Mineralization Capability Research Articles

Boosted Persulfate Activation Using Ba2CoMnO5 and LDH/CaCO3 for Amoxicillin Degradation: A Comparative Study

AbstractSulfate radicals based advanced oxidation processes (SR‐AOPs) have gained attention recently due to their high mineralization capability in environmental remediation. The high persulfate (PS) activation activity of cobalt‐based semiconductors has epitomized them as preferred catalysts for SR‐AOPs but shortcomings such as leaching, and loss of catalytic active sites limit their applicability. Herein, two different strategies are employed to minimize leaching and improve charge transportation and separation for efficient PS activation under visible light irradiation using LDH/CaCO3/PS and Ba2CoMnO5/PS AOP systems synthesized by solid state method. LDH/CaCO3/PS achieved 17.9% higher reaction rate than Ba2CoMnO5/PS for degradation of amoxicillin (AMX) with higher TOC mineralization efficacy. Despite SO4•− and OH• existence and involvement in both systems, the degradation pathways mapped from QTOF‐HPLC‐MS data demonstrated formation of different pathways during AMX mineralization. This work demonstrates novel fabrication of brownmillerite double layered perovskite and insulator supported LDH for environmental pollution remediation.

Co3O4 coated carbon fiber activates PMS to degrade phenolic pollutants via 1O2 dominated non-radical pathway: Role of dual reaction center

Carbon fiber (CF) with a regular fiber skeleton structure was used to prepare the Co3O4@CF catalyst. The as-prepared catalyst was then applied to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of phenolic pollutants. Furthermore, the catalytic performance and degradation mechanisms are investigated in this study. The uniform dispersion of Co3O4 on the surface of the CF, as well as the presence of Co–O–R in the Co3O4@CF structure, was confirmed. Notably, 50 mg L−1 of bisphenol A (BPA) was completely degraded in the Co3O4@CF/PMS system within 20 min, under initial conditions of catalyst mass concentration at 0.2 g L−1, the PMS concentration at 10 mmol L−1, and a pH of 6.6. The total organic carbon removal rate reached 72.33 % over 90 min, indicating that the Co3O4@CF/PMS system exhibited strong mineralization capability for BPA. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrated high efficiency in treating various types of refractory organic pollutants, showing promise for purifying coking wastewater from 3D-EEM. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and solid-state electron paramagnetic resonance revealed the formation of electron-poor and electron-rich centers in the Co3O4@CF structure. Density functional theory calculations further indicated that the charge density around the CF decreased, while the charge density around Co3O4 increased, resulting in the formation of these electron-poor and electron-rich centers. Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed the excellent electron transfer rate of Co3O4@CF. Additionally, the reactive oxygen species dominated in the Co3O4@CF/PMS system were 1O2 and •O2−, with possible mechanisms for the 1O2 and •O2− generation during BPA degradation elucidated. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry results identified degradation intermediates of BPA, proposing three possible degradation pathways.

Investigating the Effects of Gliding Arc Plasma Discharge’s Thermal Characteristic and Reactive Chemistry on Aqueous PFOS Mineralization

Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are recalcitrant organofluorine contaminants, which demand urgent attention due to their bioaccumulation potential and associated health risks. While numerous current treatments technologies, including certain plasma-based treatments, can degrade PFASs, their complete destruction or mineralization is seldom achieved. Extensive aqueous PFAS mineralization capability coupled with industrial-level scaling potential makes gliding arc plasma (GAP) discharges an interesting and promising technology in PFAS mitigation. In this study, the effects of GAP discharge’s thermal and reactive properties on aqueous perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) mineralization were investigated. Treatments were conducted with air and nitrogen GAP discharges at different plasma gas temperatures to investigate the effects of plasma thermal environment on PFOS mineralization; the results show that treatments with increased plasma gas temperatures lead to increased PFOS mineralization, and discharges in air were able to mineralize PFOS at relatively lower plasma gas temperatures compared to discharges in nitrogen. Studies were conducted to identify if GAP-based PFOS mineralization is a pure thermal process or if plasma reactive chemistry also affects PFOS mineralization. This was done by comparing the effects of thermal environments with and without plasma species (air discharge and air heated to plasma gas temperatures) on PFOS mineralization; the results show that while GAP discharge was able to mineralize PFOS, equivalent temperature air without plasma did not lead to PFOS mineralization. Finally, mineralization during treatments with GAP discharges in argon and air at similar gas temperatures were compared to investigate the role of plasma species in PFOS mineralization. The results demonstrate that treatments with argon (monoatomic gas with higher ionization) lead to increased PFOS mineralization compared to treatments with air (molecular gas with lower ionization), showing the participation of reactive species in PFOS mineralization.

Evolutionary Design of Self-Templated Supramolecular Fibrils Using M13 Bacteriophage for Tissue Engineering.

Biomaterials in nature form hierarchical structures and functions across various length scales through binding and assembly processes. Inspired by nature, we developed hierarchically organized tissue engineering materials through evolutionary screening and self-templating assembly. Leveraging the M13 bacteriophage (phage), we employed an evolutionary selection process against hydroxyapatite (HA) to isolate HA-binding phage (HAPh). The newly discovered phage exhibits a bimodal length, comprising 950 nm and 240 nm, where the synergistic effect of these dual lengths promotes the formation of supramolecular fibrils with periodic banded structures. The assembled HAPh fibrils show the capability of HA mineralization and the directional growth of osteoblast cells. When applied to a dentin surface, it induces the regeneration of dentin-like tissue structures, showcasing its potential applications as a scaffold in tissue engineering. The integration of evolutionary screening and self-templating assembly holds promise for the future development of hierarchically organized tissue engineering materials.

Effects of handheld nonthermal plasma on the biological responses, mineralization, and inflammatory reactions of polyaryletherketone implant materials

Background/purposeThe handheld nonthermal plasma (HNP) treatment may alter the surface properties, bone metabolism, and inflammatory reactions of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) dental implant materials. This study tested whether the HNP treatment might increase the biocompatibility, surface hydrophilicity, surface free energies (SFEs), and the cell adhesion and mineralization capability of PAEK materials. Materials and methodsDisk-shaped samples of titanium (Ti), zirconia (Zr), polyetheretherketone (PEEK [PE]), and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK [PK]) were subjected to HNP treatment and termed as TiPL, ZrPL, PEPL, and PKPL, respectively. Water-surface reactions were examined using a goniometer. MG-63 cells were cultured on all samples to assess the cell viability, cytotoxicity, cell attachment, and mineralization characteristics. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6) and key mineralization markers (alkaline phosphatase [ALKP], osteopontin [OPN], and dentin matrix protein 1 [DMP1]) was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. ResultsThe HNP-treated samples exhibited significantly enhanced surface hydrophilicities and SFEs compared to the untreated samples. The cell viability remained high across all samples, indicating no cytotoxic effects. The HNP treatment significantly enhanced MG-63 cell adherence and proliferation. Elevated levels of ALKP and OPN were observed for the plasma-treated PEPL and PKPL specimens, while DMP1 levels increased significantly only in the PKPL specimen. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were low across all samples, suggesting no inflammatory response. ConclusionThe HNP-treated PAEKs have enhanced the surface hydrophilicity and SFEs as well as superior cell adhesion and mineralization capability, and thus may be good clinical dental implant materials.

An Overview of the Degradation and Removal of Pesticide Residues from Water and Agricultural Runoff using Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites

: A high percentage of the applied chemicals on farmlands find their way into the water bodies and groundwater through agricultural runoff and leaching/percolation. Therefore, multiple remediation techniques need to be employed to deter the menace of pesticide residue contamination. Therefore, this review aimed to compute the most suitable degradation conditions for the removal of pesticide residue from water and agricultural runoff using nanomaterials. The review touches on the aspect of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation methods using nanomaterials and the most prominent factors that affect the degradation process. Information from recently published articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings were carefully studied and analyzed. It was revealed that heterogeneous photocatalysis shows the capability of complete mineralization of organic pollutants under optimum experimental conditions. Moreover, it is crucial to consider experimental conditions that could be applicable in the field to achieve a better result. It has been observed that integrating nanoremediation with other degradation methods to create a hybrid technique may play a crucial role in removing pesticide residues from agricultural runoff. However, the detrimental effects of the nanomaterials if any on the environmental matrices need to be taken under consideration to avoid the menace similar to plastic pollution as a result of extensive production and application of nanomaterials.

Efficient photocatalytic removal of ciprofloxacin through in-situ growth of g-C3N4 on the surface of clinoptilolite

Natural mineral clinoptilolite has many advantages such as porous structure, stability, low price, environmental protection, and simple modification process, making it an ideal choice for wastewater treatment materials. Loading photocatalysts on the surface of zeolite can effectively exert adsorption degradation synergy in wastewater treatment, improve pollutant removal and mineralization capabilities, and further reduce the harm of wastewater to the environment. In this work, g-C3N4 was in-situ grown on the surface of clinoptilolite using a one-step calcination method for efficient photocatalytic removal of the pollutant ciprofloxacin from water. In-situ growth of g-C3N4 on clinoptilolite enables the catalyst to have strong adsorption capacity for pollutants. At the same time, the large specific surface area and extended photo-generated carrier lifetime make the composite photocatalyst exhibit excellent visible light adsorption degradation ability. The CN/CLI-60 with the best photocatalytic performance showed a removal rate of over 90 % of ciprofloxacin within 60 min, much higher than pure g-C3N4 and clinoptilolite. In addition, the pH value, pollutant concentration, catalyst quantity, and cycle stability have all been investigated to evaluate the practical application potential of this catalyst. This work can provide industrial guidance for the rational design of low-cost and high-efficiency photocatalysts using natural clinoptilolite.

Sulfur dynamics in saline sodic soils: The role of paddy cultivation and organic amendments

The phenomenon of sulfur (S) deficiency in Chinese soil is becoming increasingly severe, especially in the northeastern saline-sodic wasteland (WL). To determine the bioavailability of S in long-term cultivated paddy soil with or without organic amendment addition, the long-term field experiment site was established and incubation experiments were conducted. Compared to WL, soil properties have been continuously improved during the 15-year paddy field (PF) cultivation, ultimately enhancing the content of soil organic carbon (by 242.62 %), total nitrogen (by 126.49 %) and alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen (by 28.07 %). Additionally, soil salinization has been decreasing, and the stock of total sulfur (TS) and available sulfur (AS) in the 0–60 cm soil layer have increased by 32.09 % and 293.52 % respectively. In contrast, organically-amended soil (OA) manifested superior TS and AS levels vs. PF. Additionally, water-soluble sulfur (WSS) was markedly elevated, registering post-annual increments of 227.31 % and 268.36 % in PF and OA, respectively, relative to WL. The key mechanistic impetus for the application of organic amendments was the enhancement of the soil's adsorptive and mineralization capabilities. As observed in our soil culture experiment, the maximum adsorption of sulfate ions and the cumulative mineralization of sulfur in the soil follow the pattern of OA > PF > WL. The Partial Least Squares Path Model (PLSPM) corroborated that both organic amendments and years of cultivation indirectly influenced total inorganic sulfur fractions. This influence is primarily mediated via structural soil enhancements and salinization amelioration, thereby elevating available quantities of sulfur in saline-sodic soil environments. In conclusion, from the perspective of soil sulfur biogeochemical cycling, we have confirmed that reclaiming saline-sodic wasteland for paddy field could be a beneficial and sustainable approach for soil management. These findings of this study can also provide an in-depth understanding of the bioavailability and influencing mechanism of sulfur in long-term saline-sodic paddy fields.

Enhanced visible-light-driven peroxymonosulfate activation for antibiotic mineralization using electrosynthesized nanostructured bismuth oxyiodides thin films

The search for non-specific catalysts capable of removing a wide range of organic contaminants remains a key challenge given their increasing presence in aquatic environments. In this ongoing exploration, this work proposes the use of bismuth oxyiodides as activators of ecological oxidative radicals, wherein raw substances like peroxymonosulfate (PMS) gain prominence due to the valuable efficiency of the radicals they can generate. For BiOI, serving as a precursor to the photocatalysts, the effect of the electroactive solution components on its electrochemical preparation was analyzed using the voltamperometric technique. The compositional and structural characterization confirmed successful formation. Deposit annealing treatments result in new species such as Bi7O9I3 at 250ºC and, primarily, Bi5O7I at 420 or 520ºC—species that also exhibit visible light absorption, paving the way for their use under sunlight. Initially, a single tetracycline (TC) solution was employed to test the degradation and mineralization capability of the prepared films, assessing the impact of the solution's pH, the presence of PMS, light irradiation, and annealing temperature. The annealing temperature increases the catalytic effect. It is noteworthy that for all bismuth iodide films, the highest catalytic activity was observed when combining PMS and visible light irradiation, showcasing a synergistic improvement. This trend holds for multipollutant solutions as well. In a crucial role for the material's application, the results demonstrate that annealing temperatures below 450ºC promote films that reasonably maintain their activity and chemical stability after continuous reuse.

Warming enhances the negative effects of shrub removal on phosphorus mineralization potential

Shrubs have developed various mechanisms for soil phosphorus utilization. Shrub encroachment caused by climate warming alters organic phosphorus mineralization capability by promoting available phosphorus absorption and mediating root exudates. However, few studies have explored how warming regulates the effects of dominant shrubs on soil organic phosphorus mineralization capability. We provide insights into warming, dominant shrub removal, and their interactive effects on the soil organic phosphorus mineralization potential in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the soil microbial phosphatase genes (phoC and phoD), which can characterize the soil organic phosphate mineralization potential. We found that warming had no significant effect on the soil organic phosphate-mineralized components (total phosphate, organic phosphate, and available phosphate), genes (phoC and phoD), or enzymes (acid and alkaline phosphatases). Shrub removal negatively influenced the organic phosphate-mineralized components and genes. It significantly decreased soil organic phosphate mineralization gene copy numbers only under warming conditions. Warming increased fungal richness and buffered the effects of shrub removal on bacterial richness and gene copy numbers. However, the change in the microbial community was not the main factor affecting organic phosphate mineralization. We found only phoC copy number had significant correlation to AP. Structural equation modelling revealed that shrub removal and the interaction between warming and shrub removal had a negative direct effect on phoC copy numbers. We concluded that warming increases the negative effect of shrub removal on phosphorus mineralization potential, providing a theoretical basis for shrub encroachment on soil phosphate mineralization under warming conditions.

Crystal induced arthropathies-a comparative study of 40 patients with apatite rheumatism, chondrocalcinosis and primary synovial chondromatosis.

Introduction: Apatite rheumatism (AR), chondrocalcinosis (Ch-C), and primary synovial chondromatosis (prSynCh) are regarded as distinct clinical entities. The introduction of the non-staining technique by Bély and Apáthy (2013) opened a new era in the microscopic diagnosis of crystal induced diseases, allowing the analysis of MSU (monosodium urate monohydrate) HA (calcium hydroxyapatite), CPPD (calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate) crystals, cholesterol, crystalline liquid lipid droplets, and other crystals in unstained sections of conventionally proceeded (aqueous formaldehyde fixed, paraffin-embedded) tissue samples. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristic histology of crystal deposits in AR, Ch-C, and prSynCh with traditional stains and histochemical reactions comparing with unstained tissue sections according to Bély and Apáthy (2013). Patients and methods: Tissue samples of 4 with apatite rheumatism (Milwaukee syndrome), 16 with chondrocalcinosis, and 20 with clinically diagnosed primary synovial chondromatosis were analyzed. Results and conclusion: Apatite rheumatism, chondrocalcinosis, and primary synovial chondromatosis are related metabolic disorders with HA and CPPD depositions. The authors assume that AR and Ch-C are different stages of the same metabolic disorder, which differ from prSynCh in amorphous mineral production, furthermore in the production of chondroid, osteoid and/or bone. prSynCh is a defective variant of HA and CPPD induced metabolic disorders with reduced mineralization capabilities, where the deficient mineralization is replaced by chondroid and/or bone formation. The non-staining technique of Bély and Apáthy proved to be a much more effective method for the demonstration of crystals in metabolic diseases than conventional stains and histochemical reactions.

Macrophage Intracellular “Calcium Oscillations” Triggered Through In Situ Mineralization Regulate Bone Immunity to Facilitate Bone Repair

AbstractBioceramics are vital for treating bone defects, and bioactive glasses (exemplified by 45S5) and calcium phosphate ceramics (CaPs, exemplified by tricalcium phosphate [β‐TCP]) are extensively explored. β‐TCP exhibits superior biocompatibility, degradability, and osteoconductive properties than 45S5; however, it lacks bioactivity, such as mineralization capability. To harness the synergies of both, four 3D printing bioceramic scaffolds: 45S5, 70% 45S5 + 30% TCP, 30% 45S5 + 70% TCP, and TCP, are manufactured. Furthermore, the investigation elucidates the correlation between their in situ mineralization capabilities and the intracellular calcium oscillations within macrophages and determines how they impact macrophage phenotypic transitions. Notably, during bioceramic degradation, there is an initial rise followed by a decline in calcium ion concentration, which results in intracellular calcium ion oscillations within macrophages. In the 70% 45S5 + 30% TCP group, early release of calcium ions promotes M1 macrophage polarization. Subsequently, rapid in situ mineralization causes a decrease in extracellular calcium ions, thus accelerating the transition of M1 to M2 macrophages and facilitating bone repair. The present study reveals a novel mechanism through which bioceramics modulate macrophage polarization, offers new insights into the initial foreign body response to bioceramics and presents a perspective on expeditious progression toward tissue repair.

Potential strategies for bioremediation of microplastic contaminated soil

The escalating production and ubiquitous presence of plastics and their degradation products, such as microplastics and nanoplastics, pose a significant environmental threat. Microplastics enter the soil through various pathways, including agricultural practices, plastic degradation, and wastewater disposal. Herein, we discussed the harmful effects of microplastics on the physicochemical properties of soil, plant growth, terrestrial fauna, and microbial activity, potentially affecting the stability and nutrient cycle of the soil ecosystem. This review delves into recent advances in potential microplastic bioremediation approaches, such as phytoremediation strategies utilized by plants and their associated microbes to accumulate, immobilize, and even degrade microplastics. Rhizosphere microorganisms play a crucial role in the degradation of microplastics, potentially utilizing them as a carbon source. Soil animals like earthworms, snails, and mealworms can also contribute significantly to bioremediation by ingesting and degrading microplastics through their gut microbiota. Various soil microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, can degrade different microplastics with the help of enzymes such as laccase, esterase, peroxidase, oxidoreductase, and hydrolases and depolymerise the larger polymer chains into smaller units that ultimately mineralize them into CO2, H2O, and CH4. Genetic engineering and synthetic biology are also used to create strains with enhanced microplastic degrading and mineralization capabilities. It holds promise for efficient bioremediation but requires further research for real-world application and scalable implementation. Overall, this review comprehensively highlights the potential of bioremediation approaches and future recommendations for tackling microplastic pollution. Further research and development are crucial for enhancing biodegradation efficiency and scaling up this strategy for environmental protection.

Polyacrylic acid-reinforced organic-inorganic composite bone adhesives with enhanced mechanical properties and controlled degradability.

Bone adhesives, as alternatives to traditional bone fracture treatment methods, have great benefits in achieving effective fixation and healing of fractured bones. However, current available bone adhesives have limitations in terms of weak mechanical properties, low adhesion strength, and inappropriate degradability, hindering their clinical applications. The development of bone adhesives with strong mechanical properties, adhesion strength, and appropriate degradability remains a great challenge. In this study, polyacrylic acid was incorporated with tetracalcium phosphate and O-phospho-L-serine to form a new bone adhesive via coordination and ionic interactions to achieve exceptional mechanical properties, adhesion strength, and degradability. The bone adhesive could achieve an initial adhesion strength of approximately 3.26 MPa and 0.86 MPa on titanium alloys and bones after 15 min of curing, respectively, and it increased to 5.59 MPa and 2.73 MPa, after 24 h of incubation in water or simulated body fluid (SBF). The compressive strength of the adhesive increased from 10.06 MPa to 72.64 MPa over two weeks, which provided sufficient support for the fractured bone. Importantly, the adhesive started to degrade after 6 to 8 weeks of incubation in SBF, which is beneficial to cell ingrowth and the bone healing process. In addition, the bone adhesives exhibited favorable mineralization capability, biocompatibility, and osteogenic activity. In vivo experiments showed that it has a better bone-healing effect compared with the traditional polymethyl methacrylate bone cement. These results demonstrate that the bone adhesive has great potential in the treatment of bone fractures.

Direction-oriented fiber guiding with a tunable tri-layer-3D scaffold for periodontal regeneration.

Multilayered scaffolds mimicking mechanical and biological host tissue architectures are the current prerequisites for successful tissue regeneration. We propose our tunable tri-layered scaffold, designed to represent the native periodontium for potential regenerative applications. The fused deposition modeling platform is used to fabricate the novel movable three-layered polylactic acid scaffold mimicking in vivo cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone layers. The scaffold is further provided with multiple angulated fibers, offering directional guidance and facilitating the anchorage dependence on cell adhesion. Additionally, surface modifications of the scaffold were made by incorporating coatings like collagen and different concentrations of gelatin methacryloyl to enrich the cell adhesion and proliferation. The surface characterization of our designed scaffolds was performed using tribological studies, atomic force microscopy, contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy, and micro-computed tomography. Furthermore, the material characterization of this scaffold was investigated by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The scaffold's mechanical characterization, such as strength and compression modulus, was demonstrated by compression testing. The L929 mouse fibroblast cells and MG63 human osteosarcoma cells have been cultured on the scaffold. The scaffold's superior biocompatibility was evaluated using fluorescence dye with fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, in vitro wound healing assay, MTT assay, and flow cytometry. The mineralization capability of the scaffolds was also studied. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the construction of a multilayered movable scaffold, which is highly biocompatible and most suitable for various downstream applications such as periodontium and in situ tissue regeneration of complex, multilayered tissues.

Optimization of tetracycline antibiotic photocatalytic degradation from wastewater using a novel type-II α-Fe2O3-CeO2-SiO2 heterojunction photocatalyst: Performance, pathways, mechanism insights, reaction kinetics and toxicity assessment

The photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, especially tetracycline (TC), poses challenges in precisely targeting and selectively breaking down specific hazardous chemical groups. Herein, a new α-Fe2O3-CeO2-SiO2 (FeCeS) photocatalyst was synthesized and characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, EDS, BET, PL, and TEM analyses. It was employed to optimize operational parameters, including photocatalyst dosage, TC concentration, pH levels, and visible irradiation time, in the photodegradation process of TC via the RSM-CCD method. The results indicate that the FeCeS heterojunction had a significant degradation efficiency (95.90 %) under optimum conditions (TC concentration: 25.1 mg/L, photocatalyst dose: 0.62 g/L, visible time: 94.2 min, and pH: 4.89) with the rate of 0.05 min−1. Additionally, a mineralization rate of >62 % was recorded for TOC, suggesting that the conversion of TC into environmentally safe compounds was successful. The degradation pathways of TC and its chemical intermediates were elucidated using HPLC/MS analysis. The results revealed the existence of two potential degradation routes. These findings offer valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms inherent in the photocatalytic process. The type-II FeCeS photocatalyst exhibits effective generation and separation of crucial reactive species, such as OH, O2−, and h+, which play essential roles in the degradation of TC. The synthesized photocatalyst significantly decreased the TC solution's toxicity and improved its biodegradability, according to the toxicity evaluation. This study presents a straightforward synthesis approach and impressive mineralization capability. Additionally, the recyclability of FeCeS enhances its potential as a viable option for widespread utilization as a visible light photocatalyst in removing antibiotics from natural water sources and controlling environmental contamination.

Nanosized Co-Fe spinel quantum dots anchored on activated carbon for enhanced VOCs mineralization via PMS-based AOPs coupled with wet scrubber

In this study, we have developed a liquid-phase wet washing process based on PMS advanced oxidation for the effective removal of toluene. Our approach involved synthesizing a high surface area composite catalyst (CFQ/AC) through a one-step process, in which 0 D CoFe2O4 was deposited onto low-cost activated carbon, endowing it with abundant surface-active sites that facilitate continuous PMS activation. The Co(Ⅲ)/Fe(Ⅲ) generated by the reaction captures electrons from the PMS, thus achieving Co(Ⅱ)/Fe(Ⅱ) regeneration and realizing two complete redox cycles of Co(Ⅲ)/Co(Ⅱ) and Fe(Ⅲ)/Fe(Ⅱ). During the liquid-phase catalytic reaction process, the CFQ/AC/PMS system consistently achieved a stable removal efficiency of over 96% within 2 h, with a selectivity of more than 80% for CO2, indicating high mineralization capability. Furthermore, based on the detection and analysis of GC–MS, there were few gaseous intermediates in the tail gas, leading to a significant reduction in secondary air pollution. By conducting electrochemical analysis and in-situ Raman spectroscopy, the transition metal valence changed and the combination of PMS with CFQ/AC formed charge transfer intermediates that led to toluene degradation. This mechanism utilized a cost-effective carbon-based composite catalyst, making it a practical and accessible solution for environmental applications.

Unravelling the nature-inspired silk sericin - Calcium phosphate hybrid nanocomposites: A promising sustainable biomaterial for hard tissue regeneration applications

Calcium phosphates (CPs) are widely utilized as biomaterials for bone tissue repair due to their osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. Hydroxyapatite (Ca10 [PO4]6OH2, HAp) and Monetite (CaPHO4, DCPA) are the two different phases of calcium phosphate that have triggered the interest of researchers due to their exceptional properties like bioactivity, biocompatibility, high crystallinity, good mechanical as well as biological characteristics. Current investigations focus on combining CPs with natural proteins to offer innovative biomaterials that accommodate various functional requirements. In the current study, we explore the biomedical relevance of the association of CPs with natural protein silk sericin (SS) composite with calcium phosphate (SCP) at room and low temperatures. The effect of silk sericin concentration and mineralization time on the formation of apatite nanocrystals, including their biocompatibility, were investigated for hard tissue regeneration. The fabricated CP and SCP nanocomposites at room and low temperature were subjected to an X-Ray diffraction technique, revealing a dual phase of calcium phosphate - hydroxyapatite and monetite with hexagonal and triclinic crystal system. Further, the presence of SS and SCP had been confirmed with Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) that showed the characteristic bands of amide I at 1642 cm−1 and the dominant phosphate group stretching at 1017 cm−1. Further, nanostructures with rods and tiny blossoms of flower-like enhanced morphologies have been observed for SCP at room and low temperatures. Moreover, the bioactivity of SCPs at low and room temperature materials exhibited apatite layer formation from day 7 of immersion which was confirmed with structural and morphological analysis. The cell viability assay demonstrated that the SCP nanocomposites have over 130% of viable cells. Therefore, fabricated SCP nanostructures are proven to be highly biocompatible with a rapid rate of mineralization capability, which will be a promising candidate for hard tissue applications.

Construction of BiOBr/α-Bi2O3 p-n heterojunction as a highly efficacious visible-light-induced photocatalyst for phenol removal

The low charge separation efficiency of synthesized photocatalyst still remains the greatest barrier to enhancing photocatalytic property. Normally, the construction of p-n heterojunction is an efficacious and ideal means to resolve this problem. Herein, a series of visible-light-induced BiOBr/α-Bi2O3 p-n heterojunctions were fabricated by incorporating a parallel flow precipitation process with a in-situ transformation method. The morphological structure, optical properties and interfacial interactions of the as-fabricated photocatalysts were systematically explored, demonstrating that p-n heterojunction generated at the interface between α-Bi2O3 and BiOBr, which remarkablely improved the photocatalytic activity. The optimized BiOBr/α-Bi2O3 (SBiBr-70) exhibited the highest photoactivity towards eliminating phenol, with the removal efficiency of 92.32% ± 2.01% after visible light illumination for 60 min, and the reaction rate constant (k) was 4.44 and 3.83 times than that of sole α-Bi2O3 and BiOBr, respectively. Such enhancement mechanism could be put down to the efficacious interfacial separation and transport of photoexcited charge pairs in BiOBr/α-Bi2O3. In addition, the SBiBr-70 hybrid displayed splendid mineralization capability and catalytical stability in degrading phenol. The quenching experiments affirmed that the photoexcited h+ and ·O2− were the principal reactive species. The photodegradation pathway of phenol was also been elucidated in accordance with the identification of intermediate products.

Mussel-inspired HA@TA-CS/SA biomimetic 3D printed scaffolds with antibacterial activity for bone repair.

Bacterial infection is a major challenge that could threaten the patient's life in repairing bone defects with implant materials. Developing functional scaffolds with an intelligent antibacterial function that can be used for bone repair is very important. We constructed a drug delivery (HA@TA-CS/SA) scaffold with curcumin-loaded dendritic mesoporous organic silica nanoparticles (DMON@Cur) via 3D printing for antibacterial bone repair. Inspired by the adhesion mechanism of mussels, the HA@TA-CS/SA scaffold of hydroxyapatite (HA) and chitosan (CS) is bridged by tannic acid (TA), which in turn binds sodium alginate (SA) using electrostatic interactions. The results showed that the HA@TA-CS/SA composite scaffold had better mechanical properties compared with recent literature data, reaching 68.09MPa. It displayed excellent degradation and mineralization capabilities with strong biocompatibility in vitro. Furthermore, the antibacterial test results indicated that the curcumin-loaded scaffold inhibited S.aureus and E.coli with 99.99% and 96.56% effectiveness, respectively. These findings show that 3D printed curcumin-loaded HA@TA-CS/SA scaffold has considerable promise for bone tissue engineering.