Inorganic Minerals Research Articles

Research Progress on the Preparation of Inorganic/Natural Materials Composite Microspheres

Microspheres are a new type of drug carrier with great potential for development and application. Natural polymers have good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and are easily dispersed in living organisms, making them suitable for preparing microspheres. Inorganic materials (mainly inorganic minerals) have excellent mechanical properties and are inexpensive and easy to obtain. Through the coupling and hybridization of natural polymers and inorganic materials, they can complement each other's advantages and synergistically enhance efficiency, resulting in many excellent physical and chemical properties. Inorganic materials/natural polymer composite microspheres can be prepared by modifying natural polymers with inorganic materials through various methods such as emulsification crosslinking, solution mixing, in-situ synthesis, extrusion, etc. The application of inorganic materials/natural polymer composite microspheres in drug delivery systems has significant sustained-release effects, is safe and non-toxic, and the cost of carrier materials is relatively low, which has certain significance for the development of new drug carriers. This article reviews the recent research on the preparation, drug loading and release properties of inorganic material/natural polymer composite microspheres, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used preparation methods, and looks forward to the development direction of composite microspheres.

Expanding from materials to biology inspired by biomineralization

AbstractBiomineralization is the intricate process by which living organisms orchestrate the formation of organic–inorganic composites by regulating the nucleation, orientation, growth, and assembly of inorganic minerals. As our comprehension of biomineralization principles deepens, novel strategies for fabricating inorganic materials based on these principles have emerged. Researchers can also harness biomineralization strategies to tackle challenges in both materials' science and biomedical fields, demonstrating a thriving research field. This review begins by introducing the concept of biomineralization and subsequently shifts its focus to a recently discovered chemical concept: inorganic ionic oligomers and their cross‐linking. As a novel approach for constructing inorganic materials, the inorganic ionic oligomer‐based strategy finds applications in biomimetic regeneration and repair of hard tissues, such as teeth and bones. Aside from innovative methods for material fabrication, biomineralization has emerged as an alternative method for tackling biomedical challenges by integrating materials with biological organisms, facilitating advancements in biomedical fields. Emerging material‐biological integrators play a critical role in areas like vaccine improvement, cancer therapy, universal blood transfusion, and arthritis treatment. This review highlights the profound impact of biomineralization in the development and design of high‐performance materials that go beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries, potentially promoting breakthroughs in materials science, chemical biology, biomedical, and numerous other domains.

Dentin surface modification by MDP to improve dentin bonding stability: Topological enhancement and mineralization of collagen structure in hybrid layers

Decades of research have been conducted on 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) through numerous studies. The mechanisms by which its residual calcium salts benefit dentin bonding remain undetermined. The objective of the research was to investigate the role and process of remaining calcium salts in the priming procedure and their capacity for remineralization. The investigation focused on the variations in topological structure, mechanical properties, and chemical interactions between the main agent and the dentin surface. Two adhesive modes including prime-and-rinse(P&R) and prime-and-nonrinse (P&NR) utilized to evaluate the bonding performance and remineralization ability. The findings indicated that both P&R and P&NR methods could eliminate the smear-layer, uncover dentinal-tubules, and generate a textured/rough surface on the dentin. Collagen fibrils exhibited a greater presence of inorganic minerals in the P&NR mode. Compared to control group, both P&R and P&NR groups improved immediate and aging bond strength significantly (P < 0.05). AFM and 3D-STORM revealed MDP and its residual calcium salts distributed in collagen fibrils and expanded collagen matrix. In the P&NR group, TEM revealed that the dentin collagen matrix experienced some remineralization, and there was also mineralization within the collagen fibrils embedded in the bonding interface. Thus, MDP priming improved dentin bonding stability. Residual calcium salts of P&NR process can enhance topological structure of the collagen matrix and induce intrafibrillar mineralization.

Quantifying the characteristics of magnetic oil–water contacts in mature hydrocarbon reservoirs and their capacity for understanding hydrocarbon remigration

SUMMARY Increasing magnetization within mature hydrocarbon reservoirs provides a new technique in identifying oil–water contacts (OWCs) in cored wells with the potential to assess yield thereby reducing the need for further exploration. Authigenic precipitation of magnetic minerals at OWCs may also help locate palaeocontacts (PCs), where structural changes to the petroleum system have caused hydrocarbon remigration. This study determines the magnetic characteristics of magnetic enhancements at OWCs and possibly PCs in silliclastic and carbonate reservoirs at the Wytch Farm oil field, Wessex Basin, UK. Increases in saturation magnetization and susceptibility are observed at the OWC in 11 of the 12 analysed cored reservoirs owing to the increased presence of magnetite and vivianite. Geochemical analysis and shallow reservoirs suggest biogenic and inorganic mineral precipitation is extensive at the OWC depending on iron, sulphur and phosphorus availability. Similar magnetic characteristics have been observed in magnetic enhancements above the OWC in numerous wells which may represent OWCs before a basin-wide easterly tilt caused hydrocarbon remigration in the Cenozoic. Multiple magnetic enhancements above the OWC in westerly onshore wells, suggest this remigration may have occurred as numerous phases.

Permeability Modeling of Pore Shapes, Compaction, Sorption, and Molecular Diffusivity in Unconventional Reservoirs

Summary Shale and ultratight gas reservoirs are multiscale, containing organic matter (OM) and inorganic minerals in multiple pore compartments of different pore shapes and scales. Selecting a suitable model to describe the multiscale transport mechanisms requires a minimum understanding of the inherent pore shape, OM content, typical pore size, and inherent flow regime. Interestingly, during gas production and associated pressure depletion, some mechanisms, such as pore compressibility, pore diffusion, and diffusion of sorbed gas molecules, become significant at lower pressure. In this study, multiscale and multiphysics permeability models are introduced that couple the effects of poroelasticity (especially in slit-shaped pores with &amp;lt;1.0 aspect ratio) and sorbed gas diffusion, Fick diffusion, transition diffusion, or Knudsen diffusion, depending on the pore structural properties at multiscale for shale and ultratight gas applications. Shale here refers to organic-rich low-permeability rock with &amp;gt;1–2 wt% OM, while ultratight gas has negligible organic content with &amp;lt;1.0 wt%. These experimentally and computationally validated models could be combined with Gaussian pressure transient solutions to effectively understand the uncertainty in multiphysics gas permeability in addition to the hydraulic and natural fracture parameters for large-scale flow simulation of hydraulically fractured unconventional reservoirs.

Improving mechanical properties of huntite hydromagnesite reinforced flame retardant polymer composites with calcite and zeolite minerals

AbstractAlthough inorganic minerals used as flame retardants in firefighting are much safer alternative to halogen‐containing ones, it is seen that while they impart non‐flammability, they impair some mechanical properties of polymer composites. In this study, calcite and zeolite minerals, with well‐known incombustibility properties, were used together with huntite hydromagnesite as auxiliary minerals to obtain better mechanical properties. In this context, a synergistic effect was created by adding zeolite and calcite to polymer composite systems containing huntite hydromagnesite, and flame retardant polypropylene matrix composites were produced using a twin screw extruder. The thermal properties of the produced composites were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Tensile test was applied to the samples to determine their mechanical properties. Structural and morphological properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. It was found that with an additive load of 60% by weight, the modulus of elasticity of pure polypropylene was increased from 1215 to 3362 MPa. In addition, by loading zeolite together with huntite hydromagnesite, the maximum tensile strength increased from 15.6 MPa to 22.9 MPa, resulting in an increase of 46.80%. Consequently, the synergistic effect obtained by using zeolite with huntite hydromagnesite improved the mechanical properties of the composite.

Field conditions for the synergistic increase of biomethane in the goaf of coal mines filled with corn straw

AbstractSynergistic fermentation of coal and corn straw is an effective tool to increase biomethane production. However, a large gap exists between the biomethane production conditions of corn straw filling coal mine goafs and laboratory experiments. In order to determine the effect of the field environment on synergistic biomethane production, biomethane production experiments with coal and corn straw were carried out under different conditions to find the key factors restricting the potential of biomethane production. The obtained results showed that various bacterial sources had significant influences on the biomethane production of coal and corn straw, and domesticated bacterial sources provided fermentation systems with more efficient biomethane production capacities than mine water sources. Biomethane production of coal and corn straw was relatively high under mixed conditions, but it was also promoted under unmixed conditions. Different inorganic minerals had different effects on synergistic biomethane production, which varied. For example, calcite, montmorillonite, and kaolin are common minerals in coal‐bearing strata that significantly enhance synergistic biomethane production of coal and corn straw. However, pyrite was found to significantly inhibit the synergistic biomethane production effect of coal and corn straw. Highly metamorphosed anthracite coal also presented biomethane production potential when stimulated by corn straw as a carbon source. The obtained results revealed the influences of different field conditions on the biomethane production of coal and corn straw and provided a reference for the field application of corn straw filling in coal mine goafs.

Interpreting crystallographic and microcrystalline structural effect for demineralization of low-grade thermal coal in multi-stage chemical leaching: A cleaner combustion approach

Chemical leaching is one of the most efficient methods for improving low-grade coal due to its ability to remove both inorganic and organic minerals economically. This study examined the qualitative demineralisation using the XRD and FTIR analyses. Moreover, microcrystalline analysis was investigated by analysing the Micro-Raman spectra, and ash composition was analysed using XRF Spectroscopy analysis for coal samples. Furthermore, a correlation was established between a Raman parameter (AD/AG) and a crystallite parameter (Lc). The demineralisation mechanism was postulated in light of the findings to explain how significant impurities (SiO2 and Al2O3) with iron-bearing elements (Fe2O3 and FeS2) were curtailed during multi-stage leaching. The maximum deashing and demineralisation were obtained by treatment with 40% (w/v), i.e. 10 M NaOH, followed by HCl with HNO3 solution in a 3:1 ratio, with an average particle size of 180 μm. 79% ash reduction and 48% enhancement in GCV were achieved compared to raw coal.

Microalgae as an Alternative Mineral Source in Poultry Nutrition.

This review explores the potential of microalgae as a sustainable and nutritionally rich alternative for mineral supplementation in poultry diets, addressing both the opportunities and challenges in this emerging field. Poultry nutrition, pivotal to the health and productivity of birds, traditionally relies on inorganic and organic mineral sources which, while effective, raise environmental and economic concerns. Microalgae offer a promising solution with their high contents of essential minerals, proteins, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. This review delves into the nutritional profiles of various microalgae, highlighting their rich contents of minerals which are crucial for physiological processes in poultry. It examines the bioavailability of these minerals and their impact on poultry health and productivity. Furthermore, it evaluates the environmental sustainability of microalgae cultivation and acknowledges the challenges in using microalgae in poultry diets, particularly in terms of the economic viability of large-scale production and the consistency of nutrient composition. It discusses the importance of rigorous safety assessments and regulatory compliance, given the potential risks of toxins and heavy metals. Overall, this analysis aims to provide a clear understanding of the role microalgae could play in poultry nutrition and address sustainability challenges in animal agriculture while also considering future perspectives and advancements needed in this field.

Phyllite (rock dust) as inorganic mineral source in rabbit supplementation

Rabbit farming is a growing activity, which implies need for precision nutrition aimed at best animal’s performance and health. Given some restrictions on the use of mineral sources in animal nutrition, inorganic supplementation with rock dust becomes an interesting alternative. The objective was to evaluate the effect of rock dust as an alternative source of inorganic balsistic mineral in nutrition. Three treatments were tested: (1) control group without addition of rock dust or phyllite, (2) kale group, treated with 13g of cabbage/animal/day and (3) phyllite group, treated with 1.5% rock dust addition. Eight animals per group were evaluated in vivo for weight gain, feed intake, shank thickness, average daily weight gain, calcium excretion by bromatology in feces and urine. After slaughter, carcass weight, shin bone weight, urine test and viscera weight were evaluated. There was an increase in weight gain in the animals with rock dust and greater weight in the shin bones; calcium excretion was higher in the kale and control group. There was no difference between the other variables. The use of rock powder proved to be efficient for a better minerals deposition and absorption in the bones.

Pore Structure and Migration Ability of Deep Shale Reservoirs in the Southern Sichuan Basin

The migration phenomenon of deep shale gas is a subject that has yet to be fully comprehended, specifically regarding the migration ability of deep shale gas. This study focuses on the Longmaxi Formation in the southern Sichuan Basin, utilizing it as an example. Various experimental techniques, such as temperature-driven nitrogen and carbon dioxide adsorption, high-pressure mercury intrusion, XRD, and TOC analysis, are employed. The goal is to analyze the pore structure and fractal characteristics of the Longmaxi Formation shale. Additionally, the study aims to calculate its Knudsen number based on parameters like temperature gradient and pressure coefficient. The migration ability of the Longmaxi Formation shale in southern Sichuan Basin is also discussed. The results show the following: (1) The pore volume distribution of the Longmaxi Formation shale in the study area ranges from 0.0131 to 0.0364 cm3/g. Mesopores contribute approximately 56% of the pore volume, followed by micropores with a contribution rate of about 26%, and macropores contributing approximately 18%. Additionally, the Longmaxi Formation shale exhibits strong heterogeneity, with the fractal dimension (D1) of mesopores ranging from 2.452 to 2.8548, with an average of 2.6833, and the fractal dimension (D2) of macropores ranging from 2.9626 to 2.9786, averaging 2.9707. (2) The fractal dimensions of shale were significantly influenced by organic matter, inorganic minerals, and pore structure parameters. D1 and D2 were positively correlated with TOC, clay mineral content, and specific surface area, while exhibiting negative correlation with quartz. However, the correlations with calcite content, pore volume, and average pore size were not significant. (3) The proportion of pores satisfying Darcy flow in the Longmaxi Formation shale was approximately 3.7%–11.8%, with an average of 6.6%. Consequently, the migration capability of shale gas can be calculated using Darcy’s law. Furthermore, the migration capability of shale gas is controlled by D2, specifically the surface area, and the connectivity of macropores.

Influence of pre-weaning trace mineral exposure on subsequent performance and trace mineral status of beef calves during finishing

Objectives of these experiments were to 1) evaluate the accu­mulation of Co, Cu, Mn and Zn in liver tissue during the fin­ishing period of calves with or without previous mineral sup­plement exposure; and 2) evaluate the performance of calves provided either organic or inorganic sources of Co, Cu, Mn and Zn. One-hundred twenty steers of unknown mineral history, and 48 steers of known mineral history prior to weaning were comin­gled in experiment 1. Steers were allocated to pens and assigned to receive either an inorganic or organic trace minerals. For experiment 2, 83 steers with or without exposure to mineral supplements during gestation and the subsequent lactation, were utilized in a 181-d finishing experiment. ADG tended to be greater (P = 0.09) during the first 53 days on feed in calves provided organic trace minerals. Calves with trace mineral access prior to weaning were heavier at the time of feedlot arrival (P = 0.06), but not at slaughter (P = 0.37). Pro­viding access to mineral supplements to cow-calf pairs dur­ing grazing increased (P &lt; 0.01) Cu and Co, but did not affect (P ≥ 0.29) Zn or Mn concentrations at feedlot arrival. Liver Cu status improved during backgrounding in steers fed the or­ganic trace minerals. For calves of known mineral history, providing access to mineral sup­plements during grazing, prior to weaning, had no impacts on subsequent gain or intake during growing and finishing. Providing organic forms of trace minerals tended to improve growth early in the feeding period.&#x0D;

Nanoscale profiling of the relationship between in-situ organic matter roughness, adhesion, and wettability under ScCO2 based on contact mechanics

Understanding the interface and wetting phenomenon between CO2 and shale in the reservoir environment plays a key role in realizing efficient shale gas development and long-term stable carbon sequestration in the formation. However, previous studies on the interaction between CO2 and reservoir rocks focused on macro-scale and batch experiments of inorganic minerals, and the mechanism at the nanoscale, especially the micro-wetting behavior of the organic interface, remains unclear and needs to be investigated urgently. In this paper, based on the atomic force microscopy (AFM) tapping mode and the AM-FM viscoelastic mapping mode, the in-situ organic matter (OM) morphology and the change of the relationship between the adhesion force and the interfacial wettability under carbon dioxide immersion are investigated, respectively, and the carbon dioxide wettability behavior at the organic interfaces is deeply revealed in the nanoscale. Among them, the contact angle is obtained by the adhesion work combined with the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) adhesive contact theory. The results show that the surface roughness of the OM keeps increasing with the ScCO2 immersion time, while the surface adhesion keeps decreasing at the same time. Although the contact angle decreases continuously with immersion time, the OM is always hydrophobic, i.e., CO2 wetting. It can be seen that the surface roughness has a negative correlation with the contact angle, which keeps decreasing with decreasing adhesion. This indicates that ScCO2 immersion expands the gas adsorption sites and at the same time reduces the interfacial energy of the OM slightly, which is extremely beneficial for CO2 to enhance shale gas recovery and to implement long-term stable carbon geologic sequestration. Therefore, this study reveals the mechanism of the carbon sequestration process at the organic interface in depth within the nanoscale for the first time, which provides a new perspective to deeply understand the long-term adsorption and capture variation process of OM in deep reservoirs.

Supplemental trace minerals as complexed or inorganic sources for beef cattle during the receiving period.

To investigate effects of inorganic or complexed trace mineral source (zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt) on receiving period performance and morbidity, crossbred beef heifer calves (n = 287) arriving on three delivery dates were used in a 42-d receiving trial. Heifers were processed after arrival, stratified by day -1 body weights (BW) and allocated randomly to eight pens (11 to 13 heifers/pen, 24 pens total). Within truckload, pens were assigned randomly to dietary treatment (n = 12 pens/treatment). Heifers were housed on 0.42-ha grass paddocks, provided ad libitum bermudagrass hay and provided dietary treatments in grain supplements fed daily. Treatments consisted of supplemental zinc (360mg/d), copper (125mg/d), manganese (200mg/d), and cobalt (12mg/d) from complexed (Zinpro Availa 4, Zinpro Corp. Eden Prairie, MN) or inorganic sources (sulfates). Heifers were observed daily for clinical bovine respiratory disease (BRD). If presenting BRD symptoms and rectal temperature ≥ 40 °C, heifers were deemed morbid and treated with antibiotics. Six heifers/pen were bled to determine serum haptoglobin concentrations on days 0, 14, and 28. Liver biopsies were taken on day 5 ± 2 and 43 ± 1 from three calves selected randomly from each pen for mineral status comparisons. Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED, GLIMMIX, and repeated measures procedures of SAS 9.4 with truckload as a random effect and pen within truckload specified as subject. There tended to be a treatment by day interaction for BW (P = 0.07). Heifer BW did not differ on day 0 (P = 0.82) and day 14 (P = 0.36), but heifers fed complexed trace minerals had greater BW on day 28 (P = 0.04) and day 42 (P = 0.05). Overall average daily gains were greater for heifers fed complexed trace minerals (P = 0.05; 0.78 vs. 0.70kg, SE = 0.03). Heifers supplemented with inorganic trace minerals had greater BRD incidence (P = 0.03; 58 vs. 46%, SE = 3.6). Haptoglobin concentrations decreased throughout the trial (P < 0.001), and heifers fed complexed trace minerals tended to have a decrease in haptoglobin concentrations (P = 0.07). The source of trace mineral supplementation had no effect (P ≥ 0.20) on liver mineral concentrations and there were no treatment × day interactions (P ≥ 0.35). In conclusion, supplementing diets for the first 42 d after arrival with complexed trace mineral sources improved heifer performance as compared to heifers supplemented with inorganic trace minerals.

Effects of reduced levels of organic trace minerals in proteinate forms and selenium yeast in the mineral mix on lactation performance, milk fatty acid composition, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status in dairy goats.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with reduced levels of organic trace minerals (OTM) in proteinate forms and selenium yeast (Se-yeast) in the mineral premix of prepartal and lactating dairy goats on lactation performance, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status. Xinong Saanen dairy goats (n = 40) were blocked by parity and body weight, and randomly assigned to either ITM or OTM treatments from 4wk prepartum to 8 mo of lactation. Both groups received the same basal diet except for the trace mineral supplement. The ITM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as sulfates, and Se as selenite to meet the recommendations. The OTM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as proteinates at 50% of ITM supplement levels, and Se as Se-yeast at 100% of ITM supplement level. Sampling and measurements were performed in the first, second, fourth, and eighth month of lactation. Data were summarized by month and treatment, and analyzed using the Mixed Model of SPSS with repeated measures. OTM group showed lower milk fat (P = 0.02) and higher milk Se (P = 0.03) with no compromised effects on milk yield and milk protein compared to ITM group. Furthermore, OTM decreased the content of C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0 (P < 0.05) and increased the content of odd- and branched-chain FAs in milk fat due to greater content of C15:0 (P = 0.01) and anteiso C15:0 (P = 0.07). OTM led to greater total tract digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.03), crude protein (P = 0.07), ether extract (P = 0.03), and acid detergent fiber (P = 0.05). OTM goats showed less fecal excretion of Fe (P = 0.01), Cu (P < 0.01), and Zn (P = 0.08) compared to ITM goats. There was a tendency for greater serum GSH-Px activity (P = 0.09) with OTM. Overall, the long-term substitution of reduced levels of OTM for ITM can change milk fat and FA composition while maintaining milk yield, digestibility, and antioxidant status.

Exploration of In Vitro Voltage Production by a Consortium of Chemolithotrophic Microorganisms Using Galena (PbS) as a Sulphur Source

Sulphur plays a fundamental role in the biological processes of chemolithotrophic microorganisms. Due to the redox characteristics of sulphur, microorganisms use it for metabolic processes. Such is the case of the dissimilatory processes in the anaerobic respiration of reducing microorganisms. The production of electrical energy from the metabolism of native microorganisms using sulphur as substrate from inorganic mineral sources in the form of Galena (PbS) was achieved using MR mineral medium with 15% (w/v) of PbS mineral concentrate. At 400 h of growth, the highest voltage produced in an experimental unit under anaerobic conditions was 644 mV. The inoculum was composed of microorganisms with spiral morphology, and at the final stages of energy production, the only microorganism identified was Bacillus clausii. This microorganism has not been reported in bioelectrochemical systems, but it has been reported to be present in corrosive environments and reducing anoxic environments.

A natural biogenic nanozyme for scavenging superoxide radicals

Biominerals, the inorganic minerals of organisms, are known mainly for their physical property-related functions in modern living organisms. Our recent discovery of the enzyme-like activities of nanomaterials, coined as nanozyme, inspires the hypothesis that nano-biominerals might function as enzyme-like catalyzers in cells. Here we report that the iron cores of biogenic ferritins act as natural nanozymes to scavenge superoxide radicals. Through analyzing eighteen representative ferritins from three living kingdoms, we find that the iron core of prokaryote ferritin possesses higher superoxide-diminishing activity than that of eukaryotes. Further investigation reveals that the differences in catalytic capability result from the iron/phosphate ratio changes in the iron core, which is mainly determined by the structures of ferritins. The phosphate in the iron core switches the iron core from single crystalline to amorphous iron phosphate-like structure, resulting in decreased affinity to the hydrogen proton of the ferrihydrite-like core that facilitates its reaction with superoxide in a manner different from that of ferric ions. Furthermore, overexpression of ferritins with high superoxide-diminishing activities in E. coli increases the resistance to superoxide, whereas bacterioferritin knockout or human ferritin knock-in diminishes free radical tolerance, highlighting the physiological antioxidant role of this type of nanozymes.

Shifts in Soil Bacterial Communities under Three-Year Fertilization Management and Multiple Cropping Systems

The current study was undertaken to investigate how organic and inorganic fertilizers shape soil bacterial communities and soil nitrogen and carbon status and to find their relationships with plant production. Soils were collected from fields under a three-year application of green manures (vetch (GMV), field bean (GMB), and wheat (GMW)), livestock manure (MF), inorganic mineral fertilizer (IF), and control (no nitrogen fertilization). The plants cultivated during the three years were tomato, watermelon, and pepper, respectively. The findings showed an increase in crop yields under both organic and inorganic fertilizers, in which the effects of leguminous green manures (GMV and GMB) were more pronounced, equal to +65–81% in tomato, +32–40% in watermelon, and +51–57% in pepper. An extensive modification in the bacterial communities was observed under organic fertilization. These changes were associated with a higher ratio of Proteobacteria (a copiotrophic phylum) to Acidobacteria (an oligotrophic phylum) in GMV and GMB, due to higher soil N content compared to IF and control treatments. Therefore, the data indicated an increase in soil N and organic C levels, as well as higher plant production by replacing IF with GMV, GMB, and MF, suggesting a promising movement to preserve the soil ecosystem. Such changes were more pronounced in MF-treated soils, where bacterial diversity improved and the heterogeneity of bacterial communities was preserved.

The effects of a mixture of small peptide chelating minerals and inorganic minerals on the production performance and tissue deposition of broiler chickens.

Due to the limited bioavailability of inorganic trace minerals, their utilization in poultry production has led to problems such as environmental contamination and inefficient resource utilization. It was investigated whether replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with a blend of organic small peptide-chelated trace minerals (MIX) would improve production performance, selected biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, mineral deposition in liver, heart, and tibia, as well as mineral content in feces of broilers. A total of 432 healthy 21-day-old 817 broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates per group and 18 chickens per replicate. The control group received a basal diet supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg of inorganic trace minerals as sulfate. The experimental groups received basal diets supplemented with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of mixed trace mineral elements (50% sulfate +50% small peptide-chelate) for a trial period of 30 days, divided into two stages: 21-35 days and 36-50 days. The results indicate that on the 50th day, compared with the 1,000 mg/kg ITM group, the levels of serum cholesterol, urea nitrogen, and malondialdehyde in the 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg MIX groups decreased (p < 0.01), while the levels of serum glutathione peroxidase in the 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg MIX groups increased (p < 0.05). Compared to the ITM group, the addition of organic small peptide chelated trace minerals mixed with inorganic trace minerals can reduce the levels of zinc and manganese in feces (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the iron content in the heart and tibia of the 600 mg/kg MIX group also significantly decreased (p < 0.05). There were no differences in growth performance and slaughter performance among the groups (p > 0.05). This study shows that replacing inorganic minerals with low-dose MIX (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) can reduce the levels of zinc and manganese in feces, with no negative impact on growth and slaughter performance.

Universality in interior periodic assembly of banded d-(−)-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) justified with the iridescence test

Periodic assembly in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) crystallized at selected Tc is analyzed with microscopy 3D interior dissection. Orderly grating-arrayed lamellae in PHB display light-interfering iridescence, resembling nature's structured coloration seen in inorganic minerals or organic species.