UV Lamp Research Articles

Influence of Germicidal UV (222 nm) Lamps on Ozone, Ultrafine Particles, and Volatile Organic Compounds in Indoor Office Spaces.

Germicidal ultraviolet lamps with a peak emission at 222 nm (GUV222) are gaining prominence as a safe and effective solution to reduce disease transmission in occupied indoor environments. While previous studies have reported O3 production from GUV222, less is known about their impact on other indoor constituents affecting indoor air quality, especially in real occupied environments. In this study, the effects of GUV222 on the levels of ozone (O3), ultrafine particles (UFPs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were investigated across multiple offices with varying occupancies. O3 from the GUV222 operation was observed to increase linearly (∼300 μg h-1 m-1) with a UV light path length from 0 to 3 m beyond which it stabilized. When applied in offices, the O3 production models based on continuous measurements revealed O3 production rates of 1040 ± 87 μg h-1. The resulting increases in steady-state concentrations of 5-21 μg m-3 were highly dependent on the number of office occupants. UFP production occurred during both unoccupied and occupied conditions but predominantly in newly renovated offices. Time-resolved measurements with a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS) revealed clear alterations in office VOC concentrations. Unsurprisingly, O3 oxidation chemistry was observed, including monoterpene deprivation and 4-oxopentanal (4-OPA) production. But additionally, significant alterations from unidentified mechanisms occurred, causing increased levels of various PTR-TOF-MS signals including C2H5O2+ and C4H9+ hypothesized to arise from photoinduced formation or off-gassing during the GUV222 lamp operation.

A Zn‐MOF With Its Mixed‐Matrix Membranes for Convenient and Efficient Visualization Detection of 3‐Nitrotyrosine Biomarker in Aqueous Media and Practical Application in Serum

ABSTRACTInstant and accurate detection of 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) biomarker is an important but challenging task in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases. Herein, this work reported a Zn (II)–based metal–organic framework (MOF) {[Zn2(BDPT)(DIMB)]}n, denoted as Zn‐BDPT, synthesized by solvothermal method using bis(3,5‐dicarboxyphenyl)terephthalamide (H4BDPT) and 1,4‐di(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)butane (DIMB). Neighboring [Zn (COO)2] clusters were connected by BDPT4− units and DIMB to form a (2,4,4)‐connected three‐dimensional (3D) architecture. X‐ray powder diffraction (PXRD) and thermogravimetric (TGA) experiments indicated that Zn‐BDPT had good purity and stability. Zn‐BDPT could selectively and rapidly recognize 3‐NT in an aqueous environment. For rapid economic detection of 3‐NT in actual samples, mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) based on Zn‐BDPT were successfully prepared and named Zn‐BDPT@PMMA. The addition of 3‐NT under the UV lamp displayed an evident visible fluorescence quenching effect. Quantitative titration analysis of Zn‐BDPT@PMMA in real serum sample obtained the Ksv value of 1.13 × 104 M−1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.17 μM. This report demonstrated that MOF‐based MMMs could be used as ideal candidate for luminescent probe in actual application.

A Novel Immunochromatographic Test Strip Using Lanthanide-Labeled Fluorescent Nanoparticles for the Serological Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs and Cats

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an important zoonotic pathogen which induces both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Timely diagnosis of T. gondii is crucial for effective disease management. Here, we present a pioneering approach using europium (III)-chelated nanoparticles (EuNPs) in a rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic test strip (ICTS) for detecting T. gondii antibodies in serum samples. By conjugating EuNPs with Staphylococcus aureus protein A, we efficiently captured T. gondii-specific antibodies, which bound to T. gondii antigens on the test line (T-line), generating a distinct fluorescent signal. Employing this novel method, we conducted an extensive epidemiological investigation of T. gondii infections among dogs and cats in Shanghai, China. This innovative ICTS allows for rapid results within 25 min, which include a qualitative result through naked-eye observation under an ultraviolet lamp and a quantitative one derived using a strip reader. With a detection limit of 1:6400 for dog positive serum and no cross-reactivity with other canine and feline pathogens, the EuNPs-ICTS demonstrated excellent consistency with standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results for dogs (κ = 0.91) and cats (κ = 0.92). In addition, 20.38% of 996 dog serum samples and 14.18% of 416 cat serum samples revealed T. gondii antibodies, highlighting the efficacy of this approach. Our study presents a rapid, sensitive, specific, and reproducible EuNPs-ICTS, serving as a promising tool for on-the-spot diagnosis of T. gondii infections in dogs and cats.

N-doped silicon QDs: facile synthesis and application as sensor for discrimination and selective detection of oxytetracycline, tetracycline, and chlortetracycline in foods.

Nitrogen-doped silicon quantum dots (N-SiQDs) with a quantum yield of up to 37.8% were simply synthesized using inexpensive and readily available silica as the silicon source. Based on the internal filter effect (IFE), both oxytetracycline (OTC) and tetracycline (TC) can effectively and rapidly quench the fluorescence of N-SiQDs at 380nm. However, interestingly, the accompanied formation of a new complex of OTC with N-SiQDs could emit fluorescence at 505nm, resulting in a gradualcolor change of the sensor from blue to yellow under the irradiation of 365nm UV lamp. Thus, a visual semi-quantitative detection of OTC was realized. In contrast, based on the aggregation-induced luminescence (AIE) effect, chlortetracycline (CTC) linearly enhanced the fluorescence intensity of N-SiQDs, which can effectively reduce other interfering signals, and can significantly improve the sensitivity and selectivity. Hence, a low limit of detection of 47nM for CTC was obtained. On account of the three distinctly different phenomena and mechanisms of N-SiQDs sensor exhibited towards OTC, TC, and CTC, a novel sensing method for discriminating and selectively measuring OTC, TC, and CTC in food was developed.

Mitochondria-Targeted NIR Ratiometric and Colorimetric Fluorescent Probe for Biothiols Based on a Thiol-Chromene Click Reaction.

In this work, a mitochondria-targeted NIR ratiometric and colorimetric fluorescent probe 1 was tactfully designed and synthesized by a novel design strategy of modifying chromene to pyridine for the first time. 1 exhibited a maximum absorption peak at 508 nm and a maximum fluorescence emission peak at 650 nm. Under the stimulus of biothiols (cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), and glutathione (GSH)), the maximum absorption and fluorescence emission peaks of 1 blue-shifted to 448 and 541 nm, respectively, along with color changes from red to yellow under visible light and from red to green under a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) lamp, which can be ascribed to the click reaction of biothiols with the α,β-unsaturated ketone of the chromene moiety with pyran ring-opening, phenol formation, and 1,6-elimination of the p-hydroxybenzyl moiety. 1 detected biothiols (Cys, GSH, and Hcy) with high sensitivity (LODs of 29, 23, and 16 nM for Cys, GSH, and Hcy, respectively), excellent selectivity, and fast response. Moreover, 1 can target mitochondria and image the fluctuation of intracellular biothiols by dual-emission channels.

UVB radiation suppresses Dicer expression through β-catenin.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays prompt a natural response in epidermal cells, particularly within melanocytes. The changes in gene expression and related signaling pathways in melanocytes following exposure to UVR are still not entirely understood. Our findings reveal that UVB irradiation suppresses the expression of Dicer. This repression is intricately linked to the activation of the PI3K, RSK, and WNT/β-catenin signaling pathways and is directly associated with transcriptional repression by β-catenin. Notably, we have identified specific binding sites for the LEF/β-catenin complex in the Dicer promoter. Collectively, these results emphasize the significance of the UV-induced pathway involving LEF/β-catenin, which impacts Dicer expression. UV radiation also reduced the levels of specific miRNAs known to be important in the biology of melanocytes. This pathway holds potential importance in governing melanocyte physiology.

On-site detection of OTA and AFB1 based on branched hybridization chain reaction coupled with lateral flow assay

Mycotoxins are widely prevalent in various agricultural commodities, whose excessive consumption can pose significant risks to human health. In this study, we developed a facile mycotoxin detection platform based on branched hybridization chain reaction coupled with lateral flow assay. Ochratoxin A/Aflatoxin B1 bind to aptamers triggering the release of initiators, which leads to bHCR amplification and forms three-dimensional dendritic DNA nanostructures. Using the functionalized quantum dots as a fluorescent label, by leveraging smartphones and handheld ultraviolet lamps, the qualitative and quantitative detection of OTA and AFB1 can be achieved with a significantly enhanced sensitivity level, surpassing that of commercial test strips by 2–3 orders of magnitude. The visual detection limits for OTA and AFB1 were 30 pg/mL and 4 pg/mL, respectively. This approach eliminates the necessity for enzyme catalysis or the preparation and purification of antibodies and/or hapten, thereby reducing testing expenses and streamlining operational procedures. Moreover, substituting aptamer and nucleic acid sequences can effectively expand the scope of detection targets. Consequently, the as-proposed strategy exhibits great potential as a versatile technique, suitable for various analytical scenarios due to its sensitivity, accuracy, simplicity, and portability.

Synthesis of gold nanoparticles using soybean byproducts: applications in catalysis

AbstractThis study demonstrates the feasibility of extracting lecithin from oil industry byproducts in an eco‐friendly manner, with minimal use of water and without harmful chemicals. Liposomes can be generated directly from this extracted lecithin, enhancing the value of these byproducts and enabling the production of catalytic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Thin‐layer chromatography of the extracted lecithin revealed a phospholipid composition primarily consisting of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, and surface tension studies demonstrated similar behavior between the extracted and commercial lecithin. Liposome formation using sustainable lecithin (LPn) resulted in structures that were stable for at least 10 days, exhibiting a low polydispersity index (0.395) and uniform size (approximately 214 ± 7 nm). Gold nanoparticles were synthesized successfully in LPn loaded with [HAuCl4] by using different photoreduction methods: ultraviolet (UV) lamp, pulsed laser 355 nm, and sunlight irradiation. The AuNPs exhibited characteristic sizes (ranging from 5.03 to 6.78 nm) and optical properties typical of nanoparticles, including a distinct surface plasmon resonance. As a proof of concept, we also demonstrated that the synthesized AuNPs exhibited catalytic activity in UV‐induced cis‐trans isomerization reactions. Overall, the study highlights the potential of sustainable soy lecithin extraction for diverse applications, including nanoparticle synthesis and catalysis.

Study of Luminescence Phenomena of Tb (III) Containing Fluroquinoline for Application in Optoelectronic Devices.

This study presents a series of six vivid green Tb(III) complexes, denoted by the general formula [Tb(L)3.secondary sensitizers], where L represents 1-cyclopropyl-7-(4-ethylpiperazin-1-yl)-6-fluoro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid and secondary sensitizers consist of heterocyclic N-donor aromatic systems. The synthesis of these complexes were achieved through a solvent-assisted grinding method, and their characterization involved various techniques such as CHN analysis, FTIR, NMR, UV, XRD, and NIR spectroscopy. These analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of complexes with coordination between the quinoline moiety and the metal ion. Photoluminescence studies were conducted in solid and solution phases, revealing excellent luminescence properties. The bright green color emitted by the complexes upon exposure to UV rays was attributed to the hypersensitive 5D4 → 7F5 transition. J-O analysis indicated an asymmetrical coordination environment around in the complexes. Additionally, various radiative properties (Ared, Anred, η, βexp, σs) and band gap values were determined, highlighting the potential applications of these complexes in diverse optoelectronic fields. Chromaticity evaluation demonstrated high color purity in both solid and solution phases. Furthermore, the CCT value identified the solid complexes as a cool light source. Overall, the analyses supported the exceptional luminosity of synthesized complexes, positioning them as promising luminescent materials for a wide range of devices.

Method for determination of gamma oryzanol in dietary supplement by high performance liquid chromatography

Gamma oryzanol (GO), a phytosterol found most abundantly in rice bran oil as well as corn, barley, rye, vegetable oils and wheat bran. Thanks to its ability to slow down the development of melanin pigments, prevent the effects and spread of ultraviolet rays on the skin's surface, limiting freckles and darkening of the skin, in recent years, GO has been added to dietary supplements to help reduce melasma, brighten and smooth the skin. For the purpose of evaluating and controlling product quality, the GO analysis method was developed and validated. GO was analyzed by HPLC using a PDA detector with a C18 chromatography column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) and a mobile phase consisting of methanol and acetonitrile in isocratic mode 35: 65 (v/v). The test sample was extracted with a mixture of n-hexane and ethanol at a ratio of 2: 5 (v/v). The method was evaluated for system suitability, specificity, calibration curve, precision and accuracy with limit of detection and limit of quantification were 15.0 µg/g and 50.0 µg/g, respectively. The analysis results of 10 real samples including 03 pellet samples and 07 powder samples showed that the method is suitable for analyzing samples with different concentration ranges.

Full-Color Dynamic Afterglow in Carbon Dot-Based Materials Regulated by Dual-Phosphorescence Resonance Energy Transfer.

Developing afterglow materials with wide-range and time-dependent colors is highly desirable but challenging. Herein, by calcinating the mixture of Rhodamine B and NH4Al(OH)2CO3, carbon dots (CDs) are generated and in situ embedded in the porous Al2O3, forming the CDs@Al2O3 composite, which exhibits time-dependent phosphorescence colors (TDPCs) from blue to green after excited by a UV lamp. Photophysical studies reveal that the blue phosphorescence with a short lifetime of 214ms originates from the carbon core state, while the green phosphorescence with a long lifetime of 915ms is associated with the surface state of CDs. Simultaneous activation of the blue and green phosphorescence with different lifetimes induces the TDPC performance. Using CDs@Al2O3 as the donor, a series of long-wavelength fluorescent dyes including Rhodamine 123, Rhodamine 6G, and Rhodamine B as the acceptors, and epoxy resin (ER) as the matrix, a dual-phosphorescence resonance energy transfer system (CDs@Al2O3-dye-ER) is constructed to rationally regulate the afterglow emission, conferring the full-color dynamic afterglow from blue to red at different decay times with high afterglow quantum yields of up to 48.2%. The fascinating afterglow properties of the CDs@Al2O3-dye-ER composites enable their successful applications in multidimensional information encryption and polychrome 3D artworks.

Photo‐Induced Ultrafast Charge Transfer and Air‐Stable Radical Formation in Tetraphenylpyrene Derivatives

AbstractStable organic radicals generated by photo‐excitation hold applications in molecular switching devices and information storage. It remains challenging to develop photo‐generated radical materials with rapid response and air stability in the solid state. Here, we report a structure based on 1,3,6,8‐tetraphenylpyrene derivative (Py‐TTAc) displaying photo‐induced radicals with air stability in the solid state. Photo‐induced electron transfer, exposed to a 365 nm ultraviolet lamp for 1 minute, affords radicals in Py‐TTAc powder as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The maximum radical concentration reaches 2.21 % after continuous irradiation for 1 hour and recurs more than 10 times without any chemical degradation. The mechanistic study according to the femtosecond transient absorption (fsTA) and X‐ray technology suggests that the radicals are derived from photo‐induced symmetry‐breaking charge separation (SB‐CS) and stabilized through non‐covalent interactions. The photo‐generated stable radical system is employed in anti‐counterfeiting paper and optoelectronic device applications. This study will provide insights into the development of photoactive organic radical materials.

Photo-Induced Ultrafast Charge Transfer and Air-Stable Radical Formation in Tetraphenylpyrene Derivatives.

Stable organic radicals generated by photo-excitation hold applications in molecular switching devices and information storage. It remains challenging to develop photo-generated radical materials with rapid response and air stability in the solid state. Here, we report a structure based on 1,3,6,8-tetraphenylpyrene derivative (Py-TTAc) displaying photo-induced radicals with air stability in the solid state. Photo-induced electron transfer, exposed to a 365 nm ultraviolet lamp for 1 minute, affords radicals in Py-TTAc powder as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The maximum radical concentration reaches 2.21 % after continuous irradiation for 1 hour and recurs more than 10 times without any chemical degradation. The mechanistic study according to the femtosecond transient absorption (fsTA) and X-ray technology suggests that the radicals are derived from photo-induced symmetry-breaking charge separation (SB-CS) and stabilized through non-covalent interactions. The photo-generated stable radical system is employed in anti-counterfeiting paper and optoelectronic device applications. This study will provide insights into the development of photoactive organic radical materials.

Mechanism of cold atmospheric plasma in treatment of chronic skin ulcer

To review the mechanism of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in the treatment of chronic skin ulcer, providing a new idea for ulcer therapy. The literature about CAP in the treatment of chronic skin ulcers in recent years was extensively screened and reviewed. The treatment principle, active ingredients, and mechanism were summarized. CAP is partial ionized gas discharged by plasma generator in high frequency under high voltage. It contains electrons, positive and negative ions, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and ultraviolet rays. In vitro and animal experiments show that the active ingredients contained in CAP can inactive microorganisms, against biofilm, regulate immune-mediated inflammatory, promoting blood flow, stimulate tissue regeneration and epithelial formation in the course of wounds healing. CAP play a role in different stages of chronic skin ulcer healing, with good effectiveness and safety, and broad clinical application prospects. But more studies are needed to explore the indications and dosages of CAP therapy.

Digital Light Processing Followed by Pressureless Sintering of Metal-Reinforced Ceramics: Adjustment of Process Parameters and Correlation with Composites Properties

AbstractDigital light processing (DLP) belongs to additive manufacturing techniques and is frequently used in shaping ceramics. The paper concerns the adjustment of the DLP method to metal-reinforced ceramics, especially dispersions containing high concentrations of Al2O3 (45 vol%) and molybdenum or nickel particles (0.5 vol%). Different glycol acrylates, deflocculants (polyelectrolytes and diammonium hydrogen citrate), and photoinitiators (Omnirad group) were examined regarding their influence on the rheological properties of the dispersions and the cure depth under the external halide UV lamp and LED projector built into the 3D printer. In the examined systems, the cationic polyelectrolyte KD1 dissolved in 2-butanone allowed to obtain dispersions of the lowest viscosity. Printing parameters (light exposure time, single layer height) were matched, and the properties of the materials were examined. The Vickers hardness of the sintered bodies equalled 19.4 GPa, 14.5 GPa and 17.3 GPa for Al2O3, Al2O3-Ni and Al2O3-Mo samples, respectively. The microstructure was analyzed using SEM, followed by EDS and XRD. The addition of only 0.5 vol% of Ni has improved the fracture toughness of alumina by up to 36–40% (according to Niihara and Anstis equations). The exemplary objects in the form of cog wheels were printed and densified at 1550 °C in a reductive atmosphere of Ar/H2.

Treatment of polyethylene microplastics degraded by ultraviolet light irradiation causes lysosome-deregulated cell death

BackgroundMicroplastics (MPs), plastic particles < 5 mm in size, are prevalent in the environment, and human exposure to them is inevitable. To assess the potential risk of MPs on human health, it is essential to consider the physicochemical properties of environmental MPs, including polymer types, size, shape, and surface chemical modifications. Notably, environmental MPs undergo degradation due to external factors such as ultraviolet (UV) rays and waves, leading to changes in their surface characteristics. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the health effects of MPs, with a specific focus on their surface degradation. This study concentrates on cytotoxic MPs with surface degradation through UV irradiation, aiming to identify the mechanisms underlying their cell toxicity.ResultsPolyethylene (PE) and surface-degraded PE achieved through UV light irradiation were employed as model MPs in this study. We explored the impact of PE and degraded PE on cell death in murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cells and human monocyte cell line THP-1 cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that degraded PE induced programmed cell death without activating caspase 3, while non-degraded PE did not trigger programmed cell death. These findings suggest that degraded PE might induce programmed cell death through mechanisms other than caspase-driven apoptosis. To understand the mechanisms of cell death, we investigated how cells responded to degraded PE-induced cellular stress. Immunofluorescence and western blotting analyses demonstrated that degraded PE induced autophagosome formation and increased p62 expression, indicating inhibited autophagy flux after exposure to degraded PE. Furthermore, degraded PE exposure led to a decrease in acidic lysosomes, indicating lysosomal dysregulation. These results imply that degraded PE induces lysosomal dysfunction, subsequently causing autophagy dysregulation and cell death.ConclusionsThis study unveils that UV-induced degradation of PE results in cell death attributed to lysosomal dysfunction. The findings presented herein provide novel insights into the effects of surface-degraded MPs on biological responses.

UV and blue light cut-off filters using phosphorus doped carbon quantum dots extracted from raw egg yolk

Abstract Using raw egg yolk and phosphoric acid, a simple hydrothermal treatment for synthesizing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) has been developed for the manufacture of UV and blue light-blocking filters. Several samples with different doping ratios of phosphoric acid were prepared. Namely: reference (REF.), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The synthesized CQDs were embedded in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to produce blocking-light films with desired optical properties. Six films were prepared, one of which was PVA alone, and the other five samples were the prepared CQDs, with different phosphorus doping levels, mixed with PVA in a 1:1 ratio. We aimed to test the ability of these films to block ultraviolet rays and blue light. The experimental results revealed that the prepared films were able to block the blue light, emitted from a 450 nm blue LED, with blocking ratios of 7%, 17.5%, 27%, 30%, 37% and 70% for the films: PVA alone, REF., 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, respectively. Moreover, it was found that these phosphorus-doped CQDs films can prevent destructive UV light with substantial value reaching 86%. These results suggest that carbon dots, derived from raw egg yolk, can be effectively applied to block harmful UV and blue lights.

Distribution of microplastics on sandy beaches in western and southern Japan and their fate in the oceans

The Japanese archipelago is surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, the Pacific Ocean, and the East China Sea. The oceans are known to be contaminated by waste artifacts (marine litter). To investigate how these artifacts contaminate sandy beaches in Japan and their fate in the oceans, we sampled sand from 19 sandy beaches ranging from the western area of the main island of Japan (Honshu), which faces the Sea of Japan, to the westernmost island in the Japanese archipelago (Yonaguni Island), which faces the East China Sea. Almost all beaches were contaminated by marine litter. The maximum density by number of pieces was 604,600 per m3 in a 2-cm depth of sand on Yonaguni Island. Polystyrene foam was the most common artifact, and plastic fragments were second. The densities of artifacts by number and weight, and the type of artifacts, varied by location. A statistically significant positive relationship between the weights of artifacts and natural objects was observed, suggesting that they experience similar fates in the oceans. The major axis of the polystyrene foam in the Yonaguni area differed significantly from those in the Shimane, Tsushima, and Okinawa areas. The major axis in the Tsushima area significantly differed from those in all other studied areas. This study found the geological difference in the distribution and the major axis of polystyrene foams. These differences may be relevant to environmental physical factors (wind, rain, and waves), chemical alterations by ultraviolet rays, exposed time, the gyre, and local currents.

Rapid and Ultrasensitive Detection of H. aduncum via the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a Platform.

Hysterothylacium aduncum is one of six pathogens responsible for human anisakiasis. Infection with H. aduncum can cause acute abdominal symptoms and allergic reactions and is prone to misdiagnosis in clinical practice. This study aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of detecting H. aduncum in food ingredients. We targeted the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS 1) regions of Anisakis to develop a visual screening method for detecting H. aduncum using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with the CRISPR/Cas12a system. By comparing the ITS 1 region sequences of eight nematode species, we designed specific primers and CRISPR RNA (crRNA). The specificity of RPA primers was screened and evaluated, and the CRISPR system was optimized. We assessed its specificity and sensitivity and performed testing on commercial samples. The results indicated that the alternative primer ADU 1 was the most effective. The final optimized concentrations were 250 nM for Cas12a, 500 nM for crRNA, and 500 nM for ssDNA. The complete test procedure was achievable within 45 min at 37 °C, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.27 pg/μL. The amplified product could be directly observed using a fluorescence microscope or ultraviolet lamp. Detection results for 15 Anisakis samples were entirely consistent with those obtained via Sanger sequencing, demonstrating the higher efficacy of this method for detecting and identifying H. aduncum. This visual detection method, characterized by simple operation, visual results, high sensitivity, and specificity, meets the requirements for food safety testing and enhances monitoring efficiency.

Photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen, ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin using UV/ZnO in a suspended photocatalytic reactor

Abstract This study aims at evaluation of the photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical compounds acetaminophen (ATM), ciprofloxacin (CXN), and amoxicillin (AMX) using zinc oxide (ZnO) nano powder as a photocatalyst in a suspended reactor using a 16 W UV lamp. Operating parameters pH, catalyst dosage, and pollutant concentration were optimised for a working volume of 1.3 litres of model pharmaceutical compounds. The photo degradation efficiency was 95% at pH 6 after 5 h of irradiation for ATM, 98% at pH 6 after 2 h of irradiation for CXN, and 100% at pH 10 after 3 h of irradiation for AMX. The reaction kinetics for the degradation of ATM, CXN, and AMX followed pseudo-first order with the rate constants in the order of kAMX&gt;kCXN&gt;kATM 0.0321 min−1, 0.0232 min−1 and 0.0070 min−1 respectively. TOC (Total Organic Carbon) analysis was carried out for the model compounds, among which compound amoxicillin was found having a higher rate constant of about 0.0108 min−1, which is 1.2 times higher than ciprofloxacin and 2.5 times greater than acetaminophen. This study concludes that ZnO nano powder is efficient in degrading the model pharmaceutical compounds ATM, CXN, and AMX by utilising the UV light, which is evident from the results of the UV–vis spectrophotometer, HPLC analysis, and mineralisation study. In addition, ANOVA was performed on the results obtained from optimisation studies, which confirms the substantial influence of the operating parameters on the degradation of the compounds.