Presence Of Zn Research Articles

Decolorization of reactive dyes by the white rot fungus Phanerochaete velutina in presence of Zn and ZnO nanoparticles

AbstractReactive organic dyes are hazardous pollutants that should be removed from wastewater from the textile industry. A remediation of dye polluted wastewater can be achieved by using the oxidative properties of nanomaterials, such as ZnO nanoparticles, or by microorganisms and their dye degrading enzymes. Promising approaches are expected from hybrid strategies, which use more than one approach. However, ZnO nanoparticles are also reported to be an antimicrobial and antifungal agent, which may undermine the decolorization ability of potent organisms, such as white rot fungi. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effects of soluble Zn and ZnO nanoparticles on the decolorization behaviour of the white rot fungus Phanerochaete velutina on commonly used reactive dyes, Reactive Orange 16 and Reactive Green 19. Zn ions led to a low decolorized rate of both dyes at low concentrations and restored the rate at higher Zn concentrations. However, ZnO nanoparticles showed highest decolorization rates, but only in a narrow concentration range. Overall, no toxic or inhibitory effects for decolorization of the dyes were found at the applied concentration of up to 20 mg Zn l−1 indicating that tolerant P. velutina will be suitable for remediation of dyes in multi polluted waste waters.

π‐π stacking interactions mediate molecular recognition between arginine and tryptophan containing peptides derived from human islet polypeptide

AbstractCation‐π interactions, often found in protein assemblies, are characterized by favorable electrostatic interactions between an aromatic π‐electron surface and a positively charged species. There are evidences that reveal the importance of cation‐π interactions between arginine and aromatic residues in protein structure and function. In this paper, the effect of cation‐π interactions on the aggregation propensity of peptides derived from human islet polypeptide (hIAPP) was explored using UV resonance Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy. By employing an analog of hIAPP22–29 in which Phe‐23 is replaced with tryptophan (NWGAILSS), we were able to demonstrate an increase in the amyloidogenic propensity of this mutant in the presence of Zn2+ that is attributable to cation‐π interactions. In contrast, no cation‐π interactions were observed when the cationic F23R analog of hIAPP22–29 (NRGAILSS) was allowed to interact with NWGAILSS. From these observations, it was surmised that in these peptides, the dominant interaction between arginine and tryptophan involves the π‐cloud of the guanidino group and the indole ring, not cation‐π interactions. The spectroscopic data, supported by density functional theory‐based simulation results, suggest that arginine‐tryptophan interaction involves π‐π stacking where the guanidino group is oriented parallel to the indole ring. These hydrophobic interactions, coupled with the hydrotropic effect of the guanidine functionality of arginine, led to a delay in the aggregation kinetics of NWGAILSS. These unique interactions were further exploited to design a peptide inhibitor of full‐length amylin self‐assembly.

Enhanced coagulation cascade activation and styptic effects of Zn@SiO2 nanocomposite

Humans often have bleeding, which exerts substantial selective pressure on the coagulation system to optimize hemostasis in a variety of situations. Uncontrolled hemorrhage due to severe trauma leads to morbidity and mortality. Although nonbiological surfaces such as silicates can activate coagulation factor XII (FXII), the presence of Zn (Zinc) in the material stimulates and activates the various steps in the coagulation cascade. This results in blood clotting. The Zn@SiO2 nanocomposite has an excellent hemostatic property that establishes hemostasis by activating the factors responsible for the formation of a stable clot called fibrin mesh. This can be used as a hemostatic agent during surgeries and in any other trauma condition related to bleeding. Zn@SiO2 was synthesized and characterized with XRD, FTIR and HRTEM. It is analyzed for its RBC (Red Blood Corpuscles) aggregation and Platelet adhesion ability, fibrin formation, thrombus formation and prothrombin time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), D-dimer for its ability to activate the coagulation cascade to achieve stable clotting.

Anticorrosive effect of green sulfonated PANI-Zn with epoxy for the corrosion protection of aluminum alloy 6061-T651

The synergistic effect of epoxy resin and PANI-metal composites in anti-corrosion coatings is well known. However, the conventional chemical synthesis of PANI and its composites generates environmentally hazardous waste on an industrial scale. Given this, the study proposes synthesis of PANI-Zn composites by a “green” method to protect the AA6061-T651 alloy against corrosion. For the synthesis, hydrogen peroxide and sulphuric acid were used to promote polymerization and doping. PANI-Zn were characterized by FTIR, UV–Vis, XPS, XRF, ICP-OES and SEM. To prepare the coatings, 10 mg of composites were dissolved in 500 μL of ethanol/NMP solution (1:1) and mixed with 500 mg of epoxy resin and 250 mg of hardener. These were applied to AA6061-T651 alloys by the drop-casting method and allowed to stand at room temperature for 7 days, followed by heating at 70 °C for 1 h. After curing, the coatings were subjected to morphological (SEM and AFM), adhesion tests and electrochemical (EIS and linear polarization) characterizations. FTIR and UV–Vis spectra confirmed the structure of PANI in the materials. They also show that the composites are sulfonated and partially oxidized. XPS analysis demonstrated that the composites are in the protoemeraldine state (0 < y < 1; y ≠ 0.5) and that the presence of Zn in the synthesis influences the oxidation and doping state of the PANI. Furthermore, the XPS spectrum showed a weak ZnO signal only in PZn4, probably due to the amount of Zn used in the synthesis. However, XRF and ICP-OES confirmed the presence and content of zinc oxide in samples. Indeed, the anticorrosion performance of the composites varied according to their composition. The E-PZn2 (Epoxy-PANI-2 % Zn) was the best-performing coated electrode due to the morphology and distribution of the composites in the epoxy resin as well as good adhesion. This resulted in a better barrier effect against the penetration of corrosive ions, as well as providing anodic and cathodic protection by PANI, hydrogen sulfate ions, and ZnO.

Molecular basis for the increased activity of ZMS-2 serine protease in the presence of metal ions and hydrogen peroxide

Serine proteases are important enzymes widely used in commercial products and industry. Recently, we identified a new serine protease from the desert bacterium Bacillus subtilis ZMS-2 that showed enhanced activity in the presence of Zn2+, Ag+, or H2O2. However, the molecular basis underlying this interesting property is unknown. Here, we report comparative studies between the ZMS-2 protease and its homolog, subtilisin E (SubE), from B. subtilis ATCC 6051. In the absence of Zn2+, Ag+, or H2O2, both enzymes showed the same level of proteolytic activity, but in the presence of Zn2+, Ag+, or H2O2, ZMS-2 displayed increased activity by 22%, 8%, and 14%, whereas SubE showed decreased activity by 16%, 12%, and 9%, respectively. In silico studies showed that both proteins have almost identical amino acid sequences and folding structures, except for two amino acids located in the protruding loops of the proteins. ZMS-2 contains Ser236 and Ser268, whereas SubE contains Thr236 and Thr268. Replacing Ser236 or Ser268 in ZMS-2 with threonine resulted in variants whose activities were not enhanced by Zn2+ or Ag+. However, this single mutation did not affect the enhancement by H2O2. This finding may be used as a basis for engineering better proteases for industrial uses.

Quinoline-based hydrophilic flavonol fluorescent probe for specific and sensitive detection of Zn2+

It is important to develop fluorescent sensors for the detection and quantification of Zn2+ ions related to life health issues and other problems. The 3-hydroxyflavone derivatives has excellent photophysical properties and stable ability to coordinate with metal ions. In this study, a new fluorescent probe (HQC) toward to the detection of Zn2+ based on 3-hydroxylflavone and 8-hydroxyquinoline was designed and synthesized. In ethanol–water (1:9, v/v) solution, the probe HQC displays highly selective response to Zn2+ with remarkable emission enhancement through its binding of Zn2+. The sensing of Zn2+ was nearly free from interference of other relevant metal ions. The proposed binding modes are also proved by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, IR and HRMS analysis. The detection limit for Zn2+ is calculated to be 4.99 μM. Furthermore, the probe HQC displays good biological compatibility and was employed to detect Zn2+ in zebrafish. The strong fluorescence emission could be observed in the presence of Zn2+ in living cells. These results indicate that the probe HQC possesses good potential application values in the detection of Zn2+ in environmental and biological systems.

Superamphophilic antimicrobial membrane engineered with zinc-coordinated metallo-polymeric framework nanocoating

The combat against contamination by trace amounts of water and bacteria in aviation fuel remains a challenge, necessitating a comprehensive strategy. Here, a superamphophilic antimicrobial membrane is developed by featuring a stable zinc-coordinated polydopamine metallo-polymeric framework (PDA/Zn) on the skeleton of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) non-woven fabric. The formation of the PDA/Zn framework is streamlined through dopamine polymerization synchronized with metallo-ion coordination. This work delves into the intrinsic stability and superamphiphilic properties of the PDA/Zn framework, as well as systematically investigates its performance in fuel dehydration and carbophilus elimination. The resulting membrane exhibits a high gravity-driven flux and achieves a significant reduction in water content to below 10 ppm in aviation fuel, attributed to a demulsification and aggregation mechanism. Furthermore, our findings highlight the nearly complete antibacterial multifunctionality of the proposed membrane. It effectively prevents bacterial attachment at the liquid-solid interface and brings about bacterial eradication through the presence of Zn2+ ions and the mechanical puncturing effect of nanostructure cusps. This work not only advances applications in water dehydration and bacterial elimination but also pioneers opportunities for designing advanced functional membranes with multifaceted functionalities, including anti-fouling, self-cleaning, and antimicrobial properties, setting the stage for broader applications in membrane field.

Zn Biofortification of Dutch Cucumbers with Chemically Modified Spent Coffee Grounds: Zn Enrichment and Nutritional Implications.

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are a food waste with a large generation around the world. However, their utilization as a soil organic amendment is difficult due to their phytotoxic effect. In the present work, the impact of agronomic biofortification on Dutch cucumbers was studied by using different chemically modified SCGs, analyzing their effects on Zn content, the release of antioxidant capacity and the production of short-chain fatty acids after in vitro digestion-fermentation. The results indicated variations in the Zn content and chemical composition of cucumbers according to the treatment groups. The functionalized with Zn and activated SCGs were able to increase Zn levels in cucumbers. Meanwhile, the activated hydrochar obtained at 160 °C and the activated and functionalized with Zn SCGs showed the highest Zn supply per serving. Differences in the antioxidant capacity and short-chain fatty acid production were observed between the groups. It is concluded that the growing conditions and the presence of Zn may significantly influence the contribution of these cucumbers to the dietary intake of nutrients and antioxidants, which could have important implications for human health and nutrition.

Role of phosphate in microalgal-bacterial symbiosis system treating wastewater containing heavy metals

Phosphorus is one of the important factors to successfully establish the microalgal-bacterial symbiosis (MABS) system. The migration and transformation of phosphorus can occur in various ways, and the effects of phosphate on the MABS system facing environmental impacts like heavy metal stress are often ignored. This study investigated the roles of phosphate on the response of the MABS system to zinc ion (Zn2+). The results showed that the pollutant removal effect in the MABS system was significantly reduced, and microbial growth and activity were inhibited with the presence of Zn2+. When phosphate and Zn2+ coexisted, the inhibition effects of pollutants removal and microbial growth rate were mitigated compared to that of only with the presence of Zn2+, with the increasing rates of 28.3% for total nitrogen removal, 48.9% for chemical oxygen demand removal, 78.3% for chlorophyll-a concentration, and 13.3% for volatile suspended solids concentration. When phosphate was subsequently supplemented in the MABS system after adding Zn2+, both pollutants removal efficiency and microbial growth and activity were not recovered. Thus, the inhibition effect of Zn2+ on the MABS system was irreversible. Further analysis showed that Zn2+ preferentially combined with phosphate could form chemical precipitate, which reduced the fixation of MABS system for Zn2+ through extracellular adsorption and intracellular uptake. Under Zn2+ stress, the succession of microbial communities occurred, and Parachlorella was more tolerant to Zn2+. This study revealed the comprehensive response mechanism of the co-effects of phosphate and Zn2+ on the MABS system, and provided some insights for the MABS system treating wastewater containing heavy metals, as well as migration and transformation of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems.

Innovative thermosensitive alginate bioink combining cations for enhanced 3D extrusion bioprinting for tissue engineering

Sodium alginate (SA) hydrogels are widely used in 3D extrusion bioprinting, but their isolated use does not meet all the requirements for this application. To overcome this problem, crosslinking with divalent cations and combinations with other polymers, such as gelatin (Gel), are employed to improve their mechanical performance and bioactivity. In this study, we proposed a new concept of pre-crosslinking SA and SA/Gel inks with divalent cations Ca2+, Co2+, and Zn2+ and their binary mixtures. These inks were successfully formulated and characterized, and it was observed that different ion ratios can impart essential characteristics and properties for 3D extrusion bioprinting. To evaluate the thermosensitive response of these inks, it was included gelatin in a dispersed phase, giving the 3D-printed system a 4D character. The hydrogel with the best mechanical and biological performance was the pre-crosslinked composition with mixtures of divalent Ca2+/Co2+ ions, whereas it was observed through the live/dead assay that the presence of Zn2+ ions in the hydrogels on day 3 reduced the cell viability. This composition was used to develop a bioink for 4D printing using cell spheroid or single cells, with spheroids presenting better viability after 7 days than single cells. These results emphasize the importance of obtaining a pre-crosslinked bioink with modulated properties by employing divalent ions for 4D biofabrication and that 3D cell culture ensures superior resistance to 3D extrusion bioprinting when compared to single cells. Those characteristics give us an interesting bioink with high potential to be used in regenerative medicine of soft tissues.

Competitive adsorption of copper and zinc ions by Tetradesmus obliquus under autotrophic and mixotrophic cultivation

The competitive adsorption mechanism of Tetradesmus obliquus on copper and zinc ions was explored under varied cultivation conditions. Removal efficiency of Tetradesmus obliquus for these ions was evaluated during autotrophic and mixotrophic cultivation. The results revealed that Tetradesmus obliquus demonstrated achieved removal efficiencies of 74.30 %, 86.48 %, 84.55 %, and 65.33 % for 16 mg/L of Zn2+, Cu2+, and a mixture of Cu2+ and Zn2+, respectively, under autotrophic conditions. Conversely, under mixotrophic conditions, Tetradesmus obliquus demonstrated improved removal efficiencies of 86.90 %, 92.31 %, 92.30 %, and 71.94 % for Zn2+, Cu2+, and a Cu-Zn mixture, along with adsorption capacities of 38.57 mg/g, 43.86 mg/g, 23.15 mg/g, and 15.24 mg/g, respectively. This represents an increase of 46.65 %, 31.16 %, 29.47 %, and 43.50 % compared to the autotrophic group, respectively. The second-order kinetic equation and Langmuir isotherm model, as proposed, successfully fitted the experimental data for kinetics and isotherms of Zn2+ and Cu2+ in the monometallic system. The maximum adsorption capacities were determined to be 43.22 mg/g and 69.41 mg/g, respectively, under mixotrophic cultivation conditions. The Extended Langmuir isotherm model best fit all experimental data in the mixed system. The presence of Cu2+ markedly reduced Zn2+ adsorption, whereas the presence of Zn2+ had no effect on Cu2+ adsorption. The 3D fluorescence results further confirmed that glucose addition stimulates algal cells to produce additional extracellular polymers, consequently enhancing metal adsorption by microalgae. These research findings confirm that culturing Tetradesmus obliquus in a mixed environment enhances heavy metal removal during water treatment, which is of significant importance for environmental remediation and sustainable water purification.

Repeatable adhesion of bio-based polymer derived from tetrafunctional epoxides and polyhydric carboxylic acid

Bio-based network polymers were synthesized by cross-linking diastereomeric tetrafunctional epoxides, tetra-trans-LO (1) and tetra-cis-LO (2), with polyhydric carboxylic acid in the presence and absence of a catalyst. The cross-linking ability of 1 was higher than that of 2 and afforded to higher polymer yields, thermal stability, and mechanical strength. Repeatable adhesion with a moderately high recovery strength was achieved using 1 and polyhydric carboxylic acid in the presence of Zn(acac)2.

A simple and efficient pyrazole based colorimetric chemosensor for sensing Hg2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ ions and a selective sensing of Hg2+ ions in the presence of Zn2+and Cu2+ ions and its application in real samples

A simple colorimetric chemosensor (E)-4((4-diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2, dihydro-3H-pyrazole-3-one (M2) was synthesized and characterized by NMR, Mass spectra, IR and UV spectra, along with solvatochromism. The synthesized compound showed colorimetric sensing towards Hg2+ ion with high selectivity and sensitivity. The UV–Vis absorption spectra studies demonstrated that the proposed sensor could detect Hg2+ directly in acetonitrile solution over other metal ions. In the presence of Hg2+ ion, the probe exhibits instantaneous color change from colorless to yellow as a naked-eye detection. The binding ratio of the probe with metal has been identified to be of 1:1 using Job’s Plot and the obtained limit of detection is 8.83 × 10−8 M. The binding interaction of probe with the Hg2+ is confirmed using 1H NMR titration, ESI mass, and DFT calculation.

Assessments of heavy metal contaminations of surface water and sediment of Pülümür Stream (Türkiye)

The primary considerations within aquatic ecosystems are water and sediment quality, rendering it imperative to assess their concentrations, pollution levels, origins, and ecological hazards. In this study, heavy metal concentrations in surface waters and sediments of the Pülümür Stream were investigated to assess the level, distribution, source of pollution and the associated human risks. Water and sediment samples from the river were collected monthly from February 2021 to January 2022 and examined using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP– MS) technique. Metal concentrations in the sediment followed a decreasing or derivative sequence of Fe > Al > Mn > Ni > Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb > As >Cd > Hg. The ecological indices of the stream water have low degrees of contamination by heavy metals. Igeo and EF showed that most of the sites are moderately to highly polluted due to Ni, and Cr, while PLI and PERI showed a progressive deterioration of the environment at site 9. Moreover, the modified hazard quotient (mHQ) indicates low ecological risk for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg metals, while Ni, As and Cr reach high pollution at sediment sites. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the presence of Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg, and Mn metals in the sediment analysis has a lithogenic source, and As, Ni, Cd, and Cr accumulate due to human activities, mainly domestic and agricultural irrigation wastes and mining wastes, all of which affect the aquatic environment. According to this study, more attention should be paid to the comprehensive monitoring of metals in the water and sediment for both aquatic biota and human risk of the Pülümür River.

Multifunctional Logic Operations Based Upon Congruent Ion Sensing Appended with a Strategic Molecular Device: Spectroscopic Approach

AbstractA multi‐responsive smart molecular system is constructed using a newly synthesized Salen molecule, 1,3‐bis((E)‐2,3,4‐trimethoxy benzylideneamino) propan‐2‐ol (TMBP), to selectively recognize the presence and absence of Cu2+ ions aided by another selective metal ion, Zn2+. The emission efficiency of the non‐emissive probe is selectively and significantly enhanced in presence of Zn2+, while the improved emission of probe‐Zn2+ complex is completely quenched upon interaction with Cu2+. Thus, the probe acts as a reporter molecule for the selective detection of Cu2+ in the co‐presence of Zn2+. Comprehensive spectroscopic studies indicate that Zn2+ ion‐coordination significantly reduces the flexibility of the Schiff base unit and the extent of photoinduced electron transfer which in turn enhance the fluorescence intensity. While Cu2+, a d9 system, induces paramagnetic quenching over the enhanced emission through stable ground‐state complexation and metal‐ligand charge transfer. The spectroscopic results are translated into the designing of a multifunctional smart‐molecular system that could function as YES, NOT, INHIBIT, PASS 0, TRANSFER and NOT TRANSFER logic gates. Finally, a blueprint of a smart molecular device is proposed to present the relay sensing of Zn2+ and Cu2+ through logical outputs that would work in‐sync with the spectroscopic results.

An insight into the role of the N-terminal domain of Salmonella CobB in oligomerization and Zn2+ mediated inhibition of the deacetylase activity.

Prokaryotic deacetylases are classified into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent sirtuins and Zn2+-dependent deacetylases. NAD+ is a coenzyme for redox reactions, thus serving as an essential component for energy metabolism. The NAD+-dependent deacetylase domain is quite conserved and well characterized across bacterial species like CobB in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, Rv1151c in Mycobacterium, and SirtN in Bacillus subtilis. E. coli CobB is the only bacterial deacetylase with a known crystal structure (PDB ID: 1S5P), which has 91% sequence similarity with Salmonella CobB (SeCobB). Salmonella encodes two CobB isoforms, SeCobBS and SeCobBL, with a difference of 37 amino acids in its N-terminal domain (NTD). The hydrophobic nature of NTD leads to the stable oligomerization of SeCobBL. The homology modeling-based predicted structure of SeCobB showed the presence of a zinc-binding motif of unknown function. Tryptophan fluorescence quenching induced by ZnCl2 showed that Zn2+ has a weak interaction with SeCobBS but higher binding affinity toward SeCobBL, which clearly demonstrated the crucial role of NTD in Zn2+ binding. In the presence of Zn2+, both isoforms had significantly reduced thermal stability, and a greater effect was observed on SeCobBL. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies reflected a ninefold increase in the scattering intensity of SeCobBL upon ZnCl2 addition in contrast to an ∼onefold change in the case of SeCobBS, indicating that the Zn2+ interaction leads to the formation of large particles of SeCobBL. An in vitro lysine deacetylase assay showed that SeCobB deacetylated mammalian histones, which can be inhibited in the presence of 0.25-1.00mM ZnCl2. Taken together, our data conclusively showed that Zn2+ strongly binds to SeCobBL through the NTD that drastically alters its stability, oligomeric status, and enzymatic activity in vitro.

Tolerance of the Australian halophyte, beaded samphire, Sarcocornia quinqueflora, to Pb and Zn under glasshouse conditions: Evaluating metal uptake and partitioning, photosynthetic performance, biomass, and growth

Saltmarsh sediments are susceptible to accumulation of excessive concentrations of anthropogenically elevated metals such as lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). The resident salt tolerant plants of saltmarsh ecosystems form the basal underpinning of these ecosystems. As such, metal-associated adverse impacts on their physiology can have detrimental flow-on effects at individual, population, and community levels. The present study assessed the accumulation and partitioning of ecologically relevant concentrations of Pb, Zn, and their combination in a dominant Australian saltmarsh species, Sarcocornia quinqueflora. Plants were hydroponically maintained under glasshouse conditions for 16 weeks exposure to either Pb (20 µg l–1), Zn (100 µg l–1), or their mixture. We evaluated the chronic toxicological effects of single and mixed metal treatments with reference to metal uptake and partitioning, photosynthetic performance, photosynthetic pigment concentration, biomass and growth. Lead was more toxic than Zn, and Zn appeared to have an antagonistic effect on the toxicological effects of Pb in S.quinqueflora in terms of metal uptake, photosynthetic performance, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, and growth. Indeed, the tolerance index was 55 % in plants treated with Pb compared to 77 % in Zn treated plants and 73 % in Pb+Zn treated plants. Finally, Sarcocornia quinqueflora primarily accumulated both Pb and Zn in roots at concentrations exceeding unity whilst translocation of these metals to above ground tissues was restricted regardless of treatment. This suggests that S. quinqueflora may be suitable for phytostabilisation of Zn, and of Pb particularly in the presence of Zn.

Detection of Zn2+ and its imaging in plant roots by a bisphenol A-Based fluorescent chemosensor

Application of a chemosensor for imaging Zn2+ in plant’s root has rarely been reported. We report here synthesis and characterization of 4,4′-(propane-2,2-diyl)bis(2-(((2morpholinoethyl)imino)methyl)phenol) (H2L) as a Zn2+ sensor and its application in plant root imaging. It has been synthesized by a reaction between bisphenol A dialdehyde and 2-morpholinoethanamine (1:2 ratio) in methanol under mild condition. It shows significant enhancement (76-fold) in its fluorescence intensity at 473 nm in the presence of Zn2+ ions. Quantum yield of H2L increases from 0.004 to 0.635 upon interaction with the cation. It forms a 1:2 complex (ligand/metal) with Zn2+ with an association constant of 2.89 × 105 M−2. The limit of detection has been determined as 7.05 × 10-8 M signifying high sensitivity. Fluorescence increment of the probe has been attributed to chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEFF) mechanism and restriction of CN isomerization. H2L has been successfully utilized to image Zn2+ in rice plant’s root.

Harnessing the Power of Zinc-Solubilizing Bacteria: A Catalyst for a Sustainable Agrosystem

A variety of agrochemicals, especially fertilizers, are applied indiscriminately by farmers across trapezoidal landscapes to increase productivity and satisfy the rising food demand. Around one-third of the populace in developing nations is susceptible to zinc (Zn) deficiency as a result of their direct reliance on cereals as a source of calories. Zinc, an essential micronutrient for plants, performs several critical functions throughout the life cycle of a plant. Zinc is frequently disregarded, due to its indirect contribution to the enhancement of yield. Soil Zn deficiency is one of the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies that reduces crop yield. A deficiency of Zn in both plants and soils results from the presence of Zn in fixed forms that are inaccessible to plants, which characterizes the majority of agricultural soils. As a result, alternative and environmentally sustainable methods are required to satisfy the demand for food. It appears that the application of zinc-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) for sustainable agriculture is feasible. Inoculating plants with ZSB is likely a more efficacious strategy for augmenting Zn translocation in diverse edible plant components. ZSB possessing plant growth-promoting characteristics can serve as bio-elicitors to promote sustainable plant growth, through various methods that are vital to the health and productivity of plants. This review provides an analysis of the efficacy of ZSB, the functional characteristics of ZSB-mediated Zn localization, the mechanism underlying Zn solubilization, and the implementation of ZSB to increase crop yield.

Sol-Gel Synthesis of Zinc Alumotitanate, Monitoring of Chelation, Hydrolysis, Condensation, and Crystallization Processes.

Zinc alumotitanate sorbents with various compositions were prepared through sol-gel synthesis with the use of ethyl acetoacetate as a chelating agent. The formation and decomposition of chelates, providing insight into sol-gel process advancement, have been successfully monitored via 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy. It has been established that Al(OBus)3 and Ti(OBun)4 react completely with Eaa, forming chelates after 1 h, while after 24 h hydrolysis is already advanced. Hydrolysis is accelerated in the presence of Zn(NO2)3·6H2O, supplying the water needed for hydrolysis. In dried gels, the amount of ethyl acetoacetate is greatly reduced, and it is mainly present unbound. According to XRD analysis, samples with none or less titania are composed of layered double hydroxide, while in samples with greater amounts of titania, crystal nitrates are present. In all samples except those without Al, the spinel phase with variable composition crystallizes.