Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of white towel gourd (Luffa cylindrica).

Mitochondria play an important role in the energy production of plant cells through independent genetic systems. This study has aimed to assemble and annotate the functions of the mitochondrial (mt) genome of Luffa cylindrica. The mt genome of L. cylindrica contained two chromosomes with lengths of 380,879 bp and 67,982 bp, respectively. Seventy-seven genes including 39 protein-coding genes, 34 tRNA genes, 3 rRNA genes, and 1 pseudogene, were identified. About 90.63% of the codons ended with A or U bases, and 98.63% of monomers contained A/T, which contributed to the high A/T content (55.91%) of the complete mt genome. Six genes (ATP8, CCMFC, NAD4, RPL10, RPL5 and RPS4) showed positive selection. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that L. cylindrica is closely related to L. acutangula. The present results provide the mt genome of L. cylindrica, which may facilitate possible genetic variation, evolutionary, and molecular breeding studies of L. cylindrica.

Analyzing genetic diversity in luffa and developing a Fusarium wilt-susceptible linked SNP marker through a single plant genome-wide association (sp-GWAS) study.

BACKGROUND: Luffa (Luffa spp.) is an economically important crop of the Cucurbitaceae family, commonly known as sponge gourd or vegetable gourd. It is an annual cross-pollinated crop primarily found in the subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas. Luffa serves not only as a vegetable but also exhibits medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Moreover, the fiber derived from luffa finds extensive applications in various fields such as biotechnology and construction. However, luffa Fusarium wilt poses a severe threat to its production, and existing control methods have proven ineffective in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental considerations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop luffa varieties resistant to Fusarium wilt. Single-plant GWAS (sp-GWAS) has been demonstrated as a promising tool for the rapid and efficient identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with target traits, as well as closely linked molecular markers. RESULTS: In this study, a collection of 97 individuals from 73 luffa accessions including two major luffa species underwent single-plant GWAS to investigate luffa Fusarium wilt resistance. Utilizing the double digest restriction site associated DNA (ddRAD) method, a total of 8,919 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. The analysis revealed the potential for Fusarium wilt resistance in accessions from both luffa species. There are 6 QTLs identified from 3 traits, including the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), a putative disease-resistant QTL, was identified on the second chromosome of luffa. Within the region of linkage disequilibrium, a candidate gene homologous to LOC111009722, which encodes peroxidase 40 and is associated with disease resistance in Cucumis melo, was identified. Furthermore, to validate the applicability of the marker associated with resistance from sp-GWAS, an additional set of 21 individual luffa plants were tested, exhibiting 93.75% accuracy in detecting susceptible of luffa species L. aegyptiaca Mill. CONCLUSION: In summary, these findings give a hint of genome position that may contribute to luffa wild resistance to Fusarium and can be utilized in the future luffa wilt resistant breeding programs aimed at developing wilt-resistant varieties by using the susceptible-linked SNP marker.

Protective effect of Luffa cylindrica Roemer against dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in primary rat skeletal muscle cells.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions. However, the administration of high doses and long-term use of GCs can induce muscle atrophy (MA) in patients, leading to a decline in quality of life and increased mortality. MA leads to protein degradation in skeletal muscle, resulting in a reduction of muscle mass. This process is triggered by GCs like dexamethasone (DEX), which induce the expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases, namely Atrogin-1 and muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1). In this study, we examined the anti-MA potential of Luffa cylindrica Roemer (LCR) on DEX-treated primary skeletal myotubes. Primary skeletal myotubes stimulated with LCR alone resulted in a significant upregulation of myotube development, characterized by an increase in both the number and diameter of myotubes. Contrastingly, combined treatment with LCR and DEX reduced the expression of Atrogin-1, while treatment with DEX alone induced the expression of MuRF1. Furthermore, LCR treatment successfully restored the number and diameter of myotubes that had been diminished by DEX treatment. These findings suggest that LCR holds potential for treating MA, as an accelerating effect on muscle development and anti-MA effects on primary skeletal muscle cells were observed.

Complete genome sequence of a novel amalgavirus in sponge gourd, Luffa cylindrica.

A novel monopartite dsRNA virus, tentatively named "sponge gourd amalgavirus 1" (SGAV1), was discovered by high-throughput sequencing in sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) displaying mosaic symptoms in Jiashan County, Zhejiang Province, China. The genome of SGAV1 is 3,447 nucleotides in length and contains partially overlapping open reading frames (ORFs) encoding a putative replication factory matrix-like protein and a fusion protein, respectively. The fusion protein of SGAV1 shares 57.07% identity with the homologous protein of salvia miltiorrhiza amalgavirus 1 (accession no. DAZ91057.1). Phylogenetic analysis based on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) protein suggests that SGAV1 belongs to the genus Amalgavirus of the family Amalgaviridae. Moreover, analysis of SGAV1-derived small interfering RNAs indicated that SGAV1 was actively replicating in the host plant. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed higher levels of SGAV1 expression in leaves than in flowers and fruits. This is the first report of a novel amalgavirus found in sponge gourd in China.

Life table parameters and digestive physiology of Aulacophora lewisii Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on three Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) cultivars.

Aulacophora lewisii Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an important pest of Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) in India. Larvae of A. lewisii feed on the roots, while adults consume leaves of L. acutangula. In the current study, effects of three L. acutangula cultivars (Abhiskar, Debsundari, and Jaipur Long) on the life table parameters by age-stage, two-sex approach, and key digestive enzymatic activities (amylolytic, proteolytic, and lipolytic) of the larvae and adults of A. lewisii were determined. Further, nutrients (total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, amino acids, and nitrogen content) and antinutrients (total phenols, flavonols, and tannins) present in the roots and leaves of three cultivars were estimated. The development time (egg to adult emergence) was fastest and slowest on Jaipur Long (31.80 days) and Abhiskar (40.91 days), respectively. Fecundity was highest and lowest on Jaipur Long (279.91 eggs) and Abhiskar (137.18 eggs), respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was lowest on Abhiskar (0.0511 day-1) and highest on Jaipur Long (0.0872 day-1). The net reproductive rate (R0) was lowest on Abhiskar (23.32 offspring female-1). The mean generation time (T) was shortest on Jaipur Long (52.59 days) and longest on Abhiskar (61.58 days). The amylolytic, proteolytic, and lipolytic activities of larvae and adults of A. lewisii were highest and lowest on Jaipur Long and Abhiskar, respectively. The lower level of nutrients and higher level of antinutrients influenced higher larval development time and lower fecundity of A. lewisii on Abhiskar than other cultivars. Our results suggest that Abhiskar cultivar could be promoted for cultivation.

Removal of Azo Dyes from Water Using Natural Luffa cylindrica as a Non-Conventional Adsorbent.

Reducing high concentrations of pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, drugs, and dyes from water is an emerging necessity. We evaluated the use of Luffa cylindrica (Lc) as a natural non-conventional adsorbent to remove azo dye mixture (ADM) from water. The capacity of Lc at three different doses (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 g/L) was evaluated using three concentrations of azo dyes (0.125, 0.250, and 0.500 g/L). The removal percent (R%), maximum adsorption capacity (Qm), isotherm and kinetics adsorption models, and pH influence were evaluated, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The maximum R% was 70.8% for 10.0 g L-1Lc and 0.125 g L-1 ADM. The Qm of Lc was 161.29 mg g-1. Adsorption by Lc obeys a Langmuir isotherm and occurs through the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Statistical analysis showed that the adsorbent dose, the azo dye concentration, and contact time significantly influenced R% and the adsorption capacity. These findings indicate that Lc could be used as a natural non-conventional adsorbent to reduce ADM in water, and it has a potential application in the pretreatment of wastewaters.

Inheritance and molecular mapping of solitary/cluster fruit-bearing habit in Luffa.

Fruiting behaviour and sex form are important goals for Luffa breeders and this study aimed to shed light upon inheritance patterns for both these traits. The hermaphrodite form of Luffa acutangula (known as Satputia) is an underutilized vegetable with a unique clustered fruiting habit. Its desirable traits, such as plant architecture, earliness, as well as contrasting traits like unique clustered fruiting, bisexual flower, and crossability with Luffa acutangula (monoecious ridge gourd with solitary fruits), make it a potential source for trait improvement and mapping of desirable traits in Luffa. In the present study, we have elucidated the inheritance pattern of fruiting behaviour in Luffa using F2 mapping population generated from a cross between Pusa Nutan (Luffa acutangula, monoecious, solitary fruiting) × DSat-116 (Luffa acutangula, hermaphrodite, cluster fruiting). In F2 generation, the observed distribution of plant phenotypes fitted in the expected ratio of 3:1 (solitary vs cluster) for fruit-bearing habit. This is the first report of monogenic recessive control for cluster fruit-bearing habit in Luffa. Herein, we designate for the first time the gene symbol cl for cluster fruit bearing in Luffa. Linkage analysis revealed that SRAP marker ME10 EM4-280 was linked to the fruiting trait at the distance of 4.6 cM from the Cl locus. In addition, the inheritance pattern of hermaphrodite sex form in Luffa was also studied in the F2 population of Pusa Nutan × DSat-116 that segregated into 9:3:3:1 ratio (monoecious:andromonoecious:gynoecious:hermaphrodite), suggesting a digenic recessive control of hermaphrodite sex form in Luffa, which was further confirmed by the test cross. The inheritance and identification of molecular marker for cluster fruiting trait provides a basis for breeding in Luffa species.

Enhanced removal organic compounds and particles from cooking fume using activated sludge scrubber filled loofah: From performance to the mechanism.

The catering industry's growth has resulted in cooking fume pollution becoming a major concern in people's lives. As a result, its removal has become a core research focus. Natural loofah is an ideal biofilm carrier, providing a conducive environment for microorganisms to grow. This study utilized natural loofah to fill domesticated activated sludge in a bioscrubber, forming biofilms that enhance the ability to purify cooking fume. This study found that the biomass of loofah biofilms per gram is 104.56 mg. The research also determined the removal efficiencies for oils, Non-methane total hydrocarbons (NMHC), PM2.5, and PM10 from cooking fumes, which were 91.53%, 67.53%, 75.25%, and 82.23%, respectively. The maximum elimination capacity for cooking fumes was found to be 20.7 g/(m3·h). Additionally, the study determined the kinetic parameters for the biodegradation of oils (Kc and Vmax) to be 4.69 mg L-1 and 0.026 h-1, respectively, while the enzyme activities of lipase and catalase stabilized at 75.50 U/mgprots and 67.95 U/mgprots. The microbial consortium identified in the biofilms belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria and consisted mainly of Sphingomonas, Mycobacterium, and Lactobacillus, among others.

Intimate coupling of gC3N4/CdS semiconductor on eco-friendly biocarrier loofah sponge for enhanced detoxification of ciprofloxacin.

Ciprofloxacin is one of the antibiotics predominantly used to treat bacterial infections, however excess usage, and release of antibiotic from various sources to the environment can cause severe risks to human health since it was considered as emerging pollutant. This study deals with the intimately coupled photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) of ciprofloxacin using gC3N4/CdS photocatalytic semiconductor and eco-friendly renewable loofah sponge as biocarrier in the ICPB. The photocatalyst gC3N4/CdS was prepared and their synergistic photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin were assessed and the results shows that gC3N4/CdS (20%) exhibit 79% degradation efficiency in 36 h. Further ICPB exhibited enhanced ciprofloxacin degradation 95% at 36 h. The 62.4% and 81.1% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was obtained in the photocatalysis and ICPB respectively. Enhanced degradation of ciprofloxacin and COD removal was due to the synergetic photoelectrons generated from the gC3N4/CdS (20%) transferred to the bacterial communities which intensely mineralize the degradation products produced from the photocatalysis process. Furthermore, production of hydroxyl •OH and superoxide radical anion O2• were identified actively involved in the degradation of ciprofloxacin. The biocarrier loofah sponge provided favourable environment to the bacterial communities for the formation of biofilm and production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Excess quantity of EPS production in the ICPB helps in the prevention of toxicity of photocatalyst to bacterial communities as well as facilitate the extracellular electron transfer process. This work provides a novel path for enhanced degradation of ciprofloxacin using eco-friendly, low cost and renewable biocarrier loofah sponge in the ICPB system.

Ameliorative effect of Luffa cylindrica fruits on Caenorhabditis elegans and cellular models of Alzheimer's disease-related pathology via autophagy induction.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder without an effective cure. Natural products, while showing promise as potential therapeutics for AD, remain underexplored. AIMS: This study was conducted with the goal of identifying potential anti-AD candidates from natural sources using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) AD-like models and exploring their mechanisms of action. MATERIALS & METHODS: Our laboratory's in-house herbal extract library was utilized to screen for potential anti-AD candidates using the C. elegans AD-like model CL4176. The neuroprotective effects of the candidates were evaluated in multiple C. elegans AD-like models, specifically targeting Aß- and Tau-induced pathology. In vitro validation was conducted using PC-12 cells. To investigate the role of autophagy in mediating the anti-AD effects of the candidates, RNAi bacteria and autophagy inhibitors were employed. RESULTS: The ethanol extract of air-dried fruits of Luffa cylindrica (LCE), a medicine-food homology species, was found to inhibit Aß- and Tau-induced pathology (paralysis, ROS production, neurotoxicity, and Aß and pTau deposition) in C. elegans AD-like models. LCE was non-toxic and enhanced C. elegans' health. It was shown that LCE activates autophagy and its anti-AD efficacy is weakened with the RNAi knockdown of autophagy-related genes. Additionally, LCE induced mTOR-mediated autophagy, reduced the expression of AD-associated proteins, and decreased cell death in PC-12 cells, which was reversed by autophagy inhibitors (bafilomycin A1 and 3-methyladenine). DISCUSSION: LCE, identified from our natural product library, emerged as a valuable autophagy enhancer that effectively protects against neurodegeneration in multiple AD-like models. RNAi knockdown of autophagy-related genes and cotreatment with autophagy inhibitors weakened its anti-AD efficacy, implying a critical role of autophagy in mediating the neuroprotective effects of LCE. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the potential of LCE as a functional food or drug for targeting AD pathology and promoting human health.

Resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. luffae in Luffa Germplasm Despite Hypocotyl Colonization.

Fusarium wilt of Luffa, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. luffae, causes great losses in Luffa plants worldwide. In this study, 45 accessions of Luffa germplasm were used to determine their resistance to F. oxysporum f. sp. luffae isolates (FOLUST, FOLUSC, Fomh16, and Fol114) in two independent trials. In the first trial, only FOLUST was used to preliminarily identify resistant accessions. Nine accessions of Luffa acutangula and five of L. aegyptiaca were resistant to the FOLUST isolate. In the second trial, the other three isolates were then used to reevaluate the 14 resistant accessions. The results indicated that the 14 accessions were resistant to FOLUSC but exhibited variable resistance to the Fomh16 and Fol114 isolates. Eight accessions of L. acutangula and one accession of L. aegyptiaca were resistant to Fol114. Seven accessions of L. acutangula and one accession of L. aegyptiaca were resistant to Fomh16. Despite the lack of any symptoms, the F. oxysporum f. sp. luffae isolates were recovered from the hypocotyls of all resistant accessions at 28 days postinoculation, except for isolates FOLUSC and FOLUST on one accession (LA140). A high percentage (87.5%) of accessions collected from Bangladesh were identified as resistant, highlighting the effect of local adaptation on resistance. These results provide potentially valuable genetic resources for breeding programs to develop new varieties or rootstocks that could be beneficial for controlling soilborne diseases in different cucurbit crops and further investigating the mechanisms of resistance to F. oxysporum f. sp. luffae in Luffa plants.

Removal of 241Am from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption on Sponge Gourd Biochar.

Luffa cylindrica biomass was converted to biochar and the removal of 241Am by pristine and oxidized biochar fibers was investigated in laboratory and environmental water samples. This species has the added advantage of a unique microsponge structure that is beneficial for the production of porous adsorbents. The main purpose of this study was to valorize this biomass to produce an efficient adsorbent and investigate its performance in radionuclide-contaminated waters. Following the preparation of Am3+ solutions at a concentration of 10-12 mol/L, the adsorption efficiency (Kd) was determined as a function of pH, adsorbent mass, ionic strength, temperature, and type of aqueous solution by batch experiments. At the optimum adsorbent dose of 0.1 g and pH value of 4, a log10Kd value of 4.2 was achieved by the oxidized biochar sample. The effect of temperature and ionic strength indicated that adsorption is an endothermic and entropy-driven process (ΔH° = -512 kJ mol-1 and ΔS° = -1.2 J K-1 mol-1) leading to the formation of inner-sphere complexes. The adsorption kinetics were relatively slow (24 h equilibrium time) due to the slow diffusion of the radionuclide to the biochar surface and fitted well to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Oxidized biochar performed better compared to the unmodified sample and overall appears to be an efficient adsorbent for the treatment of 241Am-contaminated waters, even at ultra-trace concentrations.

Self-assembled Patterns Formed in Evaporating Droplets to Analyze Bi-component Homeopathic Preparations in the Low Dilution Range.

BACKGROUND: Homeopathic complex remedies, composed of several homeopathic medicines in the low potency range, are frequently used in the treatment of a number of common disorders. At the same time, they represent an almost unexplored area of research. Are complex remedies just additive mixtures of the components, or are there interactions between the latter leading to new properties of the complex? METHODS: In the present study, we analyzed as an example the simple bi-component complex, Luffa 4x - Mercurius bijodatus 9x, by means of patterns from evaporated droplets and tested what influences the complex's single compounds have upon the patterns and if there are any interactions. For this purpose, we compared in a series of five experiments patterns from evaporated droplets of the complex, Luffa 4x - Mercurius bijodatus 9x, and three comparison samples in which one or both of the complex's compounds were replaced by potentized solute. The patterns were photographed and evaluated for their gray-level distribution and texture using the software ImageJ. The experimental set-up's stability was tested by means of systematic control experiments. RESULTS: We found that Mercurius bijodatus 9x significantly influenced the patterns of Luffa 4x, increasing their homogeneity; at the same time, the patterns of Mercurius bijodatus 9x combined with solvent were more heterogeneous than those obtained from a control consisting of two pure solvents. CONCLUSION: In this phenomenological assay, the complex Luffa 4x - Mercurius bijodatus 9x does not correspond to a simple addition of the components. The exact nature of the underlying interaction needs to be elucidated in further investigations.

An in vitro evaluation of luffa cylindrica stem sap in preadipocytes and dermal fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Luffa cylindrica stem sap (LuCS) has been ethnopharmacologically used as a cosmetic ingredients to improve the facial condition in Asians, but there is no scientific proof about the advantages of LuCS as a supplement for skin elasticity inducer. PURPOSE: Presently, we have validated the beneficial effect of LuCS in human preadipocyte and fibroblast. METHODS: In vitro activities of LuCS on expression of cellular elastin and collagen type I were validated using Western blot analysis in human fibroblasts. Effect of LuCS on preadipocyte development was performed using MDI medium containing isobutyl-methylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin and then evaluated using oil red O staining. RESULTS: Treatment of LuCS stimulated the expression of cellular elastin and type I procollagen in human skin fibroblasts. Exposure to LuCS induced lipid accumulation of preadipocytes via activation of CEBP/α signaling pathway in preadipocytes. Expression of collagen I, elastin, or CEBP/α mRNA was decreased by age. 3-bromo-3-methylisoxazol-5-amine enhanced the synthesis of cellular lipid in preadipocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these results suggest the rationale of LuCS treatment in enhancing the skin condition.

Compressible Ionized Natural 3D Interconnected Loofah Membrane for Salinity Gradient Power Generation.

Large-scale salinity gradient power energy harvesting has generated broad attention in recent years, in which affordable ion-selective membranes (ISMs) are essential for its practical implementation. In this study, for the first time, ISMs derived from natural loofah sponge are reported, which have features of high hydrophilicity, superior ion conductivity, and 3D interconnected long fibers. The permselectivity and ion conductivity of loofah-based anion-selective membranes (ASMs) and cation-selective membranes (CSMs) are designed by chemical modification of the surface functional groups of loofah fibers and followed with compression and the resin filling. The charged nanochannels inside the ISMs are served as ion conductive and selective channels based on the nanofluidic effects and Donnan exclusion. Meanwhile, the unique isotropic structure endows excellent dimensional stability under the NaCl solution for months. When ISMs are used for salinity gradient power generation from the gradient of artificial seawater and river water, the maximum power density is 18.3 mW m-2 . When ten units of loofah-based ISMs are stacked in series, a voltage as high as 1.55 V is achieved. The results highlight the great potential of natural fibers for fabricating affordable, durable, and high performance ISMs, paving a sustainable pathway for developing high-performance, durable, and low-cost salinity gradient power generators.

Luffa operculata seed proteins: Identification by LC-ESI-MS/MS and biotechnological potential against Candida albicans and C. krusei.

L: operculata is a plant commonly found in the North and Northeast of Brazil. Although the regional population knows its medicinal potential, there are few scientific studies about its antimicrobial potential. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the proteins from L. operculata seeds extracted using different solutions and evaluate their antimicrobial potentials. The protein extracts obtained with NaCl and sodium acetate buffer presented the best inhibitory activities against Candida albicans and C. krusei. The study of the mechanism of action revealed proteins from L. operculata seeds induced pore formation on the membrane and ROS overaccumulation. Scanning Electron Microscopy images also showed severe morphological changes in Candida albicans and C. krusei. Proteins from L.operculata seeds did not show antibacterial activity. The enzymatic assays revealed the presence of proteolytic enzymes, serine and cysteine protease inhibitors, and chitinases in both protein extracts. Proteomic analysis by LC-ESI-MS/MS identified 57 proteins related to many biological processes, such as defense to (a)biotic stress, energetic metabolism, protein folding, and nucleotide metabolism. In conclusion, the L. operculata seed proteins have biotechnological potential against the human pathogenic yeasts Candida albicans and C. krusei.

Surface magnetization of hydrolyzed Luffa Cylindrica biowaste with cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for facile Ni2+ removal from wastewater.

A novel magnetic adsorbent based on hydrolyzed Luffa Cylindrica (HLC) was synthesized through the chemical co-precipitation technique, and its potential was evaluated in the adsorptive elimination of divalent nickel ions from water medium. Morphological assessment and properties of the adsorbent were performed using FTIR, SEM, EDX, XRD, BET, and TEM techniques. The effect of pH, temperature, time and nickel concentration on the removal efficiency was studied, and pH = 6, room temperature (25 °C), contact time of 60 min, and Ni2+ ion concentration of 10 mg.L-1 were introduced as the optimal values. At optimal conditions, the removal efficiency of Ni2+ ions using HLC and HLC/CoFe2O4 magnetic composite was calculated as 96.38 and 99.13%, respectively. The adsorption process kinetic followed a pseudo-first-order model. Langmuir isotherm was suitable for modelling the experimental data of the Ni2+ adsorption. The maximum elimination capacity of HLC and HLC/CoFe2O4 samples was calculated as 42.75 and 44.42 mg g-1, respectively. Furthermore, thermodynamic investigations proved the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the process. The adsorption efficiency was decreased with increasing the content of Ca2+ and Na + cations in aqueous media. During reusability of the synthesized adsorbents, it was found that after 8 cycles, no significant decrease has occurred in the adsorption efficiency. In addition, real wastewater treatment results proved that HLC/CoFe2O4 magnetic composite has an excellent performance in removal of heavy metals pollutant from shipbuilding effluent.

The highly enhanced Cr(VI) photoreduction removal by oxalic acid coordinated with iron-loaded waste Loofah.

In order to remove high toxic Cr(VI) from the water with low cost and high efficiency, iron-loaded Loofah (Loofah-Fe) was prepared from agriculture waste Loofah and was applied in the Cr(VI) photoreduction remvoal by oxalic acid (Ox). The Cr(VI) removal of Loofah-Fe/Ox/UV system were investigated by the effect of initial Cr(VI) concentration, Ox concentration and Loofah-Fe dosage. The Cr(VI) removal mechanism in Loofah-Fe/Ox/UV system were discussed through the study of initial pH, the change (pH, Ox concentration, Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentration) in solution during the reaction, and the free radicals scavenging test. The role of Loofah-Fe in Loofah-Fe/Ox/UV system was further deduced by the analysis of XPS, EIS and Mott-Schottky. The results showed that Loofah-Fe remarkably enhanced the Cr(VI) photoreduction by Ox, 1 mM of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution was completely removed in 30 min by Loofah-Fe/Ox/UV system at pH = 3.0. The loaded Fe(III) and the contained SiO2 on Loofah-Fe played an important synergized photocatalytic role for Cr(VI) removal in Loofah-Fe/Ox/UV system. Fe(II) and CO2·-, which was continuously generated by photoactive Fe(III)-(C2O4)3 formed between Ox and Fe(III) dissolved from Loofah-Fe, reduced a large amounts of Cr(VI) in solution. The separated electron (e-) and the produced CO2·-, generated from the oxidized Ox by the hole (h+) through photoactive SiO2 on Loofah-Fe, also reduced part of Cr(VI).

Magnetic Luffa-Leaf-Derived Hierarchical Porous Biochar for Efficient Removal of Rhodamine B and Tetracycline Hydrochloride.

Luffa leaf (LL) is an agricultural waste produced by loofah. In this work, LL was used as biomass carbon source for biochars for the first time. After carbonization, activation, and chemical co-precipitation treatments, a magnetic lignocellulose-derived hierarchical porous biochar was obtained. The specific surface area and total pore volume were 2565.4 m2/g and 1.4643 cm3/g, and the surface was rich in carbon and oxygen functional groups. The synthetic dye rhodamine B (RhB) and the antibiotic tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) were selected as organic pollutant models to explore the ability to remove organic pollutants, and the results showed good adsorption performances. The maximum adsorption capacities were 1701.7 mg/g for RhB and 1755.9 mg/g for TH, which were higher than most carbon-based adsorbents. After 10 cycles of use, the removal efficiencies were still maintained at more than 70%, showing good stability. This work not only verified the feasibility of lignocellulose LL as a carbon source to prepare biochar but also prepared a magnetic hierarchical porous adsorbent with good performances that can better treat RhB and TH, which provided a new idea and direction for the efficient removal of organic pollutants in water.

Immobilized Stenotrophomonas maltophilia KB2 in Naproxen Degradation.

Immobilization is a commonly used method in response to the need to increase the resistance of microorganisms to the toxic effects of xenobiotics. In this study, a plant sponge from Luffa cylindrica was used as a carrier for the immobilization of the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia KB2 strain since such a carrier meets the criteria for high-quality carriers, i.e., low price and biodegradability. The optimal immobilization conditions were established as a temperature of 30 °C, pH 7.2, incubation time of 72 h, and an optical density of the culture of 1.4. The strain immobilized in such conditions was used for the biodegradation of naproxen, and an average rate of degradation of 3.8 µg/hour was obtained under cometabolic conditions with glucose. The obtained results indicate that a microbiological preparation based on immobilized cells on a luffa sponge can be used in bioremediation processes where it is necessary to remove the introduced carrier.