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Global energy demand is increasing; thus, emerging renewable energy sources, such as organic solar cells (OSCs), are fundamental to mitigate the negative effects of fuel consumption. Within OSC's advancements, the development of efficient and stable interface materials is essential to achieve high performance, long-term stability, low costs, and broader applicability. Inorganic and nanocarbon-based materials show a suitable work function, tunable optical/electronic properties, stability to the presence of moisture, and facile solution processing, while organic conducting polymers and small molecules have some advantages such as fast and low-cost production, solution process, low energy payback time, light weight, and less adverse environmental impact, making them attractive as hole transporting layers (HTLs) for OSCs. This review looked at the recent progress in metal oxides, metal sulfides, nanocarbon materials, conducting polymers, and small organic molecules as HTLs in OSCs over the past five years. The endeavors in research and technology have optimized the preparation and deposition methods of HTLs. Strategies of doping, composite/hybrid formation, and modifications have also tuned the optical/electrical properties of these materials as HTLs to obtain efficient and stable OSCs. We highlighted the impact of structure, composition, and processing conditions of inorganic and organic materials as HTLs in conventional and inverted OSCs.

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The initial objective of our work was to synthesize a series of 2-amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitriles to be tested for their antifungal activities against economically relevant phytopathogenic fungi. Fourteen compounds were prepared in up to 94% yield and shown percentages of Botrytis cinerea inhibition above 70%. Despite the promising biological results, we observed that stock solutions prepared for biological tests showed color changing when kept for a few days on the laboratory bench, under room conditions, illuminated by common LED daylight tubes (4500-6000 k). This prompted us to investigate the possible photo-induced degradation of our compounds. FT-IR ATR experiments evidenced variations in the expected bands for functional of -amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitriles stored under LED daylight. Following, HPLC-UV analysis showed reductions in the intensity of chromatographic peaks of 2-amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitriles, and but not for solutions kept in the dark. A solution of (E)-2-amino-8-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile underwent 84.4% of conversion after 72 h of exposure to continuous LED daylight in a BOD chamber, and the reaction product was isolated in 36% yield and characterized as (E)-7-cyano-5-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-8-(4-nitrophenyl)bicyclo[4.2.0]oct-1(6)-ene-7-carboxamide (7*). Despite freshly prepared solutions of 2-amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitriles produced antifungal activities, these solutions lost biological activity when left on the bench for a week. Besides, compound 7* formed from photo-induced degradation of 7 also showed no antifungal activity. With this, we hope to bring two contributions: (1) production of cyclobutenes through photochemical reactions of 2-amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitriles can be carried out through exposure to simple white LED daylight; (2) biological applications of such 2-amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitriles may be impaired by their poor photostability.

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This study evaluated the differences in vitamin D3 synthesis in two different latitudes throughout 1 year using an in vitro model, which simulates cutaneous vitamin D photoproduction. Borosilicate ampoules containing 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) were exposed to sunlight hourly throughout the daylight hours, 1 day per month for a year, in Fortaleza (latitude 03° 43' 01" S-LAT3° S) and Sao Paulo (latitude 23° 32' 53" S-LAT23° S). Later, vitamin D3 and photoisomers of 7-DHC (tachysterol and lumisterol) were measured by a high-performance liquid chromatography system (HPLC). Vitamin D synthesis weighted UV radiation (UVBVitD) and solar zenith angle (SZA) were calculated during the same periods for both latitudes. Vitamin D3 synthesis occurred throughout the year in both locations, as expected in latitudes lower than 35°. Median of photoconversion to vitamin D3 through the year was higher in LAT3°S [median (IQR): LAT 3°S 4.1% (6.0); LAT 23°S 2.9% (4.5); p value = 0.020]. Vitamin D3 production strongly correlated with UV-B (LAT3° S, r = 0.917; p < 0.0001 and at LAT23° S, r = 0.879; p < 0.0001) and SZA (LAT3° S, r = - 0.924; p < 0.0001 and in LAT23°S, r = - 0.808; p < 0.0001). Vitamin D3 production starts later in LAT23° S, especially in winter. Lowest percentages were observed in June in both cities, although, compared to LAT3° S, in LAT 23° S the conversion was over 50% lower in the winter period. Cloudiness impaired photoproduction of Vitamin D3 even in summer months in both latitudes. Our results provide data to help guide medical recommendations for sensible sun exposure to promote the cutaneous production of vitamin D3 at different latitudes, seasonality, time of day and cloudiness status in Brazil.

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Three different synthesis methods were applied to obtain TiO2 nanoparticles: microwave-assisted hydrothermal (TiO2-MW), sonochemical (TiO2-US), and polymeric precursor (TiO2-PP). The nanoparticles thus obtained presented 93% (TiO2-MW) and 92% (TiO2-US) anatase phase, and TiO2-PP 93% rutile phase. The TiO2-US sample performed best during the Prozac® photodegradation assays because of its lipophilic surface, attributable to the C-H groups therein. Additionally, adsorption rate and photodegradation were optimized by adjusting Prozac® solution to pH ~ 8. Following Prozac® photodegradation, quantitative monitoring of its by-products (PPMA, MAEB, and TFMP) was done using HPLC. This quantitative approach led us to conclude that semiconductor photoactivity cannot be discussed solely in terms of the main compound. Lastly, it was seen that these by-products compete with each other in the degradation mechanisms and are influenced by different materials. Graphical abstract.

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Hypericin (Hyp) is a natural compound with interesting photophysical and pharmacological properties, which has been used in photodynamic therapy and photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms. Its synthesis is based on a series of chemical processes that ends with a light-drug interaction by the photoconversion of protohypericin (pHyp) to Hyp. Although this photosensitizer is used in a variety of medical applications, the photophysical and photochemical mechanisms involved in the final step related to the photo production of Hyp are not completely understood at the molecular level. Protohypericin concentration, solvents, light irradiation under different wavelengths, and a sort of variables could play an important role in predicting the yielding of this photoconversion process. Here, we used the high-sensitive and remote measurement characteristics of the time-resolved thermal lens technique to investigate the relation between the light-induced photoconversion rate of pHyp to Hyp and the initial concentration pHyp. The results show a linear dependence of the photoreaction rate with the concentration of pHyp, indicating that the overall reaction process includes steps comprising the formation of distinct intermediate species. We demonstrate the applicability of the thermal lens technique for the photochemical characterization of photosensitive drugs at low concentration levels.

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The photo-bleaching reaction of the chemical actinometer, Aberchrome 540™, is reported for the first time in a series of ionic liquids (ILs). This fulgide in its C-form undergoes an opening reaction to yield its E-form, when it is irradiated with UV light at wavelengths >400 nm. The magnitude of bleaching was monitored spectrophotometrically and their kinetics evaluated, obtaining first-order rate constants (kobs). The results obtained in different ILs suggest that changes in the rate constants (kobs) of the opening reaction of Aberchrome 540™ are mainly governed by weaker interactions such as coulombic (π* parameter) and Van der Waals interactions (δH2, parameter). In addition, the photochemical fatigue resistance was also studied in ILs media and compared with conventional solvents (benzene, toluene, etc.). In particular, we found that three different tendencies dependent on the ILs used exist. The first group of ILs where the reversibility of the fulgide is favored (for example, [Bmim][BF4], [Bmim][PF6] and [Bmim][OTf]), behaviour similar to conventional solvents. The second group corresponds to ILs where photo reversibility is partial; and finally, other group of ILs that prevented photo reversibility. It is proposed that depending on the ILs used, the stabilization of different forms of the fulgide can be controlled, thus resulting important in terms of choosing the appropriate ILs for a specific photochemical reaction.

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The use of shading screens of different colors can change the spectral quality of radiation and, as a consequence, the growth and production of crop plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate aspects of the growth, yield, and quality of floral stems of Heliconia psittacorum × H. spathocircinata ‘Golden Torch grown under different light conditions. The treatments consisted of four conditions: blue photoconversion screens (35%-40%); red photoconversion screens (18%-21%); black shading screens (45%-49%), and full sunlight. The experiment consisted of two parts. In the first, growth was assessed, whereas in the second, aspects related to the production and quality of floral stems were examined. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with split plots in time. Each plot contained six blocks, with 11 replications per block, giving a total of 66 pots per plot. The evaluations were performed at 30- day intervals over a 6-month period. In the analysis of growth, red screens contributed to the growth of the plants, increasing the number of shoots and leaves, and also plant height. The productivity and quality of floral stems was, however, highest in plants grown under blue and black screens. It can be concluded that, under the prevailing experimental conditions, the use of blue screens (35%-40%) and black screens (45%-49%) is suitable for production of the floral stems of ‘Golden Torch heliconia.(AU)

O uso de malhas de sombreamento de diferentes cores pode alterar a qualidade espectral da radiação e, como consequência, o crescimento e a produção de uma cultura vegetal. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar aspectos do crescimento, produção e qualidade das hastes florais de Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata ‘Golden Torch cultivadas sob diferentes condições de luminosidade. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro ambientes: malha fotoconversora azul (35-40%); malha fotoconversora vermelha (18-21%); malha de sombreamento preta (45-49%) e pleno sol. O experimento constou de duas partes: na primeira realizaram-se avaliações de crescimento e na segunda, foram estudados aspectos relacionados à produção e qualidade das hastes florais. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, sendo seis blocos por parcela, cada bloco com onze repetições, totalizando sessenta e seis vasos por parcela. As avaliações foram realizadas durante seis meses, com intervalos de trinta dias. Nas análises de crescimento observou-se que a malha vermelha contribuiu com o crescimento das plantas, incrementando o número de perfilhos, folhas e altura das plantas. A produtividade e a qualidade das hastes florais foi superior em plantas cultivadas sob tela azul e preta. Conclui-se que, nas condições experimentais estabelecidas, o uso das malhas azul (35-40%) e preta (45-49%) é indicado para a produção de hastes florais de Heliconia ‘Golden Torch.(AU)

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The use of shading screens of different colors can change the spectral quality of radiation and, as a consequence, the growth and production of crop plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate aspects of the growth, yield, and quality of floral stems of Heliconia psittacorum × H. spathocircinata ‘Golden Torch’ grown under different light conditions. The treatments consisted of four conditions: blue photoconversion screens (35%-40%); red photoconversion screens (18%-21%); black shading screens (45%-49%), and full sunlight. The experiment consisted of two parts. In the first, growth was assessed, whereas in the second, aspects related to the production and quality of floral stems were examined. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with split plots in time. Each plot contained six blocks, with 11 replications per block, giving a total of 66 pots per plot. The evaluations were performed at 30- day intervals over a 6-month period. In the analysis of growth, red screens contributed to the growth of the plants, increasing the number of shoots and leaves, and also plant height. The productivity and quality of floral stems was, however, highest in plants grown under blue and black screens. It can be concluded that, under the prevailing experimental conditions, the use of blue screens (35%-40%) and black screens (45%-49%) is suitable for production of the floral stems of ‘Golden Torch’ heliconia.

O uso de malhas de sombreamento de diferentes cores pode alterar a qualidade espectral da radiação e, como consequência, o crescimento e a produção de uma cultura vegetal. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar aspectos do crescimento, produção e qualidade das hastes florais de Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata ‘Golden Torch’ cultivadas sob diferentes condições de luminosidade. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro ambientes: malha fotoconversora azul (35-40%); malha fotoconversora vermelha (18-21%); malha de sombreamento preta (45-49%) e pleno sol. O experimento constou de duas partes: na primeira realizaram-se avaliações de crescimento e na segunda, foram estudados aspectos relacionados à produção e qualidade das hastes florais. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, sendo seis blocos por parcela, cada bloco com onze repetições, totalizando sessenta e seis vasos por parcela. As avaliações foram realizadas durante seis meses, com intervalos de trinta dias. Nas análises de crescimento observou-se que a malha vermelha contribuiu com o crescimento das plantas, incrementando o número de perfilhos, folhas e altura das plantas. A produtividade e a qualidade das hastes florais foi superior em plantas cultivadas sob tela azul e preta. Conclui-se que, nas condições experimentais estabelecidas, o uso das malhas azul (35-40%) e preta (45-49%) é indicado para a produção de hastes florais de Heliconia ‘Golden Torch’.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The use of shading screens of different colors can change the spectral quality of radiation and, as a consequence, the growth and production of crop plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate aspects of the growth, yield, and quality of floral stems of Heliconia psittacorum × H. spathocircinata Golden Torch grown under different light conditions. The treatments consisted of four conditions: blue photoconversion screens (35%-40%); red photoconversion screens (18%-21%); black shading screens (45%-49%), and full sunlight. The experiment consisted of two parts. In the first, growth was assessed, whereas in the second, aspects related to the production and quality of floral stems were examined. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with split plots in time. Each plot contained six blocks, with 11 replications per block, giving a total of 66 pots per plot. The evaluations were performed at 30-day intervals over a 6-month period. In the analysis of growth, red screens contributed to the growth of the plants, increasing the number of shoots and leaves, and also plant height. The productivity and quality of floral stems was, however, highest in plants grown under blue and black screens. It can be concluded that, under the prevailing experimental conditions, the use of blue screens (35%-40%) and black screens (45%-49%) is suitable for production of the floral stems of Go

O uso de malhas de sombreamento de diferentes cores pode alterar a qualidade espectral da radiação e, como consequência, o crescimento e a produção de uma cultura vegetal. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar aspectos do crescimento, produção e qualidade das hastes florais de Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata Golden Torch cultivadas sob diferentes condições de luminosidade. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro ambientes: malha fotoconversora azul (35-40%); malha fotoconversora vermelha (18-21%); malha de sombreamento preta (45-49%) e pleno sol. O experimento constou de duas partes: na primeira realizaram-se avaliações de crescimento e na segunda, foram estudados aspectos relacionados à produção e qualidade das hastes florais. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, sendo seis blocos por parcela, cada bloco com onze repetições, totalizando sessenta e seis vasos por parcela. As avaliações foram realizadas durante seis meses, com intervalos de trinta dias. Nas análises de crescimento observou-se que a malha vermelha contribuiu com o crescimento das plantas, incrementando o número de perfilhos, folhas e altura das plantas. A produtividade e a qualidade das hastes florais foi superior em plantas cultivadas sob tela azul e preta. Conclui-se que, nas condições experimentais estabelecidas, o uso

RESUMO

The association of PhotoSensitizer (PS) molecules with nanoparticles (NPs) forming photosensitizing NPs, has emerged as a therapeutic strategy to improve PS tumor targeting, to protect PS from deactivation reactions and to enhance both PS solubility and circulation time. Since association with NPs usually alters PS photophysical and photochemical properties, photosensitizing NPs are an important tool to modulate ROS generation. Depending on the design of the photosensitizing NP, i.e., type of PS, the NP material and the method applied for the construction of the photosensitizing NP, the deactivation routes of the excited state can be controlled, allowing the generation of either singlet oxygen or other reactive oxygen species (ROS). Controlling the type of generated ROS is desirable not only in biomedical applications, as in Photodynamic Therapy where the type of ROS affects therapeutic efficiency, but also in other technological relevant fields like energy conversion, where the electron and energy transfer processes are necessary to increase the efficiency of photoconversion cells. The current review highlights some of the recent developments in the design of Photosensitizing NPs aimed at modulating the primary photochemical events after light absorption.