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Microplastic and nanoplastic particles have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential presence in various environmental matrices, including food. This bibliometric analysis aims to explore the scientific landscape surrounding the study of microplastic and nanoplastic particles in food, shedding light on key research trends, prominent authors, and notable journals in this field. To conduct this analysis, a comprehensive search was performed on scholarly databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, using relevant keywords such as “microplastic”, “nanoplastic”, “food”, and related terms. The analysis focused on peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2023. The search found 313 articles on microplastic and nanoplastic particles in food, indicating a growing interest in this research area. The number of publications showed an upward trend, with the most productive year being 2020 (38% of papers), followed by 2023 and 2021 (23% each). In 2020, 16% of papers were published. Among the analyzed articles, 48% were original research papers, 46% were reviews, and the remaining 6% included book chapters, perspectives, and other publications. The analysis revealed that the most prolific authors in this field include researchers such as Jansen, M.A.K., Abbasi, S., and Banerjee, A., who have significantly contributed to the study of microplastics and nanoplastics in food. Additionally, several collaborations between different research institutions were observed, emphasizing the multidisciplinary nature of this research area. Furthermore, the analysis identified key journals publishing research on microplastics and nanoplastics in food, including Science of the Total Environment, the Journal of Hazardous Materials, and Environmental Pollution. The increasing number of publications on microplastic and nanoplastic particles in food indicates the growing awareness and concern regarding the potential risks associated with these contaminant

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles and fragments that are less than 5 millimeters in size. These particles can be found in various environmental compartments. They are a growing concern due to their potential environmental impact and the challenges they pose for ecosystems and human health. Microplastics can vary in shape, composition, and size, with some being so small that they are not visible to the naked eye (nano dimensions). This diversity makes the detection and analysis of microplastics a complex scientific field. When conducting microplastics analysis, it is essential to choose the appropriate combination of instruments and techniques based on the sample type, and expected particle sizes. Additionally, methods for the analysis of microplastics are still being developed and have not been brought to the level of standards. Like all other methods of analysis, this procedure involves the extraction of particles from the matrix [1] and then an analysis that enables the confirmation of the identity of the polymer from the point of its particle composition. Particles that are mixed polymers also often appear. That is why it is most practical, and at the same time the most expensive, to have several different techniques to determine the type of particles. Everything gets complicated when applied to micro and nano particle sizes. Today, different instrumental techniques are used for the detection of microplastics, depending on the dimensions of the particles to be identified. FTIR Spectrometer works by measuring the absorption of infrared light by the sample, providing information about the types of polymers present. Raman Spectrometer is uses the scattering of laser light to provide information about the molecular structure and composition of microplastics. SEM with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) capable to visualize the surface morphology of particles and when coupled with EDS, it can also provide information about the elemental composition of th

Po podacima iz Evropske strategije za plastiku iz 2018. godine, godišnje se u evropskim zemljama proizvodi oko 25,8 miliona tona plas tičnog otpada, od čega se manje od 30% sakuplja za reciklažu. Kao jedan od glavnih izazova Republike Srbije za tranziciju ka cirkularnoj ekonomiji prepoznato je prilagođavanje industrije koja se bavi proizvodnjom plastič ne ambalaže, a naročito ako se uzme u obzir činjenica da 25% od ukupno proizvedenog ambalažnog otpada u Republici Srbiji čini plastični otpad. U radu je predstavljena analiza strateških, planskih i zakonskih me hanizama zemalja članica Evropske unije i Republike Srbije za smanjenje zagađenja životne sredine plastičnim otpadom, uključujući mikroplastiku. Cilj istraživanja je da se identifikuju izazovi koje je neophodno prevazići u zemljama članicama Evropske unije i Republici Srbiji, kako bi se dostigli ambiciozni ciljevi o potpunoj reciklaži plastične ambalaže i unapređenju upravljanja plastičnim otpadom. Rezultati istraživanja ukazuju na mere za upravljanje plastičnim otpadom koje su bazirane na izbegavanje nastajanja otpada, odnosno njegovoj transformaciji u visokokvalitetne sirovine; pove ćanju stepena reciklaže i ponovne upotrebe, čime se ostvaruje korist, kako za privredu, tako i za životnu sredinu. Evidentan je potencijal za reciklažu plastike u Republici Srbiji, a cirkularna ekonomija je prepoznata kao jedan od načina za razvoj održivog sistema upravljanja plastičnim otpadom.

In this paper, we report the synthesis, characterization, and X-ray structure analysis of one octahedral Ni(II) complex, [Ni(HL1 )2](BF4)2*H2O, formed by coordination of two ligands with NNS donor atom sets (HL1 ligand, (E)-2-(1-(thiazol-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide), and Ni(III) complex, [Ni(L2 )(N3)3], formed by coordination of one hydrazone ligand coordinated through NNO donor set and three azide anions (HL2Cl ligand, (E)−1-(2-oxo-2-(2-(1-(pyridin-2- yl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)ethyl)pyridin-1-ium chloride), complemented by DFT calculations. To the best of our knowledge this is the first Ni(III) complex obtained under ambient conditions.

The HL ligand, (E)-2-(1-(thiazol-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide, was obtained from the condensation reaction of thiosemicarbazide and 2-acetylthiazole in water. The reaction of the HL ligand with the metal salt MnCl2·4H2O in a molar ratio 1:1 in methanol/water mixture results in the formation of bis Mn(II) complex with composition [MnL2]. Complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system with space group P−1. The Mn(II) ion is hexacoordinated with two tridentate ligands L through NNS sets of donor atoms. The geometry around the Mn is described as a distorted trigonal prism (Fig. 1). The reaction of the ligand HL with Fe(BF4)2·6H2O in a molar ratio 1:1 in methanol results in the formation of bis Fe(III) complex with composition [Fe(L)2]BF4·H2O. The Fe(III) ion with L form six-coordinate complex in which two deprotonated ligand molecules coordinate in a mer arrangement, forming a distorted octahedral complex by chelation through NNS sets of donor atoms (Fig. 1). Complex 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system with space group Pbca.

Poster presented at The Training School of COST action CA21101 COSY ,,Multiscale modeling of the properties of compounds: From isolated molecules to 3D materials relevant for industrial and astrophysical application", Belgrade, Serbia, 19th – 22nd September 2023.

Microplastics is abundant in the environment, food and beverages and get ingested by humans. Its complex interplay with proteins lead to formation of corona. Tightly bound proteins represent hard corona, while weaker binding partners are found in soft corona. Separation of hard and soft corona of allergenic proteins of shrimps, eggs and cow’s milk, tropomyosin (TPM), ovalbumin (OVA) and beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) and identification of binding partners by proteomics was aim of our study. Allergenic proteins were purified from egg white, shrimps and cow’s milk. Binding to polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET) (70-100 m) was probed at pH 7 for purified allergens and egg white proteins. After establishment of binding equilibrium, soft and hard corona were separated and analyzed by SDS PAGE, followed by identification of bound proteins by nanoLC-HRMS. Binding of all allergenic proteins was observed in both soft and hard corona. Soft corona contains exclusively intact, full length OVA, TPM and BLG. Hard corona is enriched for truncated OVA and oligomers of TPM. OVA fragments are partially or fully enfolded and have higher level of exposed hydrophobic patches resulting in higher affinity for PET microplastics. In comparison to OVA and TPM, hard corona of BLG is less abundant under similar conditions. BLG is compact globular protein with lower level of exposed hydrophobic patches in comparison to ovalbumin and tropomyosin. In hard corona, trace amounts of contaminating alfa-lactalbumin become enriched. In the presence of egg white protein extract OVA forms both SC and HC on microplastics, being the dominant protein of hard corona (with ovotransferrin). Lysozyme and ovomucin are present only in hard corona. Both proteins are known for their strong bioactivity and represent a small fraction of total egg white proteins. Our results show that allergenic proteins form hard corona on PET microplastics. Among egg white proteins, minor proteins such as lysozyme and ovomucin

An octahedral complex of Zn(II) with a ligand from a class of pyridine-based 1,3-selenazolyl-hydrazones was synthesized and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The purity of the complex was confirmed by elemental analysis. Two ligands are coordinated in the neutral NNN-tridentate form forming a complex cation, while the positive charge is neutralized by [ZnCl4]2–. Complex crystallizes in monoclinic C2/c space group with the Zn atoms situated in a special position. The packing features of the novel complex were analyzed using Hirshfeld surfaces, construction of 2D pseudosymmetric plot and DFT quantum mechanical calculations and compared with the previously published sulfur-based isostere. The key difference in the structures, imposed by replacement of sulfur with selenium, were identified.

The ligand (HLCl) was synthetized by the reaction of 2-acetylpyridine and Girard’s P reagent in molar ratio 1 : 1 in ethanol (1–2 drops of cc. HCl were added). The reaction of hydrazone ligand with the metal salt Ni(BF4)2·6H2O and NaN3 in a molar ratio 1:1:4 in methanol/acetonitrile/water mixture results in the formation of Ni(III) complex with composition [NiL(N3)3]. The tridentate ligand (HLCl) is coordinated in deprotonated, formally neutral, form to the nickel ion through NNO set of donor atoms forming two five-membered chelate rings and the other three coordination sites are occupied by meridionally coordinated azide anions. The ligand (HLCl) was characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy and structure of the complex was defined by X-ray analysis, IR and EPR spectroscopy, molar conductivity and elemental analysis. DFT calculations were performed to determine stability and rationalise formation of Ni(III) complex.

The ligand (HLCl) was synthetized by the reaction of 2-acetylpyridine and Girard’s P reagent in molar ratio 1 : 1 in ethanol (1–2 drops of cc. HCl were added). The reaction of hydrazone ligand with the metal salt Ni(BF4)2·6H2O and NaN3 in a molar ratio 1:1:4 in methanol/acetonitrile/water mixture results in the formation of Ni(III) complex with composition [NiL(N3)3]. The tridentate ligand (HLCl) is coordinated in deprotonated, formally neutral, form to the nickel ion through NNO set of donor atoms forming two five-membered chelate rings and the other three coordination sites are occupied by meridionally coordinated azide anions. The ligand (HLCl) was characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy and structure of the complex was defined by X-ray analysis, IR and EPR spectroscopy, molar conductivity and elemental analysis. DFT calculations were performed to determine stability and rationalise formation of Ni(III) complex.

In this paper, we report the synthesis, characterization, and X-ray structure analysis of one octahedral Ni(II) complex, [Ni(HL1 )2](BF4)2*H2O, formed by coordination of two ligands with NNS donor atom sets (HL1 ligand, (E)-2-(1-(thiazol-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide), and Ni(III) complex, [Ni(L2 )(N3)3], formed by coordination of one hydrazone ligand coordinated through NNO donor set and three azide anions (HL2Cl ligand, (E)−1-(2-oxo-2-(2-(1-(pyridin-2- yl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)ethyl)pyridin-1-ium chloride), complemented by DFT calculations. To the best of our knowledge this is the first Ni(III) complex obtained under ambient conditions., 1. Experimental section. 2. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study. 3. Computational details. 4. Additional details

Crystal data for complex 2.

Crystal data for complex 1.

In this paper, the previously synthesized Cu(II) complex ([CuL1(N3) (CH3OH)]BF4) with N,N,N-trimethyl-2-oxo-2-(2-(1-(thiazol-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)ethan-1-aminium chloride, has been characterized and its biological activity has been studied in detail. The Cu(II) complex consists of ligand coordinated in a deprotonated, formally neutral zwitter-ionic form, via NNO atoms, one azido ligand and one methanol molecule. The Cu(II) complex was selected due to results of the cytotoxic activity, the brine shrimp test and DPPH radical scavenging activity, which were previously performed. The effects of Cu(II) complex on cell cycle phase distribution of cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells were investigated in order to examine the mechanisms of its anticancer activity. The measurement of intracellular ROS levels in HeLa and HaCaT cell lines were evaluated in order to explore their possible generation and the role in cytotoxic activity. The possible anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic properties of Cu(II) complex were evaluated. DNA binding experiments, including fluorescence displacement study and DNA cleavage experiments, were performed in order to obtain information on the type of DNA-metal complex interactions. © 2022 Serbian Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Two Co(III) complexes [Co(L1)2]BF4·H2O (1) and [Co(L2)(N3)3] (2) with condensation product of thiosemicarbazide and 2-acetylthiazole (HL1) and the condensation product of 2-acetylpyridine and Girard’s P reagent (HL2Cl) and Co(BF4)2·6H2O have been synthesized. Complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallographic analysis. DFT calculations revealed the thermodynamical stability of obtained complexes., Kompleks [Co(L1)2]BF4·H2O (1) dobijen je u reakciji Co(BF4)2·6H2O sa kondenzacionim proizvodom tiosemikarbazida i 2-acetiltiazola (HL1), dok je kompleks [Co(L2)(N3)3] (2) dobijen u reakciji iste soli sa kondenzacionim proizvodom 2-acetilpiridina i Žirarovog P reagensa (HL2Cl). Oba kompleksa su okarakterisana elementalnom analizom, IC i NMR spektroskopijom i rendgenskom strukturnom analizom. DFT proračunima određena je termodinamička stabilnost kompleksa.

In this paper, the previously synthesized Cu(II) complex ([CuL1(N3) (CH3OH)]BF4) with N,N,N-trimethyl-2-oxo-2-(2-(1-(thiazol-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)ethan-1-aminium chloride, has been characterized and its biological activity has been studied in detail. The Cu(II) complex consists of ligand coordinated in a deprotonated, formally neutral zwitter-ionic form, via NNO atoms, one azido ligand and one methanol molecule. The Cu(II) complex was selected due to results of the cytotoxic activity, the brine shrimp test and DPPH radical scavenging activity, which were previously performed. The effects of Cu(II) complex on cell cycle phase distribution of cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells were investigated in order to examine the mechanisms of its anticancer activity. The measurement of intracellular ROS levels in HeLa and HaCaT cell lines were evaluated in order to explore their possible generation and the role in cytotoxic activity. The possible anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic properties of Cu(II) complex were evaluated. DNA binding experiments, including fluorescence displacement study and DNA cleavage experiments, were performed in order to obtain information on the type of DNA-metal complex interactions. © 2022 Serbian Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Two Co(III) complexes were synthesized and characterized by SCXRD, elemental analysis, IR, NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. DFT calculations were performed to elucidate the structures of Co(III) complexes in solution.

Previously, the cytotoxic actions of five Pd(II) complexes with bidentate N-heteroaromatic chelators (complexes 1–5) on a palette of several cancercell lines were investigated. However, the results of the cytotoxic activity didnot correlate with the hydrophobic character of the complexes. To gain furtherinsight into the structure–activity relationship, essential for the design of novelpotential drugs, other factors, such as non-specific interactions with cellularproteins, have to be taken into account. To explore the potential non-specificinfluence of the complexes on protein structures, ovalbumin (OVA) waschosen as a model system to mimic cellular non-specific crowding environments with high protein concentrations. A Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy study implied that the binding of 3 and 4 led to only moderate alternations in the secondary structures of the protein, without the possibility to penetrate into hydrophobic core of the protein and disruption of protein native fold.Contrary, the effect of complex 5 on OVA secondary structures was concentration-dependent. While the lower concentration of complex 5 had no effecton OVA structure, a doubled concentration of complex 5 led to complete disruption of the content native-like secondary structures. The concentration-dependent effect of complex 5 on the changes in secondary structures and considerable increase in the exposure of OVA hydrophobic surfaces to water maybe related to a potential crosslinking that leads to OVA aggregation.

The durability of enzymes in harsh conditions can be enhanced by immobilization within metal-organic frameworks(MOFs) via a process called biomimetic mineralisation. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is widely used as aprotective coating to encapsulate proteins. The formation of nucleation centres and further biocomposite particlegrowth is entirely governed by the pure electrostatic interactions between the protein’s surface and positively chargedZn(II) metal ions. It was previously shown that enhancing these electrostatic interactions by a chemical modificationof surface amino acid residues can lead to a rapid biocomposite formation. However, a chemical modification ofcarbohydrate components by periodate oxidation for glycoproteins can serve as an alternative strategy. In the presentstudy, an industrially important enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) was selected as a model system. Periodate oxidationof GOx by 2.5 mM sodium periodate increased negative charge on the enzyme molecule. Biomineralizationexperiments with oxidized GOx resulted in higher specific activity, effectiveness factor, and higher thermostability ofthe ZIF-8 biocomposites.

Previously, the cytotoxic actions of five Pd(II) complexes with bidentate N-heteroaromatic chelators (complexes 1–5) on a palette of several cancer cell lines were investigated. However, the results of the cytotoxic activity did not correlate with the hydrophobic character of the complexes. To gain further insight into the structure–activity relationship, essential for the design of novel potential drugs, other factors, such as non-specific interactions with cellular proteins, have to be taken into account. To explore the potential non-specific influence of the complexes on protein structures, ovalbumin (OVA) was chosen as a model system to mimic cellular non-specific crowding environments with high protein concentrations. A Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy study implied that the binding of 3 and 4 led to only moderate alternations in the secondary structures of the protein, without the possibility to penetrate into hydrophobic core of the protein and disruption of protein native fold. Contrary, the effect of complex 5 on OVA secondary structures was concentration-dependent. While the lower concentration of complex 5 had no effect on OVA structure, a doubled concentration of complex 5 led to complete disruption of the content native-like secondary structures. The concentration-dependent effect of complex 5 on the changes in secondary structures and considerable increase in the exposure of OVA hydrophobic surfaces to water may be related to a potential crosslinking that leads to OVA aggregation.

Novel industrial biocatalysts are needed which can offer advantages over traditional chemical processes with respect to sustainability, process efficiency, and reduced negative impact on the environment. Implementation of either native or mutated enzymes for various industrial applications is currently limited due to a lack of protein stability in harsh conditions. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), known for their ultra-high porosity and crystallinity, are perfect host materials that can protect guest enzymes from inhospitable external environments. Herein we show that the surface charge and chemistry of a protein determine its ability to seed MOF growth. We demonstrate that chemical modification of carbohydrate parts on the protein surface is an effective method for controlling biomimetic mineralization by zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). Protein charge, mixing of reactants, and stirring speed have been demonstrated to play important roles in controlling biomineralization reaction rate, particle shape, and morphology. This study highlights the important role played by protein surface chemistry in encapsulation and outlines a general method for facilitating the biomimetic mineralization of glycoproteins.

In this paper, the previously synthesized Cu(II) complex ([CuL1(N3) (CH3OH)]BF4) with N,N,N-trimethyl-2-oxo-2-(2-(1-(thiazol-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)ethan-1-aminium chloride, has been characterized and its biological activity has been studied in detail. The Cu(II) complex consists of ligand coordinated in a deprotonated, formally neutral zwitter-ionic form, via NNO atoms, one azido ligand and one methanol molecule. The Cu(II) complex was selected due to results of the cytotoxic activity, the brine shrimp test and DPPH radical scavenging activity, which were previously performed. The effects of Cu(II) complex on cell cycle phase distribution of cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells were investigated in order to examine the mechanisms of its anticancer activity. The measurement of intracellular ROS levels in HeLa and HaCaT cell lines were evaluated in order to explore their possible generation and the role in cytotoxic activity. The possible anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic properties of Cu(II) complex were evaluated. DNA binding experiments, including fluorescence displacement study and DNA cleavage experiments, were performed in order to obtain information on the type of DNA-metal complex interactions. © 2022 Serbian Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Novel industrial biocatalysts are needed which can offer advantages over traditional chemical processes with respect to sustainability, process efficiency, and reduced negative impact on the environment. Implementation of either native or mutated enzymes for various industrial applications is currently limited due to a lack of protein stability in harsh conditions. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), known for their ultra-high porosity and crystallinity, are perfect host materials that can protect guest enzymes from inhospitable external environments. Herein we show that the surface charge and chemistry of a protein determine its ability to seed MOF growth. We demonstrate that chemical modification of carbohydrate parts on the protein surface is an effective method for controlling biomimetic mineralization by zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). Protein charge, mixing of reactants, and stirring speed have been demonstrated to play important roles in controlling biomineralization reaction rate, particle shape, and morphology. This study highlights the important role played by protein surface chemistry in encapsulation and outlines a general method for facilitating the biomimetic mineralization of glycoproteins.

Two square-planar complexes, [PtLCl] (1) and [PdLCl] (2), were synthesized with quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone ligand (HL), and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In both complexes, L- is coordinated tridentately via the same donor atom set, while the fourth coordination site is occupied by a chloride ion. However, the complexes are not isostructural due to different types of non-covalent intermolecular interactions. These interactions were analyzed using Hirshfeld surfaces and two-dimensional fingerprint plots.

Two square-planar complexes, [PtLCl] (1) and [PdLCl] (2), were synthesized with quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone ligand (HL), and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In both complexes, L- is coordinated tridentately via the same donor atom set, while the fourth coordination site is occupied by a chloride ion. However, the complexes are not isostructural due to different types of non-covalent intermolecular interactions. These interactions were analyzed using Hirshfeld surfaces and two-dimensional fingerprint plots.