FTIR Spectroscopy Research Articles

In Ukrainian

Due to the variety of their forms and properties, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are promising for obtaining nanomaterials with various functional applications. Today, regardless of the method of obtaining AgNPs, there is a problem of stabilizing their surface to prevent aggregation, which significantly reduces their activity and prevents uniform distribution during the preparation of nanomaterials. The aim of this work was the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using an oligomeric ionic liquid (OIL) and the study of their structure and antimicrobial properties. In this work, for the first time, an anionic OIL with a hyperbranched structure developed by us was used as a surface stabilizer in the synthesis of AgNPs. The synthesis of AgNPs was carried out by the reduction of Ag ions in the composition of AgNO3 with trisodium citrate in the presence of this OIL. Using the methods ofUV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray analysis, electron microscopy and the disc-diffusion method, the peculiarities of the structural organization of AgNPs and their antimicrobial properties were studied. UV-visible spectroscopy data indicate the formation of silver nanoparticles and their spherical or quasi-spherical shape. It was found that there are adsorbed ionic and carbonyl groups on the surface of the formed AgNPs, and the formation of host-guest complexes between OIL and silver ions was revealed using FTIR. The formation of AgNPs and complexes between OIL and silver ions is also confirmed by X-ray diffraction. According to electron microscopy, the size of the synthesized nanoparticles varies from 5 to 16 nm, with an average value of 10.2 nm. This average value is very close to the value of 9.3 nm obtained from the results of X-ray analysis. The synthesized silver nanoparticles showed a very high antimicrobial activity against C. albicans fungi, while the width of the inhibition zone (d) was 34 mm. Also, the AgNPs powder shows very high activity against gram-positive bacteria S. aureus (d = 30 mm) and gram-negative bacteria E. coli (d = 12 mm). The approach developed by us to the synthesis of AgNPs in the presence of OIL as a surface stabilizer with certain functionalization of the latter opens up new opportunities in the synthesis of AgNPs and the preparation of highly dispersed related systems, including functionalized nanocomposite polymer materials with antimicrobial properties.

Composites with Immobilized Bioactive Spirulina on an Inorganic Substrate (Yellow Clay, Hydroxyapatite, SiO2, TiO2, ZnO).

In order to improve the structural properties of clays and composites of powdered spirulina, clay, nanosilica, hydroxyapatite, TiO2 and ZnO were used as an additive for mechanical processing. As a result, composites with natural nanostructured materials (NNM) are prepared with improved structural properties and bioactivity. The mixtures based on NNM with crystalline kaolinite, clays and admixtures were processed in a knife mill. The materials were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption and desorption, SEM release of bioactive components (anthocyanin 0,004-0,07 mg/g; chlorophyll 20-29 mg/g), composite toxicity level (below 25%), particle size measurement and surface charge density, zeta potential. Adsorption enthalpies during the formation of an intermolecular complex during the interactions of an anthocyanin molecule with the appropriate component of the composite were also calculated. There are regularities in the characteristics depending on the type of NNM, particle morphology and textural features of solids. The morphological and structural properties of the components changed slighty in the blends because the processing was conducted under relatively low mechanical stress. The morphological, textural and structural characteristics of the composites as well as the transformation to a nanostructured state, assume great bioactive activity of the composites, interesting for practical applications in medicine and cosmetics.

Quantum Simulations and Experimental Insights into Glyphosate Adsorption Using Graphene-Based Nanomaterials.

The increasing global demand for food and agrarian development brings to light a dual issue concerning the use of substances that are crucial for increasing productivity yet can be harmful to human health and the environment when misused. Herein, we combine insights from high-level quantum simulations and experimental findings to elucidate the fundamental physicochemical mechanisms behind developing graphene-based nanomaterials for the adsorption of emerging contaminants, with a specific focus on pesticide glyphosate (GLY). We conducted a comprehensive theoretical and experimental investigation of graphene-based supports as promising candidates for detecting, sensing, capturing, and removing GLY applications. By combining ab initio molecular dynamics and density functional theory calculations, we explored several chemical environments encountered by GLY during its interaction with graphene-based substrates, including pristine and punctual defect regions. Our results unveiled distinct interaction behaviors: physisorption in pristine and doped graphene regions, chemisorption leading to molecular dissociation in vacancy-type defect regions, and complex transformations involving the capture of N and O atoms from impurity-adsorbed graphene, resulting in the formation of new GLY-derived compounds. The theoretical findings were substantiated by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, which proposed a mechanism explaining GLY adsorption in graphene-based nanomaterials. The comprehensive evaluation of adsorption energies and associated properties provides valuable insights into the intricate nature of these interactions, shedding light on potential applications and guiding future experimental investigations of graphene-based nanofilters for water decontamination.

Therapeutic potential activity of quercetin complexes against Streptococcus pneumoniae

This study investigates quercetin complexes as potential synergistic agents against the important respiratory pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. Six quercetin complexes (QCX1–6) were synthesized by reacting quercetin with various metal salts and boronic acids and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy. Their antibacterial activity alone and in synergism with antibiotics was evaluated against S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619 using disc diffusion screening, broth microdilution MIC determination, and checkerboard assays. Complexes QCX-3 and QCX-4 demonstrated synergy when combined with levofloxacin via fractional inhibitory concentration indices ≤ 0.5 as confirmed by time-kill kinetics. Molecular docking elucidated interactions of these combinations with virulence enzymes sortase A and sialidase. A biofilm inhibition assay found the synergistic combinations more potently reduced biofilm formation versus monotherapy. Additionally, gene–gene interaction networks, biological activity predictions and in-silico toxicity profiling provided insights into potential mechanisms of action and safety.

An insight into the characteristics of some oxidized low-grade coals of Indian origin

ABSTRACT The conversion of coal to a hydrophilic state presents a significant challenge for process engineers, especially when treating oxidized coals in flotation-based beneficiation plants. Flotation of oxidized coal often requires a substantial consumption of oily collectors, resulting in unacceptably low yields. To address this, several pre-processing methods have emerged for coal deoxidation, including mild grinding, surface activation, and ultrasonic or microwave treatment. However, their effective application depends on a thorough understanding of the degree of oxidation in the coals. Therefore, it is crucial to gain insights into the nature of oxidized coal before initiating the deoxidation process. This present study provides various characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM-EDS, FTIR Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, TGA, and Zeta Potential Analysis employed on oxidized low-grade coals. The study revealed that the proximate analysis of low-grade coals KC, DC, RC, and PC contains varying ash percentages of 32.65%, 44.47%, 25.44%, and 37.53%, respectively, with SiO2 and Al2O3 comprising over 80% of the total ash. XRD characterizations identified quartz and kaolinite as major mineral phases in all samples, while SEM-EDS confirmed rough coal surfaces with peeling, off-white aggregations, and surface pores. HGI value ranging from 80 to 91 was attributed to partial decomposition and surface cracking due to oxidation. FTIR spectra revealed pronounced oxidation behavior, with strong −OH peaks in the 3600–3700 cm−1 range. Zeta potential analysis affirmed the oxidized nature of the coals with a pH below 3.1 and an extremely negative zeta potential beyond 3.1. The findings mentioned above showcase the distinct characteristics of oxidized low-grade coals, which serve as crucial indicators for exploring coal beneficiation, especially through the flotation process.

The effect of transition metal ion implantation on the structural and optical properties of few-layered borophene

Borophene, a monometallic two-dimensional layered material has gained significant attention due to its exceptional electrical and optical properties. Despite this, borophene layers tend to restack; retards ionic conductivity, imperative for practical applications. Thus, by introducing large-sized dopants into borophene nanosheets using an ion implantation technique has been acknowledged. Accordingly, herein, structural and electronic engineering of borophene has been done with implantation of copper (Cu) ions at various fluence rates (5 × 1012, 5 × 1013, 5 × 1014 and 5 × 1015 ions-cm−2 respectively) using 1μA current at a low energy of 80 keV. The Cu insertion between borophene interlayers prevents self-restacking; providing surfacial active sites with tunable work function and decreased band gap of pristine borophene, thereby increasing charge transport ability. Further, the structural properties of implanted borophene were characterized through Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and optical properties using UV–Vis and photoluminescence studies. Also, I-V measurements were conducted to study the electrical properties. Hence, ion implantation helps in significantly enhance the electrical conductivity and transportation properties of borophene.

Fabrication of k-Carrageenan/Alginate/Carboxymethyl Cellulose basedScaffolds via 3D Printing for Potential Biomedical Applications.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology was able to generate great attention because of its unique methodology and for its major potential to manufacture detailed and customizable scaffolds in terms of size, shape and pore structure in fields like medicine, pharmaceutics and food. This study aims to fabricate an ink entirely composed of natural polymers, alginate, k-carrageenan and carboxymethyl cellulose (AkCMC). Extrusion-based 3D printing was used to obtain scaffolds based on a crosslinked interpenetrating polymer network from the alginate, k-carrageenan, carboxymethyl cellulose and glutaraldehide formulation using CaCl2, KCl and glutaraldehyde in various concentrations of acetic acid. The stabile bonding of the crosslinked scaffolds was assessed using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) as well as swelling, degradation and mechanical investigations. Moreover, morphology analysis (µCT and SEM) confirmed the 3D printed samples' porous structure. In the AkCMC-GA objects crosslinked with the biggest acetic acid concentration, the values of pores and walls are the highest, at 3.9 × 10-2 µm-1. Additionally, this research proves the encapsulation of vitamin B1 via FT-IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The highest encapsulation efficiency of vitamin B1 was registered for the AkCMC-GA samples crosslinked with the maximum acetic acid concentration. The kinetic release of the vitamin was evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Based on the results of these experiments, 3D printed constructs using AkCMC-GA ink could be used for soft tissue engineering applications and also for vitamin B1 encapsulation.

Development of antioxidant film based on gelatin and carboxymethylcellulose incorporated with Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth Petals extract for biodegradable food packaging

The aim of this research was to develop a novel combination of antioxidant blended film for use as biodegradable packaging in the food industry. The antioxidant film was prepared based on gelatin (G) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) incorporated with Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth petals extract (TKE) at various concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg∙L‒1) via solution casting method. The structural and surface morphology of G/CMC-TKE film were characterized using FTIR spectrometry technique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including determining antioxidant activity, water solubility, water vapor permeability, and biodegradability. According to FTIR analysis, the significant interaction between the gelatin and CMC chain is associated with hydrogen bonding. Adding TKE into the blended films significantly increased their roughness, thickness and antioxidant activity while decreasing their water solubility and water vapor transmission. Likewise, the biodegradability of the films containing antioxidants exhibited greater degradation values than the pure G/CMC film, and all of the biofilms was entirely degraded (>80%) in 14 days. The G/CMC-TKE 2.0 demonstrated the best antioxidant (74.47%), biodegradable activity (95.85% in 14 days), and the lowest water solubility (61.80%) and water vapor transmission rate (3.2483 g∙m‒2∙day‒1), which could be a feasible candidate for the food active packaging.

Assessing the Potential of Aconitum Laeve Extract for Biogenic Silver and Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis and Their Biological and Catalytic Applications.

The adoption of green chemistry protocols in nanoparticle (NP) synthesis has exhibited substantial potential and is presently a central focus in research for generating versatile NPs applicable across a broad spectrum of applications. In this scientific contribution, we, for the first time, examined the ability of Aconitum Laeve (A. Laeve) crude extract to synthesize silver and gold nanoparticles (AgNPs@AL; AuNP@AL) and explored their potential applications in biological activities and the catalytic degradation of environmental pollutants. The synthesized NPs exhibited a distinctive surface plasmon resonance pattern, a spherical morphology with approximate sizes of 5-10 nm (TEM imaging), a crystalline architecture (XRD analysis), and potential functional groups identified by FTIR spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity was demonstrated by inhibition zones that measured 16 and 14 mm for the AgNPs@AL and AuNP@AL at a concentration of 80 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and 14 and 12 mm against Escherichia coli, respectively. The antioxidant potential of the synthesized NPs was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2-Phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-Oxide (PTIO), and 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays. Our findings suggest that the AuNP@AL effectively countered the tested radicals considerably, displaying IC50 values of 115.9, 103.54, and 180.85 µg/mL against DPPH, PTIO, and ABTS, respectively. In contrast, the AgNPs@AL showed IC50 values of 144.9, 116.36, and 95.39 µg/mL against the respective radicals. In addition, both the NPs presented significant effectiveness in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and rhodamine B. The overall observations indicate that A. Laeve possesses a robust capability to synthesize spherical nanoparticles, exhibiting excellent dispersion and showcasing potential applications in both biological activities and environmental remediation.

Production, Extraction and Partial Characterization of Natural Pigments from Chryseobacterium sp. kr6 Growing on Feather Meal Biomass

Obtaining natural pigments from microorganisms is an alternative with high potential for biotechnological application. The use of agro-industrial wastes as substrate for cultivations enables a reduction of the production cost and may add value to potentially polluting byproducts. In this work, the extraction of pigments produced by the bacterium Chryseobacterium sp. strain kr6 was evaluated, employing feather meal as the sole carbon source for bacterial growth. The maximum production of the yellow pigments was observed for cultivation at 30 °C, during 48 h, with 5 g/L feather meal. The pigment extraction from the bacterial biomass was performed with the aid of physical methods and the testing of different organic solvents. The conditions that provided better extraction were using ultrasound with acetone as the solvent, reaching a yield of 180 μg/g biomass after optimization. The pigment was partially characterized via UV-visible, FTIR and mass spectroscopy and CIELAB color parameters, suggesting the presence of molecules belonging to the flexirubin group (aryl polyenes). The antioxidant capacity of the pigment was confirmed via the scavenging of DPPH radical and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) methodologies. Moreover, the pigment extract showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.

Porous g-C3N4-based nanoarchitectures by playing with sustainable precursors: Role of urea/melamine ratio on the structure/properties relationship

In this study, porous g-C3N4 based nanoarchitectures were obtained by a facile and effective in-situ synthesis method, that entailed the thermal treatment of different melamine (M) and urea (U) precursor mass ratios (in particular M/U = 50:50, 20:80), which were then compared with g-C3N4 obtained from pure M and U. The role of the melamine/urea mass ratio on morphology, structure, surface area, porosity, optical and vibrational properties of the g-C3N4 -based materials, was analysed in detail by means of many characterization techniques, including FESEM, AFM , XRD, HRTEM, Raman, FTIR, UV and PL spectroscopies, BET and TGA analyses. It will be shown that samples obtained from different M and U precursor mass ratios combine the advantage of high thermal stability and significant reaction yields, which are due to melamine action, and greatly improved surface area and short migration paths, which are due to urea effect, thus providing the suitable conditions for charge transfer within the interfaces. The results may shed light on effective improvements in the structure/properties of g-C3N4 based nanoarchitectures, aiming at peculiar functional materials.

New Cationic Gemini Surfactants and Their Use as Dispersants in Oil-in-Water (O/W) Emulsions

In the current research, two types of new cationic gemini surfactants with different spacers (aromatic and heterocyclic) derived from epichlorohydrine were prepared. The prepared compounds were characterized using FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Then the value of critical micelle concentration CMC was calculated using the electrical conductivity and preparing a series of molar concentration of the new surfactants, as well as calculating the balance value between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic (lipophilic) HLB groups. Cationic gemini surfactants were tasted at different concentration 20-40 ppm by preparing dishes for oil-in-water emulsions determine their dispersion efficiency. It was observed that the dispersant containing the heterogeneous ring (MS1) was more efficiently dispersed than the surfactant containing the aromatic ring (MS2) in the presence of the same hydrocarbon chain and at a concentration of 40 ppm.

Investigating Hydrogen Bonding Interactions in Aniline‐Acetone Binary Mixture through Molecular Dynamics Simulations

AbstractBinary liquid systems serve as valuable prototypes for comprehending biologically and chemically relevant properties of hydrogen bonds, revealing both noteworthy patterns and anomalies in their behaviour. Aniline, acetone and their binary mixtures with other liquids are used in various industrial processes, drug design, and as cleaning agents. This study is a molecular dynamics exploration of aniline and acetone binary mixture, over a concentration range of 9 : 1–1 : 9 for each component. The investigation includes employing techniques such as radial distribution function (RDF), coordination number calculation, hydrogen bond statistics, and graph theoretical analysis (GTA) through the NetworkX module in python, cluster analysis, Voronoi entropy calculation, interaction energy calculation and FTIR spectroscopy for all concentrations studied. The results uncover a compelling trend: a decrease in the number of hydrogen bonds as the concentration of acetone increases. Additionally, increased acetone concentration correlates positively with the breakdown of larger and more complex hydrogen‐bonded structures, indicating the formation of small hydrogen‐bond structures.

Development, characterization, and evaluation of polymer-based hydrogel membrane patches for intestinal delivery of gliclazide

ABSTRACT The study aimed to develop, characterize, and evaluate matrix-type oral bi-layered mucoadhesive hydrogel membrane patches for the intestinal delivery of gliclazide. Surface pH, drug content, thickness, folding endurance, moisture content, water vapor transmission rate, and swellability of hydrogel membrane patches were found satisfactory. These patches were characterized by SEM, DSC, and FT-IR spectroscopy. In-vitro gliclazide release from these hydrogel membrane patches was sustained over 8 h. Ex-vivo study demonstrated good mucoadhesion of these hydrogel membrane patches. Therefore, these matrix-type oral bi-layered mucoadhesive-natured PNIPAM-co-MM/chitosan made-hydrogel membrane patches for intestinal delivery of gliclazide can be effectively used in type-II diabetes mellitus management.

Analysis of gasoline quality by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with multivariate techniques

In this paper, chemometric methods were used for exploratory analysis, categorization, and quantification of gasoline fuel using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) data. During exploratory analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed, and to categorise the gasoline samples, Support Vector Machine Classification (SVMC), Linear Discrimination Analysis (LDA), and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) were used. The concentration of Benzene, Methyl Tert-butyl Ether (MTBE), and Public Distribution System (PDS) Kerosene were determined using the Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), Principal Component Regression (PCR), and Support Vector Machine Regression (SVMR). All of the chemometric models had 100% accuracy and high R-square and RMSEC significance values. The SVM classification techniques were identified as a suitable choice for both classifying oxygenated and adulterated samples among all approaches. Both PLSR and PCR can also be suitable choices for quantification when dealing with high dimensional data. As a result, the research reported in this study has the potential to become a significant tool for improving gasoline sample discrimination and as a resource for quality control in the petroleum industry.

Selective uranyl ion-imprinting with clickable amidoxime-functionalized pullulan

Manufacturing a highly effective sorbent for removing UO22+ ions from aqueous effluents is vital for safeguarding the environment and recovering valuable resources. This research presents an innovative strategy employing adsorbents derived from pullulan, specifically tailored with furfuryl-amidoxime (FAO), to improve their affinity for UO22+ ions. The formation of a UO22+ ion-imprinted sorbent (U-II-P) was achieved by crosslinking the UO22+/FAO-modified pullulan (FAO-P) complex with bis(maleimido)ethane (BME) via click Diels-Alder (DA) cyclization, enhancing its attraction and specificity for UO22+ ions. Detailed characterization of the synthesis was performed using NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, and the sorbent's external textures were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The U-II-P sorbent showcased outstanding preference for UO22+ over other metallic ions, with the most efficient adsorption occurring at pH 5. It exhibited a significant adsorption capacity of 262 mg/g, closely aligning with the predictions of the Langmuir adsorption model and obeying pseudo-second-order kinetic behavior. This investigation underlines the effectiveness of FAO-P as a specialized solution for UO22+ ion extraction from wastewater, positioning it as a viable option for the remediation of heavy metals.

Enhanced production of lactic acid from pretreated rice straw using co-cultivation of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus sonorenesis.

Lactic acid (LA) production from sugar mixture derived from lignocellulosic rice straw employing co- culture system of thermotolerant and inhibitor tolerant Bacillus licheniformis DGB and Bacillus sonorenesis DGS15 was carried out. In minimal media, both the strains of Bacillus DGB and DGS15 worked together by efficiently utilising glucose and xylose respectively. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used for optimisation of pretreatment of rice straw to achieve maximum yield of 50.852g/L total reducing sugar (TRS) from 100 gm of rice straw biomass. Pretreatment of rice straw resulted in its delignification, as confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, since the peak at 1668cm-1 disappeared due to removal of lignin and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed disruption in structural and morphological features. Crystallinity index (CrI) of treated rice straw increased by 15.54% in comparison to native biomass. DGB and DGS15 individually yielded 0.64g/g and 0.82g/g lactic acid respectively, where as their co-cultivation led to effective utilisation of bothglucose and xylose within 15h (70%) and complete utilisation in 48h, producing 49.75g/L LA with a yield of 0.98g/g and productivity of 1.036g/L/h, andresulting in reduction in fermentation time. Separate hydrolysis of rice straw and co-fermentation (SHCF) of hydrolysates by Bacillus spp. enhanced the production of lactic acid, can circumvent challenges in biorefining of lignocellulosic biomass.

Exploring effect of uniform dry ball-milling duration on pasting and rheological properties of pink potato and maize starch mixtures

This study examined the potential effect of ball milling on maize starch (MS), pink potato starch (PPS), and their blends in various ratios (90:10, 80:20, and 70:30) on the pasting and rheological properties. Ball-milling led to changes in the particle size, ranging from 652.9 to 6488 nm, and a decrease in relative crystallinity (RC), as confirmed by XRD. Ball-milling increased amylose concentration in blend with the ratio of 90:10 up to 32.53 %, indicating structural alterations and molecular interactions. FESEM analysis confirms significant changes in the surface and particle sizes and starch gels with honeycomb structures. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy revealed a decrease in the intensity of the 1044 cm−1 and 480 cm−1 bands, respectively, signifying structural changes. Pasting parameters like peak viscosity and gelatinization behavior varied with PPS incorporation. The 80:20 blend had the highest viscosity, demonstrating PPS's capacity for high-viscosity starch paste. Rheological measurements of starch blends exhibited shear-thinning behavior, whereas the viscoelastic properties of the blends are influenced by particle size and the ratio of pink potato starch. Ball-milling treatment affects the granules and causes molecular-level interactions between the particles. This results in unique rheological properties of the starch blends, making them suitable for various applications.

New Series of Ni(II), Cu(II), Zr(IV), Ag(I), and Cd(II) Complexes of Trimethoprim and Diamine Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Studies

New compounds series of [M(TMP)(en)]X·nH2O and [M(TMP)(PD)]X·nH2O, where M = Ni2+, Cu2+, Zr4+, Ag+, Cd2+, TMP = trimethoprim, en = ethylenediamine, PD = o-phenylene and X= Cl− or NO3−, were prepared. The compounds were characterized using techniques including melting points, conductance, elemental analysis, FTIR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy. FTIR spectra indicated TMP acted like a bi-dentate ligand, combining via the nitrogen atoms of azomethine and pyrimidine amino groups. Diamine ligands (en or o-PD) are coordinated via two nitrogen atoms. Prepared compounds showed monomeric behavior and adopted a 6-coordinate octahedral geometry based on magnetic susceptibility and UV spectra. Conductivity measurements revealed Zr(IV) compounds were 1:2 conductive, while Ag+ and Cd2+ were 1:1 conductive; Ni2+ and Cu2+ compounds were non-conductive. Antibacterial tests on compounds and ligands against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The mixed metal compounds revealed an observable tendency of antibacterial activity in the order Zr > Cd = Ag > Cu, making Zr(IV) compounds the most biologically active among them against S. aureus (Gram-positive) while the same compounds showed less antibacterial activity against B. subtilis (Gram-negative) than the free ligand.

Promoting longevity in aged liver through NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition using tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and SCD probiotics

This investigation explores the combined influence of SCD Probiotics and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on liver health in elderly male Sprague-Dawley rats. Through the administration of intravenous TUDCA (300 mg/kg) and oral SCD Probiotics (3 mL at 1 × 10^8 CFU) daily for one week, this study evaluates the biomolecular composition, histopathological alterations, and inflammasome activity in the liver. Analytical methods encompassed ATR-FTIR spectroscopy integrated with machine learning for the assessment of biomolecular structures, RT-qPCR for quantifying inflammasome markers (NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL18, IL1β), and histological examinations to assess liver pathology. The findings reveal that TUDCA prominently enhanced lipid metabolism by reducing cholesterol esters, while SCD Probiotics modulated both lipid and protein profiles, notably affecting fatty acid chain lengths and protein configurations. Histological analysis showed significant reductions in cellular degeneration, lymphatic infiltration, and hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, the study noted a decrease in the immunoreactivity for NLRP3 and ASC, suggesting suppressed inflammasome activity. While SCD Probiotics reduced the expression of certain inflammasome-related genes, they also paradoxically increased AST and LDH levels. Conversely, an exclusive elevation in albumin levels was observed in the group treated with SCD Probiotics, implying a protective role against liver damage. These results underscore the therapeutic potential of TUDCA and SCD Probiotics for managing age-associated liver disorders, illustrating their individual and synergistic effects on liver health and pathology. This study provides insights into the complex interactions of these agents, advocating for customized therapeutic approaches to combat liver fibrosis, enhance liver functionality, and decrease inflammation in aging populations.