Sodium Bicarbonate Concentration Research Articles

The Effect of Milkfish Bone Meal (Chanos chanos) Addition and Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) Concentration on the Physicochemical and Organoleptic Characteristics of Tortilla Chips

Tortillas are a corn-based snack, yellow, and have a thin shape and crunchy texture. The addition of fish bone meal can increase calcium levels but also decrease the texture of the tortilla. The addition of sodium bicarbonate aims to improve the texture by increasing the swelling power and crispness of the product. This research aims to determine the effect of the substitution of milkfish bone meal with the addition of sodium bicarbonate on the physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of tortilla chips. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors and two replications, factor I was the concentration of milkfish bone meal (10%, 15%, and 20%) and factor II was the concentration of sodium bicarbonate (0.25%, 0.50 %, and 0.75%). The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA and continued with the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% level. The results of the research show that there is a real interaction with ash content, protein content, fat content, and calcium content. The research results of the best treatment based on physicochemical parameters were tortilla chips with the addition of fish bone meal 10% and a sodium bicarbonate concentration of 0.75%. This is the best-treated tortilla chip product with a water content value of 5.080%; ash content 2.995%; protein content 5.87%; fat content 5.380%; carbohydrates 82.521%, calcium 3.396%, expansion volume 19.912%; breaking power 278,350 gf; amylose 37.750%; and starch content 62.516%;

Effect of different concentrations of carbonate on growth performance, intestinal health and hepatic lipid metabolism of Crucian carp

The effects of different concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (0 g/L, 1 g/L, 2 g/L, 3 g/L) on Hefang crucian carp (HCC) were studied. H&E staining, oil red O staining, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, 16S rDNA sequencing, transcriptomic analysis and other techniques were used to observe the pathological changes of intestinal and liver tissues, and detect the changes of intestinal flora and liver gene expression. The main findings are as follows: It was found that the WGR and SGR of the three treatment groups was significantly higher than that of the CK group (p < 0.05). Intestinal H&E staining results showed that the number of goblet cells and the width of submucosa gradually increased with the increase of carbonate concentration. The results of intestinal scanning electron microscopy showed that the roughness of intestinal villi increased slightly with the increase of carbonate concentration. The analysis of populations with large differences among groups treated with sodium bicarbonate of different concentrations found that the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae varied greatly. LPS levels in the serum, intestinal tract and liver tissue were detected. The results showed that LPS content in MCA and HCA groups was significantly higher than that in CK group (p < 0.05). The expression of claudin 12, 7, c and occludin genes in HCA group and MCA group was significantly lower than that in CK group in intestinal (p < 0.05). The ALT, AST, T-CHO, TG, HDLC, ACC, ACS, CPT-1, HL, LPL and FAS content in HCA group was significantly higher than that in CK group in liver (p < 0.05). The liver was damaged by oil red O staining and transmission electron microscopy. Compared with the control group, the enrichment of steroid biosynthesis is the highest number of DEGs in the HCA group. The iron death pathway and autophagy pathway in HCA group were significantly different from those in CK group (p < 0.05). In summary, this study elucidates that carbonate exposure alters the gut microbiota homeostasis of HCC, leading to intestinal inflammation and increased mucosal barrier permeability, promoting LPS synthesis and absorption, subsequently entering the liver through the gut-liver, increasing liver autophagy and iron death, inducing lipid metabolism disorders, and causing liver injury. In summary, carbonate exposure may cause intestinal microbial disturbance and intestinal injury, and induce liver autophagy and iron death and lipid metabolism disturbance, leading to liver injury

Synergistic and antagonistic effects of vinegar and sodium bicarbonate on antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Background: Escherichia coli with antimicrobial resistance has become a frequent global problem in recent decades, which makes it challenging to treat with conventional medicines. This study aimed to evaluate different strategies for managing microbial resistance. Methods: E. coli was isolated from wounds and the urinary tract infections and then cultured on blood agar, MacConkey agar and EMB media. The well diffusion method was used to evaluate the activity of vinegar (5%) alone and combined with three concentrations (5%, 10%, and 20%) of sodium bicarbonate (SBC). The diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured in millimeters. Statistical analyses were performed using Excel and the SPSS 26 software. Results: Of the 24 E. coli isolates, approximately 66.6% were sensitive to vinegar combined with 5% SBC compared to 75% sensitivity to vinegar alone. Furthermore, 41.66% of the bacteria were sensitive to vinegar combined with 10% SBC. This study showed that 33.33% of the bacteria were sensitive to vinegar combined with 20% SBC. Comparison of the mean of the inhibition zone for vinegar 13 ± 6.04 mm alone with 20% SBC plus vinegar 7.83 ± 5.56 mm was significant (P = 0.01). Vinegar combined with 10% SBC had an inhibitory effect (antagonism) on the antibacterial activity of vinegar (P = 0.02). Conclusion: The antibacterial efficacy of vinegar with SBC decreased with increasing SBC concentrations, demonstrating an antagonistic effect owing to sodium acetate formation.

Efficacy of sodium bicarbonate (Baking soda) and clove powder (Syzygium aromaticum) as anaesthetic agents for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, linnaeus 1758) juveniles

ABSTRACT Anaesthetics in aquaculture serve as a stress avoidance mechanism, mitigating stress-related impacts during fish handling and transportation. This study assessed the efficacy of sodium bicarbonate and clove stem powder as anaesthetic agents for Nile Tilapia juveniles. Four hundred and twenty uniform O. niloticus juveniles (5 ± 0.5 g, 74 ± 5 mm) were exposed to varying concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 g/L) and clove stem powder (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 g/L) in 20 L transparent plastic tanks. The results showed an inverse relationship between anaesthetic concentration and induction time, a direct relationship with recovery time, and an inverse correlation between induction and recovery times for both agents (P < 0.001). The Appropriate concentrations were determined as 25 g/L for sodium bicarbonate and 10 g/L for clove stem powder. At these levels, induction and recovery times met ideal criteria (3-5 min induction, 5-10 min recovery), with fish exhibiting normal behavior and 100% survival after a week of monitoring.

Using ultrasonic-assisted sodium bicarbonate treatment to improve the gel and rheological properties of reduced-salt pork myofibrillar protein

To study the impact of ultrasonic duration (0, 30, and 60 min) and sodium bicarbonate concentration (0% and 0.2%) on the gel properties of reduced-salt pork myofibrillar protein, the changes in cooking yield, colour, water retention, texture properties, and dynamic rheology were investigated. The findings revealed that added sodium bicarbonate significantly increased (P < 0.05) cooking yield, hardness, springiness, and strength of myofibrillar protein while reducing centrifugal loss. Furthermore, the incorporation of sodium bicarbonate led to a significant decrease in L⁎, a⁎, b⁎, and white values of cooked myofibrillar protein; these effects were further amplified with increasing ultrasonic duration (P < 0.05). Additionally, storage modulus (G') significantly increased for myofibrillar protein treated with ultrasonic-assisted sodium bicarbonate treatment resulting in a more compact gel structure post-cooking. In summary, the results demonstrated that ultrasonic-assisted sodium bicarbonate treatment could enhance the tightness of reduced-salt myofibrillar protein gel structure while improving the water retention and texture properties.

Facial fabrication of self‐healing natural rubber foam based on zinc thiolate ionic networks

AbstractIn this work, self‐healing natural rubber (SHNR) foam incorporating an intrinsic zinc thiolate ionic network was successfully prepared. The materials exhibited the ability to autonomously repair damage at room temperature without the need for external triggers. The investigation focused on the effect of sodium bicarbonate, employed as a blowing agent, on the self‐healing performance, as well as the physical and mechanical properties of the foam. Various concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (0, 1, 4, 8, and 10 phr) were employed. The conventional two‐roller mill was used for mixing and compounding, while compression molding was utilized for the vulcanization process. With increasing sodium bicarbonate concentration, the density, tensile strength, elongation at break, and compression set of the self‐healing NR foam were found to decreased. Conversely, the porosity, shrinkage, compressive strength, and water uptake of the SHNR foam increased as the concentration of sodium bicarbonate increased. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the optimal concentration of sodium bicarbonate (8 phr) resulted in smaller, finer, and more uniform porous structures. The self‐healing rubber foam incorporating 8 phr sodium bicarbonate exhibited improved properties in terms of tensile modulus, elongation at break, and tear strength, with healing efficiencies of 91.27%, 69.39%, and 83.99%, respectively.

Optimizing Fast-Dissolving Tablets of Ketotifen: Impact of Sodium Bicarbonate and Citric Acid in Formulation and Evaluation

The research aimed to develop and assess fast-dissolving tablets (FDT) of ketotifen, a second-generation noncompetitive H1-receptor blocker, due to its poor oral bioavailability resulting from rapid first-pass effect (~50%) and poor solubility despite excellent permeability within the II-class of the biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS). The methodology involved formulating ketotifen with various excipients, including sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, menthol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), aspartame, magnesium stearate, saccharin sodium, and dextrose. The combination of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid served as a fast-disintegrating agent by evolving carbon dioxide. Employing 23 factorial designs, the study assessed the impact of sodium bicarbonate (X1), citric acid (X2), and menthol (X3) on FDT performance. Batch A, exhibiting desirable characteristics, demonstrated weight variation (200±0.53), thickness (3.52±0.12 mm), hardness (2.87±0.23), friability (0.55±0.12), disintegration time (16±3 s), drug content uniformity (99.45±0.23), wetting time (3±1 s), and water absorption ratio (19.23±0.43). The primary contributor to fast tablet disintegration was identified as the high concentration of sodium bicarbonate rather than citric acid. All batches adhered to the Peppas Korsmeyer model, signifying Fickian Diffusion (Higuchi Matrix) as the drug release mechanism. In conclusion, the study underscored the pivotal role of sodium bicarbonate concentration in facilitating rapid tablet disintegration, emphasizing its significance over citric acid concentration.

Automated, Rapid, and Quantitative Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction (DLLME) of Pharmaceuticals with Hydrogen Effervescence and Spectrophotometric Determination

A novel technique for effervescent-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction is reported. Rapid and continuous effervescence, driven by hydrogen bubbles, was utilized to transfer the analyte from the aqueous to the organic phase. The reactivity of magnesium metal with water was exploited to generate a stream of hydrogen bubbles. In this method, an aqueous sample solution, contained in a microcentrifuge tube, was treated with 1 mg of magnesium and 100 µl of 1-undecanol. Microextraction was initiated by the addition of 100 µl of 1 M sodium bicarbonate to induce a rapid stream of hydrogen bubbles. The microcentrifuge tube was cooled to allow the solidification of 1-undecanol which was carefully separated and analyzed. Factors potentially affecting extraction efficiency were optimized, including the magnesium mass, concentration of sodium bicarbonate, extraction time, pH, open/closed system, sample volume, temperature, and analyte concentrations. These studies revealed the required speed and minimum concentration of sodium bicarbonate, as well as the possibility of efficient microextraction without sodium bicarbonate but in acidic conditions or at elevated temperatures (45–50 °C). The analytical performance was assessed and demonstrated to be promising. In the case of the model drug quercetin, the limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 0.051 µg/ml, the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.154 µg/ml, and the extraction efficiency was 100%. The applicability of this method was also evaluated on samples with variable physicochemical properties, demonstrating an automated, fast, and efficient liquid–liquid microextraction protocol.

Cytotoxicity of Sodium Bicarbonate Solution to Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a crucial antibody originating in mucosal lymphoid tissue, actively distributed across the epithelium. It plays a vital role in binding to and neutralizing microbes that threaten organisms through mucosal organs, thereby contributing to mucosal or secretory immunity. This research aims to determine the Cytotoxicity of Sodium Bicarbonate Solution to Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells. The research method used to investigate the safety and efficacy of various sodium bicarbonate concentrations, we conducted a laboratory experimental study utilizing a post-test-only control group design. Sodium bicarbonate solutions with concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3.5%, 7%, 10%, 15%, and 20% were tested. The results of the study using analysis through ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD revealed that solutions with concentrations of 20%, 15%, and 10% exhibited comparable non-toxicity to fibroblast cells, as they shared the same column. In contrast, concentrations of 7%, 3.5%, 2%, and 1% were found to have toxicity levels that exceeded the IC50 threshold. Further examination using the Tukey HSD test showed that the 2% and 3.5% concentration groups did not show significant differences. In conclusion, the Sodium bicarbonate solutions with concentrations of 7%, 3.5%, 2%, and 1% are not toxic to fibroblast cells and can be used as a basis for further research applications based on sodium bicarbonate materials. It is recommended for future studies to conduct further examinations with different concentrations.

Modifying duck myofibrillar proteins using sodium bicarbonate under cold plasma treatment: Impact on the conformation, emulsification, and rheological properties

This study aimed to explore the potential advantages of incorporating sodium bicarbonate to enhance the processing characteristics of duck myofibrillar proteins (MPs) during cold plasma treatment. Various concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) were examined for their impact on the structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of MPs under cold plasma treatment conditions (50 V, 3 min). Results indicated that sodium bicarbonate increased the unfolding of MPs, resulting in elevated active sulfhydryl content, enhanced surface hydrophobicity, intensified intrinsic fluorescence intensity, and reduced average particle size. Additionally, sodium bicarbonate significantly augmented (P < 0.05) α-helix and β-sheet content, leading to modifications in the microenvironments of tyrosine and tryptophan. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed that sodium bicarbonate effectively mitigated the protein aggregation induced by cold plasma treatment. Sodium bicarbonate induced secondary and tertiary structural alterations, enhancing the solubility of duck MPs, consequently improving their emulsifying and rheological properties. These findings suggest that sodium bicarbonate can effectively enhance the processing performance of duck MPs during cold plasma treatment, offering novel insights into the application of sodium bicarbonate in the cold plasma processing of duck products.

Temperature Dependent Solubility and Catalytic behaviour of K2CO3 and Na2CO3 during Transesterification of Calophyllum Inophyllum Oil and its Fuel Properties

AbstractThe current work is focused on the solubility and catalytic behaviour of K2CO3, and Na2CO3 during the synthesis of biodiesel from Calophyllum Inophyllum oil (CIO) in methanol. The solubility of K2CO3, and Na2CO3 in methanol is not straight forward, as both form their respective methoxides and bicarbonates on solubility in methanol. Therefore to understand catalytic behaviour of both carbonates, it is essential to estimate sodium and potassium methoxides, and bicarbonates formed at different temperatures. In this regard, the catalytic behaviour of both carbonates was studied between 50 °C to 65 °C. Therefore, solubility behaviour of both carbonates explored during the synthesis of biodiesel from CIO by transesterification process. At higher temperature, the concentration of potassium and sodium methoxides decreased and their bicarbonate concentration increased. This solubility behaviour found to be more useful to differentiate homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic route for biodiesel synthesis. At higher temperature, 65 °C, K2CO3, and Na2CO3 exhibited heterogeneous catalytic behaviour, but Na2CO3 showed relatively higher heterogeneous catalytic behaviour as it form higher concentration of insoluble sodium bicarbonate. Therefore, Na2CO3 could be a better heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel synthesis at higher temperatures, 65 °C, as it produces low concentration of sodium methoxide which is an advantage from post biodiesel treatment standpoint.

Do magnesium and chloride ameliorate high sodium bicarbonate concentrations? A comparison between laboratory and mesocosm toxicity experiments

Increasing salinity is a concern for biodiversity in many freshwater ecosystems globally. Single species laboratory toxicity tests show major differences in freshwater organism survival depending on the specific ions that comprise salinity types and/or their ion ratios. Toxicity has been shown to be reduced by altering ionic composition, despite increasing (total) salinity. For insistence, single species tests show the toxicity of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3, which commonly is a large proportion of the salts from coalbeds) to freshwater invertebrates is reduced by adding magnesium (Mg2+) or chloride (Cl−). However, it is uncertain whether reductions in mortality observed in single-species laboratory tests predict effects within populations, communities and to ecosystem processes in more complex multi-species systems both natural and semi-natural. Here we report the results of an outdoor multi-species mesocosm experiment to determine if the effects of NaHCO3 are reduced by increasing the concentrations of Mg2+ or Cl− on: a) stream macroinvertebrate populations and communities; b) benthic chlorophyll-a and; c) the ecosystem process of leaf litter decomposition. We found a large effect of a high NaHCO3 concentration (≈4.45 mS/cm) with reduced abundances of multiple taxa, reduced emergence of adult insects and reduced species richness, altered community structure and increased leaf litter breakdown rates but no effect on benthic chlorophyll-a. However, despite predictions based on laboratory findings, we found no evidence that the addition of either Mg2+ or Cl− altered the effect of NaHCO3. In semi-natural environments such as mesocosms, and natural environments, organisms are subject to varying temperature and habitat factors, while also interacting with other species and trophic levels (e.g. predation, competition, facilitation), which are absent in single species laboratory tests. Thus, it should not be assumed single-species tests are good predictors of the effects of changing ionic compositions on stream biota in more natural environments.

Evaluation of the Quality of Wood Impregnation with Inorganic Fire Retardants During Autoclaving

The problem of determining the depth of impregnation of wood with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate is considered. The relevance of the study is due to the need to develop a method of non-destructive testing of wood impregnated with flame retardants in order to identify industrial defects and (or) counterfeit products. The authors of the article propose a method for determining changes in the concentration of sodium bicarbonate in flushes from wood layers when impregnated with a nine percent solution of this salt under various conditions of treatment in an autoclave. In the work on determining the depth of impregnation with a nine percent sodium bicarbonate solution of wood during autoclave treatment, an experiment was conducted. Within the framework of this experiment, it was planned to confirm or refute the working hypothesis about the presence of anisotropy of wood by layer-by-layer examination of the depth of its impregnation with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate in layers when they are obtained by sawing along and across the fibers. It was also planned to develop a methodology for conducting a study of samples of wood layers impregnated with a nine percent aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate under various autoclaving conditions. It was also necessary to establish a pattern of changes in the concentration of sodium bicarbonate in flushes from wood layers with appropriate flame retardant treatment. The authors also planned to obtain equations to describe the dynamics of changes in the concentration of sodium bicarbonate in flushes from impregnated wood layers under various autoclaving conditions. The results of this experiment made it possible to obtain an equation of the dynamics of the change in the mass fraction of sodium bicarbonate in the flushing from the wood layer in the longitudinal section from the sample. The value of the coefficient of determination for the resulting equation is determined. When layer-by-layer examination of the depth of impregnation of wood with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate, anisotropy was observed in the cuts of layers along and across the fibers.

Incidence of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients Younger Than 2 Months Receiving Sodium Bicarbonate 4.2% vs 8.4.

To assess the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), including intraventricular hemorrhage, in infants receiving 4.2% or 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. This is a single-center retrospective chart review of neonates and infants with a gestational age (GA) >32 weeks and a postnatal age <2 months who received sodium bicarbonate in an intensive care unit at an academic tertiary children's hospital. The primary outcome was the incidence of ICH in patients with baseline and follow-up head imaging. The secondary outcome was the incidence of ICH on follow-up head imaging, with or without baseline head imaging. There were 351 patients screened, with 135 meeting inclusion criteria. Of these, 84% were born ≥37 weeks GA. Forty-two met the criteria for the primary outcome. Study participants were further subdivided into 3 groups based on the concentration of sodium bicarbonate received: only 4.2%, only 8.4%, or a mixed group that received at least 1 dose each of 4.2% and 8.4%. Intracranial hemorrhage was noted in 1 patient in each group: 8.3%, 5.6%, and 8.3%, respectively (p = 1.00). For the secondary outcome, 11 ICHs were seen on head imaging: 11.3%, 3.8%, and 10%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of ICH (p = 0.325). The incidence of ICH in term neonates and infants was not significantly different in those receiving 4.2% vs 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. Although additional studies are needed, this study suggests it may be possible to safely expand the use of 8.4% in neonates/infants ≥37 weeks GA. These results should not be applied to preterm neonates (<37 weeks GA and/or <1500 g) or neonates with additional ICH risk factors.

Effects of chronic saline-alkaline stress on gill, liver and intestinal histology, biochemical, and immune indexes in Amur minnow (Phoxinus lagowskii)

The need to maximize the efficiency with which saline-alkaline waters are used for aquaculture is continually increasing due to unabated increases in the global demand for aquaculture products. Here, the effects of chronic saline-alkaline stress on the growth performance, energy consumption, digestion parameters, antioxidant capacity, ion regulation, and non-specific immunity of Phoxinus lagowskii were studied. Fish were exposed to saline environments (10 parts per thousand) varying in the concentration of sodium bicarbonate [5 (T1), 7 (T2), 9 (T3), and 11 mmol L−1 (T4)]. We observed no significant differences in the weight gain and specific growth rate of fish in environments varying in alkalinity concentrations. Exposure to saline-alkaline stress resulted in a decrease in gills LH (lamellar height) and an increase in LT (lamellar thickness) and intestines VH (villous height) in P. lagowskii. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; mean corpuscular volume; serum albumin and total protein content; the activity of liver acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine transaminase; and the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of liver TNF-α, which encodes tumor necrosis factor-α, were significantly higher in the T4 group than in the control and other groups. Exposure to saline-alkaline stress also induced a strong antioxidant response that enhanced cellular defenses. Levels of serum glucose and triglycerides, lipase activity, and the expression of Glut-1 in the intestine significantly increased following exposure to saline-alkaline stress. The activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase and mRNA expression levels of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 in the gills were significantly higher in the saline-alkaline treatments than in the control group. These findings, coupled with the fact that no mortality was observed, suggest that P. lagowskii could be cultured in saline-alkaline waters, and the optimal alkalinity concentration was <11 mmol L−1. Our study is the first to characterize the effects of exposure to saline-alkaline stress on the histological, biochemical, and immunological parameters of P. lagowskii. Our data indicate that P. lagowskii can adapt rapidly to saline-alkaline environmental stress, suggesting that P. lagowskii could be cultivated at commercial scales in saline-alkaline waters.

A novel approach to accelerate carbon dioxide sequestration of ladle furnace slag using sodium bicarbonate solution

The annual output of ladle furnace (LF) slag exceeds 20 million tons. The slag pulverises easily and contains heavy metals, leading to severe environmental pollution during stacking. However, slag issuitableas a material for carbon dioxide sequestration owing to its high calcium oxide content. This study focuses on exploring a new scheme because the direct carbonation method requires strict operating conditions and the indirect carbonation method hinders the materialisation of ladle furnace slag. In this new scheme, a sodium bicarbonate solution acts as the treatment solution for the carbonate LF slag, and the treated solution regenerates by injecting carbon dioxide. The experimental results show that the sodium bicarbonate concentration, stirring speed, and liquid-to-solid ratio have minor effects on the CO2 uptake percentage. With increasing reaction time, the CO2 uptake percentage increases during the first 120 min and then remains constant. The rise in temperature has a negative impact on the CO2 uptake percentage. However, decreasing the particle size of the LF slag greatly improves the CO2 uptake. CO2 injection at a flow rate of 1 L/min for 100 min decreased the pH of the treated solution to 8.9, achieving regeneration of the treated solution. Thermodynamic analysis indicates that for the reactions between sodium bicarbonate solution and minerals, calcium oxide and calcium aluminate have a significant thermodynamic driving force, indicating that slag with high basicity and CaO-Al2O3 base slag is moresuitedfor sequestering CO2. The study provides a novel method for CO2 sequestration and ladle furnace slag stabilization.

Optimization of Mucilage Removal from Cress Seeds (L. sativum)

In this study, optimum removal conditions of the cress seed mucilage by a chemical method were deter-mined. Moreover, proximate analysis (moisture, fat, protein, ash and total carbohydrate) of the cress seed was carried out. The independent process variables were sodium bicarbonate concentration (0-0.5 M), solvent-to-seeds ratio (25-75 ml/g) and soaking time (3-9 hours). A central composite design having 24 points for given independent variables was used and the optimization of the process conditions was done by desirability function approach. The results showed that proximate analysis results of the cress seed were in accordance with the previous reports in literature, and fat and protein percentage was found to be higher than 20%. The mucilage removal study results showed that higher concentrations of sodium bicar-bonate enhanced the mucilage removal. Also, higher soaking times increased the solubility of the seed coat polysaccharides of the cress seeds, resulting in better mucilage removal. The optimum chemical mucilage removal conditions were determined as 0.43 M sodium bicarbonate, solvent-to-seeds ratio of 75 ml/g and 8.96 hours of soaking time. At these conditions, total carbohydrate (determined using Anthrone method) in the final extract was predicted as 2.47 g/ml. Verification tests were carried out at the optimum conditions and there was no statistical difference between experimental (2.64±0.43 mg/ml) and predicted values.

Increasing Chemotherapeutic Efficacy Using pH-Modulating and Doxorubicin-Releasing Injectable Chitosan-Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels.

Modulation of pH is crucial to maintaining the chemical homeostasis of biological environments. The irregular metabolic pathways exhibited by cancer cells result in the production of acidic byproducts that are excreted and accumulate in the extracellular tumor microenvironment, reducing the pH. As a consequence of the lower pH in tumors, cancer cells increase the expression of metastatic phenotypes and chemotherapeutic resistance. A significant limitation in current cancer therapies is the inability to locally deliver chemotherapeutics, leading to significant damage to healthy cells in systemic administration. To overcome these challenges, we present an injectable chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel that is dual-loaded with doxorubicin and sodium bicarbonate providing alkaline buffering of extracellular acidity and simultaneous chemotherapeutic delivery to increase chemotherapeutic efficacy. We conducted in vitro studies of weak base chemotherapeutic and alkaline buffer release from the hydrogel. The release of doxorubicin from hydrogels increased in a low-pH environment and was dependent on the encapsulated sodium bicarbonate concentration. We investigated the influence of pH on the doxorubicin efficacy and viability of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. The results show a 2- to 3-fold increase in IC50 values from neutral pH to low pH, showing decreased cancer cell viability at neutral pH as compared to acidic pH. The IC50 results were shown to correlate with a decrease in intracellular uptake of doxorubicin at low pH. The proposed hydrogels were confirmed to be nontoxic to healthy MCF-10A mammary epithelial cells. Rheological studies were performed to verify that the dual-loaded hydrogels were injectable. The mechanical and release properties of the hydrogels were maintained after extended storage. The chemotherapeutic activity of doxorubicin was evaluated in the presence of the proposed pH-regulating hydrogels. The findings suggest a promising nontoxic, biodegradable hydrogel buffer delivery system that can achieve two simultaneous important goals of local acidosis neutralization and chemotherapeutic release.

Removing nutrients in recirculating aquaculture system wastewater from Nile tilapia culture via Spirulina cultivation: Optimizing sodium bicarbonate concentration and micronutrient supplementation

Recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) wastewater from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture raises environmental concerns, necessitating proper treatment prior to discharge. Phytoremediation using Spirulina offers a promising solution by enabling the simultaneous removal of nutrients from wastewater while also producing valuable biomass. This study aimed to optimize the sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) concentrations (3.36, 8.40, and 16.80 g/L) for achieving maximum nutrient treatment efficiency and Spirulina production in RAS wastewater from Nile tilapia culture, without external nitrogen and phosphorus supplementation. Additionally, this study examined the effect of different concentrations of nitrate (10 to 120 mg NO3-N/L) that are naturally present in RAS wastewater and Zarrouk's micronutrient supplementation on Spirulina production and nutrient treatment efficiency. The optimal NaHCO3 concentration for achieving maximum Spirulina production and effective nutrient treatment efficiency was found to be 8.40 g/L. At this concentration, high nitrate treatment efficiencies, reaching up to 80%, were observed specifically in RAS wastewater containing 10 to 50 mg NO3-N/L, while excellent phosphate treatment efficiencies, up to 99%, were found across all nitrate concentrations. Moreover, Spirulina biomass (X) reach a saturated growth of 0.398 g DW/L (6.09 mg Chl a/L) in RAS wastewater with a nitrate concentration of 50 to 120 mg NO3-N/L. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation coefficients revealed that the factor determining Spirulina growth in RAS wastewater with nitrate 10–50 mg NO3-N/L was nitrate, whereas in RAS wastewater with nitrate 80–120 mg NO3-N/L, it was NaHCO3. By supplementing Zarrouk's micronutrient at 25% to RAS wastewater containing 120 mg NO3-N/L and 16.80 g/L of NaHCO3, Spirulina biomass could be enhanced to reach 1.525 g DW/L (6.09 mg Chl a/L), while achieving a nitrate treatment efficiency of 86%.

Thermodynamic modelling of mixtures of water, carbon dioxide and hydrogen at high pressure and temperature for hydrothermal CO2 reduction processes

In the context of the increasing CO2 emissions and the corresponding environmental problems, CO2 utilization processes that transform CO2 into valuable compounds rather than just capturing and storing it can contribute to the transition to a carbon-free economy, giving value to unavoidable CO2 emissions. Among the different technologies studied, hydrothermal conversion stands out by the high yields achieved in comparatively short reaction times and by the possibility to scale-up the process. The hydrothermal conversion uses CO2 dissolved in aqueous solutions as feedstock, in which bicarbonate is the reacting species. Therefore, knowledge of the equilibrium concentrations of dissolved species is of interest for the development of the process. In this work, a thermodynamic model based on the activity coefficient model developed by Pitzer, Sun and Duan model is implemented and solved. The influence of different process conditions: temperature, pressure, composition of the initial solution, on the equilibrium composition of the dissolution is analyzed with the model. Experimental results obtained in hydrothermal reduction experiments are thus interpreted with the aid of the model. It is observed that the process is favored by moderate temperatures (&amp;lt;500 K), high initial concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (up to 2 mol/kg) and moderate initial concentrations of sodium hydroxide (below 1.5 mol/kg).