Iron Ions Research Articles

8-weeks aerobic exercise ameliorates cognitive deficit and mitigates ferroptosis triggered by iron overload in the prefrontal cortex of APP Swe/PSEN 1dE9 mice through Xc-/GPx4 pathway.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by notable pathological features such as neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid beta deposition. Additionally, the significant iron accumulation in the brain is another important pathological hallmark of AD. Exercise can play a positive role in ameliorating AD, but the mechanism is unclear. The purpose of the study is to explore the effect of regular aerobic exercise iron homeostasis and lipid antioxidant pathway regarding ferroptosis in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of APP Swe/PSEN 1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice. Eighty 6-month-old C57BL/6 J and APP/PS1 mice were divided equally into 8-weeks aerobic exercise groups and sedentary groups. Subsequently, Y-maze, Morris water maze test, iron ion detection by probe, Western Blot, ELISA, RT-qPCR, HE, Nissle, Prussian Blue, IHC, IF, and FJ-C staining experiments were conducted to quantitatively assess the behavioral performance, iron levels, iron-metabolism-related proteins, lipid antioxidant-related proteins and morphology in each group of mice. In APP/PS1 mice, the increase in heme input proteins and heme oxygenase lead to the elevated levels of free iron in the PFC. The decrease in ferritin content by ferritin autophagy fails to meet the storage needs for excess free iron within the nerve cells. Ultimately, the increase of free ferrous iron triggers the Fenton reaction, may lead to ferroptosis and resulting in cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice. However, 8-weeks aerobic exercise induce upregulation of the Xc-/GPx4 pathway, which can reverse the lipid peroxidation process, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in APP/PS1 mice. 8 weeks aerobic exercise can improve learning and memory abilities in AD, upregulate GPx4/Xc- pathway in PFC to reduce ferroptosis induced by AD.

Characteristics of the Klebsiella Pneumoniae Strain Isolated from a Positive Blood Culture of a Premature Newborn Baby According to the Results of Whole Genome Sequencing

Relevance. K. pneumoniae is a common nosocomial pathogen in pediatric hospitals, often characterized by the presence of a wide range of virulence factors and genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance. Аim. To analyze the results obtained during wholegenome sequencing of a Klebsiella pneumoniae strain isolated from a positive blood culture of a premature newborn. Materials and methods. An ESBL-producing strain of K. pneumoniae isolated from a positive blood culture of a newborn premature infant. Sequencing was performed on the MiSeq platform (Illumina). Analysis of DNA nucleotide sequences of the complete genome of K. pneumoniae was carried out using the website of the Center for Genomic Epidemiology. The search for genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance and virulence was carried out using online services. Results and its discussion. The resulting nucleotide sequence was 5,414,099 bp in length, and the proportion of GC nitrogenous bases was 57.3%. The isolated strain belonged to the sequence type ST3559, had 4 genes encoding the synthesis of enzymes that hydrolyze antibacterial drugs from the beta-lactam group, 2 genes providing resistance to quinolones/fluoroquinolones, 1 resistance gene each to trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, fosfomycin and aminoglycoside antibiotics. Most of the virulence factor genes identified in the studied strain ensure the recognition and absorption of iron ions necessary for the competitive functioning of the bacterial cell. K. pneumoniae possesses the acrA efflux pump gene and its regulators, as well as 4 prophage particles and 1 CRISPCas IE system. Conclusions. Whole-genome sequencing of the K. pneumoniae strain isolated from a positive blood culture of a premature newborn allows us to characterize in detail the causative agent of a generalized infection and detect a wide range of genetic determinants of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance. The ESBL-producing strain of K. pneumoniae, as the etiological agent of neonatal sepsis, was characterized by the presence of virulence genes, multidrug resistance, both due to genes encoding enzymes that hydrolyze antibiotics, and due to the presence of efflux pumps and their regulators. The use of the results of traditional cultural research methods together with high-throughput sequencing data is a promising area of scientific research and has a reserve of practical application in the field of clinical medicine, genetics of microorganisms, molecular epidemiology at the local and global levels

Genistein and daidzein induce ferroptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in targeting ferroptosis for the treatment and prevention of multiple cancers. This study aimed to assess the contribution of ferroptosis to the antiproliferative effects of genistein (GN) and daidzein (DZ) in breast cancer cell lines. MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were employed as an in vitro model. The antiproliferative effects of GN and DZ were determined by WST-1 assay in the presence of specific inhibitors of different cell death pathways. The mRNA expressions of Gpx4 and Fsp-1, the levels of lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio, and intracellular iron ion content were assessed in GN- or DZ-treated cells. GN and DZ were found to cause ferroptotic cell death in MDA-MB-231, as confirmed by the reversal of viability when cells were pretreated with ferrostatin-1. Furthermore, both phytochemicals induced biochemical markers of ferroptosis, including lipid peroxidation and iron ions levels, and decreased GSH/GSSG levels. The mRNA expression levels of the main anti-ferroptotic genes, Gpx4 and Fsp-1, were diminished by the treatment of both phytochemicals. Surprisingly, ferroptosis did not play a role in GN- or DZ-induced cell death in MCF-7 cells. Our findings highlight the potential of GN and DZ as ferroptosis inducers in triple-negative breast cancer cells.

The Efficiency of Chemical and Electrochemical Coagulation Methods for Pretreatment of Wastewater from Underground Coal Gasification

This article compares chemical coagulation with electrocoagulation, two popular methods for the primary treatment of wastewater generated in the process of underground coal gasification (UCG). The primary aim was to determine which method is more effective in the removal of cyanide and sulphide ions, metals and metalloids, as well as organic compounds. In both cases, experiments were conducted in batch 1 dm3 reactors and using iron ions. Four types of coagulants were tested during the chemical coagulation study: FeCl2, FeSO4, Fe2(SO4)3, and FeCl3. In the electrocoagulation experiments, pure iron Armco steel was used to manufacture the sacrificial iron anode. Both processes were tested under a wide range of operating conditions (pH, time, Fe dose) to determine their maximum efficiency for treating UCG wastewater. It was found that, through electrocoagulation, a dose as low as 60 mg Fe/dm3 leads to >60% cyanide reduction and >98% sulphide removal efficiency, while for chemical coagulation, even a dose of 307 mg Fe/dm3 did not achieve more than 24% cyanide ion removal. Moreover, industrial chemical coagulants, especially when used in very high doses, can be a substantial source of cross-contamination with trace elements.

Selective leaching of lithium from mixed spent lithium iron phosphate powder

In recent years, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have been widely used in the electric vehicle industry. The recycling of spent LFP will be propitious to conserving resources and alleviating the environmental risks it poses. In this study, a selective extraction method for lithium from spent LFP was proposed using nitric acid. Lithium leached into the liquid phase, while P and Fe remained in the leaching residue. Under the conditions of 120°C, HNO3/Li molar ratio of 2, and time of 2 h, the leaching efficiency of lithium reached 99.5 %, with a selectivity reaching 82.1 %. Initially, LFP was decomposed to liberate Li, Fe, and P in the liquid phase. Subsequently, ferrous ions were oxidized to trivalent, high-valent iron ions re-precipitated as FePO4·2 H2O. Thermodynamic calculations indicate that the temperature and pH value of the extraction system have significant influence on both the oxidation and reprecipitation steps. An imbalance of Fe/P ratio (<1) in the raw material hinders the selectivity of lithium extraction, and supplementing this portion of Fe can enhance the selectivity to over 90 %. Additionally, LiCO3 and anhydrous FePO4 were effectively regenerated from the leachate and residue. This study provides a novel approach for the recycling of spent LFP and probably contributes to the sustainability of the lithium ion battery industry.

Exploring the Biocontrol Potential of Phanerochaete chrysosporium against Wheat Crown Rot.

The worldwide occurrence of wheat crown rot, predominantly caused by the pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum, has a serious impact on wheat production. Numerous microorganisms have been employed as biocontrol agents, exhibiting effectiveness in addressing a wide array of plant pathogens through various pathways. The mycelium of the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium effectively inhibits the growth of F. pseudograminearum by tightly attaching to it and forming specialized penetrating structures. This process leads to the release of intracellular inclusions and the eventual disintegration of pathogen cells. Furthermore, volatile organic compounds and fermentation products produced by P. chrysosporium exhibit antifungal properties. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and modalities of action will facilitate the advancement and implementation of this biocontrol fungus. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the mycoparasitic behavior of P. chrysosporium, transcriptome analyses were conducted to examine the interactions between P. chrysosporium and F. pseudograminearum at 36, 48, and 84 h. During mycoparasitism, the up-regulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding fungal cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs), iron ion binding, and mycotoxins were mainly observed. Moreover, pot experiments revealed that P. chrysosporium not only promoted the growth and quality of wheat but also hindered the colonization of F. pseudograminearum in wheat seedlings. This led to a delay in the development of stem base rot, a reduction in disease severity and incidence, and the activation of the plant's self-defense mechanisms. Our study provides important insights into the biocontrol mechanisms employed by P. chrysosporium against wheat crown rot caused by F. pseudograminearum.

Raman imaging unveils heme uptake in endothelial cells

Heme released from damaged and senescent red blood cells (RBCs) may contribute to oxidant-mediated cell injury. One of the recently investigated physiological processes, essential in preventing the inflammatory impact of labile heme, is its uptake from the bloodstream by endothelial cells (ECs). In this study, we investigated heme uptake by ECs starting from the model studies on the in vitro cellular level, through the endothelium layer on the ex vivo murine aortic tissues. As the cellular model, Human Aortic Endothelial Cells (HAECs) were chosen, and the concentration of labile heme was adjusted so to avoid the excessive toxic effect of the labile heme. We utilized label-free Raman imaging with two different excitation wavelengths to capture the uptake process in situ and characterize the oxidation state of the iron ion in the intercalated heme. The phenomenon of heme uptake was demonstrated in both, the healthy control C57Bl/6J and FVB animals, as well as in mice with developed atherosclerosis (ApoE/LDLR−/− mice). In the presented work, we presented for the first time Raman-based evidence on the heme uptake process by endothelial cells in both, in vitro and ex vivo systems.

Amphetamine-like Deferiprone and Clioquinol Derivatives as Iron Chelating Agents.

The accumulation of iron in dopaminergic neurons can cause oxidative stress and dopaminergic neuron degeneration. Iron chelation therapy may reduce dopaminergic neurodegeneration, but chelators should be targeted towards dopaminergic cells. In this work, two series of compounds based on 8-hydroxyquinoline and deferiprone, iron chelators that have amphetamine-like structures, have been designed, synthesized and characterized. Each of these compounds chelated iron ions in aqueous solution. The hydroxyquinoline-based compounds exhibited stronger iron-binding constants than those of the deferiprone derivatives. The hydroxyquinoline-based compounds also exhibited greater free radical scavenging activities compared to the deferiprone derivatives. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the hydroxyquinoline-based compounds generally bound well within human dopamine transporter cavities. Thus, these compounds are excellent candidates for future exploration as drugs against diseases that are affected by iron-induced dopaminergic neuron damage, such as Parkinson's disease.

A ferrous fluorescence lifetime response probe for monitoring changes in lipid droplets during ferroptosis and imaging in liver disease model

Ferrous ions (Fe2⁺) accumulation and abnormal alterations in lipid droplets (LDs) are closely associated with ferroptosis. In the liver, excessive iron accumulation promotes oxidative stress and exacerbates lipid droplet accumulation, while the disruption of iron homeostasis may also affect the formation and size of lipid droplets, their increased number and size can exacerbate the severity of disease under fatty liver conditions. The leads to hepatocyte damage, further triggering liver inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately resulting in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, real-time monitoring of iron ion and lipid droplet changes is crucial for assessing the severity of liver disease, disease progression, and understanding the mechanisms of ferroptosis. We have developed a fluorescent probe, NRFep, for real-time monitoring of iron ion fluctuations and visualization of lipid droplet changes in ferroptosis and liver disease models. NRFep is specific and sensitive to iron ions and exhibits excellent stability in both cells and animal models. In addition, NRFep can be used to monitor changes in iron ions and lipid droplets in mouse liver injury and fatty liver models. Through fluorescence lifetime imaging technology, NRFep can also study the dynamic changes of intracellular iron ion content. NRFep provides a powerful tool for studying ferroptosis and related diseases, and its unique dual-monitoring function opens up new possibilities for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Mixed phase iron oxides thin layers by atmospheric-pressure chemical vapor deposition method

This paper provides a simple method for producing a metal oxide thin layer methodology by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) synthesis over stainless steel substrates. This methodology enables the formation of thin iron oxide layers at its performance at various temperatures of 330 °C, 430 °C, and 530 °C. The deposition arises from thermal decomposition of the iron organometallic precursor Fe3(CO)12, forming a thin layer of iron oxide is, by the ozone present in the reaction chamber promoting the deposition of the iron oxide particles over the substrate. The Raman characterization suggest that at 330 °C, a mixture of hematite and magnetite is predominant on the as deposited substrates, also hematite modes show to be more pronounced as the band at 300 cm-1 narrows. Conversely, magnetite is prominent at higher synthesis temperatures, exhibiting a more intense Eg5 mode at 680 cm-1. The particles exhibit a uniform morphology, with both metal oxide phases coexisting. The average diameter of the particles is 50 nanometers as scanning electronic microscopy shows in a transversal sample section.•The formation of particles is attributed to the combination of iron ions +2 and +3 in the deposition process and their interaction with oxygen in the given synthesis parameters at atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD).

Engineering Biodegradable Hollow Silica/Iron Composite Nanozymes for Breast Tumor Treatment through Activation of the "Ferroptosis Storm".

The activation of cellular ferroptosis is promising in tumor therapy. However, ferroptosis is parallelly inhibited by antiferroptotic substances, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1). Thus, it is highly desirable, yet challenging, to simultaneously suppress these three antiferroptotic substances for activating ferroptosis. Here, we rationally designed a hollow iron-doped SiO2-based nanozyme (FeSHS) loaded with brequinar (BQR) and lificiguat (YC-1), named FeSHS/BQR/YC-1-PEG, for tumor ferroptosis activation. FeSHS were developed through the continuous etching of SiO2 nanoparticles by iron ions, which exhibit pH/glutathione-responsive biodegradability, along with mimicking the activities of peroxidase, glutathione oxidase, and NAD(P)H oxidase. Specifically, glutathione depletion and NAD(P)H oxidation by FeSHS will suppress the expression of GPX4 and inhibit FSP1 by disrupting the NAD(P)H/FSP1/ubiquinone axis. In addition, the released BQR can suppress the expression of DHODH. Meanwhile, YC-1 is able to increase the cellular polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) by destroying the HIF-1α/lipid droplet axis. The elevation of levels of iron and PUFAs while simultaneously disrupting the GPX4/DHODH/FSP1 inhibitory pathways by our designed nanoplatform displayed high therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. This work elucidates rationally designing smart nanoplatforms for ferroptosis activation and future tumor treatments.

Selenylated Analogs of Tacrine: Synthesis, In Silico and In Vitro Studies of Toxicology and Antioxidant Properties.

We present our results on the synthesis and preliminary in silico and in vitro studies of the toxicology and antioxidant properties of selenylated analogs of Tacrine. Initially, we synthesized 2-aminobenzonitriles containing an organic selenium moiety, resulting in sixteen compounds with various substituents linked to the portion derived from diorganyl diselenide. These compounds were then used as substrates in reactions with cyclic ketones, in the presence of 1.4 equivalents of trifluoroboroetherate as a Lewis acid, to synthesize selenylated analogs of Tacrine with yields ranging from 20 % to 87 %. In silico studies explored computational parameters related to antioxidant activity and hepatotoxicity. In vitro studies elucidated the antioxidant effects of Tacrine and its selenium hybrid (TSe) in neutralizing ABTS radicals, scavenging DPPH radicals, and reducing iron ions. Additionally, the acute oral toxicity of one synthesized compound was evaluated.

Preparation of Fe-doped coffee ground biochar and activation of PMS for chloroquine phosphate removal

Iron-doped biochar catalyst (Fe-CGB) was synthesized by embedding rust into coffee grounds using a high-temperature water bath. Fe-CGB was then used with activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to treat chloroquine phosphate (CQP) contaminated wastewater. The presence of biochar facilitates the cycling between Fe(III) and Fe(II) species, thereby augmenting the activation efficacy of PMS. The Fe-CGB/PMS system demonstrated exceptional catalytic degradation efficacy, achieving complete removal of CQP within a mere 30 min, with a reaction rate constant of 0.1501 min−1, surpassing the unmodified coffee grounds biochar by a factor of 47. Notably, under extreme pH conditions and in the presence of complex inorganic ions, CQP was entirely eliminated within 60 min. Mechanistic investigations revealed that biochar-mediated promotion of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle amplifies the activation efficiency of PMS, leading to the generation of abundant sulfate radicals (SO4·−) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which facilitate pollutant decomposition. Furthermore, Fe-CGB exhibited notable stability across multiple cycles, with minimal iron ion leaching and facile separation from the solution. Subsequently, the degradation effects of 18 organic pollutants were evaluated, and their potential as effective treatment methods for multiple pollution scenarios were explored in combination with theoretical calculations. Overall,this study provides insights into PMS activation as well as waste management.

Adsorption of dibenzothiophene sulfone using Fe3+ and Fe6+-impregnated clay adsorbents

In this study, the adsorption of dibenzothiophene sulfone (DBTO) was investigated using clay minerals as adsorbents. Raw bentonite (BR) and raw activated clay (ACR) were impregnated with Fe3+ and Fe6+, creating bentonite-Fe3+ (BF3), bentonite-Fe6+ (BF6), activated clay-Fe3+ (ACF3), and activated clay-Fe6+ (ACF6). The surface functional groups, surface morphology, and surface area of the raw and modified adsorbents were studied through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, a scanning electron microscope, and Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller analysis, respectively. Batch experiments on simulated oil were done to test the effect of adsorption time (0.5–24 h), adsorption dosage (0.3–1.5 g), and adsorption temperature (30–50 °C). The results of the experiments showed the suitability of the pseudo-second order kinetic model on the clay adsorbent and sulfone system. This suggests that chemisorption is the rate-limiting step of the reaction. Equilibrium isotherms indicated the adherence of DBTO onto BR and BF3 to the Freundlich model, implying the heterogeneous adsorption of the sulfones onto the adsorbents. The systems of DBTO with BF6, ACR, ACF3, and ACF6 showed a better fit with the Dubinin-Radushkevich model. This denotes that adsorption happens through the filling of sulfones of the micropores on the adsorbent. Lastly, thermodynamic studies revealed the endothermic and non-spontaneous nature of the clay adsorbents and sulfone systems. The experiments showed that the impregnation of Fe3+ and Fe6+ lowered the desulfurization ability of the adsorbents. This could be due to the iron ions being hard acids and the sulfones being soft bases, thus showing lower compatibility than the raw counterparts of the adsorbents. Comparison with related studies showed that the prepared adsorbents, namely BF3 (5.1 mg g−1) and BF6 (6.4 mg g−1), had a higher adsorption capacity than Ni2+-loaded activated carbon (4.9 mg g−1) and activated clay (4.1 mg g−1). The study shows that BR (7.2 mg g−1) is the best-performing adsorbent, which can be set as the direction for future research. This study is a step toward the commercialization of oxidative desulfurization methods.

HDAC10 inhibits non-small-cell lung cancer cell ferroptosis through the microRNA-223-5p-SLC7A11 axis.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading attributor to cancer deaths. High HDAC10 and low microRNA (miR)-223-5p levels have been observed in NSCLC. But their roles remain elusive. This study illustrated their roles in NSCLC cell ferroptosis and the mechanism. HDAC10, miR-223-5p, and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) levels in cells were determined by RT-qPCR. Iron ion content, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) levels were tested using reagent kits, and levels of SLC7A11 and Acyl-CoA synthesis long chain family (ACSL4) were examined using Western blot. Chromatin immunoprecision was performed to analyze the enrichment of HDAC10 and acetylated lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3K9ac) on the miR-223-5p promoter. The targeted binding of miR-223-5p and SLC7A11 was analyzed by dual-luciferase assay. Joint experiments were designed to identify the role of miR-223-5p/SLC7A11 axis in HDAC10-regulated ferroptosis in NSCLC cells. HDAC10 was highly expressed in NSCLC cells. Silencing HDAC10 significantly reduced GSH and SLC7A11 levels, upregulated iron ion content, ROS levels, and ACSL4 expression, promoting cell ferroptosis. Mechanically, HDAC10 inhibited miR-223-5p expression through H3K9ac deacetylation of the miR-223-5p promoter, thereby targeting SLC7A11. The joint experimental results showed that overexpression of SLC7A11 or downregulation of miR-223-5p alleviated the promoting effect of silencing HDAC10 on ferroptosis in NSCLC cells. HDAC10 inhibits miR-223-5p expression through H3K9ac deacetylation of the miR-223-5p promoter, thereby promoting SLC7A11 expression and inhibiting ferroptosis in NSCLC cells.

Iron chelation capacity and prediction of peptide binding modes identified in California red worm hydrolysates and effects on iron bioavailability in differentiated Caco-2 cells

Metal-chelating peptides represent an alternative for overcoming iron deficiencies, a common nutritional disease affecting populations worldwide. This study explored the iron-chelating activity of California red worm hydrolysates (WH) and its fractions. WH was obtained by hydrolysis with Alcalase 2.4 L and fractionated using a ceramic membrane with molecular weight cutoff 3 kDa. Both the complete hydrolysate and its fractions were assessed for their in-vitro iron-chelating activity and their ability to improve iron bioavailability through ferritin formation by differentiated Caco-2 cells assay. Finally, peptides in the fraction with the highest activity were sequenced by LC-MS/MS analysis and molecular docking was performed to elucidate the chelation mechanism. The findings reveal that the smallest fraction (F < 3 kDa) exhibits the most potent iron-chelating activity with IC50 value like carnosine. Moreover, in intestinal-like differentiated Caco-2 cells, this fraction enhances iron bioavailability in a remarkable 77.9% in comparison to FeSO4 alone. On the other hand, the peptide SLLDDRLDEK identified in this fraction presents the lowest value of affinity energy (−1.5 kcal/mol) and exhibits specific interactions with iron, allowing iron ions to be trapped within its structure. These results underscore the potential of F < 3 kDa fractions from WH as promising candidates for increasing iron bioavailability and addressing iron deficiency and related health concerns.

A Zwitterionic Hydrogel-Based Heterogeneous Fenton Catalyst for Water Treatment.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including xenoestrogens and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), demand urgent global intervention. Fenton oxidation, catalyzed by iron ions, offers a cost-effective means to degrade POPs. However, numerous challenges like acid dependency, catalyst loss, and toxic waste generation hinder practical application. Efforts to create long-lasting heterogeneous Fenton catalysts, capable of simultaneously eliminating acid requirements, sustaining rapid kinetics, and retaining iron efficiently, have been unsuccessful. This study introduces an innovative heterogeneous zwitterionic hydrogel-based Fenton catalyst, surmounting these challenges in a cost-effective and scalable manner. The hydrogel, hosting individually complexed iron ions in a porous scaffold, exhibits substantial effective surface area and kinetics akin to homogeneous Fenton reactions. Complexed ions within the hydrogel can initiate Fenton degradation at neutral pH, eliminating acid additions. Simultaneously, the zwitterionic hydrogel scaffold, chosen for its resistance to Fenton oxidation, forms strong bonds with iron ions, enabling prolonged reuse. Diverging from existing designs, the catalyst proves compatible with UV-Fenton processes and achieves rapid self-regeneration during operation, offering a promising solution for the efficient and scalable degradation of POPs. The study underscores the efficacy of the approach by demonstrating the swift degradation of three significant contaminants-xenoestrogens, pesticides, and PFAS-across multiple cycles at traceconcentrations.

The comparative effects of cobalt and/or iron ions as dopants into Ba(Zr, Y)O3-δ-based perovskite cathodes for intermediate-temperature SOFCs

The development of highly active cathode is crucial to promote the electrochemical performance of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). Here, it is reported the cobalt and/or iron ions as dopants into Ba(Zr, Y)O3-δ with the nominal chemical formulae of BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ (BCFZY), BaCo0.8Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ (BCZY), and BaFe0.8Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ (BFZY), which all form the main cubic perovskites in addition to a small amount of co-assembled hexagonal D-Ba(Co, Fe)O3-δ, D-BaCoO3-δ, and D-BaFeO3-δ under the same preparing condition. Among three samples, BCZY composite shows the highest capacity of O2 adsorption, lower thermal expansion coefficient (19.1×10-6 K-1), and highest electrical conductivity of 2.73 S cm-1 (750 °C). The symmetric cell with BCZY composite cathode exhibits excellent ORR activity with the lowest area specific resistance of 0.10 Ω cm2 at 700 °C, which is 0.71 and 0.67 times those of BCFZY composite and BFZY composite cathodes. Accordingly, the single cell with BCZY composite cathode shows the lowest RP of 0.16 Ω cm2 and the highest peak power density of 2.24 W cm2 at 700 °C. The distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis reveals that BCZY composite cathode shows the superior surficial oxygen exchange and charge transfer activity.

The Solid‐State Battery Applicational Technology: Material Characteristics and Charge–Discharge Mechanisms of Iron Chloride Electrodes

ABSTRACTThis study delves into the unique characteristics of an iron chloride cathode with a solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) and the construction of a button cell battery (BT cell) for its evaluation. The iron ions in this system can provide either divalent or trivalent ions, which possess a higher electrical capacity (~200 mAh/g) and competitive advantages. The solid‐state electrolyte materials, iron compounds (chloride, oxide), exhibit high activation in electrochemistry. After the cycle test, the ferric chloride electrolyte transforms into another iron hydroxide compound due to its high activation. The study examines iron, ferric oxide (Fe2O3), and ferrous chloride (FeCl2) as cathode materials and evaluates their impact on the battery. Cyclic voltammetry compares the potential and current values of the redox reactions among the three. Finally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) explores the ferric chloride layer and iron hydroxide in ferrous chloride. The study focuses on the high electrochemical activity of the iron chloride layer and explores the crystal structure and composition for electrochemical analysis. The findings of this study are crucial for understanding the potential of iron‐ion batteries and the role of iron compounds in improving battery performance.

Extracellular Acidosis, Cysteine, and Glutathione Enhance the Toxic Effect of Copper Ions in Cultures of Cerebellar Granule Neurons.

We studied the effect of extracellular acidosis, cysteine, glutathione, and iron ions (Fe3+) on the neurocytotoxic effect of copper ions (Cu2+) in vitro. At acidic pH of the culture medium (pH 6.8), the toxic effect of copper on cultured neurons significantly increased in comparison with that at neutral pH 7.3. In the presence of 25 μM Cu2+ in the culture medium at pH 7.3 and 6.8, the neuronal survival was 89±2 and 63±4%, respectively. In the presence of glutathione or cysteine (1 μM) in the culture medium, even 0.5 μM Cu2+ caused 100% death of cultured neurons, while the presence of Fe3+ (10-50 μM) had no effect on the toxicity of Cu2+. In general, acidosis or the presence of glutathione or cysteine increases the cytotoxicity of copper ions.