by Ayumu Hirayama  , Mao Narita  , Shota Ito  , Daisuke Nakane  , Shimaa Hosny  and Takashiro Akitsu

Received: 30 June 2026;  Published: 13 September 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2603008

In this study, we assessed the reliability and limitations of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) in predicting the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of four azo-amino acid Schiff-base Cu(II) complexes by comparing calculated ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra and reduction potentials with experimental data obtained from spectroscopic measurements and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The optimized coord [...]

by Nilesh Sankeshware  , Ayesha Mulla  , Shrikant Hulkane  , Asmita Prabhune  , Ibrahim M. Banat  and Surekha K. Satpute

Received: 26 April 2026;  Published: 25 August 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2603007

Since 1894, hydrogels (HGs) have advanced from simple water-swollen colloids to poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA)-based biomedical materials introduced in 1960. Further, the journey continued towards innovative, stimuli-responsive hybrid systems in 2025. Once limited to wound dressings and contact lenses, HGs have now formed a multi-billion-dollar market. Biohydrogels (BioHGs) are biomaterials with remarkable physicochemical properties, enabling their widespread applications. However, s [...]

by Terlumun Adagba

Received: 26 January 2026;  Published: 24 August 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2603006

The growing demand for sustainable, resource-efficient construction materials has heightened interest in agricultural waste-derived supplementary cementitious materials, among which cassava peel ash (CPA) has emerged as a promising alternative. This review critically evaluates cassava peel ash (CPA) as a potential pozzolanic material for cement and concrete applications, with emphasis on its physicochemical characteristics, fresh and hardened performance, and durability behaviour. The literature [...]

by Yandiswa Mabhude  , Adewale Oluwaseun Fadaka  , Samantha Meyer  , Kwazikwakhe Bethuel Gabuza  , Abram Madimabe Madiehe  , Mervin Meyer  and Nicole Remaliah Samantha Sibuyi

Received: 20 January 2026;  Published: 16 July 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2603005

Food and water are essential resources for human survival; however, the increasing global population, urbanization, and climate change have placed a significant strain on their availability and safety, with major implications for public health and economic stability. Microbial contamination of food and water remains a critical global challenge, with bacteria responsible for more than 90% of foodborne illnesses. In the past decade, pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria have be [...]