Sequestration Of Metal Ions Research Articles

Synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using biometabolites: mechanisms and applications.

Bio-metabolites have played a crucial role in the recent green synthesis of nanoparticles, resulting in more versatile, safer, and effective nanoparticles. Various primary and secondary metabolites, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, enzymes, vitamins, organic acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenes, have demonstrated strong metal reduction and stabilization properties that can be utilized to synthesize nanomaterials and influence their characters. While physical and chemical methods were previously used to synthesize these nanomaterials, their drawbacks, including high energy consumption, elevated cost, lower yield, and the use of toxic chemicals, have led to a shift towards eco-friendly, rapid, and efficient alternatives. Biomolecules act as reducing agents through deprotonation, nucleophilic reactions, transesterification reactions, ligand binding, and chelation mechanisms, which help sequester metal ions into stable metal nanoparticles (NPs). Engineered NPs have potential applications in various fields due to their optical, electronic, and magnetic properties, offering improved performance compared to bulkier counterparts. NPs can be used in medicine, food and agriculture, chemical catalysts, energy harvesting, electronics, etc. This review provides an overview of the role of primary and secondary metabolites in creating effective nanostructures and their potential applications.

Sequestration of Ni2+ and Zn2+ utilising agricultural biowaste-based amorphous M−SiO2 and modified green M−SiO2/Fe3O4 nano-adsorbents: Modelling and electroplating wastewater performance

This work reports the synthesis of novel amorphous mesoporous silicon dioxide (M−SiO2) nanoparticles and modified hybrid green mesoporous silicon dioxide embedded magnetite (M−SiO2/Fe3O4) nanocomposite by one-pot co-precipitation green approach. The nano-adsorbents’ ability to sequester Ni2+ and Zn2+ ions was investigated in batch experiments using synthetic solutions. The M−SiO2/Fe3O4, having specific surface area of 171.71 m2/g and mesoporous diameters of 6.281 nm, exhibits soft ferromagnetism with a saturation magnetisation of 35.45 emu/g. Specific surface areas and mesoporous diameters of 909 m2/g and 2.288 nm were recorded for M−SiO2. The Langmuir isotherm, pseudo second order kinetic, and Elovich kinetic were found to be best fitted to explain the highest capability of adsorption. The Langmuir monolayer coverage (qmax) of 108.70 and 96.15 mg/g for Ni2+ and Zn2+ by M−SiO2/Fe3O4, respectively, was notably higher than M−SiO2 (80.65 and 72.46 mg/g). The best-fitted kinetics imply that chemisorption predominates on M−SiO2 and M−SiO2/Fe3O4 heterogeneous adsorption surfaces. Thermodynamic parameters confirm endothermic adsorption of cationic metals, and sequestration improved marginally at elevated temperatures. The lab scale cost estimation, magnetic separability and superior metal ions sequestration efficacy of M−SiO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposite up to five ad-desorption cycles with > 90 % regenerability render it an economically feasible and recyclable nano-adsorbent. The feasibility of cationic metals sequestration from electroplating effluent confirms an effective and cost-efficient environmentally friendly nano-adsorbent (M−SiO2/Fe3O4) for treatment of wastewater contaminated with potentially toxic metals.

An insight into the utilization of high-sulfur green Saudi Arabian petcoke as an ecofriendly sorbent for enhanced simultaneous sequestration of heavy metal ions from industrial wastewaters

Developing effective and green sorbents for the sequestration of water pollutants has increased attention to safe and sustainable water generation. This study aimed to discover a new utilization and the ability of green, high-sulfur Saudi Arabian petcoke (SA-PET) for heavy metal ion uptake. The organic sulfur content and aromatic properties of SA-PET allowed for rapid and improved performance against various metal ions via strong complex formation reactions and cation-π interactions. Also, the effects of different analytical factors were carefully studied and optimized. At pH 6–7, the maximum recovery values of PbII, CuII, CdII, ZnII, MnII, NiII and CoII metal ions were 21.09–95.76%. The experimental results demonstrate single-layer adsorption at the binding sites on the petcoke’s surface, and they are in good agreement with the Langmuir model in explaining the adsorption process, which is driven by electrostatic interactions between the petcoke surface and the studied metal ions. The pseudo-second-order kinetics model fits the adsorption data for all the target metal ions well. Furthermore, the outstanding SA-PET's stability allowed for efficient extractions over the course of 10 successive runs with negligible loss in the metal recovery percentage. With extraction recoveries up to 96.6% and a relative standard deviation less than 5%, SA-PET's efficiency in removing the target metal ions from different industrial wastewater samples gives it excellent promise as a novel green sorbent for detoxifying heavy metals from aquatic life. In conclusions, our findings, SA-PET emerged as a viable substitute for traditional synthetic adsorbents of heavy metals, in keeping with the growing trend toward green adsorbents for more sustainable development.

Thiazole Functionalization of Thiosemicarbazone for Cu(II) Complexation: Moving toward Highly Efficient Anticancer Drugs with Promising Oral Bioavailability.

In this work, we report the synthesis of a new thiosemicarbazone-based drug of N'-(di(pyridin-2-yl)methylene)-4-(thiazol-2-yl)piperazine-1-carbothiohydrazide (HL) featuring a thiazole spectator for efficient coordination with Cu(II) to give [CuCl(L)]2 (1) and [Cu(NO3)(L)]2 (2). Both 1 and 2 exhibit dimeric structures ascribed to the presence of di-2-pyridylketone moieties that demonstrate dual functions of chelation and intermolecular bridging. HL, 1, and 2 are highly toxic against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines Hep-G2, PLC/PRF/5, and HuH-7 with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values as low as 3.26 nmol/mL (HL), 2.18 nmol/mL (1), and 2.54 × 10-5 nmol/mL (2) for PLC/PRF/5. While the free ligand HL may elicit its anticancer effect via the sequestration of bio-relevant metal ions (i.e., Fe3+ and Cu2+), 1 and 2 are also capable of generating cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Our preliminary pharmacokinetic studies revealed that oral administration (per os, PO) of HL has a significantly longer half-life t1/2 of 21.61 ± 9.4 h, nearly doubled as compared with that of the intravenous (i.v.) administration of 11.88 ± 1.66 h, certifying HL as an effective chemotherapeutic drug via PO administration.

Synthesis and functionalization of red-emissive carbon dots towards sensing of copper(II) and ATP in aqueous media

Red-emissive carbon dots, RCDs, were prepared in a bottom-up approach, from citric acid and urea, through a single solvothermal step, which were posteriorly surface-functionalized with di-(2-picolyl)amine (DPA) groups. The functionalized RCDs, henceforth named CD1, were analyzed through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light-scattering (DLS) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and were found to be spherical, with diameter of circa 4 nm. UV-Vis and luminescence spectroscopic studies showed that CD1 display an absorption maximum at 550 nm, with emission maxima at around 640 nm. Fluorescence measurements indicated that Cu(II) induces the strongest changes in the emission of CD1 among eleven investigated metal ions, with a full quenching effect being observed. Further addition of an anionic species, adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP), resulted in a recovery of the luminescence, which suggests that ATP is capable of sequestering metal ions from the surface of CD1. These results highlight the potential of simple and easy-to-make carbon nanomaterials as sensors for ions in aqueous media.

Community metagenomics reveals the processes of cadmium resistance regulated by microbial functions in soils with Oryza sativa root exudate input

Plants exert a profound influence on their rhizosphere microbiome through the secretion of root exudates, thereby imparting critical effects on their growth and overall health. The results unveil that japonica rice showcases a remarkable augmentation in its antioxidative stress mechanisms under Cd stress. This augmentation is characterized by the sequestration of heavy metal ions within the root system and the prodigious secretion of a spectrum of flavonoids, including Quercetin, Luteolin, Apigenin, Kaempferide, and Sakuranetin. These flavonoids operate as formidable guardians, shielding the plant from oxidative damage instigated by Cd-induced stress. Furthermore, the metagenomic analyses divulge the transformative potential of flavonoids, as they induce profound alterations in the composition and structural dynamics of plant rhizosphere microbial communities. These alterations manifest through the recruitment of plant growth-promoting bacteria, effectively engineering a conducive milieu for japonica rice. In addition, our symbiotic network analysis discerns that flavonoid compounds significantly improved the positive correlations among dominant species within the rhizosphere of japonica rice. This, in turn, bolsters the stability and intricacy of the microenvironmental ecological network. KEGG functional analyses reveal a notable upregulation in the expression of flavonoid functional genes, specifically cadA, cznA, nccC, and czrB, alongside an array of transporters, encompassing RND, ABC, MIT, and P-ATPase. These molecular orchestrations distinctly demarcated the rhizosphere microbiome of japonica rice, markedly enhancing its tolerance to Cd-induced stress. These findings not only shed light on the establishment of Cd-resistant bacterial consortia in rice but also herald a promising avenue for the precise modulation of plant rhizosphere microbiomes, thereby fortifying the safety and efficiency of crop production.

Anthranilic Acid: A Versatile Monomer for the Design of Functional Conducting Polymer Composites

Polyaniline has been utilized in various applications, yet its widespread adoption has often been impeded by challenges. Composite systems have been proposed as a means of mitigating some of these limitations, and anthranilic acid (2-aminobenzoic acid) has emerged as a possible moderator for use in co-polymer systems. It offers improved solubility and retention of electroactivity in neutral and alkaline media, and, significantly, it can also bestow chemical functionality through its carboxylic acid substituent, which can greatly ease post-polymer modification. The benefits of using anthranilic acid (as a homopolymer or copolymer) have been demonstrated in applications including corrosion protection, memory devices, photovoltaics, and biosensors. Moreover, this polymer has been used as a versatile framework for the sequestration of metal ions for water treatment, and, critically, these same mechanisms serve as a facile route for the production of catalytic metallic nanoparticles. However, the widespread adoption of polyanthranilic acid has been limited, and the aim of the present narrative review is to revisit the early promise of anthranilic acid and assess its potential future use within modern smart materials. A critical evaluation of its properties is presented, and its versatility as both a monomer and a polymer across a spectrum of applications is highlighted.

Sequestration of divalent heavy metal ions from aqueous environment by adsorption using biomass-bentonite composites as potential adsorbent: Equilibrium and kinetic studies

Hybrid clay adsorbents have been investigated in recent studies as cheap and effective adsorbents for eliminating micropollutants, such as heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. Here, we modified bentonite (BEN) with palm kernel shell and groundnut shell by calcination to obtain palm kernel shell-modified bentonite (BPKS) and groundnut shell-modified bentonite (BGS). We studied the batch equilibrium adsorption of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ ions under the influence of dosage, solution pH, contact time and concentration. Under these conditions, we found that the modified adsorbents (BGS and BPKS) had a higher equilibrium adsorption (qe) for the metal ions than unmodified BEN. BEN exhibited Langmuir adsorption capacities (Qo) of 32.47, 14.04 and 14.16 mg/g for Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+, respectively. BGS and BPKS had Qo values of 29.15, 14.27, 16.61 and 31.75, 17.67, 15.625 mg/g for Pb2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, respectively. Investigations revealed that the rate of adsorption on the three adsorbents is best described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with R2 values ≥ 0.9; the intra-particle diffusion model establishes a surface interaction mechanism involving the exchange of electrons between the surfaces of the adsorbents and the adsorbate. Scanning electron microscopy results suggest porous and heterogeneous adsorbent surfaces, indicating a physio-sorption phenomenon. The modifications increased the surface area of BEN from 78.435 to 194.850 and 140.650 m2/g in BGS and BPKS, respectively, using BET surface area analysis. However, the average pore width of BEN reduces from 3.8 to 3.3 nm in both BGS and BPKS. Also, the modification enhanced the cation exchange capacity in BPKS only. The findings from this study offered invaluable insights into how biomass can enhance the physicochemical properties of BEN, as needed for practical environmental application and/or optimization, during the removal of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ ions from aqueous media.

Synthesis of fenugreek gum-based metal-organic framework (FG/Zr-AIPA MOF) composite beads for sequestration of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a prominent class of materials due to their large surface area and customized structures. This gives them specificity and high adsorption capacity while they lack mechanical strength and reusability. Integrating MOFs with polysaccharide matrix may retain MOF characteristics along with imparting structural integrity. In the present study, zirconium MOF-based fenugreek composite (FG/Zr-AIPA) beads were synthesised by a single droplet method and utilised for removal of Cr(VI), Pb(II) and Fe(III) from aqueous solution. The structure, morphology and composition of beads were evaluated by FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET, FESEM, EDX, XPS and zeta potential analysis. Adsorption isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics were studied for Cr(VI), Pb(II) and Fe(III) adsorption. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm study revealed that all the metal ions were adsorbed through a monolayer chemisorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity was 344.43, 270.02 and 223.21mgg-1 for Cr(VI), Pb(II) and Fe(III), respectively, based on the Langmuir isotherm study. The thermodynamics study revealed that the interaction between the metal ions and the composite beads was spontaneous and endothermic. The FG/Zr-AIPA composite beads exhibited good reusability for the removal of Cr(VI), Pb(II) and Fe(III). The results open new possibilities for the preparation of polysaccharide MOF-based composite beads which exhibit substantial potential for water treatment applications.

Iron Sequestration by Murine Calprotectin Induces Starvation Responses in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pathogen sensing by the mammalian host induces a pro-inflammatory response that involves release of the antimicrobial metal-sequestering protein calprotectin (CP, S100A8/S100A9 heterooligomer, MRP8/MRP14 heterooligomer) from neutrophils. Biochemical investigations on human CP (hCP) have informed the molecular basis of how this protein sequesters metal ions. Murine models of infection have provided invaluable insights into the ability of murine CP (mCP) to compete with bacterial pathogens for essential metal nutrients. Despite this extensive work, our knowledge of how mCP sequesters metals from bacterial pathogens and its impacts on bacterial physiology is limited. Moreover, whether mCP sequesters iron and induces iron-starvation responses in bacterial pathogens has not been evaluated. Here, we examine the ability of mCP to withhold iron from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that causes severe infections in immunocompromised individuals and cystic fibrosis patients. We demonstrate that mCP prevents iron uptake and induces iron-starvation responses in P. aeruginosa laboratory strains PA14 and PAO1 and the JSRI-1 clinical isolate from a cystic fibrosis patient. We also show that mCP prevents iron uptake and induces an iron-starvation response in the Gram-positive bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. The His6 site of mCP is the iron-sequestering site; it exhibits Ca(II)-dependent Fe(II) affinity and binds Fe(II) with subpicomolar affinity in the presence of excess Ca(II) ions. This work is important for understanding the structure, function, and physiological consequences of mCP and how the mammalian host and bacterial pathogens compete for essential metal nutrients.

One-pot fabrication of nanoscale zero-valent iron scaffolded onto graphitic carbon nitride as bifunctional nanohybrid in sequestering U(VI) and Cr(VI) with boost performance and intrinsic mechanism

In this paper, we reported an innovative one-pot fabrication approach of a bifunctional nanohybrid through scaffolding of nanoscale zero-valent iron onto the inter-layer structure of graphitic carbon nitride in sequestering U(VI) and Cr(VI) in wastewater. The microstructures, morphologies and chemical compositions of the as–fabricated g-C3N4/NZVI nanohybrid before and after U(VI)/Cr(VI) sequestration were exploited in detail by applying various physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. Batch experimental results demonstrated that sequestration of targeted U(VI)/Cr(VI) by g-C3N4/NZVI was higher than those of pure NZVI or g-C3N4 due to the pronounced boost performance, which was ascribed from the introduction of g-C3N4 as matrix inhibited the oxidation of NZVI and improved its reactivity. The pH effect was also elucidated and it was found that lower pH facilitated the sequestration of the negatively–charged Cr(VI), while higher pH benefited the sequestration of the positively–charged U(VI). Moreover, the characterization insights into intrinsic mechanism manifested that sequestration of U(VI)/Cr(VI) was fulfilled through a synergistic effect of adsorption, reduction and coprecipitation. This work is of great significance for understanding the combined sequestration mechanism of U(VI) and Cr(VI), and usage of g-C3N4/NZVI in sequestration of severe dangerous metal ions, especially efficient detoxification of toxic cations and anions in wastewater.

Inhibition of toxic metal-alpha synuclein interactions by human serum albumin.

Human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant protein in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, not only serves as a crucial carrier of various exogenous and endogenous ligands but also modulates the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins, including alpha synuclein (αSyn), which is associated with Parkinson's disease and other α-synucleinopathies. HSA decreases αSyn toxicity through the direct binding to monomeric and oligomeric αSyn species. However, it is possible that HSA also sequesters metal ions that otherwise promote aggregation. Cu(ii) ions, for example, enhance αSyn fibrillization in vitro, while also leading to neurotoxicity by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, it is currently unclear if and how HSA affects Cu(ii)-binding to αSyn. Using an integrated set of NMR experiments, we show that HSA is able to chelate Cu(ii) ions from αSyn more efficiently than standard chelators such as EDTA, revealing an unexpected cooperativity between the HSA metal-binding sites. Notably, fatty acid binding to HSA perturbs this cooperativity, thus interfering with the sequestration of Cu(ii) ions from αSyn. We also observed that glycation of HSA diminished Cu(ii)-binding affinity, while largely preserving the degree of cooperativity between the HSA metal-binding sites. Additionally, our results show that Cu(ii)-binding to HSA stabilizes the interactions of HSA with αSyn primarily at two different regions, i.e. the N-terminus, Tyr 39 and the majority of the C-terminus. Our study not only unveils the effect of fatty acid binding and age-related posttranslational modifications, such as glycation, on the neuroprotective mechanisms of HSA, but also highlights the potential of αSyn as a viable NMR-based sensor to investigate HSA-metal interactions.

Functionalized porous carbon microspheres packed column for solid phase extraction and preconcentration of trace metal ions in food and water samples.

Porous materials play a crucial role in the extraction of trace analytes; yet, the attainment of high selectivity and efficient regeneration continues to pose a considerable problem. In this study, we employed a green method to synthesize porous carbon microspheres. These microspheres were subsequently functionalized with aminophosphonic acid to facilitate the extraction of heavy metal ions from real samples. A comprehensive analysis of the aminomethylphosphorylated carbon microspheres was conducted using FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, BET and water contact angle measuring techniques. The potential optimization of analyte enrichment can be accomplished by the proposed solid-phase extraction (SPE) approach, which notably reduces spectrum interferences following sample purification. Following the IUPAC equation, the detection limit of the proposed method was found to be 0.04 ng mL-1, after running 20 replicate blank tests. The primary focus of sequestration of trace metal ions is the formation of metal-ligand chelates within the carbon spheres, resulting in enhanced selectivity and extraction rates exceeding 99.9% from samples with low concentrations. The present studies show a significant preconcentration limit of 0.4 ng mL-1 and a substantial preconcentration factor of 500. The method was implemented to examine real food and water samples, and the obtained data exhibit significant accuracy with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 5%.

Application of cathodic protection method on steel structures using sacrificial anode and sodium polyacrylate-sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (PANa–CMC) hydrogel electrolyte

An ionically conductive sodium polyacrylate-sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (PANa–CMC) hydrogel electrolyte was developed for the sacrificial anode cathodic protection (SACP) of carbon steel in high-humidity environments. The incorporation of varying ratios of CMC into hydrogel formulation enhanced the water retention capacity, adhesion strength, and electrochemical performance, making it suitable for SACP applications. Particularly, PANa-5% CMC hydrogels demonstrated a current density of approximately 3 μA/cm², inhibited passive corrosion product formation, and sequestered metal ions from anodes, thus minimizing contamination. These findings highlight the substantial potential of PANa–CMC hydrogels as electrolytes, expanding the application of the SACP method to atmospheric environments.

Biogenic synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using leaf extract of Spilanthes acmella: antioxidation potential and adsorptive removal of heavy metal ions.

The sequestration of contaminants from wastewater, such as heavy metals, has become a major global issue. Multiple technologies have been developed to address this issue. Nanotechnology is attracting significant interest as a new technology, and numerous nanomaterials have been produced for sequestrating heavy metals from polluted water due to their superior properties arising from the nanoscale effect. This study reports biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IO-NPs) and their applications for adsorptive sequestration of various metal ions from aqueous solutions. Biosynthesis of IO-NPs has been carried out by using leaf extract of Spilanthes acmella, a medicinal plant. FTIR analysis of the leaf extract and biosynthesized IO-NPs marked the role of various functional groups in biosynthesis of IO-NPs. FESEM analysis revealed the average size range of IO-NPs as 50 to 80nm, while polydisperse nature was confirmed by DLS analysis. EDX analysis revealed the presence of Fe, O, and C atoms in the elemental composition of the NPs. The antioxidant potential of the biosynthesized IO-NPs (IC50 = 136.84µg/mL) was confirmed by DPPH assay. IO-NPs were also used for the adsorptive removal of As3+, Co2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ ions from aqueous solutions with process optimization at an optimized pH (7.0) using dosage of IO-NPs as 0.6g/L (As3+ and Co2+) and 0.8g/L (Cd2+ and Cu2+). Adsorption isotherm analysis revealed the maximum adsorption efficiency for As3+ (21.83mg/g) followed by Co2+ (20.43mg/g), Cu2+ (15.29mg/g), and Cd2+ (13.54mg/g) using Langmuir isotherm model. The biosynthesized IO-NPs were equally efficient in the simultaneous sequestration of these heavy metal ions signifying their potential as effective nanoadsorbents.

Biosorption potential of neem leave powder for the sequestration of arsenic and chromium metal ions

<p>In this study, neem leaf biosorbent, prepared through chemical synthesis and activated with concentrated sulfuric acid, was utilized as an organic adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions, specifically arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr), from wastewater. The characteristics of the biosorbent were thoroughly analyzed using BET, FTIR, SEM, and EDX analysis to evaluate the surface morphology and functional groups. The experimental results indicated that under optimal conditions, with a pH of 10.0, a biosorbent dose of 3 g/L, an initial concentration of 20 mg/L, and a contact time of 60 minutes, 89.74% of As(II) and 82.32% of Cr(VI) metal ions were efficiently removed from synthetic solutions. To understand the nature of the adsorption process, various isothermal studies were conducted to determine whether it was homogeneous or heterogeneous. In addition to the above-mentioned experiments, kinetic studies were conducted to assess the physical or chemical nature of the metal ion adsorption on the adsorbent. Thermodynamic investigations were also performed to determine whether the adsorption of metal ions was exothermic or endothermic and whether the process was spontaneous. The results from the desorption studies revealed that the addition of 0.3N HCl resulted in the highest rate of desorption. This effectively facilitated the recovery of the metal ions from the spent adsorbent, indicating the effectiveness of 0.3N HCl in desorbing the adsorbed metal ions.</p>

Sequestration of Toxic Metal Ions from Industrial Effluent Using the Novel Chelating Resin Tamarind Triazine Amino Propanoic Acid (TTAPA)

Due to higher levels of industrial activity, the concentrations of toxic substances in natural water bodies are increasing. One of the most dangerous groups of toxic compounds is heavy metals, with even trace amounts of most heavy metals being harmful to aquatic life. This is why purifying water has become an urgent priority. In this context, ion-exchange resins have become more widely used in water treatment processes. However, to reduce the costs and improve the sustainability of this strategy, natural resins are favored over synthetic versions. Therefore, in the present study, a natural tamarind-based chelating resin was developed. The tamarind triazine amino propanoic acid (TTAPA) resin was synthesized and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry analysis, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, and physicochemical analysis of the moisture content, total ion-exchange capacity, bulk volume, bulk density, and percentage nitrogen content. The biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand of the industrial effluent before and after treatment were also analyzed. The batch analysis was used to determine the distribution coefficient and percentage removal of the metal ions Fe(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II). The removal efficiency of the prepared TTAPA resin was highest for Fe(II), followed by Cu(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) in order. The chelating ion-exchange resin also had a metal ion recovery of more than 95%, thus demonstrating great promise for the sequestration of heavy metal ions from industrial wastewater. The proposed TTAPA resin is biodegradable, non-toxic, cost-effective, reproducible, and eco-friendly.

Biosilica/Silk Fibroin/Polyurethane biocomposite for toxic heavy metals removal from aqueous streams

Development of green, eco-friendly, and efficient adsorbents for wastewater treatment is highly researched to mitigate the alarming rate of water pollution. In this work, a novel biocomposite of biosilica (BS)/silk fibroin (SF)/polyurethane foam (PUF) was prepared and studied for the adsorptive recovery of toxic copper (Cu 2 + ) and chromium (Cr 6＋ ) ions from synthetic wastewater. XRD and FTIR studies confirmed the formation of biocomposite with amorphous structure and –OH, –NH, C=O surface functionalities. SEM results confirmed the successful incorporation of SF and PUF into BS. The biocomposite possessed a specific surface area of 751.9 m 2 /g and a mean pore size of 7.21 nm. Further, effects of pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, and initial metal ion concentration on the adsorptive removal of Cu 2 + and Cr 6＋ metal ions by the BS/SF/PUF biocomposite were studied in detail. Equilibrium and kinetic analysis showed that the metal ions sequestration by the BS/SF/PUF biocomposite followed the Freundlich isotherm and Elovich model, respectively. Maximum adsorption capacities of 331.69 mg/g and 201.56 mg/g were estimated for the Cu 2 + and Cr 6＋ ions, respectively. A plausible mechanism for the adsorption of the metal ions onto BS/SF/PUF biocomposite is postulated. Reusability studies of the biocomposite using EDTA eluent showed that the biocomposite could be efficiently reused up to four consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles. Thus, this study provides comprehensive data for applying the BS/SF/PUF biocomposite to treat Cu 2 + and Cr 6＋ metal ions polluted wastewater streams. • Amorphous BS/SF/PUF biocomposite was prepared through polymer blending. • Specific surface area and pore size of BS/SF/PUF were 751.9 m 2 /g and 7.21 nm. • High adsorptive removal efficiency of >80% for Cu 2+ and Cr 6+ heavy metal ions. • Freundlich isotherm & Elovich kinetic model best described adsorption operation. • BS/SF/PUF biocomposite was successfully reused up to 4 cycles through EDTA washing.

The Key Element Role of Metallophores in the Pathogenicity and Virulence of Staphylococcus aureus: A Review.

Simple SummaryMetallophores, which are secondary metabolites secreted by bacteria, play an important role in their virulence. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus produces several types of metallophores, such as staphyloferrin A, staphyloferrin B, and staphylopine, which are responsible for metal ion sequestering. The former is specific for iron chelating, while the latter is a wide-spectrum metallophore, but it mainly chelates zinc. The detailed description of the biosynthesis, export and import processes of each metallophore type is highlighted in this review. Moreover, the genetic regulation is explained as well. Previous studies that provide evidence about the crucial part of metallophores in Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis were also mentioned herein.The ubiquitous bacterium Staphylococcus aureus causes many diseases that sometimes can be fatal due to its high pathogenicity. The latter is caused by the ability of this pathogen to secrete secondary metabolites, enabling it to colonize inside the host causing infection through various processes. Metallophores are secondary metabolites that enable bacteria to sequester metal ions from the surrounding environment since the availability of metal ions is crucial for bacterial metabolism and virulence. The uptake of iron and other metal ions such as nickel and zinc is one of these essential mechanisms that gives this germ its virulence properties and allow it to overcome the host immune system. Additionally, extensive interactions occur between this pathogen and other bacteria as they compete for resources. Staphylococcus aureus has high-affinity metal import pathways including metal ions acquisition, recruitment and metal–chelate complex import. These characteristics give this bacterium the ability to intake metallophores synthesized by other bacteria, thus enabling it to compete with other microorganisms for the limited nutrients. In scarce host conditions, free metal ions are extremely low because they are confined to storage and metabolic molecules, so metal ions are sequestered by metallophores produced by this bacterium. Both siderophores (iron chelating molecules) and staphylopine (wide- spectrum metallophore) are secreted by Staphylococcus aureus giving it infectious properties. The genetic regulation of the synthesis and export together with the import of metal loaded metallophores are well established and are all covered in this review.

Natural Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Hyperaccumulation and Hypertolerance towards Heavy Metals.

The main mechanism of plant tolerance is the avoidance of metal uptake, whereas the main mechanism of hyperaccumulation is the uptake and neutralization of metals through specific plant processes. These include the formation of symbioses with rhizosphere microorganisms, the secretion of substances into the soil and metal immobilization, cell wall modification, changes in the expression of genes encoding heavy metal transporters, heavy metal ion chelation, and sequestration, and regenerative heat-shock protein production. The aim of this work was to review the natural plant mechanisms that contribute towards increased heavy metal accumulation and tolerance, as well as a review of the hyperaccumulator phytoremediation capacity. Phytoremediation is a strategy for purifying heavy-metal-contaminated soils using higher plants species as hyperaccumulators.