Increasing Zn Content Research Articles

Agronomic Biofortification Increases Concentrations of Zinc and Storage Proteins in Cowpea Grains

Zinc (Zn) is crucial for both plant metabolism and human nutrition, with its deficiency being a global health concern. Strategies to increase its availability in food, such as agronomic biofortification, have gained prominence. This study evaluated the impact of foliar spraying of Zn [at full bloom stage: 0 (control) and 600 g ha−1, as ZnSO4⋅7H2O] on the nutritional quality of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) grains. Field experiments involving 20 cowpea genotypes were carried out over two seasons in a Typic Quartzipsamment under a no-tillage system. The photosynthetic responses of cowpea plants and the concentrations of Zn, amino acids, sucrose, total sugars, and storage proteins (glutelin, albumin, prolamin, and globulin) in grains were analyzed. All genotypes showed enrichment of Zn in grains in response to ZnSO4⋅7H2O application compared to untreated plants. Foliar spraying of ZnSO4⋅7H2O during initial grain filling was ideal for increasing Zn concentration in grains and improving plant physiological processes. Additionally, Zn fertilization led to higher concentrations of storage and total amino acids and proteins in the grains, supporting the rational application of Zn in cowpea production to improve the nutritional quality of grains and increase plant productivity.

Structural, magnetic and photoluminescence properties of Zn-Ni ferrites synthesized by hydrothermal method

Nanocrystalline ZnxNi1-xFe2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) ferrites were synthesized by hydrothermal method. XRD analysis showed that all compositions crystallize with a cubic spinel-type structure with an average crystallite size in the range of 17–27 nm which corresponded to particle sizes obtained from TEM. The lattice parameter increased from 8.289 to 8.432 Å with increasing Zn content. The ZnxNi1-xFe2O4 nanoferrites exhibit superparamagnetic behaviour at room temperature (RT). The saturation magnetization (Ms) varies considerably with Zn content to reach a maximum value for Zn0.5Ni0.25Fe2O4 composition, i.e. 41.893 emu/g. The high Ms and magnetic moment values are attributed to cation distribution change. The electron spin resonance (ESR) results demonstrated g-values ranging between 2.005 and 2.621 which indicated strong exchange interaction between nanoparticles, type of morphology, and crystalline nature of particles. These low g-values make ZnxCo1-xFe2O4 nanoferrites suitable for applications in low-frequency devices. The Mössbauer spectroscopy results revealed the transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic state, by showing collapse of sestet to quadrupole doublet. The optical properties of the nanoferrites were investigated photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The broad visible emission band at 427 nm (2.90 eV), 471 nm (2.60 eV) and 520 nm (2.38 eV) were observed in all PL spectra. The electron spin resonance and photoluminescence results show that Zn-Ni ferrites are good candidates for blue LEDs and in gas sensing applications.

Constitutive expression of bZIP19 with the Zn sensor motif deleted in Arabidopsis leads to Zn-specific accumulation and no visible developmental penalty

Abstract Aims The transcription factors bZIP19 and bZIP23 function as central regulators of the Zn deficiency response, and also as sensors of intracellular Zn concentration through their protein Zn-Sensor Motif (ZSM). While under Zn deficiency the target genes of bZIP19/23 are transcriptionally activated, under Zn sufficiency the binding of Zn2+ ions to the ZSM halts gene expression. Mutations, including deletions, in the ZSM affect the activity of bZIP19/23 and leads to a Zn-insensitive and constitutive activation of target gene expression. Here we investigated the effects of such deregulation of the Zn deficiency response on plant growth and Zn accumulation, and evaluate whether this deregulation influences Cd accumulation. Methods We analysed Arabidopsis lines constitutively expressing bZIP19 with the ZSM deleted and measured developmental traits and ionomics in soil-grown plants, comparing control and Cd-spiked soils. Results Results indicated that deletion of the ZSM, and the consequent deregulation of the Zn deficiency response, does not cause visible penalties in plant growth, development or reproduction. Compared with the wild-type, bZIP19-ZSM deletion increased Zn accumulation in leaves and seeds, and such an increase was mostly limited to Zn. In seeds, the increased Zn content appears distributed evenly throughout the embryo. Exposure of bZIP19-ZSM deletion to a low-level Cd contamination did not cause enhanced Cd accumulation, which is important given that Cd uptake is a concern in crop Zn biofortification. Finally, we verified that the bZIP19-ZSM deletion represents a gain-of-function dominant mutation. Conclusion Together, results support that modulation of F-bZIP transcription factor’s activity may be a promising avenue for Zn biofortification in crops.

Modulation of micro-structural, opto-electronic and photo-induced fluorescence properties in sol-gel derived Pb1-xZnxO nanoparticles through the analytical study of vacancy-type defects

In the present work, the doping effect of Zn2+ ion (varying doping concentrations in the range of 0 %–30 %) on PbO nanoparticles (NPs) has been investigated proficiently. This study aims at in-depth analysis of the structure-property relationships of the sol-gel derived Zn doped PbO (Pb1-xZnxO) NPs, especially the vacancy evolved properties and the luminescence properties. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic characterization analyses justified the nanocrystallinity of the Pb1-xZnxO powdered NPs while the mean crystallite sizes were located in between 12 and 36 nm range. Williamson – Hall (W – H) method revealed a monotonous increase of the lattice strain which is compatible with the decrease of NPs’ crystallite size by increase in the Zn2+ doping level. The replacement of Pb2+ ions with the Zn2+ ions caused the reduction of crystallite size by the higher Zn2+ doping level. Prominent peaks of Zn, Pb and O elements are noticed in energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDS) characterization. The elemental distributions of the chemicals present in the NPs were explored by the elemental mapping analysis. The optical absorption (OA) analysis indicated that the energy band gap (Eg) can be estimated to be 2.21, 2.36, 2.55 and 2.70 eV for 0, 10, 20 & 30 % Zn doped PbO NPs, respectively. The positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopic studies evidenced the presence of vacancy type defects within the NPs and an increase in defect concentrations has been observed by the increase in Zn concentrations. The photo-induced fluorescence (FL) emission spectra exhibited three luminescence peaks around the wavelengths 430 nm, 490 nm and 522 nm for all the NPs. The observations suggested the possibility of tailoring the characteristics of the synthesized NPs for practical applications in the field of optoelectronics.

Agronomy biofortification of wheat grain in a saline and calcareous soil

Agronomy biofortification is an important crop management strategy to enhance concentrations of micronutrients in edible portions. The availability of micronutrients for plant uptake is reduced by the high salinity, pH, and lime of soils. Hence, this study aimed to determine the most appropriate time and the best ratio of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) consumption during the wheat growth stages in a saline and calcareous soil. The experiment consisted of two factors with four levels; 0, 30, 60, and 120 kg Zn ha−1 as Zn0, Zn1, Zn2, and Zn3 respectively, and 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 kg Fe ha−1 as Fe0, Fe1, Fe2, and Fe3 respectively, in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed that the interaction effects of Fe and Zn fertilizers application were significant on the wheat yield indices and concentration of Fe and Zn in wheat shoots and grain. The simultaneous application of 120 kg Zn ha−1 and 5 kg Fe ha−1 caused significant improvement (p < 0.05) in thousand kernel weight (9.1%) and subsequently grain yield (23.4%) compared to the control treatment. The Zn concentration in the wheat shoot during tillering (37.0–58.2 mg Zn kg−1) was higher than the other two growth stages (elongation (29.2–40.8 mg Zn kg−1) and booting (20.0–31.0 mg Zn kg−1)). While the highest Fe concentration in wheat shoots was observed at the stem elongation stage (98.5–268.8 mg Fe kg−1), then the booting stage (91.0–150.8 mg Fe kg−1) and finally the least absorption was at the tillering (80.0–120.0 mg Fe kg−1). Because of the high calcium carbonate, salinity and Zn- deficient soil of the experimental site, the Zn concentration in wheat grain was obtained in a range of 3 to 19 mg kg−1. The results clarified that the fertilizer application of 30 kg Zn ha−1 and 2.5 kg Fe ha−1 can be proportionally and simultaneously increased the concentration of Fe and Zn in wheat grain by 100%. Therefore, the soil application of 30 kg Zn and 2.5 kg Fe per hectare proposed for improvement in quantitative (619 kg ha−1 increase in wheat grain yield) and qualities (100% increase in grain Zn and Fe concentration and 8% increase in thousand kernel weight) indices of wheat yield in calcareous and saline soils.

Impact of copper and zinc oral chronic exposure on Carniolan honey bee survival and feeding preference.

Honey bees are important plant pollinators and honey producers. Contamination of the environment with metals can lead to a decline in honey bee populations. Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) salts are commonly used as fungicides and foliar fertilizers. In this study, we investigated the effects of 10-day chronic oral exposure to different concentrations of Cu (CuSO4) and Zn (ZnCl2) on survival and feeding rates of Carniolan honey bees in laboratory conditions. We found that mortality in honey bee workers increased in a concentration-dependent manner and that Cu (lethal concentration [LC50] = 66 mg/l) was more toxic than Zn (LC50 = 144 mg/l). There was no difference in the feeding rate of Cu-treated bees for the different concentrations tested, but the feeding rate decreased with the increase in Zn concentration. To determine feeding preference or avoidance for Cu and Zn, we conducted 2-choice 24-h feeding experiments. We demonstrated that honey bees preferred Zn-containing solutions compared to the control diet. A two-choice experiment with Cu showed a tendency for honey bees to be deterred by Cu at high concentrations; however, it was not statistically significant. In summary, our results suggest that honey bee workers may suffer adverse effects when exposed to ecologically relevant concentrations of Cu and Zn.

Tailoring structural ordering and optical characteristics of In0.49Ga0.51P films via Zn doping engineering by MOCVD

In0.49Ga0.51P is highly promising due to its favorable lattice-matching properties with GaAs, making it well-suited for various device applications. This study investigated the influence of Zn doping on the ordering and optical properties of In0.49Ga0.51P grown on GaAs using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. By precisely controlling the doping flow, the ordering degree of In0.49Ga0.51P was systematically modulated. The luminescence origin and bandgap characteristics of In0.49Ga0.51P were examined through temperature-dependent photoluminescence and Hall measurements. The findings demonstrate a noticeable peak shift, accompanied by a increase in the bandgap and a corresponding decrease in the ordering degree as the Zn concentration increases.

Biofortification of wheat in salt-affected soil through seed priming and soil application of zinc

ContextGiven the global significance of wheat production and consumption, it is imperative to achieve high yields of nutritious wheat grains. However, the inadequate availability of zinc (Zn) in salt-affected soils can aggravate salt stress, decrease wheat grain yield, and grain Zn concentration. This study compared the effectiveness of soil Zn application and seed Zn priming in increasing Zn biofortification and grain yield of Zn-biofortified wheat grown in alkaline-calcareous soil affected by salts. MethodsEighteen pots were filled with alkaline-calcareous soil containing elevated levels of soluble salts and exchangeable sodium (Na). The pots were subjected to soil Zn application (0 or 8 mg kg−1) and seed priming (control/non-, hydro-, or Zn-primed seeds) treatments, applied to a Zn-biofortified wheat (cv. Zincol-2016). Plant samples were collected at the heading and maturity stages to measure parameters related to plant growth and grain quality. FindingsSoil Zn application increased grain and straw yields across seed priming treatments by a maximum of 23 %, and seed Zn priming increased grain and straw yields across soil Zn rates by a maximum of 21 %. This yield response was accompanied by significant increases in grain potassium and Zn concentrations at maturity, as well as non-significant to significant increases in photosynthetic parameters (stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate) in flag leaves during heading. Additionally, compared to control, the combined treatment of soil Zn application and seed Zn priming decreased grain Na concentration by 14 %. Compared to control, both soil Zn application and seed Zn priming significantly increased grain Zn concentration. With the combined application treatment, the grain Zn concentration reached 27 mg kg−1, but it remained significantly below the desired level of >37 mg kg−1. Seed Zn priming decreased the phytate-to-Zn molar ratio in grains, while the treatments that received soil Zn application exhibited the lowest values of this ratio, potentially increasing Zn bioavailability to humans. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that soil Zn application is more effective in enhancing grain yield and Zn concentration, while seed Zn priming remains crucial in low-Zn and high-salt soils. Future research should optimize Zn application strategies for Zn-biofortified wheat cultivated in salt-affected fields.

Bioactivity and antibacterial effects of zinc-containing bioactive glass on the surface of zirconia abutments

ObjectivesThis study aimed to enhance gingival fibroblast function and to achieve antibacterial activity around the implant abutment by using a zinc (Zn)-containing bioactive glass (BG) coating. Methods45S5 BG containing 0, 5, and 10 wt.% Zn were coated on zirconia disks. The release of silica and Zn ions in physiological saline and their antibacterial effects were measured. The effects of BG coatings on human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) were assessed using cytotoxicity assays and by analyzing the gene expression of various genes related to antioxidant enzymes, wound healing, and fibrosis. ResultsBG coatings are capable of continuous degradation and simultaneous ion release. The antibacterial effect of BG coatings increased with the addition of Zn, while the cytotoxicity remained unchanged compared to the group without coatings. BG coating enhances the expression of angiogenesis genes, while the Zn-containing BG enhances the expression of antioxidant genes at an early time point. BG coating enhances the expression of collagen genes at later time points. ConclusionsThe antibacterial effect of BG improved with the increase in Zn concentration, without inducing cytotoxicity. BG coating enhances the expression of angiogenesis genes, and Zn-containing BG enhances the expression of antioxidant genes at an early time point. BG coating enhances the expression of collagen genes at later time points. Clinical SignificanceAdding 10 wt% Zn to BG could enhance the environment around implant abutments by providing antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic effects, having potential for clinical use.

Evolution of microstructure and properties of Cu-Cr-Sn-Zr-Zn alloys with different Zn contents

Cu-Cr-Sn-Zr-xZn alloys with different Zn contents (0.087, 0.26, and 0.42 wt%) were prepared by vacuum casting, and the microstructure and properties of these alloys were investigated using different detection methods. The results show that the Zn element could promote the formation of some primary phase Cr particles and parts that were stretched into fibers during cold drawing deformation, thus enhancing the strength of these alloys. Meanwhile, the number of twins in these alloys increases with the increase in Zn content. When Zn content is 0.42%, the Cu0.64Zn0.36 phase is generated, which could play a role in the second phase’s strengthening. The Cu-0.97Cr-0.096Sn-0.068Zr-0.42Zn alloy shows high tensile strength and electrical conductivity properties of 832 MPa and 72%IACS, respectively.

Substrate Engineering toward Selective Growth of Ultrathin WC Crystals and Heterostructures via Liquid Cu‐Zn Catalyst

AbstractTransition metal carbides (TMCs) grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) offer promise for numerous novel phenomena and applications in the 2D limit. Despite considerable efforts thus far, the flexible customization of TMCs and their heterostructures still remains challenging. Herein, a substrate engineering is developed to achieve customized manufacturing of ultrathin WC single crystals and WC/graphene (WC‐G) heterostructures by varying the concentration of Zn in Cu‐Zn alloy substrate. It is worth noting that Zn atoms can remarkably reduce the nucleation density of graphene and promote the nucleation of WC. Thus, an increasing Zn content is applied to synergistically modulate the growth of graphene and WC, enabling the controllable fabrication of WC and WC‐G heterostructures. The synthesized WC crystals exhibit an ultrathin nature down to 3 nm, as well as high crystalline, ultra‐clean surface, and superb chemical stability. Based on that, the typical metallic properties with a temperature‐dependent resistance (nearly 1.30 Ω at 300 K and nearly 0.08 Ω at 1.7 K) and low resistance as well as excellent nonlinear optical performance of WC are demonstrated. This work provides fresh insights into regulating the growth behavior of multiblock‐structured carbides and promotes the study of their optic and electronic properties.

Influence of Zn Addition on the Aging Precipitate Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Al-Cu-Li Alloy.

In the present work, the effect of Zn on the aging precipitates and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Li alloys was investigated by Vickers hardness, tensile tests, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated that the addition of Zn reduced the activation energy of the T1 phase and makes it easier to precipitate. The activation energy of the T1 phase, which was 107.02 ± 1.8 KJ/mol, 94.33 ± 1.7 KJ/mol, 90.33 ± 1.7 KJ/mol and 90.28 ± 1.6 KJ/mol for 0Zn, 0.4Zn, 0.8Zn and 1.2Zn alloy, respectively. The area number density of the T1 precipitate ranged from 97.0 ± 4.4 pcs/μm2 to 118.2 ± 2.8 pcs/μm2 as the Zn content increased from 0 to 1.2 wt.%. Consequently, the addition of Zn promoted the precipitation of the T1 phase. Therefore, the peak hardness and tensile strength of the alloy also increased with the increase in the Zn content, and the hardness of the alloy with Zn content of 1.2 wt.% increased by 16.5 ± 1.4 HV; meanwhile, the ultimate tensile strength increased by 46.5 ± 2.5 MPa. Therefore, the area number density of precipitates increased and improved the strength of the Zn-containing alloy.

Zinc biofortification via fertigation using alternative zinc sources and concentration levels in pea, radish, and sunflower microgreens

Zinc (Zn) is a key micronutrient essential for human health, and its deficiency affects over 17 % of the global population. The consumption of Zn-biofortified foods is one strategy for addressing this malnutrition issue. Supplying Zn-enriched nutrient solutions via fertigation is a prominent method for enhancing the content of Zn in vegetable crops. Among vegetables, microgreens are considered a particularly suitable biofortification target crop due to their high nutrient density, swift growth rate, and low phytic acid content. However, there is limited knowledge on the optimal Zn sources and application rate for the biofortification of different microgreen species via fertigation. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of alternative Zn sources (ZnSO4, ZnO, and Zn-EDTA) and application rates (0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/L of Zn) on yield components, mineral content, and phytochemical profile of pea, radish, and sunflower microgreens grown in a soilless cultivation system. Zn fertigation increased Zn content and the nutritional profile (flavonoids, total phenols, antioxidant activity, and ascorbic acid) of all three microgreen species. Microgreens fertigated with 15 mg/L ZnSO4 solution, increased Zn content nearly by a factor of 5, 13, and 6 in pea, radish, and sunflower, relative to their control not supplied with Zn (61.01, 50.26, and 65.87 mg/g DW), respectively. ZnSO4 was the most effective source of Zn, followed by ZnO and Zn-EDTA. Zn accumulation resulted in minimal or no fresh yield reduction. However, the concentration of other essential microminerals, like Fe, decreased with Zn accumulation in all three species. In conclusion, Zn biofortification via fertigation is effective in enriching microgreens with Zn, while also enhancing their nutritional profile. Nevertheless, selecting the proper Zn source and application rate is critical to achieving the target Zn concentration without reducing yield and/or the content of Fe and other minerals.

Exploring the electrochemical properties of lithium-ion battery electrodes composed of vacancy-defective zinc-substituted magnetite nanocrystallites

Single phase Zn2+-substituted magnetite nanocrystallites are synthesized via co-precipitation method and used as lithium-ion battery electrodes. The structural properties and vacancy distribution of nanoparticles are evaluated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). The Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction patterns shows that the lattice constant increases with Zn2+ content from 8.392 Å for magnetite to 8.448 Å for Zn0.2Fe2.8O4. The XPS measurements show that cation vacancies increase with Zn content on the surface of nanoparticles. Positron annihilation lifetime spectra suggest more concentration of monovacancies and larger size of vacancy clusters in the Zn0.1Fe2.9O4 sample compared with the other two samples, Fe3O4 and Zn0.2Fe2.8O4. Electrochemical measurements show better reversibility, higher initial discharge capacity, and lower electrochemical impedance for the Zn0.1Fe2.9O4 electrode, which are attributed to the higher concentration of vacancy defects in its nanocrystallites. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) shows that the Li+ diffusion coefficient (DLi+) increases with Zn2+ doping from 1.51 × 10–15 cm2s–1 for Fe3O4 to 3.25 × 10–13 cm2s–1 for Zn0.1Fe2.9O4, and 1.43 × 10–13 cm2s–1 for Zn0.2Fe2.8O4. The initial discharge capacities of the samples found to be about 1345.04 mAh g−1 for Fe3O4, 1435.82 mAh g−1 for Zn0.1Fe2.9O4, and 1063.72 mAh g−1 for Zn0.2Fe2.8O4 electrodes, respectively. During first few cycles, the discharge capacity decline faster as Zn content increases. The discharge capacity of the Zn0.2Fe2.8O4 electrode is stable at 410 mAhg−1 from the 60th to the 200th cycle, which is higher than the Fe3O4 electrode (150 mAhg−1) and the Zn0.1Fe2.9O4 electrode (270 mAhg−1). This variance is explained by the cation vacancy concentration and the lattice constant of the samples. The impedance of the electrodes is also affected by the vacancy defects formed during the sample preparation.

Green sol-gel synthesis using Moringa oleifera gum and modified structural, magnetic and optical properties of Co-Zn aluminates

The Co1-xZnxAl2O4 spinel (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) was synthesized using Moringa oleifera gum by the sol-gel chemical route. The characterization of the investigated samples was performed by TG-DTA, XRD, XPS, FTIR, FESEM, and VSM techniques. The XRD pattern reveals cubic spinel structure with space group Fd3̅m and a good crystallinity. Lattice parameter values linearly increase with increase in Zn concentration. The EDAX spectrum confirms purity of the prepared samples with nonexistence of the elements other than Co, Zn, Al and O. The FTIR spectrum confirms the cubic spinel structure of the aluminates. Magnetic studies showed that the saturation magnetization, as well as the coercivity of the investigated samples, is decreasing with the increasing Zn substitution. The band gap energies obtained from the UV vis absorption spectra are increasing due to phase purity and systematic variation of the lattice parameter. Moreover, the values of band gap energies suggest the possible use of the aluminates as the optical and photoluminescence materials.

Effects of Zn and Gd contents and their ratios on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast and as-extruded Mg−8Li alloys

The effects of contents of Zn and Gd elements and their mass ratios on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast and as-extruded Mg−8Li alloys were investigated. After extrusion, the precipitates are broken, and fine spherical particles with size about 100 nm are found to disperse in the β-Li. The bi-modal structure consisting of long-strip-like coarse-grain α-Mg and recrystallized fine-grain β-Li is formed. The strength and plasticity of the alloys are greatly improved after extrusion, and the YS and UTS increase with the increase of Zn and Gd contents. The Mg−8Li−8Zn−2Gd alloy exhibits an optimum comprehensive performance with the YS of 274 MPa, UTS of 283 MPa, and EL of 39.9%. The bi-modal structure strengthening consisting of the fine crystal strengthening of β-Li and texture strengthening of α-Mg, and the dispersion strengthening of precipitations are the main strengthening mechanisms.

Effect of Zn substitution on magnetic properties and magnetic entropy change in La0.7Ba0.25Nd0.05Mn1-xZnxO3 (x = 0.03 and 0.05) synthesized by using sol-gel method

This investigation explored the structural, magnetic, and magnetic entropy change characteristics of La0.7Ba0.25Nd0.05Mn1-xZnxO3 (x = 0.03 and 0.05) synthesized through the sol-gel method. The structural analysis revealed the crystallization of both samples in a Rhombohedral structure with the R-3c space group. The examination of magnetic properties indicated a suppression in magnetic behavior, with the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition temperature (TC) decreasing from 285 K to approximately 260 K with an increase in Zn content (x) from 0.03 to 0.05, respectively. The maximum value of magnetic entropy change (−ΔSM) under an applied magnetic field of 50 kOe was determined to be 3.96 J/kg·K for x = 0.03 and 2.27 J/kg·K for x = 0.05. Analysis of Arrot plots and the universal curve of magnetic entropy change confirmed that the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition observed in both samples exhibits a second-order phase transition (SOPT) transformation.

Thermoelectric Properties of Zn-Doped YbMg1.85-xZnxBi1.98.

Bi-based YbMg2Bi1.98 Zintl compounds represent promising thermoelectric materials. Precise composition and appropriate doping are of great importance for this complex semiconductor. Here, the influence of Zn substitution for Mg on the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of p-type YbMg1.85-xZnxBi1.98 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.08, 0.13, 0.23) was investigated. Polycrystalline samples were prepared using induction melting and densified with spark plasma sintering. X-ray diffraction confirmed that the major phase of the samples possesses the trigonal CaAl2Si2-type crystal structure, and SEM/EDS indicated the presence of minor secondary phases. The electrical conductivity increases and the lattice thermal conductivity decreases with more Zn doping in YbMg1.85-xZnxBi1.98, whereas the Seebeck coefficient has a large reduction. The band gap decreases with increasing Zn concentration and leads to bipolar conduction, resulting in an increase in the thermal conductivity at higher temperatures. Figure of merit ZT values of 0.51 and 0.49 were found for the samples with x = 0 and 0.05 at 773 K, respectively. The maximum amount of Zn doping is suggested to be less than x = 0.1.

Green chemistry routed sugar press mud for (2D) ZnO nanostructure fabrication, mineral fortification, and climate-resilient wheat crop productivity

Nanotechnology appears to be a promising tool to redefine crop nutrition in the coming decades. However, the crucial interactions of nanomaterials with abiotic components of the environment like soil organic matter (SOM) and carbon‒sequestration may hold the key to sustainable crop nutrition, fortification, and climate change. Here, we investigated the use of sugar press mud (PM) mediated ZnO nanosynthesis for soil amendment and nutrient mobilisation under moderately alkaline conditions. The positively charged (+ 7.61 mv) ZnO sheet-like nanoparticles (~ 17 nm) from zinc sulphate at the optimum dose of (75 mg/kg blended with PM (1.4% w/w) were used in reinforcing the soil matrix for wheat growth. The results demonstrated improved agronomic parameters with (~ 24%) and (~ 19%) relative increases in yield and plant Zn content. Also, the soil solution phase interactions of the ZnO nanoparticles with the PM-induced soil colloidal carbon (− 27.9 mv and diameter 0.4864 μm) along with its other components have influenced the soil nutrient dynamics and mineral ecology at large. Interestingly, one such interaction seems to have reversed the known Zn-P interaction from negative to positive. Thus, the study offers a fresh insight into the possible correlations between nutrient interactions and soil carbon sequestration for climate-resilient crop productivity.

CRISPR-mediated promoter editing of a cis-regulatory element of OsNAS2 increases Zn uptake/translocation and plant yield in rice.

Developing nutritious rice with a higher yield is one approach to alleviating the problem of micronutrient deficiency in developing countries, especially human malnutrition involving zinc and iron (Fe) deficiency, and achieving better adoption. The transport of micronutrients such as Fe and Zn is mainly regulated via the nicotianamine synthase (OsNAS) gene family, whereas yield is a complex trait that involves multiple loci. Genome editing via CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)-Cas9, focusing on the OsNAS2 promoter, particularly the deletion of the cis-regulatory element ARR1AT at position -933, was conducted for an enhanced accumulation of Zn in the grain and per plant. The results showed that our promoter editing increased Zn concentration per plant. Evidence also showed that an improved spikelet number per main panicle led to increased grain per plant. The traits were inherited in "transgene-free" and homozygous plant progenies. Further investigation needs to be conducted to validate trait performance under field conditions and elucidate the cause of the spikelet increase.