Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) tincture enriched with propolis or green tea from Serbia: UHPLC-DAD–ESI-MS characterization, mineral content and antibacterial activity

Sandra S. Konstantinović — 2025-12-28

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the differences in chemical composition and mineral content of pure Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) tincture with those enriched with propolis or green tea. The chemical composition and mineral content were analyzed by UHPLC-DAD–ESI-MS and ICP-OES methods, respectively. Among all samples, Reishi/propolis tincture contained a significant amount of polyphenols, with the dominant contribution of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Regarding mineral content, P, K and Na were the most abundant in all tinctures. Reishi/propolis tincture also demonstrated the best antibacterial activity, with Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the most sensitive bacteria.

A computational study to identify the metabolites in Lippia alba capable of inhibiting gastric cancer through BCL-2 protein inhibition

Luis Humberto Mendoza-Huizar — 2025-12-28

In this study, a computational analysis was performed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of 73 compounds from Lippia alba as candidates for gastric cancer treatment. Most compounds exhibited low toxicity, except for 4-methylpent-2-enolide and β-acorenol, which demonstrated significant toxic effects. Molecular docking studies revealed that (Z)-nerolidol and 13-hydroxy-valencene both bind to the BCL2 protein, a key regulator of apoptosis in cancer cells. Furthermore, ADMET analysis predicted that both compounds are non-toxic. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that only (Z)-nerolidol maintained a stable interaction with domain 4 of BCL2, specifically with the critical Lys17 residue, which is essential for BCL2’s inhibitory function. QM/MM calculations confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonds between (Z)-nerolidol and Lys17, Ile14 and Ser49, with an estimated binding energy of –62.47 kJ mol^-1, suggesting a stable protein–ligand complex. These findings support the potential of (Z)-nerolidol as a lead compound for BCL2 inhibition and highlight its promise as a novel therapeutic agent for gastric cancer.

Tuning crystal packing and reactivity through electrostatic and dispersion interactions: The case of phenytoin and its derivatives

Ivana Đorđević — 2025-12-28

Hydantoin derivatives represent a versatile class of heterocycles, known for their pharmacological properties. Because drug efficacy often depends on the fine-tuning of weak intermolecular (non-covalent) interactions, analysis of the crystal structure of a drug molecule is important, as it enables deciphering its interaction profile. In this study, the crystal packing of phenytoin and its selected derivatives were examined through dimeric motifs with different recognition modes using force-field calculations and a density functional theory (DFT) approach. The relatively polar ethoxyacetyl group at the N3 position of the hydantoin ring, capable of forming hydrogen bonds, enhances the contribution of electrostatic and polar components to the total interaction energy. In contrast, the long alkyl chain promotes hydrophobic contacts, leading to dispersion forces dominating over electrostatic interactions. The reactivity of phenytoin and its derivatives were further evaluated by examining the influence of these substituents using conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) descriptors. These findings demonstrate that substituents significantly affect crystal packing and the balance of non-covalent interactions, providing valuable insights for optimizing molecular recognition and drug–target interactions in the design of new therapeutic agents.

Pressure oxidative leaching of copper concentrate

Gunchin Chunag — 2025-12-28

This study investigated the oxidative leaching of copper concentrate using a mixture of ferric ions and sulfuric acid solutions. We examined the effects of various parameters, including temperature, initial sulfuric acid concentration and slurry filtration conditions. At lower temperatures (150 °C), the leaching process resulted in the elemental sulfur and jarosite minerals formed in the solid residue. In contrast, at higher temperatures (190 °C), the solid residue contained jarosite and hematite, the most elemental sulfur-oxidizing to sulfuric acid. Under optimal conditions, a leaching temperature of 190 °C, a concentrate-to-leaching solvent (Fe³⁺ 5 g L^-1 and H₂SO₄ 50 g L^-1) ratio of 1:8, an oxygen pressure of 1.0 MPa, and a solid phase particle size of less than 20 μm the dissolution rate of copper reached 98 % after 3 h. When the sulfuric acid concentration increased from 30 to 100 g L-1, the amount of copper increased from 40 to 48 g L^-1. Furthermore, rapid filtering of the leaching solution without cooling helped retain most of the iron in the solid phase, resulting in a relatively pure solution. The solid residue was analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.

Development of a glass–ceramic composite reinforced with β-wollastonite synthesized via a hydrothermal method

Marjan S. Ranđelović — 2025-12-28

β-wollastonite (β-CaSiO₃) microfibres were successfully synthesized using a one-step, template-free hydrothermal reaction involving calcium nitrate and sodium metasilicate in an alkaline medium. The synthesis of microfibres was completed at 220 °C within only 240 min under an autogenous pressure of 19 bar (1.9 MPa). This method avoids the formation of xonotlite as an intermediate phase, eliminating the need for subsequent calcination to achieve wollastonite. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the β-wollastonite phase, while post-calcination analyses indicated enhanced crystallinity and structural characteristics. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a needle-like morphology and N₂ adsorption-desorption analysis demonstrated a developed surface area of 26 m2 g^-1 with notable mesoporosity. These advantageous features facilitated the integration of β-wollastonite into the synthesis of a glass–ceramic composite, which was characterized for its morphological, structural, textural, and in vitro bioactivity properties. The composite was prepared by mixing β-wollastonite and bioactive glass powders in a 1:4 mass ratio, followed by compaction through uniaxial pressing and sintering at 1000 °C for various time intervals. For comparison, compacted pure bioactive glass samples were also sintered under identical conditions. Structural, morphological, textural and in vitro bioactivity characterizations demonstrated that the incorporation of β-wollastonite led to a more uniform and narrower pore size distribution and promoted neck formation between particles, indicating its potential for bone regeneration applications.

Sustainable synthesis of silver nanoparticles on cotton gauze for enhanced antibacterial properties

Darka D. Marković — 2025-12-28

Wound protection is a critical step in preventing or reducing infections, as well as in preventing the transmission of infections between patients. Wound dressings are essential medical products that cover wounds and facilitate healing. The present study examines the possibility of using Ag nanoparticles (NPs) to impart antibacterial activity to cotton gauze, a commonly used disposable wound dressing material. The in situ synthesis of Ag-based NPs on cotton gauze was achieved using extracts from Populus x euramericana (PE) and Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (AA) leaves. Major phytochemical compounds in the extracts were quantified using HPLC. FESEM and EDS mapping analyses confirmed the presence of Ag-based NPs across the fibre surfaces of both samples. The average size of NPs synthesized in the presence of PE and AA extracts was 88±26 and 82±23 nm, respectively. A comparable amount of silver was found in the sample obtained with PE (14.22±0.23 µmol/g) and in the sample synthesized using AA extract (13.63±1.40 µmol/g). The synthesized samples achieved maximum bacterial reduction against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus.

Centennial of quantum theory in Belgrade: CEQPAS and the molecular excited state spectroscopy (MOLESs) initiative

Felipe Fantuzzi — 2025-12-28

The first week of November 2025 saw two events in Belgrade celebrating one hundred years of quantum mechanics and its impact on chemistry and molecular science. The Centennial of Quantum Theory: Progress in Atomic and Molecular Structure (CEQPAS) brought together researchers from across Europe and beyond to reflect on the scientific legacy of quantum theory and to showcase current advances in atomic and molecular spectroscopy, collision processes relevant to plasma research, chemical bonding, quantum chemistry, and the design of functional molecules, astrochemistry, the use of AI/ML for the analysis and generation of atomic and molecular data and wider applications of quantum science. Immediately after CEQPAS, a new international initiative was launched: MOLecular Excited State spectroscopy (MOLESs), whose primary goal is to develop an atlas of molecular electronic structure and excited-state spectroscopy that rigorously integrates experiment and theory. Together, CEQPAS and MOLESs align historical perspective with future capability, positioning Belgrade as a regional hub for quantum-enabled molecular science.

Contents of Volume 90

Journal editor — 2025-12-28

Author Index

Journal editor — 2025-12-28

Subject index

Journal editor — 2025-12-28

2025 List of Referees

Journal management — 2025-12-28

Impact of internal notation and heterobifunctional reactive dyes on color performance, mechanical and dimensional stability of cellulose-based biomaterials

Ruma Sarker — 2025-12-28

Internal notation factors influence the quality of cellulose-based biomaterials dyed with hetero bifunctional reactive dyes. Different internal notations of materials, such as Single Jersey, Rib and Interlock affect various coloration parameters like dye uptake, color fastness and strength. This research aims to analyze the influence of various internal notations on color performance with hetero bifunctional reactive dyes. It also aims to identify the varying shades and the manufacturing internal notation factors for achieving consistent color quality and durability across different types of cellulose-based biomaterials. Seven cellulose-based biomaterials with various internal notations (Single Jersey, 1´1 Rib, 2´1 Rib, Interlock, French Terry, Single Lacoste, Pique) were analyzed, colored with different dye uptake levels, such as light, medium and dark. The investigation measured color strength, color parameters (L*, a*, b*, c*, h), surface morphology, color fastness, mechanical strength, shrinkage and spirality. Standardized testing methods and instruments were employed for quality assessment. It has been observed that internal notation of materials significantly impacts dye absorbency with Interlock appearing brightest (K/S value 11.5). SEM analysis reveals surface morphology differences, affecting dye absorption. Colorfastness varies with fabric internal notation while bursting strength differs across fabric types.

Tri- and tetracyclic terpanes as proxies for depositional environment reconstruction for weathered siliciclastics of Internal Dinarides

Ivana Jovanić — 2025-12-28

This study examines the potential of using tri- and tetracyclic terpanes to determine the depositional environment of sediments lacking preserved fossils and whose biomarker distribution has been disrupted by biodegradation, weathering, or other alteration processes. In the case of sediments from Jazovnik, Snagovo, Drina and Gučevo (Internal Dinarides), tricyclic terpanes have demonstrated easy applicability and strong predictive power for distinguishing depositional settings. This study analysed siliciclastic sediments exposed to prolonged chemical weathering, influencing the distribution of hydrocarbons, and resulting in highly abundant branched hydrocarbons and the presence of unresolved complex mixtures (UCMs). The abundances and interrelationships of tri- and tetracyclic terpanes (C₂₀–C₂₄TT, C₂₆TT, C₂₄TeT) showed valuable results. The triangular diagram incorporating C₂₀ + C₂₂%, C₂₁% and C₂₃% has proven particularly effective in distinguishing between swamp, fluvial-deltaic, freshwater lacustrine, and marine-saltwater lacustrine depositional environments. Once again, this method clearly depicts different sedimentary environments, providing valuable insights into the geological history of the studied area.

Influence of microalgae on organic micropollutants removal from water by powdered activated carbon

Nadiia Khakimova — 2025-12-28

This study investigates how two morphologically distinct microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris and Arthrospira platensis, at different growth phases, affect the adsorption of ibuprofen, caffeine and diclofenac onto two powdered activated carbons (AC1 and AC2). Dechlorinated tap water (DCTW) matrix was used with microalgae added and experiments were performed with/without pre-chlorination and with/without filtration through 0.45 µm filter to assess the influence of total and dissolved algal organic matter. Organic micropollutants (OMPs) were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Results indicate that the effect of microalgae morphology on OMPs’ removal efficiency is different for different carbons. Species and growth phase-dependent variations were observed in some cases. A. platensis in the stationary phase in the water reduced diclofenac removal by AC2 (from 99 % to range of 44–62 %), while C. vulgaris in the exponential phase reduced it to the range of 16–74 % in comparison to effectiveness of AC2 in DCTW without microalgae (99 %). Removal of uncharged caffeine remained stable, suggesting minimal influence from algal matrices or AC variability. For negatively charged ibuprofen and diclofenac the observed effects were more variable and not always consistent, likely due to limitations in experimental methodologies.