Chitosan, derived from chitin, is a biopolymer consisting of arbitrarily distributed β-(1-4)-linked D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine that exhibits outstanding properties— biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, antibacterial activity, the capacity to form films, and chelating of metal ions. Most of these peculiar properties are attributed to the presence of free protonable amino groups along the chitosan backbone, which also gives it solubility in acidic conditions. Moreover, this biopolymer can also be physically modified, thereby presenting a variety of forms to be developed. Consequently, this polysaccharide is used in various fields, such as tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and cancer treatment. In this sense, this review aims to gather the state-of-the-art concerning this polysaccharide when used as a biomaterial, providing information about its characteristics, chemical modifications, and applications. We present the most relevant and new information about this polysaccharide-based biomaterial’s applications in distinct fields and also the ability of chitosan and its various derivatives to selectively permeate through the cancer cell membranes and exhibit anticancer activity, and the possibility of adding several therapeutic metal ions as a strategy to improve the therapeutic potential of this polymer.

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a bioceramic widely studied due to its chemical similarity with the mineral component of bones. Besides, it is biocompatible, bioactive and thermodynamically stable in the body fluid what poses it as an attractive material for a wide range of applications in the biomedical field. Several efforts have been focused on the synthesis of particles of this material aiming to the precise control of size and morphology, porosity and surface area. HAp is widely used as an implant for bone tissue regeneration, as a coating for metallic implants and in a drug-controlled release. In this sense, the objective of this review is to gather information related to HAp, providing readers with information about synthesis methods, material characteristics and their applications.

The efficiency of acid treatment on natural calcium bentonite (natural bentonite) for anionic dye adsorption was investigated using methyl orange (MO) as a probe. Additionally, adsorption experiments were accomplished between the natural bentonite, acidified bentonite, and a cationic dye (methylene blue, MB). Acid functionalization in natural bentonite (RF) was carried out with HCl and H₂SO₄ acids (RF1 and RF2, respectively). The samples were characterized by chemical analysis, mineralogy, particle size, and thermal behavior with the associated mass losses. The adsorption efficiency of MO and MB dyes was investigated by the effects of the initial concentration of adsorbate ($C_i$) and the contact time ($t_c$). The acid treatment was efficient for increasing the adsorption capacity of the anionic dye, and the $Q_{max}^{exp}$ values measured were 2.2 mg/g, 67.4 mg/g e 47.8 mg/g to RF, RF1 e RF2, respectively. On the other hand, the acid functionalization of bentonite did not significantly modify the MB dye adsorption. The Sips equation was the best fit for the adsorption isotherms. Thus, we found that the acid-functionalized bentonite increases the anionic dye adsorption by up to 8000%. The increased adsorptive capacity of acidified bentonite was explained in terms of electrostatic attraction between the clay surface and the dye molecule.

Molybdenum trioxide is an abundant natural, low-cost, and environmentally friendly material that has gained considerable attention from many researchers in a variety of high-impact applications. It is an attractive inorganic oxide that has been widely studied because of its layered structure, which results in intercalation ability through tetrahedral/octahedral holes and extension channels and leads to superior charge transfer. Shape-related properties such as high specific capacities, the presence of exposed active sites on the oxygen-rich structure, and its natural tendency to oxygen vacancy that leads to a high ionic conductivity are also attractive to technological applications. Due to its chemistry with multiple valence states, high thermal and chemical stability, high reduction potential, and electrochemical activity, many studies have focused on the development of molybdenum oxide-based systems in the last few years. Thus, this article aims to briefly review the latest advances in technological applications of MoO₃ and MoO₃-based materials in gas sensors, lithium-ion batteries, and water pollution treatment using adsorption and photocatalysis techniques, presenting the most relevant and new information on heterostructures, metal doping, and non-stoichiometric MoO_3−x.