Hexagonal boron nitride is often referred to as white graphene. This is a 2D layered material, with a structure similar to graphene. It has gained many applications in cosmetics, dental cements, ceramics etc. Hexagonal boron nitride is also used in medicine, as a drug carrier similar as graphene or graphene oxide. Here we report that this material can be exfoliated in two steps: chemical treatment (via modified Hummers method) followed by the sonication treatment. Afterwards, the surface of the obtained material can be efficiently functionalized with gold nanoparticles. The mitochondrial activity was not affected in L929 and MCF-7 cell line cultures during 24-h incubation, whereas longer incubation (for 48, and 72 h) with this nanocomposite affected the cellular metabolism. Lysosome functionality, analyzed using the NR uptake assay, was also reduced in both cell lines. Interestingly, the rate of MCF-7 cell proliferation was reduced when exposed to h-BN loaded with gold nanoparticles. It is believed that h-BN nanocomposite with gold nanoparticles is an attractive material for cancer drug delivery and photodynamic therapy in cancer killing.

A strategy for enhancing the sustainable flame retardancy of polylactide (PLA) composites by partially replacing melamine polyphosphate (MPP), a commercial flame retardant proposed for PLA, with wastewater polyphosphate‐enriched microalgae (P‐Algae) has been explored. The incorporation of P‐Algae at a 1:1 ratio with MPP leads to a notable synergistic effect, surpassing the expected additive behavior of the individual components. Comprehensive characterization encompassing thermogravimetric analysis coupled with FTIR, pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter (PCFC), cone calorimeter, oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 tests, and rheological measurements—demonstrates that the presence of this biomaterial can significantly enhance flame retardant performance. Replacing 50% of MPP with P‐Algae in PLA resulted in a 17% reduction in peak heat release rate (pHRR) and maintained a V‐0 rating in UL‐94 testing. The use of P‐Algae does not compromise the flame retardancy of PLA but rather contributes positively, offering a promising path toward more sustainable flame‐retardant systems. By leveraging naturally derived biomass, this approach aligns with the growing demand for novel eco‐friendly technologies in polymer engineering. Insights into an innovative renewable additive as a functional and effective component in flame‐retardant biocomposites have been achieved.

This study examines the dual benefits of microalgae cultivation for wastewater treatment and the enhancement of polylactic acid‐based biocomposites. Using Desmodesmus sp. in a photobioreactor, both batch and continuous operations achieve total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) removal rates of up to 99.9%, maintaining TN and TP levels below 0.02 mg L⁻¹ in the effluent, aligning with European discharge standards. Continuous cultivation increases biomass productivity from 0.102 to 0.43 g L⁻¹ day⁻¹, a 322% improvement over batch operations. Nutrient starvation followed by reintroduction to nutrient‐rich wastewater induces hyper‐compensation luxury uptake, with P‐enriched cells accumulating 1.33% intracellular P within six hours — 21% higher than natural accumulation. The results reveal that luxury phosphorus uptake in microalgae follows a triphasic system of uptake and storage, challenging the previously suggested biphasic model. When incorporated into Poly lactic acid (PLA), the biomass enhances versatility, offering potential replacement of inorganic P in industrial applications, particularly flame retardants. Pyrolysis and cone calorimetry confirm the thermal and fire‐retardant benefits, with a 20% reduction in peak heat release rate and increased char yield. This work highlights microalgae's role in sustainable biocomposites, supporting wastewater treatment, nutrient recovery, and CO₂ sequestration.