Ultrasound and green chemistry--Further comments

Telescoping Synthesis of 4-Organyl-5-(organylselanyl)thiazol-2-amines Promoted by Ultrasound

In this work, we describe the synthesis of new 4-organyl-5-(organylselanyl)thiazol-2-amine hybrids through a one-pot two-step protocol. The transition metal-free method involves the use of ultrasound as an alternative energy source and Oxone® as oxidant. To obtain the products, a telescoping approach was used, in which 4-organylthiazol-2-amines were firstly prepared under ultrasonic irradiation, followed by the addition of diorganyl diselenides and Oxone®. Thus, 16 compounds were prepared, with yields ranging from 61 % to 98 %, using 2-bromoacetophenone derivatives and diorganyl diselenides as easily available starting materials.

Ultrasound and sonochemistry enhance education outcomes: From fundamentals and applied research to entrepreneurial potential

With this manuscript we aim to initiate a discussion specific to educational actions around ultrasonics sonochemistry. The importance of these actions does not just derive from a mere pedagogical significance, but they can be an exceptional tool for illustrating various concepts in other disciplines, such as process intensification and microfluidics. Sonochemistry is currently a far-reaching discipline extending across different scales of applicability, from the fundamental physics of tiny bubbles and molecules, up to process plants. This review is part of a special issue in Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, where several scholars have shared their experiences and highlighted opportunities regarding ultrasound as an education tool. The main outcome of our work is that teaching and mentorship in sonochemistry are highly needed, with a balanced technical and scientific knowledge to foster skills and implement safe protocols. Applied research typically features the use of ultrasound as ancillary, to merely enhance a given process and often leading to poorly conceived experiments and misunderstanding of the actual effects. Thus, our scientific community must build a consistent culture and monitor reproducible practices to rigorously generate new knowledge on sonochemistry. These practices can be implemented in teaching sonochemistry in classrooms and research laboratories. We highlight ways to collectively provide a potentially better training for scientists, invigorating academic and industry-oriented careers. A salient benefit for education efforts is that sonochemistry-based projects can serve multidisciplinary training, potentially gathering students from different disciplines, such as physics, chemistry and bioengineering. Herein, we discuss challenges, opportunities, and future avenues to assist in designing courses and research programs based on sonochemistry. Additionally, we suggest simple experiments suitable for teaching basic physicochemical principles at the undergraduatelevel. We also provide arguments and recommendations oriented towards graduate and postdoctoral students, in academia or industry to be more entrepreneurial. We have identified that sonochemistry is consistently seen as a 'green' or sustainable tool, which particular appeal to process intensification approaches, including microfluidics and materials science. We conclude that a globally aligned pedagogical initiative and constantly updated educational tools will help to sustain a virtuous cycle in STEM and industrial applications of sonochemistry.

Ultrasound assisted synthesis of hybrid quinoline anchored with 4-R-benzenesulfonamide moiety with potential antimicrobial activity

We present in this paper a direct and efficient study regarding synthesis and spectral characterization of three series of hybrid quinoline anchored with 4-R-benzenesulfonamide moiety, with potential antimicrobial activity, by using ultrasound (US) irradiation and conventional methods (CV). The synthesis pathway is efficient and direct, in two steps: an initial N-acylation of 8-aminoquinoline followed by metal complexation with variously M2+ metals (Cd2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Pd2+, Zn2+). For both type of reactions, N-acylation and complexation, under US irradiations the synthesis have some undeniable advantages: the most relevant being the higher yields, a dramatically decrease for reaction time (with about 150 (one hundred fifty) folds for complexation) comparative with conventional methods (CV) (therefore the spent energy decrease in the same way), a decrease of the amount of used solvents. Taking into account the above considerations these reactions setup could be appreciated as eco-friendly. The structures of the obtained hybrid quinoline - sulfonamide complexes (HQBSM) were determined by elemental analysis and by using spectral investigations: FT-IR, NMR experiments, and X-ray diffraction (in three cases). The FT-IR and NMR spectra of complexes show a similar spectroscopic pattern for all complexes and fully confirm the proposed structures. The X-ray spectra analyses prove without doubts the structure of metal complexes, indicating that their structure depends essentially by two factors: the nature of metal and the nature of sulfonamide-quinoline moieties. Complexes containing 4-methoxy-benzoyl moiety and Zn2+ (e.g. 6a) are tetra-coordinated while in the Ni2+ complex (e.g. 6e) the metallic ion forms a distorted square-based bi-pyramid. In the complexes containing 4-nitro-benzoyl moiety and Cd2+ (e.g. 5d) the metallic ion forms a triangular bipyramid. The antibacterial and antifungal assay reveal that only hybrid HQBSM complex (4e) (with 4-chlorophenyl moiety and Ni2+ in molecule) have a significant antibacterial activity.

Explorative Sonophotocatalytic Study of C-H Arylation Reaction of Pyrazoles Utilizing a Novel Sonophotoreactor for Green and Sustainable Organic Synthesis

The development of a mild, general, and green method for the C-H arylation of pyrazoles with relatively unreactive aryl halides is an ongoing challenge in organic synthesis. We describe herein a novel sonophotoreactor based on an ultrasonic cleaning bath and blue LED light (visible light) that induce copper-catalyzed monoarylation for pharmacologically relevant pyrazoles. The hybrid effect of ultrasonic irradiation and blue LED is discussed to interpret the observed synergistic action. A broad array of pyrazoles coupled with iodobenzene avoids expensive palladium metal or salts, and certain designed substrates were attained. Only comparatively inexpensive copper(I)iodide and 1,10-phenanthroline were used all together as the catalyst. The presented technique is a greener way to create C-H arylation of pyrazoles. It significantly reduces the amount of energy needed.

Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis of Fluorescent Azatetracyclic Derivatives: An Energy-Efficient Approach

We report here an energy-efficient and straight synthesis of two new classes of derivatized fluorescent azatetracycles under ultrasound (US) irradiation. A first class of azatetracyclic compounds was synthesized by heterogeneous catalytic bromination of the α-keto substituent attached to the pyrrole moiety of the tetracyclic cycloadducts, while for the second, one class was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of the bromide with the azide group. Comparative with conventional thermal heating (TH) under US irradiation, both types of reactions occur with substantially higher yields, shortened reaction time (from days to hours), lesser energy consumed, easier workup of the reaction, and smaller amounts of solvent required (at least three to five-fold less compared to TH), which make these reactions to be considered as energy efficient. The derivatized azatetracycle are blue emitters with λmax of fluorescence around 430–445 nm. A certain influence of the azatetracycle substituents concerning absorption and fluorescent properties was observed. Compounds anchored with a bulky azide group have shown decreased fluorescence intensity compared with corresponding bromides.

Metal-bio functionalized bismuthmagnetite [Fe3-x Bi x O4/SiO2@l-ArgEt3 +I-/Zn(ii)]: a novel bionanocomposite for the synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2,4-dioxobenzo[b][1,4]diazepine malononitriles and malonamides at room temperature and under sonication

In this work, a new magnetized composite of bismuth (Fe_3−xBi_xO₄) was prepared and functionalized stepwise with silica, triethylargininium iodide ionic liquid, and Zn(ii) to prepare a multi-layered core–shell bio-nanostructure, [Fe_3−xBi_xO₄/SiO₂@l-ArgEt₃⁺I⁻/Zn(ii)]. The modified bismuth magnetic amino acid-containing nanocomposite was characterized using several techniques including Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetric (TGA/DSC) analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The magnetized bionanocomposite exhibited high catalytic activity for the synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2,4-dioxobenzo[b][1,4]diazepine malononitriles via five-component reactions between 1,2-phenylenediamines, Meldrum's acid, malononitrile, aldehydes, and isocyanides at room temperature in ethanol. The efficacy of this protocol was also examined to obtain malonamide derivatives via pseudo six-component reactions of 1,4-phenylenediamine, Meldrum's acid, malononitrile, aldehydes, and isocyanides. When the above-mentioned MCRs were repeated under the same conditions with the application of sonication, a notable decrease in the reaction time was observed. The recovery and reusability of the metal-bio functionalized bismuthmagnetite were examined successfully in 3 runs. Furthermore, the characteristics of the recovered Fe_3−xBi_xO₄/SiO₂@l-ArgEt₃⁺I⁻/Zn(ii) were investigated though FESEM and EDAX analysis.

In this work, a new magnetized composite of bismuth (Fe_3−xBi_xO₄) was prepared and functionalized stepwise with silica, triethylargininium iodide ionic liquid, and Zn(ii) to prepare a multi-layered core–shell bio-nanostructure, [Fe_3−xBi_xO₄/SiO₂@l-ArgEt₃⁺I⁻/Zn(ii)].

Ultrasound assisted synthesis of hybrid quinoline-imidazole derivatives: a green synthetic approach

A green, straightforward and efficient study for obtaining hybrid quinoline-imidazole derivatives under ultrasound (US) irradiation as well as under conventional thermal heating (TH) has been presented. The reaction pathway involves only two steps: the N-alkylation of imidazole ring and a Huisgen [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition reaction of ylides to dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD). For both types of reactions, a green workup procedure under US irradiation has been presented. Under US irradiation, the N-alkylation of nitrogen atoms from the imidazole nucleus has outstanding benefits in terms of reaction time, energy consumption and yields, and can thereby be considered an environmentally friendly method. Forty new hybrid quinoline-imidazole compounds have been synthesized: 18 salts, 8 dihydro-benzopyrrolo imidazolo quinoline, 9 benzopyrrolo-imidazolo quinoline and 5 dihydro-pyrroloquinoxaline quinoline cycloadducts.

Organic Sonochemistry: A Chemist's Timely Perspective on Mechanisms and Reactivity

Sonochemistry, the use of sound waves, usually within the ultrasonic range (>20 kHz), to boost or alter chemical properties and reactivity constitutes a long-standing and sustainable technique that has, however, received less attention than other activation protocols despite affordable setups. Even if unnecessary to underline the impact of ultrasound-based strategies in a broad range of chemical and biological applications, there is considerable misunderstanding and pitfalls regarding the interpretation of cavitational effects and the actual role played by the acoustic field. In this Perspective, with an eye on mechanisms in particular, we discuss the potentiality of sonochemistry in synthetic organic chemistry through selected examples of past and recent developments. Such examples illustrate specific controlling effects and working rules. Looking back at the past while looking forward to advancing the field, some essentials of sonochemical activation will be distilled.

Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE): A New, Green and Renewable Solvent for the Extraction of Carotenoids from Tomato Waste Products

Currently there is a drive towards the minimisation and reclamation of valuable materials from the waste products of the food and beverage industry. This can be achieved through the extraction of residual nutraceuticals from such materials. Tomato pomace contains carotenoids and other chemicals which can be extracted directly into edible oils to improve the health-giving properties of such oils. We report here a novel green solvent, fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), which is significantly more effective than sunflower oil and hexane for the extraction of lycopene and beta-carotene from tomato skin waste. FAEE are a non-toxic renewable resource that is environmentally friendly and to our knowledge has never been used as a vegetal extraction fluid. The efficiency of FAEE extraction was significantly improved relative to both sunflower oil and hexane under ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions. In addition, FAEE have the additional and significant advantage that once enriched with the extracted nutraceuticals can be used directly as a food additive.

Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic synthesis of xylitol fatty acid esters in solvent-free conditions

A commercial immobilized lipase was successfully used for the synthesis of five xylityl acyl esters by means of the esterification of free fatty acids (caprylic, capric, lauric and myristic, respectively) with xylitol under solvent-free conditions. Ultrasound-assistance was shown to be a key tool to overcome the handicap imposed by both the mutual immiscibility of fatty acids and xylitol substrates, and the semisolid character of the initial reaction mixtures. In such semisolid systems, ultrasonic irradiation may enable the transport of substrate molecules to the enzyme catalytic-site, leading to the efficient synthesis of xylityl fatty ester (e.g. up to 95% yield after 90 min at 40 °C), with xylityl monoacyl ester and xylitol diacyl ester appearing as the main products (greater than 96%), assessed by HPLC and NMR analyses. The separation of products was carried out by heating and simple centrifugation of the reaction medium, which was possible due to different densities of the resulting fractions.

Ultrasound-assisted aqua-mediated synthesis of multi-substituted tetrahydropyridine-3-carboxylates using N-carboxymethyl-3-pyridinium hydrogensulfate ([N-CH2CO2H-3-pic]+HSO4−) as a new efficient ionic liquid catalyst

A simple, straightforward, and ultrasound-promoted method for the preparation of some highly functionalized tetrahydropyridines reported via pseudo five-component reaction of (hetero)aromatic aldehydes, different anilines, and alkyl acetoacetates in the presence of [N-CH2CO2H-3-pic]+HSO4−, as a novel ionic liquid, in green aqueous medium. The IL was synthesized utilizing simple and easily-handled substrates and characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, GC-MASS, FESEM, EDX, and TGA/DTG techniques. The procedure contains some highlighted aspects which are: (a) performing the MCR in the presence of aqua and sonic waves, as two main important and environmentally benign indexes in green and economic chemistry, (b) high yields of products within short reaction times, (c) convenient work-up procedure, (d) preparing the new IL via simple substrates and procedure.

Novel processing techniques and spinach juice: Quality and safety improvements

In this study, the combined effect of ultrasound (US) and pulsed electric field (PEF) techniques was analyzed for the quality improvement and microbial safety of spinach juice. The spinach juice was treated with US at frequency of 40 kHz, radiating power of 200 W below 30 ± 2 °C temperature for 21 min in ultrasonic bath cleaner, and PEF treatment (pulse frequency: 1 kHz, flow rate: 60 mL/min, temperature: 30 ± 2 °C, time: 335 µs, electric field strength 9 kV/cm) was done. In results, the combined (US-PEF) treatment attained the highest value of minerals and total free amino acids as compared to US or PEF treatment alone. US-PEF treatment significantly reduced the total plate count (3.83 to 1.97 log CFU/mL), E. coli/Coliform (1.90 to 0.75 log CFU/mL) and yeast and mold (4.23 to 2.22 log CFU/mL). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra showed that all nonthermal treatments led to a higher concentration of carbonyl compounds rather generate new carbonyl compounds. US-PEF treatment significantly reduced the particle size. The rheology of spinach juice was drastically changed by all nonthermal techniques, indicating non-Newtonian modal accompanied by a decrease of consistency index (K), apparent viscosity (η), and increase of flow behavior (n). Overall, the improved quality of spinach juice shows the suitability of both technologies for industrial applications despite the variations in rheological properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Nowadays, nonthermal technologies like US and PEF are being used to enhance the nutritional quality and stability of different fruits and vegetable juices. The current research shows that US-PEF application can enhance the free amino acids and mineral contents while significantly decrease microbial activities and particle size. The rheology of spinach juice can be dramatically changed, through the reduction of consistency index (K), apparent viscosity (η) and elevation of flow behavior (n). The results of this research proposed that US-PEF treatment can be a more suitable nonthermal application to enhance the quality of spinach juice at an industrial scale.

Ultrasound for Drug Synthesis: A Green Approach

This last century, the development of new medicinal molecules represents a real breakthrough in terms of humans and animal life expectancy and quality of life. However, this success is tainted by negative environmental consequences. Indeed, the synthesis of drug candidates requires the use of many chemicals, solvents, and processes that are very hazardous, toxic, energy consuming, expensive, and generates a large amount of waste. Many large pharmaceutical companies have thus moved to using green chemistry practices for drug discovery, development, and manufacturing. One of them is the use of energy-efficient activation techniques, such as ultrasound. This review summarizes the latest most representative works published on the use of ultrasound for sustainable bioactive molecules synthesis.

Designing Microflowreactors for Photocatalysis Using Sonochemistry: A Systematic Review Article

Use of sonication for designing and fabricating reactors, especially the deposition of catalysts inside a microreactor, is a modern approach. There are many reports that prove that a microreactor is a better setup compared with batch reactors for carrying out catalytic reactions. Microreactors have better energy efficiency, reaction rate, safety, a much finer degree of process control, better molecular diffusion, and heat-transfer properties compared with the conventional batch reactor. The use of microreactors for photocatalytic reactions is also being considered to be the appropriate reactor configuration because of its improved irradiation profile, better light penetration through the entire reactor depth, and higher spatial illumination homogeneity. Ultrasound has been used efficiently for the synthesis of materials, degradation of organic compounds, and fuel production, among other applications. The recent increase in energy demands, as well as the stringent environmental stress due to pollution, have resulted in the need to develop green chemistry-based processes to generate and remove contaminants in a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner. It is possible to carry out the synthesis and deposition of catalysts inside the reactor using the ultrasound-promoted method in the microfluidic system. In addition, the synergistic effect generated by photocatalysis and sonochemistry in a microreactor can be used for the production of different chemicals, which have high value in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The current review highlights the use of both photocatalysis and sonochemistry for developing microreactors and their applications.

Ultrasonic assisted fabrication of first MoO3/copper complex bio-nanocomposite based on Sesbania sesban plant for green oxidation of alcohols

MoO₃ nanoparticles were obtained using Sesbania sesban. Novel Schiff base ligand and its nanocomplex of copper were synthesized under ultrasonic irradiation. First MoO₃/Copper Schiff base complex nanocomposite (NMCS) based on this natural plant was prepared and characterized by TEM, SEM, AFM, FT-IR, TGA, EDAX and elemental analysis. Then atom-efficient and selective oxidation of alcohols using hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by NMCS bio-nanocomposite under ultrasonic irradiation was reported. Structurally diverse set of alcohols was transformed into desired aldehyde and ketone products with high conversion and excellent selectivity under solvent free conditions. Products were isolated easily from green media, and the catalyst could be reused six times without any appreciable decrease in catalytic activity and selectivity.

One-pot sonochemical synthesis of magnetite@reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for high performance Li ion storage

In this research, we introduce a one-pot sonochemical method for the fabrication of magnetite@reduced graphene oxide (Fe₃O₄@rGO) nanocomposite as anode material for Li-ion batteries. Fe₃O₄@rGO is synthesized under ultrasonic irradiations by using iron (II) salt and GO as raw materials. An in-situ oxidation-reduction occurs between GO and Fe²⁺ during the ultrasonic chemical reaction process. Fe₃O₄ particles with the size of ∼20 nm are uniformly deposited on the surface of rGO nanosheets. The electrochemical activity of Fe₃O₄@rGO is systematically evaluated as an anode material in Li-ion battery. Li-ion cells using Fe₃O₄@rGO as electrode deliver high discharge and charge capacities of 1433.6 and 907.8 mAh g^-1 in the initial cycle at 200 mA g^-1. Even performed at 500 and 5000 mA g^-1, it is able to deliver reversible capacities of 846.4 and 355.6 mAh g^-1, respectively, demonstrating outstanding Li-ion storage performance. This research presents a straightforward and efficient method for the fabrication of Fe₃O₄@rGO, which holds great potential in synthesis of other metal oxides on graphene sheets.

Nano-NiZr4(PO4)6 as a superior catalyst for the synthesis of propargylamines under ultrasound irradiation

An easy and rapid method for the synthesis of propargylamines has been achieved through a three-component reaction of phenylacetylene, aromatic aldehydes, and morpholine or piperidine using nano-NiZr4(PO4)6 under ultrasound irradiation. Atom economy, a wide range of products, excellent yields in short times, reusability of the catalyst, and low catalyst loading are some of the important features of this protocol.

Ultrasound promoted one-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones/thiones using dendrimer-attached phosphotungstic acid nanoparticles immobilized on nanosilica

A highly efficient and improved synthetic methodology for the preparation of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones and thiones in the Biginelli reaction by condensation of β-dicarbonyl compounds, urea/thiourea and aromatic aldehydes using Dendrimer-PWAⁿ as a nanocatalyst under ultrasonic irradiation is reported. Compared with classical Biginelli reaction conditions, this new method has the advantage of easy reaction condition, short reaction time, excellent yields, recyclable green catalyst, reduced environmental impacts and absence of any tedious workup or purification. The catalyst can be easily recovered by filtration and reused for eight consecutive reaction cycles without significant loss of activity. Also, SEM and DLS images of the catalyst after reaction cycle were investigated.

Tandem one-pot synthesis of 2-arylcinnolin-6-one derivatives from arylhydrazonopropanals and acetoacetanilides using sustainable ultrasound and microwave platforms

Several 2-arylcinnolin-6(2H)-one derivatives were synthesized via tandem annulation of a large number of 3-oxo-2-arylhydrazonopropanals with acetoacetanilide under three different heating modes (conventional heating, ultrasound and microwave irradiation) using triethylamine in ethanol. The factors affecting the optimization of the annulation process were thoroughly studied. The annulated structures were established on the basis of ¹H and ¹³C NMR and MALDI-TOF/MS spectral data as well as single crystal X-ray analysis.

Several 2-arylcinnolin-6(2H)-one derivatives were synthesized via tandem annulation of a large number of 3-oxo-2-arylhydrazonopropanals with acetoacetanilide under three different heating modes.

How sonochemistry contributes to green chemistry?

Based on the analyses of papers from the literature, and especially those published in Ultrasonics Sonochemistry journal, the contribution of sonochemistry to green chemistry area has been discussed here. Important reminders and insights on the good practices and considerations have been made to understand and demonstrate how sonochemistry can continue to efficiently contribute to green chemistry area in the further studies.

Nano-colloidal silica-tethered polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes with eight branches of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as high-performance catalyst for the preparation of bis-thiazolidinones under ultrasonic conditions

We report a class of organic–inorganic hybrid material based on nano-colloidal silica-tethered polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes with eight branches of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane [nano-colloidal silica@APTPOSS (a series of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes with eight branches of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane)]. It was characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. An easy and rapid method for the synthesis of bis-thiazolidinones has been presented by one-pot pseudo-five-component reaction of benzaldehydes, ethylenediamine and 2-mercaptoacetic acid using nano-colloidal silica@APTPOSS. The reusability of the catalyst and little catalyst loading, excellent yields, short reaction times, using the sonochemical procedure as a green process and an alternative energy source are some benefits of this method.

Advances in Green Organic Sonochemistry

Over the past 15 years, sustainable chemistry has emerged as a new paradigm in the development of chemistry. In the field of organic synthesis, green chemistry rhymes with relevant choice of starting materials, atom economy, methodologies that minimize the number of chemical steps, appropriate use of benign solvents and reagents, efficient strategies for product isolation and purification and energy minimization. In that context, unconventional methods, and especially ultrasound, can be a fine addition towards achieving these green requirements. Undoubtedly, sonochemistry is considered as being one of the most promising green chemical methods (Cravotto et al. Catal Commun 63: 2-9, 2015). This review is devoted to the most striking results obtained in green organic sonochemistry between 2006 and 2016. Furthermore, among catalytic transformations, oxidation reactions are the most polluting reactions in the chemical industry; thus, we have focused a part of our review on the very promising catalytic activity of ultrasound for oxidative purposes.

Synergy of Microfluidics and Ultrasound : Process Intensification Challenges and Opportunities

A compact snapshot of the current convergence of novel developments relevant to chemical engineering is given. Process intensification concepts are analysed through the lens of microfluidics and sonochemistry. Economical drivers and their influence on scientific activities are mentioned, including innovation opportunities towards deployment into society. We focus on the control of cavitation as a means to improve the energy efficiency of sonochemical reactors, as well as in the solids handling with ultrasound; both are considered the most difficult hurdles for its adoption in a practical and industrial sense. Particular examples for microfluidic clogging prevention, numbering-up and scaling-up strategies are given. To conclude, an outlook of possible new directions of this active and promising combination of technologies is hinted.

Green synthesis of biocompatiable chitosan-graphene oxide hybrid nanosheet by ultrasonication method

Ultrasound-induced synthesis of chitosan-modified nano-scale graphene oxide (CS-NGO) hybrid nanosheets, which has great potential pharmaceutical applications, in supercritical CO2 without catalyst was presented for the first time. The preparation process does not require organic solvent and post-processing, and CO2 easily escapes from the product. The morphology and structure of the CS-NGO, characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, confirms that it was combined via the amide linkage, and had excellent dispersibility and stability toward acidic and physiological aqueous solution, which implies that it could be used as a drug-carrier. The sonication power played a crucial role in inducing forming amidation, and the conversion rate increased with the sonication time. The mechanism of this reaction was explained.