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Unveiling the role of cadaverine in mitigating salinity and/or Bisphenol A toxicity in tomato plants and reduced Bisphenol A accumulation in tomato roots

Research Abstract

Mitigating the co-existence of environmental stresses on crop plants necessitates the development of integrated, eco-friendly, and sustainable approaches to alleviate plant stress responses. This study represents the first attempt to mitigate the toxic impact of prevalent pollutant (salinity) and an emergent plastic manufacturing pollutants (bisphenol A, BPA) using the polyamine (cadaverine).Tomato plants, treated with or without cadaverine, were subjected to NaCl salinity (120 mM), BPA (375 mg kg soil), and their combinations compared to non-stressed control plants examining morphological, physiological, metabolic, and molecular responses. After 10 days of transplanting, tomato plants under combined stress were unable to survive without cadaverine application. However, cadaverine spraying mitigated the damaging effects of both single and combined stresses under short- and long-term exposure, enabling stressed plants to endure the conditions and complete their life cycles. Cadaverine efficiently restrained the reduction in chlorophylls, carotenoids, and cytosolutes under applied stresses compared to the stressed plants. Cadaverine also increased α-tocopherol content (by 171 and 53 %) and enhanced the activity of polyphenol oxidase (by 26 and 32 %), glutathione s-transferases (by 18 and 39 %), superoxide dismutase (by 23 and 46 %), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (by 9 and 25 %), under BPA and salinity stress, respectively. Thus, cadaverine ameliorated the oxidative and nitrosative burst induced by BPA or salinity, respectively by declining hydroxyl radical (by 28 % and 20 %), superoxide anion (by 73 % and 74 %), nitric oxide (by 60 and 65 %), lipid peroxidation (by 35 % and 54 %), and lipoxygenase activity (by 74 and 68 %). Moreover, cadaverine enhanced the expression of defence-related genes, including polyphenol oxidase, tubulin, and thaumatin-like protein, and reduced the uptake of BPA in the tomato’s roots while promoting its metabolism in leaves and fruits. This ensured the safety of the harvested fruits. By mitigating stress, improving plant resilience, and limiting pollutant accumulation, cadaverine presents significant potential for sustainable agricultural practices and food safety. These findings offer valuable insights into the role of cadaverine in managing abiotic stress and safeguarding crop health in environmentally challenging conditions.

Research Date
Research File
Research Journal
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
Research Year
2025

Catalyst-free synthesis, characterization and photoluminescence of main-chain luminescent polybenzoxazines

Research Abstract

Two novel luminescent main-chain polybenzoxazine polymers, (Poly1)main and (Poly2)x main, were synthesized and characterized to explore their structural, thermal, morphological and photophysical properties. Polymer (Poly1)main was obtained via a Mannich condensation reaction without a catalyst, followed by thermal polymerization to produce the crosslinked polymer (Poly2)x main. Structural analyses using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed the successful formation of the polymers, with (Poly2)x main exhibiting a higher degree of crosslinking and partial ordering in an otherwise amorphous structure. Scanning electron microscopy imaging revealed that thermal polymerization significantly altered the morphology, transforming the porous structure of (Poly1)main into a denser, layered morphology in (Poly2)x main. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry highlighted the improved thermal stability of (Poly2)x main due to extensive crosslinking. Photophysical studies showed that (Poly1)main in solution exhibited yellow-green luminescence with a broad emission maximum at 522 nm and CIE coordinates (0.39, 0.48). In contrast, the powders of both polymers displayed sharp red luminescence with an emission peak at 658 nm and CIE coordinates (0.72, 0.27), attributed to molecular packing effects and exciton coupling in the solid state. These results underscore the interplay among structural, morphological and photophysical properties, highlighting the potential of these polymers in optoelectronics, sensing and luminescent materials.
© 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Keywords: luminescent polymers; main chain; polybenzoxazines; photophysical properties; catalyst-free synthesis

Research Authors
Kamal I Aly,a* Aya Khamiesa and Osama Younisb*
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
© 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Research Member
Research Pages
9
Research Publisher
© 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Research Vol
Polym Int 2025; 74: 602–610
Research Website
www.soci.org
Research Year
2025

α-Aminophosphonates-functionalized poly(p-Hydroxystyrene): synthesis, characterization, DFT simulations, assessment of their antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy

Research Abstract

α-Aminophosphonate and their related derivatives have garnered significant attention as a result of their use in many
biological and industrial applications, particularly in the fields of materials science. This research described synthesis and characterization of novel α-aminophosphonate derivatives (ES1-ES4) based on poly(p-hydroxystyrene). The synthesis was achieved by chemically modification of poly(p-hydroxystyrene) (PHS) with triphenylphosphite and various aldehydes (vanillin, N,N'-dimethylaminobenzaldhyde, p-chlorobenzaldhyde, and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldhyde). The chemical structures were confirmed using FT-IR, 1H, 13C and 31P-NMR besides the thermal analysis techniques. A significant increase in molecular weight and radius of gyration were observed following functionalization, as evidenced by static laser light dispersion. The degree of functionalization (DoF) ranged from 71.5 to 80.06. The electronic properties and physical characteristics of these derivatives were elucidated through computational studies that employed DFT simulations. These studies revealed significant changes in the electron density distribution, electrostatic potential, and key polymeric properties, such as optical characteristics, mechanical strength, and glass transition temperature. Based on antimicrobial investigation, ES1 and ES4 showed potent inhibition against gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans, indicating broad-spectrum activity. With a selectivity index of 1.50–1.72, cytotoxicity evaluations demonstrated that derivatives coded ES2, ES3, and ES4 exhibited reduced toxicity towards normal lung fibroblasts, recording IC50 of 181.37, 193.38 and 203.95 μg/ mL, respectively. On the other hand, higher selective toxicity against HepG2 liver cancer cells with IC50 values: 118.27, 121.75 and 121.18 μg/mL. These results demonstrated that α-aminophosphonate hybrid polymers have great promise as antibacterial and preliminary anticancer potential against HepG2 cells, while maintaining moderate safety toward normal fibroblasts at lower concentrations.

Research Authors
Kamal Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
Macromolecular Research
Research Member
Research Pages
19
Research Publisher
Macromolecular Research
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13233-025-00475-7
Research Year
2025

Synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties of innovative polyketone luminophores: exhibiting clustering‑triggered emission and metal ion sensing

Research Abstract

Abstract
Clustering-triggered emission (CTE) luminophores are novel luminescence compounds lacking extensive conjugation and receiving considerable interest. Two novel fluorescent polyketones (PKs) with a styrene unit as a pendant group in their backbone have been successfully synthesized. They are distinguished by the groups that separate the attached repeating monomeric units diacetyl cyclohexanone styrene (DAcSt), polyketone ether styrene (PKESt) with two benzene rings separated by an aliphatic ether or polyketone styrene (PKSt) with a single benzene ring. Using different techniques to investigate the structural, thermal stabilities, and morphological analyses of the polymers (PKSt, PKESt), their photophysical luminescence behavior is examined, and it appears that they are novel CTE compounds as a result of numerous n-π*, π-π* transitions and hydrogen-bonding interaction, displaying aggregation-induced emission (AIE) phenomena. PKESt has excitation-independent emission and generates blue light at different excitation wavelengths even at a short wavelength of 256 nm, while PKSt emits white light at 256 nm and blue emission at 325 nm, showing excitation-dependent wavelength. These unique luminous phenomena will bring light to the mechanism of clusteroluminescence (CL) and provide new approaches to the rational design of innovative luminescent materials. This study not only discloses new properties of PKs clustering emission but also gives novel perspectives on how to use PKs clustering emission to build novel types of luminescence systems. This system’s potential is metal ion sensors for transition metals ( Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Fe3+) with outstanding selective fluorescence response to Fe3+ ions. These polymers may be useful photocatalytic materials with ferric ions since Fe3+ ions quench these Pks.
Keywords Clustering-triggered emission (CTE) · Nonconjugated polymer · 

Clusteroluminescence (CL) fluorescent polyketone · Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) · Metal sensors Extended author

Research Authors
Kamal Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
Polymer Bulletin
Research Pages
23
Research Publisher
Polymer Bulletin
Research Vol
Volume 82, pages 7077–7099, (2025)
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-025-05821-4
Research Year
2025

Azobenzene-Based Poly(ether-ketone)s with tunable alkylene spacers: synthesis, morphological, thermal characterization, and efficient dye adsorption

Research Abstract

Abstract
A series of novel Poly(ether-ketone)s (PEK-6, PEK-8, and PEK-10) were successfully synthesized via a Friedel–Crafts
polyacylation reaction using bisphenoxyalkane-based monomers with varying methylene spacer lengths (m = 6, 8, 10) and azobenzene-4,4’-dicarbonyl dichloride as the comonomer. The chemical structures of the monomers were confirmed by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, FTIR, and mass spectrometry, while the polymers were characterized by FTIR, thermogravimetric
analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). FTIR spectra confirmed the successful
incorporation of carbonyl and ether groups into the polymer backbone. TGA analysis revealed that all polymers
exhibited good thermal stability, though PEK-10 showed a lower onset degradation (Td5 = 195 °C) compared to PEK-6
and PEK-8 (both with Td5 = 307 °C). SEM images indicated significant morphological differences among the samples,
with surface roughness increasing with longer alkyl chains. XRD analysis showed a predominantly amorphous nature. The dye adsorption potential of the synthesized PEKs was explored using methylene blue as a model dye. Time-dependent UV–Vis spectroscopic studies indicated significant differences in adsorption behavior between the polymers. PEK-10 exhibited excellent and sustained adsorption performance, with absorbance decreasing from 0.56 to 0.09 at 664 nm after 24 h, highlighting strong dye-polymer interaction and retention. In contrast, PEK-8 initially showed rapid adsorption (to 0.35 in 10 min) but was followed by gradual desorption over time, returning to 0.55 after 24 h. These findings underscore the impact of alkyl spacer length on the structural, thermal, and adsorption properties of PEKs and suggest PEK-10 as a promising candidate in environmental remediation, particularly for dye removal from aqueous systems.
Keywords Poly(ether-ketone)s · Friedel–Crafts polyacylation · Azobenzene · Dye adsorption · Thermal stability.

Research Authors
Kamal I. Aly1 · Amira I. Ouf1 · Marwa M. Sayed2 · Osama Younis2
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Journal of Polymer Research
Research Member
Research Pages
16
Research Publisher
Journal of Polymer Research
Research Vol
(2025) 32:334
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-025-04557-z
Research Year
2025

Design and thermal imidization of new 1,3-thiazine-based polyimides and copolyimides for highperformance corrosion inhibition

Research Abstract

A new polyimide, poly(1,3-thiazine imide) (PTzI), together with two co-polyimides (CoPTz-DsI and
CoPTz-HaI), were synthesized from the monomer named 4,4’-(1,4-phenylene)bis(6-(benzene-2-
yl)-6 H-1,3-thiazine-2-amine) (PTA), which has a di-1,3-thiazine heterocyclic structure. The structure of
PTA was confirmed with FT-IR, along with NMR spectra and mass spectroscopy. A thermal imidization
process was used to prepare PTzI from the corresponding polyamic acid (PAA), which was obtained by
polycondensation of PTA with 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA). Similarly,
the copolymers were synthesized via thermal imidization of PAAs derived from the polycondensation
of PTA with 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) or 1,6-hexane diamine (HAD), in addition to BTDA.
The structure and imidization of each polymer were verified at various curing temperatures using
Fourier transform infrared FT-IR spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction verified their amorphous nature,
while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphological investigation indicated different levels of
homogeneity and compactness. The rigid aromatic backbones and imide linkages provide exceptional
thermal stability and chemical resistance, demonstrating their high performance. Thermogravimetric
study (TGA and derivative TGA) showed that the materials had outstanding thermal stability, with
high degradation initiation and initial decomposition temperatures (Td5%) in the range of 294–418 °C,
and char yields of 52–63% at 800 °C. In acidic environments, the synthesized polymers have shown
exceptional corrosion prevention performance for mild steel MS, according to electrochemical
evaluations. Due to its structural composition rich in 1,3-thiazine structure, PTzI exhibited the
highest inhibition efficiency (99.4%). Additionally, CoPTz-HaI and CoPTz-DsI demonstrated excellent
efficiencies of 95.2% and 96.4%, respectively. The inhibitory performance was shown to be improved as
the PTA concentration increased, suggesting that it may be used to create more sophisticated coatings
that resist corrosion.
Keywords Polyimides, Co-polyimides, Coating, Anti-corrosion, Thermal imidization, Polythiazine.

Research Authors
Marwa M. Sayed1, Shimaa M. Ahmed2, Mohamed Abdel-Hakim3, El-Refaie Kenawy4 & Kamal I. Aly2
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
www.nature.com/scientificreports/
Research Member
Research Pages
14
Research Publisher
www.nature.com/scientificreports/
Research Vol
(2025) 15:37354
Research Website
h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 1 0 3 8 / s 4 1 5 9 8 - 0 2 5 - 2 2 2 3 5 - 4 .
Research Year
2025

Donor−Acceptor Pyrrolo[3,2‑b]pyrrolyl- and Dibenzothiophene- Containing Microporous Polymeric Frameworks for Photocatalytic Organic Pollutant Degradation

Research Abstract

ABSTRACT: Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) are potential photocatalysts for pollutant remediation, but their undesirable energy band structure limits their practicality. This paper presents the efficient, metal-free, and environmentally benign synthesis of donor−acceptor pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrolyl and dibenzo[b,d]thiophene-based CMPs (DBTO-CMP-1 and DBTO-CMP-2) through cyclization processes involving 3,7-diaminodibenzo[b,d]thiophene 5,5- dioxide (DBTO-2NH2), aryl aldehydes, and a 2,3-butadione aimed at the effective photocatalytic degradation of the organic pollutant RhB. The electrical band gap, electrochemical, and photophysical properties of such polymers can be meticulously adjusted by choosing appropriate aldehydes. The resulting DBTO−CMP frameworks demonstrate  impressive porosity, semicrystalline nature, and an enlarged surface area of 140 m2 g−1, along with notable thermal endurance. For application, the DBTO−CMP frameworks demonstrate high performance catalytic activity for the photodegradation of organic dye RhB with reusability. Specifically, RhB can undergo complete photodegradation by DBTO−CMP-1 when subjected to UV−visible light exposure within a span of 3 h, achieving a degradation efficiency of 97.27%. The investigation into the mechanism provides compelling evidence that the efficient photodegradation facilitated by ADBTO−CMP-1 can be chemically elucidated through the presence of superoxide radicals. Furthermore, the phytotoxicity assessment conducted on the bean sprouts reveals that the degradation products of RhB exhibit nontoxic properties and facilitate the growth of bean sprouts. This synthetic technique allows the synthesis of metal-free, easily produced polymeric materials with excellent catalytic properties.
KEYWORDS: microporous polymer, photocatalyst, pyrrolo[3 2-b]pyrrolyl, dibenzothiophene, RhB dye 

Research Authors
Bo Chao, A. Santhana Krishna Kumar,* M. Rashad, Fan Chun Chang, Wei-Lung Tseng, Phuong V. Pham, Wei-Chun Lin, Kamal I. Aly, Rong-Ho Lee, and Ahmed F. M. EL-Mahdy*
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
American Chemical Society
Research Member
Research Pages
14
Research Publisher
ACS Applied Polymer Materials
Research Vol
ACS Appl. Polym. Mater. 2025, 7, 998−1011
Research Website
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsapm.4c03535?ref=PDF
Research Year
2025

Redox-innocent scandium (III) as the sole catalyst in visible light photooxidations

Research Abstract

In recent years, the catalytic activity of scandium triflate Sc(OTf)3 has attracted significant attention due to its robust Lewis acidity and the oxophilicity of Sc3+. These features have led to impressive progress in developing diverse organic reactions, including C-C bond formation. The Sc3+ also facilitates single electron transfer in photoinduced reactions either by coordination to an organophotoredox catalyst, which modifies its redox reactivity, or by the formation of a scandium–superoxide anion complex after electron transfer from a light-absorbing redox-active compound. The prior consideration of Sc3+ as a redox-inactive/innocent metal ion initially hampered the investigation of the possibility of using Sc(OTf)3 as a sole visible light photoredox catalyst. This work demonstrates the use of Sc(OTf)3 as a visible light photocatalyst capable of direct and mild aerobic oxidative C-H functionalisation of aromatic substrates by oxidation of the benzylic position and direct cyanation of the aromatic ring.

Research Authors
Amal Hassan Tolba, Ahmed M El-Zohry, Jafar Iqbal Khan, Eva Svobodová, Josef Chudoba, Jiří Klíma, Karol Lušpai, Martin Pižl, Jiří Šturala, Radek Cibulka
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Nature Communications
Research Member
Research Year
2025

Evaluation of bromadiolone combined with ciprofloxacin, vitamin D, aspirin, and cinnamon as an apoptosis-mediated rodenticide strategy

Research Abstract

This manuscript explores whether co-formulation of the second-generation anticoagulant bromadiolone with additives such as ciprofloxacin, vitamin D, aspirin, and cinnamon can enhance rodenticidal efficacy at reduced doses, while assessing hepatic pathomorphology, oxidative stress, coagulation, DNA damage, and apoptosis in wild rats. The study is both timely and relevant, addressing ecological and public health concerns by investigating mechanistic pathways including the p53–p21–caspase axis, lipid peroxidation, comet assay, prothrombin time, and serum enzyme levels. A key strength lies in its novel strategy of combining bromadiolone with pharmacological and food-derived compounds, offering practical implications for minimizing environmental impact. The multidimensional dataset spanning biochemical, molecular, genotoxic, coagulation, and histopathological endpoints provides strong mechanistic depth. Findings suggest that certain additives, particularly cinnamon and aspirin, potentiate oxidative stress and apoptosis, correlating with increased mortality and liver damage. Overall, the integration with existing literature on vitamin K antagonism, cholecalciferol-induced hypercalcemia, NSAID-mediated apoptosis, and coumarin derivatives highlights the study’s mechanistic grounding and translational relevance.

Research Authors
Heba Allah Ahmed Mahmoud Ahmed, Magdy Wilson, Alshaimaa AI Alghriany, Mona M Atia
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
Scientific Reports
Research Publisher
Nature Publishing Group UK
Research Vol
15
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-28468-7
Research Year
2025

Graviola Extract versus Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Therapeutics in Repairing Liver Damage Caused by 2-Amino-3-Methylimidazo [4, 5-f] quinoline

Research Abstract

The mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic amine, 2-amino-3methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), is produced while cooking protein-rich foods. Mesenchymalstemcells(MSCs)(ascell-basedtherapy)andAnnonamuricata(graviola) (asanaturalproduct)bothpossesspreventivecapacitiesagainst freeradical toxicity in varioustissues.ThisstudyaimstocomparethetherapeuticpropertiesandeffectsofADMSCsandgraviolaonIQ-induced liver toxicityandDNAdamage inrats. Sixtyadult maleratsweredividedintofourgroups:normalunexposedcontrol, IQ, IQ+graviola, and IQ+AD-MSCs. After 6weeks, the ratswere sacrificed, and liver tissueswere examinedforhistopathological changesusinghematoxylin−eosinstaining. p53protein expressionwasevaluatedbyimmunohistochemistry,andDNAdamagewasmeasuredby using the comet test.Our findings indicated thatAD-MSCtherapy led to themost significantimprovementinDNAdamage,apoptosis,andp53,LPO,AST,andALTlevels causedby IQtoxicity. Additionally, AD-MSCs reducedseverehistological alterations (damageandfibrosis)inlivercellsinducedbyIQ.However, theeffectivenessofgraviolatreatment islimited,severelyrestrictingits useforchroniclivertoxicity. Inconclusion, theinitial stageof IQ-inducedlivertoxicityiscausedbyoxidativestress-inducedDNA damage.Comparedwithgraviola,AD-MSCsexhibitmorepotent therapeuticeffectsagainst IQ-inducedliverdamage.

Research Authors
Doaa Hamada Abd El-Hafeez Thabet, Mona M Atia, Hanem S Abdel-Tawab, Alshaimaa AI Alghriany
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
ACS omega
Research Pages
53848-53864
Research Publisher
American Chemical Society
Research Vol
10
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c03088?urlappend=%3Fref%3DPDF&jav=VoR&rel=cite-as
Research Year
2025
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