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Composite materials very often provide new catalytic, optical or other physicochemical properties not observed for each component separately. Photofunctions in hybrid systems are an interesting topic of great importance for industry. This review presents the recent advances, trends and possible applications of photofunctions of hybrid systems composed of Schiff base metal complexes and metal or semiconductor (nano)materials. We focus on photocatalysis, sensitization in solar cells (DSSC—dye sensitized solar cell), ligand-induced chirality and applications in environmental protection for Cr(VI) to Cr(III) reduction, in cosmetology as sunscreens, in real-time visualization of cellular processes, in bio-labeling, and in light activated prodrug applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schiff bases are versatile organic compounds, gaining importance day by day due to their wide applications. Schiff bases, containing imines or azomethine functional groups, are prepared by condensation of primary amines with carbonyl compounds or they may occur naturally in plants. They have lots of importance in industry and show numerous biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, etc. The wide range of biological studies of the Schiff bases are now attracting the attention of researchers which can lead to the identification of promising lead compounds. This review consists of the recent developments and various methodologies to synthesize Schiff base as well as their biological activities covering the last 20 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limitations of existing drug delivery systems (DDS) such as non-specific bio-distribution and poor selectivity have led to the exploration of a variety of carrier platforms to facilitate highly desirable and efficient drug delivery. Stimuli-responsive DDS are one of the most versatile and innovative approach to steer the compounds to the intended sites by exploiting their responsiveness to a range of various triggers. Preparation of stimuli-responsive DDS using celluloses and their derivatives offer a remarkable advantage over conventional polymer materials. In this review, we highlight on state-of-art progress in developing cellulose/cellulose hybrid stimuli-responsive DDS, which covers the preparation techniques, physicochemical properties, basic principles and, mechanisms of stimuli effect on drug release from various types of cellulose based carriers, through recent innovative investigations. Attention has been paid to endogenous stimuli (pH, temperature, redox gradient and ionic-strength) responsive DDS and exogenous stimuli (light, magnetic field and electric field) responsive DDS, where the cellulose-based materials have been extensively employed. Furthermore, the current challenges and future prospects of these DDS are also discussed at the end. [Display omitted] • This review presents the application of celluloses and their hybrids in stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems. • Various preparation techniques of cellulose/cellulose hybrid stimuli responsive DDS have been reviewed. • Various physicochemical properties of cellulose/cellulose hybrid stimuli responsive DDS have been reviewed. • The basic principles and mechanisms of stimuli effect on drug release from cellulose/cellulose hybrid DDS were discussed. • Development of stimuli-responsive DDS using cellulose and its hybrids offer remarkable advantage over conventional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]