A novel technique for prevention of anterior fistula and facilitation of alveolar cleft repair: Gingivoperiosteoplasty with palatoplasty.

Background & Objectives: The Cleft palate is one of the most commonly encountered congenital deformity in plastic surgery clinics and can be associated with cleft lip and alveolus. Though palate repair can be associated with several complications, the most frequent and troublesome is anterior fistula formation. Various technical modifications are in practice to avoid this dreaded complication. We have started combining gingivoperiosteoplasty with palate repair to avoid postoperative anterior fistula formation and to close alveolar cleft at the same time. Methods: A prospective study was performed at the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi and selected patients were enrolled in the study after informed consent. A total of 15 patients were operated on from January 2017 to December 2020. All patients had cleft palate repair along with primary gingivoperiosteoplasty (GPP) at the age of standard palatal repair. Buccal/oral and nasal layers of the alveolus were dissected as per standard gingivoperiosteoplasty and repaired in continuation with nasal and oral layers of the palate. Postoperatively, the standard cleft palate repair protocol was followed. Follow-up was done at four weeks, 12 weeks, and six months and repair integrity was checked. Future follow-up at 4-5 years of age is planned to see the effect on alveolar collapse, bone growth, and the need for secondary bone grafting. Results: All patients were followed up regularly. None had a complication of fistula. The repairs of both palate and alveolus remained intact. Patients were kept on the follow-up to assess the need for alveolar bone grafting in the future. Conclusion: Gingivoperiosteoplasty combined with the palatal repair is a novel technique for the prevention of anterior palatal fistula.

Oral bioavailability studies of niosomal formulations of Cyclosporine A in albino rabbits.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosuppressant agent. Two niosomal formulations of CsA, FTS and FSB were formulated. Both formulations were studied in terms of size, polydispersity index (PDI), morphology and entrapment efficacy etc. Niosomal formulations FTS and FSB and plain aqueous dispersion were given to three assemblies of Albino rabbits (n=8 per group). CsA levels in plasma were determined at appropriate time intervals and pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated. The percentage entrapment efficiencies of FTS and FSB were found to be 77.29 and 89.31% for respectively. Transmission electron microscopy results indicated spherical nature of niosomes. In vivo studies demonstrated that the value of Cmax for the FSB formulation was 1968.419 ng/ml and it was 1498.951 ng/ml and 1073.87 ng/ml for FTS and aqueous dispersion of CsA (control) respectively. It was found that both niosomal formulation FTS & FSB presented significantly high (p<0.05) Cmax, AUC0-t, MRT 0-inf and half-life (t1/2) as associated to plain drug dispersion. However niosomal formulation FSB exhibited better in-vivo performance as compared to FTS. It was established that CsA can be successfully entrapped in niosomes. So niosomes are promising vehicle for CsA oral delivery.

Development and Characterization of Bioadhesive Film Embedded with Lignocaine and Calcium Fluoride Nanoparticles.

The formation of biofilm by Streptococcus mutans on the tooth surface is the primary cause of dental caries and periodontal diseases, and fluoride (F) has shown tremendous potential as a therapeutic moiety against these problems. Herein, we report an efficient multi-ingredient bioadhesive film-based delivery system for oral cavity to combat dental problems with an ease of administration. Thiolated chitosan-based bioadhesive film loaded with calcium fluoride nanoparticles (CaF2 NPs) and lignocaine as a continuous reservoir for prolonged delivery was successfully prepared and characterized. The polygonal CaF2 NPs with an average particle size less than 100 nm, PDI 0.253, and + 6.10 mV zeta potential were synthesized and loaded in film. The energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy confirmed the presence 33.13% F content in CaF2 NPs. The characterization of the three film trials for their mechanical strength, bioadhesion, drug release, and permeation enhancement suggested film B as better among the three trials and showed significant outcomes, indicating the potential application of the medicated bioadhesive film. In vitro dissolution studies revealed sustained release pattern of lignocaine and CaF2 NP following Krosmeyer-Peppas model over 8 h. Franz diffusion studies showed the prolonged contact time of film with mucosa that facilitated the transport of CaF2 NPs and lignocaine across the mucosa. Hence, the prepared bioadhesive film-based system showed good potential for better management of dental problems. Graphical Abstract.

Development and in vitro characterization of niosomal formulations of immunosuppressant model drug.

Among immunosuppressive agents cyclosporine A is drug of unique importance. This drug has a low therapeutic index, and it has many toxic effects. After oral administration its absolute bioavailability is variable due to poor absorption. Niosomes are new and versatile carriers to deliver drug. The bioavailability of immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine A can be increased by niosomal drug delivery system. So our basic theme was to prepare niosomes of immunosuppressant drug using cholesterol, span 60 and tween 60 etc. Niosomes were characterized for zeta potential, size, poly dispersivity index(PDI), entrapment efficiency and In vitrorelease profiles. Six niosomal formulations (F1-F6) were successfully developed using thin film hydration technique. Among various formulations F2 showed the highest entrapment efficiency 77.29 %. The DSC thermograms of physical mixtures and niosomal formulations indicated the presence of drug in crystalline form. In vitro drug release study demonstrated higher drug release values as compared to drug aqueous dispersion. Niosomal formulations were capable of releasing drug in sustained manner. The overall results demonstrated that developed niosomal carriers are competitive candidates for improving dissolution profile of cyclosporine A leading to increased bioavailability at the site of action.

Ultrasonic Processing Technique as a Green Preparation Approach for Diacerein-Loaded Niosomes.

In this study, the feasibility of ultrasonic processing (UP) technique as green preparation method for production of poorly soluble model drug substance, diacerein, loaded niosomes was demonstrated. Also, the effects of different surfactant systems on niosomes' characteristics were analyzed. Niosomes were prepared using both the green UP technique and traditional thin-film hydration (TFH) technique, which requires the use of environmentally hazardous organic solvents. The studied surfactant systems were Span 20, Pluronic L64, and their mixture (Span 20 and Pluronic L64). Both the production techniques produced well-defined spherical vesicles, but the UP technique produced smaller and more monodisperse niosomes than TFH. The entrapment efficiencies with the UP method were lower than with TFH, but still at a feasible level. All the niosomal formulations released diacerein faster than pure drug, and the drug release rates from the niosomes produced by the UP method were higher than those from the TFH-produced niosomes. With UP technique, the optimum process conditions for small niosomal products with low PDI values and high entrapment efficiencies were obtained when 70% amplitude and 45-min sonication time were used. The overall results demonstrated the potency of UP technique as an alternative fast, cost-effective, and green preparation approach for production of niosomes, which can be utilized as drug carrier systems for poorly soluble drug materials.

Development of Eudragit RS 100 Microparticles Loaded with Ropinirole: Optimization and In Vitro Evaluation Studies.

The current study aimed to develop novel pH independent microparticles loaded with ropinirole (ROP) for sustained drug release. Eudragit RS 100 was used as release retardant and microparticles were fabricated by oil-in-oil emulsion solvent evaporation method. A three-factor three-level Box-Behnken design using Design-Expert software was employed to optimize formulation variables. Ropinirole loaded microparticles were evaluated with respect to morphology, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release profile. Optical microscopy and SEM micrographs indicated spherical shape with smooth surface and well-defined boundary. The particle size was in the range of 98.86 to 236.29 µm, being significantly increased with increasing polymer concentration. Higher polymer load also increased the thickness of internal polymer network, which led to reduced drug loss and higher entrapment efficiency (89%). The cumulative in vitro release was found to be in the range of 54.96 to 99.36% during the release studies (12 h) following zero order release kinetics and non-Fickian diffusion pattern. The developed microparticles have the potential to sustain the release of ropinirole, which may lead to a reduction in its adverse effects and improved management of Parkinson's disease.

Development and evaluation of pluronic- and methylcellulose-based thermoreversible drug delivery system for insulin.

The objective of the current work was to develop and evaluate thermoreversible subcutaneous drug delivery system for Insulin. Thermoreversible in-situ gel system was developed and evaluated both in-vitro and in-vivo comprising of pluronic F-127 alone or in combination with methylcellulose in different ratios. The drug release kinetics and mechanism was predicted by applying various mathematical models to the in-vitro dissolution data. Rabbits were used as animal model following subcutaneous injection to predict various pharmacokinetic parameters by applying Pk-Summit® software. The in-vitro and in-vivo data revealed that the formulation IPM 15/3 consisting of the pluronic F-127 (15% w/v) and methylcellulose (3% w/v) was the most robust and capable formulation for extending the drug release and maintaining basal plasma insulin level between 10 and 40 µU/ml for 240 h (10 d).

Finite element modeling of stress distribution and safety factors in a Ti-27Nb alloy hip implant under real-world physiological loading scenarios.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful orthopaedic interventions globally, with over 450,000 procedures annually in the U.S. alone. However, issues like aseptic loosening, dislocation, infection and stress shielding persist, necessitating complex, costly revision surgeries. This highlights the need for continued biomaterials innovation to enhance primary implant integrity and longevity. Implant materials play a pivotal role in determining long-term outcomes, with titanium alloys being the prominent choice. However, emerging evidence indicates scope for optimized materials. The nickel-free ß titanium alloy Ti-27Nb shows promise with excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Using finite element analysis (FEA), this study investigated the biomechanical performance and safety factors of a hip bone implant made of nickel-free titanium alloy (Ti-27Nb) under actual loading during routine day life activities for different body weights. The FEA modelled physiological loads during walking, jogging, stair ascent/descent, knee bend, standing up, sitting down and cycling for 75 kg and 100 kg body weights. Comparative analyses were conducted between untreated versus 816-hour simulated body fluid (SBF) treated implant conditions to determine in vivo degradation effects. The FEA predicted elevated von Mises stresses in the implant neck for all activities, especially stair climbing, due to its smaller cross-section. Stresses increased substantially with a higher 100 kg body weight compared to 75 kg, implying risks for heavier patients. Safety factors were reduced by up to 58% between body weights, although remaining above the desired minimum value of 1. Negligible variations were observed between untreated and SBF-treated responses, attributed to Ti-27Nb's excellent biocorrosion resistance. This comprehensive FEA provided clinically relevant insights into the biomechanical behaviour and integrity of the Ti-27Nb hip implant under complex loading scenarios. The results can guide shape and material optimization to improve robustness against repetitive stresses over long-term use. Identifying damage accumulation and failure risks is crucial for hip implants encountering real-world variable conditions. The negligible SBF effects validate Ti-27Nb's resistance to physiological degradation. Overall, the study significantly advances understanding of Ti-27Nb's suitability for reliable, durable hip arthroplasties with low revision rates.

Adverse health effects and mechanisms of microplastics on female reproductive system: a descriptive review.

Microplastics (MPs), with a diameter of less than 5 mm, include polymers such as polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The MPs occur in different morphologies including fragments, beads, fibers, and films that are swallowed by fresh water and land-based animals and enter their food chain, where they produce hazardous effects such as uterine toxicity, infertility, and neurotoxicity. The aim of this review is to explore the effects of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) on the female reproductive system and understand the mechanisms by which they produce reproductive toxicity. Several studies suggested that the exposure to PS-MPs increased the probability of larger ovaries with fewer follicles, decreased the number of embryos produced, and decreased the number of pregnancies in female mice. It also changed sex hormone levels and caused oxidative stress, which could have an impact on fertility and reproduction. Exposure to PS-MPs caused the death of granulosa cells through apoptosis and pyroptosis via activation of the NLRP3/caspase pathway and disruption of the Wnt-signaling pathway. Activation of TL4/NOX2 caused the uterine fibrosis resulting in endometrium thinning. The PS-MPs had a negative impact on ovarian capacity, oocyte maturation, and oocyte quality. Furthermore, the PS-MPs disrupted the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in marine animals, resulting in a decrease in hatching rate and offspring body size, causing trans-generational effects. It also reduced fecundity and produced germ-line apoptosis. The main focus of this review was to explore the different mechanisms and pathways through which PS-MPs adversely impact the female reproductive system.

Tumor micro-environment sensitive release of doxorubicin through chitosan based polymeric nanoparticles: An in-vitro study.

Conventional chemotherapy poses toxic effects to healthy tissues. A therapeutic system is thus required that can administer, distribute, metabolize, and excrete medicine from human body without damaging healthy cells. This is possible by designing a therapeutic system that can release drug at specific target tissue. In current work, novel chitosan (CS) based polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) containing N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAM) and 2-(di-isopropyl amino) ethyl methacrylate (DPA) are designed. The presence of available functional groups i.e. OH- (3262 cm-1), -NH2 (1542 cm-1), and CO (1642 cm-1), was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectrophotometry (FTIR). The surface morphology and average particle size (175 nm) was determined through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) studies confirmed the amorphous nature and excellent thermal stability of PNPs up to 100 °C with only 2.69% mass loss was confirmed by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The pH sensitivity of such PNPs for release of encapsulated doxorubicin at malignant site was investigated. The encapsulation efficiency of PNPs was 89% (4.45 mg/5 mg) for doxorubicin (a chemotherapeutic) measured by using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The drug release profile of loaded PNPs was 88% (3.92 mg/4.45 mg) at pH 5.3, in 96 h. PNPs with varying DPA concentration can effectively be used to deliver chemotherapeutic agents with high efficacy.

Molecularly imprinted ormosil as a sorbent for targeted dispersive solid phase micro extraction of pyriproxyfen from strawberry samples.

Novel molecularly imprinted organically modified silica was prepared by reacting acrylamide and 3-(tri-methoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate followed by condensation and hydrolysis with tetraethyl ortho-silicate for the determination of pyriproxyfen. The sorbent proved to be highly selective for the template molecule, pyriproxyfen. The characterization of sorbent was carried out using SEM, BET and TGA. The prominent peaks in FTIR at 3700 cm-1 and 1071 cm-1 confirmed the stretching of amide group's N-H and Si-O-Si bond linkage of MIOrmosil. The pseudo-first-order model (R2 0.99) described the adsorption kinetics of the MIOrmosil, whereas among adsorption isotherms, Freundlich model showed the best fit (R2 0.99). The molecularly imprinted silica was applied for the determination of target analytes from strawberries sample using dispersive solid-phase micro extraction (DSPME) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The LOD (4.93 x10-5 µg mL-1) and LOQ (1.49 x10-4 µg m-1) values were calculated by signal to noise ratio through HPLC. Results show that the maximum binding capacity and percentage recovery values of MIOrmosil were 13 mg g-1 (n = 5) and 97.3% respectively.

Fabrication of trimethylphosphine-functionalized anion exchange membranes for desalination application via electrodialysis process.

The design of conductive, improved durable and selective anion exchange membranes (AEMs) for desalination application via electrodialysis (ED) process is critical for a more sustainable future. This work reports the design of a series of homogeneous trimethylphosphine (TMP)-functionalized anion exchange membranes (AEMs) for desalination application via electrodialysis (ED) process. Physico-chemical characterization and electrochemical performance of the trimethylphosphine-functionalized anion exchange membranes was conducted and the activity found to be tuned by varying the quantity of trimethylphosphine into the membrane architecture. For anion exchange membranes M1 to M4, the ion exchange capacity (IEC) was increased from 1.35 to 2.16 mmol/g, water uptake (WR) from 4.30 to 17.72%, linear expansion ratio (LER) from 3.70 to 12.50% with enhancing the quantity of trimethylphosphine into the polymer architecture. The ionic resistance decreased from 15.14 to 2.61 Ω cm2 with increasing quantities of trimethylphosphine whereas transport number increased from 0.98 to 0.99. The performance of synthesized trimethylphosphine-functionalized anion exchange membranes in desalination of NaCl was evaluated via electrodialysis process (flux of 3.42 mol/m2. h and current efficiency of 64.30%). Results showed that the prepared trimethylphosphine-functionalized membrane (optimum M4) possess improved desalination performance as compared to commercial membrane Neosepta AMX under identical experimental conditions.

Glyceryl Monostearate based Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Controlled Delivery of Docetaxel.

BACKGROUND: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) is the drug delivery system that has the capability to improve drug release at the desired tumor site. The aim of the present study is to develop glyceryl monostearate (GMS) based SLNs for the controlled delivery of docetaxel. METHODS: Hot melt encapsulation (HME) method was employed avoiding the use of organic solvents and, therefore, regarded as green synthesis of SLNs. RESULTS: Optimized DTX-SLNs showed desirable size (100 nm) with low poly dispersity index and excellent entrapment efficiency. Surface charge confirmed the stability of formulation. transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis showed spherical shaped particles and fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR) revealed compatibility among formulation excipients. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis revealed that the melting transition peak of optimized formulation was also greater than 40°C indicating that SLNs would be solid at body temperature. In-vitro release profile (68% in 24 hours) revealed the controlled release profile of DTX-SLNs, indicating lipophilic docetaxel drug was entrapped inside high melting point lipid core. Cytotoxicity study revealed that blank SLNs were found to be biocompatible while dose dependent cytotoxicity was shown by DTX-SLNs. CONCLUSION: These studies suggest that DTX-SLNs have the potential for controlled delivery of docetaxel and improved therapeutic outcome.

Utilization of green formulation technique and efficacy estimation on cell line studies for dual anticancer drug therapy with niosomes.

The aim of the present study was to prepare niosome formulations for the simultaneous encapsulation, dual drug therapy, of two anticancer drugs by the ecological probe sonication method. Poloxamer and sorbitan monostearate were used as surface active agents in niosomes, and the water soluble doxorubicin and poorly-water soluble paclitaxel were used as anticancer drugs. Thorough physicochemical analysis were performed for the niosomes, and their cytotoxicity and activity were evaluated on MCF-7 and PC3-MM2 cancer cell lines. Prepared niosomes were small in size with sizes ranging from 137 nm to 893 nm, and entrapment efficiencies were high, ranging from 91.24% to 99.99%. During the four weeks stability testing, the particle size remained stable. The niosomal formulations showed in vitro sustained drug release profiles for doxorubicin and clearly increased the dissolution rate of poorly water soluble paclitaxel. The incorporation of both the drugs into niosomes improved cell penetration and antiproliferative activity of the drugs PC3-MM2 cell lines. As a conclusion, doxorubicin and paclitaxel loaded niosome formulations resulted in relatively stable, small sized niosomes with improved drug release profiles, low toxicity, better cell penetration and antiproliferative activity. The niosomes showed synergistic effect due to the presence of both drugs, which can overcome multidrug resistance.

Biocompatible Polymers and their Potential Biomedical Applications: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Biocompatible polymers are gaining great interest in the field of biomedical applications. The term biocompatibility refers to the suitability of a polymer to body and body fluids exposure. Biocompatible polymers are both synthetic (man-made) and natural and aid in the close vicinity of a living system or work in intimacy with living cells. These are used to gauge, treat, boost, or substitute any tissue, organ or function of the body. A biocompatible polymer improves body functions without altering its normal functioning and triggering allergies or other side effects. It encompasses advances in tissue culture, tissue scaffolds, implantation, artificial grafts, wound fabrication, controlled drug delivery, bone filler material, etc. OBJECTIVES: This review provides an insight into the remarkable contribution made by some well-known biopolymers such as polylactic-co-glycolic acid, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), polyLactic Acid, poly(3- hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), Chitosan and Cellulose in the therapeutic measure for many biomedical applications. METHODS: Various techniques and methods have made biopolymers more significant in the biomedical fields such as augmentation (replaced petroleum based polymers), film processing, injection modeling, blow molding techniques, controlled / implantable drug delivery devices, biological grafting, nano technology, tissue engineering etc. RESULTS: The fore mentioned techniques and other advanced techniques have resulted in improved biocompatibility, nontoxicity, renewability, mild processing conditions, health condition, reduced immunological reactions and minimized side effects that would occur if synthetic polymers are used in a host cell. CONCLUSION: Biopolymers have brought effective and attainable targets in pharmaceutics and therapeutics. There are huge numbers of biopolymers reported in the literature that has been used effectively and extensively.

Bacteremia after micro-osteoperforation.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the presence of bacteremia following micro-osteoperforation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 28 Class I orthodontic patients (21 women, 7 men; mean age, 18.11±0.4 years). The micro-osteoperforation was performed 4 weeks following bonding of fixed orthodontic appliances. Using aseptic technique, 20-mL blood sample was collected before the micro-osteoperforation and another 20-mL, 60 seconds after the first micro-osteoperforation. The blood was inoculated into culture bottles and incubated at 37°C for 1 week. Bacterial growth was investigated by using Gram staining technique. The results were analysed using the McNemar test. RESULT: No significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative samples was found with respect to bacteremia (P=0.229). CONCLUSION: Micro-osteoperforation technique is not related to transitory bacteremia.

Graphene-based nanocomposites: synthesis and their theranostic applications.

Graphene, the mother of all carbon materials, has unlocked a new era of biomedical nanomaterials due to its exceptional biocompatibility, physicochemical and mechanical properties. It is a single atom thick, nanosized, two-dimensional structure and provides high surface area with adjustable surface chemistry to form hybrids. The present article provides a comprehensive review of ever-expanding application of graphene nanomaterials with different inorganic and organic materials in drug delivery and theranostics. Methods of preparation of nanomaterials are elaborated and biological and physicochemical characteristics of biomedical relevance are also discussed. Graphene form nanomaterials with metallic nanoparticles offer multiscale application. First, graphene act as a platform to attach nanoparticles and provide excellent mechanical strength. Second, graphene improves efficacy of metallic nanoparticles in diagnostic, biosensing, therapeutic and drug delivery application. Graphene-based polymeric nanocomposites find wider application in drug delivery with flexibility to incorporate hydrophilic, hydrophobic, sensitive and macromolecules. In addition, grapheme quantum dots and graphene hybrids with inorganic nanocrystal and carbon nanotubes hybrids have shown interesting properties for diagnosis and therapy. Finally, we have pointed out research trends that may be more common in future for graphene-based nanomaterials.

Development and in-vitro characterization of sorbitan monolaurate and poloxamer 184 based niosomes for oral delivery of diacerein.

The aim of the study was to develop a niosomal drug delivery system for poorly soluble drugs with sorbitan monolaurate, poloxamer 184 and their mixture (sorbitan monolaurate and poloxamer 184) forming the niosomal surfactant system. Diacerein, a highly lipophilic antiosteoarthritic drug, was used as a model drug: it has variable oral bioavailability due to its poor aqueous solubility. The diacerein loaded niosomes were prepared with 1:1, 6:4 and 7:3 surfactant to cholesterol ratios at constant levels of dicetyl phosphate (2.5%) as a negative charge imparting agent. All studied ratios of surfactant to cholesterol produced diacerein loaded niosomes sized from 350 to 1000nm and with PDI values below 0.5. The transmission electron microscope images revealed well defined spherical vesicles. Mixed system formulations showed better entrapment efficiencies, with the best composition the entrapment efficiency being 90.5%, with smaller particle sizes and lower PDI values in comparison to formulations prepared with pure surfactant systems. With increasing cholesterol amount the niosomes were smaller, with more drug entrapped and better long term stability. Drug release studies showed improved dissolution profiles of all the niosomal formulations compared to pure diacerein.

Surfactant enhanced pyrene degradation in the rhizosphere of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea).

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two non ionic surfactants (Tween 80 and Triton X-100), a biosurfactant (Lecithin), and randomly methylated-ß-cyclodextrins (RAMEB) on the remediation of pyrene from soil planted with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Soils with pyrene concentration of about 243 mg kg(-1) was grown with tall fescue and were individually amended with 0, 200, 600, 1000, and 1500 mg kg(-1) of Tween 80, Triton X-100, biosurfactant, and RAMEB. The results show that all surfactants significantly increased plant biomass compared to unamended soil. Dehydrogenase activity was also stimulated as a result of surfactant addition. Only 3.9 and 3.2 % of pyrene was decreased in the uncovered and covered abiotic sterile control, suggesting that microbial degradation was the main removal mechanism of pyrene from soil. In the planted treatment receiving no surfactant, the remediation of pyrene was 45 % which is significantly higher than that of corresponding unplanted control soil, suggesting that the cultivation of tall fescue alone could enhance the overall remediation of pyrene in soil. All surfactants had significantly higher rates of pyrene remediation compared to the unamended planted soil. Generally, RAMEB displayed the highest remediation rates, i.e., 64.4-79.1 % followed by the Triton X-100, i.e., 60.1-74.8 %. The positive impact of surfactants on pyrene remediation could possibly be because of their capacities to increase its bioavailability in soil. The evidence from this study suggests that the addition of surfactants could enhance phytoremediation of PAHs polluted soil.

Novel Pendant Benzene Disulfonic Acid Blended SPPO Membranes for Alkali Recovery: Fabrication and Properties.

To reconcile the trade-off between separation performance and availability of desired material for cation exchange membranes (CEMs), we designed and successfully prepared a novel sulfonated aromatic backbone-based cation exchange precursor named sodium 4,4'-(((((3,3'-disulfo-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diyl)bis(oxy)) bis(4,1-phenylene))bis(azanediyl))bis(methylene))bis(benzene-1,3-disulfonate) [DSBPB] from 4,4'-bis(4-aminophenoxy)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3,3'-disulfonic acid [BAPBDS] by a three-step procedure that included sulfonation, Michael condensation followed by reduction. Prepared DSBPB was used to blend with sulfonated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (SPPO) to get CEMs for alkali recovery via diffusion dialysis. Physiochemical properties and electrochemical performance of prepared membranes can be tuned by varying the dosage of DSBPB. All the thermo-mechanical properties like DMA and TGA were investigated along with water uptake (WR), ion exchange capacity (IEC), dimensional stability, etc. The effect of DSBPB was discussed in brief in connection with alkali recovery and ion conducting channels. The SPPO/DSBPB membranes possess both high water uptake as well as ion exchange capacity with high thermo-mechanical stability. At 25 °C the dialysis coefficients (UOH) appeared to be in the range of 0.0048-0.00814 m/h, whereas the separation factor (S) ranged from 12.61 to 36.88 when the membranes were tested for base recovery in Na2WO4/NaOH waste solution. Prepared membranes showed much improved DD performances compared to traditional SPPO membrane and possess the potentiality to be a promising candidate for alkali recovery via diffusion dialysis.