Zinc Accumulation Research Articles

Supramolecular Self-Assembled Hydrogel for Antiviral Therapy through Glycyrrhizic Acid-Enhanced Zinc Absorption and Intracellular Accumulation.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common pathogen that causes respiratory infections in infants and children worldwide, significantly impacting hospitalization rates in this age group. Zinc ions are considered to have broad-spectrum antiviral potential against RNA viruses, including RSV. However, poor organism absorption and low intracellular accumulation of zinc require repeated high-dose supplementation, which may lead to unnecessary toxic side effects. In this research, a Zn2+-mediated glycyrrhizinic acid (GA)-based hydrogel (ZnGA Gel) was introduced and potentially developed to be a clinically available drug candidate for RSV therapy. ZnGA Gel was fabricated based on the cooperation of two potential RSV inhibiting molecules (Zn2+ and GA), where Zn2+ promoted self-assembly of GA and reduced its gel concentration and GA promoted zinc absorption and distribution in lung tissue in vivo. The facile construction of supramolecular hydrogel by the self-assembled coordination complex made it an injectable, temperature-sensitive, and pH-responsive controlled-release drug delivery for Zn2+. Most importantly, GA was observed to enhance organism absorption and intracellular accumulation of Zn2+ and was identified as a zinc ionophore for the first time. GA can colonize on the cell membrane and disturb cell membrane potential, resulting in an enhanced cell membrane permeability. In the presence of GA, more than 4.7-fold increasing Zn2+ concentrations materialized in the intracellular cytoplasm, compared to Zn2+ alone administration. This intracellular Zn2+ accumulation directly boosted the antiviral activities through improved inhibition of RSV replication-associated proteins and significantly inhibited RSV replication. Oral administration of ZnGA Gel on the RSV-infected mice model achieved an ideal therapeutic effect by effectively lowering viral load in the lungs, alleviating lung injury symptoms, and reducing inflammatory cell infiltration at pathological sites. The mechanism involved the inhibition of RSV replication-related proteins, aligning with our in vitro results. Additionally, ZnGA Gel had demonstrated biocompatibility, and reasonable supplementation of zinc was acceptable and effective for infants and children in clinical practice. Hence, the ZnGA Gel developed by us holds promise as an effective anti-RSV medicine in the future.

Impact of Metal-Containing Industrial Effluents on Leafy Vegetables and Associated Human Health Risk

One of the primary sources of trace elements in the environment is wastewater used for irrigation. However, the effects of untreated wastewater containing high concentrations of chromium and zinc on vegetables and the potential human health risks associated with their consumption are poorly understood. This pot experiment aimed to address this research gap. The accumulation of chromium and zinc and their effect on the biochemical parameters of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and green onion (Allium fistulosum L.) irrigated with untreated industrial effluents were assessed. The average concentrations of chromium and zinc in the edible parts of the vegetables ranged between 7.36 and 7.58 mg/kg dry weight and 59.8 and 833 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. The irrigation of the lettuce with the effluent containing zinc at a concentration of 2.95 mg/L led to a significant increase in the content of phenols and the antioxidant activity. A significant reduction in the chlorophyll content of the lettuce leaves and the antioxidant activity of the onion leaves was observed when the plants were irrigated with the effluent containing zinc at a concentration of 78 mg/L. No non-carcinogenic health risk from the intake of chromium and zinc was identified through the consumption of lettuce and green onion, primarily due to the fact that a smaller proportion of the total metal content was transferred to their edible parts.

Zinc Biofortification of Selective Colored Rice Cultivars: Improvement of Zinc Uptake, Agronomic Traits, and Nutritional Value

It is difficult for ordinary rice to break the zinc-rich standard. However, employing multiple unique rice cultivar resources through biofortification of agronomic measures to achieve the target is a promising attempt. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted on seven different colored rice cultivars (GFHN 166, GFHN 168, GFHN 169, GH 1, GXHZ, GHSZ, and YXN), aiming to analyze the effect on zinc content, growth, quality, and health risk index when spraying zinc (400 g/ha) on the leaves at the heading age. The result indicated that after foliar biofortification treatment, the zinc content and the zinc accumulation of colored rice grains could reach up to 41.55 mg/kg and 2.28 mg/pot, respectively, increased by 43.92% and 65.22%. In addition, the SPAD value and grain protein content was 42.85 and 8.49%, also increased significantly by 2.15% and 2.91%, respectively. Among these, GXHZ and GHSZ could realize the zinc content of polished rice up to 69.7 mg/kg and 55.4 mg/kg, breaking through the standard of zinc-enrich rice (45 mg/kg). GXHZ plant height increased by 11.22%, and the zinc harvest index (6.44%) and zinc use efficiency (26.79%) were the highest. Meanwhile, the biofortification promoted the SPAD value of GHSZ and the protein content of GFHN 166 by 4.95% and 24.81%, respectively. Foliar-applied zinc at the heading stage is a vital practice to get better agronomic indicators, quality, and grain zinc biofortification of colored rice.

Metal Bioaccumulation and Biochemical Responses in Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia)

Caretta caretta (Cheloniidae, Cryptodira) is a species of turtle considered a ‘flagship species’ in the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, the circular marine currents and semi-enclosed configuration of the Mediterranean Sea encourage the accumulation of pollutants (metals, pesticides, etc.) emitted by human activities. Tunisia suffers particularly from coastal urbanisation and industrial development. Metal concentrations (Ag, Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) were measured in distinct tissues (heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle) of loggerhead turtles stranded in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia) to estimate the pollution levels in this emblematic species. High concentrations of arsenic and cadmium were found in marine turtles. Therefore, the differential accumulation of metals was measured in the tissues. For example, the liver appears to be a preferential organ for the accumulation of copper, iron, silver and zinc. In contrast, cobalt and cadmium were more concentrated in the kidneys, while arsenic, chromium and nickel were mainly found in the muscles. Antioxidant enzyme responses (catalase, GPx and SOD) and lipid peroxidation were more expressed in the liver and kidneys than in the muscles.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles for the industrial biofortification of (Pleurotus pulmonarius) mushrooms

Zinc malnutrition is major health problem in children and women of reproductive age (WRA) in developing countries. This study aimed to find nutritionally balanced food at an affordable cost. For this purpose, Pleurotus pulmonarius (Mushroom) is fortified with zinc oxide nano particles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized from Nigella sativa seed extract. ZnO-NPs were characterized using UV visible and FTIR Spectroscopy, SEM-EDX, XRD, PSA and Zeta potentials. ZnO-NPs were sprayed in different concentrations on substrate used for the cultivation of P. pulmonarius. Cultivated mushroom fruiting bodies were dried and powdered. Bio absorption of zinc was calculated using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Zinc absorption increased by enhancing the number of nano particles spraying on lingo-cellulosic substrate. The controlled bag had 2.27 ± 0.00 mg of zinc content per 2 g of mushroom powder. The minimum amount (3.46 ± 0.16 mg/2 g of mushroom) of zinc micronutrient was absorbed by the bag having 50 mg spray of ZnO-NPs per Kg of the wheat straw. Maximum amount of bio accumulation was done by bag having 5000 mg spray of ZnO-NPs (10.46 ± 0.08 mg/2 g of mushrooms powder). Zinc fortification had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the uptake of zinc by fruiting bodies. ZnO-NPs at the concentration of 200 mg per kilogram of substrate gave optimized value of biological efficiency [B.E] (40.2 % ± 0.25), while B.E decreased with the increase in ZnO-NPs spray due to bio accumulation of zinc with increased concentration of ZnO-NPs spray.

Zinc Accumulation Pattern in Native Cortaderia nitida in High Andes (Ecuador) and Potential for Zinc Phytoremediation in Soil

The aim of this work was to determine the content of heavy metals in soil and, for the first time, in wild Cortaderia nitida, and to discuss its potential as a metal phytoremediator plant. We sampled sediments (bulk and rhizosphere) and C. nitida (roots and shoots) in three nearby spots with different land uses (urban, industrialized and agricultural) along the Chibunga river basin (Ecuador). We analyzed the physico-chemical parameters in soil and heavy metal contents in soil and plants. The agricultural sediments showed the highest conductivity and redox potential, but the lowest pH. Among all the metals analyzed in soil and plants, we only found significant values of Zn and Fe. We observed clear differences in patterns of Zn distribution throughout soil and plants among the three areas sampled, thus suggesting that soil properties played an important role in Zn compartmentalization. Also, C. nitida demonstrated effective Zn translocation from roots to shoots, especially in farmlands (translocation factors between 1.64 and 2.51). Together with the results obtained for other Cortaderia species in metal-polluted areas, this study proposes C. nitida as a candidate to further study its metal phytoremediation potential and encourages this research in heavy metal-enriched soils.

Dual-continuous microneedle patch integrating transdermal delivery of pH-sensitive licorzinc MOFs and Zn2+ hydrogel sensors for treating alopecia areata

Licorzinc is a commonly used immunomodulator, but faces poor water solubility, high oral dose, and side effects of zinc accumulation by long-term administration. Herein, a new licorzincform was developed by adsorbing glycyrrhizic acid (GA) into zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (GA@ZIF-8) with superior solubility and acid-responsive drug release properties. Then, a dual-continuous microneedle patch was developed for simultaneous transdermal delivery of GA@ZIF-8 and monitoring Zn2+ in local tissues, where dissolving microneedles as a drug delivery unit were fabricated from hyaluronic acid. In contrast, swollen hydrogel microneedles as a diagnostic unit were prepared from double cross-linking of N-acryloyl-glycinamide and α-methylacrylic acid and hybridized with Eu3+ and terpyridine (TPy). The microneedles for transdermal GA@ZIF-8 delivery were completely dissolved in 2 min, which improved the cyclophosphamide-induced hair follicle recession in mice by reducing CD8+NKG2D+ T cells infiltration, inhibiting Jak receptor activation, and decreasing IL-15 and IFN-γ. Additionally, as a sensor unit, the microneedles rapidly absorbed water swelled when stabbed into the skin, and fluoresced red when exposed to 365 nm light. Zn2+ in the inter tissue fluid competes with Eu3+ in the TPy-Eu3+ complex and coordinates with Tpy, which triggers a change in fluorescence. Notably, the detection Zn2+concentration range was 10–8 M–10–1 M, and it was not disturbed by metal ions including Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, suggesting that it is competent to be applied as a real-time chemosensor of Zn2+. Collectively, this newly designed system with both therapeutic and diagnostic functions provides a new strategy for treating zinc-related diseases.

Element accumulation in the tracheal and bronchial cartilages of monkeys

Compositional changes in the tracheal and bronchial cartilages can affect respiratory ventilation and lung function. We aimed to elucidate element accumulation in the tracheal and bronchial cartilages of monkeys and divided it into four sites: the tracheal, tracheal bifurcation, left bronchial, and right bronchial cartilages. The elemental content was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.The average calcium content was two to three times higher in the tracheal cartilage than in the other three cartilages. The trends of phosphorus and zinc were similar to those of calcium. The average calcium, phosphorus, and zinc cartilage contents were the highest in the tracheal cartilage and decreased in the following order: the left bronchial, right bronchial, and tracheal bifurcation cartilages. These findings revealed that differences existed in element accumulation between different sites within the same airway cartilage and that calcium, phosphorus, and zinc accumulation mainly occurred in the tracheal cartilage.A substantial direct correlation was observed between age and calcium content in the tracheal and bronchial cartilages and all such monkeys with high calcium content were > four years of age. These results suggest that calcium accumulation occurs in the tracheal and bronchial cartilages after reaching a certain age.An extremely substantial direct correlation was observed between calcium and phosphorus contents in the tracheal and bronchial cartilages. This finding is similar to the previously published calcium and phosphorus correlations in several other cartilages, suggesting that the calcium and phosphorus contents of cartilage exist in a certain ratio.

Phytoremediation potential of seedlings: comparing heavy metal accumulation in Ailanthus, Acer, and Fraxinus species.

This study investigates the phytoremediation potential of non-productive seedlings of Ailanthus altissima, Acer pseudoplatanus, and Fraxinus excelsior for lead, cadmium, and zinc accumulation in contaminated soils of Zanjan Province, an industrial area with significant pollution. The evaluation employed a completely randomized design, with three treatment levels for each element, alongside a control treatment, replicated three times over a two-year period. A total of 810 one-year-old seedlings from the three species were involved in the study. Soil contamination levels, ranging from 0 to 2000mg/kg for lead and zinc and from 0 to 200mg/kg for cadmium, were administered through soil pot irrigation. Sampling of seedling stems and pot soils was conducted in November of 2021 and 2022. The absorption levels of elements in the samples were determined using the dry acid digestion method and an ICP-OES atomic absorption spectrometer. Results indicate species-specific variations in metal absorption, with Ailanthus showing the highest accumulation rates. Findings suggest Ailanthus as a promising candidate for soil improvement in polluted environments, particularly in contaminated soils of Zanjan Province.

Long-term zinc treatment alters the mechanical properties and metabolism of prostate cancer cells

The failure of intracellular zinc accumulation is a key process in prostate carcinogenesis. Although prostate cancer cells can accumulate zinc after long-term exposure, chronic zinc oversupply may accelerate prostate carcinogenesis or chemoresistance. Because cancer progression is associated with energetically demanding cytoskeletal rearrangements, we investigated the effect of long-term zinc presence on biophysical parameters, ATP production, and EMT characteristics of two prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3, 22Rv1). Prolonged exposure to zinc increased ATP production, spare respiratory capacity, and induced a response in PC-3 cells, characterized by remodeling of vimentin and a shift of cell dry mass density and caveolin-1 to the perinuclear region. This zinc-induced remodeling correlated with a greater tendency to maintain actin architecture despite inhibition of actin polymerization by cytochalasin. Zinc partially restored epithelial characteristics in PC-3 cells by decreasing vimentin expression and increasing E-cadherin. Nevertheless, the expression of E-cadherin remained lower than that observed in predominantly oxidative, low-invasive 22Rv1 cells. Following long-term zinc exposure, we observed an increase in cell stiffness associated with an increased refractive index in the perinuclear region and an increased mitochondrial content. The findings of the computational simulations indicate that the mechanical response cannot be attributed exclusively to alterations in cytoskeletal composition. This observation suggests the potential involvement of an additional, as yet unidentified, mechanical contributor. These findings indicate that long-term zinc exposure alters a group of cellular parameters towards an invasive phenotype, including an increase in mitochondrial number, ATP production, and cytochalasin resistance. Ultimately, these alterations are manifested in the biomechanical properties of the cells.

Zinc Enhances Cadmium Accumulation in Shoots of Hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum by Improving ATP-Dependent Transport and Alleviating Toxicity.

Solanum nigrum is a cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) accumulator with potential for phytoextraction of soil contaminated with heavy metals. However, how Zn affects Cd accumulation in S. nigrum remains unclear. In this study, S. nigrum seedlings were treated with 100 μmol·L-1 Zn (Zn100), 100 μmol·L-1 Cd (Cd100), and the Zn and Cd combination (Zn100+Cd100) for 10 days under hydroponic culture. Compared with Cd100, the Cd content in stems, leaves, and xylem saps was 1.8, 1.6, and 1.3 times more than that in Zn100+Cd100, respectively. In addition, the production of reactive oxygen species in leaves was significantly upregulated in Cd100 compared with the control, and it was downregulated in Zn100. Comparative analyses of transcriptomes and proteomes were conducted with S. nigrum leaves. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in Cd uptake, transport, and sequestration, and the upregulation of some transporter genes of Zn transporters (ZIPs), a natural resistance associated macrophage protein (Nramp1), a metal-nicotianamine transporter (YSL2), ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCs), oligopeptide transporters (OPTs), and metallothionein (MTs) and glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) genes was higher in Zn100+Cd100 than in Cd100. In addition, differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) involved in electron transport chain, ATP, and chlorophyll biosynthesis, such as malate dehydrogenases (MDHs), ATPases, and chlorophyll a/b binding proteins, were mostly upregulated in Zn100. The results indicate that Zn supplement increases Cd accumulation and tolerance in S. nigrum by upregulating ATP-dependent Cd transport and sequestration pathways.

Novel chitosan-enhanced alkali-activated material for remediation of zinc-contaminated coastal mudflat sediment

Sustainable utilization and development for contaminated mudflat sites face dual challenges associated with contaminant enrichment and engineering diseases, impacting ecological quality and coastal construction. Commonly used cement has limitations in ensuring geo-environmental engineering performances for polluted sediments. This study investigates a solidification/stabilization approach using novel chitosan-enhanced alkali-activated material (CTS-AAM) to remediate highly concentrated zinc-contaminated sediments. Results exhibit that the compressive strength and water stability of sediments are remarkably improved by CTS-AAM, satisfying engineering service even under long-term immersion and zinc accumulation. Significant improvements dependent on curing period and CTS-AAM dosage also reflect in the resistance to deformation of remediated sediments, maintaining low-compressibility states due to the enhancement of structural yield stress. The leaching toxicity of remediated sediments meets Zn ≤ 5.0 mg/L, as zinc primarily distributes to the residual fraction associated with low mobility. The bidirectional enhancement of toxic sediment is attributed to the generation of hydrates with cementitious and pore-filling effects through hydration reactions. Simultaneously, chitosan with hydrated gels and ettringite collectively form gel networks and compact skeleton structures within sediments, as well as immobilize Zn through comprehensive physical encapsulation, chemical binding, and chelation. This study provides a feasible strategy for future projects involving remediation and utilization of mudflats.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles cause hepatotoxicity in rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) via ROS-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis activation and inhibition of lipid peroxidation

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) measuring 30 ± 10 nm in diameter are utilized in various applications, including batteries, plastics, ceramics, cosmetics, flame retardants, and food. However, their potential impact and risk on aquatic ecosystems remain unclear. This study examined the hepatotoxic effects of dietary ZnO NPs in rare minnow. Three hundred rare minnows were fed diets containing 0 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg of ZnO NPs for 60 days, with hepatotoxicity assessments at 15-day intervals. The histological data showed that ZnO NPs severely damage liver tissues, causing cytoplasmic vacuolization and irregular or missing nuclei. The treatment groups showed a significant rise in the liver injury index (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was a notable increase in zinc accumulation in the ZnO NPs groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). ZnO NPs also reduced body weight and hepato-somatic index (HSI) in rare minnows. The enzyme activity results showed elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglyceride (TG), acetyl Coa carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in the ZnO NPs fed groups, while total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased. Further investigation found that accumulation of ZnO NPs in the liver tissues up-regulated the levels of genes related to antioxidant (mn-sod, cat and nf-κb), pro-apoptotic (bax) and lipogenesis (gpat3, dgat1a and dgat1b), while down-regulating genes associated with lipid catabolism (cpt1 and tpi1). These findings suggest that dietary ZnO NPs cause hepatotoxicity by inducing oxidative stress through ROS, triggering apoptosis, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The results indicate that ZnO NPs may pose a significant threat to aquatic animals and ecosystems.

Application of selenium to reduce heavy metal(loid)s in plants based on meta-analysis

Agricultural soils are currently at risk of pollution from toxic heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) due to human activities, resulting in the excessive accumulation of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in food plants. This poses significant risks to human health. Exogenous selenium (Se) has been proposed as a potential solution to reduce HMs accumulation in plants. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive quantitative overview regarding its influence on the accumulation of HMs in plants. This study utilized meta-analysis to consolidate the existing knowledge on the impact of Se amendments on plant HMs accumulation from contaminated soil media. The present study conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis on literature published prior to December 2023, investigating the effects of different factors on HMs accumulation by meta-subgroup analysis and meta-regression model. Se application showed an inhibitory effect on plant uptake of Hg (28.9%), Cr (25.5%), Cd (25.2%), Pb (22.0%), As (18.3%) and Cu (6.00%) concentration. There was a significant difference in the levels of HMs between treatments with Se application and those without Se application in various plant organs. The percentage changes in the HMs contents of the organs varied from −13.0% to −22.0%. Compared with alkaline soil (pH > 8), Se application can reduce more HMs contents in plants in acidic soil (pH < 5.5) and neutral soil (pH = 5.5–8). For daily food plants(e.g. rice, wheat and corn), Se application can reduce HMs contents in Oryza sp., Triticum sp. and Zea sp., ranging from 14.0–20.0%. Our study emphasizes that the impact of Se on reducing HMs depends on the single or combined effects of Se concentration, plant organs, plant genera and soil pH condition.

RAS-Designed Diets Result in Lower Accumulation of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Zinc in Recirculating Aquaculture System Compared with Traditional Flow-Through Designed Diets

RAS-Designed Diets Result in Lower Accumulation of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Zinc in Recirculating Aquaculture System Compared with Traditional Flow-Through Designed Diets

Adjusting Interface Dynamics: A New Insight into the Role of Electrolyte Additive in Facilitating Highly Reversible (002)‐Textured Zinc Anode at High Current and Areal Densities

AbstractFacilitating (002)‐textured zinc growth is crucial for achieving dendrite‐free zinc deposition in zinc‐ion batteries. Electrolyte engineering holds promise in directing zinc electrodeposition toward this desired orientation. However, despite the (002) plane's lower surface energy compared to other facets, it remains unclear why this plane does not dominate zinc crystal faces during electrodeposition under normal conditions. This knowledge gap underscores the need to better understand zinc electrodeposition behaviors and the influence of electrolyte compositions on its crystallographic texture. This study explores different tetraazamacrocycle derivatives as electrolyte additives. It reveals that achieving (002)‐textured zinc deposition is not solely dictated by thermodynamic equilibrium but also significantly influenced by interface dynamics. In typical ZnSO4 electrolytes, imbalanced kinetics among reduction, ion diffusion, and adatom diffusion processes lead to electroconvection and disorderly zinc accumulation, hindering proper zinc growth. In contrast, introducing specific tetraazamacrocycle derivative in the electrolyte regulates reduction rate, enhances limiting current density, and expedites adatom diffusion, mitigating hydrodynamic instability and dendrite growth. This regulation restores the thermodynamically favorable flat (002)‐textured zinc deposition, extending the zinc anode's lifespan to 1800 h at 5 mA cm−2 and 5 mAh cm−2, enabling the fabrication of a high‐performance zinc ion hybrid capacitor prototype capable of stable operation for 40 000 cycles.

Optimised stress – intensification of pyocyanin production with zinc oxide nanoparticles

BackgroundPyocyanin is a blue pigment produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Due to its unique redox properties over the last decade, it has gained more and more interest as a utile chemical. Nevertheless, it remains a rather costly reagent. It was previously shown that the production of pyocyanin can be enhanced by employing various methods. Among them are using statistical methods for planning the experiments or exposing bacterial cultures to stressors such as nanoparticles dosed in sublethal concentrations, e.g. zinc oxide nanoparticles.ResultsThe Design of Experiment (DoE) methodology allowed for calculating the optimal process temperature and nanoparticle concentration to intensify pyocyanin production. Low concentrations of the nanoparticles (6.06 µg/mL) and a temperature of 32℃ enhanced pyocyanin production, whereas higher concentrations of nanoparticles (275.75 µg/mL) and higher temperature stimulated biomass production and caused the abolishment of pyocyanin production. Elevated pigment production in zinc oxide nanoparticles-supplemented media was sustained in the scaled-up culture. Conducted analyses confirmed that observed stimulation of pyocyanin production is followed by higher membrane potential, altered gene expression, generation of reactive oxygen species, and accumulation of zinc in the cell’s biomass.ConclusionsPyocyanin production can be steered using ZnO nanoparticles. Elevated production of pyocyanin due to exposure to nanoparticles is followed by the number of changes in physiology of bacteria and is a result of the cellular stress. We showed that the stress response of bacteria can be optimised using statistical methods and result in producing the desired metabolite more effectively.

Arsenic and Zinc Accumulation in Zinc-Biofortified Wheat under Arsenic-Contaminated Irrigation and Varied Zinc Application Methods

Arsenic and Zinc Accumulation in Zinc-Biofortified Wheat under Arsenic-Contaminated Irrigation and Varied Zinc Application Methods

Changes in Organic Acid Composition, Proton Efflux and Root Length in Rice Genotypes Differing in Grain Zinc Accumulation Efficiency

Changes in Organic Acid Composition, Proton Efflux and Root Length in Rice Genotypes Differing in Grain Zinc Accumulation Efficiency

Zinc phytotoxicity and cationic micronutrients contents in quinoa as influenced by high Zn levels and soil amendments

Contamination of soils with heavy metals (HMs) is a serious concern due to the non-biodegradability and accumulation of these metals in living organism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fish scale powder, chitin, and chitosan in reducing zinc (Zn) accumulation of quinoa grown on Zn-polluted soil. A 3*4 factorial greenhouse trial was conducted with three levels of Zn contamination (0, 100, and 200 mg kg−1) and four types of amendment (control, and 0.15% of each fish scale powder, chitin, and chitosan). The quinoa seeds were sown in soil treated with Zn contamination and amendments. Results showed that application of amendments especially chitosan increased shoot and root dry weight and greenness index of quinoa leaf. While high soil Zn levels decreased cationic micronutrients uptake in quinoa shoot, chitosan addition desirably enhanced cationic micronutrients uptake in quinoa shoot. Overall, amendment addition significantly decreased Zn concentration and uptake in plant; the highest decrease was observed following the application of chitosan. Although the application of high Zn levels significantly increased the values of phytoextraction efficiency, application of chitin and chitosan significantly decreased it. The value of translocation factor was lower than one, demonstrating that a large amount of Zn was stabilized in the root tissues, while a small amount of this metal was transferred to aboveground parts of quinoa. Results of this study revealed that fish scales derivatives were effective in preventing Zn toxicity and at the same time increasing cationic micronutrients contents of quinoa grown on HMs-polluted soil.