Washing Process Research Articles

Validation of an HPLC-MS/MS method for the quantification of pesticide residues in Rice and assessment of the washing effect

A method was validated to determine 121 pesticide residues (carbamates, organophosphates, organochlorines, and pyrethroids) in rice samples, following the guidance document SANTE/11312/2021v2. QuEChERS method was selected for pesticide extraction, and the extract was analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. The methodology demonstrated precision and accuracy, with recovery rates ranging from 70 % to 119 %. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the effects of washing on residue levels of 121 pesticides in contaminated long-grain rice samples. Subsequently, the rice underwent washing, and the pesticide residues were determined in the samples to evaluate the retention factor. The results suggest that the washing process can enhance the elimination of pesticide residues in rice, around 40 % of pesticides have reduced between 40 and 60 %, and 10 % of pesticides reduced by more than 60 %. This research contributes with valuable insights for improving food safety measures in the context of pesticide-contaminated cereals. Chemical compounds(Azoxystrobin) PubChem CID: 3034285(Cadusafos) PubChem CID: 91752(Diazinon) PubChem CID: 3017(Epoxiconazole) PubChem CID: 107901(Fenamidone) PubChem CID: 10403199(Fenpropimorph) PubChem CID: 93365(Mepanipyrim) PubChem CID: 86296(Pirimiphos-methyl) PubChem CID: 34526(Propiconazole) PubChem CID: 43234(Spiroxamine) PubChem CID: 86160

FlowDiff: a simple, flow cytometry-based approach for performing a leukocyte differential count.

To overcome the challenges of a manual leukocyte differential count, we have developed FlowDiff, an 8-colour, single tube flow cytometry panel, and investigated whether it could potentially replace the manual differential in our laboratory. The instrument was set up in accordance with the EuroFlow settings, and the protocol comprised a stain-lyse no wash process, taking approximately 30 min of working time, without the addition of a toxic lysis reagent. We found a very good correlation for all leukocyte populations between FlowDiff and the Sysmex XN analyzer in 80 normal, non-flagged samples. In addition, FlowDiff showed a very good correlation with manual differential in 168 abnormal samples, as well as a high diagnostic accuracy. FlowDiff correctly identified all samples with acute leukemia (N = 13) and differentiated all B-lymphomas (N = 49) in samples with lymphocytosis. Moreover, FlowDiff detected an additional five samples with B-lymphocytosis without any prior hematological malignancy, which turned out to be a B-lymphoma. Our data suggest that FlowDiff, our 8-colour flow cytometry-based differential, is comparable to, and can successfully substitute the manual differential.

Amino Acid-Assisted Synthesis of Zeolites with Improved Catalytic Properties.

Conventional zeolites are limited in their ability to catalyze macromolecular reactions due to micropore constraints, resulting in sluggish reactant and product diffusion and subsequently pore clogging and catalyst deactivation. Consequently, the pore and textural refinement of zeolites to meet industrial demands has become a research hotspot. Herein, we review the amino acid-assisted methods in zeolite synthesis and scrutinize the principle and influential factors governing amino acid involvement in zeolite synthesis. Additionally, we analyze the advantages and challenges associated with the amino acid-assisted method. Certain amino acids can interact with zeolite precursors or crystal surface, thus altering the crystal growth rate and enabling precise control over the crystal size and shape. On the other hand, amino acids can serve as structure-directing agents to orchestrate the generation of mesoporous pores. These capabilities enable the production of zeolites with well-defined pores, particle sizes and/or crystal shapes that satisfy catalytic requirements. Moreover, the unique properties of amino acids allow their complete elimination from the solid product through a simple aqueous washing process, facilitating their recovery for subsequent usage. As result, the amino acid-assisted synthesis methods offer a convenient, green route to zeolites with modulated textual properties for high-performance catalysis.

Nanoplasmonic microarray–based solid-phase amplification for highly sensitive and multiplexed molecular diagnostics: application for detecting SARS-CoV-2

A novel approach is introduced using nanoplasmonic microarray–based solid-phase recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) that offers high sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities for gene detection. Nanoplasmonic microarrays were developed through one-step immobilization of streptavidin/biotin primers and fine-tuning the amplicon size to achieve high plasmon-enhanced fluorescence (PEF) on the nanoplasmonic substrate, thereby improving sensitivity. The specificity and sensitivity of solid-phase RPA on nanoplasmonic microarrays was evaluated in detecting E, N, and RdRP genes of SARS-CoV-2. High specificity was achieved by minimizing primer-dimer formation and employing a stringent washing process and high sensitivity obtained with a limit of detection of four copies per reaction within 30 min. In clinical testing with nasopharyngeal swab samples (n = 30), the nanoplasmonic microarrays demonstrated a 100% consistency with the PCR results for detecting SARS-CoV-2, including differentiation of Omicron mutations BA.1 and BA.2. This approach overcomes the sensitivity issue of solid-phase amplification, as well as offers rapidity, high multiplexing capabilities, and simplified equipment by using isothermal reaction, making it a valuable tool for on-site molecular diagnostics.Graphical abstract

Recycling of a spent residue-fluid-catalytic cracking catalyst into an adsorbent for the removal of copper(II) ions from wastewater

The recycling of spent residue fluid catalytic cracking (RFCC) catalysts into adsorbents addresses both waste management and environmental pollution. Herein, we aimed to extract metals from spent RFCC catalysts, subject them to hydrothermal treatment and washing processes, and characterized by XRD, FT-IR, XPS, BET and SEM techniques, which also evaluating their efficiency as adsorbents. The spent RFCC catalyst was washed for 3 h and hydrothermally treated at 100 °C for 24 h, resulting in RFCC-A with a surface area of 81.77 m²/g and an average diameter of 66.81 nm, the cation-exchange capacities of up to 4300 – 5325 meq/100 g. The washing process removed 40 % – 46 % of vanadium and 12 % – 13 % of nickel. The derived adsorbent demonstrated a Cu(II) ion removal capacity of 120 mg/g from wastewater within 1 h at pH 4, and a total adsorption capacity of 831.68 mg/g after three regenerations. The primary removal mechanism was cation exchange involving electrostatic attraction. The manufacturing cost of the adsorbent was 59.5 USD/kg, equating to 0.50 USD/g Cu(II), with regeneration costs under 1 USD/g Cu(II). These findings indicate that using spent RFCC catalyst-derived adsorbents is cost effective and environmentally beneficial.

Optimization of Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) process for the treatment of oily water from biodiesel production

Biodiesel production has become one of the most efficient ways of diversifying the energy matrix. However, the increase in biodiesel production increases the generation of wastewater. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the wastewater generated in the biodiesel washing process, obtained by the alkaline transesterification of sunflower oil, and to evaluate its treatment by the dissolved air flotation (DAF) system, using a Central Composite Rotational Design (CCRD). The first DCCR was carried out with 4 independent variables: pH, Coagulant Dose (CD), Polymer Dose (PD), and Recirculation Rate (RR), with the response variables being apparent color removal and turbidity removal. Based on the results of the first DCCR, optimization tests were designed with DC and DP as independent variables and apparent color, turbidity, COD, and oil and grease (OG) as response variables. The process showed high apparent color and turbidity removal efficiency. The best results were obtained in tests 10 (DC = 1545 mg.L-1 and DP = 1050 mg.L-1) and 3 (DC = 700 mg.L-1 and DP = 8.8 mg.L-1), with the removal of 99.88% and 99.22%, respectively. For the COD and OG parameters, the best results were observed in tests 8 (DC= 555 mg.L-1 and DP= 6 mg.L-1) and 5 (DC= 1050 mg.L-1 and DP= 6 mg.L-1), with 98% and 99.42% removal, respectively. FAD treatment using the combination of coagulant and cationic polymer proved to be highly efficient in treating wastewater from biodiesel production.

Comparison of protein immobilization methods with covalent bonding on paper for paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

In this study, two methods were examined to optimize the immobilization of antibodies on paper when conducting a paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (P-ELISA). Human IgG, as a test-capture protein, was immobilized on paper via the formation of Schiff bases. Aldehyde groups were introduced onto the surface of the paper via two methods: NaIO4 and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) with glutaraldehyde (APTS-glutaraldehyde). In the assay, horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-human IgG (HRP-anti-IgG) binds to the immobilized human IgG, and the colorimetric reaction of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzyzine (TMB) produces a blue color in the presence of H2O2 and HRP-anti-IgG as a model analyte. The immobilization of human IgG, the enzymatic reaction conditions, and the reduction of the chemical bond between the paper surface and immobilized human IgG all were optimized in order to improve both the analytical performance and the stability. In addition, the thickness of the paper was examined to stabilize the analytical signal. Consequently, the APTS-glutaraldehyde method was superior to the NaIO4 method in terms of sensitivity and reproducibility. Conversely, the reduction of imine to amine with NaBH4 proved to exert only minimal influence on sensitivity and stability, although it tended to degrade reproducibility. We also found that thick paper was preferential when using P-ELISA because a rigid paper substrate prevents distortion of the paper surface that is often caused by repeated washing processes.

Selective quantification of estrogens in serum with aptamer-affinity and LC-MS/MS analysis

In the previous study, we developed an accurate and automated immunologic mass spectrometry (iMS) method for the simultaneous quantification of multiple steroid hormones by target capturing with monoclonal antibodies and LC-MS/MS analysis. However, antibodies are less accessible to a wide variety of low-molecular-weight analytes, which limited the application of iMS method. At the same time, multiple monoclonal antibodies needed also increased the complexity and cost of the iMS assay. In the present study, we developed an aptamer-affinity and LC-MS/MS analysis method with a class-specific aptamer for the selective enrichment and simultaneous determination of estrogens (estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2)) in human serum. The DNA aptamer was coupled to magnetic beads to enrich the target estrogens from serum sample after protein precipitation. The magnetic beads were then washed and eluted with acetonitrile solution, and targets were analyzed with LC-MS/MS. The sample preparation process of enrichment, washing and elution works in an automatic manner. Matrix effect was negligible as the high specificity of target recognition and enrichment by the aptamer. The aptamer-affinity assay for estrogen quantification was validated for sensitivity, linearity, accuracy and precision. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were0.01 ng/mLand0.02 ng/mL for E1 and E2, respectively. Satisfactory coefficients of variation (CVs) were obtained, with the intra-batch CVs of5.5 %-7.3 % and 5.2 %-6.0 % for E1 and E2, respectively, and inter-batch CVs of 3.8 %-10.0 % and 5.2 %-6.3 % for E1 and E2, respectively. Recoveries were in the range of99.1 %-107.0 % and 94.9 %-107.7 % for E1 and E2, respectively. Quantification results of 40 serum samples by the aptamer-affinity and solid-phase extraction (SPE) LC-MS/MS method showed good consistency, with the correlation coefficient of 0.93 and 0.98 for E1 and E2, respectively. Clinical application of the aptamer-affinity and LC-MS/MS method was further demonstrated for quantifying serum estrogen levels of 170 pregnant women at different gestational weeks.

Programmable light‐driven soft actuator enabled by structurally anisotropic liquid crystalline network

AbstractThe design and fabrication of advanced soft actuators with programmable actuation are highly desirable in constructing intelligent soft robots. In this work, a programmable light‐driven liquid crystalline network (LCN)‐based soft actuator was judiciously designed and prepared by constructing structural anisotropy across the thickness of the film. A three‐dimensional (3D) deformable LCN actuator was realized by polymerization‐induced phase separation of small‐molar‐weight monomers and polymer networks. The resultant anisotropic LCN displays anisotropic microscale nanoporous architecture across the thickness in addition to uniform alignment at the molecular scale. The actuation behaviors of LCN film are tunable by adjusting the size and distribution of nanopores in LCN bulk via changing polymerization conditions and monomer components. More importantly, the nanoporous LCN film can be harnessed as a promising template to achieve diverse light responsiveness by changing the photothermal dyes via a feasible washing and refilling process, demonstrating a reprogrammable light‐driven soft actuator.

Unlocking Nature’s Potential: Modelling Acacia melanoxylon as a Renewable Resource for Bio-Oil Production through Thermochemical Liquefaction

This study is focused on the modelling of the production of bio-oil by thermochemical liquefaction. Species Acacia melanoxylon was used as the source of biomass, the standard chemical 2-Ethylhexanol (2-EHEX) was used as solvent, p-Toluenesulfonic acid (pTSA) was used as the catalyst, and acetone was used for the washing process. This procedure consisted of a moderate acid-catalysed liquefaction process and was applied at 3 different temperatures to determine the proper model: 100, 135, and 170 °C, and at 30-, 115-, and 200-min periods with 0.5%, 5.25%, and 10% (m/m) catalyst concentrations of overall mass. Optimized results showed a bio-oil yield of 83.29% and an HHV of 34.31 MJ/kg. A central composite face-centred (CCF) design was applied to the liquefaction reaction optimization. Reaction time, reaction temperature, as well as catalyst concentration, were chosen as independent variables. The resulting model exhibited very good results, with a highly adjusted R-squared (1.000). The liquefied products and biochar samples were characterized by Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA); scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also performed. The results show that invasive species such as acacia may have very good potential to generate biofuels and utilize lignocellulosic biomass in different ways. Additionally, using acacia as feedstock for bio-oil liquefaction will allow the valorisation of woody biomass and prevent forest fires as well. Besides, this process may provide a chance to control the invasive species in the forests, reduce the effect of forest fires, and produce bio-oil as a renewable energy.

Optimal conditions for cryopreservation by vitrification of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) embryos

The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is one of the important freshwater aquaculture species in the world. However, due to limitations on introduction scale, high-density farming, inbreeding, and species hybridization, the germplasm resources of largemouth bass face threats such as degradation and susceptibility to diseases. Therefore, it is urgent to conduct research on the conservation of its original and good germplasm resources. We optimized the conditions of cryopreservation to vitrify and revive largemouth bass embryos, including the mixing ratio of cryoprotectants, embryo stage, equilibration step and temperature, and washing regent. The results showed that the least toxic single, binary, and ternary mixed permeating cryoprotectants were PG, PM (PG: MeOH = 2:1), and PMD (PM: DMSO = 3:1), respectively. The least toxic non-permeating cryoprotectant was 5 % glucose. The optimal vitrification solution selected was PMDG (30 % PMD + 5 % glucose) with an 80.67 % survival rate of embryos. Embryos at the heartbeat stage exhibited strong tolerance to the PMDG solution, which is the optimal embryo stage for cryopreservation. During the equilibration process, either the five-step equilibration method or pre-cooling the cryoprotectant to 4°C could reduce its toxicity. During the washing process, a 0.125 mol·L−1 sucrose solution yielded the best results. Based on the optimized conditions, 650 embryos at the heartbeat stage were subjected to cryopreservation by vitrification, resulting in a total of 350 intact transparent eggs, two of which hatched successfully. The results provide a reference for further improving the efficiency of cryopreservation by vitrification of largemouth bass and other fish species.

Odour characterisation of recycled HDPE in different washing and processing processes

The waste of polymeric materials in our society is increasing year after year, generating a serious pollution problem. One way to deal with this waste problem is to recycle and reuse these materials. This process of recovery of used plastic materials aims to minimise their impact on the environment and reduce the energy consumption required for the generation of new consumer products. Recycling companies that recover these plastic materials must take into account some aspects such as transparency and colour, cleanliness, size, odour and sorting. One of the major disadvantages in accepting these recycled materials in the production processes is their odour, which in some cases causes the rejection of materials with comparable mechanical characteristics. High-density polyethylene, HDPE, is one of the polymeric wastes generated in the packaging industry. The aim of this work is to eliminate the bad odour of HDPE from waste collection plants for application in the recovery and reuse industry. HDPE supplied by a recycling company was washed, characterised and processed, and the odour was analysed by gas chromatography at each stage and by olfactory panel. In view of the results, it was observed that the washing processes managed to reduce the odour. Likewise, the processing of this waste by extrusion and injection managed to further reduce this effect, even eliminating some of the components responsible for odour by treating the samples with acetone and then extruding and injecting these samples. These results have a direct application in the packaging industry with significant shares of recycled material.

Microbial profiling of oysters from a processing plant and retail products: Analysis based on culture-dependent methods and 16S rRNA gene sequencing

Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) are one of the most consumed shellfish globally. However, there is a lack of comprehensive microbiome studies that include the processing and distribution stages of oysters. The present study used both culture-based methods and 16S rRNA sequencing to produce comprehensive microbial profiles of oysters in two parts: (1) an oyster processing plant that processes raw and frozen oysters (n = 57) and (2) retail oyster products across two seasons (winter and spring) (n = 112). In the processing plant, shucking increased the aerobic plate count (APC) from 1.86 log CFU/g in freshly harvested oysters to 3.95 log CFU/g in shucked oysters. Controlling the washing process is important, as the APCs decreased after washing and remained level until the final products, raw and frozen oysters (2.54 and 2.34 log CFU/g, respectively). After desalting in the frozen oyster plant, the bacterial community shifted to be dominated by the family Spirochaetaceae, Mycoplasma, and Shigella taxa, indicating a need to control problematic bacteria in the desalting process. SourceTracker analysis revealed that raw materials contributed more to the microbiota of final products than environmental samples. In retail oyster products, APCs were marginally higher in spring (3.58 log CFU/g) than in winter (3.05 log CFU/g) samples. While bacterial count differences were not dramatic, the proportions of taxa in the microbial community differed by season. In winter retail products, Photobacterium (27.91 %) and Aliivibrio (20.42 %) dominated, while spring samples showed a diverse distribution of the family Vibrionaceae (19.90 %), Photobacterium (14.20 %), Psychromonas (11.84 %), and Aliivibrio (7.20 %). These findings contributed to our understanding of oyster microorganisms and identified food safety control points and cross-contamination sources. This in-depth understanding is expected to inform the development of fishery and seafood safety management measures.

Quantification of shedding propensity of polyester fabrics in the washing process

Global microplastic (MP) pollution from primary and secondary sources is partly caused by the growing trend towards the use of plastics. One of the most important factors for the persistence of MP in the environment is their high resistance to degradation. The washing process has been identified as a risk and source of various pollutants in wastewater and numerous studies have been published. This study focuses on three different polyester fabrics: woven, knitted and double-faced plush fabrics, which were washed under standard conditions with the reference detergent ECE A at 60 °C for 40 min. Different methods were used to quantify the released fragments in a 5- and 10-cycle wash, to analyse the samples gravimetrically and to characterise the wastewaters by physicochemical parameters and filter cake. The results proved that the structure of polyester fabrics plays a role in shedding, although most fragments were released from all polyester fabrics in the first washing cycles.

Evaluation of a binary amphiphile/solvent mixture for the formulation of an ecological detergent as an alternative for removing fat from natural fiber surfaces

The application of a binary amphiphile/solvent blend composed of a natural surfactant (alkyl polyglucoside) and the green solvent ethyl lactate (EL) as an active component in the formulation of a new ecological detergent has improved the washing process conditions. Foaming properties of the detergent were optimal, with foam stability (R5) values of 76.17% and 78.61% for the best formulations. It is common practice to add substances that can regulate the pH to 9 to enhance the washing efficiency. This was reflected in the results of this study, where pH and the interaction between pH and surfactant type significantly influenced the percentage of residual fat. Currently, commercial detergents recommend a 1% dilution. However, studies have evaluated a 0.5% dilution. Therefore, it opted to evaluate new concentrations of 0.4% and 0.3%. Optimization of the factorial design resulted in dirt removal rates exceeding 91%, while the lowest percentage of residual fat (< 0.37%) was achieved at 25 °C, pH 9, and 0.3% detergent doses without lipase. Furthermore, illustrations of the surface morphology of the washed fibers demonstrated that the samples were not adversely affected by the formulated detergent or the washing process conditions. The alkyl polyglucoside/ethyl lactate binary blend was shown for the first time to exhibit strong interactions, possessing excellent residual fat and soil removal properties, suggesting its potential use in the formulation of green detergents for washing natural and synthetic textile fibers as a replacement for detergents based on ethoxylated fatty alcohols.

Water-Based Recycling Process of FTO/SnO2 Substrate for Sustainable Perovskite Solar Cell Technology.

Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate is an important and expensive component in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which accounts for up to 40% of a typical PSC raw material cost. In this study, we investigated the recyclability of SnO2/FTO in PSCs by washing the spent PSCs using different solvent such as dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), acetone, water, and acetone/water mixture. Characterisation of properties of the SnO2/FTO substrates recovered from the PSCshow the surface wettability of SnO2/FTO is largely unchanged with water washing while a higher hydrophobicity is obtained with organic solvent washing. Comparison of electronic properties of the SnO2/FTO substrate shows a downward shift of the conduction band by 180 meV with water washing, creating favourable energy alignment with adjacent perovskite for efficient interfacial charge injection. Consequently, PSCs using the water-based recycled SnO2/FTO substrates produced a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.33% which is comparable to the device using fresh SnO2/FTO substrate (PCE = 19.85%). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the water washing process could retain property of SnO2/FTO substrate for decent PSC performance up to four recycling cycles. This study opens new avenues towards recycling of valuable FTO substrates in PSCs for increased sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Enrichment of secoiridoid glycosides from Gentiana rigescens extracts in amino acid-based deep eutectic solvents via macroporous resin adsorption

The simultaneous enrichment of the secoiridoid glycosides gentiopicroside, loganic acid, swertiamaroside, and sweroside from amino acid-based deep eutectic solvent (AADES) extracts of Gentiana rigescens roots and rhizomes was developed. To screen suitable resins, the performance and characterization of 11 widely used macroporous resins for the adsorption and desorption of target secoiridoid glycosides were considered. Compared with the other resins, the H103 resin was found to have greater adsorption and desorption capacities for gentiopicroside, loganic acid, swertiamaroside, and sweroside. Therefore, this resin was chosen as the best resin for secoiridoid glycosides enrichment. In a column packed with H103 resin, the dynamic adsorption and desorption factors for the target secoiridoid glycosides were investigated and optimized. After dynamic testing on the H103 packed column, the optimal operating conditions were determined as follows: a sample volume of 12 bed volumes (BVs) and a loading flow rate of 2 BV/h were used, the volume of deionized water used for the aqueous washing process was 8 BV, and the aqueous washing flow rate was 3 BV/h. Ethanol with a volume fraction of 10–90 % was used as the eluent in the ethanol desorption process with a gradient of 10 %. Each ethanol volume fraction was used for 2 BV, with a flow rate of 3 BV/h. The eluent fractions containing 40–80 % ethanol were collected, combined, and concentrated, followed by vacuum drying to obtain the final product. The purities of gentiopicroside, loganic acid, swertiamaroside, and sweroside in the final product were 58.11, 13.73, 3.86, and 2.77 %, respectively, with corresponding recovery rates of 74.09, 72.19, 77.50, and 76.45 %, respectively. Additionally, the reuse of AADES proved to be effective.

Bio-Innovative Modification of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Fabric Using Enzymes and Chitosan.

This article investigates the activation of surface groups of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers in woven fabric by hydrolysis and their functionalization with chitosan. Two types of hydrolysis were performed-alkaline and enzymatic. The alkaline hydrolysis was performed in a more sustainable process at reduced temperature and time (80 °C, 10 min) with the addition of the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride as an accelerator. The enzymatic hydrolysis was performed using Amano Lipase A from Aspergillus niger (2 g/L enzyme, 60 °C, 60 min, pH 9). The surface of the PET fabric was functionalized with the homogenized gel of biopolymer chitosan using a pad-dry-cure process. The durability of functionalization was tested after the first and tenth washing cycle of a modified industrial washing process according to ISO 15797:2017, in which the temperature was lowered from 75 °C to 50 °C, and ε-(phthalimido) peroxyhexanoic acid (PAP) was used as an environmentally friendly agent for chemical bleaching and disinfection. The influence of the above treatments was analyzed by weight loss, tensile properties, horizontal wicking, the FTIR-ATR technique, zeta potential measurement and SEM micrographs. The results indicate better hydrophilicity and effectiveness of both types of hydrolysis, but enzymatic hydrolysis is more environmentally friendly and favorable. In addition, alkaline hydrolysis led to a 20% reduction in tensile properties, while the action of the enzyme resulted in a change of only 2%. The presence of chitosan on polyester fibers after repeated washing was confirmed on both fabrics by zeta potential and SEM micrographs. However, functionalization with chitosan on the enzymatically bioactivated surface showed better durability after 10 washing cycles than the alkaline-hydrolyzed one. The antibacterial activity of such a bio-innovative modified PET fabric is kept after the first and tenth washing cycles. In addition, applied processes can be easily introduced to any textile factory.

Diarrhea and cholera surveillance for early warning and preparedness to prevent epidemics among Rohingya Myanmar nationals in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

Diarrheal diseases, especially cholera, can be a serious threat to Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar due to overcrowding and inadequate hygiene infrastructure. Assessing the risk, cholera surveillance network was established with the aim to identify the outbreak of diarrhea and cholera and help to take appropriate preventive measures including a vaccination campaign. The surveillance network has been ongoing for 6 years (2017–2023) in 17 health facilities. Diarrhea patients from Rohingya Myanmar nationals matched with case definition were enrolled and stool samples were tested by Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for early cholera detection Multiple Logistic regression models were fitted to examine the associations of risk factors among cholera cases. A total of 17,252 stool samples were collected through surveillance. Among the tested samples, 588 (3.5 %) were detected positive by RDT, and 239 (1.4 %) Vibrio cholerae were isolated by microbiological culture. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of culture-confirmed cases exceeded that in the period from 2017 to 2020. In addition to V. cholerae; high positivity was identified for ETEC (11.8 %) followed by Salmonella (3.9 %) and Shigella (2.7 %). Most of the cholera cases were presented with vomiting, dehydration and loose watery and rice watery nature of stool (p value = <0.001). Major risk factors for cholera were 2–4 years age group (OR = 5.72; 95 % CI, 3.84–8.53.14; P = .001), process of water treatment (OR = 1.54; 95 % CI, 1.01–2.37; P = .046) and hand washing with soap before taking meals (OR = 0.6; 95 % CI, 0.39–0.92; P = .020. This study highlights the epidemiology of cholera among the Rohingya population and underscores the effectiveness of integrating surveillance data with early warning, alert, and response systems (EWARS) system, along with oral cholera vaccine (OCV) campaigns, in preventing major cholera outbreak.

A green and low-cost approach to recover graphite for high-performance aluminum ion battery cathode

The recovery of spent graphite (SG) from lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been neglected due to its relatively low value and the lack of effective recovery methods. In this study, a green and cost-effective water washing process was used to recycle the spent graphite of LIBs anode, and the recovered graphite (RG) was used as the cathode material of aluminum ion batteries (AIBs). The RG retained the integrated graphite structure after the water washing process, showing a slightly enlarged interlayer spacing. When used as a cathode material for AIBs, it exhibits better electrochemical performance than commercial artificial graphite. At a current density of 50 mA g−1, the RG shows a high specific capacity of 95.2 mAh g−1. At a high current density of 2000 mA g−1, the specific capacity still maintains 51 mAh g−1, demonstrating excellent rate performance. Meanwhile, the average specific capacity of 72.5 mAh g−1 was steadily cycled for 10,000 cycles at a current density of 1000 mA g−1, showing excellent cycle performance. This work provides a novel approach to the high-value-added application of spent graphite from lithium batteries and a development of high-performance graphite cathode materials for AIBs.