Themed collection A celebration of Latin American research in RSC Advances

32 items
Open Access Editorial

Introduction to celebrating Latin American talent in chemistry

In celebration of the excellence and breadth of Latin American research achievements across the chemical sciences, we are delighted to present an introduction to the themed collection, Celebrating Latin American talent in chemistry.

Graphical abstract: Introduction to celebrating Latin American talent in chemistry
Open Access Review Article

Atmospheric microplastics: exposure, toxicity, and detrimental health effects

This review includes the most relevant aspects of the microplastics' presence in the atmosphere, with a complete analysis of possible sources, transport mechanisms, and the health risks associated with these emerging and bio-persistent pollutants.

Graphical abstract: Atmospheric microplastics: exposure, toxicity, and detrimental health effects
From the themed collection: 2023 Reviews in RSC Advances
Open Access Review Article

Electrochemical creatinine detection for advanced point-of-care sensing devices: a review

Creatinine is an amino acid derived from creatine catabolism at different steps of the body's organs, and its detection is significant because levels out of normal values are linked to some diseases like kidney failure.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical creatinine detection for advanced point-of-care sensing devices: a review
Open Access Review Article

Reduction of 4-nitrophenol using green-fabricated metal nanoparticles

Noble metal (silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and palladium (Pd)) nanoparticles have gained increasing attention due to their importance in several research fields such as environmental and medical research.

Graphical abstract: Reduction of 4-nitrophenol using green-fabricated metal nanoparticles
Open Access Review Article

Research developments in the syntheses, anti-inflammatory activities and structure–activity relationships of pyrimidines

This review sums up recent developments in the syntheses, anti-inflammatory activities, and structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies of pyrimidine derivatives.

Graphical abstract: Research developments in the syntheses, anti-inflammatory activities and structure–activity relationships of pyrimidines
Open Access Paper

Evaluating the ability of end-point methods to predict the binding affinity tendency of protein kinase inhibitors

Because of the high economic cost of exploring the experimental impact of mutations in kinase proteins, computational approaches have been employed as alternative methods for evaluating the structural and energetic aspects of kinase mutations.

Graphical abstract: Evaluating the ability of end-point methods to predict the binding affinity tendency of protein kinase inhibitors
Open Access Paper

Multi-resistant diarrheagenic Escherichia coli identified by FTIR and machine learning: a feasible strategy to improve the group classification

A new method based on FTIR spectroscopy and machine learning is proposed to identify multidrug-resistant strains from E. coli species responsible for diarrhea in calves.

Graphical abstract: Multi-resistant diarrheagenic Escherichia coli identified by FTIR and machine learning: a feasible strategy to improve the group classification
Open Access Paper

Tuning the conductance of carbon rings with impurities and electric fields

A study on the conductance and energy spectrum of a molecular system with quantum rings modelled as cyclocarbons in their cumulenic and polyynic configurations. Employing a tight-binding model, we explore its validity to describe the transport properties of these materials.

Graphical abstract: Tuning the conductance of carbon rings with impurities and electric fields
Open Access Paper

A “turn-off” photoluminescent sensor for H2O2 detection based on a zinc oxide–graphene quantum dot (ZnO–GQD) nanocomposite and the role of amine in the development of GQD

Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNP) and graphene quantum dots (GQD) were synthesized as nanocomposite. We have studied this nanocomposite for the H2O2 detection by photoluminescence (PL). ZnNP enhanced the PL emission of GQD and contributed to H2O2 detection.

Graphical abstract: A “turn-off” photoluminescent sensor for H2O2 detection based on a zinc oxide–graphene quantum dot (ZnO–GQD) nanocomposite and the role of amine in the development of GQD
Open Access Paper

Design, synthesis, in silico, and in vitro evaluation of benzylbenzimidazolone derivatives as potential drugs on α-glucosidase and glucokinase as pharmacological targets

An in silico assay was designed, and generated compounds were studied to delimitate the synthesis by microwave irradiation–conventional heat combination. In vitro evaluation as antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic agents were made, where 2s has good potential.

Graphical abstract: Design, synthesis, in silico, and in vitro evaluation of benzylbenzimidazolone derivatives as potential drugs on α-glucosidase and glucokinase as pharmacological targets
Open Access Paper

Lignocellulosic residues from bioethanol production: a novel source of biopolymers for laccase immobilization

Laccase from Dichostereum sordulentum was entrapped in hydrogels formed using lignocellulosic residues from bioethanol production and ionic liquids. The active hydrogel was efficient in ethinylestradiol removal.

Graphical abstract: Lignocellulosic residues from bioethanol production: a novel source of biopolymers for laccase immobilization
From the themed collection: Chemistry in Biorefineries
Open Access Paper

Silver-catalyzed direct selanylation of indoles: synthesis and mechanistic insights

We developed a combined experimental and theoretical study that gives mechanistic insights into the silver-catalyzed direct selanylation of indoles.

Graphical abstract: Silver-catalyzed direct selanylation of indoles: synthesis and mechanistic insights
Open Access Paper

Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial activity, and toxicity evaluation of aminolevulinic acid–silver and silver–iron nanoparticles for potential applications in agriculture

ALA is a natural metabolite in all living cells and possesses low toxicity. ALANPs exhibit high antimicrobial activity, promote plant growth and have the potential to show photodynamic herbicidal properties under solar illumination.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial activity, and toxicity evaluation of aminolevulinic acid–silver and silver–iron nanoparticles for potential applications in agriculture
Open Access Paper

Colorimetric and naked-eye detection of arsenic(III) using a paper-based microfluidic device decorated with silver nanoparticles

Arsenic (As) as a metal ion has long-term toxicity and its presence in water poses a serious threat to the environment and human health.

Graphical abstract: Colorimetric and naked-eye detection of arsenic(iii) using a paper-based microfluidic device decorated with silver nanoparticles
Open Access Paper

Unravelling the alkali transport properties in nanocrystalline A3OX (A = Li, Na, X = Cl, Br) solid state electrolytes. A theoretical prediction

Transport properties of the halogeno-alkali oxides A3OX (A = Li, Na, X = Cl, Br) nanocrystalline samples with the presence of ∑3(111) grain boundaries were computed using large-scale molecular dynamic simulations.

Graphical abstract: Unravelling the alkali transport properties in nanocrystalline A3OX (A = Li, Na, X = Cl, Br) solid state electrolytes. A theoretical prediction
Open Access Paper

Numerical analysis on a catalytic pyrolysis reactor design for plastic waste upcycling using CFD modelling

Catalytic pyrolysis technologies are a current trend to address plastic waste upcycling, offering lower energy consumption and higher value products when compared to conventional thermal pyrolysis.

Graphical abstract: Numerical analysis on a catalytic pyrolysis reactor design for plastic waste upcycling using CFD modelling
Open Access Paper

Photocatalytic properties of Cu-containing ZnO nanoparticles and their antifungal activity against agriculture-pathogenic fungus

In this work, nanoparticles (NPs) of ZnO, ZnO with Cu incorporated at 2 and 30 wt%, and CuO were prepared by the hydrothermal method.

Graphical abstract: Photocatalytic properties of Cu-containing ZnO nanoparticles and their antifungal activity against agriculture-pathogenic fungus
Open Access Paper

Combination of pose and rank consensus in docking-based virtual screening: the best of both worlds

The new methodology named Pose/Ranking Consensus (PRC) combines both pose and ranking consensus strategies. It displays an enhanced performance in terms of enrichment factor and hit rate, ensuring the recovery of a suitable number of ligands.

Graphical abstract: Combination of pose and rank consensus in docking-based virtual screening: the best of both worlds
Open Access Paper

UHPLC-HRMS/MS on untargeted metabolomics: a case study with Copaifera (Fabaceae)

UHPLC-HRMS/MS untargeted metabolomics enabled distinction of Copaifera extracts by species, vegetative parts, and biome of origin based on 19 chemical markers.

Graphical abstract: UHPLC-HRMS/MS on untargeted metabolomics: a case study with Copaifera (Fabaceae)
Open Access Paper

Photoactive antimicrobial coating based on a PEDOT-fullerene C60 polymeric dyad

A photostable and photodynamic antimicrobial surface was developed. The antimicrobial activity of the material reached outstanding levels of inactivation under different conditions: planktonic suspensions, adhered cells to the surface, and biofilms.

Graphical abstract: Photoactive antimicrobial coating based on a PEDOT-fullerene C60 polymeric dyad
From the themed collection: Emerging Investigators Series
Open Access Paper

Drug repurposing and computational modeling for discovery of inhibitors of the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2

Structural and energetic features explain why some drugs can be repositioned to inhibit Mpro from SARS-CoV-2.

Graphical abstract: Drug repurposing and computational modeling for discovery of inhibitors of the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2
Open Access Paper

Development of a schwarzite-based moving bed 3D printed water treatment system for nanoplastic remediation

The impact of micro and nanoplastic debris on our aquatic ecosystem is among the most prominent environmental challenges we face today.

Graphical abstract: Development of a schwarzite-based moving bed 3D printed water treatment system for nanoplastic remediation
From the themed collection: Emerging Investigators Series
Open Access Paper

TCCA-mediated oxidative rearrangement of tetrahydro-β-carbolines: facile access to spirooxindoles and the total synthesis of (±)-coerulescine and (±)-horsfiline

Three-reactive centered reagent (TCCA) mediated construction of spirooxindoles through an oxidative rearrangement of various N-protected tetrahydro-β-carbolines and total synthesis of natural alkaloids (±)-coerulescine and (±)-horsfiline.

Graphical abstract: TCCA-mediated oxidative rearrangement of tetrahydro-β-carbolines: facile access to spirooxindoles and the total synthesis of (±)-coerulescine and (±)-horsfiline
Open Access Paper

Latin American databases of natural products: biodiversity and drug discovery against SARS-CoV-2

We performed a cheminfomatic analysis of four databases in Latin America and evaluated its potential in silico against SARS-CoV-2.

Graphical abstract: Latin American databases of natural products: biodiversity and drug discovery against SARS-CoV-2
Open Access Paper

One-pot green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using Rosa canina L. extract

Gold and silver nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature using an aqueous extract from dried rosehips acting as reducing and capping agents with no other chemicals involved.

Graphical abstract: One-pot green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using Rosa canina L. extract
Open Access Paper

Theoretical and experimental study of solar cells based on nanostructured films of TiO2 sensitized with natural dyes extracted from Zea mays and Bixa orellana

Natural dyes were extracted from Zea mays and Bixa orellana, products from Peru, for the sensitization of nanoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) films.

Graphical abstract: Theoretical and experimental study of solar cells based on nanostructured films of TiO2 sensitized with natural dyes extracted from Zea mays and Bixa orellana
Open Access Paper

DiaNat-DB: a molecular database of antidiabetic compounds from medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are widely used against diabetes mellitus. Here, we provide DiaNat-DB, the first publicly available database of secondary metabolites from medicinal plants, chemically characterized, and integrated with antidiabetic activity.

Graphical abstract: DiaNat-DB: a molecular database of antidiabetic compounds from medicinal plants
Open Access Paper

Temperature-dependence on the optical properties of chitosan carbon dots in the solid state

Effect of thermal treatment on chitosan CDs in the solid state causes a redshift of PL emission and changes in surface states.

Graphical abstract: Temperature-dependence on the optical properties of chitosan carbon dots in the solid state
Open Access Paper

The design, synthesis, and in vitro trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities of 1,3-thiazole and 4-thiazolidinone ester derivatives

Chagas and leishmaniasis are both neglected tropical diseases, whose inefficient therapies have made them remain the cause for millions of deaths worldwide.

Graphical abstract: The design, synthesis, and in vitro trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities of 1,3-thiazole and 4-thiazolidinone ester derivatives
Open Access Paper

Thiol-yne click reaction: an interesting way to derive thiol-provided catechols

An attractive approach to the synthesis of catechol derivates through thiol-yne click reaction is presented. Compounds obtained were used in the preparation of CNPs.

Graphical abstract: Thiol-yne click reaction: an interesting way to derive thiol-provided catechols
Open Access Paper

Enhanced performance of pencil-drawn paper-based electrodes by laser-scribing treatment

This study demonstrates a fast and simple method to fabricate enhanced ePADs using pencil-drawing with a CO2 laser treatment of the carbon surface deposited on paper. The sensor was applied to the detection of furosemide in a synthetic urine sample.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced performance of pencil-drawn paper-based electrodes by laser-scribing treatment
From the themed collection: Emerging Investigators Series
Open Access Paper

One-step enzyme-free dual electrochemical immunosensor for histidine-rich protein 2 determination

One-step enzyme-free dual electrochemical immunosensor for Malaria biomarker determination.

Graphical abstract: One-step enzyme-free dual electrochemical immunosensor for histidine-rich protein 2 determination
32 items

About this collection

With this themed collection, we aim to celebrate excellent science carried out by researchers based in Latin America . We showcase relevant and interesting research papers published in RSC Advances during the last 3 years.

Covering a very broad selection of topics in chemistry, the purpose of this themed collection is to showcase high quality research developed in the region. The collection spans across fundamental research to applications, making sure to include those of specific interest to the region.

The collection has been Guest Edited by Dr Gaby Horwitz, a Journal Development Intern for RSC Advances, and builds on previous collections across RSC journals, showcasing outstanding research across Latin America.

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