Benign Substances Research Articles

Exploring the potential of novel Bacillus sp. G6: Isolation, characterization, and optimization of biosurfactant production from oil-contaminated soil

Biosurfactants (BSs) are highly biodegradable, environmentally benign, and multifunctional substances having diverse industrial uses, including environment bioremediation. Because of its remarkable emulsifying properties, as well as its use in both the environment and medicine, surfactin, is considered one of the most potent BSs and belongs to the lipopeptides family. The present study was performed to isolate the potential bacteria from oil-contaminated soils. Selected bacteria were checked for biosurfactant (BS) synthesis and their characterization. Out of 32 bacteria, the most promising isolate G6 was taken for a detailed study. Based on polyphasic taxonomy it was found to belong to the novelBacillussp.Nutrient screening for higher BS synthesis usingthe Plackett-Burman design(PBD) showed thatFeSO4, NaCl andwaste engineoil have a significant influence on BS production. Further optimization utilizingBox-Behnken design(BBD) revealed that the optimized condition for higher BS synthesis wasFeSO4(2.0 %), NaCl (2.0 %), and waste engine oil (2.2 %). The highest BS yield of 3.79 ± 0.265 g/L was attained with a cell biomass of 1.51 ± 0.234 g/L with 1.92 fold increase in the yield. Based on thin-layer chromatogram (TLC),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), andGas Chromatogram-Mass Spectrometry(GC–MS) studies it was observed that the probable BS was a surfactin-like molecule that is stable at a wide range of temperature (up to 100° C), pH (5–9), and salinity (3–6 %).

Recent advances in microbial and enzymatic engineering for the biodegradation of micro- and nanoplastics.

This review examines the escalating issue of plastic pollution, specifically highlighting the detrimental effects on the environment and human health caused by microplastics and nanoplastics. The extensive use of synthetic polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS) has raised significant environmental concerns because of their long-lasting and non-degradable characteristics. This review delves into the role of enzymatic and microbial strategies in breaking down these polymers, showcasing recent advancements in the field. The intricacies of enzymatic degradation are thoroughly examined, including the effectiveness of enzymes such as PETase and MHETase, as well as the contribution of microbial pathways in breaking down resilient polymers into more benign substances. The paper also discusses the impact of chemical composition on plastic degradation kinetics and emphasizes the need for an approach to managing the environmental impact of synthetic polymers. The review highlights the significance of comprehending the physical characteristics and long-term impacts of micro- and nanoplastics in different ecosystems. Furthermore, it points out the environmental and health consequences of these contaminants, such as their ability to cause cancer and interfere with the endocrine system. The paper emphasizes the need for advanced analytical methods and effective strategies for enzymatic degradation, as well as continued research and development in this area. This review highlights the crucial role of enzymatic and microbial strategies in addressing plastic pollution and proposes methods to create effective and environmentally friendly solutions.

Contaminant Metals and Cardiovascular Health.

A growing body of research has begun to link exposure to environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals, with a variety of negative health outcomes. In this paper, we sought to review the current research describing the impact of certain common contaminant metals on cardiovascular (CV) health. We reviewed ten metals: lead, barium, nickel, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, selenium, zinc, and copper. After a literature review, we briefly summarized the routes of environmental exposure, pathophysiological mechanisms, CV health impacts, and exposure prevention and/or mitigation strategies for each metal. The resulting article discloses a broad spectrum of pathological significance, from relatively benign substances with little to no described effects on CV health, such as chromium and selenium, to substances with a wide-ranging and relatively severe spectrum of CV pathologies, such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead. It is our hope that this article will provide clinicians with a practical overview of the impact of these common environmental contaminants on CV health as well as highlight areas that require further investigation to better understand how these metals impact the incidence and progression of CV diseases.

Investigation of the inhibition behavior of an octacalcium phosphate as a green corrosion inhibitor against carbon steel in 3 % NaCl medium

The development of new corrosion inhibitors constitutes a significant endeavor for researchers. In this study, the efficacy of octacalcium phosphate (OCPa), an inorganic green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in a 3% NaCl solution, was evaluated. This investigation marks the first application of this compound in a saline environment. The phosphate inhibitor was synthesized through a double aqueous decomposition process in an equimolar solution of water and ethanol, and subsequently characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), chemical analysis, and SEM/EDX to ascertain its properties and morphology. Meanwhile, the electrochemical behavior was investigated using techniques such as potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to assess the anticorrosive performance of the studied phosphates. Analysis of the carbon steel surface morphology of the resultant layer was conducted using SEM/EDX and FTIR. According to the electrochemical results, OCPa demonstrated an impressive inhibitory effect, with an efficiency reaching 93.1% at an optimal concentration of 50 ppm, exhibiting a cathodic type of inhibition. Moreover, the charge transfer resistance was found to be 2450 Ω.cm2 in the presence of 50 ppm of the inhibitor, as compared to 161.0 Ω.cm2 in the uninhibited solution. The thermodynamic parameters indicated an endothermic nature for the adsorption process in the presence of OCPa. Examination of the carbon steel surface morphology by SEM revealed the formation of a protective layer, serving to shield the metal from corrosion. The experimental findings underscore the potential of octacalcium phosphate as a promising inorganic green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in saline environments, opening new avenues for the exploration and development of environmentally benign anti-corrosive substances.

Bayesian interpretation of the hygiene hypothesis

Immunity is crucial for an organism to survive as it prevents intrusions of pathogens and accompanying infections. However, the immune system may react to benign stimulants such as pollens or certain types of foods, which is prevalent in modern societies. This allergic response is the outcome of the hypersensitive response to external substances which can be described as an error of the immunological decision-making. Here, I utilized Bayes’ theorem to interpret one of the main hypotheses of the allergy: the hygiene hypothesis. The probability that the immune system reacts to the benign substances is expected to be determined by the probability to encounter the benign antigen, the probability of an immune response, and the likelihood that the benign antigen elicits the immune response. The statistical analyses show that infrequent exposure to virulent pathogens during childhood may increase allergic responses, supporting the hygiene hypothesis. This interpretation combined with an evolutionary perspective may provide a novel framework for understanding the allergy response.

Formaldehyde Reduction in an Operating Room Setting: Comparison of a Catalytic Surgical Vacuum Device With a Traditional Smoke Evacuator.

Introduction Electrosurgery exposes healthcare workers to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde. Adopting electrosurgical devices that catalytically transform formaldehyde to benign substances has the potential to improve safety in surgical settings. Materials and methods We compared the efficiency of formaldehyde removal of two medical devices.The first was a novel surgical vacuum (SV) device containing ultra-low particulate air (ULPA) filtration, activated carbon and catalytic transition metal oxide.The second was a commonly utilized handpiece evacuator (HE) that contained only mechanical filtration and activated carbon granules. Both devices were exposed to formalin vapor. Results The time weighted average (TWA), median and peak concentrations of detected formaldehyde at the outflow of the SV unit were 90% lower than the corresponding values detected at the outflow of the HE device (p = 0.0034). When catalytic material was added to the HE device, the detected formaldehyde concentration at the outflow was reduced by 55%(p = 2.9 x 10-15). Conclusions The catalytic SV device has the potential to considerably reduce formaldehyde levels in operating room (OR) environments.

Mechanistic Insights into the Oxidative Degradation of Formic and Oxalic Acids with Ozone and OH Radical. A Computational Rationale

Gas-phase and aqueous oxidations of formic and oxalic acids with ozone and OH radicals have been thoroughly examined by DFT methods. Such acids are not only important feedstocks for the iterative construction of other organic compounds but also final products generated by mineralization and advanced oxidation of higher organics. Our computational simulation unravels both common and distinctive reaction channels, albeit consistent with known H atom abstraction pathways and formation of hydropolyoxide derivatives. Notably, reactions with neutral ozone and OH radical proceed through low-energy concerted mechanisms involving asynchronous transition structures. For formic acid, carbonylic H-abstraction appears to be more favorable than the dissociative abstraction of the acid proton. Formation of long oxygen chains does not cause a significant energy penalty and highly oxygenated products are stable enough, even if subsequent decomposition releases environmentally benign side substances like O2 and H2O.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of rGO-ZnO/CuO Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants

Nanomaterial-based catalytic conversion of hazardous organic pollutants into benign substances is one of the green methods employed for wastewater treatment. This study demonstrates the fabrication of (rGO-ZnO)/CuO nanocomposites (NCs) via a microwave (MW)-assisted method for (photo)catalytic application. The crystal structure, optical, morphological, and electrochemical characteristics were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical techniques. The analysis indicated that rod-like (rGO-ZnO)/CuO NCs having a nanoscale diameter with enhanced light absorption and well-matched band positions between rGO-ZnO and CuO were formed. Furthermore, the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) tests showed remarkable results with rate constants of 0.468 min−1 for 4-NP reduction within 8 min and 0.02213 min−1 for MB degradation within 105 min. Thus, the artful decoration of ZnO nanorods (NRs) with CuO into the (rGO-ZnO)/CuO NCs interface is an effective strategy for fabricating highly efficient photocatalysts.

Synthesis of d-Gluconic Acetal Surfactants and Their Foaming Behaviors.

Sugars are natural and environmentally benign substances, which can offer various hydroxyl groups. The understanding of details of the hydroxyl interactions in the hydrophilic groups of sugar-based surfactants, as well as the related properties, is still indistinct. Here, novel d-gluconic acetal surfactants with bicyclic and monocyclic structures in the head group were designed and synthesized. The obtained surfactant with a bicyclic architecture exhibited excellent foamability and a multistimulus-responsive behavior toward foam stabilization. In addition, the control of foamability from defoaming and foaming could be achieved by changing pH values or bubbling gas of CO2/N2. To explore the structural effects such as hydroxyl groups and rigidity of the head group on the properties of sugar-based surfactants, another kind of amphiphilic molecule with various OH- groups and a monocycle in the head group was designed for comparison. These two series of amphiphilic molecules both exhibited good surface activity. However, only the d-gluconic acetal surfactant with a bicyclic structure and a smaller number of OH- groups exhibited excellent foamability. Further studies showed that the foam behaviors were attributed to the conformation and arrangement of the surfactant molecule at the surface layer with the assistance of hydrogen bonds formed by hydroxyl groups and H2O molecules. In addition, the surfactant could provide an environmentally friendly foamer in many potential applications.

Review on the application of green and environmentally benign biowaste and natural substances in the synthesis of lithium‐ion batteries

Review on the application of green and environmentally benign biowaste and natural substances in the synthesis of lithium‐ion batteries

The Role of IgA in Chronic Upper Airway Disease: Friend or Foe?

Chronic upper airway inflammation is amongst the most prevalent chronic disease entities in the Western world with prevalence around 30% (rhinitis) and 11% (rhinosinusitis). Chronic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis may severely impair the quality of life, leading to a significant socio-economic burden. It becomes more and more clear that the respiratory mucosa which forms a physiological as well as chemical barrier for inhaled particles, plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis and driving disease. In a healthy state, the mucosal immune system provides protection against pathogens as well as maintains a tolerance toward non-harmful commensal microbes and benign environmental substances such as allergens. One of the most important players of the mucosal immune system is immunoglobulin (Ig) A, which is well-studied in gut research where it has emerged as a key factor in creating tolerance to potential food allergens and maintaining a healthy microbiome. Although, it is very likely that IgA plays a similar role at the level of the respiratory epithelium, very little research has been performed on the role of this protein in the airways, especially in chronic upper airway diseases. This review summarizes what is known about IgA in upper airway homeostasis, as well as in rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, including current and possible new treatments that may interfere with the IgA system. By doing so, we identify unmet needs in exploring the different roles of IgA in the upper airways required to find new biomarkers or therapeutic options for treating chronic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis.

Microwave assisted green synthesis of gold nanoparticles for catalytic degradation of environmental pollutants

Green chemistry relies on the use of safe and environmentally benign substances to avoid the production of waste. Incorporation of green chemistry principles into nanoscience leads to the development of new areas of research in green nanoscience. Here we report a one pot microwave assisted green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using the leaves Myristica fragrans. The phytoconsituents in the aqueous extract of the Myristica fragrans act as the reducing and capping agent for the nanoparticles. The violet coloured biogenic synthesized gold nanoparticles are characterized using UV–vis. spectra, FT-IR, XRD, HR-TEM and EDX techniques. The UV–vis. spectra shows a sharp intense plasmonic resonance peak at 543 nm. FT-IR reveals the phyochemicals involved in the reduction of nanoparticles. XRD analysis proved the crystalline face centered cubic structure of the gold nanoparticles which is in agreement with the SAED ring patterns. The average particle size of 18.72 nm and morphological evidences were obtained from the images obtained from TEM technique. The catalytic efficiency of the green gold nanoparticles is established in the degradation of 4-nitrophenol and methyl orange dye using NaBH4. The reaction kinetics and effect of catalytic dosage on the degradation were also examined.

Performances of C-BORD’s Tagged Neutron Inspection System for Explosives and Illicit Drugs Detection in Cargo Containers

In the frame of the effective Container inspection at BORDer control points (C-BORD) project [H2020 program of the European Union (EU)], a Rapidly Relocatable Tagged Neutron Inspection System (RRTNIS) has been developed for a nonintrusive inspection of cargo containers, aiming at explosives and other illicit goods detection. Twenty large-volume NaI detectors are used to determine the elements composing inspected materials from their specific gamma-ray spectra signatures induced by fast neutrons. The RRTNIS inspection is focused on a specific suspect area selected by X-ray radiography. An unfolding algorithm decomposes the energy spectrum of this suspect area on a database of pure element gamma signatures. A classification is then performed between inorganic materials, such as metals, ceramics, or chemicals, and organic materials like wood, fabrics, or plastic goods. Concerning organic materials, the obtained elemental proportions of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen allow discriminating explosives from illicit drugs and benign substances. This article reports on the final laboratory tests performed at Commissariat L'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA) Saclay, France, to assess the RRTNIS detection performances before further demonstration tests in a real seaport environment. Simulants of explosives and illicit drugs have been hidden at different depths inside iron or wood cargo materials, which are representative of the different neutron and gamma attenuation properties encountered in real cargo containers. Hundreds of experiments have been performed, showing that a few kilograms of explosives or narcotics can be detected by the RRTNIS in 10-min inspections.

Computational chemistry for green design in chemistry and pharmacy: Building awareness in the classroom

Pursuing sustainability requires the design of environmentally benign substances and materials and of sufficiently clean processes for their production, as well as careful attention to their usage throughout their life cycle and to their eventual fate. These requirements have prompted the birth of green chemistry and, more recently, of green pharmacy. The current work focuses on relevant common features of the two areas at educational level. After briefly recalling the reasons that have prompted their birth, and the main objectives of their approaches, it devotes major attention to the design of substances as a tool made increasingly more powerful by the continuous progress of computational chemistry. Particular attention is given to the importance of fostering sound attitudes in approaching molecules and of building awareness of the fundamental roles of conceptual and theoretical knowledge to ensure that the obtained results are meaningful.

The mechanism and application of bidirectional extracellular electron transport in the field of energy and environment

Bidirectional extracellular electron transfer (EET) is mediated by back and forth electron delivery between microorganisms and extracellular substances. This enables the exchange of biochemical information and energy with the surrounding environments. As a novel bioenergy strategy, bidirectional EET provides low-cost opportunities for the production of clean energy sources and carriers (e.g., hydrogen and methane) as well as the production of value-added chemicals from carbon dioxide. Electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) can also transform pollutants to less toxic or benign substances in contaminated environments, and therefore they have been widely applied in bioremediation studies. Among all the available EAB, Geobacter and Shewanella are well-known for their versatility to accept/donate electrons from/to external environments. In this review, we focus on how these model EAB generate or harvest energy through bidirectional EET, as well as recent advances in the application of EET in bioelectrochemical technology and environmental bioremediation. Finally, the challenges, perspectives and new directions in the bidirectional EET studies are discussed.

Settling behavior of tungsten tailings using serpentine as flocculant

Bio-refractory polymers are widely used as flocculants in tailing dewatering process and it is desirable that they are replaced by environmentally benign substances. A preliminary study of the settling behavior of tungsten ore using serpentine as flocculant has been conducted. The results show that serpentine is a useful flocculant for the settling of tungsten ore and its flocculation effect is influenced largely by the suspension pH and the flocculant particle (serpentine) size. Settling velocity was found to increase as the particle size of the serpentine decreased, from 0.15 mm to 0.037 mm, which is a consequence of higher loading of the positively charged flocculant onto the negatively charged ore particles due to larger specific surface areas.

Excipients in Anesthesia Medications

Medications used in anesthesiology contain both pharmacologically active compounds and additional additives that are usually regarded as being pharmacologically inactive. These additives, called excipients, serve diverse functions. Despite being labeled inert, excipients are not necessarily benign substances. Anesthesiologists should have a clear understanding of their chemical properties and the potential for adverse reactions. This report catalogs the excipients found in drugs commonly used in anesthesiology, provides a brief description of their function, and documents examples from the literature regarding their adverse effects.

Plastics: A brief review of its disasters and degradation techniques

This review article focuses on the growth of Platic industry, the disasters caused by it and an overview of degradation mechanisms. Plastics being considered the benign substances came into headlines when their presence was first detected in the food chain. These plastics can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Degrading these persistant pollutant is of major concern for many scientists across the globe. Incinerating plastics is one option but it has many environmental consequences. Besides, bioremediation is the process that many scientists are interested in, as different microbes has the ability to degrade plastics at different rates. Research is needed to come up with the economical and eco-friendly approaches, fast enough to degrade tons of plastic with minimum effect on the environment. Major concern is not only degrading plastics but also minimizing its use and coming up with alternatives that are not only eco-friendly but also cost effective.

Preparation of a Water-Based Photoreactive Azosulphonate-Doped Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) and the Investigation of Its UV Response.

Two different azosulphonate dyes were synthesised and purified for the preparation of a water-based photoreactive azosulphonate-doped poly(vinyl alcohol). The aim was the investigation of a novel azosulphonate-poly(vinyl alcohol) photoresist with decreased water solubility after illumination, setting a focus on environmentally benign substances. The electron distribution of the aromatic rings of the two different azosulphonate molecules were changed by the UV-induced cleavage of the –N=N–SO3− groups, which was evidenced by UV spectroscopy. The formation of ester groups was detected by Fourier-transform infrared and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. UV–Vis spectroscopy was used to investigate the photoreactivity of the prepared films. Photolithographic experiments demonstrated the applicability of these newly produced materials as photoresist materials. In addition, these materials provide high thermal stability.

The flotation separation of galena and pyrite using serpentine as depressant

Toxic inorganic depressants are commonly used in the flotation separation of polymetallic sulfide ores and it is desirable that they can be replaced by environmentally benign substances. Serpentine, a common gangue mineral encountered in complex sulfide ores, has been found to be an efficient depressant for ferric sulfide (e.g., pyrite). Serpentine was tested as a potential selective depressant in the differential flotation separation of galena and pyrite using potassium butyl xanthate (PBX) as a collector. In single mineral flotation, serpentine depressed the −150 + 74 μm and −74 + 37 μm galena while the −10 μm galena was floatable. Different from galena, serpentine has strong depression effect on all the three sizes of pyrite. So the flotation separation of fine grained galena and pyrite can be achieved. A concentrate with Pb grade of 65.09% and recovery of 67.72% can be achieved in the mixed minerals flotation when serpentine was added as depressant. Mechanism studies indicated that serpentine particles attach to the surface of pyrite more easily.