Self-polymerization silica nanoparticles based molecularly imprinted polymers for selective recognition of protein.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are promising for precise protein separation and purification. However, challenges persist due to their large size, variable configuration, and instability during preparation. Here, a simple silicon self-assembly program was designed to synthesize MIPs without any organic reagents and acid-base catalysis, avoiding the structural damage of protein under severe conditions. In this method, employing hemoglobin (Hb) as a model protein, with tween-20 in emulsification, and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the cross-linking agent, along with co-functional monomers 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and benzyl(triethoxy)silane (BnTES), enhanced binding efficacy was achieved. Successful imprinting was evidenced through surface morphology observation and physical/chemical property evaluations of the synthesized MIPs. A series of adsorption experiments were performed to investigate the recognition performance of Hb-MIPs. The Hb-MIPs not only exhibited large adsorption capacity (400 µg/mg) and good imprinting factor (6.09) toward template protein, but also showed satisfactory selectivity for reference proteins. Five cycles of adsorption proved that the Hb-MIPs had good reusability. In addition, the successful isolation of HB from bovine blood indicated that Hb-MIPs were an excellent separation and purification material. The mild preparation conditions and good adsorption capacity demonstrated the potential value of this method in separation and purification research.

Preparation of dicationic ionic liquid modified silica stationary phase for mixed-mode liquid chromatography and its application for food additive detection.

BACKGROUND: Food safety has become an essential aspect of public concern and there are lots of detection means. Liquid chromatography plays a dominating role in food safety inspection because of its high separation efficiency and reproducibility. However, with the increasing complexity of real samples and monitoring requirements, conventional single-mode chromatography would require frequent column replacement and cannot separate different kinds of analytes on a single column simultaneously, which is costly and time-consuming. There is a great need for fabricating mixed-mode stationary phases and validating the feasibility of employing mixed-mode stationary phases for food safety inspection. RESULTS: This work fabricated multifunctional stationary phases for liquid chromatography to determine diverse food additives under the mixed mode of RPLC/HILIC/IEC. Two dicationic ionic liquid silanes were synthesized and bonded onto the silica gel surface. The functionalized silica was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Both columns provide satisfactory separation performance towards 6 hydrophilic nucleosides, 4 hydrophobic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and 5 anions. Great repeatability of retention (RSD <0.1 %) and column efficiency (100330 plate/m) were obtained. Thermomechanical analysis and linear solvation energy relationship investigated the retention mechanism. Finally, the better in two prepared columns was employed to separate and determine the contents of NO2- and NO3- in vegetables(highest 4906 mg kg-1 NO3- in spinach), preservatives in bottled beverages (180.8 mg kg-1 sodium benzoate in soft drink), and melamine in milk with satisfactory performance and recovery rates ranging from 96.4 % to 105.6 %. SIGNIFICANCE: This work developed a novel scheme for preparing mixed-mode stationary phases by dicationic ionic liquid which provides great separation selectivity. Most importantly, this work proved the superiority of employing mixed-mode stationary phases for food safety inspection, which might avoid high-cost and frequent changes of columns and chromatography systems in the near future.

Chemoselective Hydrogenation of α,ß-Unsaturated Anilides Catalyzed by Palladium-Hydrosilane System.

We report chemoselective hydrogenation of α,ß-unsaturated anilides catalyzed by the palladium-polymethylhydrosiloxane (hydrosilane) system. Under this condition, C-C double bonds are selectively reduced while other reducible groups such as acetyl groups, nitro groups, nitriles, benzyl ethers, and halogens are largely tolerated. This chemoselective hydrogenation is promising for the development of efficient synthetic routes for multi-functional compounds.

Nano-silica modified with silane and fluorinated chemicals to prepare a superhydrophobic coating for enhancing self-cleaning performance.

Superhydrophobic coatings with excellent self-cleaning performance have attracted significant concerns from researchers. Although various superhydrophobic coatings with prominent superhydrophobic properties have been fabricated, most developed coatings are still inadequate in pipeline scale inhibition applications. In this work, nano-silica (nano-SiO2) was modified by silane coupling of vinyltriethoxysilane (VETS) and 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFTS) to prepare a superhydrophobic coating. Organosilicon of PFTS and VETS was grafted onto the surface of SiO2 for preparing the superhydrophobic coating with low surface energy, and the superhydrophobic coating was cured via poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). The results showed that the contact angle of the prepared silica-based superhydrophobic coating, denoted as VETS-PFTS@SiO2/PVDF, is 159.2°, exhibiting outstanding superhydrophobicity performance. Furthermore, the superhydrophobicity coating also showed satisfactory durability performance in 200 g load wear test after 50 cycles. Importantly, the superhydrophobic coating displayed promising mechanical durability, chemical stability performance, as well as maintained excellent superhydrophobic properties after being placed in water for 3 weeks, indicating the potential for long-term utilization. In the simulated scale inhibition test, it was found that the synthesized coating can also significantly decrease the deposition rate of CaCO3 and successfully enhance its scale inhibition performance.

Triazole fungicides disrupt embryonic stem cell differentiation: Potential modulatory role of the retinoic acid signaling pathway.

The developmental toxicity and human health risks of triazole fungicides (TFs) have attracted worldwide attention due to the ability to enter the human body in a variety of ways. Nevertheless, the specific mechanism by which TFs exert remains incompletely understood. Given that retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway are closely related to development, this study aimed to screen and identify developmentally disabled chemicals in commonly used TFs and to reveal the potential effects of TFs on developmental retardation through the RA signaling pathway in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Specifically, six typical TFs (myclobutanil, tebuconazole, hexaconazole, propiconazole, difenoconazole, and flusilazole) were exposed through the construction of an embryoid bodies (EBs)-based in vitro global differentiation models. Our results clarified that various TFs disturbed lineage commitment during early embryonic development. Crucially, the activation of RA signaling pathway, which alters the expression of key genes and interferes the transport and metabolism of retinol, may be responsible for this effect. Furthermore, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and experiments using a retinoic acid receptor α inhibitor provide evidence supporting the potential modulatory role of the retinoic acid signaling pathway in developmental injury. The current study offers new insights into the TFs involved in the RA signaling pathway that interfere with the differentiation process of mESCs, which is crucial for understanding the impact of TFs on pregnancy and early development.

Multi-Functional Repair and Long-Term Preservation of Paper Relics by Nano-MgO with Aminosilaned Bacterial Cellulose.

Paper relics, as carrieres of historical civilization's records and inheritance, could be severely acidic and brittle over time. In this study, the multi-functional dispersion of nanometer magnesium oxide (MgO) carried by 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane-modified bacterial cellulose (KH550-BC) was applied in the impregnation process to repair aged paper, aiming at solving the key problems of anti-acid and strength recovery in the protection of ancient books. The KH550-BC/MgO treatment demonstrated enhanced functional efficacy in repairing aged paper, attributed to the homogeneous and stable distribution of MgO within the nanofibers of BC networks, with minimal impact on the paper's wettability and color. Furthermore, the treatment facilitated the formation of adequate alkali reserves and hydrogen bonding, resulting in superior anti-aging properties in the treated paper during prolonged preservation. Even after 30 days of hygrothermal aging tests, the paper repaired by KH550-BC/MgO was still in a gently alkaline environment (pH was about 7.56), alongside a 32.18% elevation compared to the untreated paper regarding the tear index. The results of this work indicate that KH550-BC/MgO is an effective reinforcement material for improving the long-term restoration of ancient books.

Synthesis of Natural and Sugar-Modified Nucleosides Using the Iodine/Triethylsilane System as N-Glycosidation Promoter.

The reagent system based on the combined use of Et3SiH/I2 acts as an efficient N-glycosidation promoter for the synthesis of natural and sugar-modified nucleosides. An analysis of reaction stereoselectivity in the absence of C2-positioned stereodirecting groups revealed high selectivity with six-membered substrates, depending on the nucleophilic character of the nucleobase or based on anomerization reactions. The synthetic utility of the Et3SiH/I2-mediated N-glycosidation reaction was highlighted by its use in the synthesis of the investigational drug apricitabine.

Effects of silane hydrolysis time on the physicochemical properties of bioplastics based on starch and epoxidized soybean oil.

This work investigated the effects of 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane (APTES) hydrolysis time on the physicochemical properties of the resulting starch/epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) bioplastics comprehensively. FTIR analysis confirmed that APTES hydrolyzed for 4 h had the best modification effect on starch. The results of XRD and TGA demonstrated the successful silylation of starch by APTES despite hydrolysis time. Silylation treatment reduced the thermal stability of starch slightly, but enhanced the thermal stability of the resultant bioplastics, revealing better interaction between silylated starch and ESO. The interfacial adhesion of starch and ESO in the bioplastics was obviously enhanced when APTES was hydrolyzed for 2-24 h. The bioplastics with APTES hydrolyzed for 2-4 h showed more desirable tensile properties as the silane hydrolysis was complete and self-condensation of hydrolyzed silanes was avoided. The bioplastics containing silylated starch still showed superior opacity and biodegradability.

Development of biomass aerogels with aligned channels: For continuous treatment of oily wastewater and solar-powered oil evaporation.

A biomass CS/CNTs@MTMS (MCCS) aerogel with both aligned channel network, superhydrophobicity, and photothermal conversion ability was prepared by a green and facile strategy of directed freeze-drying and chemical vapor deposition using chitosan (CS), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) as the building materials. Capacity to adsorb a large variety of oils and organic solvents, with an adsorption capacity of up to 34-83 g/g. After 10 cycles, the adsorption capacity of MCCS remained at 94 % of the initial capacity, providing excellent reusability. In addition, due to its unique network of aligned channels, the MCCS can continuously separate oil and water, making it a sustainable oil-water separator. More interestingly, the MCCS aerogel has excellent photothermal conversion capabilities, and it was utilized to evaporate oil collected during the oil-water separation process using solar energy. This work provides an opportunity to design novel self-cleaning photothermally driven oil-water separation biomass materials with superhydrophobicity-strong lipophilicity.

Endolysin CHAP domain-carbosilane metallodendrimer complexes with triple action on Gram-negative bacteria: Membrane destabilization, reactive oxygen species production and peptidoglycan degradation.

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a significant challenge that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Gram-negative bacteria are particularly problematic due to an outer membrane (OM). Current alternatives to antibiotics include antimicrobial peptides or proteins and multifunctional systems such as dendrimers. Antimicrobial proteins such as lysins can degrade the bacterial cell wall, whereas dendrimers can permeabilize the OM, enhancing the activity of endolysins against gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we present a three-stage action of endolysin combined with two different carbosilane (CBS) silver metallodendrimers, in which the periphery is modified with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands coordinating a silver atom. The different NHC ligands contained hydrophobic methyl or N-donor pyridyl moieties. The effects of these endolysin/dendrimer combinations are based on OM permeabilization, peptidoglycan degradation, and reactive oxygen species production. The results showed that CBS possess a permeabilization effect (first action), significantly reduced bacterial growth at higher concentrations alone and in the presence of endolysin, increased ROS production (second action), and led to bacterial cell damage (third action). The complex formed between the CHAP domain of endolysin and a CBS silver metallodendrimer, with a triple mechanism of action, may represent an excellent alternative to other antimicrobials with only one resistance mechanism.

Allylation of cellulose microfibers for hydrosilylation with various hydrosilanes and hydrosiloxanes, and their application in corn-starch-mimosa tannin (CSMT) adhesive to improve particleboard properties.

Recently, Cellulose microfibers (CMF) have garnered significant attention due to their renewability, biodegradability, and unique properties such as high aspect ratio, low density, high strength, stiffness, and distinctive optical properties. These characteristics have been highlighted in publications worldwide. However, the structure of CMF is difficult to access with solvents, limiting its dissolution in common organic solvents. The synthesis of CMF-siloxane or CMF-silane hybrid materials from cellulose generally involves several reactions steps, and therefore catalysts. The allylation of CMF is catalyzed by the phase-transfer catalyst tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB), which enables the combination of CMF with allyl. This is followed by a hydrosilylation reaction catalyzed by Karstedt's catalyst, based on platinum (0), to combine the hydrophilic allylated CMF with hydride-terminated hydrophobic hydrosilane or hydrosiloxane. Environmentally friendly particleboards were developed using bio-based adhesives composed of corn-starch and Mimosa tannin (CSMT) mixtures. These mixtures included 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt% of CMF, allylated CMF and silylated CMF. The mechanical and physical properties of particleboards, such as modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond strength (IB), surface soundness (SS), water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) were determined.

Conductive and superhydrophobic lignin/carbon nanotube coating with nest-like structure for deicing, oil absorption and wearable piezoresistive sensor.

The development of multifunctional coatings is a trend. Here, a conductive and superhydrophobic coating with nest-like structure was prepared on the wood or polyurethane (PU) sponge by spraying or soaking methods. The coating contains lignin and carboxylated multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as the main materials, both methyl trimethoxysilane (MTMS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the modifiers. And benefiting from the protective effect of the nest-like structure, the coating exhibits excellent abrasion resistance (withstanding 43 abrasion cycles), stability, and UV resistance (little change in water contact angle after 240 h of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation) by optimizing the proportions. Additionally, the coating provides eminent deicing (complete removal after 142.7 s) and self-cleaning on the wood, as well as the superior sensing performance and oil absorption (15.0-49.6 g/g for various oils) on the PU sponge. When assembled into compressible piezoresistive sensor, it could clearly sense the signals of rapid, short, circulation, different speed and deformation, possessing a prosperous wearable device prospect. It is envisaged that the coating supplies a new platform for superhydrophobicity, wearable electronics and oil absorption.

Flusilazole induced developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and cardiovascular toxicity via apoptosis and oxidative stress in zebrafish.

Flusilazole is a well-known triazole fungicide applied to various crops and fruits worldwide. Flusilazole residues are frequently detected in the environment, and many researchers have reported the hazardous effects of flusilazole on non-target organisms; however, the developmental toxicity of flusilazole has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated flusilazole-induced developmental defects in zebrafish, which are used in toxicology studies to assess the toxic effects of chemicals on aquatic species or vertebrates. We confirmed that flusilazole exposure affected the viability and hatching rate of zebrafish larvae, and resulted in morphological defects, reduced body length, diminished eye and head sizes, and inflated pericardial edema. Apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation were also observed. These factors interrupted the normal organ formation during early developmental stages, and transgenic models were used to identify organ defects. We confirmed the effects of flusilazole on the nervous system using olig2:dsRed transgenic zebrafish, and on the cardiovascular system using cmlc2:dsRed and fli1:eGFP transgenic zebrafish. Our results demonstrate the developmental toxicity of flusilazole and its mechanisms in zebrafish as well as the detrimental effects of flusilazole.

Alkoxysilyl derivative of carbamoylphosphonate as a flame retardant modifier of cotton fabrics.

This research describes the synthesis of a silane derivative containing phosphorus and nitrogen atoms, leveraging their synergistic flame retardant effect through the incorporation of a PH bond to the isocyanate moiety. The synthesized silane featured alkoxysilyl groups, facilitating permanent bonds with the cotton fabric surface via hydrolysis. Cotton fabrics were modified using silane solutions of varying concentrations (2.5 %, 5 %, and 10 %) through a dip-coating process to determine the effect of the modifier amount on fabric properties. The modified fabrics were subjected to FT-IR, TGA, SEM, and EDS analyses, as well as microcalorimetric and LOI tests, to assess changes in flammability. FT-IR, SEM/EDS, and add-on analyses confirmed effective coverage of the cotton fabric with the flame retardant. Thermogravimetric tests indicated a significant reduction in the mass loss rate during thermal degradation. LOI analyses demonstrated a decrease in flammability (increase in LOI value), while microcalorimetric tests showed a substantial decrease in the heat release rate, correlating with increased modifier concentration on the fabric surface. Post-washing analyses revealed that, although some of the modifier was washed out, the samples still retained reduced flammability.

Promoting neurovascularized bone regeneration with a novel 3D printed inorganic-organic magnesium silicate/PLA composite scaffold.

Critical-size bone defect repair presents multiple challenges, such as osteogenesis, vascularization, and neurogenesis. Current biomaterials for bone repair need more consideration for the above functions. Organic-inorganic composites combined with bioactive ions offer significant advantages in bone regeneration. In our work, we prepared an organic-inorganic composite material by blending polylactic acid (PLA) with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-modified magnesium silicate (A-M2S) and fabricated it by 3D printing. With the increase of A-M2S proportion, the hydrophilicity and mineralization ability showed an enhanced trend, and the compressive strength and elastic modulus were increased from 15.29 MPa and 94.61 MPa to 44.30 MPa and 435.77 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, A-M2S/PLA scaffolds not only exhibited good cytocompatibility of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and Schwann cells (SCs), but also effectively promoted osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis in vitro. After implanting 10% A-M2S/PLA scaffolds in vivo, the scaffolds showed the most effective repair of cranium defects compared to the blank and control group (PLA). Additionally, they promoted the secretion of proteins related to bone regeneration and neurovascular formation. These results provided the basis for expanding the application of A-M2S and PLA in bone tissue engineering and presented a novel concept for neurovascularized bone repair.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical microRNA-21 detection based on MXene and ATRP photocatalytic strategy.

A Ti3C2TxMXene-based biosensor has been developed and the photocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization (photo ATRP) amplification strategy applied to detect target miRNA-21 (tRNA). Initially, Ti3C2TxMXene nanosheets were synthesized from the Ti3AlC2 MAX precursor via selective aluminum etching. Then, functionalization of Ti3C2TxMXene nanosheets with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) via silylation reactions to facilitate covalent bonding with hairpin DNA biomolecules specifically designed for tRNA detection. Upon binding with the tRNA, the hairpin DNA liberated the azide (N3) group, initiating a click reaction to affix to the photo ATRP initiator. Through the ATRP photoreaction, facilitated by an organic photoredox catalyst and light, a significant amount of ferrocenyl methyl methacrylate (FMMA) monomer was immobilized on the electrode. Therefore, the electrochemical signal is amplified. The electrochemical efficacy of the biosensor was assessed using square wave voltammetry (SWV). Under optimized conditions, the biosensor demonstrated remarkable sensitivity in detecting tRNA, with a linear detection range from 0.01 fM to 10 pM and a detection limit of 2.81 aM. The findings elucidate that the developed biosensor, in conjunction with the photo ATRP strategy, offers reproducibility, stability, and increased sensitivity, underscoring its potential applications within the experimental medical sector of the biomolecular industry.

Stent coating containing a charged silane coupling agent that regulates protein adsorption to confer antithrombotic and cell-adhesion properties.

The evolution of endovascular therapies, particularly in the field of intracranial aneurysm treatment, has been truly remarkable and is characterized by the development of various stents. However, ischemic complications related to thrombosis or downstream emboli pose a challenge for the broader clinical application of such stents. Despite advancements in surface modification technologies, an ideal coating that fulfills all the desired requirements, including anti-thrombogenicity and swift endothelialization, has not been available. To address these issues, we investigated a new coating comprising 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) with both anti-thrombogenic and cell-adhesion properties. We assessed the anti-thrombogenic property of the coating using an in vitro blood loop model by evaluating the platelet count and the level of the thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complex, and investigating thrombus formation on the surface using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We then assessed endothelial cell adhesion on the metal surfaces. In vitro blood tests revealed that, compared to a bare stent, the coating significantly inhibited platelet reduction and thrombus formation; more human serum albumin spontaneously adhered to the coated surface to block thrombogenic activation in the blood. Cell adhesion tests also indicated a significant increase in the number of cells adhering to the APTES-coated surfaces compared to the numbers adhering to either the bare stent or the stent coated with an anti-fouling phospholipid polymer. Finally, we performed an in vivo safety test by implanting coated stents into the internal thoracic arteries and ascending pharyngeal arteries of minipigs, and subsequently assessing the health status and vessel patency of the arteries by angiography over the course of 1 week. We found that there were no adverse effects on the pigs and the vascular lumens of their vessels were well maintained in the group with APTES-coated stents. Therefore, our new coating exhibited both high anti-thrombogenicity and cell-adhesion properties, which fulfill the requirements of an implantable stent.

Development of a composite using calcined bone powder and silane cross-linked alginate as bone substitute material.

Calcined bone is an attractive natural material for use as a bone substitute because of its cost-effectiveness and high biocompatibility, which are comparable to that of synthetic hydroxyapatite. However, the calcination process has significantly weakened the mechanical properties. In this study, a composite of calcined bovine bone powder reinforced with silane cross-linked alginate was prepared to assess its biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and mechanical compatibility as a bone substitute material. Culture studies with osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-E1) showed no cytotoxicity toward the composite and exhibited general cell proliferative properties in its presence. In contrast, the composite reduced the alkaline phosphatase activity of osteoblasts but led to significant noncellular apatite deposition on the surface. In addition, quasi-static compression tests of the composite revealed mechanical properties comparable to those of human cancellous bone. The mechanical properties remained stable under wet conditions and did not deteriorate significantly even after 2 weeks of immersion in simulated body fluid at 37°C. The results show that this composite, composed of calcined bone powder and silane cross-linked alginate, is a promising bone substitute material with biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and mechanical compatibility.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity testing of quaternary ammonium silane compounds.

With increasing health awareness of the pathogenic effects of disease-causing microorganisms, interest in and use (of medical textiles, disinfectants in medical devices, etc.) of antimicrobial substances have increased in various applications, such as medical textiles and disinfectants (alcohol-based and nonalcoholic), in medical devices There are several concerns with alcohol-based disinfectants, such as surface deformation of medical devices due to high alcohol content and damage to skin tissue caused by lipid and protein denaturation of cell membranes. Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) were preferred because they have the potential to prepare water-based disinfectants. In this study, novel (3-chloropropyl)triethoxysilane (CPTMO) and (3-chloropropyl)triethoxysilane (CPTEO) based quaternary ammonium silane compounds (silane-quats) were developed using quats with carbon chain lengths of C12, C14, C16 and C18. Titration (ASTM D2074) was used to calculate the yield of the synthesis and the structures of the products were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C NMR, 1H NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the synthesized samples was evaluated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Enterococcus hirae (E. hirae)) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa)) bacteria and fungi (Candida albicans (C. albicans), Aspergillus brasiliensis (A. brasiliensis)) using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. According to MIC tests, the silane-quats with the highest antimicrobial effects were dimethylhexadecyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride (SQ3), which had an MIC of < 16 µg/ml (ppm) against E. coli, S. aureus, E. hirae, C. albicans, and A. brasiliensis and 32 µg/ml against P. aeruginosa. The MIC test results also showed antimicrobial activity at least 2 times greater than that of the commercially available disinfectant benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Findings suggest that SQ3 (C16) holds promise as an effective medical disinfectant, presenting a novel approach to combating microbial infections in healthcare settings.

Synthesis of aminopropyl triethoxysilane/melamine incorporated superhydrophilic membranes for simultaneous removal of oil, metals, and Salt ions from produced water.

Water treatment has turned out to be more important in most societies due to the expansion of most economies and to advancement of industrialization. Developing efficient materials and technologies for water treatment is of high interest. Thin film nanocomposite membranes are regarded as the most effective membranes available for salts, hydrocarbon, and environmental pollutants removal. These membranes improve productivity while using less energy than conventional asymmetric membranes. Here, the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes have been successfully modified via dip single-step coating by silica-aminopropyl triethoxysilane/trimesic acid/melamine nanocomposite (Si-APTES-TA-MM). The developed membranes were evaluated for separating the emulsified oil/water mixture, the surface wettability of the membrane materials is therefore essential. During the conditioning step, that is when the freshwater was introduced, the prepared membrane reached a flux of about 27.77 L m-2 h-1. However, when the contaminated water was introduced, the flux reached 18 L m-2 h-1, alongside an applied pressure of 400 kPa. Interestingly, during the first 8 h of the filtration test, the membrane showed 90 % rejection for ions including Mg2+, and SO42- and ≈100 % for organic pollutants including pentane, isooctane, toluene, and hexadecane. Also, the membrane showed 98 % rejection for heavy metals including strontium, lead, and cobalt ions. As per the results, the membrane could be recommended as a promising candidate to be used for a mixture of salt ions, hydrocarbons, and mixtures of heavy metals from wastewater.