Review
Environmental Sciences
Adil Shafi Ganie, Sayfa Bano, Nishat Khan, Saima Sultana, Zubair Rehman, Mohammed M. Rahman, Suhail Sabir, Frederic Coulon, Mohammad Zain Khan
Summary: The lack of innovative solutions to address environmental pollution is a growing concern in society. Nanoremediation, despite some debate on its eco-toxicity, shows promise in effectively tackling contaminants, especially those that are difficult to degrade. By reviewing recent advances and future prospects in nanoremediation technologies, there is potential to find better solutions for environmental contamination issues.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peng Cheng, Shuqi Zhang, Quanlong Wang, Xueying Feng, Shuwu Zhang, Yuhuan Sun, Fayuan Wang
Summary: The study found that AM inoculation significantly reduced the concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn in soil, as well as in plants. Additionally, nZVI did not impede plant growth and enhanced phytoextraction of heavy metals, with starch-stabilized nZVI showing more effective immobilization effects on heavy metals. Low concentrations of nZVI and AM inoculation had synergistic effects on reducing Pb and Cd concentrations in roots and enhancing Zn accumulation, suggesting their potential in phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maja Radziemska, Zygmunt M. Gusiatin, Jiri Holatko, Tereza Hammerschmiedt, Andrzej Gluchowski, Andrzej Mizerski, Iwona Jaskulska, Tivadar Baltazar, Antonin Kintl, Dariusz Jaskulski, Martin Brtnicky
Summary: The study examines the role of enhanced nano zero valent iron (nZVI) in phytostabilization of soils contaminated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), and demonstrates that the addition of nZVI can increase plant biomass and PTEs contents in roots, while reducing Zn content in soil. The findings suggest that applying nZVI to soils highly contaminated with PTEs may be beneficial for the restoration of polluted lands.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mariusz Drong, Maciej Dems, Jan Perina, Tibor Fordos, Henri-Yves Jaffres, Kamil Postava, Henri-Jean Drouhin
Summary: This study presents a theoretical framework that combines the laser rate equations and cavity perturbation theory for micro-cavity lasers with optical anisotropies. By deriving polarization-resolved coupled-mode equations, the method offers physical insights and accuracy comparable to finite-difference time-domain methods, saving time and suitable for semi-analytic studies.
JOURNAL OF LIGHTWAVE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Wang, Ping-Fan Li, Rui Xie, Xiao-Jie Ju, Zhuang Liu, Liang-Yin Chu
Summary: Smart polymeric materials that can respond to environmental stimuli and dynamically adjust their physico-chemical characteristics have gained significant attention in various fields. The combination of micro-/nano-structures and molecular design offers promising opportunities for the development of advanced smart polymeric materials. This review highlights recent progress in the design and fabrication of smart polymeric materials that incorporate micro-/nano-structures and molecular design to achieve desired functions. Various examples, including smart hydrogels, gating membranes, gratings, milli-particles, micro-particles, and microvalves, are discussed, emphasizing the interplay between their micro-/nano-structures and responsive properties for practical applications. The review concludes with perspectives on the current challenges and future opportunities in the development of micro-/nano-structured smart polymeric materials.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dong Hyun Lee, Geun Hyeong Park, Se Hyun Kim, Ju Yong Park, Kun Yang, Stefan Slesazeck, Thomas Mikolajick, Min Hyuk Park
Summary: The continuous growth in data storage and processing has led to the need for more efficient computing architectures. Neuromorphic computing, inspired by biological systems, and devices based on emerging nonvolatile memories are gaining attention. This progress report reviews the recent developments in artificial synaptic and spiking neuron devices for neuromorphic computing based on fluorite-structured ferroelectrics.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ana Catarina Sousa, Anabela Veiga, Ana Collete Mauricio, Maria Ascensao Lopes, Jose Domingos Santos, Belmira Neto
Summary: The medical device industry is facing increasing pressure to assess the environmental impacts of their products and make more sustainable decisions. While studies on life cycle assessment and eco-design in the MDs industry are limited, they show potential to improve the environmental sustainability of medical devices.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nikita Kulachenkov, Quentin Haar, Sergei Shipilovskikh, Andrei Yankin, Jean-Francois Pierson, Alexandre Nomine, Valentin A. Milichko
Summary: The digital industry faces dangers of raw material shortages and needs to consider resource sustainability; Metal-organic frameworks are gaining attention as a sustainable solution with potential for various storage devices; MOFs are seen as a new generation of sustainable materials that can bring many benefits to microelectronic devices.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Jonas Kloeckner, Joao Lucas O. Alves, Flavio H. T. Silva, Octavio R. A. Guimaraes, Marcel A. A. Bassani, Joao Felipe C. L. Costa
Summary: Managing uncertainty and risk is crucial for sustainable mineral extraction, as high-risk operations may fail to meet quality standards and reduce resource value. However, assessing risk in multivariate deposits like bauxite is challenging due to the complex relationships between variables. This study proposes a workflow using multivariate geostatistical simulations to measure risk and uncertainty in such deposits, aiming for sustainable gains in mining operations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie Deng, Tao Che, Yan-Xing Hu, Shan-Na Yue, Jing-Hu Pan, Li-Yun Dai
Summary: The successful bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics in China has fueled the development of the country's ski industry. However, ski tourism is highly influenced by weather and climate conditions. This study presents a new method to assess the climate risks of ski areas, using climate projections and survey data. Results show that ski areas in China may experience later start dates, earlier end dates, and shorter seasons in the future. Considering the climatic reliability is crucial to avoid ecological damage and promote sustainable development in mountain areas.
ADVANCES IN CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Mathematics
Xiaolei Yang, Yongshan Liu, Jiabin Xie
Summary: The study used directed information flow method to conduct API test for all applications in the market, then built a data leakage risk assessment model using fusion information entropy and Markov chain algorithm. The results showed that tablet computers have the largest entropy in data leakage risk, followed by bracelets and mobile phones.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Munish Kumar Gupta, Mehmet Erdi Korkmaz
Summary: Sustainability assessment is a set of practices for guiding planning and decision-making towards sustainable development. Current techniques are criticized for lacking interdependence, consistency, subjectivity, and financial biases. This study applies a conceptual framework to evaluate the sustainability performance of machining with MQL and hBN-enriched nano-MQL cooling/lubrication. The findings support the claim that nano-MQL improves sustainability and machining performance.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fco Javier Garcia-Gomez, Victor Fco Rosales-Prieto, Alberto Sanchez-Lite, Jose Luis Fuentes-Bargues, Cristina Gonzalez-Gaya
Summary: Asset management as a global process adds value to a company through strategic, technological, and resource changes, risk management, and attitude shifts. Companies are increasingly adopting sustainability in all activities, leading to the need for sustainability risk assessment procedures in industrial assets. This paper presents a methodological framework for incorporating sustainability aspects into risk management, based on ISO standards and developed through a three-step process.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Esfandyar Askari, Mahdieh Shokrollahi Barough, Mehdi Rahmanian, Nazanin Mojtabavi, Ramin Sarrami Forooshani, Amir Seyfoori, Mohsen Akbari
Summary: This article summarizes the applications of micro/nanostructured hydrogels in cancer immunotherapy, focusing on their local and systemic effects and potential clinical translation. Hydrogels as carriers can stimulate immune cells by releasing tumor lysate, drugs, or nanovaccines, activating systemic antitumor immune responses and inhibiting tumor metastasis and recurrence.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giuseppe Sappa, Maurizio Barbieri, Paolo Viotti, Fabio Tatti, Francesca Andrei
Summary: This paper presents the results of two batch tests to evaluate the effectiveness of zerovalent iron nanoparticle (nZVI) technology in remediating arsenic-contaminated water. The results show that nZVI can significantly reduce the concentrations of arsenic in solution. However, as the interaction time between nZVI and arsenic increases, the available sites for arsenic immobilization decrease, indicating the need for injecting new active nanoparticles for continued arsenic removal.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Arianna Rossetti, Alessandro Paciaroni, Barbara Rossi, Cettina Bottari, Lucia Comez, Silvia Corezzi, Lucio Melone, Laszlo Almasy, Carlo Punta, Andrea Fiorati
Summary: Hydrogels made from renewable biopolymers and low-cost row materials have gained attention in biomedical applications. In this study, the sol-gel transition of TEMPO-oxidized nano-sized cellulose fibrils (TOCNFs) in the presence of polyvalent cations (Mg2+ and Ca2+) was investigated using multiple techniques. The results showed that ion concentration induced anisotropic swelling and increased flexibility in the nanofibrils, and the flexibility was also affected by the concentration of TOCNFs and the pH value. UV Resonant Raman spectroscopy revealed the structural organization and hydrogen-bonding properties of water in TOCNF dispersions and gels.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Concetta Eliso, Elisa Bergami, Lisa Bonciani, Roberto Riccio, Giulia Belli, Mattia Belli, Ilaria Corsi, Antonietta Spagnuolo
Summary: The study investigates the impact of amino-modified polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NH2 NPs) on the embryogenesis of Ciona robusta. Transcriptomic analysis and in vivo experiments were used to develop an Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) for PS-NH2 NPs. The results showed that PS-NH2 NPs affected genes related to glutathione metabolism, immune defense, nervous system, transport by aquaporins, and energy metabolism. The identified key events in the AOP included adhesion of PS-NH2, oxidative stress, changes in gene transcription, morphological defects, increased reactive oxygen species, and impaired swimming behavior, leading to altered larval development, reduced metamorphosis, and inhibition of hatching.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
E. Bergami, E. Ferrari, M. G. J. Loeder, G. Birarda, C. Laforsch, L. Vaccari, I Corsi
Summary: Antarctica has been directly and indirectly affected by human pressure, and plastic pollution is recognized as a potential threat to its unique biodiversity. This study found textile microplastic fibers in Antarctic whelk specimens, indicating potential local sources from base station sewage. Further monitoring studies are encouraged to understand the extent of plastic pollution related to such sources in Antarctica.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jose Roberto Machado Cunha da Silva, Elisa Bergami, Vicente Gomes, Ilaria Corsi
Summary: Since the first explorers reached Antarctica, human activities have had a quick and significant impact on the environment, leading to the accumulation of hazardous chemicals. Anthropogenic pollution in Antarctica can come from global or local sources, with heavy metals, organohalogenated compounds, hydrocarbons, and plastic being found in various components of the ecosystem. Conducting studies in this remote region is challenging and expensive, and the extreme climate conditions make it difficult to accurately predict potential impacts. Monitoring and mitigation measures are necessary to protect Antarctic biodiversity.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Paola Gallo Stampino, Laura Riva, Marco Caruso, Imran Abdul Rahman, Graziano Elegir, Daniele Bussini, Javier Marti-Rujas, Giovanni Dotelli, Carlo Punta
Summary: This study proposes the production and characterization of cellulose nanofibers from different sources and their use as additives for earth plasters. The properties of different nanofibers were compared, and the influence of nanofibers on earth plasters was examined. The results showed that some nanofiber additives significantly increased the adhesion strength and improved water adsorption performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patrizia Guidi, Margherita Bernardeschi, Mara Palumbo, Isabella Buttino, Valentina Vitiello, Vittoria Scarcelli, Gianluca Chiaretti, Andrea Fiorati, David Pellegrini, Lorenzo Pontorno, Lisa Bonciani, Carlo Punta, Ilaria Corsi, Giada Frenzilli
Summary: In this study, an eco-designed engineered material based on cross-linked nanocellulose (CNS) was used to effectively decontaminate contaminated freshwater sludge and demonstrated its potential in freshwater sludge nanoremediation through toxicity tests.
Article
Microbiology
Simone Cappello, Ilaria Corsi, Sabrina Patania, Elisa Bergami, Maurizio Azzaro, Monique Mancuso, Maria Genovese, Alessia Lunetta, Gabriella Caruso
Summary: Five psychrotolerant Alcanivorax spp. strains were isolated from Antarctic coastal waters. The strains were analyzed for their molecular and physiological properties, including gene sequencing, metabolic profiling, and biochemical characterization. The results showed high similarity with other Alcanivorax spp. strains and indicated their capability for hydrocarbon degradation at different temperatures. The strains also exhibited biosurfactant production and emulsification activity. These findings highlight the importance of isolating and characterizing Antarctic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial strains for their potential biotechnological and environmental applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carola Murano, Simona Nonnis, Francesca Grassi Scalvini, Elisa Maffioli, Ilaria Corsi, Gabriella Tedeschi, Anna Palumbo
Summary: It is crucial to thoroughly study the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of microplastics (MPs) in key Mediterranean organisms, as the Mediterranean Sea is currently one of the major hotspots for MPs pollution. In this study, sea urchins were exposed to different concentrations of polystyrene-microbeads (micro-PS) to investigate the immune cells profile and proteome changes. The results showed that MPs exposure led to the internalization of micro-PS in sea urchin tissues and altered the protein profile of coelomocytes, indicating severe disruption of cellular metabolic pathways.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Corsi Ilaria, Venditti Iole, Trotta Francesco, Punta Carlo
Summary: Nanosafety is crucial due to the potential risks of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs), which may outweigh their benefits. A new ecologically-based design strategy, incorporating Ecological Risk Assessment and green nanoscience, is proposed to evaluate the ecotoxicity of MNMs at the design stage and eliminate hazardous features from the beginning of material synthesis.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Consiglia Esposito, Gian Luigi Russo, Laura Riva, Carlo Punta, Ilaria Corsi, Elisabetta Tosti, Alessandra Gallo
Summary: In this study, the eco-safety of nanostructured cellulose sponges (CNS) for marine environmental remediation was assessed. The results showed that the leachate of CNS affects sea urchin reproduction, but consecutive leaching treatments and conditioning of CNS in seawater can successfully solve the ecotoxicity issue while maintaining the sorbent properties.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Leonardo Magherini, Chiara Avataneo, Silvana Capella, Manuela Lasagna, Carlo Bianco, Elena Belluso, Domenico Antonio De Luca, Rajandrea Sethi
Summary: Asbestos is known to be a carcinogen in air, but its exposure pathways and effects in water are not well understood. This study investigated the transport of crocidolite, an amphibole asbestos, through sandy porous media that mimicked different aquifer systems. The results showed that crocidolite fibres were mobile in quartz sand, with the concentration decreasing when the grain size distribution of the porous medium decreased. Fibres longer than 10 μm were only mobile in coarser medium. These findings highlight the potential exposure pathway of groundwater migration in human health risk assessment.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claudia Landi, Giulia Liberatori, Monica Puccini, Enxhi Shaba, Lorenza Vantaggiato, Sandra Vitolo, Ilaria Corsi, Luca Bini
Summary: The use of sewage sludge (SL) and hydrochar (HC) in agriculture for soil conditioning and crop fertilization is common, but concerns about safety for human and environmental health have arisen due to the presence of toxic compounds. This study aimed to assess the suitability of proteomics and bioanalytical tools for evaluating the effects of SL and HC on human and environmental safety. By analyzing cell cultures using the DR-CALUX & REG; bioassay, we identified differentially abundant proteins after exposure to SL and HC, revealing potential links to dioxin effects, cancer, and neurological disorders. This combined approach represents an advancement in the assessment of complex mixtures like SL and HC.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tatiana Rusconi, Laura Riva, Carlo Punta, Montserrat Sole, Ilaria Corsi
Summary: This study demonstrates that marine mussels uptake cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and their gills and immune cells are disrupted by mechanical interaction even in environmentally realistic exposure scenarios. Therefore, safety aspects of cellulose nanofibers for aquatic species should be considered in future risk assessment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2023)
