Omega-3 fatty acids, one of the key building blocks of cell membranes, have been of particular interest to scientists for many years. However, only a small group of the most important omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered. This full-length review presents a broad and relatively complete cross-section of knowledge about omega-3 monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturates, and an outline of their modifications. This is important because all these subgroups undoubtedly play an important role in the function of organisms. Some monounsaturated omega-3s are pheromone precursors in insects. Polyunsaturates with a very long chain are commonly found in the central nervous system and mammalian testes, in sponge organisms, and are also immunomodulating agents. Numerous modifications of omega-3 acids are plant hormones. Their chemical structure, chemical binding (in triacylglycerols, phospholipids, and ethyl esters) and bioavailability have been widely discussed indicating a correlation between the last two. Particular attention is paid to the effective methods of supplementation, and a detailed list of sources of omega-3 acids is presented, with meticulous reference to the generally available food. Both the oral and parenteral routes of administration are taken into account, and the omega-3 transport through the blood-brain barrier is mentioned. Having different eating habits in mind, the interactions between food fatty acids intake are discussed. Omega-3 acids are very susceptible to oxidation, and storage conditions often lead to a dramatic increase in this exposure. Therefore, the effect of oxidation on their bioavailability is briefly outlined.

This review is focused on current state-of-the-art research on electroactive-based materials and their synthesis, as well as their physicochemical and biological properties. Special attention is paid to pristine intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) and their composites with other organic and inorganic components, well-defined micro- and nanostructures, and enhanced surface areas compared with those of conventionally prepared ICPs. Hydrogels, due to their defined porous structures and being filled with aqueous solution, offer the ability to increase the amount of immobilized chemical, biological or biochemical molecules. When other components are incorporated into ICPs, the materials form composites; in this particular case, they form conductive composites. The design and synthesis of conductive composites result in the inheritance of the advantages of each component and offer new features because of the synergistic effects between the components. The resulting structures of ICPs, conducting polymer hydrogels and their composites, as well as the unusual physicochemical properties, biocompatibility and multi-functionality of these materials, facilitate their bioapplications. The synergistic effects between constituents have made these materials particularly attractive as sensing elements for biological agents, and they also enable the immobilization of bioreceptors such as enzymes, antigen-antibodies, and nucleic acids onto their surfaces for the detection of an array of biological agents. Currently, these materials have unlimited applicability in biomedicine. In this review, we have limited discussion to three areas in which it seems that the use of ICPs and materials, including their different forms, are particularly interesting, namely, biosensors, delivery of drugs and tissue engineering.

This review is an extensive evaluation and essential analysis of the design and formation of hydrogels (HGs) for drug delivery. We review the fundamental principles of HGs (their chemical structures, physicochemical properties, synthesis routes, different types, etc.) that influence their biological properties and medical and pharmaceutical applications. Strategies for fabricating HGs with different diameters (macro, micro, and nano) are also presented. The size of biocompatible HG materials determines their potential uses in medicine as drug carriers. Additionally, novel drug delivery methods for enhancing treatment are discussed. A critical review is performed based on the latest literature reports.

Magnetic Fe₃O₄/ZnWO₄ and Fe₃O₄/ZnWO₄/CeVO₄ nanoparticles with different molar ratios of CeVO₄ to other inorganic components were synthesized through co-precipitation with a sonochemical-assisted method. X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods were used for the physico–chemical characterization of the obtained nanoparticles. As shown in the SEM images, the average sizes of the Fe₃O₄/ZnWO₄ and Fe₃O₄/ZnWO₄/CeVO₄ nanoparticles that formed aggregates were approximately 50–70 nm and 80–100 nm, respectively. The photocatalytic performance of these nanoparticles was examined by measuring methylene blue degradation under visible light (assisted by H₂O₂). The sample with a mass ratio of 1:2:1 (Fe₃O₄/ZnWO₄/CeVO₄, S₄) exhibited optimal photocatalytic performance, and thus this sample was subsequently used for the photodegradation of different organic pollutants upon irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) and visible light. Approximately 90% and 70% degradation of methyl violet and methylene blue, respectively, was observed after visible light irradiation. Additionally, the mechanism of the photocatalytic reaction was investigated by measuring ˙OH release under UV light in a system with terephthalic acid and by measuring the release of ˙O₂⁻, ˙OH, and hole scavengers.

This review is focused on current state-of-the-art research on electroactive-based materials and their synthesis, as well as their physicochemical and biological properties. Special attention is paid to pristine intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) and their composites with other organic and inorganic components, well-defined micro- and nanostructures, and enhanced surface areas compared with those of conventionally prepared ICPs. Hydrogels, due to their defined porous structures and being filled with aqueous solution, offer the ability to increase the amount of immobilized chemical, biological or biochemical molecules. When other components are incorporated into ICPs, the materials form composites; in this particular case, they form conductive composites. The design and synthesis of conductive composites result in the inheritance of the advantages of each component and offer new features because of the synergistic effects between the components. The resulting structures of ICPs, conducting polymer hydrogels and their composites, as well as the unusual physicochemical properties, biocompatibility and multi-functionality of these materials, facilitate their bioapplications. The synergistic effects between constituents have made these materials particularly attractive as sensing elements for biological agents, and they also enable the immobilization of bioreceptors such as enzymes, antigen–antibodies, and nucleic acids onto their surfaces for the detection of an array of biological agents. Currently, these materials have unlimited applicability in biomedicine. In this review, we have limited discussion to three areas in which it seems that the use of ICPs and materials, including their different forms, are particularly interesting, namely, biosensors, delivery of drugs and tissue engineering.

Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the extracts and essential oils of Bidens tripartita.