Concentrations Of Zinc Sulfate Research Articles

Comparative Effect of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Aqueous Extract of Nepeta nepetella through Different Precursor Concentrations.

Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis caused by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Accordingly, bacteria have developed mechanisms to resist antibiotics. This crisis endangers public health systems and medical procedures, underscoring the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. This study focuses on the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using aqueous extracts from Nepeta nepetella subps. amethystine leaves and stems, employing different zinc sulfate concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 M). NP characterization included transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), along with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ZnO NPs, prepared at varying concentrations of zinc sulfate, for their capacity to inhibit both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as their antioxidant potential using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. SEM and TEM results showed predominantly spherical NPs. The smallest size (18.5 ± 1.3 nm for leaves and 18.1 ± 1.3 nm for stems) occurred with the 0.5 M precursor concentration. These NPs also exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at 10 µg/mL, as well as the highest antioxidant activity, with an IC50 (the concentration of NPs that scavenge 50% of the initial DPPH radicals) of 62 ± 0.8 (µg/mL) for the leaves and 35 ± 0.6 (µg/mL) for the stems. NPs and precursor concentrations were modeled to assess their impact on bacteria using a 2D polynomial equation. Response surface plots identified optimal concentration conditions for antibacterial effectiveness against each species, promising in combating antibiotic resistance.

The influence of exogenous phytohormones and zinc sulfate on the morphophysiological characteristics of Salvinia natans (Salviniaceae)

Hydrophytic ferns of the family Salviniaceae, such as those of the genus Salvinia, hold promise for application in water purification and bioassessment. The Salvinia species are known for their rapid growth, adaptability, resistance to adverse environmental conditions, and also their ability to adsorb pollutants. The manipulation of plant growth and development through the application of exogenous phytohormones is an effective technique. In laboratory settings, we investigated the impact of exogenous phytohormones and zinc sulfate on the morphophysiological characteristics of young sporophytes of Salvinia natans. During the phase of intensive growth, the addition of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) at a concentration of 10−5 M to the growth medium inhibited the accumulation of biomass in S. natans sporophytes. However, gibberellic acid (GA3) and cytokinins (kinetin or zeatin) at a concentration of 10−6 M, along with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at a concentration of 10−5 M, induced a slight increase in biomass. In sporophytes of S. natans grown in a medium containing varying concentration of zinc sulfate (228, 114, 57, 28.5, and 14.25 mg of zinc per liter of water), sings of chlorosis in floating fronds were observed as early as the second day of cultivation, followed by symptoms of necrosis. There was a decrease in the content of photosynthetic pigments. Sporophyte biomass decreased, as zinc concentration increased, ranging from 9.6% to 51%. Simultaneous application of phytohormones with the highest concentration of zinc sulfate partially mitigated the adverse effects of the metal, reducing biomass degradation and sustaining sporophyte viability. Qualitative alterations in the fern phenotype were observed, highlighting the phytotoxicity of excessive zinc concentrations. This underscores the potential use of S. natans as a bioindicator for water pollution.

Occurrence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Selected Waste Dumpsites in OtuokeCommunity, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are global health concerns, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation. Waste dumpsites contribute to STH transmission, polluting soil, groundwater, and air quality in any location where they are situated. This study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of soil-transmitted helminths in selected waste dumpsites in the Otuoke community, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. Methods: 46 soil samples were randomly collected from different dumpsites and analyzed using Zinc sulphate floatation, Baermann technique and concentration method. Eggs and larvae of parasites present were identified morphologically by microscopic examination under x4 and x 10 objective lenses using identification keys. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22 was used to analyze the data at 0.05 significant levels. Results: The overall rate of contamination was 28.3%. Eggs and larvae of three soil-transmitted helminths were recovered from the soil samples. The species of soil-transmitted helminths encountered in the study were Ascaris spp. 4(8.6%), Hookworm specie 5(10.9%) and Strongyloides spp. 15(32.6%). The most prevalent soil-transmitted helminth recorded in this study was the larvae of Strongyloides spp. Nevertheless, variations in the distribution of soil-transmitted helminths across locations varied significantly (P = 0.035; P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest a need for a strategic intervention to improve sanitary status precisely in the locations where parasitic contaminations were present, whereas continuous monitoring and preventive measures should be implemented in the locations with no parasitic contamination to prevent the emergence of soil-transmitted helminths infection.

How do different concentrations of aluminum and zinc affect the survival, body size, morphology and immune system of Physalaemus cuvieri (Fitzinger, 1826) tadpole?

ABSTRACT The assessment of amphibian responses as bioindicators of exposure to chemical pollutants is an important tool for conservation of native species. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic aluminum (Al) and zinc (Zn) exposure on survival, body size, morphology (malformations), and immune system (leukocyte profile) in P. cuvieri tadpoles. Ecotoxicological analyses were performed utilizing chronic toxicity tests in which 210 tadpoles at the 25th Gosner developmental stage were exposed to Al and Zn. Individuals of P. cuvieri were maintained in glass containers containing various concentrations of aluminum sulfate (0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 mg/L) and zinc sulfate (0.18, 0.27 or 0.35 mg/L), and tests were performed in triplicate. After 14 days, amphibians were weighed, measured and survival rate, malformations in the oral and intestine apparatus, leukocyte profile, and ratio between neutrophils and lymphocytes determined. The differing concentrations of Al and Zn did not produce lethality in P. cuvieri where 95% of the animals survived 326 hr following metal exposure. Individuals exposed to Zn achieved greater body growth and weight gain compared to controls. Aluminum increased weight gain compared controls. These metals also produced malformations of the oral and intestine apparatus and enhanced occurrence of hemorrhages, especially at the highest doses. Lymphocytes were the predominant cells among leukocytes, with lymphopenia and neutrophilia observed following Al and Zn treatment, as evidenced by elevated neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, an important indicator of stress in animals. Data suggest that further studies need to be carried out, even with metal concentrations higher than those prescribed by CONAMA, to ensure the conservation of this species.

The effects of zinc sulfate on mycelial enzyme activity and metabolites of Pholiota adiposa.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc sulphate on the activities of different enzymes and metabolites of Pholiota adiposa. In the experiment, we used the conventional enzyme activity assay to determine the changes of six indicators, including protein content, laccase activity, cellulase activity, amylase activity and polyphenol oxidase activity, under different concentrations of zinc sulphate treatment. The results showed that the activities of amylase, laccase, cellulase and peroxidase were Zn2+(200)>Zn2+(0)>Zn2+(400)>Zn2+(800).The activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were Zn2+(200)>Zn2+(400)>Zn2+(800), and zinc sulfate could significantly affect the activity of polylipic squamase in a dose-dependent manner. Further correlation analysis showed that all six enzyme activities were significantly correlated with each other (P<001); the results of the statistical model test showed that the regression model constructed was statistically significant; overall the residuals met the conditions of normal distribution, and the corresponding points of different enzyme activities Q-Q' were more evenly distributed around y = x, and all fell in the 90% acceptance interval, thus the series was considered to obey normal distribution; the results of the principal The results of the principal component analysis showed that principal component 1 was positively correlated with amylase, laccase and cellulase. Principal component 2 was positively correlated with superoxide dismutase and catalase, and negatively correlated with peroxidase. The analysis of Metabonomic data revealed that zinc sulfate had a significant impact on the expression of metabolites in the mycelium. Moreover, varying concentrations of zinc sulfate exerted significant effects on the levels of amino acids, organic acids, and gluconic acid. This conclusion was confirmed by other experimental data. The results of the study provide a scientific reference for better research, development and utilization of Pholiota adiposa.

Parasitic Contamination of Naira Notes in Circulation Within Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study focused on the investigation of parasitic contamination of naira notes in circulation within Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State. A total of 200 (25 each) naira notes of N5, N10, N20, N50, N100, N200, N500 and N1000 denominations were randomly collected from members of the public. Normal saline and Zinc Sulphate concentration techniques were used to isolate the parasites from the samples. The results from the laboratory analysis of the naira notes revealed that 52(26%) out of the 200 various denominations of the naira note was contaminated with one form of parasite or the other. The results further indicated that contamination was more on the #100 note (48), followed by #200 note (40%), #50 note (32%), #20 note (24%), #5 and #500 (20% each),while #10 and #1000 notes were the least contaminated (12% each). Among the various species of parasites identified, Ascaris lumbricoides and Enterobius vermicularis were most prevalent (26.9%) each, followed by Giardia lamblia (25%), while Entamoeba histolytica was the least prevalent (21.2%). Education and sensitization on the need to use wet pads or simply clean water instead of tongue wetting the fingers while counting money, putting of money into wallets and not on dirty surfaces, discouragement of spraying the naira notes on individuals during parties and proper hand washing with soap and water after using the toilet are recommended to reduce contamination of the naira notes.

Response of Direct Seeded Rice to Iron and Zinc Fertilization Strategies under Middle Gujarat Conditions

Direct seeded rice (DSR) cultivation has received considerable attention due to its economic and labor-saving benefits. However, inadequate nutrient availability, particularly micronutrients, remains a significant constraint in achieving optimal crop growth and yield in direct seeded rice system. This research paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of iron and zinc fertilization on yield, productivity and nutritional quality of direct seeded rice. This experiment was conducted at Experimental Farm, Regional Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, during kharif season of the year 2022 with twelve treatments of iron and zinc fertilization strategies viz. nutripriming, foliar application and soil drenching which were replicated thrice in randomized block design (RBD). In the treatments of nutripriming, seed were soaked in 0.5% solutions of iron sulphate and zinc sulphate individually and also in combination for 12 hrs. In other treatments, solutions of 0.5% concentration of iron sulphate and zinc sulphate were applied through foliar application at 30 and 50 DAS and soil drenching. Soil drenching was done by adding nutrient solutions (0.5% of iron sulphate and zinc sulphate each) directly on the rice sown lines of the plots. Findings demonstrate that targeted application of micronutrients (Fe and Zn) significantly enhanced the DSR performance in form of growth parameters, yield attributes, yield and nutrient content of grain and straw. Among all the treatments, (T5) nutripriming of direct seeded rice with 0.5% iron sulphate plus 0.5% zinc sulphate for 12 hours before sowing along with recommended dose of fertilizers has been found best in terms of plant height, panicles per m2, yield and Fe and Zn content in seed and straw of rice.

Spraying Zinc Sulfate to Reveal the Mechanism through the Glutathione Metabolic Pathway Regulates the Cadmium Tolerance of Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz).

Cadmium (Cd) is considered to be one of the most toxic metals, causing serious harm to plants' growth and humans' health. Therefore, it is necessary to study simple, practical, and environmentally friendly methods to reduce its toxicity. Until now, people have applied zinc sulfate to improve the Cd tolerance of plants. However, related studies have mainly focused on physiological and biochemical aspects, with a lack of in-depth molecular mechanism research. In this study, we sprayed high (40 mM) and low (2.5 mM) concentrations of zinc sulfate on seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) plants under 0.5 mM Cd stress. Transcriptome sequencing and physiological indicators were used to reveal the mechanism of Cd tolerance. Compared with the control treatment, we found that zinc sulfate decreased the content of Cd2+ by 57.03-73.39%, and that the transfer coefficient of Cd decreased by 58.91-75.25% in different parts of plants. In addition, our results indicate that the antioxidant capacity of plants was improved, with marked increases in the glutathione content and the activity levels of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and other enzymes. Transcriptome sequencing showed that the differentially expressed genes in both the 0.5 Zn and 40 Zn treatments were mainly genes encoding GST. This study suggests that genes encoding GST in the glutathione pathway may play an important role in regulating the Cd tolerance of seashore paspalum. Furthermore, the present study provides a theoretical reference for the regulation mechanism caused by zinc sulfate spraying to improve plants' Cd tolerance.

Zinc supplementation promotes oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development in sheep

Zinc plays a crucial role in the growth and reproductive functions of animals. Despite the positive effects of zinc that have been reported in oocytes of cows, pigs, yaks, and other animals, the influence of zinc on sheep is little known. To investigate the effect of zinc on the in vitro maturation of sheep oocytes and subsequent parthenogenesis-activated embryonic development, we added different concentrations of zinc sulfate to the in vitro maturation (IVM) culture medium. The IVM culture medium with zinc improved the maturation of sheep oocytes and the subsequent blastocyst rate after parthenogenesis activation. Notably, it also enhanced the level of glutathione and mitochondrial activity while reducing levels of reactive oxygen species. Thus, zinc addition to the IVM medium improved the quality of oocytes with a positive effect on the subsequent development of oocytes and embryos.

Intralesional Candida albicans antigen versus intralesional zinc sulfate in treatment of cutaneous warts

Immunotherapy represents a promising therapeutic option for treatment of warts. Different concentrations of Candida antigen (1/100 and 1/1000) and zinc sulfate 2% were not previously compared regarding their efficacy in treatment of cutaneous warts. The present study compared the safety and efficacy of intralesional candida antigen versus intralesional 2% zinc sulfate for treatment of cutaneous warts. This prospective controlled clinical trial included one hundred and five patients presented with common, plantar, and plane warts. Patients were divided randomly into three groups, each group included 35 patients. Group 1 were treated with intralesional candida antigen (Ag) 1/100, Group 2 were treated with intralesional candida Ag 1/1000, and Group 3 were treated with intralesional zinc sulfate 2%. This study found that target warts of group 1 displayed higher rate of complete clearance compared to group 2 and group 3 (94.3%, 77.1, 74.2%), respectively. The present study concluded that intralesional immunotherapy with Candida antigen was more effective than Intralesional 2% zinc sulfate in treatment of cutaneous warts and less painful. Clinical trial registration number is (Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT03158168).

Interface engineering enables stable and reversible zinc anode for high-performance Zn–I2 battery

Aqueous Zn-based batteries have been regarded as a promising energy storage system due to their high energy/power density, safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, their performance have been severely hindered by the dendrite growth of zinc and water-induced side reactions. Herein, a facial strategy of electrolyte modification with a high concentration of zinc sulfate and lithium iodide (LiI) as additives is proposed to guide the preferential growth along with the Zn (002) plane for the smooth Zn deposition. Compared to the pure zinc sulfate electrolyte, the Zn anode in the modified electrolyte exhibited the ultralong cycling stability for 3000 h at a capacity of 1 mAh cm−2 and 400 h at a higher capacity of 5 mAh cm−2, with low reversible deposition potentials of around 30 and 40 mV, respectively, demonstrating the stable plating/stripping behaviors. More importantly, the cycling stability of the Zn–I2 battery with the modified electrolyte can still deliver a large specific capacity after 5000 cycles. The strategy presented that the LiI as additive could not only provide an iodine-rich environment to induce the preferential growth of Zn (002) plane, but also eliminate the side corrosion reactions with the help of additional Li-ions, thus leading to the high-performing Zn–I2 battery.

Effects of two concentrations of dietary tribasic zinc sulfate on growth performance, gut morphology, and zinc transporter expression levels in pigs

Tribasic zinc sulfate (TBZ) is insoluble in water and chemically less active than zinc sulfate, making it more suitable to be used in pig diet. To investigate the effects of TBZ on the growth performance, gut morphology, and zinc transporter expression levels, we performed a single-factor experiment and 168 pigs were allocated to three groups with seven pens per treatment. Pigs were either fed a basal diet without zinc supplementation (control group), or a basal diet supplemented with TBZ at 100 mg/kg diet (LTBZ group) or 1000 mg/kg diet (HTBZ group). We found that daily weight gain and feed intake were higher in the LTBZ group than in the HTBZ and control groups. The pigs in the LTBZ group had a higher villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio when compared with other pigs. Moreover, the pigs in the LTBZ group exhibited higher mRNA expression levels of solute carrier family 39 and lower expression levels of solute carrier family 30 than those fed the HTBZ-supplemented diet. Together, these results indicate that TBZ may potentially be used as a dietary zinc source for young growing pigs and that dietary supplementation with LTBZ benefits growth performance and gut morphology.

Zinc and methyl jasmonate modulate the growth and the volatile compounds of the 'Albahaca Dante' basil cultivated in vitro

The species Ocimum basilicum has many cultivars with different chemotypes. The basil cultivar ‘Albahaca Dante’ has great economic potential. Nevertheless, there is little data about the production of volatiles and the growth using elicitors. This study aims to evaluate growth, physiological disorders, enzymatic activity, biochemistry, stomatal analysis, and the volatile compounds of Ocimum basilicum L.' Albahaca Dante' cultivated in vitro under different concentrations of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and methyl jasmonate (MeJa). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD). Five treatments were evaluated based on the combination of MeJa x Zinc Sulfate, using a Murashige and Skoog medium. The results demonstrate that MeJa reduced the formation of abnormal seedlings. Nevertheless, the growth and the number of leaves were not incremented compared in half without elicitors. The number of volatile compounds was lower in the treatment without elicitors and with 25µM ZnSO4 + 1µMMeja. Methyl chavicol was the main compound in both treatments. In this case, the seedlings had smaller stomata with higher density. The seedlings that were developed under unfavorable conditions (75µM ZnSO4 + 1µM MeJa and 75µM ZnSO4 + 5µM MeJa) produced compounds such as Eugenol, Linalool, Methyleugenol, α-Bergamotene, and showed a reduction in the stomatal density, but larger size. The elicitors influenced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, except for 75µM ZnSO4 + 1µM MeJa, which occasioned an acute decrease of all enzymes. The elicitors altered the volatile composition of this basil cultivar and its biochemical responses

Study on zinc accumulation, bioavailability, physicochemical and structural characteristics of brown rice combined with germination and zinc fortification

In this work, the combination treatment of zinc sulfate fortification and germination was used to increase zinc content and bioavailability of brown rice. The zinc content in brown rice during germination time of 10–34 h gradually increased with the increase of zinc sulfate concentration (0–100 mg/L). Brown rice with zinc fortified concentration of 25 mg/L and germinated for 28 h was recommended, which reached the maximum (26.31%) of zinc bioavailability and met the requirements of recommended dietary intake (RDA) of zinc. The physicochemical and structural characteristics of brown rice under different treatment conditions were compared. As the germination time prolonged, the germination rate (%), total phenol content, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging rate (%) and Gamma-aminobutyric acid content of fortified or unfortified brown rice increased, while the phytic acid content decreased. The fortification treatment improved total phenol content and antioxidant activity of germinated brown rice. The crystalline structure of brown rice was destroyed during germination, but no significant change of crystalline structure caused by zinc sulfate fortification was found. These results could provide valuable reference for the application of germination in the field of brown rice fortification and the preparation of zinc-rich germinated brown rice products.

Purification of zinc sulfate solutions from chloride ions using bismuth hydroxosulfate

ABSTRACT An efficient, simple and lowcost method for purification of zinc sulfate solutions from chloride ions by precipitation with bismuth hydroxosulfate BiOHSO4∙H2O was proposed. Chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to characterize the solid obtained. The studied parameters were reaction temperature, pH, concentrations of zinc sulfate and chloride, and the molar ratio between BiOHSO4∙H2O and chloride. Under optimal conditions, the chloride removal efficiency reached 94.5–95.8% and the residual concentration of Cl− in the purified solution was 65–85 mg/L, which meets the requirements for zinc electrolysis and allows the production of special high-grade zinc. Compared with the commonly used approaches, the method proposed has the advantages such as a higher degree of purification of zinc electrolyte, the short period of time required for the BiOCl precipitation (1 hour) and good filterability. Apart from that, the consumption of the precipitant is close to the stoichiometric molar ratio, which makes the purification process cost-effective.

Emodin Protects SH-SY5Y Cells Against Zinc-Induced Synaptic Impairment and Oxidative Stress Through the ERK1/2 Pathway.

Zinc is an essential trace element important for the physiological function of the central nervous system. The abnormal accumulation of zinc inside neurons may induce mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which contribute to many brain diseases. We hypothesized that natural anthraquinone derivative emodin can protect against neurotoxicity induced by pathological concentrations of zinc via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway and alleviate oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y 26 cells) was treated with zinc sulfate and different concentrations of emodin, and changes in the levels of ETK1/2 expression, oxidative stress (DCFH-DA staining), mitochondrial function (JC-1 staining), lipid peroxidation (4-hydroxynonenal staining), and DNA oxidation (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine staining) were examined. Emodin ameliorated zinc-induced altered expression of levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (not total ETK1/2) and synaptic proteins (presynaptic SNAP 25, synaptophysin and postsynaptic PSD95) in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, emodin inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress and facilitated the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in SH-SY5Y cells. In conclusion, our results indicated that emodin exerts neuroprotective effects against zinc by normalizing synaptic impairment by decreasing the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, reducing reactive oxygen species and protecting mitochondrial function.

A Potential New Role for Zinc in Age-Related Macular Degeneration through Regulation of Endothelial Fenestration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common blinding disease in the western world that is linked to the loss of fenestration in the choriocapillaris that sustains the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors in the back of the eye. Changes in ocular and systemic zinc concentrations have been associated with AMD; therefore, we hypothesized that these changes might be directly involved in fenestrae formation. To test this hypothesis, an endothelial cell (bEND.5) model for fenestrae formation was treated with different concentrations of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) solution for up to 20 h. Fenestrae were visualized by staining for Plasmalemmal Vesicle Associated Protein-1 (PV-1), the protein that forms the diaphragms of the fenestrated endothelium. Size and distribution were monitored by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We found that zinc induced the redistribution of PV-1 into areas called sieve plates containing ~70-nm uniform size and typical morphology fenestrae. As AMD is associated with reduced zinc concentrations in the serum and in ocular tissues, and dietary zinc supplementation is recommended to slow disease progression, we propose here that the elevation of zinc concentration may restore choriocapillaris fenestration resulting in improved nutrient flow and clearance of waste material in the retina.

Influence of zinc sulfate concentration in baths on the structure, morphology and tribocorrosion properties of Fe-Zn alloy coating

To address the glazing issue of impregnated diamond bit in drilling hard and compact rock formations, Fe-Zn alloys were electrodeposited from acid sulfate baths and the surface morphology , phase composition, microhardness and tribocorrosion property of the deposits were studied. As the ZnSO 4 concentration increased from 0 g/L to 20 g/L, the morphology of deposits changed from fine-grained clusters to triangular based pyramids, and finally to granular grains. α phase, η phase and a mixture of α phase and η phase were identified in Fe-Zn coatings. And the microhardness of the deposits is influenced by the Zn content and grain size of Fe-Zn alloy. Furthermore, tribocorrosion behaviors of the deposits were investigated in NaCl solutions by electrochemical measures (potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical current noise) with an abrasion-corrosion rig. Results of tribocorrosion tests showed that the primary form of the material loss was pure mechanical wear , except the deposit obtained at 20 g/L ZnSO 4 , whose mass loss due to corrosion-induced abrasion contributed most to its total material loss. The degradation mechanism of Fe-Zn deposits was also detailed in this paper. • Fe-Zn alloy was electrodeposited from an acid bath with improved stability. • The morphology of Fe-Zn deposits changed with the variation of phase structure. • Fe-Zn coating with 20% Zn provided the best combination of hardness and mass loss. • The wear mechanism of Fe-Zn deposits in silica slurry with NaCl was discussed.

Optimization of human interferon beta protein expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Background and aims: Human interferon beta-1a (hIFNβ-1a) is a 22.5-kDa glycoprotein used to treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Because of appropriate post-translation modifications, protein isolation, and lack of toxicity in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, we cloned hIFNβ-1a encoding sequence into these cells by recombinant DNA technology to achieve stable expression of this recombinant protein. Methods: The hIFNβ-1a encoding sequence was designed based on the CHO cells’ codon usage and the Gene Bank data, and then syntactically constructed in the pUC57 vector. After confirmation, the synthesized sequence was cloned into the pcDNA3.1 expression vector by using EcoRI and XhoI sites via Escherichia coli DH5α competent cells. Then, the recombinant vector pcDNA-hHIFNβ1a was linearized by BglII and transfected into the CHO cells using lipofectamine. The transfected cells were proliferated and screened by gentamicin. Certain concentrations of zinc sulfate, DMSO, and glycerol were used to enhance protein expression. Finally, the recombinant protein expression was qualitatively evaluated using different techniques. Results: The hIFNβ1a integrity was confirmed by DNA sequencing and specific software. The construction and sub-cloning of hIFNβ1a-pcDNA3.1 in E. coli were confirmed by colony-PCR with specific primers and restriction enzyme mapping. The screening of transfected CHO cells was performed using gentamicin. The protein expression was confirmed by RT-PCR, MTT assay, SDS-PAGE, and Western blot. Comparison of the optimized and control samples demonstrated that chemical treatment enhanced the protein expression. Conclusion: We achieved the stable clones of CHO cells expressing the active form of human interferon beta.

Antibacterial Effect of Different Concentrations of Zinc Sulfate on Multidrug Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria

Background: The most important reason for the appearance and distribution of strains of bacteria with multi-drug resistant is the overuse of antibiotics which lead to search for agents that might have antibacterial properties. Objective: The present study designed to investigate the growth inhibitory effect of different concentrations of zinc sulfate against multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. Method: The agar well diffusion technique was used to establish the antibacterial action of zinc sulfate by measuring the zone of inhibition diameter. Results: All concentrations of zinc sulfate showed antibacterial effect. The maximum antibacterial effect of zinc sulfate had shown with (10mg/ml) concentration for Staph.aureus , Staph.epidermidis and klebsiella whereas the maximum antibacterial effect of zinc sulfate had shown with (14mg/ml ) concentration for E.coli, Enterobacter, proteus and pseudomonas. Conclusion: Different concentrations of zinc sulfate were found to have antibacterial effect against multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp.