Physicochemical Characteristics Research Articles

Physicochemical Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Some Algerian Extra Virgin Olive Oils (Olea europaea L.)

Background:: The present work was conducted to investigate the quality and antioxidant properties of some Algerian extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs). Objective:: In this paper, the physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant properties of four EVOOs of monovarietal samples (Chemlal) from East Algeria were studied. Methods:: Physicochemical characteristics, which include free acidity, peroxide index, saponification index, specific extinction coefficients, water content, refractive index, relative density, and chemical composition, in addition to their antioxidant activity, were investigated based on DPPH free radical-scavenging activity (DPPH-SA). Results:: The results of physicochemical and quality parameters proved that all samples are EVOOs with highly nutritious and health benefits for the consumer, as per the recommendation of the International Olive Council (IOC). The results showed that the olive oils from the southern arid region of Algeria (Sahara), have a high antioxidant activity than the samples from the Northern regions. Conclusion:: These findings revealed a significant influence of geographic location on the chemical characteristics and antioxidant activities of olive oil from the same cultivar (Chemlal). These olive oils from the arid Saharan region may be used as a functional food with great antioxidant potential.

Decomposer faecal food web and C sequestration in soil. Can near infrared spectroscopy describe transfers and transformations from fresh organic inputs to protected forms in soil aggregates?

This study sought to characterize the transfer of agricultural organic inputs by macrofauna to the biogenic aggregate compartments of the soil and test the existence of a faecal food web process based on coprophagic feeding behaviours. In an experimental plantain crop field of Colombia, we applied the agroecological FBO (Fertilisation Bio Organique ®) technology, a nucleation technique which consists in planting perennial plants in 1.0 x 0.4 × 0.4 m deep trenches where low- and high-quality organic materials are added in a specific design, and endogeic earthworms are inoculated. We evaluated the effectiveness of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to track this flow of organic matter through different natural stages of decomposition represented by soil macroaggregates produced by soil macroinvertebrates as faecal pellets and casts. After one year, great part of the organic inputs had been either mineralized or incorporated into macroaggregates of different sizes and origins. Using NIRS and physicochemical laboratory analyses, we assessed the quality and quantity of organic matter in the different types of aggregates separated manually according to their origin: large biogenic aggregates (LBA), medium sized biogenic aggregates (MBA) and small biogenic aggregates (SBA); physical aggregates (PA), root aggregates (RA) and residual soil (RS).Earlier studies had shown that these structures were presumably formed by the activity of macroinvertebrates of three different functional groups, Diplopoda and Isopoda litter transformers for SBA, epidendogeic earthworms for MBA and mesohumic endogeic earthworms for LBA, organized in a feeding succession.A Coinertia analysis between showed significant covariation among the two sets of physico chemical (22 variables) and NIR spectral (100 different wavelength absorbances) characterization of 135 samples representative of the three classes of biogenic macroaggregates, physical aggregates and residual non macroaggregated soil, (RV = 0.55; p < 0.001). This analysis clearly separated biogenic structures and ranked them according to their size, from small SBA to medium sized MBA and large LBA. Physical PA aggregates and RS residual soil were projected close to the LBAs in the coinertia factorial plan. Multiple combinatorial data analysis CDA, associated 5 specific wavelength absorbance ranges with aggregate types and residual soil. Along the sequence from small to large biogenic aggregates, residual soil and physical aggregates, wavelengths associated to easily decomposed substrates (in ranges 1708–1716 nm; 1796–1948 and 2164–2316 nm) had progressively decreasing absorbances. Substrates associated to slowly decomposing aromatic, alkane and phenolic substrates either increased (1420–1436) or decreased (1284–1380) along this sequence.These results are compatible with the hypothesis of a progressive transformation and transfer of organic residues first into small biogenic aggregates that are presumably faecal pellets of Isopoda and Diplopoda, then to medium sized biogenic aggregates identified as casts of epiendogeic earthworms and finally to large biogenic aggregates expected to be the casts of the large endogeic earthworms present in these soils. A definitive verification of the hypothesis and the involvement of specific macroinvertebrates will require direct experimentation in controlled laboratory conditions.

Nano-mupirocin as tumor-targeted antibiotic: Physicochemical, immunotoxicological and pharmacokinetic characterization, and effect on gut microbiome

Nano-mupirocin is a PEGylated nano-liposomal formulation of the antibiotic mupirocin, undergoing evaluation for treating infectious diseases and intratumor bacteria. Intratumoral microbiota play an important role in the regulation of tumor progression and therapeutic efficacy. However, antibiotic use to target intratumoral bacteria should be performed in a way that will not affect the gut microbiota, found to enable the efficacy of cancer treatments. Nano-mupirocin may offer such a selective treatment. Herein, we demonstrate the ability of Nano-mupirocin to successfully target tumor-residing Fusobacterium nucleatum without an immediate effect on the gut microbiome. In-depth characterization of this novel formulation was performed, and the main findings include: (i). the pharmacokinetic analysis of mupirocin administered as Nano-mupirocin vs mupirocin lithium (free drug) demonstrated that most of the Nano-mupirocin in plasma is liposome associated; (ii). microbiome analysis of rat feces showed no significant short-term difference between Nano-mupirocin, mupirocin lithium and controls; (iii). Nano-mupirocin was active against intratumoral F. nucleatum, a tumor promoting bacteria that accumulates in tumors of the AT3 mice model of breast cancer. These data suggest the ability of Nano-mupirocin to target tumor residing and promoting bacteria.

Whey protein and maltodextrin conjugated foam-mat dried honey powder: Functional, physicochemical, structural, rheological and thermal characterization

Honey in its natural form possesses considerable challenges in mass production and transportation owing to its viscosity and stickiness, making it prone to crystallization over time. Dried honey powder makes it convenient for handling and processing. In this study, foam mat dried powder (FMDP) was obtained by foam mat drying technique in which whey protein isolate (WPI) and maltodextrin (MD) were used as foaming agent and foam stabilizer, respectively. The obtained FMDP was characterized in terms of physical, chemical, functional, phytochemical, rheological and structural properties to study the impact of foaming agents. WPI was found to improve the functionality, stability and glass transition temperature and on the other hand, MD was found to enhance the stability, crystallinity and the color of the FMDP. FTIR helped in understanding the changes in the functional groups attributed to the foaming agents. The crystallinity and the microstructural changes in the FMDP were observed from X-ray diffractograms and SEM micrographs, respectively. The rheological characterization confirmed the viscous nature of honey. The study confirmed the interaction between proteins and polysaccharides, which subsequently improved the heat stability, functional properties, solubility, emulsifying capacity, antioxidant properties, and solubility. The dried honey samples demonstrated minimal caking, low cohesiveness (Hausner ratio: 1.16 ± 0.027–1.29 ± 0.041), good and fair flowability (ranging between 14.25 ± 2.02–22.52 ± 2.25). Therefore, it can be concluded that during this study, protein and polysaccharide conjugate FMDP was obtained with better quality attributes, which can be further incorporated during various product development in food industries.

Synthesis and Characterization of Hierarchically Porous Carbon Anodes from Furfural Biorefinery Residues for Sustainable Lithium-Ion Batteries

This study aims to valorize abundant lignocellulosic residues from furfural biorefineries into hierarchically porous carbon anodes for sustainable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Simultaneously, it addresses the growing demand for high-performance anode materials by leveraging renewable waste feedstocks. Sugarcane bagasse waste residues obtained after furfural extraction were used as the precursor. The furfural-derived bagasse residue (FDBR) underwent pyrolysis at 700 °C to produce a carbon-rich char, which was further activated using KOH and steam at 900 °C for 15-60minutes to enhance porosity development. Comprehensive physicochemical characterizations, including proximate analysis, N2 adsorption-desorption, SEM-EDX, FTIR, and TGA/DTG, and Raman spectroscopy were performed to evaluate the properties of the synthesized activated carbons. The results demonstrated the successful generation of high surface area (405.8 m2/g) activated carbons with a hierarchical pore structure comprising micropores and mesopores. SEM and EDX analyses revealed a uniform, porous morphology enriched with 10.41% at oxygen-containing functional groups. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of hydroxyls, carbonyls, and carboxylic acid groups, beneficial for pseudocapacitive charge storage. The Raman analysis revealed a highly disordered and amorphous carbon structure with a significant concentration of defects, as evidenced by a high-intensity ratio (ID/IG ≈ 1.2-1.4) of the disordered carbon band to the graphitic band. The activated carbons exhibited a high initial discharge capacity of 1055mAh/g in lithium half-cells, significantly exceeding the theoretical limit of commercial graphite anodes (372mAh/g). This superior capacity was attributed to the high surface area, hierarchical porosity, and pseudocapacitive contributions from the oxygen functionalities. However, rapid capacity fading from 1055 to ~250mAh/g was observed over 100 cycles at a C/2 rate. The capacity retention stabilized at ~88% after 47 cycles, indicating irreversible capacity losses. These limitations were ascribed to the disordered amorphous structure, instability of the solid-electrolyte interphase, lithium trapping by oxygen groups, and structural changes during cycling. Optimizing activation conditions, incorporating conductive additives/coatings, exploring alternative binders, and surface functionalization are proposed to improve long-term cycling stability. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of upcycling furfural biorefinery waste into sustainable LIB anodes while highlighting challenges and potential solutions for enhancing their electrochemical performance.

Effect of Differences in Protein Levels and Length of Fermentation Time on Physicochemical Characteristics of Caspian Sea Yoghurt Green Tea

Caspian sea inoculum has been widely used for yogurt production, but it is rarely used in making green tea powder (GTP) yoghurt using milk with different protein content. This study aims to determine the changes in the characteristics of GTP yoghurt with Caspian sea inoculum using low fat UHT milk (SLF) or full cream UHT milk (SFC) during the fermentation period at 0 and 16 hours. The results showed that use of different types of UHT milk affected physicochemical characteristics. Fermentation for 16 hours caused a decrease in the pH of the sample to pH 4.3-4.4, but it was negatively correlated with an increase in the acidity. In addition, fermentation resulted increase the value of L* (brightness). The SLF sample has a greener color than the SFC sample. The viscosity of GTP yoghurt increased significantly at 16 hours in SFC and SLF samples. After 16 hours fermentation, the TPC became 4.15 mg GAE/g and 4.45 mg GAE/g with IC50 values ​​of 37.51 g/mL and 23.95 g/mL in SLF and SFC samples. The high protein content in UHT milk affected the high acidity, viscosity, and syneresis values ​​resulting a decrease in the TPC of GTP yoghurt.

Evaluating the sources of microplastic contamination and quantifying its abundance in the Balu River, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent environmental pollutants due to their durable composition, extensive use, and improper disposal. Despite their widespread presence, rivers have received less attention in microplastic research than other water bodies. This study focused on investigating the origins, prevalence, spatial distribution, and physicochemical characteristics of microplastics in the surface waters of the Balu River, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Surface water samples were collected at six sampling sites of Balu River (each about 1-5km apart) adjacent to the footwear industry, jute factory, textile mill, paper mill, agro and beverage factory, and cement plant. The study found that the average concentration of microplastics in the sampled water bodies was 102.5 ± 12.83 (items/l). Samples near the textile mill had the highest microplastic abundance (122 ± 18 items/l), while the cement plant had the lowest (58.5 ± 8 items/l). Analysis using a stereomicroscope revealed that fibers (29%), microplastics smaller than 100µm (45%), and transparent microplastics (19%) were the most prevalent types observed in terms of shape, size, and color, respectively. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation suggested the potential for additional degradation of these microplastics into smaller particles, potentially reaching the nanoplastic scale. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis identified 07 distinct polymer types among the microplastics: nylon (24%), polyvinyl chloride (19%), high-density polyethylene (17%), low-density polyethylene (14%), polystyrene (12%), polypropylene (7%), and nitrile (7%). The findings of this study serve as a crucial indicator of microplastic contamination, providing valuable insights into the sources and magnitude of microplastic pollution within the significant freshwater ecosystem of Balu River, Bangladesh, particularly focusing on its river systems.

Formulation Facial wash with Addition of Coriander Leaf Extract (Coriandrum savitum L)

Coriander leaves have functional properties such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticholesterol, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic. Ethanol-extracted coriander leaves exhibit an antioxidant activity of 91.2287 μg/mL. The high antioxidant activity value of coriander leaf extract can be developed into a free radical scavenging product like facial wash. This research aims to determine the physicochemical characteristics of coriander leaf extract facial wash formulations at 10%, 12.5%, and 15% concentrations. Organoleptic sensory and hedonic tests, as well as physicochemical tests, were conducted. The test data were processed using SPSS and subjected to Duncan's post hoc test. The obtained data were then compared with predetermined standards. The resulting coriander leaf (Coriandrum sativum L) facial wash formulation in this study has a semi-solid texture, distinctive aroma, dark brown color, pH ranging from 6.96 to 9.24, foam stability ranging from 82.15% to 92.80%, irritation value ranging from 8.29 to 8.46, and viscosity ranging from 2436.92 cPs to 3236.38 cPs, but it lacks good homogeneity

Modifikasi Biofoam Berbasis Pati Singkong dengan Serat Eceng Gondok dan Variasi Konsentrasi Plasticizer

Biofoam is a plant-based alternative packaging. The biofoam was prepared by using the extrusion method and baking process. This research aims to determine the lowest ratio of PVA and glycerol in absorbing water and testing the mechanical properties of biofoam (tensile strength, biodegradation test and FTIR analysis. The best biofoam composition in absorbing water was obtained at a ratio of PVA: glycerol 8%. The results of biofoam characteristics obtained by the water absorption test were 9.76%, maximum bending strength was 9.20 MPa and biofoam can be degraded 100% on day 15. The results of FTIR analysis showed the presence of absorption spectra at wave numbers 3410,15 cm-1, which is a typical region of O-H functional groups (strong and broad) carbohydrates and polyphenols. Modification of starch with fiber and plasticizer in research improves the physicochemical characteristics of biofoam in terms of increasing water absorption and biofoam biodegradation. In contrast, in terms of mechanical properties, the bending strength of biofoam requires further research referring to the characteristics of biofoam mechanical properties toward SNI standards.

Molecular docking and antimicrobial activities of photoexcited inhibitors in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in endodontic infections.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a promising approach to combat antibiotic resistance in endodontic infections. It eliminates residual bacteria from the root canal space and reduces the need for antibiotics. To enhance its effectiveness, an in silico and in vitro study was performed to investigate the potential of targeted aPDT using natural photosensitizers, Kojic acid and Parietin. This approach aims to inhibit the biofilm formation of Enterococcus faecalis, a frequent cause of endodontic infections, by targeting the Ace and Esp proteins. After determining the physicochemical characteristics of Ace and Esp proteins and model quality assessment, the molecular dynamic simulation was performed to recognize the structural variations. The stability and physical movement of the protein-ligand complexes were evaluated. In silico molecular docking was conducted, followed by ADME/Tox profiling, pharmacokinetics characteristics, and assessment of drug-likeness properties of the natural photosensitizers. The study also investigated the changes in the expression of genes (esp and ace) involved in E. faecalis biofilm formation. The results showed that both Kojic acid and Parietin complied with Lipinski's rule of five and exhibited drug-like properties. In silico analysis indicated stable complexes between Ace and Esp proteins and the natural photosensitizers. The molecular docking studies demonstrated good binding affinity. Additionally, the expression of the ace and esp genes was significantly downregulated in aPDT using Kojic acid and Parietin with blue light compared to the control group. This investigation concluded that Kojic acid and Parietin with drug-likeness could efficiently interact with Ace and Esp proteins with a strong binding affinity. Hence, natural photosensitizers-mediated aPDT can be considered a promising adjunctive treatment against endodontic infections.

Disease-Inspired Design of Biomimetic Tannic Acid-Based Hybrid Nanocarriers for Enhancing the Treatment of Bacterial-Induced Sepsis.

This study explored the development of novel biomimetic tannic acid-based hybrid nanocarriers (HNs) for targeted delivery of ciprofloxacin (CIP-loaded TAH-NPs) against bacterial-induced sepsis. The prepared CIP-loaded TAH-NPs exhibited appropriate physicochemical characteristics and demonstrated biocompatibility and nonhemolytic properties. Computational simulations and microscale thermophoresis studies validated the strong binding affinity of tannic acid (TA) and its nanoformulation to human Toll-like receptor 4, surpassing that of the natural substrate lipopolysaccharide (LPS), suggesting a potential competitive inhibition against LPS-induced inflammatory responses. CIP released from TAH-NPs displayed a sustained release profile over 72 h. The in vitro antibacterial activity studies revealed that CIP-loaded TAH-NPs exhibited enhanced antibacterial efficacy and efflux pump inhibitory activity. Specifically, they showed a 3-fold increase in biofilm eradication activity against MRSA and a 2-fold increase against P. aeruginosa compared to bare CIP. Time-killing assays demonstrated complete bacterial clearance within 8 h of treatment with CIP-loaded TAH-NPs. In vitro DPPH scavenging and anti-inflammatory investigations confirmed the ability of the prepared hybrid nanosystem to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulate LPS-induced inflammatory responses. Collectively, these results suggest that CIP-loaded TAH-NPs may serve as an innovative nanocarrier for the effective and targeted delivery of antibiotics against bacterial-induced sepsis.

Enzymatic synthesis of structured lipids rich in α‐linolenic acid: impacts of triacylglycerol profile on physicochemical characteristics

Enzymatic synthesis of structured lipids rich in α‐linolenic acid: impacts of triacylglycerol profile on physicochemical characteristics

Effect of Sucrose Concentration on Microbiological, Physicochemical, Antioxidant Activity, and Organoleptic Characteristics of Salak Fruit Juice Beverage Fermented with Lactobacillus Plantarum InaCC B153

Salak is a tropical fruit that has great potential to be made into a healthy fermented beverage. The carbohydrate content and bioactive compounds such as phenolics in salak provide benefits as a source of antioxidants. The fermentation process will produce a probiotic drink that is good for digestive health. The fermentation process involves Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria as probiotic agents. This study aims to determine the effect of sucrose concentration on the characteristics of salak fruit juice probiotic drinks. This study used a completely randomised design (CRD) factorial pattern with sucrose concentration factor (3%, 6%, 9% b/v). The data obtained were analysed using ANOVA followed by DMRT further test at the 5% level. The results showed a significant interaction (p≤0.05). Fermented salak fruit juice using 9% sucrose was the best treatment with characteristics of pH 3.80; total microbes 9.023 log CFU/ml; total acid 1,11%; total sugar 13,88%; viscosity 118,35 mPa.s; DPPH antioxidant activity 89.99%. The resulting organoleptic properties including colour, aroma, and taste, overall were 3.40 (moderately liked), 3.08 (moderately liked), 3.76 (moderately liked), and 3,48 (moderately liked).

Structure characteristics and gasification reactivity of co-pyrolysis char from lignocellulosic biomass and waste plastics: Effect of polyethylene.

The rate limiting stage is char reactivity during gasification that can be influenced by its physicochemical structural characteristics. In this study, the effects of feedstock share, rice straw (RS) and polyethylene (PE), on the physicochemical properties and gasification reactivity of chars were investigated and their relationships were discussed. The char gasification reactivity was investigated via isothermal experiments using a thermal analyzer. The results indicated that the PE addition improved the specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume (Vp) of the char obtained from co-pyrolysis RS with PE. The SSA of the char increased by 1.31 times when the PE content was 60wt%, compared with that of RS char. The order degree and gasification reactivity of the co-pyrolysis char samples increased with increasing PE content beyond 40wt%. The char reactivity in the early stage of co-gasification was primarily determined by the order degree of carbonaceous and pore structure. The char reactivity in the later stage was influenced by these two factors and the silicon dioxide content could inhibit the char co-gasification reactivity.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Titania Particles Synthesized with Gelatin as a Template Before and After Regeneration and Their Performance in Photocatalytic Methylene Blue

TiO2 material has an important position in the processing of methylene blue waste because it is economical, has abundant polymorphs, high sustainability and supports green chemistry applications. Mesoporous TiO2 is a porous material that has higher effectiveness than other TiO2 because the pore structure has a large diameter at the nano scale (2-50 nm) with a regular shape so that the surface area and pore volume are greater than the average for other TiO2. The synthesis of mesopore TiO2 material has so far used the sol-gel route with synthetic pore directing agents such as P123 which can be replaced with gelatin as a cheaper and safer pore directing agent with high sustainability and abundance. Based on the description above, this research aims to photodegrade methylene blue using mesoporous TiO2 (m-TiO2) nanoparticles which were prepared by the sol–gel method using gelatin and P123 as template. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Electron dispersive X-Ray (EDX), and UV–vis spectroscopy techniques were used to characterize the samples. Photocatalytic activities of samples for methylene blue degradation were investigated. The catalyst before and after regeneration will be studied so that the effect of regeneration on the results of methylene blue photocatalysis with m-TiO2 can be determined. XRD results confirmed the formation of the anatase and rutile phase for the TiO2 nanoparticles, with crystallite sizes larger after regeneration in the range of 9–21 nm. The large particle size was after regeneration due to the promotion by high temperature treatment. TiO2 nanoparticles showed the best photocatalytic activity on the first use to 91% and remained stable after four cycles with photodegradation efficiency up to 76% based on the measured UV-Vis spectroscopy. TiO2 as synthesis could be the best candidate for catalyst with the high performance after multicycle regeneration. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Comparison of LDH-Organic/Inorganic Compound Modified Materials as Adsorbents for Heavy Metal Adsorption: Characteristic Structure and Adsorption Mechanism

This study modified layered double hydroxide (LDH) with organic compounds in hydrochar made from rambutan peels (prepared by hydrothermal method) and polyoxometalate compounds (tipe Keggin K4[ -SiW12O40].nH2O compound and prepared by sol-gel method). The synthesis of modified material was conducted through the coprecipitation method. The material was then applied as an adsorbent for Fe²⁺ ions. The material's properties were analyzed using XRD (X-ray diffraction), FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), and BET surface area analysis. The physicochemical characteristics of the modified material, a combination of the pure LDH and hydrochar/polyoxometalate compounds, will influence the adsorption results of Fe²⁺ metal ions. Furthermore, its application as an adsorbent was analyzed through kinetic and isotherm parameters, which were found to follow the pseudo-first-order (PFO) and Freundlich models. The adsorption capacities for NiAl-LDH, NiAl-LDH/Hc (modified with Hc), and NiAl-LDH/POM (modified with POM) materials were 32.789 mg/g, 47.393 mg/g, and 90.091 mg/g, respectively. It can be concluded that the adsorption process occurs via physisorption, forming multilayer adsorbates at the adsorbents active sites. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Treatment of clay soil contaminated with lead by in-situ immobilization process using animal bones

In this work, the application of bone wastes –Cow Bone, Pig Bone, and Horse Bone for the treatment of Lead (Pb) in Clay Soil by in-situ immobilization process, was investigated. The bone wastes were carbonized at a temperature of 700 OC for five hours. The Cow Bone Ash (CBA), Pig Bone Ash (PBA), and Horse Bone Ash (HBA) obtained were characterized with X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). The physicochemical analysis of the soil sample was also performed. Batch experiments were done to investigate the effects of amendment dosage, time, and pH on immobilization efficiency. The physicochemical characterization of the amendments showed that they contain principally calcium phosphate. The XRF revealed that CBA contains 49.25 % CaO and 42.406 % P2O5, PBA contains 46.6 % CaO and 40.488 % P2O5 and HBA contains 45.664 % CaO and 33.857 % P2O5. The batch immobilization experiment revealed that CBA performed better than other sorbents in the removal of Pb. The removal efficiency is in the order CBA &gt; PBA &gt; HBA. The maximum removal of Pb in 100 g of soil was 71.2 %. This investigation has shown that animal bones can successfully remediate lead by immobilization process in a Pb contaminated Clay soil.

Impact of polyethylene nanoplastics on human intestinal cells

Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most widely used plastics in the world. Its degradation leads to the production of small particles including microplastics and nanoplastics (NPs). Plastic particles’ presence poses a health risk. The aim of this work was to investigate the toxicity of two model surfactant-free PE NPs prepared by polymerization of ethylene from cationic and anionic water-soluble initiators on human cell lines Caco-2 and HT29-MTX. After physicochemical characterization, their acute and subacute toxicity profile, including cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity, was evaluated on both cell lines. Results showed a size increase of PE NPs in culture medium. Zeta potential values close to −10 mV were no longer dependent on the initiator charge after adsorption of serum components in culture medium. However, the cellular toxicity of the cationic and anionic PE NPs was very different. A time-and-concentration dependent cytotoxic, oxidative, and genotoxic effects on Caco-2 cells were only observed for PE NPs prepared with cationic initiators. No toxicity was observed on HT29-MTX, likely due to the protective mucus layer. Genotoxicity correlated with oxidative stress of some PE NPs on Caco-2 cells was observed from a concentration of 0.1 mg.mL−1 after 48-h exposure.

DNA hydrogels and their derivatives in biomedical engineering applications.

Deoxyribonucleotide (DNA) is uniquely programmable and biocompatible, and exhibits unique appeal as a biomaterial as it can be precisely designed and programmed to construct arbitrary shapes. DNA hydrogels are polymer networks comprising cross-linked DNA strands. As DNA hydrogels present programmability, biocompatibility, and stimulus responsiveness, they are extensively explored in the field of biomedicine. In this study, we provide an overview of recent advancements in DNA hydrogel technology. We outline the different design philosophies and methods of DNA hydrogel preparation, discuss its special physicochemical characteristics, and highlight the various uses of DNA hydrogels in biomedical domains, such as drug delivery, biosensing, tissue engineering, and cell culture. Finally, we discuss the current difficulties facing DNA hydrogels and their potential future development.

Synthesis and anticancer evaluation of diaryl pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine /alkyl substituted pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as thymidylate synthase inhibitors.

Worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a crucial component of DNA biosynthesis and has drawn interest as an essential target for cancer treatment. In the current work, we have designed and synthesized twenty-eight new diaryl-based pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine/alkyl-substituted pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives and evaluated their anticancer activity against the HCT 116, MCF-7, Hep G2, and PC-3 cell lines cell lines. Additionally, we have carried out TS inhibitory activity and in silico studies for compounds 1n and 2j. All the synthesized compounds exhibited good anticancer activity, but among them, compounds 1n and 2j showed excellent anticancer activity, having IC50 values of 1.98 ± 0.69, 2.18 ± 0.93, 4.04 ± 1.06, and 4.18 ± 1.87 µM; and 1.48 ± 0.86, 3.18 ± 0.79, 3.44 ± 1.51, and 5.18 ± 1.85 µM, against the HCT 116, MCF-7, Hep G2, and PC-3 cell lines respectively with control raltitrexed (IC50 1.07 ± 1.08, 1.98 ± 0.72, 1.34 ± 1.0, and 3.09 ± 0.96 µM, respectively) and hTS inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 20.47 ± 1.09 and 13.48 ± 0.96 nM with control raltitrexed (IC50 14.95 ± 1.01 nM). Further, the mechanism of inhibition was revealed by molecular docking, which showed the binding pattern of 1n and 2j to the catalytic site of TS with docking scores of -10.6 and - 9.5kcal/mol, respectively, with reference raltitrexed (-9.4kcal/mol). Additionally, the assessment of physicochemical, biochemical, structural, and toxicological characteristics were also in the acceptable range for these compounds. Based on the anticancer activity of compounds, SAR was also performed for lead optimization.