FTIR Analysis Research Articles

Comparative study between chemical precipitation and chemical precipitation by spraying for the recovery of nanometric hydroxyapatite

The aim of this work was to develop a new method of assisted precipitation by spraying to obtain nanometer-sized hydroxyapatite and to compare it with conventional chemical precipitation by droplets. Scanning electron microscopy showed the morphological characteristics flake-like of HAp particles synthesized by the spray method at different reaction times and the formation of HAp from the first reaction time, which is different from the droplet method. X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystal structure and size of the synthesized HAp by Rietveld refinement, showing a crystallite size of about 3.77 nm for the spray synthesis and 18 nm for the droplet synthesis. FTIR and Raman were used to analyze the active normal vibrational modes of the synthesized HAp. The results showed that in the spray system, HAp formation occurs at the beginning of the reaction, a phenomenon that was not observed in the droplet method. In particular, FTIR analysis showed the presence of phosphate and carbonate modes of HAp as early as 9 minutes, which persisted throughout the reaction. This Furthermore, dynamic light scattering measurements show that the size distribution of HAp particles synthesized using the novel spray system is between 2 and 5 μm. This shows that the distribution with the spray method is more stable than with the droplet method, which shows the presence of irregular particles with a size distribution at 3 μm. The results emphasize the effectiveness of the proposed method in producing HAp with desirable properties for various biomedical applications.

Machine learning-combined rheological and structural characterization of starches for enhanced melt-stretch features in plant-based cheese analogues

The global demand for plant-based food products, including cheese analogues, is continuously increasing. However, most scientific attention has focused on their nutritional value rather than on functional properties such as melt-stretch. This study integrated the rheological features (pasting and viscoelasticity) of nine different starches with machine learning analysis to identify melt-stretchable starches. These starch samples were further evaluated in the formulation of plant-based cheese analogues. Hydroxypropyl tapioca, waxy potato, and tapioca starches showed the highest melt-stretch length values, compared to the other starch samples. The melt-stretch properties of the starch samples did not show distinct correlations with their individual pasting parameters, while they had lower viscoelasticity as well as high frequney dependence. FTIR analysis demonstrated that the decreased ratio of crystalline to amorphous regions upon conversion to a paste state contributed to the melt-stretch properties of starches. When the pasting and viscoelastic results were subjected to machine learning analysis, the starch samples were well-clustered based on their melt-stretchability. Furthermore, the starch samples with good melt-stretchability (hydroxypropyl tapioca, waxy potato, and tapioca starches) were successfully identified by the logistic binary classification model trained using rheological datasets, specifically, dynamic viscoelasticity. Similar melt-stretch features were moreover observed in the starch-incorporated plant-based cheese analogues, confirmed by a distinct decrease in the storage moduli over temperature and the highest values of melting index.

Biogenic synthesis of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) and Ni doped Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles for enhanced In vitro cytotoxic studies on MCF-7 cell lines

Hematite (α-Fe2O3) and Ni doped Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized with different pH values employ with catharanthus roseus leaf extract as reducing and capping agents. X-ray diffraction analysis reported that the prepared nanoparticles exhibited rhombohedral in structure. FESEM micrographs revealed the prepared nanoparticles are needle in structure to plates like structure when the pH value is increased. FTIR analysis confirmed the bonds and functional groups of the prepared Hematite (α-Fe2O3) and Nickel doped Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles. The UV spectra of the prepared nanoparticles revealed the band gap energies ranging from 1.12 eV to 1.54 eV. The hysteresis loop showed the magnetic properties of the prepared nanoparticles exhibited ferromagnetic behavior. The antioxidant DPPH radical scavenging and the antimicrobial activity confirmed the inhibition of nanoparticles against gram positive and gram negative bacteria in concentration dependent manner. Moreover, the cytotoxicity effect against MCF-7 cancer cell lines revealed the inhibitory potential of the prepared nanoparticles. Bio efficacy of the prepared nanoparticles may leads to its potential and practicable applications in environmental and biomedical fields.

Melatonin hyalurosomes in collagen thermosensitive gel as a potential repurposing approach for rheumatoid arthritis management via the intra-articular route

Despite the fact that several rheumatoid arthritis treatments have been utilized, none of them achieved complete joint healing and has been accompanied by several side effects that compromise patient compliance. This study aims to provide an effective safe RA treatment with minimum side effects through the encapsulation of melatonin (MEL) in hyalurosomes and loading these hyalurosomes in collagen thermos-sensitive poloxamer 407 (PCO) hydrogels, followed by their intra-articular administration in AIA model rats. In vitro characterization of MEL-hyalurosomes and PCO hydrogel along with in vivo evaluation of the selected formulation were conducted. Particle size, PDI and EE % of the selected formulation were 71.5 nm, 0.09 and 90 %. TEM micrographs demonstrated that the particles had spherical shape with no aggregation signs. Loading PCO hydrogels with MEL-hyalurosomes did not cause significant changes in pH although it increased its viscosity and injection time. FTIR analysis showed that no interactions were noted among the delivery system components. In vivo results revealed the superior effect of MEL-hyalurosomes PCO hydrogel over MEL-PCO hydrogel and blank PCO hydrogels in improving joint healing, cartilage repair, pannus formation and cell infiltrations. Also, MEL-hyalurosomes PCO hydrogel group showed comparable levels of TNF-α, IL1, MDA, NRF2 and HO-1 with the negative control group. These findings highlight the MEL encapsulation role in augmenting its pharmacological effects along with the synergistic effect of hyaluronic acid in hyalurosomes and collagen in PCO hydrogel in promoting joint healing.

Effects of silane hydrolysis time on the physicochemical properties of bioplastics based on starch and epoxidized soybean oil

This work investigated the effects of 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane (APTES) hydrolysis time on the physicochemical properties of the resulting starch/epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) bioplastics comprehensively. FTIR analysis confirmed that APTES hydrolyzed for 4 h had the best modification effect on starch. The results of XRD and TGA demonstrated the successful silylation of starch by APTES despite hydrolysis time. Silylation treatment reduced the thermal stability of starch slightly, but enhanced the thermal stability of the resultant bioplastics, revealing better interaction between silylated starch and ESO. The interfacial adhesion of starch and ESO in the bioplastics was obviously enhanced when APTES was hydrolyzed for 2–24 h. The bioplastics with APTES hydrolyzed for 2–4 h showed more desirable tensile properties as the silane hydrolysis was complete and self-condensation of hydrolyzed silanes was avoided. The bioplastics containing silylated starch still showed superior opacity and biodegradability.

Synergistic optimization of physical, thermal, structural, mechanical, optical and radiation shielding characteristics in borate glasses doped with Bi2O3

This paper presents the effect of Bi2O3 on physical, thermal, structural, mechanical, optical, and radiation shielding properties of borate-based glasses having a composition (60-x)B2O3-25Na2O-13BaO-2Gd2O3-xBi2O3; x = 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol%. XRD analysis confirms the amorphous structure of the prepared glasses. As Bi2O3 content increases from 0 to 20 mol%, density of the glasses increases from 2.729 to 3.896 g/cm3, and molar volume rises from 30.947 to 42.017 cm3/mol. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the samples decreased with Bi2O3 content. FTIR analysis reveals the presence of BO3, BO4, BiO3, and BiO6 structural units in the prepared glasses. Optical abs-orption studies indicate a decrease in band gap energy from 3.006 to 2.573 eV for indirect transitions implying non-bridging oxygen atom formation and this inference is supported by both physical and FTIR results. The elastic parameters, derived from Makishima-Mackenzie model decreased with increased Bi2O3 concentration suggesting a reduction in mechanical properties. The mass attenuation coefficient (μm), determined through experimental measurements and using Phy-X/PSD software, yielded closely aligned values. Other shielding parameters such as half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Zeff) were also calculated. The glass containing 20 mol% Bi2O3 exhibited a significant gamma-ray shielding potential due to its high μm value, (0.1260 cm2/g at 0.511 MeV and 0.0960 cm2/g at 0.662 MeV) and Zeff together with low HVL and MFP. A Comparative analysis of the μm values for the present glasses and that of other glasses containing Bi2O3 is also presented.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolics from Cordia Dichotoma leaves using response surface methodology

In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was employed to extract phenolic compounds from Cordia Dichotoma (C. Dichotoma) leaves. The extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The C. Dichotoma tree is found in tropical and subtropical areas and has medicinal properties. The obtained extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening using standard tests, antioxidant potential, and total phenolic content (TPC) of C. Dichotoma leaf extract by 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl assay and Folin-Ciocalteu assay respectively. The impact of process parameters like different solvents, solute-to-solvent ratio, ultrasonic power, and sonication time on TPC and antioxidant activity were studied. UAE offers a more rapid and efficient extraction process when compared to conventional extraction techniques such as Soxhlet extraction due to effective mass transfer. RSM models identified that ultrasonic power of 200W and 30:1 (mL/g) solvent-to-solute ratio, using methanol, and a sonication time of 15min are the optimal conditions for extraction of phenolics. FTIR analysis of methanolic extract confirmed the presence of phenolic functional groups. The compounds obtained from C. Dichotoma leaf extracts were identified by GCMS. UAE proves to be a promising technique for obtaining bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential from Cordia Dichotoma leaves which can be potential applications in pharmaceutical, nutraceuticals, and functional food industries.

Evaluation of phytoactive contents and antibacterial activities of green synthesised cerium oxide nanoparticles using Melastoma sp. leaf extract as the capping agent

Simple and green methods of developing nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted the attention of researchers. Literature on utilising leaf extract to prepare cerium oxide (CeO2 NPs) is scarce. The present study synthesised leaf-mediated-CeO2 NPs to produce nanopowders of controllable sizes for further applications. The study is the first to report the optimised parameters (pH 7, 5 g/150 mL concentration of the leaf extract, and 3 h of reaction time) of procuring CeO2 NPs using Melastoma sp. leaf extract as the capping agent with excellent properties. The absorbance of the NPs suspension obtained in this study was recorded at approximately 252 nm with Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were also utilised to characterise and confirm the CeO2 NPs prepared. The XRD spectra documented the purity of the NPs at specific diffraction patterns, while TEM revealed the spherical form of the NPs with a particle size of 16 nm. The formation of CeO2 NPs has been confirmed from the FTIR spectra procured, which exhibited a Ce–O peak at 555 nm. Phytochemical screening test and FT-IR analysis of leaf extract revealed the existence of flavonoids, terpenoids, sugars, saponins, quinones, and glycosides. The NPs suspensions of varying concentrations (control, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 μg/mL) were prepared and employed for evaluations against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Resultantly, CeO2 NPs demonstrated antibacterial activities against both bacteria types. The highest antibacterial activities were recorded against E. coli and K. pneumonia at 1.83 ± 0.137 and 1.83 ± 0.14 mm maximum inhibition zones, respectively, at 250 mg/uL of the NPs.

Green extraction of agar from Hypnea pannosa seaweed: A comparative study of different techniques and optimization using response surface methodology

This study aimed to evaluate the optimal method for extracting agar from Hypnea pannosa seaweed and assess its purity and yield. Agar is a hydrocolloid found in red seaweeds and used in various industries such as food, cosmetics, and medicine. Three different extraction methods were employed for this study, namely ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and ultrasound microwave-assisted extraction (UMAE), each using varying power levels and extraction times. A central composite Response surface methodology (RSM) design was used to compare these methods. Results showed that UAE had the highest extraction yield at 32.99 %, followed by MAE, UMAE, and conventional methods at 27.04 %, 26.19 %, and 12 %, respectively. Various techniques were used to evaluate agar quality, including spectral analysis (FT-IR), gel strength, viscosity, 3,6 anhydrous L galactose (AG), and sulfate content. Samples treated with ultrasound had higher-quality agar than those treated with other methods, with significantly better gel strength, 3,6 AG content, viscosity, and lower sulfate content. Gel strength was 485.50 ± 4.27 g cm−2, 3,6 AG content was 62.89 ± 2.89 %, viscosity was 48.32 ± 0.03 cP and sulfate content was 1.32 ± 0.02 % in UAE. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups in the fingerprint region of identification for polysaccharides in UAE agar. UAE (30 min, 60 % amplitude) was identified as the most viable green extraction technology, offering superior extraction yield and agar quality compared to the other treatments. Using green extraction techniques in obtaining agar has significant implications for the sustainable production of natural products. This research also highlights the potential application of agar in the skincare or pharmaceutical industry, paving the way for developing eco-friendly products. Overall, this study suggests that UAE is an efficient method for extracting agar from H. pannosa and has novel applications in nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Novelty impact statementThe current study presents a comprehensive investigation of the green extraction of agar from Hypnea pannosa seaweed using different techniques, along with optimization through response surface methodology. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on sustainable and eco-friendly extraction methods, which are increasingly gaining importance in the current global scenario. The comparative study on the different techniques used for the extraction of agar provides a critical evaluation of the advantages and limitations of each method. The use of response surface methodology in the optimization process is a noteworthy feature, as it allows for the identification of optimal extraction conditions with greater accuracy and reliability. The findings of this study significantly contribute to the development of sustainable practices in the seaweed industry, and its academic value is undeniable.

Effects of deamidated gluten protein on wheat starch properties and rheological properties of starch-gluten dough

To further investigate the interaction between starch and gluten protein, deamidated gluten protein with varying degrees of organic acid (citric acid) was mixed with wheat starch in various proportions, and the solubility, pasting, and rheological properties of the blend flour were investigated. The solubility of the sample powder increased significantly as the deamidated protein content increased. The gelatinization results also demonstrated that the deamidated protein content increased the peak viscosity, trough viscosity gradually decreased, and peak viscosity time shortened. The results of the rheological measurement revealed that the elastic modulus (G′), viscous modulus (G″), and creep recovery of the mixed flour showed regular changes with the continuous change of the mixed powder proportion. Furthermore, consistent alterations were observed in the effects of proteins with varying degrees of deamidation in the same proportion on farinaceous characteristics. FTIR analysis of the gluten protein revealed that the primary secondary structures were the β-sheet and β-turn; different levels of damage were observed.

Preparation and characterization of bamboo based nanocellulose by ball milling and used as a filler for preparation of nanocomposite

In this research, bamboo-based nanocellulose was prepared and characterized using high-speed ball milling to reduce initial bamboo powder particle size for potential use in nanocomposites. FTIR analysis revealed structural modifications, including increased cellulose content and decreased lignin content post-treatment. XRD analysis indicated a shift from cellulose I to cellulose II, suggesting altered crystallinity and hydrogen-bonding networks. SEM analysis revealed distinct morphological changes between untreated and NaOH-treated bamboo fibers, with the latter exhibiting surface modifications indicative of effective treatment. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images demonstrated a reduction in particle size to approximately 80 nm, with reduced aggregation and individualized nanofibrils. Tensile tests of bamboo nanoparticle-epoxy biocomposites with varying weight percentages (0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, and 2 %) of nanoparticles showed enhanced tensile strength up to 1.5 % loading (83.92 ± 1.74 MPa), but a decrease at 2 % loading (70.24 ± 1.80 MPa), indicating increased strain-to-failure. SEM and TEM images illustrated a homogeneous distribution at 1.5 wt%, but increased agglomeration at higher contents, impacting microstructure. This study underscores bamboo-derived nanocellulose's potential for tailored applications and improved mechanical properties in nanocomposites, highlighting the critical role of filler content in material performance and microstructure.

High carbon content microporous activated carbon from thin walnut shells: Optimization, physico-chemical analysis and structural profiling

High carbon content-activated carbon with high micro-porosity was prepared from thin walnut shell by pyrolysis process with chemical activation (using KOH), exhibiting the promising potential to be a very good adsorbent. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of activation temperature, holding time and impregnation ratio on moisture content, total carbon content, ash content, BET surface area, adsorption capacity, total pore volume and iodine absorption value. Design expert predicted 5500 C activation temperature, 2.5 h holding time and 1:1 impregnation ratio as optimum conditions for development of activated carbon. The developed activated carbon was compared with market sample activated carbon for physico-chemical properties and surface characteristics. The developed activated carbon was characterized by high carbon content (80.06 %), BET surface area (735.36 m2/g), iodine absorption value (783.64 mg/g), adsorption capacity (201.31 mg/g), low ash content (5.01 %) and total pore volume (0.29). XRD patterns of activated carbon developed from thin walnut shell confirmed its highly amorphous structure. FTIR analysis indicated similarities in peaks at different wave numbers with no significant differences in both samples. SEM-EDX analysis revealed highly porous structure with high carbon, potassium elemental composition of developed activated carbon as compared to market sample.

A Comparison Study between Green Synthesis of Microwave Irradiation and Solvent Evaporation Methods in The Formation of p-Methoxycinnamic Acid-Succinic Acid Cocrystals

Cocrystal of p-Methoxycinnamate acid-succinic acid has been produced by microwave irradiation and solvent evaporation methods. Cocrystals are formed using succinic acid as the coformer at a molar ratio of 1:1. The formation of cocrystal can be done by solvent evaporation method and microwave radiation method. Physicochemical properties have been studied by FT-IR, DSC, PXRD, and SEM analysis. The solubility test was carried out with pH 6.8 phosphate buffer at a temperature of 25±0.5°C for 5 hours and the dissolution test was carried out with 900 mL pH 6.8 phosphate buffer at a temperature of 37±0.5°C with the speed of 75 rpm using a paddle-type dissolution test apparatus. The solubility of PMCA has increased its solubility in cocrystals by the solvent evaporation method by 1.19 times and by the microwave radiation method by 1.16 times compared to PMCA. The dissolution rate of the cocrystals of the solvent evaporation method increased by 3.50 times and the cocrystals of the microwave radiation method increased by 2.29 times compared to PMCA.

Preparation And Evaluation Of Polyherbal Scented Candle Using Volatile Oils Extracted By Enfleurage Method

Preparation And Evaluation Of Polyherbal Scented Candle Using Volatile Oils Extracted By Enfleurage Method

Optimizing irbesartan spherical agglomerates through principal component analysis and experimental design

Background: This study explores the amalgamation of crystallization and agglomeration through spherical crystallization, aiming to develop the spherical crystals of Irbesartan with improved micromeritic properties. The main objective is to use spherical crystallization techniques to improve the micromeritic characteristics of Irbesartan, which has poor flow and compressibility because of its crystal habit. Methodology: A solvent change approach was utilized to synthesize spherical agglomerates of Irbesartan. Several system parameters, including the amount of bridging liquid, the rate of stirring, and the concentration of the polymer, were tuned to enhance the particle size distribution and mechanical qualities. SEM, GC, PXRD, DSC, and FTIR analyses characterised the spherical crystals. Result and Discussion: The study demonstrated that spherical crystallization significantly enhanced Irbesartan's micromeritic properties. The angle of repose of optimized agglomerates was reduced by around 52%, indicating improved considerably flowability of irbesartan. The sphericity of the crystals was validated by SEM examination (shape factor: 0.996), and the solvent levels were found to be within allowable bounds by GC analysis. PXRD data showed no polymorphism alterations, and DSC/FTIR analyses confirmed that the excipients and drug were compatible. Conclusion: This process provides a feasible alternative to classic granulation and agglomeration procedures, resulting in better flow, compressibility, and spherical crystals. It streamlines the Irbesartan formulation, improving efficiency and uniformity, reducing manufacturing costs, higher tablet consistency, and enhancing patient compliance.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Extracts from Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi: Characterization and Bioactivities.

In this work, the hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts from Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi were utilized to green-synthesize silver nanoparticles (Kf1-, Kf2-, and Kf3-AgNPs). The Kf1-, Kf2-, and Kf3-AgNPs were characterized by spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs was studied against bacteria strains, utilizing the microdilution assay. The DPPH and H2O2 assays were considered to assess the antioxidant activity of AgNPs. The results revealed that Kf1-, Kf2-, and Kf3-AgNPs exhibit an average diameter of 39.9, 111, and 42 nm, respectively. The calculated ζ-potential of Kf1-, Kf2-, and Kf3-AgNPs were -20.5, -10.6, and -7.9 mV, respectively. The UV-vis analysis of the three samples demonstrated characteristic absorption bands within the range of 350-450 nm, which confirmed the formation of AgNPs. The FTIR analysis of AgNPs exhibited a series of bands from 3500 to 750 cm-1, related to the presence of extracts on their surfaces. SEM observations unveiled that Kf1- and Kf2-AgNPs adopted structural arrangements related to nano-popcorns and nanoflowers, whereas Kf3-AgNPs were spherical in shape. It was determined that treatment with Kf1-, Kf2-, and Kf3-AgNPs was demonstrated to inhibit the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa in a dose-dependent manner (50-300 μg/mL). Within the same range, treatment with Kf1-, Kf2-, and Kf3-AgNPs decreased the generation of DPPH (IC50 57.02-2.09 μg/mL) and H2O2 (IC50 3.15-3.45 μg/mL) radicals. This study highlights the importance of using inorganic nanomaterials to improve the biological performance of plant extracts as an efficient nanotechnological approach.

Synthesis, characterization, and anticancer effect of novel Pyrazolopyranopyrimidines

Two novel β-enaminonitrile derivatives 5a,b bearing pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole moiety were synthesized using Multi Component Reaction (MCR) technique by reacting the ethyl benzoylacetate, phenylhydrazine, malononitrie, and various aldehydes in different conditions. A series of fused pyrazolopyrane derivatives (6–13) was constructed from a compound, 6-amino-4-(2-bromophenyl)-1,3-diphenyl-1,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-5-carbonitrile (5a), as a building block. The novel constructed compounds were analyzed by spectra data as FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectra and elemental analysis. The cytotoxic activity of the prepared compounds was evaluated against three different cancer cell lines and the IC50 was determined for each compound, including MDA-MB-231 (a breast cancer cell line), A549 (a lung cancer cell line) and WI-38 (a lung fibroblast cell line). Ethyl-N-(4-(2-bromophenyl)-5-cyano-1,3-diphenyl-1,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazol-6-yl)formimidate (11) and 4-(2‑bromo phenyl)-1,3-diphenyl-1,4-dihydropyrazolo[4′,3′:5,6]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-amine (13) were among the most potent cytotoxic activity against the cancer cells with IC50 values of 18.03 ± 0.98 - 46.23 ± 3.45 µM. Compound (11) showed more potent topoisomerase inhibitory activity than the positive control etoposide as per the IC50 values, 35.05 µM ± 2.1 and 46.54 µM ± 2.8, respectively. The results of the molecular docking studies supported the in vitro assay results for the active compounds.

Heterogeneous Fenton process using GO@Fe3O4/Cu catalyst for the degradation of reactive dyes from aqueous solutions: modeling and optimisation

ABSTRACT Various industries such as textile, paper, rubber, plastic, and cosmetics use dyes to produce their products. Some dyes used in textile industries are teratogenic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and dangerous for humans and other organisms. This study aimed to determine the amount of removal of reactive dyes from aqueous solutions during the heterogeneous Fenton process. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles and copper nanoparticles were loaded on graphene oxide (GO). GO@Fe3O4/Cu catalyst was synthesised and applied to remove reactive dyes from aqueous solutions in a heterogeneous Fenton process. Contact time, pH, catalyst dose, dye concentration, and H2O2 dose were considered effective parameters. Experiments were designed according to the Box-Behnken design in the Design Expert software. Catalyst properties were determined using SEM, VSM, XRD, and FTIR analysis. The ANOVA showed that the selected statistical model with R2 0.965, p < 0.0001, and F-value 27.79 was significant. In the optimal conditions of pH 3, H2O2 dose 0.48 mL, catalyst dose 0.34 g/L, dye concentration 22 mg/L, and contact time 9 min, the degradation efficiency of Reactive Blue 21 (RB21), Reactive Red 195 (RR195) and Reactive Red 19 (RR19) were 92, 97, and 80%, respectively. The results showed that after 5 cycles of recycling, the catalyst had a high efficiency in pollutant removal and could be utilised many times for dye decomposition. GO@Fe3O4/Cu catalyst was successfully synthesised using a simple method. The heterogeneous Fenton process with a magnetic catalyst in the presence of H2O2 has a high potential to remove reactive dyes from the aqueous solution.

Green low-cost synthesis of zero-valent iron nanoparticles from Palm Petiole Extract for Cr(VI) removal from water.

One of the hottest research topics over the last decades was the valorization or/and recycling of agro-industrial wastes into different valuable liquid or solid products, which is considered a sustainable and low-cost approach. In this study, we developed zero-valent iron nanoparticles from Palm Petiole Extract (P-NZVI) using a green and straightforward approach. The as-synthesized P-NZVI was used to adsorb Cr(VI) in water. The physico-chemical characterizations of P-NZVI, including the particle size, crystalline structure, surface area, morphology, and functional groups, were investigated via several techniques such as UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, AFM, DLS, pHZPC measurement, and BET analysis. The adsorption performance of P-NZVI was studied under different operational parameters, including pollutant concentration, pH, temperature, and adsorbent mass. The adsorption rate was found to be 89.3% within 40 min, corresponding to the adsorption capacity of 44.47 mg/g under the following conditions: initial Cr(VI) concentration of 40 mg/L, pH 5, and a P-NZVI dosage of 1 g/L. It was found that the adsorption pattern follows the Langmuir and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models, indicating a combination of monolayer adsorption and chemisorption mechanisms. The thermodynamic study shows that the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. The reusability of P-NZVI was carried out four times, showing a slight decrease from 89.3 to 87%. These findings highlight that P-NZVI's could be an effective green adsorbent for removing Cr(VI) or other types of toxic pollutants from water.

Novel Biological-Based Strategy for Synthesis of Green Nanochitosan and Copper-Chitosan Nanocomposites: Promising Antibacterial and Hematological Agents.

Two novel samples of nanoparticles based on chitosan were greenly synthesized using pomegranate peel extract. The extract served as a nanoparticle precursor, facilitating the precipitation of nanosized chitosan through the ionic gelation method. Additionally, by mixing the green chitosan nanoparticles with copper ions, a nanoscale composite of chitosan and copper oxide was also produced. Structural and morphological investigations (FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and TGA analyses) were performed for greenly synthesized chitosan nanoparticles and their copper oxide composite to determine all the significant characteristics of those nanoparticles. In addition, both samples were tested using some biological investigations, such as antimicrobial activity and hematological effects. The antimicrobial tests yielded promising results for both the green chitosan nanoparticles and the CuO composite when tested using two bacterial strains and two fungal strains. Moreover, the results showed that using a similar concentration of both green-based chitosan samples resulted in a slightly larger inhibition zone and a lower minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) for the copper oxide chitosan composite compared to the chitosan nanoparticles for all microorganisms included in the test. The mean count of blood components (RBCs and platelets), clotting time, and cholesterol levels in three different blood samples were used to indicate the hematological activity of both greenly synthesized nanoparticles. The results verified a slight reduction in blood component count after the addition of green chitosan nanoparticles, but the chitosan copper oxide composite did not have a noticeable effect on the three blood samples. The chitosan nanoparticles were able to cause a considerable reduction in clotting time and cholesterol levels for all blood samples, thus acting as procoagulants. However, the mixing of CuO with chitosan nanoparticles prolonged the rate of clotting in blood samples from hypercholesteremic individuals, and thus, the mixture acted as an anticoagulant agent.