Conventional Chemical Agents Research Articles

Advancements of eco‐friendly natural antimicrobial agents and their transformative role in sustainable textiles

AbstractIn the face of mounting environmental concerns, the textile industry is undergoing a pivotal transformation, with sustainability at the forefront of innovation. This review focuses on the exploration of natural compounds, renowned for their antimicrobial properties, as viable alternatives to conventional chemical agents that pose significant environmental challenges. It delves into a diverse array of natural sources, including plant extracts, essential oils, and microbial‐derived compounds, which have been identified for their potent antimicrobial efficacy. These natural agents not only demonstrate a broad spectrum of activity against pathogenic microorganisms but also represent a stride towards eco‐friendly textile processing by offering a sustainable substitute for synthetic antimicrobials. The integration of these green antimicrobial agents into textiles is scrutinized, with a particular emphasis on their impact on enhancing fabric functionalities. This includes improvements in durability, wash resistance, and the sustained antimicrobial effectiveness of treated fabrics, without sacrificing environmental integrity. Moreover, the study underscores the potential health benefits of these natural agents, such as a decrease in allergic reactions and skin irritations commonly associated with traditional antimicrobial treatments. The review culminates by highlighting the significant role these eco‐conscious solutions play in revolutionizing antimicrobial textiles, promoting industry‐wide sustainable practices, and catering to the escalating consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.Highlights Provides eco‐friendly and sustainable alternatives in textile processing, offering a greener choice over synthetic options. Enhances fabric functionality while preserving environmental integrity, addressing sustainability concerns throughout production. Improves fabric durability, wash resistance, and long‐lasting efficacy, thereby contributing to superior product performance. Reduces allergic reactions and skin irritations, underscoring the health benefits of eco‐friendly antimicrobial treatments. Promotes sustainable practices, shaping the future of antimicrobial textiles and catering to the growing demand for environmentally conscious consumer choices in the industry.

Tiny but mighty: metal nanoparticles as effective antimicrobial agents for plant pathogen control.

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential use as effective antimicrobial agents for controlling plant pathogens. This review article summarizes the recent advances in the role of MNPs in the control of plant pathogens, focusing on their mechanisms of action, applications, and limitations. MNPs can act as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent against various plant pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Different types of MNPs, such as silver, copper, zinc, iron, and gold, have been studied for their antimicrobial properties. The unique physicochemical properties of MNPs, such as their small size, large surface area, and high reactivity, allow them to interact with plant pathogens at the molecular level, leading to disruption of the cell membrane, inhibition of cellular respiration, and generation of reactive oxygen species. The use of MNPs in plant pathogen control has several advantages, including their low toxicity, selectivity, and biodegradability. However, their effectiveness can be influenced by several factors, including the type of MNP, concentration, and mode of application. This review highlights the current state of knowledge on the use of MNPs in plant pathogen control and discusses the future prospects and challenges in the field. Overall, the review provides insight into the potential of MNPs as a promising alternative to conventional chemical agents for controlling plant pathogens.

Pathological and Therapeutic Advances in Parkinson's Disease: Mitochondria in the Interplay.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative illness majorly affecting the population between the ages of 55 to 65 years. Progressive dopaminergic neuronal loss and the collective assemblage of misfolded alpha-synuclein in the substantia nigra, remain notable neuro-pathological hallmarks of the disease. Multitudes of mechanistic pathways have been proposed in attempts to unravel the pathogenesis of PD but still, it remains elusive. The convergence of PD pathology is found in organelle dysfunction where mitochondria remain a major contributor. Mitochondrial processes like bioenergetics, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitophagy are under strict regulation by the mitochondrial genome and nuclear genome. These processes aggravate neurodegenerative activities upon alteration through neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, apoptosis, and proteostatic stress. Therefore, the mitochondria have grabbed a central position in the patho-mechanistic exploration of neurodegenerative diseases like PD. The management of PD remains a challenge to physicians to date, due to the variable therapeutic response of patients and the limitation of conventional chemical agents which only offer symptomatic relief with minimal to no disease-modifying effect. This review describes the patho-mechanistic pathways involved in PD not only limited to protein dyshomeostasis and oxidative stress, but explicit attention has been drawn to exploring mechanisms like organelle dysfunction, primarily mitochondria and mitochondrial genome influence, while delineating the newer exploratory targets such as GBA1, GLP, LRRK2, and miRNAs and therapeutic agents targeting them.

A transient vesicular glue for amplification and temporal regulation of biocatalytic reaction networks.

Regulation of enzyme activity and biocatalytic cascades on compartmentalized cellular components is key to the adaptation of cellular processes such as signal transduction and metabolism in response to varying external conditions. Synthetic molecular glues have enabled enzyme inhibition and regulation of protein-protein interactions. So far, all the molecular glue systems based on covalent interactions operated under steady-state conditions. To emulate dynamic biological processes under dissipative conditions, we introduce herein a transient supramolecular glue with a controllable lifetime. The transient system uses multivalent supramolecular interactions between guanidinium group-bearing surfactants and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), resulting in bilayer vesicle structures. Unlike the conventional chemical agents for dissipative assemblies, ATP here plays the dual role of providing a structural component for the assembly as well as presenting active functional groups to "glue" enzymes on the surface. While gluing of the enzymes on the vesicles achieves augmented catalysis, oscillation of ATP concentration allows temporal control of the catalytic activities similar to the dissipative cellular nanoreactors. We further demonstrate temporal upregulation and control of complex biocatalytic reaction networks on the vesicles. Altogether, the temporal activation of biocatalytic cascades on the dissipative vesicular glue presents an adaptable and dynamic system emulating heterogeneous cellular processes, opening up avenues for effective protocell construction and therapeutic interventions.

Etching of Manganese Aluminum Bronze by Ultrasound in Seawater

Abstract Manganese Aluminum Bronze (MAB), UNS designation C95700, is an alloy widely used for large marine propellers and other components in hydropower units. MAB has a complex microstructure due to precipitation of intermetallic phases as consequence of the cast process or thermal treatments. When investigating the marine corrosion behavior of MAB alloys, it was found that a metallographic etching attack occurred under the effect of ultrasound, similar to that observed with chemical reagents used for high-alloy bronzes. The main aim of this work is to compare the effects of etching on polished metallographic samples by ultrasound in seawater with that obtained with conventional chemical agents. It can be concluded that the effect of ultrasound is able to reveal, with great precision, the microstructure of MAB alloys, without the use of aggressive chemical agents, while the time under the influence of ultrasonic energy allows for fine-tuning the etching effect.

Biowaste valorization by conversion to nanokeratin-urea composite fertilizers for sustainable and controllable nutrient release

Novel nanocomposite-based fertilizers produced through intelligent disposal of an abundant carbon-reach biological waste product, i.e. poultry feathers, will play an increasingly important role in sustaining global economy. Affordable, efficient, and sustainable, these fertilizer platforms derived from low or even negative value products provide a competitive alternative to conventional chemical agents. In this work, bio-fertilizer nanocomposites are fabricated from urea and keratin derived from feathers, the primary negative value by-products of poultry industry, and loaded into sustainable matrix, i.e. wood chips for sustained nutrient release. Urea-coated nanokeratin composites retain a significant fraction of the extracted organic and inorganic nutrients, and application of the loaded wood chips on the soil led to a significant improvement in germination rate, height of plant and number of leaves of cowpea compared to using urea alone, attributed to sustained release of nitrogen from the composite that prevented over-fertilization. Presence of disulphide bonds in the nanocomposite enables more efficient degradation of nanokeratin by soil microbes, providing a steady supply of essential nutrients like carbon, sulphur and nitrogen to plants. Our findings described in this communication suggest that nanokeratin-loaded wood chips may provide an efficient environmentally friendly strategy for improving soil fertility without the release of nitrous oxide, an anthropogenic greenhouse gas known to trap 300 times more heat than CO2.

Comparative efficacy between monoclonal antibodies and conventional drugs in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: a network meta-analysis.

To evaluate the efficacy of different pharmacological interventions, with emphasis on monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporotic women. A search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, as well as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was performed. Data were collected and pooled using Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA), which conducts both direct and indirect comparisons. The primary outcome was the percentage change in bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine from baseline to 1 year of treatment. All drugs were ranked based on the surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA). Furthermore, the heterogeneity, consistency, and publication bias of the enrolled literature were assessed. There were 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) consisting of 4,881 participants included to compare 11 interventions. Compared with that of a placebo, all the 10 selected therapies showed significant efficacy through changes in BMD ranging from 6.0% to 19.0% (all P<0.01). As the SUCRA values indicated, the therapeutic performance of antibody drugs was better than that of the conventional chemical agents, and blosozumab was the best choice (SUCRA 99.2%) to improve lumbar spine BMD. Novel McAb treatments achieved better therapeutic effects in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), especially blosozumab. Further trials are needed to investigate and optimize the delivery strategy of McAbs.

Herbal Sealers in Endodontics – A Systematic Review

Root canal infections usually occur due to many micro-organisms, among which most frequent are the obligatory anaerobes. One of the predominantly found microbes is Candida albicans that requires special attention. Herbs have and are being used for health ailments and avoiding diseases that include epidemics for decades. A lot of plants are used as Phytomedicines in the dental profession because they have various biological and antimicrobial effects. Various irritants are used such as NaOCl, Chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid etc. to eradicate microbes. However, these irrigants may have several disadvantages. In Endodontics, plants and their extract can be used as irrigant and intracanal medicament to prevent the potential side effects caused by conventional chemical agents. Less toxic herbal products are being used since ancient era, and they are Triphala, Morinda citrofolia, Propolis, Azadirachta indica, Carvacrol, Green tea, Orange oil, tea tree oil, Arctium lappa, Garlic extract etc. Most commonly used are Triphala, Morinda citrofolia, Propolis, Azadirachta indica, Green tea, Garlic extract. Such herbal preparations are derived from the roots, leaves, seeds, stems and flowers of medicinal plants. This systematic review aims to enlighten and focus on various herbal products that can be used in endodontics to eradicate the root canal infection and to create the environment necessary for periapical healing. This is essential for successful Root canal treatment.

Control of Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) by Synthetic Silica and Cloves Compared to Conventional Chemical Agents

Control of Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) by Synthetic Silica and Cloves Compared to Conventional Chemical Agents

Use of recombinant Lactobacillus sakei for the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced enteritis

Radiation-induced enteritis is one of the most common complications in patients under radiotherapy at abdominal or pelvic cavity. Up to 50% of patients treated with pelvic radiotherapy has been reported radiation-induced acute enteritis, and half of them developed chronic enteritis. Overproduction of free radicals, activation of inflammatory pathways and vascular endothelial dysfunction were considered as the primary mechanisms of radiation-induced enteritis. Because probiotics have been demonstrated as a promising potential candidate for treating intestinal diseases, it may be a safer and more effective radioprotector for the enteritis compared to conventional chemical agents with inherent toxicities. Here, we propose that a recombinant Lactobacillus sakei would decrease the complications or symptoms significantly through against different pathogenic mechanisms simultaneously. Therefore, application of higher radiation dose for tumor control would be feasible when co-treating with recombinant Lactobacillus sakei.

Herbendodontics – Phytotherapy In Endodontics: A Review

Plants have been used for health disorders and to prevent diseases including epidemics since times immemorial. Many plants are used as Phytomedicines in dentistry because they possess varying degree of biological and antibacterial effects. In endodontics, plants and their extract can be used as irrigant and intracanal medicament to prevent the potential side effects caused by conventional chemical agents. Such herbal preparations are derived from the roots, leaves, seeds, stems and flowers of medicinal plants. This paper emphasize on the advantages of different herbal plants and their products when used as phytotherapy in endodontics.

Performances of protease and amylase cleaning for microporous membranes used in wastewater applications

Enzymes have been successfully applied to clean fouled membranes, especially those affected by the deposition of protein- and lipid-based compounds. In the water and wastewater industries, enzymatic cleaners are increasingly considered as potential alternatives from conventional chemical agents. Their very specific targeted actions and environmental impact are indeed some of the drivers for using enzymes in microporous membrane processes. This paper aims to assess the cleaning performance of two types of enzyme (protease and amylase) to remove typical fouling materials found in wastewater treatment (protein and carbohydrate modeled in this study by bovine serum albumin and sodium alginate, respectively). Under the experimental conditions used in this study, results showed relatively low cleaning efficiencies, with optimum efficiencies of 68% and 73% for protease and amylase, respectively. Although enzymes are not known to cause membrane ageing/deterioration, this type of cleaners was expected to potentially foul the membrane, as residual enzyme may attach to the membrane during the cleaning process. To assess this potential, cyclical cleanings were performed in addition to single cycle cleaning. Results showed that fouling occurred four times faster after membrane was re-used for 16 cycles. The sequential use of the two enzymatic cleaners in series did not provide any improvement in efficiency compared to the use of single enzyme. However, analysis of residual foulants indicated the lower amount of material found on the membrane.

Neurotoxins from Marine Dinoflagellates: A Brief Review

Dinoflagellates are not only important marine primary producers and grazers, but also the major causative agents of harmful algal blooms. It has been reported that many dinoflagellate species can produce various natural toxins. These toxins can be extremely toxic and many of them are effective at far lower dosages than conventional chemical agents. Consumption of seafood contaminated by algal toxins results in various seafood poisoning syndromes: paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP), amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP), ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) and azaspiracid shellfish poisoning (ASP). Most of these poisonings are caused by neurotoxins which present themselves with highly specific effects on the nervous system of animals, including humans, by interfering with nerve impulse transmission. Neurotoxins are a varied group of compounds, both chemically and pharmacologically. They vary in both chemical structure and mechanism of action, and produce very distinct biological effects, which provides a potential application of these toxins in pharmacology and toxicology. This review summarizes the origin, structure and clinical symptoms of PSP, NSP, CFP, AZP, yessotoxin and palytoxin produced by marine dinoflagellates, as well as their molecular mechanisms of action on voltage-gated ion channels.

Neurotoxins from Marine Dinoflagellates: A Brief Review

Dinoflagellates are not only important marine primary producers and grazers, but also the major causative agents of harmful algal blooms. It has been reported that many dinoflagellate species can produce various natural toxins. These toxins can be extremely toxic and many of them are effective at far lower dosages than conventional chemical agents. Consumption of seafood contaminated by algal toxins results in various seafood poisoning syndromes: paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP), amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP), ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) and azaspiracid shellfish poisoning (ASP). Most of these poisonings are caused by neurotoxins which present themselves with highly specific effects on the nervous system of animals, including humans, by interfering with nerve impulse transmission. Neurotoxins are a varied group of compounds, both chemically and pharmacologically. They vary in both chemical structure and mechanism of action, and produce very distinct biological effects, which provides a potential application of these toxins in pharmacology and toxicology. This review summarizes the origin, structure and clinical symptoms of PSP, NSP, CFP, AZP, yessotoxin and palytoxin produced by marine dinoflagellates, as well as their molecular mechanisms of action on voltage-gated ion channels.

Modification of starch by glow discharge plasma

A novel method for starch modification is investigated. Starch is highly cross linked by glow discharge plasma, without the assistance of conventional chemical agents, thus avoiding any environmental concerns. An energy-charge-transfer mechanism is suggested for the function of plasma. This process could be useful for the production of large quantities of modified starch.

An enzymatic approach to the cleaning of ultrafiltration membranes fouled in abattoir effluent

Membrane fouling severely curtails the economical and practical implementation for the purification of biologically related process streams such as abattoir effluent (Jacobs, WRC Report no. K5/362, 1991, Pretoria, South Africa [1]). Mechanical and chemical removal of foulants usually lead to membrane damage and additional pollution. Enzymes, specific for the degradation of proteins and lipids, were tested as key components of biological cleaning regimes for membranes fouled in abattoir effluent. Fouling of polysulphone membranes was assessed as previously described by Maartens et al. (J. Membrane Sci., 119 (1996) 1 [2]) and optimal enzyme concentrations and incubation times were determined for the different preparations. The ability of each cleaning agent to remove adsorbed protein and lipid material, as well as their ability to restore the water-contact angle and the pure-water flux of the fouled membranes, were determined and compared. These variables were also used to compare the cleaning efficiency of enzymatic cleaning agents with conventional chemical agents under optimal conditions. The enzymes and enzyme detergent mixtures were effective cleaning agents and the pure-water flux of statically fouled membranes could be restored by treatment with these agents.

Morphine and scopolamine effects on respiration and temperature in anesthetized dogs.

Twelve dogs were anesthetized with halothane, methoxyflurane, pentobarbital and electricity. Groups of four animals received a premedication of saline, morphine or scopolamine. In the saline and scopolamine pre-medicated animals anesthetized with the conventional chemical agents there was a progressive decrease in rectal temperature throughout the period of anesthesia. The respiratory rate also decreased. In the same animals anesthetized with electricity, the rectal temperature and rate of respiration increased progressively for 90 min and then declined slowly. The temperature and respiratory changes seen after morphine premedication during electrical anesthesia resembled those seen with conventional, chemical anesthetic agents. It is suggested that morphine premedication would be desirable in procedures using electricity as the principal anesthetic agent.