CuSO4 Research Articles

Copper Efficacy Field Trials for Control of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci in Nicotiana tabacum Production

Since 2015, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci tox− has become the most significant foliar disease in the dark tobacco growing regions of Kentucky and Tennessee. Streptomycin sulfate, the main control mechanism that growers utilize to combat this bacterial disease, has evidence of resistance at 200 ppm. Field trials were established to evaluate the efficacy of copper-based products for control of angular leaf spot compared with streptomycin sulfate. Field trials were conducted from 2020 to 2022 at the West Farm of Murray State University in Murray, KY, to evaluate the efficacy of streptomycin sulfate, cuprous oxide, copper sulfate pentahydrate, and copper octanoate. In all years, the moderately susceptible dark tobacco variety KT D8LC was planted and inoculated with a streptomycin-sensitive isolate of P. syringae pv. tabaci. Tobacco treated with five applications of copper octanoate had a lower area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) than tobacco treated with streptomycin sulfate in 2020 and 2022. Data analysis showed that in one of the three years, tobacco treated with cuprous oxide had a higher yield compared with tobacco treated with streptomycin sulfate. Tobacco treated with cuprous oxide had a higher quality grade index compared with streptomycin sulfate in 2020. Although no treatment eliminated this bacterial disease, copper products, particularly cuprous oxide and copper octanoate, are suitable alternatives to streptomycin sulfate for management of angular leaf spot.

Synergistic Antiemetic Effects of Nerolidol on Domperidone, Hyoscine, and Ondansetron: In Vivo and in Silico Investigations on Receptor Binding Affinity

AbstractThe present study was designed to measure the potential antiemetic properties of nerolidol (NDL) via in vivo and in silico studies. To induce emesis copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg (orally) to 2‐day‐old chicks. The test sample (NDL) was given at two doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. b.w. orally. Additionally, aprepitant (16 mg/kg), domperidone (6 mg/kg), hyoscine (21 mg/kg), ondansetron (5 mg/kg), and diphenhydramine (10 mg/kg) were given also orally as positive controls. To observe the modulatory effects of the test sample, combination therapies with reference drugs were also administered to three different groups of animals. Molecular docking and visualization of ligand‐receptor interaction were performed against several emesis‐inducing receptors (5HT3, D2, D3, H1, and M1‐M5) using diverse computational tools. Pharmacokinetics and drug‐likeness of the selected ligands were also calculated. Findings demonstrated that NDL significantly (p <0.05) dose‐dependently lessens the mean number of retches and delays the emetic onset in the chicks. The combined drug therapy with ondansetron exposed better antiemetic activity. In addition, in silico analysis, NDL has greater binding affinity (−7.3 kcal/mol) against M2 and M3 receptors. In conclusion, NDL exerted mild antiemetic activity with synergistic properties through muscarinic receptors.

Catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol and Eosin Yellow by lemongrass tea-stabilized copper nanoparticles

ABSTRACT Green synthesis of nanoparticles for catalytic applications remains of continued interest, especially for reactions that would occur on an industrial scale or that may be of environmental significance. Here, ultrasmall 2.1-nm copper nanoparticles were synthesized under ambient conditions using a copper sulfate pentahydrate precursor and lemongrass extract as a reducing and capping agent. Their potential to act as catalysts was tested using model reactions: the sodium borohydride reduction reactions of p-nitrophenol and Eosin Yellow. Kinetics measurements were obtained with visible time-course spectroscopy and showed that copper nanoparticles effectively catalyzed both reactions. Temperature dependence followed Arrhenius behavior, indicating the catalyst surface was accessible to reactants. Activation energies of 59.2 and 38.5 kJ/mol were obtained for the reduction reactions of p-nitrophenol and Eosin Yellow, respectively. Large frequency factors for both reactions were found, implying large numbers of catalytic sites and/or facilitation of reaction by capping agents. This copper nanoparticle catalyst prepared via green synthesis demonstrates reproducible reduction behavior for two model reactions and observed rate constants that compare favorably with other copper nanoparticle catalysts, particularly in terms of rate constants normalized for available surface area and including catalysts produced via traditional synthetic methods.

Structural, Morphological, Optical and Vibrational Properties of a Novel Coral-Like Fibrous CuO Nanostructure Synthesized via Dropwise Precipitation for UV-light Induced Photocatalytic Wastewater Remediation on Aqueous R6G Dye

CuO is a well-known monoclinic structure with unique properties that is extensively investigated for sensor, energy storage, and optoelectronic applications. In this work, the CuO nanostructure was synthesized through facile precipitation by mixing the aqueous copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate with sodium hydroxide. The as-synthesized CuO was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–visible spectroscopy. A homogeneous growth of a narrow, fine coral-like fibrous morphology was observed on CuO under SEM imaging. The FTIR spectra reveal the existence of some dominant sharp bands in the lower wavenumber region that represent the Cu-O bonds. The high solubility of CuO in water confirms the formation of particles with nanoscale dimensions. CuO exhibits a strong optical absorption peak at 510 nm, and the band gap determined by Tauc's relation is 2.11 eV. CuO is capable of inducing photocatalytic degradation on R6G dye solutions under low-intensity UVC irradiation, which can serve as a future photocatalyst for wastewater treatment.

Effect of Anions on Deformation of Gallium-Based Liquid Metal in Solution.

In this study, deformation behaviors of gallium-based liquid metals in acidified cupric sulfate or cupric chloride solutions with varying concentrations of chloride anion or sulfate anion were investigated to explore their potential applications in soft machines and electronics. Gallium-based liquid metals are known for their unique deformability, making them promising materials for various fields. Previous research has shown that deformation of the liquid metal can be achieved in the presence of acidified cupric or ferric salts. However, the specific influence of different anions on the deformation process remains unclear. Our findings indicate that the deformation rate of the liquid metal increases with higher concentrations of chloride ions and decreases with higher concentrations of sulfate ions in the solution. UV-vis absorbance spectra of the solutions were analyzed to identify the formation of hydrated cupric cations. It was observed that increasing the concentration of Cl- ions promotes the formation of cupric-chloro complexes, thereby reducing the concentration of hydrated cupric ions in the solution. Furthermore, the addition of sulfate ions to the solution enhances the ionic strength of the medium, leading to the dissociation of cupric-chloro complexes. Additionally, sulfate ions can form insoluble layers with gallium ions, which impede the deformation of the liquid metal. The deformation rate of the liquid metal was found to be inversely correlated with the concentration of cupric ions in the solution. These results provide valuable insights into the deformable behavior of gallium-based liquid metals and their potential applications in liquid metal-based soft robots. This study highlights the importance of understanding the role of different anions in the deformation process of liquid metals, shedding light on the design and optimization of soft machines and electronics utilizing these materials.

Optimization of Progressive Freeze Crystallization Process by Response Surface Methodology for the Treatment of Electroplating Wastewater for Copper (II) Sulphate Recovery

<p style="line-height:200%;text-align:justify;text-indent:0cm;text-justify:inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height:200%;" lang="EN-US">For the copper-containing electroplating wastewater generated by a semiconductor company, the recovery of copper salts by progressive freeze crystallization and its process parameters were experimentally optimized and studied. Based on the results of single-factor experiments, according to the principles of Box-Behnken Design experimental design for response surface methodology to investigate the effects of coolant temperature, agitation rate, and freezing time on salt removal and optimize process parameters. The optimization results of the response surface method showed that the optimal conditions were when the coolant temperature was -8°C, the stirring rate was 264 r</span><span style="font-family:Symbol;line-height:200%;" lang="EN-US">×</span><span style="line-height:200%;" lang="EN-US">min<sup>-1</sup>, and the freezing time was 78 min. Three validation experiments were conducted under optimum conditions, and salt removal was obtained as 60.13 ± 4.10%, which is more in line with the predicted values. Treatment of copper-containing electroplating wastewater using tertiary freezing under response surface optimized experimental conditions. At this time, the total ice rate of the wastewater was about 65.00%, and the conductivity was also concentrated from 2.17 mS</span><span style="font-family:Symbol;line-height:200%;" lang="EN-US">×</span><span style="line-height:200%;" lang="EN-US">cm<sup>-1</sup> of the raw water to 2.99 mS</span><span style="font-family:Symbol;line-height:200%;" lang="EN-US">×</span><span style="line-height:200%;" lang="EN-US">cm<sup>-1</sup> with a total concentration ratio of 1.38. In addition, a higher concentration of concentrated liquid was obtained in the third freezing, while a crystalline salt precipitated from the bottom of the reactor. The precipitate was analyzed mainly as copper sulfate pentahydrate using XRD, XRF, EDS, and other characterization techniques.</span><span lang="EN-US"> Theoretical calculations show that pre-cooling of raw wastewater reduces energy consumption by up to 20.40%.</span></p>

Evaluating the effect of cupric sulphate on morphogenic structure induction and plant regeneration in spring barley anther culture in vitro

Aim. Investigation was aimed to ascertain possibility to increase the efficiency of spring barley haploid production in anther culture in vitro by addition of cupric sulphate to the solution for cut tiller cold pretreatment and by increase of cupric sulphate concentrations in the media for morphogenic structure induction and plant regeneration. Methods. Cut tillers were cold pretreated for 5 days at 4ºC in water and in the solutions contained 5 µM and 10 µM of cupric sulphate. Isolated anthers were cultivated on agar solidified nutrient medium containing N6 macro-and MS micronutrients, physiologically active substances, maltose (9.0 %) and on the media with increased (10 µM) content of cupric sulphate. Results. No effect of cupric sulphate addition on cut tiller viability and morphogenesis in anther culture in vitro was found. The lowest plant regeneration frequency was obtained when cupric sulphate was added both to inductive and regenerative media. Сonclusions. Addition of cupric sulphate to the pretreatment solution as well as increase of this microelement concentration (up to 10 µM) in the nutrient media can’t be considered as the methodological approach suitable to enhance the efficiency of spring barley haploid production in anther culture in vitro.

In vivo Antifungal Efficacy and Safety of Natural Compounds for Topical Treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis

In vivo toxicity and antifungal therapeutic evaluation of selected natural compounds for topical applications was analyzed using standard methods. The natural compounds, blue vitriol, brimstone, trona, alum, palm ash and black stone were hygienically selected and purchased at a local market in southeastern Nigeria. The test organisms were isolated from high vaginal swab specimens obtained from cases of cutaneous candidiasis. The isolates were identified based on their morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics. The toxicological screening of the test samples was done using Draize’ skin irritancy test, Murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) and necropsy. The in vivo evaluation of antifungal activity of the solutions was done using eight-week-old albino rats weighing 120g – 150g. The animals were infected with the Candida isolates percutaneously; and treated using various formulations of the natural compounds. The skin sections were carefully observed for histopathological changes, before and after treatment. The total yeast counts of the infected skin tissues were also determined. The isolates include Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. Draize’ skin test and Murine local lymph node assay showed no observable skin irritancy reaction (P>0.05). The normal skin architecture of the infected animals was restored after 5 days of treatment with the test samples; while the total yeast count decreased from 108 CFU/mL to 102 CFU/mL. The findings have revealed that natural compounds are effective as well as non-toxic topically, in treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

The Effects of Blue Vitriol and Brimstone on Etiological Agents of Bacterial Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation of the vulva and/or the vagina which may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. It is a common public health problem that can affect women and girls of all ages. The study aimed at evaluating the effects of blue vitriol and brimstone on etiological agents of bacterial vulvovaginitis. One hundred high vaginal swab specimens were aseptically and properly collected from suspected cases of vulvovaginitis. Plates of nutrient agar and blood agar were inoculated and incubated aerobically at 25 oC for 24 hours. The isolates were identified based on their morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular characteristics. The antimicrobial activity of blue vitriol and brimstone was determined using the agar-well diffusion method. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the test samples were determined using the broth dilution method. The isolates include Staphylococcus epidermidis, Eschericha coli, Lactobacillus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. The inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of blue vitriol against the isolates ranges from 30.00±0.00mm to 31.50±2.12mm at concentrations of 50mg/ml to 200mg/ml. The IZD of brimstone against the isolates ranges from 29.00±1.41mm to 11.00±0.00mm at concentrations of 50mg to 200mg/ml. The positive control, ciprofloxacin gave IZD of 17.50±2.12mm to 21.50±2.12mm. The MIC of blue vitriol against all the isolates was 12.50mg/ml; while the MBC ranges between 25mg/ml to 50mg/ml. The MIC of brimstone was 25mg/ml to 200mg/ml; while the MBC was 50mg/ml to 200mg/ml. Ciprofloxacin gave MIC and MBC ranging from 25mg/ml to 100mg/ml against all the isolates. The study has shown that natural compounds such as blue vitriol and brimstone are good antimicrobials; and could serve as substitutes to conventional antimicrobial agents in the treatment of bacterial vulvovaginitis. Keywords: Vagina, Vulva, Vulvovaginitis, Blue vitriol, Brimstone, Antimicrobials.

The Versatility of the Dicyanamide Anion (Dca) as a Bridging Ligand: Synthesis, Structure and Theory of a Unique Ladder Chain Consisting of 2 µ1,5-dca Bridged Dinuclear Cu2(dca)2 Units with Additional µ1,3-dca Bridges Along the Chain

AbstractThe synthesis and structural details of a mixed-ligand Cu(II) coordination compound, specifically catena-poly[bis(dicyanamido)(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione)copper(II)] 1, are reported. The title compound was synthesized utilizing a solvothermal method by employing dicyanamide, 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione) and copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4•5H2O) as the starting materials. The title compound was characterized by standard analytical and spectroscopic methods. The 3D structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Examination of the supramolecular interaction patterns indicates that the stability of the ladder structure is achieved by the bridging dca anions and the presence of weak hydrogen-bonding contacts, specifically C-H···O and C-H···N bonds, as well as C-O/N···π interactions. These interactions together contribute to the formation of a ladder-type infinite chain structure. The generated structure has been theoretically investigated with Hirshfeld surface analysis, QTAIM and NCI analysis to reveal the interaction energies and bonds present inside and between molecules. The non-covalent interactions present in the crystal structure were further investigated theoretically, with particular attention to the cooperative C ≡ N···π(py) and N···π(hole) interactions involving the dicyanamide ligand and nitrile moieties in the compound. The solid-state stability of compound 1 appears to be strongly influenced by the cooperative effect of H-bonding interactions as well as the C ≡ N···π(py) and N···π(hole) contacts, as confirmed by theoretical calculations. Graphical Abstract Synthesis, Structure and Theoretical Calculations of a Unique Ladder Chain Containing the Dicyanamido Ligand (dca), Consisting of 2 µ1,5-dca Bridged Dinuclear Cu2(dca)2Units and Having µ1,3-dca Bridges along the Chain. One sentence essence: catena-poly[bis(dicyanamido)(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione)copper(II)] is a unique ribbon ladder, infinite chain structure with two differently bridged dicyanamide anions

Nitrogen Requirement and Nitrogen Form Preference by Radermachera hainanensis and R. sinica Plug Seedlings

Abstract Radermachera hainanensis Merr. and R. sinica Hemsl. are popular foliage plants raised from seeds. Nitrogen fertilizer can significantly influence medium pH and EC, plug seedling growth, and photosynthesis. Plug seedlings of both species, each with one pair of leaves, were subjected weekly to nutrient solutions with nitrogen (N) concentrations ranging from 0 to 32 mM. Nitrogen-deficient plants exhibited the lowest leaf area, SPAD-502 value, and shoot dry weight but the highest root-to-shoot ratio. Leaf area, SPAD-502 value, and root and shoot dry weights increased with increasing N concentration up to 12-16 mM, and gradually decreased thereafter. Well-grown plants with 12-16 mM N exhibited peak maximal fluorescence (Fm), photochemical quenching (qP) and the lowest minimal fluorescence (Fo) and non-photochemical quenching (qN). Seedlings received nutrient solutions with varying proportions of NH4-N: NO3-N (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0, in percentages) at 16 mM N. Both species exhibited reduced leaf area, SPAD-502 value, and plant dry weights when supplied with only NO3-N or NH4-N. Maximum growth was achieved at a 50% NH4-N: 50% NO3-N ratio. Species used in this study: Golden jasmine tree, Radermachera hainanensis Merr.; China Doll, Radermachera sinica Hemsl. Chemicals used in this study: ammonium nitrate; sodium dihydrogen phosphate; potassium sulphate; potassium nitrate; magnesium sulfate heptahydrate; calcium sulfate dihydrate; calcium nitrate tetrahydrate; ammonium sulfate; boric acid anhydrous; potassium chloride; ferrous sulfate heptahydrate; disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dihydrate; copper sulfate pentahydrate; zinc sulfate heptahydrate; molybdic acid; manganese sulfate monohydrate; nickel sulfate hexahydrate; sodium hydroxide.

Assessment of the Antimicrobial Activity of (Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate and Potash Alum) Nanoparticles on Bacteria (Pseudomonas Aeruginosa) Isolated with Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Assessment of the Antimicrobial Activity of (Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate and Potash Alum) Nanoparticles on Bacteria (Pseudomonas Aeruginosa) Isolated with Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Antimicrobial and anthelmintic effects of copper nanoparticles against Koi carp parasites and their toxicity.

This study investigated the invitro antimicrobial and anthelmintic effect of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) against the bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila, the monogeneans Dactylogyrus minutus, Dactylogyrus extensus, Gyrodactylus cyprini, and the cestode Schyzocotyle acheilognathi, as well as their toxicity to Cyprinus carpio Koi. In the antimicrobial invitro test, the inhibition zone method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were performed. In order to determine the time and efficacy of monogenean parasite mortality, the parasites were exposed to CuNP concentrations of 20, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 mg L-1, and a control group with tank water and one with copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) at a concentration of 0.3 mg L-1, performed in triplicate. The parasites were observed every 10 min for 300 min, and mortality was recorded. For the cestodes, parasites were immersed in CuNP concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 300 mg L-1. At the end of the invitro tests, the anthelmintic efficacy of each treatment was calculated. To assess the tolerance and toxicity in fish, they were exposed to CuNP concentrations of 0.6, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 50 mg L-1 for 12 h. The MIC demonstrated that CuNPs effectively inhibited the growth of A. hydrophila up to a dilution of 12,500 mg L-1 and showed an inhibition zone of 14.0 ± 1.6 mm for CuNPs. The results of anthelmintic activity showed a dose-dependent effect of concentration for both groups of parasites, with the most effective concentration being 300 mg L-1 in 120 min. In the toxicity test, the carps showed tolerance to lower concentrations. The study indicated that CuNPs were effective against the studied pathogens. However, it proved to be toxic to fish at high concentrations. The use of low concentrations is recommended still requires further investigation.

Remediation of Sulfides in Produced Waters of the Oil and Gas Industry Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Produced waters are often treated in open lagoons where hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can off gas, posing a risk to human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to optimize a treatment process using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to oxidize H2S while minimizing off gassing. Samples of produced water from West Texas and laboratory-prepared waters utilizing sodium sulfide (Na2S) or biogenic polysulfides were oxidized with H2O2 alone or in combination with copper or iron catalysts, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), or a commercial sulfide oxidizer, HydroPower Green™. Sulfur speciation was measured using Hach test kits for sulfide/sulfate/sulfite and Dräger tubes for headspace H2S. HydroPower Green™ (HPG) helped to reduce H2S in the headspace of water samples; some of this was pH related as NaOH also worked, but not as well as HPG. The dose of peroxide necessary to oxidize sulfides to sulfate is a function of the oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) of the water and total sulfide concentration as well as pH; approximately a 1–4:1 ratio of peroxide to sulfide concentration was needed to oxidize sulfidic waters of pH 7–10 with half-lives under 30 min. Both copper and iron catalysts reduce H2O2 demand and the half-life of H2S. Peracetic acid (PAA) and copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4, 5H2O) were explored as biocides for controlling sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRBs) that produce H2S. An AquaSnap (Hygenia) test kit was employed to monitor relative microbial activity in a wetland porewater containing H2S. Microbial regrowth occurred after a few days using the highest dose of PAA; these results showed that PAA was being used by bacteria as a carbon source even after the initial substantial reduction in the microbial activity. CuSO4, 5H2O at a dose of 1 ppm prevented microbial regrowth. The recommended treatment process from this research is determined by jar testing with H2O2, a base for pH control, a biocide, and possibly a metal catalyst or other co-oxidants in order to achieve oxidation of sulfides without H2S release or the precipitation of metal carbonates or oxides.

Synthesis, Spectral and Electrochemical Properties, and Theoretical Studies of Highly Functionalized Fused Triazole-Isoindoline Derivatives as a Donor-Acceptor System

Triazole and propargyl group functionalities are frequently utilized in the construction of efficient blue-emitting materials, serving as acceptors and donors, respectively. Leveraging the synergistic effect of donor-acceptor coupling between these moieties, three new compounds, namely CB-But-I2, Ph-But-I2, and DP-But-I2, were synthesized. Given the advantageous strategy of combining electron donors and acceptors to optimize carrier injection and transport, CB-But-I2, Ph-But-I2, and DP-But-I2 demonstrate remarkable capabilities in both hole and electron transportation. A metal-free synthesis approach was employed to produce highly functionalized 1,2,3-triazole cores incorporating electronic donor and acceptor functionalities. This synthesis method involved the “Click reaction” ring formation between acetylene and azide compounds of 2-(4-bromobutyl) isoindoline-1,3-dione, catalyzed by copper sulfate pentahydrate and assisted by ascorbic acid as a base. The process boasts several advantages, including mild reaction conditions, accessibility of precursors, metal-free synthesis, straightforward setup, and the generation of various substituted regioselective triazole compounds in satisfactory yields. All synthesized compounds were found to possess thermal stability and exhibited fluorescence within the 292–355 nm range. Moreover, a significant positive solvato-chromic behavior was noted across different solvents with varying polarities, and the theoretical values were compared against experimental data for validation.

A new design of colorimetric films using bacterial cellulose nanocrystals derived from nata de coco for sensing volatile organic compounds

In this work, bacterial cellulose (BC) derived from Nata de Coco is a polysaccharide material, and it is further processed into bacterial cellulose nanocrystal (BCNC) via acid hydrolysis. Then BCNC is doped with transition metals to enhance its amine/hydrogen sulfide response. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the use of transition metals as indicators to detect amine and hydrogen sulfide gas for efficiently monitoring food spoilage. BCNCs were treated with various concentrations of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O). Then the dropwise addition of ascorbic acid was applied to reduce Ag+ and Cu2+ to Ag0 (silver nanoparticle) and Cu0 (copper nanoparticle), which refer to red brown and red wine colors, respectively. The results indicated that BCNC/Ag nanoparticles were spherical, while BCNC/Cu nanoparticles exhibited a rod-like structure. XRD results also presented the incorporation of Ag and Cu nanoparticles, as confirmed by both crystallography structures. Furthermore, UV–Vis spectra showed the adsorption bands at 422–430 nm and 626–629 nm, belonging to Ag and Cu nanoparticles. After H2S and ammonia gas exposure, BH/Ag and BH/Cu films turned black from brown and red. In conclusion, transition metal-doped BCNCs exhibit potential for innovative food spoilage gas sensors.

Synthesis of 4-(3-(1-substituted/unsubstituted-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-yl)propoxy)benzaldehydes: In vitro antimicrobial, antimalarial activities and In silico docking study

In this work, we have developed new derivatives of 4-(3-(1-substituted/unsubstituted phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)propoxy)benzaldehydes 3(a-o) in good to excellent yield through the click reaction catalyzed by Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate. 5-chloropent-1‑yne was used as an alkynylation reagent for 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, whereas the aromatic azides were prepared from the corresponding diazonium salt by diazotization. All the newly synthesized derivatives were well characterized by FT-IR, 1H/ 13C NMR, high-resolution mass spectrometry and elemental analyses. These compounds were evaluated for their in vitro anti-microbial against six pathogenic strains as well as two pathogenic strains as anti-fungal activities using the broth dilution method. The activity results show that most of the compounds exhibit moderate to very good antibacterial and antifungal activities compared to the reference drugs. Furthermore, the in vitro antimalarial assay of synthesized compounds was screened against P. falciparum strain and then compared to Quinine and Chloroquine as the reference drugs. The results from the activity evaluation revealed that three out of fifteen compounds presented moderate efficacy when compared to Quinine. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) study indicated that substituted compounds with deactivating groups have potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antimalarial activities. Moreover, in silico molecular docking assay shows that 3 m is the most potent amongst 3(a-o) with a binding energy of -8.1 kcal/mol and -8.9 kcal/mol in the binding pocket of the receptor for bacterial and fungal infections, respectively compared to the standard drugs. The molecule 3 m has been studied in details for its ADMET properties and showed the most promise as a drug candidate.

Biogenic synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Clausena anisata leaf and Euphorbia abyssinica bark extracts and its comparative study of antibacterial activities

Green synthesis of metallic oxide nanoparticles has been used and preferred over physical and chemical methods of synthesis since it is a simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly method. This study aims to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles that were successfully synthesized using Clausena anisata leaf and Euphorbia abyssinica bark by using copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) as a precursor. The copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by using 2.5 mL of Clausena anisata leaf and the same amount of Euphorbia abyssinica bark extracts in 10 mL of a 15 mM CuSO4·5H2O solution using the green method. The synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles have been characterized by ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The formation of copper oxide nanoparticles was confirmed by the UV–visible absorption spectrum in an intense surface plasmon resonance between 330 and 370 nm, which revealed the formation of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra indicated the crystalline nature of CuO NPs. The average crystalline size of CuO NPs synthesized from Clausena anisata and Euphorbia abyssinica is 47.15 and 19.34 nm, respectively. The FT-IR results showed the existence of bioactive functional groups required for the reduction of copper ions, whereas the results of SEM confirm the green synthesized CuO NPs are spherical in shape. For antibacterial activity studies, the agar disk diffusion method was used. Anti-bacterial activities were studied against three different bacteria: Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae) using CuO NPs (100–12.5 mg/mL). Ciprofloxacin and dimethyl sulphoxide, were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Ciprofloxacin (60 µg/mL) inhibited Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterobacter cloacae with inhibition zones of 18, 20, and 25 mm, respectively. The CuO NPs synthesized from Euphorbia abyssinica bark showed higher anti-bacterial activity. Euphorbia abyssinica bark-mediated CuO NPs exhibited inhibition zones of 7, 11, and 13 mm against Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Conversely, Clausena anisata leaf-mediated CuO NPs demonstrated inhibition zones of 8, 14, and 15 mm against the same microorganisms.

Combined activity of blue vitriol, brimstone and black stone on clinical Candida species isolates using fractional inhibitory concentration Index

Combination antimicrobial therapy (CAT) involves intentional addition of two or more antimicrobial agents for better therapeutic outcome. CAT is normally applied for treatment of polymicrobial infections, life-threatening infections and prevention of the emergence of resistance. This research aimed at determining the combined activity of blue vitriol, brimstone and black stone on clinical Candida species isolates using Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index. The brimstone, blue vitriol and black stone samples were purchased from a community market in southeastern Nigeria. The isolates were obtained from high vaginal swab samples of patients attending a Teaching hospital in Nigeria and identified based on their morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the samples were determined using the broth dilution method. The fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICI) of the samples against the isolates were obtained from their individual FIC values. FICI of <1 indicates synergism; 1 to 2 (Indifference); while >2 (antagonism). All the test agents were synergistic against C. albicans (FICI < 1). All the test agents were indifferent against C. tropicalis (FICI 1 - 2). Brimstone + black stone combination was indifferent (FICI 1 - 2) against C. glabrata; while all the test agents were antagonistic against the isolate (FICI > 2). Blue vitriol + Black stone combination was antagonistic (FICI > 2) against C. parapsilosis; Blue vitriol + brimstone was indifferent (FICI 1 - 2); while brimstone + black stone was synergistic (FICI < 1). The findings have revealed that antimicrobial combination outcome could be synergistic, antagonistic or indifferent; thus the need for proper in vitro screening before combination therapy.

Elucidating atomic emission and molecular absorption spectra using a basic CD spectrometer: a pedagogical approach for secondary-level students

Abstract Spectroscopy has held a pivotal role in advancing our comprehension of chemistry, dating back to its inception by Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff. Nonetheless, access to advanced spectrometers remains restricted, particularly in high schools within developing nations. In this laboratory experiment, students were guided to fashion a spectrometer using reusable materials. This uncomplicated contrivance facilitated the exploration of emission and absorption spectroscopy, acquainting students with atomic spectra marked by electronic transitions, yielding line spectra. Conversely, molecules display not solely electronic transitions, but also vibrational and rotational shifts within chemical bonds, culminating in band spectra. Mobile phone cameras were enlisted as detectors. Captures of sodium and copper atoms emitting light in the course of a flame test, as well as depictions of molecular entities (copper sulphate pentahydrate and potassium permanganate aqueous solutions) absorbing light, were transmuted into the RGB (Red-Green-Blue) color model channels. The learning outcomes exhibited that 86 % of the students successfully discerned between an atomic spectrum and a molecular spectrum. Furthermore, 93 % of the students indicated that the incorporation of mobile devices in fostering scientific comprehension effectively seized their attention, resulting in heightened levels of engagement.