Last 10 IPCB CT publications on ISI journals
1) Hemp shives conformally-coated by ALD ZnO for a sustainable application in wastewater remediation
C.Laferrera, M.Zimbone, L.Vitiello, V.Strano, G.Sfuncia, G.Nicotra, V.Arena, A.Alberti, R.Fiorenza, S.Carroccio, G.Impellizzeri
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2026.117153
A new hybrid nanocomposite for wastewater treatment was developed using hemp shiv fibers coated with ZnO nanolayers. Macro hemp shives were selected for their adsorption capacity and sustainability, while ZnO provided photocatalytic activity. Low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) anchored ZnO nanolayers with controlled thicknesses (30, 70, 90 nm) onto hydroxyl groups on the hemp shives’ surface. The effect of the ZnO thickness on adsorption and photocatalytic performance toward water organic pollutants was systematically investigated. Characterization included spectroscopic ellipsometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), N
2 adsorption-desorption analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Methylene blue (MB) adsorption kinetics showed ZnO coatings partially shield the intrinsic adsorption aptitude of pure porous fibers' surface, with a shielding increasing with the ZnO thickness. Photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation was evaluated using three emerging water pollutants: MB dye, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and phenol. Hemp shives coated with a 30 nm-thick ZnO layer exhibited the highest degradation efficiencies for all the tested pollutants (about 70% after 4 h of light irradiation). Recycling tests confirmed material stability, with preserved ZnO coating and crystal structure after repeated use. Scavenger experiments indicated both radicals and photo-generated holes contribute to photocatalytic mechanism. The synergistic combination of adsorption and photocatalysis makes ZnO-coated hemp shives a promising and sustainable material for advanced wastewater treatment.
2) Substrate/solvent dependent THPP non-covalent functionalization of polyester support: A comparative physicochemical study with mercury readout
C.Longo, I.Di Bari, G.Curcuruto, G.M.L. Messina, S.Carroccio, E.Spina, G.D’Arrigo, L.Fabiano, A.Sciuto
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtadv.2026.100840
The non-covalent immobilization of porphyrins onto polymeric substrates introduces complex solvent-substrate interplay governing supramolecular organization. In this comparative physicochemical investigation, synergistic effects between these factors were screened by depositing tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl) porphyrin (THPP) onto commercially available polyester sheets. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), and PLA/PET multilayer were employed as solid supports, while ethyl acetate (AcOEt) or a binary ethanol/diethyl ether (EtOH/Et
2O) mixture were selected as solvent system for porphyrin dispersion prior to deposition. The first is chosen as good solvent favouring the optimal solubilization of THPP, while the second one leverages the "good-bad" solvent effect, promoting controlled aggregation.
A combination of analytical techniques, including attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) and UV-vis spectroscopy, confocal dark-field microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), wettability investigation, surface free energy (SFE) measurements, and Variable Angle Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (VASE), was employed to elucidate both morphological and chemical characteristics at the interface. These structural and interfacial parameters critically dictate porphyrin aggregation mode and binding site accessibility.
The well-known selectivity of THPP for mercury ions was assessed as functional readout to compare the porphyrin response in the investigated substrate-solvent combinations. The homogeneous aggregate's distribution and smaller size found for THPP from EtOH/Et
2O on PET made this system the most responsive, allowing also to evaluate its qualitative response toward other dications.
The structure-property correlations presented in this study offer valuable design insights to guide the scalable non-covalent functionalization of porphyrin-polymer platform for a wide range of potential applications.
3) Inhibition factors and soil contamination by macro/micro-particles related to biodegradation of mulching films in Mediterranean and northern climates
D.Briassoulis, C.Pyromali, F.Convertino, E.Schettini, S.Carroccio, P.Cerruti, S.Kernchen, S.Dattilo, J.Nikama, H.Soinne, G.Vox, S.Selonen, M.G.J.Löder, C.Laforsch, A.Mistriotis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2026.112163
Key knowledge gaps for the biodegradability in soil of bio-based biodegradable mulching films include potential inhibition factors related to different climate zones, environmental conditions, and material composition. Possible soil pollution by macro/micro/nano-particles of the degraded mulching films has also been poorly investigated so far. These gaps, stemming from the lack of comprehensive, full-scale comparative studies, were addressed by examining the disintegration behaviour as an indication of biodegradation of two commercially available agricultural mulching films. Both films were manufactured from the same starch/PBAT-based raw material and certified as soil biodegradable. One type was tested under field conditions in southern (Greece) and northern (Finland) Europe, while the second type was tested in southern Europe (Italy). In Greece, the film fully disintegrated in 5-7 months, while in Finland, two dominant inhibiting factors suppressed its disintegration to 32% in 29 months: a) lower temperatures throughout the year (Twinter<0°C), and b) acidic soil, impeding the microbial activity. The disintegration of the second film type in Italy, under analogous climatic conditions to Greece, was significantly lower (84% in 29 months), because of an analytically identified deviation of the film’s composition. The analysis of the soils revealed a low number of micro-particles originating from the biodegradable film exposed in Greece and Finland. Macro, and mainly micro-particles originating from the mulching film exposed in Italy, were identified, confirming the inhibition effect of the material. New grades of soil biodegradable materials, designed to be functional and biodegradable under different climate zones and soil environments, should be urgently developed.
4) Lipooligosaccharide architecture in Acinetobacter modestus CM11G: a non-pathogenic strain
I.Speciale, L.Sturiale, A.Palmigiano, A.Notaro
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carres.2025.109743
The
Acinetobacter genus comprises a multitude of species that have been isolated from both environmental and clinical samples. In recent years, the scientific community has expended considerable effort in characterising the structures of the capsular polysaccharides and lipooligoaccharides (LOS) of
A. baumannii, given the increasing mortality rate caused by this species. Comparatively little research has been undertaken for the non-pathogenic species.
In the present study, we describe the first case of isolation and identification of the LOS molecule of
Acinetobacter modestus CM11G, a Gram-negative bacterium colonising the intestinal crypts of a healthy mouse. By combining spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses with chemical derivatisations, we were able to determine the structure of the entire LOS. The lipid A moiety is composed mainly of hepta-acylated species, a characteristic also observed in other
Acinetobacter species. It is extended with a disaccharide of Kdo, which acts as a bridge between the lipid A and the oligosaccharide portion. Indeed, the internal Kdo residue is linked at position 0-5 with a novel tetrasaccharide composed of βGlcN(1→2)-βGal(1→6)-αGlc(1→, where the glucose is further substituted at position 0-4 with a terminal β-Glc. In contrast, the external Kdo residue does not undergo further substitution, contrary to what generally occurs in the LOS of
A. baumannii.
5) A splice-altering intronic variant in two multiplex families refines autosomal recessive COG4-related congenital disorder of glycosylation
L.Micale, L.Sturiale, F.Russo, E.Di Muro, G.Nardella, R.Pracella, S.Lomuscio, S.Morlino, M.Benvenuto, A.Messina, A.Palmigiano, M.Carella, G.d’Orsi, P.Palumbo, O.Palumbo, R.Barone, M.Castori
DOI:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1096719226004385
Autosomal recessive COG4-related congenital disorder of glycosylation [COG4-CDG(ar)] is caused by biallelic deleterious variants in COG4, which encodes a component of the conserved oligomeric Golgi complex lobe A. COG4-CDG(ar) has been described in six individuals to date, and its clinical manifestations and disease mechanisms remain poorly understood. Exome sequencing identified the homozygous COG4 c.1647+5G>A variant in four affected individuals from two apparently unrelated Italian families. SNP-array genotyping revealed a common ancestral haplotype extending for 3.36cM around COG4 and supports a founder effect for the identified variant. Whole transcriptome sequencing and reverse transcriptase PCR from peripheral blood detected an aberrant COG4 transcript which features skipping of exon 12 and results in a frameshift, predicted to introduce a premature termination codon. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry profiling of serum N-glycans showed mildly deficient galactosylation and sialylation, consistent with an impaired Golgi-mediated glycosylation. As a novel finding, N-glycosylation study of serum IgG showed analogous N-glycan anomalies. These findings and literature review define COG4-CDG(ar) as a neurometabolic disorder with a progressive course leading to severe global disability, post-natal microcephaly with brain atrophy, seizures, coagulopathy, liver involvement, recurrent infections, and defective N-glycosylation of serum proteins.
6) IgG Glycosylation Analysis in Patients with Ring14 Syndrome Unveils Novel Pathomechanisms and New Therapy Perspectives
A.Messina, A.Palmigiano, D.Romeo, L.Sturiale, E.Parano, M.Crimi, A.Carrese Cirillo, A.Vaisfeld, R.Barone, D.Garozzo
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16060760
Ring chromosome 14 (RC14) syndrome is an ultra-rare disorder characterized by drug-resistant epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, autism, and recurrent infections, suggesting a possible underlying immune dysregulation. We analyzed immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation profiles in six RC14 patients and compared them with age-matched healthy controls using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with fluorescence detection (FLR) and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Patients showed decreased galactosylation and sialylation, resembling pro-inflammatory patterns observed in autoimmune diseases. These alterations were not observed in total serum glycoproteins, indicating a selective effect on IgG. One patient treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) showed clinical improvement, which led us to investigate causality.
7) Geometry effect on titania nanoparticle distribution and its impact on the photocatalytic properties of vat photopolymerization 3D-printed acrylic resin-based nanocomposites
L.Vitiello, G.Proietto Salanitri, P.Riccobene, M.G.Musumeci, R.Fiorenza, S.Carroccio
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115639
The development of geometrically optimized photocatalytic devices is a key challenge for advancing environmental purification technologies. The incorporation of titanium dioxide (TiO
2) nanoparticles into polymeric materials, combined with additive manufacturing, offers a promising route to fabricate photocatalytic structures with custom-designed architectures. This paper investigates how specific geometric design influences nanoparticle distribution and its effect on the photocatalytic performance. A commercial acrylic resin was loaded with different TiO
2 concentrations (2.5, 5, 10 wt%), and optimal printing conditions were identified to achieve high-resolution structures. Characterization through cure depth measurements, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed effective photopolymerization and thermal stability, enabling evaluation of nanoparticle distribution in 3D-printed nanocomposites. Gyroid, lattice, and wheel geometries were designed to assess shape effects on titania distribution via photocatalytic testing. Topologically constrained and intralayer regions promote nanoparticle surface enrichment. Specifically, complex networks exhibit greater surface segregation than simple geometries, enhancing TiO
2 photoactivity. The gyroid, characterized by the highest number of layers, displayed the best photocatalytic activity, with a 43% increase in the reaction rate constant compared to the wheel geometry at 10 wt% TiO
2. These findings demonstrate that tailoring material formulation and geometry can maximize the performance of 3D-printed photocatalytic devices.
8) Epoxy Latent Systems for Novel Hybrid 3D Printed Metal/CFs Reinforced Composite Joint Disassembly via Chemical Recycling
L.Saitta, S.Dattilo, C.Tosto, V.Giglio, P.Riccobene, I.Blanco, A.Latteri, G.Cicala
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-026-03790-x
This study presents the chemical, thermal and mechanical characterization of two bio-based and fully-recyclable epoxy latent resins derived from pine oil, engineered to meet high-performance mechanical and thermal specifications for advanced composite applications. The characterized latent epoxy resins exhibited glass transition temperature (Tg) values ranging between 90 and 120°C, flexural strength and modulus values within the range of 35-110 MPa and 2.5-3.2 GPa, respectively, making them suitable for structural applications. One of the latent epoxy resin was further employed in the fabrication of a hybrid joint comprising metal and CFs reinforced composites characterized by an average ILSS of 11.9 MPa and a maximum load of 1429.2 N, due to a good mechanical interlocking at the metal/CFs interface. Due to its latent curing behavior, the epoxy resin remains stable until exposed to elevated temperatures (≥ 80°C), at which point cross-linking is initiated. This property affords an extended pot life and improved control during application and assembly. This feature makes the system especially attractive for hybrid manufacturing approaches, where the extended open time supports accurate positioning of fibers and metal inserts. Furthermore, the epoxy resin was cross-linked by using a cleavable amine hardener to achieve full recyclability, so enabling disassembly under mild acidic controlled conditions. This property facilitated the full recovery of constituent raw materials through a targeted chemical recycling process, achieving a 100% recovery yield. The proposed system offers a sustainable alternative to conventional thermoset-based hybrid metal/CFs composite manufacturing and end-of-life management. This class of hybrid joints can find industrial applications in aerospace and automotive sectors, in electronic and optical applications, in sports equipment and biomedical devices, for the manufacturing of next-generation structural solutions, with enhanced performance and versatility, by also supporting the global shift toward circular design and responsible material use.
9) Solar photothermo-catalytic CO2 conversion into methane: Effect of phyllosilicates on the performance of Ni-Zn-Al layered double hydroxide-derived catalysts
L.Calantropo, E.La Greca, L.F.Liotta, G.Impellizzeri, A.Gulino, A.Ferlazzo, L.Vitiello, S.Carroccio, S.Scirè, R.Fiorenza
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcou.2025.103302
The development of efficient catalysts for CO
2 utilization is a key challenge for industrial sustainability. This study explores the photothermo-catalytic methanation of CO
2 using Ni-Zn-Al Layered Double Hydroxide-derived (LDHd) catalysts modified with phyllosilicates (Montmorillonite K30 and Halloysite). LDH precursors were synthesized by co-precipitation and hydrothermal treatment, then calcined and reduced leading to the formation of mixed oxides and metallic Ni and Zn nanoparticles. Catalytic performances were evaluated at 1Ã? atm and 350°C. The Ni-Zn-Al LDHd catalyst achieved high CO
2 conversion (86%) and CH
4 selectivity (>99Ã? %) under photothermo-catalytic conditions, outperforming commercial Ni systems. Incorporation of halloysite, thermally treated at 200°C, further increased CO
2 conversion to 92% with the same high CH
4 selectivity. This improved performance is attributed to enhanced surface area, optical absorption and moderate-strong basic sites from LDHd-Halloysite interaction. In contrast, Montmorillonite modification, despite cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) intercalation, resulted in lower activity and selectivity, due to weaker basicity and ineffective LDHd interaction. The Ni-Zn-Al LDHd/halloysite catalyst exhibited excellent stability during 20 h of continuous photothermo-catalytic test at 350°C. These results demonstrate the potential of phyllosilicate-modified LDH-derived catalysts, with low metals content, for efficient CO
2 methanation under solar irradiation.
10) Performance and Durability of Biopolymer Blends Containing Modified Metal Oxide Particles
G.Infurna, A.Scamporrino, E.Morici, E.Bruno, G.Pecoraro, N.Tz.Dintcheva
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17223000
This study applies circular and sustainable principles to the formulation of biopolymer-based materials using naturally occurring additives. To improve the affinity between the host matrix and additives such as metal oxides, the work involves adding stearic acid-modified zinc oxide (
f-ZnO) and sonicated titanium dioxide (s-TiO
2) to a polylactic acid and bio-derived polyamide 11 (PLA/PA11 = 70/30 w/w biopolymer blend via melt mixing. To evaluate the impact of the functionalization and sonication on metal oxides (i.e.,
f-ZnO and
s-TiO
2) introduced into the PLA/PA11 blend, composites containing unmodified ZnO and TiO
2 prepared under the same processing conditions were compared with the modified ones. All of the composites were characterised in terms of their solid-state properties, morphology, melt behaviour, and photo-oxidation resistance. The addition of both
f-ZnO and
s-TiO2 appears to exert a plasticising effect on the rheological behaviour, in contrast to unmodified ZnO and TiO
2. The presence of stearic acid tails on ZnO has been estimated at approximately 4%, whereas sonication reduces the diameter of TiO
2 particles by half. In the solid state, both unmodified and modified particles can reinforce the biopolymer matrix, enhancing the Young’s (elastic) modulus. Calorimetry analysis suggests that unmodified and modified metal oxide particles do not influence the glass transition of the PLA phase but affect the melt temperatures of both biopolymeric phases by reducing macromolecular mobility. Morphology analysis shows that the presence of both f-ZnO and s-TiO
2 particles does not reduce the size of the PA11 droplets. The f-ZnO particles, which have long stearic tails and are more compatible with the less-polar phase (PLA), are probably located at the interface between the two biopolymeric phases or in the PLA phase. Furthermore, s-TiO
2 particles, like TiO
2, do not reduce the dimensions of PA11 droplets, suggesting that there is no preferential location of the particles. Due to the presence of both
f-ZnO and
s-TiO
2, an increase in the hydrophobicity of the PLA/PA11 blend has been detected, suggesting enhanced water resistance. The photo-oxidation resistance of the PLA/PA11 blend is significantly reduced by the presence of unmodified metal oxides and even more so by the presence of modified metal oxides. This suggests that metal oxides could be considered photo-sensitive degradant agents for biopolymer blends.
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