Inorganic Research Articles

In Ukrainian

Blood loss is one of the main causes of death, especially in war and natural disasters. At the beginning of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war we established the laboratory and later the industrial production of a powdered topical hemostatic composition based on nanosilica which is intended for providing first pre-medical aid. The composition contains nanosized silica A-300 and sodium alginate as two active ingredients in a mass ratio of 4:1. The aim of the work was to develop the optimal technological process for the production of a hemostatic composition and carry out physico-chemical and medical-biological studies of semi-finished products and the final product. Bulk density measurements, optical microscopy, IR spectroscopy method and microbiological research were used to study the initial materials, intermediate products as well as the final product. The effectiveness of the hemostatic effect of the composition was checked on the model of parenchymal bleeding from the liver of a rat, using the time to stop bleeding (min) as a criterion. As a result of the research, a two-stage method of manufacturing the composition is proposed: at the first stage, certain parts of the initial materials are treated in a ball mill, obtaining the semi-finished product "A-300/sodium alginate"; at the second stage, this semi-finished product is mixed with nanosilica and sodium alginate, obtaining the final product. It is shown that the bulk density serves as a useful technological parameter to control of which helps to produce a structurally homogeneous final product. In the IR spectra of the semi-finished product and the finished product, only the absorption bands of silica and sodium alginate are observed, that is, foreign substances are not formed during technological process. The microbiological purity of the composition meets the pharmacopoeial requirements for drugs of this category. An experimental study of the topical hemostatic effect of the composition revealed its significant advantage compared to the inorganic hemostatic substance kaolin, which acts according to a similar adsorption mechanism.

An analysis of exogenous harmful substance exposure as risk factors for COPD and hypertension co-morbidity using PSM.

Some occupational and environmental exposures could increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension in various work and living environments. However, the effect of exposure to multiple exogenous harmful substances on COPD and hypertension co-morbidities remains unclear. Participants were selected from eight hospitals in five provinces in China using a multistage cluster sampling procedure. Participants' demographic, exposure, and disease information were collected through questionnaires, spirometry, and blood pressure examinations. Demographic data were used as matching factors, and 1:1 matching between the exposed and non-exposed groups was performed by employing propensity score matching (PSM) to minimize the influence on the results. A one-way chi-squared analysis and multifactorial logistic regression were used to analyze the association between the exposure to exogenous harmful substances (metals and their compound dust, inorganic mineral dust, organic chemicals, and livestock by-products) and the co-morbidity of COPD and hypertension. There were 6,610 eligible participants in the final analysis, of whom 2,045 (30.9%) were exposed to exogenous harmful substances. The prevalence of co-morbidities of COPD and hypertension (6.0%) in the exposure group was higher than their prevalence in the total population (4.6%). After PSM, exogenous harmful substance exposure was found to be a risk factor for the co-morbidity of COPD and hypertension [odds ratio (OR) = 1.347, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.011-1.794], which was not statistically significant before PSM (OR = 1.094, 95% CI: 0.852-1.405). Meanwhile, the results of different outcomes showed that the association between hypertension and exogenous harmful substance exposure was not statistically significant (OR = 0.965, 95% CI: 0.846-1.101). Smoking (OR = 4.702, 95% CI: 3.321-6.656), history of a respiratory disease during childhood (OR = 2.830, 95% CI: 1.600-5.006), and history of respiratory symptoms (OR = 1.897, 95% CI: 1.331-2.704) were also identified as risk factors for the co-morbidity of COPD and hypertension. The distribution of exogenous harmful substance exposure varies in the population, and the prevalence of co-morbidities is generally higher in susceptible populations. Exposure to exogenous harmful substances was found to be a key risk factor after adjusting for demographic confounders.

Exploring the Influence of Soil Types on the Mineral Profile of Honey: Implications for Geographical Origin Prediction.

Honey contains a wide range of inorganic substances. Their content can be influenced, i.e., by the type of soil on which the bee pasture is located. As part of this study, the mineral profile of 32 samples of honey from hobby beekeepers from the Czech Republic wasevaluated and then compared with soil types in the vicinity of the beehive location. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to express the relationship between mineral substances and soil type. There was a high correlation between antroposol and Zn (R = 0.98), Pb (R = 0.96), then between ranker and Mn (0.95), then regosol and Al (R = 0.97) (p < 0.05). A high negative correlation was found between regosol and Mg (R = -0.97), Cr (R = -0.98) and between redzinas and Al (R = -0.97) (p < 0.05). Both positive and negative high correlations were confirmed for phaeozem. The CART method subsequently proved that the characteristic elements for individual soil types are B, Ca, Mg, Ni, and Mn. The soil types of cambisol, fluvisol, gleysol, anthrosol, and kastanozem had the closest relationship with the elements mentioned, and it can therefore be assumed that their occurrence indicates the presence of these soil types within the range of beehive location.

Evaluating centrifuged water treatment plant sludge as an adsorbent for nutrients, microorganisms, and heavy metals removal from wastewater

Achieving universal access to clean water, as mandated by SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, is crucial for supporting human health and environmental sustainability. Water treatment plants generate a by-product known as Water Treatment Plant Sludge (WTPS), comprising organic and inorganic substances. Traditionally, the disposal of WTPS poses environmental risks, including nutrient runoff and heavy metal contamination. This study investigates using centrifuged WTPS, without prior treatment, as an adsorbent to remove contaminants from treated wastewater, offering a sustainable waste management solution. Through comprehensive characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and geo-environmental parameter assessment, the research evaluates the adsorption efficacy of WTPS. A factorial design methodology facilitated the systematic examination of adsorption tests. Findings indicate that WTPS exhibits adsorption capacities for phosphorus (q = 0.2 mg g-1), Chemical Oxygen Demand (q = 1.1 mg g-1), and metals under specific conditions. Maximum removal efficiencies for total coliforms and Escherichia coli were achieved with extended contact times, showcasing WTPS's potential as a robust adsorbent. The research demonstrates that centrifuged WTPS can significantly reduce concentrations of metals such as Pb, Co, and Ni (100%), Al (96%), Cu (95%), and Fe (93%) in treated wastewater, presenting a promising approach for enhancing wastewater quality. However, the interaction between WTPS and wastewater resulted in an increased concentration of Mn in the effluent, highlighting the complex dynamics of adsorption processes. In conclusion, centrifuged WTPS emerges as a viable, cost-effective adsorbent, aligning with sustainable waste management practices and circular economy principles.

Transition Metal Oxide Nanomaterials: New Weapons to Boost Anti-Tumor Immunity Cycle.

Semiconductor nanomaterials have emerged as a significant factor in the advancement of tumor immunotherapy. This review discusses the potential of transition metal oxide (TMO) nanomaterials in the realm of anti-tumor immune modulation. These binary inorganic semiconductor compounds possess high electron mobility, extended ductility, and strong stability. Apart from being primary thermistor materials, they also serve as potent agents in enhancing the anti-tumor immunity cycle. The diverse metal oxidation states of TMOs result in a range of electronic properties, from metallicity to wide-bandgap insulating behavior. Notably, titanium oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, and copper oxide have garnered interest due to their presence in tumor tissues and potential therapeutic implications. These nanoparticles (NPs) kickstart the tumor immunity cycle by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), prompting the release of ICD and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and working in conjunction with various therapies to trigger dendritic cell (DC) maturation, T cell response, and infiltration. Furthermore, they can alter the tumor microenvironment (TME) by reprogramming immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages into an inflammatory state, thereby impeding tumor growth. This review aims to bring attention to the research community regarding the diversity and significance of TMOs in the tumor immunity cycle, while also underscoring the potential and challenges associated with using TMOs in tumor immunotherapy.

Adsorption of Humic Acid from Water Using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs): An Effective Removal Strategy

The escalating presence of humic acid (HA) in aquatic systems poses significant ecological and potable water treatment challenges, altering the color, taste, and odor of water and fueling algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels to the detriment of aquatic life. Traditional techniques like coagulation-flocculation, membrane filtration, oxidation fall short in efficiency due to its small fraction of HA, Humic acids (HAs) can interact with various organic and inorganic substances, affecting their characteristics and behavior in water. These interactions can influence the efficiency of water treatment processes like adsorption and coagulation. Specifically, HAs may compete with other contaminants for treatment sites or alter the chemical conditions of the treatment processes, impacting their effectiveness. This thesis confronts the pervasive issue of HA contamination by leveraging the advanced properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In this work, four representative MOFs are synthesized and well characterized. Then, their capability to enhance coagulation processes in water for HA and HA-kaolin treatment are detailed evaluated. The findings from this research extend beyond academic curiosity, offering actionable insights for water treatment facilities and environmental management agencies. The synthesis of MOFs which are UiO-66(Zr), MIL-100(Fe), ZIF-8, and Al-fum. Each MOFs have been applied to remove HA by adsorption under different condition, effect of contact time, effect of initial pH, effect of adsorbent dosage. After adsorption experiment, MOF samples prepared to dry and went through characterization. Removal of HA by MOF adsorption showed UiO-66(Zr) and MIL-100(Fe) examined shortest reaching equilibrium state with 10-15 min, however, ZIF-8 and Al-fum gradually reached equilibrium state after 60 min. Among various pH conditions, UiO-66(Zr) and MIL-100(Fe) showed the highest adsorption capacity under acidic conditions, while ZIF-8 excelled at neutral pH, and Al-fum exhibited the highest adsorption capacity under both acidic and basic conditions. ZIF-8 has the highest adsorption capacity among the MOFs with capacity of 754 mg/g. MOF after adsorption samples went through characterizations and their remained characteristics indicating the adsorption not affected the structure of the MOFs.

Biodegradation of Photocatalytic Degradation Products of Sulfonamides: Kinetics and Identification of Intermediates.

Sulfonamides can be effectively removed from wastewater through a photocatalytic process. However, the mineralization achieved by this method is a long-term and expensive process. The effect of shortening the photocatalytic process is the partial degradation and formation of intermediates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and transformation of photocatalytic reaction intermediates in aerobic biological processes. Sulfadiazine and sulfamethoxazole solutions were used in the study, which were irradiated in the presence of a TiO2-P25 catalyst. The resulting solutions were then aerated after the addition of river water or activated sludge suspension from a commercial wastewater treatment plant. The reaction kinetics were determined and fifteen products of photocatalytic degradation of sulfonamides were identified. Most of these products were further transformed in the presence of activated sludge suspension or in water taken from the river. They may have been decomposed into other organic and inorganic compounds. The formation of biologically inactive acyl derivatives was observed in the biological process. However, compounds that are more toxic to aquatic organisms than the initial drugs can also be formed. After 28 days, the sulfamethoxazole concentration in the presence of activated sludge was reduced by 66 ± 7%. Sulfadiazine was practically non-biodegradable under the conditions used. The presented results confirm the advisability of using photocatalysis as a process preceding biodegradation.

Gaining Insights into the Interplay between Optical and Magnetic Properties in Photoexcited Coordination Compounds.

We describe early and recent advances in the fascinating field of combined magnetic and optical properties of inorganic coordination compounds and in particular of 3d-4f single molecule magnets. We cover various applied techniques which allow for the correlation of results obtained in the frequency and time domain in order to highlight the specific properties of these compounds and the future challenges towards multidimensional spectroscopic tools. An important point is to understand the details of the interplay of magnetic and optical properties through performing time-resolved studies in the presence of external fields especially magnetic ones. This will enable further exploration of this fundamental interactions i. e. the two components of electromagnetic radiation influencing optical properties.

Optimizing fertilizer usage for source reduction of salt and fluoride ion runoff discharge from a soda saline-alkali paddy field

Planting rice is a beneficial strategy for improving soda saline-alkali soil, but it comes with the challenge of increased runoff discharge of salt and fluoride (F−) ions. The use of different nitrogen (N) fertilizers can impact this ion discharge, yet the specific characteristics of ion runoff under different N-fertilizer applications remain unclear. A field experiment was conducted in this study, applying five commonly used N-fertilizer types to monitor the ion runoff throughout an entire rice growing season. Salt ions and F− runoff discharge was significantly affected by N-fertilizer type, runoff event, and their interaction (p < 0.001). Regardless of N-fertilizer types, sodium (Na+) and bicarbonate (HCO3−) ions were consistently discharged from runoff in soda saline-alkali fields, constituting 20.55–25.06 % and 47.57–50.49 % of total ion discharges, respectively. Compared to no N-fertilizer (CK) and other N-fertilizer treatments, the organic-inorganic compound fertilizer (OCF) application significantly reduced Na+ and HCO3− runoff discharge, causing a decrease in the competitive adsorption capacity between HCO3− and F− (p < 0.05). The use of OCF and inorganic compound fertilizer (ICF) lowered pH in runoff water, resulting in reduced dissolution capacity of calcium fluoride in the soil and thereby decreasing total F− runoff discharge. In conclusion, OCF proves to be an effective N-fertilizer in mitigating salt ions and F− runoff discharge in soda saline-alkali paddy fields. Additionally, ICF demonstrates the ability to control F− runoff discharge.

EuSi7P10: An Inorganic Supramolecular Nonlinear Optical Crystal Exhibiting Strong Second-Harmonic Generation Response.

Inorganic supramolecular compounds are the emergent class of infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. However, the reported inorganic supramolecular IR NLO pnictides are still scarce. In this work, a new inorganic supramolecular IR NLO phosphide, EuSi7P10, has been synthesized using the metal salt flux method. The structure of EuSi7P10 features an anionic host framework containing the oriented [Si7P16] dual-T2 supertetrahedra with the guest Eu2+ cations filling in the intervals. Additionally, EuSi7P10 exhibits strong phase-matched (PM) second-harmonic generation (SHG) (4.0 × AgGaS2), large birefringence (0.087 @2050 nm), and wide infrared transparency. This study highlights the potential of inorganic supramolecular pnictides for exploring high-performance IR NLO crystals.

Optimal Ways of Safflower Oil Production with Improvement of Press Equipment.

This study aims to improve press equipment for safflower oil production by using a mechanism that optimizes pressure distribution within screw turns. A detailed analysis of the main components of the produced safflower oil was performed, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative assessments. Through the exploration of dependencies governing the safflower oil pressing process on the screw press, the optimal parameters were determined. As a result of the research, the optimal diaphragm gap between the gape cylinder and the pressing screw was determined, with the optimal oil yield percentage achieved at ω = 6.2 rad/s and δ = 5 mm. The study also compared the performance of the existing Dream Modern ODM-01 screw press and its upgraded version by analyzing the extracted oil. The results reveal changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the main oil components following the operation of the existing and the modernized screw presses. For instance, the amount of unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (7.7 ± 0.566%), linoleic acid (85.3 ± 1.185%), and linolenic acid (1.2 ± 0.223%), increased. There was an increase in the presence of inorganic substances in safflower oil: iron (0.023 ± 0.031 mg/kg), phosphorus (0.086 ± 0.059 mg/kg), silicium (0.136 ± 0.075 mg/kg), and others. The findings of this study hold significant commercial value and offer promising prospects for global market implementation.

Biochar promotes microbial CO2 fixation by regulating feedback inhibition of metabolites

Chemoautotrophs, the crucial contributors to biological carbon fixation, derive energy from reducing specific inorganic substances and utilize CO2 for growth. However, the release of extracellular free organic carbon (EFOC) by chemoautotrophic microorganisms can inhibit their own growth and metabolism. To reduce the feedback inhibition effect, a low-release biochar (BC-LR) was applied to adsorb EFOC. BC-LR not only adsorbed EFOC, but also selectively adsorbed the main inhibitory component, low molecular weight organics, in EFOC. In contrast, ordinary biochar could not effectively adsorb EFOC and its addition inhibited microbial growth and CO2 fixation. In Transwell culture, BC-LR promoted microbial growth by 190% and CO2 fixation by 29%, and exhibited better economic advantage, when compared with granular activated carbon. These findings provide a novel insight into the interaction between biochar and autotrophic microbial metabolism, offering an economically feasible approach to mitigate feedback inhibition of metabolites and promoting biological CO2 fixation.

The Recent Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Biomedical Fields.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have found extensive application in the biomedical domain due to their enhanced biocompatibility, minimal toxicity, and strong magnetic responsiveness. MNPs exhibit great potential as nanomaterials in various biomedical applications, including disease detection and cancer therapy. Typically, MNPs consist of a magnetic core surrounded by surface modification coatings, such as inorganic materials, organic molecules, and polymers, forming a nucleoshell structure that mitigates nanoparticle agglomeration and enhances targeting capabilities. Consequently, MNPs exhibit magnetic responsiveness in vivo for transportation and therapeutic effects, such as enhancing medical imaging resolution and localized heating at the site of injury. MNPs are utilized for specimen purification through targeted binding and magnetic separation in vitro, thereby optimizing efficiency and expediting the process. This review delves into the distinctive functional characteristics of MNPs as well as the diverse bioactive molecules employed in their surface coatings and their corresponding functionalities. Additionally, the advancement of MNPs in various applications is outlined. Additionally, we discuss the advancements of magnetic nanoparticles in medical imaging, disease treatment, and in vitro assays, and we anticipate the future development prospects and obstacles in this field. The objective is to furnish readers with a thorough comprehension of the recent practical utilization of MNPs in biomedical disciplines.

Controlling polydopamine deposition morphology on the surface of poly(vinylidene fluoride) microfiltration membranes for improved oil-water filtration performance

Herein, we studied the effect of adding into water-dopamine mixture a small amount of the fourth generation of bis-MPA based Boltorn™ hyperbranched polyol polyester (H40) or inorganic nanolayered compound MXene on the development of polydopamine (PDA) coating morphology on the surface of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) microfiltration membranes targeting to further enhance their oil fouling resistance and oil-in-water (O/W) filtration performance. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Water Contact Angle (WCA) techniques were used for characterization of the modified surfaces. The pure water and (O/W) tight emulsion filtration testing was conducted using a custom-made dead-end filtration setup. It was shown that in the case of dopamine only treatment, the formed on the surface PDA coating largely showed a planar, homogeneous growth which tended to envelope not only the membrane surface irregularities but also the pores thus greatly reducing their size and compromising the permeate flux despite significantly improved surface hydrophilicity. Adding either MXene or H40 into water-dopamine mixture rendered a beneficial effect on the membrane oil fouling resistance and permeation/filtration characteristics. The most spectacular, a hitherto not reported effect was observed after adding into water-dopamine mixture the H40 polymer. In contrast to the planar PDA deposition, the coating morphology in this case consisted of fused together tiny PDA clumps. The ‘clumpy’ PDA coating made less pore blockage and the membranes demonstrated many times greater flux either for pure water or emulsion permeate than after using dopamine only or dopamine with MXene treatments while continued to exhibit oleophobic behavior and high resistance to oil fouling over multiple filtration cycles. The potential nucleating role of this hyperbranched polymer in the development of the PDA clumps is discussed.

Morphological features of enamel in fluorosis of different degrees of severity

The occurrence of dental fluorosis is facilitated by a violation of enamel mineralization caused by fluorides, which enter the human body in excess during its development and formation and have a toxic effect on enamel blasts. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of fluorosis are not fully understood. Enamel formation is a complex process involving cell proliferation and differentiation through epithelial-mesenchymal sequential secretion of matrix proteins, tissue-specific transport of ions including calcium and fluoride, and precipitation and alignment of enamel crystals through interactions between organic and inorganic molecules. Understanding the morphological features of enamel changes during fluoride intoxication of the human body in the endemic region allows us to clearly understand the need for a comprehensive solution to this medical and social problem. The aim was to study the morphological features of enamel in fluorosis in residents of the endemic region of Ukraine, in particular the Poltava region. The work examines different groups of teeth (both intact and affected by fluorosis) removed for orthodontic or clinical indications in men and women aged 17 to 40 years. Morphological signs were studied first on native, and later on histochemically stained sections. It was established that the violation of the structure of the enamel layer of the teeth in mild and severe fluorosis is characterized by both partial and complete violation of the movement of the enamel prisms with signs of destruction. Fragmentation and homogeneity throughout the entire thickness were found in some areas of the enamel. When evaluating histochemically stained sections of teeth affected by fluorosis, it was established that dystrophic changes in the enamel structure and accumulation of acidic glycosaminoglycans in the lesions are more characteristic of mild and moderate forms. Under the conditions of a severe form of fluorosis, complete destruction of the prisms, fragmentation of the lamella, homogenization of areas on the entire enamel layer, which is due to the uneven distribution of acidic mucopolysaccharides, have been established. Morphologically and histochemically dystrophic changes in the areas of the affected enamel are confirmed by uneven distribution and accumulation of acidic glycosaminoglycans. An assessment of the effect of fluoride intoxication on the state of tooth enamel was carried out, which will allow to expand the possibilities of preventive measures for related specialists, as well as to create and develop additional treatment methods that will contribute to the improvement of physical and aesthetic indicators of teeth. dental health.

Innovative perspective for the cleaning of historical iron heritage: novel bio-organogel for the combined removal of undesired organic coatings and corrosion

An innovative green organogel was designed to simultaneously tackle inorganic compounds (i.e., iron corrosion) and organic substances (i.e., acrylic coatings) as undesired materials possibly present on the surface of altered indoor metal artworks. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), ethyl lactate (EL), and deferoxamine B (DFO) were employed in the formulation as thickening agent, organic solvent, and complexing agent, respectively, aiming to propose a sustainable and less harmful chemical cleaning method for metal care. The components were selected because they are bio-sourced, renewable, biodegradable, and non- or low-toxic materials. A multi-modal protocol of analysis was carried out to characterise the newly designed PHB-EL-DFO organogel. The cleaning performance of the novel formulation was assessed on mild steel mock-ups presenting both corrosion and organic coating to be removed. The conducted multi-analytical approach verified that the PHB-EL-DFO gel was able to tackle the two undesired materials simultaneously in an adjustable and easy-to-use way thanks to a modular application.

Critical Review of Cu-Based Hole Transport Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells: From Theoretical Insights to Experimental Validation.

Despite the remarkable efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), long-term stability remains the primary barrier to their commercialization. The prospect of enhancing stability by substituting organic transport layers with suitable inorganic compounds, particularly Cu-based inorganic hole-transport materials (HTMs), holds promise due to their high valence band maximum (VBM) aligning with perovskite characteristics. This review assesses the advantages and disadvantages of these five types of Cu-based HTMs. Although Cu-based binary oxides and chalcogenides face narrow bandgap issues, the "chemical modulation of the valence band" (CMVB) strategy has successfully broadened the bandgap for Cu-based ternary oxides and chalcogenides. However, Cu-based ternary oxides encounter challenges with low mobility, and Cu-based ternary chalcogenides face mismatches in VBM alignment with perovskites. Cu-based binary halides, especially CuI, exhibit excellent properties such as wider bandgap, high mobility, and defect tolerance, but their stability remains a concern. These limitations of single anion compounds are insightfully discussed, offering solutions from the perspective of practical application. Future research can focus on Cu-based composite anion compounds, which merge the advantages of single anion compounds. Additionally, mixed-cation chalcogenides such as CuxM1-xS enable the customization of HTM properties by selecting and adjusting the proportions of cation M.

Cyclotriphosphazene: A Versatile Building Block for Diverse Functional Materials.

Cyclotriphosphazene (CP) is a cyclic inorganic compound with the chemical formula (NPCl2)3. This unique molecule consists of a six-membered ring composed of alternating nitrogen and phosphorus atoms, each bonded to two chlorine atoms. CP exhibits remarkable versatility and significance in the realm of materials chemistry due to its easy functionalization via facile nucleophilic substitution reactions in mild conditions as well as intriguing properties of resultant final CP-based molecules or polymers. CP has been served as an important building block for numerous functional materials. This review provides a general and broad overview of the synthesis of CP-based small molecules through nucleophilic substitution of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP), and their applications, including flame retardants, liquid crystals (LC), chemosensors, electronics, biomedical materials, and lubricants, have been summarized and discussed. It would be expected that this review would offer a timely summary of various CP-based materials and hence give an insight into further exploration of CP-based molecules in the future.

Survey of Recent Trends of IB-IVB Metals and Their Compounds in Cancer Treatment

Metals from IB to IVB groups of the periodic table, because of their flexible oxidation states, natures of coordinated bioligands, and geometries upon complexation, display various properties and efficiency of metal-based cytotoxic drugs. Recent decades have witnessed remarkable progress in the synthesis and therapeutic application of numerous inorganic compounds in cancer investigations. The main potential therapeutic agents, such as the complexes of platinum group metals possessing antineoplastic activity have been broadly described previously in the literature and are beyond the space of this analysis. The key objective of the present study is to analyze the possible activity of IB-IVB group metals their coordination compounds against the cancer cell types. The increasing number of anticancer drug candidates among these metals proves this field offers a remarkably variation of novel opportunities for the synthesis of advanced new pharmaceutics with diverse and specific modes of action. Furthermore, the review provides forthcoming insights into prospective clinical scenarios for approaching treatment applications. That is why this field of research deserves more attention. It is expected that this review can serve as a guiding framework for future investigations in cancer chemotherapy.

Investigations of high-Performance Ultrasonic Transducers based on PMN-PT Single Crystals

Ultrasonic transducers for NDE applications are commonly based on Lead Zirconate Titanate or PZT, an inorganic compound and ceramic perovskite material. Until now the advantages of PMN-PT are used in medical applications, but are not implemented in NDE. Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate (PMN-PT) is well known for its high sensitivity and broad frequency spectrum. While conventional PZT materials have an electromechanical coupling factor K33 (a measure of the conversion between electrical and acoustic energy) of about 0.72, PMN-PT materials reach peak values of more than 0.93. For applications with low signal amplitudes, high electronic noise and small transducer elements, the performance of ultrasonic probes can be significantly enhanced by using Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate (PMN-PT) instead of PZT. This single-crystal material offers significantly better piezo parameters and leads to a higher sensitivity and larger bandwidth. There is a better depth resolution possible with this transducers as practical tests have shown. Similar to PZT it can also be fabricated in 1-3 piezo- composite technology. In a cooperation between Fraunhofer IKTS, iBULe Photonics, and IFU Diagnostic Systems, PMN-PT ultrasonic transducers are developed and optimized. The performance of phased array probes and single element transducers was measured by a so called PCUS® pro electronic front end from Fraunhofer and compared with equivalent PZT-based probes. As a result various single element and phased array transducers with im-proved performances are available for NDT of typical aerospace materials and applications. These test setups were used to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages, such as achievable precision or costs, for the implementation of a PMN-PT-based UT matrix probe. Based on this, a wiring variant adapted to the PMN-PT was developed and optimised for the matrix setups by pre- assembling the matching layers. The most favourable setup turned out to be bonding the PMN- PT composites to the prefabricated matching layers together with a rigid-flexible PCB frame. This enabled direct wire bonding of 64 matrix elements to the matching PCB pads on the rigid frame.