Ethanol-acetic Acid Research Articles

Clostridia as Promising Biofactory for Heterotrophic (Fructose) and Autotrophic (C1-Gas) Fermentation

This study compared the performance of Clostridium ljungdahlii and Clostridium aceticum in the fermentation of fructose and C1-gasses (CO, CO2, N2) to produce valuable products such as ethanol and acetic acid. In heterotrophic fermentation (fructose), C. ljungdahlii yielded high ethanol concentrations (350 mg/L) and acetic acid (500 mg/L), with optimal production at pH 8 on the first day of fermentation. Although autotrophic fermentation (C1-gasses) resulted in lower ethanol levels (200 mg/L), it remained a viable option. Conversely, C. aceticum predominantly produced acetic acid in both fermentation modes, with higher concentrations in the heterotrophic fermentation (1600 mg/L) than the autotrophic fermentation (380 mg/L). These findings demonstrate the versatility of both microorganisms for producing valuable metabolites. C. ljungdahlii shows promise for bioethanol production, while C. aceticum excels at generating acetic acid, a crucial component in bioplastics and various industrial processes.

Growth of Surface Oxide Layers on Dendritic Cu Particles by Wet Treatment and Enhancement of Sinter-Bondability by Using Cu Paste Containing the Particles

Pastes were prepared using dendritic Cu particles as fillers, and a compression die attachment process was implemented to establish a pure Cu joint using low-cost materials and high-speed sinter bonding. We aimed to grow an oxidation layer on the particle surface to improve sinter-bondability. Because the growth of the oxidation layer by general thermal oxidation methods makes it difficult to use as a filler owing to agglomeration between particles, we induced oxidation growth by wet surface treatment. Consequently, when the oxidation layer was appropriately grown by surface treatment using an acetic acid–ethanol solution, we obtained an improved joint strength, approximately 2.8 times higher than the existing excellent result based on a bonding time of 10 s. The joint formed in just 10 s at 300 °C in the air under 10 MPa compression showed a shear strength of 28.4 MPa. When the bonding time was increased to 60 s, the joint exhibited a higher strength (35.1 MPa) and a very dense microstructure without voids. These results were attributed to the acceleration of sintering by the in situ formation of more Cu nanoparticles, which effectively reduced the increased oxide layers in the particles using a reducing solvent.

Evaluation of the Physico-chemical and Biological Properties of Fermented Nipa (Nypa fruticans) Sap Under Closed and Open Vessel Fermentation System for Bioethanol Production

Background The potential of Nipa (Nypa fruticans) sap in the Cagayan Region, Philippines, for bioethanol production remains largely underexplored despite its vast expanse. Methods This study investigates the key physico-chemical properties of Nipa sap from Aparri, Cagayan, with a focus on fermentation dynamics and storage conditions to optimize ethanol production. Two fermentation treatments closed and open vessel conditions, were compared to determine the optimal conditions for maximum ethanol yield. Over a 7-day fermentation period, the acetic acid production, yeast activity, sugar content, and ethanol concentration of closed vessel fermented sap (CVFS) and open vessel fermented sap (OVFS) were monitored. Results CVFS demonstrated a higher ethanol yield (7.56%v/v at peak day), characterized by minimized acetic acid accumulation and stable yeast activity. In contrast, OVFS exhibited significant fluctuations in acetic acid and ethanol levels, indicating a lower fermentation efficiency. Conclusion The presence of methanol and high acetic acid content in open-vessel fermentation systems highlights the importance of fermentation conditions to prevent impurities. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing ethanol production from fermenting Nipa sap by employing closed vessel fermentation, which is crucial for sustainable bioethanol production in the Cagayan region.

Reaction of aroylpyruvic acids methyl esters with 4-aminobenzoic acid. Antioxidant activity of the obtained compounds

4-{[(2Z)-4-Aryl-2-hydroxy-4-oxobut-2-enoyl]amino}benzoic acids were synthesized by reacting methyl esters of aroylpyruvic acids with 4-aminobenzoic (p-aminobenzoic) acid in glacial acetic acid in the presence of anhydrous sodium acetate. 4-{[(2Z)-4-Aryl-1-methoxy-1,4-dioxobut-2-en-2-yl)]amino}benzoic acids were synthesized by reacting the above reagents in a mixture of glacial acetic acid–ethanol (1:1) without adding anhydrous sodium acetate. Structure of the obtained compounds was confirmed by 1H and 13C{1H} NMR and IR spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized compounds was studied.

Development of Unique Pyrazoline Analogues for Screening Anticancer and Anti-inflammatory Studies

Cancer is a major threat to human society in the world, which results in a maximum probability of death. In the present scenario, chemotherapy is the main cancer treatment, but still, it has its limitations. Hence, cytotoxic and chemotherapy medicines are the main focus of research for medicinal chemists. So, it is the need of the hour to explore the possibility of effective and safe anticancer drugs. The current research involves the synthesis of pyrazoline derivatives (PYR1-PYR8), which are novel cytotoxic agents developed from recently formulated chalcones (CHL1-CHL8). Title compounds were prepared by subjecting the chalcones with by hydrazine hydrate in ethanolic acetic acid. The purified synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, and mass spectroscopic evaluation. Using in-vitro models, cytotoxicity evaluations were conducted on cell lines associated with lung cancer by MTT and SRB methods using doxorubicin as standard, which revealed differing levels of cytotoxic effects among the compounds. The egg albumin denaturation and protein denaturation methods were used to access in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Compound PYR4 and PYR6 showed significant anti-inflammatory efficacy in relation to diclofenac sodium as the reference drug. Compound PYR3, PYR4, and PYR6 displayed noteworthy anticancer activity matched to doxorubicin, which is a reference drug. The current research asserts that the newly developed pyrazoline derivatives exhibit high levels of cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects. However, their preclinical and clinical significance needs a thorough evaluation.

Viability and Diversity of the Microbial Cultures Available in Retail Kombucha Beverages in the USA.

Kombucha is a two-stage fermented sweetened tea beverage that uses yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to convert sugars into ethanol and lactate and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) to oxidize ethanol to acetate. Its popularity as a beverage grew from claims of health benefits derived from this vibrant microbial bioconversion. While recent studies have shed light on the diversity of cultures in Kombucha fermentation, there is limited information on the diversity, and especially viability, of cultures in retail beverages that advertise the presence of Kombucha and probiotic cultures. In this study, 12 Kombucha beverages produced by different manufacturers throughout the US were purchased and microbially characterized. Eight of the beverages contained viable Kombucha cultures, while 3 of the remaining 4 had viable Bacillus cultures as added probiotics. Amplicon profiling revealed that all contained Kombucha yeast and bacteria cells. The dominant yeasts detected were Lachancea cidri (10/12), Brettanomyces (9/12), Malassezia (6/12), and Saccharomyces (5/12). Dominant LAB included Liquorilactobacillus and Oenococcus oeni, and AAB were Komagataeibacter, Gluconobacter, and Acetobacter. One beverage had a significant amount of Zymomonas mobilis, an ethanol-producing bacterium from Agave cactus. While Kombucha beverages differ in the types and viability of cultures, all except one beverage contained detectable viable cells.

The Identification of Acetic Acid-Ethanol Mixture Using Gas Sensor Array and Ensemble Regression

Identification of acetic acid-ethanol mixtures using a commercial gas sensor array equipped with ensemble regression has been carried out. The gas sensor analysis was simple, rapid, and fast since it did not require any sample preparation. A quantitative analysis of the acetic acid-ethanol mixture was carried out to determine the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor in distinguishing the concentration of the acetic acid and ethanol mixture. This study focuses on the coefficient of determination of 80% of the calibration data set and recovery of 20% of the testing data set. The models showed excellent performance,specifically, the Bagging and Random Forest r2 for the ethanol calibration data reached 0.91 and 0.94, respectively. The corresponding ethanol test recoveries were 99.95% and 97.84%, indicating the robustness of the model in accurately predicting ethanol concentration. Acetic acid test recoveries were 100.56% and 101.38% with r2 of 0.89 and 0.93 for Bagging and Random Forest regression, respectively. Hence, the commercial gas sensor array equipped with ensemble regression can be applied to the quantification of the acetic acid – ethanol mixture and demonstrate opportunities for the practical use of this gas sensor array in analyzing real samples, i.e. human breath or environmental monitoring samples.

Design, synthesis, α-amylase and glucose diffusion inhibition, and molecular docking studies of new indenopyrazolones bearing benzothiazole derivatives

An eco-friendly facile synthesis of a series of twenty 1-(4/6-substitutedbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-3-(phenyl/substitutedphenyl)indeno[1,2-c]pyrazol-4(1H)-ones 7a–t was achieved by the reaction of 2-(benzoyl/substitutedbenzoyl)-(1H)-indene-1,3(2H)-dione 3a–t and 2-hydrazinyl-4/6-substitutedbenzo[d]thiazole 6a–t in presence of freshly dried ethanol and glacial acetic acid under reflux conditions in good yields. The newly synthesized derivatives were well characterized using different physical and spectral techniques (FTIR, 1H NMR &13C NMR, and HRMS). All the compounds were subjected to assess their in vitro α-amylase and glucose diffusion inhibitory activity. Amongst them, the compounds 7i and 7l showed better α-amylase inhibitory activity demonstrating IC50 values of 92.99±1.94 µg/mL and 95.41±3.92 µg/mL, respectively in comparison to the standard drug acarbose (IC50 value of 103.60±2.15 µg/mL). The derivatives 7d and 7k exhibited good glucose diffusion inhibition with values of 2.25±1.16 µg/mL and 2.63±1.45 µg/mL, respectively with standard reference acarbose (2.76±0.55 µg/mL). The observed α-amylase inhibitory activity findings were corroborated through molecular docking investigations, particularly for the highly active compounds 7i (binding energy −8.0 kcal/mol) and 7l (binding energy −8.2 kcal/mol) respectively, in comparison to acarbose with a value of binding energy −6.9 kcal/mol for α-amylase.

Solid phase microextraction of rhodamine B in cosmetic samples using ZnS@GO@WMCNTs Nanocomposite with Spectrophotometric Detection

Rhodamine B dye (RhB) has carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity and toxicity on living cells and therefore its use is prohibited. but it is still secretly used in cosmetics and foods. For this reason, it is important to develop analytical methods for accurate and sensitive analysis of trace levels of RhB dye in cosmetic and food samples. In this study, a new solid phase microextraction method (SPME) was developed for quick and cheap analysis of RhB in cosmetic samples. A new nanohybrid material including graphene oxide (GO), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and zinc sulfide nanopartices (ZnS) was synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis method and the new ZnS@GO@WMCNTs nanohybrid material was used as sorbent in simultaneous separation and preconcentration of RhB from cosmetic products by SPME. ZnS@GO@WMCNTs material was characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM-Mapping and energy dispersive X-Ray fluorescence (EDX) techniques. The effects of experimental parameters such as amount of sorbent, pH of sample solution, sample volume, effects of matrix, eluent solutions on the recoveries of RhB were investigated. RhB dye adsorbed on ZnS@GO@WMCNTs was eluted with acetic acid–ethanol mixture (2:1) and determined by using UV–Visible spectrophotometer at 550 nm. The fact that RhB adsorbed quantitatively on the adsorbent at all pH values shows that strong Van der Waals interactions between the ZnS@GO@WMCNTs and RhB molecules are effective in adsorption. In optimal experimental conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) and preconcentration factor (PF) of the proposed MSPE-UV/Vis spectroscopy procedure were 4.74 and 44, respectively. The MSPE-UV/Vis procedure was successfully applied to the microextraction and determination of RhB in nail polishs ve lipstick samples with recoveries in the range 95–101 %.

Wet-chemistry synthesis of ultrasmall α-MoC1-x nanoparticles and rGO/α-MoC1-x composite and its evaluation as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction

Ultrasmall molybdenum carbide α−MoC1−x nanoparticles (1.6 nm) and the hybrid material rGO/α−MoC1−x supported in reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were synthesized by a one-pot oleylamine-mediated route at low-temperature (613 K). They were evaluated as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in the acid medium after surface cleaning with an ethanol-acetic acid solution. The electrocatalysts were also thermal treated (N2 flow, 773 K/30 min) and compared with untreated ones. Quite large HER activity was observed for the α−MoC1−x compared with the rGO/α−MoC1−x and rGO/α−MoC1−x−773. In addition, after cycling, all catalysts showed considerable performance improvement assigned to removing residual oleylamine molecules from the electrocatalyst’s surface. Compared to the unsupported sample, the lower catalytic activity in the supported materials was attributed to the ultrasmall carbide nanoparticles oxidation increases. The route is simple, with low costs and energy consumption, showing a high potential to develop efficient electrocatalysts for HER.

Isolation and Characterization of Active Alkaloid Compounds from Cinnamomum Verum Cortexes and Proof of their Medicinal Efficacy against Pathogenic Fungus Alternaria Alternate Causing Upper Respiratory Tract Inflammatory Disease

Six alkaloid compounds were isolated (the discovery of a natural drug, which is a combination of the six alkaloid compounds). Alkaloids viz., 1,3,5-Triazine-2-carboxylic acid, 4-amino-6-methyl; 1,2,4-Triazino[5,6-E][1,2,4]-triazine-3,6-dione, hexahydro; 2-(4,5-Dihydro-3-methyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4-pyrazole)-5-nitrobenzoic acid; 4-metyl-3,4-dihydro-[1,2,3] trizolo [4,5-d] pyrimidine-5,7-dione; Propanoic acid-3-(perhydro-2,5-dioxo-imidazol [4,5-d] imidazole-1-yl) and 1,2,3-Triazolo[4,5-f] benzotriazole- 4,8(4H,8H)-dione, were isolated from Cinnamomum verum cortexes by using ethanolic acetic acid, sulphuric acid, and ammonia solvents, and they were characterized by using preliminary qualitative tests, gas chromatography-mass spectrumGC-MASS. The medicinal efficacy was studied for these six alkaloidic compounds theoretically by using the Autodock program and the results showed the presence of high efficacy of the compounds. Then the medicinal efficacy was measured biologically for the six compounds mixture in vitro depending on the synergistic interaction principle by using various concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/ml) by using of agar diffusion technique. The results showed that the six alkaloidic compounds’ mixture is biologically active against Alternaria alternate fungus, where the inhibition zone diameters were recorded equal to 27, 33, 41, 45, and 49 mm respectively towards the pathogenic fungus. Also, cytotoxicity tests for the different concentrations of six active alkaloid compounds mixture proved there is no toxic effect belonging to them towards red blood cells, and no hemolysis effect appeared in blood cells. Therefore, six alkaloid compounds isolated from Cinnamomum verum cortexes can be used as active drugs for the treatment of various diseases especially those caused by pathogenic fungi represented by Alternaria alternate, without any side effects.

Antibacterial films based on polylactide and polybutylene adipate terephthalate loaded with zinc oxide or silver nanoparticles: Characterization and application in fresh noodles packaging

adipate terephthalate (PBAT) as matrix and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antibacterial agents, a series of antibacterial PLA/PBAT films were prepared by melt blending. The weight ratio of PLA, PBAT and nanoparticles in composite films was 70:900:10 (lower loading) or 70:900:20 (higher loading). The results showed that comparing with the PLA/PBAT films, the hydrophilicity, oxygen barrier properties, mechanical performance and antibacterial activities of PLA/PBAT/nanoparticles films were significantly improved (P＜0.05), and influenced by the content and type of nanoparticles. After the addition of nanoparticles, the maximum change of films performance was from 71.3° to 35.8°for water contact angle, from 7.4 × 10−14 cm3 cm.cm−2. s−1. Pa−1 to 5.5 × 10−14 cm3 cm.cm−2. s−1. Pa−1 for oxygen transmission permeability, from 26.4 MPa to 31.4 MPa for tensile strength, and from 0% to 57.8% (Escherichia coli) or 58.6% (Staphylococcus aureus) for antibacterial ratio. The films with higher loading content of nanoparticles showed a better antibacterial activity. For the same nanoparticles content, the antibacterial activity of PLA/PBAT/AgNPs was better than PLA/PBAT/ZnONPs. The overall migration in food simulants involving acetic acid (3%) ethanol (10% and 95%) was below 10 mg/dm2 for most films, however, the overall migration for the films with higher content of AgNPs exceeded the limit value. The fresh noodles packaged by PLA/PBAT/AgNPs films showed the significant lowest total viable count with 4.6 lg (CFU/g) and the best appearance color characterized by L* (lightness), a*(red-green) and b*(yellow-blue) at storage time of 7 d in contrast with PLA/PBAT and PLA/PBAT/ZnONPs films, indicating the potential application of prepared films in active packaging to prolong the shelf life of food.

Microbiological and Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Black Tea Kombucha Fermented with a New Zealand Starter Culture.

Kombucha is a popular sparkling sugared tea, fermented by a symbiotic culture of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) and yeast. The demand for kombucha continues to increase worldwide, mainly due to its perceived health benefits and appealing sensory properties. This study isolated and characterised the dominant AAB and yeast from a starter culture and kombucha broth after 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 14 days of fermentation at ambient temperature (22 °C). Yeast and AAB were isolated from the Kombucha samples using glucose yeast extract mannitol ethanol acetic acid (GYMEA) and yeast extract glucose chloramphenicol (YGC) media, respectively. The phenotypic and taxonomic identification of AAB and yeast were determined by morphological and biochemical characterisation, followed by a sequence analysis of the ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA for AAB and ITS for yeast). The changes in the microbial composition were associated with variations in the physico-chemical characteristics of kombucha tea, such as pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids (TSS). During fermentation, the acidity increased and the TSS decreased. The yield, moisture content, and water activity of the cellulosic pellicles which had developed at the end of fermentation were attributed to the presence of AAB. The dominant AAB species in the cellulosic pellicles and kombucha broth were identified as Komagataeibacter rhaeticus. The yeast isolates belonged to Debaryomyces prosopidis and Zygosaccharomyces lentus.

From purple corn waste (pericarp) to polyphenol-rich extract with higher bioactive contents and superior product qualities using two-step optimization techniques

The pericarp of purple corn has traditionally been thought of as being a byproduct. However, it is an excellent source of high-value polyphenols (such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanins, etc.) that could be extracted and used as nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and valuable starting material for synthesizing food colorants and food additives. Hence, this study aimed to optimize the recovery of anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and condensed tannins (CT) from purple corn pericarp using a two-stage multivariate design and evaluated the phenolic profiles, antioxidants, product quality, and structural characteristics of the recovered extracts. According to Plackett-Burman design (PBD) screening, the key extraction variables identified were acetic acid concentration, extraction time, and ethanol concentration. This was followed by optimization using Box-Behnken design (BBD), facial central composite design (FCCD), and full-factorial design (FFD), and the best design was identified after comparative analysis. The models were found to be acceptable, as evidenced by the desirability values of 0.836–0.933. A comparison of the BBD, FCCD, and FFD was done, and it was found that the PBD-BBD produced a lower residual standard error (RSE) than the PBD-FCCD for most of the responses and yielded the lowest extraction time (∼8.6 h), proving that the BBD could forecast the data more accurately. To evaluate the extracts' bioactive extraction efficiency, antioxidant properties, product quality, and structural parameters, samples from a single factor (SF) experiment and BBD were compared. The BBD extract had better color properties (lower ΔE, higher a*, C, and H0) and a greater extraction yield (17.5%) than SF and was confirmed by the principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis. Although the scanning electron microscopy and the optical profilometer for BBD revealed irregular, loosely arranged granules, it had a less adverse effect on product quality and aligned with the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results. The BBD samples had lower levels of phenolic acids but higher levels of total phenolic content (118.86 ± 3.60 g GAE/kg), condensed tannins (231.74 ± 8.45 g EE/kg), antioxidants, cyanidin-3-glucoside (90.46 ± 4.47 mg/g), naringin (7.68 ± 0.58 mg/g), and cyanidin-chloride (49.81 ± 1.78 mg/g). This shows that BBD can effectively be used to optimize the extraction of polyphenolic compounds from purple corn pericarp using optimal extraction conditions, resulting in a higher yield of polyphenols having superior antioxidant properties and product quality in a comparatively shorter extraction time.

Synthesis, Characterization and Studying Biological Activity of Heterocyclic Compounds

Heterocyclic moiety was mentioned to present diverse biological activities such as inhibitors of protein glycation, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antituberculosis, antioxidant, and as antiviral agents, in addition to other biological activities; therefore, many medicines containing heterocyclic moiety have been observed. Due to the pharmacological importance of heterocyclic derivatives, the present work comes as attempt to synthesis of heterocyclic compound involved (tetrazole and pyrazole rings) by series of steps starting from pyrimidin-2-amine, which reacted with 2-chloroacetyl chloride gave compound (1) [2-chloro-N-(pyrimidin-2-yl) acetamide], then the refl ex reaction of the compound (1) with the hydrazine hydrate in ethanol led to compound (2) [2-hydrazinyl-N-(pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide], the last one reacted with acetyl acetone to form pyrazole ring compound (3) [2-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-N-(pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide]. In other line another pyrazole derivative was prepared by diazotization of pyrimidin-2-amine with NaNO2/HCl to azo derivative compound (4), which is reacted with acetyl acetone gave compound (5) [3-(2-(pyrimidin-2-yl)hydrazono)pentane-2,4-dione] to react with hydrazine gave pyrazole moiety compound (6) [(2-((1H-pyrazol-4-yl)diazenyl)pyrimidine]. Pyrimidin-2-amine was reacted with 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde in ethanol and glacial acetic acid gave Schiff base compound (7) , which reacted with sodium azide in dioxane to form tetrazole ring compound (8) [4-(1-(pyrimidin-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenol]. The spectroscopic techniques were used to confi rmed the chemical structures are FTIR, 1H-NMR. The biological study of pyrazole and tetrazole derivative was evaluated as anti-bacterial against gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae), gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis) and as anti-fungal against the Candida trichomonas and Candida dubliniensis in concentration 25, 75, 50, and 100 mg/mL. It was found that pyrazole and tetrazole derivative have biological activity against the bacteria and fungi where the tetrazole ring has biological eff ect more than pyrazole ring.

Aggressive angiomyxoma of the pelvis and abdominal wall: Dramatic response to chemical ablation therapy.

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) is a rare, locally aggressive soft tissue neoplasm with a marked tendency for local recurrence after surgery. Although hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and vascular embolization can be performed, we investigated the safety and efficacy of a new chemical ablation protocol for AAM. This study included two female AAM patients from 2012 to 2016. The patients' clinical and imaging data were collected. The amount of anhydrous ethanol and glacial acetic acid used for chemical ablation was documented, and the management of any complications was detailed. The maximum dimensions of the residual tumor were 12.6cm and 14.0cm. In one case, the lesion was in the pelvis and protruded into the vulva. Eighty milliliters of liquid with a mixture of glacial acetic acid, anhydrous ethanol, and iohexol (10:9:1) was used for chemical ablation therapy via multipoint injections with a single needle. However, a pelvic fistula developed 1 month later. In another case, the lesion was located in the abdominal wall. The ablation procedure was improved by performing chemical ablation therapy with multiple needles for multi-point injections of smaller than 30ml injections for each procedure. To date, no recurrence or metastasis has been observed in the two cases. The preferred treatment for AAM is complete resection. Chemical ablation therapy is a novel adjuvant therapy for AMM. Nonetheless, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

GO-Enabled Bacterial Cellulose Membranes by Multistep, In Situ Loading: Effect of Bacterial Strain and Loading Pattern on Nanocomposite Properties.

This paper presents the results of research on the preparation and properties of GO/BC nanocomposite from bacterial cellulose (BC) modified with graphene oxide (GO) using the in situ method. Two bacterial strains were used for the biosynthesis of the BC: Komagataeibacter intermedius LMG 18909 and Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans LMG 18788. A simple biosynthesis method was developed, where GO water dispersion was added to reinforced acetic acid-ethanol (RAE) medium at concentrations of 10 ppm, 25 ppm, and 50 ppm at 24 h and 48 h intervals. As a result, a GO/BC nanocomposite membrane was obtained, characterized by tensile strength greater by 150% as compared with the pure BC (̴ 50 MPa) and lower volume resistivity of ~4 ∙ 109 Ω × cm. Moreover, GO addition increases membrane thickness up to ~10% and affects higher mass production, especially with low GO concentration. All of this may indicate the possibility of using GO/BC membranes in fuel cell applications.

Removal of Cu (II) via chitosan-conjugated iodate porous adsorbent: Kinetics, thermodynamics, and exploration of real wastewater sample

Remediation of copper (II) pollutant in aquatic ecosystems is a long-standing concern in the field of water management and the subject of intensive research. In this study, chitosan conjugated iodate porous material (CS-CI) was successfully prepared by media (ammonia, acetic acid, and absolute ethanol) and was used in the treatment of Cu (II) in wastewater samples. Different methods were applied to characterize the CS-CI, including FTIR, SEM, XRD, and TGA. The result showed significant improvement in surface properties and stability when the chitosan was conjugated with the iodate. The adsorption of Cu (II) followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 95.2 mg/g. In a complex system (real wastewater), the CS-CI took advantage of the adsorptive properties of both chitosan (CS) and the iodate to significantly improved the remediation of Cu (II) in aqueous media. Therefore, the synthesized chitosan conjugated iodate porous material is promising as an alternative low-cost adsorbent for the treatment of copper (II) in wastewater.

Understanding self-incompatibility and exploring the reproduction biology in Linnaeoideae – with a focus in Abelia – to accelerate cultivar development

Despite being in cultivation for more than 135 years, relatively few cultivars of Abelia have been developed and are commercially available. Cultivar development has been limited by self-incompatibility and crossing barriers with other species. To help overcome these barriers, self-incompatibility systems were investigated in Abelia chinensis R. Brown, Abelia macrotera var. engleriana (Graebner & Buchwald) Rehder, Abelia xgrandiflora (Rovelli ex André) Rehder, and Vesalea floribunda M.Martens & Galeotti. A full diallel cross with self-pollinations was performed in greenhouse-grown plants on recently opened flowers. Styles were removed one and two days after pollination, fixed in a solution of ethanol and glacial acetic acid (3:1) for at least 24 hr, transferred to a solution of 4 N NaOH for 24 hrs to soften the tissues, and then stained with 0.1% decolorized aniline blue with 0.1 M K3PO4. Stained styles were analyzed for pollen tube growth under an inverted epifluorescent microscope. Pollen tubes were inhibited in the upper half of the style on self-pollinations and reached the base of the style on cross-pollinations suggesting the presence of gametophytic self-incompatibility in Abelia and Vesalea. In vitro pollen germination was evaluated in A. chinensis, A. macrotera var. engleriana and Diabelia serrata (Siebold & Zuccarini) Landrein. The most effective germination medium consisted of 10% sucrose, 0.01% H3BO3, 0.02% CaCl3 and 0.5% agar with a pH of 7. Pollen did not germinate in liquid medium and sucrose concentrations of 15, 20 or 25% were not effective. Three samples of pollen from different dehiscent anthers of recently opened flowers from greenhouse-grown plants were placed on top of a slide containing germination medium. Slides were placed on a petri dish with a wet paper towel to ensure 100% humidity and cultured in light at 28.5 ± 0.5 °C. Germination of 100 pollen grains was evaluated at 2 hrs and 24 hrs after culture. Overall, Abelia macrotera var. engleriana had the highest germination, with 80% of the grains germinating after 24 hrs of culture. Diabelia serrata had 49.8% germination, while A. chinensis exhibited very low germination in the three different pH levels tested. In vitro germinated pollen grains of A. chinensis, A. macrotera var. engleriana, and Diabelia serrata were examined for number of nuclei. Pollen was stained for one hour with 0.25 mg∙L−1 or 0.5mg∙L−1 of a 4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) solution and evaluated under a fluorescent microscope. Observations indicate the presence of three nuclei in pollen in Abelia and Diabelia. This is the first report of a self-incompatibility system in Abelia and Vesalea, and pollen nuclei in Abelia and Diabelia.

Growth stimulating activity of avermectin-containing preparations on tomato lines in vitro

Aim. Obtaining of the tomato lines of cvs. Money Maker and Lahidny in the presence of polyfunctional preparations Avercom and Avercom Nova and cytological analysis of their influence on tomato root cells. Methods. Cotyledons of 10–11-day-old tomato seedlings were cultivated on MST medium for 1–3 months in the presence of 1 mg/l zeatin, 1 mg/l indole-acetic acid and 25 µl/l of Avercom or Avercom Nova. Then, regenerated lines were grown on MST medium supplemented with biopreparations for 1 month. The roots of tomato plants were fixed in the solution of ethanol and glacial acetic acid (3:1), stained in 1 % acetoorseine solution and investigated at x600 magnification. Results. In this work, the tomato lines were obtained and grown in the presence of biopreparations Avercom or Avercom Nova. It was shown that mitotic index (MI) in the root meristematic cells of the plants grown in the presence of biopreparations was at 0.76–1.23 %, and it was higher than in the control plants (0.65–0.9 %). Moreover, the thickened cell walls of root cells of plants grown in the presence of biopreparations was detected compared to control plants. Conclusions. Tomato plants grown in the presence of biopreparations Avercom or Avercom Nova are characterized not only by the increased MI of meristematic cells but also by the thickened cell walls of root cells which indicate the growth stimulating effects of biopreparations and their capacity to enhance the resistance of plants to stressful factors.