Review
Thermodynamics
S. Kartik, Hemant Kumar Balsora, Manisha Sharma, Agus Saptoro, Rakesh K. Jain, Jyeshtharaj B. Joshi, Abhishek Sharma
Summary: The recycling of waste plastics is an important solution to address future fuel economy pressure and environmental concerns. This review focuses on investigating the potential of pyrolysis as a recycling method to convert waste plastics into fuel and value-added products. The study examines the process conditions and reaction mechanisms to maximize the production of usable fractions and value-added chemicals through pyrolysis. Discussions on process development and future research directions are also presented.
THERMAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRESS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sungyup Jung, Sangyoon Lee, Hocheol Song, Yiu Fai Tsang, Eilhann E. Kwon
Summary: A reliable disposal platform for complex plastic compounds in E-waste was developed in this study using pyrolysis technology, which valorized the plastic mixture into high value-added products. The use of CO2 as a cofeedstock was shown to significantly increase the production of syngas.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nguyen Hoang Ly, Sang-Woo Joo, Jaebum Choo, Yasser Vasseghian, Jinwoo Cho, Shahabaldin Rezania
Summary: This review discusses recent advances and challenges in recycling gold from E-waste using porous structure-based materials, and explores the importance of novel porous structure-introduced platforms in this process.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gabriele Sarapajevaite, Kestutis Baltakys, Micaela Degli Esposti, Davide Morselli, Paola Fabbri
Summary: This study focuses on preparing a sustainable organic/inorganic composite material that can degrade organic pollutants in wastewater using visible light. The composites, made of PHBV and CuS, show remarkable photo-degradation capabilities for tetracycline and methylene blue, and can be reused multiple times with minimal loss in efficiency. This approach is not only sustainable and cost-effective, but also solves issues occurring in current photodegradation techniques.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Seyyed Mohsen Beladi-Mousavi, Sona Hermanova, Yulong Ying, Jan Plutnar, Martin Pumera
Summary: A proof-of-concept study introduces an active photocatalytic degradation procedure using intelligent visible-light-driven microrobots capable of capturing and degrading microplastics on-the-fly. These robots have built-in photocatalytic and magnetic materials for self-propelled motion under sunlight and precise actuation under a magnetic field. The photocatalytic robots generate a local self-stirring effect at the nanoscale, enhancing interaction with microplastics without the need for exterior mechanical stirrers typically used in conventional systems.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xin Li, Jianying Wang, Ting Zhang, Sen Yang, Mingze Sun, Xufang Qian, Tianfu Wang, Yixin Zhao
Summary: The damaging effects of plastic wastes on the ecosystem call for the worldwide concern on rational strategies for plastic recycling. Catalytic technology provides an efficient and selective approach for recycling plastic wastes. This review summarizes recent progress in transforming plastic wastes into valued products using different sustainable catalytic technologies under mild conditions. Thermocatalysis, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and other emerging integrated catalytic technologies are introduced and discussed. The goal of this review is to inspire innovations for the sustainable and eco-friendly valorization of plastic waste resources to create a low-emission circular economy.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Parthasarathy Baskaran Sujiritha, Vijan Lal Vikash, George Sebastian Antony, Ganesan Ponesakki, Niraikulam Ayyadurai, Kazunori Nakashima, Numbi Ramudu Kamini
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing solid wastes from the leather industry for biocementation via enzyme induced carbonate precipitation (EICP). The results show that the use of fleshing waste and lime liquor as alternative sources can lead to the formation of more stable calcite precipitate and reduce pollution load and sludge formation.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Aubrey Dickson Chigwada, Memory Tekere
Summary: Environment plastic litter accumulation is a concerning issue, and urgent advancements in plastic waste management are needed. Recent studies on bacterial and enzymatic biodegradation of plastic provide unique opportunities for the development of biotechnological methods to handle plastic waste. This review summarizes information on the breakdown of various synthetic plastics by bacteria and enzymes. It also outlines the procedures used to analyze biodegradation processes and discusses the challenges in verifying plastic breakdown. The findings of this study contribute significantly to the construction of a library of efficient bacterial isolates and enzymes for plastic biosynthesis, and they provide valuable insights for researchers in the field of plastic bioremediation.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zi-Hao Qin, Jin-Hua Mou, Christopher Yu Huang Chao, Shauhrat Singh Chopra, Walid Daoud, Shao-Yuan Leu, Zhi Ning, Chi Yan Tso, Chak Keung Chan, Shixing Tang, Zubeen Jyotiwadan Hathi, Md Ariful Haque, Xiang Wang, Carol Sze Ki Lin
Summary: Biotechnology-based biodegradation of plastics offers promising potential in addressing environmental burdens and solving plastic waste issues, with recent advancements focusing on mechanisms and strategies for recycling and valorization.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zi-Hao Qin, Jin-Hua Mou, Christopher Yu Huang Chao, Shauhrat Singh Chopra, Walid Daoud, Shao-yuan Leu, Zhi Ning, Chi Yan Tso, Chak Keung Chan, Shixing Tang, Zubeen Jyotiwadan Hathi, Md Ariful Haque, Xiang Wang, Carol Sze Ki Lin
Summary: Although fossil-based plastic products have caused severe environmental burdens, biotechnologies based on the mechanism of plastic biodegradation offer feasible approaches for the degradation, recycling, and valorization of plastic waste to alleviate environmental challenges. Recent advances in biotechnology-based biodegradation and the recycling and valorization of plastic waste provide feasible solutions for tackling the plastic waste dilemma.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dongho Choi, Sungyup Jung, Yiu Fai Tsang, Hocheol Song, Deok Hyun Moon, Eilhann E. Kwon
Summary: This study proposes a sustainable platform for the valorization and disposal of plastic waste and greenhouse gases by using catalytic pyrolysis to convert them into value-added fuel.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stefanie de Roo, Felix Einsiedler, Stefan Mecking
Summary: This study demonstrates the catalytic conversion of renewable plant oils, including microalgae and waste oil, into industrially relevant alpha-olefins in the C-3 to C-10 regime. The biorefinery concept involves a catalytic sequence of ethenolysis, double bond isomerization, and subsequent ethenolysis, effectively rearranging the fatty acid chains into valuable chemical building blocks. Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2)), a benign extraction and reaction solvent, is utilized.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Meriem Dahou, Souad Hammadou Nee Mesdour, Omar Kaddour, Hadj Mimoun
Summary: In this study, polyethylene-pyrolysis under vacuum was used to obtain cracking-oils as substitutes for petro-diesel. The liquid fraction was dominated by paraffinic and olefin compounds, and the fuel qualities were similar to commercial-diesel, making it suitable for clean-fuel production.
PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alcina Johnson Sudagar, Neha Venkatesh Rangam, Artur Ruszczak, Pawel Borowicz, Jozsef Toth, Laszlo Koever, Dorota Michalowska, Marek L. Roszko, Krzysztof R. Noworyta, Beata Lesiak
Summary: In this study, silver phosphate nanocomposites were synthesized using brewery wastes at different temperatures and times to obtain varying component ratios. It was found that BW7 nanocomposites exhibited higher antibacterial activity due to a larger silver phosphate content and a thinner organic overlayer compared to BW5 nanocomposites. The presence of Ag-met in the structure adversely affected the antimicrobial property of the nanocomposites.
Review
Environmental Sciences
M. S. S. R. Tejaswini, Pankaj Pathak, D. K. Gupta
Summary: This review paper explores the advancements in urban mining technology and its sustainable utilization, emphasizing the importance of transforming waste into secondary resources. The limitations and feasibility of existing techniques are critically analyzed. The paper proposes a novel sustainable model based on the circular economy concept to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo-Xin Zheng, Jie Yu, Wei Long, Ka Hin Chan, Alan Siu-Lun Leung, Wing-Leung Wong
Summary: The formation and function of G-quadruplex structures (G4s) in nucleic acids have been studied extensively. G4s have been shown to play important roles in telomere maintenance, replication, transcription, and translation. They are considered potential targets for cancer therapy, and some G4-ligands have entered clinical trials. However, research on G4s for live cell imaging and as antibacterial agents is limited. This article highlights recent advances in G4-ligands in these areas, as well as underexplored G4-targets for drug development against human diseases.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yi-Han Zhang, Xuan-He Huang, Wing-Leung Wong, Jun-Ren Luo, Xiao-Chun Guo, Wenjie Liu, Jinqiang Hou, Meng-Ting She, Wen-Hao Jiang, Ning Sun, Yu-Jing Lu
Summary: Cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) serves as a second messenger in bacteria and regulates various bacterial functions, including biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. Recent studies have shown that c-di-GMP can also form oligomers such as tetramers and octamers, but our understanding of these higher-order structures is limited.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wende Zheng, Borong Tu, Zhen Zhang, Jinxuan Li, Zhenping Yan, Kaize Su, Duanyu Deng, Ying Sun, Xu Wang, Bingjie Zhang, Kun Zhang, Wing-Leung Wong, Panpan Wu, Weiqian David Hong, Song Ang
Summary: The study aimed to explore the structure-activity relationships of FA derivatives as antibacterial agents to develop novel ones possessing a broad antimicrobial spectrum. A pharmacophore model was established and common structural characteristics were determined. Seven new FA derivatives were designed and evaluated for their activity using the pharmacophore model and molecular docking studies. The FA-7 derivative displayed the best antibacterial property and further 3D-QSAR studies were conducted on all derivatives.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Cailing Zhou, Yu Zhou, Yaqian Zheng, Yue Yu, Kailing Yang, Zhiyong Chen, Xianhui Chen, Kang Wen, Yajie Chen, Silei Bai, Junfeng Song, Tong Wu, E. Lei, Muyang Wan, Qingyun Cai, Luyan Ma, Wing-Leung Wong, Yugang Bai, Chunhui Zhang, Xinxin Feng
Summary: Bacterial biofilms are a common cause of persistent and recurrent infections and implant failures. This study introduces an oligoamidine-based amphiphilic nano-sword capable of penetrating the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of biofilms and targeting the dormant bacterial persisters within. The oligoamidine exhibited strong bactericidal effects in inhibiting surface biofilm growth and treating biofilm infections in mice both in vitro and in vivo.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Song Ang, Jinfeng Liang, Wende Zheng, Zhen Zhang, Jinxuan Li, Zhenping Yan, Wing-Leung Wong, Kun Zhang, Min Chen, Panpan Wu
Summary: Many studies have found that matrine (MA) has various pharmacological activities and high prospects for use as a natural pesticide. In this study, 58 derivatives of MA were prepared and tested for their mosquitocidal activity. Compounds 4e and 4m showed good larvicidal activity against Aedes albopictus and also exhibited inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi Ou, Zonglin You, Min Yao, Yingfan Cao, Xiu Xue, Min Chen, Rihui Wu, Lishe Gan, Dongli Li, Panpan Wu, Xuetao Xu, Wingleung Wong, Vincent Kam Wai Wong, Wenfeng Liu, Jiming Ye, Jingwei Jin
Summary: A novel naproxen derivative containing cinnamic acid (NDC) was synthesized and used in combination with resveratrol to improve anti-inflammatory activity and safety. The combination showed synergistic anti-inflammatory efficacy in RAW264.7 macrophage cells without detectable side effects.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shuisheng Hu, Jingyan Liu, Yong Wang, Zhiguang Liang, Bin Hu, Jiahe Xie, Wing-Leung Wong, Kwok-Yin Wong, Bin Qiu, Weijie Peng
Summary: A novel fluorescent sensing system based on competitive coordination with europium ions was developed for ALP analysis. The biosensor showed good linear relationship in the range of 5-1000 U L-1 with a detection limit of 1.1 U L-1 (S/N = 3).
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kaize Su, Jiahao Li, Xiaoyu Guo, Shengzhu Guo, Wende Zheng, Xiaowen Tang, Duanyu Deng, Huiji Yang, Wing-Leung Wong, Song Ang, Kun Zhang, Panpan Wu
Summary: In this study, a series of novel metallo-hydrogels composed of GA-O-09 derivative (GA-O-09) with rare earth metal ions (Ce3+, Tb3+, Eu3+ and La3+) were successfully constructed. These metallo-hydrogels exhibited excellent thermodynamic stability and pH stability, and showed remarkable fluorescence enhancement in detecting histidine (His), providing a potential application for highly selective and sensitive detection of His.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yuange Zong, Beige Zong, Ruyan Zha, Yi Zhang, Xianghong Li, Yanying Wang, Huaifang Fang, Wing-Leung Wong, Chunya Li
Summary: The design and synthesis of multifunctional chitosan hydrogels based on polymerized ionic liquid and a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe (PIL-CS) is a promising strategy for wound healing. The PIL-CS hydrogel can visualize wound pH in real-time and release drugs in response to pH changes, promoting diabetic wound healing. The hydrogel also possesses many merits including high water containment, biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, and antibacterial activity.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo-Xin Zheng, Wei Long, Meng-Ting She, Yakun Wang, Dong Zhao, Jie Yu, Alan Siu-Lun Leung, Ka Hin Chan, Jinqiang Hou, Yu-Jing Lu, Wing-Leung Wong
Summary: The development of site-specific, target-selective and biocompatible small molecule ligands as a fluorescent tool for real-time study of cellular functions of RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s), which are associated with human cancers, is significant in cancer biology. We report a cytoplasm-specific and RNA G4-selective fluorescent biosensor in live HeLa cells. The ligand shows high selectivity targeting RNA G4s associated with human cancer hallmarks and can visualize and monitor the dynamic resolving process of RNA G4s in live HeLa cells.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ka Hin Chan, Yakun Wang, Bo-Xin Zheng, Wei Long, Xinxin Feng, Wing-Leung Wong
Summary: RNA structures, including coding and noncoding RNAs, are promising targets of small molecules for drug discovery against human diseases. mRNA-targeting small molecules may regulate the synthesis of disease-related proteins, and RNA-ligand interaction is an attractive approach to address the challenge of undruggable proteins. This review focuses on the recent research on RNA-specific small molecule ligands for live cell imaging and drug discovery, aiming to provide new insights into future development in this field.
Article
Microbiology
Yilang Li, Jiaxuan Cai, Yinan Liu, Conglin Li, Xiaoqing Chen, Wing-Leung Wong, Wenyue Jiang, Yuan Qin, Guiping Zhang, Ning Hou, Wenchang Yuan
Summary: CcpA-knockout S. aureus strains may affect the glucose and lipid metabolism phenotypes of the host in a high-glucose environment, leading to metabolic disorders.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Cailing Zhou, Yu Zhou, Yaqian Zheng, Yue Yu, Kailing Yang, Zhiyong Chen, Xianhui Chen, Kang Wen, Yajie Chen, Silei Bai, Junfeng Song, Tong Wu, E. Lei, Muyang Wan, Qingyun Cai, Luyan Ma, Wing-Leung Wong, Yugang Bai, Chunhui Zhang, Xinxin Feng
Summary: In this study, an oligoamidine-based amphiphilic nano-sword was designed, which has high structural compacity and rigidity. It can effectively penetrate the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of biofilms and exert a strong bactericidal effect on persistent bacteria within the biofilm matrix through a membrane-DNA dual-targeting mechanism. This oligoamidine can be used as a coating agent to inhibit surface biofilm growth and also cure biofilm infections in model mice.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xueli Cui, Jing Qu, Jianfeng Yi, Weiqiang Sun, Jinhui Hu, Suqin Guo, Jing-Wei Jin, Wen-Hua Chen, Wing-Leung Wong, Jia-Qiang Wu
Summary: We report the synthesis of 2-(3,3-difluoro-4-(silyloxy)but-1-en-1-yl)benzamides through the unprecedented rhodium(iii)-catalyzed alkenylation of various benzamides with difluorohomoallylic silyl ethers. This protocol demonstrates broad substrate compatibility, good functional group tolerance, easy scalability and high regioselectivity. The presence of oxygen in difluorohomoallylic silyl ethers enables β-H elimination, suppressing both β-F elimination and dialkenylation of benzamides. This redox-neutral reaction proceeds efficiently via N-O bond cleavage without external oxidants and provides new opportunities for the synthesis of elaborate difluorinated compounds.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruo-Lan Du, Ning Sun, Yik-Hong Fung, Yuan-Yuan Zheng, Yu-Wei Chen, Pak-Ho Chan, Wing-Leung Wong, Kwok-Yin Wong
Summary: In this study, potential inhibitors of FtsZ were identified through virtual screening and bioassays, with one candidate, Dacomitinib (S2727), showing potent inhibitory activity against MRSA strains for the first time. The binding mode of Dacomitinib in FtsZ was analyzed by docking, revealing Asp(199) and Thr(265) as essential residues involved in the interactions.
RSC MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Tetsu Sato, Mariko Takahashi, Takeshi Saito, Masahito Toyonaga, Itsuo Tanuma, Rie Yamada, Satoru Hosoda
Summary: An automatic evaluation system for photooxidation has been developed and successfully applied to assess the photo-OIT of LDPE samples containing photooxidation stabilizers. The system allows independent setting of various measurement conditions and provides detailed information on the photooxidation process.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Zongzheng Zuo, Shuxue Zhou
Summary: In this study, three fluoroalkyl trimethoxysilane (FATMS) additives with different chain lengths were incorporated into a two-component polyurethane clearcoat to improve its hydrophobic durability. The coatings modified with FATMS maintained their surface hydrophobicity under various conditions, but quickly lost it when exposed to both UV irradiation and/or high temperature with water. The results suggest that the FATMS route is more suitable for indoor applications at room temperature.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Song Li, Feng Zhao, Xueya Wang, Zhihua Liu, Jingze Guo, Yutong Li, Shuangmei Tan, Zhenxiang Xin, Shuai Zhao, Lin Li
Summary: Green flame retardants have garnered attention for their environmental friendliness, but current options fall short in achieving high flame retardancy for flammable polymers and maintaining environmental protection. This study takes a two-pronged approach to address flame retardants and the flame-retardant process. An eco-friendly bio-based synergistic flame retardant (PAU), synthesized using phytic acid (PA) and urea (U), is used to create a flame retardant coating that can be directly applied to any surface shape using polydopamine as an adhesive. The resulting EPS-PAU exhibits excellent flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and light weight while only slightly increasing the density.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)