Noemi Gallucci , Ilaria De Cristofaro , Irene Russo Krauss , Gerardino D'Errico , Luigi Paduano
{"title":"Eco-sustainable delivery strategies to drive agriculture forward","authors":"Noemi Gallucci , Ilaria De Cristofaro , Irene Russo Krauss , Gerardino D'Errico , Luigi Paduano","doi":"10.1016/j.cocis.2025.101917","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cocis.2025.101917","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review provides an overview of the different types of carriers for agriculture that have appeared in the literature in the last five years. The purpose is to highlight the development of increasingly performing and eco-friendly nanotechnology. The focus is on the advantages of using micro/nano-emulsions, polysaccharides micro/nanocarriers, and inorganic nanocarriers. The information gathered contributes to the development of carriers’ nanotechnology, allowing specific and controlled delivery while being minimally toxic for the environment and humans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":293,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science","volume":"77 ","pages":"Article 101917"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143715657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Manuel Abellán , Isabel Ciria-Ramos , Ignacio Gascón , Marta Haro , Emilio J. Juarez-Perez
{"title":"Progress in integrated photo-rechargeable battery technologies","authors":"Manuel Abellán , Isabel Ciria-Ramos , Ignacio Gascón , Marta Haro , Emilio J. Juarez-Perez","doi":"10.1016/j.cocis.2025.101915","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cocis.2025.101915","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Integrated photo-rechargeable battery systems represent a significant advancement in sustainable energy storage and conversion by combining photovoltaic energy harvesting with direct energy storage in a compact design. Although initially studied in the 1970s, interest in this field has surged in recent years. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this topic, researchers from diverse backgrounds approach it with varying methodologies, resulting in highly diverse cell designs and inconsistent performance metrics. These variations complicate the comparison and evaluation of system efficiency and functionality. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the field's development and current state, from early photoelectrochemical approaches to modern integrated designs. Additionally, it addresses the challenge of performance evaluation by compiling current approaches to performance measurement and proposing standardized evaluation parameters under defined conditions. This dual focus on field overview and metrics standardization aims to provide both a thorough understanding of solar electrochemical energy storage technologies and a framework for their consistent evaluation, which is critical for advancing these technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":293,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science","volume":"77 ","pages":"Article 101915"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143705031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Md Naimur Rahman Antu , Md Wasif Hasan , M. Hasanuzzaman , M. Moinul Islam
{"title":"Challenges and prospects of semi transparent dye-sensitized solar cells for real-world applications: A review","authors":"Md Naimur Rahman Antu , Md Wasif Hasan , M. Hasanuzzaman , M. Moinul Islam","doi":"10.1016/j.cocis.2025.101907","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cocis.2025.101907","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The demand for sustainable energy drives innovation in solar technology, with semi-transparent dye-sensitized solar cells (ST-DSSCs) combining power generation and light transmission. This review investigates the potential of ST-DSSCs in applications like smart farming, interior energy harvesting, and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). The device architecture, cutting-edge materials, manufacturing techniques, and the new idea of bi-facial DSSCs are explored in detail. The review also examines the limitations encountered by ST-DSSCs, including technological challenges, safety concerns, economic barriers, and environmental impacts, while proposing practical solutions to address these issues. Furthermore, it explores the current regulations and standards regarding ST-DSSCs and provides suggestions for their implementation and progress in the future. This study intends to offer significant insights for academics, policymakers, and industry stakeholders by emphasizing the development of sustainable and efficient solar energy solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":293,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science","volume":"77 ","pages":"Article 101907"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143679614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gustavo S. Luengo , Odile Aubrun , Frederic Restagno
{"title":"Foams in cosmetics: New trends in detergency, friction, coatings","authors":"Gustavo S. Luengo , Odile Aubrun , Frederic Restagno","doi":"10.1016/j.cocis.2025.101906","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cocis.2025.101906","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Foams and bubbles are particularly valuable in cosmetics as they can provide functional, sensorial, and emotional benefits. They are ubiquitous in cleaning products for skin and hair containing complex mixtures of short chain surfactants, polymers and other technical (salts, glycols…) or beneficial ingredients (silicones, oils, actives…). Other cosmetic applications (styling, skincare, coloration, etc.) may use foam format for their light feel and easy spreading on hair and skin, covering a wide range of compositions from alcoholic solutions to oily gels.</div><div>Besides aspects related to the formation, stability, and structure of foams (that are key in continuously optimizing the performance and usage of foam-based cosmetic products), the right choices of natural and bio-based ingredients will also help to overcome actual challenges such as sustainability. Moreover, their contact and spreading properties on natural surfaces are essential for various applications properties such as cleansing and deposition of topical cosmetic and dermatological products, etc.</div><div>In this opinion article, we describe the recent advances and challenges in using foams in cosmetics from both physical and formulation perspectives. We focus our attention on the foam–substrate interaction and recent studies opening new concepts and solutions of interest for cosmetic applications such as foam tribology and deposition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":293,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science","volume":"77 ","pages":"Article 101906"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143577380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pioneering advancements in quantum dot solar cells: Innovations in synthesis and cutting-edge applications","authors":"Shailesh Narain Sharma , Pooja Semalti , Bhawna , A. Srinivas Rao","doi":"10.1016/j.cocis.2025.101905","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cocis.2025.101905","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review explores the potential of Quantum Dot Solar Cells (QDSCs) in revolutionizing photovoltaic technology. By leveraging the unique properties of quantum dots, QDSCs promise enhanced efficiency and lower production costs. Key innovations like tandem quantum dot solar cells (TQDSCs) and hybrid organic-quantum dot (HQD) solar cells are highlighted for their ability to absorb a broader light spectrum and combine organic semiconductors with quantum dots.</div><div>However, challenges such as long-term stability, material toxicity, and scalability remain obstacles to commercial viability. The review calls for continued research into non-toxic materials, better encapsulation techniques, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. A forward-looking perspective emphasizes that interdisciplinary efforts are crucial for integrating QDSCs into the renewable energy landscape, potentially driving a more sustainable future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":293,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science","volume":"77 ","pages":"Article 101905"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143521190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Synergistic effect of limestone and supplementary cementitious materials in ternary blended cements","authors":"Luca Campagiorni, Monica Tonelli, Francesca Ridi","doi":"10.1016/j.cocis.2024.101885","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cocis.2024.101885","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review offers an introductory examination of the challenges involved in formulating limestone-based ternary blended cements intended for both specialists and nonexperts in cement chemistry. The environmental impact of cement production and the raising awareness on climate changes has led to a progressive shift toward sustainable practices, emphasizing the critical need for eco-friendly construction materials. Here, the motivation for adopting ternary blends is explored, with a particular focus on supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) otherwise classified as wastes, such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag, silica fume, fly ash, and metakaolin, which contribute to sustainability improvements. To facilitate understanding, a glossary of technical terms is provided alongside an overview of the cement hydration process and the distinct characteristics of various SCMs.</div><div>The review focuses on the performance of binary and ternary cement blends, giving particular consideration to the synergistic effects observed when limestone is combined with SCMs in ternary formulations. Key properties of specific ternary blends are highlighted, unraveling their potential to enhance both performance and environmental sustainability. Finally, the review provides a perspective for future developments, reflecting on the broader implications of these materials for promoting sustainable construction practices within the industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":293,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 101885"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143104790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development of amino acid-based surfactants: from synthesis to applications","authors":"Krister Holmberg, Frida Bilén, Romain Bordes","doi":"10.1016/j.cocis.2024.101884","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cocis.2024.101884","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The diversity of both natural and non-natural amino acids provides a strong foundation for the synthesis of a wide array of surfactants and offers the possibility to control the interactions at interfaces and within self-assembly processes.</div><div>This review provides an overview of the latest developments of amino acid-based surfactant over the past decade, with a particular focus on the past five years. A detailed overview of the synthesis is first given, and physicochemical properties of surfactants derived from both standard amino acids, and non-natural amino acids are discussed. From enhancing foaming to controlling rheological properties, these surfactants meet a wide range of application-specific requirements. This is illustrated in various fields, such as drug delivery or mineral ore flotation.</div><div>Although single amino acid derivatives have been deeply explored, surfactants based on multiple amino acids are also discussed for the new possibilities in self-assembly and potential various applications they offer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":293,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 101884"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143104791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Davide Orsi , Valentina Lorusso , Marco Vaccari, Luigi Cristofolini
{"title":"Diffusing wave spectroscopy for the study of emulsions on-ground and in microgravity","authors":"Davide Orsi , Valentina Lorusso , Marco Vaccari, Luigi Cristofolini","doi":"10.1016/j.cocis.2024.101892","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cocis.2024.101892","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We review the approaches, both experimental and modelling, and the main results obtained recently in the investigation of emulsions by diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS). DWS is a correlation spectroscopy based on the analysis of the time structure of the scattered light emerging from a laser-illuminated opaque sample. Such a noninvasive technique is well suited to the investigation of drop size distribution and drop dynamic in emulsions. This dynamic determines the evolution, and finally the fate, of emulsions. The results obtained in a laboratory are complemented by the very recent results obtained in microgravity (the condition of absence of weight obtained in orbit) onboard the International Space Station: mastering emulsions in such exotic conditions not only offers new insight into the basic physical phenomena but may also provide new enabling technologies to ensure comfortable living environments and safe foods to the astronauts engaged in long space flights.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":293,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 101892"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143095934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hernán A. Ritacco, Marcos Fernández Leyes, Jhon Sánchez Morales
{"title":"Dynamic surface tension of polymer–surfactant mixtures at water–gas interfaces","authors":"Hernán A. Ritacco, Marcos Fernández Leyes, Jhon Sánchez Morales","doi":"10.1016/j.cocis.2024.101877","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cocis.2024.101877","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mixtures of polymers and surfactants in water are versatile systems used in formulating foams across a spectrum of industries, including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and oil, among others. The kinetic mechanisms governing the transfer of surfactant (S) and polymer (P) molecules, as well as their complexes (PS), from bulk to the interface, are pivotal in both the production and stabilization of aqueous foams. Despite its critical role, dynamic surface tension of PS mixtures remains relatively underexplored. This article aims to critically review the literature regarding our current understanding of the adsorption dynamics of polymer–surfactant mixtures at the air–solution interface. Special emphasis will be placed on the kinetics of adsorption during short, far-from-equilibrium times, which are crucial in determining the foamability of a system. The article will highlight the significance of P–S interactions and dynamics in the bulk for a comprehensive understanding of the adsorption dynamics at fluid interfaces.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":293,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 101877"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143135837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Liposomes: Bridging the gap from lab to pharmaceuticals","authors":"Remo Eugster, Paola Luciani","doi":"10.1016/j.cocis.2024.101875","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cocis.2024.101875","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Liposomes are versatile and effective drug delivery systems, as highlighted by various medical applications. Their well-defined bilayer structure is suited for the encapsulation of drugs with diverse chemical properties and for a variety of release strategies. Understanding liposome self-assembly and structure is crucial for enhancing drug development and delivery efficiency. Herein, we review the self-assembly process of liposomes and transfer this knowledge to means of production. The challenges and opportunities of scaling liposomal production are discussed. Key techniques, to characterize the particles, their interface and composition, essential for market approval, are outlined. Views on novel computational methods to deepen the lipid behavior at interfaces and accelerate liposome development are given, including opinions on using artificial intelligence to support liposome production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":293,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 101875"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143104793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}