Inorganic Zinc Research Articles

Construction of Microporous Structure in Hard Carbon via Adjustable Zn Salt Templates for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries

Template method is an effective strategy for the construction of microporous structure in hard carbons. However, the introduction of templates will inevitably affect the original structure of hard carbon, making it necessary to develop an adjustable template for the high sodium storage property of Sodium-ion battery anodes. Herein, we propose an effective strategy of developing size-controlled ZnO microcrystal in precursor carbon by zinc salts templates and promoting the formation of numerous closed pores during subsequent pyrolysis. All of the obtained hard carbons exhibit high specific capacities of over 340 mAh/g, and initial Coulomb efficiencies of over 90%. Besides, the information of closed pore structure in hard carbon, accompanying with the diffusive behavior of Na+ and the in-situ Raman spectroscopy reveal a strong link between the increased plateau and the closed pore volume, providing a compelling insight for the mechanism of Na+ storage in hard carbon. The optimal sample exhibits the highest closed pore volume, which performs a remarkable specific capacity of 374 mAh/g and a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 92.4%. Furthermore, all zinc salt-derived hard carbon exhibit analogous microstructures and electrochemical behaviors, demonstrating the universality of utilizing both inorganic and organic zinc salts as templates for adjusting the microporous structure of hard carbon. These findings provide a systematic approach to enhance the reversible capacity and maintain high initial Coulombic efficiency for sodium-ion battery anodes.

Milk osteopontin mediates zinc uptake in intestinal cells in the presence of phytic acid

The bioavailability and the intestinal absorption of the essential mineral zinc are challenged by the food matrix and especially the content of zinc chelating antinutrients. Many milk proteins and peptides affect zinc bioavailability. Osteopontin (OPN) is an acidic and highly phosphorylated whey protein that has been shown to bind calcium, magnesium and iron. Here we report the zinc binding properties of OPN, and the effect of OPN-Zn complexes on zinc absorption in Caco-2 cells. By isothermal titration calorimetry milk OPN was shown to bind approximately 36 zinc ions (KD of ∼70 μM). The binding was mainly mediated by the phosphorylations in the protein. OPN retained zinc bound after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal transit. Interestingly the OPN-Zn complex enhanced zinc bioavailability in the presence of phytic acid, compared to inorganic zinc salts. Zinc uptake mediated by OPN significantly upregulated the gene expression of MT1G and ZnT1 which are crucial proteins involved in preserving enterocyte zinc homoeostasis. These results indicate that OPN could be incorporated into functional foods and infant formulas to increase zinc bioavailability and uptake.

Boosting Flame Retardancy of Polypropylene/Calcium Carbonate Composites with Inorganic Flame Retardants.

This study investigates the effects of inorganic flame retardants, zinc borate, and magnesium hydroxide, on the thermal, morphological, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/calcium carbonate composites for potential construction industry applications. Polypropylene/calcium carbonate (50 wt.%) composites containing 5 and 10 wt.% flame retardants were prepared using a batch mixer, followed by compression moulding. The results demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, with the highest char residue reaching 47.2% for polypropylene/calcium carbonate/zinc borate (10 wt.%)/magnesium hydroxide (10 wt.%) composite, a notably strong outcome. Additionally, the composite exhibited an elevated limited oxygen index (LOI) of 29.4%, indicating a synergistic effect between zinc borate and magnesium hydroxide. The proposed flame retardancy mechanism suggests that the flammability performance is driven by the interaction between the flame retardants within the polypropylene/calcium carbonate matrix. Magnesium hydroxide contributes to smoke suppression by releasing water, while zinc borate forms a protective glassy foam that covers the burning surface, promoting char formation and acting as a physical barrier to heat transmission and fire spread. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed good dispersion of the additives alongside calcium carbonate within the polymer matrix. Despite the addition of up to 10 wt.% flame retardants, the composites maintained high-notched impact strength.

Influence of the most reactive inorganic compound zinc sulfate, on the optical, electrical, and mechanical activities of glycine crystal

Influence of the most reactive inorganic compound zinc sulfate, on the optical, electrical, and mechanical activities of glycine crystal

Effect of Organic, Nano, and Inorganic Zinc Sources on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Function, and Intestinal Health of Young Broilers.

The study aimed to determine the effects of different zinc sources on growth performance, antioxidant function, and intestinal health of broilers. In total, 240 Ross 308 male broilers with similar weight were randomly assigned to 4 treatments, including zinc sulfate, methionine zinc (Zn-Met), glycine zinc (Zn-Gly), and nano-zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs), with 80mg zinc/kg diet supplementation. The experiment lasted for 21days. Results showed dietary supplemental Zn-Gly and Zn-Met increased average daily gain during 1-14days (P = 0.011), and Zn-Gly, Zn-Met, and ZnO-NP supplementation decreased the ratio of feed to gain during 1-21days (P = 0.003) compared to zinc sulfate. ZnO-NPs supplementation tended to increase total SOD activity (P = 0.068) and had higher serum IgA content and lower MDA level than the other three groups (P < 0.05). Compared with zinc sulfate, Zn-Met and ZnO-NP supplementation decreased TNF-α mRNA expression (P = 0.048). However, serum biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, and mRNA expressions of tight junction proteins were not affected by different zinc sources (P > 0.05). A differential trend was observed in the beta diversity of bacterial communities among four groups (P = 0.082). The LEfSe analysis showed that bacterial genera Blautia, Ruminococcaceae, Clostridia, Anaerostipes, Eubacterium_ventriosum, Merdibacter, and Oscillospira were enriched in the ZnSO4 group, and the genera Eubacterium_hallii and Anaerotruncus were enriched in the Zn-Gly group. The genera UCG-009 and UCG010 were enriched in ZnO-NPs and Zn-Met groups, respectively. It should be stated dietary supplemental Zn-Met improved growth performance, ZnO-NPs promoted IgA production and reduced occurrences of oxidative stress and inflammation, and different zinc sources enriched different jejunal bacteria genera.

Potential Beneficial Effects of Mineral Sunscreens on Acne-Prone Skin

Background: Sunscreens are critical products used against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, beyond the effect of sun protection, the inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have shown antimicrobial activity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the potential additional beneficial effects of mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as antimicrobial agents on acne-prone skin. Methods: Transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, and skin pH of twelve volunteers were measured before and 2 h after the application of three mineral sunscreens. The antimicrobial activity of the mineral sunscreens was determined against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis in a time-kill test. Results and Discussion: The studied mineral sunscreens did not affect either the stratum corneum hydration or its integrity, but they increased the skin pH from 4 to 6, which could impact the skin microbiota balance. At the same time, the tested mineral sunscreens inhibited Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: This study suggests that the two UV filters can have positive effects on acne-prone skin and, thus, extend the benefits of photoprotective formulations. Nevertheless, further research is currently being conducted.

Multishell Silver Indium Selenide-Based Quantum Dots and Their Poly(methyl methacrylate) Composites for Application in Red-Light-Emitting Diodes.

In this work, the production of novel multishell silver indium selenide quantum dots (QDs) shelled with zinc selenide and zinc sulfide through a multistep synthesis precisely designed to develop high-quality red-emitting QDs is explored. The formation of the multishell nanoheterostructure significantly improves the photoluminescence quantum yield of the nanocrystals from 3% observed for the silver indium selenide core to 27 and 46% after the deposition of the zinc selenide and zinc sulfide layers, respectively. Moreover, the incorporation of the multishelled QDs in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix via in situ radical polymerization is investigated, and the role of thiol ligand passivation is proven to be fundamental for the stabilization of the QDs during the polymerization step, preventing their decomposition and the relative luminescence quenching. In particular, the role of interface chemistry is investigated by considering both surface passivation by inorganic zinc chalcogenide layers, which allows us to improve the optical properties, and organic thiol ligand passivation, which is fundamental to ensuring the chemical stability of the nanocrystals during in situ radical polymerization. In this way, it is possible to produce silver-indium selenide QD-PMMA composites that exhibit bright red luminescence and high transparency, making them promising for potential applications in photonics. Finally, it is demonstrated that the new silver indium selenide QD-PMMA composites can serve as an efficient color conversion layer for the production of red light-emitting diodes.

Enhancing efficiency of Sb2Se3 solar cell through optimized optical and electrical properties with Bi-layer absorber

In this study, an innovative solar cell utilizing antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) as a base material and incorporating a dual absorber layer is comprehensively examined using the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS-1D) tool. The aim is to assess the performance of the solar cell with different absorber layers in combination with Sb2Se3. Results demonstrate that the solar cell employing an organic CH3NH3SnI3 absorber layer alongside Sb2Se3 achieves superior efficiency compared to one with an inorganic CZTS absorber layer. The two absorber layers investigated are the inorganic Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide (CZTS) and the organic methylammonium tin iodide (CH3NH3SnI3 The dual absorber layer configuration proves advantageous by enhancing light absorption. The solar cell architecture comprises ZnO/i-ZnO/Sb2Se3/CZTS or CH3NH3SnI3/NiO layers, resulting in an improved efficiency of up to 36.70%. Throughout the analysis, parameters such as concentration, band gap, thickness, and temperature are systematically adjusted to evaluate the behavior of this unique solar cell structure. The findings from the study indicate a noticeable enhancement in the performance of Sb2Se3 solar cells when employing the bilayer absorber structure comprising Sb2Se3 and CH3NH3SnI3.

Organic Trace Elements Improve the Eggshell Quality via Eggshell Formation Regulation during the Late Phase of the Laying Cycle.

The quality of eggshells is critical to the egg production industry. The addition of trace elements has been shown to be involved in eggshell formation. Organic trace elements have been found to have higher biological availability than inorganic trace elements. However, the effects of organic trace elements additive doses on eggshell quality during the laying period of commercial laying hens required further investigation. This experiment aims to explore the potential mechanisms of different doses of organic trace elements replacing inorganic elements to remodel the eggshell quality of egg-laying hens during the laying period. A total of 360 healthy hens (Lohmann Pink, 45-week-old) were randomly divided into four treatments, with six replications per treatment and 15 birds per replication. The dietary treatments included a basal diet supplemented with inorganic iron, copper, zinc and manganese at commercial levels (CON), a basal diet supplemented with organic iron, copper, zinc and manganese at 20% commercial levels (LOT), a basal diet supplemented with organic iron, copper, zinc and manganese at 30% commercial levels (MOT), and a basal diet supplemented with organic iron, copper, zinc and manganese at 40% commercial levels (HOT). The trial lasted for 8 weeks. The results of the experiment showed that the replacement of organic trace elements did not significantly affect the production performance of laying hens (p > 0.05). Compared with inorganic trace elements, the MOT and HOT groups improved the structure of the eggshells, enhanced the hardness and thickness of the eggshells, increased the Haugh unit of the eggs, reduced the proportion of the mammillary layer in the eggshell, and increased the proportion of the palisade layer (p < 0.05). In addition, the MOT and HOT groups also increased the enzyme activity related to carbonate transport in the blood, the expression of uterine shell gland-related genes (CA2, OC116, and OCX32), and the calcium and phosphorus content in the eggshells (p < 0.05). We also found that the MOT group effectively reduced element discharge in the feces and enhanced the transportation of iron (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 30-40% organic micronutrients were able to improve eggshell quality in aged laying hens by modulating the activity of serum carbonate transport-related enzymes and the expression of eggshell deposition-related genes.

Impact of binary inorganic salt on micellization of pluronic block copolymers: A photophysical analysis

The impact of binary inorganic salt zinc chloride (ZnCl2) on the micellization behavior of triblock pluronic copolymer, F108 was investigated by various spectroscopic methods in the presence of Coumarin-6 (C6) as a fluorescent probe. Ground and excited state photophysical properties revealed that the microenvironment around the C6 molecule changes in the presence of ZnCl2 compared to that in a salt-free solution. The addition of salt to the medium increases the hydrophobicity and microviscosity of the micelle core. Due to the presence of ZnCl2, the central PPO core experiences dehydration, reduces the interaction between water molecules and PEO groups, and enhances the hydrophobic interaction between C6 and hydrophobic PPO parts in the micelle with more solubility of C6. This study helps to develop the property of copolymers as drug carriers in various pharmaceutical applications and drug delivery systems.

Effects of supplementation with different zinc-based products on the growth and health of Nile tilapia

Zinc is one of the essential microelements for the metabolism of animals. Zinc nanoparticles may have higher bioavailability due to their low specific surface area, facilitating absorption by fish. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with different zinc-based products on the growth and health of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Zinc, in different sizes (nanoparticles or bulk) and forms (inorganic or organic), were used as a supplement in the tilapia diet at a dose of 15 mg kg feed−1 for 60 days. At the end of the feeding trial, production performance, hemato-immunological parameters, activity of antioxidant system enzymes, exposure to Streptococcus agalactiae and zinc concentration in the muscle were examined. After the bacterial challenge, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) significantly increased in the fish treated with organic zinc, inorganic nano zinc, and organic nano zinc, while in the control group (inorganic zinc), MCHC remained unchanged. Regarding defense cells, dietary inorganic nano zinc increased the number of basophils (1.50 ± 1.10) compared to organic zinc (0.80 ± 0.90). Lymphocyte count increased after the challenge only in the organic zinc treatments (bulk and nanoparticles). Neutrophils decreased in the control (inorganic zinc) (2.20 ± 1.70) and inorganic nano zinc (2.60 ± 2.70) treatments after the challenge. When compared before and after the bacterial challenge, the plasma antimicrobial titer significantly increased after the bacterial challenge in all treatments. No significant differences were observed for total proteins, enzymes (SOD and CAT), cumulative survival and zinc deposition on fillet. In conclusion, organic zinc in nanoparticles or bulk size increased Nile tilapia innate defense during bacterial infection. However, the other parameters evaluated were not affected by zinc particle size or form (organic or inorganic), indicating that further evaluations should be conducted with organic zinc in nanoparticles or bulk size in the tilapia diet.

Effect of chronic cyclic heat stress and supplemented inorganic and organic zinc source levels on grow-finish pig growth performance and estimated body composition.

Zinc (Zn) supplementation has proved to mitigate the effects of heat stress with varying effects evident with Zn source during acute heat events. However, the effects of Zn supplementation during long-term summer weather patterns have yet to be explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the effects of supplementation source and level of Zn to mitigate the negative effects of long-term, cyclic heat stress in finishing swine. Six hundred cross-bred pigs were housed under thermoneutral (TN) or cyclic heat (HS) conditions simulating summer heat with acute 3-d heat waves for a 70-d study. Thermoneutral conditions were 16.7 to 18.9 °C throughout the study. HS pigs were housed at the same temperature as TN from days 0 to 18, then 28 °C/24 °C for 12h/12h on days 18 to 21, followed by 30 °C/26.7 °C for 12h/12h on days 24 to 70, except during acute heat (32 to 33 °C/29 to 30 °C, 12h/12h) on days 21 to 24, 42 to 45, and 63 to 66. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial with main effects of environment (HS vs. TN) and dietary available Zn supplementation: (1) 50mg/kg zinc oxide (ZnO), (2) 130mg/kg ZnO, (3) 50mg/kg of organic Zn (Availa Zn), (4) 50mg/kg ZnO + 40mg/kg organic Zn, (5) 50mg/kg ZnO + 60mg/kg organic Zn, and (6) 50mg/kg ZnO + 80mg/kg organic Zn. Pigs (5 pigs/pen) were blocked by initial body weight (72.2kg) and randomly allotted to 1 of 12 temperature and diet treatment combinations across 10 replicates. Body weight and feed intake were determined at the beginning and end of each acute heat event. All pigs were ultrasonically scanned at the 10th rib (TR) to predict loin muscle area (LMA), backfat (BF), and percent lean. Data were analyzed by the MIXED procedure in SAS with pen as the experimental unit. At day 63, HS pigs were lighter (P < 0.05), had lower overall average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.05) and average daily feed intake (P < 0.05). A diet-by-environment interaction was observed for overall ADG (P < 0.05) with diet 5 HS pigs having a 3.9% reduction in ADG whereas diet 6 had 14.4% reduction in ADG, while under TN temperatures diet 6 had the greatest overall ADG of all treatments. Other diets were intermediate in their ADG under both HS and TN conditions. Pigs under HS had less BF at the TR (P < 0.05) and a smaller LMA (P < 0.05), and a greater calculated percent lean (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that a blend of supplemental Zn sources at 50/60mg/kg may mitigate the reduction in growth performance due to HS. While not directly contrasted, the NRC requirement of 50mg/kg Zn may be too low to optimize finishing pig growth performance under both TN and HS conditions.

Failure investigation of an elbow pipe used in sewage water treatment facility

AbstractIn this research work, a real case of failed ASTM A860 WPHY 65 long elbow pipe coated with inorganic zinc ethyl silicate primer is collected from a treatment facility to investigate the root causes of its failure, which was reported after approximately 28 months of use. The failure was investigated using visual observations, metallurgical analysis using optical emission spectroscopy, mechanical testing, X‐ray diffraction of corrosion product, chemical analysis of sewage and corrosion rate test of the elbow using a three‐electrode potential technique, fractographic analysis using scanning electron microscope along with computational analysis to confirm the results. Through the testing, it was observed that severe depletion in the strength can be attributed to erosion–corrosion caused by various impurities present in the sewage, leading to the generation of corrosion pits and turbulent eddies and stresses generated due to sudden changes in fluid flow direction along with gases present in sewage reacting with a base metal. Various failure mechanisms that have led to pipe failure are discussed in this paper, along with a listing of preventive measures to delay it.

Effect of Vitamin D3 Enrichment by Ultra Violet Blue (UVB) Radiation and Dietary Zinc Supplementation on Egg Production and Feed Consumption in Layer Birds

Nutritionists have recently been involved in enriching or altering the nutritional profile of poultry products, such as meat and eggs, in relation to increased consumer interest in the nutritional value of foods. Newer technologies like development of designer eggs were exploited beyond their traditional food value. Designer eggs are those that have modified contents from standard egg according to the consumers’ preference or according to current market demand. The present study to evaluate the influence of vitamin D3 enrichment by UVB radiation and dietary zinc supplementation on egg production and feed consumption in layer birds was conducted at Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, for a period of 12 weeks from 01 February 2020 to 01 May 2020. A total of sixty-four laying hens, belonging to crossbred (White Leghorn N strain and Desi) housed in animal house attached to the department were used in the experiment. The treatments of this study included a control diet (according to BIS 2007) fed group (group I), a group with zinc supplementation alone (group II), a group with UVB exposure without zinc supplementation (group III) and a group with both UVB exposure and zinc supplementation (group IV). The four treatments were tested in 28-week-old crossbred hens in a completely randomised experimental design. Each of the experimental treatments had four replicates with four birds with all standard managemental conditions. The statistical analysis showed that egg production was not significantly affected by UVB light exposure and dietary zinc supplementation. However, the effect of UVB exposure and zinc supplementation via feed was highly significant (p≤0.01) for feed consumption. The highest overall mean feed intake (113.18±0.14 g/day) was recorded with those birds exposed to UVB and fed with inorganic zinc. While the lowest value (107.17±0.24 g/day) was recorded in group of birds fed with zinc supplementation in diet without UVB exposure. As a future prospective we can study the egg production rate and feed consumption rate in layer chicken that are intended for different types of designer egg production.

A case study on Norwegian commercial harvesting and production of Saccharina latissima (Part 1): Effect of processing seaweed on chemical hazards, allergens, and microbiological hazards

When producing seaweed for human consumption, incorporating a “Food Safety-by-Design approach” can help protect human health and ensure the safety of future consumers. Post-harvest processing of seaweed is one strategy to reduce undesirable compounds. The study aimed to determine the effects of a commercial processing strategy (blanching and fermentation) of Norwegian-harvested Saccharina latissima (sugar kelp) on the presence of prioritized food safety hazards. We compiled and prioritized food safety hazards to be analyzed based on the current impact of the hazard, the analytical feasibility, and the fit of the hazard to the case study site. Twelve prioritized hazards were included in the case study analyses: arsenic (total and inorganic), iodine, cadmium, lead, mercury, copper, zinc, the allergen tropomyosin, Salmonella spp., Bacillus spp., norovirus, and Vibrio spp. We found that blanching was very effective in reducing iodine concentrations but mildly increased the zinc concentration. Fermentation of blanched seaweed further decreased iodine concentrations and had similar effects on inorganic arsenic, cadmium, and zinc. An unintentional increase in copper was observed. Bacillus cereus was detected in a blanched sample and fermented samples. Vibrio alginolyticus seemed to be introduced during blanching, yet fermentation greatly reduced the detection frequency. Our study illustrates the importance of clearly defining the goals of seaweed processing and optimizing the process for food safety hazards. Meanwhile, it is advised to monitor for unintended effects that may occur during processing, such as, in our case, the introduction of copper and pathogens like B. cereus and Vibrio spp. This study serves as an example for seaweed stakeholders on how to consider a Food Safety-by-Design concept and a risk-based approach during seaweed harvest and post-harvest processing.

Unlocking the potential of a zirconium-based MOF for advanced protective coatings: Delve into the UIO-66 smart release functioning for a bio-based Zn2+ complex

In recent years, the incorporation of nanoreservoirs into epoxy coating (EP) formulations has gained significant traction, primarily for their role in delivering self-healing capabilities. This research endeavor is centered around the synthesis and application of a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) known as UIO-66, specifically designed for the encapsulation of corrosion inhibitors. A novel breakthrough is achieved by simultaneously loading of a green organic inhibitor (Spand extract) and inorganic zinc cations into the highly porous UIO-66, yielding a pioneering bio-based controlled-release nanoreservoir, denoted as UIO-SP.Zn. The UIO-SP.Zn nanoreservoir is characterized through multiple techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The controlled-release and pH-sensitive behavior of the UIO-SP.Zn structure are thoroughly evaluated through inductively coupled plasma and UV–vis spectroscopic analyses at three separate pH levels. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results underscore the remarkable enhancement in corrosion protection for steel components exposed to a saline medium (3.5 % NaCl) upon the addition of a 1000 ppm UIO-SP.Zn solution, achieving a total resistance of 10,350 Ω.cm2 after a 96 h immersion. The self-healing and active protection of scratched nano-coatings are meticulously examined through electrochemical techniques, revealing that the EP-coated panel incorporating UIO-SP.Zn nanoreservoirs (EP/UIO-SP.Zn) exhibits a substantial impedance (exceeding 60 kohm.cm2) even after prolonged exposure (72 h). Furthermore, the coating's dry pull-off strength registers a notable increase (40.3 %), while delamination is reduced by 50.1 % compared to the unmodified EP coating, signifying the promising adhesion properties of EP/UIO-SP.Zn.

Comparative Effects of Including Inorganic, Organic, and Hydroxy Zinc Sources on Growth Development, Egg Quality, Mineral Excretion, and Bone Health of Laying Quails.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the dietary addition of zinc (Zn) in the form of sulphate (Zn-S), glycine (Zn-G), and hydroxychloride (Zn-H) on quail performance, eggshell quality, antioxidant status, mineral excretion, biomechanical properties and mineralization of bone. A total of 75 female quails (10-weeks-old) were randomly distributed into 3 groups with 5 replications, each with 5 female quails. Treatment groups were set up by adding Zn-S and Zn-H as the inorganic form and Zn-G as the organic form of zinc to the corn-soybean basal diet (34.14mg/kg Zn) to obtain 50mg/kg Zn and the feeding experiment lasted for 12 weeks. Performance parameters and egg production were not impaired by the Zn source (P > 0.05). The inclusion of Zn-S in the diet produced a reduction in eggshell thickness, while an improvement in yolk antioxidant capacity (measured as MDA concentration) was detected compared to the other Zn sources (P < 0.05). Shear strength and cortical bone area increased (P < 0.05) with Zn-G supplementation, however, the mineral concentration of the tibia was higher (P < 0.01) in those quails who had received Zn-H. Lower levels of mineral excretion were observed in both types of supplementations compared to Zn-S. Therefore, it can be stated that Zn-G or Zn-H supplementation in the diet of laying quails could be an interesting strategy to reduce mineral excretion and improve bone mineralization without affecting performance compared to Zn-S. However, further studies are needed to determine the differences between Zn-G and Zn-H.

Role of Silver Nanoparticles for the Control of Anthelmintic Resistance in Small and Large Ruminants.

Helminths are considered a significant threat to the livestock industry, as they cause substantial economic losses in small and large ruminant farming. Their morbidity and mortality rates are also increasing day by day as they have zoonotic importance. Anthelmintic drugs have been used for controlling these parasites; unfortunately, due to the development of resistance of these drugs in helminths (parasites), especially in three major classes like benzimidazoles, nicotinic agonists, and macrocyclic lactones, their use is becoming very low. Although new anthelmintics are being developed, the process is time-consuming and costly. As a result, nanoparticles are being explored as an alternative to anthelmintics. Nanoparticles enhance drug effectiveness, drug delivery, and target specificity and have no resistance against parasites. Different types of nanoparticles are used, such as organic (chitosan) and inorganic (gold, silver, zinc oxide, iron oxide, and nickel oxide). One of them, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), has unique properties in various fields, especially parasitology. AgNPs are synthesized from three primary methods: physical, chemical, and biological. Their primary mechanism of action is causing stress through the production of ROS that destroys cells, organs, proteins, and DNA parasites. The present review is about AgNPs, their mode of action, and their role in controlling anthelmintic resistance against small and large ruminants.

Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm efficacy of different inorganic and organic zinc forms against multidrug-resistant Escherichia, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas

In our study antibacterial and anti-biofilm efficacy of 2 inorganics (Zn(II) sulphate monohydrate; Zn(II) sulphate heptahydrate) and 3 organic Zn(II) substances (Zn(II) chelate of protein hydrolysate: Zn-Bio; Zn(II) chelate of amino acid hydrate: Zn-AMK; Zn(II) chelate of glycine hydrate: Zn-Gly) were explored and compared against multidrug resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Klebsiella oxytoca (K. oxytoca) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) using by the 96- wells microtiter plate-based resazurin and/or crystal violet assay. Our finding confirmed that Zn(II)-sulphates and Zn(II)-amino acid complexes exhibit dose and genus-based antibacterial and anti-biofilm potential. Organic compounds (Zn-AMK and Zn-Gly) were more effective against bacterial growth, except P. aeruginosa. Besides Zn-AMK, others organic and inorganic forms of Zn(II) caused predominantly statistically significant decrease of biofilm production in all of tested bacteria. Current data highlights that Zn(II) in various forms has a great potential to be developed as antibacterial and anti-biofilm agents.

Weaning pig performance can be enhanced by replacing dietary inorganic copper and zinc with glycine or methionine-chelated copper and zinc

Weaning pig performance can be enhanced by replacing dietary inorganic copper and zinc with glycine or methionine-chelated copper and zinc