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Design and Optimization of Pullulan-Isononanoate Films with Bioactive-Loaded Liposomes for Potential Biomedical Use
No full textThis study reports the synthesis and detailed characterization of pullulan-isononanoate (Pull-Iso), as well as the preparation and characterization of Pull-Iso films incorporating liposomes loaded with silibinin (SB) and smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) extract (STExt), to explore the physicochemical and functional properties of pullulan-based biomaterials for potential biomedical applications. Pullulan was successfully esterified with isononanoic acid chloride, as confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Modification significantly reduced the glass transition temperature (Tg), indicating enhanced chain mobility due to the introduction of bulky side chains. Prepared liposomes, embedding SB and extracted smoke tree compounds, exhibited particle sizes ~2000 nm with moderate polydispersity (~0.340) and zeta potential values around –20 mV, demonstrating lower colloidal stability over 60 days, thereby justifying their encapsulation within films. Optical microscopy revealed uniform liposome dispersion in Pull-Iso film with 0.5 g of liposomes, while higher liposome loading (0.75 g of liposomes) induced aggregation and microstructural irregularities. Mechanical analysis showed a reduction in tensile strength and strain at higher liposome content. The incorporation of liposomes encapsulating STExt and SB significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of Pull-Iso-based films in a concentration-dependent manner, as demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. These preliminary findings suggest that pullulan esterification and controlled liposome incorporation may enable the development of flexible, bioactive-loaded films, which could represent a promising platform for advanced wound dressing applications, warranting further investigation
Benefiti HORIZON EUROPE projekata
No full textPrezentacija prikazuje osnivanje, razvoj i aktivnosti Kancelarije za projekte i međunarodnu saradnju (ICPO) na IHTM-u, formirane radi jačanja institucionalnih kapaciteta za učešće u međunarodnim programima finansiranja istraživanja. Predstavljene su razlike između nacionalnih projekata i programa Horizon Europe, uključujući administrativne zahteve, budžetske okvire i značaj međunarodne saradnje. Poseban akcenat stavljen je na ulogu ICPO u motivisanju istraživača, pružanju podrške pri pripremi i sprovođenju projekata, organizovanju obuka, info‑dana i aktivnosti izgradnje kapaciteta. Prikazani su ostvareni rezultati, poput povećanog učešća u Horizon Europe i COST akcijama, unapređenja istraživačke administracije i jačanja vidljivosti i kompetencija IHTM-a na međunarodnom nivou.The presentation provides an overview of the establishment, development, and activities of the International Cooperation and Project Office (ICPO) at ICTM, created to strengthen institutional capacity for participation in international research funding programmes. It outlines key differences between national and Horizon Europe projects, emphasizing administrative requirements, budgetary frameworks, and the strategic importance of international collaboration. The presentation highlights ICPO’s role in motivating researchers, supporting proposal preparation and project implementation, organizing training events and info days, and building both technical and transferable skills among research staff. Documented outcomes include increased participation in Horizon Europe and COST Actions, enhanced institutional visibility, and measurable improvements in research support services and project management capacities.Prezentacija u okviru radne posete Tehničkom fakultetu u Boru / Presentation given as part of a working visit to the Technical Faculty in Bo
Novel N-doped carbon/Co/Co3O4 ternary composites derived by direct carbonization of ZIF-67: Efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
No full textCobalt-containing zeolitic imidazole framework ZIF-67 was synthesized in high yield, and directly carbonized by different heating routes at 800 and 900 °C. The products of carbonization, C(ZIF-67)s, were comprehensively characterized in terms of elemental composition (FAAS, EDX, XPS), crystalline (XRD) and molecular structure (FTIR and Raman spectroscopies), morphology (SEM), electrical conductivity, textural (N2 physisorption), and electrochemical properties. It was found that C(ZIF-67)s represent novel meso/microporous ternary composites of the type N-doped carbon/Co/Co3O4, containing metallic Co nanoparticles (NPs) with cubic body-centred crystalline structure, and predominately amorphous Co3O4. They exhibited high electrical conductivity (up to 4.2 S cm−1), notable BET specific surface area (197–265 cm2 g−1), and almost doubled mesopore volume compared to the parent ZIF-67. The effects of carbonization conditions on the structure, physico-chemical properties, and performance of C(ZIF-67)s as electrode materials in electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and charge storage were studied. All C(ZIF-67) composites showed excellent ORR electrocatalytic activity in 0.1 M KOH, with four-electron reduction pathway. The highest ORR activity (the onset potential of −0.13 V vs. SCE) showed the composite produced by gradual heating up to 800 °C followed by holding at that temperature for 3 h. This is attributed to its highest mesopore volume, appropriate meso/micropore structure, high surface content of heteroatom-containing active sites (C–O–C, Co–N, Co–O), high surface Co2+/Co3+ ratio and the presence of Co NPs. The applied direct carbonization of ZIF-67, without additives and post-synthetic modifications, was shown as a simple way to produce meso/microporous electroconducting composites with high potential in energy related applications
Structural and functional characteristics of β-lactoglobulin/C-phycocyanin/ starch composite gels induced by pressure
No full textHigh-pressure processing (HPP) has emerged as a key sustainable green alternative for food treatment, effectively
preserving food’s sensory and nutritional properties. This study investigated the potential of HPP to develop
β-lactoglobulin (BLG) gels in the presence of starch and the bioactive blue protein C-phycocyanin (C-PC). Various
compositions of binary (BLG/C-PC and BLG/starch) and ternary (BLG/C-PC/starch) systems were subjected to
high-pressure (HP) conditions at 4500 bar. BLG, C-PC, and starch concentrations were maintained at 180, 10,
and 5 g/L. HP-induced hydrogels preserve C-PC colour and partial preservation of secondary and tertiary
structures, as evidenced by visible absorption and CD spectroscopy. SAXS data at the high-Q range revealed that
C-PC induces the unfolding of BLG within binary system gels. In contrast, the ternary system gel maintained the
BLG tertiary structure better. C-PC and starch affected the nano and microstructures of BLG HP-induced gels by
increasing the pore size, as demonstrated by SAXS (at low Q-range) and SEM analysis. This increase in pore size
further influenced the resulting gels’ rheological behaviour and texture profile. C-PC enhanced the protein
solubility and antioxidant activity of the HP-induced gels, potentially boosting the bioactive and nutritional
value of the developed gels
Influence of inevitable hydrogen evolution reaction on morphology of electrodeposited zinc
No full textInfluence of parallel hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on morphology of zinc electrodeposits has been investigated. Zn was electrodeposited potentiostatically from the alkaline electrolyte at overpotentials both inside and outside the plateau of the limiting diffusion current density, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the resulting deposits. Holes originating from detached hydrogen bubbles were formed among the branchy, fern-like dendrites at overpotentials outside the plateau of the limiting diffusion current density, while HER was not detected at the overpotential inside the plateau. The overpotential of electrodeposition had no significant effect on the amount of hydrogen produced (the HER current efficiency was in the 17.7-19.1 % range), but it did affect the hole size. Depending on the overpotential of the electrodeposition, the size of holes was from several to about 100 m, including those obtained by a coalescence of neighbouring hydrogen bubbles, and decreased with the increasing overpotential. The absence of inhibition of dendritic growth in spite of a high value of evolved hydrogen was attributed to Zn, which belongs to the group of normal metals characterized by high values of both the exchange current density and the overpotential for hydrogen evolution
Integrative lipophilicity assessment and pharmacokinetic correlation of pyrimidine precursors and artesunate–pyrimidine hybrids: development of QSAR models for anticancer activity and interaction with P -glycoprotein
No full textAims: To evaluate chromatographic lipophilicity of novel artesunate–pyrimidine hybrids and precursorsusing reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography (RP-TLC) and assess plasma protein binding (PPB). Theimpact of measured and predicted lipophilicity on pharmacokinetic descriptors was evaluated. Principalcomponent analysis (PCA) explored relationships among lipophilicity, PPB, and physicochemicaldescriptors. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) and partial least squares (PLS) modelslinked molecular descriptors to cytotoxicity and resistance modulation in nonsmall cell lung cancer(NSCLC) cells.Materials and methods: Lipophilicity was measured by RP-TLC. PPB was determined using humanserum albumin (HSA)-modified high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). PCA characterizedphysicochemical–pharmacokinetic correlations. Cytotoxicity in sensitive NCI-H460 and multidrug-resistant (MDR) NCI-H460/R cells was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay. QSAR and PLS models identified key descriptors.Results: Lipophilicity strongly influenced adsorption, distribution, and protein binding. Highly lipophilichybrids showed near-complete HSA binding. Compound 2k lost cytotoxicity in the presence of albumin,whereas 4k retained potency. Models indicated steric and electronic features, alongside lipophilicity,dictate efficacy and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) interactions, particularly in resistant cells.Conclusions: Lipophilicity and steric/electronic descriptors govern distribution, protein binding, andanticancer activity. Integrating these features enables design of hybrids overcoming P-gp-mediatedmultidrug resistance, with hybrid 4k emerging as a promising candidate.This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Future Medicinal Chemistry on 13 Dec 2025, available at: [https://doi.org/10.1080/17568919.2025.2602963]Published version: [https://cer.ihtm.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/9130
Recovery of rare earth elements from waste materials
No full textPrezentacija kolege iz dijaspore (IME, Aachen University, Germany) koji je odžao predavanje u okviru diseminacije projekta REMEDIS koji je finansiran od strane Fonda za nauku Republike Srbije. Za sva dodatna pitanja se možete obratiti rukovodiocu projekta dr Nataši Petrović ([email protected]
Comparative study on naphthalene degradation by Fe(II)-Activated three different oxidants
No full textPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), exemplified by naphthalene (NaP), are prevalent contaminants in mine tailings wastewater owing to their extensive application as flotation reagents in mineral processing. This study systematically investigated the comparative removal efficiency of NaP via Fe(II)-activated oxidants (sodium persulfate (PS), potassium monopersulfate (PMS), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)), under optimized reaction conditions. Among the systems research, the Fe(II)/PS system exhibited superior NaP removal efficiency (98.7 %, kobs = 0.0401 min−1) with minimal pH dependence, whereas Fe(II)/PMS and Fe(II)/H2O2 systems showed significant efficiency reduction at higher pH levels. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) type and relative contribution are the primary limitation for NaP removal. And distinct radical species led to divergent degradation pathways: SO4•--dominated systems (Fe(II)/PS and Fe(II)/PMS) favored hydrogen abstraction, while •OH-dominated Fe(II)/H2O2 proceeded via hydroxyl addition. Common anions (Cl− and HCO3−) inhibited degradation across all systems, albeit to varying degrees. All three systems oxidation processes consistently degraded NaP in both ultrapure water and actual mining wastewater, with Fe(II)/PS achieving 96.9 % removal in mine surface water. Additionally, stepwise Fe(II) addition was shown to significantly enhance PS activation and NaP mineralization. In summary, this study provides theoretical insights for Fe(II)/oxidant applications in PAH-contaminated mining wastewater remediation, recommending Fe(II)/PS as a highly efficient and stable approach for NaP degradation
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
Current progress of Pd-based electrocatalysts for the electrooxidation of ethanol in an alkaline solution
No full textFuel cells present an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Among the different types of fuel cells, direct
ethanol fuel cells are particularly notable for their suitability in portable devices and light-duty vehicles. A key approach to developing
sustainable energy solutions is to create efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly catalysts for energy conversion technologies.
Presently, numerous studies are concentrated on the use of palladium and palladium-based electrocatalysts to improve the ethanol
oxidation reaction (EOR). However, the high costs and poor durability of the electrocatalysts have hindered their commercialization.
Investigating new Pd-based catalysts that exhibit remarkable activity and durability is probably the key to solving this issue. This review
article offers a summary of the progress made over the past three years regarding the EOR process, focusing on synthesis techniques
for materials that consist of Pd, and less or non-noble metal elements. Besides that, the review outlines the future outlook of Pd-based
catalysts and offers useful research paths and approaches for advancing the study