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Novel organoruthenium complexes containing β-Diketonates: Synthesis, characterization, DNA/HSA interactions, and the impact of biocompatible ionic liquids on biological activities
No full textIn order to discover new dual-active agents, novel ruthenium (η6-p-cymene) complexes of the general formula [(η6-p-cym)Ru(O[sbnd]O)Cl] with O,O-diketo ester ligands ethyl 2-hydroxy-4-aryl-4-oxobut-2-enoate (1–3), were synthesized. The complexes 1–3 were characterized by spectral techniques (UV–Vis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and ESI-HRMS), elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. Based on in vitro DNA/HSA experiments, complex 1 exhibited the highest DNA/HSA-activity, suggesting that the presence of an alkene chain contributes to increased activity. The cytotoxic activity of 1–3 was evaluated in a panel of human cancer cell lines (A549, MDA-MB-231, LS-174, HeLa), and in one normal cell line (MRC-5), both in the absence and presence of biocompatible ionic liquids (BIO-ILs) such as cholinium glycinate (Cho-Gly), cholinium β-alaninate (Cho-Ala), and cholinium glutamate (Cho-Glu). Complex 1 exhibited the highest cytotoxicity and demonstrated selectivity toward HeLa cells. Additionally, its cytotoxicity was enhanced when combined with the BIO-ILs Cho-Gly and Cho-Ala. This study suggests that ionic liquids can influence the efficacy and selectivity of cancer treatments, highlighting the potential for enhancing therapeutic outcomes. However, it also emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of BIO-IL interactions with cellular processes. Furthermore, compound 1 displayed strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (MIC = 0.078 mg/mL). Among the assessed species, Candida albicans showed the highest sensitivity to antifungal activity. These results suggest that investigated compounds may have potential for further development as clinical candidates, pending additional studies. © 202
Precise Control of Structure and Magnetic Properties of BiFeO3: From Synthesis to Prediction of New Modifications
No full textIn recent years multiferroics have been an intriguing study field due to their well- known magnetoelectric phenomena that offer a wide range of potentially new applications including spintronics, new data storage media and multiple-state memories [1–5]. Bismuth ferrite (BFO) particles were synthesized via a controlled hydrothermal method, yielding highly pure, small-sized particles. Structural characterization revealed that the as-synthesized (non- annealed) powder crystallizes in the rhombohedral R3c space group with minimal secondary phase content. Upon annealing at 800 °C, a single-phase perovskite structure with high crystallinity was obtained. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis confirmed the presence of twin stacking faults, which are responsible for enhanced magnetic properties. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy measurements suggested the existence of electrons trapped by vacancies or defects. It has been proposed that the existence of Fe3+−OV defect complex could be generated at elevated temperatures followed by the formation of trivalent Fe ions, which intensely provide local 3d moments. In addition, a structure prediction has been performed and 11 additional BiFeO3 modifications have been proposed, while the magnetic behavior of synthesized material was investigated by SQUID.Advances in Solid State Physics and New Materials - 30 years of the Center for Solid State Physics and New Materials at the Institute of Physics Belgrade, 19 – 23 May 2025, Belgrade, Serbia
Raman Signatures of Instabilities in InSiTe3
No full textLayered van der Waals materials have gained considerable interest for their unique physical properties, yet InSiTe3 remains largely unexplored due to uncertainties surrounding its crystal structure. In this work, we present a comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigation of InSiTe3, confirming a rhombohedral structure with P3̅ space group symmetry via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Polarization-resolved Raman scattering reveals nine out of ten Raman-active modes expected for this symmetry, further validating the structural assignment. Beyond conventional phonon behavior, we identify strong anharmonicity and the emergence of a self-organized coherent phonon state associated with a high-energy mode near 500 cm-1. Analysis of phonon-phonon coupling parameters indicates that modes exhibit coupling strengths up to eight times greater than modes. Temperature-dependent Raman measurements from 80 to 300 K reveal notable changes in mode intensities around 200 K and the appearance of broad spectral features in the phonon gap region, attributed to overtone excitations. Our findings point to an intrinsic lattice instability in InSiTe3, driven by strong anharmonic interactions. However, further studies are required to fully uncover the microscopic origin of these instabilities and their implications for the material’s physical properties.Advances in Solid State Physics and New Materials - 30 years of the Center for Solid State Physics and New Materials at the Institute of Physics Belgrade, 19 – 23 May 2025, Belgrade, Serbia
Luminomagnetic Fe₃O₄ Nanostructures for Biomedical Application: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Properties
No full textLuminomagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanostructures, which combine magnetic and optical properties, represent a promising material for a wide range of biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging, and hyperthermia [1]. In this study, we report the synthesis and systematic investigation of luminomagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanostructures with a rod-like morphology. The Fe₃O₄ nanostructures were synthesized using a reduction-precipitation method to achieve structures with controlled sizes and morphologies. Characterization of these nanostructures included field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, as well as superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) and fluorescence spectroscopy (PL) to analyze their magnetic and optical properties. The obtained nanostructures exhibit good magnetization along with light emission, making them suitable for in vivo biosensing and magnetic therapies. Additionally, antibacterial properties were tested on S. aureus cells, demonstrating that these nanostructures can also serve as antibacterial agents. This work highlights the potential of Fe₃O₄ nanostructures as multifunctional materials in bioengineering and biomedical devices, with applications in drug targeting, magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermia treatments, and as innovative antibacterial agents.Advances in Solid State Physics and New Materials - 30 years of the Center for Solid State Physics and New Materials at the Institute of Physics Belgrade, 19 – 23 May 2025, Belgrade, Serbia
Enhanced depolarization energy release in gamma-irradiated LDPE/ZIF-8 composite via increased charge trapping
No full textThe charging of dielectric materials such as polymers results in relatively low energy densities compared to conventional electrochemical batteries. However, dielectric-based systems are less prone to chemical aging and more stable at elevated temperatures, making them suitable for applications requiring long-term stability. In this study, we demonstrate that low-density polyethylene (LDPE) can be modified to enhance the energy contribution of detrapping currents during depolarization, resulting in energy releases that exceed those of an ideal capacitor under identical electrostatic conditions. LDPE was combined with zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) filler and subsequently exposed to gamma irradiation to improve electrical conductivity and create additional charge-trapping sites. As-prepared and irradiated LDPE and LDPE/ZIF-8 composite thin films were charged in a weak DC field (∼6 V/mm). During charging, one side of the film was in direct contact with the negative electrode, while the opposite side was separated from the positive electrode by an air gap. Depolarization measurements were performed using the same setup. The study examines the effects of filler addition and/or irradiation doses on the accumulated charge and the energy released from LDPE. A key finding is that gamma irradiation of the LDPE/ZIF-8 composite significantly enhances the contribution of detrapping currents to the overall energy release during depolarization. For the 300 kGy-irradiated LDPE/ZIF-8 composite, detrapping currents account for approximately 30 % of the total energy released
Natural compounds and strategies for fighting against drug resistance in cancer: a special focus on phenolic compounds and microRNAs
No full textBioactive phytochemicals, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and alkaloids, exert antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antigenotoxic, and anticancer effects, simultaneously showing minimal or no toxicity on normal, healthy cells. Phytochemicals targeting various signaling pathways and multiple mechanisms underlying intrinsic and acquired multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells make them invaluable tools for the development of novel strategies for fighting against anticancer drug resistance in different cancer types, which is one of the ultimate goals of modern oncology research. As MDR is described to be a simultaneous development of resistance to multiple drugs with different chemical structures, mechanisms of action, and targets it is not surprising that multiple factors, such as genetic and epigenetic changes, as well as non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs may significantly contribute to the development MDR in cancer cells, and its targeting and modulation of their expression to sensitize cells to treatment. This review implies that some natural compounds, such as curcumin, resveratrol, kaempferol, allicin, and quercetin have the potential to interact with highly oncogenic and/or proinflammatory miRNAs such as miR-21/155/663/146a significantly influencing the response to cancer therapy. The article aims to point out how natural compounds may be used accompanied by miRNAs mimics or miRNA inhibitors to treat specific cancer types and subtypes to overcome multidrug resistance. The main challenge is to determine the proper doses and concentrations of both, miRNAs and compounds
Experimental Investigation of the Stability of AunCln+m− (n = 1–5; m = 1, 3, 5, 7) Clusters by Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
No full textThe stability of gold chloride clusters is an important topic in catalysis and nanomaterials, but experimental data are missing. Here, fourteen different clusters were obtained simultaneously using laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and were identified as AunCln+m − (n = 1–5; m = 1, 3, 5, 7) or AuCln+1 −, Au2Cl2n+1 −, Au3Cl2n+2 −, Au4Cl2n+1 − and Au5Cl2n+2 −. Consequently, the effects of laser intensity on their stability were evaluated, considering differences in the AuCl unit or the number of Cl atoms. For the AunCln+1 − and AunCln+3 − groups, the relative intensity of the clusters decreased with each additional AuCl unit as the laser intensity increased. AunCln+5 − clusters showed a different trend in relative intensities: Au3Cl8 − > Au2Cl7 − > Au4Cl9 − > Au5Cl10 −. The mononuclear AuCl4 − showed the highest stability, which is consistent with their “superhalogen” character. In the Au2Cl2n+1 − clusters, Au2Cl5 − with Au (III)–Au(I) interaction was more stable at lower laser intensities, while Au2Cl3 with Au(I)–Au(I) bonds became more dominant at higher intensities. Among the Au3Cl2n+2 −, Au4Cl2n+1 − clusters, those with purely “aurophilic” interactions became increasingly stable with increasing laser intensity. These results emphasize the importance of bond type and cluster size for the stability of gold chloride clusters at different laser intensities
Potential of laser-produced gold and silver nanoparticles against cariogenic biofilm
No full textObjectives: Dental caries is costly and persistent global health issue, requiring better dental care products for its prevention. This study examined antibiofilm effectiveness of pulsed laser ablation- synthesized gold nanoparticles (Laser_AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (laser_AgNPs) against four Streptococcus species (S. mutans, S. mitis, S. sanguinis, and S. gordonii), essential for cariogenic biofilm development. Methods: Nanoparticles were characterized for size using transmission electron microscopy. Ex vivo evaluation of the nanoparticles antibiofilm activity was performed against a four-species biofilm on enamel discs by quantifying CFU. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the reduction in biofilm mass on enamel discs. Results: TEM showed nanoparticle sizes were 5.89 ± 0.25m and 7.00 ± 0.07 nm for Laser_AgNPs and laser_AuNPs, respectively. Reductive potential of laser_AuNPs against multispecies biofilm settled on enamel discs was comparable (ΔlogCFU 2.07±0.61) to the one of the mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (ΔlogCFU 2.58±1.13). On the other hand laser_AgNPs proved more efficient biofilm reduction (ΔlogCFU 5.23±0.72). SEM results confirmed that treatment with laser_AuNPs resulted in the biofilm mass decrease, and that the reduction was more pronounced after treatment with laser_AgNPs. Conclusions: Laser_AuNPs and especially AgNPs could be alternatives for managing cariogenic biofilms.29th BaSS Congress of the Balkan Stomatological Society; Belgrade, April 24 - 26, 2025
Electrical switching of a p-wave magnet
No full textMagnetic states with zero magnetization but non-relativistic spin splitting are outstanding candidates for the next generation of spintronic devices. Their electronvolt (eV)-scale spin splitting, ultrafast spin dynamics and nearly vanishing stray fields make them particularly promising for several applications1,2. A variety of such magnetic states with non-trivial spin textures have been identified recently, including even-parity d-wave, g-wave or i-wave altermagnets and odd-parity p-wave magnets3, 4, 5, 6–7. Achieving voltage-based control of the non-uniform spin polarization of these magnetic states is of great interest for realizing energy-efficient and compact devices for information storage and processing8,9. Spin-spiral type II multiferroics are optimal candidates for such voltage-based control, as they exhibit an inversion-symmetry-breaking magnetic order that directly induces ferroelectric polarization, allowing for symmetry-protected cross-control between spin chirality and polar order10, 11, 12, 13–14. Here we combine photocurrent measurements, first-principles calculations and group-theory analysis to provide direct evidence that the spin polarization of the spin-spiral type II multiferroic NiI2 exhibits odd-parity character connected to the spiral chirality. The symmetry-protected coupling between chirality and polar order enables electrical control of a primarily non-relativistic spin polarization. Our findings represent an observation of p-wave magnetism in a spin-spiral type II multiferroic, which may lead to the development of voltage-based switching of non-relativistic spin polarization in compensated magnets. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited 2025.The datasets generated and/or analysed during the present study are available at [https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/MSCHDT
Electrochemical-Based Technologies for Removing NSAIDs from Wastewater: Systematic Review with Bibliometric Analysis
No full textElectrochemical-based processes have shown great promise in removing organic pollutants such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from wastewater due to their effectiveness in addressing environmental pollution. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of the most-cited articles in the field to systematically evaluate the progress and current state of electrochemical methods for NSAID removal from wastewater. Additionally, it highlights the potential of combining electrochemical techniques with other treatment methods to enhance the overall efficiency of NSAID removal. Research in this field has mainly focused on three technologies: electro-peroxone process (E-peroxone), electro-Fenton (EF), and electrochemical oxidation (EO). Early studies prioritized EO-based treatments, but interest has gradually shifted toward EF and E-peroxone. Future research is expected to focus on the development of cost-effective electrode materials, improving energy efficiency, and exploring hybrid systems for more effective treatment of wastewater contaminated with NSAIDs. An integrated bibliometric and systematic review framework presented in this study provides the first comprehensive assessment of electrochemical strategies for NSAIDs removal, highlighting the evolution of research focus and the potential of hybrid approaches. © 2025 by the authors