Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Research Articles

Carbon Dots Employed for the Detection of Ranitidine and Elaborating the Detecting Mechanism.

Carbon dots (CDs) has been widely utilized in multiple fields, especially towards kinds of drug analyses, owing to its superior optical properties and satisfactory stability. Herein, we rapidly synthesized one kind of soluble bright-blue fluorescent CDs through a facile microwave method, while disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and phosphoric acid served as the raw materials. Importantly, introducing ranitidine into these CDs resulted in its decreased fluorescence, and thus an innovative method of detecting ranitidine was successfully established, which showed the favorable selectivity and anti-interference ability. With the optimal conditions, the standard curve diagram of F0/F against concentration of ranitidine was linear in the range of 6-2000 µM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9833, and the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 4.2 µM. Meanwhile, we also explored the detecting mechanism of ranitidine by CDs, and elaborated that as the internal filtration effect. Consequently, we may broaden the avenues of detecting ranitidine on the basis of CDs.

Colloidal Stabilizer‐Mediated Crystal Growth Regulation and Defect Healing for High‐Quality Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractHigh‐quality perovskite (PVK) films is essential for the fabrication of efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, unstable colloidal particles in PVK suspensions often hinder the formation of crystalline films with low defect densities. Herein, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a colloidal stabilizer into lead iodide (PbI2) is introduced colloidal solutions. EDTA forms chelated complexes with Pb2+, enhancing the electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance between colloidal particles. This stabilizes the particles and inhibits disordered motion (Brownian motion) and excessive aggregation. As a result, PbI2 films with a uniform hole distribution are formed, providing ample pathways for subsequent PVK film growth and sufficient space. During the film formation process, the replacement of molecules by formamidinium iodide (FAI) and EDTA slows down crystallization, ultimately leading to PVK films with large grain sizes and low defect density. By using this approach, champion power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 24.05% for FA0.97Cs0.03PbI3 PSC, 11.08% for CsPbBr3 PSC, and 25.19% for FA0.945MA0.025Cs0.03Pb(I0.975Br0.025)3 PSC are achieved. Moreover, the EDTA‐based FA0.97Cs0.03PbI3 device retains over 90% of its initial PCE after 1000 h at the maximum power point (MPP) under continuous illumination.

The effect of combinations of a glyphosate-based herbicide with various clinically used antibiotics on phenotypic traits of Gram-negative species from the ESKAPEE group

The emission of glyphosate and antibiotic residues from human activities threatens the diversity and functioning of the microbial community. This study examines the impact of a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) and common antibiotics on Gram-negative bacteria within the ESKAPEE group (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia coli). Ten strains, including type and multidrug-resistant strains for each species were analysed and eight antibiotics (cefotaxime, meropenem, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tigecycline, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and colistin) were combined with the GBH. While most combinations yielded additive or indifferent effects in 70 associations, antagonistic effects were observed with ciprofloxacin and gentamicin in five strains. GBH notably decreased the minimum inhibitory concentration of colistin in eight strains and displayed synergistic activity with meropenem against metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing strains. Investigation into the effect of GBH properties on outer membrane permeability involved exposing strains to a combination of this GBH and vancomycin. Results indicated that GBH rendered strains sensitive to vancomycin, which is typically ineffective against Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, we examined the impact of GBH in combination with three carbapenem agents on 14 strains exhibiting varying carbapenem-resistance mechanisms to assess its effect on carbapenemase activity. The GBH efficiently inhibited MBL activity, demonstrating similar effects to EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). Chelating effect of GBH may have multifaceted impacts on bacterial cells, potentially by increasing outer membrane permeability and inactivating metalloenzyme activity.

Ultrasonic and volumetric investigation of aqueous disodium EDTA with PEG 400 and PEG 4000 at different temperatures

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and 4000 thermodynamic characteristics in water-based disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solutions provide important clues about the nature of the intermolecular interactions taking place in this liquid environment. In order to make these determinations, the present study reports data for density and sound velocity at a variety of temperatures and then analyses the volumetric-acoustic features of the solutions. The experimental data for PEG 400 and PEG 4000, which are polyethylene glycols, were recorded at a constant atmospheric pressure of 0.1 MPa and at temperatures ranging from 288.15 to 318.15 K. The values were 0.007, 0.008, and 0.009 mol·kg−1. From the experimental density and speed of sound values, the following are computed: apparent molar properties, partial molar properties, partial molar transfer properties, and the partial molar expansibility, along with its first derivative and thermal expansion coefficient. According to the co-sphere overlap model, the results are described using these generated parameters, these are thought of as the type of interactions taking place within the combination. This study also uses partial molar characteristics to assess the pair interaction coefficients and triplet interaction coefficients.

A metal-free cascaded process for efficient H2O2 photoproduction using conjugated carbonyl sites

Carbon-based metal-free catalysts are promising green catalysts for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis due to their low cost and environmental friendliness. A key challenge in utilizing these catalysts is identifying their active sites, given their poor crystallinity and complex structures. Here we demonstrate the key structure of the double-bonded conjugated carbon group as a metal-free active site, enabling efficient O2 photoreduction to H2O2 through a cascaded water oxidation − O2 reduction process. Using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as a precursor, we synthesized various carbon-based photocatalysts and analyzed their structural evolution. Under the polymerization conditions of 260 °C to 400 °C, an N-ethyl-2-piperazinone-like structure was formed on the surface of the catalyst, resulting in high photocatalytic H2O2 photoproduction (2884.7 μmol g−1h−1) under visible light. A series of control experiments and theoretical calculations further confirm that the double-bond conjugated carbonyl structure is the key and universal feature of the active site of metal-free photocatalysts.

Phenotypic and genotypic determination of resistance to common disinfectants among strains of Acinetobacter baumannii producing and non-producing biofilm isolated from Iran

BackgroundNosocomial infections are a global problem in hospitals all around the world. It is considered a major health problem, especially in developing countries. The increase in the patient’s stay in hospitals has increased the mortality rate, and consequently, the costs drastically increase. The main purpose of using disinfectants in the hospital environment is to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections. Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) causes lysis and increases susceptibility to antimicrobial agents in the planktonic form of bacteria. This substance affects the permeability of the outer membrane of bacteria. It also prevents the formation of biofilms by bacteria.Materials and methodsIn the current study, 120 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) were confirmed by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Antibiogram was performed and then the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of isolates against 5% sodium hypochlorite, ethanol %70, sayasept-HP 2%, chlorhexidine 2%, dettol 4/8% were evaluated. In addition, the disinfectant effect was re-evaluated with the mixture of EDTA solution. All isolates were examined for biofilm presence by crystal violet staining method in triplicates and repeated three times for each strain. Also for all isolates detection of efflux pump genes (Qac-E, qacE-Δ1, SUG-E) by PCR technique was done.ResultsAntibiogram results of A. baumannii showed that 6.7% were Multi-drug-resistant (MDR), and 89.2% were Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) isolates. The highest effect of disinfectants was related to 5% sodium hypochlorite, and the least effect was 70% ethanol. EDTA increases the efficacy of selected disinfectants significantly. The highest prevalence of the efflux pump genes was related to SUG-E (95%) and Qac-E (91.7%), and, the qacE-Δ1 gene with 12.5%. The biofilm production rate was 91.3% among all isolates.ConclusionThe best and safest way to disinfect hospital floors and surfaces is to choose the right disinfectants, and learn how to use them properly. In this study, a mixture of disinfectants and EDTA had a significant effect on bactericidal activity. it was found that improper use of disinfectants, especially the use of sub-inhibitory dilutions, increases the resistance of bacteria to disinfectants.

A comparative study to assess Hba1c levels in antenatal non diabetic women with anemia and without anemia

BackgroundGlycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has a glucose residue attached to the terminal NH2 group (valine residue) of one or both HbA beta chains. HbA1c levels are not affected by blood glucose levels alone. HbA1c results are affected by several factors, such as anemia, structural hemoglobinopathies and thalassemia syndromes. HbA1c concentrations are affected by conditions that affect erythrocyte turnover. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in India is above 50 %. Although many forms of anemia are associated with the lowering of HbA1c, iron deficiency has been shown to shift HbA1c slightly upward. Research on this topic has yielded a variety of findings. In some research, there was no association observed between anemia and HbA1c levels; in other investigations, there was a rise or fall in this number. Iron deficiency anemia and HbA1c′s relationship is therefore still unclear. Therefore, this study aims to determine the correlation between Iron deficiency anemia and HbA1c levels among non diabetic pregnant women with anemia. MethodologyThis prospective observational study was conducted among singleton pregnant women attending antenatal clinic OPD in a private tertiary hospital in Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram district. After the complete review of their obstetric record, blood was collected in 5 ml sterile syringes and transferred equally to the two separate test tubes containing ethylene-diamine-tetra acetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulant for determining RBC indices and HbA1c levels. The difference in mean between two independent samples (between Anemia and Non-anemia) was determined using an independent sample t-test, and the difference between two independent proportions was calculated using a z-test. Bivariate Pearson's correlation analysis was used to adjudicate the relationship between red blood cell indices and HbA1c level, and correlation coefficient (r)was calculated, and the p-value of <0.05* was considered statistically significant. ResultsBivariate Pearson's correlation analysis was done to determine the relationship between HbA1c levels and red blood cells in anemic pregnant women. HbA1c levels negatively correlated with Hemoglobin (r = −0.875, p < 0.01*), PCV (r = −0.732, p =<0.01*) and transferrin saturation (r = 0.224, p < 0.01*) and it was statistically significant. Other indices, such as serum iron concentration and TIBC, demonstrated no correlation with HbA1c level. ConclusionThis study shows that the reliability of Hba1c in diagnosing diabetes among pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia is misguiding and can be considered after treating the condition. Also, more studies are needed to improve our understanding of this topic.

Effects of Detoxifying Substances on Uranium Removal by Bacteria Isolated from Mine Soils: Performance, Mechanisms, and Bacterial Communities

In this study, we investigated the effect of detoxifying substances on U(VI) removal by bacteria isolated from mine soil. The results demonstrated that the highest U(VI) removal efficiency (85.6%) was achieved at pH 6.0 and a temperature of 35 °C, with an initial U(VI) concentration of 10 mg/L. For detoxifying substances, signaling molecules acyl homoserine lactone (AHLs, 0.1 µmol/L), anthraquinone-2, 6-disulfonic acid (AQDS, 1 mmol/L), reduced glutathione (GSH, 0.1 mmol/L), selenium (Se, 1 mg/L), montmorillonite (MT, 1 g/L), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA, 0.1 mmol/L) substantially enhanced the bacterial U(VI) removal by 34.9%, 37.4%, 54.5%, 35.1%, 32.8%, and 47.8% after 12 h, respectively. This was due to the alleviation of U(VI) toxicity in bacteria through detoxifying substances, as evidenced by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content and higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities for bacteria exposed to U(VI) and detoxifying substances, compared to those exposed to U(VI) alone. FTIR results showed that hydroxyl, carboxyl, phosphorus, and amide groups participated in the U(VI) removal. After exposure to U(VI), the relative abundances of Chryseobacterium and Stenotrophomonas increased by 48.5% and 12.5%, respectively, suggesting their tolerance ability to U(VI). Gene function prediction further demonstrated that the detoxifying substances AHLs alleviate U(VI) toxicity by influencing bacterial metabolism. This study suggests the potential application of detoxifying substances in the U(VI)-containing wastewater treatment through bioremediation.

Frequency of Nutritional Megaloblastic Anemia among Students in Khartoum, Sudan

Background: Megaloblastic anemia is a generative macrocytic anemia characterized by nuclear dysmaturity and the nucleus immature appearance in comparison to the cytoplasm due to a defect in DNA synthesis anemia is a rare ailment in children that is usually caused by a vitamin deficiency or gastrointestinal disorder Objectives: The main objective of this study was to detect the frequency of nutritional megaloblastic anemia in male elementary-school children by measuring hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), and serum folate levels. Methods: This study examined 300 male primary-school children in Khartoum, Sudan. A 2.5-ml of blood was drawn from each student and placed in an ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) vial to estimate the Hb level, RBC count, and HCT using an automated blood analyzer. Another 2.5 mL of blood were drawn from the same students into a plain container and examined for serum folate. Results: The mean Hb was 12.7 g/dl (two standard deviations), the RBC count was 4.71012 cells/L, and the mean packed cell volume (PCV) was 37.2%, and the mean serum folate was 4.4 ng/L. Conclusion: The blood parameters and serum folate were found to be within normal ranges. According to the findings, the nutritional status of the primary-school students was good, and megaloblastic anemia was not common. This type of research should be done on a frequent basis to assess children's nutritional health.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of band keratopathy: a 10-year retrospective analysis

Background: Band keratopathy is a chronic, degenerative corneal disease resulting from gradual calcium deposition in the superficial cornea. Herein, we report the spectrum of causes, treatment outcomes, and recurrence rates of band keratopathy at a tertiary referral center throughout one decade. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with clinical diagnoses of band keratopathy who were treated with combined ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and superficial keratectomy with or without amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT). Patient medical records were reviewed, and detailed demographic and ophthalmological data, such as baseline and last follow-up best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), ocular or medical comorbidities, type of intervention, postoperative follow-up duration, relevant complications, and recurrence were recorded. Results: A total of 32 eyes of 29 patients with 3 (10.3%) bilateral and 26 (89.7%) unilateral cases of treatment-requiring bank keratopathy were included. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) (range) age was 39.4 (22.4) (2–74) years, and most patients were female. The most common secondary cause was previous vitreoretinal surgery with silicone oil tamponade (15.6%); however, idiopathic cases were the most common (18.8%). Systemic comorbidities were present in 27.6% of patients, consisting of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, coronary artery disease, Behcet’s disease, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis; however, none of the patients had systemic diseases associated with hypercalcemia. Two of the 3 patients with bilateral involvement had chronic uveitis secondary to systemic rheumatological disease. The mean (SD) follow-up duration was 5.6 (4.0) years, and no serious postoperative complications occurred. The mean (SD) baseline and final BCDVA in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) were 1.98 (1.0) and 1.7 (1.0), respectively (P &gt; 0.05). Combined EDTA chelation and superficial keratectomy with and without AMT were performed in 12.5% and 87.5% of eyes, respectively. Recurrence was observed in 37.5% of eyes within the mean (SD) (range) follow-up of 9.4 (9.1) (1–32) months. Seven of the 12 eyes with recurrence underwent re-EDTA chelation combined with superficial keratectomy and AMT; however, 5 patients managed conservatively. Conclusions: In this study, band keratopathy requiring intervention more commonly affected female individuals and was unilateral. Most cases were idiopathic. Systemic comorbidities were present in approximately one-third of cases. Managing band keratopathy using a combination of EDTA chelation and superficial keratectomy with or without AMT could be a potential treatment modality. Further large-scale studies are required to provide robust conclusions regarding the efficacy and safety of this management approach.

Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Studies of Interaction of Cu(II) Ion with Different Aliphatic and Aromatic Amine Based Ligands in Aqueous Solutions

The composition and stability constant of the complexes of copper(II) with the ligands 2,2 –bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, saccharin, and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA),were determined, as well as the effect of temperature on the thermodynamic parameters were studied. The metal-to-ligand ratio in the EDTA complex is found 1:1 and in the rest of the cases, the ratio is 1:2. The redox behavior of the Cu (II) / Cu (0) system in the Cu-ligand complex has been studied in KCl solution as a supporting electrolyte. The redox process of the Cu (II) / Cu (0) system in the Cu-sac complex is almost similar to that of the Cu (II) solution in the absence of any ligand. In other cases, the redox process is a single-step 2-electron transfer process. The electron transfer process in all the cases is diffusion-controlled. The values of peak current ratio and peak potential separation are the evidence that the redox processes are quasi-reversible. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 72(2): 61-67, 2024 (July)

Effect of continuous vs sequential chelation on the mechanical properties of root dentin: An ex vivo study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the mechanical properties of root canal dentin treated with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in combination with hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid (HEDP) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). MethodsFor testing fracture resistance, 45 single-rooted teeth were instrumented and irrigated with NaOCl/HEDP, NaOCl/EDTA, or distilled water. Fifteen untreated teeth served as control. After obturation, specimens from the experimental groups were thermocycled, dynamically-loaded, and then statically-loaded in a universal testing machine until failure. For flexural strength analysis, 15 teeth were instrumented and irrigated with NaOCl/HEDP or NaOCl/EDTA. Root segments were sectioned into dentin bars and tested for flexural strength using a universal testing machine. For microhardness evaluation, 20 teeth were instrumented and irrigated with NaOCl/HEDP or NaOCl/EDTA. Dentin disks from the coronal-third of each root segment were prepared, one before and one after irrigation, for microhardness testing with a Knoop hardness tester. ResultsThe highest fracture resistance was recorded in the untreated group, and the lowest in the EDTA group. Although the HEDP group had higher fracture resistance than the EDTA group, the distilled water group demonstrated even greater fracture resistance than the HEDP group. Specimens treated with HEDP had significantly higher flexural strength and microhardness values when compared with those treated with EDTA. ConclusionThe fracture resistance, flexural strength, and microhardness of root canal dentin were higher when root canals were irrigated with NaOCl/HEDP, when compared with NaOCl/EDTA. Clinical significanceIrrigating root canals with NaOCl combined with HEDP significantly improves the mechanical integrity of root canal dentin compared to the use of NaOCl with EDTA.

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Ce3+/Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions doped GdB3O6/Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 Core/Shell particles as well as its cytotoxicity against colon cancer cells

In this study, Ce3+/Tb3+ co-doped, Eu3+ doped GdB3O6 phosphor particles were synthesized by sol-gel method, coated with hydroxyapatite (HAP) and loaded with doxorubicin. Different chelating agents and surfactants (Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), citric acid, glycine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and tartaric acid) were used in the synthesis in order to see their effect on the structure. While single phase Gadolinium triborate, GdB3O6 was obtained by using CTAB in precursor solution in the synthesis and Gadolinium orthoborate, GdBO3 produced when EDTA was used in precursor solution. Other organic molecules added to precursor solution produced mixtures of both phases. The highest photoluminescence intensity was obtained in the Gd0.95Ce0.025Tb0.025B3O6 and Gd0.825Eu0.175B3O6. In order to increase the drug loading efficiency, The Gd0.825Eu0.175B3O6 core was coated with Calcium hydroxyapatite, HAP. The core had an average size of 458.65 nm which increased to 616.85 nm after coating as seen with dynamic light scattering (DLS). Gd0.825Eu0.175B3O6@HAP particles were loaded with 7.82 % ± 0.80 wt doxorubicin and the release was studied at 37 °C in pH 7.4 phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and pH 5.5 acetate buffer solutions. The total number of moles of drug released versus luminescence intensity was measured during the release studies and real-time imaging studies were carried out. Finally, cytotoxicity experiments were performed on HCT-116 colon cancer cells.

Ti[sbnd]F bridged IL-CuCQDs-F/TiO2 inverse opal composite for boosting CO2 visible-photo reduction via slow photon effect

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 exhibits unsatisfactory photocatalytic performance owing to the inefficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, low CO2 capture efficiency and limited visible light absorption on most photo-catalysts. Herein, TiF bridged IL-CuCQDs-F/TiO2 inverse opal composite (IO-CFTi) was constructed for boosting CO2 visible-photo reduction via slow photo effect. In this work, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA(Cu)) and imidazole ionic liquid 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([HOEtMIM][BF4]) were employed to confine grow of IL-CuCQDs-F within TiO2 inverse opal supporter via TiF bonds connection. Unique IL-CuCQDs-F efficiently expended light absorption towards visible region, and the confined growth of IL-CuCQDs-F within the TiO2 inverse opal cavity achieved the photoelectric conversion and efficient CO2 capture. Moreover, their TiF bonding interface of IO-CFTi assisted photogenerated electron transportation from TiO2 to CO2 for its reduction in this system. Consequently, IO-CFTi achieved a substantially increased CO production rate of 78.1 μmol·h−1·g−1 with 98 % selectivity. This improved performance in CO2 photoreduction positions the nanocomposite as a promising material for preservation of the environment and conversion of energy.

Adjustable double cation vacancies MnSex/FeSex p-n heterojunction catalysts on improving multifunctional photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performance

MnSex is a type of p-type semiconductor that combines with n-type FeSex in a one-step hydrothermal method to form a MnSex/FeSex p-n type heterojunction. The heterostructures showed good photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic degradation rate constant of MFS3 was 0.01114 min−1, while that of MnSex was 0.00213 min−1. The photocatalytic degradation activity of MFS3 was 423 % higher than that of MnSex. Afterwards, the MnSex/FeSex catalyst was further soaked in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to form metal vacancies through metal complexation. A large number of pores can be seen in the SEM image of MFS3v catalyst, and Mn and Fe bimetallic vacancies can be seen in the TEM results. The signal of the electron paramagnetic spectrum is significantly enhanced, with a significant shift in its g value. The above results confirm the formation of Mn and Fe bimetallic vacancies in the catalyst. The two-hole heterojunction catalyst significantly improves its photochemical activity, and the photocurrent density of MFS3v at 0 V vs. RHE is −2.438 mA/cm2, 18.2 and 2.5 times that of the original MnSex and MnSex/FeSex heterojunction, respectively. Tests have confirmed that this double vacancy can increase the active sites and enhance the photoelectrochemical hydrogen production ability. This study proposes a method that combines heterojunctions and vacancies to achieve multifunctional catalysts.

A fluorescent probe derived from phenanthridine for selective detection of Bi3+ ion and its real-time application

To detect Bi3+ ion, a new phenanthridine-based sensing probe 5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-7,8,13,14-tetrahydrodibenzo [a,i]phenanthridine(BBA) was synthesized and characterized using mass spectral and NMR spectral analysis. Even in the presence of other cations, the probe BBA showed notable color changes through the fluorescence turn-on process when exposed to Bi3+ ions. It was found that the Limit of Detection of Bi3+ was 200 pM, and the reaction time was as low as 10 s. Additionally, it was found that adding ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to BBA + Bi3+ made BBA, a reversible sensor. Test strips and real water sample experiments demonstrated the potential of the probe BBA for sensing Bi3+ in the environment. The sensing mechanism of BBA was investigated using Gaussian 16 software by performing Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation. DFT calculations provided a theoretical validation of the experimental results. The practical application of BBA as a Bi3+ sensor has been expanded to include quantitative analysis of bismuth ions in tablets containing Bi3+.

Microneedles mediated-dermal delivery of Vitamin C: Formulation, characterization, cytotoxicity, and enhancement of stability

Vitamin C (VIT C) is an antioxidant that prevents skin aging. Although dermal delivery is one of the most effective routes to transport VIT C to the skin, the impact of this route can be limited by the barrier function of the stratum corneum (SC). Additionally, VIT C rapidly oxidized and degraded under light and temperature. Therefore, this study provides an approach to utilizing microneedles (MNs) to improve the dermal delivery of VIT C and enhance its stability by incorporating a stabilizing system of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium metabisulfite (Meta) within the MNs. Vitamin C microneedles (VIT C MNs) were fabricated using different biodegradable polymers and various concentrations of EDTA/Meta. VIT C MNs were evaluated for morphology, VIT C content, mechanical properties, dissolution rate, needles’ insertion, physicochemical properties, ex vivo permeation, viscosity of VIT C polymeric solutions, cytotoxicity, and stability. The results showed that VIT C MNs were uniform and mechanically strong. The recovery of VIT C in MNs was 88.3–90.0 %. The dissolution rate of MNs was <30 min. The flux of VIT C varied based on the composition of MNs. VIT C MNs demonstrated safety against human dermal fibroblasts. VIT C MNs with EDTA/Meta (0.1/0.3 %) were stable under different storage conditions for two months. In conclusion, VIT C MNs were successfully developed using biodegradable polymers, and the stabilizing system (EDTA/META) provided a stable dermal delivery system for VIT C to protect skin from aging.

Comparative analysis of an epoxy resin-based and a premixed calcium silicate-based sealer’s push-out bond strength with and without incorporation of chitosan nanoparticles: An in vitro investigation

Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the push-out bond strength (POBS) of epoxy resin-based and calcium silicate-based sealers with and without incorporating chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs). Methodology: Eighty human mandibular premolars with a single canal were taken. A standard root length of 15 mm was established. Canals were instrumented with Neoendo files up to size 30, 4% and were irrigated with 5 ml of 2.5% NaOCl, and 5 ml of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid 17%. Then, samples were obturated using the size 30, 4% gutta-percha, single-cone technique using respective sealers. For POBS, it was grouped as Group 1 Adseal, Group 2 CeraSeal, Group 3 Adseal + 2% wt/vol CSNP, and Group 4 CeraSeal + 2% wt/vol CSNP. Samples embedded in acrylic resin were sectioned transversely at 11 and 7 mm from the apex. Dislodgment resistance was calculated using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test, followed by Tukey’s post hoc analysis. The level of significance (P value) was set at P &lt; 0.05. Results: At 7 mm from the apex, Group 4 (CeraSeal + 2% wt/vol CSNP) demonstrated significantly higher mean POBS. However, no significant difference was observed between Groups 1 (Adseal), Group 2 (CeraSeal), and Group 3 (Adseal + 2% wt/vol CSNP). At 11 mm from the apex, Group 2 (CeraSeal) and Group 4 (CeraSeal + 2% wt/vol CSNP) demonstrated significantly higher mean POBS. On comparison between POBS at 7 mm and 11 mm from the apex, the mean POBS at the 11 mm region from the apex was significantly higher in all study groups, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it has been concluded that Group 4 (CeraSeal + 2% wt/vol CSNP) has better bond strength compared to the other groups.

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

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

An artificial intelligence handheld sensor for direct reading of nickel ion and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in food samples using ratiometric fluorescence cellulose paper microfluidic chip

User-friendly in-field sensing protocol is crucial for the effective tracing of intended analytes under less-developed countries or resources-limited environments. Nevertheless, existing sensing strategies require professional technicians and expensive laboratory-based instrumentations, which are not capable for point-of-care on-site analyses. To address this issue, artificial intelligence handheld sensor has been designed for direct reading of Ni2+ and EDTA in food samples. The sensing platform incorporates smartphone with machine learning-driven application, 3D-printed handheld device, and cellulose paper microfluidic chip stained with ratiometric red-green-emission carbon dots (CDs). Intriguingly, Ni2+ introduction makes green fluorescent (FL) of CDs glow but red FL fade because of the coordination of Ni2+ with CDs verified by density functional theory (DFT), concurrently manifesting continuous FL colour transition from red to green. Subsequent addition of EDTA renders FL of CDs-Ni2+ recover owing to the capture of Ni2+ from CDs by EDTA based on strong chelation effect of EDTA on Ni2+ confirmed via DFT, accompanying with a noticeable colour returning from green to red. Inspired by above FL phenomena, CDs-based cellulose paper microfluidic chips are first fabricated to facilitate point-of-care testing of Ni2+ and EDTA. Designed fully-automatic handheld sensor is utilized to directly output Ni2+ and EDTA concentration in water, milk, spinach, bread, and shampoo based on wide linear ranges of 0–48 μM and 0–96 μM, and low limits of detection of 0.274 μM and 0.624 μM, respectively. The proposed protocol allows for speedy straightforward on-site determination of target analytes, which will trigger the development of automated and intelligent sensors in near future.