Content Of Substances Research Articles

Enhanced antibacterial and genoprotective properties of nanoliposomal Satureja hortensis L. essential oil

Nanoliposomes are drug delivery systems that improve bioavailability by encapsulating therapeutic agents. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of nanoliposomal (NL) formulation on enhancing the bioavailability of essential oil. The essential oil of Satureja hortensis (SHO) was encapsulated in nanoliposomes (SHNLs). Physicochemical characterizations of NL formulations (size, charge, polydispersity index [PDI]) were evaluated by dynamic light scattering technique. The nanoliposome encapsulation efficiency (EE) was calculated as 89.90%. The prepared bionanosystems demonstrated significant antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC as determined by the agar diffusion method and microdilution tests. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for SHNLs were found to be 5.187 µg/µL for E. coli and 2.59 µg/µL for both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Importantly, despite the lower substance content, both SHNLs and SHO exhibited comparable antibacterial activity against all tested strains. Furthermore, in order to determine the toxicity profile and possible effects on DNA damage or repair both the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of SHNLs were assessed using the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) method in human lymphocyte cultures. The experimental data collectively indicate that the NL formulation of the S. hortensis essential oil enhances antibacterial activities and provides genoprotective effects against DNA damage. This highlights the significance of liposomal formulations of antioxidants in augmenting their biological activity. The results indicate that SHNLs can be a safe antibacterial agent for the pharmaceutical industry.

The 14-3-3 protein nt GF14e interacts with CIPK2 and increases low potassium stress in tobacco

ABSTRACT Potassium (K+) plays a role in enzyme activation, membrane transport, and osmotic regulation processes. An increase in potassium content can significantly improve the elasticity and combustibility of tobacco and reduce the content of harmful substances. Here, we report that the expression analysis of Nt GF14e, a 14-3-3 gene, increased markedly after low-potassium treatment (LK). Then, chlorophyll content, POD activity and potassium content, were significantly increased in overexpression of Nt GF14e transgenic tobacco lines compared with those in the wild type plants. The net K+ efflux rates were severely lower in the transgenic plants than in the wild type under LK stress. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis identified 5708 upregulated genes and 2787 downregulated genes between Nt GF14e overexpressing transgenic tobacco plants. The expression levels of some potassium-related genes were increased, such as CBL-interacting protein kinase 2 (CIPK2), Nt CIPK23, Nt CIPK25, H+-ATPase isoform 2 a (AHA2a), Nt AHA4a, Stelar K+ outward rectifier 1(SKOR1), and high affinity K+ transporter 5 (HAK5). The result of yeast two-hybrid and luciferase complementation imaging experiments suggested Nt GF14e could interact with CIPK2. Overall, these findings indicate that NtGF14e plays a vital roles in improving tobacco LK tolerance and enhancing potassium nutrition signaling pathways in tobacco plants.

АНТИОКСИДАНТНА АКТИВНІСТЬ ЕКСТРАКТІВ SCORZONERA PURPUREA SUBSP. ROSEA

The antioxidant properties of ethanol-water extracts of Scorzonera purpurea subsp. rosea obtained by maceration with ethanol content of 50 % (E50) and 70 % (E70) were studied using the DPPH (E50 – 82 %, E70 – 86 %), ABTS (E50 – 89 %, E70 – 93 %) and FRAP (E50 – 23.01 μmol/ml, E70 – 23.58 μmol/ml) methods. It was determined that the studied extracts differ little in the total content of extractive substances (E50 – 19.86 mg/ml, E70 – 19.4 mg/ml), the sum of polyphenolic compounds (E50 – 2.02 mgGC/ml, E70 – 2.11 mgGC/ml), flavonoids (E50 – 0.235 mgC/ml, E70 – 0.276 mgC/ml). The obtained results indicate the expediency of using an alcohol-water mixture with an ethanol content of 50 % as a cheaper extractant for the preparation of Scorzonera purpurea extracts with a pronounced antioxidant effect.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF METHODS FOR THE SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF PROSPIDIUM CHLORIDE FOR IDENTIFICATION AND ASSAY ANALYSIS

Objective. The work is devoted to the development and validation of UV-spectrophotometric analysis of propidium chloride, an antitumour drug of the dyspyropiperazine group. The relevance of the study is due to the need to introduce into the practice of quality control of prospidium chloride analysis method characterised by high sensitivity, accuracy, rapidity and availability. Material and methods. The object of the study was a medicinal substance-powder Prospidin (Prospidium chloride, series 271222, expiry date until 12.2027g, produced by «Unitehprom BSU», Minsk). Solutions with working concentration range from 0.05 mol/l to 0.2 mol/l for spectrophotometric analysis were prepared using purified water. Absorption spectra with determination of analytical wavelength (λmax, nm) and value of molar absorption coefficient ε, (l mol-1cm-1) in the range from 200 nm to 400 nm were obtained and analysed on Agilent Cary 60 equipment. Validation parameters were determined in accordance with the regulations of the General Pharmacopoeial Article 1.1.0012.15. Results. Validation evaluation of the developed analytical techniques for the determination of authenticity and active ingredient content by UV spectro-photometry included tests for specificity (in the presence of NaCl 0.9% solution), analytical range (0.05−0.2 mol/L), linearity (r=0.9997), accuracy, preci-sion in terms of repeatability 3.89±0.24 ( ±SD) and intra-laboratory reproducibility (ε=2.1%) and stability. Conclusion. The analysis of electronic spectra of aqueous solutions of propidium chloride demonstrated the presence of R-band absorption (German radikalartig − radical, for systems with unshared electron pairs) with a characteristic wavelength in the far-UV region at λmax=282±0.4 nm, and λmin=255±0.4 nm. It was found that the absorption at λmax in the concentration range from 0.05 mol/L to 0.2 mol/L of a solution of propidine chloride containing nitrogen heteroatoms with unshared electron pairs is due to the implementation of the so-called formally forbidden n→σ* electronic transition involving molecular orbitals. The characteristic appearance of the electronic spectrum with λmax and λmin, compliance with the Beer–Lambert law in the given concentration range, the calculated value of the molar extinction coefficient ε (l mol1cm1) − allow to use the above described spectral characteristics to determine the authenticity and content of the active substance in quality control of prospidium chloride.

Chickens' eggs and the livers of farm animals as sources of perfluoroalkyl substances.

This study focuses on perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) content in chickens' eggs and the livers of farm animals. Chickens' eggs (n = 25) and the livers of cows (n = 10), chickens (n = 7) and horses (n = 3) were collected from various regions of Poland. Samples were analysed using the isotope dilution technique with liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The mean lower bound (LB) sum of four PFAS (∑4 PFAS) concentrations (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)) were the highest in cows' livers (0.52 μg/kg) and much lower in chickens' (0.17 μg/kg) and horses' livers (0.13 μg/kg) and chickens' eggs (0.096 μg/kg). The ratio of ∑4 PFASs to the limits set by Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 was <7% for liver and <6% for eggs. Linear PFOS was the compound with the highest detection frequency (8% in eggs and 48% in all livers). In cows' livers it was detected in 80% of samples. The estimated exposure to LB ∑4 PFASs via consumption of liver tissue from farm animals (assuming 50 g and 100 g portions) was <52% of the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for children and <17% of the TWI for adults. Dietary intake via the average portion of three eggs led to low exposure of <15% for children and <5% for adults. Neither eggs nor the livers of chickens or horses as analysed in this study are significant sources of PFASs, while cows' livers might contribute significantly to a child's overall dietary intake. Further investigation of PFOS in farm animal livers should be conducted.

Short-term electrochemical stimulation induces sustained enhancement of extracellular pollutant degradation in anaerobic granular sludge

Electroactive bacteria (EAB) are advantageous for degrading the pollutants extracellularly, but the enrichment primarily restricts on the electrode surface of bioelectrochemical system and is challenging to scale up. To address this, a new strategy was proposed to electrochemically stimulate the anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) and employ the harvested electroactive granular sludge (EGS) to an electrode-free bioreactor for pollutant removal. Fast establishment of EGS was achieved after 7 days' electrochemical stimulation, with a maximum current output of 112.5 A/m3 achieved and the abundance of electroactive bacteria-like genera increased from 5% to around 20%. The electric conductivity of EGS improved by 1-fold, while the increased extracellular protein and humic acid substance but unchanged polysaccharide content in the extracellular polymeric substance suggested a more robust redox network. After assembling in a sequential batch reactor, the methylene orange (MO) and Cr(VI) removal rate by EGS was enhanced by 65–80% and 38–55%, respectively. Better oxygen tolerance was also observed. The comparative study with exogenous riboflavin and respiration inhibitors indicated the complete extracellular reduction achieved by EGS while almost half of MO was metabolically degraded by AGS, which was kinetically sluggish. More importantly, there is no performance and electroactivity decay in a 60 days' batch operation. Meanwhile, the characterization of microbial community revealed the further increased abundance of EAB-like genera (∼28%) but Acinetobacter became dominant (∼15%), suggesting the competition of EAB species in EGS. In brief, a simple 7-day electrochemical stimulation imposed diverse and sustained benefits on the performance and microbial community of granular sludge, which may inspire the application of EAB and their extracellular degradation capacity in real wastewater treatment.

Cyanobacteria - sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties

In recent decades, the interest of researchers towards cyanobacteria and algae has increased not only as functional foods or nutraceuticals, but also as sources of natural bioactive components with beneficial health effects, which would serve as an alternative to synthetic drugs, as well as to broaden the spectrum of natural remedies used in the prevention and combating of some diseases. This review presents the results of recent research on the world map regarding the identification of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity produced by algae and cyanobacteria, analyzed the methods of determining the antioxidant activity of different biochemical compounds classes, as well as the species of cyanobacteria with a rich content of substances with antioxidant effects in order to evaluate the cyanobacterial strains of biotechnological interest and the preparations obtained based on them with high antioxidant activity.

Metabolome and transcriptome reveal high abundance of bioactive substances in albino jujube fruit as potential function food

Little is known about the fruit quality of albino mutants, due to generally exhibited lethal phenotypes caused by restrained photosynthesis and energy metabolism. In this study, a non-lethal bud mutant of jujube that could bear fruit with higher nutrient content after leaf albinism was described. Compared to normal mature fruit, the albino fruit contained lower soluble sugar and titratable acid, as well as higher ascorbic acid, phenols and flavonoids contents. Through metabolome and transcriptome analyses, 109, 117, and 126 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and 1169, 797, and 3059 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the young, white-ripened, and mature stages of albino and normal fruits, respectively. KEGG annotation indicated that DEGs and DAMs were mainly enriched in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and α-linolenic acid metabolism. Moreover, ADH, GST17, and POD16 were identified as hub genes that play major roles in high abundance of chalcone, (−)-epigallocatechin, GSH, and total ascorbate. The alteration of bioactive substance content in albino fruits was an adaptive molecular mechanism that responded to adverse mutations, and reflected a higher antioxidant capacity. These findings provide new insights into bioactive compounds accumulation in albino mutants, and provide experimental evidence for albino fruit as a potential nutraceutical or functional food.

Response and self-regulation of PD/A granular sludge to oxytetracycline stress

This paper investigated the operational characteristics and self-regulation mechanism of the partial denitrification/anammox (PD/A) granular system under the stress of oxytetracycline (OTC), an emerging pollutant that accumulates in municipal wastewater treatment plants through various pathways, posing significant challenges for its future promotion in engineering applications. The results indicated that OTC concentrations below 100 mg/L intensified its short-term inhibition on the PD/A granular sludge system, decreasing functional bacterial activity, while between 150 and 300 mg/L, PD's NO3−-N to NO2−-N conversion ability diminished, and Anammox activity was significantly suppressed. Under long-term high OTC stress (20–30 mg/L), nitrogen removal suffered, and batch tests revealed significant inhibition of PD's NO3−-N to NO2−-N conversion, dropping from 73.77 % to 50.17 %. Anammox bacteria activity sharply declined from 1.81 to 0.39 mg N/gVSS/h under OTC stress. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content rose from 185.39 to 210.86 mg/gVSS, indicating PD/A sludge's self-protection mechanism. However, EPS content fell due to cell lysis at high OTC (30 mg/L). The decreasing relative abundance of Candidatus_Brocadia (2.32 % to 0.93 %) and Thaure (12.63 % to 7.82 %) was a key factor in the gradual deterioration of denitrification performance. This study was expected to provide guidance for the PD/A process to cope with the interference of antibiotics and other emerging pollutants (short-term shock and long-term stress).

Environmentally Friendly Natural Coagulants in the Coagulation Process in the Rubber Industry

This research evaluates the use of natural coagulants, such as soursop and Aegle marmelos (Maja), in the latex coagulation process of the GT 1 clone type, compared with chemical coagulants such as formic acid and acetic acid, to gain an understanding of the characteristics of the rubber produced. Three types of crumb rubber (SIR 3 CV, SIR 3L, and SIR 3 WF) are produced from latex, while SIR 5, SIR 10, and SIR 20 are produced from treated latex coagulum. Rubber quality criteria are explained in the Indonesian Rubber Standard (SIR 3L/3WF) SNI 06-1903-2011. The use of natural coagulants, especially soursop, and Maja, in the coagulation of GT 1 clone latex shows an influence on coagulation time, Dry Rubber Content (DRC), initial plasticity (Po), Plasticity Retention Index (PRI), ash content, dirt content, and substance content evaporate. The results showed that natural coagulants had slower coagulation times, higher DRC values ​​(especially in maja), and better PRI values ​​compared to chemical coagulants. Despite having higher ash content, dirt content, and volatile matter content, all types of coagulants meet rubber quality standards. This research provides in-depth insight into the potential and advantages of natural coagulants, especially soursop, and maja, in the environmentally friendly rubber industry. In addition, analysis of rubber characteristics, such as plasticity, resistance to heating, and content of certain components, provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the use of natural coagulants on rubber quality.

Dynamic changes in dissolved organic matter during transport of landfill leachate in porous medium.

The dynamic changes in dissolved organic matter (DOM) during the transport of landfill leachate (LL) in porous medium should be explored, considering the high levels of DOM in the LL of municipal solid waste. Column experiments were carried out at 25°C at a Darcy's flux of 0.29cm/h for 2722h to compare the transport of Cl-, ultraviolet absorbance at 254nm (UV254), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the simulated porous medium by using the CXTFIT2.1 code. Results showed that the convection-dispersion equation (CDE) could describe Cl- transport well. The high levels of λ and D could be highly correlated with the physicochemical properties of the porous medium. The transport of the studied DOM with evident aromatic character could be described appropriately by the CDE model with the first-order reaction assumption, considering the similar variation trends of UV254, COD, and DOC in the effluent during experiments. Specifically, the values of retardation factor (R) were in the following order: DOC > UV254 > COD, whereas the low values of the first-order decay coefficient (k1) for DOC and COD were still higher than that for UV254. High contents of humic-like substances in the DOM with complex toxic components resulted in the natural low removal efficiencies of COD, DOC, and UV254 (≤ 23%), which could be confirmed by the variations of fluorescence index (FI) and humification index (HIX) in the effluent. The results should be helpful in evaluating the environmental risk induced by the LL leakage in a landfill site.

Screening of Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial activity on Flower Extracts of Morinda coreia Buch Ham.

Objectives: Morinda coreia has rich active components which has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases. Their active substance content may vary according to plant genetics, parts used,as well as to climatic factors, quality of the ground in which the plants were grown, the time of harvesting, and the extraction methods. Basically the flowers can heal the common cold, improve memory, aid relaxation due to presence of volatile oil. Flowers could be used as a new approach for the development of nutraceutical products or functional foods. The flower part of this plant are not documented. To develop and apply it, we report Pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity. Methods: The extracts were prepared by cold maceration process with aqueous and organic solvents such as ethanol and ethyl acetate. The anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema method and the antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion method. Results: The maximum zone of inhibition for Bacillus subtilis was found to be more susceptible toward the ethanolic extract (14mm) at the maximum conc. of 300µl followed by ethyl acetate (10mm) and aqueous extract (12mm). Similarly for Klebsiella pneumonia maximum inhibitory zone (13mm) followed Pseudomonas auroginosa (13mm), Staphylococcus aureus (12mm), Candida albicans was moderate sensitive towards ethanolic extract (11mm) Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Morinda coreia flower possessed high anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity than ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts on comparing with standards.

Неразрушающий контроль нестероидных противовоспалительных средств методом ИК-спектроскопии в ближней области

The use of near-infrared spectroscopy for quality control of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in blister packs is demonstrated. NSAIDs with the active ingredients ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, etoricoxib, acetylsalicylic acid and meloxicam have been studied. IR spectra have been recorded using a Frontier FTIR spectrometer with a NIRA attachment, used to collect diffuse reflectance spectra of solids. Processing and visualization of the study results has been carried out using chemometric algorithms – principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and partial least squares regression (PLS). It is shown that using these algorithms it is possible to identify drugs by their manufacturer and determine the concentration of active substances. In the PCA method, the points corresponding to the samples of the analyzed tablets are located in separate quadrants depending on their manufacturer. The use of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) made it possible not only to differentiate the analyzed tablets by manufacturer, but also to determine the content of the active substance in them. “Measured-predicted” calibration models have been constructed, the values of the root mean square residual of calibration (RMSEC) did not exceed 6.28 mg. The relative discrepancies between the values obtained during the analysis and those assigned correspond to the permissible deviations established by order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated October 26, 2015 no. 751n. The duration of the analysis was 7–10 min.

New lines of the Triticum Spelta in Sought Dagestan

Few people know about the existence of such a grain crop as spelt and its benefits for human health. This is a unique product with a balanced vitamin and mineral composition, surpassing even soft wheat in the content of valuable substances. The center of origin this crop is the Mediterranean countries. The first mentions of spelled are found in Ancient Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Turkey and Armenia. After a long period of oblivion, spelled Triticum dicoccum (Schrank) Schuebl reappeared in the crops of European countries and is actively cultivated in Iran, India, Turkey, the USA, and in Russia – in the Krasnoyarsk region, Omsk region, Tatarstan, Dagestan. The absence of gene-modified varieties and the complex of beneficial properties of its grain are interesting for the use of this crop. Spelled grain contains more than 18% protein and has a higher content of fiber, Zn, Fe and Mn compared to other types of wheat. Products made from spelled grain are use as dietary products. Using spelled as food reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and a number of cancers. Today, the main suppliers of spelled cereal are Iran, India, Turkey, USA, Armenia, and Dagestan. Literary information about the regions with soil and climatic conditions appropriate for the cultivation of this crop is rather scarce. The morpho-biological study of spelled in connection with economically valuable traits and the identification of promising samples for cultivation in a particular region is relevant. Since 2013, the Dagestan Experimental Station has been conducting laboratory and field evaluation of new naked spelt lines, created by Professor Vladimir Dmitrievich Kobylyansky (St. Petersburg, VIR). These lines were created by selection hybrids(F12) from crossing of spelt (T. dicoccum) and hard wheat varieties (T. durum Desf.) In 2016, 2 best ones with glassy grain were selected and were included in the control nursery for a comprehensive study under the winter sowing period of spring grain crops accepted in the region. The samples were studied for early maturite, resistance to fungal diseases, lodging and yield. The results of a three-year (2020–2022) study of the two selected forms were obtained and the contribution of various traits to the formation of the crop was determined.

Response of photosynthetic characteristics and antioxidant system in the leaves of safflower to NaCl and NaHCO3.

Compared with NaCl, NaHCO3 caused more serious oxidative damage and photosynthesis inhibition in safflower by down-regulating the expression of related genes. Salt-alkali stress is one of the important factors that limit plant growth. NaCl and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) are neutral and alkaline salts, respectively. This study investigated the physiological characteristics and molecular responses of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) leaves treated with 200mmolL-1 of NaCl or NaHCO3. The plants treated with NaCl treatment were less effective at inhibiting the growth of safflower, but increased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in leaves. Meanwhile, safflower alleviated stress damage by increasing proline (Pro), soluble protein (SP), and soluble sugar (SS). Both fresh weight and dry weight of safflower was severely decreased when it was subjected to NaHCO3 stress, and there was a significant increase in the permeability of cell membranes and the contents of osmotic regulatory substances. An enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes identified significant enrichment of photosynthesis and pathways related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that the darkgreen module had the highest correlation with photosynthesis and oxidative stress traits. Large numbers of transcription factors, primarily from the MYB, GRAS, WRKY, and C2H2 families, were predicted from the genes within the darkgreen module. An analysis of physiological indicators and DEGs, it was found that under saline-alkali stress, genes related to chlorophyll synthesis enzymes were downregulated, while those related to degradation were upregulated, resulting in inhibited chlorophyll biosynthesis and decreased chlorophyll content. Additionally, NaCl and NaHCO3 stress downregulated the expression of genes related to the Calvin cycle, photosynthetic antenna proteins, and the activity of photosynthetic reaction centers to varying degrees, hindering the photosynthetic electron transfer process, suppressing photosynthesis, with NaHCO3 stress causing more pronounced adverse effects. In terms of oxidative stress, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) did not change significantly under the NaCl treatment, but the contents of hydrogen peroxide and the rate of production of superoxide anions increased significantly under NaHCO3 stress. In addition, treatment with NaCl upregulated the levels of expression of the key genes for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, and the thioredoxin-peroxiredoxin pathway, and increased the activity of these enzymes, thus, reducing oxidative damage. Similarly, NaHCO3 stress increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and POD and the content of ascorbic acid and initiated the glutathione-S-transferase pathway to remove excess ROS but suppressed the regeneration of glutathione and the activity of peroxiredoxin. Overall, both neutral and alkaline salts inhibited the photosynthetic process of safflower, although alkaline salt caused a higher level of stress than neutral salt. Safflower alleviated the oxidative damage induced by stress by regulating its antioxidant system.

Preliminary tests on carbon and nitrogen emissions and nutrients availability upon application of algal-bacterial granules to arid and low fertility soil

To remediate arid and low fertility soil and explore the feasibility of controlling its carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) emissions, algal-bacterial aerobic granular sludge (AGS) was applied as soil additives and compared with bacterial AGS and cyanobacteria during 14 days’ incubation. Results show that algal-bacterial AGS as additives possesses a higher potential in terms of fertility recovery and soil physicochemical properties conservation. The additives may change the soil characteristics by decreasing soil pH (within 0.6) and water content (0.8–2.5 %) with increased electrical conductivity during the 14 days’ incubation. As for soil fertility, due to the high available phosphorus (P) content in algal-bacterial AGS, the soil available P content was significantly increased from 50 % to 170 % after incubation under different application rates or gaseous environments. N was also accumulated in the soil matrix with increased inorganic forms and less or acceptable N emission. The contents of soluble organic substances and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were significantly increased after incubation. Under ambient air and moderately elevated CO2 like 10 % conditions, carbon mineralization in the soil samples was lower than 15 % at low additives dosages; while under an elevated CO2 content (25 %) condition, a higher additives dosage may cause a rapid CO2 accumulation within 2 days with a substantial O2 consumption, leading to an anaerobic/anoxic environment corresponding to a higher C mineralization and/or N loss.

PROBLEMS OF RATIONING THE CONTENT OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS IN SOILS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT PRACTICE

Ratuioning of the content of hazardous substances in soil as an object of environmental protection in the Russian Federation is provided by a set of normative acts establishing the principles of assessment, approaches to the use of soils of varying degrees of anthropogenic transformation, the level of their pollution, at which the responsibility of the land user for violation of legislation on soil protection occurs. The analysis of normative acts shows that the most stringent pollution regulation system has been established in Russia, which is based on determining the compliance of the content of chemical elements and compounds in soils with sanitary and hygienic standards in the territories of settlements and agricultural lands. On other lands, as a standard, the excess of which leads to the onset of economic responsibility for pollution, the value of the concentration of the pollutant in the adjacent territory of a similar purpose and type of use, which is not adversely affected by a specific type of violation, is applied. At the same time, chemical elements and compounds are considered as pollutants, regardless of their origin, degree of danger and biological significance. The application of this approach within the framework of law enforcement practice creates significant problems in establishing the fact of negative impact, calculating the amount of damage from pollution, and developing measures for soil remediation. Thus, the current regulations consider as pollutants substances of natural origin, including those that ensure soil fertility and are applied with mineral and organic fertilizers. The use of the background level of substances as the maximum permissible value does not take into account the natural variability of elements and compounds in soils, as well as the errors of their chemical analysis. The excessive rigidity of the applicable standards is the reason for the increased costs of soil remediation measures. The way out of this situation is to revise the rationing system, taking into account the biological significance of elements and compounds, and the need to introduce a multi-level system of soil quality indicators. There is a need to improve the conceptual framework as part of regulatory documents on soil protection.

Sb-doped tin oxide nanonets for improved conductivity in transparent conductive coatings

In light of the three primary challenges faced by transparent conductive coatings, namely poor conductivity, elevated the active substance content, and insufficient visible light transmittance, net-like conductive agents due to the unique morphology and structure have been developed to address these concerns simultaneously. A straightforward synthesis of antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanonets was accomplished through a simple two-step coprecipitation and hydrothermal methods. Firstly, an antimony-doped stannic hydroxide hydrogel precursor was generated through coprecipitation. Secondly, by adjusting the pH value in the hydrothermal reaction, ATO nanocrystals network were obtained without the need for additional materials. The synthesized ATO, with a net-like morphology, comprises particles of approximately 3–5 nm in diameter. Throughout the reaction, ammonium hydroxide, used as a pH regulator, played a vital role as a reducing agent in forming ATO nanonets without the need for further post-treatment. Moreover, net-like ATO compounded with SiO2 transparent conductive coatings exhibited exceptional transparent conductive properties, with a visible-light transmittance of approximately 84.7 % at the wavelength of 550 nm and a square resistance of 0.5 kΩ/sq upon spin-coating deposition on glass. This remarkable performance can be attributed to the generation of a continuous conductive network. In comparison to granular ATO, the network structure ATO nanocrystal showcases a significant improvement in resistivity, demonstrating its exemplary transparent conductivity. The approach for the preparation of ATO nanonets was simple and easy to scale up to provide an enormous potential and broad prospect for the application of net-like ATO in transparent conductive coating.

Получение томатного порошка с использованием инфракрасной обработки и сушки

The purpose of the study is to obtain tomato powder using infrared processing and drying for use in the preparation of flour confectionery products. Objectives: analysis of the content of macro- and microelements in tomato powder obtained at different heating temperatures; determination of vitamin C content in tomato powder during storage. Infrared processing and drying of tomatoes crushed into a figure of eight shape is implemented in an oscillating mode. The content of mineral substances in tomato powder obtained from chopped tomatoes dried at heating temperatures of 50 and 60 °C by grinding in a centrifugal mill was studied. It was established that an increase in the heating temperature of tomatoes during infrared processing and drying from 50 to 60 °C leads to a loss of macro- and microelements from 21.1 to 86.5 %, and a 2-fold decrease in iron and copper. The results of the study showed that infrared-dried tomato powder contains large quantities of elements that are physiologically significant for humans and satisfy the daily requirement of an adult for magnesium, potassium, iron and manganese by 48.85, respectively; 28.84; 22.86 and 27.5 %. The degree of preservation of vitamin C in tomato powder during storage under optimal storage conditions was studied. It was revealed that in hermetically packaged infrared-dried tomato powder during nine months of storage there are no significant changes in organoleptic quality indicators, only a decrease in vitamin C content by 18–19 % from the initial state is observed. This circumstance suggests that removing moisture from tomatoes to moisture content below 12 % to obtain tomato powder makes it possible to preserve hermetically sealed products with a high content of useful substances under normal conditions for a long time.

Сравнительный биохимический состав плодов земляники садовой сорта Азия при естественном и искусственном освещении

The purpose of the study is to establish the effect of artificial ultraviolet lighting on the content of biolo-gically active substances in strawberry fruits using the example of the Asia variety, which is widely used in production. The study was conducted in 2019–2021 in the Lipetsk Region. Transplantation of strawberries under conditions of a growing season was carried out by already rooted adult bushes with a clod of earth. The water-air regime of the soil under artificial lighting conditions was similar to open ground. Under artificial lighting, garden strawberry plants of the Asia variety bloomed 10 days later, had a smaller fruit weight, and had a lower content of organic acids and dry soluble substances than under the sun. Plants accumulated the same amount of water-soluble pectin substances regardless of the nature of the lighting. The content of yellow coloring substances from the vitamin P group – flavonols, as well as binders from the same group – catechins in strawberry fruits did not depend on the nature of the lighting. Strawberry plants under ultraviolet light accumulated the same amount of ascorbic acid as under sunlight. Compared to sunlight under artificial ultraviolet, strawberry fruits contained the least amount of pigments, including carotenoids and β-carotene. A significantly higher level of pectin substances, anthocyanins, tannins and coloring substances, including tannin, in strawberries under sunlight was established in comparison with artificial ultraviolet. Regardless of the nature of lighting, strawberry plants had the same water content and pH of the fruits and accumulated the same amount of ascorbic acid, flavonols, catechins and water-soluble pectin substances.