Applications In Industry Research Articles

Millifluidic magnetophoresis-based chip for age-specific fractionation: evaluating the impact of age on metabolomics and gene expression in yeast.

A novel millifluidic process introduces age-based fractionation of S. pastorianus var. carlsbergensis yeast culture through magnetophoresis. Saccharomyces yeast is a model organism for aging research used in various industries. Traditional age-based cell separation methods were labor-intensive, but techniques like magnetic labeling have eased the process by being non-invasive and scalable. Our approach introduces an age-specific fractionation using a 3D-printed millfluidic chip in a two-step process, ensuring efficient cell deflection in the magnetic field and counteracting magnetic induced convection. Among various channel designs, the pinch-shaped channel proved most effective for age differentiation based on magnetically labeled bud scar numbers. Metabolomic analyses revealed changes in certain amino acids and increased NAD+ levels, suggesting metabolic shifts in aging cells. Gene expression studies further underlined these age-related metabolic changes. This innovative platform offers a high-throughput, non-invasive method for age-specific yeast cell fractionation, with potential applications in industries ranging from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals.

Fabrication of mechanical durable novolac matrix composites with recycled and cost-effective candle-soot nano particles

Novolac matrix composites are crucial due to their exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals, and mechanical stress. These advanced materials find applications in aerospace, electronics, and automotive industries, providing high-performance solutions for components requiring superior durability and reliability. In this context, the microstructure, thermal, phase, and mechanical properties of the composites obtained as a result of the recycling-oriented reinforcement of the waste candle-soot (CS) reinforcement at the rate of 1 wt% to the pure novolac (PN) and shaping with the hot press method were examined in detail at first time in the literature. While microstructural properties and fracture mechanisms were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results obtained provided critical findings as the composite hardness, tensile strength, and flexural strength values were 3.28, 2.47, and 3.21 times higher than PN, respectively. CS-reinforced novolac composites made a significant contribution to the literature by introducing a novel and eco-friendly approach to enhance material properties. Their use as a filler material provided insights into sustainable novolac composites, offering potential applications in various industries, such as electronics and aerospace, with improved mechanical and thermal properties.

Characterization of Brazilian Cascade and Chinook hops and their dry-hopped beer

The flowers (cones) of Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) have extensive applications in the brewery industry and in Brazil, 98% of which is imported. The Brazilian cultivated hops have multiple flowerings, and therefore the cone cultivation period could be shortened. Herein, Cascade and Chinook whole cones cultivated in Brazil were analyzed and compared with American pellets. Following the European Brewery Convention (EBC) methodology, the contents of alpha acids, polyphenols, and essential oils were quantified and used as comparison criteria. Amidst the Brazilian Cascade essential oils, isoamyl propanoate and 6-methyl heptanoate were identified, both of which were responsible for pineapple aromas and were absent in American pellets. The dry hopping (DH) process promoted higher alcohol beverage value, lower dissolved oxygen, and higher polyphenol values. In comparison with the commercial counterpart, the Brazilian Cascade hops presented similar characteristics, but with different organoleptic properties (terroir), inherent to their growing place. The resulting terroir adds value to the Brazilian Cascade usage, considering the DH overall process and the application in special beers.

Modeling approach for Ti3C2 MXene-based fluorescent aptasensor for amoxicillin biosensing in water matrices

Amoxicillin, a member of the penicillin family, is primarily utilized for the treatment of various bacterial infections affecting ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin. Given its widespread application in medicine, agriculture, environment, and food industry, the precise and sensitive detection of amoxicillin is important. This study introduces a novel approach to developing a sensitive and selective fluorescent aptasensor relying on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for the specific detection of amoxicillin. The carboxyfluorescein-labeled aptamer serves as a energy donor, while MXene functions as an energy acceptor, and acting as a quencher. To achieve optimal detection efficiency, a dual optimization strategy utilizing RSM-CCD and ANN-GA was used to fine-tune experimental conditions. The fluorescence measurements revealed an expansive linear range extending from 100 to 2400 ng mL−1, accompanied by an exceptionally low detection limit of 1.53 ng mL−1. Additionally, it shows an excellent selectivity towards amoxicillin over other antibiotics commonly found in water matrices. The aptasensor demonstrates good stability and reproducibility; effectiveness of the aptasensor was validated by testing in real water samples. This remarkable sensitivity and broad dynamic range affirm the efficacy aptasensor in accurately detecting varying concentrations of amoxicillin in wastewater bodies.

KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION TRAJECTORY OF BIM IN CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

In recent years, the construction industry worldwide has shown significant interest in Building Information Modeling (BIM). This study aims to analyze the dissemination of knowledge about BIM in construction engineering applications using Main Path Analysis (MPA). The research sample comprises 3,761 papers related to BIM’s application in the construction industry, sourced from the ISI Web of Science database. Initially, we investigate trends in paper publications, conduct country and journal analyses, and examine author statistics. Subsequently, we calculate traversal counts along the search path links to reveal the development trajectory of BIM. The trajectory of BIM’s evolution in the construction industry can be divided into four stages as identified through the global key-route main path analysis: 1) BIM standardization; 2) Integration of completed building projects using BIM; 3) BIM applications in precast construction projects; and 4) BIM applications in land management. These findings provide a clear understanding of how BIM has been applied and evolved within the construction industry.

Biopolymer-Based Hydrogel Incorporated with Naproxen Sodium and Lidocaine Hydrochloride for Controlled Drug Delivery

Sodium hyaluronate (HA) is a natural polysaccharide. This biopolymer occurs in many tissues of living organisms. The regenerating, nourishing, and moisturizing properties as well as the rheological properties of HA enable its application in the pharmaceutical industry as a carrier of medicinal substances. The aim of this work was to assess the release of naproxen sodium (Nap) in the presence of lidocaine hydrochloride (Lid) from the biopolymer-based hydrogels and to determine the respective kinetic parameters of this process. The possible interaction between the HA polysaccharide carrier and the selected drugs was also investigated. Three hydrogels containing Nap and Lid with different concentrations of the biopolymer were prepared. The release of Nap was studied by employing USP apparatus 5. The infrared study and differential scanning calorimetry analysis of physical mixtures and dried formulations were performed. The highest amount of Nap was released from the formulation with the lowest concentration of the biopolymer. The most representative kinetic model that described the dissolution of Nap was obtained through the Korsmeyer–Peppas equation. The release rate constants were in the range of 1.0 ± 0.1 × 10−2 min−n–1.7 ± 0.1 × 10−2 min−n. Lid did not influence the dissolution of Nap from the formulations tested; however, in the desiccated samples of assessed formulations, the interaction between the polysaccharide and both drugs was observed.

Advancing soy protein isolate-ulvan film physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities through strategic high-pressure homogenization technique

Soy protein-based films often exhibit poor properties, including limited mechanical strength, stability, and bioactivity, which hinder their extensive application in the food industry, particularly in edible packaging. To enhance the properties of soy protein-based films, we employed high-pressure homogenization (HPH) to modify the soybean protein isolate (SPI) molecules and sought to cross-link SPI with ulvan polysaccharide, which possesses distinctive bioactivities. The results confirmed that soluble ulvan polysaccharides were incorporated into the cross-linking system through hydrogen bonding. Results indicated that HPH treatment enhanced SPI's solubility and surface hydrophobicity (H0), promoting hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between SPI and ulvan, as evidenced by ζ-potential and turbidity measurements. Structural and microstructural analyses of both individual SPI and composite films, using FT-IR, XRD, CD and SEM, demonstrated a high compatibility between HPH-treated SPI and ulvan. The incorporation of ulvan reduced the films' tensile strength (TS), but higher pressure significantly improved it (p < 0.05). Post-HPH modification, the films exhibited increased contact angle and swelling capacity (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced hydrophobicity. Higher pressure treatments resulted in more opaque and yellowish films, thereby diminishing ultraviolet light transmission. Thermal stability analyses, via TGA-DSC, showed that U-HSPI films had improved thermal stability compared to pure SPI films. Moreover, ulvan inclusion boosted the antioxidant capacity of SPI films, especially after HPH treatment. Overall, this study confirms that HPH modification substantially influences the properties and activities of SPI-based films, and the complex films based on SPI and ulvan with improved physicochemical and antioxidant properties exhibit a great potential in the food packaging field.

Evolutionary Algorithms for Strength Prediction of Geopolymer Concrete

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) serves as a sustainable substitute for conventional concrete by employing alternative cementitious materials such as fly ash (FA) instead of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), contributing to environmental and durability benefits. To increase the rate of utilization of FA in the construction industry, distinctive characteristics of two machine learning (ML) methods, namely, gene expression programming (GEP) and multi-expression programming (MEP), were utilized in this study to propose precise prediction models for the compressive strength and split tensile strength of GPC comprising FA as a binder. A comprehensive database was collated, which comprised 301 compressive strength and 96 split tensile strength results. Seven distinct input variables were employed for the modeling purpose, i.e., FA, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate, water, superplasticizer, and fine and coarse aggregates contents. The performance of the developed models was assessed via numerous statistical metrics and absolute error plots. In addition, a parametric analysis of the finalized models was performed to validate the prediction ability and accuracy of the finalized models. The GEP-based prediction models exhibited better performance, accuracy, and generalization capability compared with the MEP-based models in this study. The GEP-based models demonstrated higher correlation coefficients (R) for predicting the compressive and split tensile strengths, with the values of 0.89 and 0.87, respectively, compared with the MEP-based models, which yielded the R values of 0.76 and 0.73, respectively. The mean absolute errors for the GEP- and MEP-based models for predicting the compressive strength were 5.09 MPa and 6.78 MPa, respectively, while those for the split tensile strengths were 0.42 MPa and 0.51 MPa, respectively. The finalized models offered simple mathematical formulations using the GEP and Python code-based formulations from MEP for predicting the compressive and tensile strengths of GPC. The developed models indicated practical application potential in optimizing geopolymer mix designs. This research work contributes to the ongoing efforts in advancing ML applications in the construction industry, highlighting the importance of sustainable materials for the future.

Bioprospecting of serratiopeptidase-producing bacteria from different sources

Anti-inflammatory enzymes have wide applications in the pharmaceutical industry. The objective of this study was to find new and efficient strains for the commercial production of serratiopeptidase enzyme. Vast number of samples were processed for the isolation of potent strains. The experimental treatment includes processing of twenty soil samples, silkworm gut, and sugarcane stem. The total protein and protease activity was estimated by Lowry’s method and casein hydrolysis. The HRBC stabilization assay was performed for finding the anti-inflammatory potential of all strains. The serratiopeptidase production was confirmed by HPLC with the standard. Molecular characterization of selected potent strains was done by 16S rDNA and confirmed the taxonomy. The one step rapid purification of serratiopeptidase was performed by Ultra three phase partitioning method. The clot lysis potential of the Serratia marcescens VS56 was observed by modified Holmstorm method. The results of the study revealed that among the 60 strains, 12 strains were protease-positive on skim milk agar plates and showed significant protease activity. All 12 strains were screened for serratiopeptidase using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and VS56, VS10, VS12 and VS18 showed a similar retention time (4.66 ± 0.10 min) with standard. The selected potent strain, Serratia marcescens VS56 showed a proteolytic activity of 21.30 units/mL and produced a total protein of 102 mg/mL. The HRBC suspension results also showed a percentage of 94.6 ± 1.00 protection, which was compared to the standard diclofenac. The clot lysis potential of Serratia marcescens VS56 was 53% in 4 h. Furthermore, the molecular weight of the protein was identified to confirm the presence of serratiopeptidase. The study hence contributed successfully to isolating, screening, and identifying a potent producer for serratiopeptidase from an environmental source. This inherent advantage of the strain will undoubtedly contribute much to the coco comm commercial production of serratiopeptidase in the near future.

Customer-centric virtual reality applications adoption in the hospitality industry: quality-value-based adoption model

PurposeThe massive adoption of virtual reality (VR) applications has started since the COVID-19 pandemic, and until now, VR applications are still being used. However, there is limited research that analyses the consumer's perspective on the adoption of VR applications. Thus, this study discovers the adoption of VR applications in the hospitality sector by integrating the value-based adoption model (VAM) and VR quality.Design/methodology/approachThe data were gathered through a survey of 500 respondents and evaluated through the structural equation model-partial least squares (SEM-PLS).FindingsEmploying SEM-PLS and importance-performance map analysis (IPMA), the findings revealed that VR quality and perceived value are essential determinants in the adoption of VR applications in the hospitality industry.Practical implicationsPractically, this study encourages the hospitality industry to create and develop high-quality VR application technology to benefit visitors. Through this study, hospitality marketing managers, governments and others concerned with the hospitality industry’s future development can create effective ways to increase the adoption of VR applications in this industry.Originality/valueThis study offers novel perspectives into the theory and application of VR quality and VAM in the adoption of VR applications in the hospitality industry.

Ti3AlC2 MAX Phase Modified Screen-Printed Electrode for the Fabrication of Hydrazine Sensor

Hydrazine is considered a powerful reducing agent and catalyst, showing diverse applications in agricultural industries, toxic degradation research, and wastewater management. Additionally, hydrazine can trigger some specific reactions when combined with suitable oxidants. Due to its highly polar nature, hydrazine can easily dissolve in alcohol, water, and various other polar solvents. Therefore, it can be extensively utilized in different areas of application and industries such as rocketry and various chemical applications. Despite its beneficial properties, hydrazine is unstable, posing significant risk due to its highly toxic nature. It is extremely hazardous to both human health and the environment. It can cause various illnesses and symptoms such as dizziness, temporary blindness, damage to the central nervous system, and even death when inhaled in sufficient quantities. Therefore, it is highly important to monitor the level of hydrazine to prevent its toxic and hazardous effects on human beings and the environment. In the present study, we discuss the simple fabrication of a disposable cost-effective and eco-friendly hydrazine sensor. We used a screen-printed carbon electrode, i.e., SPCE, as a base for the construction of a hydrazine sensor. The Ti3AlC2 MAX has been used as a suitable and efficient electrode material for the fabrication of disposable hydrazine sensors. We modified the active surface of the SPCE using a drop-casting approach. The resulting Ti3AlC2 MAX modified SPCE (Ti3AlC2@SPCE) has been utilized as an efficient and low-cost hydrazine sensor. Cyclic voltammetry, i.e., CV, and linear sweep voltammetry, viz., LSV, was employed as a sensing technique in this study. The optimization of pH and electrode material loading was conducted. The Ti3AlC2@SPCE exhibited excellent sensing performance toward hydrazine oxidation. A reasonable detection limit (0.01 µM) was achieved for hydrazine sensing. The fabricated sensor also demonstrated a reasonable linear range of 1–50 µM. This work provides the design and fabrication of simple disposable Ti3AlC2@SPCE as a suitable electrode for the determination of hydrazine using LSV technology.

Polyglutamate: Unleashing the Versatility of a Biopolymer for Cosmetic Industry Applications

Polyglutamic acid (PGA), a biopolymer comprising repeating units of glutamic acid, has garnered significant attention owing to its versatile applications. In recent years, microbial production processes have emerged as promising methods for the large-scale synthesis of PGA, offering advantages such as sustainability, efficiency, and tailored molecular properties. Beyond its industrial applications, PGA exhibits unique properties that render it an attractive candidate for use in the cosmetic industry. The biocompatibility, water solubility, and film-forming characteristics of PGA make it an ideal ingredient for cosmetic formulations. This article explores the extensive potential cosmetic applications of PGA, highlighting its multifaceted role in skincare, haircare, and various beauty products. From moisturizing formulations to depigmentating agents and sunscreen products, PGA offers a wide array of benefits. Its ability to deeply hydrate the skin and hair makes it an ideal ingredient for moisturizers, conditioners, and hydrating masks. Moreover, PGA’s depigmentating properties contribute to the reduction in hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, enhancing the overall complexion. As the demand for sustainable and bio-derived cosmetic ingredients escalates, comprehending the microbial production and cosmetic benefits of PGA becomes crucial for driving innovation in the cosmetic sector.

Boron-incorporated IrO2-Ta2O5 coating as an efficient electrocatalyst for acidic oxygen evolution reaction

The Ir-based electrocatalysts for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have demonstrated remarkable durability. Enhancing the Ir-based electrocatalytic activity still remains crucial owing to the scarcity of iridium. Here, a high-temperature sintering technique is employed to fabricate a boron (B)-incorporated IrO2-Ta2O5 coating with an almost perfect rutile-type crystal structure on a corrosion-resistant titanium substrate, ensuring exceptional stability for the acidic OER. The B-incorporated IrO2-Ta2O5 electrode fabricated in a mixed solution of 0.6 M H3BO3, exhibits an overpotential of 210 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a lower Tafel slope of 34.2 mV dec−1 in a 0.5 M H2SO4 solution, which is far lower than the 272 mV overpotential and the 45.3 mV dec−1 of the IrO2-Ta2O5/Ti electrode. The electrode possesses a minimal potential increase even after undergoing continuous OER for 400 h at a high current density of 100 mA cm−2 in a 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The incorporation of B species into IrO2-Ta2O5 effectively fine-tunes the electronic structure of Ir active sites, leading to a substantial enhancement of the intrinsic electrocatalytic activity. This study provides promising prospects for reducing the energy consumption of noble IrO2-based electrocatalysts in the practical application of electrochemical industry for the acidic OER.

Improving physicochemical characteristics and cytotoxicity of baicalin esters by liposome encapsulation

The instability of ester bonds, low water solubility, and increased cytotoxicity of flavonoid glycoside esters significantly limit their application in the food industry. Therefore, the present study attempted to resolve these issues through liposome encapsulation. The results showed that baicalin butyl ester (BEC4) and octyl ester (BEC8) have higher encapsulation and loading efficiencies and lower leakage rate from liposomes than baicalin. FTIR results revealed the location of BEC4 and BEC8 in the hydrophobic layer of liposomes, which was different from baicalin. Additionally, liposome encapsulation improved the water solubility and stability of BEC4 and BEC8 in the digestive system and PBS but significantly reduced their cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the release rate of BEC4 and BEC8 from liposomes was lower than that of baicalin during gastrointestinal digestion. These results indicate that liposome encapsulation alleviated the negative effects of fatty chain introduction into flavonoid glycosides.

Exploring the potential of fennel (&lt;i&gt;Foeniculum vulgare&lt;/i&gt; Mill.) as a valuable medicinal plant: a comprehensive (review)

Introduction. Foeniculum vulgare Mill., commonly known as fennel or drugstore dill, is very common as one of the world's oldest spice plants, which has significant economic importance and wide application in the pharmaceutical industry. In medical practice, the fruits of this plant are mainly used, which are included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the XIV edition and are a source of essential oil. They are used as an antispasmodic and carminative agent in the form of an infusion. Fennel grass harvested before flowering is used for food, as well as fruits, stems and inflorescences of the plant as a seasoning.Text. The purpose of this study is to summarize scientific papers on the morphological characteristics, phytochemical compounds, therapeutic properties and basic mechanisms of pharmacological activity of F. vulgare. A systematic literature search was conducted using relevant keywords such as "fennel", "Foeniculum vulgare Mill.", "therapeutic" and "pharmacology" in well-known databases, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, EBSCO and Medline. The search covered articles published before April 25, 2023 in available journals. The results of the study showed that fennel has a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial and estrogenic effects. These effects can be explained by the presence of aromatic compounds, in particular anethole, estragole and fenchone, which are abundantly present in fennel.Conclusion. The diverse pharmacological properties and rich chemical composition of fennel make it a promising raw material for the development of new medicines. Further study of the therapeutic potential of fennel through in vivo and in vitro studies will contribute to the establishment of mechanisms of pharmacological action of biologically active substances (BAS) of fennel.

Genomic Approaches for Enhancing Yield and Quality Traits in Mustard (Brassica spp.): A Review of Breeding Strategies

Mustard, a vital oilseed crop, plays a significant role in global agriculture due to its versatile applications in food, feed, and biofuel industries. However, meeting the increasing demands for yield and quality traits poses a substantial challenge to mustard breeders. In response, genomic approaches have emerged as powerful tools to expedite mustard breeding programs by unraveling the genetic basis of key agronomic traits. This review provides a comprehensive overview of genomic strategies aimed at enhancing yield and quality traits in mustard. Beginning with an exploration of traditional breeding methods and their limitations, we delve into the advancements in genomics, including next-generation sequencing technologies, marker-assisted selection (MAS), and genome editing techniques. We discuss how these tools are leveraged to identify yield-related genes, quantitative trait loci (QTLs), and markers for efficient trait selection. Furthermore, we examine genomic approaches for improving oil content, nutritional profiles, and phytochemical composition, crucial for enhancing mustard quality. Case studies demonstrating the successful integration of genomics into breeding programs are highlighted, along with discussions on challenges such as regulatory concerns and technical hurdles. Finally, we outline future directions and the potential of genomic approaches to revolutionize mustard breeding, paving the way for sustainable crop improvement. This study offers valuable insights into the application of genomics in mustard breeding and underscores its importance in addressing the evolving needs of agriculture in the 21st century.

BIOLOGICAL REACTIONS OF MACROPHAGES TO METAL OXIDE NANOPARTICLES

In our daily lives, nanomaterials are utilized extensively in paints, textiles, food goods, cosmetics, and medicine. Several investigations aim to deter investigations of the physiological effects in various cell types. The innate immune system's macrophages regulate a wide range of biological functions. Depending on the stimulus, macrophages can be activated toward pro- or anti-inflammatory (M1) phenotypes; however, polarization may change in conditions including cancer, autoimmune illnesses, and bacterial and viral infections. Metal oxide nanoparticles have recently gained significant interest due to their diverse range of unique features with applications in research and industry. The production and usage of nanomaterials will rise significantly as the nanotechnology business grows. As a result, testing the consequences of nanomaterial exposure in biological systems is critical. A comparative analysis is conducted on the toxicities of several metal oxide nanoparticles. The significance of biogenically generated metal oxide nanoparticles has been growing in recent years. However, more research is needed to thoroughly characterize the potential toxicity of these nanoparticles to ensure nanosafety and consider environmental views. To that end, nanotoxicology seeks to assess the toxicity of nanomaterials to physicochemical factors such as size and form. In this review, we focus on the biological reactions of macrophages to metal oxide nanoparticles. Because macrophages are the first cells to engage with nanoparticles when they enter the body, they can absorb them through various processes.

Exploring the effect of corn starch/pea protein blending on the physicochemical and structural properties of biopolymer films and their aging resistance

This study investigated the potential effect of blending corn starch and pea protein isolate in various ratios (100:0, 70:30, 50:50, 30:70, and 0:100) on the aging properties of biodegradable films. Unlike previous research, the focus was on the often-overlooked aspect of film aging. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction demonstrated the physical blending of corn starch and pea protein, along with chemical bonding and conformational changes. The optical and microstructural properties showed the formation of smooth, homogeneous films with good compatibility between the polymers. The water resistance, barrier, and mechanical properties corresponding to the intrinsic nature of protein polymers showed a minimized fluctuations in film properties as film ages, with a reduction of at least twice when protein is added. Remarkably, the blend with a ratio of 30:70 demonstrated the most stable properties during aging. These results demonstrated that blending the pea protein isolate was favorable for delaying the retrogradation and recrystallization of corn starch films. Understanding how these blends influence the aging characteristics of films is not only a novel contribution to the scientific community but also holds practical significance, potentially opening a potential for applications in various industries.

Innovative optimization for maximum magnetic nanoparticles production by Trichoderma asperellum with evaluation of their antibacterial activity, and application in sustainable dye decolorization

A pioneer microbial-based synthesis of various nanoparticles is gaining more attention due to their potent applications in various industries. The magnetic nanoparticles (M-nps) were fabricated for the first-time using the cell free extract of Trichoderma asperellum. The M-nps bioprocess optimization was performed using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network.The bioprocess was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by pH, stirring speed, and incubation period. The M-nps displayed a strong antibacterial efficiency against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus in a dose-dependent manner. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus were respectively found to be 25.0, 6.25, and 3.125 µg/ml. While the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 25.0, 12.5, and 6.25 µg/ml. The highest inhibition zone of 22 mm was recorded for B. subtilis at 80 µg/ml with MIC and MBC of 3.125 µg/ml. The sodium alginate/M-nps microbeads was successfully prepared without any crosslinkers. The microbeads exhibited the highest adsorptive efficiency (84.32%) for malachite green at pH 8.0, dose 0.1 g, and time 60 min. The experimental data were superlative fitted to Langmuir’s isotherm, hinting monolayer adsorption of MG molecules with 117.65 mg g‐−1 adsorptive capacity. The regenerated beads continued up-to six consecutive cycles and maintained more than 90%, indicating the multiple time use of the prepared material. Hence, the green magnetic nanoparticles display promising application in combating bacterial pathogens. The magnetic microbeads can be employed as an alternative eco-friendly, highly efficient, sustainable, and low-cost biosorbent in removing contaminants from wastewater.

Spatial Graphene Structures with Potential for Hydrogen Storage

Spatial graphene is a 3D structure of a 2D material that preserves its main features. Its production can be originated from the water solution of graphene oxide (GO). The main steps of the method include the crosslinking of flakes of graphene via treatment with hydrazine, followed by the reduction of the pillared graphene oxide (pGO) with hydrogen overpressure at 700 °C, and further decoration with catalytic metal (palladium). Experimental research achieved the formation of reduced pillared graphene oxide (r:pGO), a porous material with a surface area equal to 340 m2/g. The transition from pGO to r:pGO was associated with a 10-fold increase in pore volume and the further reduction of remaining oxides after the action of hydrazine. The open porosity of this material seems ideal for potential applications in the energy industry (for hydrogen storage, in batteries, or in electrochemical and catalytic processes). The hydrogen sorption potential of the spatial graphene-based material decorated with 6 wt.% of palladium reached 0.36 wt.%, over 10 times more than that of pure metal. The potential of this material for industrial use requires further refining of the elaborated procedure, especially concerning the parameters of substrate materials.