Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences
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Differences In Fatty Acid Profiles Reflect Differences In The Disease Course Of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
No full textBelgrade Neuroscience Next Hub 2025 with international participation February 27, 2025. Belgrade, Serbia
The Thermoelastic Component of the Photoacoustic Response in a 3D-Printed Polyamide Coated with Pigment Dye: A Two-Layer Model Incorporating Fractional Heat Conduction Theories
No full textThis study presents a theoretical model for the thermoelastic response in transmission-mode photoacoustic systems that feature a two-layer structure. The model incorporates volumetric optical absorption in both layers and is based on classical heat conduction theory, hyperbolic generalized heat conduction theory, and fractional heat conduction models including inertial memory in Generalizations of the Cattaneo Equation (GCEI, GCEII, and GCEIII). To validate the model, comparisons were made with the existing literature models. Using the proposed model, the thermoelastic photoacoustic response of a two-layer system composed of a 3D-printed porous polyamide (PA12) substrate coated with a thin, highly absorptive protective dye layer is analyzed. We obtain that the thickness and thermal conduction in properties of the coating are very important in influencing the thermoelastic component and should not be overlooked. Furthermore, the thermoelastic component is affected by the selected fractional model—whether it is subdiffusion or superdiffusion—along with the value of the order of the fractional derivative, as well as the optical absorption coefficient of the layer being investigated. Additionally, it is concluded that the phase has a greater impact than the amplitude when selecting the appropriate theoretical heat conduction model
TiN-Ag Multilayer Protective Coatings for Surface Modification of AISI 316 Stainless Steel Medical Implants
No full textStainless steel (SS) is one of the materials most commonly utilized for fabrication of medical implants and its properties are often improved by deposition of protective coatings. This study investigates certain physico-chemical and biological properties of SS substrate coated with multilayer thin film consisting of titanium nitride and silver layers (TiN-Ag film). TiN-Ag films were deposited on the surface of AISI 316 SS substrate by a combination of cathodic arc evaporation and DC magnetron sputtering. SS substrate was analyzed by TEM, while deposited coatings were analyzed by SEM, EDS and wettability measurements. Also, mitochondrial activity assay, and osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation were performed on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). SEM and EDS revealed excellent adhesion between coatings’ layers, with the top layer predominantly composed of Ag, which is responsible for antibacterial properties. TiN-Ag film exhibited moderately hydrophilic behaviour which is desirable for orthopedic implant applications. Biological assays revealed significantly higher mitochondrial activity and enhanced osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of DPSC on TiN-Ag films compared to TiN films. The newly designed TiN-Ag coatings showed a great potential for the surface modification of SS implants, and further detailed investigations will explore their suitability for application in clinical practice
Structural and magnetic properties of Y1-xGdxTiO3 solid solution
No full textThe structural and magnetic properties of novel polycrystalline samples of Y1-xGdxTiO3 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) solid solutions are examined in this paper. The preparation of all samples was accomplished through arc melting synthesis, which involved the use of a suitable mixture of commercial Y2O3, Gd2O3, TiO2 and Ti powders under an argon atmosphere. The crystal structure of the Y1-xGdxTiO3 solid solutions was determined to be a single orthorhombic perovskite (GdFeO3 type) by X-ray diffraction. The Y1-xGdxTiO3 system exhibits a long-range magnetic ordering below temperature TC that systematically increases with the increase of Gd3+ ion concentration (from ~29 K for YTiO3 to ~35 K for GdTiO3)
Sustainable Valorization of Raspberry Pomace Using Biocompatible Ionic Liquids
No full textRaspberry belongs to a group of highly valued fruits, known as berries, which possesses unique flavor and significant nutritional and health benefits attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds. Bioactives (polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ellagitannins) could exhibit anti inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. However, raspberries have a short shelf life and often are processed into juice, wine, jam, or syrup, resulting in substantial amounts of pomace, primarily composed of seeds and pulp, which are commonly discarded as agricultural waste. This study explores the potential of raspberry pomace as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds through the application of green extraction technique. Ionic liquids (hydrophilic: cholinium acetate, cholinium bitartrate, and cholinium ascorbate; and hydrophobic: cholinium decanoate and cholinium dodecanoate) were synthesized and employed as alternative, non-toxic solvents. Direct solid-phase extraction was conducted with the aid of ultrasonic waves. The total phenolic and anthocyanin content was determined spectrophotometrically, while ellagic acid was quantified using HPLC. The results indicate that ionic liquids provide an effective, eco-friendly approach for the valorization of raspberry pomace, highlighting their potential as alternative solvents in bioactive compound extraction. This study underscores the feasibility of utilizing agricultural by-products to obtain valuable bioactive compounds, contributing to sustainability and waste reduction in the berry processing industry.II Conference FoodWaStop : CA22134 Sustainable Network for agrofood loss and waste prevention, management, quantification and valorisation; 4-5th March 2025; Córdoba, Spain.Poster: [https://vinar.vin.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/16166
Comparative Role of rGO, AgNWs, and rGO–AgNWs Hybrid Structure in the EMI Shielding Performance of Polyaniline/PCL-Based Flexible Films
No full textThe present study explores the comparative influence of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), silver nanowires (AgNWs), and their hybrid rGO–AgNWs on the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance of polyaniline (PANI)-based flexible films prepared using a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix. The nanocomposites were synthesized through in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of individual or hybrid fillers, followed by their dispersion in the PCL matrix and casting of the corresponding films. Morphological and structural characterization (SEM, Raman, and FTIR spectroscopy) confirmed a uniform PANI coating on both rGO sheets and AgNWs, forming hierarchical 3D conductive networks. Thermal (TGA) and thermomechanical (TMA) analyses revealed enhanced thermal stability and stiffness across all composite systems, driven by strong interfacial interactions and restricted polymer chain mobility. Tmax increased from 437.9 °C for neat PCL to 487.9 °C for PANI/PCL, 480.6 °C for PANI/rGO/PCL, 499.4 °C for PANI/AgNWs/PCL and 495.0 °C for the hybrid PANI/rGO–AgNWs/PCL film. The gradual decrease in contact angle following the order PANI/AgNWs/PCL < PANI/rGO–AgNWs/PCL < PANI/rGO/PCL < PANI/PCL < PCL clearly indicates a systematic increase in surface polarity and surface energy with the incorporation of conductive nanofillers. Electrical conductivity reached 60.8 S cm−1 for PANI/rGO/PCL, gradually decreasing to 27.4 S cm−1 for PANI/AgNWs/PCL and 22.1 S cm−1 for the quaternary hybrid film. The EMI shielding effectiveness (SET) measurements in the X-band (8–12 GHz) demonstrated that the PANI/rGO/PCL film exhibited the highest attenuation (~7.2 dB). In contrast, the incorporation of AgNWs partially disrupted the conductive network, reducing SE to ~5–6 dB. The findings highlight the distinct and synergistic roles of 1D and 2D fillers in modulating the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of biodegradable polymer films, offering a sustainable route toward lightweight, flexible EMI shielding materials
Recent Advances in Leaching of Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Materials Using Deep Eutectic Solvents and Ionic Liquids: Efficiency, Mechanisms, and Challenges
No full textThe escalating production and use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have led to a pressing need for efficient and sustainable methods for recycling valuable metals such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium from spent cathode materials. Traditional hydrometallurgical leaching approaches, based on mineral acids, face significant limitations, including high reagent consumption, secondary pollution, and poor selectivity. In recent years, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as innovative, environmentally benign alternatives, offering tunable physicochemical properties, enhanced metal selectivity, and potential for reagent recycling. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and prospects of leaching LIB cathode materials using DES and ILs. We summarize the structural diversity and composition of common LIB cathodes, highlighting their implications for leaching strategies. The mechanisms, efficiency, and selectivity of metal dissolution in various DES- and IL-based systems are critically discussed, drawing on recent advances in both laboratory and real-sample studies. Special attention is given to the unique extraction mechanisms facilitated by complexation, acid–base, and redox interactions in DES and ILs, as well as to the effects of key operational parameters. A comparative analysis of DES- and IL-based leaching is presented, with discussion of their advantages, challenges, and industrial potential. While DES offers low toxicity, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness, it may suffer from limited solubility or viscosity issues. Conversely, ILs provide remarkable tunability and metal selectivity but are often hampered by higher costs, viscosity, and environmental concerns. Finally, the review identifies critical bottlenecks in upscaling DES and IL leaching technologies, including long-term solvent stability, metal recovery purity, and economic viability. We also highlight research priorities that emphasize applying circular hydrometallurgy and life-cycle assessment to improve the sustainability of battery recycling
Blend Extracts of German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L. Sch. Bip.) Against Oxidative Stress and Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: Role of Extraction Temperature
No full textChamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L. Sch. Bip.), both members of the Asteraceae family, are widely distributed in Serbia and traditionally used for their medicinal properties. Chamomile is primarily known for its gastrointestinal effects, while feverfew is noted for its antimigraine activity. Although the biological activity of each plant has been individually studied, there has been a lack of research related to their blends. So, the aim of this study was to prepare various chamomile/feverfew blends and their extracts with special focus on extraction temperature, to obtain superior herbal extract with the best functional characteristics. In order to characterize the obtained blend extracts this study included spectrophotometric and UHPLC Q-ToF MS analysis of prepared (selected) extracts, as well as evaluation of their antioxidant (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC) and antimicrobial properties. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against two Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacterial strains using the broth microdilution method. Untargeted analysis showed the same phytochemical profile for both selected extracts (B3 and B9), as well as differences in distribution and abundance of identified compounds depending on applied extraction temperature (cold or heat-assisted). These differences in profile most probably contributed to variations in the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the extracts. The most potent antioxidant activity (123.04 µM TEAC/g) was observed for the 3:1 feverfew/chamomile blend (ABTS assay), while the highest metal-chelating capacity (1288.95 µM VCEAC/g) was recorded in extracts obtained by heat-assisted extraction (CUPRAC assay). Antibacterial activity of all blends ranged from 0.625 to 2.5 mg/mL, regardless of the extraction method. The findings indicate that combined extracts of chamomile and feverfew represent a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential applicability in both food science and pharmaceutical (biomedical) research
Valorization of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) Processing Waste by Fermentation: Process Optimization for the Enhancement of Biological Activity
No full textPurpose: This study aimed to optimize the fermentation of waste yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) powder using Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus A71 and Saccharomyces boulardii to enhance total polyphenol content (TPC) and improve key biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects. Methods: Fermentation was conducted using L. rhamnosus A71 and S. boulardii, with response surface methodology employed to determine optimal fermentation parameters: fermentation time, inoculum concentration, nutrient broth concentration, and liquid-to-solid ratio. The extracts were analyzed for TPC, antioxidant activity (radical scavenging and reducing power), antimicrobial activity, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and polyphenolic profile using HPLC. Results: A single day of fermentation with L. rhamnosus A71 increased TPC by 44%, enhanced radical scavenging activity by 11%, and improved reducing power by 42%. Two-day fermentation with S. boulardii led to a 25% increase in TPC with moderate enhancements in antioxidant capacity. Antimicrobial activity was significantly enhanced, notably with Staphylococcus aureus MIC values reduced up to 16-fold, while acetylcholinesterase inhibition was enhanced, indicating an overall improvement in the functional bioactivity of the extract. Fermentation altered the extract’s phytochemical profile: apigenin 7-O-glucoside remained dominant in the unfermented and S. boulardii-fermented samples, whereas quercetin became the most abundant compound following fermentation with L. rhamnosus A71. Levels of caffeic acid, cyanidin chloride, and quercetin increased across both fermented extracts, while rutin content decreased. Conclusion: Microbial fermentation substantially enhanced the bioactive potential of yarrow waste extracts, improving polyphenol yield and modifying phytochemical composition in a functionally beneficial way. These findings highlight the potential of fermentation as a green biotechnological tool for converting plant-based waste materials into high-value ingredients suitable for use in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and pharmaceutical applications. Statement of Novelty: This study introduces a sustainable way to turn waste material from yarrow herb processing into valuable extracts rich in natural antioxidants. By using safe, food-grade microbes to ferment the plant residue, we were able to increase the concentration and biological activity of polyphenols—compounds known for their health benefits. We also used microwave energy to extract these compounds more efficiently. While yarrow has been studied before, this is the first time its industrial waste has been improved through fermentation and green extraction. This research shows a new way to reduce plant-based waste and produce bioactive ingredients that could be used in food, supplements, or related applications
Advanced composite nano-structured bioactive scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
No full textThe treatment of large bone defects is currently one of the major challenges in clinical orthopedics, as defects resulting from musculoskeletal tumors, infections, or trauma are unable to heal spontaneously, even with adequate medical care. The development of novel macro-porous bioactive composite nanostructured materials for treatment of large bone defects and human hard tissue regeneration is the main focus of this research, aiming to enable controlled volume, improve osseointegration and promote the formation of new bone tissue. In the first step multi-ion doped nano-structured mesoporous calcium hydroxyapatite (nHAp) was synthesized hydrothermally and multi-ion doped nanostructured meso-porous bioactive glasses (nBAG) was synthesized using micro-emulsion sol-gel method. In the second step, biodegradable scaffolds based on a poly(methacrylic acid)/gelatin interpenetrating network (IPN) were developed using 3D-printing and free radical polymerization. The effects of inorganic nano-particles on the microstructure, biodegradability, swelling behavior, mechanical properties, and biological performance of composite scaffolds were investigated. Magnesium, strontium, copper, and zinc therapeutic cations, used as dopants during the synthesis of rod-like nHAp and spherical nBAG particles, were successfully incorporated into the crystalline and amorphous structures, respectively. In both cases, biocompatible particles with the desired morphology and meso-porosity were obtained. The resulting composite hydrogels, based on poly(methacrylic acid) and gelatin IPN, exhibited a uniform microstructure and appropriate macroporosity and biocompatibility. The biodegradability and porosity of the 3D-printed composite hydrogels were further controlled by the formation of a polymeric coating on the scaffold surface. The swelling behavior, biodegradability and mechanical properties in large quantities depend on the percentage of incorporated nHAp and nBAG bioactive particles. Both the 3D-printed and free radical polymerized scaffolds also showed potential for the controlled release of antibiotic and anticancer drugs. Due to their superior physic-chemical, mechanical, and biological properties, the obtained bioactive materials exhibited significant potential for applications in biomedicine, and bone tissue engineering.FEMS EUROMAT 2025 : 18th European Congress and Exhibition on Advanced Materials and Processes : 14-18 September 2025, Granada, Spain