Acidic Conditions Research Articles

A Covalent Organic Framework as Photocatalyst for Smart Conversion Between Photooxidation and Photoreduction and H2O2 Production in Full pH Environment.

Developing multifunctional photocatalysts with intelligent self-adjusting is of great significance in the photocatalytic process. Herein, a smart covalent organic framework (Por-HQ-COF) with a phenol-quinone conversion structure with pH changes is constructed for photooxidation,photoreduction, and H2O2 production. As a smart photocatalyst, Por-HQ-COF can convert into Por-BQ-COF intelligently with a trigger including solution pH, and vice versa. The reconstruction of phenol-quinone conversion not only significantly alters the morphologies and the specific surface areas of the COF, but also leads to an entirely change in the band energy and charge distribution to influence photoelectric properties. As a result, under acidic conditions, Por-BQ-COF converts into Por-HQ-COF automatically and can photoreduce high concentration Cr(VI) to Cr(III) efficiently. Under neutral conditions, the superoxide anions (·O2 -) initiate the Por-HQ-COF reconstruction into Por-BQ-COF to accelerate photooxidation to degrade high-concentration TC. Under alkaline conditions, Por-HQ-COF converts into Por-BQ-COF, can effectively photosynthesize H2O2 (1525 µmol h-1 g-1 at λ > 420 nm) in the absence of any sacrificial reagents, and reveal the strong alkalinity lower the energy barrier of hydrogen extraction from H2O and clarify active sites for H2O2 production. This work provides a new strategy for developing smart photocatalysts and fulfill the application across the full pH environment.

A covalent peptide-based lysosome-targeting protein degradation platform for cancer immunotherapy

The lysosome-targeting chimera (LYTAC) strategy provided a very powerful tool for the degradation of membrane proteins. However, the synthesis of LYTACs, antibody-small molecule conjugates, is challenging. The ability of antibody-based LYTACs to penetrate solid tumor is limited as well, especially to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we propose a covalent chimeric peptide-based targeted degradation platform (Pep-TACs) by introducing a long flexible aryl sulfonyl fluoride group, which allows proximity-enabled cross-linking upon binding with the protein of interest. The Pep-TACs platform facilitates the degradation of target proteins through the mechanism of recycling transferrin receptor (TFRC)-mediated lysosomal targeted endocytosis. Biological experiments demonstrate that covalent Pep-TACs can significantly degrade the expression of PD-L1 on tumor cells, dendritic cells and macrophages, especially under acidic conditions, and markedly enhance the function of T cells and tumor phagocytosis by macrophages. Furthermore, both in anti-PD-1-responsive and -resistant tumor models, the Pep-TACs exert significant anti-tumor immune response. It is noteworthy that Pep-TACs can cross the BBB and prolong the survival of mice with in situ brain tumor. As a proof-of-concept, this study introduces a modular TFRC-based covalent peptide degradation platform for the degradation of membrane protein, and especially for the immunotherapy of brain tumors.

Cloud Point Extraction as an Environmentally Friendly Technique for Sample Preparation

Cloud point extraction is a sample preparation technique that involves using surfactants that are not harmful to the environment. It is based on micelle formation in which the extracted compound is encapsulated in the hydrophobic core of the micelles, which are the extracting agent. The most commonly used surfactants are nonionic. The others are anionic, cationic, or zwitterionic. The effectiveness of cloud point extraction might be enhanced by the addition of neutral salts, the application of proper pH, as well as acidic conditions and temperature. This sample preparation technique may be applied to extract analytes from the following matrices, such as biological and environmental samples. Cloud point extraction may be combined with various analytical techniques and detectors such as HPLC-UV, HPLC-MS, HPLC-FLD, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry, gas chromatography, and flame atomic absorption spectrometry. When it is combined with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, the limit of quantitation is low—even of the order of ng/L. The recovery of the analyte may reach the value of 100%.

2,2-Dichloro-1,3-benzodioxole as a Hydroxyl Protection Reagent for Carbohydrate Compounds.

The application of 2,2-dichloro-1,3-benzodioxole (DCBZ) as a versatile hydroxyl protection reagent in carbohydrate chemistry has been demonstrated. DCBZ exhibited high reactivity with diverse vicinal and remote dihydroxyl groups in furanoses and pyranoses to form benzodioxole (BZDO)-protected products. The BZDO group showed remarkable stability under basic, redox, and glycosylation conditions and can be efficiently removed under acid conditions in the presence of a diol, highlighting its utility in the orthogonal synthesis of complex glycans.

Visible Light-Promoted Deracemization of α-Amino Aldehyde by Synergistic Chiral Primary Amine and Hypervalent Iodine Catalysis.

α-Amino aldehydes, as versatile chiral synthons, are easily racemized under normal acid or base conditions, seriously limiting their synthetic potentials. We report herein an effective deracemization of α-amino aldehydes by a synergistic chiral primary amine and hypervalent iodine catalysis under visible light. The developed catalytic system allows for the on-demand production of α-Boc- or Cbz-protected amino aldehydes with high enantioselectivity. Mechanistic studies verified a photochemical Z-E isomerization mechanism that drives the deracemization process.

Preparation of hydrogels from hydrochloric acid modified attapulgite for environmentally responsive fertilizers

ABSTRACT The inefficiency of traditional fertilizers in nutrient utilization has led to various ecological and environmental problems. Green agriculture requires environmentally friendly fertilizers that can respond to environmental changes to regulate nutrient release. In this study, N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) and sodium alginate (SA) were utilized as monomers sensitive to temperature and pH variations, while hydrochloric acid-modified attapulgite (ATP) served as an inorganic filler to prepare composite hydrogels (SPAA) with environmentally responsive properties, and these composite hydrogels were used as carriers for the preparation of hydrogel fertilizers for urea. The results showed that the compositing of modified ATP could enhance the swelling properties of hydrogels. Compared with the blank sample, the maximum water absorption capacity of the ATP-composite hydrogel was enhanced by about 75.4%, and the water preserved by the ATP-composite hydrogel was about 2.75 times of that of the blank sample under drying condition of 30°C for 6 h. Meanwhile, hydrogel fertilizers SPAA-U(S) and SPAA-U(P) were prepared by solubilization adsorption and polymerization embedding in this study, and both fertilizers possessed slow-release characteristics, with nutrient release time in water exceeding 30 h. The nutrient release behavior of the fertilizers responded to the environment, and the slow-release effect was optimal under the conditions of 20°C and pH = 7. Under acidic, alkaline and high temperature conditions, the ability of the hydrogel to immobilize water molecules decreases, which also leads to easier release of urea from the hydrogel matrix along with water molecules. The hydrogel fertilizer developed in this work can improve the utilization of fertilizer and promote the high quality and sustainable development development of agriculture.

Encapsulation of Lactoferrin in Calcium-Alginate Microparticles and Its Release Therefrom Under Neutral and Mild Acidic Conditions: Synthesis, Characterization and Mathematical Modeling

Encapsulation of Lactoferrin in Calcium-Alginate Microparticles and Its Release Therefrom Under Neutral and Mild Acidic Conditions: Synthesis, Characterization and Mathematical Modeling

DNA Logic Gate-Triggered Membrane Fusion for Accurately Detecting and Killing Cancer Cells.

Accurately and sensitively identifying and killing cancer cells, especially those in deep tissues, is of paramount importance but presents significant challenges. Herein, a membrane protein and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-driven DNA logic gate-modified liposome is designed to coat zinc peroxide (ZP) nanoparticles integrated with nanozymes (ZP/RuTe@L/DNA) to accurately identify and induce cell apoptosis in cancer cells through a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated mechanism under acid conditions in cancer cells. In this system, DNA logic gate-functionalized liposomes are loaded with ZP and nanozymes, while HeLa cancer cells are functionalized with a DNA segment that is complementary to a segment of the DNA logic gate. For the DNA logic gate, a DNA aptamer was employed for membrane protein recognition, and another aptamer was used for the response of extracellular ATP. Activation of the DNA logic gate occurs only when both biomarkers are simultaneously present. Once activated, the DNA logic gate-modified liposome could hybridize with DNA segment-modified HeLa cells, leading to liposome-HeLa cell fusion and the release of ZP/RuTe into HeLa cells. Under acid conditions, ZP could decompose to release H2O2 and Zn2+, which could promote the production of •O2- and H2O2 by inhibiting the electron transport chain. Concurrently, the released RuTe exhibits glutathione (GSH) depletion and peroxidase (POD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) peroxidase-like activities, generating highly toxic hydroxyl radical (•OH), disrupting the cellular redox homeostasis, and inducing cell apoptosis. The ZP/RuTe@L/DNA system could not only accurately detect cancer cells in complex cell mixtures but also present a novel method for liposome-membrane fusion processes in drug delivery. This study presents significant potential for application in precise cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Intramolecular Inhibition by Imidazole in Acid-Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Protected Carbohydrates.

The present study reveals an unexpected anomaly observed in the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the 5,6-O-isopropylidene group in 3-O-protected D-gluco- and D-allofuranose derivatives. Although the removal of the 5,6-O-isopropylidene protecting group is typically rapid and quantitative under acidic conditions, an unexpected inhibition of this reaction is observed for the two C3-epimers, 3-O-imidazole sulfonyl moiety. X-ray data show a two-faced imidazole ring orientation in the crystal, while solution state NOE data reveal a critical interaction type between the isopropylidene and the imidazole rings. Advanced conformational searches coupled with ab initio molecular modeling illuminate and explain the NMR and kinetic data and lay the groundwork for the most plausible mechanism of this unprecedented inhibition. These results provide valuable insights into the cross-coupling of carbohydrate O-protecting groups and shed light on how specific ring orientations and steric effects can trigger the inhibition of an otherwise easily feasible reaction, such as an acid-catalyzed hydrolysis.

Nitrogen source orchestrates pH modulation and secondary metabolism in Trichoderma harzianum

BackgroundThe efficacy of biocontrol agents depends critically on their environmental adaptability, with nutrient availability being a key determinant of their success. In Trichoderma species, the mechanisms linking nutrient sensing to physiological responses remain poorly understood, despite their importance for biocontrol applications.ResultsThis study reveals how different nitrogen sources fundamentally regulate the physiology and metabolism of Trichoderma harzianum through pH modulation. Under nutrient-rich conditions, T. harzianum exhibited a biphasic pH response characterized by initial acidification followed by alkalinization, which correlated with enhanced sporulation. Examining specific nitrogen sources, we found that sodium nitrate induced environmental alkalinization, while ammonium nitrate caused sustained acidification. These pH changes were linked to distinct physiological responses: alkaline conditions promoted sporulation, while acidic conditions enhanced mycelial growth and triggered specific metabolic responses. Notably, acidic conditions specifically induced the production of harzianic acid and related bioactive compounds, suggesting pH-dependent regulation of secondary metabolism. This nitrogen-dependent pH modulation pattern was conserved across Trichoderma species, as demonstrated by parallel responses in T. asperellum.ConclusionsOur findings establish nitrogen source availability as a master regulator of Trichoderma physiology through pH-dependent mechanisms, controlling both development and secondary metabolism. This understanding provides new strategies for optimizing biocontrol formulations by manipulating nitrogen sources and pH conditions to enhance both fungal fitness and beneficial metabolite production.Graphical

Technical and Economic Feasibility Investigation for the Treatment of Microplastic-Contaminated Marine Sediments Through an Environmentally Sustainable Separation Process

This work provides a comprehensive study of a density separation treatment through sucrose solution for the removal of microplastics (MPs) from marine sediments. The theoretical determination of flotation velocities for 1.0 mm diameter spherical MPs with a density of 1.3 g/cm3 at various solution temperatures and sucrose contents was performed. An optimal velocity of 1.03 m/h was observed with a 70% sucrose solution at 50 °C. The validation of theoretical velocities was carried out through experimental tests at optimal operating conditions for polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as target MPs. The results showed an experimental floating velocity slightly lower than the theoretical predictions for PP, HDPE, and PLA. PVC, instead, characterized by a higher density than the separation solution, showed a settling velocity 42% lower than the theoretical one. Further tests were performed to assess the solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio effect on MPs’ separation efficiency. The results showed an optimal S/L of 75 kg/m3 with 80% PVC removal and total PP, HDPE, and PLA removal. Finally, the design and cost optimization of a longitudinal settling tank were proposed for the pilot/real-scale treatment. The observed outcomes provided in-depth details useful for the development of an environmentally sustainable treatment for the preservation of marine areas.

Comparison of rhizobacterial communities between secondary forest and palm oil plantations in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Yuliatin E, Hariani N, Dharma B, Patang F, Budiman. 2025. Comparison of rhizobacterial communities between secondary forest and palm oil plantations in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 26: 490-499. The conversion of primary forests to plantations is considered a sustainable form of land management; however, its implications for soil rhizobacterial diversity remain insufficiently explored. This study compared the rhizobacterial communities associated with Palm oil Plantation (PP) and Secondary Forest (SF) in East Kalimantan using a metagenomic approach. The soil samples were collected around the Secondary Forest soil (SF) and Palm oil Plantation soil (PP) plant roots in Berambai, Samarinda. The samples were then analyzed for soil physico-chemical properties such as pH, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), organic matter, and C/N ratio. At the same time, the rhizobacterial diversity was analyzed using a metagenomic analysis through Illumina Hiseq. Soil physico-chemical assessments showed acidic conditions in both soils, with PP being more acidic (pH 4.41) than SF (pH 5.38); nutrient analysis indicated medium nitrogen levels and high organic carbon in both soils, while PP had elevated P content due to fertilization. Metagenomic analysis revealed similar rhizobacterial richness, but diversity was slightly higher in PP. Dominant phyla included Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota, with notable orders like Rhizobiales and Acidobacteriales. The functional analysis highlighted rhizobacterial roles in organic decomposition, plant growth promotion, and nitrogen fixation, illustrating ecological adaptation to soil conditions and management practices. This study provides insights into the rhizobacterial functional diversity in distinct soil environments.

Second‐Generation One‐pot Enantioselective Heck‐Matsuda Arylations of Unactivated Olefins Directly from Anilines and Nitroarenes

A highly improved second generation of the one‐pot enantioselective Heck‐Matsuda reaction directly from anilines and nitroarenes is reported. This practical arylation method, featuring 56 examples, relies on the in situ diazotization of anilines and 3‐aminothiophenes, or from the in situ reduction‐diazotization of nitrobenzene derivatives. The in situ diazotization of the aniline, directly or from the in‐situ reduction of the nitroarene, synchronizes smoothly with the enantioselective Heck‐Matsuda reaction under mildly acidic conditions, bypassing the synthesis and handling of some unstable and/or difficult‐to‐prepare arenediazonium salts. The protocol was applied to the desymmetrization of unactivated olefins leading to the synthesis of functionalized spirocyclopentenyl hydantoins, aryl cyclopentenes, and β‐aryl‐γ‐lactones, in high yields (up to 99%) and er (up to 99:1). The efficiency of the method is showcased by the formal total synthesis of the bioactive compound VPC01091, a potential drug candidate for multiple sclerosis treatment at the gram scale in excellent yield (94%), in 97:3 er and 20>1 dr.

Environmental Influences on Seed Germination and Seedling Emergence in Four Echinochloa Taxa

Echinochloa species are troublesome weeds that cause serious problems in paddy fields. Due to the fact that the genus Echinochloa comprises numerous species and subspecies, research on its seed germination and emergence ecology is still insufficient. In this study, the influence of varying temperatures; light, osmotic, and saline conditions; and depth of seed burial on the germination of Echinochloa seeds and the emergence of seedlings was determined through laboratory and pot tests: E. crus-galli var. crus-galli, E. crus-galli var. mitis, E. crus-galli var. praticola, and E. caudata. Seed germination of the constant temperatures in the four Echinochloa taxa was examined between 15 and 40 °C, and optimum germination occurred over the following temperature ranges: 25‒35 °C for E. crus-galli var. crus-galli; 15‒25 °C for E. crus-galli var. mitis; 15‒40 °C for E. crus-galli var. praticola; and 15‒35 °C for E. caudata. Fluctuating temperatures were conducive to seed germination in all four Echinochloa taxa. Except for E. crus-galli var. crus-galli and E. crus-galli var. mitis exposed to very acidic conditions (pH = 4), germination of seedlings from the four taxa of Echinochloa was not evidently affected by pH or light. Seed germination of the four Echinochloa taxa decreased as water stress decreased (<−0.2 MPa); however, it occurred across a wide spectrum of salt concentrations (0–320 mM NaCl). The seeds that were placed 0–0.5 cm below the surface had the highest rate of seedling emergence, which declined gradually as burial depth increased. This result demonstrates that deep tillage is an efficient management method for decreasing the seedling emergence of various weed species. This study’s findings will enhance our comprehension of the conditions necessary for the germination and emergence of Echinochloa seeds, as well as furnish information that may assist in managing its growth.

Impact of the Criegee Intermediate on the Formation of Secondary Organic Aerosols during E-4-Hexen-1-ol Ozonolysis.

Criegee intermediates (CIs), which are active species in the troposphere, play an important role in the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA). In this study, matrix isolation technology combined with a vacuum Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (MIFT-IR) and smog chamber method were used to study the typical green leaf volatiles (E-4-hexen-1-ol, E4H1O) ozonolysis process. The infrared characteristic peak resulting from the O-O stretching vibration of CH3CHOO was identified at 882 cm-1. And the characteristic infrared peaks of CH2OHCH2CH2CHOO were not detected, possibly due to the presence of extremely rapid unimolecular reaction channels. To investigate the subsequent atmospheric reaction process of these two CIs, additional smog chamber experiments with the E4H1O-O3 system were conducted to investigate the impact on SOA formation mechanisms. The ordered oligomers derived from the continuous oligomerization of RO2 radicals with several CIs were identified as the primary components of SOA without the addition of sulfur dioxide (SO2). The addition of SO2 in the concentration range of 14-159 ppb, acting as a scavenger for CIs, led to the disappearance of the oligomers, while the yield of SOA continued to increase. The reasons for the increased mass concentration of SOA may be a change in the chemical composition. The escalating concentrations of SO2 underwent reactions with CIs (or OH radicals) to generate H2SO4, subsequently elevating the acidity of the particles. The acid particles resulted in the changes in SOA composition, leading to the production of organic sulfates (OSs), thereby contributing to the increase in SOA yield. A number of OSs were detected in the presence of SO2, which may result from the heterogeneous reaction of oxygen-containing species with sulfuric acid under acidic conditions. Additionally, non-sulfur-containing molecular structures of emerging CxHyOz products in the particle phase were also identified. Our findings provided detailed molecular insights into the mechanism of E4H1O ozonolysis and its impact on SOA formation from the perspective of Criegee chemistry.

Acid-Cleavable Guanosine Triphosphate-Photoaffinity Probe for Global Profiling of Guanosine Triphosphate-Binding Proteins and Their Active Sites.

Guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins function as molecular switches in cell signaling, playing critical roles in various biological pathways. Their dysregulation is associated with the causes and progression of many diseases. Systematic analysis of GTP-binding proteins would facilitate studies of related signaling pathways and drugs. Previously reported acyl-phosphate GTP-affinity probes, which react with and label lysine residues near GTP-binding pockets, have proven efficient in identifying labeling sites but suffer from poor stability due to their high reactivity. We report here new GTP-photoaffinity probes that employ a UV-triggered photoreactive group for covalent labeling of proteins, greatly improving probe stability. The inclusion of a terminal alkyne group allows labeled proteins to be tagged either with a fluorophore for fluorescence analysis or with a biotin group to enrich for LC-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analysis. We further designed a GTP-N probe featuring an acid-cleavable P-N bond. The P-N bond enabled the release of GTP from labeling sites upon incubation under acidic conditions after labeling and enrichment, which reduced protein-modification mass shift and facilitated MS-based modification-site identification. This new method demonstrates good potential for identifying new GTP-binding proteins and systematically analyzing GTP-binding sites. These novel GTP-photoaffinity probes could be further applied in studying related biochemical mechanisms and in evaluating GTPase inhibitors.

The Impact of Composition on the Photoelectrochemical Performance of Molybdenum-Modified Tungsten Oxide in Acidic Media

Abstract The efficiency of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is considerably controlled by the recombination of photogenerated electron/hole charge carriers at the interface. Herein, the correlation between composition and photoelectrochemical activity is studied by utilizing molybdenum-modified tungsten oxide electrodes. Molybdenum tungsten mixed oxides (Mo x W1−x O3) were synthesized by spray-freeze/freeze-drying approach by varying x from 0 to 1 and studied as a photoanode. The structural changes after Mo substitution in tungsten oxide (Mo x W1−x O3; 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) were observed as a function of the composition. In binary oxides, monoclinic structure (ℽ-phase) was observed until Mo substitution (x) reached 0.2. A coexistence of both monoclinic and orthorhombic phases was observed for x varying from 0.2 to 0.8. All synthesized n-semiconducting materials were photoelectrochemically active in water splitting under the acidic condition of HClO4. The highest PEC activity was observed for the sample with low Mo content (x = 0.05) for which the narrowest band gap was determined. The overall activity decrease encountered for Mo-rich materials can be related to a higher tendency to photoinduced proton insertion facilitated by rhombohedral structure. The insight into the mechanism was determined by differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). Oxygen (m/z 32) and hydrogen peroxide (m/z 34) were identified as main products. The material with small variation in compositions (x = 0.05) significantly influenced catalytic activity and selectivity, highlighting the importance of the material’s design. Graphical Abstract

Partially Degradable N-Type Conjugated Random Copolymers for Intrinsically Stretchable Organic Field-Effect Transistors.

In this study, a series of conjugated homopolymers (P1 and P5) and random copolymers (P2-P4) by copolymerizing naphthalene diimide (NDI) as the acceptor with varying ratios of two donor units, thiophene-imine-thiophene (TIT) and thiophene-vinylene-thiophene (TVT) is developed. The inclusion of TIT imparted degradability to the random copolymers under acidic conditions, offering a sustainable solution for electronic waste management. Structural analysis revealed that TIT favored edge-on molecular orientation, while TVT promoted face-on and end-to-end orientations. The synergistic combination of TIT and TVT in copolymerization resulted in balanced structural and functional properties with partial degradability conferred using the TIT units. The random copolymer P3, with an optimal equimolar TIT/TVT ratio, demonstrates superior electrical and mechanical performance. P3 exhibits an initial charge mobility of 0.10cm2V⁻¹s⁻¹ and maintained mobility of 0.0017cm2V⁻¹s⁻¹ under 20% strain, significantly outperforming P1 in mobility at almost strain levels. P3 also achieved a mobility retention of 31.3% under 20% strain, compared to 12.2% for P5. This study demonstrates that the copolymerization of TIT and TVT enables the fine-tuning of solid-state packing modes and molecular orientations, thereby improving both the stretchability and environmental sustainability of the materials.

Modified Zeolites for the Removal of Emerging Bio-Resistive Pollutants in Water Resources

The increasing presence of pollutants, including pharmaceuticals and pesticides, in water resources necessitates the development of effective remediation technologies. Zeolites are promising agents for pollutant removal due to their high surface area, ion-exchange capacity, natural abundance, and diverse tailorable porous structures. This review focuses on the efficient application of modified zeolites and mesoporous materials as photocatalysts and adsorbents for removing contaminants from water bodies. The adsorption and photodegradation of pesticides and selected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics on various zeolites reveal optimal adsorption and degradation conditions for each pollutant. In most reported studies, higher SiO2/Al2O3 ratio zeolites exhibited improved adsorption, and thus photodegradation activities, due to increased hydrophobicity and lower negative charge. For example, SBA-15 demonstrated high efficiency in removing diclofenac, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen from water in acidic conditions. Metal doped into the zeolite framework was found to be a very active catalyst for the photodegradation of organic pollutants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial wastes. It is shown that the photocatalytic activity depends on the zeolite-type, metal dopant, metal content, zeolite pore structure, and the energy of the irradiation source. Faujasite-type Y zeolites combined with ozone achieved up to 95% micropollutant degradation. Bentonite modified with cellulosic biopolymers effectively removed pesticides such as atrazine and chlorpyrifos, while titanium and/or silver-doped zeolites showed strong catalytic activity in degrading carbamates, highlighting their environmental application potential.

Microencapsulation of Probiotics for Enhanced Stability and Health Benefits in Dairy Functional Foods: A Focus on Pasta Filata Cheese

Probiotics provide significant health benefits, but their viability is often compromised during production, storage, and passage through the gastrointestinal tract. These challenges hinder their effective incorporation into functional applications, particularly in dairy functional foods, in which factors such as acidity, oxygen exposure, and storage conditions negatively impact cell survival. The focus was on functional dairy foods, particularly on pasta filata cheeses. Indeed, the use of probiotics in pasta filata cheeses presents significant challenges due to the specific manufacturing processes, which encompass the application of high temperatures and other harsh conditions. These factors can adversely affect the viability and availability of probiotic microorganisms. However, microencapsulation has emerged as a promising solution, offering a protective barrier that enhances probiotic stability, improves survival rates, and facilitates targeted release in the gastrointestinal environment. This review examines the pivotal role of microencapsulation in stabilising probiotics for functional applications, emphasising its relevance in high-value food systems. Functional applications, including foods designed to offer essential nutritional benefits and promote host health, play a crucial role in disease prevention and immune system support, reducing the risk of infections and other physiological impairments. Key microencapsulation technologies are analysed, focusing on their benefits, limitations, and challenges related to scalability and industrial implementation. Additionally, this review discusses strategies to optimise formulations, ensure the sensory quality of final products, and explore future opportunities for expanding innovative applications that align with growing consumer demand for health-promoting solutions.