Stones are ones of the most ancient natural materials exploited by humans, with different uses, from tools to buildings, that have endured over time in better conditions than other objects belonging to cultural heritage. Given the importance of those silent witnesses of our past, as well as our duty to preserve all parts of cultural heritage for future generations, much effort was put into the development of materials for their consolidation, protection, self-cleaning, or restoration. Protection of ancient stone monuments and objects has gained the interest of researchers in the last decades in the field of conservation of cultural heritage. In this respect, the present paper aims to be a critical discussion regarding potential polymeric materials, which can be used in restorative and conservative approaches for stone materials of cultural heritage importance, against physical degradation phenomena. Recent advances in this area are presented, as well as the current bottle-necks and future development perspectives.

The grapevine industry is confronted with challenges such as plant stress from environmental factors and microbial infections, alongside the need for sustainable waste management practices. Natural polymers offer promising solutions to these issues due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. This review explores the dual role of natural polymers in enhancing the grapevine industry: as protective agents against various stressors and as carriers for the delivery of valuable compounds recovered from grapevine wastes. We examine the use of natural polymers such as chitosan, alginate, and cellulose in formulating bio-based protective coatings and treatments that bolster plant resistance to abiotic stress, pathogens, and pests. Additionally, the review delves into the innovative utilization of grapevine residues, including skins, seeds, and stems, as sources of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds. These compounds can be efficiently encapsulated in natural polymer matrices for applications in agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals. Key topics include the mechanisms of action, benefits, and limitations of natural polymer-based interventions, as well as case studies demonstrating their practical implementation in vineyards. The review also addresses future research directions, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that enhance sustainability and economic viability in the grapevine industry.

Analysis of cultural heritage artifacts represents a very important first step in any restoration/conservation attempt. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy - Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) technique can be successfully applied for the study of a wide range of historical artifacts (several papers describing the application of FTIR for the analysis of historical metals, paper, ceramic, fabrics, etc.). The present paper aims to present the application of FTIR-ATR for the characterization of historical fibers. The analyzed artifact represents a traditional pillowcase originating from Moldavia historical region, from the end of the XIX^th century – beginning of the XX^th century, belonging to a private collection. The technique offers some advantages because relatively small samples are directly analyzed after they are pressed against the surface of the diamond crystal without damaging the samples. Identification of fiber type enables sometimes to approximate the age of an artifact, the climate type or the trade routes and manufacturing process used. The artifact is formed of two major components: the support textile fiber and the colored fibers. The most encountered materials traditionally used for such objects are wool, flax and hemp. While wool is easily identified in the FTIR spectra due to its sharp and intense characteristic peaks, in the case of cellulosic fibers and especially for differentiation between flax and hemp fibers it was necessary to calculate the average values of the band intensity ratios I₁₅₉₅/I₁₁₀₅ and I₁₅₉₅/I₂₉₀₀.

In recent decades, coating materials have gained researchers’ interest, finding applications in different areas such as antimicrobial coatings for biomedical applications, coatings for increasing the shelf-life of commercial products, or coatings for the conservation of cultural heritage artifacts. The use of new types of coating materials based on natural ingredients can lead to the removal of harmful chemicals and contribute to the development of materials having different and promising properties. New challenges can appear both in the production process, as well as in the case of final application, when coating materials must be applied on various supports. The present review paper aims to be a critical discussion regarding the possibility of using natural ingredients as functional coatings, and to prove that the same material can be used in different fields, from the biomedical to environmental, or from cultural heritage protection to the food and cosmetic industries. The paper is based on the newest published studies, and its main goal is to be an inspiration source for researchers, in order to create more functional and applicable composite coatings in specific fields.

Polymers have long been central to modern materials science, but their durability has also made them major contributors to environmental pollution. A new generation of bio-based and nanostructured polymers is now reshaping this field, offering materials that are functional, reversible, and sustainable. This review examines their role across three interconnected domains: cultural heritage conservation, the protection of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), and environmental sustainability. In heritage science, polymers are moving away from synthetic resins toward renewable systems such as chitosan, nanocellulose, and PLA, which provide stability while remaining reversible and compatible with delicate substrates. In agriculture, biodegradable coatings, controlled-release carriers, and edible films are improving MAP protection, extending shelf life, and reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. In environmental applications, polymers are being reinvented as solutions rather than problems—through degradable mulches, functional hydrogels, and nanocomposites that clean soils and waters within a circular economy framework. Looking across these domains reveals strong synergies. The same principles—biodegradability, multifunctionality, and responsiveness—apply in each context, turning polymers from passive barriers into intelligent, adaptive systems. Their future success will depend not only on chemistry but also on life-cycle design, policy alignment, and public trust, making polymers key enablers of sustainability.

Nickel and cobalt complexes of lauroyl-glycine, lauroyl-glycylglycine and 1,12-dodecandioyl-diglycylglycine were synthesized. The FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the complex formation. The antimicrobial activity of synthesized nickel and cobalt complexes was investigated against several bacteria and fungi: Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus flavus. Generally, the nickel and cobalt complexes of the investigated surfactants showed no antimicrobial activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a moderate one on Bacillus cereus and Aspergillus flavus. The most susceptible microorganism was Candida albicans, which is considered one of most common nosocomial infections. The results suggest the potential application of tested compounds as antimicrobial agents against targeted pathogens.