Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences
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New Particle Formation and Source Apportionment of Particle Number Size Distribution in the Urban Area of the City of Belgrade
No full textUltrafine particles (UFPs) are particles which can penetrate deeply into the respiratory system due to their small size and can translocate into the bloodstream, where they are linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Ultrafine particles can originate from direct emissions or processes of new particle formation (NPF) which we investigated in this study. New particle formation is the process by which molecular clusters form and then grow to larger particles and develop to nucleation and Aitken mode particles. This study presents a detailed analysis of ultrafine particle dynamics in the city of Belgrade, Serbia, based on high-resolution particle number size distribution (PNSD) measurements performed at an urban background site in the period from January to March 2020. A total of seven factors were identified using Positive Matrix Factorization (with contributions in brackets): three attributed to traffic, including mixed source (55%), biomass burning (26%), nucleation (11%), and urban diffuse (8%) sources. The results were obtained by measuring size-resolved number concentrations (10–400 nm) and other pollutants (NO, NO2, NOx, CO, O3, PM1, PM2.5, PM10, equivalent black carbon, organic carbon). Wind directional analysis revealed clear spatial signatures, with nucleation linked to south-western winds and primary factors associated with major local emission influences. The results provide the first combined characterization of new particle formation processes and source-resolved ultrafine particle contributions in Belgrade, offering new insights into wintertime urban exposure in Southeastern Europe
Detection of hydrogen isotopes in fusion-relevant targets using laser ablation and microwave-induced plasma
No full textThe analysis of plasma facing components (PFCs) of fusion machines using LIBS (Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) technique is widely spread throughout fusion community. Difficulties arise when spectroscopic measurements of tritium retention are performed. Particularly, resolving the deuterium (Dα) and tritium (Tα) Balmer alpha lines becomes a major issue. Therefore, this study exploits the usage of microwave-induced plasma (MIP) as a potential solution for the aforementioned difficulties. The target material was introduced into MIP via Nd:YAG laser (λ = 1.064 µm) ablation, while the spectral signals were monitored with a high-resolution spectrometer and ICCD camera. Two silicon-based targets were used in experiments. The first Si target, coated with carbon (C) and exposed to methane (CH4), was used for optimization of the measurement system. The second one, coated with C and implanted with deuterium (D), was used for the final measurements. The final measurements suggest that, with the current setup, the lowest detectable tritium level corresponds to a Tα line intensity of 35–50% of the Dα line intensity. This stands, in our opinion, for a promising method, allowing a reliable and fast determination of tritium content retained in the material
Advances in Graphene Oxide-Based Composites and Membranes: Structural Engineering, Multifunctional Performance, and Emerging Applications
No full textGraphene oxide (GO), with its high surface area, tunable chemistry, and exceptional mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, is rapidly advancing as a transformative material in both composite engineering and membrane technology. In composite systems, GO serves as a multifunctional reinforcement, significantly improving strength, stiffness, thermal stability, and conductivity when integrated into polymeric, ceramic, or metallic matrices. These enhancements are enabling high-performance solutions across electronics, aerospace, automotive, and construction sectors, where lightweight yet durable materials are in demand. In addition, GO-based membranes are revolutionizing water purification, desalination, and other high-end separation technologies. The layered structure, adjustable interlayer spacing, and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups of GO allow precise control over permeability and selectivity, enabling efficient transport of desired molecules while blocking contaminants. Tailoring GO morphology and surface chemistry offers a pathway to optimized membrane performance for both industrial and environmental applications. This paper gives a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in GO-based composites and membranes, highlighting the interplay between structure, morphology, and functionality. Future research directions toward scalable fabrication, performance optimization, and integration into sustainable technologies are discussed, underscoring GO’s pivotal role in shaping next-generation advanced materials
CFD Analysis of the Influence of Some Intake Port Aerodynamic Modification into in-Cylinder Flow Processes and Flame Propagation in the Combustion Chamber of a Spark Ignition IC Engine
No full textIt has long been known that inlet port geometry plays a crucial role in regulating in-cylinder flow processes, significantly affecting combustion efficiency and engine emissions. This paper elucidates the effects of an intake port geometry modification, specifically the implementation of a novel moving deflector to intensify tangential intake flow, on fluid flow patterns, combustion stage, and exhaust emissions in a spark-ignited internal combustion engine. The analysis was performed using multi-dimensional numerical modeling of reactive flow, where the numerical domain was extended to the complete intake system to explicitly encompass the modification. The numerical model was validated against experimental data, showing excellent agreement, with differences in peak in-cylinder pressure and peak rate of heat release (RHR) kept below 3% and the moment of peak pressure being nearly identical to the experimental results. During the induction stroke, the effects of implemented modification through intensification of intake jet were clearly legible, pursued by deflection of smaller side vortices in the vicinity of the bottom dead-center. During compression, the attenuation of the effects of the earlier established macro flow was encountered and some negative effects of the increased intake jet were elucidated. During combustion the existence of “flame dominated fluid flow” controlled primarily by turbulence diffusion was encountered. Negative effects on exhaust emissions were elucidated as well. As the combustion process in spark ignition internal combustion engines is primarily controlled by turbulent diffusion, proper identification of influential types of organized flows is a challenging but very important task. The advantages offered by the application of numerical modeling in these situations are clear
Synthesis and functionalization of glucose and fructose derived hydrothermal carbons – Potential application as quercetin carriers
No full texthe goals of this work were to synthesize carbon materials using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and examine their quercetin binding ability, which was compared with commercial multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Samples were synthesized using glucose and fructose as precursors at 160 °C and 140 °C, respectively, for 6 h. All examined samples were finally functionalized with polyethylene glycol. SEM showed that average particle size for glucose-derived spheres was 120 nm, while for fructose-derived was 1,8 μm, which is also characterized by a wide range of spheres dimensions as well as the presence of other irregular morphologies. XPS confirmed a higher content of oxygen on the HTC-derived samples (∼28 %) compared to oxidized MWCNT (∼3 %). FT-IR spectra showed that applied functionalization resulted in the form of final attachment of polyethylene glycol polymer for all samples, which was also confirmed by zeta potential measurements. Cytotoxicity analysis showed good biocompatibility of all samples, regardless of functionalization processes. The results of quercetin binding showed that binding of quercetin on both HTC-derived samples reached 90 %, while for the MWCNT the binding reached approximately 60 %. The overall results indicate that both HTC-derived samples are excellent candidates for further testing that could lead to their possible application as quercetin carriers
Integrated Extraction, Enrichment, and Formulation of Parthenolide Using Thermoreversible Aqueous Biphasic Systems toward Antitumoral Applications
No full textThis work reports the development of a thermoreversible aqueous biphasic system (ABS) platform for sustainable extraction and enrichment of parthenolide (PAR), a sesquiterpene lactone with anticancer properties, from Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew). The ABSs were composed of choline-based ionic liquids (Ch-ILs) and Pluronic 17R4, enabling extraction in a monophasic regime at 25 °C and temperature-triggered phase separation at 35 °C. Binodal curves at the two temperatures were determined for multiple Ch-ILs, revealing that ABS formation efficiency correlates with IL salting-out ability and hydration capacity, with choline dihydrogen phosphate, [Ch][DHP], showing the strongest phase separation and choline lactate, [Ch][Lac], the highest PAR extraction yield. Quantum mechanical and molecular dynamics simulations identified the IL polarity through calculated dipole moments as a key factor for extraction efficiency and supported micelle formation in the Pluronic-rich phase. Optimization via improved mixing raised PAR extraction yields to 3.52 mg/g biomass using ABS composed of [Ch][Lac] and 3.42 mg/g using [Ch][Bit]. To evaluate the sustainability of the developed approach, Path2Green metrics were applied, resulting in a score of 0.363. Dynamic light scattering revealed micelle sizes of 100–200 nm with low polydispersity suitable for drug delivery. Cytotoxicity assays on cancer cell lines confirmed the potent antiproliferative activity of ABS-extracted PAR. The proposed platform integrates extraction, enrichment, and formulation in one step.Peer-reviewed manuscript available at: [https://vinar.vin.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/16018
Integrated Extraction, Enrichment, and Formulation of Parthenolide Using Thermoreversible Aqueous Biphasic Systems toward Antitumoral Applications
No full textThis work reports the development of a thermoreversible aqueous biphasic system (ABS) platform for sustainable extraction and enrichment of parthenolide (PAR), a sesquiterpene lactone with anticancer properties, from Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew). The ABSs were composed of choline-based ionic liquids (Ch-ILs) and Pluronic 17R4, enabling extraction in a monophasic regime at 25 °C and temperature-triggered phase separation at 35 °C. Binodal curves at the two temperatures were determined for multiple Ch-ILs, revealing that ABS formation efficiency correlates with IL salting-out ability and hydration capacity, with choline dihydrogen phosphate, [Ch][DHP], showing the strongest phase separation and choline lactate, [Ch][Lac], the highest PAR extraction yield. Quantum mechanical and molecular dynamics simulations identified the IL polarity through calculated dipole moments as a key factor for extraction efficiency and supported micelle formation in the Pluronic-rich phase. Optimization via improved mixing raised PAR extraction yields to 3.52 mg/g biomass using ABS composed of [Ch][Lac] and 3.42 mg/g using [Ch][Bit]. To evaluate the sustainability of the developed approach, Path2Green metrics were applied, resulting in a score of 0.363. Dynamic light scattering revealed micelle sizes of 100–200 nm with low polydispersity suitable for drug delivery. Cytotoxicity assays on cancer cell lines confirmed the potent antiproliferative activity of ABS-extracted PAR. The proposed platform integrates extraction, enrichment, and formulation in one step.This is peer-reviewed version of the article: Lazarević, D., Kopilovic, B., Armaković, S. J., Armaković, S., Baptista, B. M., Sousa, F., ... & Trtić-Petrović, T. (2026). Integrated Extraction, Enrichment, and Formulation of Parthenolide Using Thermoreversible Aqueous Biphasic Systems toward Antitumoral Applications. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. [https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c10881
The influence of ambient high pressure to structural features of barium hexaferrite
No full textA comprehensive analysis of the magnetic properties, crystal structure and magnetic configuration of the ceramic BaFe12O19, prepared using the sol-gel method, was conducted over the temperature range from 4 K to room temperature. The impact of ambient pressure on the crystal and magnetic structures of ceramic BaFe12O19has enabled the determination of bulk modulusB0∼ 123.8 GPa and its first-order derivativeBp' ∼ 4.1, as well as the coefficients of linear compressibility of the lattice parameters for the hexagonal unit cell. The results of neutron diffraction collected at pressures ranging from 0.1 GPa to 5 GPa were analyzed in the framework of both centrosymmetric SG P63/mmc (No. 194) and non-centrosymmetric SG P63mc (No. 186). The decrease in the total magnetic moment with an increase in ambient pressure was associated with a weakening of the exchange interaction in the ferrimagnetic structure, owing to a reduction in the bond angles (∠ Fe-O-Fe) of various iron sublattices
Structural and functional characterisation of hydrogels prepared from Porphyridium purpureum under acidic conditions
No full textThe red microalgae Porphyridium purpureum exhibits exceptional nutritional properties due to rich protein content, extracellular polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The coloured and bioactive phycobiliproteins make this microalga a valuable source for developing innovative food products. Herein, we developed a simple procedure to induce the formation of coloured hydrogels (POR) from P. purpureum under acidic conditions (pH 2) by inhibiting the repulsion of charged groups and facilitating polysaccharide chain association. We further investigated the effects of adding alginate at a 0.5 % concentration on the gel structure (POR ALG) and techno-functional properties. The resulting vividly coloured hydrogels were characterised in terms of microstructure (via SEM and confocal microscopy), functional groups (FTIR), rheological behaviour, water uptake and water-holding capacity, digestibility, and antioxidant activity. Alginate addition significantly improved the gel consistency (POR ALG), decreased porosity, and increased the storage modulus by one order of magnitude compared to POR gel. Confocal microscopy revealed that alginate inhibited phycobiliprotein agglomeration, reduced fluorescence, and provided more uniform protein distribution. The water uptake capacity was notably higher in POR ALG hydrogel at pH 2, whereas POR hydrogel had the highest capacity at neutral pH. In vitro digestion studies demonstrated that the hydrogels resisted gastric digestion, while bioactive (chromo)peptides are released in the intestinal phase, thereby preserving their antioxidant activity. Lyophilisation emerged as the preferred drying method, maintaining rehydration potential and structural integrity. The developed P. purpureum-based hydrogels demonstrate significant potential as functional food ingredients, offering bioactive benefits, vibrant colour stability, and protection for sensitive molecules during digestion
Bio-intelligent approach for rapid healing of cracks via artificial neural network-optimized urban bacterial consortium
No full textMost current approaches for autonomous healing of cracks in cementitious materials rely on
single-strain microbial systems with limited environmental resilience, mineralization yield, and
compatibility with the harsh cement matrix. This study introduces a novel artificial neural
network (ANN)-optimized consortium of Bacillus strains isolated from urban airborne environments, tailored for rapid healing of hardened cement paste. Urban microbial niches, often
overlooked in biotechnological applications, offer pre-adapted bacterial communities capable of
surviving in high-pH, desiccated, and nutrient-limited conditions analogous to those found in
concrete. Using five Bacillus species (B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, B. thuringiensis, B. mucilaginous, B.
simplex), an ANN model was developed to predict and optimize CaCO3 precipitation, achieving
high accuracy. The ANN-optimal microbial configuration was experimentally validated and
applied to pre-cracked cement paste specimens. The bacteria–nutrient system showed nearcomplete crack closure within 48 h and an enhanced compressive strength of 36.5 MPa (versus
33.9 MPa for control specimens). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed dense calcite
crystal networks with microbial imprints, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
confirmed carbonate functional groups indicative of calcite, and thermogravimetric analysis
(TGA) demonstrated a high thermal stability (~36 % weight loss at 700–900 ◦C) characteristic of
calcite. This work is the first to integrate urban airborne microbiota with ANN-guided consortium
optimization for the self-healing effect of cement-based materials. The findings provide a scalable,
data-driven framework for engineering resilient, bio-based solutions to repair concrete infrastructure, demonstrating a rapid crack-healing approach that is both effective and environmentally adaptive