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Ionic Liquid-Assisted Separation Technologies for Sustainable Water Management and Environmental Protection
No full textIn the pursuit of sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to water purification, the application of ionic liquid (IL)-based separation technologies plays a pivotal role in environmental protection and sustainable water management. This chapter presents the innovative use of ILs, particularly aqueous biphasic systems, in the extraction and removal of a broad spectrum of pollutants from water sources. The versatility and environmentally benign nature of ILs mark a significant advancement in addressing the global challenge of water contamination while aligning with strategies for achieving water neutrality. With unique properties such as low volatility and customizable solvation capabilities, ILs present an effective alternative to traditional solvents in water treatment processes. Their application spans the removal of various organic and inorganic contaminants showcasing their efficiency in reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, the use of ILs in water purification not only underscores their effectiveness in pollutant removal but also promotes the valorization of value-added compounds from waste streams. This dual functionality supports the principles of a circular economy and sustainable development, contributing to the recovery and reuse of resources while enhancing overall environmental sustainability. These innovative applications demonstrate how ILs are advancing water purification technologies and global water neutrality.ACS Symposium Series, Vol. 1502. [https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2025-1502
Nanomechanical and Optical Properties of Polyetherimide-Based Composite
No full textPolyetherimide (PEI)-based composites are widely employed in electronic and optoelectronic components owing to their excellent thermal stability and mechanical strength. In addition to achieving high transparency, these materials must also withstand diverse stresses to ensure long-term reliability. Zirconia, as a refractory ceramic, offers excellent mechanical and chemical stability, with the added potential of modifying optical behavior when incorporated into polymer matrices. In this study, zirconia nanofibers were synthesized via electrospinning of a polyacrylonitrile/zirconium precursor solution, followed by calcination, and subsequently dispersed within a PEI matrix. As the miniaturization of components drives the need to investigate and enhance the nanomechanical properties of materials, the PEI-zirconia composite exhibits notable improvements in crucial properties. Nanoindentation revealed enhancements of 10% in hardness and 14% in reduced modulus of elasticity at 3 wt% zirconia loading, while nanoscratch testing indicated higher resistance to plastic deformation and improved wear performance despite slightly increased friction coefficients. UV-Vis analysis demonstrated that neat PEI retained high transmittance in the visible range, whereas the addition of zirconia at 3 wt%, led to an acceptable reduction. These results highlight the potential of PEI-zirconia composites as multifunctional materials that balance optical clarity with mechanical reliability, supporting their application in advanced optoelectronic and structural systems.MIEL : 34th International Conference on Microelectronics; October 13-16, 2025, Niš, Serbia
TiO2 Nanoparticle Synthesis in Si/Pyrex Microreactor
No full textIn this paper, we observed nanoparticle synthesis in a continuous flow microreactor made from silicon and Pyrex glass with an integrated heater at low temperature. The solvothermal method was employed for the synthesis of nanoparticles. After the synthesis, the sample underwent structural, morphological, and elemental characterization. We demonstrated that this type of microreactor was unsuitable for this reaction, as it became clogged within a short time. Despite this, it was shown that two minutes of reaction time in microreactors was insufficient to obtain the pure anatase phase of TiO2 nanoparticles. To obtain a pure anatase phase, samples were annealed at 400°C in air.MIEL : 34th International Conference on Microelectronics; October 13-16, 2025, Niš, Serbia
Determination of Lateral Sizes of Graphene Oxide Nanosheets and Implications for the 2D/Oxides integration
No full textAccurate determination and control of lateral size of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets is important for their application in various technologies. The present study combines spin- coating and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to reliably determine the lateral dimensions of GO nanosheets. Our methodology leverages precise surface functionalization of silicon substrates with optimized silicon oxide thickness for contrast enhancement and reduction of common SEM issues like nanosheet overlap and poor substrate differentiation. Compared to traditional drop-casting or dip-coating methods, spin-coating offers improved nanosheet distribution control, minimal overlap, and higher throughput, thus facilitating consistent and efficient nanosheet characterization. The study also critically assesses the advantages and limitations of widely used characterization techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, TEM, dynamic light scattering, and AFM. The obtained results were also discussed from the perspective of 2D/oxide thin films integration. By addressing methodological particularities this research enhances the reliability and accuracy of GO nanosheet size determination, contributing to better integration of 2D materials with semiconductor technologies, as an essential step toward functional device applications.Twenty-sixth annual conference on material science (YUCOMAT 2025), Herceg Novi, Montenegro, 1-5 September 2025
Structural and electrochemical tuning of Ca-intercalated vanadium oxide for enhanced Ca-ion storage in aqueous half- and full-cells
No full textThis study investigates calcium vanadium oxide (CaV2 O6 ) as a cathode for aqueous calcium-ion batteries. CaV 2 O6 is synthesized via a malonic acid-assisted solution combustion method and is thermally treated at 400 and 700 °C. While both samples show limited Ca2+ storage ability, the low-temperature sample (CaVO400) becomes highly active when integrated with carbon. Electrochemical tests combined with ex-situ XRD, FTIR, and Raman, reveal that the initial Ca 2+ /proton exchange forms a protonated Ca 1-xV2 O6 phase enabling fast, reversible Ca 2+ and H + /H 3 O+ insertion. This process is further facilitated by Ca 2 V2 O7 by-product dissolution. As a result, the CaVO400/C composite delivers ≈ 87 mAh g -1 at 1 A g -1 in half- and ≈ 90 mAh g -1 over 100 cycles in full-cells.Twenty-sixth annual conference on material science (YUCOMAT 2025), Herceg Novi, Montenegro, 1-5 September 2025
Sustainable Biochar–Alumina Composites for Electroanalytical Sensing of Herbicide and Antibiotic
No full textThe problem of water pollution by various xenobiotics has gained a lot of interest due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxic effects on ecosystems and humans. Electrochemical sensors offer a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective method for on-site monitoring. In this research, an electrochemical sensor for xenobiotics based on a biochar–alumina composite is developed. The biochar–alumina composites were obtained by the air-limited pyrolysis of oak sawdust in the presence of alumina. Two types of alumina were mixed with oak sawdust in three ratios and subjected to thermal treatment. The resulting composites were characterized by SEM, N2 adsorption isotherm, XRD, and electrochemical characterization. The detection of the herbicide pendimethalin and the antibiotic ciprofloxacin was investigated, and the composite with the optimal biochar/alumina ratio was selected for each of the xenobiotics studied. A linear current response was obtained for pendimethalin in the concentration range 0.7 μM to 70.0 μM with an LOD of 0.5 μM. A linear current response was obtained for ciprofloxacin in the concentration range 1.6 μM to 55.4 μM with an LOD of 0.63 μM. A comparison of the characterization results with the electroanalytical performance implied the importance of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic nature of the electrode surface for detecting the analyte under investigation
Zinc and lead ions adsorption preliminary screening: Comprehensive analysis of commercial sorbents for water treatment
No full textThe annual increase in global water pollution has raised serious health and environmental concerns. Commercially available and well-known sorbents, such as activated carbon, chitosan, and Dowex resin, were utilized for wastewater treatment by sorbing Zn2+ and Pb2+ ions. The aim of this study was to evaluate and summarize the potential of these three materials as sorbents for wastewater treatment, with an emphasis on their sorption capacities and techno-economic analysis. The sorption capacities were determined in batch experimental conditions in one-component solutions. Concentrations of Zn2+ and Pb2+ ions before and after the sorption were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP- OES). The overall sorption results indicate the effective removal of Zn2+ and Pb2+ ions, demonstrating the applicability of activated carbon, chitosan, and Dowex resin for the water purification process, with a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of each sorbent by comparing the qualities and efficacy of each sorbent.IRASA International Scientific Conference Science, Education, Technology and Innovation SETI VII, Belgrade, October 11, 2025
Genotoxicity assessment of laser-synthesized silver nanoparticles with Salvia officinalis aqueous extract
No full textIn recent years, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained considerable attention due to their potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. However, despite their therapeutic potential, the biosafety profile of AgNPs remains a concern, as these nanoparticles can penetrate cellular membranes and potentially induce cytotoxic or genotoxic effects. Laser “green” synthesis is based on a process of laser ablation of metal target immersed in liquid (PLAL), and represents one of the cleanest synthesis methods for AgNPs, as it eliminates the need for toxic reducing agents. The use of natural compounds could enhance synthesis by enabling nanoparticle stabilization and mitigating their toxicity. Among them, Salvia officinalis (sage) could be of specific importance, as it possesses anti-inflammatory, radical-scavenging, and antigenotoxic properties. In this study, we evaluated the genotoxic potential of laser-synthesized AgNPs prepared in sage aqueous leaf extract (Sage-AgNPs) versus those synthesized via pulsed laser ablation in deionized water (Dw-AgNPs). AgNPs synthesis was performed by picosecond laser system Nd:YAG EKSPLA SL 212/SH/FH, and their physico-chemical characterization was performed. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay was used to assess micronuclei (MN) frequency and proliferation index (CBPI) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells upon 24-hour treatment with both AgNPs, at the concentrations of 2.5, 5 and 10 μg/mL. The results showed that Dw-AgNPs induced concentration-dependent MN increase, statistically significant at the concentrations of 5 and 10 μg/mL, while simultaneously decreasing CBPI. In contrast, MN frequency after treatment with Sage- AgNPs was in the range of the untreated control for concentrations of 2.5 and 5 μg/mL, without affecting CBPI. The highest tested concentration led to a minor, albeit insignificant MN frequency increase and significantly reduced proliferation. These findings suggest that laser-synthesized AgNPs with sage aqueous extract reduce genotoxic effects, highlighting the potential of sage extract in PLAL synthesis as a safe alternative for AgNPs synthesis for biomedical applications.4th Congress of Geneticists in Bosnia and Herzegovina with International Participation - CONGUB&H; October 2-4, 2025; Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Special edition of the journal Genetics & Applications
Genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of deep eutectic solvent based on choline chloride and ascorbic acid in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
No full textNatural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) represent a novel class of green solvents with promising biomedical applications, due to their good biocompatibility and biodegradability. They are formed by the interaction of hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) and acceptors (HBAs), usually choline chloride, at a specific molar ratio, to obtain high thermal and chemical stability. Choline chloride:ascorbic acid (ChCl:AA) NADES have been demonstrated to possess strong radical-scavenging activity, while maintaining a low cytotoxic profile; however, its effects on DNA damage have not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the ChCl:AA effects (concentration range 50-500 μg/mL) on micronuclei incidence (MN) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) upon 24-hour treatment by employing cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Genoprotective potential of non-genotoxic ChCl:AA concentrations against hydroxyurea (HU, 100 μM), a chemotherapeutic agent that can induce genotoxicity mediated by oxidative stress, was also evaluated. ChCl:AA was synthesized by combining ChCl and AA in a 2:1 molar ratio, and physico-chemical characterization confirmed NADES formation. The results showed that ChCl:AA, at all tested concentrations, slightly, albeit insignificantly, reduced MN frequency without affecting the proliferation index of PBMCs. In contrast, HU treatment decreased proliferation index of PBMCs and increased MN frequency by approximately 88%, while 24-hour pretreatment with ChCl:AA at all tested concentrations led to a statistically significant reduction in MN frequency, without effects on the proliferation index. The lowest MN frequency was detected upon 300 μg/mL ChCl:AA pretreatment, decreasing it below the levels of untreated control. The obtained results indicate that ChCl:AA doesn't induce genotoxic effects up to a concentration of 500 μg/mL. On the contrary, the tested concentrations exhibit genoprotective effects against HU-induced DNA damage, likely mediated by their high antioxidative capacity. These findings provide insight into the potential therapeutic efficacy and safety of ChCl:AA.4th Congress of Geneticists in Bosnia and Herzegovina with International Participation - CONGUB&H; October 2-4, 2025; Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Special edition of the journal Genetics & Applications
Alteration of the expression of a set of proteins that defines a "high-risk" prognostic profile in patients with triple-negative breast cancer
No full textBreast cancer is the most common type of malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of ER, PR and HER-2 receptors and it accounts for 10-15% of all breast cancer cases. In comparison to other types of breast cancer, TNBC is more aggressive, has higher recurrence, metastasis and mortality rates. The only available therapy is cytotoxic chemotherapy, which is largely ineffective due to the development of resistance (MDR). Therefore, defining better molecular markers for better TNBC subtypes stratification and clarifying the mechanisms of drug resistance are of crucial importance for their successful therapy treatment. Numerous mechanisms lead to the development of resistance of neoplastic cells to cytotoxic drugs, including overexpression of efflux pumps, altered cellular pathways, abnormal tumor microenvironment. To that end, our first step was to analyze protein expression of the ATP-binding cassette transporters, trans-membrane proteins that utilize ATP to transport – efflux diverse compounds across cellular membranes among which are cytotoxic drugs. Second step was to analyze protein expression of one of the most frequently activated pathways in many types of cancers including breast cancer, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway, which enhances drug efflux by efficiently expressing ABC transporters and reducing the response of chemotherapeutic drugs. Third step was to analyze the expression of cell membrane proteins, receptors and ligands important for breast cancer promotion and progression like AR, EGFR, PD-L1, claudins etc. Our results revealed the package of genes with altered protein expression that represent the “high risk” profile for bad outcome of TNBC patients: PI3K- high/PTEN-low/mTOR-high expression profile, followed by elevated expression of ABC transporters (ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCG2) and PD-L1-high/AR-low/EGFR-high expression profile. This complex profile is a very bad news for TNBC patients and identified marker genes should be taken in consideration for future multiple TNBC therapy.4th Congress of Geneticists in Bosnia and Herzegovina with International Participation - CONGUB&H; October 2-4, 2025; Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Special edition of the journal Genetics & Applications