Green synthesis of AgNPs using Delonix regia bark for potential catalytic and antioxidant applications.

Nanoparticle synthesis from plant resources has recently gained significant impact due to its low cost, simple equipment requirements, and ease of availability. In this work, DR-AgNPs were synthesized using bark extract of Delonix regia (D. regia) plant under microwave irradiation. The formation of DR-AgNPs has been confirmed with UV-Vis, XRD, FTIR, FESEM, HRTEM, EDS, DLS, and zeta potential analysis. Catalytic and antioxidant activities were tested on synthesized spherical nanoparticles with a size range of 10-48 nm. The effects of pH and catalyst dosage on the methylene blue (MB) dye degradation were carried out. It was observed from the treatment results that 95% MB dye degradation efficiency was achieved within 4 min with a degradation rate constant of 0.772 min-1 . The synthesized nanoparticles showed a strong antioxidant property when analyzed by a 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The calculated IC50 value for DR-AgNPs was 37.1 ± 0.12 µg mL-1 . Therefore, DR-AgNPs are excellent in both catalytic and antioxidant activities when compared to previously reported works. HIGHLIGHTS: Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (DR-AgNPs) using Delonix regia bark extract. The catalytic activity of DR-AgNPs is remarkable against Methylene Blue. DR-AgNPs also have a strong DPPH radical antioxidant effect. Short degradation time, high degradation rate constant, and a good scavenging activity are key features of this study compared to previously reported works.

Characterization and application of ligno-cellulosic fibers derived from Robinia Pseudoacacia for the bio-sorption of methylene blue from water.

Ligno-cellulosic biomasses had been recognized for their potential use to produce chemicals and biomaterials. The current study focused on the use of a new cellulosic Robinia Pseudoacacia fiber and extracted lignin as adsorbents for methylene blue (a cationic dye). The biomaterials were analyzed using FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and TGA-DTA techniques. The surface of Robinia fibers was rough and porous. The crystallinity index (CrI) value for Robinia fibers was found to be 32%. The ability of the studied samples to remove methylene blue from water was assessed under the variation of time, pH, dye concentration, temperature, and NaCl concentration. The maximum adsorption capacity of methylene blue reached 191 mg/g for Robinia fibers and it achieved 22 mg/g for the extracted lignin (T = 20 °C, pH = 6, and time = 90 min). The adsorption data complied with the pseudo second-order kinetic model and both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Based on these findings, the process suggested the occurrence of many physicochemical interactions between methylene blue molecules and the studied biomaterials. The adsorption mechanism was exothermic, non-spontaneous, and it was described by the decrease of the disorder. Adsorption results proved that Robinia fiber was an attractive candidate for the removal of cationic dyes from water.

A low-cost and abundant Robinia Pseudoacacia fiber and its extracted lignin are characterized and further studied as adsorbents for cationic dyes under the change of the experimental conditions.

Adsorption isotherms and kinetic modeling of methylene blue dye onto a carbonaceous hydrochar adsorbent derived from coffee husk waste.

In this study, activated carbon in the form of carbonaceous hydrochar adsorbents with highly functionalized surface-active sites were produced from coffee husk waste via hydrothermal carbonization under low-temperature conditions (180 °C) and subsequent chemical activation. Thereafter, the hydrochars were characterized using diverse analytical techniques, and batch experiments of methylene blue (MB) adsorption were performed under various operating conditions. The results indicated that the activated hydrochar (AH) had a larger specific surface area (862.2 m2 g-1) compared to that of its carbonaceous precursor (33.7 m2 g-1). The maximum MB sorption capacity of the hydrochar activated with potassium hydroxide was extremely high (415.8 mg g-1 at 30 °C). In addition, adsorption isotherms and kinetics were studied using experimental data fitting to further understand and describe the dynamic equilibrium, dynamic kinetics, and mechanism of MB adsorption onto the prepared hydrochars. As compared to the Freundlich isotherm model, the Langmuir isotherm model provided a better fit with the experimental data exhibiting a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 418.78 mg g-1. The linear pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to be suitable for describing the adsorptive kinetics of the hydrochar. The results demonstrated the immense potential of coffee husk waste to produce activated carbon as an alternative green hydrochar that can be applied to dye removal from wastewater as well as improvement of waste management.

Eco-friendly synthesis and photocatalytic application of flowers-like ZnO structures using Arabic and Karaya Gums.

Flowers-like ZnO structures were synthesized using Arabic Gum (AGZnO) or Karaya Gum (KGZnO). The AGZnO and KGZnO were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, Fourier Transformed Infrared, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Photoluminescence, nitrogen adsorption/desorption and diffuse reflectance techniques. The materials were tested in the discoloration of Methylene Blue (MB) dye under visible light and scavenger studies were also performed. The toxicity of the MB irradiated was investigated in bioassays with Artemia salina. The structural characterization demonstrated the formation of hexagonal ZnO. All samples presented flower-like morphology with presence of mesopores identified by BET method. The optical properties indicated band gap of 2.99 (AGZnO) and 2.76 eV (KGZnO), and emission in violet, blue and green emissions also were observed. The KGZnO demonstrated better photocatalytic performance than the AGZnO, and scavenger studies indicated that OH radicals are the main species involved in the degradation of the pollutant model. The photodiscoloration of MB solution did not demonstrate toxicity. Therefore, KGZnO is a promising material for photocatalysis application.

Methylene blue dye removal on silver nanoparticles reduced by Kyllinga brevifolia.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by reacting Kyllinga brevifolia extract (KBE) with AgNO3 aqueous solution at room temperature (22 ± 3 °C). The phytochemical constituents in KBE responsible for the reduction process were identified as carbohydrate, protein, and plant sterols (stigmasterol and campesterol). KBE was also found to function as a capping agent for stabilization of AgNPs. The AgNPs were stable at room temperature and had a quasi-spherical shape with an average particle size 22.3 nm. The use of KBE offers not only eco-friendly and non-pathogenic path for AgNPs formation, it also induced rapid formation of the AgNPs. Methylene blue (MB) removal was then done on the AgNPs in the presence of either KBE or NaBH4. Ninety-three percent removal of MB was achieved with a rate of reaction 0.2663 min-1 in the solution with KBE+AgNPs (pH 2). However, in NaBH4+AgNPs system, 100% MB removal was achieved at pH 8-10. The reaction rate was 2.5715 min-1 indicating a fast removal rate of MB dye. The process of reduction occurs via electron relay effect whereas in KBE+AgNPs system, sedimentation occurred along with the reduction process. Nevertheless, the use of KBE+AgNPs system is preferred as the reducing agent is more benign to the environment.

Adsorption of arsenic, phosphorus and chromium by bismuth impregnated biochar: Adsorption mechanism and depleted adsorbent utilization.

Bismuth impregnated biochar were synthesized to deal with wastewater pollution. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to determine the characteristics of adsorbents and explore the main adsorption mechanism. Results showed that bismuth particle was carried successfully within the biochar matrix, making contributions to creating micropore and boost specific surface area. The loaded bismuth, served as the adsorption site, rather than the specific surface area played an important role in arsenic and phosphorus adsorption. Batch adsorption experiments demonstrated a fit Langmuir model for arsenic (As) and phosphorus (P) and a suitable Freundlich model for chromium (Cr). Thermodynamic parameters depicted the endothermic nature and the spontaneous process for phosphate and arsenic adsorption. Besides, this contaminant-loaded carbon adsorbent was further applied for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution.

The protective effect of tetramethylpyrazine on cartilage explants and chondrocytes.

AIMS OF STUDY: Ligusticum wallichi Franchat (chuanxiong) is a very common traditional Chinese herbal medicine in China. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is a major active ingredient extracted from Ligusticum wallichi Franchat. We investigated the protective effect of TMP on interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) induced proteoglycan (PG) degradation and apoptosis in rabbit articular cartilage and chondrocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rabbit articular cartilage explants and chondrocytes were cultured with 10 ng/ml IL-1ß for 72 h in the absence or presence of various concentrations of TMP (50, 100 or 200 µM). Cartilage and chondroprotective effects of TMP were determined by evaluating (1) the degree of PG degradation by measuring the amount of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) released into the culture media with 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay in cartilage explants; (2) gene expression of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis in cartilage explants; (3) chondrocytes viability with MTT assay; (4) the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) with laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Anti-apoptotic effects of TMP were determined by measuring (1) apoptosis with flow cytometric analysis; (2) mitochondrial membrane potential assay with LSCM; (3) caspase-3 activity with special assay kit. RESULTS: IL-1ß treatment increased the level of GAG released into the culture media, and induced the gene expression of MMP-3 and inhibited the gene expression of TIMP-1 in cartilage explants. Moreover, IL-1ß treatment decreased the cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhanced the level of intracellular ROS, apoptosis rate, and caspase-3 activity in chondrocytes. However, simultaneous treatment with TMP attenuated the IL-1ß-induced cartilage and chondrocyte destruction in a dose-dependent manner. TMP showed the decrease of GAG degradation and MMP-3 mRNA production, and the enhancement of TIMP-1 mRNA production in cartilage explants. TMP also increased the cell viability in chondrocytes. Furthermore, TMP inhibited the chondrocytes apoptosis through suppression of ROS production, maintaining of mitochondrial membrane potential and downregulation of caspase-3 activity. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that TMP has the cartilage and chondroprotective effect, which suggest that TMP could act as an agent for pharmacological intervention in the progress of OA.

A case of green urine due to a traditional Chinese medicine containing methylene blue.

Abnormal discolouration of the urine is always alarming to the patient and intriguing to physicians. Green colouration in urine can be of endogenous or exogenous aetiology. We present a case of green urine caused by a side effect of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) containing methylene blue, an uncommon occurrence. This case also highlights the importance of thorough history taking from the patient, especially diet and medications. Simple analysis in the clinical biochemistry laboratory can play a role in avoiding other expensive and unnecessary investigations.

Comparison of the characteristic features of Bonghan ducts, blood and lymphatic capillaries.

OBJECTIVE: To show that the characteristic morphological and ultrastructural features of a Bonghan corpuscle and duct presented here are consistent with the description given in the early reports of Bonghan Kim. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the morphological aspects of Bonghan ducts with those of blood and lymphatic capillaries on the ultrastructural level to display the manifestly distinctive nature of the Bonghan system. RESULTS: The walls of the ductules were observed to be composed of a single layer of endothelial cells with characteristic rod-shaped nuclei and were not surrounded by a basal lamina or by accessory cells, such as pericytes or smooth muscle cells. The abluminal cell membranes of Bonghan ductules were not attached by anchoring filaments to the fibers of extracellular matrices as observed in lymphatic capillaries. The cytoplasmic processes of ductule endothelial cells appear to form overlapping and interdigitated interconnections which completely lack junctional elements. Although the cytoplasm of ductule endothelial cells contained a well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and many free ribosomes and polysomes, there was a relatively small number of pinocytotic vesicles and lacks specific organelles, such as Weibel-Palade bodies. CONCLUSIONS: The Bonghan corpuscles are specialized structures consisting of different types of immune cells randomly scattered as single cells in the matrix or clustered in follicle-like formations. Moreover, the Bonghan ductules in the corpuscle contain flowing immune cells and occasionally basophilic bodies.

Activated carbons from waste biomass: an alternative use for biodiesel production solid residues.

Defective coffee press cake, a residue from coffee oil biodiesel production, was evaluated as raw material for production of an adsorbent for removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. Batch adsorption tests were performed at 25 degrees C and the effects of particle size, contact time, adsorbent dosage and pH were investigated. Preliminary adsorption tests indicated that thermal treatment is necessary in order to improve adsorption capacity. Adsorption kinetics was determined by fitting first and second-order kinetic models to the experimental data, with the second-order model providing the best description of MB adsorption onto the prepared adsorbent. The experimental adsorption equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin adsorption models, with the last two providing the best fits. The experimental data obtained in the present study indicated that this type of waste material is a suitable candidate for use in the production of adsorbents for removal of cationic dyes, thus contributing for the implementation of sustainable development in both the coffee and biodiesel production chains.

Influence of the experimental conditions on porosity and structure of adsorbents elaborated from Moroccan oil shale of Timahdit by chemical activation.

This study records experiments undertaken to determine the suitable conditions for the use of the oil shale of Timahdit, as an adsorbent for water treatment. A simple process was proposed based on chemical activation. The preparation has been carried out by carbonization after impregnation of the precursor with phosphoric acid. The effect of different conditions of preparation on the specific surface area is discussed. These parameters are H3PO4/shale weight ratio, carbonization temperature, carbonization time and concentration of H3PO4. The properties and surface structure of the adsorbent were investigated by XPS and FT-IR. Their total surface acidity and basicity were also determined. The retention process of methylene blue (MB) by adsorbents has been studied. It was found that MHP2 and MHP7 have relatively high retention ability as compared to activated carbons.

Characteristics of activated carbon produced from biosludge and its use in wastewater post-treatment.

Experimental research into the bench-scale production of activated carbon from waste-activated sludge from water purification, sawdust, peat, and their mixtures, by carbonisation and activation was undertaken. The research work was carried out to determine possible methods of production of cheap activated carbon from local raw materials and to use it in water purification technology. Along with the samples produced, several commercial activated carbons (namely RB-1, F 100, CA (adsorbent from military gas masks), BAY (product of the USSR)) were tested to compare adsorption properties in the adsorption of phenols, xylidines, amines, methylene blue and molasses. It has been found that the activated carbon produced from waste biosludge was of higher quality than that produced from either sawdust or peat, and performed similarly to RB-1 and F100 in adsorption tests. It was also determined that the activated carbon produced from biosludge could possibly be used in the post-treatment of wastewater. Residual sludge from the biological treatment of the wastewater from the purification of oil-shale in the chemical processing industry could cover up to 80% of the need for activated carbon. Some of this activated carbon could be used in the post-treatment of the same water, adsorbing polyalcaline phenols from the initial content of 4 mg l-1 to the demanded level of 1 mg l-1.

Removal of methylene blue from plasma via an adsorbent filter.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adsorbent filtration of methylene blue (MB) and leukocytes from plasma. METHODS: Plasma (750 ml) from apheresis of 10 normal subjects was split into three aliquots: control (A), filtration (B) and MB addition (to 1 microM), phototreatment and filtration (C). Biochemical and coagulation tests were performed: units A and B were reinfused. RESULTS: Filtration reduced MB to undetectable (< 0.05 microM) levels and leukocytes by 3 log10. Biochemical analytes were unchanged. The partial thromboplastin time was prolonged with MB addition (11 +/- 13%) or filtration (26 +/- 12%, p < 0.05), but the effects were not additive. Autologous transfusion was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Adsorbent filtration can reduce residual MB to undetectable levels and yields a component suitable for transfusion.