In recent years, advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT), manufacturing processes, and material synthesis technologies have positioned flexible sensors as critical components in wearable devices. These developments are propelling wearable technologies based on flexible sensors towards higher intelligence, convenience, superior performance, and biocompatibility. Recently, two-dimensional nanomaterials known as MXenes have garnered extensive attention due to their excellent mechanical properties, outstanding electrical conductivity, large specific surface area, and abundant surface functional groups. These notable attributes confer significant potential on MXenes for applications in strain sensing, pressure measurement, gas detection, etc. Furthermore, polymer substrates such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are extensively utilized as support materials for MXene and its composites due to their light weight, flexibility, and ease of processing, thereby enhancing the overall performance and wearability of the sensors. This paper reviews the latest advancements in MXene and its composites within the domains of strain sensors, pressure sensors, and gas sensors. We present numerous recent case studies of MXene composite material-based wearable sensors and discuss the optimization of materials and structures for MXene composite material-based wearable sensors, offering strategies and methods to enhance the development of MXene composite material-based wearable sensors. Finally, we summarize the current progress of MXene wearable sensors and project future trends and analyses.

Hundreds of millions of metric tons of plastic waste are generated globally every year. Processing waste into secondary raw material is preferred over energy production and landfilling. However, mechanical recycling generally deteriorates the properties of plastic waste limiting its range of potential applications. Nanocomposite fabrication is a solution to recycle plastic waste into value-added applications due to improved properties generated by nanomaterial reinforcement, however received little study. The aim of this review is to present the current status, identify research gaps and provide topics for further research of polymer nanocomposites prepared from plastic waste in respect to utilized materials, processing methods, enhanced properties, sustainability, economics, nanomaterial safety, and applications. It is found that morphological, mechanical, thermal, flame retardancy, physical, barrier, electrical and shielding properties of plastic waste can be enhanced with low loadings of different nanomaterials making them promising materials for various applications including electronic, shielding, thermal, packaging, filtration, and water treatment. Utilization of plastic waste instead of virgin polymers can be beneficial in respect to economics and sustainability, but the energy intensive and expensive production of the most nanomaterials, and the plastic waste pretreatment methods can negate these benefits. To enhance sustainability, further research should be conducted on utilization of energy friendly nanomaterials in plastic waste nanocomposites. Further research is needed also on polymer nanocomposite safety because of the unknow composition of the plastic waste and the potential for nanomaterial release during nanocomposite\'s life cycle. All in all, further research and national regulations and guidance are needed on virgin polymer and plastic waste nanocomposites.

The advent of Nanohybrid (NH) fertilizers represents a groundbreaking advancement in the pursuit of precision and sustainable agriculture. This review abstract encapsulates the transformative potential of these innovative formulations in addressing key challenges faced by modern farming practices. By incorporating nanotechnology into traditional fertilizer matrices, nanohybrid formulations enable precise control over nutrient release, facilitating optimal nutrient uptake by crops. This enhanced precision not only fosters improved crop yields but also mitigates issues of over-fertilization, aligning with the principles of sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, nanohybrid fertilizers exhibit the promise of minimizing environmental impact. Their controlled release mechanisms significantly reduce nutrient runoff, thereby curbing water pollution and safeguarding ecosystems. This dual benefit of precision nutrient delivery and environmental sustainability positions nanohybrid fertilizers as a crucial tool in the arsenal of precision agriculture practices. The intricate processes of uptake, translocation, and biodistribution of nutrients within plants are examined in the context of nanohybrid fertilizers. The nanoscale features of these formulations play a pivotal role in governing the efficiency of nutrient absorption, internal transport, and distribution within plant tissues. Factors affecting the performance of nanohybrid fertilizers are scrutinized, encompassing aspects such as soil type, crop variety, and environmental conditions. Understanding these variables is crucial for tailoring nanohybrid formulations to specific agricultural contexts, and optimizing their impact on crop productivity and resource efficiency. Environmental considerations are integral to the review, assessing the broader implications of nanohybrid fertilizer application. This review offers a holistic overview of nanohybrid fertilizers in precision and sustainable agriculture. Exploring delivery mechanisms, synthesis methods, uptake dynamics, biodistribution patterns, influencing factors, and environmental implications, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted role and implications of nanohybrid fertilizers in advancing modern agricultural practices.

Starch biopolymer films incorporated with chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) or starch/CNP films are promising alternatives to non-degradable food packaging materials. The films can be utilized for active food packaging applications because CNP exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which can improve food shelf-life. Nonetheless, knowledge of the effects of CNP inclusion on the properties of starch films is not fully elucidated. This paper reviews the influences of various concentrations of CNP, sizes of CNP, and other additives on the mechanical, thermal, barrier, antimicrobial, antioxidant, biodegradability, and cytotoxicity properties of starch/CNP films as well as the mechanisms involved in relation to food packaging applications. The usage of starch/CNP films for active food packaging can help to reduce environmental issues and contribute to food safety and security.

Advances in polymer-based nanocomposites have revolutionized biomedical applications over the last two decades. Heparin (HP), being a highly bioactive polymer of biological origin, provides strong biotic competence to the nanocomposites, broadening the horizon of their applicability. The efficiency, biocompatibility, and biodegradability properties of nanomaterials significantly improve upon the incorporation of heparin. Further, inclusion of structural/chemical derivatives, fractionates, and mimetics of heparin enable fabrication of versatile nanocomposites. Modern nanotechnological interventions have exploited the inherent biofunctionalities of heparin by formulating various nanomaterials, including inorganic/polymeric nanoparticles, nanofibers, quantum dots, micelles, liposomes, and nanogels ensuing novel functionalities targeting diverse clinical applications involving drug delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering, biocompatible coatings, nanosensors and so on. On this note, the present review explicitly summarises the recent HP-oriented nanotechnological developments, with a special emphasis on the reported successful engagement of HP and its derivatives/mimetics in nanocomposites for extensive applications in the laboratory and health-care facility. Further, the advantages and limitations/challenges specifically associated with HP in nanocomposites, undertaken in this current review are quintessential for future innovations/discoveries pertaining to HP-based nanocomposites.

Packaging materials are used to protect consumer goods, such as food, drinks, cosmetics, healthcare items, and more, from harmful gases and physical and chemical damage during storage, distribution, and handling. Synthetic plastics are commonly used because they exhibit sufficient characteristics for packaging requirements, but their end lives result in environmental pollution, the depletion of landfill space, rising sea pollution, and more. These exist because of their poor biodegradability, limited recyclability, etc. There has been an increasing demand for replacing these polymers with bio-based biodegradable materials for a sustainable environment. Cellulosic nanomaterials have been proposed as a potential substitute in the preparation of packaging films. Nevertheless, their application is limited due to their poor properties, such as their barrier, thermal, and mechanical properties, to name a few. The barrier properties of materials play a pivotal role in extending and determining the shelf lives of packaged foods. Nanofillers have been used to enhance the barrier properties. This article reviews the literature on the barrier properties of cellulose/clay nanocomposite polymers. Cellulose extraction stages such as pretreatment, bleaching, and nanoparticle isolation are outlined, followed by cellulose modification methods. Finally, a brief discussion on nanofillers is provided, followed by an extensive literature review on the barrier properties of cellulose/clay nanocomposite polymers. Although similar reviews have been presented, the use of modification processes applied to cellulose, clay, and final nanocomposites to enhance the barrier properties has not been reviewed. Therefore, this article focuses on this scope.

Cancer stands as the second leading cause of death in the United States (US). Most chemotherapeutic agents exhibit severe adverse effects that are attributed to exposure of drugs to off-target tissues, posing a significant challenge in cancer therapy management. In recent years, inulin, a naturally occurring prebiotic fiber has gained substantial attention for its potential in cancer treatment owing to its multitudinous health values. Its distinctive structure, stability, and nutritional properties position it as an effective adjuvant and carrier for drug delivery in cancer therapy. To address some of the above unmet clinical issues, this review summarizes the recent efforts towards the development of inulin-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites for healthcare applications with special emphasis on the multifunctional role of inulin in cancer therapy as a synergist, signaling molecule, immunomodulatory and anticarcinogenic molecule. Furthermore, the review provides a concise overview of ongoing clinical trials and observational studies associated with inulin-based therapy. In conclusion, the current review offers insights on the significant role of inulin interventions in exploring its potential as a therapeutic agent to treat cancer.

The highest energy conversion efficiencies are typically shown by lead-containing piezoelectric materials, but the harmful environmental impacts of lead and its toxicity limit future use. At the bulk scale, lead-based piezoelectric materials have significantly higher piezoelectric properties when compared to lead-free piezoelectric materials. However, at the nanoscale, the piezoelectric properties of lead-free piezoelectric material can be significantly larger than the bulk scale. The piezoelectric properties of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) lead-free piezoelectric nanomaterials are reviewed and their suitability for use in piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) is determined. The impact of different PVDF/PVDF-TrFE composite structures on power output is explained. Strategies to improve the power output are given. Overall, this review finds that PVDF/PVDF-TrFE can have significantly increased piezoelectric properties at the nanoscale. However, these values are still lower than lead-free ceramics at the nanoscale. If the sole goal in developing a lead-free PENG is to maximize output power, lead-free ceramics at the nanoscale should be considered. However, lead-free ceramics are brittle, and thus encapsulation of lead-free ceramics in PVDF is a way to increase the flexibility of these PENGs. PVDF/PVDF-TrFE offers the advantage of being nontoxic and biocompatible, which is useful for many applications.

Due to environmental issues, production costs, and the low recycling capability of conventional epoxy polymers and their composites, many science groups have tried to develop a new type of epoxy polymers, which are compatible with the environment. Considering the precursors, these polymers can be produced from plant oils, saccharides, lignin, polyphenol, and natural resins. The appearance of these bio-polymers caused to introduce a new type of composites, namely bio-epoxy nanocomposites, which can be classified according to the synthesized bio-epoxy, the used nanomaterials, or both. Hence, in this work, various bio-epoxy resins, which have the proper potential for application as a matrix, are completely introduced with the synthesis viewpoint, and their characterized chemical structures are drawn. In the next steps, the bio-epoxy nanocomposites are classified based on the used nanomaterials, which are carbon nanoparticles (carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, etc.), nano-silica (mesoporous and spherical), cellulose (nanofibers and whiskers), nanoclay and so on. Also, the features of these bio-nanocomposites and their applications are introduced. This review study can be a proper guide for developing a new type of green nanocomposites in the near future.

Potentiometric sensors are the largest and most commonly used group of electrochemical sensors. Among them, ion-selective electrodes hold a prominent place. Since the end of the last century, their re-development has been observed, which is a consequence of the introduction of solid contact constructions, i.e., electrodes without an internal electrolyte solution. Research carried out in the field of potentiometric sensors primarily focuses on developing new variants of solid contact in order to obtain devices with better analytical parameters, and at the same time cheaper and easier to use, which has been made possible thanks to the achievements of material engineering. This paper presents an overview of new materials used as a solid contact in ion-selective electrodes over the past several years. These are primarily composite and hybrid materials that are a combination of carbon nanomaterials and polymers, as well as those obtained from carbon and polymer nanomaterials in combination with others, such as metal nanoparticles, metal oxides, ionic liquids and many others. Composite materials often have better mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical and chemical properties than the original components. With regard to their use in the construction of ion-selective electrodes, it is particularly important to increase the capacitance and surface area of the material, which makes them more effective in the process of charge transfer between the polymer membrane and the substrate material. This allows to obtain sensors with better analytical and operational parameters. Brief characteristics of electrodes with solid contact, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as research methods used to assess their parameters and analytical usefulness were presented. The work was divided into chapters according to the type of composite material, while the data in the table were arranged according to the type of ion. Selected basic analytical parameters of the obtained electrodes have been collected and summarized in order to better illustrate and compare the achievements that have been described till now in this field of analytical chemistry, which is potentiometry. This comprehensive review is a compendium of knowledge in the research area of functional composite materials and state-of-the-art SC-ISE construction technologies.