetic and/or natural polymers, electrospun materials with outstanding biological, chemical, electrical, physical, mechanical, and optical properties can be achieved, fulfilling the evolving biomedical demands. This review highlights the remarkable versatility of SF-derived electrospun materials, specifically focusing on their application in tissue regeneration (including cartilage, cornea, nerves, blood vessels, bones, and skin), disease treatment (such as cancer and diabetes), and the development of controlled drug delivery systems.

Multifunctional bilayer membranes composed of poly(lactic acid), beta-chitin whiskers and silver nanoparticles for wound dressing applications.

Nanomaterial-based wound dressings have been extensively studied for the treatment of both minor and life-threatening tissue injuries. These wound dressings must possess several crucial characteristics, such as tissue compatibility, non-toxicity, appropriate biodegradability to facilitate wound healing, effective antibacterial activity to prevent infection, and adequate physical and mechanical strength to withstand repetitive dynamic forces that could potentially disrupt the healing process. Nevertheless, the development of nanostructured wound dressings that incorporate various functional micro- and nanomaterials in distinct architectures, each serving specific purposes, presents significant challenges.

Nanocellulose-based porous materials: Regulation and pathway to commercialization in regenerative medicine.

We review the recent progress that have led to the development of porous materials based on cellulose nanostructures found in plants and other resources. In light of the properties that emerge from the chemistry, shape and structural control, we discuss some of the most promising uses of a plant-based material, nanocellulose, in regenerative medicine. Following a brief discussion about the fundamental aspects of self-assembly of nanocellulose precursors, we review the key strategies needed for material synthesis and to adjust the architecture of the materials (using three-dimensional printing, freeze-casted porous materials, and electrospinning) according to their uses in tissue engineering, artificial organs, controlled drug delivery and wound healing systems, among others.

Endophytic fungus from Handroanthus impetiginosus immobilized on electrospun nanofibrous membrane for bioremoval of bisphenol A.

The current industrial and human activities scenario has accelerated the widespread use of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), which can be found in everyday products, including plastic containers, bottles, toys, cosmetics, etc., but can pose a severe risk to human health and the environment. In this regard, fungal bioremediation appears as a green and cost-effective approach to removing pollutants from water resources.

Fast Fabrication of Multifunctional PCL/Curcumin Nanofibrous Membranes for Wound Dressings.

Therapeutic intervention to skin wounds requires covering the affected area with wound dressings. Interdisciplinary efforts have focused on the development of smart bandages that can perform multiple functions. In this direction, here, we designed a low cost (U$0.

Nanoarchitectonic E-Tongue of Electrospun Zein/Curcumin Carbon Dots for Detecting in Milk.

We report a nanoarchitectonic electronic tongue made with flexible electrodes coated with curcumin carbon dots and zein electrospun nanofibers, which could detect () in milk using electrical impedance spectroscopy. Electronic tongues are based on the global selectivity concept in which the electrical responses of distinct sensing units are combined to provide a unique pattern, which in this case allowed the detection of through non-specific interactions. The electronic tongue used here comprised 3 sensors with electrodes coated with zein nanofibers, carbon dots, and carbon dots with zein nanofibers.

SARS-CoV-2 detection enabled by a portable and label-free photoelectrochemical genosensor using graphitic carbon nitride and gold nanoparticles.

Fast, sensitive, simple, and cheap sensors are highly desirable to be applied in the health system because they improve point-of-care diagnostics, which can reduce the number of cases of infection or even deaths. In this context, here we report the development of a label-free genosensor using a screen-printed electrode modified with 2D-carbonylated graphitic carbon nitride (CN), poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride (PDDA), and glutathione-protected gold nanoparticles (GSH-AuNPs) for photoelectrochemical (PEC) detection of SARS-CoV-2. We also made use of Arduino and 3D printing to miniaturize the sensor device.

Lamivudine and Zidovudine-Loaded Nanostructures: Green Chemistry Preparation for Pediatric Oral Administration.

Here, we report on the development of lipid-based nanostructures containing zidovudine (1 mg/mL) and lamivudine (0.5 mg/mL) for oral administration in the pediatric population, eliminating the use of organic solvents, which is in accordance with green chemistry principles. The formulations were obtained by ultrasonication using monoolein (MN) or phytantriol (PN), which presented narrow size distributions with similar mean particle sizes (~150 nm) determined by laser diffraction.

Colorimetric Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Using Plasmonic Biosensors and Smartphones.

Low-cost, instrument-free colorimetric tests were developed to detect SARS-CoV-2 using plasmonic biosensors with Au nanoparticles functionalized with polyclonal antibodies (f-AuNPs). Intense color changes were noted with the naked eye owing to plasmon coupling when f-AuNPs form clusters on the virus, with high sensitivity and a detection limit of 0.28 PFU mL (PFU stands for plaque-forming units) in human saliva.

Recent Progress in Amine Gas Sensors for Food Quality Monitoring: Novel Architectures for Sensing Materials and Systems.

The increasing demand for food production has necessitated the development of sensitive and reliable methods of analysis, which allow for the optimization of storage and distribution while ensuring food safety. Methods to quantify and monitor volatile and biogenic amines are key to minimizing the waste of high-protein foods and to enable the safe consumption of fresh products. Novel materials and device designs have allowed the development of portable and reliable sensors that make use of different transduction methods for amine detection and food quality monitoring.

Carnauba wax nanoemulsion applied as an edible coating on fresh tomato for postharvest quality evaluation.

Edible coatings to extend the shelf life and preserve the quality of fruit and vegetables are highly demanded nowadays. Recently, plant-based edible coatings have gained importance in the context of sustainability, which in combination with suitable top-down process can render "greener" nanoemulsions with optimized properties. Herein we developed a carnauba wax nanoemulsion (CWN) by using a high-pressure processing to be applied as an edible coating for fruit and vegetables.

Combining Coaxial Electrospinning and 3D Printing: Design of Biodegradable Bilayered Membranes with Dual Drug Delivery Capability for Periodontitis Treatment.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can lead to significant destruction of tooth-supporting tissues, compromising dental function and patient's health. Although the currently employed treatment approaches can limit the advance of the disease, the development of multifunctional and hierarchically structured materials is still in demand for achieving successful tissue regeneration. Here, we combine coaxial electrospinning and 3D printing techniques to prepare bilayered zein-based membranes as a potential dual drug delivery platform for periodontal tissue regeneration.

Smart choices: Mechanisms of intelligent food packaging.

Intelligent food packaging is usually designed to monitor the state of the food itself and/or the environment around it, as well as the interactions between them, providing customers with information on food quality and/or safety through a variety of signals. They involve indicators (which inform by direct visual changes about specific properties related to food quality) and sensors (which detect specific analytes by using receptors, transducers, and signal processing electronics). A third type of intelligent packaging is known as data carriers, which are not typically used for information on food quality, but rather to track the movement of food along the food supply chain.

Polycaprolactone and polycaprolactone triol blends to obtain a stable liquid nanotechnological formulation: synthesis, characterization and - taste masking evaluation.

The use of polymeric blends is a potential strategy to obtain novel nanotechnological formulations aiming at drug delivery systems. Saquinavir, an antiretroviral drug, was chosen as a model drug for the development of new stable liquid formulations with unpleasant taste masking properties. Three formulations containing different polymeric ratios (1:3, 1:1 and 3:1) were prepared and properly characterized by particle size distribution, zeta potential, pH, drug content and encapsulation efficiency measurements.

The Food-Materials Nexus: Next Generation Bioplastics and Advanced Materials from Agri-Food Residues.

The most recent strategies available for upcycling agri-food losses and waste (FLW) into functional bioplastics and advanced materials are reviewed and the valorization of food residuals are put in perspective, adding to the water-food-energy nexus. Low value or underutilized biomass, biocolloids, water-soluble biopolymers, polymerizable monomers, and nutrients are introduced as feasible building blocks for biotechnological conversion into bioplastics. The latter are demonstrated for their incorporation in multifunctional packaging, biomedical devices, sensors, actuators, and energy conversion and storage devices, contributing to the valorization efforts within the future circular bioeconomy.

A Review on the Role and Performance of Cellulose Nanomaterials in Sensors.

Sensors and biosensors play a key role as an analytical tool for the rapid, reliable, and early diagnosis of human diseases. Such devices can also be employed for monitoring environmental pollutants in air and water in an expedited way. More recently, nanomaterials have been proposed as an alternative in sensor fabrication to achieve gains in performance in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and portability.