Active Iron Research Articles

Phytochemical Analysis, Radical Scavenging Activity, and Molecular Docking Studies of Heliotropium sibiricum (L.) J.I.M.Melo.

This study explores the phytochemical profile and molecular docking properties of Heliotropium sibiricum (L.) J.I.M.Melo, as detailed in Kew Bull. 77: 970 (2022). Antioxidant assays revealed strong radical scavenging activity (DPPH: 0.14 ± 0.02 μg/mL) and moderate iron chelation capacity (4.23 ± 0.99 mg/mL). The extract exhibited high phenolic (393.79 ± 30.14 μg/mL) and flavonoid (50.76 ± 1.40 μg/mL) contents. Enzymatic antioxidant assays showed notable activities: MDA (0.2141 ± 0.0047 μM), CAT (426 ± 14.73 U/mg), PO (8.366 ± 0.15 U/mg), SOD (53.13 ± 1.41 U/mg), and Mn-SOD (7.63 ± 0.31 U/mg). GC-MS analysis identified major compounds including pyrrolidine (15.08%), neophytadiene (9.40%), 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (9.75%), and 2-pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl- (7.19%). Molecular docking revealed binding energies ranging from -3.4 to -5.2 kcal/mol, with 1,2-cyclohexanedimethanol showing the strongest interaction. These results demonstrate the plant's significant antioxidant potential and suggest that its bioactive constituents may serve as promising candidates for pharmacological development.

Ferroptosis and recurrent miscarriage: a critical review of pathophysiology and emerging therapeutic targets.

Ferroptosis is characterized as a specialized type of regulated cellular death that relies on iron and lipid peroxidation, which has recently been highlighted as playing a crucial role in the etiology of recurrent miscarriage (RM). Ferroptosis in RM is driven by dysregulated iron metabolism and increased oxidative stress, resulting from impaired antioxidant defense, which leads to lipid peroxidation and consequent cell death in trophoblasts. The cellular changes compromise placental development and impair trophoblast invasion and maternal-fetal tolerance. Therapeutic interventions targeting ferroptosis are promising for the mitigation of its effects and improvement of pregnancy outcomes. Strategies include Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity enhancement, glutathione replenishment, ferroptosis inhibitors, and iron metabolism modulation. Further, new strategies targeting non-coding RNAs, and epigenetic regulators emphasize ferroptosis as a viable therapeutic target. This review emphasizes the importance of ferroptosis in the pathophysiology of RM and highlights its potential for guiding innovative treatments.

A theoretical approach to the corrosion inhibition of iron (110) in HCl activation by environmental benign four amino acids: MC simulation and DFT studies

A theoretical approach to the corrosion inhibition of iron (110) in HCl activation by environmental benign four amino acids: MC simulation and DFT studies

Pexophagy-driven redox imbalance promotes virus-induced ferroptosis.

Pexophagy-driven redox imbalance promotes virus-induced ferroptosis.

Effect of nanocellulose-assisted green-synthesized iron nanoparticles and conventional sources of Fe on pot marigold plants symbiotically with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Funneliformis mosseae)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of nanocellulose-assisted green-synthesized iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) and conventional sources of Fe on pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) plants symbiotically with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM). Pot marigold plants were inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae in addition to applying ferrous sulfate, FeNPs, and Fe-EDDHA at a rate of 10 mg Fe/kg soil, which follows the recommended rates of fertilizer. Their effects on plant growth, morphology, and physiological parameters were to be compared in the experiment. According to the findings, FeNPs significantly increased plant height, mean stem length, flower number, and total flower lifespan, especially when used with AMF. Most notably, this treatment produced the highest total chlorophyll content (6.62 mg/g FW), active iron in leaves (10 µg/g FW), essential oil (5.75%), mean number of leaves per plant (26.25), number of flowers per plant (6.5), and overall flower lifespan (92.75 days). It also produced superior mycorrhizal root colonization (52.47%). However, because of its lower uptake efficiency and rapid oxidation, ferrous sulfate showed limited performance. By enhancing iron bioavailability, the FeNPs promoted more effective metabolic activity and nutrient absorption. These results demonstrate the advantage of producing FeNPs as a bio-sustainable and biocompatible alternative for synthetic chelates, thus providing an interesting way to improve crop growth promotion in mycorrhizal cropping systems.

Electro-chemo-mechanical modelling of structural battery composite full cells

Structural battery composites are multifunctional materials capable of storing electrochemical energy and carry mechanical load at the same time. In this study, we focus on the laminated structural battery design developed by Asp and co-workers, which utilises multifunctional carbon fibres as both active material and mechanical reinforcement in the negative electrode. The positive electrode consists of active lithium iron phosphate particles adhered to an aluminium foil. Building upon previous research, we develop a fully coupled numerical multiphysics model to simulate the charge–discharge processes of the structural battery full cell. The model includes non-linear reaction kinetics, pertinent to the Butler–Volmer relation. Furthermore, we employ a simplified continuum representation of the porous positive electrode, enabling simulations at the battery cell level. Available experimental data for material parameters is utilised when possible, while the remaining parameters are obtained from calibration against experimental charge–discharge voltage profiles at two different rates. Results show that the presented model captures the general trend of the experimental voltage profiles for a range of charge rates. Through this work, we aim to provide insights for future structural battery design efforts.

Tracing the electron transfer behavior driven by hydrophyte-derived carbon materials empowered autotrophic denitrification in iron-based constructed wetlands: Efficacy and enhancement mechanism.

Tracing the electron transfer behavior driven by hydrophyte-derived carbon materials empowered autotrophic denitrification in iron-based constructed wetlands: Efficacy and enhancement mechanism.

Highly Active and Air-Stable Iron Phosphide Catalyst for Reductive Amination of Carbonyl Compounds Enabled by Metal-Support Synergy.

Iron has long been recognized as an ideal catalytic material for sustainable chemistry. However, conventional iron catalysts employed in liquid-phase hydrogenation reactions suffer from poor activity and air instability, severely restricting their wide applicability in practical use. Herein, we present the development of highly active and air-stable iron phosphide nanocrystal immobilized on zirconia (Fe2P NC/ZrO2) for the reductive amination of aldehydes and ketones. The Fe2P NC/ZrO2 catalyst demonstrated broad substrate applicability, high recyclability, and scalability in both gram-scale and continuous-flow processes. This catalyst leverages the synergistic metal-support effect of Fe2P NCs and ZrO2 support, leading to activity 313 times higher than that of conventional iron nanoparticle catalysts. In-depth mechanistic studies elucidated that the distinctive interplay between Fe2P and ZrO2 significantly accelerates ammonolysis of Schiff bases, a key step for boosting reaction efficiency. This study sets a new benchmark for iron-based catalysis, offering a robust alternative to precious metals, thereby contributing significantly to sustainable chemical manufacturing and green organic synthesis.

Synthesis, Characterization, Bioevaluation, and Docking Studies of Spiroisatin-Based Hydrazide Conjugates.

A series of spiroisatin-based hydrazide conjugates IV(a-t) was synthesized and structurally characterized using spectral data, with compound IV-a further confirmed by x-ray diffraction analysis. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their biological potential in a cell painting assay. Among the synthesized spiroisatin derivatives, compound IV-p exhibited significant activity in inducing cellular morphological changes, with an induction value of 30.6%. In addition, some compounds showed high biosimilarities with marketed drugs. Specifically, the compounds IV-n and IV-p showed a high biosimilarity with the orally active iron chelator deferasirox, and IV-m showed a high biosimilarity with the kinase inhibitor alisertib. Furthermore, compounds IV-p showed significant inhibition against human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231=82.37%) and colorectal carcinoma cell lines (HCT-116=86.25%) during preliminary investigations. Moreover, it was revealed through molecular docking analysis that IV-p possesses a good binding score against ferroportin and Aurora A kinase (-9.3 and -9.2kcal/mol), which are quite comparable with the deferasirox (-9.2kcal/mol) and alisertib (-9.8kcal/mol). Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the synthesized conjugates have good oral bioavailability, balanced hydrophilicity, and minimal toxicity. The results of this study clearly highlight the potential of these conjugates as promising small bioactive molecules.

Geomicrobiology of Aquifers in Enugu

This study was undertaken to examine the microbiological and biochemical characteristics of water and sediment samples collected from different locations in Enugu metropolis with a view to determining their quality and possible effects on water chemistry. Ten geographical sites, viz: Emene, New Artisan, Gariki, Trans-Ekulu, Amechi, Centenary, etc. five samples were collected from each geographical site and handled according to standard microbiological procedures, serial dilution, preparation of selective media for the isolation of bacteria and characterization of bacterial isolates. Biochemical tests which includes Gram stain, catalase, coagulase, indole, oxidase, citrate, and sugar fermentation were carried out for isolates characterization. The remarkable outcome was the differences of bacterial isolates across the sites sampled. Microbiological activity involved counts of bacterial populations that were involved in biogeochemical cycling, such as Desulfomicrobium, Geobacter sp., Shewanella sp., Bacillus sp., and Pseudomonas sp. The existence of extensive variability of microbial density across sites was reflected by the results, with Geobacter sp. predominance at Agbani Road (2.5 × 10³ CFU/mL) and Centenary (1.3 × 10⁴ CFU/mL) and suggested active iron reduction. Shewanella sp., which has long been known to be metal-reducing, is highly present in Gariki (2.3 × 10³ CFU/mL) and Agbani Road (2.4 × 10³ CFU/mL), indicating potential redox conversions. Desulfomicrobium, the sulfate-reducing bacterium, is most present in Emene (1.4 × 10³ CFU/mL) and Ologo (2.1 × 10² CFU/mL), indicating potential reduction of sulfate and hydrogen sulfide production. Pseudomonas sp., being a metabolically flexible bacterium, exhibited moderate growth in Ugwuaji (1.6 × 10² CFU/mL) and Amechi (1.1 × 10² CFU/mL), which is indicative of its organic degradation role. Microbial patterns of distribution attest to active microbial-driven processes in the aquifers that control iron, sulfur, and carbon cycling. The results highlight the need for frequent microbial monitoring in order to determine groundwater quality and possible biogeochemical changes.

Active iron density and structure of iron ore crystal surface drive the generation of ROS and regulate the heterogeneous aggregation behavior of microplastics

Active iron density and structure of iron ore crystal surface drive the generation of ROS and regulate the heterogeneous aggregation behavior of microplastics

Cryptic iron cycling influenced by organic carbon availability in a seasonally stratified lake.

Iron cycling including phototrophic Fe(II) oxidation has been observed in multiple permanently stratified meromictic lakes, yet less focus has been on dimictic lakes, which seasonally overturn and are vastly more common. Here, we investigated iron cycling in a dimictic lake, Großes Heiliges Meer in northwest Germany, using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, as well as in-situ and lab-based experiments. Bacterial community composition in the lake follows geochemical gradients and differs markedly between oxic and anoxic conditions. Potential iron-metabolizing bacteria were found mostly in anoxic conditions at 7 and 8m depth and were comprised of taxa from the genera Chlorobium, Thiodictyon, Sideroxydans, Geobacter, and Rhodoferrax. We were able to recreate active iron cycling (1) with an ex-situ microbial community from 8m depth and (2) with a successful microbial enrichment culture from 7m depth. Varying the light and organic carbon availability in lab-based experiments showed that Fe(III) reduction overshadows Fe(II) oxidation leading to a cryptic iron cycle. Overall, we could demonstrate that microbial iron cycling can be a key biogeochemical process in dimictic lakes despite regular disturbance, and that complex environmental factors such as organic substrates control the balance between Fe(II) oxidation and Fe(III) reduction.

Efficient and Green Flotation Separation of Molybdenite from Chalcopyrite Using 1-Thioglycerol as Depressant

The effective and environmental separation of chalcopyrite and molybdenite has long presented a challenge in mineral processing due to their similar floatability and close association at room temperature. This study explores the non-toxic 1-thioglycerol (1-TG) as a selective depressant for chalcopyrite–molybdenite flotation separation. An impressive separation effect was realized through single-mineral and mixed-mineral flotation experiments when using 1-TG as a depressant and kerosene as a collector. Contact angle measurements, zeta potential tests, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirm the selective adsorption of 1-TG on the chalcopyrite surface, leading to enhanced surface hydrophilicity and the inhibition of collector adsorption. The depression mechanism is further elucidated through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which demonstrates that it occurs via chemosorption between the thiol group in 1-TG and active iron sites on the chalcopyrite surface. These findings provide a potential efficient depressant for chalcopyrite–molybdenite flotation separation with low dosage, environmental friendliness, and human harmlessness.

Evaluation of 2-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl) acetic acid derivatives as potential human hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase domain-2 (PHD2) inhibitors

Abstract The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) inhibitors can potentially treat ischemic and hypoxic-related diseases, as demonstrated by their use in anemia treatment. An AlphaScreen assay was utilized to assess the PHD2 inhibition of the 2-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)acetic acid (TA) derivatives (1–14), which were synthesized using copper(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. Most of the TA derivatives did not inhibit PHD2 effectively, with compound 14 demonstrating weak inhibition at 100 µM (>50 %). Docking experiments revealed that 14 forms hydrogen bond interactions with Arg 383 and binds to the PHD2 active site iron in a bidentate manner. Molecular dynamic simulation analysis shows 14 resembles but differs from the positive control inhibitor bicyclic isoquinoline (BIQ). It displays stable dynamic characteristics, with some flexible areas stabilizing upon binding to PHD2. The total binding energies for BIQ-PHD2 and 14-PHD2 were determined to be −42.90 kcal/mol and −36.08 kcal/mol, respectively. These values suggest that 14 and BIQ have similar binding affinities. In conclusion, structural changes of 14 may result in the development of an effective PHD2 inhibitor. However, most TA derivatives showed strong binding in docking studies but did not demonstrate good inhibitory activity against PHD2.

Insights into active iron phosphide as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst for sustainable light olefins production

Insights into active iron phosphide as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst for sustainable light olefins production

Insight of oil-soluble Fe-based catalyst for direct liquefaction of Shangwan coal

Insight of oil-soluble Fe-based catalyst for direct liquefaction of Shangwan coal

Seasonal changes of some biochemical indicators in four sheep herds from Bulgarian Dairy Synthetic Population

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate seasonal differences in the values of some enzymes and metabolites - ALT, AST, ALP, serum iron, glucose, as well as WBC count and N/L ratio in four herds of sheep from the Bulgarian Dairy Synthetic Population (BDSP), raised at different altitudes. The research was conducted in sheep farms of the Sofia region - Ravnishte (391 m a.s.l.), IAS - Kostinbrod (548 m a.s.l.), Mirkovo (715 m a.s.l.) and Bosnek (940 m a.s.l.). Blood samples were taken from selected 24 animals from each sheep herd. Analysis of biochemical parameters was performed in extracted plasma by Semi-automatic Biochemical Analyzer BTS-350 and WBC (leucocyte subpopulations, resp.) count was performed by 5-Part-Diff Automated Haematology Analyzer. We observed significant differences between seasons in all studied indicators except in WBC count (most in B. and R.). In the summer season there were more significant differences between sheep farms in all studied indicators compared to winter, except about the serum iron levels. All studied indices were within the reference values for sheep, except about ALP activity and serum iron levels, which were lower than limits. The lack of significant difference in total leukocyte count, but the presence of changes in subpopulations, indicated a dynamic adaptation of the immune system to seasonal factors, such as infections, nutrition, stress and parasite loads, i.e., N/L ratio, could be an indicator to seasonal (winter and summer) stress and criterion for selection for stress resistance in sheep, depending on altitude.

Major heme proteins hemoglobin and myoglobin with respect to their roles in oxidative stress - a brief review.

Oxidative stress is considered as the root-cause of different pathological conditions. Transition metals, because of their redox-active states, are capable of free radical generation contributing oxidative stress. Hemoglobin and myoglobin are two major heme proteins, involved in oxygen transport and oxygen storage, respectively. Heme prosthetic group of heme proteins is a good reservoir of iron, the most abundant transition metal in human body. Although iron is tightly bound in the heme pocket of these proteins, it is liberated under specific circumstances yielding free ferrous iron. This active iron can react with H2O2, a secondary metabolite, forming hydroxyl radical via Fenton reaction. Hydroxyl radical is the most harmful free radical among all the reactive oxygen species. It causes oxidative stress by damaging lipid membranes, proteins and nucleic acids, activating inflammatory pathways and altering membrane channels, resulting disease conditions. In this review, we have discussed how heme-irons of hemoglobin and myoglobin can promote oxidative stress under different pathophysiological conditions including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and renal diseases. Understanding the association of heme proteins to oxidative stress may be important for knowing the complications as well as therapeutic management of different pathological conditions.

Effects of Additional Mesopores and the Surface Modification of the Y-Type Zeolite on the Alkane Oxidation Activity of Iron Complex-Encapsulated Catalysts.

Catalytic alkane hydroxylation activities of the iron complex encapsulated into the micropore of the Y-type zeolite and mesoporous zeolites, the latter of which were obtained by the partial removal of aluminum and alkaline treatment, have been explored by using H2O2 as the oxidant. The iron complex with tris(pyridylmethyl)amine (=TPA) encapsulated into the micropore of the genuine Y-type zeolite was a more stable and effective cyclohexane hydroxylating heterogeneous catalyst compared to the corresponding copper analogue as well as the non-encapsulated homogeneous Fe-TPA complex. The chemical modification of the zeolite supports with the organic groups led to changing the catalytic activity depending on the size and the hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of the added organic groups. When the content of water in the solvent was increased, the activity of the hydrophilic longer chain-modified catalyst was improved compared to that applied on the reaction with the non-aqueous solvent. The hydrophobic fluoroalkyl modifier located near the entrance of the micropore hindered the access of the substrate and aqueous H2O2 to the encapsulated iron complex site in the genuine Y-type zeolite. On the other hand, the hydrophobic modification effectively improved the activity of the catalyst with the zeolite support having higher amounts of mesopores. The synergistic effect of the wider bore diameters and the hydrophobic nature derived from the fluoroalkyl chains led to the concentration of the hydrocarbon substrate near the active iron complex.

Anemia in inflammatory bowel disease-A comprehensive review.

Anemia is a frequent complication in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. The etiology is multifactorial, with iron deficiency and anemia of chronic disease being the main reasons. Other causes include vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, hemolytic anemia and medications such as azathioprine and sulfasalazine. Apart from physical symptoms, it is associated with several negative outcomes, including poor quality of life, increased risk of hospital admission, increased risk of surgery and higher treatment costs. Diagnostic evaluation aims to identify the underlying cause and severity to determine the appropriate therapeutic strategy. Investigations include a complete blood count, iron indices, inflammatory markers and vitamin B12 and folate levels. Patients with iron deficiency need adequate replacement therapy to improve hemoglobin and replenish iron stores. Those with moderate to severe anemia and/or active disease need intravenous iron, while mild anemia can be treated with oral iron. Multiple parenteral iron formulations are available which differ in dose and frequency of administration. Traditional oral iron supplements are available in ferrous forms, which, although effective, are associated with gastrointestinal side effects. Newer oral iron formulations have helped reduce these adverse effects but are expensive. Anemia of chronic disease is mainly driven by the effects of inflammatory mediators on iron metabolism and erythropoiesis and treatment requires control of disease activity. Relapse of anemia after therapy is frequent; hence, patients need to be closely followed up for early detection and appropriate management. Significant advances have been made in understanding the pathophysiology of anemia in IBD and better and safer iron formulations are available. However, a significant proportion of IBD patients with anemia go undetected or untreated and there is a need for improved recognition and better management practices. This review discusses various aspects of anemia in IBD and the current approach to diagnosis and management.