Acid Mine Research Articles

Mn-doped ZnO nanopowders prepared by sol–gel and microwave-assisted sol–gel methods and their photocatalytic properties

Although the microwave-assisted sol–gel method is quite frequently used for the preparation of oxide nanostructures, the synergism of the reaction pathways is not fully explained. However, state-of-the-art theoretical and practical results of high novelty can be achieved by continuously evaluating the as-synthesized materials. The present paper presents a comparative study of Mn-doped ZnO nanopowders prepared by both sol–gel and microwave-assisted sol–gel methods. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the as-obtained powders were established and correlated with their newly proved functionality, namely, the ability to photogenerate distinct reactive oxygen species (·OH or O2−) and to act as photoactive materials in aqueous media. The solar light-induced mineralization of oxalic acid by Mn-doped ZnO materials was clearly observed while similar amounts of generated CO2 were measured for both catalysts. These inexpensive semiconductor materials, which proved to be light-responsive, can be further used for developing water depollution technologies based on solar light energy.

Elucidation of endogenous and exogenous chemicals in maternal serum using high-resolution mass spectrometry

The increasing exposure to environmental chemicals calls for comprehensive non-targeted analysis to detect unrecognized substances in human samples. We examined human serum samples to classify compounds as endogenous or exogenous using public databases and to explore the relationships between exposure markers and metabolic patterns. Serum samples from 84 pregnant women at 32 weeks gestation were analyzed using LC-QToFMS. Using the PubChemLite for Exposomics database, we annotated and classified 106 compounds (51 endogenous, 55 exogenous). The compound patterns were analyzed using three dimensional reduction methods: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), regularized Generalized Canonical Correlation Analysis (rGCCA), and Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP). OPTICS clustering applied to these methods revealed two distinct clusters, with 89 % of significant compounds overlapping between clusters. The detected exogenous compounds included dietary substances, phthalates, nitrogenous compounds, and parabens. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that chemical exposure was linked to changes in amino acid metabolism, protein and mineral transport, and energy metabolism. While we found associations between exposure and metabolite changes, we could not establish causality. Our approach of analyzing both exogenous and endogenous chemicals from the same dataset using PubChemLite database presents a new method for exposome research, despite limitations in sample size and peak annotation accuracy. These findings contribute to understanding multiple chemical exposures and their metabolic effects in human biomonitoring.

Organic fertilizer integrated with marine waste derived CaCO3 nanocarrier system: A focus on enhanced yield and quality in tomato cultivation

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid and other mineral sources including phosphorus, potassium, zinc, magnesium and iron. Major constraints in tomato cultivation were high cost, poor cultivation due to adverse weather conditions, pest attacks, microbial infections and nutritional deficiency complications. Conventional fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and growth regulators are effective at higher concentration, which induces specific toxic effects on soil fertility, plant yield and also affects the health status of humans, animals and soil associated microbes. The use of organic fertilizers to meet the soil nutrient demand increases the acidity of soil affecting plant growth, which turned the focus of researchers towards nanofertilizer. The present study focuses on synthesis of marine waste derived CaCO3 nanoparticles formulated with azadirachtin and panchakavya emulsion to develop a CaCO3 nanofertilizer. CaCO3 nanofertilizer developed through this study was investigated for its material properties and behavioral traits. Further, the in-vitro antifungal impact of the CaCO3 nanofertilizer was examined, and it was sprayed on tomato plants via foliar spray. CaCO3 nanofertilizer effectively inhibited fusarium wilt causing plant fungal pathogen and also exhibited enhanced growth and yield of tomatoes against pest attack and nutritional deficiency with effect to foliar treatment. Also, CaCO3 nanofertilizer enhanced the total carotenoid level and essential nutritional minerals in fruit yield of tomatoes. Overall, fabricated CaCO3 nanofertilizer exhibits synergistic role of fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide and growth regulator in tomato cultivation. It suggests that, CaCO3 nanofertilizer generated from renewable biowaste will become the innovative platform for sustainable agriculture.

Construction of Spatially Separated Acid-Base Sites inside and outside Metal-Organic Framework Nanocrystals for Efficient Cascade Reactions.

The development of acid-base catalysts for one-pot cascade reactions remains challenging because of the inherent incompatibility of inorganic acid and base active sites. Here, we introduced an innovative approach that employs spatial separation to construct separated inorganic acid-base sites, achieving sequence control of acid-base cascade reactions. The as-prepared bifunctional catalyst applied metal-organic framework (MOF) nanocrystals as spatial separators, with the inside microcavities loaded with 1 nm inorganic polyoxometalate acid H3PMo12O40 clusters (NENU-5) and the outside crystal surface covered with basic CuCo layered double hydroxide (CuCo-LDH) nanosheets. By applying the resultant NENU-5@CuCo-LDH catalyst to cascade deacetalization-Knoevenagel condensation, over 99% of the benzaldehyde dimethyl acetal (BDMA) was transformed into the final benzylidene cyanoacetate (BCA) with a 99% yield at 80 °C and solvent-free conditions. Compared to the random NENU-5+CuCo-LDH, the NENU-5@CuCo-LDH with spatially separated acid-base sites indicated a higher reaction rate due to the designed reaction sequence and the shorter mass transfer pathway. Moreover, this hierarchical structure showed inherent shape selectivity and extraordinary stability. This study introduces spatial separation to address the incompatibility issue between inorganic acid and base active sites, offering novel perspectives for acid-base systems.

Antimicrobial Efficiency of Commercial Products for Drinking Water Based on Organic and/or Inorganic Acids Against Bacteria of Interest in Animal and Human Health

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of acidity regulators based on organic and inorganic acids for drinking water on pathogens of importance in swine and poultry farming using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test. Theoretical Framework: The presence of intestinal pathogens in livestock production systems is a major global concern due to their impact on both animal and public health. Pathogens like Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli are among the main microorganisms that adversely affect these systems, resulting in significant economic losses. Limitations on the use of antimicrobials, due to microbial resistance, require adopting alternative solutions for pathogen control. Method: The statistical analysis of the MIC of acidity regulators against the microorganisms was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls post-test (p<0.05) with GraphPad Prism software, version 8.0.1. Results and Discussion: It was observed that the sensitization profile of the microorganisms differed depending on the species. Among the Salmonella serovars, there was a difference in the resistance profile between typhoidal and non-typhoidal Salmonella concerning the evaluated products. The results showed that among the commercially available acidifiers evaluated, only five were effective against all the microorganisms tested.

Full‐Color Tunability Room Temperature Phosphorescence from Inorganic Crystal Frameworks

AbstractRoom temperature afterglow (RTA) materials have aroused prodigious research interests owing to their unique long‐life luminescent properties. However, it is rare for RTA materials to be reported with full‐color afterglow emission. Herein, a universal strategy is designed to activate full‐color tunability RTA based on phenylboronic acid derivatives (BOH) and boric acid (BA) via an ingenious solvent‐free solid‐phase heating. As the conjugation degrees of aromatic groups of the guest molecule expanded, the BOH/BA composites showed tunable afterglow colors ranging from blue to red after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. This strategy is to firmly anchor the guest molecule in a rigid framework of the inorganic metaboric acid matrix by abundant hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the host and guest, suppressing molecular motion and promoting the intersystem crossing (ISC) rate between the singlet and triplet excited states for enhanced afterglow emission. In addition, through mixing in multiple guest molecules into BA simultaneously, the obtained composite can be modulated in a wide excitation range from blue to red. This fascinating study provides a simple and universal method to fabricate full‐color tunability RTA composites, making them a promising candidate for applications in advanced information security and multi‐level encryption.

Synergetic Combination of Bio‐Electrolytes and Bio‐Fluidic Channels as a Novel Resource of Sustainable Energy

AbstractExploration for sustainable energy resources is essential to minimize the dependence on fossil fuels and to improve environmental parameters. Here, the possibility of utilizing bio‐waste‐derived electrolytes as an electrical energy resource by placing them across semipermeable membranes prepared through parallel stacking of coir fibers is examined. The nanofluidic membrane (d‐CF‐V) prepared by modifying the inner walls of the bio‐fluidic channels with atomically thin layers of vanadium pentoxide (VO) shows excellent perm‐selectivity (t+ = 0.87, with 1000‐fold concentration difference) and electricity conversion efficiency (≈ 28.2%). With simulated sea and river water, the d‐CF‐V yields output energy up to 2.4 W m−2, similarly with mineral acid bases (0.5 m HCl and 0.01 m NaOH), the d‐CF‐V shows an energy output of 11.8 W m−2. The sun‐dried Garcinia morella (Kuji thekera), and charred peels of Musa balbisiana (banana) are used as sustainable sources of bio‐electrolytes, which in combination with permselective d‐CF‐V yielded a power density of ≈1.4 W m−2. By replacing standard Ag/AgCl electrodes with nanomaterials exhibiting contrasting charge transfer activities, oxidized carbon nanotube membrane (o‐CNT) and polyaniline (PANI) membrane the output voltage is enhanced from –127 to –568 mV and current output is increased from 10.2 to 51.5 µA.

Insect Meal as a Dietary Protein Source for Pheasant Quails: Performance, Carcass Traits, Amino Acid Profile and Mineral Contents in Muscles.

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of replacing soybean meal with insect meal on the body weight and the chemical composition of selected muscle groups of common pheasant females and males, including the mineral composition and the amino acid profile of the thigh and breast muscles. The study was conducted on three feeding groups, namely one control and two experimental groups. In the control group, plant feed components were used, which are commonly used to feed pheasants in confined breeding facilities. In the experimental groups, 100 g (group II) and 200 g (group III) portions of insect meal were introduced instead of the plant-protein components. The experiment used a preparation of insect larvae (Hermetia illucens) containing approximately 52% crude protein. The pheasant diet supplementation applied contributed to an increase in the proportion of muscles in the carcasses, with the highest effectiveness obtained for a 20% addition of insect meal. Lower and significant differences were noted in the feed conversion by birds from the experimental groups, as compared to the control group. The chemical composition of the birds' muscles also changed. The experimental groups exhibited higher protein and fat contents and a lower water content. No significant changes in the amino acid profile or the mineral composition of the muscles were noted. The few exceptions concerned the methionine levels in both muscle groups and the isoleucine levels in the breast muscles. In most cases, the mineral composition did not vary significantly (p < 0.05). When supplementing the diet of breeding pheasants for improving meatiness, a 20% addition of insect meal is recommended, which affects the production effect of this trait while reducing feed consumption and maintaining the fatty acid profile.

Sustainable separation of molybdenum from mixed mineral acids generated as semiconductor industry waste streams using tributyl phosphate (TBP) by effects of hybrid machine learning models

This study explores the separation and optimization of molybdenum (Mo) from mixed mineral acids derived from semiconductor industry waste streams with tributyl phosphate (TBP) by implementing machine learning (ML) models. Considerable experimental tests were performed to evaluate the impact of various operational variables on the effectiveness of Mo extraction and stripping. The support vector regression (SVR) paired with harmony search algorithm (HSA), genetic algorithm (GA), and shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA) were employed for enhancement in the separation process and structural optimization. The SVR-SFLA model yielded the most meticulous predictions, identifying optimal extraction conditions with a TBP concentration, mixing time, temperature, and O/A ratio of 50%, 30 min, 25 °C, and 1, respectively, achieving 77.8% efficiency. The derived results from the SVR-SFLA model, in tandem with the McCabe-Theil diagram, indicated a four-stage counter-current extraction process required to achieve a yield exceeding 99%. For the stripping process, the hybrid model indicated optimal conditions with 3 M NH4OH and an A/O ratio of 0.5 at 50 °C for 20 min, requiring two counter-current stages for nearly complete stripping. Feature importance analysis using a random forest algorithm (RFA) highlighted the NH4OH concentration and phase ratio as the most significant factors, contributing 40.3% and 29.1%, respectively, to the stripping from the loaded TBP phase. The final product, obtained after crystallization and thermal decomposition of the strip solutions, was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), revealing 99.74% purity for molybdenum trioxide.

Characterization of chemical properties of fish-flavoured spicy tamarind cube

Fish-flavoured spicy tamarind cube is categorized as a type of bouillon cube. It is a processed food that has been developed and benefits the consumers due to low cost, being ready to use, reduced cooking time and giving intense flavour to the cooking dish. Food processing improves the stability, safety, taste and makes the food healthier. While there are various advantages to processing, the chemical food characteristics might be adversely affected. The study aimed to evaluate the amount of chemical composition, macromolecule, phytochemical content, peroxide value and antioxidant activity present in the fish-flavoured spicy tamarind cube. The analysis was performed using a different methodology. The content of mineral and ascorbic acid of the cube was evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and titration methods respectively. Carbohydrate was estimated by difference using equation and protein by micro Kjeldahl method. For both phytochemical compounds, total phenolic and flavonoid are measured spectrophotometrically in this study. In addition, peroxide value was determined by titration method and antioxidant activity was assayed using 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The result showed the cube contained 2.12% sodium, 1.22% copper and 0.43% potassium while the ascorbic acid value was 66.00 mg/100 g. The macromolecule content recorded was 40.15 g/100 g for carbohydrates and 7.54 g/100 g for protein. The cube had 10.77 mg GAE/g and 21.72 mg QE/g for total phenolic and flavonoid respectively. The peroxide value of the cube was 9.52 meq/kg and classified in a moderate oxidation state. Furthermore, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for antioxidant activity analysed was 89.04 µg/mL which means the cube shows intermediate antioxidant activity. Based on the result, the cube is safe to consume and can provide health benefits to consumers.

Effect of various levels of standardized ileal digestible branched-chain amino acids on lactating sow and litter performance.

Three hundred and sixty sows were used to investigate the effect of various dietary branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) levels on sow lactation and piglet growth performance. On day 112 ± 1.4 of gestation, sows were blocked by the parity group (P1, P2, P3+) and randomly assigned to 1 of 6 dietary treatments containing various levels of standardized ileal digestible (SID) Leu, Ile, and Val. The experimental diets were formulated to the desired levels of BCAA by replacing cornstarch in a basal diet with l-leucine, l-isoleucine, and l-valine. Dietary BCAA levels relative to SID Lys were 114% or 180% for Leu, 56% or 64% for Ile, and 64% or 120% for Val. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric (3.23 Mcal ME/kg) and met or exceeded all other NRC (2012) essential amino acid and vitamin and mineral recommendations. Sow body weight (BW) and backfat thickness were measured at the time of entry into the farrowing room and at weaning. Piglet litter weights were recorded after cross-fostering and weaning to calculate the litter growth rate. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with fixed effects of dietary treatment and parity group and a random effect of lactation group. The models were fit using R (v4.4.1; R Core Team, 2024). The sow and her litter were the experimental unit, and results were considered significant if P < 0.05. On average, sows nursed their litters for 21.3 d (P = 0.998). The mean parity by treatment ranged from 3.8 to 3.9 (P = 0.999). After farrowing, the mean sow BW was 220kg with a range between treatments of 216 to 222kg (P = 0.523). On average, sows gained 2.3% of their BW (P = 0.740) with an average daily feed intake of 8.74kg/d (P = 0.903). As expected, sow Leu, Ile, and Val intakes were different across treatments (P ≤ 0.001) and corresponded to the varying dietary levels of BCAA. Sows entered farrowing with an average backfat thickness of 11.50mm (P = 0.919) and lost 6.5% backfat through lactation (P = 0.880). Sows started the trial with an average of 14.1 piglets/sow (P = 0.967) and weaned 12.7 piglets/sow (P = 0.995) with a piglet ADG of 0.22kg/d (P = 0.280) and a daily litter growth rate of 2.90kg/d (P = 0.547). In conclusion, there was no evidence of an effect of the various leucine, isoleucine, and valine levels evaluated in this study on lactating sow and piglet performance.

Biomimetic composite gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels for improving survival and osteogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells in 3D microenvironment

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels are used for stem cell encapsulation in bone tissue engineering due to their fast and stable photo-crosslinking. However, cell viability and ability to induce osteogenesis are reduced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during the crosslinking reaction. In this study, we developed biomimetic nanoparticles (TMNs) by combining tannic acid (TA) and simulated body fluid (SBF) minerals, and used them to synthesize GelMA-based composite hydrogels for addressing those limitations. The optimal concentrations of TA and SBF were investigated to create nanoparticles that can effectively scavenge ROS and induce osteogenesis. The incorporation of TMNs into composite hydrogels (G-TMN) significantly enhanced the survival and proliferation of encapsulated human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) by providing resistance to oxidative conditions. In addition, the ions that were released, such as Ca2+ and PO43−, stimulated stem cell differentiation into bone cells. The hADSCs encapsulated in G-TMN had 2.0 ± 0.8-fold greater viability and 1.3 ± 1.8 times greater calcium deposition than those encapsulated in the hydrogel without nanoparticles. Furthermore, the in vivo transplantation of G-TMN into a subcutaneous mouse model demonstrated the rapid degradation of the gel-network while retaining the osteoinductive particles and cells in the transplanted area. The increased cellular activity observed in our multifunctional composite hydrogel can serve as a foundation for novel and effective therapies for bone deformities.

Comparing Leaching Efficiency of Novel Deep Eutectic Solvent with Mineral Acids: Spodumene Ore

Comparing Leaching Efficiency of Novel Deep Eutectic Solvent with Mineral Acids: Spodumene Ore

Comparison of Growth and Composition of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.) Larvae Reared on Sugarcane By-Products and Other Substrates.

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can convert organic waste into high-quality biomass. In this study, we tested the potential of sugarcane by-products as a food source for BSFL and compared larval development and nutritional value with some other organic substrates. Seven different substrates were used, including carrot pomace (C), carrot pomace and leftover bread (CB) (50/50), bagasse and vinasse (BV), bagasse and molasses (BM), bagasse, vinasse, and molasses (BVM), a mixture of all the above treatments (MX), and university canteen leftovers (UCLs). The larval weight and length were measured for two weeks from day 5 to 19. Then, the BSFL were harvested and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, oil, ash, mineral, and fatty acid composition. Larval weight and length varied depending on the feeding substrate provided. University canteen leftovers resulted in the BSFL having at least 18% greater length (17.00 mm) and 56% greater weight (3.15 g) compared to other treatments. The highest amounts of protein (38.9%) and oil (39.06%) were observed in the UCL treatment, while the BV treatment larvae had the highest quantities of ash (28.9%) and dry matter (28.0%). The fatty acid profile of the BSFL revealed three-times-higher levels of saturated fatty acids than unsaturated fatty acids in the UCL treatment and was at least twice as high in other treatments. Overall, the BSFL had the best growth on the UCL substrate, and the combination of bagasse and vinasse (BV) was the most appropriate substrate for BSFL development among the sugarcane by-products.

Online characterization of primary and secondary emissions of particulate matter and acidic molecules from a modern fleet of city buses

Abstract. The potential impact of transitioning from conventional fossil fuel to a non-fossil-fuel vehicle fleet was investigated by measuring primary emissions via extractive sampling of bus plumes and assessing secondary mass formation using the Gothenburg Potential Aerosol Mass (Go:PAM) reactor from 76 in-use transit buses. Online chemical characterization of gaseous and particulate emissions from these buses was conducted using chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) with acetate as the reagent ion, coupled with the Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols (FIGAERO). Acetate reagent ion chemistry selectively ionizes acidic compounds, including organic and inorganic acids, as well as nitrated and sulfated organics. A significant reduction (48 %–98 %) in fresh particle emissions was observed in buses utilizing compressed natural gas (CNG), biodiesels like rapeseed methyl ester (RME) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and hybrid-electric HVO (HVOHEV) compared to diesel (DSL). However, secondary particle formation from photooxidation of emissions was substantial across all the fuel types. The median ratio of particle mass emission factors of aged to fresh emissions increased in the following order: DSL buses at 4.0, HVO buses at 6.7, HVOHEV buses at 10.5, RME buses at 10.8, and CNG buses at 84. Of the compounds that can be identified by CIMS, fresh gaseous emissions from all Euro V/EEV (Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle) buses, regardless of fuel type, were dominated by nitrogen-containing compounds such as nitrous acid (HONO), nitric acid (HNO3), and isocyanic acid (HNCO), alongside small monoacids (C1−C3). Notably, the emission of nitrogen-containing compounds was lower in Euro VI buses equipped with more advanced emission control technologies. Secondary gaseous organic acids correlated strongly with gaseous HNO3 signals (R2=0.85–0.99) in Go:PAM, but their moderate to weak correlations with post-photooxidation secondary particle mass suggest that they are not reliable tracers of secondary organic aerosol formation from bus exhaust. Our study highlights that non-regulated compounds and secondary pollutant formation, not currently addressed in legislation, are crucial considerations in the evaluation of environmental impacts of future fuel and engine technology shifts.

Biochemical analysis and fertilization success of Cirrhinus mrigala ova during induced spawning

Fish egg quality is very crucial in aquaculture sector for production of healthy seed. Egg yolk is an energy reservoir for growth and development of embryo. This study evaluated the biochemical composition and quality of Cirrhinus mrigala eggs at three different hatchery sites of Pakistan, (Site 1= Fish Seed Hatchery, District Pakpattan; Site 2= Sidhuwan Hatchery, Head Balloki, District Kasur; Site 3= Chenab Fish Hatchery, Rangpur, District Muzaffargarh) during induced breeding. For this, a total of 36 (18 males and 18 females) fish brooders, 12 (06 males and 06 females) from each site were utilized. Fatty acids analysis revealed significant differences among three different sites. Saturated fatty acids i.e., palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acids (C18:0) were higher at site 2 compared to the others sites. Monounsaturated fatty acids i.e., Oleic acid (C18:1) and polyunsaturated fatty acids i.e., Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C22:6) exhibited considerably greater values at site 2 than those of other two sites. Egg mineral contents unveiled remarkable differences, particularly at site 2 indicating significantly higher mineral contents except copper (Cu) in comparison to the other sites. Significant variation exists in fertilization and hatching rates during induced spawning, with the highest values recorded at site 2. It is concluded that biochemical composition of egg especially fatty acid profile and mineral content greatly influences the embryonic development and hatching success of farm reared Cirrhinus mrigala.

Mangrove tree aerial root extract mediated green synthesis of Ag/Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposite and its application as a catalyst for one potsynthesis of 7-phenyl-6H,7H-benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]chromeno[4,3-d][1,3]thiazin-6-one derivatives.

In this study, we report the green preparation of magnetically separable Ag/Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposites using mangrove tree aerial root extract as a stabilising agent. The morphology, size, chemical composition, magnetic property and other characteristic parameters of synthesised Ag/Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposite were determined by analytical techniques like Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM),transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results proved that mangrove tree aerial root extract has the ability to reduce Ag+ ions, graphene oxide (GO) to Ag nanoparticle and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), respectively. The prepared Ag/Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposite was used successfully as a prompt catalyst for synthesis of 7-phenyl-6H,7H-benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]chromeno[4,3-d][1,3]thiazin-6-one derivatives by one-pot multi-component reaction of 4-hydroxycoumarin (10mmol), 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (10mmol) and different arylaldehyde (10mmol) in the presence of ethanol (10ml) as an eco-benign solvent at reflux condition. By utilising this protocol, we have constructed 7-phenyl-6H,7H-benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]chromeno[4,3-d][1,3]thiazin-6-one derivatives in good to excellent yield of 80-90%. This synthesis involves the formation of C-C, C-N and C-S bonds. The synthesised organic heterocyclic compounds were examined for the green matrix properties such as atom economy (AE), E-factor and product mass intensity (PMI). This green protocol is of big interest due to employing simple, non-toxic heterogeneous, separable, reusable Ag/Fe3O4/rGO as an eco-safe heterogeneous catalyst and environmentally benign ethanol as a green solvent without the use of any harmful mineral acid and toxic transition metal catalyst.

Advances in the application of ion chromatography-mass spectrometry in the fields of life and health

Ion chromatography is a technique commonly used to separate strongly polar and ionizable substances; it can be used to separate, identify, and quantify ionizable compounds in complex samples when coupled with mass spectrometry, and is currently being used in the application of food analysis, drug analysis, metabolomics and clinical poisoning analysis. Herein, we review the development of ion chromatography-mass spectrometry (IC-MS), its progress over the past 20 years, and future trends in the abovementioned areas. The IC-MS research progress and applications for the determination of inorganic anions, organic acids, polar pesticides, biogenic amines, and sugars in the food field are discussed. Drug analysis applications are discussed mainly in relation to the analysis of drug impurities, identifying drug degradation products, and determination of plasma concentration, while the separation and analysis of strongly polar metabolites, such as organic acids, sugar phosphates, and nucleotides in biological matrices are discussed in relation to metabolomics. Advances in the analysis of strongly polar or ionizable toxic compounds, such as alkyl methylphosphonic acid, methylphosphonic acid, glyphosate, 3-nitropropionic acid, and indandione rodenticides, are mainly discussed in clinical poisoning analysis field. This paper is expected to become a useful reference for the further expansion and application of IC-MS in the life and health fields.

Volvariella volvacea (paddy straw mushroom): A mushroom with exceptional medicinal and nutritional properties

Volvariella volvacea, commonly referred to as paddy straw mushroom, is renowned for its remarkable medicinal and nutritional properties. This mushroom, part of the family Pluteaceae, thrives in tropical and subtropical regions and is highly esteemed for its distinctive flavor and substantial health benefits. The fruiting body of V. volvacea is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including antioxidant enzymes, terpenes, polypeptides, sugars, phenolics, and flavonoids. These compounds exhibit an extensive range of therapeutic activities such as anti-tumor, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-malarial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects. Nutritionally, V. volvacea is an excellent source of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, ascorbic acid, and essential minerals. It also boasts a comprehensive profile of amino acids, including valine, arginine, glutamine, serine, aspartic acid, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, asparagine, lysine, cystine, proline, glycine, tryptophan, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, and histidine. This review emphasizes the significant medicinal and nutritional potential of V. volvacea, advocating its inclusion as a functional food to enhance human health and well-being. By highlighting its diverse bioactive compounds and therapeutic benefits, this review aims to foster greater recognition and utilization of paddy straw mushroom in both dietary and medicinal applications.

Enhanced electricity generation in direct glucose alkaline fuel cell combined with microbial fuel cell

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of combining direct glucose alkaline fuel cell (DGAFC) with microbial fuel cell (MFC) process. The system of two DGAFC cells combined with an MFC cell was successfully operated for the first time with 1 g/L glucose in 50 mM carbonate buffer solution at a pH of 10.5. The combined system achieved 99% of Coulombic efficiency and produced 6.68 and 1.80 times the total Coulombs of two DGAFC cells and one MFC cell, respectively. No accumulation of gluconic acid and high glucose mineralization were detected in the combined system within 72 h. High performance of the combined system was attributed to the synergistic effect between glucose conversion to gluconic acid in the DGAFC and its utilization by electrochemically active bacteria and fermenters in the MFC. Our results could be useful for developing novel glucose fuel cell.