In this work, hydrothermal methods and deep eutectic solvents were combined for the first time to prepare tungsten trioxide nanoparticles in an easy and green manner improving their optical and photochromic properties.

The selective semi-hydrogenation of terminal alkynes was efficiently performed, under mild reaction conditions (H₂ balloon, 110 °C), promoted by a bimetallic nanocatalyst composed of copper and palladium nanoparticles (5:1 weight ratio) supported on mesostructured silica (MCM-48). The Cu-PdNPS@MCM-48 catalyst, which demonstrated to be highly chemoselective towards the alkyne functionality, is readily prepared from commercial materials and can be recovered and reused after thermal treatment followed by reduction under H₂ atmosphere.

Stimuli-responsive materials, particularly supramolecular hydrogels, exhibit a dynamic adaptability to external factors such as pH and ultrasound. Among these, phenylalanine (Phe)-derived hydrogels are promising due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable properties, making them ideal for biomedical applications. This study explores the effects of pH and ultrasound on the gelation properties of N-substituted Phe derivatives, with a primary focus on the role of ultrasound in optimizing the gelation process. A series of N-substituted Phe derivatives were synthesized via reductive amination and hydrolysis. Hydrogel formation was possible with two of these compounds, namely G1 and G2, using the following two methods: heating–cooling (H–C) and heating–ultrasound–cooling (H–US–C). The critical gelation concentration (CGC), gelation kinetics, thermal stability (T_gel), and viscoelastic properties were assessed. Morphological and cytotoxicity analyses were performed to confirm the suitability of these gels for biomedical applications. Both G1 and G2 derivatives demonstrated enhanced gelation under the H–US–C protocol compared to H–C, with notable reductions in CGC (up to 47%) and gelation time (by over 90%). Ultrasound-induced gels led to an improved network density and stability, while maintaining thermal reversibility and mechanical properties comparable to those of hydrogels formed without ultrasound. Cytotoxicity studies confirmed a high biocompatibility, with cell viability rates above 95% across the tested concentrations. Given the similar rheological and morphological properties of the hydrogels regardless of the preparation method, drug release experiments were performed with representative gel samples and demonstrated the efficient encapsulation and controlled release of 5-fluorouracil and methotrexate from the hydrogels, supporting their potential as pH-responsive drug delivery platforms. This study highlights the role of ultrasound as a powerful tool for accelerating and optimizing the gelation process of supramolecular hydrogels, which is particularly relevant for applications requiring rapid gel formation. The developed Phe-based hydrogels also demonstrate promising characteristics as drug delivery systems.

A magnetically recoverable copper nanocatalyst supported on silica-coated maghemite (CuNPs/MagSilica) was developed and applied in the tandem synthesis and regioselective N -functionalization of tetrazoles.

A series of new 1,2,3-triazolylphosphonates were synthesized through multicomponent alkyne-azide 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition catalyzed by copper nanoparticles on activated carbon. The reactions were carried out in water and at a very low copper loading as green conditions, leading to the triazolylphosphonate products in moderate to good yields. Studies into their activity as butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors are underway.