Kimya Mühendisliği Bölümü Koleksiyonu

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13055/46

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Green recovery of phenolic-rich extracts from pineapple crowns using deep eutectic solvents: FTIR characterization and chemometric optimization
(MDPI Publishing, 2026) Ertaş, Ayşe Nur; Akkın, Zeynep Azra; Bozkurt, Rabia Nur; Toprakçı, İrem; Cadar, Oana; Şahin, Selin
This study presents an integrated green analytical strategy combining deep eutectic solvent (DES) screening, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), principal component analysis (PCA), and Box–Behnken response surface optimization for the valorization of pineapple crowns, an underexplored agro-industrial by-product. An ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method was developed using DESs to obtain phenolic-rich extracts from pineapple (Ananas comosus) crowns. Five DES formulations were characterized by FTIR to evaluate their characteristic vibrational features, while extraction performance was assessed using total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH assay. Among the tested solvents, glycerol/urea (1:1, molar ratio) exhibited the highest extraction performance based on TPC and antioxidant activity measurements. PCA was used as a complementary tool to visualize the relationships among the DES formulations. Following preliminary temperature screening, 50 ◦C was selected for the optimization experiments. The extraction conditions were optimized using a Box–Behnken design coupled with response surface methodology (BBD–RSM), while desirability function analysis was applied to identify the optimum extraction conditions. The predicted optimum conditions were a sample mass of 1.09 g, an extraction time of 24.75 min, and a water content of 38.21%, yielding predicted responses of 34.66 mg GAE/g air-dried sample (ADS) for TPC and 12.30 mg Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)/g-ADS for antioxidant activity. Experimental confirmation at the optimum showed deviations below 2% between predicted and observed responses, supporting the adequacy of the models. The quadratic models showed high goodness of fit (R2 = 0.9871 for TPC, and R2 = 0.9906 for antioxidant activity). Overall, the integration of DES-based UAE, FTIR characterization, PCA, and chemometric optimization provides a sustainable analytical approach for producing phenolic-rich extracts from pineapple crown biomass.
Organotin-catalyzed synthesis, characterization, anticancer and antioxidant activities, and molecular modeling studies of nimesulide ureas as potential metap (type II) inhibitors
(American Chemical Society, 2026) Biliz, Yağmur; Yılmaz, Özgür; Kuloğlu, Elif; Bedir, İpek; Çakırlı, Egemen; Arslan, Şevval; Telci, Dilek; Çevik, Özge; Yelekçi, Kemal; Koza, Gani; Küçükgüzel, Güniz
In this study, a new series of nimesulide-derived ureas (3a−j) was designed and synthesized to investigate structural modifications of nimesulide and to evaluate their biological activity. The compounds were obtained in high yields (68−88%) under organotin-catalyzed conditions, and their structures were unequivocally established using comprehensive spectroscopic techniques, including 1 H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, and HRMS. Following structural confirmation, the antioxidant properties of the synthesized derivatives were evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, where compounds 3e, 3f, and 3i displayed notable radical-quenching activity. The nimesulide derivative 3i exhibited notable cytotoxicity across multiple breast cancer models, including the triple-negative MDAMB-231 and 4T1 cell lines, as well as the luminal MCF-7 subtype. Consistent with its enhanced potency, 3i triggered a robust shift from cell viability to programmed cell death, characterized predominantly by a dramatic accumulation of late-apoptotic populations following 72 h of treatment. This apoptotic signature was especially pronounced in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) cells, in which viable cell fractions were nearly eliminated. These findings suggest that structural modification of the nimesulide derivative can substantially improve its in vitro anticancer efficacy. Taken together, the observed cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects suggest that compound 3i may represent a potential NSAID-based anticancer candidate. In line with its pronounced cytotoxic and proapoptotic profile, compound 3i also demonstrated strong inhibition of the MetAP2 enzyme, further reinforcing its potential as a multifunctional nimesulide-based anticancer agent. To obtain insight into the binding pose and binding energy of all synthesized compounds (3a−j) were docked into the active site of the MetAP2 enzyme. The computational inhibition constant values were correlated with the experimental values. To test the dynamic behavior of MetAP2-inhibitor complexes, a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was also carried out for a 200 ns duration. MD revealed that the drugs bind to the active site of the MetAP2 enzyme, as indicated by stable RMSD and RMSF plots. In conclusion, in silico results and in vitro studies suggest that the nimesulide derivatives may be novel, potential NSAID-based anticancer drug candidates for treating breast, prostate, gastric, and glioblastoma.
Green extraction of lycopene and volatile compounds from solanum lycopersicum (tomato) peel and products
(Elsevier, 2026) Özdemir Olgun, Fatoş Ayça; Özel, Mustafa Zafer
The primary aim of this study is the quantitative determination of lycopene and volatile composition in tomato peel and commercial tomato products using subcritical ethanol extraction. Box- Behnken Response Surface Methodology was conducted in order to evaluate the key operational parameters of the extraction process. The priority of the current study was to determine the lycopene efficiency; however, antioxidant activity and total volatile analysis of the extracts were also further evaluated using spectroscopic and chromatographic assays. AGREE-Analytical greenness metric software was applied to evaluate the greenness of the proposed extraction process. These findings demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed procedure in achieving the highest extraction yield (6.51 mg g⁻¹) from tomato peel in the literature. The study emphasises the significance of advanced extraction technologies in converting agricultural raw material or waste into value-added products, thereby promoting the advancement of a green circular economy.
Coordination-driven assembly of alginate networks: From egg-box structures to bioactive delivery applications
(MDPI Publishing, 2026) Toprakçı, İrem; Kurtulbaş, Ebru; Bozkurt, Rabia Nur; Şahin, Selin
Alginate is a biodegradable and renewable natural polysaccharide that has been extensively investigated for the design of macromolecular delivery systems. This review presents an overview of alginate-based microparticles regarding the relationship between molecular structure, gelation behavior, and functional performance. The impacts of main structural parameters (mannuronic to guluronic acid (M/G) ratio, molecular weight, and block distribution) are discussed comprehensively. Particular attention is given to Ca2+-mediated ionic gelation, including egg-box junction zone formation and the development of three dimensional hydrogel networks. Different production strategies such as external and internal gelation, emulsification, and microfluidic approaches are evaluated in terms of their impact on particle morphology and network homogeneity. In addition, the effects of formulation and process parameters on encapsulation efficiency, mechanical stability, and mass transfer behavior are analyzed. Furthermore, release mechanisms are discussed in relation to network structure and polymer-solute interactions. The environmental significance of alginate-based systems is also emphasized as sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymeric carriers.
Structure-property relationships governing encapsulation and release of antibiotics from calcium–alginate hydrogels
(MDPI Publishing, 2026) Hebip, İbrahim; Toprakçı, İrem; Bozkurt, Rabia Nur; Kurtulbaş, Ebru; Şahin, Selin
Understanding mass transport of structurally different drugs within ionically crosslinked hydrogel networks remains an important challenge in polymer-based delivery systems. In this study, hydrophilic amoxicillin (AMOX) and amphiphilic doxycycline (DOX) were encapsulated into calcium–alginate beads, respectively. A three-factor and three-level Box AcademicEditor: AdinaMagdalena Musuc Received: 10June2026 Revised: 11July2026 Accepted: 14July2026 Published: 16 July 2026 Copyright: ©2026bytheauthors. Licensee MDPI,Basel,Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY)license. Behnken design was utilized to examine the influences of alginate concentration (2–5%, w/v), CaCl2 concentration (1–3%, w/v), and gelation time (15–45 min) on encapsulation efficiency (EE). EE exhibited considerable variability for both AMOX (10–86%) and DOX (10–63%). Optimal EE values were achieved at almost 3.5% alginate and 3% CaCl2. The optimized gelation times differed between AMOX (45 min) and DOX (15 min), which is likely associated with differences in their physicochemical properties, although additional intermediate gelation times could further refine the optimal conditions. ANOVA identified CaCl2 concentration and the quadratic effect of alginate as the most influential parameters. Furthermore, both models demonstrated robust predictive capability (R2 > 0.98). In vitro release experiments demonstrated minimal drug diffusion in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and significantly accelerated release in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). These findings indicate a pH-responsive release behavior under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The release profile was best represented by Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic models. SEM and optical microscopy revealed uniform spherical beads with drug-dependent microstructural differences: hydrophilic AMOX produced smoother, wrinkled surfaces, whereas amphiphilic DOX induced localized cracking and heterogeneous microdomains. Furthermore, DLS and zeta potential measurements of the released fractions indicated nanoscale particle populations (≈190–225 nm) with moderate negative surface charge (≈−21 mV), suggesting stable colloidal dispersion during intestinal-phase release.
Elucidating deep eutectic solvent-mediated recovery of phenolic compounds from cubeb pepper (piper cubeba l.f.) and their antioxidant potential
(SAGE Publications, 2026) Bozkurt, Rabia Nur; Kurtulbaş, Ebru; Toprakçı, İrem; Topraksever, Nükte
Objective: Conventional extraction methods for phenolic recovery often rely on large amounts of organic solvents and may exhibit limited efficiency. This study aimed to develop and optimize a sustainable deep eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted automatic solvent extraction (ASE) process for the recovery of phenolic compounds from Piper cubeba L.f. fruits. Methods: Prepared DES systems were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to confirm DES formation and investigate intermolecular hydrogen-bond interactions between their constituent components. Different DES systems were screened and compared using principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the most effective extraction medium. The selected DES system, lactic acid:ethylene glycol (2:1), was subsequently optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a Box–Behnken design. Immersion time, water addition, and sample mass were evaluated as the main extraction variables. Results: The extraction parameters significantly influenced total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and 2-hydroxycinnamic acid recovery. TPC values ranged from 25.55 to 71.54 mg-GAE/g-DM. Antioxidant activity varied between 17.41 and 32.90 mg-TEAC/g-DM for the DPPH assay and between 8.93 and 32.51 mg-TEAC/g-DM for the ABTS assay. The content of 2-hydroxycinnamic acid ranged from 5.95 to 26.12 mg/g-DM. Optimum extraction conditions were determined as 24.95 min immersion time, 52.55% water addition, and 0.70 g sample mass, with prediction errors below 2%. Conclusion: DES-assisted ASE enabled efficient phenolic recovery and accurate process optimization, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional solvent-based extraction methods. The findings highlight the suitability of the lactic acid:ethylene glycol (2:1) DES system for enhancing the extraction of bioactive compounds from P. cubeba fruits and support its potential application in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations.
Designing a sustainable extraction platform using deep eutectic solvents: Valorization of sidr leaves into bioactive-rich fractions
(SAGE Publications, 2026) Şahin, Selin; Bozkurt, Rabia Nur; Kurtulbaş, Ebru; Toprakçı, İrem
Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi L.) leaves are a potential source of phenolic bioactives exhibiting promising an tioxidant properties. A sustainable extraction system based on deep eutectic solvents (DESs) was developed for the recovery of bioactive-rich extract from Sidr leaves in the present study. Methods: Six DES systems prepared from glycerol with lactic acid or propionic acid were screened. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed DES formation through shifts and broadening of characteristic bands associated with hydrogen bonding interactions. Glycerol:propionic acid (1:1) was selected as the most effective solvent by principal component analysis (PCA). Extraction parameters were optimized by Box- Behnken design using immersion time, water addition and sample mass as variables. Results: Total phenolic content (TPC) were between 10.10 mg-GAE/g-DM and 61.23 mg-GAE/g-DM, while rutin content varied from 4.69 mg/g to 32.50 mg/g. Water addition was the most influential factor for phenolic recovery. The optimized conditions were 30 min, 30% water addition and 0.948 g sample mass. Antioxidant activity correlated with TPC and total flavonoid content (TFC). Conclusion: Antioxidant capacity of the Sidr leaf extract is mostly contributed by phenolic matrix rather than an individual compound.
Sustainable extraction of bioactive compounds: Engineering principles and technologies
(Wiley, 2026) Bozkurt, Rabia Nur; Kurtulbaş, Ebru; Toprakçı, İrem; Şahin, Selin
There is an increasing demand for sustainable extraction technologies capable of efficiently isolating bioactive compounds from complex food matrices due to the rising interest in nutraceutical products. Traditional extraction procedures that use conventional solvents have big problems (environmental impact, solvent toxicity, and high energy consumption). Green extraction technologies are safer and more environmentally friendly options following the rules of green chemistry. This review provides a comprehensive overview of green extraction strategies applied to food matrices. Their methods, benefits, and process efficiency are examined through the impact of food matrix structure on extraction performance. Special focus is placed on the use of food-grade and alternative solvents, which enhance extraction efficiency while providing safety and environmental sustainability. In conclusion, green extraction technologies contribute to waste valorization, whereas they facilitate the efficient manufacture of high-quality functional components. So, this approach makes them a feasible strategy for the sustainable recovery of nutraceutical compounds.
Controlled bio-catalytic synthesis of ampyrone–vanillin macromolecules: Deciphering the transition from nano-oligomers to polymers and the limits of enzymatic stability
(Elsevier, 2026) Temizkan Özdamar, Kevser
This study reports the time-controlled biocatalytic synthesis of nanostructured macromolecules derived from heteroaromatic ampyrone and bio-based vanillin. By optimizing the reaction duration (2, 4, and 6 h) with Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP), stable nano-oligomers (NSO-1, NSO-2) and a robust polymer (nano-pores polymer/NP-P) were successfully isolated. The novelty of this work lies in the precise temporal mapping of the HRP-catalyzed process, identifying a 6 h ‘stability window’ that maximizes molecular growth (Mw = 5743 g/ mol, n ≈ 14) before the onset of enzymatic chain scission. Characterization revealed a significant reduction in the optical band gap from 2.38 eV to 1.49 eV and a morphological transition from macrocrystalline rods to nano porous matrices. These results demonstrate that temporal control in enzymatic synthesis enables fine-tuning of optoelectronic and thermal properties, positioning these sustainable hybrids as viable candidates for organic photovoltaics and smart material technologies.
PEGDA-based nanocomposite gel polymer electrolytes with hydroxylated h-BN nanosheets enabling fast ion transport and high-voltage stability for lithium metal batteries
(Springer Nature Link, 2026) Yaman Uzunoğlu, Gülşah
Despite their favorable interfacial contact and high ionic conductivity, gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) remain constrained by insufficient electrochemical and thermal/mechanical stability as well as low lithium-ion transference numbers, restricting their long-term application in lithium metal batteries (LMBs). In this study, a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) based nanocomposite gel polymer electrolyte (NGPE-BN-x) was developed by thermal in situ polymerization, incorpo rating a few-layer hydroxylated hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h-BNNS-OH) as a two-dimensional (2D) nanofiller. The influence of h-BNNS-OH loading (1, 3, and 5 wt%) on lithium ion transference number (tLi +), ionic conductivity, electrochemical, thermal and mechanical stability was systematically evaluated relative to the pristine GPE. The optimized NGPE-BN-3 exhibited high ionic conductivity (σ = 8.85 mS cm− 1), an expanded electrochemical stability window (ESW) of 5.01 V, an enhanced tLi + of 0.66, and improved mechanical strength (0.64 MPa) at room temperature. LFP//Li full cells utilizing NGPE-BN-3 yielded a discharge capacity of 162.2 mAh g− 1 at 0.1 C with good rate capability (0.1-2.0 C), and prolonged cycling stability at 1 C under ambient conditions. The improved electrochemical performance highlights the effectiveness of h-BNNS-OH as a multifunctional additive for PEGDA-based GPEs toward high-performance LMBs.
A natural solvent-based gel electrolyte for stable and sustainable zinc-ion batteries
(Wiley, 2026) Kömürcüoğlu, Gökçe; Adhami, Sadaf; Yaman Uzunoğlu, Gülşah; Yüksel, Recep
Natural solvent-based electrolytes are increasingly sought for zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) as they provide a sustainable and cost-effective means to regulate water activity and electrode–electrolyte interfacial chemistry while retaining the intrinsic safety of aqueous systems. Herein, a sustainable electrolyte formulation utilizing a chia seed (CS)-based hydrogel is reported as an effective approach to improve the electrochemical stability of ZIBs. Owing to its high content of hydroxyl-rich polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, the chia seed-derived gel electrolyte (CSGE) tailors the Zn2+ solvation environment, decreases free-water activity, and restrains parasitic hydrogen evolution as well as dendritic zinc growth. Benefiting from this regulated solvation environment, the CSGE achieved a remarkably high Zn2+ transference number of 0.84. Consequently, Zn//Zn symmetric cells demonstrated outstanding electrochemical stability exceeding 4000 h at 1.0 mA cm−2 and 1.0 mAh cm−2. Moreover, Zn//V2O5 cells achieved a high discharge capacity of 337.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and maintained reliable rate performance between 0.2 and 10 A g−1. In addition, ex situ SEM and XRD analyses revealed homogeneous deposition of Zn with a preferred (002) orientation. These findings demonstrate that electrolytes derived from renewable resources provide a cost-effective route for stable and sustainable ZIBs.
Trace determination of heptachlor in soil samples by Toner@CuFe2O4 nanocomposites based microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
(Nature Research, 2026) Doru, Esra Sultan; Ali, Büşra; Serbest, Hakan; Bakırdere, Sezgin
In this paper, a green, sensitive, and accurate analytical method was described for the determination of heptachlor at low levels in the GC-MS system. In this context, the preconcentration of heptachlor was achieved by applying the dispersive solid-phase microextraction (DSPME) method prior to the separation and quantification in the GC-MS system. Toner@CuFe₂O₄ nanocomposites were synthesized by the hydrothermal synthesis method and used as the sorbent for the first time in literature. Under the optimal conditions determined by the univariate optimization approach, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 0.61 µg kg⁻¹ and 2,0 µg kg⁻¹, respectively, and the sensitivity of the GC-MS system was enhanced by 68.5-fold. The applicability of the Toner@CuFe₂O₄-DSPME-GC-MS system was assessed by spiking tests applied to soil samples. The recovery results in the range of 93.2% and 105.7% obtained by applying the matrix matching calibration strategy proved the feasibility of the method. The Eco-scale and BAGI tools developed for green and analytical applicability assessment gave scores of 85 and 65, respectively, confirming that the method is environmentally friendly and analytically applicable.
Green-synthesized CuO/Cu2O-supported g-C3N4 p–n junction photocatalyst for photo(electro)catalytic hydrogen evolution
(Elsevier, 2026) Kaba, İbrahim; Kılıç, Behris; Bozkurt, Rabia Nur; Koca, Atıf
In this study, an environmentally friendly CuO/Cu2O nanoparticle (NPs) production method was developed using waste rosehip seed plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents. Automatic solvent extraction (ASE) with a green 60% (v/v) ethanol/water solvent combination produced polyphenol-rich solutions for biogenic nanoparticle production. Green CuO/Cu2O NPs were loaded onto n-type graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4, CN) at 5%, 10%, and 15% weight percentages to form p-n heterojunction photocatalysts (5CuO/Cu2O@CN, 10CuO/Cu2O@CN, and 15CuO/Cu2O@CN). Structural and morphological analyses and material characterizations performed using XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDS, TEM, XPS, UV–vis DRS, Zeta Sizer, and DLS confirmed the successful formation and homogeneous distribution of CuO/Cu2O on the CN surface. Optical and photoelectrochemical characterizations revealed that the formation of p–n type junction significantly increased visible light absorption and supported efficient charge carrier dissociation. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) measurements yielded consistent results for photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution, with a consistent H2 evolution relationship; pure CN produced 125 μmol g− 1 h− 1 H2, while the 10CuO/Cu2O@CN sample produced 937 μmol g− 1 h− 1 H2, increasing performance by approximately 7.5-fold. Furthermore, this study aimed to contribute to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach by using lactic acid as a sacrificial material to facilitate hole consumption. In addition to photocatalytic activity, the antioxidant properties of the photocatalysts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, and composition-dependent radical scavenging efficiencies were determined.
Ibuprofen and nimesulide derivatives selectively induce apoptosis in HER2-positive breast cancer via inhibition of the PLA₂–COX-2–NF-κB pathway
(Springer Nature Link, 2026) Çakırlı, Egemen; Bedir, İpek; Biliz, Yağmur; Yılmaz, Özgür; Küçükgüzel, Şükriye Güniz; Telci, Dilek
Background Chronic inflammation contributes to breast cancer development through the phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂)–cyclo oxygenase-2 (COX-2)–nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) cascade, which regulates prostaglandin synthesis, oxidative stress, and transcription of pro-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic genes. This pathway is particularly active in HER2-positive breast can cer, promoting proliferation, invasion, and resistance to apoptosis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and nimesulide target COX enzymes and have shown potential in suppressing inflammation-driven tumorigenesis. In this study, we evaluated the anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity of newly synthesized, structurally modified ibuprofen and nimesulide derivatives designed to modulate PLA₂–COX-2–NF-κB axis. Methods and Results Cytotoxicity was assessed in HER2-positive breast cancer cells (AU565 and SKBR3) and compared with normal dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and breast epithelial cells (MCF-12A), using WST-1 assays. Apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, caspase-3/7 activation, and ROS generation were analyzed by imaging-based assays, flow cytometry, and fluo rescence methods. Gene expression of PLA2G2A and PTGS2 was quantified by qRT-PCR, and NF-κB translocation was analyzed by immunocytochemistry. Two ibuprofen triazole derivative (D1) and ibuprofen thioether derivative (D7) and one nimesulide derivative (D8) significantly reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner without affecting normal cells. These derivatives induced G₀/G₁ arrest, caspase-3/7 activation, ROS reduction, and increased late apoptosis. Downregula tion of PLA2G2A and PTGS2 expression and inhibition of NF-κB translocation confirmed disruption of the PLA₂–COX-2– NF-κB cascade. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that structurally optimized ibuprofen and nimesulide derivatives exert dual anti inflammatory and anticancer effects in HER2-positive breast cancer by suppressing PLA₂–COX-2–NF-κB pathway and promoting apoptotic cell death.
Synthesis, characterization, biological evaluation, and molecular modeling of novel nimesulide urea derivatives as potential MetAP2 inhibitors
(Nature Research, 2026) Yılmaz, Özgür; Biliz, Yağmur; Kuloğlu, Elif; Arancı, Kübra; Erdoğan, Ömer; Çevik, Özge; Karahasanoğlu, Müfide; Mert Şahin, Naz Mina; Çakır, Ayşe Buse; Tuzcu, Bilge; Yelekçi, Kemal; Küçükgüzel, Şükriye Güniz
A series of nimesulide-derived ureas were synthesized in high yields (69- 91%) via a novel synthetic method under organotin catalysis. The structural characterization of the synthesized compounds was determined using a variety of spectroscopic methods, including ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FTIR, and HRMS. Following initial screening, selected compounds were further evaluated using specific biological assays, including cytotoxicity analysis, apoptosis assessment by Annexin V/PI staining, analysis of Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression, and detection of DNA fragmentation using AO/EB staining. These evaluations were carried out in a variety of cell lines, including MDA-MB-231 (human triple-negative breast cancer cells), HeLa (human cervical cancer cells), PC-3 (androgen-independent human prostate cancer cells), MKN-45 (human gastric cancer cells), U87 (human glioblastoma cancer cells), and HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells). Three of the compounds demonstrated efficacy in MDA-MB-231 cells, resulting in increased AO/EB staining and annexin-V-PI binding levels, and increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratios. Numerous studies implicate MetAP2 in angiogenesis. MetAP2 stimulates cancer cell proliferation when it is upregulated and appears to play an essential role in tumor progression. In connection with the cell lines studied in this study, a crucial MetAP2 enzyme target was selected for in silico studies to support the experimental outcomes. The three promising compounds have been demonstrated to accelerate cell apoptosis and inhibit cell division by targeting MetAP2. The compounds synthesized in this study potential to overcome the challenges of targeted therapies in triple-negative breast cancer. Alongside these findings, the antioxidant potential of the synthesized compounds was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. One of the compounds exhibited a radical scavenging activity comparable to the reference standard. In-silico molecular modeling studies were conducted in the final phase to evaluate the newly designed inhibitors as potential anticancer and antioxidant drug candidates. The most likely conformations of the MetAP2-ligand complex were sorted according to the free energy of binding score (kcal/mol) and agree with the experimental inhibition values. The computational results suggest that the newly synthesized compounds may be potential anticancer drug candidates.
Sustainable synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles from melon (cucumis melo l.) by-products: RSM optimization, structural characterization, antioxidant activity, and photocatalytic performance
(Wiley, 2026) Bozkurt, Rabia Nur; Kaba, İbrahim; Kahraman, Yusuf Sezai; Altınkeser, Tuğçe
This study explores the eco-friendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using polyphenol-rich extracts from melon (Cucumis melo L.) peel and seeds as naturalreducing and stabilizing agents. Optimization via response surface methodology (RSM) determined the ideal synthesis conditions at a 0.078 mol/L metal concentration, 14.73 mL extract, and pH 10.77. Characterization through XRD confirmed a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with an average size of 21.7 nm, while SEM and TEM imaging revealed predominantly spherical morphologies. UV–visible DRS analysis showed a 368 nm absorption edge with a calculated band gap of 3.21 eV. DLS measurements indicated a hydrodynamic diameter of 135.6 nm with a PDI of 0.206 and a zeta potential of −20.5 mV, confirming good colloidal stability. The resulting NPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC50 = 40.7 µg/mL) and acted as effective heterogeneous photocatalysts for the degradation of organic dyes. Specifically, ZnO-NPs enabled the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB), achieving 63.56% degradation for 5 mg L−1 MO. These findings demonstrate that melon-waste-derived ZnO-NPs are sustainable and promising candidates for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.
Development of biodegradable alginate films with aloe vera and quince seed mucilage: Physical, chemical, and biological properties
(Elsevier, 2026) Keke, Zeynep Serra; Temizkan Özdamar, Kevser; Alanalp, Mine Begüm; Altıner Kurt, Eda
In this study, novel biodegradable hydrogel films derived from quince seed mucilage and Aloe vera gel were developed and evaluated for their physical, chemical, and biological properties. Four film formulations prepared by solvent casting were characterized for swelling capacity (2.61–11.95 g), solubility (61.70–99.15%), thermal stability (TGA/DTG), chemical structure (FT-IR), surface morphology (SEM), optical properties (UV–Vis), me chanical performance (tensile strength ranging from 7.4 to 12.7 MPa), antibacterial activity, antioxidant ca pacity, and biodegradability. Quince seed mucilage enhanced the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the films due to its high-viscosity polysaccharide structure. In contrast, Aloe vera gel significantly increased the films' biological activity, particularly their antioxidant potential. Films with higher quince seed content exhibited greater structural stability, whereas Aloe vera–rich films showed increased short-term bioactivity and stronger antioxidant performance. Overall, the results indicate that hydrogel films produced from environmentally friendly and sustainable natural components can serve as functional, biologically active, and promising alter native packaging materials.
Assessment of antioxidant performance of silybum marianum extract as a natural antioxidant additive in polyethylene by time-dependent melt rheology tests
(Springer Nature Link, 2026) Alanalp, Mine Begüm; Şıdım, Gizem; Mirmahmutoğulları, Esra; Pınar, Özlem; Durmuş, Ali
In this study, Silybum marianum (SM) extract as a natural primary antioxidant (PAO) additive was introduced into low density polyethylene. This primary antioxi dant was supported by a commercial grade secondary antioxidant (SAO, Irgafos® 168). The effect of compositional variations, mainly amount of SM and the weight ratio of PAO: SAO in the composition, on the thermooxidative stability of low density polyethylene (LDPE) was characterized by determining the thermal param eters, oxygen induction time (OIT) and oxidation onset temperature (OOT) using conventional thermal analysis methods performed in a DSC in air atmosphere. Fur thermore, time-dependent rheology test procedures were suggested for monitoring the thermooxidative degradation behavior of antioxidant-loaded compounds. It was found that SM loading of 0.2 or 0.5 wt% provided sufficient oxidation stability in polyethylene, at least 5 min at 240 °C under air when supported by introducing two- or three-fold of SAO. It can be concluded that these SM-Irgafos® 168 antioxi dant packages can be successfully used in polyethylenes processed in conventional melt processing windows that can be varied in 180–240 °C, in processing devices (e.g., compounder, kneader, extruders, injection molding, rotomolding) because the obtained thermorheooxidative stability times are longer than the residence time of polymer melts, approximately in the range of 1–4 min from the melting zone to die during the extrusion process.
Microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis of flower shaped bismuth sulfide nanomaterial and its usage for copper removal from spiked tap water samples
(Springer Nature Link, 2026) Tezgin, Emine; Dalgıç Bozyiğit, Gamze; Zaman, Buse Tuğba; Serbest, Hakan; Turak, Fatma; Bakırdere, Sezgin
This study was designed to enhance the removal efficiency of copper ions from tap water samples by developing an adsorptive treatment method employing bismuth sulfide based nanoflowers (Bi2S3 NFs) and evaluating with the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) system. A fast, and easy microwave assisted hydrothermal method was developed to synthesize Bi2S3 NFs for this application. The equilibrium adsorption investigations were conducted in tap water samples following the full optimization of all experimental parameters through univariate optimization research. As the result of optimization studies, the removal process was conducted in the conditions of 30 mg of Bi2S3 NFs for 40 mL of aqueous copper solution which was adjusted to pH 7.0 with 2.0 mL of buffer solution. The adsorption process was enhanced utilizing a sonication bath for 2.0 min before the effluent separation. The removal efficiency values, expressed as percentages, were found to be between 83.8 and 98.9% for various concentrations of copper ions in the tap water samples. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was used to model the equilibrium data. Equilibrium constant of Langmuir was calculated as 5.887 L/mg. The results obtained indicate that the adsorption mechanism of Bi2S3 NFs, when used as adsorbents, is effective to remove copper from tap water samples.
Novel peripheral and nonperipheral tetrasubstituted zinc(II) phthalocyanines with ester-containing coumarin substituents: Synthesis, characterization, aggregation, thermal and antioxidant studies
(Springer Nature Link, 2026) Özgül Artuç, Gamze
In this study, nonperipheral and peripheral zinc metallophthalocyanine compounds substituted with coumarin contain ing ester groups were synthesized, their chemical structures were characterized, and their aggregation behaviours were investigated. Their antioxidant properties were investigated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH). The antioxidant activity studies revealed that the peripheral substituted phthalocyanine compound had higher antioxidant activity than the nonperipheral phthalocyanine compound. Their thermal analysis were investigated using thermal gravimetric analy sis. Thermal analysis studies concluded that the synthesized zinc metal phthalocyanine compounds are thermally stable compounds.

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