Solute Concentration Research Articles

Parameter Optimization in Cluster Identification Algorithms for Characterizing Nanoclusters in Al-Mg-Si-Cu Alloys.

Optimization of user-defined parameters (Dmax, Nmin, order (K)) in the Density-based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) algorithm, used to characterize nanoclusters in Al-0.9% Mg-1.0% Si-0.3% Cu (mass %), was conducted. Ten combinations of parameters with a given K were considered for samples naturally aged (NA) and preaged (PA) at 100°C. We confirmed four types of unphysical clusters, artificially formed, by analyzing composition with size, atomic density, and atomic arrangement inside clusters. The optimum combinations minimizing those unphysical clusters were obtained for both NA and PA samples. Meanwhile, to evaluate the reliability of the optimum combination, volume rendering and isosurfacing were performed. As a result, regions of high solute concentration were confirmed, and those regions are in good agreement with the position of the clusters obtained by applying the optimum combination in DBSCAN. Furthermore, by comparing the optimum combinations with the fixed parameters widely used until now, we showed that for each dataset, considering independent parameters obtained in the same method is desirable rather than using fixed parameters. Consequently, an idea of determining the algorithm parameters for characterizing the nanoclusters in Al-Mg-Si(-Cu) alloys was introduced.

Variable-density solute transport in unconfined coastal aquifers with a subsurface dam

Recently, the influence of subsurface dams on solute transport in coastal aquifers has become a hot research topic. Although many studies have been conducted, the combined effects of subsurface dam and tides on variable-density solute transport remain unclear, and this study aimed to fill this research gap. In the current study, a numerical model representing a 2-D cross-shore coastal aquifer was established. The model simulated cases with and without a subsurface dam, and sensitivity analysis cases with different height and location of the subsurface dam and solute concentration. The results show that a subsurface dam blocks a portion of the solute plume, which can only be discharged by dilution at the edges, thereby altering its discharge pattern and reducing their discharge rate. The addition of a subsurface dam may either prolong or shorten the residence time of solute,depending on the location rather than the height of the subsurface dam. In particular, a more landward subsurface dam would significantly increase the residence time; sensitivity analysis demonstrates that both the landward shift and the height increase of the subsurface dam contribute to a heightened ratio of dynamic mass distribution for the solute plume within the freshwater and saltwater zones of the aquifer, with maximum changes in mass distribution ratios of 87.22% and 300%, respectively. Also, these factors cause the solute to migrate both seaward and landward, respectively, across the primary outflow regions of the aquifer-ocean interface. Results from this study may provide theoretical guidance for the optimal design and environmental impact assessment of subsurface dams.

Contaminant mobilization from the vadose zone to groundwater during experimental river flooding events

Natural river flooding events can mobilize contaminants from the vadose zone and lead to increased concentrations in groundwater. Characterizing the mass and transport mechanisms of contaminants released from the vadose zone to groundwater during these recharge events is particularly challenging. Therefore, conducting highly-controlled in-situ experiments that simulate natural flooding events can help increase the knowledge of where contaminants can be stored and how they can move between hydrological compartments. This study specifically targets uranium pollution, which is accompanied by high sulfate levels in the vadose zone and groundwater. Two novel experimental river flooding events were conducted that utilized added non-reactive halides (bromide and iodide) and 2,6-difluorobenzoate tracers. In both experiments, about 8 m3 of traced water from a nearby contaminant-poor river was flooded in a 3-m diameter basin and infiltrated through the vadose zone and into a contaminant-rich unconfined aquifer for an average of 10 days. The aquifer contained 13 temporary wells that were monitored for solute concentration for up to 40 days. The groundwater analysis was conducted for changes in contaminant mass using the Theissen polygon method and for transport mechanisms using temporal moments. The results indicated an increase in uranium (21 and 24%), and sulfate (24 and 25%) contaminant mass transport to groundwater from the vadose zone during both experiments. These findings confirmed that the vadose zone can store and release substantial amounts of contaminants to groundwater during flooding events. Additionally, contaminants were detected earlier than the added tracers, along with higher concentrations. These results suggested that contaminant-rich pore water in the vadose zone was transported ahead of the traced flood waters and into groundwater. During the first flooding event, elevated concentrations of contaminants were sustained, and that chloride behaved similarly. The findings implied that contaminant- and chloride-rich evaporites in the vadose zone were dissolved during the first flooding event. For the second flooding event, the data suggested that the contaminant-rich evaporites continued to dissolve whereas chloride-rich evaporites were previously flushed. Overall, these findings indicated that contaminant-rich pore water and evaporites in the vadose zone can play a significant role in contaminant transport during flooding events.

Diphenyl selenoxide: Unraveled peculiarities in methanol and acetonitrile solutions

We hereby report the volumetric, spectroscopic (UV–Vis, FTIR), and voltammetric properties together with the comprehensive atomistic simulations of diphenyl selenoxide (Ph2SeO) in acetonitrile (ACN) and methanol (MEOH). The solvation effects manifested through densimetry, UV–Vis, and FTIR spectra have been rationalized for the first time. The anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction of Ph2SeO proceeded more easily in a polar aprotic solvent, such as ACN, compared to a polar protic solvent, such as MEOH. The independent atomistically precise simulation studies examining the universe of the stationary point molecular configurations provided solid proof for a substantially better solvation performance of MEOH relative to ACN. The higher degree of conformational flexibility of the MEOH molecules, their strong hydrogen bonding with the seleneoxide group, and sterical confinement of the electrophilic interaction center of Ph2SeO unraveled via numerous low-energy molecular configurations altogether stand beyond a higher maximum homogeneous concentration of the amphiphilic seleneoxide solute in MEOH than in ACN. The reported results reveal the peculiarities of the diphenyl seleneoxide-containing solutions. They are addressed to the researchers representing the field of solution chemistry.

Tracking Prenucleation Molecular Clustering of Salicylamide in Organic Solvents.

Crystal nucleation shapes the structure and product size distribution of solid-state pharmaceuticals and is seeded by early-stage molecular self-assemblies formed in host solution. Here, molecular clustering of salicylamide in ethyl acetate, methanol, and acetonitrile was investigated using photon correlation spectroscopy. Cluster size steadily increased over 3 days and with concentration across the range from undersaturated to supersaturated solutions. Solute concentration normalized by solubility provided more sensitive characterization of molecular-level conditions than concentration alone. In saturated solution, cluster size is independent of solvent, while at equal supersaturation, solvent-dependent cluster size increases as methanol < acetonitrile < ethyl acetate, commensurate with increasing nucleation propensity. In ethyl acetate, with largest prenucleation clusters, the driving force required for nucleation is lowest, compared to methanol with smallest clusters and highest driving force. To understand solvent-solute effects, we performed IR spectroscopy supported by molecular simulations. We observe solute-solvent interaction weakening in the same order: methanol < acetonitrile < ethyl acetate, quantifying the weaker solvent-solute interactions that permit the formation of larger prenucleation clusters. Our results support the hypothesis that nucleation is easier in weaker solvents because weak solute-solvent interactions favor growth of large clusters, as opposed to relying solely on ease of desolvation.

Light-evoked deformations in rod photoreceptors, pigment epithelium and subretinal space revealed by prolonged and multilayered optoretinography

Phototransduction involves changes in concentration of ions and other solutes within photoreceptors and in subretinal space, which affect osmotic pressure and the associated water flow. Corresponding expansion and contraction of cellular layers can be imaged using optoretinography (ORG), based on phase-resolved optical coherence tomography (OCT). Until now, ORG could reliably detect only photoisomerization and phototransduction in photoreceptors, primarily in cones under bright stimuli. Here, by employing a phase-restoring subpixel motion correction algorithm, which enables imaging of the nanometer-scale tissue dynamics during minute-long recordings, and unsupervised learning of spatiotemporal patterns, we discover optical signatures of the other retinal structures’ response to visual stimuli. These include inner and outer segments of rod photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and subretinal space in general. The high sensitivity of our technique enables detection of the retinal responses to dim stimuli: down to 0.01% bleach level, corresponding to natural levels of scotopic illumination. We also demonstrate that with a single flash, the optoretinogram can map retinal responses across a 12° field of view, potentially replacing multifocal electroretinography. This technique expands the diagnostic capabilities and practical applicability of optoretinography, providing an alternative to electroretinography, while combining structural and functional retinal imaging in the same OCT machine.

Effect of cooling rate on solidification microstructure, microsegregation, and nanoprecipitates in medium carbon CrMo cast steel

Precipitation strengthening is a crucial method for enhancing the mechanical properties of steel. The bridgman directional solidification furnace, optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron probe analyzer (EPMA) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to investigate the effect of solidification cooling rate on the solidification microstructure, microsegregation, and nanoprecipitates in medium carbon CrMo cast steel. The results indicate that as the cooling rate increases, the solidification microstructure is significantly refined. The relationship between the cooling rate (CA) and primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS, λ1) and secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS, λ2) are given by λ1 = 123.74 × C-0.4088A, λ2 = 66.63 × C-0.6532A. Solute elements like Cr, Mo, and V exhibit noticeable positive segregation in the inter-dendritic. When the cooling rate does not exceed 0.47 °C/s, the solute concentrations in the inter-dendritic increase with higher cooling rate, leading to a decrease in the effective solute partition coefficient. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the back diffusion of solute elements during solidification. Following heat treatment, precipitation of M6C, V(C,N), and M23C6 occurs within the inter-dendritic regions. If the solidification cooling rate does not exceed 0.47 °C/s, the density and volume fraction of nanoprecipitates increase with higher cooling rate. This trend primarily results from the reduction in critical nucleation radius and critical nucleation energy, facilitating easier nucleation of nanoprecipitates.

Exploring the boiling point elevation of multicomponent salt solution by changing vapor pressure and solution composition

This paper applies thermodynamics theory to analyze the main factors that affect the boiling point elevation (BPE) of salt solutions. By using the vapor pressure measurement method, boiling point experiments were conducted on several common inorganic salts used in industrial wastewater treatment and desalination at different concentrations and temperatures. The experimental data shows that the BPE of a salt solution is approximately a quadratic function of the solution temperature at constant concentration, and the BPE of tri-ion salt solutions tends to be higher than that of NaCl solution at the same concentration. Based on theoretical analysis and a summary of experimental results, it was found that BPE is not only related to solute concentration but also to the number of ionized solute ions. It was also found that replacing the compound concentration with the ion concentration as the independent variable of concentration can reduce the impact of electrolyte ionization and reduce variable parameters. Furthermore, the impact of ion types on BPE was studied in mixed salt solutions. The results show that the higher the average ion activity coefficient of the solute, the higher the boiling point of the solution. Through nonlinear fitting analysis of experimental data, a correlation for calculating the BPE of multi-component salt solutions in industrial water treatment is proposed based on solution temperature and ion concentration.

Soret-driven convection of Maxwell-Cattaneo fluids in a vertical channel

The Soret effect, also known as thermal diffusion, plays a crucial role in the phenomenon of double diffusion convection in liquids. This study investigates Soret-driven convection within a vertical double-diffusive layer of Maxwell-Cattaneo (M-C) fluids, where the boundaries maintain constant temperatures and solute concentrations that are distinct from each other. The heat transfer equation for Maxwell-Cattaneo fluids is governed by a hyperbolic rule of heat conduction, rather than the typical Fourier parabolic one. The Chebyshev collocation method is employed to solve the corresponding stability eigenvalue problem. The neutral stability curve shows significant fluctuation responses due to the M-C effect. When the Cattaneo number (C) reaches 0.02, multiple local minima appear in the critical Grashof number (Gr). The instability the thermal convection is found to be amplified by the combined effects of Maxwell-Cattaneo and Soret, along with the Grashof number, while the double diffusion effect appears to suppress the instability of convective system. The influence of Soret effect on convective instability will diminish dramatically as the Gr number rises above 8200.

Microstructure evolution during directional solidification of 2009Al/SiCp at different pulling velocities: Modeling and Experiment

The cellular automaton-lattice Boltzmann method-immersed moving boundary coupled model is established to study the microstructure evolution during the solidification process of 2009Al/SiCp. After several model benchmarks, the natural convection of liquid phase and its effect on particle settlement under different pulling velocities were studied firstly. The results showed that at higher pulling velocity, the particle decelerates downward before contacting with dendrite front due to intensified natural convection. At lower pulling velocity, the particle decelerates gradually until a change in direction and upward movement. As the particle approach the tip of the dendrite, the particle experiences a brief upward movement before contacting the dendritic front. Then the convection induced by particles has an impact on the distribution of solutes in the liquid phase. It has been observed that at lower pulling velocity, there is a significant difference in solute distribution at the solidification front. The primary reason for this phenomenon is the higher solute concentration near the solidification front at lower pulling velocity, rather than the higher liquid phase flowing rate. Finally, our model investigated the microstructure evolution process during the directional solidification process of 2009Al/SiCp at different pulling velocities. The results indicate a good agreement between the simulation results and experiment observations.

Employing generative adversarial neural networks as surrogate model for reactive transport modeling in the hyporheic zone

This study explores the application of advanced deep learning techniques, specifically conditional deep convolutional generative adversarial networks (cDC-GANs), to model and predict the complex dynamics of the hyporheic zone (HZ) driven by river stage fluctuations. The HZ is a critical transitional mixing zone between surface water and groundwater, where significant biogeochemical reactions occur. Traditional process-based reactive transport modeling methods are computationally intensive and require fine-scale parameterization. To overcome these challenges, we employ the cDC-GAN as a deep-learning-based surrogate model to predict zones of enhanced biogeochemical activity (i.e., hotspots) and reaction product concentrations in the HZ under varying bimodal sedimentary heterogeneity scenarios. The cDC-GAN model can efficiently capture nonlinear relationships between input data and output parameters without extensive parameterization, making it computationally less demanding. The model’s generative capabilities allow for the creation of new data instances, enabling the exploration of diverse scenarios and interpolation between observed data points. The model uses maps of liquid saturation and solute concentrations at different time steps to generate corresponding maps of reaction rates and reaction product concentrations. Results demonstrate the model’s qualitative and quantitative ability to capture complex relationships without relying on rigid assumptions about linearity or specific probability distribution functions. Notably, even amid variations in aquifer heterogeneity, the model consistently exhibits robust performance, validating its ability to adapt to dynamic geological settings. Our use of a simplified reaction scheme serves as a proof of concept for the cDC-GAN model’s ability to simulate solute transport in the HZ, opening avenues for future applications including more complex reaction networks within HZ system such as nutrient cycling, organic matter degradation, redox reactions, and beyond.

Effect of mineral dissolution on fault slip behavior during geological carbon storage

Geological carbon dioxide storage is one of the most effective technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. The mineral dissolution is inevitable during the long-term storage process, while the chemical effect on fault slip behavior remains poorly understood. In this paper, we present a hydro-chemical–mechanical coupled fault reactivation study using the unified pipe-interface element method (UP-IEM). The impact of chemical dissolution on stress redistribution is considered. The accuracy of the numerical method to simulate reactive solute transport and fault frictional slip are confirmed by analytical solution and numerical verification. Two different fault tectonic scenarios, of which fault locating in the caprock and fault crosscutting the reservoir and caprock, are designed to investigate the fault slip behavior induced by mineral dissolution. The effect of dissolved CO2 solute concentration, fault aperture, reservoir permeability and chemical reaction rate are discussed. Results show that fault locating in the caprock is easier to be activated. The chemical reaction has a more significant effect on fault slip behavior than fluid pressure during the long-term low-velocity CO2 leakage. The increase of CO2 solute concentration and reservoir reaction rate cause an obvious growth on fault slip displacement. The decrease of fault initial aperture results in the fault slip velocity slower and the slipping area smaller. The high-permeability reservoir keeps the fault more stable than low-permeability reservoir under the influence of mineral dissolution.

Evaporation-Induced Transformations in Volatile Chemical Product-Derived Secondary Organic Aerosols: Browning Effects and Alterations in Oxidative Reactivity.

Volatile chemical products (VCPs) are increasingly recognized as significant sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urban atmospheres, potentially serving as key precursors for secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. This study investigates the formation and physicochemical transformations of VCP-derived SOA, produced through ozonolysis of VOCs evaporated from a representative room deodorant air freshener, focusing on the effects of aerosol evaporation on its molecular composition, light absorption properties, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Following aerosol evaporation, solutes become concentrated, accelerating reactions within the aerosol matrix that lead to a 42% reduction in peroxide content and noticeable browning of the SOA. This process occurs most effectively at moderate relative humidity (∼40%), reaching a maximum solute concentration before aerosol solidification. Molecular characterization reveals that evaporating VCP-derived SOA produces highly conjugated nitrogen-containing products from interactions between existing or transformed carbonyl compounds and reduced nitrogen species, likely acting as chromophores responsible for the observed brownish coloration. Additionally, the reactivity of VCP-derived SOA was elucidated through heterogeneous oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2), which revealed enhanced photosensitized sulfate production upon drying. Direct measurements of ROS, including singlet oxygen (1O2), superoxide (O2•-), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH), showed higher abundances in dried versus undried SOA samples under light exposure. Our findings underscore that drying significantly alters the physicochemical properties of VCP-derived SOA, impacting their roles in atmospheric chemistry and radiative balance.

Effect of solute concentration on the number of NaCl particles generated by millimeter- and micron-sized droplets

Salt particles generated by aerosol generator are commonly used in air filtration test. As a common phenomenon, the number of generated particles increases with the salt concentration in the atomization solution. Thus far, the dependence of the particle number on the concentration of the atomization solution is not fully understood. In this study, two hypotheses were proposed to explain this phenomenon: i) a single droplet generates multiple solid particles, and the generated particle number is influenced by the salt concentration, and ii) the original droplet number increases with an increase in the salt concentration of the atomization solution. By observing the particle formation process of the levitated millimeter-scale NaCl droplet, one droplet was found to generate one particle in free air. However, whether these results are applicable to micrometer-scale droplets remains to be determined. In situ measurements were performed to detect the size distributions of the original droplets generated by the atomization solutions with various salt concentrations. A more concentrated atomization solution induced a higher number of original droplets. Particle formation patterns of droplets on glass substrates and filaments were demonstrated. Traditional observation methods for droplet drying are unsuitable for studying the particle formation of atomized droplets because of the large difference in droplet size and the existence of external forces.

Spatially heterogeneous discharge of glacial meltwater to drainages surrounding the ablating Coropuna ice cap, Peruvian Andes

ABSTRACT As tropical glaciers recede in response to global warming, glaciated watershed resilience is threatened by the loss of these important water reservoirs. In the Cordillera Occidental, Peru, we investigate the importance of glacial meltwater to mountain groundwater recharge and subsequent discharge to streams surrounding the rapidly retreating Coropuna ice cap. Using stable isotopes, solute concentrations, and radiocarbon activity, our results suggest that in remote ungauged systems, glacial input can be determined via geochemical analysis and a simple mixing model approach. We find that the proportion of glacial meltwater contribution to groundwater and surface waters is spatially heterogeneous. Differences between drainages are attributed to the degree of melting of headwater glaciers and the routing of waters through volcanic strata. These results provide evidence that glacial meltwater recharge is highly variable even within the same mountain block. Furthermore, the effects on streamflow will be disproportionate as the watersheds approach an ice-free state.

Diffusiophoresis in Polymer and Nanoparticle Gradients.

Diffusiophoresis is the movement of the colloidal particles in response to a concentration gradient and can be observed for both electrolyte (e.g., salt) and nonelectrolyte (e.g., glucose) solutes. Here, we investigated the diffusiophoretic behavior of polystyrene (PS-carboxylate surface) microparticles in nonadsorbing charged and uncharged solute gradients [sodium polystyrenesulfonate (NaPSS), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and nanoscale colloidal silica (SiO2)] using a dead-end channel setup. We compared the diffusiophoretic motion in these gradient types with each other and to the case of using a monovalent salt gradient. In each of the nonadsorbing gradient systems (NaPSS, PEG, and SiO2 nanoparticles), the PS particles migrated toward the lower solute concentration. The exclusion distance values (from the initial position) of particles were recorded within the dead-end channel, and it was found that an increase in solute concentration increases exclusion from the main channel. In the polyelectrolyte case, the motion of PS microparticles was reduced by the addition of a background salt due to reduced electrostatic interaction, whereas it remained constant when using the neutral polymer. Particle diffusiophoresis in gradients of polyelectrolytes (charged macromolecules) is quite similar to the behavior when using a PEG gradient (uncharged macromolecule) in the presence of a background electrolyte. Moreover, we observed PS microparticles under different concentrations and molecular weights of PEG gradients. By combining the simulations, we estimated the exclusion length, which was previously proposed to be the order of the polymer radius. Furthermore, the movement of PS microparticles was analyzed in the gradient of silica nanoparticles. The exclusion distance was higher in silica nanoparticle gradients compared to similar-size PEG gradients because silica nanoparticles are charged. The diffusiophoretic transport of the PS microparticles could be simulated by considering the interaction between the PS microparticles and silica nanoparticles.

Ecological regulation of chemical weathering recorded in rivers

We provide a new generalized framework accounting for the effects of water and nutrient uptake by roots in the weathering zone on broad patterns of solute concentration - discharge relationships in rivers. As plants withdraw water from the subsurface, they decrease the area-normalized fluid drainage rate. This results in a discharge flux to springs and streams which is a function of water use by plants, leading to ecosystem regulation of the characteristic timescales of chemical weathering reactions and fluid flow rate. Our predictive framework quantifies the pore water and river solute chemistry generated from water-rock interactions, regulated by the effects of vegetation on water flow rates. To this we add the capacity for vegetation to enrich, passively admit, or discriminate against a given dissolved solute based on ecophysiological needs, thus further modifying the local concentration of a given chemical species in solution across a weathering profile. This uptake flux is not lost to the atmosphere in the same manner as water is removed from the subsurface via evapotranspiration. Rather, these extracted chemical species become incorporated into the topsoil as litter which may be partially or fully resolubilized, creating an upper boundary condition which depends on the uptake and recycling characteristics of the ecosystem. These processes are united through a new solution to the advection-reaction equation which allows vegetation to regulate broad patterns of stream concentration - discharge relationships. We show that ecosystems are capable of both accelerating and impeding water-rock reaction rates across the weathering profile, ultimately leading to both thermodynamic and ecological controls on the baseflow concentration of rock-derived solutes in rivers.

Limited Bioweathering by Cyanobacteria in Cold, Nutrient-Limited Conditions: Implications for Microbe-Mineral Interactions and Aquatic Chemistry in Cold Environments

Solute fluxes in Antarctic meltwaters indicate microbial processes influence chemical weathering. Antarctic cyanobacterial mats dominated by Leptolyngbya glacialis enhance weathering rates at 12 °C. Yet, their effects on nutrient fluxes in colder, nutrient-limited conditions, similar to the McMurdo Dry Valleys environments, are unknown. Here, we investigate biotic and abiotic weathering rates of glaciofluvial sediments at 4 °C and compare results to previous experiments at 12 °C. We also examine the effects of nutrient and salt concentrations on weathering fluxes by comparing the effects of different media concentrations (0.1X and 0.001X: 10 and 1000 times diluted) at both temperature conditions. Our results show limited evidence of biologically mediated silica release at 4 °C, yet microbe-mineral interactions still affect nutrient fluxes, particularly for Ca, Mg, Mn, P, and N. However, a higher initial salt concentration (0.1X media) increased the concentration of solutes released under abiotic conditions. These results indicate that aqueous solutes, temperature and microbial processes are all important factors controlling weathering rates and nutrient fluxes in cold settings.

Frost fighters: unveiling the potential of microbial antifreeze proteins in biotech innovation.

Polar environments pose extreme challenges for life due to low temperatures, limited water, high radiation, and frozen landscapes. Despite these harsh conditions, numerous macro and microorganisms have developed adaptive strategies to reduce the detrimental effects of extreme cold. A primary survival tactic involves avoiding or tolerating intra and extracellular freezing. Many organisms achieve this by maintaining a supercooled state by producing small organic compounds like sugars, glycerol, and amino acids, or through increasing solute concentration. Another approach is the synthesis of ice-binding proteins, specifically antifreeze proteins (AFPs), which hinder ice crystal growth below the melting point. This adaptation is crucial for preventing intracellular ice formation, which could be lethal, and ensuring the presence of liquid water around cells. AFPs have independently evolved in different species, exhibiting distinct thermal hysteresis and ice structuring properties. Beyond their ecological role, AFPs have garnered significant attention in biotechnology for potential applications in the food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. This review aims to offer a thorough insight into the activity and impacts of AFPs on water, examining their significance in cold-adapted organisms, and exploring the diversity of microbial AFPs. Using a meta-analysis from cultivation-based and cultivation-independent data, we evaluate the correlation between AFP-producing microorganisms and cold environments. We also explore small and large-scale biotechnological applications of AFPs, providing a perspective for future research.

CO2 utilization as a gas antisolvent in the production of glibenclamide nanoparticles, glibenclamide-HPMC, and glibenclamide-PVP composites

Glibenclamide is an antidiabetic drug that also acts as an anti-inflammatory factor and reduces oxidative stress, medullary edema, and heart attack. Glibenclamide has high permeability and poor solubility in water (BCS class II). This work addresses particle size reduction of Glibenclamide using the gas antisolvent (GAS) to improve the drug dissolution rate. Three process parameters were studied at three levels: pressure (120, 140, and 160 bar), temperature (308, 318, and 328 K), and initial solute concentration (15, 45, and 75 mg/mL). The Box-Behnken design method was applied to optimize the process conditions. The coprecipitation of Glibenclamide with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was investigated by GAS at optimum pressure and temperature conditions (i.e., 160 bar and 308 K). Furthermore, the particles produced were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography, powder x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The maximum dissolution rate in water obtained after 75 minutes was 36.6 %, 88.3 %, 94.1 %, and 97.7 % for unprocessed Glibenclamide, Glibenclamide nanoparticles, Glibenclamide-HPMC and Glibenclamide-PVP composites, respectively. Glibenclamide-HPMC nanocomposites produced by GAS showed the smallest particle size, while Glibenclamide-HPMC exhibited the fastest dissolution rate.