Biological Availability Research Articles

A novel outlook in the delivery of artemisinin: production and efficacy in experimental visceral leishmaniasis

ABSTRACT The visceral form of leishmaniasis (VL), due to infection by Leishmania infantum, is a neglected tropical disease. The accessible therapeutic options are limited. Artemisinin is an efficient antileishmanial product with poor biological availability that requires high repetition of therapeutic doses in VL. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) provide targeted delivery, increase bioavailability and reduce toxicity of the traditional therapeutic strategy. The spherical shape artemisinin-loaded SLNs were prepared in a particle diameter of 222.0 ± 14.0 nm. The SLNs showed no particular toxic effect on the parasites, whereas the native artemisinin demonstrated a significant toxicity rate of 31% in viability of the promastigotes at the 250 µg/ml concentration. The therapeutic efficacy of the artemisinin-loaded SLNs was demonstrated in the experimental VL, using the L. infantum-infected BALB/c mice, in the present study. The 10 and 20 mg/kg doses of artemisinin-loaded SLNs showed higher level of antileishmanial efficacy compared with the free artemisinin. There was a significant diminishing of the parasite burden in liver (84.7 ± 4.9%) and spleen (85.0 ± 3.1%) and hepatosplenomegaly by the artemisinin-loaded SLNs treated at 20 mg/kg compared to the free artemisinin. Therefore, the present study supports the superior efficacy of artemisinin-loaded SLNs over the free artemisinin and could be considered as a new therapeutic strategy in the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Time Trends in Glucocorticoid Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis During the Biologics Era: 1999-2018

ObjectivesTo examine time trends in glucocorticoid (GC) use among patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during the biologic era. MethodsA population-based inception cohort of RA patients diagnosed during 1999 – 2018 was followed longitudinally through their medical records until death, migration or 12/31/2020. All patients fulfilled 1987 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for RA. GC start and stop dates were collected along with dosages in prednisone equivalents. The cumulative incidence of GC initiation and discontinuation adjusted for the competing risk of death was estimated. Cox models adjusted for age and sex were used to compare trends between time periods. ResultsThe study population included 399 patients (71% female) diagnosed in 1999 – 2008 and 430 patients (67% female) diagnosed in 2009 – 2018. GC use was initiated within 6 months of meeting RA criteria in 67% of patients in 1999-2008 and 71% of patients in 2009-2018, corresponding to a 29% increase in hazard for initiation of GC in 2009-2018 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.53). Among GC users, similar rates of GC discontinuation within 6 months after GC initiation were observed in patients with RA incidence in 1999 – 2008 and 2009 – 2018 (39.1% versus 42.9%, respectively), with no significant association in adjusted Cox models (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.93-1.31). ConclusionMore patients are initiating GCs early in their disease course now compared to previously. The rates of GC discontinuation were similar, despite the availability of biologics.

Glyphosate Effects on Some Characteristics of Biological Activity and Phytotoxicity of Sod-Podzolic Soil in a Short-Term Model Experiment

In a model laboratory experiment on infertile arable soil with low biological activity, it was found that the introduction of glyphosate leads to a short-term change in the intensity of the main processes of microbial transformation of nitrogen in the soil. When incubating soil with glyphosate at the maximum recommended dose of 8 l/ha for 22 days, there is an increase in nitrogen-fixing and denitrifying activity by 30–80% and 300% and a decrease in the nitrification process by 20–40%. The effects are of a short-term nature and do not reflect the entire complex of ongoing microbiological processes: no effect of glyphosate was detected on the emission of CO2, which is an integral indicator of biological activity. At the end of incubation in the soil with the introduced glyphosate, there was an increase in the number of bacteria by 40% and a decrease in the number of micromycetes by 70%. In general, under the selected conditions, the introduction of glyphosate led to a marked deterioration in the biological activity of the soil. By the method of multisubstrate testing, it was shown that under the action of the herbicide there is an increase in the value of the coefficient of rank diversity of the consumption spectra of substrates d, accompanied by a decrease in the specific metabolic work W and the integral vitality index G. It was shown for the first time that when glyphosate is introduced into soil with low biological activity and availability of phosphorus and the herbicide is degraded along the sarcosine pathway with a break in the C–P bond, excluding the formation of toxic metabolites, there is a pronounced negative effect of glyphosate on soil microorganisms, which leads to inhibition of wheat plant growth.

Design and statistical optimisation of emulsomal nanoparticles for improved anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of N-(5-nitrothiazol-2-yl)-carboxamido candidates: in vitro and in silico studies

In this article, emulsomes (EMLs) were fabricated to encapsulate the N-(5-nitrothiazol-2-yl)-carboxamido derivatives (3a–3g) in an attempt to improve their biological availability and antiviral activity. Next, both cytotoxicity and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities of the examined compounds loaded EMLs (F3a–g) were assessed in Vero E6 cells via MTT assay to calculate the CC50 and inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) values. The most potent 3e-loaded EMLs (F3e) elicited a selectivity index of 18 with an IC50 value of 0.73 μg/mL. Moreover, F3e was selected for further elucidation of a possible mode of action where the results showed that it exhibited a combination of virucidal (>90%), viral adsorption (>80%), and viral replication (>60%) inhibition. Besides, molecular docking and MD simulations towards the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro were performed. Finally, a structure–activity relationship (SAR) study focussed on studying the influence of altering the size, type, and flexibility of the α-substituent to the carboxamide in addition to compound contraction on SARS-CoV-2 activity.

Lutein Encapsulated in PLGA–Phospholipid Nano-Carrier Effectively Mitigates Cytokines by Inhibiting Tumor Necrosis Factor TNF-α and Nuclear Factor NF-κB in Mice Retina

Lutein, a photo- and thermo-labile macular pigment, prevents the retina from suffering ocular inflammation with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, its biological activity is poor due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, we developed a PLGA NCs (+PL), (poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanocarrier with phospholipid) to improve the biological availability and bioefficacy of lutein in the retina of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lutein-devoid (LD) mice. The effect of lutein-loaded NCs with/without PL was studied in comparison with micellar lutein. The induction of inflammation by LPS significantly increased the production of nitrites in the LPS-induced group, revealing higher levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the serum (760%) and retina (891%) compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the serum (93%) and retina (205%) of the LPS-induced group were higher compared to the control group. LPS induction resulted in increased protein carbonyls in the serum (481%) and retina (487%) of the LPS group compared to the control group. Further, to conclude, lutein-PLGA NCs (+PL) effectively down-regulated inflammatory complications in the retina.

Особливості та перспективи використання рослинного білка в годівлі коропа (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) (огляд)

Purpose. Analysis of the state and prospects of the use of vegetable proteins of various methods of manufacture in carp feeding in view of their functional and technological characteristics as well as in accordance with their impact on fish productive parameters and the functional state of the fish body. Findings. The world resources of animal and vegetable protein were characterized, a comparative analysis of nutrition, digestibility and functional characteristic data of feed components was carried out. The protein needs of carp, the main object of aquaculture in Ukraine, were examined. It is noted that vegetable proteins are widely used in carp feeding, but there are a number of limiting factors for the complete replacement of animal proteins with vegetable ones. In particular, the main such factors are the content of anti-nutrients, low digestibility and unbalanced amino acid composition of feed components of plant origin. Modern approaches to the introduction of plant proteins into the composition of feeds have been analyzed, which allows increasing the efficiency of their use in animal husbandry in general, and in fish farming in particular. The expediency of using plant proteins processed by a technical method, single-cell proteins obtained by fermentation, concentrates produced by the extraction method, hydrolysates obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis, as well as whey-purified protein isolates in feed production were characterized. The effect of their use in fish feeding on the physiological and biochemical parameters of the fish body is considered. It is noted that the composition and digestibility of vegetable proteins may differ depending on the source and processing method. A comparison of the economic feasibility of feeding vegetable and animal proteins to different types of fish was made. The expediency and prospects of using vegetable protein in the conditions of aquaculture in Ukraine and in the cultivation of carp are outlined. Practical value. Modern approaches to the use of vegetable protein in fish feeding increase its biological value and availability of nutrients, which allows obtaining additional increases in the weight of fish, reduce production costs and improve the quality characteristics of the grown products. Keywords: vegetable protein feed, animal protein feed, aquaculture, carp, feeding, biological value, digestibility, productivity.

Digital Outcome Measurement to Improve Care for Patients With Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: Protocol for the IMID Registry

Despite enormous clinical improvements, due to better management strategies and the availability of biologicals, immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) still have a significant impact on patients' lives. To further reduce disease burden, provider- as well as patient-reported outcomes (PROs) should be taken into account during treatment and follow-up. Web-based collection of these outcomes generates valuable repeated measurements, which could be used (1) in daily clinical practice for patient-centered care, including shared decision-making; (2) for research purposes; and (3) as an essential step toward the implementation of value-based health care (VBHC). Our ultimate goal is that our health care delivery system is completely aligned with the principles of VBHC. For aforementioned reasons, we implemented the IMID registry. The IMID registry is a digital system for routine outcome measurement that mainly includes PROs to improve care for patients with IMIDs. The IMID registry is a longitudinal observational prospective cohort study within the departments of rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, immunology, clinical pharmacy, and outpatient pharmacy of the Erasmus MC, the Netherlands. Patients with the following diseases are eligible for inclusion: inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, uveitis, Behçet disease, sarcoidosis, and systemic vasculitis. Generic and disease-specific (patient-reported) outcomes, including adherence to medication, side effects, quality of life, work productivity, disease damage, and activity, are collected from patients and providers at fixed intervals before and during outpatient clinic visits. Data are collected and visualized through a data capture system, which is linked directly to the patients' electronic health record, which not only facilitates a more holistic care approach, but also helps with shared decision-making. The IMID registry is an ongoing cohort with no end date. Inclusion started in April 2018. From start until September 2022, a total of 1417 patients have been included from the participating departments. The mean age at inclusion was 46 (SD 16) years, and 56% of the patient population is female. The average percentage of filled out questionnaires at baseline is 84%, which drops to 72% after 1 year of follow-up. This decline may be due to the fact that the outcomes are not always discussed during the outpatient clinic visit or because the questionnaires were sometimes forgotten to set out. The registry is also used for research purposes and 92% of the patients with IMIDs gave informed consent to use their data for that. The IMID registry is a web-based digital system that collects provider- and PROs. The collected outcomes are used to improve care for the individual patient with an IMID and facilitate shared decision-making, and they are also used for research purposes. The measurement of these outcomes is an essential step toward the implementation of VBHC. DERR1-10.2196/43230.

Mechanochemical preparation of red clover extract/β-cyclodextrin dispersion: Enhanced water solubility and activities in alleviating high-fat diet-induced lipid accumulation and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice

Red clover (RC) extract is rich in isoflavones (formononetin and biochanin A) that have various biological functions. However, its low water solubility limits its bioavailability. In this study, an RC extract/β-cyclodextrin (RC/β-CD) dispersion was prepared by ball milling to enhance its water solubility and biological availability. The water solubility of formononetin and biochanin A was 34.45 and 13.65 μg/mL (increased to 3.11 and 2.14 times higher than that of RC alone), respectively. The alleviating effects of the dispersion on lipid accumulation and gut microbiota were evaluated in mice. The RC/β-CD dispersion showed a better effect on inhibiting lipid accumulation, especially on total triglycerides. The dispersion group had a higher relative abundance of Akkermansia, Muribaculaceae, and Bacteroides than RC alone, along with a higher level of acetic and butyric acid. The study provides a feasible way for improving the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of RC isoflavones in red clover.

A new evaluation system of iron bioavailability in seaweed

In marine ecosystems, the avid binding of iron (Fe) to organic ligands influences Fe bioavailability in seaweed. This study aimed to elucidate Fe's biological availability to seaweed and develop a simple and rapid bioassay method as a new evaluation system. Undaria pinnatifida was used as a model seaweed species and the actual seaweed samples were collected using the 0.5 m × 0.5 m quadrat from the Mashike Bay area of Hokkaido, Japan. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were utilized as an index to evaluate the biological -effectiveness of Fe and compared with the results of culture tests based on growth. The effect of Fe content on media, pre-culture, concentrations and types of chelating and reducing agents in clearing solutions, cleaning time, Fe removal effect, and resistance to seaweed were systematically optimized to obtain the maximum efficacy of the washing solution. A bioassay was developed to evaluate the Fe environment by combining chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. The findings suggest that the tolerance of seaweeds to the wash solution is strongly influenced by the concentrations of the chelating and reducing agents than their types. Washing with 0.02 M Ti-Citrate/EDTA solution for 80 s was the most effective in terms of maximum Fe removal with minimum cell damage. The application of pre-culture and chemical pre-treatment methods under Fe deficiency to the culture strain confirmed the maximum reproducibility in the culture test. Finally, the developed method was applied to actual seaweed samples and was found to be applicable to many seaweed species. However, the method was less robust for some seaweed species and depended on the seaweed growth stage.

Factors Associated With Asthma Biologic Prescribing and Primary Adherence Among Adults in a Large Health System

The availability of asthma biologics may not benefit all patients equally. We sought to identify patient characteristics associated with asthma biologic prescribing, primary adherence, and effectiveness. A retrospective, observational cohort study of 9,147 adults with asthma who established care with a Penn Medicine asthma subspecialist was conducted using Electronic Health Record data from January 1, 2016, to October 18, 2021. Multivariable regression models were used to identify factors associated with (1) receipt of a new biologic prescription; (2) primary adherence, defined as receiving a dose in the year after receiving the prescription, and (3) oral corticosteroid (OCS) bursts in the year after the prescription. Factors associated with a new prescription, which was received by 335 patients, included being a woman (odds ratio [OR] 0.66; P= .002), smoking currently (OR 0.50; P=.04), having an asthma hospitalization in the prior year (OR 2.91; P < .001), and having 4+ OCS bursts in the prior year (OR 3.01; P < .001). Reduced primary adherence was associated with Black race (incidence rate ratio 0.85; P < .001) and Medicaid insurance (incidence rate ratio 0.86; P < .001), although most in these groups, 77.6% and 74.3%, respectively, still received a dose. Nonadherence was associated with patient-level barriers in 72.2% of cases and health insurance denial in 22.2%. Having more OCS bursts after receiving a biologic prescription was associated with Medicaid insurance (OR 2.69; P=.047) and biologic days covered (OR 0.32 for 300-364 d vs 14-56 d; P= .03). In a large health system, primary adherence to asthma biologics varied by race and insurance type, whereas nonadherence was primarily explained by patient-level barriers.

Baseline Characteristics of Patients Enrolled in Clinical Trials of Biologics for Severe Asthma as Potential Predictors of Outcomes

(1) Background: Over the past 20 years, monoclonal antibodies have been developed for the treatment of severe asthma, with numerous randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted to define their safety and efficacy. The growing availability of biologics, which until now have only been available for T2-high asthma, has been further enriched by the arrival of tezepelumab. (2) Methods: This review aims to evaluate the baseline characteristics of patients enrolled in RCTs of biologics for severe asthma to understand how they could potentially predict outcomes and how they can help differentiate between available options. (3) Results: The studies reviewed demonstrated that all biologic agents are effective in improving asthma control, especially with regard to reducing exacerbation rates and OCS use. As we have seen, in this regard, there are few data on omalizumab and none yet on tezepelumab. In analysing exacerbations and average doses of OCSs, pivotal studies on benralizumab have enrolled more seriously ill patients. Secondary outcomes, such as improvement in lung function and quality of life, showed better results-especially for dupilumab and tezepelumab. (4) Conclusion: Biologics are all effective, albeit with important differences. What fundamentally guides the choice is the patient's clinical history, the endotype represented by biomarkers (especially blood eosinophils), and comorbidities (especially nasal polyposis).

Factors Associated with Asthma Biologic Prescribing and Adherence Among Adults in a Large Multi-hospital Health System

The availability of asthma biologics may not benefit all patients equally. To our knowledge, asthma biologic prescription rates, and adherence in relation to prescribing, have not been previously reported.

Making the best of research investment in pathogens control through biocontrol. How is research correlated with agricultural microbial biological control product availability?

While using microbial biological control products (MBCPs) to limit pathogens is one of the alternatives to the ecologically unsustainable use of synthetic pesticides that received attention, the last 2 decades have not brought the foreseen leap in developing systematic alternatives based on low-risk plant protection products (PPPs) across the globe. To explain this limited progress, we map the evolution of research on the most successful microbial biological control agents (MBCAs) worldwide. We also map the financing structure in the top funding countries and the European Union (EU) to discern the relevant trends. Available data for the European Union Member States allowed us to discover a country-level and EU-level correlation between strain-level research and biocontrol products' approval based on those strains.

Computed tomography and radioactive 32P detected phosphorus impairment in metabolism, reduced bones density and animal performance caused by mixed infection of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in sheep

Phosphorus (P) is one of the main minerals present in the animal body and exerts crucial functions in the organism. P is present at all cell membranes and integrates the structure of bones, being necessary its supplementation in ruminants due to the deficiency of this mineral in the pastures. One of the principal factors that compromise its metabolization are gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Thus, the objective of this study was evaluate the performance and metabolism of P through its distribution in the animal body, density of bones and muscles, dynamic fluxes, biological availability and half live of P, concentration of P in tissues and bones of lambs simultaneously infected with the most prevalent GIN to sheep, in tropical or subtropical areas, (Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis) using the isotopic dilution technique with 32P radioisotope. Twenty Santa Ines sheep with seven months of age and averaging initial weight of 30.8 ± 6.41 kg were used and allocated to one of two treatments. Ten animals were orally infected (a single dose of 30,000 L3 larvae of T. colubriformis + 10,000 L3 larvae of H. contortus), and ten animals were not infected (control group). During the experimental, samples of blood, feces, urine, and diet refusals were collected and weighting were performed. A computed tomography was performed twice, before infection and at the end of the experiment, to evaluate changes in body composition. On 64-d after experimental infection, animals received an intravenous injection of 32P solution, and 7-d after they received radioisotope injection. The experimental animals were slaughtered, and tissue and bones were collected for P concentrations. The results showed that the parasitic infection compromised the absorption of P, impairing the metabolism, decreasing the mineral bioavailability increasing P bones reabsorption, and reducing bones density, also negatively compromising the infected animal performance.

Factors to Consider in Prescribing Asthma Biologic Therapies to Children

The increasing availability of biologics, both by expanding age indications and by development of new therapies, provides additional options to treat children and adolescents with severe asthma. However, the evidence for these biologics in these populations is limited compared with that for adult studies. As such, before initiation of therapy, possible alternative therapies that can also provide asthma control, confirmation of the diagnosis of asthma, management of comorbidities, and assessment of adherence should be explored. The choice of a biologic should be a shared decision-making process between providers and families, balancing biologic efficacy, goals of care, administration, and ability to treat multiple conditions. Response to treatment should be periodically evaluated not only to ensure an ineffective treatment is not continued but also to consider when to potentially discontinue therapy should it be beneficial. The utilization of biologics in children and adolescents with severe asthma also leads to unanswered questions on their role in disease remission and long-term outcomes.

Biomaterial-based strategies for immunomodulation in IBD: current and future scenarios.

Instinctive gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions with persistent intestinal inflammation are known as "inflammatory bowel diseases" (IBDs). IBDs are growing progressively common throughout the world although it is still unclear what causes them. IBDs that cause recurrent, intermittent, and disburse inflammatory responses, may also have systemic symptoms such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It has been discovered that a number of medications, including antibiotics, corticosteroids, and immune-suppressants, can promote mucous and damaged epithelial restoration. The incidences of general and specific therapy failure in IBD continue to climb, even though the availability of advanced biologics including anti-interleukins, anti-integrins, anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF), and small molecules such as tofacitinib exist. Management therapies that are currently being researched include specifically JAK (janus kinase) inhibitors, anti-IL (anti-interleukin) (IL-12, IL23), and leukocyte inhibitors such as sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. Clinical treatments can have various adverse effects. In order to give pharmacological drugs to the disease-specific sites with improved efficacy and fewer complications, innovative frameworks centered on biomaterials are needed. We provide an outlook on the current state of several biomaterials used to treat IBD. This article comprehensively addresses numerous microparticles, nanoparticles, and hydrogels that have recently been made from natural bio-polymers and lipids. To support colon-specific target delivery and steady release of medications during IBD therapies, these various biomaterial-based monotherapies could be employed as efficient drug delivery systems.

Interaction assessment of polysaccharides and minor bioactive compounds in functional food ingredients of plant origin

At present, the scientific based view of creation enriched, specialized and functional products based on bioactive compounds (BAC) of plant origin has been formed. Interactions between polysaccharides (hydrocolloids), macronutrients of the food system and minor BAC are a determining factor in their bioavailability and should be taken into account when developing formulations and evaluated accordingly. The objective of the research was to consider the theoretical aspects of the interaction of polysaccharides and minor BAC in functional food ingredients of plant origin, as well as to provide an overview of currently available methods for their evaluation. Material and methods. The search and analysis of publications were carried out using the eLIBRARY, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science databases, mainly in the last 10 years. Results. The main interaction mechanisms of the polysaccharides with minor BAC were determined using the example of the components of the polyphenol complex (flavonoids), ecdysteroids. These include: adsorption, the formation of an "inclusion complex", hydrogen bonding between OH-groups. The interaction of BAC with other macromolecules can occur with their significant modification as a result of the formation of complexes and cause a decrease in biological activity. The assessment of the degree of interaction of hydrocolloids with minor BAC can be carried out using both in vitro and in vivo methods. Most of these studies are carried out in vitro, do not take into account many factors that affect the bioavailability of BAC. Thus, it can be noted that, despite significant progress in the development of functional food ingredients based on medicinal plant materials, the studies of the interactions of BAC with polysaccharides using relevant models are not currently carried out to the extent necessary. Conclusion. Based on the data presented in the review, it can be concluded that plant polysaccharides (hydrocolloids) have a significant effect on the biological activity and availability of minor BAC (polyphenols, ecdysteroids). As an optimal technique for a preliminary assessment of the degree of interaction, it is recommended to use a model that includes the main enzymatic systems, which allows you to accurately reproduce the processes occurring in the gastrointestinal tract; at the final stage, it is necessary to confirm the biological activity in vivo.

Implementation of seed collection programs for the recovery of Argopecten purpuratus populations in the La Rinconada marine reserve (Antofagasta, Chile)

Abstract ‘La Rinconada Marine’ Reserve (MR), Chile was created in 1997 to preserve the genetic stock of the scallop Argopecten purpuratus and eventually to supply seed to areas outside of the reserve and support aquaculture activities. Data from biological and fisheries monitoring of A. purpuratus as well as environmental conditions in the MR are available for the period from 1993 to 2009. The continuous extraction of A. purpuratus from La Rinconada MR in Chile, without a science‐based exploitation plan, has not only decreased the abundance and population structure of the species but has also significantly affected seed settlement in artificial collectors and population recruitment. Therefore, the goals of the MR have not been achieved. This review of biological and fishing studies of A. purpuratus in La Rinconada MR provides a basis for the implementation of a sustainable programme for the natural collection of A. purpuratus seed for population recovery. A. purpuratus recruitment varies substantially between years and is not strongly related to the size of the parental population. Larval collection and recruitment depend on environmental events (El Niño‐Southern Oscillation) and biological substrate availability (Rhodymenia red algae). These factors produce a bentho‐pelagic decoupling between parental abundance, larval production and subsequent recruitment of A. purpuratus that limits stock recovery in the MR. To address the poor population status of A. purpuratus in the MR, recovery of the adult population is needed. Therefore, an assisted collection and recruitment strategy is proposed to increase the population and enable the generation of surplus seed, fulfilling the initial aims of La Rinconada MR.

Analysis of Features of Accumulation of Macro- and Microelements in Grass of Hollow of Five-Lobed Flora of Voronezh Region

Studies of the elemental composition of wild raw materials are relevant and significant due to the high efficiency and biological availability of organometallic forms contained in plants. The purpose of the study is to study the macro- and microelement composition of motherwort herb five-lobed natural phytocenosis of the Voronezh region. Raw materials were harvested during the flowering of the plant in the Voronezh State Natural Biosphere Reserve. The microelement composition of the samples was studied mass spectroscopically on an ELAN-DRC instrument. It was revealed that the content of the microelement complex is 5.8%, 59 elements were determined. Macroelements make up 96.31% of the total elemental composition of the five-lobed hollow grass. The macroelements are based on potassium (more than 30 mg/g), as well as calcium (more than 16 mg/g). Essential trace elements make up 3.08% of the total mineral complex of the five-lobed hollow grass. Among them, the highest content was noted for silicon (more than 1.4 mg/g), iron (more than 0.1 mg/g). The content of regulated heavy metals and arsenic in the grass of the five-bladed dummy complies with the requirements of regulatory documentation. Lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic account for 0.0008% of the total mineral complex of raw materials. The share of toxic and little-studied elements in the total mineral complex of the grass of the five-lobed dummy is 0.61%. The highest content was observed for aluminum (191.4 g/g), strontium (65.2 g/g), barium (70.3 g/g), titanium (19.2 g/g), rubidium (5.68 g/g). The high ability of the five-lobed puberty grass to accumulate phosphorus, potassium, copper, zinc, cadmium from the soil, as well as a significant opportunity to accumulate calcium, magnesium, molybdenum, nickel, strontium and tellurium, is shown.

INFLUENCE OF CARBONACEOUS SORBENTS OBTAINED FROM VEGETABLE RAW MATERIALS ON THE MO-BILITY OF ZN IONS IN SOIL

Soil pollution with heavy metals not only reduces crop yields, but also negatively affects human and animal health. Even such a biophilic element as Zn, when excessively supplied to living organisms, has a toxic effect. The introduction of sorbents into the soil makes it possible to ensure the binding of pollutants in situ, leading to a decrease in their mobility and biological availability. In the course of the work, the efficiency of application and the physicochemical characteristics of organic carbonaceous sorbents, granular activated carbon (GAC) of commercial production and biochar obtained from regional agricultural waste (rice husk) were investigated and compared, which determine their adsorption capacity with respect to Zn ions. Under the conditions of a model experiment, metal inactivation was shown in contaminated soils when using carbonaceous sorbents. Due to the high sorption properties of GAC and biochar, a decrease in the content of all mobile forms (exchange, complex and specifically sorbed) of Zn compounds in contaminated soils, was found. The most effective dose for reducing the mobility of metal ions in the soil was 5% of the soil mass for both biochar and GAC.