Stefan Ivanović

Fraud in herbal medicines and botanical supplements—such as biological substitution, dilution with inert material, undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and intentional mislabeling—represents a significant and underestimated threat to public health. Beyond regulatory problems, fraudulent botanical products also compromise the scientific integrity of bioactive compound research. If pharmacological or clinical studies are carried out on adulterated material without knowing it, the resulting data on safety and efficacy become unreliable, and any conclusions drawn from such data are questionable. This review critically evaluates multi-platform metabolomics as an analytical decision-making framework for botanical fraud detection. Rather than cataloging available methods, we focus on the complete analytical pipeline: study design and sample strategy, multi-platform fingerprint acquisition and processing (NMR, GC-MS, LC-HRMS, HPTLC), and chemometric modeling, validation, and decision support. Particular emphasis is placed on data fusion across platforms and the requirements for producing decision-grade evidence—analytical outputs robust enough to support market monitoring and regulatory action.

The relationship between the morphology of pygidial glands and the chemical nature of their secretions in the tribe Chlaeniini (family Carabidae) has long been recognised. We analysed the morphological features of the pygidial glands and the chemical composition of their secretions in three taxa: Chlaenius (Chlaeniellus) tristis (Schaller, 1783), C. (Chlaenites) spoliatus spoliatus (Rossi, 1792), and C. (Chlaenius) festivus festivus (Panzer, 1796). We examined the morphology of the pygidial glands in all three taxa using bright-field microscopy (BFM) and nonlinear microscopy (NLM). We used gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to analyse the chemical composition of the secretions. We measured and photographed the glands and conducted comparative morphological analyses. We detected a total of 21 chemicals in the pygidial gland secretions of the studied Chlaeniini. We found the highest number of compounds in C. tristis (17), slightly fewer in C. festivus festivus (13), and the lowest number in C. spoliatus spoliatus (seven). Thirteen compounds were new to the tribe Chlaeniini, eight of which were also new to the entire family Carabidae. The most dominant compound in the secretions of all three taxa was 3-methylphenol. We also discussed the taxonomic value of the chemical composition of the pygidial gland secretions.

Materials derived from renewable and recycled resources offer a promising route toward more sustainable thermoset composites. In this study, waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was depolymerized by glycolysis with propylene glycol to obtain a glycolysate, and subsequently polycondensed with biobased propylene glycol, maleic anhydride, and trimethylolpropane diallyl ether to synthesize biobased UV-curable unsaturated polyester resin (UV-bUPR). The composites were prepared with acryloyl-modified Kraft lignin (K_rL-A) as a reactive bio-filler using a dual-curing approach, in which rapid UV curing was followed by thermal/redox post-curing to improve conversion and network homogeneity. The structure of the synthesized resin and composites was confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. Mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile testing and hardness measurements, while morphology and fracture behavior were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The unmodified lignin decreased tensile performance due to limited compatibility with the polyester matrix and the formation of interfacial defects and agglomerates. In contrast, K_rL-A exhibited improved dispersion and stronger filler–matrix interactions, resulting in superior mechanical performance. The most pronounced effect of lignin modification was observed at 15 wt.% filler loading, where the tensile strength reached 27.83 MPa, compared with 13.91 MPa for the corresponding unmodified system. The developed composites also showed improved sustainability, assessed through the E-factor, due to the combined use of recycled PET and renewable lignin.

This study reports the synthesis and detailed characterization of pullulan-isononanoate (Pull-Iso), as well as the preparation and characterization of Pull-Iso films incorporating liposomes loaded with silibinin (SB) and smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) extract (STExt), to explore the physicochemical and functional properties of pullulan-based biomaterials for potential biomedical applications. Pullulan was successfully esterified with isononanoic acid chloride, as confirmed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Modification significantly reduced the glass transition temperature (Tg), indicating enhanced chain mobility due to the introduction of bulky side chains. Prepared liposomes, embedding SB and extracted smoke tree compounds, exhibited particle sizes ~2000 nm with moderate polydispersity (~0.340) and zeta potential values around –20 mV, demonstrating lower colloidal stability over 60 days, thereby justifying their encapsulation within films. Optical microscopy revealed uniform liposome dispersion in Pull-Iso film with 0.5 g of liposomes, while higher liposome loading (0.75 g of liposomes) induced aggregation and microstructural irregularities. Mechanical analysis showed a reduction in tensile strength and strain at higher liposome content. The incorporation of liposomes encapsulating STExt and SB significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of Pull-Iso-based films in a concentration-dependent manner, as demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. These preliminary findings suggest that pullulan esterification and controlled liposome incorporation may enable the development of flexible, bioactive-loaded films, which could represent a promising platform for advanced wound dressing applications, warranting further investigation.

Spring needles of Abies pinsapo Boiss. contained 84 identifiable volatile compounds. Monoterpene hydrocarbons dominated the essential oil (86.2%), with β‐pinene (34.8%), α‐pinene (24.6%), and limonene+β‐phellandrene (11.9%) as the major constituents. Stepwise discriminant analysis distinguished young needles from 1‐ and 2‐year‐old needles. The average nonacosan‐10‐ol content was 36.9%, with minimal differences among age classes. Needle n ‐alkanes ranged from C ₁₆ to C ₃₃ , dominated by C ₂₉ (19.02%), C ₂₃ (18.89%), C ₂₇ (17.62%), and C ₂₅ (13.01%). The most abundant n ‐alkanes were C ₂₃ in young, C ₂₇ in 1‐year‐old, and C ₂₉ in 2‐year‐old needles. The total Carbon Preference Index of n ‐alkanes ranged from 3.2 to 7.3 (mean 4.6), peaking in young needles (6.0). The total average chain length ranged from 24.7 to 27.2 (mean 26.2). Principal component analysis also separated young needles from older ones.

Unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs) were synthesized from camphoric acid and diluted with styrene, partially replaced (up to 30%) by trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). Rheological tests showed increased but sustainable viscosity due to TMPTA’s higher polarity. These UPRs served as matrices for composites reinforced with non-woven bamboo and flax mats from recycled waste. Mechanical testing revealed that C_f-UPR/TMPTA30 exhibited the highest tensile strength (25.2 MPa) and modulus (0.96 GPa), compared to 18.7 MPa and 0.74 GPa for the styrene-based resin, respectively, attributed to greater cross-link density. Bamboo composites showed lower tensile properties (13.6 MPa) due to random fiber orientation and porosity, while flax-reinforced systems, especially C_f-UPR/TMPTA30–FLAX, reached 42.7 MPa tensile and 95.5 MPa flexural strength, indicating synergy between TMPTA-modified resin and flax fibers. Dynamic-mechanical analysis confirmed stable thermo-mechanical behavior, and water uptake tests showed reduced absorption (by ~10%), suggesting improved fiber/matrix adhesion. SEM images revealed brittle fracture and fiber pull-out in styrene systems, but fiber breakage and ductile textures in TMPTA-based ones, proving better stress transfer. Thermal analysis indicated slightly earlier degradation onset for TMPTA-modified resins but higher char yield in fiber composites. Overall, TMPTA substitution and flax reinforcement enhance the mechanical, interfacial, and thermal properties of bio-based UPRs, supporting sustainable high-performance composites.

In this study, six club raspberry varieties were examined for their aromatic profiles and sensory qualities, and statistical approaches were used to determine how aroma components affect consumer impressions. Analysis of the aroma’s chemical composition was performed utilizing headspace SPME and GC-MS. MS-DIAL -v5.5.250627 software was used to identify components from commercial libraries, after 10 repetitions for each variety, followed by manual verification. A sensory evaluation of fresh fruits, with 55 volunteers, was statistically analyzed and linked to chemical composition using multivariate analysis and the OPLS-HDA classification method, which was employed for the first time. Tula Magic was scored the highest in the sensory evaluation compared to Adelita, Himbo Top, Glen Dee, San Rafael, and Cascade Harvest. 2-Heptanol (fresh, lemongrass-like, herbal, floral, fruity, green), heptanal (fresh, aldehydic, fatty, green, herbal), and 2-methyl-6-hepten-1-ol (oily-green, herbaceous-citrusy) separated Tula Magic from the other varieties assessed. The same components were recognized in OPLS as positive contributors to the flavor score, while terpenoids like trans-β-ionone, α-ionone, and α,β-dihydro-β-ionone, as well as 2-heptanone, scored slightly lower. This suggests that a fine balance between the individual components is key to the overall aroma sensation.

Microplastics entering the gastrointestinal environment rapidly acquire protein coronas that alter their surface chemistry and analytical detectability. We investigated the physicochemical interactions between fluorescently labeled bovine serum albumin (BSA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics during simulated intestinal exposure and evaluated the stability of the resulting hard corona. Using fluorescence tracking, SDS-PAGE, and FTIR spectroscopy, we showed that BSA forms a persistent corona that resists oxidative-only treatments. Only a combination of oxidation with an alkaline (KOH) or surfactant step (SDS) effectively removed the corona. None of the protocols applied affected polymer integrity. Residual protein in less effective protocols did not show changes on PET spectra in ATR FTIR. To validate the protocol under physiologically relevant complexity, we extended it to PET incubated with single digestive enzymes. FTIR spectra confirmed the removal of protein-specific signals in both systems, with no degradation of PET ester or aromatic functional groups nor signals of protein–polymer interactions. Our results highlight the robustness of protein–PET interactions in biological conditions and provide a variety of protocols for protein corona removal, suitable for diverse applications of microplastic analysis and toxicological studies.

Nepeta rtanjensis , a local endemic plant from Serbia, was processed using subcritical water extraction, and the resulting extract was further analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detection and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Its biological activity, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, and antimicrobial effects, was evaluated in vitro. Rosmarinic acid (201.14 mg/100 g extract), along with the monosaccharides glucose (16.15%) and fructose (10.41%), were the predominant metabolites. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant activities in 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (33.99 µmol TEAC/100 g extract), 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (62.66 µmol TEAC/100 g extract), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (311.55 µmol TEAC/100 g extract) tests. Moderate anti‐inflammatory (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration [IC ₅₀ ] = 80.72 µg/mL) and antihyperglycemic (IC ₅₀ = 120.29 µg/mL) effects were observed, although both were less potent than the respective standards. The extract showed strong activity, with inhibition zones of 25.00 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 18.00 mm against Candida albicans . These results indicate that N. rtanjensis subcritical water extract is a promising candidate for use in antimicrobial formulations, particularly for topical applications or combating skin infections caused by resistant Gram‐positive bacteria, and highlight its potential in pharmaceutical and food preservation applications.

Microplastics entering the gastrointestinal environment rapidly acquire protein coronas that alter their surface chemistry and analytical detectability. We investigated the physicochemical interactions between fluorescently labelled bovine serum albumin (BSA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics during simulated intestinal exposure and evaluated the stability of the resulting hard corona. Using fluorescence tracking, SDS-PAGE, and FTIR spectroscopy, we show that BSA forms a persistent corona that resists oxidative and surfactant-only treatments. Only a combined alkaline-surfactant protocol (SDS/KOH) effectively removed the corona. None of the protocols applied affected polymer integrity. Residual protein in less effective protocols did not show changes on PET spectra in ATR FTIR. To validate the protocol under physiologically relevant complexity, we extended it to PET incubated with a digestive enzyme mixture. FTIR spectra confirmed the removal of protein-specific signals in both systems, with no degradation of PET ester or aromatic functional groups, nor signals of protein-polymer interactions. Our results highlight the robustness of protein–PET interactions in biological conditions and provide a variety of protocols for protein corona removal, suitable for diverse applications of microplastic analysis and toxicological studies.