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Exploring the phytochemical composition of Salsola imbricata: investigating its protective potential against UV-C radiation in earthworms and isopods models. 3 Biotech 15, 97 …

Research Abstract

The aqueous ethanolic extract of Salsola imbricata (AEESI) demonstrated significant protective effects against UV-C radiation damage, using earthworms and isopods as models for human skin and eyes, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified 15 bioactive polyphenolic compounds in AEESI, with chlorogenic acid (55.51 µg/ml) and gallic acid (46.69 µg/ml) as the dominant phenolic acids, and naringenin (40.42 µg/ml) as the primary flavonoid. The extract effectively mitigated histological and ultrastructural damage caused by UV-C radiation in both models. Additionally, quality control parameters, including moisture content, pH, acidity index, ash content, and elemental composition, were determined for the first time. These findings highlight the potential of S. imbricata extract as a protective agent against UV-C radiation-induced damage, attributed to its rich polyphenolic content.

Research Authors
A.M. et al. Eldeen, A.Z.E., El-Aziz, F.EZ.A.A., Sayed
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
3 Biotech
Research Pages
97
Research Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Research Vol
15
Research Year
2025

Protective effects of whey camel milk proteins conjugate with metal–organic frameworks (MOF) as antimicrobial and against cobalt-induced chloragogen cell toxicity in earthworms

Research Abstract

Camel whey protein (CWP) is rich in potent antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, while the iron-based metal–organic framework (MOF)-235 offers high biocompatibility for drug delivery. This study synthesised and characterised CWP/MOF-235 nano-conjugates to enhance CWP stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy. GC–MS analysis confirmed the presence of hepatoprotective and antimicrobial fatty acids in CWP, including oleic acid, palmitic acid methyl ester, and cis-vaccenic acid. Antimicrobial assays revealed that CWP/MOF-235 exhibited greater activity against Candida albicans than CWP or MOF-235, achieving a maximum inhibition zone of 36.3 mm. Using earthworm (Aporrectodea caliginosa), cobalt chloride-induced chloragogen cell toxicity was effectively ameliorated by CWP/MOF-235, restoring normal intestinal histoarchitecture and reducing cellular necrosis as confirmed by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. These findings demonstrate that CWP/MOF-235 nano-conjugates synergistically combine the bioactivity of camel whey proteins with the delivery potential of MOF-235, offering a promising eco-friendly strategy for managing heavy metal toxicity and microbial infections.

Research Authors
Fatma El-Zahraa Abd El-Aziz, Asmaa FA Dawood, Mervat Abdel-Baseer Tohamy Abd El-Aziz, Marwa A Ali, Hanan A Ahmed, Rana A Elbeshbeishy, Rabab M Thabit, Nermeen Welson, Dalia A Hamad
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Natural Product Research
Research Year
2025

Forensic implication of Zinc sulfide and Zinc sulfide Nanoparticles toxicity on muscle histopathology and postmortem changes in rats

Research Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the molecular toxic effects of zinc sulfide (ZnS) and zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS-NPs) on rat skeletal muscle tissue. It also explored the forensic implications of ZnS toxicity on postmortem carrion infestation, particularly its potential impact on postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. ZnS nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, ZnS-treated, and ZnS-NP–treated (both administered at the LD50 dose of 2000 mg/kg). Muscle tissues were harvested for histopathological, ultrastructural, and acridine orange staining analysis. Arthropods were col lected and identified across five decomposition stages to assess changes in carrion infestation patterns. Histopathological and ultrastructural analysis showed marked deformation, necrosis, and degeneration of muscle fibers, more severe in the ZnS-NP group. Collagen deposition significantly decreased in both treatment groups. Electron microscopy revealed dis sociation and degradation of myofibrils with increased interfibrillar spacing. Arthropod analysis indicated altered coloniza tion patterns, with decreased adult abundance and disrupted succession stages, especially during the active decay phase. ZnS and ZnS-NPs induce significant skeletal muscle toxicity that may mimic postmortem autolysis and lead to PMI misinterpretation. ZnS-NPs exert more severe effects than bulk ZnS. The observed entomological disruption highlights the forensic relevance of ZnS exposure and underscores the need for integrated toxicological and entomological analyses in PMI estimation8

Research Authors
Asmaa FA Dawood, Hanan M Alharbi, Nawaf Al Khashram, Dalia A Hamad, Leila H Sayed, Hanem S Abdel–Tawab, Nermeen N Welson, Fatma El-Zahraa A Abd El-Aziz
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Research Year
2025

Camel whey protein coated metal-organic frameworks (CWP/MOF) as a sustainable approach to treat environmental stress-induced liver toxicity by cobalt chloride in rats

Research Abstract

Background and aim: Environmental stressors, such as heavy metal pollution, can have devastating effects on biological organisms, leading to conditions like liver toxicity. This study explored the therapeutic potential of a novel iron-based metal-organic framework (Fe-MOF) in mitigating cobalt chloride-induced liver toxicity in rats. Methods: Utilizing a solvothermal synthesis method, CWP/MOF was created and characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Adult male rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of six rats. The groups were treated as follows: Group 1 (Control): Received 0.5 mL/day of distilled water only. Group 2 (CoCl₂): Treated with cobalt chloride (100 mg/kg/day) dissolved in distilled water. Group 3 (CoCl₂ + Fe-MOFs): Treated with cobalt chloride (100 mg/kg/day) and FeMOFs dissolved in distilled water. Group 4 (CoCl₂ + CWP/MOF): Treated with cobalt chloride (100 mg/kg/day) and CWP/MOF, dissolved in distilled water. All groups received treatment for a duration of two months. Results: there was a one-dimensional structure and multienzyme-like activity. CWP/MOF prevented apoptosis and reduced the histopathological effect and collagen fiber percentage caused by cobalt chloride in the liver. Nanotechnology was used to increase the therapeutic efficiency of camel whey protein against the harmful effects associated with environmental stress-induced liver toxicity by cobalt chloride in rats. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of CWP/MOF as a groundbreaking therapeutic agent for induced liver toxicity, with promising applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. By harnessing the unique properties of CWP/MOF, researchers may uncover new avenues for treating liver-related disorders and promoting overall health.

Research Authors
Dalia A Hamad, Asmaa FA Dawood, Hanan M Alharbi, Shereen Mahmoud Refaie, Marwa A Ali, AA Abu-Sehly, Hanem S Abdel–Tawab, Nermeen N Welson, Fatma El-Zahraa A Abd El
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology
Research Year
2025

Fabrication of porous SnO2 microwires via semi-closed evaporation method and their application as low temperature NO2 sensors

Research Abstract

In this work, we report a novel fabrication approach for highly porous SnO2 microwires using a semi-closed thermal evaporation system under controlled low-pressure conditions. The unique microstructure of the syn thesized microwires, characterized by nanoscale porosity and high crystallinity, was achieved by tuning the deposition pressure between 0.85 and 1.15 Torr. While demonstrated with SnO2, this approach applies to a wide range of metal oxides, including single, binary, and doped systems. Unlike conventional open or VLS-based deposition methods, this system enables precise morphological control via thermal evaporation under tunable pressure conditions, promoting a vapor-solid (VS) growth mechanism. Structural and morphological charac terizations confirmed that lower pressure enhances defect density and grain boundary formation, which are critical to gas sensing behavior. The SnO2 microwires were integrated into a conductometric gas sensor and evaluated for NO2 detection. The optimized sensor exhibited a high response of 2900 % to 2 ppm NO2 at a low operating temperature of 100 ◦C, along with excellent selectivity against interfering gases such as H2, H2S, and CO. The enhanced sensing performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of grain boundary modulation, Schottky barrier formation at the Pt/SnO2 interface, and catalytic activation near the contacts. This study demonstrates the potential of porous SnO2 microwires as a promising material for low-temperature, selective NO2 sensing in environmental monitoring applications

Research Authors
NM Shaalan, A Alshoaibi, HM Abd El-Lateef, H Fares, AR Altayar, D Hamad
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing
Research Pages
109878
Research Year
2025

Kinetics of the Thermal Dehydration of Sodium Sulfate Decahydrate Using Model-Free and Model-Fitting Approaches

Research Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the complex dehydration kinetics of sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na2 SO4 .10H2 O). Analysis of TG/DTG data reveals that the dehydration process proceeds via five complex steps. Using isoconversional methods (FR, FWO, and DAEM), the kinetic parameters (Ea and ln A) of the individual steps were obtained. The Ea − α plots revealed that all deconvoluted processes are driven by a single reaction mechanism identified as a diffusion model (D3 ). A significant linear relationship between ln A and Ea with similar isokinetic temperatures characterized the kinetic compensation effect. Thermodynamic analysis indicates that the entire conversion is an endothermic and non-spontaneous process. 

Research Authors
Salma Ahmed Fakhry Mohamed Abdel Hakim Refaat Mohamed Mahfouz
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
International Journal of Chemical Kinetics
Research Pages
9
Research Publisher
International Journal of Chemical Kinetics
Research Vol
Volume 58, Issue 7
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1002/kin.70083
Research Year
2026

Thermally controlled interfacial synergy in CdS‑ZnO nanocomposites photoanodes for enhanced solar water splitting

Research Abstract

In this study, we report on the synthesis and photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of CdS/ZnO nanocomposite (NC) photoanodes annealed at varying temperatures (300, 350, 400, 450 °C). ZnO nanosheets (NSs) were initially deposited using a nanoparticle deposition system, followed by the spin coating deposition of CdS nanoparticles (NPs) and subsequent annealing. The fabricated NCs are environmentally friendly, binder-free, cost-effective, and scalable. Scanning Electron Microscopy of ZnO, CdS, and CdS/ZnO NCs annealed at 400 °C reveals that ZnO NSs are well-coated with CdS NPs, establishing strong interfacial bonding between the two materials. Structural analysis confirms the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO, while the deposited CdS NPs remain amorphous. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows the evolution of strong interfacial interactions between ZnO NSs and CdS NPs in the hybrid NCs. Optical studies reveal that the CdS-ZnO NCs exhibit stable band gaps (~ 3.21–3.23 eV), and the photoresponse current is significantly improved compared to pure ZnO and CdS photoanodes. The optimized CdS-ZnO NC photoanode (400 °C) shows the highest photocurrent of 2.44 mA ­cm–2 at − 0.14 V vs Hg/HgO and the highest current conversion efficiency of 1.58% at − 0.4 V vs Hg/HgO, demonstrating efficient solar water splitting performance. Comprehensive PEC analyses (EIS, OCP, Mott–Schottky) confirm that performance enhancement stems from improved charge separation and faster interfacial charge transfer with increasing annealing temperature.

Research Authors
A. G. Abd‑Elrahim, Muhammad Shehroze Malik, and Doo‑Man Chun
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Journal of Materials Science
Research Pages
22196–22220
Research Publisher
Springer
Research Rank
International Journal
Research Vol
61
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-026-13142-8
Research Year
2026

Electrodeposited amorphous NiCoP LDH nanocomposites as efficient and affordable catalysts for hydrogen evolution

Research Abstract
Electrocatalysts driving the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are vital for advancing electrocatalytic water splitting and sustainable hydrogen production. This work presents the optimized synthesis of binder-free NiCoP layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites (NCs) through a one-step electrodeposition process, systematically tuning deposition potential, time, and transition-metal concentration. Raman analysis of NiCoP LDH deposited at −1 V vs SCE for 20 min in 0.3 M transition-metal solution reveals new vibrational features, while XPS shows a negative binding-energy shift, indicating enhanced electronic coupling and charge redistribution within the NiCoP LDH NCs. These effects accelerate charge transfer and improve interfacial kinetics compared to NiP and CoP analogues. Electrochemical evaluation demonstrates outstanding HER activity, delivering 200 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 141 mV, exhibiting a Tafel slope of 46 mV∙dec−1, and maintaining durability over 50 h at 100 mA cm−2. In a full cell electrolyzer, pairing NiCoP LDH with FeNiS@FeS LDH nanoflowers achieves 10 mA cm−2 at 1.61 V and sustains stable operation for 50 h at 20 mA cm−2. These findings highlight the critical role of electrodeposition optimization in tailoring NiCoP LDH NCs and guide the systematic development of high-performance transition-metal catalysts for efficient water splitting and clean-energy applications.
 


 

Research Authors
A.G. Abd-Elrahim, Manar A. Ali, Doo-Man Chun
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Research Pages
156045
Research Publisher
Elsevier
Research Rank
International Journal
Research Vol
250
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.156045
Research Year
2026

First-Principles Calculations of Structural, Electronic and Optical Properties of Na2SO4·10H2O

Research Abstract

Abstract—In the present work, the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the compound
have been studied. We carried out the plane-wave pseudo-potential approach within the framework of
the first principles of density functional theory (DFT) implemented with the Cambridge serial total energy
package (CASTEP) code. The electronic band structure reveals the metallic nature of the compound. The
computed geometrically optimized structure of the unit cell parameters was found to be in good agreement with the experimental monoclinic crystal structure data of the compound. For the first time, we have investigated the optical properties of since no other experimental or theoretical studies on the
optical properties and dielectric functions of have been reported yet. The reflectivity spectrum
shows that the reflectivity is high in the visible-ultraviolet region up to , indicating promise as a
good solar energy storage material.
Keywords: sodium sulfate decahydrate, electronic structure, first principle calculations, density functional theory

Research Authors
S. A. Fakhrya, *, G. A. Mahmoudb, and R. M. Mahfouza
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry B
Research Pages
6
Research Publisher
Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry B
Research Vol
Volume 19, pages 1045–1050 (2025)
Research Website
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S1990793125700733
Research Year
2025

The FT-IR Spectroscopic and Theoretical Studies of the Bentazon Molecule: A DFT Approach

Research Abstract

Abstract—Bentazon is a cyclosulfonamide herbicide widely used in agriculture, with increasing reports of its persistence and leaching into groundwater. Despite its environmental relevance, a comprehensive quantum chemical analysis of bentazon at an advanced DFT level remains unexplored. In this study, we apply the CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G(d, p) level of theory to investigate the optimized geometry, vibrational spectra, and electronic structure of bentazon. The calculated vibrational frequencies are scaled and compared with experimental FT-IR data; they are assigned by potential energy distribution (PED) analysis. Reactivity descriptors based on frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO–LUMO gap of 7.686 eV) reveal the molecule’s chemical stability and low polarizability, consistent with its environmental persistence. Importantly, electrostatic potential (ESP) surface analysis identifies distinct electrophilic and nucleophilic sites, offering new insights into its interaction potential with. This study represents the first comprehensive application of conceptual DFT, including natural bond orbital (NBO), atoms-in-molecules (AIM), reduced density gradient (RDG), electron localization function (ELF) analysis, and mulliken charge distribution of bentazon. These findings provide
a predictive framework for understanding bentazon’s environmental behavior, reactivity, and potential
for molecular recognition, offering valuable information for its regulation, detection, and remediation. This study provides a detailed quantum-level understanding of bentazon, which can contribute to modeling its environmental fate and designing safer agrochemical alternatives.
Keywords: bentazon, vibrational analysis, natural bond analysis, reactivity descriptors, molecular electrostatic potential

Research Authors
E. M. Ahmeda, * (ORCID: 0009-0006-3501-1844), M. A. Mottaleba (ORCID: 0009-0007-0680-8261), and R. M. Mahfouzb, ** (ORCID: 0009-0004-0293-4015)
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry B
Research Pages
17
Research Publisher
Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry
Research Vol
Volume 20, pages 451–467 (2026)
Research Website
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S1990793126700089
Research Year
2026
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