Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable, transparent, isotropic single-phase mixtures of two immiscible liquids stabilized by surfactants (and possibly other compounds). The assortment of very different microstructures behind such a univocal macroscopic definition is presented together with the experimental approaches to their determination. This tutorial review includes a necessary overview of the microemulsion phase behavior including the effect of temperature and salinity and of the features of living polymerlike micelles and living networks. Once these key learning points have been acquired, the different theoretical models proposed to rationalize the microemulsion microstructures are reviewed. The focus is on the use of these models as a rationale for the formulation of microemulsions with suitable features. Finally, current achievements and challenges of the use of microemulsions are reviewed.

Silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignan and flavonoid polyphenolic compounds extractable from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seeds, has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-viral activities potentially useful in the treatment of several liver disorders, such as chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Equally promising are the effects of silymarin in protecting the brain from the inflammatory and oxidative stress effects by which metabolic syndrome contributes to neurodegenerative diseases. However, although clinical trials have proved that silymarin is safe at high doses (>1500 mg/day) in humans, it suffers limiting factors such as low solubility in water (<50 μg/mL), low bioavailability and poor intestinal absorption. To improve its bioavailability and provide a prolonged silymarin release at the site of absorption, the use of nanotechnological strategies appears to be a promising method to potentiate the therapeutic action and promote sustained release of the active herbal extract. The purpose of this study is to review the different nanostructured systems available in literature as delivery strategies to improve the absorption and bioavailability of silymarin.

Green hydrogen (GH₂) is emerging as a key driver of global energy transition, offering a sustainable pathway to decarbonize energy systems and achieve climate objectives. This review critically examines the state of GH₂ research production technologies and their integration into renewable energy systems, supported by a bibliometric analysis of the recent literature. Produced via electrolysis powered by renewable energy, GH₂ shows significant potential to decarbonize industries, enhance grid stability, and support the Power-to-X paradigm, which interlinks electricity, heating, transportation, and industrial applications. However, widespread adoption faces challenges, including high production costs, infrastructure constraints, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks. Addressing these barriers requires advancements in electrolyzer efficiency, scalable fuel cell technologies, and efficient storage solutions. Sector-coupled smart grids incorporating hydrogen demonstrate the potential to integrate GH₂ into energy systems, enhancing renewable energy utilization and ensuring system reliability. Economic analyses predict that GH₂ can achieve cost parity with fossil fuels by 2030 and will play a foundational role in low-carbon energy systems by 2050. Its ability to convert surplus renewable electricity into clean energy carriers positions it as a cornerstone for decarbonizing energy-intensive sectors, such as industry, transportation, and heating. This review underscores the transformative potential of GH₂ in creating a sustainable energy future. By addressing technical, economic, and policy challenges and through coordinated efforts in innovation and infrastructure development, GH₂ can accelerate the transition to carbon-neutral energy systems and contribute to achieving global climate goals.

The asphalt industry’s incentive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has increased since the 1990s due to growing concerns on environmental issues such as global warming and carbon footprint. This has stimulated the introduction of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) and its technologies which serve the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the mixing and compaction temperatures of asphalt mix. WMA gained popularity due to the environmental benefit it offers without compromising the properties, performance and quality of the asphalt mix. WMA is produced at significantly lower temperatures (slightly above 100 °C) and thus results in less energy consumption, fewer emissions, reduced ageing, lower mixing and compaction temperatures, cool weather paving and better workability of the mix. The latter of these benefits is attributed to the incorporation of additives into WMA. These additives can also confer even better performance of WMA in comparison to conventional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) methods. Even though there are recommended dosages of several WMA additives, there is no general standardized mixture design procedure and this makes it challenging to characterize the mechanism(s) of action of these additives in the warm mix. The effects of the addition of additives into WMA are known to a reasonable extent but not so much is known about the underlying interactions and phenomena which bring about the mechanism(s) by which these additives confer beneficial features into the warm mix. Additives in a certain way are being used to bridge the gap and minimize or even nullify the effect of the mixing temperature deficit involved in WMA processes while improving the general properties of the mix. This review presents WMA technologies such as wax, chemical additives and foaming processes and the mechanisms by which they function to confer desired characteristics and improve the durability of the mix. Hybrid techniques are also briefly mentioned in this paper in addition to a detailed description of the specific modes of action of popular WMA technologies such as Sasobit, Evotherm and Advera. This paper highlights the environmental and technical advantages of WMA over the conventional HMA methods and also comprehensively analyzes the mechanism(s) of action of additives in conferring desirable characteristics on WMA, which ultimately improves its durability.