Besides the wide use of engineered nanomaterials (NMs) in technical products, their applications are not only increasing in biotechnology and biomedicine, but also in the environmental field. While the physico-chemical properties and behaviour of NMs can be characterized accurately under idealized conditions, this is no longer the case in complex physiological or natural environments. Herein, proteins and other biomolecules rapidly bind to NMs, forming a protein/biomolecule corona that critically affects the NMs' (patho)biological and technical identities. As the corona impacts the in vitro and/or in vivo NM applications in humans and ecosystems, a mechanistic understanding of its relevance and of the biophysical forces regulating corona formation is mandatory. Based on recent insights, we here critically review and present an updated concept of corona formation and evolution. We comment on how corona signatures may be linked to effects at the nano-bio interface in physiological and environmental systems. In order to comprehensively analyse corona profiles and to mechanistically understand the coronas' biological/ecological impact, we present a tiered multidisciplinary approach. To stimulate progress in this field, we introduce the potential impact of the corona for NM-microbiome-(human)host interactions and the novel concept of 'nanologicals', i.e., the nanomaterial-specific targeting of molecular machines. We conclude by discussing the relevant challenges that still need to be resolved in this field.

Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) systems offer a very attractive way to store and transport hydrogen, a technical feature that is highly desirable to link unsteady energy production from renewables with the vision of a sustainable, CO 2 -free, hydrogen-based energy system. LOHCs can be charged and discharged with considerable amounts of hydrogen in cyclic, catalytic hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes. As their physico-chemical properties are very similar to diesel, today's infrastructure for liquid fuels can be used for their handling thus greatly facilitating the step-wise transition from today's fossil system to a CO 2 emission free energy supply for both, stationary and mobile applications. However, for a broader application of these liquids it is mandatory to study in addition to their technical performance also their potential impact on the environment and human health. This paper presents the first account on the toxicological profile of some potential LOHC structures. Moreover, it documents the importance of an early integration of hazard assessment in technology development and reveals for the specific case of LOHC structures the need for additional research in order to overcome some challenges in the hazard assessment for these liquids. Broader contextDue to increasing environmental awareness, many countries try to optimize their economies for a low-carbon growth turning towards renewable energy sources. Nevertheless, to fully exploit these sources fundamental change in our energy supplies is needed. Hydrogen is considered a main player in future energy systems, especially for mobile applications but its storage poses a technological challenge. Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) systems offer a very attractive way to store and transport hydrogen that links unsteady energy production from renewables with the vision of a sustainable, CO 2 -free, hydrogen-based energy system. LOHCs can be charged and discharged with considerable amounts of hydrogen in cyclic, catalytic hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes. As their physico-chemical properties are very similar to those of diesel, today's infrastructure for liquid fuels can be used for their handling thus greatly facilitating the step-wise transition from today's fossil system to a CO 2 emission free energy supply for both, stationary and mobile applications. However, for a broader application of these liquids it is mandatory to study in addition to their technical performance also their potential impact on the environment and human health.

Several novel fluorinated ionic liquids (FILs), fully miscible with water and with excellent surfactant behavior, have been studied for pharmacological applications. The use of these novel FILs as drug delivery systems can improve the bioavailability, stability and efficacy of therapeutic proteins. An initial screening of toxicity in four different human cell lines indicated that some of the FILs possess low cytotoxicity. An environmental hazard assessment of these compounds, in the context of Green Pharmacy, is necessary before a pharmaceutical application takes place. In this work, ecotoxicity tests have been performed in aquatic species with different levels of biological organization (Vibrio fischeri, Daphnia magna and Lemna minor) to evaluate intrinsic hazard that these FILs might pose after being released to the aquatic environment from the human body or from industrial processes. Additionally, the biodegradability of these compounds has been evaluated using microorganisms from wastewater treatment plants.

Since many decades, gamma-valerolactone (GVL) is known to be an excellent solvent, which, today, can be made of sustainable materials. Although numerous publications praise it as very green and versatile,...

Components of natural waters (salts, NOM) mitigate negative impacts of nanomaterials via surface passivation and stabilisation against dissolution.

The tailorable and often unique properties of ionic liquids (ILs) drive their implementation into a broad variety of seminal technologies. The modular design of ILs allows in this context a proactive selection of structures that favor environmental sustainabilityideally without compromising their technological performance. To achieve this objective, the whole life cycle must be taken into account and various aspects considered simultaneously. In this review, we discuss how the structural design of ILs affects their environmental impacts throughout all stages of their life cycles and scrutinize the available data in order to point out knowledge gaps that need further research activities. The design of more sustainable ILs starts with the selection of the most beneficial precursors and synthesis routes, takes their technical properties and application specific performance into due account, and considers its environmental fate particularly in terms of their (eco)toxicity, biotic and abiotic degradability, mobility, and bioaccumulation potential. Special emphasis is placed on reported structure−activity relationships and suggested mechanisms on a molecular level that might rationalize the empirically found design criteria.

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