Amounts Of Zn Research Articles

Zn doped CaP coatings used for controlling the degradation rate of MgCa1 alloy: In vitro anticorrosive properties, sterilization and bacteria/cell-material interactions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Zn doped CaP coatings prepared by micro-arc oxidation method, as a possible approach to control MgCa1 alloy degradation. All the prepared coatings comprised a calcium deficient CaP phase. The control in this evaluation was performed with undoped CaP coating in SBF solution at body temperature (37 ± 0.5⁰C). The investigation involved determination of microchemical, mechanical, morphological, properties along with anticorrosive, cytocompatibility and antibacterial efficacy. The effect of sterilization process on the properties of the surfaces was also investigated. The results showed that the addition of Zn into CaP increased the corrosion resistance of MgCa1 alloy. Moreover, the adhesion strength of the coatings to MgCa1 alloy was enhanced by Zn addition. In cytotoxicity testing of the samples, extracts of the samples in MEM were incubated with L929 cells and malformation, degeneration and lysis of the cells were examined microscopically after 72 h. The results showed that all samples were cytocompatible. The degradation of MgCa1 alloy in the simulated body fluids (SBF) or DMEM was decreased by coating with CaP. Moreover, the degradation rate of CaP was further decreased by adding a small amount of Zn into the CaP matrix. The samples having CaP coatings and Zn doped CaP coating demonstrated antibacterial efficacy against E.coli. As a result, coating of magnesium alloy with Zn-doped CaP decreased the degradation rate, increased the corrosion resistance, cytocompatibility and the antibacterial effects of the alloys.

Supplementary potassium application enriched micronutrient status of purple rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Black/purple rice are rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants, vitamins, and fibres, which possess various health benefits including the prevention of cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. An experiment was conducted to enhance (or modify) the nutrient composition of a Bangladeshi native Purple rice cultivar by potassic (K) fertilizer management. Four fertilizer doses viz., Control (Urea-Triple Superphosphate-Muriate of Potash(MoP)-Gypsum @ 150-52.2-82.5-60 kg/ha, respectively), 20% less urea than the control, 20% additional urea+25% additional MoP than the control, and 25% additional MoP than the control, were used as experimental treatments. Four rice cultivars, viz. BRRI dhan71, Purple dhan, Binadhan-7 and Pahari dhan were used as experimental materials. Brown rice (or hulled rice) of the Purple rice cultivar is rich in protein and minerals compared to test cultivars. The grain yield and mineral content of Purple dhan did not improve significantly by K fertilizer, alone or with additional N, except Fe and Zn. The highest amount of Fe and Zn (105.83 and 47.75 ppm, respectively) was obtained with 25% additional K indicating the scope of bio-fortification through cultural practices. Purple dhan could be used as a potential parental source or donor for further micronutrient enriched rice breeding programmes,which might be used as a weapon for combating micronutrient deficiency in Bangladesh and the world.

Gemological Characteristics of Lvwen Stone and Its Color Genesis

“Lvwen stone” is a yellow-green carbonate jade gemstone. In this study, the gemological characteristics and color genesis of Lvwen stone were investigated using conventional gemological testing methods and analytical techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–VIS), laser ablation plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical composition of Lvwen stone is mainly Ca, with lesser amounts of Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, and other trace elements. The rare earth element distribution pattern indicates that Lvwen stone is characterized by MREE depletion and a positive Ce anomaly. The mineralogic composition of Lvwen stone is calcite, and trace-element- and crystal-size-induced colors result in its characteristic banded appearance. The white (or light green) bands consist of comparatively coarse calcite crystals (~100 μm) that are oriented perpendicularly to the band plane, accounting for their poor light transmittance. In contrast, the dark green matrix is composed of cryptocrystalline calcite crystals that are uniform in size (~10 μm) and tightly packed, resulting in superior light transmittance. Lvwen stone has a 6A1→4E(4D)d-d intra-ion electronic transition absorption band of Fe3+ at ~380–450 nm and a 2E→2T2(2D)d-d intra-ion electronic transition absorption band of Cu2+ at ~580–780 nm. This indicates that both the intra-ion electronic transitions of Fe3+ and Cu2+ give rise to the unique yellow-green color of the material. Lvwen stone is produced by ultra-high-pressure tectonic fluids in a relatively closed, reducing environment, and the green matrix was formed earlier than the white bands.

Assessment of Some Heavy Metals and Their Relationship with Oxidative Stress and Immunological Parameters in Aquatic Animal Species.

Heavy metal accumulation changes the immune system and leads to oxidative damage in aquatic animals. The present study evaluated the correlation between heavy metal accumulation, with immunological and oxidative stress parameters, in various species in the aquatic environment of Western Iran. Fresh samples included fish (trout and carp) and shrimp obtained from Sanandaj aquaculture. After blood sampling and serum isolation for immunological study, meat sections of these animals were used to measure heavy metal concentrations to determine the oxidative stress and immunological parameters. The highest concentrations of Pb (0.82 ± 0.10), As (0.53 ± 0.18), Hg (0.47 ± 0.08), and Zn (28.77 ± 1.88) (µg/g) were found in trout, while the lowest accumulation of heavy metals except for Cd (0.24 ± 0.11) and Se (1.57 ± 0.42) (µg/g) were observed in shrimp. The antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (1.89 ± 0.13) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (1.96 ± 0.62) U/mg showed the highest concentrations in shrimp and lowest in the trout. Significant negative correlations were found between these enzymes with As and Pb in trout and carp. A significant positive correlation was determined between Se and Zn with GPx and a negative correlation with malondialdehyde (MDA) in shrimp. Immunological biomarkers indicated the concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-Ƴ were higher in fish than in shrimp, and the lowest IgM level was obtained in Shrimp. Increased Pb and Cd showed a significant relationship with increased IL-6 and TNF-α in trout compared to shrimp and carp.An increase in As and Se concentration beyound maximum permissible limits (MPL) were recorded in fish andshrimp, while a Zn level less than MPL was recorded.The target hazard quotients (THQ) and target cancer risk (TR) values of non-essential heavy metals were obtained under acceptable ranges. We suggest reducing the As and Pb content under aquaculture farms and increase in the amount of Zn through diets to keep healthy immunological and physiological conditions for aquatic species in the west of Iran.

Chemical Composition and Biological Active Substances from Hazelnut Green Leafy Covers

This investigation aims to study the perspectives for obtaining natural remedies and food addit­ives from raw plant materials that can be used in food, pharmaceutical, and other industries. The selection of hazelnut green leafy cover as an item is based on the fact that it is a natural organic resource that is now being discarded as waste. In the article, the results are presented about the determination of mineral elements and bioactive compounds in the bio-extracts of 70% ethyl alcohol (BE-III) and distillation water (BE-IV) obtained from the green leafy cover of the plant (Corylus avellane L.) where grow in the north-western region of Azerbaijan. According to our study, BE-III has 25 chemical elements, excluding Rb, for a total of 12.797%, while BE-IV contains 26 chemical elements for a total of 21.347%. Amounts of mac­roelements are 10.4%, and microelements are 2.69% in the content of BE-III, while amounts of macroele­ments are 17.82%, and amounts of microelements are 3.53% in the content of BE-IV. Amounts of organic compounds are 87.2% in the content of BE-III, while their amounts are 78.65% in the content of BE-IV. The amount of Zn, which has antioxidant activity, is 0.009%, and the amount of Se is 0.002% in the con­tent of BE-IV. These values vary in the content of BE-III, the amount of Zn is 0.01%, but the amount of Se is 0.001%. 15 bioactive substances were identified in the content of BE-III bio-extract; however, 5 bioact­ive substances were identified in the content of BE-IV bio-extract. According to our research results, the bio-extract obtained from hazelnut green leafy cover is abundant with antioxidants and bioactive sub­stances with antibacterial activity. For this reason, these bio-extracts can be used as both a food supple­ment and a means of treatment.

Investigation on Effective Neutralization Process of Acid Mine Drainage Containing High Amount of Mn and Zn by Additions of <i>δ</i>-MnO<sub>2</sub> Adsorbent and Oxidizing Agent

Investigation on Effective Neutralization Process of Acid Mine Drainage Containing High Amount of Mn and Zn by Additions of <i>δ</i>-MnO<sub>2</sub> Adsorbent and Oxidizing Agent

Effect of Thermal and Non-Thermal Processing on Nutritional, Functional, Safety Characteristics and Sensory Quality of White Cabbage Powder.

This study was aimed to improve nutritional, functional and consumer safety aspects of cabbage powder (CP). White cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba) was dehydrated to CP following microwave heating, blanching, alkali or acid washing treatments. The results for nutrients and mineral composition of raw and processed CP elucidated raw CP to exhibit significantly (p < 0.05) higher amounts of protein (12.2%), dietary fiber (25.2%), Na (52 mg/100 g), Ca (355 mg/100 g), K (286 mg/100 g), Fe (14 mg/100 g) and Zn (32 mg/100 g). Among different processing techniques, microwave treatment resulted in a higher rate of reduction for alkaloids, oxalates, tannins and phytates contents, i.e., 77%, 85%, 85%, and 86%, respectively. Likewise, microwave treatment was found more effective in reducing residual levels of neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, organophosphates including imidacloprid, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos and deltamethrin in cabbage in the range of 0.98−0.12 ppm, 1.22−0.23 ppm, 1.03−0.15 ppm, 1.97−0.43 ppm, and 2.12−0.36 ppm, respectively. CP supplementation at the rate of 5% in unleavened flatbreads was observed to maintain textural and sensory attributes of the product. The results suggest microwave heating as a cost-effective technique to reduce toxicants load in cabbage powder. Further, ~5% supplementation of CP in wheat flour may also improve nutritional and functional properties of the baked goods.

Nickel-Catalyzed Cyanation of (Hetero)aryl Bromides Using DABAL-Me3 as a Soluble Reductant.

A nickel-catalyzed cyanation of (hetero)aryl halides using air-stable bis(trimethylaluminum)-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABAL-Me3) as a soluble reductant has been developed. The reaction uses readily available and inexpensive Ni(dppf)Cl2 as a precatalyst, a substoichiometric amount of Zn(CN)2, and DABAL-Me3 as an alternative to commonly prescribed insoluble reductants. We found the addition of catalytic tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr) to be beneficial, due to facilitating dissolution of low levels of the cyanide salt (confirmed via a control study). Similarly, slow addition of a tetrabutylammonium cyanide (TBACN) solution is effective and results in a completely homogeneous reaction mixture.

Evaluation of Proximate Composition, Mineral Elements and Bioactive Compounds in Skin and Flesh of Beetroot Grown in Lithuania

In the world, red beetroot is regarded as one of the most important vegetables due to its valuable nutritional features; however, the industrial processing of beetroot produces large amounts of waste, such as skin, which could be a relevant source of bioactive compounds, minerals, fiber, and so on. In this study, the variations in the proximate composition, mineral element amounts, and some antioxidants in the skin and flesh of beetroot genotypes grown in Lithuania were appraised. Proximate compositions (total soluble solids, dry matter, fiber, protein, ash, and total sugars), amounts of some minerals (N, P, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Zn, Cu, B, and Mn), total phenolics, and total anthocyanins and betalains were determined. The results revealed that proximate composition, minerals, total phenolics, and total anthocyanins and betalains depends on the root part and genotype of the beetroot. All investigated beetroot skin samples have significantly greater amounts of protein, dry matter ash, fiber, total sugars, minerals (except K), total phenolics, and total anthocyanins and betalains than the flesh. ‘Alto F1’ skins had the highest amounts of protein, fiber, ash, Na, Mg, and Zn. ‘Kosak’ skins contained the greatest amounts of dry matter, total sugars, K, P, Ca, Fe, Mn, and total anthocyanins and betalains. It can be concluded that the tested beetroot skins (especially ‘Alto F1’ and ‘Kosak’), due to their valuable nutritional compositions, can be used as a source of natural supplements that can enrich the quality of various food products or be used for the manufacture of functional food.

The influence of Zn content in Cu/ZnO/SBA-15/kaolinite catalyst for methanol production by CO2 hydrogenation

The capture and utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) has been attracting increasing interest. Producing methanol from captured CO2 and renewable hydrogen is one promising route for CO2 utilization because it would introduce recycled carbon to a vast global fuels and chemicals market. It is known that the Cu or Pd based catalysts are highly active for methanol synthesis. In this study, Cu/ZnO/SBA-15/kaolinite catalysts were prepared with Zn loading varying – 2.4, 1.6 and 0.5 wt% – to find the optimum amount of Zn in this catalytic system. The catalysts have been characterized using XRD analysis, N2 adsorption–desorption analysis and SEM-EDX analysis. The performance of catalysts was evaluated in a fixed-bed tubular micro-activity reactor at 20 bar 250 °C with H2 to CO2 molar ratio 3 to 1. The activity tests showed that the amount of Zn loaded has a significant impact on methanol yield-catalysts with Zn loading 2.4 and 1.6 have approximately 1.7 times higher space–time yield of methanol than catalyst with Zn loading of 0.5 wt%.

Dietary Fats, Minerals and Semen Quality and Quantity among Men Attending a Fertility Clinic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran

Background: At least 50% of infertile couple's problems are related to male factor infertility and in many patients; nutritional problems have been related to decreased sperm quality. Thus, the present study aims to examine the association of dietary fat and mineral intake with semen quantity and quality.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 175 infertile men in Isfahan Infertility and Fertility Center, Iran. Dietary intake of all patients was evaluated by validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and semen analysis was performed by standard protocol. Linear and quartile regression were used to determine the association of dietary fat and mineral intake with semen related factors.&#x0D; Results: There was a positive association between the sperm total count with iron (Fe) (Ptrend = 0.03), zinc (Zn) (Ptrends= 0.02), and selenium (Se) (Ptrend = 0.001). Men in the highest quartile of Zn and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) had higher sperm density (P &lt; 0.05). Levels of Zn and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in participant's diet were also negatively related to DNA damage (Ptrend = 0.01 for Zn and Ptrend = 0.04 for DHA). Higher intake of saturated fatty acid (SFA) was associated with lower sperm density (Ptrend = 0.02) and higher intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) was associated with higher sperm totality (Ptrend = 0.02).&#x0D; Conclusion: In this preliminary cross-sectional study, diets containing higher amounts of Fe, Zn, Se, MUFA, and DHA and lower amounts of SFA were associated with more favourable semen quality parameters.

Molecular-Level Zn-Ion Transfer Pump Specifically Functioning on (002) Facets Enables Durable Zn Anodes.

The modification of metallic Zn anode contributes to solving the cycling issue of Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) by restraining the dendrite growth and side reactions. In this regard, modulating (002) Zn is an effective way to prolong the lifespan of ZIBs with a parallel arrangement of Zn deposition. Herein, the authors propose to add trace amounts of Zn(BF4 )2 additive in 3M ZnSO4 to promote in-plane Zn deposition by forming a BF4 - -[Zn(H2 O)6 ]2+ -[Zn(BF4 )3 ]- transfer process and specifically functioning on (002) facets. In this way, the optimized electrolyte highly boosts the cycling stability of Zn anodes with a long lifespan at 34.2%Zn utilization (500h/10mA cm-2 ) and 51.3%Zn utilization (360h/10mA cm-2 ; 834h/1mA cm-2 ). Moreover, the electroplated Zn on Cu substrate exhibits a competitive cumulative plating capacity (CPC) of 2.87 Ah cm-2 under harsh conditions. The assembled Zn|(NH4 )2 V6 O16 ·3H2 O full cells with a high cathode loading of 29.12mg cm-2 also realizes almost no capacity degradation even after 2000 cycles at 2 A g-1 . With this cost-effective strategy, it is promising to push the development of aqueous ZIBs as well as provide inspiration for metal anode optimization in other energy storage systems.

Gemological and Spectroscopic Characteristics of “Jedi” Spinel from Man Sin, Myanmar

The price of spinel has sharply risen in recent years, and its market acceptance is extending. Among the many sources of spinel, Man Sin in Myanmar is the most famous for its bright neon pinkish red to reddish pink color, named “Jedi” spinel commercially. In this paper, spinel samples with the bright neon pinkish red to reddish pink from Man Sin in Myanmar were studied non-destructively with X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (EDXRF), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), fluorescence spectroscopy, a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the samples from Man Sin in Myanmar are the magnesia-alumina spinels. The high content of the red-chromogenic element Cr, an intermediate content of V and Zn, and a low content of the chromogenic element Fe may be responsible for the distinctive neon color of the spinel samples. The presence of Ti may also serve as a basis for the identification of its origin in Man Sin in Myanmar. The fluorescence spectrum analysis of spinels shows them to have multiple excitation peaks in the region 600–800 nm, which are caused by the jump of Cr3+ between the 2E→4A2 inter-energy band lattice. The amount of Zn affects the fluorescence spectrum intensity of spinels. The higher the Zn content, the stronger the fluorescence intensity. The spinel structure is uncomplicated and four more obvious absorption peaks appear in the IR spectrum, and the direction of the absorption peaks is shifted if a homogeneous substitution of the AB2O4 structure occurs; the Raman spectra of spinel samples have four vibrational peaks at 100–2000 cm−1, 310 cm−1, 407 cm−1, 665 cm−1 and 763 cm−1, which has spinel species-identification significance.

Contribution of Agroforestry Systems in the Cultivation of Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) Grown in the Amazon Region of Ecuador

Agroforestry systems allow conservation of natural resources and promotion of sustainable agriculture in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Nevertheless, the benefit of the associated species that are part of these production systems needs to be demonstrated. The aim of this study was to find out the influence on the crop yield, carbon sequestration, presence of earthworms, and the nutritional contribution of legume species associated with the naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) crop in an agroforestry system. The research was carried out in the Palora Experimental Farm of INIAP, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were made up of cultivation systems (agroforestry systems with or without 50% fertilization) and monoculture as a control, with two levels of conventional fertilization (50 and 100%). In the agroforestry arrangements, Gliricidia sepium and Flemingia macrophylla were used to supply biomass. The results showed that during the three evaluation cycles, the yield of naranjilla was influenced by the quality of the biomass added to the soil and not by the amount of synthetic chemical fertilizer that was supplied. The biomass of G. sepium and F. macrophylla provided a greater amount of Mg, Mn, Zn, B, and Fe; elements that contributed to crop yield and the presence of earthworms. The results suggest that the use of legume species in agroforestry systems positively influenced naranjillla productivity, favoring sustainable agriculture in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Iron oxyhydroxide polytype (γ-, δ- and β-FeOOH) structures govern Zn mobility

Iron oxyhydroxide polytype minerals, such as goethite (α-FeOOH), lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH), feroxyhyte (δ-FeOOH) and akaganeite (β-FeOOH), widely exist in terrestrial environments, and play important roles in mediating heavy metal mobility. Previous studies mainly focus on goethite, while the other three polytypes have been rarely explored. In the present work, Zn retention contents and mechanisms in Zn-coprecipitated γ-, δ- and β-FeOOH minerals were thoroughly investigated. Additionally, Zn mobility during anoxic incubation of Zn-containing lepidocrocite and feroxyhyte samples was monitored. It demonstrates that, feroxyhyte and lepidocrocite can accommodate relatively higher amounts of Zn (7.71 ± 0.20 mol% and 8.56 ± 0.22 mol% respectively) than akaganeite that retains almost no Zn (0.054 ± 0.002 mol%). In contrast, Zn has the most significant effect on akaganeite morphology. Part of total Zn is incorporated into the lepidocrocite or feroxyhyte structure by substitution for lattice Fe while the remaining Zn is adsorbed on the mineral surfaces. The different Zn substitution levels in these FeOOH minerals are greatly related with the mineral structures, that is, the ratio of edge-sharing to corner-sharing [FeO6] and thus the spatial freedom, and the pHs of the mineral synthetic solutions. During anoxic incubation in the presence of 1 mM Fe2+ at pH 6 ± 0.05 for 60 d, both Zn-containing lepidocrocite and feroxyhyte keep stable, while the dissolved Zn concentrations rapidly increase at initial stage, then decrease after reaction for 3 d, and increase again from 10 d till to the end. The final Zn release from feroxyhyte (∼98%) is much higher than that from lepidocrocite (∼30%), probably owing to the higher Fe2+-induced reductive dissolution and desorption rates, and larger amounts of Zn adsorbed on the surfaces of the former. These results help to understand the effects of Zn on the physicochemical properties of FeOOH polymorphs and the geochemical behaviors of Zn associated with Fe oxyhydroxide minerals.

Multifunctional Bioactive Scaffolds from ARX-g-(Zn@rGO)-HAp for Bone Tissue Engineering: In Vitro Antibacterial, Antitumor, and Biocompatibility Evaluations.

Advanced biomaterials are required with enhanced antibacterial and anticancer activities to obtain desirable biocompatibility during and after scaffold implantation in tissue engineering. Here, we report the development of a nanosystem by the hydrothermal method using different zinc (Zn) amounts and reduced graphene oxide (GO). Arabinoxylan, the nanosystem (Zn@rGO), and nanohydroxyapatite polymeric nanocomposites ARX-g-(Zn@rGO)/HAp were prepared by the free radical polymerization method, and porous bioactive scaffolds were fabricated via the freeze-drying technique. The structural, morphological, and elemental analyses of the bioactive scaffolds were conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The wetting behavior was studied by a water contact meter and swelling in aqueous and phosphate-buffered saline solutions at 37 °C. The degradation was also studied in the phosphate-buffered saline solution at 37 °C. The increase in Zn content increased the pore size, and hydrophobic behavior shifted to hydrophilic (AGZ-1 = 131.40° at 0 s and 120.60° at 10 s to AGZ-1 = 81.30° at 0 s and 69.20° at 10 s) with the increase in contact time. Maximum swelling was observed in deionized water (AGZ-1 = 52.87%, AGZ-4 = 90.20%), followed by phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; AGZ-1 = 44.80%, AGZ-4 = 67.90%) and electrolyte (AGZ-1 = 32.40%, AGZ-4 = 63.47%), and biodegradation in PBS media increased (AGZ-1 = 36.80%, AGZ-4 = 55.92%). Antimicrobial activities against severe infection-causing pathogens and antitumor activity against U87 cell lines showed exceptional results. Cell viability and cell proliferation studies were conducted against preosteoblast cell lines, and increased cell viability and proliferation were observed from AGZ-1 to AGZ-4. Antimicrobial and anticancer activities were enhanced with the increase of Zn content in the Zn@rGO system. The bioactive scaffolds with different formulations could be potential biomaterials to treat and regenerate defected bone tissue.

In vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Property, Chemo-profiling, Elemental Analysis of Morinda umbellata L.

Background: Morinda umbellata L., commonly called as ‘Manjanatti Kodi’ in Tamilnadu, India, is a rare traditional medicinal plant. The study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant potentiality, phytochemical profiling and elemental mineral analysis of M. umbellata leaves. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity was estimated for hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and aqueous leaf extracts by DPPH method; identification of phytocompounds by Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and elemental mineral estimation by Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) analysis. Results: Antioxidant activity was determined in all the extracts studied, where the maximum 50% inhibitory concentration was registered in ethanolic (17.92±0.04 μg/ ml) and methanolic (19.35±0.60 μg/ml) extracts which was four times higher than standard ascorbic acid. About 19 phytocompounds were found in antioxidant rich ethanolic leaf extract by GC-MS analysis. Among the identified phytocompounds, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester with a percent area of 94.98%, Guanosine (0.79%), Hexadecanic acid (0.72%), phytol (0.47%) were found to be predominant. The elemental mineral analysis is the first-hand report, that revealed essential elements such as Fe (5.65±0.58 ppm), Zn (0.74±0.05 ppm), Mn (0.46±0.04 ppm), and trace amounts of following non-essential elements (heavy metals) Cu (0.87±0.05 ppm), As (0.002±0.00 ppm), Cd (0.08±0.01 ppm), Pb (0.03±0.00 ppm), Hg (BDL). Conclusion: M. umbellata leaves were proved to possess strong antioxidant property due to an inclusive source of important bioactive components. It was also found to be non-toxic and the plant is a right choice for drug development. Hence, the present outcome provided a reliable scientific frame work, for the exploration of bioactive potentiality with pharmaceutical importance in future studies.

Comparative Analysis of Heavy Metals Concentration in Soil and Vegetable (Celosia argentea) Collected from Two Sampling Sites and Their Effect on the Plant’s DNA Stability

This study investigated the quantities of heavy metals including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)in soil samples and in the organs (leaf, stem and root) of Celosia argentea collected from a dumpsite (at Ojota) and a farmland (at Badagry) in Lagos, Nigeria. Additionally, the macroelement content of the soils and the effect of heavy metal soil contamination on C. argentea DNA stability was analysed. Heavy metals and NPK concentrations in the soil samples and organs of C. argentea were evaluated using standard techniques. The results of this study revealed that the microelement were more abundant in the soil collected from the dumpsite. Likewise, all the heavy metals (Cd,Cr,Cu,Pb and Zn) investigated in this study were detected in higher quantities in the dumpsite soil. Notably, the concentration of the metals was within the WHO/FAO limits in the soils collected from both sampling sites save Zn which was 660.260 mg/kg and 449.180mg/kg in the dumpsite and farmland respectively. The concentration of heavy metals in the C. argentea organs in this research were higher in samples collected from the dumpsite and Zn was the most accumulated on both the dumpsite and farmland. The highest amount (95.987 mg/kg) of Zn was by C. argentea root collected from the dumpsite while the least amount (15.380 mg/kg) was detected in C. argentea stem collected from the farmland. The DNA base pairs were not visibly fragmented in the samples C. argentea collected from the control and dumpsite sites. Although most of the heavy metals detected in C. argentea were in negligible quantities, the soils and the vegetable appear to be Zn-contaminated and unsafe for consumption. Keywords: Heavy Metal, DNA, vegetables, biomagnifications, Bioaccumulation, Dumpsites Farmlands

Synthesis of Monodisperse Colloidal ZnS Spheres by an Acid‐Free Two‐Step Approach

AbstractIn this work, we demonstrate a new two‐step method for preparing monodisperse ZnS colloidal spheres. The method contains a hot‐injection step for making primary particles as seeds and a heating‐up step for aggregation growth of secondary colloidal spheres. Instead of the most commonly used thioacetamide in previous studies, thiourea (TU) was selected as the sulfur source. The temperature‐dependent thermal decomposition rate of TU makes the releasing of S2− and nucleation of ZnS under proper kinetic control, meanwhile making the reaction a mild and acid‐free process. By separating the two steps and using a milder sulfur precursor, monodisperse ZnS colloidal spheres have been prepared. Their diameters can be delicately tuned in the range from 54 to 172 nm through simply changing the amount of Zn and S precursor. The optical properties of the obtained ZnS spheres were studied by extinction and PL measurements, and they exhibit size‐dependent optical behavior.

Enhancing hydrodeoxygenation-isomerization of FAME over M-SAPO-11 in one-step process: Effect of in-situ isomorphic substitution of transition metals and synergy of PtxSny alloy

Green biodiesel, a clean and renewable fuel, is often encouraged to use as the substitute for fossil fuel. Herein, a new strategy of in-situ isomorphic substitution of Al from SAPO-11 was reported to synthesize a series of M−SAPO−11 molecular sieves by the way of well controlling the substitution amount of transition metals, e.g., Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn. Owing to the unique morphology of spherical particles stacked layer by layer as well as the suitable pore structure properties, Pt/Fe3SAPO-11 showed a remarkable catalytic performance containing efficiency of deoxygenation with 100 %, selectivity of C15-C18 alkanes with 99.6 %, and selectivity of iso-C15-C18 alkanes with 34.8 % in one-step hydrotreatment process of fatty acid methyl ester. Through adding Sn and optimizing the atomic ratio of Sn/Pt alloy, the selectivity of iso-C15-C18 alkanes over Pt1Sn1/Fe3SAPO-11 catalyst increased from 34.8 % to 62.7 %. Pt1Sn1 and Pt2Sn3 alloy catalysts prepared by hydrothermal method using polyvinylpyrrolidone displayed a small particle size of 2 nm, and more contents of low chemical states on Pt and Sn species. Pt1Sn1 alloy exhibited a stronger adsorption energy of H and carbonyl oxygen (propionic acid) than Pt2Sn3 alloy by DFT calculation. Besides, Pt1Sn1/Fe3SAPO-11 with a stable catalytic ability can run as long as 1300 h in a mild reaction condition.