Deleterious Chemicals Research Articles

Enhancing Adsorption Efficiency of Cd Heavy Metal Ions using Aceh's Natural Bentonite: A Design Expert 13 Optimization Study

Wastewater containing heavy metal ions presents a formidable challenge to environmental sustainability because heavy metals are nonbiodegradable and toxic. Cadmium has been identified by scientific consensus as one of the most perilous and deleterious chemicals. These metal ions have a significant effect on many illnesses in living organisms, including humans. Therefore, an effective absorption technique is required to mitigate the issues caused by this waste. Adsorption is frequently used to remediate heavy metal waste and improve the processing process because of its versatility and suitability as a technology. The principal aim of this investigation was to augment the adsorptive potency of cadmium (Cd) ions by optimizing the utilization of natural Aceh bentonite. The optimization process utilizes Design Expert 13, specifically Box Behnken Design with Response Surface Methodology. The results of the optimization revealed the significance of bentonite mass (1-2 g), stirring time (30-200 minutes), and initial Cd adsorbate concentration (100-500 mg/l) on the absorption of Cd (II) ions. Optimal conditions for Cd (II) ion adsorption by Aceh natural bentonite were achieved with an agitation time of 2 mass, 126.8 minutes of agitation time, and Cd (II) ion concentration of 500 mg/l. Under these conditions, the adsorption of Cd (II) ions by Aceh natural bentonite was 220.5 mg/l, and the desirability of this outcome was 0.84.

Uptake of aquaculture-related dissolved organic pollutants by marine sponges: Kinetics and mechanistic insights from a laboratory study

Besides the release of organic matter from uneaten feed and fish excreta, a considerable amount of deleterious chemicals may also end up into the marine environment from intensive aquaculture. A fraction of these pollutants remains freely dissolved and pose a threat to marine life due to increased bioavailability. Given the filter-feeding ability of sponges, we investigated the capacity of four ubiquitous Mediterranean species (Agelas oroides, Axinella cannabina, Chondrosia reniformis and Sarcotragus foetidus) in removing aquaculture-related dissolved organic pollutants. These included individual chemicals belonging to antibiotics (i.e., oxytetracycline), antifouling biocides (i.e., diuron and Irgarol 1051) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (i.e., 2,6-dimethylnapththalene, phenanthrene). The uptake of pollutants was assessed in vitro by exposing small sponge explants to each chemical for a period of 8 h. Additional “cleanup” experiments were performed for complex mixtures mimicking the dissolved organic material encountered in fish farms, such as filtrates of fish feed and excreta. All sponges exhibited a pronounced preference for lipophilic pollutants and a strong positive correlation was revealed between clearance rate and substrate hydrophobicity. Our best filter-feeder (i.e., A. oroides) was able to clear 10.0 ± 1.3 mL of seawater per hour and per gram of sponge, when exposed to 2,6-dimethylnapththalene. Active pumping was found to be the predominant mechanism dictating the assimilation of dissolved pollutants in all sponge species, as it was 3–10 times faster than pollutants' passive adsorption on sponges' pinacoderm. Additionally, the uptaken pollutants were shown to be strongly retained by sponges and they were hardly released back to seawater as a result of desorption or sponge excretory mechanisms. Our study corroborates that sponges are highly efficient in uptaking dissolved organic compounds and it offers new insights into the kinetics and mechanisms ruling this process.

Oriented Design of Transition-Metal-Oxide Hollow Multishelled Micropolyhedron Derived from Bimetal–Organic Frameworks for the Electrochemical Detection of Multipesticide Residues

Transition-metal oxides (TMOs) with a hollow multishelled structure have emerged as highly potential materials for high-performance electrochemical sensing, benefiting from their superior electronic conductivity, exceptionally large specific surface area, excellent stability, and electrochemistry properties. In particular, binary TMOs are expected to outperform unitary TMOs due to the synergistic effect of the different metals. Herein, MnCo2O4.5 hollow quadruple-shelled porous micropolyhedrons (MnCo2O4.5 HoQS-MPs) were prepared and employed to construct an ultrasensitive sensing platform for a multipesticide assay. Profiting from complex hollow interior structures and abundant active sites, the MnCo2O4.5 HoQS-MPs manifest outstanding electrochemical properties as electrode materials for the pesticide assay. The MnCo2O4.5 HoQS-MP-based biosensor demonstrated remarkable performance for monocrotophos, methamidophos, and carbaryl detection, with wide linear ranges, as well as low detection limits. This work unveils a new pathway for the ultrasensitive detection of pesticides and demonstrates tremendous potential for detecting other environmentally deleterious chemicals.

The regulation of MNEs overseas pollution from different subjects

Before the 1900s, the busted economic balance blurred the eyes of the governments in developing commonwealths, which took heed of pursuing finical impartiality instead of addressing environmental complications. Admitting a considerable number of MNEs into their land without strict examination of their environmental-friendly credibility, the nature scenes of these countries are irreversibly damaged. The turning point arrived in 1984 when the deleterious chemicals of the subsidiary of Union Carbide in India seeped. However, all these rampant pollution activities have only slightly abated, not eradicated. This essay will examine the current situation and how to deactivate the illegal contamination in the host countries using the analysis of legal norms and case studies to proffer reference to various political, legal, and commercial interested herd. The cardinal mentioned solutions include promoting nature-related education through social media and compulsory education system, establishing monitor departments to monitor the track of exotic companies, and so on. Putting the environmental problems in the spotlight, countries with a copious budget and human resources started to manage their natural situation. MNEs from the sophisticated areas which are required strictly by their government to reduce the pollution on their land, naturally turn to the emergent countries, where they may not expect the heavy cost of the environmental damage. This essay will analyze how MNEs spread pollution in the host states, and how the host states should take actions to prevent their ecosystem from obtaining harm.

Connexin-Based Channel Activity Is Not Specifically Altered by Hepatocarcinogenic Chemicals.

Connexin-based channels play key roles in cellular communication and can be affected by deleterious chemicals. In this study, the effects of various genotoxic carcinogenic compounds, non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds and non-carcinogenic compounds on the expression and functionality of connexin-based channels, both gap junctions and connexin hemichannels, were investigated in human hepatoma HepaRG cell cultures. Expression of connexin26, connexin32, and connexin43 was evaluated by means of real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunoblot analysis and in situ immunostaining. Gap junction functionality was assessed via a scrape loading/dye transfer assay. Opening of connexin hemichannels was monitored by measuring extracellular release of adenosine triphosphate. It was found that both genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds negatively affect connexin32 expression. However, no specific effects related to chemical type were observed at gap junction or connexin hemichannel functionality level.

Microplastics: Holistic overview of source, identification, interaction, health and environmental implications and strategies of abatement

Abstract Microplastic (MP) is currently a subject of discussion in all parts of the world because it has increasingly over the years become the dominant source of pollution in marine ecosystem. Huge number of these Mps emanate from waste management, decommissioning of ships and oil rigs, plastic products in aquaculture and fishery, sewage treatment, consumer products, agricultural production, transportation, offshore oil and gas production and city dust and wears. Microplastic are characteristically non- biodegradable or durable, exhibits buoyancy, travel long distances, complex with toxic chemicals and bioaccumulate being invisible to the human eye. Classification of MPs into primary and secondary based on source and established standard protocols visa-vis the sampling and identification in matrices were critically reviewed. Physicochemical processes for identification of MPs such as pyrolysis-Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM-GS and TGA/MS were reviewed. Deleterious chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), dioxins, phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and persistent organic chemicals (POCs) associated with MPs and mechanisms of chelation were appraised. Several menace and health hazards such as hepatic inflammation, genetic mutation, increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) /oxidative stress, tissue necrosis and proliferation of cells linked with MPs were also discussed. Furthermore, green approaches to arresting the menace such as replacing polymer products with biopolymer an eco-friendly alternative, recycling of plastic products, use of paper bags and glass materials and abrogation of consumer products laced with microbeads were advocated.

Allelopathy and micropredation paradigms reconcile with system stoichiometry

AbstractAllelopathy, a type of interference competition involving exuded chemicals, has been documented for several types of organisms including terrestrial plants, aquatic macrophytes, microbes, and planktonic algae. However, due to the dynamic nature of the aquatic environment it is unclear whether allelopathy is an evolutionarily stable competition mechanism in such a setting. In this research, we consider a cosmopolitan harmful algae species, Prymnesium parvum, for which multiple ecological roles of its produced deleterious chemicals have been suggested, including broadcast allelopathy (chemicals produced and exuded) and micropredation via cell–cell interactions (chemicals produced and held within the cell). To further investigate the ecological role of the deleterious chemicals, bioassays (with phytoplankton and zooplankton target organisms) were conducted using various fractions of a P. parvum culture grown under balanced N:P stoichiometry or imbalanced, P‐reduced stoichiometry. In addition, time‐series counts were generated with cell density enumerations and observations of behavior of a mixed species culture at intervals over a 24‐h period. Our results suggest that the apparent ecological role of the chemicals in a relatively high‐density population shifts depending on system stoichiometry in regard to nitrogen and phosphorus. We show that under balanced N:P conditions, deleterious chemical production is low and cell contact mediates mortality of prey. Differently, under imbalanced, P‐reduced conditions chemical effect is high and mass mortality occurs independent of cell contact. Thus, imbalanced N:P ratios shift the apparent ecological role of the deleterious chemicals from one of micropredation to one of broadcast allelopathy. These differences likely influence bloom dynamics and result in different ecological outcomes for systems affected by blooms. Further, we suggest that these differences indicate the importance of predatory mixotrophic feeding in the evolutionary maintenance of deleterious chemical production and the occurrence of allelopathic effects as a byproduct.

Diet: A Source of Endocrine Disruptors.

Food is indispensable for human life and determines the health and wellbeing of the consumer. As food is the source of energy for humans, it also emerges as one of the most important sources of exposure to deleterious chemicals both natural and synthetic. The food exposed chemicals cause a number of detrimental health effects in humans, with endocrine disruption being of serious concern amongst these effects. Such chemicals disrupting the health of endocrine system are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The food exposed EDCs need to be identified and classified to effectuate a cautious consumption of food by all and especially by vulnerable groups. The aim of the present review was to discuss food as a source of exposure to common endocrine disruptors in humans. This review presents the occurrence and levels of some of the critical endocrine disruptors exposed through frequently consumed diets. The major source of data was PubMed, besides other relevant publications. The focus was laid on data from the last five years, however significant earlier data was also considered. The food as a source of endocrine disruptors to humans cannot be neglected. It is highly imperative for the consumer to recognize food as a source of EDCs and make informed choices in the consumption of food items.

Mangroves in the Leaves: Anatomy, Physiology, and Immunity of Epithemal Hydathodes.

Hydathodes are organs found on aerial parts of a wide range of plant species that provide almost direct access for several pathogenic microbes to the plant vascular system. Hydathodes are better known as the site of guttation, which is the release of droplets of plant apoplastic fluid to the outer leaf surface. Because these organs are only described through sporadic allusions in the literature, this review aims to provide a comprehensive view of hydathode development, physiology, and immunity by compiling a historic and contemporary bibliography. In particular, we refine the definition of hydathodes.We illustrate their important roles in the maintenance of plant osmotic balance, nutrient retrieval, and exclusion of deleterious chemicals from the xylem sap. Finally, we present our current understanding of the infection of hydathodes by adapted vascular pathogens and the associated plant immune responses.

Influence of bio-immobilized lime stone powder on self-healing behaviour of cementitious composites

For preserving cementitious systems and inhibiting the ingress of chemicals via cracks and fissure, persistent repairs are inevitable. Thus, self-healing of harmful cracks and fissures, without external intervention and onerous labours emerged as a viable approach for enhancing concrete durability. Among all, bio-inspired self-healing secured imperative position in autonomous healing of cementitious system, latterly. Microbes are potentially efficient in intrinsic healing of cementitious systems due to their ability of calcite precipitation. Instigated calcite filled the void and restrained the ingress of deleterious chemicals. Bacillus subtilis was selected as self-healing microbe due to its relatively longer reported survival in high pH environment. Microbes are inducted directly through water and immobilized via immobilizer. In this study, viability of lime stone powder (LSP), as bacterial immobilizer, is explored. Self-healing ability of Bacillus subtilis was gauged in terms of mechanical strength after cracking at 3, 7 and 28 days. For inspecting the microstructure and characterization of healing field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were performed at 28 days. Hence, immobilized LSP enhanced the compressive strength of cementitious system and endorsed as a potential carrier for sustaining microbes for relatively extended periods. Furthermore, LSP is an economical locally available raw material, it eventually helped in formulating sustainable, cost-effective and proficient in crack repairing cementitious system.

English

Sivakasi a notable industrial town, which is known for its fireworks industries that accounts 70% of the country's yield. Besides largest production, release of the wide range of deleterious chemicals increases the concern about environmental conservation. Fungi are the eukaryotic organism which has enormous metabolite profile. These distinct features of fungi made excessive attention towards the mycoremediation. The present study was focused on mycoremediation of soil samples from the fields of nearby fireworks industries. Physico-chemical properties and biological parameters were analysed within 24 h of sample collection. Total of 20 fungi were isolated from the collected samples. Chemical contaminant degrading efficiency of the fungal isolates was screened on the soil waste agar medium. Among all the fungal isolates, four were shown to have positive results. The selective fungal isolates were evaluated for their heavy metal utilization and other pollutants degradation potential using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Key words: Mycoremediation, pollutants, heavy metals, atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Photoelectrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted film modified hierarchical branched titanium dioxide nanorods for chlorpyrifos detection

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on hierarchical branched titanium dioxide nanorods (B-TiO2 NRs) modified with molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was constructed for sensitive and efficient detection of chlorpyris (CPF). B-TiO2 NRs were grown directly on fluorine doped tin oxide substrate by the hydrothermal method and employed as matrix for immobilization of MIP. P-aminothiophenol (ATP) and CPF were assembled on the surface of B-TiO2 NRs by formation of hydrogen-bonding interactions through electropolymerization in the MIP preparation process. The MIP was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and further confirmed by cyclic voltammetry to prove the successful synthesis. In the proposed sensing platform, the photocurrent response is inversely proportional to the CPF concentration because the insulating layer hinders the harvesting of light and electron transfer with increasing of CPF concentration. Moreover, the MIP based B-TiO2 NRs (MIP-B-TiO2 NRs) had an excellent recognition capacity for specific detection CPF over other pesticides. The PEC sensing platform is developed for the detection of CPF in the linear range from 0.01ngmL−1 to 100ngmL−1 with a low detection limit of 7.4pgmL−1. The proposed sensor offered a promising platform for application in detecting pesticide residuals and other environment deleterious chemicals with excellent sensitivity and selectivity, low interference and high stability.

Biofilm compartmentalisation of the rumen microbiome: modification of fermentation and degradation of dietary toxins

Many deleterious chemicals in plant materials ingested by ruminants produce clinical effects, varying from losses of production efficiency through to death. Many of the effects are insidious, often going unrecognised by animal managers. When secondary plant compounds enter the rumen, they may undergo modification by rumen microbes, which often removes the deleterious compounds, but in specific instances, the deleterious effect may be enhanced. Improved understanding of rumen ecology, particularly concerning the biofilm mode of microbial fermentation, has led to major advances in our understanding of fermentation. In the present review, the potential impact of the physical structuring of the rumen microbiome is discussed in relation to how several economically important secondary plant compounds and other toxins are metabolised by the rumen microbiome and how their toxic effects may be remedied by providing inert particles with a large surface area to weight ratio in the diet. These particles provide additional surfaces for attachment of rumen microorganisms that help alleviate toxicity problems associated with deleterious compounds, including fluoroacetate, mimosine, mycotoxins, cyanoglycosides and hydrogen cyanide. The review first summarises the basic science of biofilm formation and describes the properties of biofilms and their roles in the rumen. It then addresses how biofilms on inert solids and fermentable particulates may assist in detoxification of potentially toxic compounds. A hypothesis that explains how nitrate poisoning may occur as a result of compartmentalisation of nitrate and nitrite reduction in the rumen is included.

A novel pH-stable, endoglucanase (JqCel5A) isolated from a salt-lake microorganism, Jonesia quinghaiensis

Background: Endoglucanase, one of three type cellulases, can randomly cleave internal β-1,4-linkages in cellulose polymers. Thus, it could be applied in agricultural and industrial processes. Results: A novel endoglucanase gene ( JqCel5A ) was cloned from Jonesia quinghaiensis and functionally expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3). It contained 1722 bp and encoded a 573-residue polypeptide consisting of a catalytic domain of glycoside hydrolase family 5 (GH5) and a type 2 carbohydrate-binding module (CBM2), together with a predicted molecular mass of 61.79 kD. The purified JqCel5A displayed maximum activity at 55°C and pH 7.0, with 21.7 U/mg, 26.19 U/mg and 4.81 U/mg towards the substrate carboxymethyl cellulose, barley glucan and filter paper, respectively. Interestingly, JqCel5A exhibited high pH stability over a broad pH range of pH (3-11), and had good tolerance to a wide variety of deleterious chemicals including heavy metals and detergent. The catalytic mechanism of JqCel5A was also investigated by site mutagenesis and homology-modeling in this study. Conclusions: It was believed that these properties might make JqCel5A to be potentially used in the suitable industrial catalytic condition, which has a broad pH fluctuation and/or chemical disturbance. Normal 0 21 false false false ES X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tabla normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman,serif;} Normal 0 21 false false false ES X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tabla normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman,serif;}

Combination of image processing and artificial neural networks as a novel approach for the identification of Bemisia tabaci and Frankliniella occidentalis on sticky traps in greenhouse agriculture

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) lies at the core of the current efforts to reduce the use of deleterious chemicals in greenhouse agriculture. IPM strategies rely on the early detection and continuous monitoring of pest populations, a critical task that is not only time-consuming but also highly dependent on human judgement and therefore prone to error. In this study, we propose a novel approach for the detection and monitoring of adult-stage whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and thrip (Frankliniella occidentalis) in greenhouses based on the combination of an image-processing algorithm and artificial neural networks. Digital images of sticky traps were obtained via an image-acquisition system. Detection of the objects in the images, segmentation, and morphological and color property estimation was performed by an image-processing algorithm for each of the detected objects. Finally, classification was achieved by means of a feed-forward multi-layer artificial neural network. The proposed whitefly identification algorithm achieved high precision (0.96), recall (0.95) and F-measure (0.95) values, whereas the thrip identification algorithm obtained similar precision (0.92), recall (0.96) and F-measure (0.94) values.

High-Up: A Remote Reservoir of Microbial Extremophiles in Central Andean Wetlands.

The Central Andes region displays unexplored ecosystems of shallow lakes and salt flats at mean altitudes of 3700 m. Being isolated and hostile, these so-called “High-Altitude Andean Lakes” (HAAL) are pristine and have been exposed to little human influence. HAAL proved to be a rich source of microbes showing interesting adaptations to life in extreme settings (poly-extremophiles) such as alkalinity, high concentrations of arsenic and dissolved salts, intense dryness, large daily ambient thermal amplitude, and extreme solar radiation levels. This work reviews HAAL microbiodiversity, taking into account different microbial niches, such as plankton, benthos, microbial mats and microbialites. The modern stromatolites and other microbialites discovered recently at HAAL are highlighted, as they provide unique modern—though quite imperfect—analogs of environments proxy for an earlier time in Earth's history (volcanic setting and profuse hydrothermal activity, low atmospheric O2 pressure, thin ozone layer and high UV exposure). Likewise, we stress the importance of HAAL microbes as model poly-extremophiles in the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying their resistance ability against UV and toxic or deleterious chemicals using genome mining and functional genomics. In future research directions, it will be necessary to exploit the full potential of HAAL poly-extremophiles in terms of their biotechnological applications. Current projects heading this way have yielded detailed molecular information and functional proof on novel extremoenzymes: i.e., DNA repair enzymes and arsenic efflux pumps for which medical and bioremediation applications, respectively, are envisaged. But still, much effort is required to unravel novel functions for this and other molecules that dwell in a unique biological treasure despite its being hidden high up, in the remote Andes.

Innovative Test Technique to Evaluate “Self-Sealing” of Concrete

Abstract Concrete is prone to cracking when subjected to tensile forces because of its low tensile strength. The cracking potential is an even bigger concern when concrete is relatively young and is in the plastic stage. Cracks induced early can grow with time because of drying shrinkage and with application of service loads. Concrete, which is otherwise impermeable, allows for free passage of moisture and other deleterious chemicals when it is cracked, leading to reduced durability of the material and, in many cases, reduced service life of the structure. The severity of some of these issues can be alleviated because of an inherent property of concrete known as “self-sealing.” As the name suggests, “self-sealing” allows for the cracks (of limited width) to be sealed on their own over a period of time. However, currently there is no standard test technique to quantify this property of concrete and other cement-based materials, such as mortar. An innovative and straightforward technique was developed by the authors and is presented in this paper. In this technique, a standard crack is induced in concrete cylinders using a standard crack-inducing jig (SCIJ). The specimens are then inserted in special rubber sleeves and this assembly is then subjected to a constant water head. The reduction in flow through the cracked specimen is measured at a given time to compare the performance of different specimens. This technique can also be used to compare the performance of concrete mixes modified using various admixtures. This paper describes this innovative test technique and includes sample test results to explain the analysis process proposed by the authors.

Possible Health Implications Associated with Cosmetics: A Review

Cosmetics are products applied to the body or face to improve appearance. Theycleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness and alter appearance of the body. The concept of beauty and cosmetics is as old as mankind and civilization. Assorted beauty products such as skincare products, hair products, fragrances, oral hygiene, and nail products, which may contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to health are used especially by women. Most cosmetic products contain hazardous chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Talcum, Parabens, Coal tar dye, Phthalates, Fragrance, Mineral oil, Triethanolamine and some heavy metals eg, Lead, Arsenic, Nickel, Cadmium, and Mercury. The bioaccumulation of theseharmful chemicals andmetals in the body over time has been associatedwith cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders, contact dermatitis, hair loss, lung damage, ageing, skin disease and reaction, allergies, and damage of nails. The deleterious chemicals and metals can enter into the body by inhalation of perfumes, deodorant, nail polish, scented powder, etc; by absorption through penetration of harmful chemicals from body creams, moisturizers, cleanser, eye shadow, etc. It can also be by ingestion of chemicals and metals in lip sticks, lip balm, lip gloss, etc. through the mouth.

A novel electrochemical sensor based on electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymer and gold nanomaterials amplification for estradiol detection

A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for the rapid detection of estradiol (E2) was reported in this paper. Glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and molecular imprinted polymer (MIP). AuNPs were electrodeposited on the surface of GCE and were used to increase the electrode surface area and to amplify the sensor signal. p-Aminothiophenol (ATP) was then combined with AuNPs through Au–S bonds. Moreover, the E2 template was further assembled onto the ATP monolayer by the formation of hydrogen bonds with the amino group in ATP. The modified electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The parameters of the detection process were also optimized. The electrochemical sensor exhibits a linear detection range from 1.0×10−7 to 1.0×10−12mg/mL, and a detection limit of 1.28×10−12mg/mL under the optimal conditions. The sensor had good reproducibility, stability and selectivity for E2 detection. The recovery rate of E2 in the untreated milk samples was 84.7–102.9%, which had no obvious difference with that of the samples extracted with ethyl acetate (92.7–104.8%). The sensor can be potentially utilized for the detection of other deleterious chemicals.

Preservation and Transportation of Hepatocyte Monolayers in A No Spill Format at Non Freezing Temperatures

Hepatocyte monolayers were preserved under a gelatin overlay at 10°C. Morphological changes were observed after 4 days, as structure less areas at the cell periphery. The changes could be prevented by adding sucrose (0.05M) to the gel. Cell viability remained high for 7 days. Cell spreading occurred rapidly when the cells were reactivated. Basal enzyme levels were maintained during the preservation period. The hormonal induction of tyrosine aminotransferase was stable for 4 days but declined subsequently. Sucrose addition extended the period of preservation where induction was evident. The method provides a robust system that allows preservation in the absence of potentially deleterious chemicals. Time is allowed to send cells anywhere in the World in a no spill format whist arriving at their destination as if freshly produced.