Materials Chemistry Horizons
Volume:2 Issue: 2, May 2023

DABCO-based ionic liquid supported on magnetic core-shell nanoparticles, Fe3O4@SiO2/DABCO(OH), as a novel magnetic nanocomposite was prepared and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) analysis. The hybrid nanocomposite was successfully used as an efficient heterogeneous basic catalyst for the facile synthesis of symmetrical dialkyl trithiocarbonates and cyclic trithiocarbonates from alkyl halides and epoxides respectively under mild reaction conditions. The results showed that aryl halides bearing electron-donating groups as well as electron-withdrawing groups converted to the corresponding symmetrical dialkyl trithiocarbonates in good to high isolated yields (80-95%). In addition, styrene oxide and phenyl glycidyl ether epoxide were converted to the corresponding cyclic trithiocarbonates in good yields in CS2 and the presence of nanocomposite without the formation of any by-product. Recycling experiments confirmed that Fe3O4@SiO2/DABCO(OH) was recyclable and could be used for several consecutive reaction runs.

Antioxidants are vital bioactive components which garnered attention of various researchers in the area of in pharmacy, medicine and food engineering. Here we have endeavored our effort to highlight the significance of antioxidants and critical assay methods to analyze the inhibitory activity of the antioxidants. Various in vitro and in vivo assay methods are available to estimate the inhibitory activity of which, hydroxyl radical antioxidant capacity (HORAC) test, the oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) test, the total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) test and the total peroxyl radical trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) test are based on the transfer of hydrogen atom. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test, cupric reducing antioxidant power (CUPRAC) test, and the folin–ciocalteu test are based on transfer of an electron. Whereas, the [2,2-di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl] (DPPH) test and, 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) tests are based on transfer of both hydrogen and electron. All these assays preliminarily assess the chemical kinetics to reach the chemical equilibrium state and develop chromogenic color or discoloration or develop fluorescence or quenches the fluorescence which can be analyzed in colorimeter or spectrophotometer respectively. In the present review, we have summarized the synthesis of antioxidant materials and their significance and the assay methods which were employed to estimate the inhibitory activity of the antioxidants.

Microneedles (MNs) are microscopic, needle-like structures employed in drug delivery through the skin. They are non-invasive and cause minimal to no pain at the site of insertion into the skin. MNs can be used to successfully deliver both small and large molecules to people who need them. Polymeric MNs have recently been combined with nanomaterials in order to construct flexible nanocomposite systems, allowing their use in biomedicine to be expanded. The literature has provided in-depth evaluations of MN patch technology, which has led to a dramatic rise in the number of scholarly articles on this topic. This review introduces different nanocomposite-based MN applications in the fields of tissue regeneration, microbial infection, and cancer therapy. Also, the prospects and challenges of nanocomposite-based MNs are briefly discussed.

This review examines the synthesis, properties, and broad-spectrum applications of electroconductive polymers (ECPs), including polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyphenylene, and polyacetylene. These polymers exhibit high electrical conductivity, versatility in fabrication, and compatibility with various functionalization techniques, making them particularly attractive for diverse applications. While ECPs have traditionally been used in sensors, actuators, and energy storage systems, their utility extends much further, most notably to the realm of biomedical applications. The review meticulously explores the synthesis techniques of ECPs, shedding light on both chemical and electrochemical methods, and the pivotal role that dopants and polymerization techniques play in shaping the properties of the resultant polymers. Apart from discussing the conventional applications of ECPs, the review devotes substantial attention to their groundbreaking biomedical applications, like tissue engineering, medical implants, and the creation of interfaces with biological tissues. It also underscores the future trajectory of ECP research, emphasizing the development of innovative materials and fabrication methodologies for more advanced applications. With this holistic analysis of the field, the review seeks to enhance readers'' understanding of the intrinsic properties, structural complexities, and fabrication nuances of ECPs, and inspire continued research and development in this fascinating and consequential domain of materials science.

Pollution has emerged as a pressing global concern, as it negatively impacts various water bodies and poses severe threats to both human and aquatic life. Therefore, preventing and mitigating the adverse effects of pollutants on the environment and human health is of utmost importance. Comprehensive understanding of the sources, impacts, and treatment methods of different pollutants is essential. There are several methods available for removing pollutants from water, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. Each technique possesses its unique advantages and limitations, and selecting the appropriate method largely depends on the nature and extent of contamination, cost, and efficiency. Thus, it is crucial to utilize a combination of different methods to detect and eliminate pollution more effectively. This review provides a detailed analysis of diverse pollutants found in water and the approaches adopted for their elimination, environmental regulations, and new pollutant detection techniques. It aims to compare and evaluate these methodologies for taking crucial steps in removing pollutants from water bodies. The significance of ongoing research in this field is also highlighted to improve and advance pollution prevention techniques in aquatic environments.

Copper benzene 1,3,5-tri carboxylates are widely used in research due to their numerous advantages. With abundant resources, excellent catalytic activity, and relatively simple synthetic procedures, Cu MOFs are ideal for activating starting materials and creating complex structural designs. The tunable conditions promote useful reactions such as oxidation, click chemistry, and Friedel-Crafts alkylation. All these properties make Cu MOFs an excellent choice for scientific research. This review provides an overview of this rapidly evolving research field, highlighting novel Cu3(BTC)2 synthesis strategies and Cu3(BTC)2 applications such as electrochemical sensing and metal ion extraction, energy storage, drug delivery, and its role as a catalyst.