Themed collection 2020 Reviews in RSC Advances
Sustainable pathway towards large scale melt processing of the new generation of renewable cellulose–polyamide composites
Biosourced polyamide/cellulose composites are promising engineering piezoelectric materials large-scale processable by sustainable, cost-efficient, and solvent-free wet-assisted melt-compounding.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 637-656
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07141B
Bromodomain and BET family proteins as epigenetic targets in cancer therapy: their degradation, present drugs, and possible PROTACs
Alteration in the pattern of epigenetic marking leads to cancer, neurological disorders, inflammatory problems etc.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 612-636
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07971E
Recent advances in the synthesis and applications of mordenite zeolite – review
Among the many industrially important zeolites, mordenite is found to be interesting because of its unique and exceptional physical and chemical properties.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 250-267
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA09434J
Vesicular systems for dermal and transdermal drug delivery
Dermal/transdermal drug delivery continues to grow in importance as a means of enhancing treatment activity while reducing toxicity by avoiding the systemic absorption of the drug.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 442-451
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA09561C
Microfluidics for core–shell drug carrier particles – a review
Microfluidics application for core–shell drug carrier particles synthesis and the advantages of using this technique compared to conventional bulk methods.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 229-249
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08607J
Recent trends in the direct oxyphosphorylation of C–C multiple bonds
Due to the wide importance of β-phosphorylated ketones as key building-blocks in the fabrication of various pharmaceutically active organophosphorus compounds, finding new and truly efficient methods for their preparation.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 470-483
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08074H
Powering the next industrial revolution: transitioning from nonrenewable energy to solar fuels via CO2 reduction
Solar energy has been used for decades for the direct production of electricity in various industries and devices. However, harnessing and storing this energy in the form of chemical bonds has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 87-113
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07790A
The bioactive components as well as the nutritional and health effects of sea buckthorn
Sea buckthorn (SB), also named sea berry, has been used in daily life for centuries with kinds of purposes ranging from a beverage with a pleasant taste and flavor, to an agent for treatment of many disorders and diseases.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 44654-44671
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06488B
Recent advances in graphene-based materials for dye-sensitized solar cell fabrication
Graphene-based materials can produce high performance and sustainable DSSCs, through tuning of their excellent optoelectronic, mechanical, thermal and chemical properties for use as photoanodes, photosensitizers, electrolytes and counter electrodes.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 44453-44469
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08851J
Prescribed drugs containing nitrogen heterocycles: an overview
In this review, we try to present a comprehensive overview on top prescribed drugs containing nitrogen heterocycles, describing their pharmacological properties, medical applications and their selected synthetic pathways.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 44247-44311
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA09198G
Carbon nanotubes: functionalisation and their application in chemical sensors
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been recognised as a promising material in a wide range of applications, from safety to energy-related devices.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 43704-43732
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA09438B
Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-derived porous carbon materials for supercapacitors: an overview
The present analysis focuses on the synthetic methods used for the application of supercapacitors with various mysterious architectures derived from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs).
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 43733-43750
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08560J
Hydrogels as artificial matrices for cell seeding in microfluidic devices
Hydrogel-based artificial scaffolds and its incorporation with microfluidic devices play a vital role in shifting in vitro models from two-dimensional (2D) cell culture to in vivo like three-dimensional (3D) cell culture
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 43682-43703
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08566A
Research progress of iron-based catalysts for selective oligomerization of ethylene
In this paper, the research progress of catalysts for selective oligomerization of ethylene was reviewed in terms of the cocatalysts, ligand structure, oxidation state of the iron metal atom center and immobilization of homogeneous catalysts.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 43640-43652
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07558B
Recent advances in transition metal-free catalytic hydroelementation (E = B, Si, Ge, and Sn) of alkynes
This review describes the recent advances in the transition metal-free hydroelementation of alkynes with various metalloid hydrides.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 43539-43565
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07768B
Three cheers for nitrogen: aza-DKPs, the aza analogues of 2,5-diketopiperazines
An overview of the synthetic strategies to access aza-diketopiperazines, a unique class of N-heterocycles with potential applications in medicinal chemistry.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 43358-43370
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA09457A
Polyphenylsilsesquioxanes. New structures–new properties
The review describes the synthesis and properties of various forms of polyphenylsilsesquioxane (PPSQ).
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 43129-43152
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07854A
ZnO nanostructured materials for emerging solar cell applications
Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been considered as one of the potential materials in solar cell applications, owing to its relatively high conductivity, electron mobility, stability against photo-corrosion and availability at low-cost.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 42838-42859
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07689A
Greening the synthesis of peptide therapeutics: an industrial perspective
This review highlights the efforts made to date to promote greener peptide synthesis, from an industrial perspective.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 42457-42492
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07204D
Applications of tert-butanesulfinamide in the synthesis of N-heterocycles via sulfinimines
The review summarizes the usage of tert-butanesulfinamide for the construction of diverse N-heterocycles through sulfinimine intermediate over the last decade.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 42441-42456
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08819F
Two decades of recent advances of Ugi reactions: synthetic and pharmaceutical applications
We highlight the recent advances of the Ugi reaction in the last two decades from 2000–2019, mainly in the synthesis of linear or cyclic peptides, heterocyclic compounds with versatile ring sizes, and natural products, as well as the enantioselective Ugi reactions.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 42644-42681
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07501A
Non-ionic small amphiphile based nanostructures for biomedical applications
Amphiphiles in action: self-assembled nanostructures for drug delivery and imaging.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 42098-42115
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08092F
Traditional uses, chemical components and pharmacological activities of the genus Ganoderma P. Karst.: a review
In recent years, some natural products isolated from the fungus of the genus Ganoderma have been found to have anti-tumor, liver protection, anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, anti-oxidation, anti-viral, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 42084-42097
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07219B
Progress in the synthesis of imide-based N-type polymer semiconductor materials
Representative molecular structures of four N-type polymer semiconductors materials (a: N2000; b: PPDI-DTT, c: TBDI-DT and d: PDTzTIT) based on NDI, PDI, BTI and BTzI, respectively.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 41764-41779
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA04972G
Photodynamic diagnosis and photodynamic therapy of colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo
This review highlights the various photo diagnostic and treatment methods utilized for CRC, over the last seven years.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 41560-41576
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08617G
Widely used catalysts in biodiesel production: a review
An ever-increasing energy demand and environmental problems associated with exhaustible fossil fuels have led to the search for an alternative energy. In this context, biodiesel has attracted attention worldwide as an alternative to fossil fuel.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 41625-41679
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07931F
Recent advances in the pharmacological diversification of quinazoline/quinazolinone hybrids
Recent advances in quinazoline/quinazolinone hybrid heterocycles in medicinal chemistry and their pharmacological diversification.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 41353-41392
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06642G
A plant-mediated synthesis of nanostructured hydroxyapatite for biomedical applications: a review
Plant-mediated sythesis of nanostructured hydroxyapatite for multifunctional biomedical applications.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 40923-40939
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08529D
Synthesis of polysubstituted arenes through organocatalytic benzannulation
Organocatalytic benzannulation represents one of the most efficient transformations for assembling polysubstituted arenes, this review presents recent advances in organocatalytic benzannulation strategies to construct functionalized benzenes.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 40983-41003
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08068C
The oxazolomycin family: a review of current knowledge
Oxazolomycin A and neooxazolomycin were firstly isolated in 1985 by the group of Uemura et al. from the Streptomyces sp. bacteria.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 40745-40794
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08396H
Anisotropy-induced directional self-transportation of low surface tension liquids: a review
The passive transportation of liquids is comprehensively reviewed specifically for low surface tension fluids.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 40569-40581
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08627D
Two-photon absorption and two-photon-induced isomerization of azobenzene compounds
The process of two-photon-induced isomerization occurring in various organic molecules, among which azobenzene derivatives hold a prominent position, offers a wide range of functionalities, which can be used in both material and life sciences.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 40489-40507
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07693G
ACE2 as a potential therapeutic target for pandemic COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 virus invades the host through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors by decreasing the ACE2 expression of the host.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 39808-39813
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08228G
Low-temperature operating ZnO-based NO2 sensors: a review
A comprehensive review on designs and mechanisms of ZnO-based NO2 gas sensors operated at low temperature.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 39786-39807
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07328H
A sodium alginate-based sustained-release IPN hydrogel and its applications
Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels are crosslinked by two or more polymer networks, providing free volume space in the three-dimensional network structure, and providing conditions for the sustained and controlled release of drugs.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 39722-39730
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA04316H
Organ-on-a-chip: the next generation platform for risk assessment of radiobiology
Organ-on-a-chip technology has great potential for the next generation risk estimation of low dose internal irradiation, due to its success in mimicking human organs/tissues, which possibly can significantly improve on current animal models.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 39521-39530
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05173J
Recent applications of Rose Bengal catalysis in N-heterocycles: a short review
The recent applications of Rose Bengal as a photocatalyst for the synthesis and functionalization of N-heterocycles have been discussed.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 39495-39508
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07400D
Nitroacetonitrile as a versatile precursor in energetic materials synthesis
Nitroacetonitrile is a useful synthetic precursor capable of participating in a wide range of reactions and enables the simple synthesis of annulated heterocyclic systems which are rapidly becoming promising new energetic materials.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 39478-39484
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07579E
Tuning the physical properties of ultrathin transition-metal dichalcogenides via strain engineering
Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have become one of the recent frontiers and focuses in two-dimensional (2D) materials fields thanks to their superior electronic, optical, and photoelectric properties.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 39455-39467
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07288E
Synthesis and applications of methyleneaziridines
This review surveys the structural characterization, synthetic methods, chemical transformations and mechanisms of methyleneaziridines, especially the advances achieved over the past decade.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 39304-39322
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07663E
Investigation of the process stability of different anammox configurations and assessment of the simulation validity of various anammox-based kinetic models
Over the last 30 years, the successful implementation of the anammox process has attracted research interest from all over the world.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 39171-39186
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06813F
Diagnosis and prognosis for exercise-induced muscle injuries: from conventional imaging to emerging point-of-care testing
The significant increase of people who join in sport exercises brings significantly increasing exercise-induced muscle injuries, making timely diagnosis and prognosis of muscle injuries important for recovery.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 38847-38860
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07321K
Application of bacteriocins in food preservation and infectious disease treatment for humans and livestock: a review
Killing or inhibition actions of (a) antibiotics and (b) bacteriocin on gut microbiota.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 38937-38964
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06161A
Heavy metal induced stress on wheat: phytotoxicity and microbiological management
Among many soil problems, heavy metal accumulation is one of the major agronomic challenges that has seriously threatened food safety.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 38379-38403
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05610C
Homogeneous and heterogeneous molecular catalysts for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide
Electroreduction of CO2 to CO using molecular catalysis.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 38013-38023
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07973A
Recent developments in conducting polymers: applications for electrochemistry
Scientists have categorized conductive polymers as materials having strongly reversible redox behavior and uncommon combined features of plastics and metal.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 37834-37856
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06160C
Synthesis and modification of ZIF-8 and its application in drug delivery and tumor therapy
Synthesis and modification of ZIF-8 and its application in drug delivery, stimulus response-controlled drug release and tumor therapy.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 37600-37620
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07950B
Recent advances in the development of histone deacylase SIRT2 inhibitors
This review presents a systematic summarization of nine chemotypes of small-molecule SIRT2 inhibitors, which will be useful for future efforts to develop new inhibitors targeting SIRT2 and associated target proteins.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 37382-37390
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06316A
Structure and mechanical behavior of in situ developed Mg2Si phase in magnesium and aluminum alloys – a review
The demand for lightweight, high specific strength alloys has drastically increased in the last two decades.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 37327-37345
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA02744H
Direct sulfonamidation of (hetero)aromatic C–H bonds with sulfonyl azides: a novel and efficient route to N-(hetero)aryl sulfonamides
N-Aryl sulfonamides belong to a highly important class of organosulfur compounds which are found in a number of FDA-approved drugs such as dofetilide, dronedarone, ibutilide, sotalol, sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole, vemurafenib, and many more.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 37299-37313
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA04255B
Application of blocking and immobilization of electrospun fiber in the biomedical field
The unique blocking and immobilization of electrospinning nanofibers play an important role in tissue engineering, wound dressings, drug delivery systems and other fields.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 37246-37265
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06865A
Biomedical applications of dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS): recent progress and challenges
Dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS) , with multi-component and hierarchically complex structures, has recently been receiving significant attention in various fields of nano-biomedicine.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 37116-37133
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA04388E
Multicomponent crystals of anti-tuberculosis drugs: a mini-review
Pharmaceutical co-crystals of isoniazid and pyrazinamide could improve the stability of fixed-dose combinations used in TB treatment.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 37134-37141
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06478E
Inhibitors of pantothenate synthetase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis – a medicinal chemist perspective
Tuberculosis, leads to numerous deaths worldwide. New drug discovery strategies are need of the hour. In the current review, we focused on the discovery of new antitubercular drugs targeting pantothenate synthetase.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 37098-37115
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07398A
Recent progress in transition-metal-free functionalization of allenamides
Recent progress in transition-metal-free functionalization of allenamides is reviewed, providing a powerful approach to rapidly access complex molecules.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 36818-36827
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07119F
Artificial sugar saccharin and its derivatives: role as a catalyst
The primary objective of this review was to demonstrate the significance of artificial sugar saccharin and its derivatives as catalysts for a wide variety of organic transformation.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 36571-36608
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05974A
Advances in chemistry and composition of soft materials for drug releasing contact lenses
Contact lens as controllable route for ocular drug delivery.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 36751-36777
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06681H
Cu2O as an emerging semiconductor in photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic treatment of water contaminated with organic substances: a review
A wide range of semiconductor photocatalysts have been used over the years in water treatment to eliminate toxic organic substances from wastewater.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 36514-36525
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06858F
Anisotropic quasi-one-dimensional layered transition-metal trichalcogenides: synthesis, properties and applications
The strong in-plane anisotropy and quasi-1D electronic structures of transition-metal trichalcogenides (MX3; M = group IV or V transition metal; X = S, Se, or Te) have pronounced influence on moulding the properties of MX3 materials.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 36413-36438
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07160A
Integrating DNA damage response and autophagy signalling axis in ultraviolet-B induced skin photo-damage: a positive association in protecting cells against genotoxic stress
Regulation of stress response in cells by autophagy.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 36317-36336
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05819J
G-Protein coupled receptors: structure and function in drug discovery
The G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily comprise similar proteins arranged into families or classes thus making it one of the largest in the mammalian genome.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 36337-36348
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08003A
Recent advances in additive manufacturing of engineering thermoplastics: challenges and opportunities
There are many limitations within three-dimensional (3D) printing that hinder its adaptation into industries such as biomedical, cosmetic, processing, automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 36058-36089
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA04857G
Recent advances in the synthesis of biodegradable polyesters by sustainable polymerization: lipase-catalyzed polymerization
Over the past three decades, enzymatic polymerization has dramatically developed and gradually broadened as a creative methodology in the construction of polymeric materials with tailor-made structures and properties.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 36230-36240
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07138B
Clean production and utilisation of hydrogen in molten salts
Green and low-cost electro-generation of hydrogen in molten salts provides unique opportunities for the sustainable production of a range of advanced materials from high quality graphene to metal/alloy powders.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 36020-36030
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06575G
Microwave assisted synthesis of five membered nitrogen heterocycles
Microwave assisted synthesis of N-heterocycles with short reaction time, high yields and high product purities along with a decrease in the rate of by-product formation.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 36031-36041
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05150K
Aldehyde catalysis – from simple aldehydes to artificial enzymes
An overview of bio-inspired aldehyde catalysis is presented. High and sustainable catalytic activities of aldehydes are shown in different reactions.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 35433-35448
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06651F
Supported metal and metal oxide particles with proximity effect for catalysis
Catalysts are empowered with proper support materials (SM). The proximity effect, in other word ‘synergism’ between the two, is still necessary to be explored at the molecular level to revamp this never ending field of catalysis.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 35449-35472
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06168A
Diagnostic technologies for COVID-19: a review
Summary of the latest research progress on detection methods of SARS-CoV-2, providing a reference to develop rapid and accurate diagnostic strategies for COVID-19.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 35257-35264
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06445A
A systematic review on the chemical constituents of the genus Consolida (Ranunculaceae) and their biological activities
Multiple constituents from Consolida species showed great research significance for their novel structures and broad bioactivities.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 35072-35089
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06811J
Marine natural products from sponges (Porifera) of the order Dictyoceratida (2013 to 2019); a promising source for drug discovery
Marine organisms have been considered an interesting target for the discovery of different classes of secondary natural products with wide-ranging biological activities.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 34959-34976
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA04408C
About this collection
This web collection brings together all of the reviews published in RSC Advances in 2020.