Efficiency of decolorization of different dyes using fungal biomass immobilized on different solid supports

Abstract Different technologies may be used for decolorization of wastewater containing dyes. Among them, biological processes are the most promising because they seem to be environmentally safe. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of decolorization of two dyes belonging to different classes (azo and triphenylmethane dyes) by immobilized biomass of strains of fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus - BWPH, Gleophyllum odoratum - DCa and Polyporus picipes - RWP17). Different solid supports were tested for biomass immobilization. The best growth of fungal strains was observed on the washer, brush, grid and sawdust supports. Based on the results of dye adsorption, the brush and the washer were selected for further study. These solid supports adsorbed dyes at a negligible level, while the sawdust adsorbed 82.5% of brilliant green and 19.1% of Evans blue. Immobilization of biomass improved dye removal. Almost complete decolorization of diazo dye Evans blue was reached after 24 h in samples of all strains immobilized on the washer. The process was slower when the brush was used for biomass immobilization. Comparable results were reached for brilliant green in samples with biomass of strains BWPH and RWP17. High decolorization effectiveness was reached in samples with dead fungal biomass. Intensive removal of the dyes by biomass immobilized on the washer corresponded to a significant decrease in phytotoxicity and a slight decrease in zootoxicity of the dye solutions. The best decolorization results as well as reduction in toxicity were observed for the strain P. picipes (RWP17).

Efficiency of decolorization of different dyes using fungal biomass immobilized on different solid supports.

Different technologies may be used for decolorization of wastewater containing dyes. Among them, biological processes are the most promising because they seem to be environmentally safe. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of decolorization of two dyes belonging to different classes (azo and triphenylmethane dyes) by immobilized biomass of strains of fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus - BWPH, Gleophyllum odoratum - DCa and Polyporus picipes - RWP17). Different solid supports were tested for biomass immobilization. The best growth of fungal strains was observed on the washer, brush, grid and sawdust supports. Based on the results of dye adsorption, the brush and the washer were selected for further study. These solid supports adsorbed dyes at a negligible level, while the sawdust adsorbed 82.5% of brilliant green and 19.1% of Evans blue. Immobilization of biomass improved dye removal. Almost complete decolorization of diazo dye Evans blue was reached after 24h in samples of all strains immobilized on the washer. The process was slower when the brush was used for biomass immobilization. Comparable results were reached for brilliant green in samples with biomass of strains BWPH and RWP17. High decolorization effectiveness was reached in samples with dead fungal biomass. Intensive removal of the dyes by biomass immobilized on the washer corresponded to a significant decrease in phytotoxicity and a slight decrease in zootoxicity of the dye solutions. The best decolorization results as well as reduction in toxicity were observed for the strain P. picipes (RWP17).

Understanding channel blocking in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

Ion-channel blockers are molecules that obstruct the path used by ions to cross the membrane through a protein channel. Many of these are local anesthetics, toxins or drugs of abuse, and the knowledge of their mechanism of action at the atomic level is an important step towards the development of new compounds on a structural basis. A molecular model of the transmembrane region of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, an important brain and muscle fast signaling protein, was used as a target for docking several channel blockers by means of an automatic docking method. The combination of the independent docking method and molecular models (of the receptor and blockers) reproduced or explained quite accurately experimental data (photoaffinity labeling, site-directed mutagenesis, binding assays). This represents a strong support for the validity of the predictions made for those molecules for which no experimental data is available and also for the models and methods on which are based.