Zinc Salts Research Articles

Gold nanoparticles-mediated ratiometric fluorescence aptasensor for ultra-sensitive detection of Abscisic Acid

Herein, a novel ratiometric aptasensor based on carbon quantum dots@2-Methylimidazole zinc salt (CQDs@ZIF-8) and aptamer-functionalized gold nanoparticles (Apt-AuNPs) was developed for highly sensitive detection of ABA by fluorescence spectrometry. The CQDs@ZIF-8 nanomaterials displayed dual-emission properties at 490 nm and 657 nm with excitation at 420 nm were synthesized for the first time. ZIF-8 not only served as an anchor point for CQDs but also acted as a modulator to regulate fluorescence signals of CQDs. Interestingly, introduction of ZIF-8 changed the quenching properties of the AuNPs on CQDs. The AuNPs quenched the fluorescence of CQDs@ZIF-8 at 490 nm but not at the second peak of 657 nm. Few studies have been reported on the ineffectiveness of AuNPs in fluorescence quenching as far as we know. In this study, we found that incorporation of ABA triggered the aggregation of AuNPs due to the specific ABA-aptamer recognition and this changed the fluorescence intensity of the ratiometric probe (CQDs@ZIF-8@Apt-AuNPs). The proposed probe increased the sensitivity and selectivity of determining ABA levels in rice seeds in the range of 0.100–150 ng/mL with an LOD of 30.0 ng/L. Importantly, the method proposed here offers a new unique strategy for the construction of ratiometric probes and ultra-sensitive measurement of biomolecules.

A New One-Pot Way to Prepare Enzyme-Containing Coordination Polymers by Sonochemistry.

Enzyme-containing Coordination Polymers (CPs) were prepared by a one-pot sonochemical method, mixing Glucose Oxidase (GOx) enzyme, 4,4'-bipyridine as spacer ligand, and chloride zinc salt. The reaction took place in a very short time (a few minutes) with a minimum use of solvents compared to conventional methods. The obtained composite material, named GOx-[Zn(4,4'-bipy)Cl₂]∞, resulted from embedding the GOx molecules into uniformly sized [Zn(4,4'-bipy)Cl₂] nanocrystals. The structural and thermal characterization, confirmed that the adopted strategy allows the preparation of hybrid bio-nanomaterials in a very fast, facile and eco-friendly method, by simply synthesising the [Zn(4,4'-bipy)Cl₂] nanocrystals in the presence of the enzyme.

Bilayered NiZn(CO3)(OH)2–Ni2(CO3)(OH)2 nanocomposites as positive electrode for supercapacitors

Open architecture and porous NiZn(CO 3 )(OH) 2 –Ni 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 bilayers were fabricated on a nickel foam substrate through a two-step processing of Ni and Zn salts under hydrothermal conditions. The initial layer of NiZn(CO 3 )(OH) 2 nanosheets, obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of nickel and zinc salts, was cladded with a top layer consisting of Ni 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 nanowire arrays. This double-decker arrangement offered a higher mechanical stability and enhanced electrochemical performance in NiZn(CO 3 )(OH) 2 –Ni 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 electrodes, which showed an excellent maximum specific capacitance of 1168.8 F g −1 at 3 A g −1 and superior cycling stability with a capacity retention of ~85.7% after 5000 cycles. Moreover, the asymmetric two-layered NiZn(CO 3 )(OH) 2 –Ni 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 //graphene electrodes provided sufficient capacitive energy to turn on a LED light. This superior electrochemical performance is attributed to the hierarchical architecture and large surface area of the composite electrodes that render them in view of facile and scalable synthesis and greater cycling safety as promising candidates for practical applications. • A composite stacked in a unique two-layer structure was fabricated. • This two-layer electrode provide the large surface area for the redox reaction. • As the cycles increased, the electrode became damaged and the capacity deteriorated. • The optimized two-layer electrode improved the retention results after cycle test.

Co-substrate-mediated utilization of high concentration of phenol by Aspergillus niger FP7 and reduction of its phytotoxicity on Vigna radiata L.

Phenol and its derivatives behave as mutagens, teratogens and carcinogens inducing adverse physiological effects and are considered environmental hazards. The present study focuses on high concentration phenol utilization by Aspergillus niger FP7 under various physicochemical parameters. The soil remediation potential of the culture for reducing phenol toxicity against Vigna radiata L. seed germination was also evaluated along with the extent of phenol utilization using high-performance liquid chromatography. Aspergillus niger FP7 showed phenol tolerance up to 1000 mg/l, beyond which there was a sharp reduction in phenol utilization. Supplementation of the mineral salt medium with glucose and peptone and application of a 100 rpm agitation rate enhanced phenol utilization (up to 88.3%). Phenol utilization efficiency decreased (up to 29.6%) when cadmium and mercury salts were present, but the same improved (59.4-75.5%) by the incorporation of cobalt, copper and zinc salts. Vigna radiata L. seeds sown in the non-augmented soil revealed a 3.27% germination index, and with fungal augmentation, the germination index improved (97.3%). The non-augmented soil demonstrated 3.1% phenol utilization, while for the augmented soil, the utilization was 79.3%. Based on the phytotoxicity study and chromatographic analysis, it could be inferred that Aspergillus niger FP7 significantly enhanced phenol utilization in soil. In the future, Aspergillus niger FP7 could be of potential use in bioremediation of sites polluted with high concentrations of phenol.

Homogeneous Catalysis and Heterogeneous Recycling: A Simple Zn(II) Catalyst for Green Fatty Acid Esterification

This work describes the use of simple zinc(II) salts (ZnCl2, ZnCO3, Zn(OAc)2, ZnO, Zn(ClO4)2, Zn(TfO)2, and Zn(BF4)2) as effective catalysts for the esterification of fatty acids with long-chain alcohols and simple polyols through a homogeneous system that allows the gradual and selective removal of water. The results show that the catalytic activity depends on the nature of the counterion: the most effective are the salts with poorly coordinating anions (perchlorate and triflate) or containing basic Brønsted anions (oxide, acetate, and carbonate). However, only with the latter is it possible to fully recover the catalyst at the end of each run, which is easily filtered in the form of zinc carboxylate, given its insolubility in the ester produced. In this way, it is possible to recycle the catalyst numerous times, without any loss of activity. This beneficial prerogative couples the efficiency of the homogeneous catalysis with the advantage of the heterogeneous catalysis. The process is, therefore, truly sustainable, given its high efficiency, low energy consumption, ease of purification, and the absence of auxiliary substances and byproducts.

Optical coherence tomography in patients with Wilson's disease.

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder that leads to copper accumulation and deposition in different organs, frequently affecting visual pathways. Recent studies have detected morphological changes of the retina in patients with WD using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Measuring the thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) with OCT provides an objective assessment of integrity and morphological abnormalities of the retina. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between OCT parameters and form of the disease, therapy and symptoms duration, as well as severity of neurological impairment. The study comprised of 52 patients with WD and 52 healthy controls (HC). All the patients were on a regular and stable chelation therapy and/or zinc salts. Patients were divided into two groups, with neurological (NWD) or hepatic form of the disease (HWD). OCT was performed to assess the RNFL thickness. The WD patients had significantly lower intraocular pressure in both eyes and lower RNFL thickness than the HC. There were no differences between NWD and HWD in any of the ophthalmologically tested parameters. No significant correlations were found between clinical features and retinal thickness parameters. Stratification of the cohort according to the disease duration showed that disease duration did not influence the RNFL thickness. We found that involvement of the retina represented a subclinical finding in neurologically intact patients in the HWD group. Nevertheless, the value of OCT as a biomarker for the assessment of the clinical course and progression of WD still remains uncertain.

An Efficiency of 16.46% and a T80 Lifetime of Over 4000 h for the PM6:Y6 Inverted Organic Solar Cells Enabled by Surface Acid Treatment of the Zinc Oxide Electron Transporting Layer.

For the inverted organic solar cells (OSCs), the interface contacts between the ZnO electron transporting layer and the organic active layer play an important role in the device performance and stability. Since the solution-processed ZnO surface always contains some base or zinc salt contaminants, we explored how the surface pH conditions influence the performance and stability of the nonfullerene acceptor (NFA) cells. A tight relationship between the surface pH condition and the device performance and stability was established. Specifically, device performance and stability were improved by treating the ZnO films with acid solutions but worsened after base treatment. The large number of hydroxyl groups on the surface of the solution-processed ZnO films was proved to be the main reason for the surface pH condition-related performance, which caused oxygen-deficient defects and unfavorable vertical phase separation in the blend films, hindered the photogenerated charge transfer and collection, and consequently resulted in low short-circuit current density and power conversion efficiency (PCE). The surface -OH groups also boosted the photocatalytic activity and led to fast degradation of the nonfullerene acceptor. Removal of the surface -OH groups can alleviate such problems. Different acid solutions, ZrAcac, 2-phenylethylmercaptan (PET), and glutamic acid (GC), were used to treat the ZnO films, and PET treatment was the most effective treatment for performance improvement. An efficiency of 16.46% was achieved for the PM6:Y6 cells and the long-term stability under continuous illumination conditions was significantly improved with a T80 lifetime of over 4000 h (4410 h), showing the excellent long-term stability of this heterojunction solar cell. Our understanding of the surface pH condition-related device performance and stability would guide the development of a feasible method for solving the interface problems in OSCs. We also provide a practical strategy to modify ZnO with acid solutions for high-performance and stable NFA OSCs.

Rhodizonate complexes with transition metal ions: A new vision from an old building block

In this work a series of metal complexes containing the rhodizonate ion have been synthesized and characterized by means of structural and spectroscopic measurements. Compounds of general formula MC6O6.nH2O, where M = Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+) were carefully obtained in an inert atmosphere, and the resulting complexes have been analyzed by powder X-ray technique, showing that manganese, cobalt, nickel and zinc compounds all present the same similar arrangement; the qualitative phase analysis indicate the Pmmm space group for manganese, cobalt, nickel and zinc salts, and P2/m for the copper salt. The unit cell volumes were determined, and they grow approximately with the number of water molecules in the structure measured by elemental and thermogravimetric analysis. The vibrational spectra are in concordance with the X-ray diffraction results since the salts of manganese, cobalt, nickel and zinc show a remarkably similar spectral profile, whereas the copper salt, shows a different spectral profile. It was observed that the number of bands in the Raman spectra of the compounds is greatly increased compared to the free rhodizonate ion. This fact is justified by the lower symmetry due to the complexation of the metal site. The vibrational modes related with the C=O stretching in the 1700–1500 cm−1 region are the most influenced with the metal coordination showing large displacements and band splitting. This last fact strongly supports the loss of symmetry experienced by the oxocarbon ion when coordinated to the metal centers in the complexes.

Diffusion Law and Calculating Method of Diffusion Coefficient of CO2 in Porous Liquid

Porous liquid combines the two unrelated things of solid porosity and liquid fluidity, and has showed a great potential gas separation.CO2 diffusion plays an important role in CO2 absorption capacity and rate of porous liquids. In this study, the 2-Methylimidazole zinc salt(ZIF-8) with porous structure was chosen and dispersed into 1-ethyl-3-methy limidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide ([EMIm][NTf2]) for synthesizing porous liquids. And then the density and viscosity of porous liquid were measured in different temperature, pressure and ZIF-8 mass concentration. In addition, based on the CO2 absorption experiment of porous liquid taken in a static CO2 absorption system and theoretical calculation, the pressure decay of the system was recorded and CO2diffusion coefficient was calculated to study the CO2 diffusion characteristics of porous liquid under different experimental parameters including ZIF-8 mass fraction, pressure and temperature.

Management Perspective of Wilson's Disease: Early Diagnosis and Individualized Therapy.

Wilson’s disease (WD) is an inherited disease caused by mutations in ATP7B and is characterized by the pathological accumulation of copper in the liver and brain. Common clinical manifestations of WD include a wide range of liver disease and neurological symptoms. In some patients, psychiatric symptoms may be the only manifestation at the time of diagnosis. The clinical features of WD are highly variable and can mimic any disease of internal medicine. Therefore, for unexplained medical diseases, the possibility of WD should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis of WD patients and reduce disability and early death. Gene sequencing is becoming a valuable method to diagnose WD, and if possible, all WD patients and their siblings should be genetically sequenced. Copper chelators including D-penicillamine, trientine, and dimercaptosuccinic acid can significantly improve the liver injury and symptoms of WD patients but may have a limited effect on neurological symptoms. Zinc salts may be more appropriate for the treatment of asymptomatic patients or for the maintenance treatment of symptomatic patients. High-quality clinical trials for the drug treatment of WD are still lacking, therefore, individualized treatment options for patients are recommended. Individualized treatment can be determined based on the clinical features of the WD patients, efficacy and adverse effects of the drugs, and the experience of the physician. Liver transplantation is the only effective method to save patients with acute liver failure or with severe liver disease who fail drug treatment.

Synergistic inhibition effect of L-Phenylalanine and zinc salts on chloride-induced corrosion of magnesium alloy: Experimental and theoretical investigation

L-Phenylalanine (L-Phe) is a promising eco-friendly alternative to replace the conventional toxic inhibitors for magnesium alloys in NaCl solution. However, its inhibitory performance is not satisfied. The addition of slight amount Zn(NO3)2 would greatly refine the inhibitory efficiency. The inhibitory performance of hybrid inhibitor is explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and various electrochemical measurements. The highest inhibitory efficiency of 93.2% is achieved for 0.30 mM L-Phe + 0.07 mM Zn(NO3)2. The amount of each inhibitor and the suitable match of two inhibitors are carefully determined, which are both critical items for the final performance. The possible inhibitory mechanism is conjectured by the XRD and XPS measurements along with the quantum chemical calculations.

Recent advances in Wilson disease.

Wilson disease (WD) is rare genetic disorder that presents with varied phenotype that can at times make the diagnosis challenging. Medical treatments are available, but there are still unmet needs for patients. Since life-long therapy is necessary, adherence to medical therapy and best practices for monitoring and individualizing therapy continue to evolve. Studies are ongoing that address some of these issues. In the current review we focused our attention to recent advances in the diagnosis of WD, current medical treatments, future potential therapies and treatment monitoring. We include discussion of new methodology for detection and quantitation of ophthalmologic signs of WD, new brain imaging modalities for early detection of neurologic involvement in patients and potential new diagnostic methodology using blood samples that may be applicable to newborn screening and adult disease diagnosis. In addition, there are new strategies aimed at improving adherence and outcomes with currently available therapies, including once daily chelation dosing and discussion of the efficacy of different zinc salt compounds. With respect to new therapies with different mechanisms of action, we discuss studies on Bis-choline tetrathiomolybdate (TTM) in patients, pre-clinical studies of a novel chelator methanobactin and other animal studies exploring cures for WD with gene therapy using adeno-associated vectors (AAVs) that introduce ATP7B into liver cells. There are also promising advances in the more accurate measurement of non-ceruloplasmin bound copper and exchangeable copper in the circulation which would potentially help with monitoring and individualization of treatment and possibly play a role in future disease diagnosis.

Recent advances in Wilson disease

Wilson disease (WD) is rare genetic disorder that presents with varied phenotype that can at times make the diagnosis challenging. Medical treatments are available, but there are still unmet needs for patients. Since life-long therapy is necessary, adherence to medical therapy and best practices for monitoring and individualizing therapy continue to evolve. Studies are ongoing that address some of these issues. In the current review we focused our attention to recent advances in the diagnosis of WD, current medical treatments, future potential therapies and treatment monitoring. We include discussion of new methodology for detection and quantitation of ophthalmologic signs of WD, new brain imaging modalities for early detection of neurologic involvement in patients and potential new diagnostic methodology using blood samples that may be applicable to newborn screening and adult disease diagnosis. In addition, there are new strategies aimed at improving adherence and outcomes with currently available therapies, including once daily chelation dosing and discussion of the efficacy of different zinc salt compounds. With respect to new therapies with different mechanisms of action, we discuss studies on Bis-choline tetrathiomolybdate (TTM) in patients, pre-clinical studies of a novel chelator methanobactin and other animal studies exploring cures for WD with gene therapy using adeno-associated vectors (AAVs) that introduce ATP7B into liver cells. There are also promising advances in the more accurate measurement of non-ceruloplasmin bound copper and exchangeable copper in the circulation which would potentially help with monitoring and individualization of treatment and possibly play a role in future disease diagnosis.

Biomass-derived hierarchical porous ZnO microtubules for highly selective detection of ppb-level nitric oxide at low temperature

• Porous ZnO hierarchical structure was simply prepared by using hemp fiber as biotemplate. • Hemp fiber template plays a vital role in regulating microstructure and performance of ZnO-600. • The ZnO-600 sensor exhibits fast response, high sensitivity and selectivity to trace NO at 92 °C. • The detection limit of 5 ppb NO for ZnO-600 material is the lowest in reported ZnO-based sensors. Highly sensitive and selective detection of nitric oxide (NO) has recently attracted much attention due to its environmental pollution and biological role. Herein, hierarchical porous ZnO microtubules were simply and massively prepared through zinc salt immersion and air calcination using hemp fiber as biotemplate. The effect of different calcination temperature on the microstructure and gas-sensing performance was investigated. The ZnO-600 microtubules calcined at 600 °C are assembled from the cross-linking nanoparticles with good crystallinity. Especially, the multi-pores and diverse nano-channels are in favor of the quick diffusion and adsorption of target gas, enabling ZnO-600 material to present excellent gas-sensing performance towards trace NO. At low working temperature of 92 °C, the sensor fabricated by ZnO-600 microtubules to NO exhibits high response (10 ppm, S = 78.54), fast response-recovery, good selectivity as well as satisfactory stability and anti-humidity. Meanwhile, this sensor represents the lowest detection limit of 5 ppb (S = 1.22) among all reported ZnO-based sensors. Moreover, the gas-sensing mechanism for ZnO-600 material is demonstrated to be surface adsorption control model.

Synthesis of metal organic framework (MOF-5) embedded cryogel composite and its application for the extraction and determination of cholesterol from milk samples

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)/coordination polymers (CPs) are a new class of hybrid inorganic/organic porous material. Recently MOFs have attracted much attention due to their large surface area, tunable pore structure, and high thermal stability. MOF-5 is composed of zinc salt and 1,4 benzene dicarboxylic linker. In the current study, MOF-5/cryogel composite was applied to extract cholesterol selectively from milk samples. This extraction process was used to clean-up milk samples with MOF-5/cryogel composite followed by determination of cholesterol in milk using UV-Vis spectrophotometric technique. The parameters such as concentration of cholesterol, volume of cholesterol solution, adsorbent amount, adsorption and desorption time were studied to obtain good extraction of cholesterol. The amount of cholesterol adsorbed and desorbed was 84 and 80%, respectively, from milk samples using MOF-5 composite cryogel. The developed method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection, and quantification. The response was linear in the range of 5-200 µg/mL with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.990. Detection limit (0.15 µg/mL) and quantification (0.45 µg/mL) were obtained.

Effect of Enzymatic Hydrolysis on the Zinc Binding Capacity and in vitro Gastrointestinal Stability of Peptides Derived From Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) Seeds.

Zinc is a crucial micronutrient for maintaining body immune system and metabolism function. However, insufficient intake from diet may lead to zinc deficiency and impair normal body function. In addition, conventional zinc salts supplementation has the disadvantage of low bioavailability since the zinc ions may be easily chelated by dietary fiber or phytate commonly found in diets rich in plants, and form precipitates that cannot be absorbed. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to prepare pumpkin seed derived peptides and to evaluate the effect of structure and surface properties on the zinc binding behavior of the pumpkin seed protein hydrolysate (PSPH), as well as their gastrointestinal stability. Briefly, different PSPHs were prepared using enzymatic hydrolysis method with bromelain, papain, flavourzyme, alcalase, and pepsin. The particle size, zeta potential, surface hydrophobicity, degree of hydrolysis, ATR-FTIR spectra, and zinc binding capacity were determined. The representative samples were chosen to characterize the binding energy and surface morphology of PSPH-Zn. At last, the in vitro gastrointestinal stability of PSPH and PSPH-Zn were evaluated. Our results showed that peptides hydrolyzed by papain had the largest average molecular weight, smallest particle size, highest hydrophobicity, and the greatest zinc binding capacity. Zinc showed better gastrointestinal stability in PSPHs chelates than in its salt. Meanwhile, PSPH-Zn with higher zinc binding capacity showed better stability. The result of this study indicated pumpkin seed hydrolyzed by papain may be used as a potential source for zinc fortification. The findings in this study may provide important implications for developing plant-based zinc chelating peptides.

Antibacterial Chitosan Nanofiber Thin Films with Bacitracin Zinc Salt.

Chitosan nanofiber has a highly uniform structure of 20–50 nm in diameter and shows high dispersibility in water due to its submicron size and high surface-to-volume ratio. The stacked nanofibers film is useful for breathability because it has a gap with a size of several tens of nm or more. However, the chemical bonds between the nanofibers cannot be broken during use. In this study, the thin films were obtained by filtration of chitosan nanofibers and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) mixture. The addition of GPTMS changed the wettability, mechanical property and stability in water of the thin films. Bacitracin zinc salt (BZ) has been used for the localized dermatological medicines and loaded in the films. BZ interacted electrostatically with the thin films matrix and the release of BZ was controlled by the amount of GPTMS. A higher released amount of BZ showed higher antibacterial effects toward S. aureus. The film was also tested their toxicity by L929 fibroblasts. The release of less than 11.9 μg of BZ showed antibacterial effects, but were not toxic for fibroblast cells.

Effect of copper and zinc as sulfate or nitrate salts on soil microbiome dynamics and blaVIM-positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa survival

The exposure of soil to metals and to antibiotic resistant bacteria may lead to the progressive deterioration of soil quality. The persistence of antibiotic resistant bacteria or antibiotic resistance genes in soil can be influenced by the microbial community or by soil amendments with metal salts. This work assessed the effect of soil amendment with copper and zinc, as sulfate or nitrate salts, on the fate of a carbapenem-resistant (blaVIM+) hospital effluent isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (strain H1FC49) and on the variations of the microbial community composition. Microcosms with soil aged or not with copper and zinc salts (20 mM), and inoculated with P. aeruginosa H1FC49 were monitored at 0, 7, 14 and/or 30 days, for community composition (16S rRNA gene amplicon) and strain H1FC49 persistence. Data on culturable P. aeruginosa, quantitative PCR of the housekeeping gene ecf, and the presumably acquired genes blaVIM+ and integrase (intI1), and community composition were interpreted based on descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis. P. aeruginosa and the presumably acquired genes, were quantifiable in soil for up to one month, in both metal-amended and non-amended soil. Metal amendments were associated with a significant decrease of bacterial community diversity and richness. The persistence of P. aeruginosa and acquired genes in soils, combined with the adverse effect of metals on the bacterial community, highlight the vulnerability of soil to both types of exogenous contamination.

The effect of inoculation of the root system with Cylindrocarpon magnusianum on plant performance exposed to heavy metal salts

The effect of inoculation with endotrophic micromycete Cylindrocarpon magnusianum on the formation of adaptive physiological and biochemical reactions in test tomato plants under the action of heavy metal salts has been studied. The experimental design included plant inoculation with a fungus culture (control population) and these fungus populations were preliminarily grown on a pentose-dextrose agar medium with the addition of heavy metal salts in different concentrations. The inoculated plants were grown on substrates without the addition of heavy metal salts (control) and with the addition of zinc, copper, lead, and chromium salts in different concentrations similar to additions in agar when growing fungus populations. In experimental plants, we determined the content of photosynthetic pigments and ascorbic acid in the leaves (spectrophotometry), nitrates in the leaves (ionometric analysis), the aerial part and root system biomass by the gravimetric method, and the degree of fungal infection development of plants via the light microscopy method of macerated and colored fragments of the plant root system. No stimulatory effect, increasing the resistance of plants to the action of heavy metal salts when plants were inoculated with a control population of the C. magnusianum fungus, was revealed. A positive effect was revealed during the inoculation of plants with fungal populations, previously adapted to the action of salts of chemical elements, especially chromium and lead salts, and during further plants’ cultivation on substrates with the introduction of these non-biogenic chemical elements hazardous to the life of plants. The effect is associated with the stability of the pigment system, the redistribution of plant biomass, and the synthesis of the antioxidant-ascorbic acid in the leaves. Intensive development of fungal infection in plant roots was also noted. The study results indicate the most effective partnership between the C. magnusianum fungus and the plant root system under stressful conditions for plant life.

Synthesis of cellulose based amino acid functionalized nano-biocomplex: Characterization, antifungal activity, molecular docking and hemocompatibility

In this study, amino acid functionalized nano-biocomplex based on cellulose was prepared to avoid use of traditional antifungal agents which easy resist by fungi. Dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) was functionalized via glycine (Gly), where the functionalized cellulose complex (DAC/Gly) was carried out via green method using Zinc salt. The produced nano-biocomplex (DAC/Gly/Zn) was characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, UV–vis and computational DFT. The computational calculation of DAC/Gly and DAC/Gly/Zn by DFT/ B3LYP/6−31 G (d) basis sets was studied. Molecular docking study of composite against fungal protein PDB (3K4Q) and PDB (1KS5) showed interaction energy score (-5.0, -4.2) Kcal/mol with short bond length (2.8 Å, 1.6 Å) for DAC/Gly and DAC/Gly/Zn, respectively. In the context, the mean particle size of DAC/Gly/Zn is 151 nm. Antifungal activity of towards Aspergillus niger, A. terreus, A. flavus And A. fumigatus was evaluated. Results illustrated that DAC/Gly/Zn has antifungal activity higher than DAC/Gly. Inhibition zones of DAC/Gly/Zn (10 mg/mL) towards A.niger, A. terreus, A. flavus and A. fumigatus were 27.3, 8.9, 16.9 and 23.4 nm, while as MICs were 0.156, 2.5, 0.312 and 0.078 mg/mL respectively. Moreover, DAC/Gly/Zn exhibited non-hemolytic effect on human RBCs at concentrations up to 2.5 mg/mL. Consequently, DAC/Gly/Zn is a promising nano-biocomplex as antifungal agent.