Eco-friendly Methods Research Articles

Interfacial coupling of sandwich like Zn3V2O8/ZnO/NiCo2S4 nano-heterojunction for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of rifampicin

The overuse of antibiotics and the release of these pharmaceuticals into the water system has emerged as a serious issue posing a life-threatening environment to aquatic species. In contrast to various contaminants, antibiotics are specifically engineered for durability and efficacy in the system of the human body (human health). Although this design ensures their performance, it also results in their extended longevity and resilience against degradation in natural contexts. These challenges can be addressed by an advanced oxidation process (AOP) utilizing ternary heterojunction nano catalysts (NCs). In this study, the NCs were synthesized through a combination of calcinated-assisted reverse microemulsion and hydrothermal methods. The synthesized NCs were characterized by using various analytical techniques. The enhanced charge separation and migration in Zn3V2O8/ZnO/NiCo2S4 (ZZN) NCs results in 97.3 % degradation of rifampicin (RIF) within 80 min. ZZN NCs exhibit superior catalytic performance under visible light irradiation compared to its pristine Zn3V2O8, ZnO, NiCo2S4, and binary ZnO/NiCo2S4. The enhanced photocatalytic performance can be primarily attributed to the synergetic effects among Zn3V2O8, ZnO, and NiCo2S4 facilitated by the cascade-driven charge transfer mechanism. The prominent reactive oxygen species that participated in photocatalytic degradation activity were found to be superoxide (O2•-) and hydroxide radicals (•OH) which were confirmed through ESR and quenching experiments. From the practical application perspective, ZZN NCs ternary heterostructure demonstrated excellent stability and durability after being recycled six times. This study serve as a vital reference for future investigation into the photocatalytic mechanism related to heterostructure NCs, highlighting their potential for eco-friendly methods to eliminate pollutants and paves a way for manufacturing innovation in near future.

Assessing potential for biological control of Japanese giant silkworm Caligula japonica using Anastatus gansuensis, a thelytokous parasitoid firstly reported in Eupelmidae.

Caligula japonica, commonly known as Japanese giant silkworm (JGS), is a serious defoliating pest of fruit and forest trees in East Asia. To develop eco-friendly and cost-effective control methods for this pest, we evaluated the potential for biological control of JGS using its egg parasitoid Anastatus gansuensis reared on the Chinese oak silkworm (COS) Antheraea pernyi. We compared the reproductive traits and population increase potential of the parasitoid on JGS and COS eggs, as well as its functional response to host egg densities and mutual interference at different parasitoid densities. Anastatus gansuensis was confirmed to be strictly synovigenic, with most eggs maturing post-emergence, and produced <1% male offspring on both host eggs. Although A. gansuensis females reared from COS eggs had longer longevity and oviposition period, and higher fecundity and net reproductive rate compared to those reared from JGS eggs, the parasitoid had a higher intrinsic rate of increase on JGS than COS eggs. The parasitoid exhibited a type II functional response to increasing host densities, with mutual interference among foraging female wasps occurred at higher parasitoid densities. Our results indicate a high potential for biological control of JGS using A. gansuensis. The parasitoid can be efficiently reared on COS eggs and used against JGS. It may be essential to provide food for emerging adult parasitoids allowing time for egg maturation prior to the rearing or augmentative release of the parasitoid. Some mutual interference at high parasitoid rearing densities likely reduces per capita parasitization efficiency of A. gansuensis. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

지속가능성을 위한 텍스타일디자인 산업의 도전과 혁신사례 연구

This study aims to systematically analyze the challenges and innovative cases for implementing sustainability in the textile design industry. The textile design industry plays a significant role in the global economy but also causes problems such as environmental pollution, resource waste, and social inequality due to large-scale production and consumption. This study presents various approaches to solve these problems and seeks strategic approaches for the sustainable development of the industry. From an environmental perspective, it emphasizes the importance of improving resource efficiency and adopting eco-friendly materials and production methods. From a social perspective, it presents cases that protect workers' rights and welfare and ensure fair working conditions. From an economic perspective, it analyzes the need for strategic approaches to secure technological innovation and global competitiveness. The study found that innovative companies such as Spinnova, DyeCoo, and Human Material Loop are attempting various innovative approaches to implement sustainability. This study provides concrete action plans to enhance sustainability in the textile design industry and contribute to promoting sustainable development across the industry.

Intelligent spectrophotometric resolution platforms for the challenging spectra of ipratropium and fenoterol in their combination inhaler with ecological friendliness assessment.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the most common diagnoses for adults and children with respiratory tract inflammation. Recently, a novel fixed dose combination consisting of Ipratropium and Fenoterol has been released for the management and control of the symptoms of such disorders. The current research has newly developed andoptimizedthree smart, accurate,simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly spectrophotometric methods that enabled the simultaneous determination of the drugs under study in their combined inhaler dosage form, without the need for any previous separation steps, using water as a green solvent. The strategy employed was based oncalculating oneor two factors as a numerical spectrum or constant, whichprovided thecomplete removal of any component in the mixture that might overlap and the mathematical filtration of the targeted analyte. The methods developed could be classified into twotypesof spectrophotometric windows. Window I; involved absorption spectrum in their original zero-order forms (°D), which included recently designed methods named induced concentration subtraction (ICS) and induced dual wavelength (IDW). While window III focused on the ratio spectrum as theinduced amplitude modulation (IAM) method. The extremely low absorptivity and lack of distinct absorption maximum in the zero-order absorption spectrum of Ipratropium were two intrinsic challenges that were better overcome by the proposed spectrophotometric methods than by the conventionally used ones. According to ICH guidelines, the proposed methods were validated using unified regression over range 2.0-40.0 µg/mL in the ICS method, while the linearity ranges for the IDW and IAM methods were 5.0-40.0 µg/mL of Ipratropium and 2.0-40.0 µg/mL of Fenoterol. Moreover, the three proposed methods were effectively used to assay the co-formulated marketed inhaler and further expanded to confirm the delivered dose uniformityin compliance with the USP guidelines. Finally, the established methods were evaluated for their greenness and blueness, in comparison to the official and reported analysis methods, using advanced cutting edge software metrics. Furthermore, the suggested techniques adhered well to the white analytical chemistry postulates that were recently published.

Computational advances for energy conversion: Unleashing the potential of thermoelectric materials

Thermoelectric (TE) materials have lately attracted a lot of attention and sparked a flurry of research because of their potential for energy conversion and broad spectrum of applications, including waste heat recovery, thermocouples, sensors, and refrigeration. Additionally, they could potentially be able to offer extremely effective and eco-friendly methods for energy production and harvesting, which might aid in addressing the world's energy concerns. Concerning the advancement in condensed matter physics, although a plethora of research has been devoted to identifying suitable TE materials over the years, there is still scope for the exploration of new materials. This review article strives to project extensive progress in the field of thermoelectricity, commencing with a discussion on various classes of TE materials scrutinized based on TE coefficients such as thermopower, power factor, and thermal conductivity computed within the framework of DFT, combined with an in-depth look at the computational techniques used. A wide range of prospective TE material classes, including chalcogenides, pnictides, oxides, perovskites, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), and a few more, are meticulously addressed, stressing the unique characteristics of each class in separate sections and subsections. SrAgChF (Ch = S, Se, Te), with its superlattice structure, boasts high thermopower for both carriers, making it ideal for power generation. Similarly, ThOCh (Ch = S, Se, Te) and NbX2Y2 (X = S, Se, Y = Cl, Br, I) chalcogen materials exhibit significant thermoelectric properties in both bulk and monolayer forms. Fe2GeCh4 (Ch = S, Se, Te) demonstrates exceptional anisotropic TE characteristics, advantageous for device applications. Structurally resembling chalcopyrites, Zn-based pnictides show high efficiency, validated by the analysis of power factor scaled by temperature and relaxation time (S2σT/τ: where S is thermopower, σ is electrical conductivity, S2σ is power factor, T is temperature and τ is the relaxation time). Moreover, CaLiPn (Pn = As, Sb, Bi) emerges as more favorable for TE applications than SrLiAs, displaying low lattice thermal conductivity. Among transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), OsX2 (S, Se, Te) exhibits high thermopower, while FeS2 displays remarkable thermoelectric properties in both marcasite and pyrite structural phases. In exploring 2D materials akin to graphene, ReS2's TE properties have been scrutinized across various forms, showcasing significant potential, especially when tailored for flexibility. Compounds like CaSrX (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) and ZnGeSb2 exhibit notable TE features, indicating avenues for strain-engineered modulation of TE properties. Lattice dynamics play a pivotal role in TE efficiency, driving investigations into phonon dispersion and thermal properties across materials. CsAgO's remarkably low lattice thermal conductivity highlights its promise as a TE material. Despite the effectiveness of semiclassical approximations, accurately predicting transport parameters requires accounting for scattering effects. Incorporating such factors is essential for precise estimation of the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT). Notably, CsAgO's low lattice thermal conductivity contributes to its effectiveness, boasting a ZT exceeding 1.4. Layered compounds like CuTlX (X = S, Se) exhibit extreme anisotropy in lattice thermal conductivity and achieve ZT values surpassing one at 300 K. LaAgXO (X = Se, Te) shows a high ZT exceeding 2.5, particularly under heavy carrier doping. The best aspects of the compounds studied, the future of TE materials in the context of device application, the development of flexible and wearable TE materials, and strategies for improving TE parameters are all discussed in this review's conclusion.

Exploring the insights of bioslurry-Nanoparticle amalgam for soil amelioration.

In response to global agricultural challenges, this review examines the synergistic impact of bioslurry and biogenic nanoparticles on soil amelioration. Bioslurry, rich in N, P, K and beneficial microorganisms, combined with zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized through eco-friendly methods, demonstrates remarkable soil improvement capabilities. Their synergistic effects include enhanced nutrient availability through increased soil enzymatic activities, improved soil structure via stable aggregate formation, stimulated microbial activity particularly beneficial groups, enhanced water retention due to increased organic matter and modified soil surface properties and reduced soil pH fluctuations. These mechanisms significantly impact soil physico-chemical properties including cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity and nutrient dynamics. This review analyses these effects and their implications for sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on crop yield improvements, reduced chemical fertilizer dependence and enhanced plant stress tolerance. Knowledge gaps such as long-term nanoparticle accumulation effects and impacts on non-target organisms are identified. Future research directions include optimizing bioslurry-nanoparticle ratios for various soil types and developing "smart" nanoparticle-enabled biofertilizers with controlled release properties. This innovative approach contributes to environmentally friendly farming practices, potentially enhancing global food security and supporting sustainable agriculture transitions. The integration of bioslurry and biogenic nanoparticles presents a promising solution to soil degradation and agricultural sustainability challenges.

Synthesis of omega-3 mediated copper (ω-3-Cu) and copper oxide (ω-3-CuO) nanocatalyst dual application of dye decolourization and aerobic oxidation of eco-friendly sustainable approach.

In this study, ω-3-Cu and ω-3-CuO nanocatalysts were investigated for industrial environmental issues. Nowadays, green methodology is very important for addressing industrial environmental issues. In this regard, the current study focuses on ω-3-Cu and ω-3-CuO used for aerobic oxidation and dye decolourization via an eco-friendly approach. The synthesised ω-3-Cu and ω-3-CuO nanocatalysts were characterised using FT-IR, UV, XRD, TEM, GC-MS, 1H and 13C NMR. The results showed that the prepared ω-3-Cu catalyst was almost spherical with forms and sizes typically less than 20nm and the ω-3-CuO nanocatalyst 10nm. The ω-3 Cu and ω-3-CuO nanocatalysts were investigated for the conversion of pentan-2-ol into pentan-2-one, which was observed by GC-MS analysis. The ω-3-CuO nanocatalyst decolourised the Brilliant Blue dye more quickly (100% in 30min) than ω-3-Cu (85% in 60min) and ω-3 (no colour in 60min), and Rhodamine B was not decolourised because our ω-3-Cu and ω-3-CuO nanocatalysts inactivated the rhodamine B dye. The aerobic oxidation process using the ω-3-CuO nanocatalyst as the end product of pentan-2-one resulted in a retention time of 30.33. To the best of our knowledge, ω-3-Cu and ω-3-CuO nanocatalysts have not been documented for their application in decolourisation and aerobic oxidation. By highlighting the potential use for the continued advancement and innovation of ω-3-CuO nanocatalysts in the long-term future, cost-effective and eco-friendly methods for producing reusable ω-3-CuO nanocatalysts have the potential to be applied in advanced technical fields, particularly in the areas of dye decolourisation and aerobic oxidation. Finally, we successfully accomplished these processes using the ω-3-CuO nanocatalyst. The ω-3-CuO nanocatalyst evaporated more quickly than the ω-3-Cu and ω-3-CuO nanocatalyst, without any additional energy. ω-3-CuO is the most effective nanocatalyst for dye decolourization and aerobic oxidation (Dual application). ω-3-CuO is used in textile and pharmaceutical industries.

A Checklist of Butterflies in Ananda Tea Estate and its Adjacent Areas of Lakhimpur District, Assam, India

In the present study, a checklist of butterflies from the Ananda Tea Estate of Lakhimpur district, Assam is prepared and presented. During the study, surveys were carried out from October 2022 to April 2024 in the Ananda tea estate (27°27' N and 94°14' E) and its nearby areas– Dulung reserve forest and Subansiri river. A total of 36 species across 32 genera belonging to five families viz., Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Papilionidae, Lycaenidae, Riodinidae were recorded during the study. Amongst all the families, Nymphalidae was the most diverse family comprising 17 species which belong to 16 different genera. Approximately 48% of the recorded species belong to the Nymphalidae family, indicating the highest species richness. The dominant nature of the family Nymphalidae can be attributed to the polyphagous nature of the species under the family which help them to live in diverse habitats. The species Common albatross (Appias albina), recorded during the study, is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 of India. The Whittaker β-diversity was found to be 0.6875, indicating a moderate level of species turnover among the study sites. In the tea estate, due to the spraying of chemical pesticides large number of butterflies die each year which can be saved by replacing the chemical pesticides with biopesticides and other eco-friendly pest control methods including use of botanicals, Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITKs) and microbial antagonists.

Sustainable and technically smart spectrophotometric determination of PAXLOVID: a comprehensive ecological and analytical performance rating

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the administration of ritonavir (RIT)-boosted nirmatrelvir (NMV) on May 25, 2023, for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. In accordance with sustainability and environmental friendliness, simple, eco-friendly, and sustainable spectrophotometric methods were established for concurrently estimating RIT and NMV in newly launched copackaged pills. The suggested solutions for resolving the spectral overlap between RIT and NMV involve the following mathematical methods: the first derivative method (1D), second derivative method (2D), and dual-wavelength zero-order method (DWZ). When ethanol was used as a green dilution solvent, the linearity range was adjusted (10–250 µg/mL) for both drugs. The procedures resulted in a high correlation coefficient (not less than 0.9996) and satisfactory levels of detection and quantification. Additionally, method validation was performed in accordance with International Council for Harmonization norms. Moreover, a detailed ecological and sustainability evaluation protocol was established to confirm the greenness and whiteness of the methods. Finally, the proposed method, along with previously reported methods for analysing NMV and RIT, were reviewed analytically and ecologically.

Energy-saving path planning navigation for solar-powered vehicles considering shadows

Globally, the adverse climate effects caused by greenhouse gas emissions are becoming increasingly apparent, and solutions to increase the use of eco-friendly transportation methods are urgently needed. Introducing solar-powered vehicles (SPVs), which are cars integrated with solar panels capable of generating power, presents a promising solution to reduce urban carbon footprints. However, the low adoption rate of SPVs implies that the benefits—such as environmental friendliness and ability to charge while driving—need to be more palpably experienced by consumers. To address this aspect, in this study, we aimed to develop a navigation system algorithm that guides users along routes that optimize energy consumption and solar energy production from the starting point to the destination. This was done with the objective of providing more tangible benefits from using SPVs. The study focused on the high-traffic urban center of Seoul, where determining solar power availability for a moving SPV is challenging, given the presence of shadows cast by roadside features such as buildings and trees. To achieve this, panoramic images from Google Street View were collected at 10 m intervals from all roads within the research area. From these images, sky and non-sky elements were separated. Subsequently, a hemispherical map was constructed and superimposed with the sun's path. The presence of shadows was determined by assessing whether the sun's path was obstructed by non-sky elements; if the path was unimpeded in the sky, no shadow was recorded. The shadow data obtained at each spot were efficiently stored in a database for quick retrieval and application based on specific locations and departure times. Using this shadow information, the navigation algorithm calculates power generation along a given route and considers the energy consumption of the SPV. Analysis led to the identification of an energy-saving route, which enabled the achievement of energy conservation and CO2 reduction benefits. Furthermore, a comprehensive sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the impact of four critical parameters—module efficiency, solar panel area, vehicle speed, and departure time—on route selection and net energy consumption. The energy-saving path planning algorithm enhances the economic feasibility of solar charging for SPVs during travel; thus, this study can contribute significantly to the widespread adoption of SPVs, which play a definitive role in reducing transportation's carbon footprint.

Evaluation of Larvicidal Properties of Zingiber officinale Rhizome and Allium Sativum Bulbs against Aedes aegypti

This study evaluates the larvicidal potential of methanolic extracts derived from Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizome and Allium sativum (garlic) bulbs against the 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, a key vector responsible for transmitting diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. Due to the increasing resistance of mosquitoes to conventional insecticides, there is a pressing need for alternative, eco-friendly vector control methods. Botanical extracts, known for their pesticidal properties, offer a promising solution. Methanolic extracts were collected from the selected test plant parts and different test solutions were prepared to test their larvicidal efficacy against the fourth instar larvae of Ae. aegypti. The results indicated a significant dose-dependent increase in larval mortality for both extracts. The extracts of Z. officinale consistently showed better larvicidal effects than outperformed the extracts of A. sativum at all tested concentrations, with mortality rates ranging from 14.29% at 62.5 ppm to 79.22% at 500 ppm. In contrast, A. sativum exhibited mortality rates from 11.69% at 62.5 ppm to 76.62% at 500 ppm. The LC50 values further highlighted the greater efficacy of ginger extract, with an LC50 of 219.10 ppm compared to 237.39 ppm for garlic. These results suggest the usage of extracts of ginger rhizomes and garlic bulbs as eco-friendly larvicides against Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.

Fabrication of high-performance graphene fiber: Structural evolution strategy from a two-step green reduction method

Graphene fibers (GFs) have a bright future in a variety of applications ascribing to their excellent performance. However, strict preparation conditions with extremely high graphitization temperature or toxic chemical reagents severely restrict their extensive implementation. Meanwhile, researchers are seeking easily scalable and eco-friendly GFs production methods. Here, we propose a green two-step reduction strategy involving L-ascorbic acid (LAA) chemical reduction followed by low-temperature annealing for the preparation of high-performance GFs. Benefiting from the elimination of macro-, micro- and nano-scaled defects and recombination of graphene nanosheets, the prepared GFs demonstrated amazing tensile strength of 778.49 MPa, Young's modulus of 92.61 GPa and an outstanding electrical conductivity of 3.2 × 104 S m−1, outperforming most of the chemically reduced GFs. This two-step green reduction strategy provides a new insight for constructing integrated high-performance GFs for sustainable application in many fields.

Facile synthesis of novel acidic modified magnetic graphene oxide and its application in the green synthesis of pyrimido[4,5-b]quinolines

This study aimed to create an innovative acidic nano catalyst capable of producing pyrimido[4,5-b]quinolines under environmentally friendly conditions. To achieve this objective, 1,3-benzenedisulfonyl amide (BDSA) was immobilized onto the surface of magnetic graphene oxide (GO/Fe3O4@PTRMS@BDSA@SO3H), and its surface was acidified using chlorosulfonic acid. The synthesized catalyst's structure was thoroughly examined and verified through various analyses, including FTIR, EDX, elemental mapping, FESEM, XRD, TGA, and DSC. This novel nano catalyst exhibited exceptional activity and selectivity in synthesizing pyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline derivatives under solvent-free conditions, at low temperatures, and with high efficiency. Its catalytic effectiveness stemmed from features such as easy and eco-friendly synthesis methods, abundant accessible catalytic sites, a high surface area, remarkable selectivity, and facile separation from the reaction medium. Additionally, the catalyst proved to be cost-effective, safe, scalable, and reusable for up to four times.

Leveraging Strengths of green chromatography in Developing eco-friendly HPLC and HPTLC methods for the simultaneous analysis of Lamivudine, Dolutegravir and tenofovir alafenamide

The development of green analytical methodologies is a critical challenge in the field of pharmaceutical analysis. The ternary mixture investigated in this study consists of the antiretroviral drugs Lamivudine (LMV), Tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF), and Dolutegravir (DTG), which are all approved antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. While LMV was approved in 1995, DTG and TAF were more recently approved in 2013 and 2016, respectively, as newer generation HIV medications with improved efficacy and safety profiles compared to earlier antiretroviral drugs. This study presents three eco-friendly approaches for the simultaneous determination of the ternary mixture. Two HPLC methods were applied: an organic-solvent free mixed-micellar HPLC technique was developed as (method A), using a Cyano column (150 × 4.6 mm,5.0 µm) with a mobile phase consisting of 0.03 M Brij-35, 0.09 M sodium dodecyl sulfate, and 0.02 M ammonium acetate in water, adjusted to pH 3.0. Green solvents were applied in (method B), namely, phosphate buffer 25 mM adjusted to pH 3.0 and ethanol (45:55, v/v) using an Inertsil-C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm,5.0 µm,). Peaks were detected at 258 nm, and the retention times for (method A) were 3.10, 3.95 and 5.03 min, and for (method B) were 2.53, 3.63 and 4.86 min for LMV, TAF and DTG, respectively. Additionally, a green thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) method was developed using a water-isopropanol-formic acid mobile phase (65/35/10,v/v/v) and RP-18 silica gel 60 HPTLC-plates. The drugs were successfully resolved, with retardation factor (Rf) values of 0.26, 0.54 and 0.82 for DTG, TAF, and LMV, respectively. The novel methods were validated and applied successfully in marketed dosage forms. Their greenness profiles were assessed using two recent metrics.

INVESTIGATION OF THE ENZYMATIC DEGUMMING AND STEAM EXPLOSION’S IMPACT ON THE CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF THE NATURAL FIBERS

Today the textile production is considered as one of the most polluted fields across the world. And the size of the global textile market is expected to be increased by 26% in 2030. The high demand for clothing has necessitated the search for sustainable alternatives to mitigate the environmental impact. One such alternative being studied is the utilizing natural fibers instead of synthetic fibers due to their promising properties. The major benefits of using natural fibers at industrial skills are sustainability, biodegradability, eco-friendliness and lightweight. Utilizing the natural fibers such as flax, hemp, jute, nettle can decrease the waste release. For the use of natural plant fibers as textile materials, the degumming process, also known as retting, must be performed in order to make fiber bundles become more separable from the wood’s part of the stem. Methods of fiber degumming have been divided into four categories: physical, enzymatic, chemical and biological. The suggestion of the use of steam explosion and enzymatic retting as eco-friendly methods that can reduce fiber damage without influencing on cellulosic structure are proposed. To determine and increase the effect of the degumming on the natural fibers, the flax, hemp fibers were taken as samples to perform the enzymatic degumming following the steam explosion method. For the enzymatic activity, pectate lyase (Bioprep100L, Novozymes) was used. As a chelator to remove Ca+ ions from the fibers, EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) was proposed to utilize during the enzymatic retting to improve mechanical properties of the fibers. Three groups were observed to investigate the effects of enzymatic retting on natural fibers: the control group (utilizing water only), the second group using pectate lyase enzyme with water, and the third group employing a pectate lyase enzyme buffered solution with EDTA as a chelator. After enzymatic degumming, the obtained biomass from three groups were got through the steam explosion at 200 °C for 4 min. As a result, according to chemical analysis of sugar content using HPAE-PAD ion chromatography, it was revealed that the second group that is used only the pectate lyase and water following the steam explosion method showed the best result in comparison with the other groups. It was determined that the percentage of rhamnose and arabinan sugars, which represent the pectin content significantly decreased that cause a partial or a full elimination of pectin (≈ 0,05% for flax and ≈ 0 % for hemp), while the glucose content slightly increased (≈ 94,67% and ≈ 94,74%, respectively) meaning that cellulose was not damaged during the retting methods. It can also be suggested that the group with EDTA chelator did not lead to successful results due to its influence on pectate lyase, causing the inactivation of enzyme. Although the obtained results, demonstrating the efficient retting outcomes with pectate lyase that that can be used at industrial scale for the further processes of textile production, the additional analyses on mechanical properties, including determination of tensile strength, elongation must be performed.

Flavor-boosting of Phaeodactylum tricornutum by fermentation with edible mushrooms

Microalgae are a promising and sustainable source of nutritious food, especially for use in alternatives to fish and seafood. Among them, Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) stands out for its potential to revolutionize future diets with its rich nutrient profile and eco-friendly cultivation methods. However, its typically fishy and “brackish water” off-odor has been a significant deterrent. Using 13 basidiomycetes as starter cultures, the dynamic changes in the aroma were studied. To better understand the aroma development during fermentation, odor-active compounds were identified using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry–olfactometry. By submerged fermentation lasting 39 and 51 hours with Pleurotus citrinopileatus (PCI) and Pleurotus eryngii (PER), respectively, the unpalatable odor of PT was transformed into savory and seafood-like aromas, while retaining most of the valuable carotenoids (fucoxanthin and β-carotene were retained at 75 % and 90 %) and fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were preserved at 80 % of their initial concentrations). Throughout the fermentation process, key odorants responsible for the algae's initial green, grassy, and unpleasant odor were reduced, while compounds responsible for savory and seafood-like fragrances increased. A series of sulfur compounds, such as dimethyl disulfide, were found to be major contributors to the post-fermentation aroma.

Carya Illinoinensis-mediated Green Synthesis and Antimicrobial Screening of Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles: The Promising Antimicrobial Agent

Background: The synthesis of metal-based nanoparticles through conventional methods involves harsh conditions, high costs, and severe environmental threats. To overcome these issues, researchers are nowadays focusing on eco-friendly and low-cost methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Finally, several plant-mediated synthesis techniques have been developed, which have various advantages, such as low-cost, environmentally friendly, and easy application. The plant extract not only serves as a reducing agent but also plays a role as a stabilizing agent. The plantmediated synthesis provides new opportunities for cost-effective, environmentally-friendly nanoparticle synthesis with high dispersity and stability. Besides, bio-generated nanoparticles derived from plant extract have promising pharmacological applications, making them potential candidates for future medicines. Aims and Objectives: The current study aimed to synthesize zirconium oxide nanoparticles using Carya illinoinensis extract and examine their physicochemical properties. Additionally, the antimicrobial efficacy of these nanoparticles was evaluated against various pathogens, exploring their potential as potent antimicrobial agents. Method: The synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed and characterized by various techniques like UV-Vis spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The UV-visible peak at 216 nm confirmed the formation of ZrO2 nanoparticles. The SEM images clearly showed that nanoparticles were spherical and relatively dispersed, with few agglomerations. The EDX spectra confirmed the existence of zirconium and oxygen as the basic constituents of the sample. TEM images demonstrated nanoparticles as spherical and uniformly dispersed but agglomerated with increasing precursor concentrations and decreasing nanoparticle dispersion. Fluconazole and gentamicin were used as standards in determining the antibacterial and antifungal activities of nanoparticles. Results: Considering the antifungal activity, a maximum zone of inhibition of 16 μg/ml was demonstrated in the case of 2 mM as compared to 4 mM and 6 mM concentrations. The Carya illinoinensismediated ZrO2 nanoparticles were screened against Gram-positive (S. aureus and P. aeruginosa) and Gram-negative (S. typhi and E. coli) bacterial strains. The fabricated nanoparticles exhibited promising action against all microorganisms. Conclusion: In the current study, zirconium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by using Carya illinoinensis leaves extract as a reducing agent. The antifungal and antibacterial potential of the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated. The green synthesis method used in this study is preferable to the others as it is more affordable, environmentally benign, and widely accessible.

SP6.4 - Were QR codes to distribute information to patients following a consultation beneficial in a clinical setting?

Abstract Aims To investigate whether the use of QR codes to distribute information from brochures online would be accepted and preferred by patients compared to physical paper brochures; If paper waste can be reduced - fewer brochures being printed and discarded and hence eco-friendly and cost effective Methods Benign breast conditions were chosen for this project and QR codes generated with specific URLs for each booklet linked to a scannable QR code. At the end of clinical consultation, the Consultant invited and guided patients to scan the QR code brochure specific for their symptoms. 60 patients, from October 2022 to March 2023 were invited to take part in this original study, as a part of their consultation, with their responses gathered and analysed. Results 60 patients completed the feedback form with a 100% response rate. The age range was 20 to 70 (mean age = 45 years), of which 76.7% were aged under 50 years, and 96.7% were female. The majority (78.3%) preferred accessing an electronic leaflet via a QR code instead of a paper leaflet, and 88.3% found it easier to access information online via the QR code over other methods to access websites. Conclusions The majority of the patients were satisfied/very satisfied with the use of QR codes to access the online brochures. Although this was a simple study, it provides the basis to design a larger trial with a standardised methodology procedure, so that we can draw meaningful results from appropriate statistical analyses.

Phenazines are involved in the antagonism of a novel subspecies of Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain S1Bt23 against Pythium ultimum

Long-term use of chemical fungicides to control plant diseases caused by fungi and oomycetes has led to pathogen resistance and negative impacts on public health and environment. There is a global search for eco-friendly methods and antagonistic bacteria are emerging as alternatives. We isolated a potent antagonistic bacterial strain (S1Bt23) from woodland soil in Québec, Canada. Taxonomic characterization by 16S rRNA, multi-locus sequence analysis, pairwise whole-genome comparisons, phylogenomics and phenotypic data identified strain S1Bt23 as a novel subspecies within Pseudomonas chlororaphis. In dual culture studies, strain S1Bt23 exhibited potent mycelial growth inhibition (60.2–66.7%) against Pythium ultimum. Furthermore, strain S1Bt23 was able to significantly bioprotect potato tuber slices from the development of necrosis inducible by P. ultimum. Annotations of the whole genome sequence of S1Bt23 revealed the presence of an arsenal of secondary metabolites including the complete phenazine biosynthetic cluster (phzABCDEFG). Thin-layer (TLC) and high-performance liquid (HPLC) chromatographic analyses of S1Bt23 extracts confirmed the production of phenazines, potent antifungal compounds. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of phzB (S1Bt23ΔphzB) or phzF (S1Bt23ΔphzF) gene abrogated phenazine production based on TLC and HPLC analyses. Also, S1Bt23ΔphzB and S1Bt23ΔphzF mutants lost antagonistic activity and bioprotection ability of potato tubers against P. ultimum. This demonstrated that phenazines are involved in the antagonistic activity of S1Bt23 against P. ultimum. Finally, based on genotypic and phenotypic data, we taxonomically conclude that S1Bt23 represents a novel subspecies for which the name Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. phenazini is proposed.

Co-precipitation Synthesis and Characterization Studies of Manganese Oxide Doped with Nickel for High-Performance Energy Storage Supercapacitor Application

The advancement in nanotechnology research has facilitated the development of eco-friendly methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles. In this work, nickel (Ni)-doped manganese oxide was synthesized using the co-precipitation method. The prepared Ni-doped manganese oxide products have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The preliminary electrochemical characteristics include charge-discharge cycling, which improves the conductivity and capacitance of the high-performance aqueous asymmetrical supercapacitor. The CV analysis of the Ni-doped manganese oxide electrode demonstrated a distinctive pseudocapacitive behavior in 1 M KOH solution. The nickel (Ni) doped electrode has a higher specific capacitance value than the pure manganese oxide electrode, with a value of 2225.07 F×g-1 at a scan rate of 5 mV×s-1. Keywords: Supercapacitor, Co-precipitation method, Nanotechnology, Synthesized, Electrochemical