Due to their persistence, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) raise concerns that challenge current water remediation strategies. While adsorption-based solutions appear promising, their development is limited by knowledge gaps on PFAS behavior near solid surfaces. This review provides a state of the art on the theoretical and experimental aspects of PFAS adsorption. By adopting a fundamental physical chemistry standpoint, we report recent advances in understanding PFAS adsorption under relevant thermodynamic and chemical conditions. First, we introduce the fundamental interactions involved in the adsorption of individual molecules on surfaces, before addressing collective behaviors such as self-aggregation, ionic bridging, and competition with organic matter. We also present the thermodynamics and kinetics of PFAS adsorption using classical models. In particular, an accurate definition of the adsorption and desorption rates is given along with the key factors determining the kinetic order (i.e., first-, second- or mixed-order). Both batch and kinetic adsorption experiments are analyzed to identify the role of surface and PFAS structure and chemistry. Then, we evaluate how environmental factors (pH, salinity, copollutants, organic matter) impact adsorption. We conclude this review by identifying the perspectives in this field.
Nonlinear spectroscopy provides a unique perspective to understand time-resolved molecular dynamics under vibrational strong coupling (VSC). Herein, equilibrium-nonequilibrium cavity molecular dynamics simulations are performed to compute the two-dimensional (2D) infrared-infrared-Raman (IIR) spectroscopy of liquid water under VSC. In conventional computational chemistry practices, accurate molecular spectra are often constructed by using an advanced molecular dipole or polarizability model to post-process molecular dynamics trajectories evolved under a computationally efficient potential. By contrast, this work highlights the necessity of employing a consistent dipole surface model in both cavity molecular dynamics (CavMD) simulations and spectroscopic post-processing. While utilizing inconsistent dipole models only mildly influences the linear polariton spectrum, it severely distorts 2D spectra in wide frequency regions. With a consistent dipole-induced-dipole model, compared to the outside-cavity molecular 2D-IIR spectrum, the cavity 2D-IIR spectrum splits the OH stretch band to a pair of polariton branches only along the IR (not Raman) axis, while fading molecular signals at other frequency regions. This work provides the foundation for employing direct CavMD simulations to construct 2D spectra of realistic molecules under VSC.
The analeptic substance nikethamide was studied under both stationary and non-stationary processes using the surface ionization method. The composition of ions formed during the thermal ionization of nikethamide molecules from a heated oxidized tungsten surface, as well as their temperature dependences, was determined under stationary surface ionization conditions. A voltage modulation system was developed and implemented in a magnetic mass spectrometer to investigate the kinetic characteristics of nikethamide molecules under non-stationary surface ionization conditions. The kinetic characteristics of the thermal desorption of the deprotonated ion [M - H]+ (m/z 177) and the fragment (radical) ion [M - R]+ (m/z 161) of nikethamide were determined using the voltage modulation method. These characteristics include desorption rate constants, ionization coefficients, pre-exponential factors, and activation energies. The activation energies for the corresponding neutral species were also evaluated. In addition, the ionization potentials of these ions were determined. The obtained ionization energies are lower than that of the parent molecule, confirming consistency with previously established surface ionization regularities. Moreover, the calculated ionization coefficients for the ions at m/z 177 and 161 were 0.96 and 0.97, respectively, indicating that the deprotonated ion at m/z 177 and the fragment ion at m/z 161 are formed with nearly complete efficiency during thermal ionization.
Self-healing is rarely observed in semiconductors, where structural distortions typically result in an irreversible performance loss. Halide perovskites defy this paradigm, exhibiting spontaneous recovery of optoelectronic properties even at room temperature, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we subject CsPbBr3 single crystals to facet-oriented focused ion beam (FIB) milling to induce localized mechanical damage and directly track the subsequent healing dynamics. By selectively exposing different crystallographic orientations, we correlate structural reconstruction with photoluminescence recovery. Milling aligned with low-index surfaces enables complete recovery, often with enhanced emission compared to that of the pristine surface, whereas milling across facets, along effectively higher-index crystal planes, leads to permanent emission quenching. The differences arise due to the facet-dependent stabilization and higher formation energies of Br interstitials for higher-index surfaces, a hypothesis that is supported by DFT modeling. Our work establishes facet-oriented FIB milling as a versatile approach for systematically probing self-healing processes in functional materials.
Indirect transmission of viruses via contaminated surfaces highlights the need for effective antiviral coatings. Recent advances have led to the development of diverse surface engineering strategies, including organic (polymer- and peptide-based) and inorganic (metal-based) coatings. While polymer and peptide-based systems have been extensively explored in the antibacterial field, their application in antiviral coatings remains underexplored despite their demonstrated ability to reduce viral titers. This minireview provides a mechanistically informed overview of polymer- and peptide-based antiviral surface coatings. We summarize recent studies with a focus on coating materials, methods, physicochemical characterization techniques, target viruses, and antiviral performance. In addition, we critically evaluate key limitations in the field, including the lack of standardized testing protocols, restricted diversity of surfaces and viruses, and insufficient assessment of coating durability and cytotoxicity. Finally, we discuss future directions focused on standardized and rationally designed evaluation frameworks to support the practical translation of antiviral coatings.
Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as vectors for microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems, raising concerns about their environmental implications. We examine the structural and chemical properties of recycled PET microplastics and their interactions with Escherichia coli (E. coli) using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. FTIR analysis identified nine characteristic vibrational bands of PET, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed that neither glutaraldehyde treatment nor bacterial exposure produced significant chemical changes in the PET structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Gram staining revealed bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on microplastic surfaces. Additionally, E. coli colonies exhibited reduced lactose fermentation activity. These findings reinforce the role of MPs as microbial vectors and demonstrate the ability of E. coli to colonize synthetic polymers. The development of rapid spectroscopic tools could enhance monitoring efforts in both laboratory and field environments. This study contributes to the growing understanding of MPs-microorganism interactions, and a model system of MPs-microorganism interaction is proposed.
Spin-mediated promotion is a newly discovered electronic promotion mechanism for magnetic metal-catalyst surfaces. A promoter like Ba locally quenches the spin density of the surface atoms at the active site, which stabilizes nearby adsorbates. As this effect is geometrically constrained to atoms neighboring the promoter, and since adsorbates are stabilized to different degrees by this effect, this can break scaling relations, and allows for the design of more efficient catalysts. In this review, we give a detailed explanation of the spin-mediated promotion mechanism. We then illustrate the effect for three different reactions: ammonia synthesis, ammonia decomposition, and CO methanation. We conclude by discussing how spin-mediated promotion can be utilized for other reactions and classes of catalysts, and how it can guide new catalyst development.
Computational modeling is a central tool in material science, yet its industrial relevance requires going beyond idealized reaction pathways on pristine surfaces. Real catalysts operate under harsh conditions, where local chemistry is tightly coupled to macroscopic reactor environments. The key challenge for computational catalysis is therefore not simply to perform larger or longer simulations, but to ensure that these calculations capture realistic complexity without compromising quantum-chemical accuracy. In this Perspective, we argue for a transition from static representations to an operando view of catalytic materials in sustainable technologies. We discuss strategies to incorporate dynamic effects, the role of machine-learning interatomic potentials in bridging quantum and mesoscale descriptions, and the design of high-throughput workflows that genuinely support decision-making. Our central message is that catalysts should no longer be treated as rigid structures, but as dynamic, adaptive systems characterized by thermal fluctuations, transient reactive interfaces, and evolving surface chemistry. From an industrial standpoint, success lies not in identifying a single minimum-energy pathway, but in developing robust computational frameworks capable of guiding screening and process decisions under realistic operating conditions.
To identify caregiver-reported discriminative items for the early detection of children at risk for vestibular deficits. Parents of children aged 6, 12, or 24 months completed a self-developed Vestibular Infant Screening Questionnaire and the motor subscale of the Bayley-III questionnaire. Participants were categorized into children with confirmed vestibular dysfunction (VD), children with vestibular risk factors but normal vestibular status (P), and typically developing children (N). Responses were compared across groups and age categories. A total of 390 questionnaires were analyzed (VD: 57, P: 255, N: 78). Parents in the VD group reported more motor difficulties than those in the P and N group. At 6 months, challenges included poor head control (p = .001), limited postural stability in prone position (p < .001), and delayed sitting (p < .001). At 12 months, children with VD ask more to be carried (p = .008). By 24 months, difficulties with walking (p = .016) and walking on uneven surfaces (p = .004) were more prevalent. Bayley-III motor subscale scores did not show significant differences between groups (p > .05). Parents consistently reported age-specific motor difficulties in children with VD. These findings highlight caregiver-reported red flags that could guide the development of a screening tool to identify children at risk for vestibular deficits.
The chin is a distinctive anatomical trait unique to Homo sapiens, with unclear origin and function. This study aimed to investigate chin morphology, describe shape variability, and identify potential sex differences. The sample consisted of 95 CBCT images, from university archives. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were: age above 21 years, absence of craniofacial deformities, no missing or extracted teeth in the anterior mandibular area and no alveolar bone resorption. Raw DICOM data were converted into mesh surfaces. The following methodology comprised three steps: one manual and two automated resulting in coverage of the chin area by 640 landmarks. All landmark configurations were then superimposed with Procrustes Superimposition and the resulting shape information was reduced to Principal Components (PCs) of shape. These were used to describe shape variation in the sample. Sex differences were evaluated with permutation tests and allometry was assessed by regressing on the logarithm of centroid size. Symphyseal shape variation was primarily linked to its height-to-width ratio and to symphyseal thickness. Significant sex differences were found both in shape and size; male symphyses were 8.7% larger. Also, there were notable sex-related shape differences in mental tubercle prominence and mandibular curvature, however, these were minimized after removing the allometry effect. We suggest a fast and user-friendly 3D geometric morphometric method to assess chin morphology. We identified the main symphyseal shape patterns and sex differences, which were mostly related to size, indicating a strong allometric effect.
The statistical wave field theory mathematically establishes the statistical laws of the solutions to the wave equation in a bounded domain. It provides the closed-form expressions of the power distribution and the correlations of the wave field jointly over time, frequency, and space, which hold at high frequency and after many reflections, in terms of the geometry and the specific admittance of the boundary surface. This theory was originally developed in the particular case of mixing rooms, which are characterized by a diffuse wave field, based on the theory of dynamical billiards and on Weyl-like asymptotic laws. Then it was extended to the finite family of special polyhedra, where the wave field is anisotropic, based on a simpler geometric approach related to mathematical crystallography. In this paper, we develop a unified version of the theory dedicated to semi-mixing billiards. In the case of Robin's boundary condition, we show that such wave fields are characterized by a directional reverberation time that is independent of the receiver's position but depends on its orientation, and we provide its closed-form expression, which improves and generalizes Eyring's formula of the reverberation time in ergodic rooms.
Root perforation can lead to endodontic treatment failure, necessitating immediate repair with biocompatible materials such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and bioceramic putty. Exposure to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CHX) during subsequent endodontic procedures may affect the surface microhardness and solubility of these materials. To evaluate the effects of 5.25% NaOCl and 2% CHX on the microhardness and solubility of MTA and bioceramic putty. An in vitro experimental laboratory study. Thirty-six samples of Bio MTA+, Bio-C Repair, and CeraPutty (n = 12 each) were prepared and incubated for 7 days to allow further material setting. Each material was then divided into two groups (n = 6) according to the irrigating solution used (5.25% NaOCl with surfactant or 2% CHX). Microhardness was measured after incubation and after immersion in the respective irrigants, while solubility was evaluated based on the mass changes following 24-h immersion. One-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test. All materials showed decreased microhardness after exposure to both irrigants. Bio MTA + exhibited the highest microhardness values, while Bio-C repair showed the smallest decrease, with no statistically significant differences among groups (P > 0.05). Regarding solubility, Bio-C Repair presented significantly greater mass loss between materials (P < 0.05). Exposure to 5.25% NaOCl and 2% CHX influenced the microhardness and solubility of MTA and bioceramic putty materials, with Bio MTA + and CeraPutty showing greater reduction in microhardness and Bio-C Repair exhibiting higher solubility.
Synbiotic and functional food formulations modulate gut microbiota, SCFA production, immune signalling and metabolic pathways, yet current development pipelines remain largely empirical and constrained by nonlinear trade-offs among probiotic viability, prebiotic functionality and sensory acceptance. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches offer data-driven strategies to support formulation, multi-objective optimization and functional assessment. This review systematically identified and critically synthesized literature published between 2020 and 2025 across five thematic domains: (i) formulation and ingredient selection; (ii) viability and shelf-life modelling; (iii) functional and antioxidant bioactivity assessment; (iv) sensory and consumer prediction; and (v) personalization and precision nutrition. Studies were identified through database searches and screened for relevance to synbiotics, functional foods, microbiome modulation and nutrition outcomes, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Current evidence indicates that AI can assist ingredient pairing, viability forecasting, sensory modelling and functional property prediction, often complementing conventional statistical tools such as Response Surface Methodology in multivariate design spaces. However, most implementations remain computational or pilot-scale, with minimal integration of microbiome-informed personalization, clinical endpoints or adherence outcomes. Major translational gaps include data heterogeneity, model interpretability, regulatory substantiation and scarcity of longitudinal evidence. AI should therefore be considered a complementary decision-support tool that can accelerate hypothesis generation and formulation refinement rather than substitute mechanistic validation or human trials. Bridging computational modelling with microbiome science and nutritional evidence may enable precision synbiotic strategies and next-generation functional food innovation.
Controlled generation and regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) remains challenging when photochemical and redox processes are combined for cancer-related applications. Photothermal regulation of metal-centred redox kinetics provides a route to amplified ROS (1O2, ˙OH, O2˙-, etc.) generation in hybrid inorganic systems. In such systems, transition metal-mediated ROS generation is intrinsically governed by local coordination environments, redox kinetics, and energy-transfer pathways. Herein, we report a stepwise-assembled Ti3C2@UCNP@Cu-TCPP@LA system in which the redox chemistry of Cu(II)-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (Cu-TCPP) is kinetically regulated by plasmon-assisted photothermal activation of Ti3C2 MXene under near-infrared (808 nm) irradiation. Ti3C2 nanosheets were integrated with aminated NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+/Nd3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) through interfacial hydrogen bonding. UCNPs serve as NIR-to-visible photonic intermediates for activating spatially segregated Cu-TCPP moieties covalently attached to the UCNP surface. This architecture suppresses π-π aggregation-induced ROS quenching, preserves the excited-state dynamics of Cu-TCPP, and facilitates efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the UCNPs. Under 808 nm irradiation, the integrated Ti3C2 component exhibits pronounced plasmon-derived photothermal behaviour (photothermal conversion efficiency ≈57%), which kinetically accelerates singlet oxygen (1O2) generation from photoexcited Cu-TCPP. Simultaneously, photothermal heating promotes intracellular Cu2+/Cu+ redox cycling and accelerates glutathione depletion and Fenton-like hydroxyl radical (˙OH) production, collectively amplifying chemodynamic reactivity. Ti3C2-mediated photothermal activation yields ∼4-fold higher 1O2 and ∼3-fold greater ˙OH generation than the UCNP@Cu-TCPP@LA system. Beyond photothermal activation, Ti3C2 serves as a conductive support that facilitates interfacial charge and energy transfer processes under NIR irradiation. Functionalisation with lactobionic acid (LA) improves aqueous dispersibility and enables receptor-mediated cellular uptake. In vitro studies confirm pH-responsive behaviour, efficient intracellular ROS generation, and significant cancer cell apoptosis (∼78%) under 808 nm excitation, highlighting the functional relevance of plasmon-assisted photothermal amplification of Cu-porphyrin redox chemistry on Ti3C2.
Microbial bioremediation represents one of the most environmentally sustainable strategies for mitigating cadmium (Cd) pollution. This study employed an integrated approach combining spectroscopy, metabolomics, and proteomics to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Cd detoxification in Achromobacter insuavis SL8 and Enterobacter cancerogenus SL12. The results demonstrated that both strains exhibit high Cd tolerance, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 600 mg/L and 400 mg/L for SL8 and SL12, respectively. In a 100 mg/L Cd solution, the strains achieved removal rates of 69.5% (SL8) and 70.8% (SL12), which increased to 80.9% under co-culture conditions. Spectroscopic analyses revealed that the co-culture facilitated Cd detoxification through the formation of CdS precipitates and modifications of key surface functional groups (phosphate, N-H, and C=O groups). Metabolomic and proteomic profiling indicated significant up-regulation of metabolites and proteins involved in metal transport, biosorption, chelation, energy metabolism, and antioxidant defense, collectively maintaining cellular Cd homeostasis. To validate field applicability, pot experiments showed Cd removal rates of 13% in soil and 20% in Chinese cabbage. This multi-omics investigation not only deepens the understanding of microbial adaptive responses to Cd stress, but also provides insights for developing novel microbial consortia for efficient and eco-friendly bioremediation of Cd-contaminated environments. Cadmium contamination in agricultural soils poses serious risks to food safety and human health. Despite being a highly sustainable approach for mitigating cadmium pollution, microbial bioremediation still lacks practical and effective solutions. In this study, we reveal how a two-member bacterial consortium (Achromobacter insuavis SL8 and Enterobacter cancerogenus SL12) works together to immobilize Cd through complementary mechanisms. Through a multi-omics and spectroscopic approach, we discovered that the consortium not only outperforms individual strains in cadmium removal but also enhances plant growth while decreasing cadmium uptake in crops. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing effective bioremediation strategies using microbial partnerships. Our work advances the understanding of how bacteria cooperatively respond to heavy metal stress and offers a promising, eco-friendly approach to remediate cadmium-polluted soils, ultimately contributing to safer food production and improved environmental health.
Posterior humeral subluxation (PHS) in B2 and B3 glenoid is a cause of asymmetric long-term stress on the glenoid and the potential reason for glenoid loosening in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty and painful glenoid erosion in hemiarthroplasty with metallic heads. We hypothesized that corrective and concentric (C2) reaming of the glenoid associated with pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty (HA-PYC) could improve the centering of the humeral head and decrease the risk of persistent painful glenoid erosion in young and active patients with B2 and B3 glenoid. Between 2014 and 2020, 41shoulders (in 35 patients, mean age of 57.9 years) underwent HA-PYC combined with C2 reaming for B2 (n = 30) or B3 (n = 11) osteoarthritis. Patients were prospectively followed with computed tomography (CT) scans performed preoperatively, immediate postoperatively, and at last follow-up (>2 years). The primary outcomes were 3D-corrected CT scan measurements of glenoid version, PHS, and progression of glenoid erosion. Secondary outcomes included functional outcome scores, return to activities, and revision rate and complications. At a mean follow-up of 4.5 years (2-9.5 years), the prosthesis survival was 95% (39 of 41). No patient has been reoperated for painful glenoid erosion. The mean glenoid retroversion decreased from 17.1° ± 7.5° preoperatively to 8.3° ± 8.2° at last follow-up (P = .001), and the mean PHS from 74% to 56.5% (P = .001) based on the scapular plane and from 59.9% to 50.3% based on the glenoid plane. The humeral head was recentered in 97% according to the glenoid surface and 71% according to the scapular plane. Correction of PHS in the scapular plane was highly correlated to correction of glenoid retroversion (P < .001). CT scan measurements showed that the average total medialization was 3.7 ± 3.2 mm (2.0 ± 1.8 mm due to reaming and only 1.7 ± 2.4 mm due to erosion). The adjusted Constant Score increased from 43% ± 13% to 97% ± 16% and the Subjective Shoulder Value from 38% ± 14% to 84% ± 12% (P < .001). Overall, 84% of active patients returned to work, and all patients returned to sports. In B2 and B3 glenoid arthritis, corrective, concentric glenoid reaming combined with HA-PYC improves centering of the humeral head and shows a low risk of painful glenoid erosion at midterm follow-up. The combined procedure results in excellent functional outcomes and high prosthesis survivorship at midterm follow-up. HA-PYC and C2 reaming of the glenoid is an alternative shoulder arthroplasty for young/active patients with type B glenoid osteoarthritis who want to return to work or sports practice.
Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) enables sustainable and decentralized ammonia production. Here, we demonstrate how oxygen-deficient ruthenium oxide (RuOx) nanoparticles confined within the imine-based covalent organic framework (COF) produced from 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene (TAPB) achieve highly efficient nitrate-to-ammonia conversion, delivering a high Faradaic efficiency of 99.2% at -1.1 V vs Ag/AgCl in a neutral electrolyte. Crystal structure, optical spectra, and electronic state analysis reveal the strong interaction between RuOx nanoparticles and TAPB-COF. The confined nanoparticles change the interlayer spacing of TAPB-COF, which in turn results in the high oxygen-deficiency of RuOx. Investigations by in situ optical spectroscopies and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal the occurrence of a repelling effect on water molecules at the surface of hydrophobic TAPB-COF framework, which contributes to the prevalence of 2-coordinated water at the surface of RuOx nanoparticles. This ensures a slow-down proton transfer kinetics, leading to suppression of the hydrogen generation as an undesired competing process. The upshift of d-band center and bridge-site adsorption due to the high oxygen-deficiency and the shortened Ru-Ru distance of the confined RuOx nanoparticles contribute to the strengthened bonding of *NO2 and *NOH intermediates, which alleviates the nitrite production and accelerates the NO3RR process.
Polyelectrolyte brushes are promising surface modifications, and it is known that their properties are affected by environmental conditions. For electrical applications, it is crucial to know the effect of these environmental conditions on the electrical properties of the brushes. Here, we systematically evaluate the role of the ion concentration and bias voltage on the electrical properties of negatively charged polyelectrolyte brushes through probe-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. We interpret the response using an equivalent electrical circuit and find that the values of the equivalent circuit elements are affected by environmental conditions. We attribute these effects to structural and compositional changes in the brush layers. Because of the charged nature of the brush, the response displays an asymmetry between positive and negative biases, which inverts if the charge of the brush is inverted. These results reveal that brush charge and environmental conditions deserve critical consideration when charged polymer brushes are used in electronic or iontronic applications.
Rotator cuff tears (RCT) cause pain and disability in adults. Histological studies indicate that the degenerative process following a rotator cuff tear may disrupt the vascularity and energetics of the shoulder muscles. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) post-contractile blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response and 31phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P‑MRS) offer methods to non-invasively assess muscle microvascular function and energetic status in vivo. This study aimed to evaluate the post-contractile BOLD response and 31P-MRS as potential markers of microvascular function and energetic status of the supraspinatus muscle in individuals with chronic full‑thickness supraspinatus tendon tears and healthy individuals without a tear. Using a 3‑T MR Phillips system, all participants performed five 2‑s maximal isometric shoulder abductions to obtain a post-contractile BOLD response using a custom MR‑compatible dynamometer. Dixon fat/water imaging was used to quantify muscle fat fraction (FF). A surface 31P‑MRS coil acquired spectra concentrations of high energy phosphates and intracellular pH from the supraspinatus and surrounding muscles. Results revealed a lower peak BOLD response (P < 0.01) and longer time-to-peak (P = 0.02) in RCT, indicating impaired microvascular function. Analysis of 31P-MRS spectra showed elevated unlocalized Pi/PCr (P = 0.04) and PDE (P < 0.01) concentrations in RCT, consistent with muscle damage. No differences in muscle PCr (P = 0.30) or pH (P = 0.50) were observed. Overall, these findings support that the post-contractile BOLD response and 31P-MRS may be valuable markers to assess shoulder muscle health status and evaluate therapeutic interventions aimed at improving clinical outcomes following a rotator cuff tear.
The chloroplast is best known for its role in photosynthesis, the process by which sunlight energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of sugar. Research conducted at the University of Nottingham (UK) over several years has revealed the nutritional composition of the chloroplast and the physical properties of its multicomponent membrane. These attributes qualify this globally ubiquitous organelle to be a natural ingredient in food products and to be an option to tackle specific nutrient deficiencies across the globe. Detailed studies of the biochemistry of photosynthesis require pure preparations of enzymatically active chloroplasts, requiring various stages of lab-scale extraction, separation and purification. Such an approach may be commercially viable for pharmaceutical applications, but not for food ingredients. It is against this background that we have developed a simple process to recover a chloroplast-rich fraction (CRF) that could be used in food products. After introducing the reader to the nature of chloroplasts, this review: presents the method we have developed to extract and stabilise a chloroplast-rich fraction; summarises the composition of chloroplast-rich fractions gleaned from spinach leaves and from the postharvest field residue 'pea vine haulm' (PVH); explores the impact of drying methods on the physical nature and composition of the CRF material; establishes the impact of heat-treatment on the quality of CRF material; presents the evidence for extensive galactolipid digestion processes in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract; investigates the release of nutrients from CRF material during digestion; briefly covers the surface-active properties of the multicomponent membrane system/thylakoids/chloroplast membrane material (CMM).