3D covalent organic framework offers sustainable solution for wastewater treatment

Tohoku University

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Conceptual illustration of anionic dye adsorption using the imidazole-linked, highly connected three-dimensional COF TU-123. Owing to protonation of the imidazole nitrogen sites, TU-123 exhibits a positively charged (cationic) surface under neutral aqueous conditions, which enables strong electrostatic attraction toward negatively charged (anionic) dye molecules such as Acid Orange 7, thereby facilitating their efficient capture from wastewater. 

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Credit: ©Yuichi Negishi et al.

Industrial dye pollution remains one of the most persistent and hazardous challenges in global wastewater management. The dyes from textile and chemical manufacturing sectors are difficult to remove, non-biodegradable, and can be toxic to plants, animals, and humans. However, conventional treatment technologies for dyes often fail to efficiently purify the wastewater without significant tradeoffs.

To remedy this issue, researchers from Tohoku University developed a three-dimensional covalent organic framework (COF), TU-123, that enables highly efficient and selective removal of anionic dyes from contaminated water. The highly porous COF acts like a sponge - trapping dyes for easier separation. This work establishes a new structural blueprint for constructing highly connected imidazole-linked three-dimensional COFs. Furthermore, it opens sustainable pathways for advanced wastewater purification technologies. The study was accepted and published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on January 23, 2026.

An emerging solution for removing dyes from wastewater is the use of porous adsorbents that can selectively capture hazardous dye molecules. COFs are attracting increasing attention as a promising solution because of their crystalline order, tunable pore structures we can tailor to our exact specifications, and chemical robustness. Most COFs explored for wastewater remediation are two-dimensional (2D), but three-dimensional (3D) COFs offer much more benefits such as enhanced structural rigidity and isotropic pore connectivity. The reason they haven't been used extensively despite their value lies in how difficult it is to construct highly connected 3D COFs with chemically stable linkages.

The research team faced this challenge head on and developed a 3D COF called TU-123. It is the first 12+3-connected three-dimensional imidazole-linked COF with aea topology, using a two-component cyclocondensation strategy between aldehyde and amine building blocks. The result is a highly ordered, permanently porous, and chemically resilient 3D network perfect for dye treatment in wastewater.

"By moving beyond the traditional multicomponent Debus-Radziszewski reaction, we have established a new route to build highly connected and chemically robust 3D imidazole-linked COFs," explains Junior Associate Professor Saikat Das (Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University).

The researchers put TU-123 to the test at removing a hazardous anionic dye called Acid Orange 7. They found that under neutral conditions, it exhibited the strong electrostatic capture of this dye with a maximum adsorption capacity of 495.07 mg g⁻1 and a removal efficiency exceeding 86%. The material also demonstrated rapid adsorption kinetics, excellent recyclability, and high durability in complex aqueous environments. Importantly, TU-123 also demonstrated effective dye removal from real industrial effluent samples, confirming its practical relevance for wastewater treatment applications.

"This work establishes a new structural blueprint for constructing high-connectivity imidazole-linked 3D COFs and opens sustainable pathways for advanced water purification technologies," remarks Yuichi Negishi (Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials).

(a) Schematic illustration of imidazole linkage formation via a two-component reaction. (b) Conceptual design of the [12+3]-connected COF TU-123 constructed through two-component cyclocondensation. (c) Three-dimensional structural representation of the resulting TU-123 framework. 

Credit

©Yuichi Negishi et al.

Journal

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI

10.1021/jacs.5c19590 

Article Title

Beyond the Multicomponent Debus-Radziszewski Route: Two-Component Cyclocondensation Constructing a 12+3-Connected aea Topology Three-Dimensional Imidazole-Linked COF for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment

Article Publication Date

23-Jan-2026

 

Natural sunscreen compounds show potential to support skin health and blood pressure

Study reveals that algae-based UV protectants also act as antioxidants and block a key enzyme linked to aging and hypertension

Meijo University

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Structural differences between GlcHMS326 and porphyra-334 may influence multiple bioactivities, including antioxidant and antiglycative effects, collagenase inhibition, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, a newly identified physiological function of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs).

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Credit: Professor Hakuto Kageyama from the Graduate School of Environmental and Human Sciences, Meijo University, Japan

Researchers have discovered that natural “sunscreen” compounds found in algae and cyanobacteria may also support skin and heart health. By comparing two mycosporine-like amino acids, the team showed for the first time that these molecules can block a key enzyme involved in blood pressure control in laboratory tests, while also offering antioxidant and anti-aging effects. The findings open new possibilities for cosmetics and functional foods based on nature-derived ingredients.

 

Natural compounds produced by seaweeds and microscopic organisms have long helped these species survive intense sunlight. Known as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), these molecules act as natural sunscreens by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation and protecting cells from damage. Because of this ability, MAAs have attracted growing interest from scientists and cosmetic companies seeking safer, nature-based alternatives to synthetic UV filters. However, researchers are now discovering that these compounds may do much more than a shield against the sun.

 

The new study, published online on January 19, 2026, in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, suggests that MAAs may also support skin health and help regulate processes linked to blood pressure. The study was led by Professor Hakuto Kageyama from the Graduate School of Environmental and Human Sciences, Meijo University, Japan. Prof. Kageyama says, “We discovered that MAAs can inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme, suggesting a previously unrecognized potential for blood-pressure–related health benefits.”

 

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays an important role in controlling blood pressure by regulating how blood vessels tighten and relax. Many commonly prescribed medicines for hypertension work by blocking this enzyme. Finding ACE-inhibiting activity in naturally occurring compounds is therefore of strong interest in nutrition and health research. MAAs are produced by algae and cyanobacteria as part of their natural defense system against sunlight. While more than 70 types of MAAs have been identified, most commercial products rely on only a few well-known forms. Many chemically modified versions remain poorly understood, even though small structural changes can strongly affect how these molecules behave in the body.

 

To explore this, the research team compared two MAAs with different chemical structures. One was porphyra-334, a typical MAA commonly found in edible seaweed. The other was GlcHMS326, an atypically modified MAA that contains additional chemical groups. These modifications slightly alter the molecule’s shape and properties. The researchers first purified both compounds from natural sources. Porphyra-334 was extracted from dried seaweed, while GlcHMS326 was isolated from a cyanobacterium collected from a hot spring in Thailand. They then tested how the compounds responded to heat and light and evaluated their biological activities using established laboratory methods.

 

Several experiments focused on antioxidant activity, which reflects a compound’s ability to neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals. These molecules can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease. The team found that GlcHMS326 acted as a strong but slow-working antioxidant, suggesting sustained rather than immediate activity, while porphyra-334 showed weaker antioxidant effects.

 

The researchers also examined antiglycation activity. Glycation is a process in which sugar molecules bind to proteins, reducing their flexibility and function. This process plays a role in skin aging and some chronic diseases. In these tests, porphyra-334 was more effective than GlcHMS326 at preventing protein damage.

 

In addition, both MAAs were tested for their ability to block collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen and contributes to wrinkle formation. GlcHMS326 showed stronger collagenase inhibition, suggesting potential anti-aging benefits.

 

One of the most notable findings came from experiments on ACE inhibition. Both compounds reduced the activity of this enzyme in laboratory tests, marking the first report of such an effect for MAAs. Although the observed effects were moderate and measured outside the human body, the discovery opens a new direction for future research. “Our data further support their potential as multifunctional ‘natural sunscreen’ ingredients,” says Prof. Kageyama. “Chemical modifications can substantially shift their functional profiles.”

 

The researchers emphasize that their findings are based on controlled laboratory experiments. Further studies are needed to determine whether similar effects occur in living organisms and whether practical doses can be achieved through food or cosmetic products. Still, the results are encouraging. Porphyra-334 is abundant in edible seaweed, which is already consumed widely in many countries. This raises the possibility that everyday foods may contain underappreciated bioactive compounds worthy of further health-related research.

 

Overall, the study provides new insight into how natural sun-protective molecules can serve multiple biological roles. By revealing how small chemical differences shape their activity, the research lays the groundwork for developing next-generation cosmetic products and functional foods inspired by nature.

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About Meijo University

Meijo University traces its origin back to the establishment of the Nagoya Science and Technology Course in 1926, giving it a proud history of more than 90 years. As one of the largest universities in the Chubu region, Meijo University is a comprehensive learning institution that supports a wide range of academic fields from the humanities to physical sciences. With a network of more than 200,000 graduates and alumni, it strives to contribute not only to local industries but also to international communities in various fields. Meijo University is also known as the birthplace of the carbon nanotube. To foster the human resources of the next generation, the university continues to tackle ongoing challenges by further enhancing its campus and creating new faculties.

Website: https://www.meijo-u.ac.jp/english/

 

About Professor Hakuto Kageyama from the Graduate School of Environmental and Human Sciences, Meijo University

Professor Hakuto Kageyama is the Dean of the Graduate School of Environmental and Human Sciences at Meijo University, Japan. He earned his Ph.D. from Nagoya University and was awarded the KOSÉ Cosmetology Award by the KOSÉ Cosmetology Research Foundation in 2021. He specializes in stress biology, cyanobacteria, and natural product development. His research focuses on environmental response mechanisms, metabolic engineering, and the functional analysis of useful compounds, such as UV absorbers, for agricultural and medical applications.

 

Funding information

This work was supported in part by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI (Grant Number: 24K08623) and the Thailand Science Research and Innovation fund Chulalongkorn University (FOOD_FF_68_121_2300_022).

Filamentous cyanobacteria produce mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) that protect cells from ultraviolet radiation and serve as the natural source of the compounds examined in this study.

Credit

Argonne National Laboratory from Openverse

Journal

Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry

DOI

10.1093/bbb/zbag011 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Comparative Functional Evaluation of the Atypically Modified GlcHMS326 and Porphyra-334, Two Structurally Distinct Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids

Article Publication Date

29-Jan-2026

 

Research spotlight: Discovering risk factors for long-term relapse in alcohol use disorder

Mass General Brigham

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John F. Kelly, PhD, of the Recovery Research Institute and Department of Psychiatry at Mass General Brigham, is the lead author of a paper published in Frontiers in Public Health, “Long-term relapse: markers, mechanisms, and implications for disease management in alcohol use disorder.”

 Q: What challenges or unmet needs make this study important?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of leading causes of preventable death in the United States and worldwide, and leads to substantial disease and medical complication. While treatments are available that can help patients with this disorder achieve stability and initial remission, relapses are common as people grapple with the demands of recovery.

While relapses that occur early in the AUD recovery process are often tied to cue reactivity (trigger-driven urges) and neurophysiological instability (temporary brain and body imbalance after alcohol use stops), little is known about what drives long-term relapses (LTR): setbacks that happen after one or more years of complete remission. These relapses are common and can have devastating consequences, yet there’s a notable lack of systematic investigations into what precipitates them. Our study fills this knowledge gap.

By exploring the precursors to LTR among individuals who had at least one year of full, sustained remission, we aim to guide long-term disease management efforts in clinical settings for AUD.

Q: What central question(s) were you investigating?

First, we wanted to know what changes had occurred across four domains—biological, psychological, social and treatment/recovery support services—during the year prior to participants’ long-term relapses to determine how common these changes were.

Next, we hoped to learn how “potent” each of these changes were in terms of relapse risk. In other words, which changes were most or least likely to contribute? We also asked when these risk factor changes occurred during the year preceding LTRs to uncover time-based insights.

Q: What methods or approach did you use?

We recruited adults who met the criteria for AUD and subsequently experienced at least one year of complete remission prior to a relapse. We restricted the sample to individuals whose long-term relapses had occurred during the five years prior, but who were back in sustained remission again (at least three months without any AUD symptoms). Our study used a variety of methods, both quantitative and qualitative, to capture details of participants’ clinical histories, timelines of symptom onset/offset and relapse date and experience.

Q: What did you find?

Among all identified LTR risk factors, a reduction in recovery focus, or vigilance, emerged as both the most prevalent and the most potent contributor to relapse. Participants consistently described the deprioritization of recovery-related activities and attitudes as a central precursor, often accompanied by disengagement from mutual-help organizations and other recovery supports.

Psychological and social factors—including worsening mental health symptoms, loneliness, social isolation and increased exposure to alcohol-related environments—were more strongly associated with relapse than most biological changes, which were common but generally less potent. The most notable exceptions were physical pain and recreational drug use, which, although less frequent, carried substantial relapse risk potency. Importantly, relapse risk factors tended to accumulate and intensify over the year prior to the relapse, particularly factors related to psychological and recovery support service, suggesting that long-term relapse is often preceded by a detectable trajectory of escalating vulnerability.

Looking at the big picture, our findings suggest that long-term relapse in AUD is rarely attributable to a single precipitating factor or sudden event; instead, it can be understood as the result of multiple, cumulative factors that can change over time.

Q: What are the real-world implications, particularly for patients?

First, patients who have achieved sustained remission are not necessarily “out of the woods” for relapse risk. For this reason, ongoing, proactive monitoring that extends well beyond the early stabilization phase of recovery is justified. For clinicians, this means routinely assessing patients for changes in recovery vigilance, emerging mental health symptoms, social isolation and disengagement from recovery supports, as these factors appear to be more potent predictors of long-term relapse.

Structured checklists (such as this), brief clinical interviews or “recovery vital signs” assessments embedded within primary care or behavioral health follow-up visits may help identify early warning signs and prompt timely, preventive intervention.

Second, the complex nature of relapse risk highlights the importance of integrated, biopsychosocial disease-management models, rather than episodic or crisis-driven care. Our findings reinforce the value in reframing long-term relapse prevention as a matter of anticipatory guidance and risk mitigation, rather than reactive treatment after alcohol use has already resumed.

Q: What part of this work feels most meaningful to you personally?

Most meaningful to me is that we’ve shed light on sobriety-based warning signs that can be assessed prior to the potential disaster of a long-term relapse (and all of the associated consequences). The preliminary, but concrete, list of risks we’ve identified through this study will ultimately empower frontline clinicians to better care for AUD patients by screening for and acting on these warning signs during remission to prevent disorder recurrence. This may also raise awareness in patients, leading them to take alternative courses of action.

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Journal

Frontiers in Public Health

DOI

10.3389/fpubh.2025.1706192 

Method of Research

Systematic review

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Long-term relapse: markers, mechanisms, and implications for disease management in alcohol use disorder

Article Publication Date

26-Jan-2026