Hydrophilic Species Research Articles

CH-π Interactions in Glycan Recognition.

Carbohydrate recognition is crucial for biological processes ranging from development to immune system function to host-pathogen interactions. The proteins that bind glycans are faced with a daunting task: to coax these hydrophilic species out of water and into a binding site. Here, we examine the forces underlying glycan recognition by proteins. Our previous bioinformatic study of glycan-binding sites indicated that the most overrepresented side chains are electron-rich aromatic residues, including tyrosine and tryptophan. These findings point to the importance of CH-π interactions for glycan binding. Studies of CH-π interactions show a strong dependence on the presence of an electron-rich π system, and the data indicate binding is enhanced by complementary electronic interactions between the electron-rich aromatic ring and the partial positive charge of the carbohydrate C-H protons. This electronic dependence means that carbohydrate residues with multiple aligned highly polarized C-H bonds, such as β-galactose, form strong CH-π interactions, whereas less polarized residues such as α-mannose do not. This information can guide the design of proteins to recognize sugars and the generation of ligands for proteins, small molecules, or catalysts that bind sugars.

Selective depression of arsenopyrite with in situ generated nanoparticles in pyrite flotation

In this study, the selective depression of arsenopyrite in pyrite flotation with in-situ generated nanoparticles was studied. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) detection, solution chemistry analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), adsorption tests and contact angle measurement were used to reveal the corresponding mechanism. Flotation results showed that arsenopyrite were selectively depressed and pyrite had a better flotability at pH 8.7. SEM/EDS results showed that Zn-containing nanoparticles are largely produced on arsenopyrite but rarely on the pyrite surface. Solution chemistry calculations showed that ZnCO3 nanoparticles were the major hydrophilic species at pH 7–9. This consists with the pH range where arsenopyrite was depressed. The selective generation of ZnCO3 nanoparticles on arsenopyrite surface was further confirmed by FTIR analysis. The ZnCO3 nanoparticles inhibited the adsorption of the collector onto arsenopyrite surface and made it more hydrophilic, which was suggested by the adsorption and contact angle measurement results. A model showing the selective depression mechanism of ZnSO4 on pyrite/arsenopyrite flotation system in Na2CO3 solution was also proposed. The comminution process is worth further study to clarify that whether the selective formation of ZnCO3 nanoparticles on pyrite and arsenopyrite surface is due to the difference in surface roughness.

New information on the bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica (Linnaeus, 1758) and red-throated diver Gavia stellata (Pontoppidan, 1763) on the Crimean Peninsula (the Black Sea)

New data on the distribution of the bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica (Linnaeus, 1758) and red-throated diver Gavia stellata (Pontoppidan, 1763) on the Crimean Peninsula are presented. Against the backdrop of aquatic and coastal ecosystems’ transformation under natural and anthropogenic impact, even single finds of hydrophilic avifauna representatives in atypical spatiotemporal conditions are of interest for the analysis of emerging trends in migration phenology and abundance of both separate species and taxonomic and ecological groups of birds. The aim of the study was to clarify the distribution boundaries and terms of stay on the Crimean Peninsula of two hydrophilic bird species: semiaquatic species, bar-tailed godwit, and true water bird, red-throated diver. Bird observations were carried out during scheduled accountings on the Isthmus of Ak-Monay (March 2012) and in the Kruglaya Bay (Sevastopol) (July 2019). The bar-tailed godwit is registered in Crimea during spring and autumn migration periods. For the first time, it was found in the north of the Crimean Peninsula in 1972; later, there were an increase in its abundance and expansion of a distribution area. Recent records of this species in southern Crimea significantly expanded the known boundaries of its distribution on the peninsula during the migration period. The observation of the bar-tailed godwit in eastern Crimea on 14 March, 2012, specified the date its spring migration begins; the observation in Sevastopol (western foothill) on 27 July, 2019, was the first one in Mountain Crimea. Off the Crimean coast, the red-throated diver is a rare overwintering and migratory bird. The find of the red-throated diver individual in the Kruglaya Bay on 19 January, 2020, was the third reliable record of this species overwintering in Crimea and the first one in Sevastopol area. The registration of the red-throated diver at a considerable distance from its usual overwintering areas (off the southwestern coast of the Black Sea), along with numerous facts of the expansion of nesting or winter ranges of different bird species northward, confirms the ongoing climatic and ecological changes. Particular attention should be focused on the problem, associated with low ecological culture of the use and disposal of fishing tackles, which have a detrimental effect on hydrophilic birds. Measures have to be developed to regulate fishing with nets, hooks, and line tackles in the areas of bird mass overwintering and seasonal migrations.

Synthesis of chitosan-grafted poly-acrylic acid (CTS-g-PAA) hydrogel and its potential application in biosensors for signal enhancing and bioanalysis.

Nowadays, hydrogels have been attracted a lot of interest due to their immense potential in different fields such as biomedicine and biotechnology. Biodegradable and biocompatible pH-sensitive chitosan-grafted polyacrylic acid (CTS-g-PAA) hydrogel was synthesized by grafting an acrylic acid monomer onto chitosan at the presence of methylene bisacrylamide as a cross-linking agent and ammonium persulphate as an initiator. FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the properties of the obtained hydrogel. The synthesized hydrogel is suitable for the delivery of many hydrophilic drugs or species. Using a multi-walled carbon nanotube modified-glassy carbon electrode (CNT-GCE), the loading and release conditions of Nile Blue (NB) as an electroactive compound were evaluated utilizing the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The effect of various parameters on the electrochemical signal of NB was investigated, and the optimal conditions for the efficient performance of hydrogel to delivery of NB were obtained. The electrocatalytic current values show linear dependence to NB concentration in the range of 0.098 – 0.971 μM while the detection limit of this electrochemical platform was 12.3 nM. The unique proposed hydrogel with the electroactive NB has a broad range of possible applications in biosensors for signal enhancement and bioanalysis.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10854-021-06939-7.

Effects of intensive human management on the taxonomic and functional diversity of ground beetles in a planted forest landscape

The rapid expansion of planted forests harms native biodiversity. Few studies report the effects of replacing wetlands with planted forests on ground beetles. We analyze how the taxonomic and functional diversity of ground beetles are affected by intensive management of a planted forest landscape in the Lower Delta of the Parana River. We defined six habitat types (n = 3, N = 18): young and mature willow (YW, MW), young and mature poplar without cattle (YP, MP), young and mature silvopastoral poplar (YS, MS). Using pitfall traps (N = 1728), we recorded 35 species (1896 individuals). YW and MS reached the highest taxonomic diversity and richness. YW with more vertical heterogeneity showed higher species richness than MW. Hydrophilic species were more abundant in YW. Zoophagous species were more abundant in MS. YS, MS, and YW reached the highest functional evenness, which implies that a large part of the functional niches was used. Cattle dung and freshwater canals for livestock offer more resources for ground beetles. The planted tree species, stand age, and presence of cattle affects taxonomic and functional diversity of ground beetles. Willow and silvopastoral planted forests are the most suitable habitats for hosting wetland species. So, we recommend using willow species rather than poplar species when planted forests replace fluvial wetlands, increasing irrigation of poplar planted forests through ditches and canals, conserving or restoring different strata of understory to increase vertical heterogeneity, and maintaining the landscape heterogeneity. These management measures are essential to prevent the loss of wetland species and conserve ground beetle’s diversity.

Oxidation of Proteinaceous Matter by Ozone and Nitrogen Dioxide in PM2.5: Reaction Mechanisms and Atmospheric Implications

AbstractInteractions between proteinaceous matter and atmospheric oxidants can affect amino acids (AAs) bioavailability, the climate, and human health. However, atmospheric reactions of proteinaceous matter remain poorly understood. PM2.5 samples were collected during spring (2019) and winter (2020) sampling campaigns conducted in Nanchang, China. Concentrations of combined and free AAs, and the δ15N values of combined and free glycine (C‐Gly and F‐Gly) in PM2.5 samples were analyzed. Concentrations of TFAA under different O3 and NO2 levels, and correlations of specific FAA species with ambient O3 and NO2 concentrations suggest that the ability of O3 to release TFAA from proteinaceous matter is greater than that of NO2. Furthermore, O3 may trend to release neutral and hydrophilic FAA species, whereas NO2 tends to generate hydrophobic FAA species. With aerosol aging, the slope of the fitted line between [TFAA] and [TSAA] [O3 + NO2] increased, indicating that FAAs yield from protein degradation in PM2.5 was affected greatly by aerosol aging. The TCAAs concentration observed in spring was substantially higher than that in winter. Moreover, the δ15NF‐Gly and δ15NC‐Gly values in PM2.5 exhibited negative correlations with atmospheric O3 concentration. These results suggest that increased levels of proteinaceous matter in spring were derived from natural sources related to biological activities rather than biomass burning sources. Our study confirms that the reaction of degradation of proteinaceous matter to FAAs could be influenced by aerosol aging, which is a finding that enhances current understanding regarding atmospheric processes of aerosol proteinaceous matter under different ambient O3 and NO2 levels.

Impact of the encapsulated salt characteristics on its release from multiple W/O/W emulsions

AbstractW/O/W emulsions based on Miglyol oil and stabilized by polyglycerol polyricinoleate and sodium caseinate were prepared with similar characteristics in terms of internal droplet diameter, oil globule diameter, internal aqueous fraction and fat globules fraction. The emulsions differ only by the nature of the encapsulated salt in the inner aqueous droplets. The release of each encapsulated salt from the internal to the external aqueous phase was followed during 30 days at 25°C, showing for all cases that the double structure was preserved with time and the release increased during storage, mainly according to diffusion/permeation mechanism and resulting in a competition between the chelation and the hydration enthalpy of the salt. Double emulsions encapsulating different Magnesium salts have shown that the release depends strongly on the anion via its magnesium chelation and its hydration enthalpy. Indeed, as the complexation constant of Mg2+ with its counterion increases, the leakage decreases. On the other hand, as the hydration enthalpy of Mg2+ counterion decreases, the leakage decreases too. Likewise, double emulsions encapsulating different chloride salts have shown that the release depends also on the cation via its hydration enthalpy and its chelation with caseinate affecting accordingly the stiffening of the globule/water interface, more pronounced for bivalent than for monovalent cations. It was thus directly highlighted that the release from W/O/W emulsions was well controlled by the characteristics of the salt, and anion and cation diffuse accompanied at a rate ensuring the electroneutrality of the diffusive species. These results are very useful not only in term of fundamental understanding but also on application level, especially for food supplementation such as of dairy product.Practical applicationsThe search for an innovative functional effect can lead to food supplementation with bioactive substances which can be either molecules or living bioactive cells. However, the direct addition of these substances to food can induce chemical degradation, aggregation of proteins and generate an unpleasant taste. These drawbacks can be avoided or at least reduced by encapsulation. Despite their thermodynamic instability, W/O/W emulsions are promising systems for encapsulation of hydrophilic species in their internal aqueous phase and hence find applications among others in food for taste masking or supplementation. The release of the encapsulated species to the external aqueous phase should be controlled, depending on the desired application. The release depends also on the characteristics of the encapsulated salt. A better understanding of its impact on the stability of the double emulsion will allow targeting formulation of stable emulsions and hence contributing to their better industrial development.

Is froth flotation a potential scheme for microplastics removal? Analysis on flotation kinetics and surface characteristics

Increasing microplastics (MPs) cause significant threats to the ecosystem and society. The tremendous advances concerning the sources, occurrence, chemical behavior, toxicology, and ecological effects contribute to the emerging MPs removal. Based on the intrinsic hydrophobicity of MPs, froth flotation can remove MPs from water environments via bubble attachment on hydrophobic surfaces. This study comprehensively investigated plastic, aqueous, and operating variables in the flotation removal of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) MPs, assisted by numerous bench-scale experiments and a first-order model with rectangular distribution of floatability. Froth flotation performed better to remove MPs with higher density, larger size, and lower concentration. K+ (0–50 mM), Na+ (0–150 mM), and Ca2+ (0–10 mM) did not affect the flotation recovery of MPs. MPs particles could be thoroughly removed by froth flotation when humic acid (HA) and Al3+ concentrations were less than 30 mg/L and 0.05 mM, respectively. 100% of MPs could be removed at a rapid flotation rate under aeration volume of 5.4 mL/min and frother dosage of 28 mg/L. Non-covalent interactions and near-surface water film might favor the adhesion of hydrophilic species and obstruct the flotation removal of MPs. The froth flotation-based MPs removal had potential application in multiple flow systems due to its simplicity and continuity.

The Influence of Gas\u2013Liquid Interfacial Transport Theory on Numerical Modelling of Plasma Activation of Water

Plasma activated water has shown great promise in a number of emerging application domains; yet the interaction between non-equilibrium plasma and liquid represents a complex multiphase process that is difficult to probe experimentally, necessitating the development of accurate numerical models. In this work, a global computational model was developed to follow the concentrations of aqueous reactive species in water treated using a surface barrier discharge in ambient air. While the two-film theory has long superseded other methods of modelling mass transfer in such areas of research as environmental and aerosol science, plasma modelling studies continue to use equilibrium and one-film theories. The transport of reactive species across the gas–liquid interface was therefore treated using the one-film and two-film theories, with the results compared to ascertain which is most appropriate for PAW modelling studies. Comparing the model-predicted concentrations to those measured, it was shown that concentrations of aqueous H+ and NO3− ions were better represented by the two-film theory, more closely fitting experimental measurements in trend and in magnitude by a factor of ten, while HNO2 and NO2− showed a slightly worse fit using this theory. This is attributed to the assumption in two-film theory of a gas-phase stagnant film which provides additional resistance to the absorption of hydrophilic species, which is absent in the one-film theory, which could be improved with a more accurate value of the Sherwood number for each species.

Investigating photodegradation of antibodies governed by the light dosage

The present study investigated the photodegradation of three different monoclonal antibodies (mAb) by visible light. Several chromatographic techniques, such as size-exclusion and hydrophobic interaction chromatography as well as mass spectrometry were used to measure relative changes of various oxidation related monoclonal antibody species. The results show that visible light is indeed capable of inducing the formation of protein photo-oxidation products, such as acidic, basic, hydrophilic, and several other protein species with altered physicochemical properties. Although, the formation rate of degradants of these three protein species was dependent on the light source’s intensity (I), their yield is clearly correlated to the applied light dosage (ld), which is defined as the product of light intensity I and irradiation time t (light dosage = I·t). Hence, our findings indicate that the degradation of monoclonal antibodies can be described according to the Bunsen-Roscoe reciprocity law. This correlation can be useful to assess the impact of photodegradation of biologics with regards to changes in light intensity and/or duration of light exposure of the protein, e.g. during the manufacturing of biologics.

Effect of Ferric Ions on Sulfidization Flotation of Oxidize Digenite Fine Particles and Their Significance

Digenite fine particles are easily oxidized and ferric ions (Fe3+) commonly exist in the flotation pulp of digenite. This study investigated the effect of Fe3+ on the sulfidization flotation of oxidized digenite fine particles using sodium butyl xanthate (SBX) as a collector. The results of microflotation experiments show that the flotation rate and recovery of oxidized digenite fine particles can be improved by adding Na2S and SBX, whereas the existence of large amounts of Fe3+ is not beneficial for the sulfidization flotation of digenite. The results of Fe3+ adsorption, zeta potential, and contact angle measurements indicate that Fe3+ can be adsorbed on the digenite surface mainly in the form of Fe(OH)3, which hinders the adsorption of SBX and significantly reduces the surface hydrophobicity of digenite. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis further suggests that the poor surface hydrophobicity of digenite in the presence of Fe3+ is due to the production of large amounts of hydrophilic iron and copper oxides/hydroxides on the surface. Furthermore, optical microscopy analysis shows that these hydrophilic species effectively disperse digenite fine particles in the pulp, which eventually leads to the poor floatability of digenite. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the amount of Fe3+ present in the pulp and adsorbed on digenite surface before sulfidization to realize effective separation of oxidized digenite fine particles and iron sulfide minerals.

Mobility of organic compounds in a soft clay-rich rock (Tégulines clay, France)

The migration of organic compounds in soils is a major concern in several environmental issues. Contaminants display distinct behaviours as regards to their specific affinities towards soils constituents. The retention mechanism of hydrophobic compounds by natural organic matter is well known. The retention of ionizable compounds is mainly related to oxides and clay minerals, even if less documented in reductive media. In this work, we investigated the migration of organic compounds in a soft clay-rich sedimentary rock (Tégulines clay, France). The aim was to determine the relative contributions of natural sorbents on retention, and eventual correlations with solutes properties. Both hydrophobic compounds (toluene, benzene, naphthalene) and hydrophilic species (adipate, oxalate, ortho-phthalate, benzoate) were investigated, using batch and diffusion experiments. The retention of neutral aromatic compounds correlates with their lipophilicity (log POW), confirming that absorption mechanism prevails, despite a low content of natural organic matter (≤0.5%). A low retention of ionizable compounds was quantified on Tégulines clay. The eventual discrepancies between data acquired on crushed rock and solid samples are discussed. Low effective diffusion coefficients are quantified. These values hint on the relative contributions of steric and electrostatic exclusion, despite a large pore size in such “soft” clay-rock. Overall, the dataset illustrates a general scheme for assessing the migration over a wide variety of organic compounds. This approach may be useful for predictive modelling of the fate of organic compounds in environmental media.

Aquivion–Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) Holistic Flory–Huggins Photonic Vapor Sensors

AbstractA holistic detection system, in principle sensitive to any molecular species in the vapor phase is proposed. The sensor consists of a polymeric multilayered distributed Bragg reflector made of a perfluorinated polar polymer, Aquivion, and a nonpolar polymer, poly(N‐vinylcarbazole). Alternated layers of the two polymers provide a characteristic optical response that depends on the chemical species intercalating within the structure. Such differences arise from Flory–Huggins polymer–solvent interactions. Then, the presence of polar, nonpolar, and perfluorinated moieties in the structures, potentially, allows sensitivity to any molecular species, providing a detection system with no need for any additional chemical receptors. As a proof of concept, the study demonstrates the sensitivity of the sensor to very diverse classes of molecules in the vapor phase including perfluorinated, nonpolar hydrophobic, and hydrophilic species and the capability to distinguish them, even in binary mixtures. Additionally, a connection between the dynamic temporal response of the sensors and the chemical–physical properties of the analytes, their concentration, and effective diffusion coefficient within the polymer structure is revealed.

Brief descriptions of the principles of prominent methods used to study the penetration of materials into human hair and a review of examples of their use.

Consumers are attracted to the latest fashion trends and different looks. This drives the search for novel hair treatments. Some chemicals present in hair treatment products can penetrate the hair shaft. These materials can either nourish or injure the hair cortex. Different techniques have been used to investigate the mechanism of molecule penetration and the conditions under which penetration occurs. This article reviews the techniques applied for this purpose. Various microscopy techniques are used to capture clear and colourful images to determine the diffusion pathways and the exact location of the molecules under study. However, the laborious sample preparation often leads to sample destruction since cross-sectioning is often required. While various other techniques have been successfully used for investigating the penetration methods, most of these require different amounts of work to be put in for sample preparation and instrumentation. Several spectroscopic techniques have been used to study the penetration of the molecules because of the high levels of accuracy and the quick response time of these techniques. Moreover, the samples are not damaged during the investigation.

Hemodialysis raises oxidative stress through carbon-centered radicals despite improved biocompatibility.

Leukocyte activation and the resulting oxidative stress induced by bioincompatible materials during hemodialysis impact the prognosis of patients. Despite multiple advances in hemodialysis dialyzers, the prognosis of hemodialysis patients with complications deeply related to oxidative stress, such as diabetes mellitus, remains poor. Thus, we re-evaluated the effects of hemodialysis on multiple reactive oxygen species using electron spin resonance-based methods for further improvement of biocompatibility in hemodialysis. We enrolled 31 patients in a stable condition undergoing hemodialysis using high-flux polysulfone dialyzers. The effects of hemodialysis on reactive oxygen species were evaluated by two methods: MULTIS, which evaluates serum scavenging activities against multiple hydrophilic reactive oxygen species, and i-STrap, which detects lipophilic carbon-center radicals. Similar to previous studies, we found that serum hydroxyl radical scavenging activity significantly improved after hemodialysis. Unlike previous studies, we discovered that scavenging activity against alkoxyl radical was significantly reduced after hemodialysis. Moreover, patients with diabetes mellitus showed a decrease in serum scavenging activity against alkyl peroxyl radicals and an increase in lipophilic carbon-center radicals after hemodialysis. These results suggest that despite extensive improvements in dialyzer membranes, the forms of reactive oxygen species that can be eliminated during dialysis are limited, and multiple reactive oxygen species still remain at increased levels during hemodialysis.

Трансформация и восстановление растительности в Прибайкалье

The work represents the results of perennial studies of the structural-dynamic organization of the phytocoenoses, which are subjected during a long period to anthropogenic impact in different, for geographical conditions, areas of western and south-eastern Pre-Baikal. The composition of phytocoenoses, which form at cuttings of forests of different composition and typology is found out. The following parameters are determined: species composition, synfolial differentiation and dominant species of the soil cover reflecting the dynamics of reconstitutional stages of polydominant light-coniferous forests of Pre-Baikalian type. We noticed the peculiarities of transformation and reconstitution of the coenoses, which during a long period are used for haying and pasturage formed on the site of earlier cut timber stands at the boundary with the extrazonal steppe. During last decades, a gradual forestation of these territories is observed, the steppe plants species in the soil cover are replaced by forest species characteristic for the light-coniferous taiga. On the site of cuttings of dark-coniferous taiga in the first half of the last century in the southern part of Pre-Baikal, forests form with dominance of more hydrophilic trees species in undergrowth and young growth – fir and spruce replace cedar everywhere. This is probably due to secular forests dynamics with replacement of forest forming trees species on the background of climate changes during last decades. There are as well changes in the species composition of plants on the soil cover of forming dark-coniferous taiga.

Determination of total arsenic and hydrophilic arsenic species in seafood

Marine organisms are vital sources of staple and functional food but are also the major dietary route of human exposure to total arsenic. We surveyed the total arsenic content and the mass fractions of hydrophilic arsenic species from five different marine food types cutting across the food chain from microalgae, macroalgae, bivalve clam, crustaceans and finfish. Total arsenic was determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) while arsenic speciation analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ICP-MS as the detector. The total arsenic contents ranged from 133 ± 11 ng/g to 26,630 ± 520 ng/g. The mass fractions of inorganic arsenic (iAs), arsenobetaine (AsB), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and the four commonly occurring arsenosugars (AsSugars) are reported. Extractable hydrophilic arsenic species accounted for 10 % (aquacultured shrimp) to 95 % (kelp) of the total arsenic. DMA was established to be a byproduct of the decomposition of AsSugars in acid extracts of samples known to contain these species.

Surface chemistry of oxidised pyrite during grinding: EDTA extraction analysis

This paper investigates the surface chemistry of oxidised pyrite under two different grinding conditions (forged steel grinding media and 30% chrome steel grinding media with nitrogen gas flow) using the ethylene diamine-tetra acetic acid (EDTA) extraction technique. The measurement of EDTA extractable iron and dissolved total sulfur (DTS) in the solid and aqueous phase of the grinding slurry enables us to decouple the relative intensity of the pyrite oxidation and galvanic interactions in the mill. It is found that the galvanic interaction predominates in the mill when pyrite samples are ground with forged steel media in the presence of sufficient dissolved oxygen. While the oxidation of pyrite becomes the predominant reaction when the concentration of dissolved oxygen is low in the mill. However, the oxidation of pyrite predominates in the mill when pyrite samples are ground with 30% chrome steel media regardless of the concentration of dissolved oxygen. Reducing the level of dissolved oxygen in the mill (e.g., purging the system with nitrogen gas) or applying less electrochemically active grinding media (e.g., high chrome steel) can reduce the hydrophilic species on the pyrite surface during grinding (e.g., iron hydroxides/oxyhydroxides). Hence, it would be expected to consequently increase the floatability of pyrite.

Algological assessment of oil pollution in ecotonic ecosystems

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of oil pollution on the transformation of algocenoses of water-ground ecotone. The species composition, abundance, occurrence of cyanobacteria and algae in water-ground ecotone under the influence of oil pollution has been studied. A comparison of the algoflora of different ecotone sites was made taking into account the nature of the higher plants. Sixty-five taxa of algae were identified with a rank below the genus belonging to the 4th divisions. The division dominant in the number of species is Bacillariophyta (37%), Cyanoprokaryota (Cyanophyta) (31%), Chlorophyta (27%), Xanthophyta (5%). The leading families were Pseudanabaenaceae, Phormidiaceae, Cocconeidaceae. Among the genera, the genus Leptolyngbya is in first place. The littoral zone of the lake was dominated by diatomic algae. A wide range of species of cyanobacteria and green algae were observed in soil samples, leading families and genera by species occurrence were members of the families Nostocaceae, Pseudanabaenaceae. Environmental analysis has shown that hydrophilic and edadophilic species belonging to P-, Ch-, CF-, C and B-life forms play a significant role in the formation of soil algae communities. The nature of the higher plants is less than oil pollution determines the composition of the algoflora. With the emergence of oil contamination in the ecotone, the number of cyanobacteria and algae, the survival rate of soil algae and, to a lesser extent, benthic species is reduced.

Lipid-Based Nanovesicles for Simultaneous Intracellular Delivery of Hydrophobic, Hydrophilic, and Amphiphilic Species.

Lipid nanovesicles (NVs) are the first nanoformulation that entered the clinical use in oncology for the treatment of solid tumors. They are indeed versatile systems which can be loaded with either hydrophobic or hydrophilic molecules, for both imaging and drug delivery, and with high biocompatibility, and limited immunogenicity. In the present work, NVs with a lipid composition resembling that of natural vesicles were prepared using the ultrasonication method. The NVs were successfully loaded with fluorophores molecules (DOP-F-DS and a fluorescent protein), inorganic nanoparticles (quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles), and anti-cancer drugs (SN-38 and doxorubicin). The encapsulation of such different molecules showed the versatility of the developed systems. The size of the vesicles varied from 100 up to 300 nm depending on the type of loaded species, which were accommodated either into the lipid bilayer or into the aqueous core according to their hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature. Viability assays were performed on cellular models of breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Results showed that NVs with encapsulated both drugs simultaneously led to a significant reduction of the cellular activity (up to 22%) compared to the free drugs or to the NVs encapsulated with only one drug. Lipidomic analysis suggested that the mechanism of action of the drugs is the same, whether they are free or encapsulated, but administration of the drugs by means of nanovesicles is more efficient in inducing cellular damage, likely because of a quicker internalization and a sustained release. This study confirms the versatility and the potential of lipid NVs for cancer treatment, as well as the validity of the ultrasound preparation method for their preparation.