Promoted electrochemical performance by MOF on MOF composite catalyst of microbial fuel cell: CuCo-MOF@ZIF-8 and the comparison between two-step hydrothermal method and dual-solution method.

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a device that simultaneously achieves electricity generation and sewage degradation. In this study, a novel cathode catalyst metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been fabricated by two-step hydrothermal and dual-solution method (CuCo-MOF@ZIF-8). The synthesized trimetal MOFs exhibited a 3D badminton-like structure morphology and porosity. The results of the characterizations showed that CuCo-MOF@ZIF-8 possesses greater surface area porosity and novel functional groups. The Trimetal MOF-on-MOF mode not only demonstrated the stability of the structure but also enhanced its mechanism. Molecular mechanism analysis revealed changes in the organic ligand and metal binding site due to the transformation of Cu2+ to Cu+, Co2+ to Co3+, and Zn-N to Zn-O organic connection. Furthermore, differences between the two fabrication methods were compared. The solid-state single preparation (CuCo-MOF@ZIF-8-1), was synthesized using the two-step hydrothermal method; the liquid mixed preparation material (CuCo-MOF@ZIF-8-2), was synthesized using the dual-solution method; they exhibited completely different chemical structures and morphologies during material testing and characterization. The maximum output power density of CuCo-MOF@ZIF-8-2-MFC was 246.38 mW/m2, about 2.49 times of ZIF-8 (98.72 mW/m2). The output voltage of CuCo-MOF@ZIF-8-1-MFC was measured at 357 mV over 10 d, while that of CuCo-MOF@ZIF-8-2-MFC reached 365 mV over 12 d.

Lingguizhugan decoction ameliorates cognitive impairment in AD-like mice by influencing the microbiome-gut-brain axis mediated by SCFAs.

BACKGROUND: Lingguizhugan (LGZG) decoction, an ancient Chinese herbal remedy originating from the Eastern Han Dynasty, consists of Poria cocos, Cinnamomi ramulus, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Glycyrrhiza, as described in the Golden Chamber Synopsis. It has a history spanning over 1600 years, in which it has been primarily used for the treatment of inflammation, injuries, and fluid retention; however, the potential of LGZG decoction to ameliorate Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression by modulating the gut-brain axis through attenuation of gut microbiota and their metabolites remains unknown. PURPOSE: To examine the in vivo anti-AD effects and mechanism of LGZG decoction in alleviating AD cognitive impairment. STUDY DESIGN: Two-part experiments in vivo were designed, one for behavior tests, intestinal and brain histopathology, intestinal microbiome and quantitative determination, and another one for metabolite supplementation study. METHODS: AlCl3/D-gal was used to establish an AD-like mouse model. Behavioral tests, such as the Morris water maze test, were used to assess the effect of LGZG decoction on cognitive dysfunction. The concentration of proinflammatory mediators was measured by ELISA. The protein content was detected by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. The content of short-chain fatty acids was measured by LC-MS/MS. Evaluation of 16S rRNA gene sequencing for species and strain-level gut microbiome analysis was performed. RESULTS: LGZG decoction mitigated cognitive impairment in an AD-like mouse model, and decreased the deposition of amyloid-ß and the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the brain. LGZG decoction remodeled the intestinal microecology, enhanced the integrity of the intestinal and brain tissue barriers, and modulated Aß transportation through gut microbiota metabolite SCFAs. The neuroprotective effect of SCFAs on the AD-like model mice may be manifested through the inhibition of pP38 of the MAPK signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that LGZG decoction reshapes the gut microbiota. SCFAs derived from the gut microbiota ameliorate the cognitive decline induced by AlCl3/D-gal through the gut-brain axis and reduce brain Aß aggregation. We propose LGZG decoction as a potential therapeutic option for AD.

Characterization of medaka (Oryzias latipes) AHRs and the comparison of two model fishes-Medaka vs. zebrafish: The subform-specific sensitivity to dioxin.

Dioxins and the emerging dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) have recruited increasing concerns about their environmental contamination, toxicity, health impacts, and mechanisms. Based on the structural similarity of dioxins and many DLCs, their toxicity was predominantly mediated by the dioxin receptor (aryl hydrocarbon receptor, AHR) in animals (including human), which can be different in expression and function among species and then possibly produce the species-specific risk or toxicity. To date, characterizing the AHR of additional species other than human and rodents can increase the accuracy of toxicity/risk evaluation and increase knowledge about AHR biology. As a key model, the medaka AHR has not been clearly characterized. Through genome survey and phylogenetic analysis, we identified four AHRs (olaAHR1a, olaAHR1b, olaAHR2a, and olaAHR2b) and two ARNTs (olaARNT1 and olaARNT2). The medaka AHR pathway was conserved in expression in nine tested tissues, of which olaAHR2a represented the predominant subform with greater abundance. Medaka AHRs and ARNTs were functional and could be efficiently transactivated by the classical dioxin congener 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), although olaAHR1a did not seem to cooperate with olaARNT2. In terms of function/sensitivity, the EC50 values of medaka olaAHR1a (9.01 ± 1.43 nM), olaAHR1b (4.00 ± 1.10 nM), olaAHR2a (8.75 ± 3.34 nM), and olaAHR2b (3.06 ± 0.81 nM) showed slight differences; however, they were all at the nM level. The sensitivity of four medaka AHRs to TCDD was similar to that of zebrafish dreAHR2 (the dominant form, EC50 = 3.14 ± 4.19 nM), but these medaka AHRs were more sensitive than zebrafish dreAHR1b (EC50 = 27.05 ± 18.51 nM). The additional comparison also indicated that the EC50 values in various species were usually within the nM range, but AHRs of certain subforms/species can vary by one or two orders of magnitude. In summary, the present study will enhance the understanding of AHR and help improve research on the ecotoxicity of dioxins/DLCs.

A laboratory study of the increasing competitiveness of Karenia mikimotoi under rising CO2 scenario.

Ocean acidification (OA) driven by elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels is expected to disturb marine ecological processes, including the formation and control of harmful algal blooms (HABs). In this study, the effects of rising CO2 on the allelopathic effects of macroalgae Ulva pertusa to a toxic dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi were investigated. It was found that high level of CO2 (1000 ppmv) promoted the competitive growth of K. mikimotoi compared to the group of present ambient CO2 level (420ppmv), with the number of algal cell increased from 32.2 × 104 cells/mL to 36.75 × 104 cells/mL after 96 h mono-culture. Additionally, rising CO2 level weakened allelopathic effects of U. pertusa on K. mikimotoi, as demonstrated by the decreased inhibition rate (50.6 % under the original condition VS 34.3 % under the acidified condition after 96 h co-culture) and the decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (ascorbate, vitamin C). Indicators for cell apoptosis of K. mikimotoi including decreased caspase-3 and -9 protease activity were observed when the co-cultured systems were under rising CO2 exposure. Furthermore, high CO2 level disturbed fatty acid synthesis in U. pertusa and significantly decreased the contents of fatty acids with allelopathy, resulting in the allelopathy weakening of U. pertusa. Collectively, rising CO2 level promoted the growth of K. mikimotoi and weakened allelopathic effects of U. pertusa on K. mikimotoi, indicating the increased difficulties in controlling K. mikimotoi using macroalgae in the future.

Improving bioelectrochemical performance by sulfur-doped titanium dioxide cooperated with Zirconium based metal-organic framework (S-TiO2@MOF-808) as cathode in microbial fuel cells.

The sulfur-doped titanium dioxide (S-TiO2) cooperated with Zirconium based on a kind of metal-organic framework (MOF-808) was successfully prepared as cathode catalyst (S-TiO2@MOF-808) of microbial fuel cell (MFC) by two-step hydrothermal reaction. The particle size was approximately 5 µm, and the spherical S-TiO2 particle was attached to the surface of MOF-808 as irregular block solid. Zr-O, C-O and O-H bond were indicated to exist in S-TiO2@MOF-808. When n (Zr4+): n(Ti4+) was 1: 5, S-TiO2@MOF-808 showed better oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The introduction of S-TiO2 restrained the framework collapse of MOF-808, S-TiO2@MOF-808 showed much higher catalytic stability in reaction. The recombination of sulfur and TiO2 reduced the charge transfer resistance, accelerated the electron transfer rate, and improved ORR greatly. The maximum power density of S-TiO2@MOF-808-MFC was 84.05 mW/m2, about 2.17 times of S-TiO2-MFC (38.64 mW/m2). The maximum voltage of S-TiO2@MOF-808-MFC was 205 mV, and the stability was maintained for 6 d.

"Needle" hidden in silk floss: Inactivation effect and mechanism of melamine sponge loaded bismuth oxide composite copper-metal organic framework (MS/Bi2O3@Cu-MOF) as floating photocatalyst on Microcystis aeruginosa.

Photocatalytic technology showed significant potential for addressing the issue of cyanobacterial blooms resulting from eutrophication in bodies of water. However, the traditional powder materials were easy to agglomerate and settle, which led to the decrease of photocatalytic activity. The emergence of floating photocatalyst was important for the practical application of controlling harmful algal blooms. This study was based on the efficient powder photocatalyst bismuth oxide composite copper-metal organic framework (Bi2O3 @Cu-MOF), which was successfully loaded onto melamine sponge (MS) by sodium alginate immobilization to prepare a floating photocatalyst MS/Bi2O3 @Cu-MOF for the inactivation of Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) under visible light. When the capacity was 0.4 g (CA0.4), MS/Bi2O3 @Cu-MOF showed good photocatalytic activity, and the inactivation rate of M. aeruginosa reached 74.462% after 120 h. MS/Bi2O3 @Cu-MOF-CA0.4 showed a large specific surface area of 30.490 m2/g and an average pore size of 22.862 nm, belonging to mesoporous materials. After 120 h of treatment, the content of soluble protein in the MS/Bi2O3 @Cu-MOF-CA0.4 treatment group decreased to 0.365 mg/L, the content of chlorophyll a (chla) was 0.023 mg/L, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased to 3.168 nmol/mgprot, and the contents of various antioxidant enzymes experienced drastic changes, first increasing and then decreasing. The photocatalytic process generated·OH and·O2-, which played key role in inactivating the algae cells. Additionally, the release of Cu2+ and adsorption of the material also contributed to the process.

Research status and prospects of organic photocatalysts in algal inhibition and sterilization: a review.

An increasing amount of sewage has been discharged into water bodies in the progression of industrialization and urbanization, causing serious water pollution. Meanwhile, the increase of nutrients in the water induces water eutrophication and rapid growth of algae. Photocatalysis is a common technique for algal inhibition and sterilization. To improve the utilization of visible light and the conversion efficiency of solar energy, more organic photocatalytic materials have been gradually developed. In addition to ultraviolet light, partial infrared light and visible light could also be used by organic photocatalysts compared with inorganic photocatalysts. Simultaneously, organic photocatalysts also exhibit favorable stability. Most organic photocatalysts can maintain a high degradation rate for algae and bacteria after several cycles. There are various organic semiconductors, mainly including small organic molecules, such as perylene diimide (PDI), porphyrin (TCPP), and new carbon materials (fullerene (C60), graphene (GO), and carbon nanotubes (CNT)), and large organic polymers, such as graphite phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4), polypyrrole (PPy), polythiophene (PTH), polyaniline (PANI), and polyimide (PI). In this review, the classification and synthesis methods of organic photocatalytic materials were elucidated. It was demonstrated that the full visible spectral response (400-750 nm) could be stimulated by modifying organic photocatalysts. Moreover, some problems were summarized based on the research status related to algae and bacteria, and corresponding suggestions were also provided for the development of organic photocatalytic materials.

Hyperspectral estimation of chlorophyll content in jujube leaves: integration of derivative processing techniques and dimensionality reduction algorithms.

The leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) of vegetation is closely related to photosynthetic efficiency and biological activity. Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is a traditional economic forest tree species. Non-destructive monitoring of LCC of jujube is of great significance for guiding agroforestry production and promoting ecological environment protection in arid and semi-arid lands. Hyperspectral data is an important data source for LCC detection. However, hyperspectral data consists of a multitude of bands and contains extensive information. As a result, certain bands may exhibit high correlation, leading to redundant spectral information. This redundancy can distort LCC prediction results and reduce accuracy. Therefore, it is crucial to select appropriate preprocessing methods and employ effective data mining techniques when analyzing hyperspectral data. This study aims to evaluate the performance of hyperspectral data for estimating LCC of jujube trees by integrating different derivative processing techniques with different dimensionality reduction algorithms. Hyperspectral reflectance data were obtained through simulations using an invertible forest reflectance model (INFORM) and measurements from jujube tree canopies. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and elastic net (EN) were employed to identify the important bands in the original spectra (OS), first derivative spectra (FD), and second derivative spectra (SD). Support vector regression (SVR) was used to establish the estimation model. The results show that compared with full-spectrum modeling, LASSO and EN algorithms are effective methods for preventing overfitting in LCC machine learning estimation models for different spectral derivatives. The LASSO/EN-based estimation models constructed using FD and SD exhibited superior R2 compared to the OS. The important band of SD can best reveal the relevant information of jujube LCC, and SD-EN-SVR is the most ideal model in both the simulated dataset (R2 = 0.99, RMSE=0.61) and measured dataset (R2 = 0.89, RMSE=0.91). Our results provided a reference for rapid and non-destructive estimation of the LCC of agroforestry vegetation using canopy hyperspectral data.

The selection of floating photocatalyst carrier and algae inhibition effect of Karenia mikimotoi based on SNP-TiO2@Cu-MOF under visible light.

Photocatalytic technology for inactivating harmful algae has shown great research potential, in previous work, a kind of non-noble metal modified TiO2 loading onto copper metal organic framework (SNP-TiO2@Cu-MOF) was proved to show high removal efficiency against Karenia mikimotoi (K. mikimotoi). However, the recovery problem of powdered photocatalysts and its potential ecological hazards were still existed. In order to solve this, this study selected four macro-floating carriers and loaded photocatalyst on their surface. The floating photocatalyst with luffa sponge and expanded perlite as carriers were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis, and the floating photocatalyst with melamine sponge and polyurethane sponge as carriers were prepared by sodium alginate fixation method. The photocatalyst was firmly supported on the carriers, and the octahedral structure of SNP-TiO2@Cu-MOF photocatalyst could be well retained by hydrothermal synthesis. The advantages of sodium alginate fixation method were simple preparation process and low cost. The specific surface area of melamine foam photocatalyst (MF-P) was the highest, 28.47 m2/g, and the algae inactivation rate was also the best, which was 98.68% in 6 h. The MF-P group showed a decrease of 81.8% in soluble protein content and 81.4% in chlorophyll-a content of K. mikimotoi after 1 h of photocatalysis, respectively. The four photocatalysts showed good recyclability, and especially in MF-P group. The inactivation efficiency was still as high as 94.12% after four experiments. The floating photocatalyst would lay the foundation for further application of photocatalytic materials for algae removal.

Toxicological evaluation of TBBPA by common carp (Cyprinus carpio) about the in vivo/vitro disturbance of the AHR pathway.

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a widely used plastic additive with high bioaccumulation potential and toxicity on both humans and wildlife. Currently, research on its ecotoxicity and the underlying mechanism is limited. Using common carp (Cyprinus carpio), we evaluated the toxicity of TBBPA, especially focusing on its alteration of a key metabolism-related pathway aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), using in vivo/vitro assays and in silico simulation. The 96 h LC50 of TBBPA of common carp was 4.2 mg/L and belonged to the acute toxic level II. The bioaccumulation potential of TBBPA follows the role of liver > gill > brain and varies between 3- and 14-day exposure. On the AHR pathway respect, as expected, the metabolism-related cyp1a1 and cyp1b1 were upregulated in the liver and brain. Ahr2, the receptor, was also upregulated in the brain under TBBPA exposure. The alteration of gene expression was tissue-specific while the difference between 3- or 14-day exposure was minor. AHR inhibition assay indicated the 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced AHR transactivation can be inhibited by TBBPA suggesting it is not a potent agonist but a competitive antagonist. In silico analysis indicated TBBPA can be successfully docked into the binding cavity with similar poses but still have AHR-form-specific interactions. Molecular dynamics simulation proved TBBPA can be more flexible than the coplanar ligand TCDD, especially in ccaAHR1b with greater root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), of which TCDD-induced transactivation seemed not to be blocked by TBBPA. This research increased the understanding of TBBPA toxicity and alteration of the AHR pathway, and pointed out the need to perform additional toxicology evaluation of emerging contaminants, especially on non-model species.