The edge is already there: Experimental insights into the origins of stone tool technology

The increasing demand for sustainable analytical practices and environmental remediation strategies has intensified research into alternative sorbent materials derived from recycled or low-cost sources. This review summarizes recent advances (2016-2025) in the reuse of polymeric waste and natural materials for sample preparation and water purification. Recycled synthetic polymers, namely polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polymethyl methacrylate, are examined as sorbents, following physical, chemical, or thermal treatments aimed at enhancing their surface activity and selectivity. In parallel, single-use commercial items (e.g., adhesive tape, paper supports, wooden sticks) and natural materials (e.g., cotton, kapok fibre, cellulose, sporopollenin) are evaluated for their potential integration into circular workflows, transforming disposable products into reusable components. Modification strategies including sulfonation, solvent-based restructuring, functionalization with chelating agents, and composite formation are discussed in relation to dispersive-SPE, magnetic SPE, and membrane-based techniques, with emphasis on greenness and scalability. By integrating waste reuse, natural matrices, and functional design, this review highlights pathways for developing next-generation sorbents that align with circular-economy principles and green analytical methodologies.

Natural biomass hydrogels for intelligent sensing: From component crosslinking engineering to stimuli-responsive mechanisms

This study explored the integral use of imperfect red guava by extracting carotenoids from the pulp, employing the peel and seed as natural wall materials for nanoencapsulation. Ultrasound-assisted extraction with cereal ethanol was maximized using a 24 full factorial design, yielding 31.40±5.04μg/g and an extraction efficiency of 90.90%. The extract was nanoencapsulated using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (NPPLGA), guava peel (NPGP), and guava seed (NPGS), producing nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 171.50±10.69 (NPPLGA) to 219.52±33.98 (NPGP) nm, an acidic pH, and measurable antioxidant activity. NPGS exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency and carotenoid content and was found to be non-cytotoxic to HT22 cells at concentrations ≤0.07μg/mL. In a liquid dietary supplement model system, NPGS exhibited minimal changes in yellow color over 22days of refrigerated storage (ΔE*<2), indicating a possible application as a food dye and demonstrating a strategy for valorizing guava by-products.

Bio-inspired Zeta potential-matched design of natural rubber thermal interface materials with a compressed electrical double-layer for ultra-high thermal management capabilities

Nowadays, there is a trend to promote the use of natural materials in dentistry. One of these compounds that has lately grown significantly in relevance in clinical research is Pelargonium Graveolens. This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of Pelargonium Graveolens leaves extract for children in comparison with the commonly used chlorhexidine. There are no previously available studies concerning the anti-microbial activity of Pelargonium Graveolens leaves. Sixty participants with mild to moderate gingivitis were randomly allocated in a ratio of 1:1 to receive twice-daily mouthwash for 3 weeks (30 with a novel herbal mouthwash containing Pelargonium Graveolens AuNPs as a study group and 30 children with chlorhexidine as a control group). Clinical parameters (plaque index and gingival index) were assessed at the baseline (before the use of mouthwash), and then they were assessed 3 times at one-week intervals after the first assessment through the period of the study. On the other hand, microbiological examination was done using supragingival plaque sampling with a curette for those participants at the baseline and three weeks after the use of the mouthwash. After completing the intervention, although the study group had lower plaque scores compared to the control group, the difference was statistically significant. On the other hand, the study group had a significant reduction in the gingival index scores compared to the control group (p = 0.000). The microbiological analysis revealed that the treatment mouthwash significantly depleted the count of S. mutans in the last visit. The novel Pelargonium Graveolens AuNPs mouthwash was effective in improving (PI) and (GI), which mean improve oral health status. Rinsing with Pelargonium Graveolens AuNPs mouthwash reduced the count of oral Streptococcus mutans significantly in children. ClinicalTrials.gov on April 15, 2023, with ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05816512.

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)—Japan has witnessed a burgeoning interest in sustainable, child-centered educational environments. A primary focus of this movement is the integration of wood and natural materials in early childhood education (ECE) facilities, catalyzed by national policies such as the 2010 Act on the Promotion of Use of Wood in Public Buildings and the 2015 "Wooden School Initiative". This study investigates how wooden architecture in ECE facilities contributes to sustainable development and high-quality, inclusive education through a focused qualitative case study of a wooden kindergarten in Japan. The research employs the original conceptual framework of "Community-Co-Created Educational Design," which positions educational space as an interface between architecture, pedagogy, and local resource systems. Methodologically, the study draws on a semi-structured interview with a senior facility manager, supplemented by stakeholder interviews with the facility’s designer and play equipment manufacturer to ensure data triangulation. The findings demonstrate that wood-based design transcends aesthetics to become a socio-material vehicle for local sustainability, intergenerational learning, and social cohesion. While the study acknowledges the inherent representational limitations of a single primary informant, it provides foundational insights for global discourse on ecological awareness and child-friendly urban planning. Furthermore, identified challenges—including limited subsidy awareness, maintenance demands, and policy-practice gaps—highlight the necessity for implementation-oriented strategies to sustain these environments. This research offers critical insights for policymakers and designers aiming to integrate children’s well-being with sustainable community development

Caffeine is a widely consumed alkaloid with considerable relevance in both the food and pharmaceutical sectors, where efficient extraction methods are of great practical importance[1-5]. Among the various techniques available, the conventional Soxhlet extraction method is commonly used due to its straightforward operation, although there remains potential to improve its yield[7]. This study set out to explore strategies for enhancing caffeine yield from tea leaves by refining key parameters within the Soxhlet extraction process. The investigation examined the influence of several variables—such as extraction temperature, siphon cycle frequency, heating voltage[9], and the type of crystallization container—on the overall extraction efficiency. The results showed that adjustments to these factors led to measurable improvements in caffeine yield[6]. By comparing outcomes before and after optimization, the study further confirmed the beneficial effects of the process modifications. These findings offer practical insights for the efficient and cost-effective extraction of bioactive compounds from natural materials.

Nowadays, water pollution by heavy metal Pb(II) is a significant issue in many countries, including Indonesia. To overcome this problem, a suitable and efficient waste treatment method is necessary. Therefore, in this work, Fe3O4/AC/TiO2 nanocomposite modified with chitosan (CS) for the treatment of Pb (II) waste were investigated. CS was used due to its OH and NH2 functional groups, which enable the formation of a new hybrid nanocomposite that can be used repeatedly. To reduce production costs, environmentally friendly, raw natural materials, such as iron sand, coconut shells, and shrimp shells, were employed. The XRD characterization results indicate that the crystallite size of Fe3O4 is in the range of 16.05 nm to 24.52 nm, while that of TiO2 is 25.22 nm. The SEM‒EDX characterization indicates that the particle morphology is imperfectly round and aggregated. Furthermore, the FTIR analysis indicates the presence of N–H, Fe–O, C=O, and Ti–O–Ti functional groups, representing the CS, Fe3O4, AC, and TiO2 characteristics. The VSM results demonstrate that the CS-Fe3O4/AC/TiO2 exhibits superparamagnetic properties. In the Pb (II) heavy metal uptake test, CFAT 1 showed the most optimal results when the adsorption test was conducted for 120 min, resulting in an efficiency of 99.88%. Furthermore, this sample can be used repeatedly in four adsorption-desorption cycles. This suggests that the CS‒Fe3O4/AC/TiO2 nanocomposite can be an effective Pb(II) heavy metal absorbent.

High-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) is a powerful tool for screening organic compounds in complex samples. A critical step in identifying candidate structures is the comparison of sample HRMS/MS spectra with those of reference spectral libraries. The effectiveness of this spectral matching hinges on two key factors: (i) how well the library's content aligns with the suspect compound list and (ii) the quality and diversity of the reference spectra for each compound. Yet the scarcity of natural product reference materials on the market often necessitates non-targeted analysis. In this study, we systematically acquired and curated HRMS/MS reference spectra for specialized metabolites from cyanobacteria, which are vastly underrepresented in the current libraries. Previously, MassBank EU included spectra for only 14 such compounds. We have significantly expanded the publicly available data, contributing 2905 unique spectra representing 150 distinct cyanobacterial metabolites. A proof-of-concept analysis demonstrates up to 5-fold increased annotation success and revealed shortcomings in current libraries, underscoring the need for continued data enrichment. In particular, future efforts should prioritize the inclusion of HRMS/MS spectra for diverse adduct ions to improve identification confidence and broaden the analytical coverage.

Peloids are natural materials widely used in balneotherapy and dermatological treatments because of their physicochemical and mineralogical properties. Despite Serbia’s long tradition of spa-based pelotherapy, comprehensive data on the chemical and radiological characteristics of local peloids remain limited. In this study, peloid samples from 13 spa locations across four regions of Serbia were systematically investigated. The aim was to determine their physicochemical properties, elemental composition, and natural radioactivity, to assess their suitability and safety for therapeutic use. The analyzed samples exhibited pronounced variability in pH (6.59–9.52), electrical conductivity (77.5–6610 μS/cm), salinity (below detection limit to 4%), and total dissolved solids, reflecting diverse geological and hydrochemical properties. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry revealed site-specific variations in macro- and microelements, influenced primarily by local lithology and sedimentary environments, with limited indications of anthropogenic inputs. Gamma spectrometric analysis showed that the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, 40K, 238U, 235U, 210Pb) were within ranges commonly reported for therapeutic muds worldwide, while anthropogenic 137Cs was generally low. Radiological hazard indices were below internationally recommended safety limits. A preliminary screening of dermal exposure to potentially toxic elements indicated no significant noncarcinogenic risk (HI &lt; 1) and acceptable carcinogenic risk (TCR) levels. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive chemical and radiological baseline for Serbian peloids, supporting their safe use in controlled therapeutic and wellness applications and highlighting the importance of site-specific characterization for quality assessment.

Low science learning outcomes are often caused by the lack of active student involvement in the knowledge construction process in the classroom. This study aims to describe and analyze the improvement in science learning outcomes in the natural resource material through the implementation of the Make a Match cooperative learning model for fourth-grade students at Elementary School 2 Tiakur, Southwest Maluku Regency. The method used is Classroom Action Research (CAR) model Kemmis and McTaggart which was implemented in two cycles with 25 students. Data was collected through observation techniques, learning outcome tests, and documentation, then analyzed descriptively. The results of the study showed a significant progressive increase in each stage. In the pre-cycle stage, the average class score was only 65 with a very low classical completeness, namely 12%. The implementation of the first cycle increased the average score to 70 with a completeness level of 60%. In the second cycle, student achievement increased sharply to an average score of 79 and successfully achieved 100% classical completeness. The conclusion of this study empirically proves that the Make a Match cooperative learning model is effective in improving students' science learning outcomes comprehensively, encompassing the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. This research contribution provides a practical solution for educators in island regions in optimizing student participation through interactive and enjoyable learning models.

Abstract Circular digital platforms can contribute to addressing the challenges of natural resource overexploitation and material waste accumulation. Circular digital platforms incorporate diverse, complementary, and even competitive actors; therefore, circular platform orchestration is a crucial phenomenon yet unstudied. This study examines the conditions of circular platform orchestration in diverse actor settings leading to collective industry benefits, and changes in competitive dynamics among industry actors. We utilize a multiple-case study on circular digital B2B platforms orchestrated by public and private actors in Finland, Italy, and Lithuania. The findings identify three orchestration conditions of B2B circular platforms: incentives and motivation to participate in the platform, control and operational rules, and homogeneity/heterogeneity of actors. The findings also show that these conditions manifest differently under private versus public orchestrators, with the former more motivated by economic goals and the latter more by public good goals; yet, with industry outcomes being relatively similar. Our study provides implications to the literature of circular economy business and platform orchestration by demonstrating how circular platforms help to ‘raise all boats’ in the industry while reconfiguring some competitive dynamics between primary and secondary markets.

Abstract The spatial arrangement of crystalline cellulose nanofibers and amorphous hemicellulose in the coconut endocarp remains unclear. Inspired by the hierarchical structures of nacre and bone, we proposed a brick-and-mortar model in which cellulose bundles are arranged in a staggered pattern and then fully embedded within the hemicellulose matrix. Such complex, high-dimensional biopolymer composite systems pose a significant challenge for all-atom molecular dynamics (AAMD) simulations to study microstructure-property relationships and reveal the underlying deformation mechanisms. Therefore, in this work, we developed a coarse-grained (CG) potential model that explicitly incorporates hydrogen bonding, the key interfacial interaction in cellulose-hemicellulose composites. The CG model parameters were carefully fitted and validated against AAMD simulations, ensuring accurate predictions of stiffness, strength, toughness, and failure mechanisms. It was proven that the CG model enables efficient simulations of large-scale 3D systems with millions of atoms, providing crucial insights into mechanical behavior while maintaining computational efficiency. The staggered 3D distribution of long cellulose bundles was found to optimize the reinforcement effect by maximizing strain energy absorption during deformation. Given the vital role of hydrogen bonding, we modified the rule of mixture (ROM) to quantify their contributions across different models by incorporating an interphase term to account for interfacial interactions, facilitated by comprehensive data from MD simulations. This integrated approach of CGMD and ROM analysis not only enhances our understanding of the mechanical behavior of cellulose-hemicellulose composites but also provides a generalizable framework for studying and optimizing natural and bioinspired materials at large scale.

This study investigates the potential of hybrid natural pozzolanic materials, namely pumice and scoria powder, as partial cement substitutes in high strength concrete (HSC). By incorporating these materials at varying percentages (10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% of cement weight) alongside a consistent superplasticizer dosage of 1.6%, the compressive strength, split tensile strength and Scanning electron microscopy analysis along with durability through strength loss after 30 days in sulfuric acid were tested. Compressive strength tests were used to evaluate performance at 28 days, and strength loss was measured after 30 days of exposure to sulfuric acid. The microstructure of the samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The findings showed that the HSC mixes HSC0, HSC10, HSC15, and HSC20 had respective compressive strengths of 63.02, 64.44, 62.07, and 60.30MPa. Pozzolanic activity was responsible for the improved performance at subsequent curing stages. The addition of pozzolanic elements enhanced acid resistance, with strength losses of 8.25%, 9.87%, and 12.93% for HSC0, HSC10, and HSC25, respectively. Notably, HSC0 had a denser calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) matrix. The results show that adding pumice and scoria to high-performance concrete as sustainable additives can have positive effects on durability and strength. Even though adding 20% pozzolanic material does not increase strength beyond 10%, it may still be taken into consideration for certain uses where other advantages like sustainability or the idea of green concrete are more important.

Deuteration has evolved into a transformative strategy in medicinal chemistry, materials science, and mechanistic research, owing to its ability to modulate molecular properties without perturbing core structures. As a privileged heterocyclic scaffold in natural products, pharmaceuticals, and functional materials, indole has become a prime target for deuteration. This review summarizes recent advances in regioselective indole deuteration, highlighting two core strategies: transition-metal-catalyzed hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) (both directed and undirected) and non-metallic catalytic/chemical reagent-mediated methods. Key breakthroughs include site-selective labeling of challenging positions (such as C2 and C4) and late-stage deuteration of complex drug molecules, overcoming intrinsic reactivity biases of the indole ring. Despite these strides, critical challenges remain: limited regioselectivity for benzenoid ring (C4-C7) deuteration, functional group incompatibility, and practical barriers in cost-effective deuterium sources and scalability. Future directions focus on developing directing-group-free catalytic systems, integrating green strategies (electro/photocatalysis) with low-cost D2O, and expanding applications in pharmaceutical optimization and materials innovation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the field, bridging synthetic innovation with translational potential.

Achieving rapid bone fusion is critical for preventing complications in Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF), yet harvesting sufficient autologous bone presents surgical limitations. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), an autologous biomaterial rich in osteogenic growth factors, offers potential as a bone graft enhancer. This study evaluated the efficacy of PRF combined with allogeneic bone in promoting interbody fusion using an XLIF-simulated rabbit model. In vitro, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultured with PRF, allogeneic bone, or PRF/allogeneic bone composites. Assessments included biocompatibility (CCK-8, Calcein-AM/PI), cell adhesion (phalloidin/DAPI), and osteogenic differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity/staining, Alizarin Red S). PRF, allogeneic bone, and their composite (PRF/allogeneic bone) were evaluated in a rabbit XLIF model. Autologous iliac crest bone served as a positive control, while empty cages provided negative controls. Endpoints included radiographic (micro-CT), mechanical (biomechanical testing), histological (H&E, methylene blue-acid fuchsin, TRAP), and biochemical (ELISA) evaluation at postoperative 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PRF/allogeneic bone composites exhibited noncytotoxic properties and osteogenic-promoting effects when combined with titanium alloy cages. Invivo, fusion progressed temporally across all groups, with the PRF/allogeneic bone composite yielding 12-week fusion rates by manual palpation and micro-CT equivalent to autograft. Biomechanical strength and bone mineral density of PRF/allogeneic bone matched autograft, exceeding allogeneic bone. Histology demonstrated accelerated fusion kinetics: early angiogenesis (2 weeks), fibrocartilage formation (4 weeks), and complete trabecular bridging by 12 weeks. ELISA confirmed earlier BMP-2/VEGF peaks (2-4 weeks) versus allogeneic bone. These results indicated that the combination of PRF and allogeneic bone successfully induced intervertebral bone formation in the rabbit XLIF model. PRF can serve as a physiological natural fusion material, inducing osteogenesis and achieving spinal fusion. Its osteopromotive effects, cost-effectiveness, and autologous origin support its potential as a superior graft alternative for XLIF procedures.

The European Union’s shift from Directive 93/42/EEC to Regulation 2017/745 changes how products made of chemically-defined substances and those made of natural materials should be conceived, evaluated, and regulated. In this study, it is argued that “medical devices made of substances” should be distinguished from “medical devices made of natural materials” (e.g., vegetal matrices) because the regulatory logic linked to “substances” is largely chemistry-centered and may be poorly suited to chemically variable systems whose performance, having the specific medical purpose of restoring a physiological state, emerges from supramolecular, network-level interactions. Regulation 2017/745 provisions addressing devices made of substances require well-defined compositions and identified constituents, consistent with reductionist approaches. In European regulatory practice, “substance” is commonly operationalized through well-defined molecular constituents as key players in pharmacological reasoning. In contrast, devices made of “natural materials” may modulate interconnected biofunctions and regulatory pathways in ways that cannot be reduced to a single constituent or to the sum of isolated constituents. This “matrix effect,” associated with redundancy and functional resilience, shifts quality/performance away from compositional markers and pharmacological, immunological or metabolic means toward a network interaction best framed as a physiological mode of action. Under Regulation 2017/745’s “New Approach,” manufacturers must justify applicable requirements, classification rules, and validation methods for the specific product. Although devices made of “substances” act via non-pharmacological, immunological, or metabolic means, “substance”-oriented requirements should not automatically be extended to natural-material devices whose quality and performance arise from whole-matrix properties. Clear differentiation will support proportionate regulation, innovation, and patient benefit.

To develop a high-efficiency and low-cost natural composite hemostatic material, this study has fabricated a series of Crinis Carbonisatus-Sepiolite (Cri-Sep) composites via solid-state reaction, leveraging the excellent hemostatic activity of Cri and the high adsorption capacity of Sep. The synergistic hemostatic mechanism and performance of these composites have been systematically investigated through experimental analysis. The fibrous microstructure of Sep, combined with the porous carbonized structure of Cri, plays a multifaceted role. It maintains Sep's high specific surface area while integrating the bioactive sites characteristic of Cri, which are essential for initiating coagulation activation. Blood viscoelasticity tests show that the storage modulus of the composites increases rapidly to 350 Pa within 50 s, which is significantly higher than that of single-component materials. The coagulation time of Cri-Sep has been shortened by 36% compared with the blank group and by 12% compared with the single Sep group. Further detection of coagulation function parameters confirms that the composites can synergistically activate both the extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation pathways. This study reveals the synergistic hemostatic mechanism of Cri-Sep, providing a novel strategy for the design and clinical translation of natural mineral-carbon composite hemostatic materials.

Both natural and artificial materials that have recently been discovered to be present in wastewater and adversely affect aquatic life and human health are referred to as emerging contaminants. Pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, hormones, artificial colors, flame retardants, and other emerging contaminants are released into the environment either directly or indirectly from hospitals, farms, factories, and other sources. Techniques have been created to help polluted water treatment technicians get over their obstacles. Physical, chemical, and biological advanced treatment technologies have been researched for the removal of emerging contaminants and for lowering the levels of effluents in water that is discharged. Numerous methods have been studied, including membrane filtration, adsorption, coagulation-flocculation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, photodegradation, catalytic oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, ozonation, and precipitation. According to earlier studies, these methods effectively eliminate one or more pollutants from wastewater, but they fall short in effectively eliminating the majority of harmful chemicals. Technologies that utilize nanomaterials could be an effective way to remove various toxins from wastewater. Due to their high energy consumption while treating wastewater for large-scale reuse, these systems are expensive. Therefore, in order to achieve full and improved emerging contaminants removal by wastewater treatment plants, further study is needed to improve wastewater treatment processes.