Themed collection A celebration of Latin American research in RSC Advances
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 40216-40219
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA90175C
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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.
RSC Adv., 2023,13, 7468-7489
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA07098G
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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.
RSC Adv., 2022,12, 30785-30802
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA04479J
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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.
RSC Adv., 2022,12, 18661-18675
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA02663E
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 6060-6098
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA10657G
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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.
RSC Adv., 2023,13, 25118-25128
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA04916G
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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.
RSC Adv., 2023,13, 24909-24917
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA03518B
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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.
RSC Adv., 2023,13, 22358-22366
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA03297C
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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.
RSC Adv., 2023,13, 21808-21819
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA02355A
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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.
RSC Adv., 2023,13, 21153-21162
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA02916F
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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.
RSC Adv., 2023,13, 13463-13471
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA01520C
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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.
RSC Adv., 2023,13, 914-925
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA06813C
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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.
RSC Adv., 2022,12, 30094-30103
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA05135D
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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.
RSC Adv., 2022,12, 21836-21850
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA02820D
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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.
RSC Adv., 2022,12, 20029-20036
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA03370D
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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.
RSC Adv., 2022,12, 12436-12445
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA01407F
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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.
RSC Adv., 2022,12, 9898-9908
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA00863G
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 35383-35391
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA05785E
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 25096-25103
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA03163E
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 23519-23532
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA03417K
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 23450-23458
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA03956C
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 19788-19796
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA03097C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 16537-16546
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA02381K
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 16051-16064
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA01507A
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 14624-14631
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA01448J
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 9086-9097
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA01043C
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 5172-5178
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA10453A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 2767-2773
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07779H
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 2487-2500
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06994A
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 2074-2082
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA09687C
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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.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 1644-1653
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08874A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
One-step enzyme-free dual electrochemical immunosensor for histidine-rich protein 2 determination
One-step enzyme-free dual electrochemical immunosensor for Malaria biomarker determination.
RSC Adv., 2021,11, 408-415
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08729G
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.