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As a significant biomarker during the apoptosis process, cytochrome c (Cyt c) is considered as a critical component in the inherent apoptotic pathway, but the simple and portable detection still remains challengeable. In this work, a portable and visual sensing platform for Cyt c was developed based upon the fluorescence quenching of graphene quantum dots (GQDs), which could be finished within a few seconds. Herein, the absorption spectrum of Cyt c matched the emission spectrum of GQDs well, which could cause the fluorescence quenching of GQDs via the inner filter effect (IFE) in the range of 1–50 μg/mL with the limit of detection as low as 0.1 μg/mL. Furthermore, the intracellular Cyt c was imaged to observe the apoptosis process of cancer cells induced by staurosporine. To achieve the portable and visual detection of Cyt c, GQDs were deposited on the filter paper to form the solid platform, which displayed a gradual fluorescence quenching when different concentrations of Cyt c were present. Compared to the conventional methods, the proposed assay is low-cost, fast, portable, and visual, which will be useful for the investigation of mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptotic cell death.

The development of simple and accurate detection of uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) is of great significance for early clinical diagnosis and biomedical research. Here, we on the first effort introduced the uracil bases into the rolling circle amplification (RCA) reaction to produce the functionalized pure DNA hydrogel (PDH) for UDG detection. During RCA process, methylene blue (MB) molecules as the indicators were encapsulated into PDH. The addition of UDG can remove the uracil bases of PDH to generate abasic sites, which are further cleaved with the assistance of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE), thus resulting in the dissociation of PDH to release blue MB. By combining with the paper analytical devices as the signal readout platform, a colorimetric and electrochemical dual-signal biosensor was constructed for convenient and accurate detection of UDG. The proposed MB@PDH-based dual-signal sensing system exhibited good selectivity and high sensitivity with a detection limit of 6.4 × 10−4 U/mL (electrochemical method). It was also demonstrated that this sensing system showed excellent performance in UDG inhibitor screening, thus providing great potential in UDG-related disease diagnosis and drug discovery.

Within the domain of starch modification, the study delved into cationization of wheat starch through a laboratory-scale twin-screw extruder, exploring various processing conditions. Cationic starch, a crucial component for enhancing paper attributes like dry strength and printability, took center stage. The focus shifted towards integration into papermaking, investigating the transformative potential of reactive extrusion. By contrasting it with conventional dry-process methodology, innovative strides were unveiled. The study extended to pilot-scale extrusion, bridging the gap between laboratory experimentation and potential industrial implementation. Infused with scientific rigor, the investigation navigated the benefits brought about by reactive extrusion. Empirical insights highlighted a significant reduction in the intrinsic viscosity of extruded starch, decreasing from 170 mL·g−1 (native starch) to 100 mL·g−1 at a specific mechanical energy (SME) input of 800 kWh·t−1, demonstrating remarkable stability despite increased mechanical treatment. Moreover, beyond the critical threshold of 220 kWh·t−1, retention efficiency reached a stable plateau at 78%. The study revealed that utilizing a larger extruder slightly improved the mechanical properties of the paper, emphasizing the advantage of scaling up the production process and the consistency of results across different extruder sizes.

Supramolecular systems based on chitosan and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) with a different surface modification (TEMPO-oxidation and carboxymethylation) were investigated and utilized for the functional consolidation of paper. Prior to the paper consolidation, the interactions between chitosan and CNFs dispersed in aqueous solvent were studied. It was detected that the peculiar surface functionalization of nanocellulose is crucial to control the chitosan/CNFs electrostatic attractions and, consequently, the entropic/enthalpic contributions and the stoichiometry of the biopolymer adsorption onto the cellulose nanofibers. Dynamic Light Scattering and rheological experiments revealed that the presence of biopolymeric chains on the CNFs surface favors the entanglement and the aggregation between the nanofibers reinforcing their network. It was observed that chitosan and nanocellulose exhibit synergetic effects on the paper consolidation in terms of reinforcing action, surface hydrophobization and enhancement of the fire-resistance. In conclusion, this paper demonstrates that the electrostatic interactions between chitosan and functionalized nanocellulose drive the formation of hybrid fillers suitable for paper consolidation. Chitosan coated CNFs possess an improved capacity to penetrate the paper structure causing an enhancement of the mechanical resistance and surface hydrophobization. Moreover, chitosan/CNFs create a protective barrier for heat transfer that prevents the paper combustion.

Nowadays, mycotoxin contamination in cereals and wastewater exposes a safety hazard to consumer health. This work describes the design of a simple, low-cost, and sensitive origami microfluidic paper-based device using electrochemical detection for zearalenone determination. The microfluidic immunosensor was designed on a paper platform by a wax printing process. The graphitized carbon working electrode modified with carbon nanohorns-decorated nanoporous gold showed a higher surface area, sensitivity, and adequate analytical performance. Electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The determination of zearalenone was carried out through a competitive immunoassay using specific antibodies immobilized by a covalent bond on the electrode surface. In the presence of HRP-labeled enzyme conjugate, substrate, and catechol, zearalenone was detected employing the developed immunosensor by applying −0.1 V to the working electrode vs silver as a pseudo-reference electrode. A calibration curve with a linear range between 10 and 1000 µg Kg−1 (R2 = 0.998) was obtained, and the limit of detection and quantification for the electrochemical immunosensor were 4.40 and 14.90 µg Kg−1, respectively. The coefficient of variation for intra- and inter-day assays was less than 5%. The selectivity and specificity of the sensor were evaluated, comparing the response against zearalenone metabolites and other mycotoxins that could affect the corn samples. Therefore, origami is a promising approach for paper-based electrochemical microfluidic sensors coupled to smartphones as a rapid and portable tool for in situ mycotoxins detection in real samples.

The authors make the following corrections to the published paper [...]

In this paper, a MnO2 nanowire (MnO2-NW) modified carbon paper electrode (CP) was developed as a novel electrochemical sensor for the sensitive determination of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). The MnO2 nanowire was prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis method, and the morphology and structure of MnO2 were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of TBBPA on MnO2-NW/CP was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, and the result confirmed that MnO2-NW/CP exhibited excellent sensitivity for the determination of TBBPA due to the high specific surface area and good electrical conductivity of the nanowire-like MnO2. Moreover, the important electrochemical factors such as pH value, incubation time and modified material proportion were systematically studied to improve the determination sensitivity. The interferences from similar structure compounds on TBBPA have also been investigated. Under the optimal conditions, MnO2-NW/CP displayed a linear range of 70~500 nM for TBBPA with a detection limit of 3.1 nM. This was superior to some electrochemical methods in reference. The work presents a novel and simple method for the determination of TBBPA.

Paper-based sensors overcome the drawbacks of conventional sensors in terms of their flexibility, portability, and stability compared to conventional sensors. Moreover, as a noninvasive bodily fluid, saliva contains various biomarkers related to physical status, which makes it perfectly matched with to use of paper-based sensors to manufacture a convenient and inexpensive disposable sensing device. This review focuses on the recent advances and progress in the design of paper-based salivary sensors and their applications. The first part mainly discusses various paper-based sensors and their advanced compositions, including dipstick assay, lateral flow assay, and microfluidic analytical device. Different detection methods in salivary biomarker detection are specially introduced in the secondary section, then their multiple potential applications and prospects are summarized. The sensor has excellent advantages for saliva detection, provides a reliable platform for point-of-care tests and telemedicine, and epically promotes the development of the medical Internet of Things.

Developing a convenient detection method for dopamine holds a significant incentive due to its high clinical significance. Herein, we synthesize crystalline MnOOH nanowires (MNWs) via a simple solvothermal treatment of KMnO4 and demonstrate that they possess excellent oxidase-like activity owing to the presence of pure Mn3+ sites on the MNWs. Particularly, MNWs catalyze the rapid oxidation of dopamine into aminochromes, which show a vivid brown color. The dopamine oxidase-like activity of MNWs follows the typical Michaelis–Mentenkinetics with excellent storage stability. Based on the affirmative catalytic features, a paper dipstick incorporating MNWs in the detection zone is constructed for the one-step colorimetric detection of target dopamine. By immersing the dipstick into the sample solution for 30 min, the sample spontaneously moves to the detection zone due to capillary force, yielding a brown color proportional to the amount of dopamine, which is quantified from an image acquired using a smartphone. With the MNW-containing solution-based assay and MNW-incorporated paper dipstick, dopamine is successfully determined with high selectivity, sensitivity, and detection precision when using spiked human serum and pharmaceutical dopamine injection samples, respectively. Successful analytical values such as the dynamic linear ranges of 3–60 μM and 0.05–7 mM are achieved with the solution-based assay and paper dipstick, respectively, along with excellent detection accuracy (95–99%) and precision (1.0–3.1%). Hence, we developed a simple and efficient nanozyme-based paper dipstick biosensor for dopamine that can be used in point-of-care testing environments.

The objective of this work is to systematically evaluate the performance of the hydrolysis-based kraft pulping process and associated pulp and black liquor characteristics. Acacia wood chips were auto-hydrolyzed under various severities, then the hydrolyzed wood chips were kraft pulping. The results indicated that the yield of pulp significantly dropped with intensifying the auto-hydrolysis severity. Meanwhile, the removal rate of pentosan reached 98.6% in the screened pulp at the P-factor of 1 000. The fiber length, fines and fiber crimp of the screened pulp were not affected by the auto-hydrolysis treatment. Auto-hydrolyzed pulps deteriorated fibrillation and beating response of the pulp in a refining process. However, fiber length and fines changed obviously after beating treatment. After auto-hydrolysis, the tensile index of the paper matrices decreased, some particle substances were found on the surface of the pulp fiber, and the solid and organic content of the black liquor were improved.

Waste papers are used as a source of raw material to fabricate cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), a highly valued product with a high degree of crystallinity. Rod-shaped CNCs with an average diameter of 53 ± 9 nm and an average length of 234 ± 42 nm were obtained with a crystallinity of around 78%. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thin composite membrane was developed by adding CNCs into the PVDF matrix in different amounts (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3 wt%). Porous finger-like structures in the membrane increased with an increase in CNC content. The FTIR measurement and high-resolution FESEM image of the membranes verified the presence of CNCs in the composite membranes. 48% high pure water flux (PWF) was obtained for PVDF/CNC as compared to pristine PVDF membrane with the addition of 3% CNCs at a pressure of 1 kg−1cm−2. Water contact angle (WCA) also decreased from 85° to 69° with increasing the wt% of CNCs in the dope solution, which signifies improved hydrophilicity. Further, the PVDF/CNCs membrane showed a high bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection of 93% and a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 76.76 %, whereas the pristine PVDF membrane showed BSA rejection of 70.86% and a FRR of 40.82 %, respectively.

This study proposes a low-cost, portable paper-fluidic vertical flow assay bacterium counter with high accuracy. We designed sensors with low fabrication costs based on e-beam evaporation and three-dimensional printing based on the impedance measurement principle. Interdigitated (IDT) electrodes were coated on the filter membrane by e-beam evaporation with a shadow mask. We could print wafer-scale frames with low melting temperature three-dimensional-printing materials for confining liquid bacterial samples within the IDT sensing region. This novel fabrication technique significantly reduced the chip’s cost to less than 1% of that of silicon-based chips. Two equivalent circuit models were proposed for different concentration ranges to analyze the principle of paper-based impedance bacterial sensors. We proposed an improved model based on the Randles model for low concentrations by considering the leaky double-layer capacitor effect and spherical diffusion from the nano-structural electrodes of the gold-coated filter membrane. The phenomenon in which charge transfer resistance, Rct, declines at high concentration ranges was found and explained by the pearl chain effect. The pearl effect could cause a false-negative at high concentrations. We modeled the pearl chain effect as an R and C, connected parallel to the low-concentration model. When users properly applied both models for analyses, this sensor could quantitatively measure cell concentrations from 400 to 400 M per milliliter with superior linearity.

Paper-based diagnostics offer a promising alternative to traditional diagnostic methods for point-of-care use due to their low cost, ease of use, portability, rapid results, versatility, and low environmental impact. While paper-based serology tests in the form of lateral flow assays can provide rapid test results for past pathogen exposure, they currently lack the accuracy and sensitivity offered by molecular diagnostic tests such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)—an isothermal nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)—provides PCR-like performance while simultaneously reducing the instrumentation and assay complexity associated with PCR. In this review, we discuss a newly emerging class of paper-based LAMP platforms that integrates the versatility of paper microfluidics with the accuracy of NAATs. Since its first adoption in 2015, we have discussed all paper-based LAMP platforms in terms of the paper substrates, reagent incorporation techniques, paper platform design, heating hardware, detection methods, and sensitivity and specificity of paper-based LAMP assays. We conclude by identifying the current challenges and future prospects of paper-based NAATs.

Tissue engineering (TE) is the multi-disciplinary approach to building 3D human tissue equivalents in the laboratory. The advancement of medical sciences and allied scientific disciplines have aspired to engineer human tissues for three decades. To date there is limited use of TE tissues/organs as replacement body parts in humans. This position paper outlines advances in engineering of specific tissues and organs with tissue-specific challenges. This paper outlines the technologies most successful for engineering tissues and key areas of advancement.

This work describes the development of an iron sensor based on a microfluidic paper-based technique, to attain iron quantification in natural waters. A new water-soluble naphthalene-3-hydroxy-4-pyridione ligand was used as a colour reagent, as it formed an orange complex with iron. As a newly described ligand, several chemical and physical parameters, namely, the sample and reagent volumes and reagent concentrations, were studied related to the formation of the coloured complex. The microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) assembly, namely, the use of different types of filter paper and different numbers of layers, was developed to obtain the best performance. Under the optimal conditions, a linear correlation was obtained in the range of 0.25–2.00 mg/L of iron, with a minimum detectable value of 0.07 mg/L. The proposed μPAD method was validated by an analysis of the certified samples and by a comparison of the tested water samples with the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) results (RE < 10%). Then, the μPAD device was successfully applied to the determination of iron in tap water, well water, river water, and seawater, with no need for any prior sample pre-treatment; recovery studies were also performed (average = 100.3% with RSD = 4.2%).

The rapid and specific point-of-care (POC) analysis of virulent pathogenic strains plays a key role in ensuring food quality and safety. In this work, a paper-based fluorescent phage biosensor was developed for the detection of the virulent E. coli O157:H7 strain (as the mode of virulent pathogens) in food samples. Firstly, phages that can specifically combine with E. coli O157:H7 (E. coli) were stained with SYTO-13 dye to prepare a novel fluorescent probe (phage@SYTO). Simultaneously, a micro-porous membrane filter with a pore size of 0.45 μm was employed as a paper chip so as to retain the E. coli-phage@SYTO complex (>1.2 μm) on its surface. The phage@SYTO (200 nm in size) was able to pass through the pores of the chip, and the complex could be retained on the paper chip using the free phage@SYTO probes. The E. coli-phage@SYTO could emit a visual fluorescent signal (excited at 365 nm; emitted at 520 nm) onto the chip, which could be detected by a smartphone to reflect the concentration of E. coli. Under optimized conditions, the detection limit was as low as 50 CFU/mL (S/N = 3) and exhibited a wide linear range from 102 to 106 CFU/mL. The sensor has potential application value for the quick and specific POCT detection of virulent E. coli in foods.

It is crucial that simple and high-throughput methods for determining multiple, or groups of, sulfonamides (SAs) be developed since they are widely used in animal husbandry and aquaculture. We developed a paper-based multicolor colorimetric aptasensor to detect 3 SAs: sulfaquinoxaline (SQ), sulfamethoxypyridazine (SMP) and sulfamethoxydiazine (SMD). Using a broad-specificity aptamer as a bioreceptor, we reduced the growth of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide I (NADH)–ascorbic acid (AA)-mediated gold nanobipyramids (AuNBPs) to generate a multicolor signal. We also used a paper-based analytical device (PAD) system to deposit AuNBPs for a sensitive color signal read out. The aptasensor can detect more color changes corresponding to the concentrations of SQ, SMP and SMD and has higher sensitivity, better specificity and stability. It can also be used to determine SQ, SMP and SDM individually, or collectively, or any two together with a visual detection limit of 0.3–1.0 µM, a spectrometry quantification limit (LOQ) of 0.3–0.5 µM and a spectrometry detection limits (LOD) of 0.09–0.15 µM. The aptasensor was successfully used to determine SQ, SMP and SDM in fish muscle with a recovery of 89–94% and a RSD n = 5) < 8%, making it a promising method for the rapid screening of total SQ, SMP and SDM residue in seafood.

Renewable and bio-based materials have gained great interest on an industrial scale owing to environmental issues. Paper industries also are constantly exploring bio-resources for intrinsic chemico-physical property enhancement of paper and paper products. These bio-resources will potentially increase their cyclability besides making paper compatible beyond traditional uses. Mechanical beating or use of chemical additives or the combination of these methods are widely used to improve critical paper characteristics such as strength, surface smoothness, density, brightness, filler retention, water and grease resistivity etc. These chemical additives as mill effluents are hazardous and have detrimental effect on environment. So, to move ahead of traditional practices, the present review discusses about the production and utility of abundantly available renewable bio-polymers and their products such as starch, cellulose, plant-based proteins, microbial biopolymers, animal-based biopolymers, and natural gums etc. They represent ample prospect in terms of research and development on their functionality and industrial applications.

Chemically-bonded nonwoven is commonly used in single-use products, and are often composed of cellulose fibers with a fossil-based binder. To reduce the amount of plastic littering, we investigated a biobased and biodegradable binder consisting of polyelectrolyte complexes based on chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose and citric acid. The binder significantly improved the mechanical properties of two different types of cellulosic fiber systems in both dry and wet states. The quality of the water used in the binder had a significant impact on the mechanical properties, especially in the dry state, indicating a beneficial effect by the presence of cations. It was shown that covalent bonds were formed during the low temperature drying, and that the amount of bonds increased with a high temperature curing. Electron microscopy and tensile data indicated that the binder acted as a joint between the fiber/fiber parts. The presented results enable a sustainable solution for the current plastic-based nonwoven industry.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is defined as one of the endocrine disrupting compounds. The accurate and inexpensive colorimetric paper-based analytical devices (PADs) are of crucial importance for BPA analysis. In this context, we developed for the first time a new PAD modified with chitosan and sulfamethoxazole (Chitosan-PAD) for the visual detection of BPA in water. The PAD was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, which confirmed its modification by the functionalized chitosan. A yellow coloration was developed when a small volume of BPA was added to the Chitosan-PAD, allowing for visual and smartphone detection. This new strategy is based on a specific combination of BPA with chitosan and sulfamethoxazole that provides a hight selectivity to the Chitosan-PAD. The proposed PAD was successfully employed in combination with a pre-concentration step for the detection of 0.01 µg mL−1 of PBA with the naked eye using a 10-fold preconcentration factor. The PAD was effectively applied for BPA quantification in water samples with good recoveries. The developed PAD provides a green and cost-effective strategy for the on-site and one-step detection of BPA in water samples.

In this work, a new microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) was developed for on-hand creatinine quantification in urine samples. When compared to conventional methods, this innovative paper device is more accessible and portable, it provides low-cost analysis (cost of consumables of 40 cents), and it is applicable to non-invasive biological fluids. Furthermore, the paper-based approach is used within an environmentally friendly assembly with no need for wax printing and small amounts of reagents resulting in low waste production and easy disposal by incineration. Its assembly method includes cutting paper discs arranged into several reading units within a plastic pouch, enabling effective creatinine quantification with accuracy based on a vertical flow approach. The method is based on the colourimetric reaction between creatinine and alkaline picric acid, where the solution colour changes from yellow to orange/red. Under optimal conditions, the developed method allowed creatinine quantification in the dynamic range of 2.20–35.0 mg/dL, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.66 mg/dL and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.20 mg/dL. The colour intensity developed was processed in ImageJ software, based on digital image scanning, performed in 20 min (up to 4 h) after the sample insertion. The device is stable for up to one week when stored in a vacuum at 4 °C. The method was validated by comparing the results with a batch-wise procedure, where there were no statistically significant differences between both methods.

In this study, a paper-based sensor was developed for the detection of hydrogen-peroxide-related biomarkers, with glucose oxidase catalyzing as an example. Potassium iodide can catalyze the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to colorize the paper-based biosensor detection area, which was imaged by a scanner, and the color intensity was analyzed by the Adobe Photoshop. Under the optimal conditions, the color intensity shows a good linear relationship with hydrogen peroxide and glucose concentrations in the ranges of 0.1–5.0 mM and 0.5–6.0 mM, respectively. The detection limit of hydrogen peroxide is 0.03 mM and the limit of quantification of glucose is 0.5 mM. Besides, the method was employed in measuring glucose concentration in fruit samples, and the spiked recoveries are in the range of 95.4–106.1%. This method is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and easy to be operated, which is expected to realize the point-of-care testing of more hydrogen-peroxide-related biomarkers.

A novel, direct and simple colorimetric method employing μicroanalytical paper-based devices (μ-PADs) for the selective determination of bismuth is described. The suggested method exploits the colorimetric variation of bismuth after its rapid reaction with methyl thymol blue (MTB) in an acidic medium (pH ranging between 0.7 and 3.0), modified with nitric acid, on the surface of a paper device at room temperature. The devices are low cost, composed of chromatographic paper and wax barriers and the analytical protocol is easily applicable with minimal technical expertise and without the need for experimental apparatus. The user must add a test sample and read the color intensity of the colored Bi(III)–MTB complex formed at the sensing area using a simple imaging device such as a flatbed scanner. Various chemical variables, such as HNO3 and MTB concentration, reaction time, ionic strength, detection zone size and photo-capture detector are optimized. A study of interfering ions such as K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42− and HCO3− was also conducted. The stability of the paper devices is also studied in different maintenance conditions with particularly satisfactory results, rendering the method suitable for field analysis. The detection limits are as low as 3.0 mg L−1 with very satisfactory precision, ranging from 4.0% (intra-day) to 5.5% (inter-day). Natural water samples are successfully analyzed, and bismuth percentage recoveries were calculated in the range of 82.8 to 115.4%.

Lateral flow assay (LFA) is emerging as one of the most popular paper-based biosensors in the field of the diagnostic industry. LFA fills all the gaps between diagnosis and treatment as it provides beneficial qualities to users such as quick response, Point-of-care appeal, early detection, low cost, and effective and sensitive detections of various infectious diseases. These benefits increase LFA’s dependability for disease management because rapid and accurate disease diagnosis is a prerequisite for effective medication. Only 2% of overall healthcare expenditures, according to Roche Molecular Diagnostics, are spent on in vitro diagnostics, even though 60% of treatment choices are based on this data. To make LFA more innovative, futuristic plans have been outlined in many reports. Thus, this review reports on very knowledgeable literature discussing LFA and its development along with recent futuristic plans for LFA-based biosensors that cover all the novel features of the improvement of LFA. LFA might therefore pose a very significant economic success and have a significant influence on medical diagnosis.

In this work, we explore a new method for controlling fluid transport rate on paper-based analytical devices that enables both the delay and the acceleration of fluid flow. The delays were incorporated by wax printing linear patterns of variable width within the flow channel and melted to penetrate the paper. In this manner, the surface tension of the fluid decreases while its contact angle increases, causing a pressure drop along the fluid path that reduces capillary flow. The acceleration of flow was accomplished by overlaying hydrophobic stripes (prepared by wax printing and melting the wax) on the hydrophilic path (top or top–bottom). In this manner, the fluid was repelled from two dimensions (vertical and applicate), increasing the flow rate. The combination of these methods on the same devices could adjust wicking time in intermediate time internals. The method enabled a wide timing of fluid transport, accomplishing a change in wicking times that extended from −41% to +259% compared to open paper channels. As a proof of concept, an enzymatic assay of glucose was used to demonstrate the utility of these fluid control methods in kinetic methods of analysis.

In this study, a paper-integrated analytical device that combined a paper-based colorimetric assay with a paper-based cell culture platform was developed for the in situ detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in three-dimensional (3D)-cultured, live prostate cancer cells. Two kinds of paper substrates were fabricated using a simple wax-printing methodology to form the cell culture and detection zones, respectively. LNCaP cells were seeded directly on the paper substrate and grown in the paper-integrated analytical device. The cell viability and H2S production of LNCaP cells were assessed using a simple water-soluble tetrazolium salt colorimetric assay and H2S-sensing paper, respectively. The H2S-sensing paper showed good sensitivity (sensitivity: 6.12 blue channel intensity/μM H2S, R2 = 0.994) and a limit of quantification of 1.08 μM. As a result, we successfully measured changes in endogenous H2S production in 3D-cultured, live LNCaP cells within the paper-integrated analytical device while varying the duration of incubation and substrate concentration (L-cysteine). This paper-integrated analytical device can provide a simple and effective method to investigate H2S signaling pathways and drug screening in a 3D culture model.

On-site determination of trace copper ions in natural waters is of great significance to environmental monitoring, and how to develop accurate and specific point-of-care test methods is one critical issue. In the study, a paper-based analytical device (PAD) being modified with a new truncated DNAzyme (CLICK-T, which was derived from a reported DNAzyme-CLICK-17) was developed for Cu ions detection. The detection mechanism was based on Cu(II)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (Cu(II)AAC) reaction. It can directly conduct on-site analysis of Cu(II) ions based on fluorescent signals detected using a mobile phone. In the assay, the CLICK-T was firstly modified on the PADs. Then, water samples containing Cu ions mixed with 3-azido-7-hydroxycoumarin and 3-butyn-1-ol were instantly dripped on PADs and incubated for 20 min. Finally, the PADs were excited at 365 nm and emitted fluorescence which could be analyzed on site using smart phones. The Cu(II) concentration could be quantified through RGB analysis with the aid of iPhone APP software. The limit of detection is 0.1 µM by the naked eye due to the fact that CLICK-T exhibited a good catalytic effect on Cu(II)AAC. The Cu(II) concentration could also be directly detected without using reductant, such as ascorbic acid, which is prone to be oxidized in air. This simplifies the PDA detection process improves its efficiency. The PAD is convenient for the on-site analysis of Cu ions in natural waters.

Neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers required for proper brain function, and any changes in their concentrations can lead to neuronal diseases. Therefore, sensitive and selective detection is crucial. This study presents a fast and simple colorimetric method for dopamine detection using three reagent solutions: AgNP and MPA, Ag/Au nanocomposite, and mercaptophenylacetic acid. TEM images showed a narrow distribution of Ag and Au nanoparticles with average sizes of 20 nm and 13 nm, respectively, with gold nanoparticles bound to the edges of silver nanoparticles. A paper-based biosensor was created using manual wax printing for the colorimetric detection of dopamine. Visual detection onsite showed color changes with both the silver nanoparticles and mercaptophenylacetic acid mixture and the silver–gold nanoparticle composite. Electrochemical detection using a glassy carbon electrode modified with 8 mM mercaptophenylacetic acid demonstrated high selectivity and sensitivity towards dopamine, with a peak in the range of 0.7–0.9 V. Interferences were minimized, ensuring high sensitivity and selective detection of dopamine.

Flexible pressure sensors usually exhibit high sensitivity, excellent resolution, and can be mass-produced. Herein, a high-resolution, capacitive, paper-based, 3D-printed pressure sensor with a simple, low-cost preparation method is proposed. The sensor has a wide detection range (300–44,000 Pa), a short response time (

We report on a novel colorimetric sensor system for highly sensitive detection of formaldehyde (FA) in the gas phase. The sensor is constructed with paper towel as a substrate coated with the sulfuric acid salt of hydroxylamine ((NH2OH)2·H2SO4) together with two pH indicators, bromophenol blue and thymol blue. Upon exposure to FA, the hydroxylamine will react with the absorbed FA to form a Schiff base (H2C=N-OH), thus releasing a stoichiometric amount of sulfuric acid, which in turn induces a color change of the pH indicator. Such a color change was significantly enriched by incorporating two pH indicators in the system. With the optimized molar ratio of the two pH indicators, the color change (from brown to yellow, and to red) could become so dramatic as to be visible to the eye depending on the concentration of FA. In particular, under 80 ppb of FA (the air quality threshold set by WHO) the color of the sensor substrate changes from brown to yellow, which can even be envisioned clearly by the naked eyes. By using a color reader, the observed color change can be measured quantitatively as a function of the vapor concentration of FA, which produces a linear relationship as fitted with the data points. This helps estimate the limit of detection (LOD), to be 10 ppb under an exposure time of 10 min, which is much lower than the air quality threshold set by WHO. The reported sensor also demonstrates high selectivity towards FA with no color change observed when exposed to other common chemicals, including solvents and volatile organic compounds. With its high sensitivity and selectivity, the proposed paper-based colorimetric sensor thus developed can potentially be employed as a low-cost and disposable detection kit that may find broad application in detecting FA in indoor air and many other environments.

A planar solid-state ammonium-selective electrode, employing a composite mediator layer of graphite particles embedded in a polyvinyl butyral matrix on top of an inkjet-printed silver electrode, is presented in this paper. The effect of graphite powder mass fraction on the magnitude of the potentiometric response of the sensor was systematically verified using a batch-mode and a flow injection measurement setup. Under steady-state conditions, the paper electrode provided a Nernstian response of 57.30 mV/pNH4 over the concentration range of 10−5 M to 10−1 M with a detection limit of 4.8 × 10−6 M, while the analytical performance of the array in flow mode showed a narrower linear range (10−4 M to 10−1 M; 60.91 mV/pNH4 slope) with a LOD value of 5.6 × 10−5 M. The experimental results indicate that the prepared electrode exhibited high stability and fast response to different molar concentrations of ammonium chloride solutions. The pH-response of the paper NH4-ISE was also investigated, and the sensor remained stable in the pH range of 2.5–8.5. The potentiometric sensor presented here is simple, lightweight and inexpensive, with a potential application for in-situ analysis of environmental water samples.

A new method for the determination of chloride anions in sweat is described. The novelty of the method relies on the different photochemical response of silver ions and silver chloride crystals when exposed to UV light. Silver ions undergo an intense colorimetric transition from colorless to dark grey-brown due to the formation of nanosized Ag while AgCl exhibits a less intense color change from white to slightly grey. The analytical signal is obtained as mean grey value of color intensity on the paper surface and is expressed as the absolute difference between the signal of the blank (i.e., in absence of chloride) and the sample (i.e., in the presence of chloride). The method is simple to perform (addition of sample, incubation in the absence of light, irradiation, and offline measurement in a flatbed scanner), does not require any special signal processing steps (the color intensity is directly measured from a constant window on the paper surface without any imager processing) and is performed with minimum sample volume (2 μL). The method operates within a large chloride concentration range (10–140 mM) with good detection limits (2.7 mM chloride), satisfactory recoveries (95.2–108.7%), and reproducibility (

Effective pathogen detection is essential for plant disease control. However, plant sample preparation for downstream assays, such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), is challenging to perform outside of a laboratory. This paper reports two sample preparation methods featuring chemical and mechanical lysis and nucleic acid extraction using a micro-homogenizer, followed by serial dilution or nucleic acid purification with a paper disk before assay. Five minutes of lysis and extraction resulted in DNA and RNA yields of up to 76.5% and 63.3%, respectively, compared to mortar and pestle controls. Crude lysates were unsuitable for direct use in qPCR assays; however, serial dilution or quick wash using chromatography paper rendered samples ready for such assays. Additionally, the nucleic acids stored on paper disks under various storage conditions remained stable for one month. These methods can facilitate the in-field preparation of citrus samples and allow for both onsite and mail-in diagnostics for growers.

A practical hydrazine-carbothioamide-based fluorescent chemosensor TCC (N-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(thiophene-2-carbonyl)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide) was applied for Zn2+ detection. TCC exhibited selective fluorescence emission for Zn2+ and did not show any interference with other metal ions. In particular, TCC was utilized for the detection of Zn2+ in paper strips, zebrafish and real water samples. TCC could detect Zn2+ down to 0.39 μM in the solution phase and 51.13 μM in zebrafish. The association ratio between TCC and Zn2+ was determined to be 2:1 by ESI-mass and Job plot. The sensing mechanism of TCC for Zn2+ was illustrated to be a chelation-enhanced fluorescence process through spectroscopic experiments and theoretical calculations.

Innovative and sustainable all-cellulose composites (ACCs) can be obtained by partial dissolution of cellulosic fibers and regeneration of the dissolved fraction. Among cellulose solvents, sodium hydroxide/urea solutions are recognized as promising low-environmental impact systems. In this work, filter paper (FP) was dissolved with a 7 wt% NaOH/12 wt% urea aqueous solution, kept at −18 °C for different time intervals, regenerated with distilled water and finally dried under different conditions. The developed films were characterized in terms of morphology, porosity, optical properties, crystalline structure, hydration and mechanical properties. The porosity of the composites decreased with dissolution time due to the progressive filling of voids as the cellulosic fibers’ surface skin layer was dissolved and regenerated. Samples treated for 4 h showed the minimum values of porosity and opacity, high hydration and a substantial change from cellulose I to cellulose II. Hot pressing during drying led to relevant improvements in ACCs stiffness and strength values.

Refining of cellulose fibers is essential for reaching desired paper properties, yet highly energy demanding. Enzymes like endoglucanases (e.g. EndoC) are increasingly used to reduce energy consumption during pulp refining. However, prediction of the enzyme effect is still a major concern, considering the high variety of commercially available enzyme formulations, containing a range of different enzymes. In this study, synergisms of xylanases and β-glucosidases in combination with endoglucanases purified from enzyme formulations were studied and related to their refining performance. Size exclusion chromatography with multi-angle laser light scattering (SEC-MALLS) of carboxymethylcellulose revealed that a narrow size distribution and a high reduction in molecular weight are beneficial characteristics for refining. SEC-MALLS of hardwood pulp resulted in pronounced formation of low molecular weight fractions (log MW 4.3) for most efficient refining enzymes. Application of enzyme formulations and combinations of endoglucanase EndoC with β-glucosidase or xylanase using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed synergistic effects that promoted degradation of amorphous parts of cellulose. Laboratory refining trials on hardwood pulp confirmed the increase in degree of refining and tensile index after addition of xylanase and β-glucosidase. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis resulted in strong binding of endoglucanases to regenerated cellulose, which correlated to refining performance.

The development of fluorometric detection methods for toxic metal ions in real samples and inside cellular environments using fluorescent dyes has gained tremendous research interest. This work represents the design and synthesis of a 1,8-naphthalimide-based visible light absorbing fluorescence probe His-NMI-Bu showing an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) feature. Photophysical properties of the fluoroprobe are investigated in-depth through a combination of steady-state, time-resolved spectroscopic techniques, and DFT calculation. The probe displays outstanding pH tolerance in the pH range of 5–10 as evident from UV–Vis. and fluorescence measurements. The fluoroprobe exhibits chelation with Hg2+-induced fluorescence attenuation via PET in the solution, thus acting as a suitable fluorescence sensor for mercury ions with LOD 0.52 µM. The high sensitivity and selectivity of the probe towards Hg2+ are validated from fluorescence titration with various metal ions. Banking on its intriguing solid-state emissive properties, dye-loaded filter paper-based sensing of Hg2+ is also developed demonstrating the sensitivity in the micromolar range. Finally, His-NMI-Bu fluorophore depicts its selective localization inside the lysosomal compartment of live cells which assists further to monitor the presence of mercury ions inside the lysosome showing similar Hg2+-induced fluorescence depletion.

For the detection of Cd(II) in aquatic media, a novel dicyanomethylene dihydrofuran hydrazone(DCDHFH)-based colorimetric chemosensor was developed. DCDHFH was prepared by an azo-coupling process involving the diazonium chloride of 2, 4-dichloroaniline and a dicyanomethylene dihydrofuran heterocyclic moiety bearing an active methyl group. The DCDHFH chromophore showed strong solvatochromism depending on solvent polarity due to electronic delocalization. The pH sensory effects of the DCDHFH chromophore were also explored. DCDHFH could be used to identify Cd(II) in the presence of other competitive metals, as indicated by variations in color and absorbance spectra. In the presence of cadmium ions, the synthesized DCDHFH probe with hydrazone recognition moiety exhibited a significant sensitivity and selectivity to cadmium ions at the ppm concentration level (10–250 ppm). A DCDHFH-immobilized paper test strip was also prepared and effectively used for the detection of cadmium in aqueous media at various concentrations. According to CIE Lab’s criteria, colorimetric strength (K/S), and the UV–Vis absorbance spectra, the cadmium detection abilities of the DCDHFH-immobilized paper strips were evaluated. The optimal pH range for the determination of Cd(II) was monitored in the area of 5.5–6.3, with a fast chromogenic change from yellow to red relying on the Cd(II) concentration. The deposition of dicyanomethylene dihydrofuran hydrazone onto the paper strip’s surface was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

In this study, we investigated the influence of hemicelluloses removal treatment on the reactivity of the resulting pulp. The idea was to develop treatment strategies consisting of mechanical refining (different refining technologies), chemical treatment (CCE), and xylanase treatment that enabled both quantitative xylan removal as well as good reactivity to dissolution without the need for additional post-extraction treatments (cellulose activation) to improve reactivity. Cellulose post-extraction treatments result in additional production costs. The reactivity of the extracted pulps was evaluated based on the degree of swelling in NaOH and dilute cupriethylene diamine solution (CUEN), the solubility in 8% NaOH at -10 °C, and the Fock reactivity. The result obtained showed that hemicelluloses removal strategies that included mechanical refining treatment led to better pulp reactivity than unrefined pulp. The best result was obtained with refined pulp extracted with 6% soda (cellulose II not detected). In addition, we obtained a Fock reactivity ranging from 60 to 70%. The good correlations found between fiber swelling, solubility in caustic soda, and Fock reactivity suggest that the tedious Fock test could be substituted by the much simpler swelling and solubility measurements. The negative impact of cellulose II on pulp reactivity is due to the higher number of hydrogen bonds formed under dewatering and drying. This problem would most likely be averted in the ideal case where pulp dissolution is integrated into the pulp mill.

In order to improve the electrical conductivity of nylon 6 (PA6) and avoid misfires and explosions caused by static charge accumulation, a quaternary ammonium salt polyionic liquid (PIL) antistatic agent was synthesized in this paper. The surface resistance of PA6 was reduced to 108 Ω with the addition of 2 wt% antistatic agent, and the mechanical properties and aging resistance of the substrate were improved. Meanwhile, the morphology and crystallinity of PIL/PA6 composites were further characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersion spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It is worth noting that the quaternary ammonium salt polyionic liquid antistatic agent synthesized in this paper has the advantages of excellent antistatic effect, durability, low cost, and simple reaction condition, so it has a broad application prospect in the antistatic aspect of PA6.

Abstract Mitochondria, responsible for cellular energy synthesis and signal transduction, intricately regulate diverse metabolic processes, mediating fundamental biological phenomena such as cell growth, aging, and apoptosis. Tumor invasion and metastasis, key characteristics of malignancies, significantly impact patient prognosis. Tumor cells frequently exhibit metabolic abnormalities in mitochondria, including alterations in metabolic dynamics and changes in the expression of relevant metabolic genes and associated signal transduction pathways. Recent investigations unveil further insights into mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities, revealing their active involvement in tumor cell proliferation, resistance to chemotherapy, and a crucial role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. This paper comprehensively outlines the latest research advancements in mitochondrial structure and metabolic function. Emphasis is placed on summarizing the role of mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities in tumor invasion and metastasis, including alterations in the mitochondrial genome (mutations), activation of mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling, and dynamics within the mitochondria, all intricately linked to the processes of tumor invasion and metastasis. In conclusion, the paper discusses unresolved scientific questions in this field, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and novel perspectives for developing innovative strategies targeting tumor invasion and metastasis based on mitochondrial biology. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is one of the etiologic factors of degenerative spinal diseases, which can lead to a variety of pathological spinal conditions such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis. IVDD is a leading cause of lower back pain, the prevalence of which increases with age. Recently, Sirtuins/SIRTs and their related activators have received attention for their activity in the treatment of IVDD. In this paper, a comprehensive systematic review of the literature on the role of SIRTs and their activators on IVDD in recent years is presented. The molecular pathways involved in the regulation of IVDD by SIRTs are summarized, and the effects of SIRTs on senescence, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in myeloid cells are discussed with a view to suggesting possible solutions for the current treatment of IVDD. Purpose This paper focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which SIRTs and their activators act on IVDD. Methods A literature search was conducted in Pubmed and Web of Science databases over a 13-year period from 2011 to 2024 for the terms “SIRT”, “Sirtuin”, “IVDD”, “IDD”, “IVD”, “NP”, “Intervertebral disc degeneration”, “Intervertebral disc” and “Nucleus pulposus”. Results According to the results, SIRTs and a large number of activators showed positive effects against IVDD.SIRTs modulate autophagy, myeloid apoptosis, oxidative stress and extracellular matrix degradation. In addition, they attenuate inflammatory factor-induced disc damage and maintain homeostasis during disc degeneration. Several clinical studies have reported the protective effects of some SIRTs activators (e.g., resveratrol, melatonin, honokiol, and 1,4-dihydropyridine) against IVDD. Conclusion The fact that SIRTs and their activators play a hundred different roles in IVDD helps to better understand their potential to develop further treatments for IVDD. Novelty This review summarizes current information on the mechanisms of action of SIRTs in IVDD and the challenges and limitations of translating their basic research into therapy.

The global narrative around domestic energy security is dominated by the paradigm of import-dependent countries, and as a result the interactions of energy export activities with domestic energy systems are not generally considered. In this paper, we apply a systems approach to establish two potential blind spots in evaluating the whole-of-system energy security of energy resource exporters (actual primary energy self-sufficiency and export exposure of the domestic energy system), and examine some case studies, primarily in the Australian context, to validate the existence of these blind spots. The commencement of LNG exports from the state of Queensland is examined in detail. Furthermore, we propose two novel quantitative indicators to mitigate the blind spots established. First, a revised method is proposed to calculate energy self-sufficiency, showing for the exporters studied a less secure position than shown by the traditional method. Second, an indicator is proposed to quantify the extent of exposure of the domestic energy system to international markets through export linkages, which we have applied to Australia’s domestic energy system, showing the extent of the increase in international exposure since LNG exports from Queensland commenced in 2015–2016. Conclusions of this paper include the realization that domestic energy security for energy exporters, such as Australia and the other countries examined, is more complex and, in the cases examined, less secure than importer-oriented energy security frameworks have previously recognized. A further conclusion is established that the decoupling of energy resource exports from the domestic energy system through transition to a zero-carbon energy system based on domestic renewable energy sources can be an effective means of improving Australia’s energy security.

Electrospinning is a simple and affordable method of producing nanofibers, offering a large specific surface area and highly porous structures with diameters ranging from nanometers to micrometers. This process relies on an electrostatic field, providing precise control over the fiber dimensions and morphologies through parameter optimization and the use of specialized spinnerets and collectors. The paper extensively covers the electrospinning process and parameters, shedding light on the factors influencing electrospinning. It addresses the morphological and structural aspects of electrospun fibers that are used in different applications. Additionally, this paper explores various polymeric and non-polymeric materials used in electrospinning. Furthermore, it investigates the incorporation of fillers during electrospinning, using an electric field to enhance properties and functionality. The review concludes by offering insights into upscaling electrospinning production.

With the increase in the growing rate of municipal solid waste throughout the world and due to the high moisture and organic components of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, dry anaerobic digestion has become the future direction to cope with this waste while reducing the impact on the environment, including climate change. Dry anaerobic digestion has become a promising technology that converts the organic fraction of municipal solid waste into combustible biogases, which can be used as an alternative energy source. However, the technology faces several challenges that must be addressed to enhance its performance and adoption. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the current technologies used for dry anaerobic digestion in OFMSW and delves into the various factors that influence the performance of these technologies. This review paper also identifies and discusses the challenges faced in optimizing and scaling up these technologies, such as feedstock pretreatment requirements, characteristics of inoculum, and other crucial parameters.

We have identified a HRP enzyme with microcrystalline cellulose activity, which has not yet been explored. The current study investigated the effect of HRP pretreatment on the microcrystalline cellulose substrates, Avicel and filter paper. SEM findings showed that HRP pretreatment catalysed the para-microcrystalline regions of Avicel, cracking and opening the pores on the surface. On filter paper, HRP removed the para-microcrystalline regions exposing fibres. Crystallinity index (CrI) analysis confirmed that HRP increased the CrI of Avicel from 49 % to 54.19 % and filter paper from 42 % to 47 %. The cellulose crystallite sizes increased from 45 to 47 nm at the 002 lattices in Avicel, suggesting a reduction of crystalline cellulose. In addition, endoglucanase displayed 1.15-fold increased activity on HRP-pretreated Avicel, confirming reduced crystalline cellulose. These findings showed that HRP pretreatment changed the structural and chemical properties of Avicel, i.e., loosening crystalline cellulose to make the substrate accessible to enzymes during hydrolysis. Finally, these findings were supported by rooibos microcrystalline cellulose modification post-HRP pretreatment, resulting in a 95 % yield of soluble sugars at 25 mg enzyme cocktail/g biomass.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were extracted from waste corrugated cardboard (WCC), waste paper towel (WPT), and waste paper towel cardboard roll (WPTR) using modified chemical methods. Instead of being discarded in landfills, these household waste materials were recognized as cost-effective and readily available sources for producing CNCs, which can serve as efficient water adsorbents in agricultural applications. Despite the inherent impurities and contaminants in household waste, the pretreatment and acid hydrolysis processes were found to be effective in removing a significant portion of these undesirable substances, as confirmed by FTIR spectra analysis. The extracted CNCs displayed a needle/whisker-shaped morphology with diameters ranging from 4 to 15 nm. Crystallinity levels of the CNCs extracted from WCC, WPT, and WPTR were determined to be 81.11 %, 85.29 %, and 80.68 %, respectively. The CNCs were then tested for their role as promoters of seed germination in plant starter plugs under different relative humidity conditions. Results indicated that under high relative humidity (above 70 %), seeds exhibited rapid germination (within 3–4 days) when the plugs were coated with CNCs at a minimum concentration of 5 %. However, under moderate relative humidity (50 %), germination occurred within 5–6 days at CNC concentrations of 10–15 %.

This paper discusses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in education, delineating their potential to transform pedagogical practices alongside the challenges they present. Generative AI models like ChatGPT, had a disruptive impact on teaching and learning, due to their ability to create text, images, and sound, revolutionizing educational content creation and modification. However, nowadays the educational community is polarized, with some embracing AI for its accessibility and efficiency thus advocating it as an indispensable tool, while others cautioning against risks to academic integrity and intellectual development. This document is designed to raise awareness about AI tools and provide some examples of how they can be used to improve education and learning. From an educator’s perspective, AI is an asset for curriculum development, course material preparation, instructional design and student assessment, while reducing bias and workload. For students, AI tools offer personalized learning experiences, timely feedback, and support in various academic activities. The Turkish Biochemical Society (TBS) Academy recommends educators to embrace and utilize AI tools to enhance educational processes, and engage in peer learning for better adaptation while maintaining a critical perspective on their utility and limitations. The transfer of AI knowledge and methods to the teaching experiences should complement and not replace the educator’s creativity and critical thinking. The paper advocates for an informed embrace of AI, AI fluency among educators and students, ethical application of AI in academic settings, and continuous engagement with the evolving AI technologies, ensuring that AI tools are used to augment critical thinking and contribute positively to education and society.

The Microplastic Index (MPI) was presented in a previous paper as a method to assess the formation of microplastics during the application of impact and wear stresses, based on selected mechanical and physical properties of polymers. In this paper, the experimental validation of the MPI model is presented. A series of ten polymers was characterized to obtain the relevant parameters for the calculation of the MPI, i.e., the minimum particle size and volume of microplastics formed. The milling (addressing impact stress) and sanding experiments (addressing wear stress) resulted in particle sizes between 3 and 200 μm and 0.3 and 25 μm, respectively. These values were very well predicted by the MPI model, showing smaller particles for brittle polymers and larger ones for ductile polymers. In addition, the experimental-specific wear rates of impact and wear correlated well with the predicted ones, being 0.01–30 mm3/Nm for impact and 0.0002–0.012 mm3/Nm for wear. These results indicate that the MPI can be very well used to predict the tendency of a material to form microplastics. In the search for understanding and mitigating microplastic formation, the MPI can be used by both producers and end users to choose plastic grades that form fewer microplastics.

Founded in 1959, the Italian Society of Parasitology (SoIPa) includes nearly 200 researchers and professionals in the fields of medicine, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, epidemiology and environmental sciences. The diversity of its members, in a historical and continuous collaboration with other international scientific societies, embodies a broad and multidisciplinary field such as parasitology. Since 1959, SoIPa has organized a biennial congress, covering all aspects of general parasitology with participants from all over Italy, Europe and beyond, involved in a dynamic and multi-faceted scientific framework of contributions and symposia. The present Special Issue (SI) contains 6 review papers and 1 research article, focussed on emerging topics presented and discussed during some of the symposia organized within the XXXII SoIPa Congress, held in Naples from 27th June to 30th June 2022. These review papers reflect several emerging subjects (i.e. ‘Italian network on Neglected Tropical Diseases’, ‘Wildlife parasites and citizen science’, ‘Comparing approaches to parasitological issues’, ‘Unusual perspectives on the role of parasites’) with the aim to explore the new role that parasitologists can play in the future society, working together to promote dialogue on science-informed decisions to support the so-called ‘twin green and digital transition’.