Removal Of Agent Research Articles

Exploring the potential of Aspergillus terreus 2021, WLL-ISO: A dual-functional agent for heavy metal removal and self-aggregation in wastewater treatment

This study investigates the potential of Aspergillus terreus strain 2021, WLL-ISO, isolated from Cu2+-rich wastewater, for heavy metal removal and spheroidization. Phylogenetic analysis, supported by biochemical characterization, reveals its close affiliation with A. terreus. The fungus exhibits robust growth and diverse substrate utilization. Notably, it achieves complete removal of Cu2+ from solutions (initial concentrations: 10–50 mg/L) alongside self-spheroidization. The resulting pellets display enhanced settleability and a porous structure conducive to heavy metal adsorption. Langmuir and Freundlich models confirm the fungus’s high affinity and capacity for heavy metal adsorption, particularly Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, and Fe2+. EPS analysis reveals significant compositional alterations under heavy metal stress, impacting pellet formation. Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix spectrum analysis detects activation of humic acid-like organics in response to Cu2+ stress. Moreover, the fungus exhibits promising Cu2+ removal from real wastewater, highlighting its practical potential in heavy metal remediation. The self-aggregating nature of the fungus presents opportunities for the recycling of adsorbents post-heavy metal adsorption, enhancing the sustainability of the remediation process.

Sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for palbociclib, a highly selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, based on molecularly imprinted polymer

In this research, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based electrochemical sensor was developed for the first time to determine palbociclib (PLB), an oral, selective Cyclin Dependent Kinase (CDK4 and CDK6) inhibitor used in the treatment of breast cancer. Acrylamide (ACR) was selected as the functional monomer to fabricate the proposed sensor (ACR-PLB-MIP/GCE), and polymerization was performed by photopolymerization. To improve the efficiency of the MIP-based electrode for PLB measurement, several factors, including monomer ratio, removal time, removal agent, and rebinding time, were carefully optimized. Under optimal conditions and using the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique, the limit of detection (LOD) of 1.35 × 10−12 M and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 4.48 × 10−12 M were calculated for PLB analysis using ACR-PLB-MIP/GCE in standard solution. Application of the ACR-PLB-MIP/GCE sensor to commercial serum samples resulted in LOD and LOQ values of 3.33 × 10−12 M and 1.11 × 10−11 M, respectively. The sensor was also applied to the tablet sample for the detection of PLB and a satisfactory RSD% (0.95) was obtained. The results of interference studies confirmed the high selectivity of the electrode for PLB analysis. These results clearly demonstrated that the molecular imprinting approach for the detection of PLB in the novel sensor system is a highly efficient approach.

Organo acid-activated clays for water treatment as removal agent of Eosin-Y: Properties, regeneration, and single batch design absorber

Organoclays have been proposed as efficient removal agents for colored wastewater treatment. In this study, organo-acid-activated clays were investigated for their ability to remove eosin Y dye molecules. Firstly, the clay was acid activated using sulfuric solution at 90 °C for overnight. Secondly, the resulting materials were treated by hexadecyltetramethylammonium bromide solutions to obtain organo-acid-activated clays. Several techniques were used, such as X-ray diffraction, carbon hydrogen nitrogen analysis, silicon-29 and carbon-13 solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The cation exchange capacity values were reduced and the specific surface area values increased from 80.1 m2/g to 183.2 m2/g during the acid activation process. The resulting organo-acid-activated clays had a similar expansion of interlayer spacing of 3.90 nm with less intercalated hexadecyltetramethylammonium surfactants, ranging from 0.80 mmol/g to 1.22 mmol/g; 13C solid NMR indicated that the intercalated surfactants exhibited different degree of conformation. Many factors, including the solid dose, solution pH, amount of intercalated surfactants, and starting eosin-Y concentrations, were studied in relation to the removal capabilities of organo acid-activated clays. Based on the Langmuir model, the removal capacity of the organo acid-activated clays ranged from a minimum of 43.5 mg/g to a maximum of 79.3 mg/g, dependent on the surfactant quantities and acid activation degree. , and the pH. The removal percentage of eosin-Y was increased from 50.5 % to 80.8 % by treating the organo acid-activated clay with HCl solution before the removal procedure. Regeneration and reuse of two selected organo acid-activated clays were carried out for seven successive cycles, and a reduction in the initial efficiency was in the range of 26.4 %–30.1 %. However, for organoclay (without acid activation), approximately 52.1 % efficiency was maintained. Using the Langmuir model and mass balance equations, a single-stage adsorber design was suggested for different dye volumes at a constant starting concentration.

Revealing the mechanism of structure-electron effect in mechanochemistry-driven CuS-coupled layered g-C3N4 Schottky-junction for enhanced demercuration

The development of cost-effective heterojunctions with heightened affinity for mercury (Hg0) presents a promising approach for mercury abatement from stationary source emissions. In this study, one novel hierarchical porous Schottky heterojunction composed of CuS-coupled layered g-C3N4 (CuS-CN) was synthesised via a mechanochemistry-driven acetate route. The prepared CuS-CN heterojunction exhibited a considerable Hg0 accommodation capacity of 33.04 mg/g at 70 °C and a breakthrough threshold of 60%, which was 40% higher than that of CuS-CN(mix) prepared by simply mixing CuS and CN without forming a heterojunction interface. Additionally, the CuS-CN heterojunction demonstrated satisfactory applicability against various simulated stationary source exhausts. Furthermore, the reason for the unparalleled and enhanced demercuration performance of the CuS-CN heterojunction was systematically deduced via experimental studies and first-principles calculations. Under-coordinated disulfides (S22−) on the CuS-CN surface served as the primary active centre for the oxidation of Hg0 to Hg2+ and simultaneous bonding site for Hg2+ to form HgS. The well-developed electron transport network and narrow bandgap energy of the CuS-CN heterojunction enhanced charge separation and transfer from Hg0 and CN to CuS, accelerating Hg0 oxidation reaction, which resulted in an enhanced adsorption energy of −344.52 kJ/mol. Additionally, the CuS-CN heterojunction exhibited stronger Hg0 oxidation and weaker HgS adsorption properties, attributed to the lower bond strength of HgS on the CuS-CN surface and lower energy barrier for HgS desorption. Thus, this study highlighted the effectiveness of the CuS-CN heterojunction in Hg0 abatement and presented a promising strategy for the mechanochemical synthesis of mercury removal agents for large-scale industrial applications.

From theory to practice: Dissociation of AsMA under reactive metal perturbations for the harmlessness and resourcefulness of copper slag

Upgrading copper slag into value-added products provides an untapped opportunity to address arsenic pollution in the environment and promote waste recycling, but the problem of excessive arsenic in products remains a huge engineering challenge. Herein, we employ DFT calculations to explore the dissociation mechanism of AsMA and propose a universal descriptor for screening As removal agents for the first time. The dissociation of AsMA is related to the disturbance of the Mo-As bond by Ba and follows the “Perturbation – Re-stabilization – Dissociation” mechanism. The BΨ value of Ba is near the minimum value of −0.1058 in the universal descriptors, which renders it potential candidates for As removal agents. As expected, Ba can increase As removal efficiency by approximately 45 % when employing the Si-Ca-Ba alloy compared to other Ca-based alloys. This work offers contributions to the As removal technology for copper slag value-added products while also highlighting the DFT calculations used in guiding engineering practices.

Simvastatin activates the spindle assembly checkpoint and causes abnormal cell division by modifying small GTPases

Simvastatin is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, which is a rate-limiting enzyme of the cholesterol synthesis pathway. It has been used clinically as a lipid-lowering agent to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. In addition, antitumor activity has been demonstrated. Although simvastatin attenuates the prenylation of small GTPases, its effects on cell division in which small GTPases play an important role, have not been examined as a mechanism underlying its cytostatic effects. In this study, we determined its effect on cell division. Cell cycle synchronization experiments revealed a delay in mitotic progression in simvastatin-treated cells at concentrations lower than the IC50. Time-lapse imaging analysis indicated that the duration of mitosis, especially from mitotic entry to anaphase onset, was prolonged. In addition, simvastatin increased the number of cells exhibiting misoriented anaphase/telophase and bleb formation. Inhibition of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) kinase Mps1 canceled the mitotic delay. Additionally, the number of cells exhibiting kinetochore localization of BubR1, an essential component of SAC, was increased, suggesting an involvement of SAC in the mitotic delay. Enhancement of F-actin formation and cell rounding at mitotic entry indicates that cortical actin dynamics were affected by simvastatin. The cholesterol removal agent methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) accelerated mitotic progression differently from simvastatin, suggesting that cholesterol loss from the plasma membrane is not involved in the mitotic delay. Of note, the small GTPase RhoA, which is a critical factor for cortical actin dynamics, exhibited upregulated expression. In addition, Rap1 was likely not geranylgeranylated. Our results demonstrate that simvastatin affects actin dynamics by modifying small GTPases, thereby activating the spindle assembly checkpoint and causing abnormal cell division.

Optimization of Enzymatic and Chemical Decellularization of Native Porcine Heart Valves for the Generation of Decellularized Xenografts.

One of the most important medical interventions for individuals with heart valvular disease is heart valve replacement, which is not without substantial challenges, particularly for pediatric patients. Due to their biological properties and biocompatibility, natural tissue-originated scaffolds derived from human or animal sources are one type of scaffold that is widely used in tissue engineering. However, they are known for their high potential for immunogenicity. Being free of cells and genetic material, decellularized xenografts, consequently, have low immunogenicity and, thus, are expected to be tolerated by the recipient's immune system. The scaffold ultrastructure and ECM composition can be affected by cell removal agents. Therefore, applying an appropriate method that preserves intact the structure of the ECM plays a critical role in the final result. So far, there has not been an effective decellularization technique that preserves the integrity of the heart valve's ultrastructure while securing the least amount of genetic material left. This study demonstrates a new protocol with untraceable cells and residual DNA, thereby maximally reducing any chance of immunogenicity. The mechanical and biochemical properties of the ECM resemble those of native heart valves. Results from this study strongly indicate that different critical factors, such as ionic detergent omission, the substitution of Triton X-100 with Tergitol, and using a lower concentration of trypsin and a higher concentration of DNase and RNase, play a significant role in maintaining intact the ultrastructure and function of the ECM.

A comparative study on the efficacy of over-the-counter wax solvents versus distilled water for managing ear cerumen

Abstract Background: Ear wax, or cerumen, is a naturally occurring hydrophobic waxy substance frequently encountered in otorhinolaryngology practices. Despite the abundance of water- and oil-based ceruminolytic agents available nowadays, there remains a lack of consensus regarding the preferred agent type, composition, or ideal treatment duration. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to assess the efficacy of using distilled water as a wax-softening agent for ear wax removal and determine its advantages compared to over-the-counter (OTC) ceruminolytics. Materials and Methods: This double-masked, randomized prospective cohort study enrolled 236 patients seeking treatment for ear wax-related concerns at the Ear, Nose, Throat outpatient department. The cohort exclusively consisted of cases involving right ear wax, which were then randomly allocated into two groups: group A received distilled water ear drops, whereas group B received OTC ceruminolytic ear drops containing a combination of paradichlorobenzene with turpentine oil, benzocaine, and chlorbutol. Evaluation of patients took place pre- and post-intervention, focusing on three key parameters: the total duration required for ear suctioning, any additional instrumentation employed, and the occurrence of pre-procedure and post-procedure complications. Results: Out of the total 118 participants in the study, they were randomly distributed with 67 males and 51 females in group A and 63 males and 55 females in group B. During the pre-intervention complication assessment, nine subjects in group A reported ear blockage, whereas four subjects in group B did so. Additionally, two subjects in group A complained of pain, whereas none in group B did. Furthermore, five subjects in group A developed otitis externa, compared with three in group B. The average time required for ear suctioning to visualize the tympanic membrane was 9.24 ± 2.50 min in group A and 9.68 ± 2.18 min in group B. During the intervention, nine subjects in group A experienced pain during wax removal, whereas only six patients in Group B reported pain. After the interventions, five patients in group A complained of increased ear pain compared with seven in group B. Mild post-interventional pain was managed with an as-needed dosage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Statistically significant differences were observed in the study parameters between the subjects of the two groups. Conclusion: This study confirms that distilled water can serve as a viable method for dispersing wax, proving its efficacy comparable with commercially available OTC ceruminolytics.

WITHDRAWN: Corrigendum to ‘Permeability enhancement of coal-bearing propped fractures using blockage removal agent treatments in coalbed methane reservoirs’ [Gas Science and Engineering 124 (2024) 205259]

WITHDRAWN: Corrigendum to ‘Permeability enhancement of coal-bearing propped fractures using blockage removal agent treatments in coalbed methane reservoirs’ [Gas Science and Engineering 124 (2024) 205259]

An in vitro assessment of the residual dentin after using three minimally invasive caries removal techniques

To evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of three minimally invasive (MI) techniques in removing deep dentin carious lesions. Forty extracted carious molars were treated by conventional rotary excavation (control), chemomechanical caries removal agent (Brix 3000), ultrasonic abrasion (WOODPECKER, GUILIN, China); and Er, Cr: YSGG laser ablation (BIOLASE San Clemente, CA, USA). The assessments include; the excavation time, DIAGNOdent pen, Raman spectroscopy, Vickers microhardness, and scanning electron microscope combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX). The rotary method recorded the shortest excavation time (p < 0.001), Brix 3000 gel was the slowest. DIAGNOdent pen values ranged between 14 and 18 in the remaining dentin and laser-ablated surfaces recorded the lowest reading (p < 0.001). The Ca:P ratios of the remaining dentin were close to sound dentin after all excavation methods; however, it was higher in the ultrasonic technique (p < 0.05). The bur-excavated dentin showed higher phosphate and lower matrix contents with higher tissue hardness that was comparable to sound dentin indicating the non-selectiveness of this technique in removing the potentially repairable dentin tissue. In contrast, the MI techniques exhibited lower phosphate and higher organic contents associated with lower microhardness in the deeper dentin layers. This was associated with smooth residual dentin without smearing and patent dentinal tubules. This study supports the efficiency of using MI methods in caries removal as conservative alternatives to rotary excavation, providing a promising strategy for the clinical dental practice.

Permeability enhancement of coal-bearing propped fractures using blockage removal agent treatments in coalbed methane reservoirs

The generation and transport of coal powder has caused great harm to coal reservoir channeling conductivity, affecting the capacity of coalbed methane wells, causing the failure of engineering equipment and great distress to production, while current unblocking methods have many shortcomings. Dispersants, foam stabilizers, and inorganic salt electrolytes were selected in this study as the main components of blockage removal agents, and the wettability and synergistic effects of each component were tested. The results showed that the wettability was best when the ratio of the blockage removal agent was 0.8% SDS + 0.6% BS-12 + 0.8% NaCl, which was 1.57 times higher than that of a single dispersant. The surface tension of blockage removal agent was 64.75% lower than that of clear water. The discharge rate of the pulverized coal particles under the action of the optimum blockage removal agent reached more than 40%, which was more than twice that of clear water. The discharge of the pulverized coal was more than 1.2 times that of the common dispersant formula. The gas-liquid permeability was 4.21 times higher than that obtained with water injections, and 1.45 to 2.91 times higher than that of the commonly used dispersant formulations. This work is helpful to provide a practical guide for the efficient cleaning of sedimentary retained pulverized coal in low-yield coalbed methane wells. This research result is very important to ensure the efficient and stable development of coalbed methane.

Mechanism of Salt Precipitation Blockage in Low-Producing Gas Wells and the Method of Acidification Blockage Removal.

In the Changqing area, over 23.6% of gas wells produce less than 0.1 × 104 m3/d of gas daily, posing a challenge to gas field sustainability. Laboratory analysis of scale samples from three wells and formation water analysis via inductively coupled plasma revealed soluble salt as the primary well blockage, with sodium chloride and calcium chloride comprising 48.0-81.2% of total content. The G3# well blockage contains a small amount of quartz from acid-insoluble components of carbonate acidification. Formation water from all wells exhibited high salinity (up to 153 g/L) with a calcium chloride water type. Scanning electron microscopy and EDS confirmed halite and quartz features in blockage samples. Theoretical calculations show salt crystallization when tubing pressure falls below 10 MPa and daily water production is <1.0 tons/day. Lower production leads to lower tubing pressure and higher salt precipitation at the bottom of the well. For G1# and G2# blockages, HCl dissolves >90%, and water >85%, making them suitable removal agents. For 3# blockage, mud acid with >80% dissolution is recommended. Chemical methods effectively clean the wellbore and formation. Optimized blockage removal measures increase tubing pressure and daily production by 2.18 and 4.05 times, respectively. This study offers insights into addressing well blockage challenges in low-producing gas wells.

Decreasing acid value of fatty acid ethyl ester products using complex enzymes.

Recently, enzymatic method has been used to prepare biodiesel using various oils. But the high acid value of the biodiesel product using enzyme as a catalyst has been one issue. In this work, an attempt to reduce the acid value of fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) product to satisfy the specified requirement (AV ≤ 0.5mgKOH/g), a complex enzyme-catalyzed method was used for the ethanolysis of Semen Abutili seed oil (SASO) (AV = 5.5 ± 0.3mgKOH/g). The effects of various variables (constituents of complex enzyme, type and addition of water removal agent, time, temperature, enzyme addition load, substrate ratio) on the enzymatic reaction were investigated. The optimal reaction conditions were: 1% addition of liquid lipase Eversa® Transform 2.0% and 0.8% of enzyme dry powder CALB, reaction temperature 35°C, alcohol-oil ratio 9:1 (mol/mol), 0.8g/g of 4A-MS and reaction time 24h. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the FAEE yield was 90.8% ± 1.5% and its acid value was decreased from 12.0 ± 0.2mgKOH/g to 0.39 ± 0.10mgKOH/g. In further evaluating the feasibility of preparing FAEE from SASO, the FAEE products obtained under the optimal reaction conditions were purified and evaluated with reference to the ASTM D6751 standard for the main physicochemical indexes. The results obtained were in accordance with the requirements except for the oxidative stability.

Assessment of the Efficiency for Anesthesia of Two Agents in Teeth Removal: A Split-Mouth Research

ABSTRACT Aim: This study was intended to assess and relate the clinical anesthetic effectiveness of tramadol hydrochloride and lidocaine. Methodology: A clinical randomized split-mouth study was piloted among 40 patients who were otherwise healthy but needed to have their maxillary first premolars extracted bilaterally for orthodontic reasons were considered in the research. In each subject on one side (quadrant) of the arch 1.8 milliliters of lidocaine was given and on other side of the arch 1.8 milliliters of tramadol was given. On the basis of a list that was prepared by a computer, the randomization was done and the sides (quadrant) of the arches were decided for all the subjects, and the injections were given as local infiltration. Results: Lidocaine was found to be statistically more effective for overall anesthesia duration, despite the fact that there was no significant variance between the two drugs at the time when anesthetic effect began to take effect. Tramadol was found to be statistically more efficient than lidocaine when compared to the anesthetic activity at the 5th minute before extraction. Tramadol was found to be statistically more successful than lidocaine for both the patient’s degree of satisfaction and the rate at which wounds healed. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, it appears that tramadol and epinephrine could be used as a substitute to conventional local anesthetics during extractions of maxillary first premolar teeth during oral-maxillofacial surgery.

Volumetric analysis after caries excavation with caries detecting dyes and chemomechanical caries removal agents using 3D scanner-a randomised clinical trial

AimThis research aimed to use an extra-oral 3D scanner for conducting volumetric analysis after caries excavation using caries-detecting dyes and chemomechanical caries removal agents in individuals with occlusal and proximal carious lesions.MethodsPatients with occlusal (A1, A2, A3) and proximal carious lesions (B1, B2, B3) were treated with the conventional rotary technique, caries detecting dyes (CDD) and chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) method on 90 teeth (n = 45 for each). Group A1, B1: Excavation was performed using diamond points. Group A2, B2: CDD (Sable Seek™ caries indicator, Ultradent) was applied and left for 10 s, and then the cavity was rinsed and dried. For caries removal, diamond points or excavators were used. Group A3 and B3: BRIX3000 papain gel was applied with a micro-brush for 20 s and was activated for 2 min, and then the carious tissue was removed with a sharp spoon excavator. Post-excavation cavity volume analysis was performed using a 3D scanner. The time required and the verbal pain score (VPS) for pain were scored during excavation. Post-restoration evaluation was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months FDI (Federation Dentaire Internationale) criteria.ResultsComparison of age, time and volume with study groups were made using Independent Sample’ t’ test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for two and more than two groups, respectively. Using Cohen’s Kappa Statistics, evaluators 1 and 2 agreed on caries removal status aesthetic, functional and biological properties at different follow-ups. The chi-square test revealed that the rotary groups [A1(2.5 ± 0.4 min) B1(4.0 ± 0.4 min)] had significantly less (p = 0.000) mean procedural time than CDD [A2(4.5 ± 0.4 min) B2(5.7 ± 0.4 min)] and CMCR [A3(5.4 ± 0.7 min) B3(6.2 ± 0.6 min)] groups. The CMCR group showed better patient acceptance and less pain during caries excavation than the rotary and CDD groups. CMCR group showed significantly less mean caries excavated volume(p = 0.000). Evaluation of restoration after 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals was acceptable for all the groups.ConclusionBrix3000 helps effectively remove denatured teeth with less pain or sensitivity. The time required for caries removal was lowest in the rotary method and highest in the brix3000 group, while the volume of caries removed was the lowest for brix3000 and highest for the rotary group.

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents as Rust Removal Agents from Lithic and Cellulosic Substrates.

The peculiar physicochemical features of deep eutectic solvents (DESs), in particular their tunability, make them ideal media for various applications. Despite their ability to solubilize metal oxides, their use as rust removers from valuable substrates has not yet been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we chose three known DESs, consisting of choline chloride and acetic, oxalic or citric acid for evaluating their ability to remove corrosion products from a cellulose-based material as linen fabric and two different lithotypes, as travertine and granite. The artificial staining was achieved by placing a rusty iron grid on their surfaces. The DESs were applied by means of cellulose poultice on the linen fabrics, while on the rusted stone surfaces with a cotton swab. Macro- and microscopic observations, colorimetry and SEM/EDS analysis were employed to ascertain the cleaning effectiveness and the absence of side effects on the samples after treatment. Oxalic acid-based DES was capable of removing rust stains from both stone and cellulose-based samples, while choline chloride/citric acid DES was effective only on stone specimens. The results suggest a new practical application of DESs for the elimination of rust from lithic and cellulosic substrates of precious and artistic value.

A new optimal PV installation angle model in high-latitude cold regions based on historical weather big data

PV technologies are regarded as one of the most promising renewable options for the transition towards Net Zero. Despite the rapid development of PV systems in recent years, achieving the necessary goals requires more than a threefold increase in annual capacity deployment by 2030. However, current PV systems often fall short of optimal performance due to improper installation angles. In high-latitude cold regions, the actual PV generation capacity is frequently overestimated due to the omission of snow conditions. This study introduces a novel model designed for high-latitude regions to predict local optimal PV installation angle that maximizes PV power generation, utilizing historical weather big data, including snowfall and melting effects. A case study is presented within a Swedish context to demonstrate the implementation of these methods. The results highlight the crucial role snow conditions play in determining PV performance, resulting in an average reduction of 14.7% in annual PV power generation. Optimal installation angle could yield approximately a 4.8% improvement compared to common installation angles. The study also explores the application of snow removal agents, which could potentially increase PV generation by 0.1–2.3%. Additionally, the new PV installation angle successfully captures the impact of the local weather changes on PV power generation, potentially serving as a bridge between climate change adaptation and future PV power generation endeavors.

Sustainable approach for the degradation of Contrast dye Evans blue by Enterobacter cloacae strain SD4-1

BackgroundDischarge of dye complexes through industrial effluents continues to be a never-ending problem for the environment. Several degradation techniques have been experimented with, of which utilizing biological entities for the effective degradation of these dye molecules is extensively studied and still being explored. The present study focuses on (i) isolation of bacterial strains from the contaminated agricultural lands (ii) screening the isolates for their decolourization efficiency of Evans blue dye (iii) optimization of culture parameters such as temperature, pH, concentration of dye and nitrogen source for effective decolourization (iv) analysing the effect of degradation of diazo dye Evan's blue by the selected strain using GCMS analysis. MethodsThe bacterial strains were isolated from contaminated agricultural lands in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The collected samples were aseptically transferred to the laboratory and stored for further studies. The collected samples were serially diluted, and the colonies with distinct morphology were pure-cultured. The isolated strains were studied for their efficiency to decolourize the dye Evans blue dye. The strain with higher decolourization efficiency was selected and optimized for parameters such as temperature, pH, nitrogen source and concentration of dye. The degradation of dye by the isolate was analysed by GCMS. Significant FindingsThe investigation unveiled that the strain SD4-1 of Enterobacter cloacae effectively decolorizes Evans blue dye at 37°C and pH 6.0, utilizing Sodium nitrate as the nitrogen source. SD4-1 exhibited an impressive dye decolourization efficiency of approximately 75%. The comprehensive GCMS analysis verified the bacterium's capability to fully degrade the azo dye Evans blue. Consequently, this study concludes that the SD4-1 Enterobacter cloacae strain holds promising potential for the efficient biodegradation of Evan's blue dye. Its application as a highly effective biological agent in the practical removal of dyes from textile industries is envisaged. Notably, this organism demonstrates superior performance in comparison to other studies where a mixture of dyes or consortia of microorganisms were employed for dye decolourization.

Study on mechanism and kinetics of iron removal by chlorination roasting of coal gangue

Utilizing the abundant kaolin resources within coal gangue is economically beneficial, although the iron-containing phase in the minerals hampers the value of its utilization. In the present study, CaCl2 served as the chlorination agent for iron removal from coal gangue through chlorination roasting. The study revealed that when the roasting temperature is below 800 °C, CaCl2 decomposes into HCl and reacts with the iron content to form chloride, which then volatilizes. Comparatively, when the roasting temperature exceeds 800 °C, CaCl2 will decompose to produce HCl and Cl2 to accelerate the volatilization of iron. Through non-isothermal kinetic analysis, the apparent activation energy for iron removal by chlorination roasting of coal gangue was found to be 82.42 KJ/mol, and the pre-exponential factor was 6329.3 s−1. Correspondingly, isothermal kinetic analysis revealed the apparent activation energy of 84.2 KJ/mol and a pre-exponential factor of 6310.7 s−1. The optimal reaction kinetic mechanism function for iron removal through chlorination roasting of coal gangue was identified as the F3 chemical reaction order model via above kinetic analysis. The integral took the form g(α) = (1-α))2–1.

Periodontitis: etiology, conventional treatments, and emerging bacteriophage and predatory bacteria therapies.

Inflammatory periodontal diseases associated with the accumulation of dental biofilm, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are very common and pose clinical problems for clinicians and patients. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and when treated quickly and properly is completely reversible. Periodontitis is an advanced and irreversible disease of the periodontium with periods of exacerbations, progressions and remission. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that damages the tissues supporting the tooth in its socket, i.e., the gums, periodontal ligaments, root cementum and bone. Periodontal inflammation is most commonly triggered by bacteria present in excessive accumulations of dental plaque (biofilm) on tooth surfaces. This disease is driven by disproportionate host inflammatory immune responses induced by imbalance in the composition of oral bacteria and changes in their metabolic activities. This microbial dysbiosis favors the establishment of inflammatory conditions and ultimately results in the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. Apart microbial shift and host inflammatory response, environmental factors and genetics are also important in etiology In addition to oral tissues destruction, periodontal diseases can also result in significant systemic complications. Conventional methods of periodontal disease treatment (improving oral hygiene, dental biofilm control, mechanical plaque removal, using local or systemic antimicrobial agents) are not fully effective. All this prompts the search for new methods of therapy. Advanced periodontitis with multiple abscesses is often treated with antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, clindamycin, or combined therapy of amoxicillin with metronidazole. However, due to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, treatment does not always achieve the desired therapeutic effect. This review summarizes pathogenesis, current approaches in treatment, limitations of therapy and the current state of research on the possibility of application of bacteriophages and predatory bacteria to combat bacteria responsible for periodontitis. We present the current landscape of potential applications for alternative therapies for periodontitis based on phages and bacteria, and highlight the gaps in existing knowledge that need to be addressed before clinical trials utilizing these therapeutic strategies can be seriously considered.