Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer Research Articles

Distribution of trace metals in a soil-tea leaves-tea infusion system: characteristics, translocation and health risk assessment.

The effects of metal pollution on tea are of great concern to consumers. We apply Geographic information systems technology to study the distribution of heavy metal elements in tea plantation ecosystems in Jiangsu Province, explore the relationships among metals in the soil, tea leaves and tea infusions, and assess the human safety risks of metals. The concentrations of nine metals in a soil-tea leaves-tea infusion system were studied at 100 randomly selected tea plantations in Jiangsu Province, China. Concentrations of selected metals, zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu), were quantified using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), and cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), plumbum (Pb) and mercury (Hg) were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Arc-Map 10.3 was used for the spatial analysis of metals in soil, tea leaves and tea infusions. We found that the contents of Mn, Ni and Zn are high level in soil, tea leaves and tea infusions. The Mn level showed a spatial distribution pattern with greater concentrations at the junction of Nanjing and Yangzhou, southwest of Changzhou and west of Suzhou. The hazard index (HI) values in north-central Nanjing, southern Suzhou, southwestern Changzhou and northern Lianyungang were relatively greater. The Zn, Ni, Mn, Cr and Cu levels in the soil-tea infusion system were 17.3, 45.5, 54.5, 1.5 and 14.3%, respectively. The order of the leaching rates of the elements was Ni > Cr > Zn > Mn > Cu. The relative contribution ratios of HI were in the order of Mn > Ni > Cu > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cd > As > Hg. In tea infusions, the Mn level has the greatest potential health risks to consumers. Moreover, using Csoil it was inferred that the safety thresholds of Zn, Ni, Mn, Cr and Cu in soil were 27,700, 50, 1230, 493,000 and 16,800mgL-1, respectively. The content of heavy metals in soil and tea varies greatly in different regions of Jiangsu Province, 92% of the soil has heavy metal content that meets the requirements of pollution-free tea gardens, 91% of tea samples met the requirements of green food tea. The thresholds for Ni (50mgL-1) and Mn (1230mgL-1) can be used as maximum limits in tea plantation soils. The consumption of tea infusions did not pose metal-related risks to human health.

Essential Metals and Trace Elements in Cereals and Their Derivatives Commercialized and Consumed in Cape Verde

Cereals and their derivatives are basic foods in the human diet and a source of minerals, but the content of elements may vary depending on the type of cereal or its processing. The levels of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo, Co, and Mn have been determined in 126 samples of cereals and cereal derivatives (rice, corn gofio, corn flour, wheat flour, corn, and wheat) commercialized and consumed in Cape Verde using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) after a wet microwave digestion process. Some elements stand out in products such as corn gofio (K), wheat (Mg), and wheat flour (Fe). Negative correlations were found between Mo-Na and Na-Zn that could suggest interference between these elements. Bearing in mind the dietary intake evaluation and the guideline values provided by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) or FAO (Food Authority Organization), the consumption of wheat (100 g/day) provides a notable contribution of Mo, Mn, Fe, and Mg. Considering the nutritional value of the analyzed essential and trace elements, the consumption of different cereals and their derivatives should be promoted.

Multielemental Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometric (ICP-OES) Method for the Determination of Nutrient and Toxic Elements in Wild Mushrooms Coupled to Unsupervised and Supervised Chemometric Tools for Their Classification by Species

An inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometric (ICP-OES) method was employed to assess the elemental composition of the wild mushrooms belonging to the species of Craterellus cornucopioides, Boletus aereus, and Cantharellus cibarius. The ICP-OES method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, limits of detection (LODs), and limits of quantification (LOQs). The relative recoveries of the proposed method were between 80.9% and 119.7%, while the relative standard deviation values were less than 8.8%. The limits of detection and quantification of the ICP-OES method were between 0.02 mg/kg (Mn) − 1.37 mg/kg (Αl), and between 0.08 mg/kg (Mn) − 4.57 mg/kg (Al), respectively. Al, B, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, and Zn were determined, and the results were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). One-way ANOVA was used to identify statistically significant differences based on the metal content and the mushroom species. Finally, a partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model was developed to classify the samples based on their elemental profile according to their species.

ICP-OES Analysis of some Nonessential Trace Elements in Hen's Eggs

Eight trace elements (Al, V, Ni, As, Ba, Cd, Pb, and Hg) were quantitatively studies in three kinds of hen egg samples (home, street, and market hen eggs) collected from different regions in Aden city-Yemen including Al-Buraiqeh, Al-Hiswah, Khormaksar, and Shaikh Othman. Samples were wet digested and quantitatively analyzed by the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) technique. Neglecting not detected values (ND), the range concentrations (in ppm units) of elements in hen’s eggs were in the range 0.407-7.414 for Al, 0.116-0.645 for V, 0.320-3.130 for Ni, 14.35-21.21 for As, 0.180-4.700 for Cd, 1.372-4.054 for Ba, and 12.078-15.14 for Pb. Since Yemen country does not screen the explored elements in this foodstuff, the recent work was done by comparing the results with other values reported in the literature and international standards. The mean concentrations of some studied elements such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead in some samples were exceeded the acceptable limits as detailed by presented international specifications and standards. The systematic national testing of hen's eggs production and the quality of environment and hen's feeds should be considered to protect public health.

Reversible surface reconstruction of Na3NiCO3PO4: A battery type electrode for pseudocapacitor applications

Recently, a new class of mixed polyanionic compounds with general formula Na3MPO4CO3 (M = Ni, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu), discovered through high-throughput computations have attracted much attention for its secondary battery applications and safety aspects. Here, we combine electrochemical measurements with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and an ab-initio DFT approach to unravel the dynamic self-limiting surface restructuring of Na3NiCO3PO4 in aqueous 1 M KOH/NaOH electrolyte. The etching of lattice CO32-, PO43- and Na serves as the key to trigger the surface reconstruction. This work establishes a fundamental understanding of the pseudocapacitance mechanism associated with surface self-reconstruction of mixed polyanionic compounds. The reconstruction-derived self-limiting dense Ni(OH)2 layers at the surface and its oxidation to NiOOH at anodic potentials can be attributed to the observed high-performance pseudocapacitive behavior. The surface reconstructed Na3NiCO3PO4 electrode exhibits high specific capacitance (2378.2 F g−1 at 1 A g−1). The assembled symmetric pseudocapacitor delivers a high energy density (57.2 Wh kg−1), power density (1500 W kg−1) at 1 Ag-1 and long cycle life (13000 cycles) with 100% retention.

A new preconcentration technique for the determination of PGMs and gold by fire assay and ICP-OES

Accurate determination of platinum group metals (PGMs) and gold (Au) has always proven to be a difficult task, due to their low concentrations in platiniferous ores. The most common preconcentration technique used in analysis of these metals is fire assay with a flux containing nickel or lead. This technique can be improved by using co-collectors. Here we hypothesise that Fe, Co, and Cu can be used as co-collectors to enhance separation and preconcentration of PMGs and gold by fire assay. To test this hypothesis, geological exploration samples from Siyanda Union Mine (Northam, South Africa) were analysed by an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) for PGMs (Pt, Pd, and Rh) and Au. A control sample (certified reference material AMIS 0426) was also analysed by the same technique. The PGM and Au recoveries from the control sample ranged from 83% to 105% for all three co-collectors, with relative standard deviations less than 10% for the control sample and 7% for the geological samples. The PGM and Au recoveries by Fe and Co co-collectors were modestly higher than that of the Cu-collector. These results indicate that Fe and Co are better co-collectors than Cu, presumably due to the loss of analyte when using Cu. Taken together, Fe and Co co-collectors can be viable alternatives for analysis of PGMs and gold using the fire assay method.

Investigation of carbonate addition on risk element concentrations in various teas.

Healthy nutrition requires to notice risk element content of daily ingested foods and beverages. Several tea types are frequently consumed beverages in daily routine and social situations. Carbonate, although it is not in the natural ingredients of tea, can be added to maintain more brew. Also it gives brilliant red colour while reducing the brewing cost. For this respect, in this study, carbonate added infusions of some black teas (black, earl grey and green tea), herbal teas (fennel, mint and sage tea) and fruit teas (apple, lemon and rosehip) was investigated by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) for the determination of carbonate addition to the risk element (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Mo, Pb, Sb and Ti) contents of teas. Also, the microwave digestion analysis applied by dissolving tea powders in acid solution was conducted in order to investigate how much risk element transfer to the brew. Prior to microwave digestion process, the total risk element contents of the tea grains were determined by again ICP-OES. Furthermore, health risk assessment studies including non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were conducted. According to the health risk assessment results of 200mL daily consumed teas, hazard index (HI) was found less than 1 and target carcinogenic risk (TCR) was determined as less than 1 × 10-4 which shows all selected tea samples are in the low risk group.

An Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometric Method for the Determination of Toxic and Nutrient Metals in Spices after Pressure-Assisted Digestion

The aim of this study was to develop a simple and rapid inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric (ICP-OES) method for the determination of 17 metals (Ag, Al, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Tl and Zn) in packaged spices. For this purpose, the spice samples (200 mg) in the form of powder were submitted to pressure-assisted wet-acid digestion with a mixture of 6 mL concentrated HNO3 and 1 mL H2O2. The proposed method was validated in terms of linearity, trueness, precision, limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs). Good method trueness, precision and linearity were observed for the examined elements. The LODs of the examined analytes ranged between 0.08 and 5.95 mg kg−1. The present method was employed for the analysis of twenty-two packaged commercially available spices including asteroid anise, clove, cardamon, cinnamon, curry, coriander, turmeric, cumin, white pepper, black pepper, nutmeg, allspice, red pepper, paprika, ginger, green pepper and pink pepper from the Greek market that are widely consumed. A wide variety of metal of different concentration ranges were determined in the samples.

Intracellular Potassium Ion Measurements by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES).

Potassium ion (K+) efflux is often considered as an upstream signaling event of NLRP3 activation. The main evidence to demonstrate the importance of K+ efflux is that high concentration of extracellular K+ inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. However, the conditions used to prevent K+ flowing also breaks down a basic parameter of eukaryotic biology, leading to sustained membrane potential depolarization and affecting normal signal transduction in cells. Therefore, direct measurement of intracellular ion concentration can more truly reflect the role of K+ flow during the activation of NLRP3. In this chapter, we will provide the rationale and a method to evaluate intracellular K+ concentration by ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy), which helps us understand how disturbances in intracellular K+ level orchestrates NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Determınatıon of some basıc propertıes of tradıtıonal malatya cheese

Malatya cheese is generally produced and consumed in Malatya province of Turkey.The starter culture is not used in the production of this cheese. It is traditionally made from raw cow or sheep milk or a mixture of them. This study aims to determine some characteristics parameters (the antioxidant activity, mineral composition, chemical, biochemical and textural properties) of Malatya cheese and therefore, 25 samples purchased from retail markets in Malatyawere analysed. The antioxidant capacity of the water-soluble extracts was detected using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) methods, mineral composition of samples prepared by dry ash method were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). This samples were generally different from each other according to the chemical, biochemical and textural properties; however, some interesting similarities were identified. Besides, the mineral compositions and antioxidant activities in cheese samples were determined higher than expected. In conclusions, the production method and ripening conditions may play a decisive effect on some basic properties of the cheeses investigated.

Különböző fűszerekkel dúsított kenyerek makroelem tartalmának meghatározása és hozzájárulásuk a táplálkozási referencia értékhez

Many studies are published on food fortification, as the production, testing and consumption of functional foods has become a central issue these days. Bread is one of our important staple foods, and we also regularly eat various spices. Bread may also contain spices. In the course of our work, bread recipes containing different spices in different quantities were developed. In this study, the macroelement content of seven spices (basil, dill, oregano, caraway, chives, rosemary and garlic granules) and 42 fortified breads were determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), and their contribution to the nutrient reference value (NRV) was calculated. Based on the measured concentrations, higher element contents were measured in the spices used by us compared to the values of other studies. Outstanding results values were determined in basil, dill, oregano and chives. In the case of breads, the calcium, potassium and magnesium content of the products made with the above-mentioned spices was higher than the data found in the literature. Taking into account the results, it was possible to produce macroelement-containing products that contribute to the body’s daily macroelement needs more than usual.

Preparation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Hydroxyapatite-gelatin Nanoparticles

One of the promising fields of research is tissue engineering that can facilitate available therapeutic methods. Nanosized hydroxyapatite (HA) is one of the key elements in mineral bone. It is possible to affect the surrounding osteoprogenitor cells using nano-sized HA and through this improve bone repair through changing paracrine signaling. The present paper is an attempt to prepare and evaluate physicochemical properties of hydroxyapatite-gelatin nanoparticles. To this end, two sizes were prepared including S100 and S150 using standard chemical precipitation. To characterize the size and morphology of the synthesized powders, X-ray diffraction and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area were determined using Autosrob-IQ2-MP. To measure the calcium ions released by HANPs, an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used. The collected data was analyzed in SPSS 19.0. In the case of S100, the hydrodynamic diameter based on DLS analyses was equal to 626.10±14.95nm; this figure for S150 was equal to 262.33±46.5. There was a larger specific surface area in S100 compared to S150; in addition, S100 had wider diffraction peaks, which is in agreement with small and poorly crystalline crystals. On the other hand, the diffraction peaks of S150 were sharper, which means that the crystallinity was higher in S150. In addition, HANPs of all sizes had degradability and HANPs with smaller sizes (S100) degraded faster compared to larger-sized S150. The pH level of the control, S100, and S150 was 7.24±0.01, and 7.26±0.02 so that there was no significant difference between them. Nanoparticle size is a key factor in the biological environment, which provides a reference for HANPs in biomedical uses.

Profiling of Essential Mineral Content, Heavy Metals, and Bacterial Contaminants in Conventional and Organic Eggs Available in the Hypermarkets of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Eggs are commonly regarded as one of the best sources of various macro and micronutrients, in particular, high biological value (BV) proteins and both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Apart from proteins, eggs are excellent sources of various high health value lipid components, carotenoids, minerals, and both water and lipid-soluble vitamins. However, the nutrient-rich nature of this 'superfood' also makes them susceptible to microbial contamination from various sources, such as fecal matter, drinking water for layer chicken, and the surrounding environment. Moreover, drinking water and chicken feed are also sources of heavy metal contamination. The presence of both factors poses serious health concerns for consumers. The main aim of this research was to proximate heavy metals and bacterial contaminants in nine different brands of brown organic and conventional white eggs available in the hypermarkets of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. An Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to determine the concentration of metals with high sensitivity. Standard plate count was followed by enrichment of bacterial contaminants in a double-strength nutrient broth medium for microbiological assessment. The results indicated that Pb, Cd, Al, and As were present in high concentrations in all egg brands of both types (organic and conventional). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values for Ca, Fe, Mn, and Mg were within the range of WHO-recommended thresholds, and these essential minerals were present in adequate amounts in all egg brands. The two major groups predominating the microbial loads were the family Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas sp. The presence of heavy metals, such as Al, As, Pb, and Cd, in nearly all the brands in amounts that exceeded the established ADI and EDI thresholds was considerably concerning. In particular, the elevated levels of Cd and Pb in group 1 and group 2A probable human carcinogens, respectively, demands that local regulatory authorities investigate the sources of heavy metal contamination and alleviate this considerable risk to human health. Furthermore, this study could be a benchmark for establishing food safety and hygiene standards for local egg production, storage, handling, and transport in Saudi Arabia.

Alterations in Lipids and Minerals in Relation To Larval Trematode Infections of Nerita Polita Marine Snails.

SummaryMarine snails provide an important source of vitamins, proteins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, and their mucus has a therapeutic significance. Parasitic infection of larval trematodes in these snails affects their nutritional value. The present study aimed to screen Nerita polita marine snails for the prevalence of cercarial infections and to evaluate the changes in lipids and some minerals in the infected as well as non-infected ones. Snails were collected randomly from February 2018 to January 2019 from the Red Sea Obhor bay, Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. The amount of triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids in the Digestive Gland Gonad Complex (DGG), hemolymph, and Snail Conditioned Water (SCW) of non-infected and infected Nerita polita snail was estimated using a spectrophotometer. Minerals content such as Ca, Zn, Pb, Na, Mn, Mg, K, Fe, Cu, and Cd, in the DGG and shell in the infected and non-infected snails were analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). Two types of cercariae were detected, ocellate furcocercus cercaria (Trichobilharzia regent) and xiphidiocercaria (Litorina saxatilis VII). The study showed that there is a fl uctuation in the concentration of lipids and minerals between increase and decrease in DGG, hemolymph, shell, and SCW in infected snails. The nutritive value of the snails is affected with infection through the decrease of some lipids and minerals in infected snails. Further qualitative studies are needed.

A Century long of coral records of heavy metals in coastal water of Wakatobi Marine National Park, South East Sulawesi

Scleractinian corals absorb heavy metals in their skeletons; therefore, corals can be used as environmental recorders due to incorporating certain metals for centuries. The research was conducted in Wakatobi Marine National Park (WMNP) using a core of massive coral Porites Sp. to determine heavy metals’ concentrations and assess the possible impact on the coastal water. The sample was collected by drilling the coral vertically using a pneumatic tool. Annual banding was determined by using x-ray radiography, continued with sub-sampled from each band, and analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) for heavy metals determination. Enrichment Factor (EF) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were applied for assessing possible impact and differentiating between the heavy metals, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals fluctuated during the period of the year 1917 to 2016, with the average concentration were 0.55 %, 0.07 %, 2.46 ppm, 3.86 ppm, 5.70 ppm, 63.22 ppm, 0.66 ppm, 3.16 ppm, 0.66 ppm, and 42.59 ppm for Sr, Mg, Mn, Ba, Cu, K, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Al, respectively. EF for all heavy metals showed that the coastal area was at the level of very small pollution (EF<2); therefore, it can be used as baseline data.

Hemodialysis Effect on the Composition of the Eye Fluid of Cataract Patients.

Numerous reports have proven that dialysis patients experience disturbances in the levels of elements in biological fluids. Disturbances in the homeostasis of essential elements or the appearance of highly toxic elements are serious problems also in clinical ophthalmology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of hemodialysis (HD) on the elemental composition of anterior chamber aqueous humor (AH) in patients undergoing cataract surgery. The study involved 22 patients. The control group enrolled 16 patients (age 75.68 ± 9.67, female 54.55%, male 45.45%) with cataract and normal kidney function (control), and the second group included six patients (age 70.33 ± 12.74, female 33.33%, male 66.67%) with cataract undergoing HD treatment. The elements quantification was established using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-MS). In the eye fluid of dialysis patients, there were increased levels of manganese (Mn) and mercury (Hg) and decreased levels of vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn). In addition, a statistically significant increase in the Hg/Zn and Hg/selenium (Se) ratios and a lowering of the iron (Fe)/Mn ratio were observed in the studied group in comparison to the control. The obtained results indicated the need for Zn and Se supplementation in order to eliminate the hazards caused by Hg toxicity. A lower level of V in the eye fluid of dialysis patients may have a positive effect on maintaining a calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Our study gives a deep insight into changes of elements concentrations in AH induced by HD.

Modelling and optimization of metals (As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Pb) and Ethylene glycol butyl ether in paints using response surface method

Response surface methodology (RSM) and principal component analyses (PCA) modelling tools have been used in this study to quantitatively describe the interaction effects of more than one factor on system response for the modelling and optimization of experimental data. In Nigeria, there are no stringent policies in place by the government on paint production and this has led to unregulated paint products by producers in the commercial markets. Water-based paints currently available in Nigerian market were sampled. Experimental data of Metals (As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Pb) and Ethylene glycol butyl ether (Volatile organic compounds (VOC)) measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) and Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionisation Detector (GC-FID), respectively was used to develop a mathematical model. The principal component analyses were explained with a cumulative variance of 82% for the VOC and 76% for metals based on manufacturers. Estimated responses were compared with the experimentally determined responses and prediction capabilities of Response Surface Methodology. In the RSM, the 2 developed model had R value of 0.9569, with optimized value at 0.10 % (1000ppm) of Ethylene glycol butyl ether and concentration (ppm) ranges of As (383.0-1,930.0), Ca (614.0-10,400.0), Cd (98.0-2,000.0), Cr (10.3- 225.0), Cu (133.0-1,840.0), Fe 742.0-2,910.0, Mg (4,000.0-99,510.0), Pb (170.0-3,230.0). The correlation and optimization study employed are applicable for assessing the impact of hazardous air pollutants on indoor air quality and a good applicability in paint industries to produce products within the set limit of international standards. For the purpose of reducing sick building syndrome and protecting public health, it was important to investigate paints and sealers extensively.&#x0D; Keywords: VOCs; Paint; metals; Ethylene glycol butyl ether; Response Surface Method

Pollution indices of heavy metals in the Western Arabian Gulf coastal area

An environmental assessment of the Western Arabian Gulf Coastal regions was done by assessing heavy metals in sediments and seawater, as well as other environmental parameters. A total of 94 sediment samples and 94 water samples were collected from 22 locations to estimate 12 heavy metals in each sample. This was achieved by using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer -ICP-OES and Direct Mercury Analyzer. In general, metals were significantly higher in sediment samples compared with water samples. The pollution index PI and sediments pollution index SPI proved that the study areas were unpolluted to slightly polluted with regard to sediments and water except for one location. Cadmium showed polluting levels in five sites of the studied area, thus it was considered as the most polluting heavy metal among the other studied metals. Zinc was contaminating two sites, while each of Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cr reached pollution levels in one site. On the other hand, Fe, Ni and Hg had non-polluting levels. The study revealed that about 82% of the Arabian Gulf western coasts are non-polluted to slightly polluted.

Hybridization of 5-nitroisatin and silver nanoparticles for boosting the antimicrobial performance of poly(lactic acid)/nanocellulose nanocomposite films

This study aims to produce poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/corn cob nanocellulose (CCNC) with enhanced antimicrobial properties. Silver (Ag) is a good antimicrobial agent, but it will cause adverse effects upon the human cells in high exposure concentrations of silver ions. Hence, the objective of this study is to assess the viability of partial substitution of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using 5-nitroisatin (NI) as an antimicrobial agent for the PLA/CCNC. The antimicrobial efficiency of PLA films was measured using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The agar disc diffusion assay and antimicrobial activity on the plastic surfaces showed that hybridization of the NI and AgNP can give a synergistic antimicrobial effect on the PLA/CCNC nanocomposite. The inhibition zone of PLA/CCNC-5/Ag/NI is larger compared to PLA/CCNC-5/Ag and PLA/CCNC-5/NI. The PLA/CCNC-5/Ag/NI recorded > 4 log reduction, which indicates 99.999% of growth inhibitory. The silver ion migration from the PLA nanocomposite films was assessed using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). It was found that the silver migration from the PLA/CCNC-5/Ag/NI nanocomposite after one week exposure to acetic acid food simulant is still below the European Food Safety Authority regulated level. We can observe that the PLA/CCNC-5/Ag/NI demonstrated lower silver migration (0.037 mg/L) and a higher antibacterial inhibition zone compared to PLA/CCNC-5/Ag. 5-nitroisatin not only partial replacement of AgNP (reduce the dose of AgNP), but it gives a boosting on the antimicrobial performance for the PLA/CCNC-5 nanocomposites.

Hepatotoxic and Neurotoxic Potential of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Wistar Rats: a Biochemical and Ultrastructural Study.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are increasingly being employed for in vivo biomedical nanotheranostic applications. The development of novel IONPs should be accompanied by careful scrutiny of their biocompatibility. Herein, we studied the effect of administration of three formulations of IONPs, based on their starting materials along with synthesizing methods, IONPs-chloride, IONPs-lactate, and IONPs-nitrate, on biochemical and ultrastructural aspects. Different techniques were utilized to assess the effect of different starting materials on the physical, morphological, chemical, surface area, magnetic, and particle size distribution accompanied with their surface charge properties. Their nanoscale sizes were below 40nm and demonstrated surface up to 69m2/g, and increased magnetization of 71.273emu/g. Moreover, we investigated the effects of an oral IONP administration (100mg/kg/day) in rat for 14days. The liver enzymatic functions were investigated. Liver and brain tissues were analyzed for oxidative stress. Finally, a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) were employed to investigate the ultrastructural alterations and to estimate content of iron in the selected tissues of IONP-exposed rats. This study showed that magnetite IONPs-chloride exhibited the safest toxicological profile and thus could be regarded as a promising nanotherapeutic candidate for brain or liver disorders.