Physicochemical Problems Research Articles

Graph Neural Networks for Predicting Solubility in Diverse Solvents Using MolMerger Incorporating Solute-Solvent Interactions.

The prediction of solubility is a complex and challenging physicochemical problem that has tremendous implications for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Recent advancements in machine learning methods have provided a great scope for predicting the reliable solubility of a large number of molecular systems. However, most of these methods rely on using physical properties obtained from experiments and expensive quantum chemical calculations. Here, we developed a method that utilizes a graphical representation of solute-solvent interactions using "MolMerger," which captures the strongest polar interactions between molecules using Gasteiger charges and creates a graph incorporating the true nature of the system. Using these graphs as input, a neural network learns the correlation between the structural properties of a molecule in the form of node embedding and its physicochemical properties as the output. This approach has been used to calculate molecular solubility by predicting the Log solubility values of various organic molecules and pharmaceuticals in diverse sets of solvents.

HYDROCHLORINATION OF GLYCERIN

A study of the hydrochlorination of glycerol. In the current conditions, the development of alternative technologies for the synthesis of epochlorohydrin has become very relevant. Such technologies include a process based on the hydrochlorination of glycerol, especially since in recent years the chemical products market has been saturated with glycerol, a waste product of biodiesel production. However, the development of such technology requires the solution of a number of physico-chemical problems related to the hydrochlorination of glycerin and its chlorohydrides, dehydrochlorination of highly concentrated solutions of glycerin dichlorohydrins, as well as the establishment of the kinetics of the reactions of glycerol and esterification of acetic acid. In particular, we can talk about the effect of water as a solvent on the rate of reactions. This is all the more important because the data presented in the literature on the kinetics of hydrochlorination reactions of glycerin and its chlorohydrins are contradictory and inadequately describe the process over the operating temperature and concentration ranges. It can be assumed that understanding the physical chemistry of such processes and determining the characteristics of the kinetics of the reactions occurring during the production of epichlorohydrin from glycerin will provide an opportunity to choose the optimal conditions for the implementation of the process, including the type of reactors, operating temperatures, initial concentrations, proportions of reagents, etc. Keywords: Glycerin, hydrochlorination, chlorohydrides, epichlorohydrin.

Synthesis and computational study of metal complex of α-mangostin as an anticancer candidate

Context: The number of breast cancer patients from year to year is increasing, accompanied by an increase in global mortality; the position in Indonesia has reached 60-70% with end-stage conditions. ERα antiproliferative activity exists in α-mangostin compounds, but this compound still has several physicochemical problems, including its solubility. Therefore, efforts are needed to increase the activity of α-mangostin and its affinity as an alpha estrogen receptor antagonist through a structure-based design method. Aims: To obtain new compounds derived from α-mangostin in the form of a metal complex with cobalt (AM-Co), platinum (AM-Pt), and iron (AM-Fe) as medicinal ingredients that can be used as breast cancer therapeutic agents. Methods: The research methods include in silico studies (pharmacokinetic and toxicity prediction, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics), semi-synthesis to form a complex compound, and testing cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and T-47D human breast cancer cells. Results: From the in vitro test results, it can be seen that the AM-Pt compound showed the best anticancer activity on MCF-7 cells compared to others from IC50 and SI values; this was supported by the results of in silico studies either through molecular docking or molecular dynamics, where this compound was more effective. Conclusions: Furthermore, it can be used as an anticancer candidate; particularly, its activity is predicted to be more potent as an ER antagonist than -mangostin and cisplatin.

PROPERTIES AND GENERALIZED SCHEME FOR PRODUCTION OF MILK POWDER

Presently, the functional qualities of milk proteins have led to milk powders, being mostly regarded as food components. When milk powders are maintained, numerous physicochemical problems develop, the most of them being generated by the lactose glass transition. They have significant effects on milk powders physical (flow ability) properties. First, powder particle surface microstructure and chemical composition are altered by lactose crystallization. As a result, milk powder's capacity travel is reduced. Milk proteins solubility is harmed because their structural integrity has been destroyed. Additionally, caking and particle collapse occur, and these processes primarily decrease the physical properties of milk powders(Flow capability and density). The unfolding of proteins, which reduces solubility and may also be encouraged by the mechanical stresses that appear. Lastly, enzymatic and chemical reactions (Maillard reaction) occur in order, implementing molecular mobility. Milk powder's solubility is mostly decreased by protein interactions and aggregations, which are enhanced by the Maillard process and oxidation. Emulsifying and foaming characteristics are also decreased by the Maillard process. Additionally demonstrated that milk components, time, and their physical state. The main factors that have been considered are the relative humidity and temperature of the storage

Methodology to Obtain Universal Solutions for Systems of Coupled Ordinary Differential Equations. Examples of a Continuous Flow Chemical Reactor and a Coupled Oscillator

This paper presents a concise and orderly methodology to obtain universal solutions to different problems in science and engineering using the nondimensionalization of the governing equations of the physical–chemical problem posed. For its application, a deep knowledge of the problem is necessary since it will facilitate the adequate choice of the references necessary for its resolution. In addition, the application of the methodology to examples of coupled ordinary differential equations is shown, resulting in an interesting tool to teach postgraduate students in the branches of physics, mathematics, and engineering. The first example used for a system of coupled ordinary differential equations is a model of a continuous flow chemical reactor, where it is worth noting; on the one hand, the methodology used to choose the reference (characteristic) time and, on the other, the equivalence between the characteristic times obtained for each one of the species. The following universal curves are obtained, which are validated by comparing them with the results obtained by numerical simulation, where it stands out that the universal solution includes an unknown that must be previously obtained. The resolution of this unknown implies having a deep knowledge of the problem, a common characteristic when using the methodology proposed in this work for different engineering or physicochemical problems. Finally, the second example is a coupled oscillator, where it is worth noting that the appearance of characteristic periods that implicitly or explicitly affect the particles’ movement is striking.

Применение модели UNIFAC в расчете физико-химических свойств экотоксикантов для технологических и экоаналитических целей

Modern development vector of environmental monitoring leads to elaboration of analytical methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of different ecotoxicants. Many studies face the lack of information on isomers and homologues of already studied compounds. This problem cannot always be solved experimentally due to the difficulty of separating or synthesizing certain compounds; the use of group theories of solutions will help partly; using them, solubility in water or partition coefficient between two immiscible solvents is calculated for ecotoxicants. These parameters are important for solving the analytical and ecological problems. The partition coefficient in the octanol – water system is associated with a possibility of accumulation of different compounds in living organisms; the partition coefficient in the hexane – acetonitrile system can be used in gas chromatographic analysis. Solubility in water is closely associated with accumulation of ecotoxicants in water bodies, as well as with their ability to be transferred. This paper presents the capabilities of the UNIFAC model for solving physicochemical problems using the example of calculating the properties of real ecotoxicants on the basis of the available thermodynamic data. All the obtained calculated values were compared with those determined experimentally. In the case of pyrene derivatives, solubility data were obtained for the first time using a correlation group model to calculate the heat of fusion and melting temperature.

How Key Alterations of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Affect Anti-Lung Cancer Therapy? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

In 2020, there were 2.21 million new instances of lung cancer, making it the top cause of mortality globally, responsible for close to 10 million deaths. The physicochemical problems of chemotherapy drugs are the primary challenge that now causes a drug's low effectiveness. Solubility is a physicochemical factor that has a significant impact on a drug's biopharmaceutical properties, starting with the rate at which it dissolves and extending through how well it is absorbed and bioavailable. One of the most well-known methods for addressing a drug's solubility is mesoporous silica, which has undergone excellent development due to the conjugation of polymers and ligands that increase its effectiveness. However, there are still very few papers addressing the success of this discovery, particularly those addressing its molecular pharmaceutics and mechanism. Our study's objectives were to explore and summarize the effects of targeting mediator on drug development using mesoporous silica with and without functionalized polymer. We specifically focused on highlighting the molecular pharmaceutics and mechanism in this study's innovative findings. Journals from the Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases that were released during the last ten years were used to compile this review. According to inclusion and exclusion standards adjusted. This improved approach produced very impressive results, a very significant change in the characteristics of mesoporous silica that can affect effectiveness. Mesoporous silica approaches have the capacity to greatly enhance a drug's physicochemical issues, boost therapeutic efficacy, and acquire superb features.

Anti-Breast Cancer Activity of Essential Oil: A Systematic Review

Breast cancer is the second highest cancer-related death worldwide. The treatment for breast cancer is via chemotherapy; however, occurrences of multidrug resistance, unselective targets, and physicochemical problems suggest that chemotherapy treatment is ineffective. Therefore, there is a need to find better alternatives. Essential oil is a plant secondary metabolite having promising bioactivities and pharmacological effects, including anti-breast cancer capabilities. This review intends to discuss and summarize the effect of essential oils on anti-breast cancer from published journals using keywords in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Our findings reveal that the compositions of essential oils, mainly terpenoids, have excellent anti-breast cancer pharmacological effects with an IC50 value of 0.195 μg/mL. Hence, essential oils have potential as anti-breast cancer drugs candidates with the highest efficacy and the fewest side effects.

«ПИОНЕРЫ» СОВЕТСКОЙ ФИЗИКОХИМИИ (МАТЕРИАЛЫ К БИОГРАФИЯМ Я.М. КОЛОТЫРКИНА И Н.А. ФУКСА)

The article is devoted to the participation of two outstanding Soviet physicochemists, Ya.M. Kolotyrkin and N.A. Fuchs, in the international scientific transfer in the 1950s and 1960s. The author uses biographical materials, memories of the relatives and students of the scientists, and introduces previously unstudied letters from the archive fund of the Physicochemical Research Institute named after L.Ya. Karpov to the scientific world. The author underlines contribution of scientists to the study of physicochemical problems: the contribution of Ya.M. Kolotyrkin in the field of study of corrosion and protection of metals, and the role of N.A. Fuchs in the elaboration of the theory of aerosols; she emphasizes that the scientific activity of Soviet scientists was highly appreciated by both Soviet colleagues and foreign experts.

Structural levels of process modeling the formation and wear of high-strength thermal spray coatings

Modeling of physical processes at different structural levels provides an effective solution to a number of physicochemical problems connected with production and application of thermal spray coatings. The use of structure simulation methods allows one to optimize the structure of coatings for particular service conditions. A bidirectional scale of structural levels for modeling the properties of strengthening thermal spray coatings on machine parts is considered. Moving along the scale in a positive direction, we can distinguish the following structural levels: groups of several sprayed particles that form separate microareas of a coating, extended reinforcing elements in the form of wires, rods or grid, transitional interlayer zones, zones between the coating and the substrate, individual layers obtained in one pass, thick transition zones in gradient coatings with a variable composition across the thickness, blocks of several monolayers in multilayer coatings, island elements in discrete coatings, macroelements of the block structure of coatings with controlled distribution of microcracks, individual macrostripes of the coating, continuous single-layer or multi-layer coating, structural coating. Moving from the zero level in the opposite direction, we have the following structural elements: composite particles of conglomerated grains, cladding shells, zones of different phase composition, individual domains of sprayed particles, individual elements sprayed particles and groups of grains, grains, dendrites, shear zones and slip systems, fragments of grains, packets of martensite laths, disclination cells, loops and dipoles, bands in the substructure, kink bands, microtwins, disclination clusters, dislocation pile-ups and tangles, shear bands, dislocation walls, slip systems, linear defects in the form of dislocations, ledges at grain boundary and crowdions, kinks and jogs formed due to intersection of dislocations, point defects in the real structures of solids, crystal structure, electronic structure of matter, electronic structure of individual atoms.

New Screen-Printed Carbon Sensor for Trace Analysis of Thallium(I)

Thallium is an element classified as a heavy metal. In chemical compounds it occurs on +1 and +3 oxidation levels. In the context of the toxicity of this element, Tl(I) is most often referred to. The similarity of Tl+ ions to K+ ions is the basis of the mechanism of toxic action of Tl(I) on the human body. The main features of thallium poisoning in humans are gastroenteritis, polyneuropathy and alopecia Thallium in the environment comes from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Due to the high toxicity of thallium and its easy absorption by the human and animal organisms, it is extremely important to monitor the amount of this element, including in water. The purpose of this work is to present a new method for determination of thallium in water samples using a screen-printed sensor with carbon working electrode modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and in-situ plated bismuth film. The measurements were carried out using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) method. Simultaneous deposition of bismuth and thallium took place at a potential of -0.9 V for 180 s. Under optimized conditions a linear calibration curve was obtained in the range of Tl(I) concentrations from 1·10-8 to 1·10-6 mol L-1. The procedure allows to achieve the limits of detection and quantification of Tl(I), 2.8 × 10-9 and 9.3 × 10-9 mol L-1 respectively. The method was applied for determination of Tl(I) in spiked water samples from Vistula river. [1] Kozak, J., Tyszczuk-Rotko, K., Rotko, M. Physicochemical Problems of Mineral Processing 2019 , 55(6), 1422-1428.

Surface modification strategies for high-dose dry powder inhalers

There is a growing interest in the use of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) for administering high-dose drugs with low potency to the lungs as carrier-free formulations to treat both local pulmonary and systemic diseases. The main purpose of particle engineering and formulation design in the development of high-dose DPIs without carrier is to reduce the cohesive property of the particles and overcome the large inter-particulate interaction while enhancing powder dispersion and lung delivery upon inhalation and maintaining stability without agglomeration during storage. In particular, the cohesive property of high-dose DPIs can induce several physiological and physicochemical problems that must be improved. This review describes various particle surface modification methods, including sophisticated particle engineering (such as micronization) and formulation techniques, which are utilized to overcome the problems associated with high-dose DPIs. Currently, changing the cohesive property of particles through various micronization processes and improving the surface properties of particles through co-processing with limited excipients have been mainly used as efficient methods for particle surface modification. Using these technological principles, novel approaches have been attempted to develop inhalable drug particles, such as high-dose antibiotics and high-value biopharmaceuticals. The research on high-dose DPIs has expanded widely, and consequently, the drugs that received recent regulatory approvals have been successful based on the research results. Thus, it is expected that the next generation of DPIs will be safer and have higher therapeutic efficacy beyond the limitations of traditional high-dose DPIs.

Microconfined electroosmotic flow of a complex fluid with asymmetric charges: Interplay of fluid rheology and physicochemical heterogeneity

Abstract We report a study on the micro-confined electroosmotic flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid over a surface having asymmetric charge modulation. We have employed a combination of regular and matched asymptotic expansion to obtain the analytical solution. We have also carried out a full numerical simulation of the physicochemical problem in order to assess the full parameter space of the problem. The analytical solution is shown to be in excellent agreement with the full numerical solution in the limiting conditions of thin electrical double layers and weakly viscoelastic fluids. We have used these solutions to describe the complex fluid flow pattern and the modified electroosmotic slip velocity. We have also highlighted the alteration in the net volumetric throughput and ionic current. We have subsequently presented the numerical solutions for the velocity field, flow rates, and streaming current by varying the physicochemical conditions at the surface and viscoelastic properties of the fluid. We report an augmentation in the electroosmotic slip velocity with the increase in relative strength. The symmetry breaking of flow and stress distributions are shown to affect the net-throughput and streaming current, which is indicative of the combined effect of phase angle, magnitude of charge distribution, and the fluid viscoelasticity. We have shown that the thickness of electrical double layer considerably affects the net-throughput and streaming current generation in the microchannel. Our results hold the key towards understanding the complex bio-fluid transport in a microchannel utilizing the electric field in the presence of non-uniform surface charge distribution.

Conceptual density functional theory based electronic structure principles.

In this review article, we intend to highlight the basic electronic structure principles and various reactivity descriptors as defined within the premise of conceptual density functional theory (CDFT). Over the past several decades, CDFT has proven its worth in providing valuable insights into various static as well as time-dependent physicochemical problems. Herein, having briefly outlined the basics of CDFT, we describe various situations where CDFT based reactivity theory could be employed in order to gain insights into the underlying mechanism of several chemical processes.

НОВИЙ ПІДХІД ДО ВИРІШЕННЯ ПРОБЛЕМИ СПРЯМОВАНОГО ФОРМУВАННЯ КІНЦЕВИХ РОЗПЛАВІВ ПРИ ДОВЕДЕННІ СТАЛІ НА УСТАНОВЦІ «КІВШ-ПІЧ»

The purpose of the work is to reveal the essence of the proposed new approach to describe the patterns of distribution of elements between the metal and slag phases, the basis for the development of which was the created information and intellectual resources of the knowledge base "Metallurgy" developed in Iron and Steel Institute of Z.I.Nekrasov of the NAS of Ukraine. The information component is a database continuously updated with modern data on the properties of metallurgical melts "Metal", "Slag", "Ferroalloys" and "Metal-Slag-Gas" and containing the results of our own and industrial experimental studies of the properties of metallurgical melts and literary searches (articles, patents, inventions, scientific developments, monographs). As a scientific basis for describing the processes of interactions between phases, the work uses the original concept of directed chemical bonding, as well as the experience accumulated in the department of physicochemical problems of metallurgical processes in creating information and analytical systems for forecasting and controlling the processes of iron and steel smelting. The starting points laid down in the concept of directed chemical bonding are its core and consider melts as chemically unified systems, and simply not mechanical mixtures of components. This approach allows to describe in more detail the physicochemical interactions in a multiphase metallic medium. The main difference between the proposed approach and the existing ones consists in taking into account interatomic bonds in the interaction of metal and slag melts, complex ratios of their physicochemical and thermophysical properties, as well as significant technological parameters during out-of-furnace treatment in a ladle-furnace unit. Adequate mathematical models (R2≥0,9) have been developed, which allow to quantify the efficiency of assimilation and distribution of additives that determine the technological purposefulness of the processing of an intermediate product and determine the selection from these positions of rational compositions of alloying and refining components within the domestic raw material base.

Pharmacokinetics of Polymeric Nanoparticles Intended for Oral Delivery

Polymeric nanoparticles are investigated as drug delivery devices to overcome physicochemical and pharmacokinetic (PK) problems. Many drugs were found to be drug-like during the pharmacological screening. However, all of them cannot make it to the market due to toxicity and poor bio-availability. The advent of nanoparticles has opened a new window of research where poorly soluble drugs are made useful. Nanoparticles have also been developed for favourable pharmacokinetics to avoid toxicity and side effects, to target the desired site of action and to provide triggered drug release. Poorly soluble drugs can be entrapped, encapsulated, coated or chemically bound in nanoparticles to deliver the drugs. Generally, in standard drug delivery, devices carry the drug until the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the drug is released, but the tool never expected to be entering the blood. However, in polymeric nanoparticles, sometimes the drug is being carried to the blood and the site of action. Polymeric nanoparticles release the drug in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) or enter the GIT through various pathways to appear in the bloodstream. In this review, we discuss the fate of polymeric nanoparticles made up of biodegradable polymers after they are administered through the oral route. Key words: Nanoparticle, pharmacokinetics, drug delivery, polymer, oral route.

Radiophysical methods in the study of physicochemical properties of liquids

Relevance: The creation of new express methods for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of solutions and suspensions and biological liquids, as well as the development of technical means for their implementation, are urgent tasks in various fields of science and technology, in particular, in biotechnology and biomedicine. Also, the relevance of the work is due to the need to optimize technological processes for the production and synthesis of nanomaterials. The purpose of the work is to verify theoretically and experimentally the possibility of using radiophysical methods to assess the physicochemical parameters of solutions and suspensions. Another purposes are optimization of the technological process of laser ablation and solution of the physicochemical problem of the synthesis of iron nanoparticles in magnetite shells. Materials and methods: The paper presents a comparative analysis of methods for calculating the effective parameters of the system dielectric – metal inclusions using the mixing formulas of Maxwell–Garnett, Bruggeman and the finite element method. It is shown that in the case of metallic inclusions, the Bruggeman formula gives a more adequate result, which is consistent with the experimental results. The analysis of aqueous suspensions of metal nanoparticles was carried out by the method of impedance spectroscopy. Results: A simple method has been developed for the synthesis of iron nanoparticles with a magnetite shell based on the reaction of controlled oxidation of iron nanoparticles by ozone. A microscopic analysis of the obtained particles was carried out and the rate of formation of the magnetic shell was determined. The method of impedance spectroscopy for measuring the concentration of metal nanoparticles in the process of laser ablation has been tested. It is shown that the state of sedimentation equilibrium of the suspension corresponds to a specific value of electrical conductivity. Conclusion: It is shown that the method of impedance spectroscopy can be used as an indirect method for assessing the qualitative and quantitative physicochemical parameters of solutions and suspensions. The simulation of the influence of the distribution of metal particles in a dielectric matrix on the electrophysical parameters of the suspension is carried out.

A near-infrared laser and H2O2 activated bio-nanoreactor for enhanced photodynamic therapy of hypoxic tumors.

Hypoxic resistance, photosensitizer toxicity, and target deficiency are major challenges strongly inhibiting the efficacy of clinical photodynamic therapy (PDT) in tumor treatment. To overcome these challenges, we synthesized IR780 and catalase co-loaded liposomes to form a tumor-targeted bio-nanoreactor (LIP-IR-CAT). The efficient strategy can solve the physicochemical problems including strong hydrophobicity, poor light stability, poor tolerance, and high toxicity in vivo of IR780 as a photosensitizer and promote the clinical application of IR780. Taking advantage of the high catalytic efficiency of catalase when it meets hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), continuous oxygen can be generated due to the abnormally elevated level of H2O2 within the tumor, thus remarkably promoting tumor oxygenation. With the conjunction of photosensitivity and specific mitochondria-targeting ability of IR780, the intratumoral reactive oxygen species (ROS) are strongly enhanced, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is reduced under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. Following a single-dose intravenous injection of LIP-IR-CAT, tumor hypoxia can be seriously attenuated, at the same time creating an opportunity to enhance the efficacy of PDT on the tumor. Our in vivo data show that the nanoreactor LIP-IR-CAT, in combination with just two short time NIR laser irradiation sessions, can effectively inhibit the growth of solid tumors without systemic toxicity.

РАЗВИТИЕ БАЗЫ ЗНАНИЙ ДЛЯ МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЯ ФИЗИКО-ХИМИЧЕСКИХ СВОЙСТВ МЕТАЛЛУРГИЧЕСКИХ СИСТЕМ И ПРОЦЕССОВ

The Institute of Ferrous Metallurgy created the Knowledge Base “Metallurgy” (BDMet). It can be used to model the physicochemical properties of metallurgical systems and processes based on modern computer information technology. The aim of the work is to develop the fundamental foundations and identify the main directions of development of PMD, expand the presentation of fundamental, technological and regulatory reference information for analysis and multi-criteria optimization of technological processes. A component of BDMet is also the Base of models of metallurgical systems and technological processes, applied and theoretical research software. The database contains experimental data on the physicochemical properties of metal and slag melts formed from the corresponding charge materials in reducing and oxidizing conditions. The results of relevant scientific and applied developments of the department of physicochemical problems of metallurgical processes are shown. It is noted that the presence in the BDMet of the stock of models according to redistribution and a unified methodology for their creation on a modular basis allows the generation of models into a single end-to-end model. It also allows you to identify the optimal scheme of metallurgical processes and ensure the production of metal of a given quality in the framework of end-to-end technology. It is shown that the use allows us to solve the problems of optimization of technological processes for the production of iron and steel. The prospects for the development of further studies for systemic accumulation in the databases of documentary factual data and experimental information on the properties of metal and slag melts, as well as their further use in reduction and oxidation processes of metallurgical production, are determined.

Mineral Engineering Conference

MINERAL ENGINEERING CONFERENCE MEC 2018September 26th-29th, 2018Zawiercie, PolandPrefaceThe Mineral Engineering Conference MEC 2018 was held in Zawiercie, Poland and gathered over 100 participants. It followed the tradition of earlier conferences where mineral engineering science and industry can meet and exchange ideas. MEC has become one of the most highly acclaimed meetings in the field of mineral engineering in Europe. The MEC2018 for the third time is consisting of 14th International Conference on Non-Ferrous Ore Processing (ICNOP), 55th Symposium of Physicochemical Problems of Mineral Processing and 23rd International Conference of Mineral Processing.The Conference welcome ceremony hosted vice-rector of The Silesian University of Technology prof. Bogusław Łazarz, Vice President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedz S.A. Radosław Stach and senator of the Republic of Poland - Adam Gawęda. Plenary session was devoted to 20th anniversary of copper ore enrichment plants of KGHM Polska Miedz SA and consisted of 4 speeches given by notable guests such as Prof. Tsuyoshi Hirajima, Prof. Andrzej Wieniewski, Dr Andrzej Grotowski and Miroslaw Kidoń from the Sierra Gorda SCM.Seven sessions of the conference were devoted to Physicochemical Problems of Mineral Processing, Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy. One technical session was devoted to companies presenting their solutions and products for the mineral industry.The conference series contains only selected articles but it gives an overview of current situation of mineral engineering and related fields.EditorsDr. Marcin Lutyński, DSc, Eng.Dr. Tomasz Suponik, DSc, Eng.