Ravikant Verma

The particle-to-particle orchestration can invariably transcend material stimuli up to multiple folds and mutate functionalities toward achievable outcomes. The merits of polyhedral metal–organic framework (p-MOF) particles have been extensively investigated in recent years, and it has been shown that p-MOF functionalities can be galvanized by the formation of their spatially organized supraparticles (SPs). Using p-MOF particles as primitive units can shape complex structural entities with modified and specific biological properties. In this review, we aim to provide a balanced perspective by highlighting the core aspects of the transformation of p-MOF particles to p-MOF SPs. We discuss the challenges in transforming p-MOF particles to SPs, such as interparticle interaction forces, pre- and post-synthetic modifications, tailored morphology, and co-dispersion with solvent effects. Furthermore, we outline the intrinsic properties of the p-MOF particles that exhibit coupling, spatial arrangement, and colocalization after SP casting. Taken together, we explain biofunctionalities and compatibilities associated with p-MOF particles to upgrade them into hybrid biocompatible p-MOF SPs. In conclusion, a viewpoint is provided for the applicability of p-MOF SPs as functional biomaterials in the fields of advanced drug delivery and tracking, powder technology, pharmaceuticals, and food sciences, collectively bringing many interdisciplinary research areas on common ground.

Utilization of bio-waste in environmental remediation can be a sustainable model for improving the effectiveness of cleanup efforts. Here, we have successfully investigated the phase evolution of an adsorbent material derived from Bivalvia shells via thermal treatment and implemented it for waste water remediation using a model dye. The structural investigation unveiled a polymorphic and compositional transformation of aragonite (85.8%)/calcite (14.2%) to calcite (100%), and aragonite (5.5%)/calcite (18.5%)/calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 (76.0%) upon thermal treatment at 300 °C (WP-3), 600 °C (WP-6), and 900 °C (WP-9), respectively. The electron microscopic images showed a beautiful sea urchin-like morphology after heating at 900 °C and with a surface area of 3.95 m2/g via BET analysis. The remediation studies showed maximum adsorption capacities of 170.11 mg/g and 183.98 mg/g calculated using the Sips and Langmuir isotherm models, respectively, for the WP-9 material. A mechanistic model for the interaction of the WP material and Congo red dye during adsorption is also presented from DFT studies. The study also show that the WP-9 material can act as a dye-sensitized photocatalyst to efficiently degrade the Congo red dye. Quantitively, 250 mg/L WP-9 degraded 98.24% of CR dye at a rate of 0.09192 min−1, which is almost twice that of commercial Degussa P25 under sunlight. The products of degradation were also studied using gas chromatography.

Designing of innovative technologies for the development of functional materials remain crucial for achieving sustainable technological advancements. In this regard, nanoparticles (NPs) possessing enormous potential properties can be obtained using various facile methods for several applications. Adopting NPs as primitive building blocks can initiate the formation of complex entities named supraparticle (SP) to create several advanced functional materials. Additionally, SPs enable entirely new material characteristics to the system, owing to their individual entities, intrinsic properties such as coupling, spatial arrangement, and co‐localization. Indeed, methods such as template‐induced evaporation‐based assembly of NPs direct the shape, size, and morphology of SPs from their respective colloidal dispersions on a solvent‐repellant solid surface. Therefore, it is important to comprehend the formation of SPs and their structure‐property relationship with respect to practical application. This review presents a brief overview of SPs assembly by outlining the templated‐assisted evaporation‐based methodologies for synthesizing SPs. Further, the effect of various factors on the interaction between colloidal entities, solvent, and substrate, leading to the genesis of SPs is elaborated. Conclusively, specific properties are described and applications of SPs for energy storage, generation, and environmental remediation are reported, which collectively brings many interdisciplinary research fields to the same podium.

In the present scenario, the challenge of emerging antimicrobial resistance is affecting human health globally. The increasing incidences of multidrug-resistant infections have become harder to treat, causing high morbidity, and mortality, and are posing extensive financial loss. Limited discovery of new antibiotic molecules has further complicated the situation and has forced researchers to think and explore alternatives to antibiotics. This has led to the resurgence of the bacteriophages as an effective alternative as they have a proven history in the Eastern world where lytic bacteriophages have been used since their first implementation over a century ago. To help researchers and clinicians towards strengthening bacteriophages as a more effective, safe, and economical therapeutic alternative, the present review provides an elaborate narrative about the important aspects of bacteriophages. It abridges the prerequisite essential requirements of phage therapy, the role of phage biobank, and the details of immune responses reported while using bacteriophages in the clinical trials/compassionate grounds by examining the up-to-date case reports and their effects on the human gut microbiome. This review also discusses the potential of bacteriophages as a biocontrol agent against food-borne diseases in the food industry and aquaculture, in addition to clinical therapy. It finishes with a discussion of the major challenges, as well as phage therapy and phage-mediated biocontrols future prospects.