Hybrid Materials Obtained by Immobilization of Biosynthesized Ag Nanoparticles with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity.

Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized using sage (Salvia officinalis L.) extract. The obtained nanoparticles were supported on SBA-15 mesoporous silica (S), before and after immobilization of 10% TiO2 (Degussa-P25, STp; commercial rutile, STr; and silica synthesized from Ti butoxide, STb). The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The plasmon resonance effect, evidenced by UV-Vis spectra, was preserved after immobilization only for the sample supported on STb. The immobilization and dispersion properties of AgNPs on supports were evidenced by TEM microscopy, energy-dispersive X-rays, dynamic light scattering, photoluminescence and FT-IR spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of the supported samples significantly exceeded that of the sage extract or AgNPs. Antimicrobial tests were carried out, in conditions of darkness and white light, on Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Higher antimicrobial activity was evident for SAg and STbAg samples. White light increased antibacterial activity in the case of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). In the first case, antibacterial activity increased for both supported and unsupported AgNPs, while in the second one, the activity increased only for SAg and STbAg samples. The proposed antibacterial mechanism shows the effect of AgNPs and Ag+ ions on bacteria in dark and light conditions.

Two-dimensional chiral metal-organic framework nanosheets L-hyp-Ni/Fe@SiO2 composite for HPLC separation.

In this study, we have synthesised a chiral l-hyp-Ni/Fe@SiO2 composite as a chiral stationary phase (CSP) for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the first time. This was achieved by coating two-dimensional (2D) chiral metal-organic framework nanosheets (MONs) l-hyp-Ni/Fe onto the surface of activated SiO2 microspheres using the "wrapped in net" method. The separation efficiency of the l-hyp-Ni/Fe chromatographic column was systematically evaluated in normal-phase HPLC (NP-HPLC) and reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) configurations, employing various racemates as analytes. The findings revealed that 16 chiral compounds were separated using NP-HPLC, and five were separated using RP-HPLC, encompassing alcohols, amines, ketones, esters, alkanes, ethers, amino acids and sulfoxides. Notably, the resolution (Rs) of nine chiral compounds exceeded 1.5, indicating baseline separation. Furthermore, the resolution performance of the l-hyp-Ni/Fe@SiO2-packed column was compared with that of Chiralpak AD-H. It was observed that certain enantiomers, which either could not be resolved or were inadequately separated on the Chiralpak AD-H column, attained separation on the 2D chiral MONs column. These findings suggest a complementary relationship between the two columns in racemate separation, with their combined application facilitating the resolution of a broader spectrum of chiral compounds. In addition, baseline separation was achieved for five positional isomers on the l-hyp-Ni/Fe@SiO2-packed column. The effects of the analyte mass and column temperature on the resolution were also examined. Moreover, during HPLC analysis, the l-hyp-Ni/Fe columns demonstrated commendable repeatability, stability and reproducibility in enantiomer separation. This research not only advances the utilisation of 2D chiral MONs as CSPs but also expands their applications in the separation sciences.

Preparation of mesoporous silica/hydroxyapatite loaded quercetin nanoparticles and research on its antibacterial properties.

In this study, amino-functionalized mesoporous silica/hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (MSNS/HAP) with the property of acid dissociation have been prepared as a traditional Chinese medicine monomer carriers to improve the drug loading rate and antibacterial properties of antimicrobial quercetin (QUE) in vitro. The experimental results confirm that the drug loading rate of MSNs/HAP is 28.94 %, which is about 3.6 times higher than that of aminated mesoporous sililca nanoparticles (MSNs). The drug release of QUE on MSNs/HAP is pH-sensitive in phosphate buffered saline (pH=4.0-7.4). The above fabricated traditional Chinese medicine monomer modified nanocomposites (QUE@MSNs/HAP) displays concentration-dependent inhibitory effect, which shows better antibacterial effect than free QUE. The minimum inhibitory concentration for two tested bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) and Escherichia coli (E.coli), is 256 mg·L -1. In summary, QUE@MSNs/HAP have successfully prepared, which not only improves the bio-availability of QUE, but also has acid-sensitive drug release properties. Compared with free QUE, its antibacterial performance significantly enhances, which provides a theoretical basis for the application of Chinese medicine molecules in bacterial treatment.

Biodiesel Production by Methanolysis of Rapeseed Oil-Influence of SiO2/Al2O3 Ratio in BEA Zeolite Structure on Physicochemical and Catalytic Properties of Zeolite Systems with Alkaline Earth Oxides (MgO, CaO, SrO).

Alkaline earth metal oxide (MgO, CaO, SrO) catalysts supported on BEA zeolite were prepared by a wet impregnation method and tested in the transesterification reaction of rapeseed oil with methanol towards the formation of biodiesel (FAMEs-fatty acid methyl esters). To assess the influence of the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio on the catalytic activity in the tested reaction, a BEA zeolite carrier material with different Si/Al ratios was used. The prepared catalysts were tested in the transesterification reaction at temperatures of 180 °C and 220 °C using a molar ratio of methanol/oil reagents of 9:1. The transesterification process was carried out for 2 h with the catalyst mass of 0.5 g. The oil conversion value and efficiency towards FAME formation were determined using the HPLC technique. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were determined using the following research techniques: CO2-TPD, XRD, BET, FTIR, and SEM-EDS. The results of the catalytic activity showed that higher activity in the tested process was confirmed for the catalysts supported on the BEA zeolite characterized by the highest silica/alumina ratio for the reaction carried out at a temperature of 220 °C. The most active zeolite catalyst was the 10% CaO/BEA system (Si/Al = 300), which showed the highest triglyceride (TG) conversion of 90.5% and the second highest FAME yield of 94.6% in the transesterification reaction carried out at 220 °C. The high activity of this system is associated with its alkalinity, high value of the specific surface area, the size of the active phase crystallites, and its characteristic sorption properties in relation to methanol.

The preparation of a boronate affinity-based controlled oriented imprinting coating on a silica nanoparticle surface for the separation and purification of shikimic acid in herbal medicine.

Shikimic acid (SA) is one of the most effective drugs against the A (H1N1) virus and has high medicinal value. Additionally, it has the ability to generate non-toxic herbicides and antimicrobial medications. The extraction from plants has proven to be the main route of production of SA with economic benefits and environmental efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to perform purification of SA from these herbal medicines before quantifying it. In this study, researchers employed a boronate affinity-based controlled oriented surface imprinting technique to produce molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as highly effective solid phase extraction (SPE) adsorbents for the isolation and purification of SA. 3-Fluoro-4-formylphenylboronic acid functionalized silica nanoparticles were used as supporting materials for immobilizing SA. Poly(2-anilinoethanol) with a higher hydrophilic domain can be used as an effective imprinting coating. The prepared SA-imprinted silica nanoparticles exhibited several significant results, such as good specificity, high binding capacity (39.06 ± 2.24 mg g-1), moderate binding constant (6.61 × 10-4 M-1), fast kinetics (8 min) and low binding pH (pH 5.0) toward SA. The replication of SA-imprinted silica nanoparticles was deemed satisfactory. The SA-imprinted silica nanoparticles could be still reused after seven adsorption-desorption cycles, which indicated high chemical stability. In addition, the recoveries of the proposed method for SA at three spiked level analysis in star aniseed and meadow cranesbill were 96.2% to 109.0% and 91.6% to 103.5%, respectively. The SA-imprinted silica nanoparticles that have been prepared are capable of identifying the target SA in real herbal medicines. Our approach makes sample pre-preparation simple, fast, selective and efficient.

State of the Art of Silica Nanoparticles: An Overview on Biodistribution and Preclinical Toxicity Studies.

Over the past few years, nanoparticles have drawn particular attention in designing and developing drug delivery systems due to their distinctive advantages like improved pharmacokinetics, reduced toxicity, and specificity. Along with other successful nanosystems, silica nanoparticles (SNPs) have shown promising effects for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. These nanoparticles are of great significance owing to their modifiable surface with various ligands, tunable particle size, and large surface area. The rate and extent of degradation and clearance of SNPs depend on factors such as size, shape, porosity, and surface modification, which directly lead to varying toxic mechanisms. Despite SNPs' enormous potential for clinical and pharmaceutical applications, safety concerns have hindered their translation into the clinic. This review discusses the biodistribution, toxicity, and clearance of SNPs and the formulation-related factors that ultimately influence clinical efficacy and safety for treatment. A holistic view of SNP safety will be beneficial for developing an enabling SNP-based drug product.

Synergistic effect of mesoporous silica nanocarrier-assisted photodynamic therapy and anticancer agent activity on lung cancer cells.

Investigating combined treatment methodologies is crucial for addressing the complex nature of cancer. As an emerging strategy, nano-biotechnology encourages the design of unique nanocarriers possessing simultaneous therapeutic application properties. This study aims to explore the combined effects of photodynamic and anticancer treatments using a multifunctional nanocarrier system co-administering the photosensitizer IR780 and the anticancer agent curcumin (Cur) on lung cancer cells. Nanocarriers were prepared by encapsulation IR780 and Cur inside polyethylene glycol-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Cur&IR780@MSN). Various concentrations of nanocarriers were evaluated on A549 cells following 5 min NIR laser light (continuous wave, 785 nm, 500 mW/cm2) irradiation. The internalization of nanocarriers was observed through the fluorescence of Cur. Changes in cell viability were determined using the MTT assay and AO/PI staining. A scratch assay analysis was also performed to examine the impact of combined treatments on cell migration. Characterization of the nanocarriers revealed adequate hydrophobic drug loading, temperature-inhibited feature, enhanced reactive oxygen species generation, a pH-dependent curcumin release profile, and high biocompatibility. Cur&IR780@MSN, which enabled the observation of synergistic treatment efficacy, successfully reduced cell viability by up to 78%. In contrast, monotherapies with curcumin-loaded nanocarriers (Cur@MSN) and IR780-loaded nanocarriers (IR780@MSN) resulted in a 38% and 56% decrease in cell viability, respectively. The constructed Cur&IR780@MSN nanocarrier has demonstrated remarkable performance in the application of combination therapies for lung cancer cells. These nanocarriers have the potential to inspire future studies in tumor treatment methods.

Red blood cell membrane-camouflaged gold-core silica shell nanorods for cancer drug delivery and photothermal therapy.

Gold core mesoporous silica shell (AuMSS) nanorods are multifunctional nanomedicines that can act simultaneously as photothermal, drug delivery, and bioimaging agents. Nevertheless, it is reported that once administrated, nanoparticles can be coated with blood proteins, forming a protein corona, that directly impacts on nanomedicines' circulation time, biodistribution, and therapeutic performance. Therefore, it become crucial to develop novel alternatives to improve nanoparticles' half-life in the bloodstream. In this work, Polyethylenimine (PEI) and Red blood cells (RBC)-derived membranes were combined for the first time to functionalize AuMSS nanorods and simultaneously load acridine orange (AO). The obtained results revealed that the RBC-derived membranes promoted the neutralization of the AuMSS' surface charge and consequently improved the colloidal stability and biocompatibility of the nanocarriers. Indeed, the in vitro data revealed that PEI/RBC-derived membranes' functionalization also improved the nanoparticles' cellular internalization and was capable of mitigating the hemolytic effects of AuMSS and AuMSS/PEI nanorods. In turn, the combinatorial chemo-photothermal therapy mediated by AuMSS/PEI/RBC_AO nanorods was able to completely eliminate HeLa cells, contrasting with the less efficient standalone therapies. Such data reinforce the potential of AuMSS nanomaterials to act simultaneously as photothermal and chemotherapeutic agents.

Rice husk ash based growing media impact on cucumber and melon growth and quality.

Rice husk, an agricultural waste from the rice industry, can cause serious environmental pollution if not properly managed. However, rice husk ash (RHA) has been found to have many positive properties, making it a potential replacement for non-renewable peat in soilless planting. Thus, this study investigated the impact of a RHA composite substrate on the growth, photosynthetic parameters, and fruit quality of cucumber (Yuyi longxiang variety) and melon (Yutian yangjiaomi variety). The RHA, peat, vermiculite, and perlite were blended in varying proportions, with the conventional seedling substrate (peat:vermiculite:perlite = 1:1:1 volume ratio) serving as the control (CK). All plants were cultivated in barrels filled with 10L of the mixed substrates. The results from this study found that RHA 40 (RHA:peat:vermiculite:perlite = 4:4:1:1 volume ratio) significantly enhanced substrate ventilation and positively influenced the stem diameter, root activity, seedling index, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) of cucumber and melon plants. Additionally, plant planted using RHA 40, the individual fruit weight of cucumber and melon found to increase by 34.62% and 21.67%, respectively, as compared to the control. Aside from that, both cucumber and melon fruits had significantly higher sucrose, total soluble sugar, vitamin C, and soluble protein levels. This subsequently improved the activity of sucrose synthase and sucrose phosphate synthase in both cucumber and melon. In conclusion, the RHA 40 found to best promote cucumber and melon plant growth, increase plant leaf photosynthesis, and improve cucumber and melon fruit quality, making it a suitable substrate formula for cucumber and melon cultivation in place of peat.

Crystalline silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and autoimmunity in mature adult NZBW/f1 mice: age-related sensitivity and impact of omega-3 fatty acid intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (cSiO2) has been linked to lupus development. Previous studies in young lupus-prone mice revealed that intranasal cSiO2 exposure triggered autoimmunity, preventable with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This study explores cSiO2 and DHA effects in mature lupus-prone adult mice, more representative of cSiO2-exposed worker age. METHODS: Female NZBWF1 mice (14-week old) were fed control (CON) or DHA-supplemented diets. After two weeks, mice were intranasally instilled saline (VEH) or 1 mg cSiO2 weekly for four weeks. Cohorts were then analyzed 1- and 5-weeks postinstillation for lung inflammation, cell counts, chemokines, histopathology, B- and T-cell infiltration, autoantibodies, and gene signatures, with results correlated to autoimmune glomerulonephritis onset. RESULTS: VEH/CON mice showed no pathology. cSiO2/CON mice displayed significant ectopic lymphoid tissue formation in lungs at 1 week, increasing by 5 weeks. cSiO2/CON lungs exhibited elevated cellularity, chemokines, CD3+ T-cells, CD45R + B-cells, IgG + plasma cells, gene expression, IgG autoantibodies, and glomerular hypertrophy. DHA supplementation mitigated all these effects. DISCUSSION: The mature adult NZBWF1 mouse used here represents a life-stage coincident with immunological tolerance breach and one that more appropriately represents the age (20-30 yr) of cSiO2-exposed workers. cSiO2-induced robust pulmonary inflammation, autoantibody responses, and glomerulonephritis in mature adult mice, surpassing effects observed previously in young adults. DHA at a human-equivalent dosage effectively countered cSiO2-induced inflammation/autoimmunity in mature mice, mirroring protective effects in young mice. CONCLUSION: These results highlight life-stage significance in this preclinical lupus model and underscore omega-3 fatty acids' therapeutic potential against toxicant-triggered autoimmune responses.

Immobilization of rare-earth doped aluminate nanoparticles encapsulated with silica into polylactic acid-based color-tunable smart plastic window.

An inorganic/organic nanocomposite was used to develop an afterglow and color-tunable smart window. A combination of polylactic acid (PLA) plastic waste as an environmentally-friendly hosting agent, and lanthanide-activated strontium aluminum oxide nanoparticles (SAON) encapsulated with silica nanoparticles (SAON@Silica) as a photoluminescent efficient agent resulted in a smart organic/inorganic nanocomposite. In order to prepare SAON-encapsulated silica nanoparticles (SAON@Silica), the SAON nanoparticles were coated with silica using the heterogeneous precipitation method. By using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), SAON showed a diameter range of 5-12 nm, while the SAON@Silica nanoparticles showed a diameter range of 50-100 nm. In order to ensure the development of a colorless plastic film, a homogeneous dispersion of the phosphorescent Phosphor@Silica nanoparticles throughout the plastic bulk was confirmed. CIE Lab coordinates and luminescence spectra were used to study the color shift characteristics. Under visible light conditions, the plastic films were transparent. The photoluminescent films emitted green light at 525 nm when excited at 375 nm. The hydrophobicity and ultraviolet protection were enhanced without altering the fundamental physico-mechanical performance of the plastic sheet. The current color-tunable plastic can be used in many potential applications, such as warning signs, anti-counterfeiting barcodes, smart windows, and protective apparel.

Cistanche deserticola polysaccharide-functionalized dendritic fibrous nano-silica as oral vaccine adjuvant delivery enhancing both the mucosal and systemic immunity.

Oral vaccines are a safe and convenient alternative to injected vaccines and have great potential to prevent major infectious diseases. However, the harsh gastrointestinal (GI) environment, mucus barriers, low immunogenicity, and lack of effective and safe mucosal adjuvants are the major challenges for oral vaccine delivery. In recent years, nanoparticle-based strategies have become attractive for improving oral vaccine delivery. Here, the dendritic fibrous nano-silica (DFNS) grafted with Cistanche deserticola polysaccharide (CDP) nanoparticles (CDP-DFNS) were prepared and investigated how to impact the immune responses. CDP-DFNS facilitated the antigen uptake in mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), and induce the activation of DCs in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo experiments, the result showed that the uptake efficiency by Peyer's patches (PPs) of CDP-DFNS/BSA was the best. And CDP-DFNS/BSA then significantly activated the DCs in lamina propria (LP), and T/B cells in PPs and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). Moreover, the memory T cell responses in later period of vaccination was stronger than other groups. In addition, CDP-DFNS/BSA enhanced BSA-specific antibody IgG, IgA production, and SIgA secretion, was effective at inducing a strong mixed Th1/Th2 response and mucosal antibody responses. These results indicated that CDP-DFNS deserves further consideration as an oral vaccine adjuvant delivery system.

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid supplementation inhibits acute pulmonary transcriptional and autoantibody responses to a single crystalline silica exposure in lupus-prone mice.

Introduction: Workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica (cSiO2) has been epidemiologically linked to lupus. Consistent with this, repeated subchronic intranasal cSiO2 instillation in lupus-prone NZBWF1 mice induces inflammation-/autoimmune-related gene expression, ectopic lymphoid tissue (ELT), autoantibody (AAb) production in the lung within 5 to 13 wk followed systemic AAb increases and accelerated onset and progression of glomerulonephritis within 13 to 17 wk. Interestingly, dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation suppresses these pathologic effects, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: This study aimed to test the hypothesis that dietary DHA supplementation impacts acute transcriptional and autoantibody responses in the lungs of female NZBWF1 mice 1 and 4 wk after a single high-dose cSiO2 challenge. Groups of mice were initially fed a control (Con) diet or a DHA-containing diet (10 g/kg). Cohorts of Con- and DHA-fed were subjected to a single intranasal instillation of 2.5 mg cSiO2 in a saline vehicle (Veh), while a Con-fed cohort was instilled with Veh only. At 1 and 4 wk post-instillation (PI), we compared cSiO2's effects on innate-/autoimmune-related gene expression and autoantibody (AAb) in lavage fluid/lungs of Con- and DHA-fed mice and related these findings to inflammatory cell profiles, histopathology, cell death, and cytokine/chemokine production. Results: DHA partially alleviated cSiO2-induced alterations in total immune cell and lymphocyte counts in lung lavage fluid. cSiO2-triggered dead cell accumulation and levels of inflammation-associated cytokines and IFN-stimulated chemokines were more pronounced in Con-fed mice than DHA-fed mice. Targeted multiplex transcriptome analysis revealed substantial upregulation of genes associated with autoimmune pathways in Con-fed mice in response to cSiO2 that were suppressed in DHA-fed mice. Pathway analysis indicated that DHA inhibited cSiO2 induction of proinflammatory and IFN-regulated gene networks, affecting key upstream regulators (e.g., TNFα, IL-1ß, IFNAR, and IFNγ). Finally, cSiO2-triggered AAb responses were suppressed in DHA-fed mice. Discussion: Taken together, DHA mitigated cSiO2-induced upregulation of pathways associated with proinflammatory and IFN-regulated gene responses within 1 wk and reduced AAb responses by 4 wk. These findings suggest that the acute short-term model employed here holds substantial promise for efficient elucidation of the molecular mechanisms through which omega-3 PUFAs exert protective effects against cSiO2-induced autoimmunity.

Transfer of Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes from contaminated soilless substrate and seeds to microgreens.

Microgreens can be contaminated by various preharvest sources including soilless substrate, plant nutrition solution, water and seeds. The aim of this study was to determine the transfer level of Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes to the edible part of various type of microgreens from plant nutrient solution-soaked perlite as soilless substrate or seeds. Ampicillin resistant 3-strain cocktails of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 and non-resistant L. monocytogenes were independently inoculated into plant nutrient solution-soaked perlite and seeds in low (102-103 CFU/g) and high (105-106 CFU/g) populations. Twenty types of microgreens were grown in inoculated perlite. The seed inoculation was performed on five types of microgreens. Correlations between pathogen transfer levels with seed characteristics and harvest time were assessed. Pathogen populations (1.6 ± 0.2 to 7.7 ± 0.1 log CFU/g) transferred to microgreens were dependent on type of pathogen and microgreen but not affected by contamination source and inoculation level. The level of pathogen transferred to microgreens had a moderate to high negative correlations (R2) with seed surface area (-0.551 to -0.781), seed weight (-0.735 to -0.818), and harvest time (-0.332 to -0.919) when grown in Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 inoculated perlite. This study suggests a high risk of pathogen population transferring to microgreens in case of seed or soilless substrate contamination when pathogen growth or survival is supported in plant nutrient solution.

Development of natural attapulgite derived ferromanganese spinel oxides as heterogeneous catalysts for persulfate activation of tetracycline degradation.

Ferromanganese spinel oxides (MnFe2O4, MFO) have been proven effective in activating persulfate for pollutants removal. However, their inherent high surface energy often leads to agglomeration, diminishing active sites and consequently restricting catalytic performance. In this study, using Al-MCM-41 (MCM) mesoporous molecular sieves derived from natural attapulgite as a support, the MFO/MCM composite was synthesized through dispersing MnFe2O4 nanoparticles on MCM carrier by a simple hydrothermal method, which can effectively activate persulfate (PS) to degrade Tetracycline (TC). The addition of Al-MCM-41 can effectively improve the specific surface area and adsorption performance of MnFe2O4, but also reduce the leaching amount of metal ions. The MFO/MCM composite exhibited superior catalytic reactivity towards PS and 84.3% removal efficiency and 64.7% mineralization efficiency of TC (20 mg/L) was achieved in 90 min under optimized conditions of 0.05 mg/L catalyst dosage, 5 mM PS concentration, room temperature and no adjustment of initial pH. The effects of various stoichiometric MFO/MCM ratio, catalyst dosage, PS concentration, initial pH value and co-existing ions on the catalytic performance were investigated in detail. Moreover, the possible reaction mechanism in MFO-MCM/PS system was proposed based on the results of quenching tests, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and XPS analyses. Finally, major degradation intermediates of TC were detected by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry technologies (LC-MS) and four possible degradation pathways were proposed. This study enhances the design approach for developing highly efficient, environmentally friendly and low-cost catalysts for the advanced treatment process of antibiotic wastewater.

High efficiency adsorption of uranium by magnesia-silica-fluoride co-doped hydroxyapatite.

Hydroxyapatite has a high affinity to uranium, and element doping can effectively improve its adsorption performance. In this study, magnesia-silica-fluoride co-doped hydroxyapatite composite was prepared by hydrothermal method, and the effect of single-phase and multiphase doping on the structure and properties of the composites was investigated. The results showed that the specific surface area of Mg-Si-F-nHA composites increased by 63.01% after doping. Comparing with nHA, U(VI) adsorption capacity of Si-nHA, Mg-Si-nHA and Mg-Si-F-nHA composites increased by 13.01%, 17.39% and 22.03%, respectively. The adsorption capacity of Mg-Si-F-nHA composite reached 1286.76 mg/g. Adsorbent dosage and pH obviously affected U(VI) adsorption, and the experimental data can be fitted well by PSO and Sips models. The physicochemical characterization before and after adsorption suggested that complexation, ion exchange and precipitation participated in uranium adsorption. In conclusion, different elements doping can effectively improve the uranium adsorption properties of hydroxyapatite composites.

Study on the existing forms and recovery efficiencies of phosphorus in biochar from excess sludge.

With the background of carbon neutrality, the resource and energy utilization of excess sludge (ES) have become the focus of future research. The pyrolysis of ES can produce biochar and enrich phosphorus (P). In this paper, the existing forms and recovery efficiencies of P in biochar from ES (BCES) were investigated. The results showed that the total phosphorus (TP) content of BCES at 850 °C was 65.1 mg/g, and the inorganic phosphorus (IP) content was 64.2 mg/g. The TP content of BCES was two times heavier than that of ES. The main ingredient of ES was quartz (SiO2), while the main phases of BCES were quartz (SiO2) and aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) at 650 -850 °C, and P mainly existed in the form of AlPO4. When the pyrolysis temperature was 800 and 850 °C, two new minerals appeared: Ca5(PO4)3OH and CaZn2(PO4)2·2H2O. Based on the conditions of a leaching time of 150 min, a H2SO4 concentration of 0.2 mol/L, a stirring rate of 220 rpm and a liquid-solid ratio of 50 mL/g, the leaching efficiency of P in BCES was found to be 100%. The pyrolysis temperature had no effect on leaching efficiencies of P; however, a higher pyrolysis temperature promoted metal leaching content.

Porous Se@SiO2 nanospheres alleviate diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting excess lipid peroxidation and inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Lipid peroxidation is a characteristic metabolic manifestation of diabetic retinopathy (DR) that causes inflammation, eventually leading to severe retinal vascular abnormalities. Selenium (Se) can directly or indirectly scavenge intracellular free radicals. Due to the narrow distinction between Se's effective and toxic doses, porous Se@SiO2 nanospheres have been developed to control the release of Se. They exert strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. METHODS: The effect of anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-inflammatory effects of porous Se@SiO2 nanospheres on diabetic mice were assessed by detecting the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), decreased reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL) -1ß of the retina. To further examine the protective effect of porous Se@SiO2 nanospheres on the retinal vasculopathy of diabetic mice, retinal acellular capillary, the expression of tight junction proteins, and blood-retinal barrier destruction was observed. Finally, we validated the GPX4 as the target of porous Se@SiO2 nanospheres via decreased expression of GPX4 and detected the level of MDA, GSH/GSSG, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL -1ß, wound healing assay, and tube formation in high glucose (HG) cultured Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs). RESULTS: The porous Se@SiO2 nanospheres reduced the level of MDA, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL -1ß, while increasing the level of GPX4 and GSH/GSSG in diabetic mice. Therefore, porous Se@SiO2 nanospheres reduced the number of retinal acellular capillaries, depletion of tight junction proteins, and vascular leakage in diabetic mice. Further, we identified GPX4 as the target of porous Se@SiO2 nanospheres as GPX4 inhibition reduced the repression effect of anti-lipid peroxidation, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects of endothelial cell dysfunction of porous Se@SiO2 nanospheres in HG-cultured HRMECs. CONCLUSION: Porous Se@SiO2 nanospheres effectively attenuated retinal vasculopathy in diabetic mice via inhibiting excess lipid peroxidation and inflammation by target GPX4, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents for DR.

Vermicompost as an alternative substrate to peat moss for strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) in soilles culture.

BACKGROUND: Consecutive droughts and quantitative and qualitative reduction of surface and underground water resources have caused an increase in greenhouse and hydroponic cultivation for most garden crops, including strawberries, in Iran. On the other hand, most of the inputs of greenhouse crops in Iran are imported. To possibility of replacing vermicompost with peat moss under hydroponic cultivation, an experiment was done in a split plot based on randomized complete blocks design in three replications in Isfahan (Iran) Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in 2019. The main treatment was substrate at four levels included different levels of vermicompost (30 and 50%) and peat moss (30 and 50%) in combination with perlite and sub-treatment were Selva and Camarosa cultivars. RESULTS: The results showed that Camarosa cultivar and Selva cultivar in (perlite/ peat moss 50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite / vermicompost 70:30) had maximum yield. Leaf number and chlorophyll index were maximum in Camarosa cultivar in peat moss substrates. Strawberry cultivars had the highest root fresh weight, the content of vitamin C and total soluble solids (TSS) in substrates containing vermicompost. Camarosa cultivar in (perlite / peat moss50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite /vermicompost 50:50) had maximum root dry weight. Also, the highest number of inflorescences was related to substrates containing peat moss and (perlite /vermicompost 70:30). Maximum amount of fresh and dry weight of shoots were observed in (perlite/ peat moss70:30). Selva cultivar had more inflorescences (16.5%) than Camarosa cultivar and Camarosa cultivar produced more fresh and dry weight of shoots (16.5%, 23.01%) than Selva cultivar. CONCLUSION: Expriment results highlighted the importance of considering both main and sub-treatments in agricultural research, as they interacted to influence various growth and yield parameters. 50% vermicompost treatment combined with perlite had a positive impact on plant growth and in quality index such as vitamin C content and TSS was highest. while the choice of cultivar affected different aspects of plant development. Selva cultivar was known to be more tolerant to salinity caused by vermicompost. Vermicompost is local and more economical, also salt resistant cultivars are recommended in a controlled (30%) amount of vermicompost.

Resource utilization of stone waste and loess to prepare grouting materials.

Loess, a terrestrial clastic sediment, is formed essentially by the accumulation of wind-blown dust, while stone waste (SW) is an industrial waste produced during stone machining. Utilising loess and SW to prepare environmentally-friendly supplementary cementitious materials can not only address environmental issues caused by solid waste landfills but also meet the demand of reinforcement of coal-seam floor aquifer for grouting materials. In this paper, the effects of the loess/SW mass ratio and calcination temperature on the transformation of calcined products are investigated and their pozzolanic activities are evaluated. The workability, environmental impact and cost of grouting materials based on cement and calcined products are also assessed. Experimental results reveal that higher temperatures favour the formation of free lime and periclase, which tend to be involved in solid-state reactions. Higher temperature and loess/SW mass ratio strengthens the diffraction peaks of dodecalcium hepta-aluminate (C12A7), dicalcium ferrite (C2F) and dicalcium silicate (C2S). The clay minerals in loess become completely dehydroxylated before 825 °C, generating amorphous SiO2 and Al2O3. Covalent Si-O bonds are interrupted and that disordered silicate networks are generated in the calcined products, which is confirmed by the increased strength of the Si29 resonance region at -60 ppm to -80 ppm. Although co-calcined loess and SW contain the most four-fold aluminium at 950 °C, recrystallisation depresses the pozzolanic activity. Hence, the loess/SW sample designated LS2-825 exhibits the better hydration activity. Additionally, grouting materials composed of cement and LS2-825 exhibit good setting times, fluidity, strength and a low carbon footprint in practical engineering applications, and they also provide the additional benefit of being cost effective.