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Patamia V, Fiorenza R, Zagni C, Agustin-Salazar S, Scirè S, Floresta G, Rescifina A. TiO 2/Loofah-Halloysite Bio-Hybrid Composites as Efficient Systems for VOCs Removal. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202304276. [PMID: 38345891 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202304276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), recognized as hazardous air contaminants, prompt the exploration of sustainable air purification methods. Solar photocatalytic oxidation emerges as a promising solution, utilizing semiconductor photocatalysts like titanium dioxide (TiO2). However, the raw material crisis necessitates reduced TiO2 usage, leading to investigations into TiO2 modification techniques. The study introduces a novel approach by employing natural fibers, specifically loofah sponge, as a TiO2 support. This method aims to maintain photocatalytic activity while minimizing TiO2 content. The article explores using halloysite, a natural clay mineral, as a supportive material, enhancing mechanical strength and adsorption properties. The resulting TiO2/loofah-halloysite composites are evaluated for their efficacy in gas-phase photocatalytic oxidation of toluene and ethanol, chosen as representative VOCs. The conversion of toluene and ethanol on the composite was 88 % and 39 %, respectively, with high selectivity toward CO2. In addition to its high performance, the bio-composite was stable for several conversion cycles, keeping the conversion activity unchanged. The study contributes to developing green hybrid materials for VOC removal, showcasing potential applications across industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Patamia
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Fiorenza
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Zagni
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Sarai Agustin-Salazar
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB-CNR), University of Catania, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Salvatore Scirè
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
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Pecoraro R, Scalisi EM, Indelicato S, Contino M, Coco G, Stancanelli I, Capparucci F, Fiorenza R, Brundo MV. Toxicity of Titanium Dioxide-Cerium Oxide Nanocomposites to Zebrafish Embryos: A Preliminary Evaluation. Toxics 2023; 11:994. [PMID: 38133395 PMCID: PMC10747588 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11120994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of metal nanoparticles in different fields has raised many doubts regarding their possible toxicity to living organisms and the accumulation and discharge of metals in fish species. Among these nanoparticles, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles have mainly been employed in photocatalysis and water depuration. The aim of this research was to evaluate the potential toxic effects, after a co-exposure of TiO2-3%CeO2 nanoparticles, on zebrafish development, using an acute toxicity test. Increasing concentrations of TiO2-3%CeO2 nanoparticles were used (0.1-1-10-20 mg/L). The heartbeat rate was assessed using DanioscopeTM software (version 1.2) (Noldus, Leesburg, VA, USA), and the responses to two biomarkers of exposure (Heat shock proteins-70 and Metallothioneins) were evaluated through immunofluorescence. Our results showed that the co-exposure to TiO2-3%CeO2 nanoparticles did not affect the embryos' development compared to the control group; a significant difference (p < 0.05) at 48 hpf heartbeat for the 1, 10, and 20 mg/L groups was found compared to the unexposed group. A statistically significant response (p < 0.05) to Heat shock proteins-70 (Hsp70) was shown for the 0.1 and 1 mg/L groups, while no positivity was observed in all the exposed groups for Metallothioneins (MTs). These results suggest that TiO2-3%CeO2 nanocomposites do not induce developmental toxicity; instead, when considered separately, TiO2 and CeO2 NPs are harmful to zebrafish embryos, as previously shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (E.M.S.); (S.I.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (I.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Elena Maria Scalisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (E.M.S.); (S.I.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (I.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Stefania Indelicato
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (E.M.S.); (S.I.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (I.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Martina Contino
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (E.M.S.); (S.I.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (I.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Giuliana Coco
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (E.M.S.); (S.I.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (I.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Ilenia Stancanelli
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (E.M.S.); (S.I.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (I.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Fabiano Capparucci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Via F. Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy;
| | - Roberto Fiorenza
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (E.M.S.); (S.I.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (I.S.); (M.V.B.)
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Patamia V, Zagni C, Fiorenza R, Fuochi V, Dattilo S, Riccobene PM, Furneri PM, Floresta G, Rescifina A. Total Bio-Based Material for Drug Delivery and Iron Chelation to Fight Cancer through Antimicrobial Activity. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2023; 13:2036. [PMID: 37513047 PMCID: PMC10384306 DOI: 10.3390/nano13142036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial involvement in cancer's development, along with their impact on therapeutic interventions, has been increasingly recognized. This has prompted the development of novel strategies to disrupt essential biological processes in microbial cells. Among these approaches, metal-chelating agents have gained attention for their ability to hinder microbial metal metabolism and impede critical reactions. Nanotechnology has also contributed to the antibacterial field by offering various nanomaterials, including antimicrobial nanoparticles with potential therapeutic and drug-delivery applications. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are naturally occurring tubular clay nanomaterials composed of aluminosilicate kaolin sheets rolled multiple times. The aluminum and siloxane groups on the surface of HNTs enable hydrogen bonding with biomaterials, making them versatile in various domains, such as environmental sciences, wastewater treatment, nanoelectronics, catalytic studies, and cosmetics. This study aimed to create an antibacterial material by combining the unique properties of halloysite nanotubes with the iron-chelating capability of kojic acid. A nucleophilic substitution reaction involving the hydroxyl groups on the nanotubes' surface was employed to functionalize the material using kojic acid. The resulting material was characterized using infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and its iron-chelating ability was assessed. Furthermore, the potential for drug loading-specifically, with resveratrol and curcumin-was evaluated through ultraviolet (UV) analysis. The antibacterial assay was evaluated following CLSI guidelines. The results suggested that the HNTs-kojic acid formulation had great antibacterial activity against all tested pathogens. The outcome of this work yielded a novel bio-based material with dual functionality as a drug carrier and an antimicrobial agent. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing challenges related to bacterial infections, antibiotic resistance, and the development of advanced therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Patamia
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco e della Salute, Università di Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Zagni
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco e della Salute, Università di Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Fiorenza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Virginia Fuochi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (Biometec), University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (Coehar), University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Sandro Dattilo
- IPCB-CNR, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Institute for Polymers, Composites, and Biomaterials, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Maria Riccobene
- IPCB-CNR, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Institute for Polymers, Composites, and Biomaterials, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Pio Maria Furneri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (Biometec), University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (Coehar), University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco e della Salute, Università di Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco e della Salute, Università di Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Bellissima A, Cucci LM, Sanfilippo V, De Bonis A, Fiorenza R, Scirè S, Marzo T, Severi M, La Mendola D, Notarstefano V, Giorgini E, Satriano C. Pd-Based Hybrid Nanoparticles As Multimodal Theranostic Nanomedicine. ACS Appl Bio Mater 2023; 6:483-493. [PMID: 36651801 PMCID: PMC9945085 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A nanodelivery system based on palladium nanoparticles (PdNP) and cisplatin (CisPt) was developed by physisorption of the drug onto the PdNP synthesized via a green redox process, using d-glucose and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as reducing and stabilizing/capping agents, respectively. UV-vis analysis and H2-evolution measurements were carried out to prove the nanoparticles' capability to act as bimodal theranostic nanomedicine, i.e., having both plasmonic and photocatalytic properties. XPS, XRD, and TEM allowed light to be shed on the chemical composition and morphology of the PdNP. The analysis of the UV-visible spectra evidenced plasmonic peak changes for the hybrid nanoparticle-drug assembly (Pd@CisPt), which pointed to a significant interaction of CisPt with the NP surface. The drug loading was quantitatively estimated by ICP-OES measurements, while DLS and AFM confirmed the strong association of the drug with the nanoparticle surface. The test of SOD-like activity in a cell-free environment proved the maintenance of the antioxidant capability of PdNP also in the Pd@CisPt systems. Finally, Pd@CisPt tested in prostate cancer cells (PC-3 line) unveiled the antitumoral action of the developed nanomedicine, related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, with a condition of protein misfolding/unfolding and DNA damage, as evidenced by cytotoxicity and MitoSOX assays, as well as Raman microspectroscopy, respectively. Cell imaging by confocal microscopy evidenced cellular uptake of the nanoparticles, as well as dynamic processes of copper ion accumulation at the level of subcellular compartments. Finally, cell migration studies upon treatment with Pd@CisPt evidenced a tunable response between the inhibitory effect of CisPt and the enhanced rate of cell migration for the metal NP alone, which pointed out the promising potential of the developed theranostic nanomedicine in tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Bellissima
- Nano
Hybrid BioInterfaces Laboratory (NHBIL), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125Catania, Italy
| | - Lorena M. Cucci
- Nano
Hybrid BioInterfaces Laboratory (NHBIL), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125Catania, Italy
| | - Vanessa Sanfilippo
- Nano
Hybrid BioInterfaces Laboratory (NHBIL), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125Catania, Italy
| | - Angela De Bonis
- Department
of Science, University of Basilicata, viale dell’Ateneo Lucano,
10, 85100Potenza, Italy
| | - Roberto Fiorenza
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Scirè
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125Catania, Italy
| | - Tiziano Marzo
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126Pisa, Italy
| | - Mirko Severi
- Department
of Chemistry ‘‘U. Schiff’’, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Notarstefano
- Department
of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic
University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giorgini
- Department
of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic
University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristina Satriano
- Nano
Hybrid BioInterfaces Laboratory (NHBIL), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125Catania, Italy,Phone: +39 095 7385136. E-mail:
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Balsamo SA, La Greca E, Calà Pizzapilo M, Sciré S, Fiorenza R. CeO 2-rGO Composites for Photocatalytic H 2 Evolution by Glycerol Photoreforming. Materials (Basel) 2023; 16:747. [PMID: 36676491 PMCID: PMC9863801 DOI: 10.3390/ma16020747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between CeO2-GO or CeO2-rGO and gold as co-catalysts were here investigated for solar H2 production by photoreforming of glycerol. The materials were prepared by a solar photoreduction/deposition method, where in addition to the activation of CeO2 the excited electrons were able to reduce the gold precursor to metallic gold and the GO into rGO. The presence of gold was fundamental to boost the H2 production, whereas the GO or the rGO extended the visible-light activity of cerium oxide (as confirmed by UV-DRS). Furthermore, the strong interaction between CeO2 and Au (verified by XPS and TEM) led to good stability of the CeO2-rGO-Au sample with the evolved H2 that increased during five consecutive runs of glycerol photoreforming. This catalytic behaviour was ascribed to the progressive reduction of GO into rGO, as shown by Raman measurements of the photocatalytic runs. The good charge carrier separation obtained with the CeO2-rGO-Au system allowed the simultaneous production of H2 and reduction of GO in the course of the photoreforming reaction. These peculiar features exhibited by these unconventional photocatalysts are promising to propose new solar-light-driven photocatalysts for green hydrogen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Andrea Balsamo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Eleonora La Greca
- Institute for The Study of Nanostructured Materials (ISMN)-CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marta Calà Pizzapilo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Sciré
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Fiorenza
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Fiorenza R, Spitaleri L, Perricelli F, Nicotra G, Fragalà ME, Scirè S, Gulino A. Efficient photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs using ZnO@Au nanoparticles. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bellardita M, Feilizadeh M, Fiorenza R, Scirè S, Palmisano L, Loddo V. Selective aqueous oxidation of aromatic alcohols under solar light in the presence of TiO 2 modified with different metal species. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2022; 21:2139-2151. [PMID: 35988108 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-022-00284-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A set of metals modified TiO2 photocatalysts were prepared starting from titanium tetraisopropoxyde and different metal precursors to study the influence of the addition of the various foreign agents on the physico-chemical and photocatalytic properties of the catalysts. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, specific surface area measurements, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence, temperature programmed desorption after CO2 adsorption. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated using as probe reactions the partial oxidation of three aromatic alcohols: benzyl alcohol (BA), 4-methoxy benzyl alcohol (4-MBA), and 4-hydroxy benzyl alcohol (4-HBA) under simulated solar light irradiation. Different oxidation and selectivity values were obtained for the three substrates depending not only on the type of metals but also on the nature and position of the substituent in the phenyl ring of benzyl alcohol. As a general behaviour, the doped samples allowed the achievement of a greater selectivity especially for 4-MBA even if sometimes with minor conversions. The presence of W or Nb was beneficial for both conversion and selectivity for all the substrates with respect to bare TiO2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roberto Fiorenza
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Scirè
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Loddo
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Bhakta AK, Fiorenza R, Jlassi K, Mekhalif Z, Ali AMA, Chehimi MM. The emerging role of biochar in the carbon materials family for hydrogen production. Chem Eng Res Des 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2022.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Malannata EM, Spitaleri L, Gulino A, Balsamo SA, Scirè S, Fiorenza R. Removal of phthalates from water by unconventional La‐based/WO3 photocatalysts. Eur J Inorg Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.202200183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Maria Malannata
- Universita degli Studi di Catania Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche Viale Andre Doria 6 95125 Catania ITALY
| | - Luca Spitaleri
- Universita degli Studi di Catania Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche Viale Andre Doria 6 95125 Catania ITALY
| | - Antonino Gulino
- Universita degli Studi di Catania Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche Viale Andre Doria 6 95125 Catania ITALY
| | - Stefano Andrea Balsamo
- Universita degli Studi di Catania Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche Viale Andre Doria 6 95125 Catania ITALY
| | - Salvatore Scirè
- Universita degli Studi di Catania Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche Viale Andre Doria 6 95125 Catania ITALY
| | - Roberto Fiorenza
- Università degli Studi di Catania Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche Viale Andrea Doria 6 95125 Catania ITALY
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Dong P, Dong F, Fiorenza R. Editorial: Photocatalysts for Air Purification: Design, Synthesis, and Mechanism Investigations. Front Chem 2022; 10:870550. [PMID: 35372258 PMCID: PMC8966393 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.870550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Dong
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Technology in Environmental Protection of Jiangsu Province, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, China
- *Correspondence: Pengyu Dong, ; Fan Dong, ; Roberto Fiorenza,
| | - Fan Dong
- Research Center for Environmental Science and Technology, Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Pengyu Dong, ; Fan Dong, ; Roberto Fiorenza,
| | - Roberto Fiorenza
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- *Correspondence: Pengyu Dong, ; Fan Dong, ; Roberto Fiorenza,
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Balsamo SA, Fiorenza R, Condorelli M, Pecoraro R, Brundo MV, Lo Presti F, Sciré S. One-Pot Synthesis of TiO 2-rGO Photocatalysts for the Degradation of Groundwater Pollutants. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:ma14205938. [PMID: 34683530 PMCID: PMC8539955 DOI: 10.3390/ma14205938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A non-conventional approach to prepare titanium dioxide-reduced graphene oxide (TiO2-rGO) nanocomposites based on solar photoreduction is here presented. The standard hydro-solvothermal synthesis of the TiO2-rGO composites requires high temperatures and several steps, whereas the proposed one-pot preparation allows one to obtain the photocatalysts with a simple and green procedure, by exploiting the photocatalytic properties of titania activated by the solar irradiation. The TiO2-rGO catalysts were tested in the solar photodegradation of a widely adopted toxic herbicide (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4-D), obtaining the 97% of degradation after 3 h of irradiation. The as-prepared TiO2-rGO composites were more active compared to the same photocatalysts prepared through the conventional thermal route. The structural, optical, and textural properties of the composites, determined by Raman, Photoluminescence, Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR), UV-vis diffuse reflectance (DRS) spectroscopies, and N2 absorption-desorption measurements, showed as the solar irradiation favors the reduction of graphene oxide with higher efficiency compared to the thermal-driven synthesis. Furthermore, the possible toxicity of the as-synthesized composites was measured exposing nauplii of microcrustacean Artemia sp. to solutions containing TiO2-rGO. The good results in the 2,4-D degradation process and the easiness of the TiO2-rGO synthesis allow to consider the proposed approach a promising strategy to obtain performing photocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Andrea Balsamo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.A.B.); (M.C.); (F.L.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Roberto Fiorenza
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.A.B.); (M.C.); (F.L.P.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-738-5012
| | - Marcello Condorelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.A.B.); (M.C.); (F.L.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Roberta Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (R.P.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (R.P.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Francesca Lo Presti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.A.B.); (M.C.); (F.L.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Salvatore Sciré
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.A.B.); (M.C.); (F.L.P.); (S.S.)
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Patamia V, Gentile D, Fiorenza R, Muccilli V, Mineo PG, Scirè S, Rescifina A. Nanosponges based on self-assembled starfish-shaped cucurbit[6]urils functionalized with imidazolium arms. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:3664-3667. [PMID: 33725066 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc00990g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A new porous material based on the first supramolecular cucurbituril-based nanosponge was synthesized by the functionalization of cucurbit[6]uril with twelve 1-(2-bromoethyl)-3-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium arms. The porous structure and the high adsorption capacity were demonstrated through surface area measurements and carbon dioxide adsorption. The new supramolecular sponge showed attractive properties such as (i) a highly porous structure that allowed CO2 capture, (ii) the possibility to reuse the adsorbed CO2 for organic synthesis, and (iii) an exciting thermal stability up to around 800 °C, with the potential use of this material in high temperature reactions. Finally, the reuse of CO2 was successfully investigated in the carboxylation reaction of phenylacetylene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Patamia
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco e della Salute, Università di Catania, V.le A. Doria, 95125-Catania, Italy.
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Dardenne E, Padilla F, Rasmussen S, Yang S, Mentes A, Ogawa L, Fiorenza R, Trombino A, Smith S, Romashko D, Ishiyama N, Chevtsova M, Thakur S, Rosfjord E, Buck E, Roberts C, Lucas M, Lin TA. 35MO Discovery and characterization of selective, FGFR1-sparing, inhibitors of FGFR2/3 oncogenic mutations for the treatment of cancers. Ann Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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14
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Puglisi R, Pellegrino AL, Fiorenza R, Scirè S, Malandrino G. A Facile One-Pot Approach to the Synthesis of Gd-Eu Based Metal-Organic Frameworks and Applications to Sensing of Fe 3+ and Cr 2O 72- Ions. Sensors (Basel) 2021; 21:1679. [PMID: 33804375 PMCID: PMC7957569 DOI: 10.3390/s21051679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Gadolinium metal-organic frameworks (Gd-MOFs) and Eu-doped Gd-MOFs have been synthesized through a one-pot green approach using commercially available reagents. The 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2-BDC) and 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (H2-NDC) were chosen as ditopic organic linkers to build the 3D structure of the network. The Gd-MOFs were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and N2 adsorption-desorption analysis. The Gd-MOF structures were attributed comparing the XRD patterns, supported by the FT-IR spectra, with data reported in the literature for Ln-MOFs of similar lanthanide ionic radius. FE-SEM characterization points to the effect of the duration of the synthesis to a more crystalline and organized structure, with grain dimensions increasing upon increasing reaction time. The total surface area of the MOFs has been determined from the application of the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. The study allowed us to correlate the processing conditions and ditopic linker dimension to the network surface area. Both Gd-MOF and Eu-doped Gd-MOF have been tested for sensing of the inorganic ions such as Fe3+ and Cr2O72-.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Puglisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, I-95125 Catania, Italy; (R.P.); (R.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Anna L. Pellegrino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, INSTM UdR Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, I-95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Roberto Fiorenza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, I-95125 Catania, Italy; (R.P.); (R.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Salvatore Scirè
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, I-95125 Catania, Italy; (R.P.); (R.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Graziella Malandrino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, INSTM UdR Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, I-95125 Catania, Italy;
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15
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Fiorenza R, Di Mauro A, Cantarella M, Privitera V, Impellizzeri G. Selective photodegradation of 2,4-D pesticide from water by molecularly imprinted TiO2. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2019.111872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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16
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Cantarella M, Gorrasi G, Di Mauro A, Scuderi M, Nicotra G, Fiorenza R, Scirè S, Scalisi ME, Brundo MV, Privitera V, Impellizzeri G. Mechanical milling: a sustainable route to induce structural transformations in MoS 2 for applications in the treatment of contaminated water. Sci Rep 2019; 9:974. [PMID: 30700766 PMCID: PMC6353866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37798-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have received much attention in recent years, because of their unusual properties associated with their ultra-thin thickness and 2D morphology. Besides graphene, a new 2D material, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), has attracted immense interest in various applications. On the other hand, ball-milling process provides an original strategy to modify materials at the nanometer scale. This methodology represents a smart solution for the fabrication of MoS2 nanopowders extremely-efficient in adsorbing water contaminants in aqueous solution. This work reports a comprehensive morphological, structural, and physicochemical investigation of MoS2 nanopowders treated with dry ball-milling. The adsorption performances of the produced nanopowders were tested using methylene blue (MB) dye and phenol in aqueous solution. The adsorption capacity as a function of ball-milling time was deeply studied and explained. Importantly, the ball-milled MoS2 nanopowders can be easily and efficiently regenerated without compromising their adsorption capacity, so to be reusable for dye adsorption. The eventual toxic effects of the prepared materials on microcrustacean Artemia salina were also studied. The present results demonstrate that ball-milling of MoS2 offers a valid method for large-scale production of extremely efficient adsorbent for the decontamination of wastewaters from several pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuliana Gorrasi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovani Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Roberto Fiorenza
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Scirè
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Scalisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124, Catania, Italy
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17
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Fiorenza R, Bellardita M, Barakat T, Scirè S, Palmisano L. Visible light photocatalytic activity of macro-mesoporous TiO 2 -CeO 2 inverse opals. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2017.10.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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18
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Filice S, Compagnini G, Fiorenza R, Scirè S, D’Urso L, Fragalà ME, Russo P, Fazio E, Scalese S. Laser processing of TiO2 colloids for an enhanced photocatalytic water splitting activity. J Colloid Interface Sci 2017; 489:131-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2016.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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19
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Ognibene G, Cristaldi DA, Fiorenza R, Blanco I, Cicala G, Scirè S, Fragalà ME. Photoactivity of hierarchically nanostructured ZnO–PES fibre mats for water treatments. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra06854e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brush-like ZnO nanorods shell grown by CBD onto electrospun PES fibres as photocatalytic membranes for water purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Ognibene
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture
- University of Catania
- 95123 Catania
- Italy
| | - D. A. Cristaldi
- Department of Chemical Science and INSTM UdR Catania
- University of Catania
- I-95123 Catania
- Italy
| | - R. Fiorenza
- Department of Chemical Science and INSTM UdR Catania
- University of Catania
- I-95123 Catania
- Italy
| | - I. Blanco
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture
- University of Catania
- 95123 Catania
- Italy
| | - G. Cicala
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture
- University of Catania
- 95123 Catania
- Italy
| | - S. Scirè
- Department of Chemical Science and INSTM UdR Catania
- University of Catania
- I-95123 Catania
- Italy
| | - M. E. Fragalà
- Department of Chemical Science and INSTM UdR Catania
- University of Catania
- I-95123 Catania
- Italy
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20
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Paternò A, Fiorenza R, Marullo S, Musumarra G, Scirè S. Prediction of ionic liquid's heat capacity by means of their in silico principal properties. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra05106e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
VolSurf+ in silico principal properties of ionic liquids were used to develop a QSPR model providing affordable heat capacity predictions which were experimentally validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Paternò
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche
- Università di Catania
- I-95125 Catania
- Italy
| | - Roberto Fiorenza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche
- Università di Catania
- I-95125 Catania
- Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Musumarra
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche
- Università di Catania
- I-95125 Catania
- Italy
| | - Salvatore Scirè
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche
- Università di Catania
- I-95125 Catania
- Italy
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21
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Fiorenza R, Cananzi F, Picerno I. [First results of comparative tests for sulfite-reducing Clostridium in sterilized milk]. Quad Sclavo Diagn 1973; 9:882-6. [PMID: 4369565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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