Tiber Research Articles

Development and characterization of a self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for Ornidazole to improve solubility and oral bioavailability of BCS class II drugs.

This study aimed to investigate the in vitro performance of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDSs) of Ornidazole (ORD), a poorly water-soluble drug. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems of ORD were prepared using various oils, non-ionic surfactants, and/or water-soluble co-solvents and assessed visually/by droplet size measurement. Equilibrium solubility of ORD in the anhydrous and diluted SNEDDS was conducted to achieve the maximum drug loading. The in vitro dissolution of SNEDDS was studied to compare the solubility of the representative formulations with API. The results from the characterization and solubility studies showed that SNEDDS formulations were stable with lower droplet sizes and showed higher ORD solubility. From the dissolution studies, it was found that the developed A7-SNEDDS formulation provided a significantly higher rate of ORD release (98.94 ± 0.68 in 1.0h) compared to API. ORD-loaded SNEDDS formulations could be a potential oral pharmaceutical product with high drug-loading capacity, improved drug dissolution, and enhanced oral bioavailability.

Bottlenose dolphin predation on flathead grey mullets using barrier feeding techniques: a visual and acoustic case study in the Mediterranean Sea

We report first-time evidence of barrier feeding techniques in the population of common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) at the estuary of the Tiber River (Rome, Italy), used to prey on the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus). We describe an event that occurred in summer 2023, consisting of dolphins forcing schools of mullets against different types of barriers, i.e. sea surface, coastal breakwater blocks and other dolphins. We provide the first visual and acoustic account of this predation modality in the Mediterranean Sea, showing that bottlenose dolphins adopted techniques to fragmentate prey assemblages and then to limit prey escape routes by forcing them against barriers. In this way dolphins were able to catch the mullets both in air and in the water. Such a technique possibly depends on the ability of sensing each other in the hunting group and of exchanging information through different types of vocalizations.

Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent-ferrofluid microextraction followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the enantioselective determination of chiral agrochemicals in natural waters.

The increasing use of chiral agrochemicals sold as racemic formulations raises concern for the negative impacts that inactive enantiomers can have on aquatic life and human health. The present work just focuses on the determination of ten chiral pesticides in river water samples by applying a ferrofluid-based microextraction followed by their stereoselective liquid chromatography analysis. To develop the ferrofluid, magnetite nanoparticles were prepared and coated with oleic acid and then dispersed in a hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES), composed ofL-menthol and thymol (1:1). The stable colloidal dispersion was characterised by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The analyte microextraction from 5ml river samples was performed using 50µl of ferrofluid, while acidified acetonitrile (150µl) was used to break down the ferrofluid and solubilise the NaDES containing the analytes. All the extracts were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. For each analyte, the baseline separation of isomers was achieved on a Lux i-Amylose-3 column (amylose tris(3-chloro-5-methylphenylcarbamate) working in reversed-phase mode; the combination with mass spectrometry detection allows the overall separation of 24 isomers (ten chiral analytes among which eight containing a single (one) chiral centre, one with two chiral centres and the last one existing in four stereoisomeric forms, due to the presence of two regioisomers with a chiral carbon) within 37min. The method showed very good figures of merit in terms of recoveries (77.7-97.5%), intra-day and inter-day precision (2.7-7.7% and 6.9-14.9%, respectively), limit of detection (0.01-0.35µg/L), limit of quantitation (0.03-1.20µg/L), linear dynamic range, and intra-day and inter-day accuracy (1.2-14.8% and 1.8-15.0%, respectively). The presented method was able to detect 14 out of 24 isomers at the preventive limit established by the Italian legislation for single pesticide (that for a chiral pesticide is the sum of all its isomers) in surface waters, set at 0.1µg/l. Finally, the method was evaluated using AGREEprep and ComplexGAPI metrics, compared with other ferrofluid-based methods, and applied to the analysis of water samples from two Italian rivers (the Nera River and the Tiber River), providing to be sustainable and reliable for the application to real river matrices.

Enhanced Ornidazole Degradation via Peroxymonosulfate Activation Using Nano CoFe2O4‐Decorated Halloysite Nanotubes: A High‐Efficiency and Stable Catalyst Approach

AbstractThis study proposes a novel, cost‐effective nano CoFe2O4‐decorated halloysite nanotubes (CoFe2O4/HNT) catalyst, which effectively degrades the antibiotic ornidazole (ONZ) through peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. By using a simple and economical preparation method, ultra‐low amounts of CoFe2O4 are uniformly loaded onto HNTs, significantly improving the activity and stability of the catalyst. The experimental results show that the CoFe2O4/HNT+PMS system can almost completely degrade ONZ within 1 h, with good pH adaptability and resistance to anion interference. The simple synthesis process and low cost of CoFe2O4/HNT make it highly practical for large‐scale applications. Mechanism studies have shown that the synergistic effect between Co and Fe greatly improves the activation efficiency of PMS, generating reactive oxygen species (such as 1O2) that play a key role in ONZ degradation. This work not only elucidates the activation mechanism, but also provides insightful information for advanced oxidation processes (AOP). The results indicate the practicality and importance of CoFe2O4/HNT catalyst in treating harmful pollutants in water, supporting effective and sustainable water purification technologies. In addition, the study emphasizes the elasticity and adaptability of this innovative catalyst system in managing various pollutants, indicating its broad potential for environmental applications.

Ornidazole degradation based on peroxymonosulfate activation induced by oxygen vacancies (OV)-enriched Cu-Co-TiO2: Coexistence of free-radical and non-radical pathways

Employing transition-metal catalysts in peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation reactions to facilitate combined free-radical and non-radical interactions is regarded as a proficient approach for decomposing organic contaminants. However, the creation of active catalysts faces significant challenges due to low activation efficiency, inadequate action sites, and instability of current activation materials. Here, we successfully prepared bimetallic Cu and Co co-doped TiO2 (Cu-Co-TiO2) catalyst using the sol-gel technique. Excellent ornidazole (ONZ) removal efficiency (0.628 min−1) was demonstrated by the Cu-Co-TiO2/PMS system, which was applicable across a broad pH range (4−10) and unaffected by different water matrices. Moreover, the coexistence of free-radical (SO4•-, •OH and O2•−) and non-radical (1O2) routes in the Cu-Co-TiO2/PMS system, where SO4•- and 1O2 are the predominant active substances, was confirmed by quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study. The synergistic impact of Cu/Co bimetal may hasten the redox cycles of Cu+/Cu2+ and Co2+/Co3+, causing plenty of oxygen vacancies (OV) and improving PMS activation efficiency. The quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) examination of the intermediates showed a decrease in toxicity, and the potential pathways of ONZ degradation were illustrated using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) technology. This work not only demonstrated the effectiveness and stability of Cu-Co-TiO2 as a PMS activator, but it also offered fresh information on how to remove organic pollutants from wastewater by using PMS activation via the radical and non-radical oxidation pathway.

A parsimonious model for springs discharge reconstruction and forecast for drought management: Lessons from a case study in Central Italy

Study regionKarst springs located in Central Apennine ridge (Central Italy), in the Tiber River basin. Study focusThe assessment of water availability is a key issue in a water supply system because of increasing drought and water scarcity events. Analysing and predicting the dynamic behaviour of groundwater resources is challenging to conceptualize and model, especially in poorly-monitored systems. A parsimonious model based on linear regression between the monthly spring discharge time series and Standardized Precipitation Index is proposed. The model is conceived for management purposes and suitable for users with a limited background in modelling techniques, who can take advantage from an initial knowledge of the aquifers hydrological regime. New hydrological insights for the regionThe model developed for long-term monitored springs is used to reconstruct the historical groundwater hydrographs and to make predictions for poorly-monitored springs with similar properties, exploiting the “similarity principle”. Results highlight the notable performance of this approach, which represents a useful tool for overcoming the limitations in spring discharge monitoring networks. Moreover, the tool is used to test forecast performance enabling water managers to develop a monthly early-warning system fostering a sustainable water resource exploitation and limiting the critical issues of the water supply system, especially during drought periods. Results are discussed from the perspective of the water utilities entrusted to manage their resources in the study region.

The interplay between the urban development of Rome (Italy) and the Tiber River floods: A review of two millennia of socio-hydrological history.

The urban development of Rome (Italy) has been intertwined with the dynamics of the Tiber River since its foundation. In this review paper, we analyse more than 2500years of flood history and urban development to untangle the dynamics of flood risk and assess the resulting socio-hydrological phenomena. Until the 1800s, urban dwellers living in the riparian areas of the Tiber River were accustomed to frequent flooding. From the 1900s, the construction of flood walls reshaped the co-evolution of hydrological, economic, political, technological, and social processes. As a result, while the probability of flooding is currently very low, its potential adverse consequences would be catastrophic. From the analysis of the long-term feedback between urban development of Rome and flood events from ancient times to present days, it emerges the crucial need for an effective flood risk mitigation strategy that combines structural and non-structural measures. In particular, heightened flood risk awareness and preparedness to cope with rare but potentially devastating events is key to alleviate flood risk.

Ethical and legal aspects of the abortion dispute in Italy in 2020-2023

The main goal of the article is to analyze the key elements of the current dispute over worldviews and politics in Italy concerning the ethical and legal aspects of various forms of abortion. The country on the Tiber River was one of the states around the world that widely liberalized abortion laws during the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2020, the Italian Ministry of Health decided that pharmacological abortion – performed with the medical preparation RU-486 – should not be practiced at hospital gynaecology-obstetrics wards, but at day hospital facilities, with no requirement of hospitalization for women performing this type of abortion. Limited access to medical services in public and private healthcare facilities led to the practice of pharmacological abortion shifting largely from hospitals and clinics to pharmacies, private apartments, and homes. In 2021, pharmacological abortion in Italy accounted for 48.3% of all abortions performed under the current abortion law. In the face of the trivialization of the termination of pregnancy, Italian pro-life circles have taken a variety of measures to protect preborn life. One such initiative was the “Beating Heart” campaign, which looked at the possibility of showing the unborn child and its beating heart to the woman seeking an abortion. The analyses carried out in the article show that in the age of the Internet and the global village, it is not so much the legal norms that are increasingly important, but human free will and the awakening of people’s moral sensitivity by developing appropriate bioethical awareness at the societal level. In this context, the various initiatives currently implemented in Italy by pro-life circles to achieve these goals are of great significance. In addition, the abortion debate in Italy supplies a number of arguments for the need to extend the conscience clause to pharmacy personnel.

RIVER, GIANT AND HUBRIS: A NOTE ON VIRGIL, AENEID 8.330–2

Abstract Virgil has Evander trace the origins of the name of the river Tiber back to the death of a giant, called ‘Thybris’ (Aen. 8.330–2). This article argues that the reference to the violent (asper) giant can be understood as etymological wordplay on the Greek word hubris and as a potential allusion to the grammatical debate on the nature of aspiration. Varro's De gente populi Romani is identified as an important source for the characterization of the Tiber as a giant in primeval times. The political implications of the word hubris are also briefly explored with reference to various identities to which Evander alludes. The final part of the article argues that Theocritus’ Idyll 1 and the scholiast to Theocritus may have also inspired Virgil's description of the Tiber in this passage.

Tiber River-Driven Chlorophyll-a and Total Suspended Matter Dynamics and Their Impacts along the Central Tyrrhenian Sea Coast: A Sentinel-2 Approach

Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and Total Suspended Matter (TSM) are key health indicators of the coastal ocean and seas. The former is linked to primary productivity, while the latter is associated with water quality; both are influenced by change in climate. Recent studies have highlighted a declining trend in Chl-a levels along the Mediterranean coastal region. River discharge plays an important role in regulating the coastal Chl-a concentration levels. The present research primarily focuses on understanding the significance of Tiber River −driven spatial dynamics of Chl-a and TSM along the central Tyrrhenian Sea coasts. The research also focuses on evaluating the applicability of Sentinel-2 and identifying a suitable method for estimating Chl-a and TSM from Sentinel-2. Neural networks and dark spectrum fitting techniques were applied using multiple algorithms to estimate the dynamic distribution of Chl-a and TSM driven by the Tiber River in the study area. Multiple statistical analyses were performed, and statistically significant relationships were observed. The Case-2 Regional Coast Colour Neural Network (C2RCC-Net) outperformed all other algorithms, with an R2 value of 0.903 for Chl-a and an R2 value of 0.966 for TSM. Furthermore, the present research also identified a positive pixel to pixel spatial correlation between Chl-a and TSM in all four seasons, highlighting the positive impact of Tiber River on maintaining Chl-a levels along the coasts of Tyrrhenian Sea. This stands in contrast with the negative trend seen in the Mediterranean scale.

Construction of a New 2D Coordination Polymer: Degradation Antibiotic Nitrofurantoin and Magnetism

ABSTRACTThe synthesis of a trinuclear Co(II)‐based coordination polymer (CP), [Co3(HL)2(H2O)6·2.2H2O]n (1), was achieved via a solvothermal method involving CoCl2·6H2O and 3‐(2,4‐dicarboxylphenyl)‐2,6‐dicarboxylpyridine (H3L). The photocatalytic efficiency of the complex was evaluated for the degradation of various antibiotics ornidazole (ODZ), nitrofurantoin (NFT), dinitroaniline (DNZ), and tinidazole (TDZ) in wastewater. Notably, NFT exhibited a remarkable 91.5% degradation within 20 min under optimal conditions. The catalytic performance was influenced by the amount of photocatalyst, NFT concentration, and solution pH, with optimal conditions identified at 6‐mg catalyst dose, 30 mg/L NFT concentration, and pH 7. Trapping experiments highlighted the roles of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals as primary active species in the photocatalytic process. Furthermore, the magnetic behavior is also discussed in detail.

Investigating hydrodynamics and turbulent effects in rivers for different flow conditions using spatial complexity metrics

In non-uniform river flows, hydrodynamic features, such as gradients of velocity in flow directions, are of particular importance for explaining the abundance of aquatic habitats. Hydraulic complexity metrics referred to as M1, M2, and M3 play an important role when it comes to the analysis of habitat metrics on a 3D spatial level. Parameter M1 is proportional to the drag force experienced by an organism, parameter M2 represents how much more energy an organism must expend if it moves from the lower velocity to the higher velocity location, and parameters M3 illustrates the circulation in flow. The specific aim of the present study is to apply those parameters to characterize, under different flow conditions, the cross-sectional distribution of kinetic energy and coherent structures which are both relevant for many aquatic organisms. To this aim, laboratory data as well as field observations along Tiber River, in central Italy, were considered and the hydraulic complexity metrics were investigated in dimensionless form. On the laboratory-scale, the dimensionless parameters M1*, M2* and M3* identify the velocity gradient related to the high/low cross-sectional velocity and the high/low vorticity areas in selected cross-sections along the flume. Then, the evaluation of the parameter M2* in the horizontal plane allows to verify the relation between the localization of the high/low kinetic energy areas in the longitudinal direction. For the field-scale, the parameters were investigated, under high, moderate and low flow conditions, in a gauged site in the Tiber River. The results indicate that an aquatic organism should spend more energy where M3*, which is related to flow circulation, assumes high values. Furthermore, significant values of M1* and M2* are observed, which are linked to gradients in the cross-sectional distribution of velocity. These values are predominantly found at the river centerline for M1* and at the banks for M2*. In terms of echo-hydraulics, the results based on both laboratory and field data indicate that they are complementary, showing that for the larger magnitudes of M1 and M3, which are related to the kinetic energy and flow circulation, respectively, an aquatic organism should spend more energy in these zones. Overall, the results based on both laboratory and field studies suggest that parameters M1 and M2 are inversely linked, i.e., M1 decreased with increasing M2, while, there is no relationship between parameters M3 and M1. The findings of the present research would be of particular interest in quantifying biologically important flow patterns occurring at different spatial scales within different streams and under different flow conditions.

A WS2/CNF Nanocomposite for Electrochemical Sensing Applications

Successful environmental monitoring is crucial to safeguarding humans and the natural world. The presence of antibiotics in aquatic environments has become a pressing global concern, posing potential risks to both ecosystems and public health. Extensive use of antibiotics in medical treatment and agriculture has led to their release into water bodies through various pathways, contributing to water contamination. Detecting and monitoring antibiotic residues in water is crucial to understanding the extent of contamination and mitigating its adverse effects. Furthermore, the escalating concern over pharmaceutical contaminants in the environment has prompted significant research efforts towards the development of advanced sensing technologies.Recently, 2D materials have emerged as promising candidates for environmental sensing, due to their unique properties and potential applications. Transition-metal dichalcogenides or TMDs, are two-dimensional (2D) materials comprising of MX2, with M a transition metal atom e.g. Mo, W etc. and X, a chalcogen atom S, Se or Te1. The M atoms are sandwiched between two layers of X atoms with robust in-plane covalent bonds, and weak van der Waals forces between the planes. Among the TMDs, tungsten disulfide (WS2) exhibits outstanding properties, such as high electronic conductivity, large capacitance, high surface area, and chemical stability. This study explores the promising characteristics of WS2 and its synergistic potential of combining it with carbon materials to develop hybrid structures2. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) exhibit exceptional properties that make them promising candidates for sensor applications. With their large surface area, and excellent electrical conductivity, CNFs offer a unique platform for the development of sensitive and selective sensors. In addition, CNFs versatility allows for functionalization, enhancing their chemical properties and facilitating tailored interactions with target analytes. Furthermore, owing to these notable properties, carbon nanofibers complement WS2 in the development of innovative sensor structures. Here, WS2 was combined with functionalized carbon nanofibers, to create a composite structure that was employed to detect ornidazole (ORZ), an antibiotic drug.Ornidazole, belonging to the nitroimidazole class of antibiotics, is commonly employed in the treatment of various genitourinary tract and protozoal infections3. Beyond the immediate therapeutic benefits, antibiotics such as ornidazole can persist in the environment, posing long-term risks. Moreover, excess ORZ in the environment has potential mutagenic & carcinogenic effects, and can lead to the development of antibiotic resistant pathogens. In this study, the WS2 /CNF nanocomposite was synthesized using hydrothermal synthesis and subsequently dispersed in ethanol and water, and then drop casted on a glassy carbon electrode. Prior to synthesis, the CNFs were functionalized using a low cost, environmental friendly method, thus enhancing their chemical properties. Herein, the resulting WS2/CNF composite demonstrates its efficacy in detecting ornidazole (ORZ), and shows excellent potential for the development of electrochemical sensors. Overall, the work here aims to underscore the continuous development of electrochemical sensor technology, emphasizing its pivotal role in addressing the growing challenges associated with drug contamination in the environment.(1) Manzeli, S.; Ovchinnikov, D.; Pasquier, D.; Yazyev, O. V.; Kis, A. 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides. Nature Reviews Materials. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1038/natrevmats.2017.33.(2) Santos, B. G.; Gonçalves, J. M.; Rocha, D. P.; Higino, G. S.; Yadav, T. P.; Pedrotti, J. J.; Ajayan, P. M.; Angnes, L. Electrochemical Sensor for Isoniazid Detection by Using a WS2/CNTs Nanocomposite. Sensors and Actuators Reports 2022, 4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snr.2021.100073.(3) Koventhan, C.; Vinothkumar, V.; Chen, S. M. Development of an Electrochemical Sensor Based on a Cobalt Oxide/Tin Oxide Composite for Determination of Antibiotic Drug Ornidazole. New Journal of Chemistry 2021, 45 (28). https://doi.org/10.1039/d1nj01345a

Untargeted metabolomic insights into plastisphere communities in European rivers.

Every year, rivers introduce a staggering amount of hundred kilotons of plastic into the Oceans. This plastic is inhabited by microorganisms known as the plastisphere, which can be transferred between different ecosystems through the transport of microplastics. Here, we simulated the microbial colonization of polyethylene-based plastic pellets that are classically used to manufacture large-scale plastic products. The pellets were immersed for 1month in four to five sampling stations along the river-to-sea continuum of nine of the major European rivers. This study presents the first untargeted metabolomics analysis of the plastisphere, by using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The plastisphere metabolomes were similar in the Rhine and Rhone rivers, while being different from the Tiber and Loire rivers, which showed greater similarity to the Thames and Seine rivers. Interestingly, we found a clear distinction between plastisphere metabolomes from freshwater and marine water in most of the river-to-sea continuum, thus suggesting a complete segregation in plastisphere metabolites that is not consistent with a major transfer of microorganisms between the two contrasted ecosystems. Putative annotations of 189 discriminating metabolites suggested that lipid metabolism was significantly modulated. These results enlightened the relevance of using environmental metabolomic as complementary analysis to the current OMICs analysis.

A simple eco‐friendly carbon paste modified electrode using chitosan‐CaO nanocomposite for the voltammetric detection of the antibiotic ornidazole in real samples

AbstractHerein, an eco‐friendly, simple, inexpensive electrochemical sensor for the antibiotic ornidazole (ORN) was developed based on a carbon paste electrode modified by chitosan‐CaO nanocomposite (Chi‐CaO‐NC/CPE). Eggshell waste was utilized to prepare CaO‐NPs which were then combined with chitosan (Chi) to obtain Chi‐CaO‐NC/CPE. The prepared Chi‐CaO‐NC/CPE was characterized by different techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX. The produced sensor showed higher electrocatalytic activity toward ORN in (0.1 M) PBS (pH 7.0) than the unmodified CPE. The influence of pH and scanning rate on the reduction peak of ORN implies that the reduction process of ORN at the Chi‐CaO‐NC/CPE surface was a diffusion‐controlled reaction with four electrons and four protons. Additionally, under ideal conditions, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) revealed that the cathodic current was directly proportional to ORN concentrations within two various detection ranges of 0.015–0.3 μM and 0.3–4.5 μM. The limit of quantification (LOQ), and the limit of detection (LOD) were 0.0138 μM and 4.13×10−3 μM, respectively. Moreover, the fabricated sensor provided acceptable selectivity towards ORN, good stability, and repeatable response, with recoveries ranging from 95.8 %–102.0 %; this electrode was also successful in detecting ORN in commercial tablets and milk samples.

Enhanced mass transfer by 3D printing to promote the degradation of organic pollutants in electro-Fenton system

In this study, researchers constructed a monolithic 3D-FeO/C electrode with a macro-ordered pore structure using direct-write 3D printing technology. Experimental results showed that the 3D-FeO/C electrode possessed excellent degradation performance for ornidazole (ONZ) (complete degradation within 120 min) and pharmaceutical wastewater (51.13 % in TOC and 63.72 % in COD removal within 420 min). The detailed reaction mechanism of the EF system was revealed through characterization analysis, mass transfer simulation, and experimental results, in which the excellent EF performance is mainly due to the confinement effect of FeO active sites encapsulated in the carbon layer, as well as the enhancement of mass transfer induced by 3D printing macro-ordered structure network. In addition, the degradation pathway of ONZ, the toxicity of its degradation intermediates, and the degradation pathway of actual pharmaceutical wastewater were revealed in detail. This study proposes a new 3D printing method to enhance the mass transfer of electrode materials in EF systems, which has good potential for application to real wastewater.

Risorgimento Bridge in Rome: An a Posteriori Possible Assessment

ABSTRACT The iconic Risorgimento Bridge (1911), spanning 100 meters over the Tiber River in Rome, is a renowned cellular arch bridge influenced by Francois Hennebique’s insights. Initially debated as either arches or tapered beams, the Risorgimento-type bridge design raised safety concerns despite subsequent theoretical and experimental studies across Europe. This paper revisits historical interpretations, addressing original engineering inaccuracies related to structural behavior, redistribution effects, and concrete properties. Conducting a modern structural assessment using Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis based on the Modified Compression Field Theory at the ultimate limit state, the study validates pioneering intuitions of its designers. The analyses reveal an evolutive mechanism, transitioning from an initial elastic state to a more effective carrying behavior, emphasizing the collaborative role of the arch and cracked elements in the structure’s overall stability.

Design and preparation of a multi-responsive Cd-based fluorescent coordination polymer for smart sensing of nitrobenzene and ornidazole

The improper utilization of nitrobenzene (NB) and ornidazole (ORN) has resulted in irreversible effects on the environment. By combining experimental investigation, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and machine learning, an effective green strategy for detecting NB and ORN in aqueous solutions can be developed. In this study, a one-dimensional Cd-based coordination polymer (Cd-HCIA-3) was designed and synthesized using 5-((4-carboxybenzyl)oxy)isophthalic acid and rigid 2,2′-bipyridine under solvothermal reaction conditions. Cd-HCIA-3 exhibits excellent fluorescence properties and stability in aqueous solutions. DFT calculations were performed to predict the fluorescence sensing performance of Cd-HCIA-3, revealing that photoinduced electron transfer is the key mechanism for inducing fluorescence quenching in the presence of NB and ORN, with weak molecular interactions promoting electron transfer. Fluorescence sensing experiments were conducted to verify the DFT results, showing that Cd-HCIA-3 can selectively detect NB and ORN in aqueous solutions with limits of detection of 7.22 × 10−8 and 1.31 × 10−7 mol/L, respectively. This study’s findings provide valuable insights into the design and synthesis of fluorescent coordination polymers for target analytes.

Utilizing a water-stable terbium (III) metal-organic framework for luminescent sensing of nitroimidazole antibiotics

A new 3D terbium (III)-based metal–organic framework, [Tb(TDC)(µ2-CH3COO)(H2O)] (Tb-MOF, H2TDC = 2,5-thiophenedicar-boxylic acid), was obtained with Tb3+ ions as metal source and TDC ligands as the auxiliary ligand through self-assemble mode. The Tb-MOF features a 3D network constructed by bridging a 2D wave-like network connected by TDC ligands with monodentate coordination mode, which results in the formation of a 3D net framework. The luminescent properties and sensing antibiotics experiments were extensively investigated for the Tb-MOF. Remarkably, the Tb-MOF exhibits a substantial quantum yield (QY) at 55.0 % and an average photoluminescence lifetime of 534 µs. Furthermore, the Tb-MOF shows selective luminescence quenching for nitroimidazole antibiotics, including metronidazole (MDZ), dimetridazole (DTZ), and ornidazole (ODZ), with a particularly strong response for MDZ (Ksv = 5.49 × 104 M−1, LOD value is 7.9 × 10−5 M). Finally, the Tb-MOF enables a simple and convenient test paper that allows luminescent color changes to be observed with the naked eye for detecting MDZ.

A Zn-MOF-based mixed matrix membrane as an ultrastable luminescent sensor for selective and visual detection of antibiotics and pesticides in food samples

The detection of antibiotics and pesticides are of great significance since their residues threaten the health of human beings by accumulation. However, most traditional solid chemical sensors are suffer from the limitations of low sensitivity and economic practicability because of the aggregating nature and unstable of solid sensors. Herein, a new luminescent sensor 1@PMMA (1, [(ZnL)·H2O]n (H2L = 5-(4-(pyridin-4-yl)benzamido)benzene-1,3-dioic acid); PMMA = poly(methyl methacrylate)) was successfully prepared. Notably, the polymer matrix provided the chemical protection for MOF particles. The as fabricated 1@PMMA was stable in milk, honey and egg as well as exhibited strong blue emission under ultraviolet light irradiation, which can act as luminescent probe for detecting antibiotics and pesticides. More interestingly, 1@PMMA exhibited visual, real-time and recyclable detection of antibiotics ornidazole (ODZ) and pesticides 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrobenzenamine (DCN) in real food samples. This work shows that the luminescent MOF-based mixed matrix membranes could be applied as good candidates for sensing analytes in practical application.