Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry Research Articles

Elemental Profiling of Common Anti-diabetic Medicinal Plants of Swat and Peshawar Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province of Pakistan: An Investigation Using PIXE and ICP-OES.

The use of medicinal plants is integral to addressing liver, heart, lung, and other metabolic issues. These plants are rich in vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which collectively help in lowering intestinal glucose absorption and increasing insulin secretion by pancreatic tissues. Elemental analysis, encompassing major, minor, and trace elements, was performed on various parts (leaves, roots, and seeds) of 16 anti-diabetic medicinal plants collected from different regions of Swat and Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. This analysis utilized proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) techniques. Our PIXE and ICP-OES analysis revealed the presence of major (Ca, K, S, P), minor (Si, Cl), and trace (Al, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Cr, and Sc) elements in various parts (leaves, roots, and seeds) of the 16 anti-diabetic medicinal plants studied. Specifically, elements such as Ca, K, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Se were detected, all of which are known to contribute in maintaining normal glucose metabolism. Notably, Zn and Se are crucial trace elements for the synthesis, secretion, and action of insulin. Significant Zn concentrations were observed in ten anti-diabetic medicinal plants: Albizia lebbeck (AL), Atropa acuminata (AA), Avena fatua (AF), Citrus medica (CM), Commiphora wightii (CW), Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Daucus carota (DC), Ziziphus mauritiana (FM), Hyoscyamus niger (HN), and Martynia annua (MA), and significant Se concentrations were observed in twelve medicinal plants, i.e., Albizia lebbeck (AL), Allium sativum (AS), Atropa acuminata (AA), Avena fatua (AF), Cannabis sativa (CS), Capparis spinosa (CaS), Commiphora wightii (CW), Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Datura alba (DA), Daucus carota (DC), Ziziphus mauritiana (FM), and Hyoscyamus niger (HN). Our study's elemental analysis using PIXE and ICP-OES on various parts of 16 medicinal plants identified a significant number of useful elements. Elements such as Ca, K, S, P, Al, Si, Cl, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, and Cr were identified and quantified. These findings support the potential use of these plants in managing diabetes and highlight the importance of elemental profiling in understanding their therapeutic properties.

Application of MoS42−intercalated magnetic layered double hydroxide for preconcentration of cadmium and lead from water samples

A MoS42−-intercalated magnetic FeMgAl layered double hydroxide (Fe3O4@MoS42−-FeMgAl LDH) nanocomposite was synthesised via hydrothermal assisted exfoliation. The material was applied as the adsorbent for extraction, preconcentration and removal of cadmium ions (Cd2+) and lead ions Pb2+ from wastewater and river water. The structural properties and morphologies of the adsorbent were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The parameters influencing preconcentration and the adsorptive removal process were optimised using the central composite design (CCD) method. The concentration of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in the samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The preconcentration method developed in the study was ultrasound-assisted magnetic solid phase extraction (UA-MSPE). Under optimum conditions, linearity was 0.1-800 µg/L with a correlation of determination (R2) of 0.9987. The uncertainty of the slope and the uncertainty of the intercept were both lower than the uncertainty of the calibration indicating good precision, selection of standards closest to a blank and wide range. Precision expressed as %RSD for both intra-day (n = 27) and inter-day (n = 9) were found to be 3.3 % and 7.0 % respectively. The limit of detection (n = 10) and limit of quantification (n = 10) of the UA-MSPE/ICP-OES were 0.03 µg/L and 0.10 µg/L. The developed method was applied for real sample analysis. Herein, influent wastewater was reported as 1.77 ± 0.14 and 6.53 ± 0.33 ug/L for Cd2+ and Pb2+, respectively while the effluent was reported at 0.96 ± 0.07 and 2.57 ± 0.13 ug/L, respectively. River water samples were found to be 0.45 ± 0.01 and 1.23 ± 0.04 ug/L, respectively proving that the adsorbent is capable of preconcentrating the target analytes.

Assessment of coffee leaves nutritive value via portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and machine learning algorithms

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry is a non-destructive technique that has been successfully used to analyze different matrices. Foliar analysis is challenging because some plant nutrients cannot be detected by pXRF. Even so, the uptake interactions among nutrients which reflect different concentrations of macro- and micronutrients can be accessed via pXRF, constituting a basis to obtain predictive models of plant nutrients. The objective of this work was to compare and assess the accuracy of linear regression and non-linear models (support vector machine – SVM; and random forest – RF) to predict the actual concentration of macro- (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) in coffee leaves. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using Hoagland and Arnon solution to obtain leaves with contrasting elemental composition. Ground and oven-dried leaf samples were analyzed via pXRF using: i) a manufactured pXRF calibration developed for general earth-materials (Geoexploration mode); ii) the Spectrometer mode with varying voltage and current (15 kV and 25 μA; 10 kV and 10 μA). The same samples were also analyzed via conventional acid digestion and quantified via inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The best predictions were obtained using SVM and RF algorithms, with high R2 (0.82 to 0.99) and high residual prediction deviation (RPD) (2.35 to 9.34) values. However, some elements (e.g., K, Ca, Cu, Mn) were successfully predicted using linear models (LR and MLR). Even elements not detected (N and B) by pXRF were accurately predicted using the RF model. The pXRF operational conditions influenced the performance of the models. However, by parsimony, Geoexploration mode provided data for accurate prediction of macro- and micronutrients. This comprehensive study can potentially spark further investigations into examining coffee leaves from plants cultivated under various environmental and management conditions. Additionally, the methodological framework outlined here holds promise for ongoing experimentation across diverse crops, offering a streamlined, non-invasive, eco-friendly, and rapid approach for foliar analysis.

Air pollution generated in an industrial region: effect on the cardiovascular health of humans and damage caused to a plant species, Piper gaudichaudianum (Piperaceae), used for biomonitoring

Atmospheric pollution due to anthropogenic activities is a complex mixture of gasses and particulate matter (PM) that is currently one of the main causes of premature death in the world. Similarly, it is also capable of directly interfering with plant species by reducing their photosynthetic capacity and growth and killing cells. This work is about an observational study conducted in a region with two industries: a mine and an automobile parts manufacturer. Mining rocks is a source of PM in the air like that caused by other industrial activities. Twenty-five people that work or live in the industrial region cited (area A) and 25 people that live further away (area B) were selected to evaluate their vital signs and conduct a transthoracic echocardiogram. Leaves of Piper gaudichaudianum (Piperaceae), a native plant species, were also collected in both areas and evaluated in a laboratory. The PM accumulated on the leaves was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). A statistical difference (P < 0.05) was verified for the levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and left ventricular mass index by echocardiography; the values were greater in people in area A. For the plant analysis, there was a statistical difference for all characters evaluated, chlorophyll levels, fresh mass, dry mass and leaf area were reduced, and thickness was greater in area A (P < 0.001). The PM analysis revealed a predominance of silicon, iron, and aluminum chemical elements. The present study suggests that particulate matter pollution is harmful to both humans and the flora.

Investigating the efficiency of electrocoagulation using similar/dissimilar electrodes for the detoxification of Coralene Rubine dye: a cost effective approach.

Efficient treatment of textile dyeing wastewater can be achieved through electrocoagulation (EC) with minimal sludge production; however, the selection of the appropriate electrode is essential in lowering overall costs. Also, the reuse of the treated aqueous azo dye solution from this process has not been explored in detail. With these objectives, this study aims to treat synthetic azo dye solutions and achieve high colour removal efficiency (CRE%) using similar (Ti-Ti) and dissimilar (Ti-Cu) metal electrodes through EC with an attempt to reduce the cost. The aqueous Coralene Rubine GFL azo dye was used to examine the efficiency and cost of the EC process. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy was used to study the EC mechanism, while High Performance Liquid Chromatography was used to analyse the degradation of the dye and the formation of intermediate compounds. The concentration of metal ions in the treated dye solution was quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), with Ti-Ti treated solution having 14.20mg/L concentration of Ti and Ti-Cu treated solution having 0.078mg/L of Ti and 0.001mg/L of Cu, respectively. Colour removal efficiency of 99.49% was obtained for both electrode sets, with a lower operating time and voltage for dissimilar metal combination. Ecotoxicity studies showed negligible toxicity of Ti-Cu treated dye samples compared to untreated solutions. Survival rate, protein estimation, and catalase activity was used to validate the treatment method's efficacy. The study found that the dissimilar electrode material exhibited reduced toxicity due to the presence of heavy metals below the permissible limit.

Evaluation of Glutathione S-transferases Expression as Biomarkers by Heavy Metals in Geloina expansa from Sepang Besar River, Selangor, Malaysia

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are enzymes involved in phase II of detoxification metabolism and could be used as biomarkers for water pollution. This study aims to determine heavy metal concentrations in the soft tissue of the mangrove clam Geloina expansa, as well as the expression of GSTs in the species. The acid digestion method was used to digest the samples, followed by a standard USEPA 6010B procedure using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to measure the heavy metal contents in the samples. GST enzyme activity was measured using 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) as substrate. One-way ANOVA was performed to compare the mean values of heavy metal concentration, protein concentration, enzyme activity, and specific activity. There was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) for Zn, total protein, and specific activity in G. expansa, but no significant difference in Pb, Cu and enzyme activity. GST enzyme activities were estimated at 0.16 ± 0.01 µmol/min, with a protein content of 1.24 ± 0.04 mg. The specific activity for GST was 0.13 ± 0.01 µmol/min/mg, calculated as the ratio of enzyme activity to the total protein. GST-specific activity positively correlates with Pb concentration in the soft tissue of G. expansa. Detailed studies on the effects of pollution on the expression of GST need to be further investigated for the future use of this species as an efficient biomarker model.

Correlation Between Severity of Schizophrenia with Certain Trace Elements and TNF-α Gene Expression and Its Circulatory Level in the Population of Western India.

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess serum trace element (TE) concentrations, TNF-α gene expression, protein levels in schizophrenia (SZ) patients, and their correlation with disease severity measured by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores. Forty SZ cases and 40 healthy controls aged 18-60 were recruited. Forty (n = 40) cases who meet ICD-10 criteria for SZ and 40 (n = 40) healthy individuals (controls) between 18 and 60years of age were recruited in the study. Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and RT-qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) were used to estimate pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α protein and gene expression. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) were used to assess serum levels of trace elements (TEs): Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg, and Se. Compared to healthy controls, cases had significantly higher levels of TNF-α protein, as well as Fe, Cu, and Se (p < 0.05). Cu correlated positively with TNF-α protein level (rho = 0.234; p = 0.048) and gene expression (rho = 0.333; p = 0.041) and with PANSS negative (rho = 0.531), general (rho = 0.643), and total (rho = 0.541) scores. Additionally, Zn negatively correlated with serum Mg (rho = - 0.426, p < 0.01) and positively with serum Se (rho = 0.343, p < 0.05). In conclusion, elevated Cu levels could potentially contribute to the development of SZ. Elevated Cu levels in cases and their correlation with the TNF-α gene and protein and PANSS score indicate Cu's potential role in exacerbating SZ severity through inflammatory cytokines. This suggests the involvement of metals and cytokines in the pathophysiology of SZ.

Determination of Selected Metals and Metalloids in Different Types of Rice by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES).

Pantanal is a unique biome located in Brazil, with diverse fauna and flora, being home to native species such as the rice types Oryza latifolia and Oryza rufipogon. Rice is a staple food for two-thirds of the population, with increasing consumption, especially in Asia, regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, countries in the Caribbean, and Latin America. The per capita rice consumption had an average consumption of 160g/day. However, rice consumption may lead to the intake of other harmful substances to health, such as toxic metals/metalloids. The determination of potential hazards in native species is crucial in maintaining the local population in good health. In this study, we determined the concentration of essential elements and potentially toxic elements in seven different types of Brazilian rice grains, including the two Pantanal native species O. latifolia and O. rufipogon, using ICP-OES to identify their nutritional richness or potential toxicity. The contaminant with the highest HQ levels was chromium, with an HQ above one only in the native species. All species (commercial and native) showed carcinogenic risk considering inorganic arsenic. Rice exhibits duality in its classification, providing nutritional content and leading people to potential risks of overexposure to toxic elements. While rice can be part of a healthy and nutritious diet, more studies should be conducted on avoiding or remedying contamination with toxic elements.

Phosphorylating Tannin in Urea System: A Simple Approach for Enhanced Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Media.

Tannin, after lignin, is one of the most abundant sources of natural aromatic biomolecules. It has been used and chemically modified during the past few decades to create novel biobased materials. This work intended to functionalize for the first time quebracho Tannin (T) through a simple phosphorylation process in a urea system. The phosphorylation of tannin was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), NMR, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), while further characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to investigate the morphology, composition, structure, and thermal degradation of the phosphorylated material. Results indicated the occurrence of phosphorylation, suggesting the insertion of phosphate-containing groups into the tannin structure, revealing a high content of phosphate for modified tannin (PT). This elevated phosphorus content serves as evidence for the successful incorporation of phosphate groups through the functionalization process. The corresponding PT and T were employed as adsorbents for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solutions. The results revealed that the Langmuir isotherm model effectively represents the adsorption isotherms. Additionally, the pseudo-second-order model indicates that chemisorption predominantly controls the adsorption mechanism. This finding also supports the fact that the introduced phosphate groups via the phosphorylation process significantly contributed to the improved adsorption capacity. Under neutral pH conditions and at room temperature, the material achieved an impressive adsorption capacity of 339.26 mg·g-1 in about 2 h.

Phosphorylating Tannin in Urea System: A Simple Approach for Enhanced Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Media.

Tannin, after lignin, is one of the most abundant sources of natural aromatic biomolecules. It has been used and chemically modified during the past few decades to create novel biobased materials. This work intended to functionalize for the first time quebracho Tannin (T) through a simple phosphorylation process in a urea system. The phosphorylation of tannin was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), NMR, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), while further characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to investigate the morphology, composition, structure, and thermal degradation of the phosphorylated material. Results indicated the occurrence of phosphorylation, suggesting the insertion of phosphate-containing groups into the tannin structure, revealing a high content of phosphate for modified tannin (PT). This elevated phosphorus content serves as evidence for the successful incorporation of phosphate groups through the functionalization process. The corresponding PT and T were employed as adsorbents for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solutions. The results revealed that the Langmuir isotherm model effectively represents the adsorption isotherms. Additionally, the pseudo-second-order model indicates that chemisorption predominantly controls the adsorption mechanism. This finding also supports the fact that the introduced phosphate groups via the phosphorylation process significantly contributed to the improved adsorption capacity. Under neutral pH conditions and at room temperature, the material achieved an impressive adsorption capacity of 339.26 mg·g-1 in about 2 h.

Cytotoxicity of Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles on Rabbit Tooth Gum Cells

The cytotoxicity mechanism of zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2-NPs) has not been clarified to-date. Nevertheless, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by ZrO2-NPs has been perceived as an important mechanism in some in vivo studies. Accordingly, this study was conducted to identify the potential effects of ZrO2-NPs on rabbit tooth gum cells as well as the mechanism/s of their cytotoxicity. Synthesized ZrO2-NPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Cell viability, ROS level, lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), glutathione count (GSH/GSSG), lysosome damage and apoptosis/necrosis were evaluated. Biodistribution studies were conducted on tooth gum, liver, kidney, heart and brain tissues in the rabbit using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP/OES). ZrO2-NPs increased ROS, MMP collapse and malondialdehyde (MDA). In contrast, GSH/GSSG and apoptosis/necrosis were found to be changed. The ZrO2-NPs accumulated significantly more on rabbit tooth gum tissues compared with other organs ([Formula: see text]). The study provided evidence that ZrO2-NPs cannot be considered completely biocompatible in the gum cell tissues of the rabbit. Before these nanoparticles can be used for human dental applications, further investigations on a wide range of cell death signaling should be performed.

Calibration by Proxy.

Calibration by Proxy (CbPx) is a matrix-matched calibration method that utilizes multiple internal standard species to build a calibration curve. The technique requires only two solutions: solution 1 containing a sample solution and a suite of internal standards at known concentrations, and solution 2 identical to solution 1, plus an aliquot of a standard containing all analytes and the internal standards at the same concentration. The calibration curve is prepared by plotting the signal measured for each internal standard in solution 1 divided by the signal arising due to the aliquot of internal standard added to solution 2 on the y-axis. In this ratio, the sensitivity for each element cancels, because the sample matrix is equal between the solutions. Therefore, the y-axis value measured for a specific internal standard is identical to the value that would be measured for any other element present at the same concentrations in the two solutions. Hence, each internal standard serves as a proxy for analyte values. The concentrations of internal standards in solution 1 are plotted on the x-axis, and these correspond to any analytes present in solution 1 at the same concentration. CbPx is applied to the analysis of five certified reference materials by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Percent recoveries for analytes range from 89 to 106%, with relative standard deviations on the order of 1%. A recommended working range for the method is developed through both theoretical simulation and experimental results and then exhibited through the analysis of off-the-shelf vitamin tablets.

Synthesis and evaluation of electrochemical and photocatalytic properties of rare Earth, Ni and Co mixed oxides recycled from spent Ni–MH battery anodes

This study presents a new environmentally favorable hydrometallurgical approach to the recycling of nickel–metal hydride (Ni–MH) battery anodes into new materials based on mixed oxides of Ni, Co, Mn, and lanthanides, which were applied as photocatalysts and electrodes in alkaline media. The starting material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Tartaric acid was used as leaching agent for anode metals, and the resulting tartrate salts were converted to oxides via thermal treatment. Characterization of the synthesized materials was performed by XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to analyze the electrochemical properties of oxides, which were found to behave as electric double-layer capacitors. The recycled materials were used as catalysts in the decolorization of methylene blue in the presence of H2O2 under UV radiation. A decolorization efficiency greater than 90% was achieved in a shorter time than that taken for the non-catalyzed reaction to achieve 80% color removal (maximum decolorization). The results showed that methylene blue photocatalysis and photolysis differ in optimal pH conditions and that the catalyzed reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics.

Deciphering soil-plant-animal continuum in relation to trace elements in middle Gangetic plain region of India.

The soil-plant-animal continuum represents an evolving realm in biological research that's why this study was undertaken in the middle Gangetic plain region of India. Trace and ultra-trace elements were analyzed in 100 soil samples, 147 feed and fodder samples, as well as 69 blood and 127 hair samples with the help of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The levels of trace and ultra-trace elements in the soil were significantly higher than those in the feed, and similarly, the concentrations in the feed were notably higher than those in the blood of dairy cattle. Blood and hair samples from the cattle showed deficiencies in copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn), with reaching approximately 20% and 50%, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated significant (P < 0.05) associations between the trace and ultra-trace elements in plants and the corresponding elements found in cattle's hair, specifically for iron (Fe) and molybdenum (Mo). Conversely, a significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation was observed between soil composition and cattle's blood, while a positive correlation was evident only in the case of silver content between plant and cattle's hair. Regression analyses revealed positive linear relationships between minerals in soils and plants, as well as between plants and cattle. However, the correlation coefficients were statistically insignificant. The regression equations established to predict mineral concentrations in cattle based on soil and plant mineral contents indicated a positive relationship for both trace and ultra-trace elements, suggesting the potential to measure the mineral status in dairy cattle through this approach.

Treatment appraisal and fate of HMs in up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket and trickling filter-based sewage treatment process: The case of a kaliti Centralized Wastewater Treatment Plant, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Heavy metals (HMs) in wastewater could pose a significant challenge to biological treatment systems such as in an Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor (UASBr) as well as Trickling Filter (TF) performances. These HMs are associated with retention and accumulation of solid precipitates, limitting solid-liquid separation, disrupting biochemical processes, which ultimately brings environmental risks, such as soil contamination and public health issues, dominantly due to the inhibited activities of degrading microorganisms. A cross-sectional study was applied to investigate the levels of HMs in sewage using composite and grab sampling taken from Kaliti Wastewater Treatment Plant and the samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The HMs concentrations in mean±(SD) were, Ag ranges from below detection level (BDL) to 63.5 (13.5) mg/kg; Ba 60 (4.47) μg/l to 1291(58.5) mg/kg; Al, BDL to 2358.5(662.5) mg/kg; Cd 0 μg/l to 0.35(0.15) mg/kg; Cr 0 μg/l to 10.5(0.7) mg/kg; Cu 0 μg/l to 23.9(1.2) mg/kg; Zn 5.45 (12.3) to 165(5.4) mg/kg, and Mn 165 (49.5) μg/l to 92.5(3.8) mg/kg. Results indicated that Kaliti Wastewater Treatment Plant was effective in removing pollutants and thereby meeting local and international discharge limits. The plant was also found to be effective in removing Al, Cd, Cu, and Cr, but not in removing Ba and Zn. However, a real time data collection and monitoring of seasonal physicochemical parameters and HM levels in the wastewater treatment plant is suggested useful.

Cellular Uptake of Upconversion Nanoparticles Based on Surface Polymer Coatings and Protein Corona.

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are materials that provide unique advantages for biomedical applications. There are constantly emerging customized UCNPs with varying compositions, coatings, and upconversion mechanisms. Cellular uptake is a key parameter for the biological application of UCNPs. Uptake experiments have yielded highly varying results, and correlating trends between cellular uptake with different types of UCNP coatings remains challenging. In this report, the impact of surface polymer coatings on the formation of protein coronas and subsequent cellular uptake of UCNPs by macrophages and cancer cells was investigated. Luminescence confocal microscopy and elemental analysis techniques were used to evaluate the different coatings for internalization within cells. Pathway inhibitors were used to unravel the specific internalization mechanisms of polymer-coated UCNPs. Coatings were chosen as the most promising for colloidal stability, conjugation chemistry, and biomedical applications. PIMA-PEG (poly(isobutylene-alt-maleic) anhydride with polyethylene glycol)-coated UCNPs were found to have low cytotoxicity, low uptake by macrophages (when compared with PEI, poly(ethylenimine)), and sufficient uptake by tumor cells for surface-loaded drug delivery applications. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) studies revealed that PIMA-coated NPs were preferentially internalized by the clathrin- and caveolar-independent pathways, with a preference for clathrin-mediated uptake at longer time points. PMAO-PEG (poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) with polyethylene glycol)-coated UCNPs were internalized by energy-dependent pathways, while PAA- (poly(acrylic acid)) and PEI-coated NPs were internalized by multifactorial mechanisms of internalization. The results indicate that copolymers of PIMA-PEG coatings on UCNPs were well suited for the next-generation of biomedical applications.

Capsule controlled release of crystallisation inhibitors in mortars

Crystallisation inhibitors, such as sodium ferrocyanide (NaFeCN), are highly effective in mitigating NaCl-induced weathering in lime-based mortars; however, direct addition of NaFeCN in lime-mortars increases its susceptibility to leaching and rapid depletion, thus compromising long-term performance. Here, we present hydrogel-capsules for the controlled-release of NaFeCN within hydraulic mortars for the prolonged prevention of salt weathering. Capsules were prepared by complexing chitosan and calcium-alginate in different ratios containing different concentrations of NaFeCN. The release of NaFeCN from these capsules was measured in (1) simulated lime-mortar solution (2) from mortar specimens incorporated with calcium alginate (CA) and chitosan-calcium-alginate (Cs-CA) capsules using ultraviolet–visible light spectrophotometry and Inductive Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Mortars containing Cs-CA capsules exhibited controlled-release of NaFeCN with four times lower effective diffusion coefficient, compared to incorporating NaFeCN directly in mortar. Conversely, mortar containing CA capsules (without chitosan) released NaFeCN rapidly. Thus, chitosan’s presence in CA is necessary for tuning NaFeCN release and the reason may be attributed to chitosan’s role in reducing CA’s permeability and chitosan’s electrostatic-attraction to ferrocyanide anions, slowing diffusion of the latter. In conclusion, using Cs-CA capsules can control the release of NaFeCN within mortar, providing a steady NaFeCN supply to prolong mortar’s resistance against salt damage.

Magnetically recoverable CuFe2O4 nanocatalyst: Dual catalytic action in sonogashira and Chan-Lam coupling reactions

Magnetically retrievable CuFe2O4 nanocatalyst has been synthesized for Sonogashira (C-C) and Chan-Lam (C-N) coupling reactions by a facile co-precipitation method. Synthesized nanocatalyst was characterized by powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. The catalytic action of the catalyst was evaluated for both Pd-free C-C coupling and base-free C-N coupling reactions where an excellent product yield up to 96 % and 95 % respectively was obtained. The uniqueness of the catalyst was its effective performance under ambient reaction conditions in green solvents such as EtOH and EtOH:H2O (1:1) with a broad substrate scope. The catalyst can be easily retrieved from the reaction mixture with the aid of an external magnet and reused at least five times without significant loss in catalytic activity. The structural stability of the recovered catalyst was confirmed by XRD, FTIR, SEM and ICP-OES (Inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry) analysis. Thus, the synthesized catalyst works excellently well for dual applications and establishes the sustainable application of the catalyst.

A novel magnetized bio-solid phase extractor for the preconcentrations of Hg(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) from food sources

Herein, Agaricus augustus, a mushroom, loaded on γ-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles was developed as a biosorbent for the simultaneous preconcentrations of trace levels of Hg(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II)) in tap water, beverages, and some food samples prior to their determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The experimental factors affecting the extraction performance were carefully examined throughout the investigation. The best experimental conditions were determined as pH 4.0, 3mL/min of sample flow rate, 75mg of biosorbent, 100mg of γ-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles, and 500mL of sample volume. LOD values were determined as 0.016, 0.011, and 0.023ng/mL, respectively for Hg(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II). The biosorption capacities were determined as 47.2mg/g for Hg(II), 51.5mg/g for Ni(II), and 49.0mg/g for Zn(II). The effectiveness of the recommended method was assessed using certified reference material.

Development of a Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Aerosol Phase Extraction Method for the Quantification of Ag, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb in Seawater by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy.

The dispersive liquid-liquid aerosol phase extraction (DLLAPE) method was applied for the determination of Ag, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb in seawater samples by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Key parameters such as sample pH and extractant concentration were systematically evaluated, with ammonium O,O'-diethyldithiophosphate (DDTP) identified as the optimal chelating agent. Optimal extraction conditions were achieved at pH 2.5 for Ag, Cu, Ni, and Pb, while Cd extraction efficiency was found to be pH independent. The extractant concentration did not greatly improve the extraction efficiency. Furthermore, the influence of nebulizer gas flow rate and extraction time was evaluated, achieving the maximum extraction yield at 0.6 L min-1 and 120 s, respectively. The method was evaluated for accuracy and bias through recovery studies, and the results showed that most elements had recovery rates close to 100% with relative standard deviation values in between 3 and 9%. However, in the case of Ag and Ni, 1.184 and 1.089 correction factors were, respectively, applied to compensate for the bias. Moreover, the procedural limits of quantification (pLOQs) found for Ag, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb were 0.4, 0.14, 0.2, 0.2, and 0.2 μg L-1, respectively. The in-house validation of the method provided expanded uncertainty values lower than 6% for all elements except for Ag (16.6%). Finally, the application of the method to real seawater samples from coastal areas in Alicante and San Juan (Spain) confirmed its suitability for trace metal analysis in complex marine matrices, underscoring its potential for environmental monitoring and research.