Polyphenols represent a structural class of mainly natural organic chemicals that contain multiple phenol structural units. The beneficial properties of polyphenols have been extensively studied for their antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, but nowadays, their medical applications are starting to be extended to many other applications due to their prebiotic role and their impact on the microbiota. This review focused on the use of polyphenols in cancer treatment. Their antineoplastic effects have been demonstrated in various studies when they were tested on numerous cancer lines and some in in vivo models. A431 and SCC13 human skin cancer cell lines treated with EGCG presented a reduced cell viability and enhanced cell death due to the inactivation of β-catenin signaling. Additionally, resveratrol showed a great potential against breast cancer mainly due to its ability to exert both anti-estrogenic and estrogenic effects (based on the concentration) and because it has a high affinity for estrogen receptors ERα and Erβ. Polyphenols can be combined with different classical cytostatic agents to enhance their therapeutic effects on cancer cells and to also protect healthy cells from the aggressiveness of antitumor drugs due to their anti-inflammatory properties. For instance, curcumin has been reported to reduce the gastrointestinal toxicity associated with chemotherapy. In the case of 5-FU-induced, it reduced the gastrointestinal toxicity by increasing the intestinal permeability and inhibiting mucosal damage. Co-administration of EGCG and doxorubicin induced the death of liver cancer cells. EGCG has the ability to inhibit autophagic activity and stop hepatoma Hep3B cell proliferation This symbiotic approach is well-known in medical practice including in multiple chemotherapy.

The lack of bone grafts represents a major issue in the orthopedic field, reconstructive surgery, and dentistry. There are several bone conditions that often demand the use of grafts, such as fractures, infections, and bone cancer. The number of bone cancer cases increased in the past few decades and along with it, the need for bone grafting materials. To avoid the use of autografts and allografts there has been an increased interest towards synthetic grafts. This research aims to develop some collagen/hydroxyapatite (Coll/HAp) scaffolds cross-linked with three different agents that could be used in bone tissue engineering (BTE). These scaffolds were obtained with a freeze-drying method after the in situ formation of hydroxyapatite inside the collagen matrix. They were structurally and morphologically characterized and evaluated in terms of antimicrobial activity on E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains. The results revealed that the scaffolds have porous structures with interconnected pores of suitable dimensions and well-distributed inorganic phases. Coll/HAp samples showed great antibacterial activity even without the use of typically used antibacterial agents. These findings allow us to conclude that these scaffolds are promising candidates for use in BTE and bone cancer treatment after the incorporation of specific antitumoral drugs.

This paper addresses the growing concern surrounding microplastic pollution, particularly within the textile industry, and the associated potential health risks linked to the inhalation and ingestion of microplastic particles. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters, are increasingly found not only in aquatic environments, but also in soils, air, and food. Although research on the health impacts of microplastics is still emerging, early studies indicate that these particles could contribute to health issues, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. Notably, individuals with higher concentrations of plastics in arterial plaques are more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes. In the textile industry, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic release microplastics into the air during production. The paper discusses a study conducted in a textile company that processes polyester yarns, where airborne microplastic concentrations were measured at various locations throughout the day. Particle sizes ranging from 0.3 nm to 10 nm were analyzed, revealing the presence of polyester polymers in the particulate matter. These findings underscore the widespread nature of microplastic pollution, particularly in industrial settings, and raise concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to airborne microplastics. While further research is necessary to fully understand the extent of these health impacts, preliminary data suggest a troubling link between microplastic inhalation and cardiovascular conditions.

The global burden of cancer continues to grow, with bone cancer—though rare—posing serious challenges in terms of treatment and post-surgical reconstruction. Autologous bone grafting remains the gold standard, yet limitations such as donor site morbidity drive the search for alternative solutions. Tissue engineering, combining biomaterials and therapeutic agents, offers promising avenues. This study focuses on the development of multifunctional scaffolds based on collagen and hydroxyapatite obtained by the freeze-drying technique and incorporating both synthetic (doxorubicin) and natural (caffeic acid) compounds for osteosarcoma treatment. These scaffolds aim to combine tumor inhibition with bone regeneration, addressing the dual need for local drug delivery and structural repair in bone cancer therapy. The characterization of these composite materials revealed that a spongious structure with interconnected pores and a homogeneous pore distribution, with pore sizes between 20 and 250 μm suitable for osteoblasts infiltration. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the formation of hydroxyapatite inside the collagen matrix. LDH and XTT assays confirmed that the antitumoral scaffolds possess great potential for osteosarcoma treatment, showing that after 3 days of culturing, the extracts containing doxorubicin-7A, both alone and in combination with caffeic acid-9A, significantly reduced the viability of cell lines to below 7% and 20%, respectively.

The electrical response of conductive textile structures to liquid exposure was investigated as a basis for electrical resistance-based haemorrhage detection. The sensing principle relies on changes in the electrical resistance of the conductive network following liquid exposure, with the resulting resistance variation used as the sensing parameter. Nine conductive textile variants were developed and evaluated, comprising three knitted structures (K1–K3) and six woven structures produced in raw and finished states (W1–W3). The structures incorporated silver-coated polyamide and stainless-steel conductive yarns and were exposed to water, acidic perspiration (pH 5.5), alkaline perspiration (pH 8.0), and saline solution. Saline solution was used as a controlled conductive aqueous medium for comparison and does not reproduce the physical, chemical, rheological, cellular, or biochemical properties of whole blood. Electrical resistance measurements, together with physical and mechanical characterization, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were performed to assess structural stability and electrical response. Saline solution produced the largest resistance variations among the tested liquids, whereas water and perspiration resulted in lower responses. Localized mechanical deformation further induced pronounced resistance changes in several woven structures. Among the evaluated variants, W2 exhibited the most favorable combination of structural stability and electrical responsiveness. These results support further investigation of W2 (conductive yarn: Filix DA5393 yarn) as an electrical resistance-based sensing structure for potential haemorrhage-related liquid detection applications.

The existing worldwide information related to the aerial modules used for transporting mulching substances is particularly pernicious. Thus, at this moment, on an international level, cargo transport solutions for mulching lands affected by soil drought are limited to identifying the maximum value of the load (1250–4500 kgf), the type of raw material from which it is made (polyamide), the shape (quadratic, octagonal, rectangular) and its dimensions (2.13 m × 3 m for a maximum transport capacity of 1250 kgf – 5.5 m × 5.5 m for a maximum transport capacity of 4500 kgf). Also, among the solutions for protecting lands affected by wildfires, the sowing technique with the help of drones was identified. Thus, the seeded compost balls are allowed to fall by gravity from the drones, being released randomly in the demineralised areas, difficult to reach by land transport. The paper presents the latest research of INCDTP specialists – carried out in the national premiere – regarding the iterative-incremental development of a multi-role collapsible aerial module that has as its theatre of operations the desertified areas (due to the pedological drought) of Romania. The central point of the research is focused on: i) the experimentation in the accredited laboratories of INCDTP, of flexible panels joined by mechanical-textile technology; ii) statistical analysis of values; iii) predicting the minimum values of the physical-mechanical characteristics of the composite material.