Ferric Oxide Research Articles

Metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles toxicity primarily targets the mitochondria of hepatocytes and renal cells.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are utilized in various applications, posing potential risks to human health, tissues, cells, and macromolecules. This study aimed to investigate the ultrastructural alterations in hepatocytes and renal tubular cells induced by metallic and metal oxide NPs. Adult healthy male Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into 6 (n = 7) control and 6 treated groups (n = 7). The rats in the treated groups exposed daily to silver NPs, gold NPs, zinc oxide NPs, silicon dioxide NPs, copper oxide NPs, and ferric oxide NPs for 35 days. The members of the control group for each corresponding NPs received the respective vehicle. Liver and kidney tissue blocks from all rats were processed for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) examinations. The hepatocytes and renal tubular cells of all NPs-treated rats demonstrated mitochondrial ultrastructural alterations mainly cristolysis, swelling, membrane disruption, lucent matrices, matrices lysis, and electron-dense deposits. However, other organelles demonstrated injury but to a lesser extent in the form of shrunken nuclei, nuclear membrane indentation, endoplasmic reticulum fragmentation, cellular membranes enfolding, brush border microvilli disruption, lysosomal hyperplasia, ribosomes dropping, and peroxisome formation. One may conclude from the findings that the hepatocytes and the renal tubular cells mitochondria are the main targets for nanoparticles toxicity ending in mitochondrial disruption and cell injury. Further studies taking into account the relation of mitochondrial ultrastructural damage with a weakened antioxidant defense system induced by chronic exposure to nanomaterials are needed.

Targeted delivery of cisplatin magnetic nanoparticles for diagnosis and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Rapid advances in nanotechnology are paving the way for innovative breakthroughs in overcoming the current limitations in the clinical treatment of cancer and other prevalent diseases plaguing mankind. Magnetic nanoparticles composed of iron oxide (Fe3O4) are a novel class of nanoparticles that are receiving increasing attention in the field of cancer therapy. To address the inherent limitations, bare Fe3O4 can be functionalized, polymerized, assembled, or combined with other functional materials to produce a range of smart nanoplatforms suitable for tumor therapy. In this paper, we present a unique multifunctional therapeutic nanoplatform centered on aldehyde-oxidized sodium alginate-stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) designed for T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Sodium alginate oxide and ferric oxide nanoparticles were prepared respectively, and the two particles were mixed in a certain molar ratio to form a complex, which was coupled to target polypeptide GE11 by Schiff base reaction, and finally supported by cisplatin through coordination complexation. The prepared magnetic nanoparticles (hereinafter referred to as GE11-CDDP-ASA@Fe3O4) have an average diameter of 152.9 nm, and have good colloidal stability and cytocompatibility. The distinctive structure and composition of GE11-CDDP-ASA@Fe3O4 contribute to its excellent MRI imaging performance, positioning it as a nano platform suitable for enhancing the efficacy of combination therapy in tumor treatment. This is of great significance for translational nanomedicine applications.

Dual-gradient MXene/AgNWs/Hollow-Fe3O4/CNF composite films for thermal management and electromagnetic shielding applications

With the increasing prevalence of electronic devices, there is a pressing need for composite films that offer both efficient thermal management and superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. To address this, we developed a novel composite film featuring a controllable conductive-magnetic dual-gradient structure, composed of cellulose nanofibers (CNF), MXene, silver nanowires (AgNWs), and hollow ferric oxide (Fe3O4). This film was fabricated using a straightforward, cost-effective layer-by-layer vacuum filtration method. Leveraging CNF as the matrix material endows the film with remarkable flexibility. The integration of 2D MXene, 1D AgNWs, and 0D hollow Fe3O4 significantly enhances the film's thermal conductivity through multidimensional particle interactions, achieving a maximum value of 2.92 W/mK. Additionally, the dual-gradient structure of the film-comprising a transition layer and a reflection layer-improves EMI shielding efficiency by balancing high EMI shielding effectiveness with low electromagnetic wave reflection. Specifically, for the dual-gradient configuration (MAF)-25-CNF, the absorption coefficient (A) of electromagnetic waves incident on the low conductivity side reaches 0.23, and the shielding effectiveness reaches 45.8 dB. These findings highlight the potential of MXene/AgNWs/Fe3O4/CNF composite films with a controllable conductive-magnetic dual-gradient structure for applications in electronics, electrical engineering, and wearable technologies.

Imaging of Volatile Organic Compounds Using a Single Nanowire-Based Electronic Nose for Future Biomedical Applications.

This study introduces an array of semiconductor oxide single nanowires fabricated using advanced semiconductor processing techniques, including electron beam lithography and thin-film deposition, which is well-suited for large-scale nanowire integration. A four-channel nanowire array consisting of tin oxide (SnO2), indium oxide (In2O3), ferric oxide (Fe3O4), and titanium oxide (TiO2) was developed. As a proof of concept, we converted the response curves of the sensor array to heat maps, enabling comprehensive feature representation. The fabricated electronic nose (E-nose) was utilized to detect three types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with the results visualized in a heat map format. Additionally, the performance of each individual sensor was quantitatively studied, highlighting the array's potential for enhanced gas detection and analysis. To further illustrate the interaction between gas molecules and the nanowires, we visualized the gas response results by mapping the sensor's signal changes. These visualizations provide a clear representation of how different gas molecules interact with specific nanowires. For example, the heat maps reveal distinct response patterns for each type of VOC, allowing for the identification and differentiation of gases based on their unique signatures. This visualization technique not only enhances the understanding of gas-nanowire interactions but also demonstrates the effectiveness of the E-nose in distinguishing between various VOCs. The SnO2 nanowire gas sensor showed enhanced gas response compared to other materials. The SnO2 and TiO2 gas sensors showed enhanced response (62 and 56 s) and recovery times (100 and 37 s).

Characterization of regolith-hosted rare earth element deposits using reflectance spectroscopy: Framework towards an efficient and reliable field exploration tool

With a growing demand for the rare earth elements (REE), exploration of regolith-hosted REE resources worldwide has been thriving in recent years and development of a rapid and reliable field-based tool will greatly facilitate the survey and exploration. In this study, we use visible and short-wave infrared (VNIR-SWIR) reflectance spectroscopy to comprehensively evaluate the applicability of the technique to explore regolith-hosted REE resources, exemplified by three representative regolith-hosted REE deposits in China. Neodymium among the REE shows reliably detectable spectral features in the VNIR-SWIR spectroscopy down to concentrations of 10–50 ppm in field samples with heterogeneous mineral grain sizes. The Nd spectral intensity of electronic transition at the band of ∼800 nm is correlated with bulk Nd concentrations and can be used as semi-quantitative indicators for the Nd concentrations, thereby the total REE in regolith. Moreover, VNIR-SWIR spectroscopy is demonstrated to be capable of delineating favorable ore-bearing mineralogy by characterizing the abundance and type of clay minerals and Fe (oxyhydr)oxides, and the crystallinity of kaolinite-group minerals. However, the Nd spectral features of samples with high bulk Fe2O3 contents (>3 wt%) are significantly masked due to overlapping by the strong absorption features of ferric (oxyhydr)oxides. VNIR-SWIR spectroscopy is deemed to be applicable to the exploration of regolith-hosted REE resources developed from Fe-poor felsic rocks.

The Solid‐State Battery Applicational Technology: Material Characteristics and Charge–Discharge Mechanisms of Iron Chloride Electrodes

ABSTRACTThis study delves into the unique characteristics of an iron chloride cathode with a solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) and the construction of a button cell battery (BT cell) for its evaluation. The iron ions in this system can provide either divalent or trivalent ions, which possess a higher electrical capacity (~200 mAh/g) and competitive advantages. The solid‐state electrolyte materials, iron compounds (chloride, oxide), exhibit high activation in electrochemistry. After the cycle test, the ferric chloride electrolyte transforms into another iron hydroxide compound due to its high activation. The study examines iron, ferric oxide (Fe2O3), and ferrous chloride (FeCl2) as cathode materials and evaluates their impact on the battery. Cyclic voltammetry compares the potential and current values of the redox reactions among the three. Finally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) explores the ferric chloride layer and iron hydroxide in ferrous chloride. The study focuses on the high electrochemical activity of the iron chloride layer and explores the crystal structure and composition for electrochemical analysis. The findings of this study are crucial for understanding the potential of iron‐ion batteries and the role of iron compounds in improving battery performance.

Finite difference analysis for entropy optimized nanomaterial Darcy-Forchheimer flow with homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions

Hybrid nanoliquids are not underestimated for their involvement in microelectronics, transportation, coolant processes, ships, biological processes and power generation. Hence motivation for current work is to examine homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions in entropy optimized flow by curved sheet stretched with nonlinear velocity. Trihybrid nanoliquid is synthesized through 2 % of ferrous oxides(Fe3O4), 2 % of silver(Ag) and 2 % of copper(Cu). Kerosene oil is employed as the base fluid. These specific kinds of nanoparticles are taken into consideration because of their numerous applications in heat dissipation, air filters, dynamic sealing, biosensors and catalysts process. Kerosene oil may have applications in many different domains such as energy storage, cleaning agent, portable heaters, fuel additive and industrial lubricants. Darcy-Forchheimer model is employed. Analysis in presence of radiation, dissipation, Ohmic heating, entropy generation and heat generation/absorption are organized. Unlike the previous considerations, the thermal expression here consists of impacts through Darcy-Forchheimer relation. Adequate transformations are implemented. Computations have been arranged by applying finite difference technique (FDM) using MATLAB. Quantities for physical interest are addressed. The presented analysis may have relevance for solar systems, chemical reacting processes, cooling towers and polymer data processes. The conclusions are also organized for important key findings. It is noticed that trihybrid nanomaterial has more entropy rate when compared with hybrid and classical nanoliquids when volume fraction is chosen as 2 % for trihybrid fluid. It is proposed that the ability to transfer heat is enhanced when nanoparticles are added to conventional fluids. Decay in concentration is noticed for both homogeneous and heterogeneous parameters. Reduction for Bejan number is noticed through homogeneous diffusion factor. Comparison with previous study is also presented and found great consensus between them.

Hierarchical magneto-colorimetric labels for immediate lateral flow immunoassay of chlorothalonil residues

Quantitative detection of pesticide residues in food and environmental samples using an improved lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is of considerable importance for real-time analysis. This paper proposes a highly sensitive LFIA platform based on a hierarchical magneto-colorimetric compact. This compact serves as both the target magnetic enrichment substrate and a photosensitive label. Initially, a large porous dendritic silica template is prepared and doped with superparamagnetic ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) at high densities within its vertical channels. The sequential assembly of central–radial channels allow for the three-dimensional integration of these two components, enabling independent control of their discrete functions without mutual interference. Following alkyl organosilicon encapsulation and silica sealing, the composite spheres are then applied in LFIA to detect chlorothalonil residues. Fe3O4 NPs enhance the binding efficiency to target analytes, while AuNPs amplify the signal, leveraging their high loading densities and robust optical properties. The developed LFIA platform exhibited a detection limit of 0.34 ng/mL for chlorothalonil and a linear range of 0.0085–824 ng/mL. The recoveries varied between 85.1 % and 103.1 %, and the relative standard deviations were 1.25%–8.84 %. This LFIA approach demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and flexible detection modes, making it highly suitable for the on-site monitoring of pesticide residues.

A simple approach to design fabric with flame-retardant and pattern function

The study of fabrics’ flame retardant properties has always been a hot topic in the field of textiles. In this paper, a flame-retardant fabric with a sandwich structure was obtained by combining hydrogel patch method and in-situ polymerization technology via a two-step method. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the hydrogel could improve PLA materials’ thermal stability effectively. The hydrogel treated fabrics’ limiting oxygen index (LOI) value increased from 21.05 % to 80.00 %. The cone calorimeter test demonstrated that the pHRR and THR of the hydrogel treated fabrics decreased to 51.48 % and 55.97 %, respectively. After adding a mixture of ferric oxide and mica during the in-situ polymerization of the hydrogel, the pHRR and THR of the obtained fabric decreased to 43.77 % and 46.00 %, respectively, compared to the original PLA fabric. Furthermore, the mechanical strength test showed that the introduction of hydrogel patch had almost no effect on the mechanical properties of PLA materials. In addition, by using the way that metal ions can be arranged into a special array on the magnetic induction line, under the synergistic effect between ferric oxide and mica, the array formed by the ferric oxide particles on the magnetic induction line was designed with a series of patterns on its surface. Finally, a kind of textile with flame retardant properties and different patterns was obtained.

Continuous reduction and phase transformation mechanism of pellets in lumpy zone based on dissected hydrogen blast furnace

The continuous phase transition phenomena and mechanism of pellets in the hydrogen blast furnace is achieved by dissecting the 40m3 hydrogen blast furnace. The results of the dissection reveal that the lumpy zone extends to the bosh of the hydrogen blast furnace (HBF), while it ends at about 2/3 of the stack in traditional blast furnace. The iron oxide (FeOx) began to appear in the upper stack, while the iron started to appear in the lower stack. The reduction rate and metallization rate at the bosh are measured at 95.18% and 95.54%. The content of ferrous oxide (FeO) decreases significantly (measured at 1.73% at the bosh), resulting in an increase in the melting point of the primary slag and a deterioration of its fluidity. FeOx formed in the upper stack continuously diffuses and merges into the gangue, which affects the subsequent transformation of FeOx. FeOx shows a preference for interacting with SiO2, CaO, and MgO, directly influencing the formation of slag in the cohesive zone. These findings offer valuable insights for numerical simulation and research on hydrogen-rich operation.

SYNTHESIS STRUCTURAL AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF TITANIUM DOPED MAGNESIUM ZINC FERRITE

Magnetic ceramics or ferrites are very well established group of magnetic materials which exhibits ferrimagnetism. It possess high electrical resistivity, low eddy current and dielectric loss which makes it superior than the other ordinary magnetic oxides that contain the ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) as their basic magnetic compounds. The ceramic magnets are widely used in high frequency transformer application. [(Mg, Mn, F12o4)] spinels are used in square-loop application. Ceramic materials found application in nuclear physics. In nuclear reactors ceramics are used as core components. The studies include the preparation and analysis of Titanium doped Magnesium zinc ferrite. Here, Titanium doped magnesium zinc ferrite nanoparticles (NPS) were synthesized using solid state reaction method. Titanium doping can enhance the magnetic properties of magnesium zinc ferrite in several ways these can contribute to improved magnetic properties , such as increased magnetic moment, saturation magnetization, and magnetic ordering , making titanium – doped magnesium zinc ferrite a promising material for various applications including magnetic storage, sensors, and spintronics. According to the stoichiometric equation [Mg0.9Zn 0.1TixFe2-xO4] at different values of x, (x=0.1, 0.3) are synthesised. Calcination and sintering of the samples is made by high temperature PID controlled muffle furnace which can go up to 1000°C. The structural and magnetic properties are examined using XRD, FTIR and Curie temperature analysis. From the XRD analysis it revels the phase structure and lattice parameters of the samples. XRD analysis gives maximum intensity of (h k l) values as (3 1 1) in both cases. It also reveals that no secondary phases are produced during growth. That means the specimens FCC stacking. FTIR analysis of the samples done using Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy. From this analysis it revels the detailed atomic structure and bonding of the samples. The bands obtained reveal spinal ferrite structure. Curie temperature of the specimens is determined by Curie temperature apparatus for the study of magnetic properties of the specimens.

Predicting anti-tumor efficacy of multi-functional nanomedicine on decellularized hepatocellular carcinoma-on-a-chip

Traditional hepatocellular carcinoma-chip models lack the cell structure and microenvironments necessary for high pathophysiological correlation, leading to low accuracy in predicting drug efficacy and high production costs. This study proposed a decellularized hepatocellular carcinoma-on-a-chip model to screen anti-tumor nanomedicine. In this model, human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and human normal liver cells (L02) were co-cultured on a three-dimensional (3D) decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) in vitro to mimic the tumor microenvironments of human hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo. Additionally, a smart nanomedicine was developed by encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX) into the ferric oxide (Fe3O4)-incorporated liposome nanovesicle (NLV/Fe+DOX). NLV/Fe+DOX selectively killed 78.59% ± 6.78% of HepG2 cells through targeted delivery and synergistic chemo-chemodynamic-photothermal therapies, while the viability of surrounding L02 cells on the chip model retained high, at over 90.0%. The drug efficacy tested using this unique chip model correlated well with the results of cellular and animal experiments. In summary, our proposed hepatocellular carcinoma-chip model is a low-cost yet accurate drug-testing platform with significant potential for drug screening.

Ultrathin flaky FeSiAl and Fe3O4@C core-shell integrating the high-performance microwave absorber with gradient anti-corrosion barriers

Heterogeneous interface engineering and magnetic coupling are the main promising strategies for efficient microwave absorbers, but getting them stable in high-salt and humidity environments remains a challenge. Herein, we developed ultrathin flaky FeSiAl(FSA) integrating with Fe3O4@C core-shell for the high-performance microwave absorber with gradient anti-corrosion barriers. The Fe-Prussian blue analogue (PBA) derived microcubes decorated ultrathin FSA are prepared and transformed into Fe3O4@C core-shell in range of 500 ∼ 700 °C. The introduction of ferric oxide favors to impedance matching. Furthermore, the ultra-thin carbon layer and ferric oxide form a hybrid structure, which is conducive to enhancing electron spin and thereby enhancing microwave loss. This hybrid possess enhanced microwave absorption properties with a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −45.5 dB at 9.2 GHz at a thickness of 2.5 mm. Moreover, the maximum effective absorption bandwidth value reaches 5.2 GHz from 12.8 to 18 GHz at 1.6 mm. The gradient carbon layers and Fe3O4 provided the bi-barriers towards corrosive medium. Then corrosion resistance of the electric circuit increased up to 3.56×107 Ω∙cm2 for FSA/Fe3O4@C-600. Meanwhile, the corresponding corrosion current decreased into 2.52×10−8 A∙cm−2. Hence, introducing multi-heterointerfaces and dual-magnetic components opens up a fantastic avenue for designing high-efficient absorbers with gradient anti-corrosion barriers.

Sustainable Modification of Naturally Available Resources for Metal-Ion Storage Applications

The adoption of naturally abundant resources for energy storage applications represents a pivotal strategy in advancing large-scale sustainable green energy solutions across diverse sectors. This presentation provides an overview of E2MC's approaches to the green modification of naturally occurring materials at a low cost, focusing on their metal-ion energy storage capabilities. Key natural materials discussed include molybdenum disulfides (MoS2), ilmenite and natural graphite minerals, as well as corn waste. (a) The thermal oxidation of MoS2 is explored as a straightforward and effective method to produce layer-structured molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO3) with crystalline defects, showing enhanced Li-ion storage kinetics. The molten salt treatment of MoS2 produces sodium dimolybdate with improved Li-ion and Na-ion storage performances. Additionally, a hybrid nanostructure comprising metastable monoclinic molybdenum trioxide (β-MoO3), hexagonal MoS2 secondary crystals and graphene nanosheets is produced through mechanochemical-molten salt treatment. This hybrid structure exhibits an interesting Li-ion storage performance. (b) Carbonization of largely available corn lignocellulosic waste in the presence of molten salt is discussed as a facile approach for the preparation of biocarbons with appropriate specific surface area, pore volume, and elemental carbon purity. The partial dissolution of biomass impurities into the molten salt enhances the Li-ion and Na-ion storage performance of the biocarbon. Additionally, the treatment of corn-derived silica with Fe2O3 and graphite-derived graphene nanosheets, leads to the preparation of a nanostructure in which ferric oxide particles are coated with iron silicate, and these hybrid nanostructures are integrated with graphene nanosheets, showcasing an interesting Li-ion storage performance. (c) Efficient exfoliation of naturally available graphite minerals in molten salt is introduced leading to the formation of carbon nanostructures with promising applications in both Li-ion and Na-ion storage. The economic and strategic advantages associated with utilizing such naturally available resources for energy storage applications are also discussed. References W. Zhu, A.R. Kamali*, J. Alloy Compd. 932 (2023) 167724W. Zhu, A.R. Kamali*, J Alloy Compd. 968 (2023) 171823A.R. Kamali*, H. Zhao, J. Alloy Compd. 949 (2023) 169819W. Zhu, A.R. Kamali*, J. Alloy Compd. 831(2020) 154781H. Zhao, A. Rezaei, A.R. Kamali*, J. Electrochem. Soc. 169 (2022) 054512A.R. Kamali*, J. Ye, Miner. Eng. 172 (2021) 107175S. Li, A.R. Kamali*, Chem. Eng. Sci. 265 (2023) 118222S. Li, A.R. Kamali*, Gels 9 (2023) 701S. Li, A.R. Kamali*, Colloids Surf. A 656 (2023) 130275H. Fu, A.R. Kamali* et al, Chem. Eng. J. (2023) 146936W. Zhu, A.R. Kamali*, J. Electrochem. Soc. 168 (2021) 046517

Microspheres-mediated magnetic thermal ablation combined with immune checkpoint blockade therapy for liver cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are some of the most difficult malignant tumors to treat, due to their high rates of metastasis and recurrence. Image-guided percutaneous ablation, which serves as an important means in HCC treatment. However, drawbacks such as puncture injury, metastasis, and a limited ablation range still exist. Therefore, A highly effective and non-invasive magnetic thermal ablation (MTA) scheme for HCC was proposed by precisely embolizing magnetic microspheres into tumor-feeding arteries. In this study, polyacrylamide (PAM) and ferric oxide (Fe3O4) were utilized to prepare uniformly sized PAM@Fe3O4 microspheres with excellent eddy current heating effects. Additionally, a combined approach of MTA and immunotherapy was suggested. MTA combined with immune checkpoint blockade therapy efficiently ablated primary tumors and inhibited simulated metastatic tumors in mice. Further arterial embolization experiments in rabbit ears and renal arteries demonstrated the effective retention of PAM@Fe3O4 microspheres in blood vessels for MTA. Finally, we successfully applied PAM@Fe3O4 microspheres for efficient MTA therapy in a rabbit VX2 in situ liver tumor model. The aim of research is to provide new strategies for clinical HCC treatment, promoting the transition from image-guided percutaneous minimally invasive ablation to noninvasive ablation. This significant transition holds the potential for clinical applicability.

Ultra-Sensitive and Selective Surface Plasmon Resonance using Ag Metal, Carbon Nanotube, and Selenium Based Biosensors for the Detection of Ascorbic Acid

In this work, we present a novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor for ascorbic acid detection based on a borosilicate crown (BK7) prism coated with a multilayer structure made of ferric oxide (Fe2O3), silver (Ag), and carbon nanotube (CNT). The SPR sensor improves sensitivity and selectivity for ascorbic acid detection by taking advantage of the special optical characteristics of the multilayer construction. The CNT layer offers increased surface area and biocompatibility, and the Ag layer acts as a plasmonic material to promote surface plasmons. The performance of the sensor is improved by the addition of selenium (Se) and Fe2O3 layers, which provide further capabilities like photoconductivity and magnetic manipulation, respectively. Numerical analysis at the operating wavelength of 633 nm is conducted using the transfer matrix approach. For the proposed SPR sensor at room temperature, the performance characteristics, including sensitivity (274.37 degree (°)/RIU), figure of merit (40.60 RIU−1), and detection accuracy (0.189°−1), are computed. The proposed SPR sensor could be very useful in to detect ascorbic acid in the visible range.

Immune Clearance Mechanism for Hypoxia-Inducible Factor in Pelvic Peritonitis by Directly Targeting MiR-206a Using Magnetic Ferric Oxide Particles as a Carrier

miR-206a can directly target and regulate hypoxia-inducible factor, playing a role in inflammation and immune response. This study explored the effect of miR-206a using magnetic ferric oxide particles as a carrier to directly target and regulate HIF on immune clearance mechanism for pelvic peritonitis. A rat model of pelvic peritonitis was constructed and divided into NC group, NC group, Fe3O4 nanoparticle group, Fe3O4-miR-206a group, miR-206a gene knockout group, 740Y-P group, BKM120 group, Fe3O4-miR-206a+BKM120 group, PHD group, BAY 87-2243 group, Fe3O4-miR-206a+PHD group, 740Y-P+PHD group, BKM120+PHD group, and Fe3O4-miR-206a+BKM120+PHD group. We then detected serum C-Reactive protein (CRP), TNF-α and IL-6 levels, T lymphocyte, and miR-206a expression. HIF, TNF, IL-1, and IL-6 protein expressions were also detected. A rat model for pelvic peritonitis was also established, and magnetic ferric oxide particles carrying miR-206a nanocomplexes were successfully prepared. Levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP were reduced under intervention by Fe3O4-miR-206a, and blood flow was reduced. All chemical indicators were reduced, and inflammatory response was significantly improved. After knocking out the miR-206a, the opposite results were observed. This study findings show that, miR-206a can directly target and regulate HIF to inhibit PI3K/Akt signaling pathway using magnetic ferric oxide particles as a carrier, thereby improving the immune clearance ability for patients with pelvic peritonitis, reducing inflammatory reactions, and thus improving prognosis. In addition, this research not only provides a new direction for management of inflammatory diseases, but also serves as a reference for treatment of immune diseases. Therefore, direct targeting and regulating HIF by miR-206a using magnetic ferric oxide particles as a carrier can become an effective strategy for the treatment of inflammatory and immune-related diseases.

Controlled Release of Ceria and Ferric Oxide Nanoparticles via Collagen Hydrogel for Enhanced Osteoarthritis Therapy.

Osteoarthritis (OA), characterized by chronic inflammation and cartilage degeneration, significantly affects over 500 million people globally. Nanoparticles have emerged as promising treatments for OA; however, current strategies often employ a single type of nanoparticle targeting specific disease stages, limiting sustained therapeutic efficacy. In this study, a novel collagen hydrogel is introduced, thiol crosslinked collagen-cerium oxide-poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres encapsulating nanoparticles (CSH-CeO2-pFe2O3), designed for the controlled release of cerium oxide (CeO2) and ferric oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles for comprehensive OA management. The sulfhydryl cross-linked collagen matrix embeds CeO2 nanoparticles and poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres encapsulating Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The CSH-CeO2-pFe2O3 hydrogel exhibits enhanced mechanical strength and remarkable injectability, along with a significant promotion of cell adhesion, proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation. Notably, the hydrogel demonstrates intelligent responsiveness to high levels of reactive oxygen species, initiating the rapid release of CeO2 nanoparticles to address the intense inflammatory responses of early-stage OA, followed by the sustained release of Fe2O3 nanoparticles to facilitate cartilage regeneration during the proliferative phase. In a rat model with cartilage defects, the hydrogel significantly alleviates inflammation and enhances cartilage regeneration, holding substantial potential for effectively managing the pathologically complex OA.

Iron species and sulfur isotopic compositions of authigenic pyrite in deep-sea sediments at southern Hydrate Ridge, Cascadia margin (ODP Leg 204): implications for non-steady-state depositional and diagenetic processes

Two accretionary sediment sequences from Sites 1245 and 1252 recovered during Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 204 at southern Hydrate Ridge were investigated to explore the response of geochemical partitioning of iron and sulfur isotopic composition of authigenic pyrite to non-steady-state depositional and diagenetic scenarios. Five iron species were characterized by a modified sequential extraction procedure that covers almost all iron-bearing minerals in sediment cores, including: (1) iron-bearing carbonates, mainly siderite; (2) ferric (hydr)oxides, probably ferrihydrite and/or lepidocrocite; (3) magnetite; (4) iron-bearing silicates; and (5) pyrite. Highly reactive iron has been accumulated for a long-term steady-state history and its pyritization, to varying degrees, is limited by availability of dissolved sulfide. This causes pyrite and siderite occurred in the same sedimentary layer and shows an inverse relationship between their concentrations. From this, their proportions to highly reactive iron can be chosen for evaluating the degree of sulfidization. A significant change in sulfur isotopic composition of pyrite (-42.4 to +16.8‰ VCDT) indicates that the steady-state conditions are dramatically limited, where the δ34S values higher than -20‰ may result from an upward shift of SMT zone close to the seafloor or a sudden, massive depositional event. To explain the downcore sulfidization effects and pyrite δ34S values, we developed two categories of conceptual scenarios based on variations in sedimentation rate and methane flux. The geochemical features similar to those derived from each scenario were searched in the sediment columns and the non-steady-state events behind the scenarios were proved to be consistent with the real observations. Thus, iron species and pyrite δ34S values can be regarded as a proxy to differentiate different non-steady-state depositional and diagenetic controls on the sedimentary record.

Crude oil removal from water: Influence of organic phase composition and mineral content

AbstractThe effect of organic and inorganic compounds, commonly present in the mineralogy of crude oil and/or added in the washing processes of extracted crude, on the removal efficiency of emulsified oils present in waste washing waters was investigated by means of flocculation. Approximately 90% of the emulsified oil could be removed using an anionic flocculant, providing a residual turbidity below 100 NTU. The yield depended on the nature of the organic and inorganic components present. The higher the chain length of the main organic component, the greater the flocculant concentration required to remove the oil. Several components had an effect of emulsification (e.g., octane, decane), some of which rendered de‐oiling process completely ineffective (e.g., naphthenic acids). Aliphatics were the most difficult to eliminate, requiring flocculant levels in the 200–300 ppm range. This is in contrast to 75–100 ppm levels which were required to remove bi‐ and poly‐cyclic aromatics. Heavy oils were more difficult to remove than light oils. There was a strong effect of the pH of the aqueous phase. The optimum was pH = 2.0. Virtually all inorganic compounds reduced the efficiency of removing oil from water when spiked at 1%. The only exception was sodium carbonate which acted as a de‐emulsifier. Monovalent salts have a minor effect on de‐oiling, with efficiencies remaining at 80%. Divalent chlorides reduced the de‐oiling efficiency to 70% while sulphates had a more severe influence. The de‐oiling efficiency was lowered substantially with the addition of clays, zinc, cadmium, ferric oxide, calcium carbonate, and dibenyhlthiophene.