FTIR Analysis Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable Kraft lignin-based hydrophilic phenol formaldehyde foams

Phenol formaldehyde foams, extensively utilized in wide range of applications face challenges due to depleting petroleum resources and adverse environmental concerns. This study explores a promising shift to biobased alternatives, specifically investigating the use of Kraft lignin (KL) by replacing about 10 to 50% phenol content to synthesize open-cell hydrophilic phenolic foams. The produced foams undergo comprehensive testing to evaluate wetting properties, porosity, mechanical strength, and biodegradation potential. Remarkably, foams with a high percentage of Kraft lignin exhibit outstanding physical and wetting characteristics. Notably, substituting 50% of phenol with KL gave rise to a foam with a density of 40 kg/m3, open cell porosity of about 100%, water absorption capacity of 2100%, and an average water uptake rate of 0.9 cm3/s. Furthermore, these lignin-substituted foams display enhanced biodegradability compared with their petroleum-based counterparts. The foam with the 40% phenol substitution exhibits the highest weight loss of approximately 68% in 15 days during the biodegradation test. The biodegradation was further confirmed using scanning electron microscopy and FT-IR analysis of the degraded samples.

Turning black soldier fly rearing by-products into valuable materials: Valorisation through chitin and chitin nanocrystals production

The industry of insect-based proteins as feed and food products has been encountering a huge development since the last decade, and industrial-scale factories are now arising worldwide. Among all the species studied, Black Soldier Fly is one of the most promising and farmed. This rearing activity generates several by-products in the form of chitin-rich biomass that can be valorised to keep a virtuous production cycle embedded in the scope of the bioeconomy. Herein, we report the isolation of chitin and, for the first time, chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) from all the BSF rearing by-products, i.e., moults (larval exuviae, puparium) and dead adults. Extraction yields, were dependent on the type of by-products and ranged from 5.8 % to 20.0 %, and the chemical structure of the extracts exhibited typical features of α-chitin, confirmed by FTIR, NMR, XRD and TGA analysis. Both STEM in SEM and AFM analysis confirmed the isolation of chitin nanocrystals presenting a rod-like morphology. The average nanocrystal height estimated by AFM ranged from 13 to 27 nm depending on the by-product sample. The following results highlighted the potential of BSF rearing by-products, promoting an approach to valorise those industrial waste and paving the way towards insect-based biorefinery.

Investigating the thermal cure behavior of sorbitol-derived biobased melamine–formaldehyde impregnation resins using DSC and FTIR analysis

Investigating the thermal cure behavior of sorbitol-derived biobased melamine–formaldehyde impregnation resins using DSC and FTIR analysis

Enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of BaTiO3 augmented by ZnS nanospheres via Type-II heterojunction for methyl orange degradation

The degradation of organic pollutants is significantly influenced by the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pair, electron transfer and surface area of a photocatalyst. Barium titanate (BaTiO3) exhibits low photocatalytic activity due to the rapid recombination of photoinduced charge carriers. Hence, the photocatalytic performance of BaTiO3 (BTO) nanoparticles was improved by the construction of heterostructure with the addition of ZnS. BaTiO3 and ZnS were prepared using solid-state metathesis (SSM) and hydrothermal methods, respectively. Subsequently, a series of [(1-x)BaTiO3/(x)ZnS, x = 10, 30, 50 and 70 wt%] heterostructures were successfully constructed through a simple calcination method using pre-prepared BaTiO3 and ZnS. The XRD, FTIR, Raman, XPS and HRTEM analyses revealed the formation of heterostructure between the BTO and ZnS. The positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) results suggest the existence of defects within the materials. To explore the photocatalytic activity, the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) dye was carried out under UV light illumination for 3 h. Among all the compositions, the heterostructure 70 BaTiO3/30 ZnS (BTZS(70-30)) demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic activity (91.38 %) which is 5.3 times higher than the pristine BTO (17.16 %). The improved photocatalytic activity of heterostructures may result from the effective charge carrier separation facilitated by the type –II band alignment structure between BTO and ZnS, as well as surface defects like oxygen (Vo), and sulphur (Vs) vacancies. The lowest photoluminescence of BTZS (70-30) clearly substantiated the observed high photocatalytic activity. The scavenger outcomes validated that superoxide radicals (•O2−) and holes (h+) played predominant role in the degradation of MO and a detailed explanation was provided for the plausible mechanism.

Anticandidal effect of cinnamic acid characterized from Cinnamomum cassia bark against the fluconazole resistant strains of Candida.

Candida spp., causes invasive fungal infections, especially in immune-compromised patients and the propensity of antifungal resistance against azole-based drugs need to be addressed. This study is thus aimed to characterize the anticandidal effect of the cinnamic acid extracted from the barks of Cinnamomum cassia. Five species of Fluconazole-resistant Candida sp. were retrieved from the department repertoire. The extraction of CA was performed by three different methods followed by silica gel column chromatography. Eluant was subjected to FTIR and XRD analysis for confirmation. The anticandidal activity of the CA was checked by the agar disc diffusion method and the MIC and MFC were determined. The anti-biofilm effect of CA was assessed using the CLSM technique followed by the biocompatibility check using MTT assay in normal HGF cell lines. CA was best extracted with the hot maceration method using ethanol with a maximum yield of 6.73mg. Purification by column chromatography was achieved using benzene, acetic acid, and water (6:7:3) mobile phase. CA was confirmed by FTIR with absorption peaks and by XDR based on strong intensity. CA was found to possess promising anticandidal activity at 8µg/mL with MIC and MFC values determined as 0.8µg/mL and 0.08µg/mL respectively. Antibiofilm activity by CLSM analysis revealed biofilm inhibition and was biocompatible at 8.5µg/ml concentrations in HGF cell lines until 24h. The study findings conclude that CA is the best alternative to treat candidal infection warranting further experimental preclinical studies.

Influence of electrodeposited Cu2ZnSnS4 films for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol through electronic relay approach and serve as photoelectrode in PEC device

We explore the possibility of thin film Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) as an effective catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol in presence of NaBH4 through electronic relay process with the rate constant of 0.20 min−1, also as photoelectrode material for low-cost photoelectrochemical solar cells. Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films with thickness of ∼ 2 μm have been synthesized by an electrochemical approach. The electrochemical bath contained an aqueous solution of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O, Zn(NO3)2.6H₂O, SnC2O4 and Na2S2O3 with Citric acid as a chelating ligand at an optimum pH∼3.65. The morphology, composition, and optical properties were characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, UV–Vis, FT-IR, and EPR analysis. The growth kinetics of CZTS have been invested with different time intervals, also changes of band gaps of deposited material have been noticed. Cyclic voltammetry of the electrode is done to predict the co-deposited system in the quaternary semiconductor in 0.1 M KCl as supporting electrolyte. The deposited Kesterite phase of CZTS has been systematically investigated to serve as an effective counter electrode material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) energy conversion in 0.5 M polysulfide (Na2Sx) redox couple which showed an efficiency of ∼ 4.395 %. The development of a facile and green chemical route for the preparation of a well crystallized and stable CZTS photoelectrode still remains a challenge.

Investigating the synergetic effect of tungsten oxide doping into the 1,3-dicarbonyl moiety grafted chitosan and phytic acid impregnated sodium alginate for efficient U(VI) adsorption

In this work, chemical modification of the chitosan with ethyl acetoacetate was performed through a base-catalyzed reaction in which epichlorohydrin facilitated the insertion as well as nucleophilic substitution reaction to graft the 1,3-dioxo moiety across the linear chains of the base biopolymer to establish specificity and selectivity for U(VI) removal. The modified chitosan (EAA-CS) was intercalated into phosphate rich alginate matrix (PASA). Later on, the WO3-doped composites with different WO3 to PASA mass ratio were prepared and characterized using FTIR, XPS, SEM-EDS, XRD, and elemental mapping analysis. WO3 significantly contributed to chemically stable inorganic-organic composites with improved porous texture. Among the prepared composites, MCPS-3 microspherical beads, having mass ratio of 30.0 % w/w, exhibited excellent sorption capacity for U(VI) at an optimal pH 4.5. The successful U(VI) sorption was validated by the existence of two U4f peaks at 392.25 and 381.36 eV due to U4f5/2 and U4f7/2 sub-peaks with an intensity ratio of 3:4, respectively. Batch mode sorption kinetics followed pseudo-second-order rate equation (R2 ≈ 0.99, qe,th ≈ 116.88 mg/g, k2 = 0.86 × 10−4 g/mg.min−1) and equilibrium sorption data aligns with Langmuir (R2 = 0.99, qm = 343.85 mg/g at 310 K and pH = 4.5, KL = 2.00 × 10−2 L/mg) and Temkin models (R2 ≈ 0.99). Thermodynamic parameters ΔHo (30.51 kJ/mol), ΔSo (0.19 kJ/mol.K) and ΔGo (−25.64, −26.89, and − 27.91 kJ/mol) at 298, 305, and 310 K, respectively, suggested that the uptake process is feasible, endothermic and spontaneous. Based on these findings, it is reasonable to conclude that MCPS-3 could be a better hydrogel-based biomaterial for appreciable uranium recovery.

Keratin-based pet food produced through proteolytic hydrolysis of chicken feather: Characterisation and palatability study

Valorisation of poultry co-products can fulfil the protein demand of the pet food sector thereby supporting a circular bioeconomy. In this investigation, keratin was produced through an optimised reduction (0.8% sodium sulphite, for 90min) and hydrolysis (using papain for 120min) with a yield of 56.87%. FTIR analysis, in vitro digestibility, SEM imaging, and amino acid profiling of the derived keratin were done and it was subsequently used for pet formulations. Results revealed significant alteration in secondary protein structure post-hydrolysis with in vitro digestibility of 90%. Higher levels (>100% increase) of histidine, arginine, lysine, and methionine were observed in the hydrolysate compared to conventional feather meal. Pet food was formulated with 20% protein replacement that showed maximum palatability in single and two-bowl tests for 2-4 year old Labrador dogs. The developed pet food exhibited desirable colour, water activity (0.5), moisture (4.7%), and relatively lower TBARS value (0.8mg/kg) than the critical value.

Synthesis and Characterization of Titania-Coated Hollow Mesoporous Hydroxyapatite Composites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Red Dye in Water

Hollow mesoporous hydroxyapatite (HM-HAP) composites coated with titania are prepared to increase the stability and catalytic performance of titania for azo dyes present in the wastewater system. In this work, HM-HAP particles were first synthesized by a hydrothermal method utilizing the CaCO3 core as a template and then coated with titania to form TiO2/HM-HAP composites. Utilizing SEM, XRD, XPS, BET, FTIR, EDS, UV–vis DRS spectroscopy, and point of zero charge (PZC) analysis, the coating morphological and physicochemical parameters of the produced samples were analyzed. The photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized coated composites was assessed by the degradation of methyl red (MR) dye in water. The results indicated that TiO2/HM-HAP particles could efficiently photodegrade MR dye in water under UV irradiation. The 20% TiO2/HM-HAP coating exhibited high catalytic performance, and the degradation process was followed by the pseudo-first-order (PFO) kinetic model with a rate constant of 0.033. The effect of pH on the degradation process was also evaluated, and the maximum degradation was observed at pH 6. The analysis of degraded MR dye products was investigated using LC-MS and FTIR analysis. Finally, a good support material, HM-HAP for TiO2 coatings, which provides a large number of active adsorption sites and has catalytic degradation performance for MR dye, was revealed.

Natural and environmentally friendly rhamnolipid functionalized luffa fibers for adsorptive removal of pharmaceutical contaminant: Batch and fixed-bed column studies

This study aims to explore the potential of utilizing rhamnolipid functionalized luffa fibers as an environmentally sustainable solution for removing pharmaceutical contaminants from water. The efficiency of the developed adsorbent for removing acetaminophen has been investigated in batch and fixed bed column modes. The adsorbent has been characterized via FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses which revealed the rhamnolipid nanomicelles formation with bi-pyramidal morphology and the presence of functional groups on the surface of the adsorbent. The optimum conditions have been reported (pH: 5.0, adsorbent dosage 2 g/L, initial acetaminophen concentration: 20 mg/L, and contact time: 80 min). The highest adsorption capacity for acetaminophen was 37.03 mg/g at the optimized conditions. Fixed-bed column experiments examined flow rate and initial acetaminophen concentration effects, with the Thomas model assessing column performance. This research investigates the potential of RL-LF for effective water remediation, offering insights into practical applications and optimization strategies.

Electrochemical performance of MXene/Fe3O4 composite derived from recycled carbon for vanadium redox flow battery

MXenes are emerging 2D materials that have demonstrated excellent combined metallic electrical conductivity and hydrophilicity. They have been extensively studied in applications like energy storage, catalysis, optoelectronics, and so on. In this work, the carbon sourced from carbon soot extracted from fossil fuel combustion wastes was used to produce Ti3C2Tx MXene for the first time. The recyclable carbon-derived MXene/iron oxide (Fe3O4) composites with different concentrations of Fe3O4 were synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The successful synthesis of the MXene/Fe3O4 composites was confirmed by the SEM, HRTEM, EDX, UV–Vis, XRD, FTIR, and XPS analyses. Electron images morphologically revealed the existence of Fe3O4 within the as-synthesized composites, while UV–Vis spectra detected the surface plasmon resonance peaks of MXene and Fe3O4, respectively. The XRD spectra identified the crystalline structure of MXene at 5.7° (002) and 25.3° (006), as well as the magnetite Fe3O4 at 18.2° (111) and 38.2° (311), which aligned well with the presence of Ti-O and Fe-O bands observed in the FTIR data. The XPS study also confirmed the presence of the Fe element within the composites. The electrochemical performance of composite as electrode material towards the cathode VO2+/VO2+ redox reaction was investigated. The synergistic effect of both MXene and metal oxide improved the electrode kinetic activity towards the redox reaction, as evidenced by the voltage peak separation (ΔE) and the ratio of peak currents (IO/IR) values determined in cyclic voltammetry (CV), and the charge transfer process probed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The specific capacity of the battery with the composites was increased along with the improvement of retention strength. The MXene/Fe3O4 5 wt% composite displayed the highest electrochemical catalytic activity with the lowest ΔE (124 mV), IO/IR of about 1, producing specific capacities of 10.2 Ah L-1 and energy efficiency of 70.1 %. The nature of MXene and Fe3O4, morphological features, and higher surface area of composites increased the kinetic activity of the electrode, enabling the composites to be potentially applied in the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) system.

Simultaneous removal of CTRX and Cr(Ⅵ) by CQDs-doped bifunctional molecular imprinted BiOCl/Bi3NbO7 photocatalyst: The enhanced selective performance and charge separation abilities

As a commonly used additive in breeding industry, the complex pollutants and metabolites formed by antibiotics and heavy metals in aquaculture wastewater have the characteristics of strong persistence, refractory degradation and easy accumulation, and exist in the environment and human body for a long time, which caused seriously ecological, environmental and health problems. Their effective removal studies are very essential. In this paper, a CQDs-doped bifunctional molecular imprinted BiOCl/Bi3NbO7 heterojunction photocatalyst (CQDs-MIP-BNO) was fabricated and the micromorphology along with photoelectric characteristics were explored by SEM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, UV-Vis and PL analysis. The photocatalytic performance experiments implied that 10 % doping of CQDs showed the highest selectivity and photocatalytic activity for the 94 % removal rate of Ceftriaxone Sodium (CTRX) and 80 % of Cr (VI) within 45 min. On this basis, a photocatalytic reactor loaded with the as-synthesized bifunctional catalyst through a sponge mesh covered with CS/PVA film was set up and the actual operation potential was further explored. The results showed that the enhanced removal performance of this bifunctional photocatalyst for CTRX and Cr(VI) made it feasible to efficiently remove one or more low-concentration, high-toxicity antibiotics and heavy-metal pollutants from the water column to validate the utility of combining molecular imprinting and photocatalytic technologies for the treatment of aquaculture wastewater.

Valorization of citrus peel industrial wastes for facile extraction of extractives, pectin, and cellulose nanocrystals through ultrasonication: An in-depth investigation

In this work we developed an eco-friendly valorisation of Citrus wastes (CWs), through a solvent-assisted ultrasonication extraction technique, thus having access to a wide range of bio-active compounds and polysaccharides, extremely useful in different industrial sectors (food, cosmetics, nutraceutical). Water-based low-amplitude ultrasonication was examined as a potential method for pectin extraction as well as polar and non-polar citrus extractives (CEs), among which hesperidin and triglycerides of 18 carbon fatty acids were found to be the most representative ones. In addition, citric acid:glycerol (1:4)-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) in combination with ultrasonic extraction was utilized to extract microcellulose (CMC), from which stable cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with glycerol-assisted high amplitude ultrasonication were obtained. The physical and chemical properties of the extracted polysaccharides (pectin, micro and nanocellulose) were analysed through DLS, ζ-potential, XRD, HP-SEC, SEM, AFM, TGA-DSC, FTIR, NMR, and PMP-HPLC analyses. The putative structure of the extracted citrus pectin (CP) was analysed and elucidated through enzyme-assisted hydrolysis in correlation with ESI-MS and monosaccharide composition. The developed extraction methods are expected to influence the industrial process for the valorisation of CWs and implement the circular bio-economy.

SUPERPARAMAGNETIC HYDROPHILIC MOLECULARLY IMPRINTED NANOPARTICLES FOR AN EFFICIENT AND SELECTIVE REMOVAL OF TETRACYCLINE FROM WATER

In this work, a novel superparamagnetic hydrophilic molecularly imprinted nanomaterial for the removal of tetracycline (TC) was synthesized utilizing magnetite (Fe3O4) as the magnetic core, TC as the template molecule, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as the functional monomer, and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the cross-linker. Initially, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) coated with SiO2 (MNP@SiO2) were synthesized, followed by TC molecular imprinting on the nanoparticles. Initially, Fe3O4 MNP coated with SiO2 (MNP@SiO2) were synthesized, followed by TC molecular imprinting on the nanoparticles. The synthesis method for MNP@SiO2 was optimized, and DLS analysis of 10 replicates showed a nanoparticle size of 70.1 ± 5.8 nm, indicating high method reproducibility. The MNP@SiO2, as well as the imprinted (MNP@SiO2-MIP) and non-imprinted (MNP@SiO2-NIP) nanomaterials, were characterized by FTIR, TEM, VSM, XRD, DLS, Z potential, and BET analysis. The saturation magnetization (Ms) values were 43 emu/g for MNP@SiO2 and 32 emu/g for both MNP@SiO2-MIP and MNP@SiO2-NIP, confirming suitability for magnetic separation using external magnets. Batch binding experiments conducted in water and methanol assessed adsorption isotherms and binding kinetics, with data fitting the Langmuir isotherm model better than the Freundlich model. The developed MIP exhibited significant selectivity against other molecules with similar functional groups and size. In water, the adsorption capacity of the MNP@SiO2-MIP was 23 mg/g, with an imprinting factor of 2.2. Furthermore, the MIP demonstrated good regeneration performance. The material was tested on TC-spiked tap water samples, achieving 80.1% TC removal with high reproducibility (3.2%, n=3). Combining hydrophilic superparamagnetic nanoparticles with molecular imprinting enhances their potential applications in environmental remediation, antibiotic purification, and drug delivery.

Highly stable mesoporous Co/Ni mixed metal-organic framework [Co/Ni(μ3-tp)2(μ2-pyz)2] for Co (II) heavy metal ions (HMIs) remediation

A bimetallic cobalt/nickel-based metal-organic framework (MOF), [Co/Ni(μ3-tp)2(μ2-pyz)2], denoted as Co/Ni-MOF, has been successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method. The MOF was prepared by incorporating mixed O− and N− donor ligands, specifically terephthalic acid (tp) and pyrazine (pyz). The Mesoporous Co/Ni-MOF was comprehensively characterized using various analytical methods such as XRD, BET, FT-IR, TGA (23 % char yields), SEM, and EDS analyses. The synthesized mesoporous Co/Ni-MOF was then used to absorb Co (II) from aquatic areas efficiently. Several critical parameters, such as the beginning Co (II) concentration (25–150 mg/L), the effect of pH (2–10), the duration of time (5–30 min), and the amount of adsorbent (0.003–0.02 g), were systematically investigated. Remarkably, the Mesoporous Co/Ni MOF displayed a significant adsorption capacity of 372.66 mg g−1 in the optimum conditions, including pH = 6, amount of adsorbent = 0.003 g, duration of time = 25 min, and beginning Co (II) concentration = 150 mg/L. Adsorption data from the experimental studies of the mesoporous Co/Ni MOF are matched based on the non-linear pseudo-first-order (PSO) kinetic model (R2 = 0.9999), and a chemical process is suggested for chemisorption. Furthermore, the adsorption isotherms of Co (II) heavy metal ions (HMIs) are an excellent fit with the non-linear Temkin, indicating that they explain the sorbent/sorbate interactions concerning the heat of adsorption. It is evident from the thermodynamic parameters that adsorption is a spontaneous and favorable exothermic process. These results highlight the promising adsorption performance and potential applications of the mesoporous Co/Ni-MOF as an effective adsorbent for Co (II) elimination from aquatic areas. Four-cycle regeneration studies were the most effective for the Co (II) under study.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Aeonium arboreum-Derived Silver Nanoparticles: Antimicrobial Activity, Biofilm Inhibition, Antihemolytic Activity, and In Silico Studies

Environmentally friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Aeonium arboreum (L.) Webb & Berthel is reported for the first time. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis, FTIR, TEM, Zeta potential, and XRD analysis, revealing high stability (−29.1 mV), spherical shape, and an average size of 100 nm. The antimicrobial activity levels of both A. arboreum extract and biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated against five uropathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans). Both the extract and the AgNPs exhibited significant efficacy, particularly against E. coli, with inhibition zones of 27 mm and 30 mm, respectively. LC-MS analysis tentatively identified 11 secondary metabolites in the extract, including quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, myricetin 3-glucoside, and daphneresinol. In silico docking studies revealed promising binding affinities of these metabolites in relation to key enzymes involved in bacterial folate synthesis (dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS)) and DNA replication (DNA gyrase). These findings demonstrate the potential of A. arboreum-based AgNPs and their associated metabolites as a novel therapeutic approach for combating urinary tract infections. Their antimicrobial, antihemolytic, and antibiofilm properties warrant further investigation.

Gc–Ms and FTIR Analysis Bioactive Compounds of Patchouli Leaves

Gc–Ms and FTIR Analysis Bioactive Compounds of Patchouli Leaves

Improving O₂ Absorption in PVDF Membrane with Cross-Linked Polymer Coatings

Surface modification of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes using various polymers, including chitosan, nylon, dopamine, and EDA, was examined through SEM and FTIR analyses. SEM imaging unveiled the preservation of membrane porosity post-modification, affirming successful polymer integration without pore obstruction. Nylon coatings induced alterations in surface morphology, with enlarged pore apertures and roughened surfaces attributed to formic acid exposure during dissolution. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the respective polymers, exhibiting characteristic peaks for each. Notably, membranes coated with EDA exhibited enhanced CO2 absorption flux owing to their inherently hydrophilic nature and larger pore dimensions. Optimization of EDA coating parameters, including deposition time and concentration, revealed a direct correlation between increased EDA deposition and enhanced CO2 absorption flux, emphasizing the significant impact of these parameters on membrane performance in gas absorption. Consequently, tailored surface modifications offer a promising avenue for enhancing membrane functionality in gas separation applications

Actinobacteria mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Streptomyces diastaticus and their biological efficacy against human vector mosquitoes and agricultural insect pests

Mosquitoes and agricultural insects were harmful to both public health and crops. Prolonged use of synthetic chemical pesticides for insect pest control was associated with resistance development and negative human and ecological effects. This study investigates the larvicidal activity of Ag-NPs produced using Streptomyces diastaticus against Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, Spodoptera litura, and Plutella xylostella. UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, SEM-EDX, FT-IR, TEM, DLS, and Zeta potential analysis were used to characterize the biosynthesized Ag-NPs. The results showed that biosynthesized Ag-NPs were more toxic to, A. stephensi, C. quinquefasciatus, and A. aegypti with LC50 values of 15.70, 11.10, and 17.53 µg/mL, respectively. Biosynthesized Ag-NPs exhibited the highest antifeedant effects against S. litura (88.73 %) and P. xylostella (92.36 %) at 50 µg/mL concentration. The mortality bioassay revealed considerable larvicidal activity against S. litura and P. xylostella larvae at greater doses of 50 µg/mL, 80.67 and 84.05 %, respectively. Morphogenetic variations were observed on treated larvae of C. quinquefasciatus, A. aegypti, and A. stephensi, S. litura, and P. xylostella with Ag-NPs. In the present investigation the impact of Ag-NPs on the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx), the activity of each enzyme were dramatically increased with higher concentrations resulting in significant differences. The study also found that Ag-NPs inhibited the detoxifying enzyme (GST and AChE) activity of target organisms. The histological structure of the treated and untreated larvae revealed structural changes between the midgut epithelial cells. As a consequence of these findings, the S. diastaticus-mediated Ag-NPs serve as a possible, eco-friendly biopesticide and alternative to synthetic chemicals for the control of human vector mosquitoes and destructive arthropod insect pests.

Synthesis, characterization, and mechanistic insights into the enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of baicalin butyl ester via the PI3K-AKT pathway.

To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of Baicalin derivative (Baicalin butyl ester, BE). BE was synthesized and identified using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Its anti-inflammatory potential was explored by an in vitro inflammation model. Network pharmacology was employed to predict the anti-inflammatory targets of BE, construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and analysis topological features and KEGG pathway enrichment. Additionally, molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinity between BE and its core targets. qRT-PCR analysis was conducted to validate the network pharmacology results. The organizational efficiency was further evaluated through octanol-water partition coefficient and transmembrane activity analysis. UV-Vis, FT-IR, MS, and HPLC analyses confirmed the successfully synthesis of BE with a high purity of 93.75%. In vitro anti-inflammatory research showed that BE could more effectively suppress the expression of NO, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS. Network pharmacology and in vitro experiments validated that BE's anti-inflammatory effects was mediated through the suppression of SRC, HSP90AA1, PIK3CA, JAK2, AKT1, and NF-κB via PI3K-AKT pathway. Molecular docking results revealed that the binding affinities of BA to the core targets were lower than those of BE. The Log p-value of BE (1.7) was markedly higher than that of BA (-0.5). Furthermore, BE accumulated in cells at a level approximately 200 times greater than BA. BE exhibits stronger anti-inflammatory activity relative to BA, possibly attributed to its better lipid solubility and cellular penetration capabilities. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of BE may be mediated through the PI3K-AKT pathway.