The intrinsic low surface energy and weak polarity severely hinder the adhesion of polypropylene (PP) to metal substrates. Although grafting polar monomers onto the PP backbone improves interfacial adhesion, conventional reactive processing methods often suffer from low grafting efficiency, which limits adhesion performance. Herein, a bifunctionalization melt grafting strategy is proposed to simultaneously enhance grafting efficiency and interfacial adhesion by co-grafting glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and ferulic acid (FA), a natural phenolic compound, onto the PP backbone via reactive processing. Specifically, FA dramatically increases the GMA grafting degree to 5.4% at 1.5wt% loading, a value nearly sevenfold higher than that of the FA‑free counterpart. The FA-derived hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, together with the epoxy groups of GMA, establish strong physical and chemical interactions with aluminum (Al), as confirmed by x‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Consequently, the peel strength of the Al/PGF/Al laminated film reaches 2500N/m, which is nearly 12 times higher than that of the FA‑free counterpart, with the interfacial failure shifted to a cohesive mode. This work demonstrates a sustainable and effective route to activate polyolefins for high‑performance metal adhesion through phenolic‑assisted interfacial design.

Cissampelos pareira (Patha) in Ayurveda and other traditional medical systems, the climbing shrub Patha (Menispermaceae) is widely used to treat fever, diarrhea, inflammation, pain, gastrointestinal problems, gynecological illnesses, metabolic abnormalities, infections, and toxic situations. Patha is described under several therapeutic groups in classical Ayurvedic books emphasizing its tridosha-shamaka, jwaraghna, atisaraghna, and vishaghna qualities. The plant is rich in structurally diverse phytoconstituents, predominantly isoquinoline and bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, along with flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, pectin, sterols etc. Pharmacological studies conducted using in vitro, in vivo, and clinical models demonstrate a broad spectrum of biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anticancer and antiviral activity against all four dengue virus serotypes. The present review critically compiles and updates the available information on botanical characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and safety aspects of Cissampelos pareira. Relevant literature was systematically collected from major scientific databases covering studies published up to 2025. Although substantial preclinical evidence supports its therapeutic potential, limited clinical trials are available, highlighting the need for further clinical validation.

Banana is a nutritious food of great global economic importance. However, water deficit negatively impacts banana plant development. Therefore, it is essential to study efficient water use and develop technologies capable of maintaining fruit quality after harvest, extending the shelf life, and reducing losses. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of post-harvest applications of salicylic acid, gibberellic acid, and Trichoderma harzianum on ‘Nanicão’ banana fruits produced under controlled water deficit during different phenological stages, aiming to extend the shelf life and maintain nutritional quality. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, comprising four irrigation management strategies based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc)—100% ETc throughout the cultivation cycle (E1) and 50% ETc during the juvenile stage (E2), fruiting stage (E3), and both juvenile/fruiting stages (E4)—and four post-harvest fruit conservation strategies: WC, control (distilled water); GA3, 200 mg L−1 of gibberellic acid; SA, 4.5 mM of salicylic acid; and TRIC, 1.5 mL L−1 of Trichoderma harzianum. There were four replications. The use of gibberellic acid at a concentration of 200 mg L−1 is the most effective strategy to extend the shelf life and maintain the post-harvest quality of ‘Nanicão’ banana fruits produced under water restrictions during the juvenile stage.

Abstract Postharvest losses remain a significant barrier to global food security and sustainability. This review positions persimmon ( Diospyros kaki ) as a model fruit for sustainable innovation, examining its potential through three interconnected pillars: preservation technologies, packaging strategies, and value-added product development. The climacteric properties and limited seasonality of persimmon hinder its commercialization but also create opportunities for innovation. Evidence indicates that preservation methods such as edible coatings, modified atmosphere packaging, ethylene inhibition, and advanced drying and extraction techniques can effectively delay softening, reduce microbial spoilage, and extend shelf life. Concurrently, packaging solutions using biopolymeric materials, active components, and tailored mechanical protection have been shown to mitigate physiological disorders and transport-related damage. Furthermore, persimmon by-products are a valuable resource for recovering dietary fiber, pectin, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, antimicrobial tannins, biopolymeric films, nanoparticles, and bioenergy, enabling multiple valorization pathways. Collectively, these findings suggest that combining postharvest technologies with by-product valorization strategies can significantly reduce food loss and waste while generating high-value products. This review highlights the importance of holistic approaches that integrate postharvest innovation with environmental responsibility, offering insights applicable to other perishable crops.

Wounds can be defined as the loss and damage of anatomical cells or skin function. Wound healing consists of coagulation, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling stages. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the leaf fraction of the thick (Glochidion superbum) on wound healing in male white mice (Mus musculus). This study is experimental. This study used 24 male mice that were given a 10 mm long cut wound. Fractionation was carried out using the liquid-liquid extraction method. Fractionation used 3 different types of solvents, namely methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction had a faster wound healing effectiveness than the other groups. The ethyl acetate fraction contains a phenolic compound, namely methyl gallate. Methyl gallate has an important role in wound healing. Methyl gallate has the potential to be an antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. The results of the Bonferroni post-hoc statistical analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the ethyl acetate fraction in faster wound healing. The thick leaf fraction was effective in healing incisions in male white mice. The ethyl acetate fraction was more effective in accelerating incision healing.

Amla, or Indian gooseberry, (Phyllanthus emblica Linn.) fruit primarily contains antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties and leaves contain phenolic compound and alkaloids such as phyllantine and phyllantidine. A feeding trial was conducted to discern the influence of dietary inclusion of amla (Phyllanthus emblica) leaf powder on growth performance, nutrient utilization and economical production of Japanese quail. A total number of 180- day-old Japanese quail chicks were randomly distributed into five treatments of 36 Japanese quails per treatment with three replicates in each in a completely randomized design. Five treatments included control (T1) in which standard diet without any supplementation was fed, while in T2, 0.5% Amla fruit powder (AFP) with standard diet was fed and in T3, T4 and T5 with 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% Amla leaf powder (ALP) incorporation respectively with standard diet. Results showed that 1.0% dietary inclusion (T4 group) emerged as the most economical treatment, as it recorded the lowest cost per kilogram body weight gain (116.76 ± 0.42) along with significantly higher net profit (42.28 ± 0.06). It can be concluded that 1.0% dietary inclusion of amla leaf powder (ALP) being the most effective in improving growth rates, feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility and desired economical production of the Japanese quail.

Background: The Areni grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is an indigenous Armenian variety renowned for its adaptation to local terroir and historical significance in winemaking. Its genetic diversity, particularly among clones, offers valuable resources for enhancing wine quality through variations in phenolic compounds, chemical composition, and technological traits. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting optimal genotypes in viticulture and enology, especially in regions like Armenia, where traditional varieties contribute to unique wine profiles. Objective: To assess the chemical, polyphenolic, and color variations among three Areni grape genotypes and their impact on wine quality indicators. Methods: Analyses of grapes and wines produced under microvinification conditions were performed according to OIV standards, using spectrophotometry and HPLC to determine organic acids, physicochemical parameters, total phenolics, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and color indices. Results: Nosr Areni displayed the highest pigment content in the fruit, Areni clone 15 produced wines with the highest total phenolics, and Sev Areni wines exhibited the greatest color intensity. Chemical parameters varied depending on the specific genotype characteristics. Conclusion: Areni genotypes exhibit pronounced biochemical and technological diversity, which significantly influences wine composition and color development. Areni clone 15 stands out for its high phenolic potential, making it a promising raw material to produce high-quality red wines. Novelty of the Study։ This study provides the first comparative evaluation of Sev Areni and its clones in terms of polyphenolic composition and wine quality, identifying clones with high phenolic potential and technological suitability for winemaking. Keywords: Sev Areni grape, Vitis vinifera, polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, organic acids, wine color, clonal selection

Nanocarriers have emerged as promising systems for improving drug-delivery efficiency and advancing diagnostic strategies in cancer treatment. l-asparaginase has well-established antitumor and anti-leukemic properties, but its therapeutic performance is often restricted due to its short biological half-life and poor instability in the unmodified form. The present study investigated the encapsulation of l-asparaginase on a green-synthesized nanocarrier to enhance its overall therapeutic efficacy. The nanocarrier was produced utilizing citrus orange peel extract, which served simultaneously as a reducing, stabilizing, and capping material during the formation of zinc oxide-doped selenium nanoparticles (ZnO-Se-NPs). This eco-friendly synthesis method not only stabilized the nanoparticles but also incorporated naturally occurring phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids-that may contribute to additional pharmacological benefits. The synthesized l-asparaginase encapsulated ZnO-Se-NPs (ZnO-Se-Asp) nanocomposite exhibited notable anticancer activity while maintaining low cytotoxicity. The detailed characterization of the nanoparticles was carried out utilizing UV-Vis spectroscopy to confirm the presence of ZnO-Se-Asp, energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) for morphological and elemental analysis. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was studied to identify the functional groups, and x-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to study the crystallinity of synthesized ZnO-Se-Asp nanocomposite. The cytotoxic potential of synthesized ZnO-Se-Asp nanocomposite was estimated using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay through the determined IC50 value, as well as its effects on the cell viability and proliferation were assessed. Finally, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and Caspase-3 activity were performed to determine oxidative stress generation and apoptotic induction. Overall, the results indicated that the green-synthesized ZnO-Se-Asp nanocomposite offers a promising platform capable of improving anticancer efficacy while offering better stability and bioavailability.

p-Coumaric acid (PCA) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound widely distributed in plants, known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The present study's objective was to perform behavioral tests and in silico molecular docking with GABAA receptor subunits to examine the anxiolytic effect of PCA and assess its underlying mechanism. PCA was administered orally at dosages of 25mg/kg and 50mg/kg individually or in combination to Swiss albino mice. We used the GABAergic agonist diazepam (DZP-1mg/kg) and the antagonist flumazenil (FLU-0.1mg/kg) as positive controls and the vehicle (distilled water) as the negative control group in order to evaluate its potential anxiolytic effect. We also used a variety of behavioral techniques such as open field, swing box, hole cross, and dark-light tests. Additionally, molecular docking was used to analyze the binding affinities of PCA, DZP, and FLU toward the GABAA receptor (α2 and α3 subunits), which are connected to the anxiolytic effect. Swiss albino mice treated with PCA at higher dosages (PCA-50mg/kg) exhibited notable anxiolytic-like effects. Combining PCA-50 with DZP and FLU resulted in greater anxiolytic effects than each group separately, indicating potential antagonistic and synergistic effects for anxiety disorders. Additionally, PCA exhibited highest binding affinity (- 5.4kcal/mol) and generated several hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds with the α3 subunit of the GABAA receptor. Both PCA and DZP exhibit comparable amino acid residues with the α3 subunit, suggesting that they bind to similar sites of action.

The corrosion inhibition efficiency of copper alloy in HNO₃ solution at different concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mol/L) was studied by adding bay leaf extract at different concentrations (1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 ppm). The effect of concentration on the corrosion rate was studied in both the absence and presence of the inhibitor, in addition to choosing the acid concentration (1 mol/L) and varying inhibitor concentrations. The research also included studying the effect of temperature on the corrosion rate in both the absence and presence of the inhibitor. The weight loss method was used to calculate the corrosion rate. A negative heat of adsorption indicates that the reaction is exothermic. The adsorption free energy of the bay leaf extract ranged from 4.6 to 6.1 kJ/mol, and the results indicated that Langmuir adsorption was best. The results of this study showed that the inhibitor reduces corrosion in acidic media and that the inhibition efficiency increases with increasing inhibitor concentration and decreases with increasing temperature. The inhibition rate of the extract reached (92.31%) at an acid concentration of 0.5 mol/L, an inhibitor concentration of 4000 ppm, and a temperature of 298 K. This study showed that the inhibitor has a high corrosion resistance. The results also showed that the bay extract exhibits inhibitory activity, likely due to its high viscosity and high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, as indicated by the HPLC test.

In vitro digestion of custard apple pulp: bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds, bioactive amines, and effect on antioxidant potential.

Demand for cosmetics based on green production and the circular economy is growing. The inflorescences and apical leaves of Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) after blunting, deflowering, or topping are considered pre-harvest waste biomass. Using green and ecofriendly solvents such as natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) offers a sustainable way to make use of this biomass for incorporation in cosmetic formulations. The inflorescence and apical leaves of tobacco var Virginia were therefore dried, powdered, and extracted using a NaDES composed of choline-chloride, urea, and distilled water (NaDES CU). The resulting inflorescence and apical leaves extracts showed high concentrations of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Both extracts demonstrated significant biological activity and effectively inhibited tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin regulation and skin aging (IC50 = 50 μg GAE/mL), as well as showing antioxidant capacity (ABTS•+; SC50 =1.7–7 μg GAE/mL). Ten nanoemulsions containing tobacco leaf- and inflorescence extract-based NaDES CU, formulated using different polysorbates, deionized water and glycerin, were produced. A low-energy emulsification technique at a constant temperature was applied. Considering the droplet size and polydispersity index, only the nanoemulsions containing inflorescence and leaf extracts based on NaDES CU and containing 5% or 10% polysorbate 85 were selected for further stability assessment and characterization. This study highlights the potential of NaDES combined with tobacco waste extracts as a sustainable and non-toxic ingredient in anti-aging and antioxidant cosmetics.

تُعزى الخصائص المضادة للأكسدة والتاثيرات العلاجية للقهوة إلى وفرة المعادن والمواد النشطة بيولوجيًا، بما في ذلك حمض الكافيين وحمض الكلوروجينيك ومركبات فينولية أخرى. تتحلل هذه المركبات الفينولية ذات القيمة الغذائية العالية بفعل درجات الحرارة المرتفعة التي تتعرض لها حبوب البن، مُنتجةً مواد كيميائية عطرية متطايرة، ويتأثر تركيز هذه المركبات النشطة بطريقة التحضير. هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى مقارنة الفرق بين طريقتي تحضير القهوة العربية والأمريكية من حيث كمية المركبات الفينولية في اثنتي عشرة علامة تجارية مختلفة من القهوة جُمعت من السوق الليبية. استُخدم اختبار فولين لتحديد كمية المركبات الفينولية في جميع العينات. تُظهر نتائج هذه الدراسة أن لطريقة التحضير دورًا هامًا في تحديد محتوى القهوة من المركبات الفينولية. أدت طريقة التحضير العربية، التي تتضمن غلي الماء مع القهوة، إلى انخفاض ملحوظ في إجمالي المركبات الفينولية مقارنةً بالطريقة الأمريكية في جميع العينات. في المتوسط، تراوحت نسبة المركبات الفينولية الكلية في جميع عينات القهوة المحضرة بطريقتين مختلفتين بين 225.545 و 508.096 ملغ مكافئ حمض الغاليك/لتر. وبشكل عام، تُظهر النتائج أن طريقة التحضير الأمريكية أكثر فعالية في إنتاج المركبات الفينولية، على الرغم من اختلاف درجة هذا التأثير بين أنواع القهوة المختلفة.

A two-year field trial was conducted to evaluate the phytotoxic potential and physiological effects of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L.) leaf and common poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) fruit extracts against the broadleaf weeds, Chrozophora tinctoria L. and Amaranthus retroflexus L. A completely randomized design with three replications was used to test various concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 75g L-1) of each extract, both individually and in combination, alongside control treatments including glyphosate. The concurrent objective was to identify allelochemical compounds within the extracts to assess their potential for developing natural herbicide formulations. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis confirmed the extracts possess a high concentration of phenolic and alkaloid constituents. Among the phenolic compounds identified, chlorogenic acid (from artichoke, 1.84mg g-1) and rutin (from anemone, 0.48mg g-1) were quantified, both possessing documented herbicidal activity. The results indicated that the highest inhibitory potential and herbicidal activity were achieved from the combination of ethanolic extracts of P25A75 and P75A25. In the first and second years, the treatment of P25A75 exhibited an inhibitory effect of 79.66% and 81.66%, respectively, on the growth of C. tinctoria to the control. The highest inhibition of A. retroflexus growth in two years was recorded at 86.33% with the application of the P25A75 extract. This study demonstrated the potent herbicidal effects of artichoke and poppy extracts. The P25A75 and P75A75 treatments significantly reduced the fresh and dry weight of C. tinctoria and A. retroflexus over two years. These extracts induced severe cellular damage, evidenced by a 5- to sixfold increase in electrolyte leakage and a reduction in stomatal conductance of up to 89%. The mechanism involves disruption of Photosystem II and the electron transport chain, leading to chlorophyll degradation. The P25A75 extract exhibited efficacy comparable to glyphosate, highlighting its potential as an eco-friendly bioherbicide.

The significant medicinal constituents and pharmacological potential of several botanicals suggest promising therapeutic applications. Scorzonera undulata displayed a diverse phytochemical profile, with 25 volatile and 21 phenolic compounds identified, including quinic and chlorogenic acids, along with flavonoids such as kaempferol, apigenin, luteolin derivatives, quercitrin, and naringin—mostly concentrated in the aerial parts. These extracts exhibited notable antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities, especially methanolic extracts against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, indicating therapeutic relevance. Andrographis paniculata extracts, rich in andrographolide, showed clinical potential in alleviating mild COVID-19 symptoms. However, the compound’s nonlinear pharmacokinetics highlight the need for optimized delivery strategies. Morinda citrifolia fruit extracts demonstrated considerable in vitro antimicrobial effects and moderate cytotoxicity, supported by UPLC–Orbitrap MS identification of unique bioactives. These findings reinforce the need for further pharmacological and clinical validation. The antiviral efficacy of Houttuynia cordata against dengue virus type 2 was evident, with aqueous extracts showing strong virucidal action and inhibition of viral replication. Hyperoside was identified as the dominant active constituent, supported by a rich phytochemical profile including flavonoids, aristolactams, and triterpenoids. Genotoxicity assessments indicated a favorable safety profile, suggesting potential for phytotherapeutic development. Achillea millefolium (yarrow) contained essential oils enriched in camphor, 1,8-cineole, artemisia ketone, and azulene derivatives, alongside phenolic acids and flavonoids like chlorogenic acid, apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin. These contributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hemostatic effects, validating traditional medicinal applications and warranting clinical standardization. Flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin offered anticancer and cardiovascular benefits by inhibiting PD-L1 via STAT3 suppression and promoting autophagy to counter vascular calcification. Bryophyllum pinnatum demonstrated broad pharmacological activity attributed to bufadienolides, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, supporting its ethnomedicinal use while emphasizing the need for clinical safety validation.

Soil salinization is a growing environmental problem that compromises agricultural productivity, especially for salt-sensitive crops. In this context, halophytes, plants naturally adapted to saline environments, are gaining attention for their resilience and potential applications in sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and health. Among them, species of the genus Salicornia, commonly found in Mediterranean coastal areas, stand out for their ecological value and content of bioactive compounds. Salicornia europaea, known as 'sea asparagus', is marketed and consumed as a food, while Salicornia fruticosa and Salicornia perennis are less common and understudied. This study investigated the three Salicornia species with the aim of characterizing their chemical composition and evaluating their potential antioxidant and antidiabetic effects such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion or glucose uptake inhibition in intestinal STC-1 cells. By using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector high-resolution Orbitrap electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-HR-Orbitrap-ESI-MS), a varied range of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, and fatty acids were identified in the phytocomplexes. In vitro assays showed that S. europaea extract is promising in inhibiting α-amylase enzyme and reducing the glucose uptake via sodium-glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1) in STC-1 cells. The study highlighted the value of these Salicornia species as resilient plants with promising roles in the development of nutraceuticals and sustainable land use, particularly in salinity-affected environments. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Abstract This study examined the effect of pulsed electric field pre-treatment at three intensities (1.78, 5.3, and 10.7 kJ/kg) on the yield and physicochemical properties of aronia and haskap juices. PEF significantly increased juice yield by 18.0% points in aronia (from 39.3% to 57.3%) and 30.6% points in haskap (from 29.2% to 59.8%) at 10.7 kJ/kg. Physicochemical properties were also affected: pH, total soluble solids, and viscosity increased, while both juices retained pseudoplastic flow behaviour. PEF induced significant colour changes, with total colour difference increasing progressively with treatment intensity. PEF enhanced sugar extractability, increasing total sugars from 169.4 to 210.0 g/L in aronia (mainly glucose and sorbitol) and from 115.2 to 142.1 g/L in haskap (mainly glucose and fructose). Organic acids increased by 26-27%, with higher citric, malic, and quinic acids. Phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, increased from 8.60 to 15.12 g/L in aronia and from 5.65 to 10.18 g/L in haskap, along with increases in flavonols and total phenolics. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between juice yield, sugar content, total acids, and phenolic compounds in aronia, while moderate positive correlations were observed between these parameters in haskap. Overall, PEF at 10.7 kJ/kg effectively improved yield and compositional quality of both aronia and haskap juice.

Streptococcus mutans is widely recognized as the primary etiological agent of dental caries and is a normal inhabitant of dental plaque. The growth of this bacterium may be inhibited by herbal agents, including soursop leaves (Annona muricata L.), which contain bioactive compounds such as saponins, triterpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds known for their antibacterial properties. Based on this rationale, the present study aimed to further the inhibitory effect of soursop leaf extract on the growth of Streptococcus mutans. The bacterial isolates used in this study were obtained from the Microbiology Laboratory at the Faculty of Medicine, Wijaya Kusuma University, Surabaya. A minimum of four samples were included in each of six treatment groups with extract concentrations of 15 mg/mL, 30 mg/mL, 40 mg/mL, 45 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, and 60 mg/mL. One negative control group received sterile distilled water, while one positive control group was treated with amoxicillin without soursop leaf extract. Samples were assigned using a simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that a concentration of 15 mg/mL of soursop leaf extract (Annona muricata L.) effectively inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans

The synthesis of luminous metal nanoclusters (MNCs) from natural plant sources is a long-lasting and cost-effective approach to developing improved optical sensors. This thorough study examines the potential of two desert plant species native to the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia as biomediators for the green synthesis of silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) for optical sensing. Desert plants accumulate a wide range of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and tannins, that are effective at stabilizing and reducing MNCs. Silver nanoclusters exhibit strong photoluminescence, significant Stokes shifts, and high selectivity for heavy metal ions, making them ideal for building inexpensive, easy-to-use optical sensors. This review brings together what we know about (1) the botanical and phytochemical properties of plant extracts from the Qassim region, (2) the principles and mechanisms of green synthesis of AgNCs using plant extracts, (3) the optical properties and sensing mechanisms of luminescent AgNCs, (4) recent advances in AgNC-based fluorescence sensors for finding toxic metal ions and biomolecules, and (5) the possible scale-up and practical use of plant-derived AgNCs in clinical and environmental settings. The focus is on creating optical sensors that are sensitive, selective, and reversible, with detection limits in the nanomolar range, by employing fluorescence quenching and amplification methods. The combination of traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with current analytical chemistry and nanotechnology demonstrates that it is possible to develop new optical biosensing platforms using plants native to Saudi Arabia.

The existence of continually increasing refractory organic pollutants in water has always been a serious potential threat to human and environmental health due to their toxicity and persistence. Conventional water treatment technologies suffer from inherent limitations, including low degradation efficiency, secondary pollution issues, and high operational costs. Recently, molecular oxygen (O2)-based advanced oxidation processes (O2-AOPs) have attracted increasing attention as sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment technologies, as the abundant and environmentally benign oxidant in nature can be activated into reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anions (·O2−), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and singlet oxygen (1O2), enabling the effective mineralization of refractory organic pollutants. This review presents a comprehensive summary of O2-AOPs for water purification, specifically focusing on photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, thermocatalytic, and mechanocatalytic systems. Furthermore, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the intrinsic reaction mechanisms associated with both free radical pathways and non-free radical pathways, which include processes involving singlet oxygen and high-valent metal-oxygen intermediates. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects associated with the degradation of typical organic pollutants, such as phenolic compounds, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and organic dyes. Despite significant advancements in O2-AOPs, several core challenges persist, including low efficiency in utilizing dissolved oxygen, insufficient catalyst stability, and unclear mechanisms of interfacial electron transfer. Future research should prioritize the precise regulation of material structures, a thorough analysis of reaction mechanisms, and the tailored development of reactors to facilitate the industrial application of this technology in water treatment. Overall, this review systematically outlines the current progress in technologies for removing organic pollutants using molecular oxygen, offering novel insights for mitigating organic pollution in water.