Formulating a Horseradish Extract in Phospholipid Vesicles to Target the Skin.

: Horseradish ( L.) roots-largely used in traditional medicine for their multiple therapeutic effects-are a rich source of health-promoting phytochemicals. However, their efficacy can be compromised by low chemical stability and poor bioavailability.

3D-Printed Acrylated Soybean Oil Scaffolds with Vitrimeric Properties Reinforced by Tellurium-Doped Bioactive Glass.

In this study, we present novel, vitrimeric and biobased scaffolds that are designed for hard tissue applications, composed of acrylated, epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) and reinforced with bioactive glass that is Tellurium doped (BG-Te) and BG-Te silanized, to tune the mechanical and antibacterial properties. The manufacture's method consisted of a DLP 3D-printing method, enabling precise resolution and the possibility to manufacture a hollow and complex structure. The resin formulation was optimized with a biobased, reactive diluent to adjust the viscosity for an optimal 3D-printing process.

Current Positron Studies on the Modifications of the Molecular Packing in Green-Based Polymers Through Changes in the Synthesis Procedures or Environmental Conditions.

The sensitivity of positron annihilation characteristics to changes in the molecular packing in network-forming polymers has been demonstrated since the early 1980s. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) is a unique technique that can provide direct information on the free volume in polymers through the experimental parameters of the free volume hole distribution, their mean value, and volume fraction. This knowledge is currently applied for PALS investigations on the main processes that govern the molecular organization in some green polymers when subjected to different synthesis procedures or environmental conditions (humidity, physical aging, temperature).

In Situ Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles/Organophilic-Clay/Polyethylene Glycol Nanocomposites for the Reduction of Organic Pollutants.

This work focuses on the preparation and application of silver nanoparticles/organophilic clay/polyethylene glycol for the catalytic reduction of the contaminants methylene blue (MB) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in a simple and binary system. Algerian clay was subjected to a series of treatments including acid treatment, ion exchange with the surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTABr), immobilization of polyethylene glycol polymer, and finally dispersion of AgNPs. The molecular weight of polyethylene glycol was varied (100, 200, and 4000) to study its effect on the stabilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the catalytic activity of the resulting samples.

Designing Microparticles of Luteolin and Naringenin in Different Carriers via Supercritical Antisolvent Process.

Antioxidants are contained in fruits and vegetables and are commonly obtained through food. However, it is frequently necessary to supplement the diet with substances that are often poorly soluble in water and sensitive to light and oxygen. For this reason, in this work, luteolin (LUT) and naringenin (NAR), two compounds with antioxidant activity and potential health benefits, were precipitated through the supercritical antisolvent technique using polyvinylpyrrolidone and β-cyclodextrin as the carriers.

Closing Editorial.

It is a real honor for me to be the Guest Editor of this Special Issue and to continue the project with the second edition "Sustainable Biopolymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Application II" [...

Detecting Early Degradation of Wood Ultrastructure with Nonlinear Optical Imaging and Fluorescence Lifetime Analysis.

Understanding the deterioration processes in wooden artefacts is essential for accurately assessing their conservation status and developing effective preservation strategies. Advanced imaging techniques are currently being explored to study the impact of chemical changes on the structural and mechanical properties of wood. Nonlinear optical modalities, including second harmonic generation (SHG) and two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF), combined with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), offer a promising non-destructive diagnostic method for evaluating lignocellulose-based materials.

Valorization of Xylose-Rich Medium from Stalks for Lactic Acid Production via Microbial Fermentation.

Lactic acid (LA) is a versatile, optically active compound with applications across the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, largely driven by its role in producing biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA). Due to its abundance, lignocellulosic biomass is a promising and sustainable resource for LA production, although media derived from these matrices are often rich in xylose and contain growth inhibitors. This study investigates LA production using a xylose-rich medium derived from DC stalks treated through steam explosion and enzymatic hydrolysis.

Fats and Oils as a Sustainable Source of Photopolymerizable Monomers.

Bio-derived monomers and biobased building blocks obtained from natural sources, e.g., fats and oils, are attracting increasing attention mainly due to sustainability concerns.

Towards Green Dentistry: Evaluating the Potential of 4D Printing for Sustainable Orthodontic Aligners with a Reduced Carbon Footprint.

Clear aligners have transformed orthodontic care by providing an aesthetic, removable alternative to traditional braces. However, their significant environmental footprint, contributing to approximately 15,000 tons of plastic waste annually, poses a critical challenge. To address this issue, advancements in 4D printing have introduced "smart" aligners with shape memory properties, enabling reshaping and reducing the number of aligners required per treatment.

Characterization and Evaluation of Zero-Order Release System Comprising Glycero-(9,10-trioxolane)-trialeate and PLA: Opportunity for Packaging and Biomedicine Applications.

Glycerol-(9,10-trioxolane) trioleate (OTOA) is a promising material that combines good plasticizing properties for PLA with profound antimicrobial activity, which makes it suitable for application in state-of-the-art biomedical and packaging materials with added functionality. On the other hand, application of OTOA in PLA-based antibacterial materials is hindered by a lack of knowledge on kinetics of the OTOA release. In this work, the release of glycero-(9,10-trioxolane) trioleate (OTOA) from PLA films with 50% OTOA content was studied during incubation in normal saline solution, and for the first time, the kinetics of OTOA release from PLA film was evaluated.

Chess-like Pieces Realized by Selective Laser Sintering of PA12 Powder: 3D Printing and Micro-Tomographic Assessment.

The paper highlights the realization of 3D-printed parts with complex geometries, such as chess-like pieces, using polyamide 12 (PA12) as polymeric powder via selective laser sintering (SLS). The research activity focuses on the study of the powder printability, the optimization of the printing parameters, and the tomographic evaluation of the printed objects. Morphological analyses were carried out to study the PA12 powder microstructure considering that SLS required specific particle size distribution and shape, able to guarantee a good flowability necessary to take part in a sintering process.

Polymer Analysis and Characterization.

This editorial aims to summarize some representative research efforts provided by the authors who contributed to the Polymer Analysis and Characterization section of the Polymers journal in the year 2024. The numerous and high-quality research outputs provided so far clearly indicate that the Polymer Analysis and Characterization section of the Polymers journal is rapidly and continuously growing, stimulating more and more researchers to publish their research outcomes here.

Green Recycling for Polypropylene Components by Material Extrusion.

High volumetric shrinkage and rheological behavior of polypropylene (PP) are the main problems that make material extrusion (MEX) uncommon for this material. The complexity is raised when recycled materials are used. This research covered different aspects of the MEX process of virgin and recycled PP, from the analysis of rough materials to the mechanical evaluation of the final products.

Investigation of Solid-State Thermal Decomposition of Ammonia Borane Mix with Sulphonated Poly(ellagic Acid) for Hydrogen Release.

The utilization of hydrogen in safety conditions is crucial for the development of a hydrogen-based economy. Among all methodologies, solid-state hydrogen release from ammonia borane through thermal stimuli is very promising due to the high theoretical hydrogen release. Generally, carbonaceous or inorganic matrices have been used to tune the reactivity of ammonia borane.

Melting Behavior of Compression Molded Poly(ester amide) from 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid.

PEA 46 is a biobased polymer with promising properties for sustainable packaging applications, which can be obtained via polymerization of a furan 2,5-dicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) derivative and a diol monomer containing internal amide bonds (46 amido diol). In the literature, PEA 46 showed a complex series of thermal transitions during DSC scans. For this reason, in this initial exploratory study PEA 46 was subjected to compression molding and the melting behavior of film samples was investigated with parallel DSC and WAXS analyses.

In-Depth LC-ESI/HRMS-Guided Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activity Analysis of Eco-Sustainable Extracts of (Carciofo di Paestum PGI) Leaves.

The Italian Carciofo di Paestum () PGI, an artichoke variety from the Campania region, was investigated for its potential to reuse by-products for food supplements. EtOH:HO 50:50 and 75:25 extracts of its leaves were analyzed for phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (TEAC: 1.90 and 1.

Diversity and Distribution of Intertidal Species Across Protection Zones in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area.

This study investigates the diversity and distribution of intertidal () species across different protection zones within the "Capo Gallo-Isola delle Femmine" Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the central Mediterranean Sea. Five species ( and ) were observed on the intertidal rocky shores, with varied abundances across the MPA's protection zones. was the only species found in all zones, with a much higher cover percentage in the most protected area (zone A).

Traditional Knowledge, Use, and Management of Among the Mijikenda Community in Kilifi, Kenya.

Although Lam. (Moringaceae) is a multipurpose tree with remarkable nutritional and therapeutic benefits, it is undervalued and neglected in Kenya, as the local people associate it with famine and poverty. The present study aims to assess and document the traditional knowledge on use and management as well as production constraints of the species among the Mijikenda community in Kilifi County, Kenya.

Morphological and Photosynthetic Pigment Screening of Four Microgreens Species Exposed to Heavy Ions.

Numerous challenges are posed by the extra-terrestrial environment for space farming and various technological growth systems are being developed to allow for microgreens' cultivation in space. Microgreens, with their unique nutrient profiles, may well integrate the diet of crew members, being a natural substitute for chemical food supplements. However, the space radiation environment may alter plant properties, and there is still a knowledge gap concerning the effects of various types of radiation on plants and specifically on the application of efficient and rapid methods for selecting new species for space farming, based on their radio-resistance.

RITA Temporary Immersion System (TIS) for Biomass Growth Improvement and Ex Situ Conservation of Erben & Raimondo.

Erben & Raimondo is a rare and endangered taxon, endemic to a limited area on Mount Pizzuta in northwestern Sicily, Italy. Its population is significantly threatened by anthropogenic activities, including fires, overgrazing, and habitat alterations. Temporary immersion systems (TISs) have proven effective for large-scale propagation in various protected species, offering potential for ex situ conservation and population reinforcement of .

Essential Oils Obtained from Sicilian Blanco By-Products: Antibacterial and Allelopathic Activity.

Mandarin, one of the winter fruits commonly used in the preparation of foods and juices, is a fruit native to China and Southeast Asia. In this work, essential oils (EOs) obtained from by-products of the Blanco flavedo of five cultivars present and cultivated within the Botanical Garden of Palermo were chemically and biologically studied: 'Avana' (), 'Tardivo di Ciaculli' (), 'Bombajensis' (), 'Aurantifolia' (), and 'Padre Bernardino' (). The GC and GC-MS analysis performed on all the extracted samples clearly highlighted the notable presence of limonene, a characteristic hydrocarbon monoterpene of EOs of the genus.

Bioconversion of Food and Green Waste into Valuable Compounds Using Solid-State Fermentation in Nonsterile Conditions.

Agro-industrial residues have transitions from being an environmental problem to being a cost-effective source of biopolymers and value-added chemicals. However, the efficient extraction of the desired products from these residues requires pretreatments. Fungal biorefinery is a fascinating approach for the biotransformation of raw materials into multiple products in a single batch.

Natural Diversity in Total Phenol, Flavonoids, Antioxidant Properties, and Essential Oil Composition of Iranian Populations of L.

L. (Myrtaceae), widely valued for its aromatic leaves and essential oil, plays a significant role in traditional medicine and modern phytotherapy. The variability in its essential oil composition and bioactive compounds across different populations underscores its potential for novel therapeutic discoveries and agricultural utilization.

Exposure to Cadmium and Other Trace Elements Among Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Background: A limited number of studies have investigated the role of environmental chemicals in the etiology of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We performed a cross-sectional study of the association between exposure to selected trace elements and the biomarkers of cognitive decline.

Methods: During 2019-2021, we recruited 128 newly diagnosed patients with MCI from two Neurology Clinics in Northern Italy, i.