Evaluating the efficacy of a ferrous-ion-chelating peptide from Alaska pollock frame for the improvement of iron nutritional status in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ferrous-ion-chelating peptides from Alaska pollock frames (APFP-Fe) on iron deficiency in anaemic rats. We hydrolysed the Alaska pollock frames to obtain a peptide with an average molecular weight of 822 Da. The bioavailability of APFP-Fe was tested using animal experiments. Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: an iron deficiency control group, a normal control group, and iron deficiency groups treated with ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) or low-, medium-, or high-dose APFP-Fe. Rats in the iron deficiency groups were fed an iron-deficient diet to establish the iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) model. After the model was established, different iron supplements were given to rats once per day via intragastric administration for 21 days. The results showed that APFP-Fe had restorative effects, returning the body weight, weight gain, height, and haematological parameters in IDA rats to normal levels. In addition, compared with FeSO4, APFP-Fe promoted significant weight gain and effectively improved haemoglobin, serum iron and transferrin levels, and recovery of the capacity of iron binding with transferrin, especially at the medium and high doses. These findings suggest that APFP-Fe is an effective source of iron for improving the iron nutritional status in IDA rats and shows promise as a new source of iron supplementation.

Using one waste to tackle another: preparation of a CO2 capture material zeolite X from laterite residue and bauxite.

In this work, zeolite X, a benchmark adsorbent for carbon capture, has been successfully prepared from low cost waste minerals namely laterite residue and bauxite using alkali fusion process followed by hydrothermal treatment. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized zeolite X were verified and characterized with a range of experimental techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The surface area and (N2 and CO2) gas adsorption isotherms of this product were found comparable to that of commercial ones, demonstrating the effectiveness of synthesizing zeolite X from laterite and bauxite. Further improvement of the product purity was also accomplished by optimizing the process conditions.