Extent Of Mineralization Research Articles

Synchronous role of coupled adsorption-photocatalytic degradation of Direct Red 80 with nanocrystalline TiO2-coated non-woven fibres materials in a static batch photoreactor

The aim of this research is the application of the industrially produced TiO2-coated non-woven fibres for coupled adsorption-photocatalytic degradation of synthetic textile dye Direct Red 80. The adsorption efficiency of DR80 samples has been studied in the dark. The tested TiO2 catalyst, that exhibited significant adsorption capacities due to its high specific surface area, proven to be effective photocatalyst for photodegradation of the studied dye. The effect of the experimental parameters, such as initial dye concentration, pH and temperature on the photodegradation, were investigated. The effect of inorganic ions (Na2SO4, NaCl, NaNO3, CH3COONa, NaHCO3 et Na2HPO4) was also studied. A pseudo-first-order kinetic reaction was illustrated using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model and rate constant and adsorption equilibrium constant were calculated (k = 1.1873 mg/L.min and KLH = 0.0660 L/mg, respectively). The highest photodegradation efficiency is obtained at pH = 3. The presence of HPO42−, HCO3−, CH3COO− ions decreased the photodegradation rate, however, Cl−, NO3− increased the reaction rate. The degradation of pollutant has been monitored by spectrophotometry. To evaluate the extent of mineralization of the studied dye, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) measurements during the experiment were conducted, where the important abatement of 88.64% was reached after 7 h of the treatment. The identification of the reactive intermediates products by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), allowed suggesting the oxidative degradation mechanism for Direct Red 80 dye.

Research the effect of metal ions on polymer flooding

In the physical model experiment, the polymer is usually manufactured by means of distilled water and sewage. In this paper, it was found by scanning electron microscopy that Ca2+ and Mg2+ contained in the formulated water reacted with -COO in the polymer. A sharp drop in the viscosity capacity of the solution, And the effect of Mg2+ on the viscosity of the solution is about 1.2 to 1.5 times than Ca2+. Metal ions have a negative impact on the extraction of polymers., The polymer’s adaptability to three ply of oil layers is reduced. Under the condition of high extent of mineralization, the displacement characteristics of the high-efficiency, Viscosity and Salt-resisting polymer is better than middle-divided HPAM, and the enhanced oil recovery value is 3.13% higher than middle-point HPAM.

Signs of Vertically Extending Mineralization in the Nizhnetaezhny Polymetallic Ore District (Northern Primorye)

In this work, to study the vertical extent of mineralization, determine the level of erosion, and identify signs of longitudinal placement of silver mineralization of the Nizhnetaezhny ore district (NOD) For this, the main indicator indicators Ag, Au, Cu, Zn, Pb were identified based on the maximum correlation coefficient, Sn, Sb, As, Mo. Then, the ratios of the linear productivities of the indicator elements for the main ore zones of the Scientific and Technological Logging were made: Kumirnoe - Sb * Ag * As / Cu * Sn, Kabaniy - Sb * As * Ag / Cu * Sn, SredniySukhoy - Sn * Pb * Zn / Au * As, Levoberezhnoe -Sn * Pb * Zn / W * Mo. The obtained geochemical data of changes in the multiplicative coefficients allowed us to identify areas according to their erosion: weakly eroded (Kumirny, SredniySukhoy) and significantly eroded (Kabany, Levoberezhnoe), and then divide them into upper ore, ore and under ore. At all sites (except for the SredniySukhoy), at the level of the conditionally subsided horizon, a tendency of gradual increase in productivity was revealed, which indicates the long-range placement of productive ore zones and makes it possible to suggest the presence of powerful and productive silver zones hidden at depth. The data obtained provide the prerequisites for the revaluation of the prospects of the deep horizons of the NOD silver mineralization.

Impact of digestate and its fractions on mineralization of 14C-phenanthrene in aged soil.

The impact of whole digestate (WD) and its fractions (solid [SD] and liquid [LD]) on 14C-phenanthrene mineralization in soil over 90d contact time was investigated. The 14C-phenanthrene spiked soil was aged for 1, 30, 60 and 90d. Analysis of water-soluble nitrogen, phosphorus, total (organic and inorganic) carbon, and quantitative bacterial count were conducted at each time point to assess their impact on mineralization of 14C-phenanthrene in soils. Indigenous catabolic activity (total extents, maximum rates and lag phases) of 14C-phenanthrene mineralization were measured using respirometric soil slurry assay. The soil amended with WD outperformed the SD and LD fractions as well as showed a shorter lag phase, higher rate and extent of mineralization throughout the study. The digestates improved (P<0.05) the microbial population and nutritive content of the soil. However, findings showed that spiking soil with phenanthrene generally reduced the growth of microbial populations from 1 to 90d and gave a lower nutritive content in comparison with the non-spiked soil. Also, soil fertility and bacteria count were major factors driving 14C-phenanthrene mineralization. Particularly, the non-phenanthrene degraders positively influenced the cumulative mineralization of 14C-phenanthrene after 60d incubation. Therefore, the digestates (residue from anaerobic digestion) especially WD, which enhanced 14C-phenanthrene mineralization of the soil without minimal basal salts medium nor additional degraders should be further exploited for sustainable bioremediation of PAHs contaminated soil.

Eco-friendly decolorization and degradation of reactive yellow 145 textile dye by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Thiosphaera pantotropha

Dyes are toxic and inherently resistant to microbial degradation. In this study, decolorization and degradation of textile dye reactive yellow 145 (RY145) were evaluated using pure bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa (RS1) and Thiosphaera pantotropha ATCC 35512. In nutrient broth under static condition, complete decolorization of 50 mg L−1 RY145 could be achieved within 96 h and 72 h, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (RS1) and Thiosphaera pantotropha, respectively. In contrast, under shaking condition both the cultures could achieve only 50% decolorization in 96 h. Treatment under sequential static and shaking condition resulted in complete decolorization and 65% mineralization after 96 h. Higher dye concentration in excess of 100 mg L−1 and 50 mg L−1 decreased the extent of dye mineralization in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Thiosphaera pantotropha, respectively. Even with the repetitive addition of the dye, both the strains were capable of decolorizing the dye. Acclimatized cultures showed 54% decolorization of RY145 in mineral media (MM) even in the absence of a readily degradable external carbon source. Amongst various individual carbon and nitrogen sources, maximum decolorization was observed in MM supplemented with peptone as carbon and nitrogen source at pH 7 under static condition.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of ZnO supported on Alumina and Antibacterial study

Al2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized by simple co-precipitation method using scrap aluminum foils. ZnO and ZnO supported on Alumina were also prepared. A detail structural characterization of prepared material was carried out using XRD and various other techniques. Gamma Alumina with particle size 4 nm was formed. A complete Photodegradation of Amido black dye was observed on the above materials under natural sunlight. 1:1 ZnO/Al2O3 showed increased photoactivity compared to ZnO alone. CO2 estimation and COD analysis were performed so as to elucidate the extent of mineralization of the dye. Surface properties of the photocatalyst were correlated with photocatalytic activity by studying the surface charge character of the catalysts. Antibacterial activity towards gram positive and gram negative bacteria was also studied which showed promising results.

Synthesis and application of functional Prussian blue nanoparticles for toxic dye degradation

Functional Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBN) is invented as photo-Fenton catalyst and conferred inexpensive, eco-friendly and more effective photodegradation approach to treat the dyestuff Rhodamine B using natural solar light. The photo-Fenton catalyst with four different crystallite size of functional PBN as PBN1, PBN2, PBN3 and PBN4 between 53 to 13 nm were fabricated by chemical reduction method using 2-(3,4-Epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane (EETMSi) and Cyclohexanone. EETMSi precisely control the morphology and crystallite size of the catalyst. The as-synthesized photo-Fenton catalysts were characterized by XRD, FTIR, EDX, DLS, HR-TEM, UV/Vis spectroscopy, XPS and BET techniques. Functional PBN/H2O2 combination presented a very promising approach for complete RhB degradation in the acidic condition via N-de-ethylation under solar light irradiation. RhB photodegradation efficiency has been evaluated under different condition to understand the influential role of different parameters; catalyst concentration, H2O2 concentration, size of catalyst and pH. The Kinetic rate constant for RhB photodegradation is found in the order of; (PBN4/H2O2) > (PBN3/H2O2) > (PBN2/H2O2) > (PBN1/H2O2) > (H2O2). The kinetics of the degradation process is found to obey Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate law and approved Pseudo-first order kinetics. The investigation also assessed the quicker (1.5 min) and more effective photodegradation approach for 100% removal of RhB justifying most efficient inexpensive photocatalyst compared to other reported methods. Similarly, the concurrently generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by EPR technique. The catalyst can be recovered even after five times of repetition. Further Analytical methods LC/MS and COD analysis were utilized to identify the degraded end product and extent of mineralization.

Alendronate-functionalized poly(amido amine) cryogels of high-toughness for biomedical applications

Novel bisphosphonic acid-functionalized poly(amido amine) (PAA) macromers were synthesized through aza-Michael addition of sodium alendronate (ALE) and 5-amino-1-pentanol (AP) to N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide at two different molar ratios, with macromer only having AP as comparison control. The macromers were photopolymerized to cryogels whose swelling, biodegradation and mineralization properties were studied. Biodegradation was most strongly affected by the macromer molecular weight. In mineralization studies, the control cryogel nucleated HAP, the others another type of biological apatite; the extent of mineralization depending on ALE concentration. Cryogel-apatite composites were studied by SEM, FTIR, XRD and thermogravimetric analysis. Mechanical tests reveal compressions up to 97% for cryogels, showing their high toughness. Young's modulus and compressive fracture stress increase with ALE content to 10 kPa and 2.2 ± 0.4 MPa, respectively. The modulus increased significantly in mineralization due Ca2+-ALE bindings forming physical cross-links. Degradation products of ALE-containing cryogels showed dose, composition and cell type dependent cytotoxicity when incubated with osteosarcoma cells lines, Saos-2 and U-2 OS, and healthy C2C12 muscle cells.

Removal of hexabromocyclododecane using ultrasound-based advanced oxidation process: Kinetics, pathways and influencing factors

Abstract In search of a sustainable water treatment process, this work evaluated the effectiveness of an ultrasound-based advanced oxidation process in the elimination of Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a brominated flame retardant known for its toxic effects. Treatments were conducted using a probe-type sonicator of 20 kHz frequency, and the role of reaction parameters was studied subsequently. Under optimum reaction parameters of HBCD initial concentration (200 μ M), ultrasound power level (375 W), H 2 O2 addition (20 ppm), solution temperature (30 °C), as well as pH (3), the highest possible pseudo-first-order degradation rate of k: 0.118 min−1, was obtained. The high-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the complete disappearance of HBCD within just 40 min of treatment. HBCD degraded products were detected via gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis, whereas the extent of mineralization was examined by total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, which demonstrated high mineralization efficiency (72% TOC reduction). Moreover, Daphnia Magna bioassay was performed to evaluate the ecotoxicity of HBCD and its degraded products. The outcomes of this study indicated the degradation mechanism of HBCD to be dependent on thermal decomposition at the bubble interfacial region as the dominant pathway along with free radical attack as the successive steps of transformation. Overall, the study has demonstrated the effectiveness of ultrasound-based treatment in the complete elimination of recalcitrant organic pollutants.

Comparative evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin, platelet-rich fibrin + 50 wt% nanohydroxyapatite, platelet-rich fibrin + 50 wt% dentin chips on odontoblastic differentiation - An in vitro study-part 2.

Aim:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) modified with bioactive radiopacifiers–nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) and dentin chips (DC) on odontoblastic differentiation in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs).Subjects and Methods:PRF was modified with 50wt% of nHA (G bone-SHAG31, Surgiwear Company) and 50 wt% of DC. HDPSCs differentiation and mineralization by the groups ([Group A - Control (Dimethyl sulfoxide), Group B - PRF, Group C – PRF + nHA, Group D – PRF + DC]) were assessed. ELISA was done to quantify the interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 cytokine expression. The odontoblastic differentiation was determined by the expression of odontogenesis-related genes and the extent of mineralization using alizarin red S staining.Statistical Analysis Used:One-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey-honestly significant difference tests were applied to assess the significance among various groups.Results:The level of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) expression by Group D (PRF + 50 wt% DC) was higher compared to Group B (PRF) and Group C (PRF + 50 wt% DC). Group C (PRF + 50 wt% nHA) induced more mineralization nodules compared to other groups. The integrated density value for the DSPP and DMP-1 protein expression by Group C (PRF + 50 wt% nHA) and Group D (PRF + 50 wt% DC) was higher compared to Group B (PRF).Conclusions:The results suggest that the addition of bioactive radiopacifiers into PRF has a synergistic effect on the stimulation of odontoblastic differentiation of HDPCs, hence inducing mineralization.

Correlation of Micro-Computed Tomography Assessment of Valvular Mineralisation with Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Features of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease.

Aortic valve stenosis is a serious disease with increasing prevalence in developed countries. Research aimed at uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind its main cause, aortic valve calcification, is thus crucial for the development of future therapies. It is frequently difficult to measure the extent of mineralisation in soft tissues and some methods require the destruction of the sample. Micro-computed tomography (µCT), a non-destructive technique, was used to quantify the density and volume of calcium deposits on cusps from 57 explanted aortic valves. Conventional and immunostaining techniques were used to characterise valve tissue degeneration and the inflammatory and osteogenic stage with several markers. Although most of the analysed cusps came from severe stenosis patients, the µCT parameter bone volume/tissue volume ratio distinguished several degrees of mineralisation that correlated with the degree of structural change in the tissue and the amount of macrophage infiltration as determined by CD68 immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, exosomal markers CD63 and Alix co-localised with macrophage infiltration surrounding calcium deposits, suggesting that those vesicles could be produced at least in part by these immune cells. In conclusion, we have shown that the ex vivo assessment of aortic valve mineralisation with µCT reflects the molecular and cellular changes in pathological valves during progression towards stenosis. Thus, our results give additional validity to quantitative μCT as a convenient laboratory tool for basic research on this type of cardiovascular calcification.

A comparative study on the degradation of ethyl xanthate collector by O3, UV254nm, UV185+254nm, O3/UV254nm and O3/UV185+254nm processes

To separate sulfide minerals from ores, xanthates are widely used as flotation collectors in global mining industry. However, nearly half of xanthates dosed into flotation circuits are discharged into flotation effluents. Residual xanthates and byproducts must be removed because of their toxicity to animals and detrimental effects on mineral flotation. In this work, the degradation of ethyl xanthate (EX) collector by O3, UV254nm, UV185+254nm, O3/UV254nm and O3/UV185+254nm was compared. The TOC and SO42− concentrations were measured to study the mineralization of EX. The generation of CS2 and H2S byproducts was investigated in both aqueous and gaseous phases. The degradation rate and mineralization extent of EX had the order O3/UV185+254nm>O3/UV254nm>UV185+254nm>UV254nm>sole O3. The EX removal by O3/UV185+254nm reached 99.13 % within 15 min with the half-life of 2.29 min. The higher solution pH promoted the EX degradation for the O3/UV185+254nm and sole O3. After 90 min, 1.72 % of total sulfur in EX had emitted into gas for the O3/UV185+254nm, slightly higher than that (0.49 %) for sole O3. The solid phase extraction and gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (SPE/GC–MS) and UV–vis spectroscopic analysis revealed that 13 organic byproducts were generated from EX collector and most of them could be further decomposed by O3/UV185+254nm. Because the O3/UV254nm and UV185+254nm photolysis were included, the O3/UV185+254nm was the most efficient process in the removal and mineralization of xanthate collectors among five processes.

A comprehensive study on the mechanism pathways and scavenging agents in the photocatalytic activity of BiVO4/WO3 nano-composite

The BiVO4-WO3 nano-composite (NC) was synthesized, characterized by the x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and the photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and N2 adsorption-desorption (for the BET surface area determination) and used in the photodegradation of sulfasalazine (SFSZ) aqueous solution. Band gap energy and potential positions of the conduction and valence bands of the semiconductors were estimated. The composite with a mole ratio of 1:4 of BiVO4:WO3 showed the best photodegradation efficiency under visible light irradiation. The results confirmed a relatively smaller mineralization extent for SFSZ molecules than its photodegradation extent. The kinetic results showed k-values of 0.041 min−1 and 0.022 min−1 for the degradation and mineralization extents of SFSZ molecules that correspond to t1/2 values of 17.1 and 31.5 min, respectively, confirming that photodegradation extent of SFSZ is about 1.85 times greater than its mineralization extent. Effects of the scavenging agents were studied and the results showed superoxide radicals, the photogenerated holes, OH radicals, and the photogenerated electrons have the important roles in SFSZ photodegradation, respectively. Among the type II-heterojunction and Z-scheme mechanisms, the latter case had the most important role in the photodegradation of SFSZ.

Trace elements and textures of hydrothermal sphalerite and pyrite in Upper Permian (Zechstein) carbonates of the North German Basin

Deeply buried Upper Permian (Zechstein) carbonates in the southwestern North German Basin host widespread Zn-Fe-Pb sulfide mineralization. The spatial extent of the sediment-hosted mineralization, the geochemical formation conditions, and the number of mineralizing events that are manifested in the Permian sedimentary rocks are an ongoing matter of debate and interest for mineral exploration efforts in the North German Basin. We present detailed petrographic and geochemical data of ore minerals from drill core samples from the Lower Saxony Basin that forms the southwestern part of the North German Basin. Based on these data, we propose and discuss a genetic model for the ore-forming processes. Of particular interest are the sources of metals and sulfur and the timing and temperature at which the sulfides formed. The main sulfide minerals are sphalerite, pyrite, and galena, which commonly occupy mm- to m-scale open space fillings and fractures. Petrographic observations further suggest hydrothermal replacement of the Zechstein Ca2 carbonates, by sulfides, secondary calcite, and anhydrite. Early diagenetic pyrite occurs disseminated in the Zechstein Ca2 carbonates. Scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe, laser ablation ICP-MS, and sulfur isotope analyses were used to collect petrographic and compositional data on the sphalerite and pyrite. Hydrothermal sphalerite displays cyclical growth patterns and sectoral zoning characterized by colors varying from colorless to black and corresponding indicative variations in their minor and trace element concentrations, e.g., Fe concentrations ranging between below the limit of detection (7.7 ppm) to a maximum of 2.8 wt%. A detailed LA-ICP-MS multielement map illustrates the observed growth patterns and reveals that Mn, Co, Fe, Cu, Ge, Ag, Cd, Hg, Tl, and Pb are the elements that control the distinct color variations. Sectoral zoning is reflected in comparatively high Cu, Ag, and Pb contents, whereas the cyclical growth banding can be retraced by variations in Fe, Co, Cd, Hg, and Tl contents. Calculated temperatures from the trace element signatures using the GGIMFis geothermometer indicate a formation temperature of 148 ± 55 °C for sphalerite. Although the investigated mineralization bears many trademarks of a Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposit, the elevated temperatures, a burial depth of around 3.2 km, low concentrations of common strategic elements such as Ga, Ge, and In (< median of 1.3 ppm in sphalerite), as well as the abundance of pyrite represent the unique nature of the Ca2-hosted mineralization. The observed epigenetic ore zones are therefore best described as carbonate replacement mineralization and present an intriguing case study of geochemical exploration in a deeply covered terrane.

Bioaugmentation of PAH-Contaminated Soils With Novel Specific Degrader Strains Isolated From a Contaminated Industrial Site. Effect of Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin as PAH Bioavailability Enhancer.

A PAHs-contaminated industrial soil was analyzed using PCR amplification of the gene 16S ribosomal RNA for the detection and identification of different isolated bacterial strains potentially capable of degrading PAHs. Novel degrader strains were isolated and identified as Achromobacter xylosoxidans 2BC8 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia JR62, which were able to degrade PYR in solution, achieving a mineralization rate of about 1% day–1. A. xylosoxidans was also able to mineralize PYR in slurry systems using three selected soils, and the total extent of mineralization (once a plateau was reached) increased 4.5, 21, and 57.5% for soils LT, TM and CR, respectively, regarding the mineralization observed in the absence of the bacterial degrader. Soil TM contaminated with PYR was aged for 80 days and total extent of mineralization was reduced (from 46 to 35% after 180 days), and the acclimation period increased (from 49 to 79 days). Hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) was used as a bioavailability enhancer of PYR in this aged soil, provoking a significant decrease in the acclimation period (from 79 to 54 days) due to an increase in PYR bioavailable fraction just from the beginning of the assay. However, a similar global extension of mineralization was obtained. A. xylosoxidans was then added together with HPBCD to this aged TM soil contaminated with PYR, and the total extent of mineralization decreased to 25% after 180 days, possibly due to the competitive effect of endogenous microbiota and the higher concentration of PYR in the soil solution provoked by the addition of HPBCD, which could have a toxic effect on the A. xylosoxidans strain.

Osterix-mCherry Expression Allows for Early Bone Detection in a Calvarial Defect Model.

The process of new bone formation following trauma requires the temporal recruitment of cells to the site, including mesenchymal stem cells, preosteoblasts, and osteoblasts, the latter of which deposit minerals. Hence, bone repair, a process that is assessed by the extent of mineralization within the defect, can take months before it is possible to determine if a treatment is successful. Here, a fluorescently tagged Osterix, an early key gene in the bone formation cascade, is used as a predictive measure of bone formation. Using a calvarial defect model in mice, the ability to noninvasively track the Osterix transcription factor in an Osterix-mCherry mouse model is evaluated as a measure for bone formation following treatment with recombinant human Bone-Morphogenetic-Protein 2 (rhBMP-2). Two distinct delivery materials are utilized, an injectable nanocomposite hydrogel and a collagen sponge, that afford distinct release kinetics and it is found that cherry-fluorescent protein can be detected as early as 2 weeks following treatment. Osterix intensity correlates with subsequent bone formation and hence can serve as a rapid screening tool for osteogenic drugs or for the evaluation and optimization of delivery platforms.

Humic Acid Can Enhance the Mineralization of Phenanthrene Sorbed on Biochars.

Biodegradation of hydrophobic organic contaminants by bacteria has been widely studied, but how dissolved organic matter (DOM) may affect their removal if accumulated on biochars is poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, microbial mineralization of phenanthrene (PHE) spiked on various biochars by Mycobacterium vanbaalenii PYR-1 in the presence of humic acid (HA, a model DOM) at two concentrations was investigated. Our findings showed that HA greatly increased the rate and extent of PHE mineralization. This could be attributed to enhanced PHE desorption by HA, which facilitated access to it by bacteria in the aqueous phase. Furthermore, the high HA affinity for PHE facilitated PHE flow toward the bacterial cells with HA acting as a carrier in the aqueous phase. The mineralization enhancement of PHE by HA within 480 h was negatively influenced by the aromatic carbon contents and micropore volumes in biochars. This shows the importance of the physicochemical properties of biochars in altering the HA effect. Results of this study provide novel information on how to achieve complete removal of PHE accumulated on biochars with a strong sorption affinity for it, using a microbial technique and natural DOM.

Mesoporous monolith designs of mixed phased titania codoped Sm3+/Er3+ composites: A super responsive visible light photocatalysts for organic pollutant clean-up

In this work, we report on the synthesis of a new class photocatalyst material of Sm3+/Er3+ codoped TiO2 mesoporous monolithic network using a surfactant mediated microemulsion micro-phased sol-gel technique. The crack-free monoliths were characterized using, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM-SAED, XPS, UV–Vis-DRS, PLS, TG-DTA, FT-IR, Raman, and BET analysis. The study revealed that the stoichiometric mixed dopant composite of Sm3+ and Er3+ with TiO2 exhibited excellent visible light photocatalytic activity. The XRD data showed that the Sm3+/Er3+ codoped TiO2 monolith exhibited a mixed phase ((75%) anatase - (25%) rutile) crystallinity, with well-defined mesopores. The TEM and SEM images confirmed the existence of a uniform pattern of highly ordered worm-like structure of mesoporous design, which corroborates with the absorption-desorption isotherm pattern. The XPS spectra confirmed the trivalent state of the Sm-Er composite, and their surface dispersion onto the Ti-O-Ti lattice. The UV–Vis-DRS analysis showed an energy band gap value of 3.26, 3.02, and 2.80 eV, for undoped, (3.0 mol%) Sm3+ doped, and (0.6 mol%) Er3+/(3.0 mol%) Sm3+ codoped TiO2 monoliths, respectively, which reflected on the visible light absorption characteristics of the Sm3+/Er3+ doped TiO2 composite. The photo-luminescence emission spectra showed that the (0.6 mol%) Er3+/(3.0 mol%) Sm3+ composite as the best performing visible light photocatalyst. The efficacy of the proposed class of photocatalytic materials was investigated for textile dye degradation using Acid Blue 113, as the model organic dye pollutant, which was dissipated within 30 min of visible light irradiation. For the superior performance of the photocatalyst, the operational parameters such as, solution pH, dopant/co-dopant stoichiometry, photocatalyst quantity, dye concentration, light intensity, photooxidizers, degradation kinetics, reusability, etc., were studied and optimized. The dye degradation was monitored using UV–Visible spectrophotometry, and the extent of dye mineralization was confirmed by TOC analysis.

Comparative evaluation of the physicochemical properties of nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen and natural bone ceramic/collagen scaffolds and their osteogenesis-promoting effect on MC3T3-E1 cells.

The use of various types of calcium phosphate has been reported in the preparation of repairing materials for bone defects. However, the physicochemical and biological properties among them might be vastly different. In this study, we prepared two types of calcium phosphates, nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) and natural bone ceramic (NBC), into 3D scaffolds by mixing with type I collagen (CoL), resulting in the nHA/CoL and NBC/CoL scaffolds. We then evaluated and compared the physicochemical and biological properties of these two calcium phosphates and their composite scaffold with CoL. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and compressive tests were used to, respectively, characterize the morphology, composition, distribution and the effect of nHA and NBC to collagen. Next, we examined the biological properties of the scaffolds using cytotoxicity testing, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, biocompatibility testing, CCK-8 assays and RT-PCR. The results reflected that the Ca2+ released from nHA and NBC could bind chemically with collagen and affect its physicochemical properties, including the infrared absorption spectrum and compression modulus, among others. Furthermore, the two kinds of scaffolds could promote the expression of osteo-relative genes, but showed different gene induction properties. In short, NBC/CoL could promote the expression of early osteogenic genes, while nHA/CoL could upregulate late osteogenic genes. Conclusively, these two composite scaffolds could provide MC3T3-E1 cells with a biomimetic surface for adhesion, proliferation and the formation of mineralized extracellular matrices. Moreover, nHA/CoL and NBC/CoL had different effects on the period and extent of MC3T3-E1 cell mineralization.

Synthesis and Photocatalytic Study of Ferrocenium Ion Incorporated Lacunary Keggin Hybrid Material

AbstractIn the present work, we report the synthesis of inorganic‐organic hybrid material of molecular formula abbreviated as TBAFcPW11. This hybrid material has large surface area (142 m2 g−1) and shows photocatalytic activity due to the synergistic effect of photoexcitation property of polyoxometalate cluster and Fe2+/Fe3+ redox pair. It is a floating hybrid photocatalytic material capable of remediating organic pollutants, rhodamine B and p‐nitrophenol. Optimum conditions for photocatalytic degradation and extent of mineralization have been established by varying the reaction conditions and mineralization studies.