Matrix Compounds Research Articles

Degradation of carbamazepine in surface water: performance of Pd-modified TiO2 and Ce-modified ZnO as photocatalysts.

Carbamazepine is a widely used antiepileptic drug to control and treat a variety of disorders that is frequently detected in surface water, and in municipal and urban wastewater. This recalcitrant pollutant could be removed by alternative advanced oxidation technology such as heterogeneous photocatalysis. Ce-modified ZnO and Pd-modified TiO2 were synthesized by a microwave-assisted sol-gel method. According to the characterizations (Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), a mixture of oxides was determined in both materials: CeO2/ZnO and PdO/TiO2. Photocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine in pure water under visible light (3h) was assayed. The degradation percentage obtained with each catalyst was 80%, 53%, 20%, and 9% for ZnO, Ce-modified ZnO, TiO2, and Pd-modified TiO2, respectively. The leaching of Zn as a possible source of water contamination was tested, finding the lowest value for Ce-modified ZnO by adjusting the initial pH up to neutrality. Later, an environmentally relevant concentration of carbamazepine (228µg L-1) was assayed, using local surface water (pH = 8.3). Despite the presence of other compounds in the real water matrix, after 5h of photocatalysis, a 56% of degradation of the pharmaceutical and low leaching of Zn were achieved. The use of Ce-modified ZnO activated by visible light is a promising strategy for the abatement of pharmaceutical active compounds.

Poly(ethylene succinate)/hemp fiber composites: Fully biobased materials with improved thermal and biodegradation properties

Fully biobased composite materials were prepared from poly(ethylene succinate) (PESu) and hemp fibers isolated from hemp agricultural wastes. Different amounts of hemp fibers were incorporated in PESu from 10% to 75%. Additionally, the effect of Joncryl ADR® 4400 (JC) as a compatibilizer was investigated. The chemical structure, thermal behavior, crystallization, mechanical properties, antioxidant activity, hydrophilicity and soil degradation of the materials were studied. Mechanical properties are initially increased up to 20–50% HF but decrease with further addition of hemp fibers. On the other hand, antioxidant activity and soil degradation increase proportionally with the HF content. Quite unexpectedly, hydrophobicity increases with the incorporation of HF probably due to the incorporation of non-cellulosic hydrophobic compounds in the polymeric matrix. Last but not least, JC effectively contributes to a higher fiber/polymeric matrix adhesion, resulting in improved properties.

Characterization of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) and taro (Colocasia esculenta) flours with potential application in the preparation of both gluten-free and high protein foods.

Background: Interest in alternative sources of tubers and legumes has increased in recent years because of the constant search for raw materials that provide bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential benefits for consumers. The functionality of new raw materials is sought through physical and/or chemical modifications to develop and innovate new foods. The objective of this study was to characterize taro (TF) (Colocasia esculenta) and sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) flours, obtained by the wet (SIF-WM) and defatted method (SIF-DM), as an alternative for the formulation of new functional foods. Methods: The free polyphenols of the different mixtures were analyzed, and the antioxidant properties of the extracts obtained were measured using ABTS.* (2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). The ABTS radical method, which reacts with the phenolic compounds of the food matrix, using Trolox as a standard. The blends were subjected to pasting analysis, flow profile tests, determination of viscoelastic properties (temperature sweep). Characterization of common microorganisms in these foods was performed. Results: The highest protein value was obtained in the sacha inchi flour obtained by the defatted method (72.62). The majority of components in taro were carbohydrates (85.4%). About antioxidant and determination of free polyphenols, taro flour obtained values of 2.71 µmol ET/g and 7.47 mg EAG/g, higher than Sacha inchi flours. In the rheological analysis (pasting properties, flow profile, and viscoelasticity), we observed that adding taro flour in different mixtures increases the viscosity peak and a lower breakdown, while there was an increase in setback. Except for defatted sacha flour, the others presented a flow index >1 before heating, showing a dilatant fluid behavior. The presence of Taro flour improves gel formation and stability. Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella were present in the taro flour. Conclusions: The flours analyzed represent a raw material with great potential for the development of gluten-free foods with functional properties.

Multi-omics characterization of the microbial populations and chemical space composition of a water kefir fermentation.

In recent years, the popularity of fermented foods has strongly increased based on their proven health benefits and the adoption of new trends among consumers. One of these health-promoting products is water kefir, which is a fermented sugary beverage based on kefir grains (symbiotic colonies of yeast, lactic acid and acetic acid bacteria). According to previous knowledge and the uniqueness of each water kefir fermentation, the following project aimed to explore the microbial and chemical composition of a water kefir fermentation and its microbial consortium, through the integration of culture-dependent methods, compositional metagenomics, and untargeted metabolomics. These methods were applied in two types of samples: fermentation grains (inoculum) and fermentation samples collected at different time points. A strains culture collection of ∼90 strains was established by means of culture-dependent methods, mainly consisting of individuals of Pichia membranifaciens, Acetobacter orientalis, Lentilactobacillus hilgardii, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Acetobacter pomorum, Lentilactobacillus buchneri, Pichia kudriavzevii, Acetobacter pasteurianus, Schleiferilactobacillus harbinensis, and Kazachstania exigua, which can be further studied for their use in synthetic consortia formulation. In addition, metabarcoding of each fermentation time was done by 16S and ITS sequencing for bacteria and yeast, respectively. The results show strong population shifts of the microbial community during the fermentation time course, with an enrichment of microbial groups after 72h of fermentation. Metataxonomics results revealed Lactobacillus and Acetobacter as the dominant genera for lactic acid and acetic acid bacteria, whereas, for yeast, P. membranifaciens was the dominant species. In addition, correlation and systematic analyses of microbial growth patterns and metabolite richness allowed the recognition of metabolic enrichment points between 72 and 96h and correlation between microbial groups and metabolite abundance (e.g., Bile acid conjugates and Acetobacter tropicalis). Metabolomic analysis also evidenced the production of bioactive compounds in this fermented matrix, which have been associated with biological activities, including antimicrobial and antioxidant. Interestingly, the chemical family of Isoschaftosides (C-glycosyl flavonoids) was also found, representing an important finding since this compound, with hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity, had not been previously reported in this matrix. We conclude that the integration of microbial biodiversity, cultured species, and chemical data enables the identification of relevant microbial population patterns and the detection of specific points of enrichment during the fermentation process of a food matrix, which enables the future design of synthetic microbial consortia, which can be used as targeted probiotics for digestive and metabolic health.

Automotive Lightweighting through novel Composite Materials

Abstract: The weight saving demand for motorcars has come more important, since the increase in the environmental issues. For boosting the energy frugality, maintaining safety and performance of ultramodern motorcars; featherlight compound accoutrements are essential. For acceleration of a lighter object, lower energy is needed as compare to acceleration of heavier one; so the featherlight compound accoutrements offer the great eventuality for adding vehicles effectiveness. Using lighter accoutrements in bus manufacturing improves vehicle project, acceleration, and continuity. Featherlight accoutrements are essential for boosting the energy frugality of ultramodern buses while maintaining their safety and performance. Because it takes lower energy to accelerate a lighter auto than a heavier one, featherlight accoutrements offer more implicit for both automakers and bus buyers. Composite accoutrements, similar as aluminium, magnesium and sword composites, have been proven to have better energy immersion than solid essence similar as sword alone, and therefore give further protection upon impact. Not only are featherlight vehicles energy effective, but they also enhance performance. drop in energy consumption gain by reduction in vehicle weight. By replacing sword & cast iron conventional factors with featherlight compound accoutrements similar as Mg & Al essence matrix compound, carbon & glass fiber corroborated polymer mixes can directly reduce the weight of the corridor of an automotive i.e. machine block and lattice and results in reduction of energy consumption by the vehicle. It can reduce the exhaust emigration and enhanced the energy frugality. By the use of light mixes in automotive can also carry fresh advanced emigration control system, safety bias, and integrated electronic system without increase in the overall weight of vehicles.

EVALUATION OF THE CURING KINETICS OF A POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITE USING A SENSOR CONTAINING AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE FILLER

In this work, the kinetics of the curing of fabric GFRP was carried out by measuring the parameters of its electrical conductivity. A compound of epoxy resin (ED-20), plasticizer (DBF) and hardener (PEPA) with the addition of finely milled graphite (FMG) was used as a matrix. To en-sure high-quality mixing of FMG in epoxy resin, a planetary mixer was used. Plain weave glass tape 0.2 mm thick with two woven wires was impregnated with a matrix compound. This tape was placed onto a beam 4 mm thick made of typical GFRP as an external electrically conductive functional sensor (FS). During curing at room temperature, periodic measurements of the electrical conductivity of the FS and the stiffness of the beam with FS in three-point bending were carried out. The amount of FMG into the matrix compound was below the percolation threshold; there-fore, electrical measurements of FS required alternating current. The dependence of the imped-ance on the current frequency (from 10 Hz to 1 MHz) was recorded. Comparison of the change in FS electrical impedance with the change in the beam stiffness during the curing showed their close correlation. The proposed method of measuring the FS impedance can be used to assess the degree of curing of the polymer matrix in critical large-sized composite products during the manufacturing process.

Phenolics profile, anti-nephrolithiasis, and antioxidant activities of Monodora myristica seed: impact of endogenous proteins and lipids

The bioactive compounds in a food matrix can exist either in their free form or bound to other endogenous compounds, which may affect their bioactivities. This study investigated the impact of endogenous proteins and lipids on the phenolics profile, anti-nephrolithiasis, and antioxidant activities of Monodora myristica (African nutmeg) seed. Endogenous proteins and lipids in M. myristica seed flour were removed by deproteinization and defatting, to obtain the deproteinized, defatted, and deproteinized-defatted flours. The native flour served as a control. Phenolics compounds in the flours were quantified using HPLC-DAD, while nephrolithiasis-associated enzymes (xanthine oxidase and urease) inhibitory and antioxidant activities were determined using a spectrophotometer. Nine phenolic compounds (gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ellagic acids, catechin, rutin, quercetin and luteolin) were detected in the native flour, with quercetin as the most abundant. The concentrations of the phenolic compounds, nephrolithiasis-associated enzymes inhibitory, and antioxidant activities of the flour decreased significantly due to deproteinization and defatting. Overall, the native flour had the highest concentrations of phenolics and the most potent enzymes inhibitory and antioxidant activities, followed by the defatted, deproteinized, and deproteinized-defatted flours. Hence, endogenous proteins and lipids may enhance the phenolics profile, anti-nephrolithiasis and antioxidant activities of M. myristica seed. This could have application in the development of functional food products and nutraceuticals targeting nephrolithiasis.Graphical

The TGFBI gene and protein expression in topotecan resistant ovarian cancer cell lines

PurposeThe primary limiting factor in achieving cures for patients with cancer, particularly ovarian cancer, is drug resistance. The mechanisms of drug resistance of cancer cells during chemotherapy may include compounds of the extracellular matrix, such as the transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein (TGFBI). In this study, we aimed to analyze the TGFBI gene and protein expression in different sensitive and drug-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines, as well as test if TGFBI can be involved in the response to topotecan (TOP) at the very early stages of treatment. Materials and methodsIn this study, we conducted a detailed analysis of TGFBI expression in different ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780, A2780TR1, A2780TR2, W1, W1TR, SKOV-3, PEA1, PEA2 and PEO23). The level of TGFBI mRNA (QPCR), intracellular and extracellular protein (Western blot analysis) were assessed in this study. ResultsWe observed upregulation of TGFBI mRNA in drug-resistant cell lines and estrogen-receptor positive cell lines, which was supported by overexpression of both intracellular and extracellular TGFBI protein. We also showed the TGFBI expression after a short period of treatment of sensitive ovarian cancer cell lines with TOP. ConclusionThe expression of TGFBI in ovarian cancer cell lines suggests its role in the development of drug resistance.

Computer-aided anti-cancer drug discovery of EGFR protein based on virtual screening of drug bank, ADMET, docking, DFT and molecular dynamic simulation studies

Numerous malignancies, including breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and chronic myeloid leukemia, are brought on by aberrant tyrosine kinase signaling. Since the current chemotherapeutic medicines are toxic, there is a great need and demand from cancer patients to find novel chemicals that are toxic-free or have low toxicity and that can kill tumor cells and stop their growth. This work describes the in-silico examination of substances from the drug bank as EGFR inhibitors. Firstly, drug-bank was screened using the pharmacophore technique to select the ligands and Erlotinib (DB00530) was used as matrix compound. The selected ligands were screened using ADMET and the hit compounds were subjected to docking. The lead compound from the docking was subjected to DFT and MD simulation study. Using the pharmacophore technique, 23 compounds were found through virtual drug bank screening. One hit molecule from the ADMET prediction was the subject of docking study. According to the findings, DB03365 molecule fits to the EGFR active site by several hydrogen bonding interactions with amino acids. Furthermore, DFT analysis revealed high reactivity for DB03365 compound in the binding pocket of the target protein, based on ELUMO, EHOMO and band energy gap. Furthermore, MD simulations for 100 ns revealed that the ligand interactions with the residues of EGFR protein were part of the essential residues for structural stability and functionality. However, DB03365 was a promising lead molecule that outperformed the reference compound in terms of performance and in-vitro and in-vivo experiments needs to validate the study. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Microstructural evolution and analysis of Zr–Co/Cu–Al glassy composites and crystallized alloys via indentation and MD simulations

B2-containing bulk metallic glass (BMG) composites are still attractive due to their unique deformation mechanism and positive effect on work-hardening and ductility. As stated in review [1], the competition between B2 phase formation, retention of amorphous matrix and intermetallic compounds depends on several parameters, such as alloy composition and cooling rate. For a given BMG composite containing B2 phase, the glass matrix, B2 phase, and brittle compounds generally coexist. As a result, the relationship between microstructures such as atomic diffusion and micro-indentations must be investigated. In this work, nano-indentation, micro-hardness, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on two Zr–Co/Cu–Al BMG composites with certain differences in amorphous matrix and crystalline phases such as their distribution, volume fraction, or types. The results indicated that the (1) formation of B2 phase, and precipitation of brittle compounds substantially differed; (2) the atomic transfer in these indented positions can be observed in simulated experiments and line scanning images (energy dispersive spectroscopy) for alloy compositions; (3) the degree of atomic diffusion in BMG composites functioned as the depth of nano-indentation via MD simulations; (4) the differences in nano-deformation via MD simulations can be observed for Zr–Cu alloys with various crystals; (5) the micro-indentation may stimulate transformation or B2 phase formation in localized regions upon indented stress; (6) the simulated results and experimental outcomes were mutually corroborated. These results also give a hint that atomic diffusion and phase formation in multiple mingled microstructures really existed, but they were very complicated and different in localized areas. This research is important and provides a clue for further exploration of the relationship between deformation and atomic diffusion.

Effect of Cu addition on microstructure and corrosion behavior of Al–15Mg2Si composite

Abstract The Cu effect on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of Al–15Mg2Si composites was studied. The results showed that Cu addition decreased the average size of primary Mg2Si (Mg2SiP) particles, changed the hopper-like Mg2SiP particles to polyhedrals, and caused the formation of θ-Al2Cu and Q-Al5Mg8Si6Cu2 compounds in the composite matrix. According to the image analysis results, increasing the Cu content from 0.01 to 5 wt% halved the average size of Mg2SiP particles, increased their fraction by about 40 %, and increased the composite porosity content. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that adding 5 wt% of Cu resulted in an increase of about 3.7 times in the corrosion resistance as compared to Al–15Mg2Si composite. The beneficial effects of Cu were also confirmed by the potentiodynamic polarization experiments. Cu addition seems to promote less intense general corrosion than the base alloy’s localized attack.

Critical evaluation of MS acquisition conditions and identification process in LC-Q-Orbitrap-MS for non-targeted analysis: pesticide residues as case of study.

In routine measurements, the length of analysis time and the number of samples analysed during a given time unit are crucial. Additionally, the analytical method used has to provide reliable results and be able to identify and quantify any compound present in the matrix. High-resolution equipment, including Orbitrap analysers, is commonly used for non-targeted determinations. However, researchers still rely on trial and error to achieve the best acquisition conditions on the mass spectrometer, which is a tedious and time-consuming process that can lead to errors. Moreover, tentative compound identification, particularly when using a non-targeted approach, heavily depends on commercial databases. All of these issues can ultimately result in incomplete identification of compounds in the study matrix. In this framework, the study presented here has a dual objective: to use the experimental design tool to optimise critical parameters in mass spectrometry using LC-Q-Orbitrap-MS equipment when working in a non-targeted approach and to compare the mzCloud™ and ChemSpider™ commercial databases included in Compound Discoverer software with TraceFinder home-made databases generated to evaluate the ability to identify compounds. The study's noteworthy findings reveal that employing an experimental design has facilitated rapid optimisation of the mass spectrometer's multiplexing and loop parameters. Furthermore, the study highlights that the lack of harmonisation in commercial databases poses a disadvantage in the identification of compounds, leading to superior results when using home-made databases. In the latter databases, around 80% of the compounds were identified, which is approximately twice the number identified in commercial databases (around 40% in the best case with ChemSpider™).

Pyracantha as a promising functional food: A comprehensive review on bioactive characteristics, pharmacological activity, and industrial applications

AbstractPyracantha is a plant with edible and medicinal value and widely distributed from eastern Asia to southern Europe but is underutilized and has great potential. As scientists gradually study its properties, it was found that Pyracantha contains various phytochemical components such as pigments and phospholipids. Meanwhile, Pyracantha is also rich in phenolic substances, such as flavonoids. The extract of Pyracantha shows strong biological properties, such as inhibition of tyrosinase activity, anti‐oxidative, and tumor‐preventive effects. Pyracantha bioavailability releases quantities of compounds in the food matrix from the digestive process that are important for its health‐promoting properties. The extraction of biologically active substances in Pyracantha would be applied in various aspects. Their extracts can also be used as health food, food additives, and cosmetics. As the interaction of phytochemicals, proteins, and phenolic compounds can affect the pharmacological activity and bioavailability of Pyracantha, it is important to understand the mechanism of effect, which can further allow consumers to choose a healthier Pyracantha dietary culture. This review aims to prove the nutritional components and pharmacological activities of Pyracantha and to make consumers better aware of the benefits of Pyracantha in connection with their bioavailability and application, in order to provide a reference for further research and development of Pyracantha resources.

Improvements on the analysis methods of asphalt fumes generated in asphalt production and construction

Asphalt fumes are generated when producing and processing asphalt materials, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are commonly used as indicators to evaluate the hazardous potentials of asphalt fumes. However, the quantitative analysis of PAHs in asphalt fumes remains a challenge. Particularly, the influences of matrix compounds in asphalt fumes on PAH quantification have not been evaluated, even though matrix effect may lead to biased results. To address such a research gap, this study (1) examined the matrix effect in analyzing PAHs in asphalt fumes, (2) evaluated the effectiveness of clean-up methods, and (3) assessed the effectiveness of different methods for matrix effect compensation. Asphalt fumes from seven asphalt materials or conditions were collected and analyzed. Four clean-up methods were evaluated for their influences on PAH identification and matrix effect mitigation. Two approaches were experimented for matrix effect compensation. This study found an obvious matrix effect in the quantitative analysis of PAHs in asphalt fumes. None of the clean-up methods can effectively remove the matrix effect, but both the standard addition calibration (SAC) method and the internal standard calibration (ISC) method can compensate such effect. The findings are expected to assist in accurate quantification and evaluation of PAHs in asphalt fumes.

Effects of Characteristics of Sisal Fiber using the SPSS Method

The distinguishing qualities or traits of anything are its characteristics. They can be viewed as traits that set one person or thing apart from another. For instance, the chameleon's ability to blend in is one of its traits. Soft, straight, and golden in color, sisal fibers are. Sisal can have long or short fibers because it is extremely coarse and rigid. Because of its strength, toughness, stretch ability, compatibility with some colors, and resilience to degradation in saline water, sisal is prized for use as cordage. Sisal can be fashioned into carpets, mats, and a variety of handicrafts in addition to its traditional applications as rope, ropes, string, and yarn. Sisal fiber is a tough, robust material with low flexibility that is obtained from freshly cut leaves of the plant. It is crucial in the production of materials like carpeting, coarse purses, maritime rope (where strong resistance to saltwater is required), and cordage. Research significance: In recent years, materials engineers and material scientists have paid close attention to sisal-fiber reinforced composites as a type of environmental composites. Effects of fiber surface treatment on fiber compressive properties and fiber-matrix are discussed in this article. Tensile as well as single-strand strand pull tests were used, respectively, to assess the interfacial characteristics. For assessing the implies that the average shear resistance of composite laminates, a short beam shearing test was also carried out. High density polyethylene (HDPE), vinyl ester, and epoxy were selected as the matrix materials. Two different fiber surface-treatment techniques, chemical bonding and oxidation, were used to boost interfacial strength. According to the results, different fiber surface-treatment techniques had varying effects on the tensile strength of sisal fiber, as well as the strength and bonding characteristics of the fiber-matrix interface. As a result, this work can provide important knowledge on jute fiber-polymer matrix compound interface design. Method: Ratio studies are statistical analyses of data from appraisals and property valuations. Nearly all states utilize them to produce quantitative measure of the proportion of current market price about which individually estimated taxable property is appraised as well as to offer assessment performance indicators. Evaluation parameters: Fiber diameter (mm), Water content (%), Tensile strength(MPa), Tensile modulus(GPa) and Elongation at break (%) Result: The Cronbach's Alpha Reliability result. The overall Cronbach's Alpha value for the model is .658 which indicates 66% reliability. From the literature review, the above 50% Cronbach's Alpha value model can be considered for analysis. Conclusion: Characteristics of sisal fiber the Cronbach's Alpha Reliability result. The overall Cronbach's Alpha value for the model is .658 which indicates 66% reliability. From the literature review, the above 50% Cronbach's Alpha value model can be considered for analysis.

Enhancing immunity against carcinogens through probiotics: A literature review

This literature review explores various aspects of using probiotics as a dietary practice to mitigate the effects of toxic compounds. The discussion highlights the importance of considering factors such as timing and composition of probiotic consumption for maximum benefits. Studies have demonstrated the potential of probiotics to inhibit Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) damage and reduce the occurrence of aberrant crypts in animal models when administered before exposure to toxicants. Furthermore, probiotics have been found to metabolize genotoxic compounds into inactive forms, indicating their potential role in detoxification processes. The binding activity of probiotics against toxicants has been widely studied, but there is a need for further research on the metabolites produced during these interactions. Additionally, the presence of other compounds in the food matrix and their competitive effects on probiotic binding should be investigated to understand the full picture. The strain-dependent nature of the probiotic activity and the variability of their antimutagenic properties for different mutagens further highlight the complexity of their functionality. Considering these findings, it is recommended to conduct a careful risk assessment to evaluate the safety of probiotics and their metabolites, taking into account the potential risks and benefits associated with their use. This will help ensure the responsible application of probiotics in food safety and human health initiatives.

The enzymatic modification of whey-proteins for spray drying encapsulation of Ginkgo-biloba extract

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBLE) contains many bioactives including flavonoids and terpene trilactones that play some pharmacological roles. These compounds are sensitive to operating conditions; so, encapsulation is a suitable approach to protect them. In this study, different carriers including maltodextrin (MD), and its combination with gum-Arabic (MD-GA), whey protein concentrate (MD-WPC), and whey-protein hydrolysate (MD-HWPC) were used to encapsulate GBLE. Powder production yield, physicochemical/functional characteristics, physical stability and flowability of particles were affected by the type and composition of carriers. FTIR results indicated the placement of phenolic compounds in the carrier matrix. The SEM images also showed the morphological changes of particles (especially the size, indentation and surface shrinkage) under the influence of various carriers. Microencapsulated powders formulated using MD-HWPC showed the highest values of TPC, DPPH, and ABTS and a lighter color which determined the suitability of this wall material (due to the improvement of surface activity and emulsifying properties of protein as a result of partial enzymatic hydrolysis) to protect the antioxidant properties of GBLE during spray-drying, improving the production yield and preserving physical and functional characteristics of the encapsulated powders.

Efficient accumulation integrated with selective degradation of micropollutants under irradiation of visible light by the size-exclusion effect of metal–organic framework

Developing multifunctional materials for efficiently removing pharmaceutical active compounds (PACs) in water matrix that coexisted with humic acid (HA) is in high demand. Water-stable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with tunable porous structures have aroused great attention as versatile adsorbents. However, further eliminating pollutants, especially in practical applications, needs more exploration. In this study, rational modification of UiO-66 (Ce) with a minimum amount of CdS could regulate the highly developed cavities and subsequently promote the selective interfacial degradation of four PACs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics with lower concentrations (100 μg/L) detected by HPLC-MS/MS were selected as the model compounds. The adsorption ability of the composites was 11.84 ∼ 12.21 times higher than CdS, and the overall removal efficiency was 1.31 and 2.18 times higher than that of UiO-66 (Ce) and CdS, respectively, via h+ and •O2– generated in simulated HA-containing wastewater. This modification features excellent resistance towards HA (2 mg/L ∼ 10 mg/L) during adsorption and photocatalytic degradation effectively. In comparison, competitive anions (Cl-, SO42-, CO32–, HCO3–) with smaller sizes affect ROS formation significantly, indicating the possible exclusion effect of competitors by particular sizes. This study offers a facile strategy to remove PACs and HA-containing water effectively.

Study of Brewer's Spent Grain Environmentally Friendly Processing Ways.

This article is devoted to the study of the effect of electrochemically activated water (catholyte with pH 9.3) on organic compounds of the plant matrix of brewer's spent grain in order to extract various compounds from it. Brewer's spent grain was obtained from barley malt at a pilot plant by mashing the malt followed by filtration and washing of the grain in water and storing it at (0 ± 2) °C in craft bags. For the organic compound quantitative determination, instrumental methods of analysis (HPLC) were used, and the results were subjected to mathematical analysis. The study results showed that at atmospheric pressure, the alkaline properties of the catholyte showed better results compared to aqueous extraction with respect to β-glucan, sugars, nitrogenous and phenolic compounds, and 120 min was the best period for extraction at 50 °C. The excess pressure conditions used (0.5 ÷ 1 atm) revealed an increase in the accumulation of non-starch polysaccharide and nitrogenous compounds, while the level of sugars, furan and phenolic compounds decreased with increasing treatment duration. The waste grain extract ultrasonic treatment used revealed the effectiveness of catholyte in relation to the extraction of β-glucan and nitrogenous fractions; however, sugars and phenolic compounds did not significantly accumulate. The correlation method made it possible to reveal the regularities in the formation of furan compounds under the conditions of extraction with the catholyte: Syringic acid had the greatest effect on the formation of 5-OH-methylfurfural at atmospheric pressure and 50 °C and vanillic acid under conditions of excess pressure. Regarding furfural and 5-methylfurfural, amino acids had a direct effect at excess pressure. It was shown that the content of all furan compounds depends on amino acids with thiol groups and gallic acid; the formation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 5-methylfurfural is influenced by gallic and vanillic acids; the release of furfural and 5-methylfurfural is determined by amino acids and gallic acid; excess pressure conditions promote the formation of furan compounds under the action of gallic and lilac acids. This study showed that a catholyte allows for efficient extraction of carbohydrate, nitrogenous and monophenolic compounds under pressure conditions, while flavonoids require a reduction in extraction time under pressure conditions.

Toward a better understanding of peroxymonosulfate and peroxydisulfate activation using a nano zero-valent iron catalyst supported on graphitized carbon: Mechanisms and application to the degradation of estrogenic compounds in different water matrix

In this study, we employed nano zero-valent iron catalysts supported on graphitized carbon (GC-nZVI) catalyst to efficiently degrade BPA under circumneutral pH conditions in both dark and UVA radiation. The GC-nZVI catalyst was characterized using specific techniques (XPS, FTIR, BET, etc.), and was used to activate both PS and PMS in solution. Although no significant BPA degradation constant (kBPA) was determined using PS/PMS or GC-nZVI alone, a significant synergistic effect was observed in the system. Under dark conditions, kBPA increased from 0.01 min−1 to 0.17 when PS was used, both in the dark and under UVA. Notably, when PMS was present in the system, the improvement was even higher with kBPA reaching 0.18 and 0.26 min−1 under dark and UVA conditions, respectively. To further support the synergistic effect, it was found that 80% of mineralization was achieved within 2 h of UVA exposure.Chemical quenching experiments were conducted using selective probes and kinetic modelling showed that the activation of PS/PMS produced sulfate radicals (SO4•−), hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and ferryl ions (FeIVO2+) in both systems. Additionally, GC-nZVI/PMS system demonstrated good stability in recycling experiments, with up to 70% of BPA still being degraded after 3 cycled in 1 h under UVA.In conclusion, the degradation efficiencies of GC-nZVI/PMS and GC-nZVI/PS systems under dark and UVA radiation were assessed for three different EDCs (BPA, E2, and EE2) in both tap and sewage treatment plant waters.This study has demonstrated that the highly efficient GC-nZVI/PS/UVA or GC-nZVI/PMS/UVA system has significant potential for application in different water matrix, and our findings provide insights into the design of heterogeneous Fenton-like and photo-Fenton-like catalysts.