Electrochemical Analysis of Sulfisoxazole Using Glassy Carbon Electrode (GCE) and MWCNTs/Rare Earth Oxide (CeO2 and Yb2O3) Modified-GCE Sensors.

In this work, new electrochemical sensors based on the modification of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-rare metal oxides (REMO) nanocomposites were fabricated by drop-to-drop method of MWCNTs-REMO dispersion in ethanol. REMO nanoparticles were synthesized by precipitation followed by hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C in absence and presence of TritonTM X-100 surfactant. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis using MWCNTs-CeO2@GCE and MWCNTs-Yb2O3@GCE sensors were used for the analysis of sulfisoxazole (SFX) drug in water samples. The results of CV analysis showed that MWCNTs-REMO@GCE sensors have up to 40-fold higher sensitivity with CeO2 compared to the bare GCE sensor. The estimated values of the limit of detection (LoD) of this electrochemical sensing using MWCNTs-CeO2@GCE and MWCNTs-Yb2O3@GCE electrodes reached 0.4 and 0.7 µM SFX in phosphate buffer pH = 7, respectively. These findings indicate that MWCNTs-REMO@GCE electrodes are potential sensors for analysis of sulfonamide drugs in water and biological samples.

Biochar for agronomy, animal farming, anaerobic digestion, composting, water treatment, soil remediation, construction, energy storage, and carbon sequestration: a review.

In the context of climate change and the circular economy, biochar has recently found many applications in various sectors as a versatile and recycled material. Here, we review application of biochar-based for carbon sink, covering agronomy, animal farming, anaerobic digestion, composting, environmental remediation, construction, and energy storage. The ultimate storage reservoirs for biochar are soils, civil infrastructure, and landfills. Biochar-based fertilisers, which combine traditional fertilisers with biochar as a nutrient carrier, are promising in agronomy. The use of biochar as a feed additive for animals shows benefits in terms of animal growth, gut microbiota, reduced enteric methane production, egg yield, and endo-toxicant mitigation. Biochar enhances anaerobic digestion operations, primarily for biogas generation and upgrading, performance and sustainability, and the mitigation of inhibitory impurities. In composts, biochar controls the release of greenhouse gases and enhances microbial activity. Co-composted biochar improves soil properties and enhances crop productivity. Pristine and engineered biochar can also be employed for water and soil remediation to remove pollutants. In construction, biochar can be added to cement or asphalt, thus conferring structural and functional advantages. Incorporating biochar in biocomposites improves insulation, electromagnetic radiation protection and moisture control. Finally, synthesising biochar-based materials for energy storage applications requires additional functionalisation.

Biochar of Spent Coffee Grounds as Per Se and Impregnated with TiO2: Promising Waste-Derived Adsorbents for Balofloxacin.

Biochars (BC) of spent coffee grounds, both pristine (SCBC) and impregnated with titanium oxide (TiO2@SCBC) were exploited as environmentally friendly and economical sorbents for the fluroquinolone antibiotic balofloxacin (BALX). Surface morphology, functional moieties, and thermal stabilities of both adsorbents were scrutinized using SEM, EDS, TEM, BET, FTIR, Raman, and TG/dT analyses. BET analysis indicated that the impregnation with TiO2 has increased the surface area (50.54 m2/g) and decreased the pore size and volume. Batch adsorption experiments were completed in lights of the experimental set-up of Plackett-Burman design (PBD). Two responses were maximized; the % removal (%R) and the adsorption capacity (qe, mg/g) as a function of four variables: pH, adsorbent dosage (AD), BALX concentration ([BALX]), and contact time (CT). %R of 68.34% and 91.78% were accomplished using the pristine and TiO2@SCBC, respectively. Equilibrium isotherms indicated that Freundlich model was of a perfect fit for adsorption of BALX onto both adsorbents. Maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 142.55 mg/g for SCBC and 196.73 mg/g for the TiO2@SCBC. Kinetics of the adsorption process were best demonstrated using the pseudo-second order (PSO) model. The adsorption-desorption studies showed that both adsorbents could be restored with the adsorption efficiency being conserved up to 66.32% after the fifth cycles.

Green Tea Waste as an Efficient Adsorbent for Methylene Blue: Structuring of a Novel Adsorbent Using Full Factorial Design.

Adsorptive removal of methylene blue (MB) from contaminated water samples was achieved using green tea waste (GTW). Adsorption of MB onto raw (RGTW) and thermally treated waste (TTGTW250-TTGTW500) was explored. The performance of the tested adsorbents was assessed in terms of percentage removal of MB (%R) and adsorption capacity (qe, mg/g). A full factorial design (FFD) was employed to optimize the adsorption of MB onto both RGTW and TTGTW500. Four factors were studied: pH, adsorbent dose (AD), dye concentration (DC), and contact time (CT). Value for %R of 96.58% and 98.07% were obtained using RGTW and TTGTW500, respectively. FT-IR and Raman analyses were used to study the surfaces of the prepared adsorbents, and the IR spectrum showed the existence of a variety of functionalities on the surfaces of both the RGTW and thermally treated samples. BET analysis showed the presence of mesopores and macropores in the case of RGTW and micropores in the case of thermally processed adsorbents. Equilibrium studies indicated that the Freundlich isotherm best described the adsorption of MB onto both adsorbents. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) was found to be 68.28 and 69.01 mg/g for RGTW and TTGTW500, respectively, implying the superior capacity of TTGTW500 in removing MB. Adsorption of MB was found to proceed via chemisorption (RGTW) and physisorption (TTGTW500), as indicated by the Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm. A pseudo-second order (PSO) model best demonstrated the kinetics of the MB adsorption onto both adsorbents.

Application of Pineapple Leaves as Adsorbents for Removal of Rose Bengal from Wastewater: Process Optimization Operating Face-Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD).

Adsorptive removal of rose bengal (RB) from contaminated water samples was approached using pineapple leaves (PAL). Three adsorbents were utilized for that purpose; raw pineapple leaves (RPAL) and the thermally activated bio-waste leaves at 250 and 500 °C. Two measures were executed to evaluate the functionality of exploited biomasses; percentage removal (%R) and adsorption capacity (qe). Face-centered central composite design (FCCCD) was conducted to experiment the influence of variables on the %R. Dose of PAL as adsorbent (AD), concentration of RB (DC), pH and contact time (CT), were the inspected factors. Existence of functional groups and formation of activated carbon was instigated employing Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopies. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses were used to explore surface features. Thermal behavior of adsorbents was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The surface area and other surface structural properties were established using the Brunauer Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. An amount of 92.53% of RB could be removed with an adsorption capacity of 58.8 mg/g using a combination of pH 5.00 ± 0.20, RPAL dose of 0.05 mg/50 mL, and 10-ppm RB for 180 min. Equilibrium studies divulge a favorable adsorption that follows the Freundlich isotherm. Pseudo-second-order model explains the observed adsorption kinetics.

A Comparison between Different Agro-Wastes and Carbon Nanotubes for Removal of Sarafloxacin from Wastewater: Kinetics and Equilibrium Studies.

In the current study, eco-structured and efficient removal of the veterinary fluoroquinolone antibiotic sarafloxacin (SARA) from wastewater has been explored. The adsorptive power of four agro-wastes (AWs) derived from pistachio nutshells (PNS) and Aloe vera leaves (AV) as well as the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been assessed. Adsorbent derived from raw pistachio nutshells (RPNS) was the most efficient among the four tested AWs (%removal '%R' = 82.39%), while MWCNTs showed the best adsorptive power amongst the five adsorbents (%R = 96.20%). Plackett-Burman design (PBD) was used to optimize the adsorption process. Two responses ('%R' and adsorption capacity 'qe') were optimized as a function of four variables (pH, adsorbent dose 'AD' (dose of RPNS and MWCNTs), adsorbate concentration [SARA] and contact time 'CT'). The effect of pH was similar for both RPNS and MWCNTs. Morphological and textural characterization of the tested adsorbents was carried out using FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM and BET analyses. Conversion of waste-derived materials into carbonaceous material was investigated by Raman spectroscopy. Equilibrium studies showed that Freundlich isotherm is the most suitable isotherm to describe the adsorption of SARA onto RPNS. Kinetics' investigation shows that the adsorption of SARA onto RPNS follows a pseudo-second order (PSO) model.

Smart Synthesis of Trimethyl Ethoxysilane (TMS) Functionalized Core-Shell Magnetic Nanosorbents Fe3O4@SiO2: Process Optimization and Application for Extraction of Pesticides.

In the current study, a smart approach for synthesizing trimethyl ethoxysilane-decorated magnetic-core silica-nanoparticles (TMS-mcSNPs) and its effectiveness as nanosorbents have been exploited. While the magnetite core was synthesized using the modified Mössbauer method, Stöber method was employed to coat the magnetic particles. The objective of this work is to maximize the magnetic properties and to minimize both particle size (PS) and particle size distribution (PSD). Using a full factorial design (2k-FFD), the influences of four factors on the coating process was assessed by optimizing the three responses (magnetic properties, PS, and PSD). These four factors were: (1) concentration of tetraethyl-orthosilicate (TEOS); (2) concentration of ammonia; (3) dose of magnetite (Fe3O4); and (4) addition mode. Magnetic properties were calculated as the attraction weight. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine PS, and standard deviation (±SD) was calculated to determine the PSD. Composite desirability function (D) was used to consolidate the multiple responses into a single performance characteristic. Pareto chart of standardized effects together with analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95.0 confidence interval (CI) were used to determine statistically significant variable(s). Trimethyl ethoxysilane-functionalized mcSNPs were further applied as nanosorbents for magnetic solid phase extraction (TMS-MSPE) of organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides.

Crosslinked chitosan-montmorillonite composite and its magnetized counterpart for the removal of basic fuchsin from wastewater: Parametric optimization using Box-Behnken design.

Treating wastewater polluted with organic dyestuffs is still a challenge. In that vein, facile synthesis of a structurally simple composite of chitosan with montmorillonite (CS-MMT) using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker and the magnetized analogue (MAG@CS-MMT) was proposed as versatile adsorbents for the cationic dye, basic Fuchsin (FUS). Statistical modeling of the adsorption process was mediated using Box-Behnken (BB) design and by varying the composite dose, pH, [FUS], and contact time. Characterization of both composites showed an enhancement of surface features upon magnetization, substantiating a better FUS removal of the MAG@CS-MMT (%R = 98.43 %) compared to CS-MMT (%R = 68.02 %). The surface area analysis demonstrates that MAG@CS-MMT possesses a higher surface area, measuring 41.54 m2/g, and the surface analysis of the magnetized nanocomposite, conducted using FT-IR and Raman spectroscopies, proved the presence of FeO peaks. In the same context, adsorption of FUS onto MAG@CS-MMT fitted-well to the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum adsorption capacities (qm) were 53.11 mg/g for CS-MMT and 88.34 mg/g for MAG@CS-MMT. Kinetics investigation shows that experimental data fitted well to the pseudo-second order (PSO) model. Regeneration study reveals that MAG@CS-MMT can be recovered effectively for repeated use with a high adsorption efficiency for FUS.

Mandarin Peels-Derived Carbon Dots: A Multifaceted Fluorescent Probe for Cu(II) Detection in Tap and Drinking Water Samples.

Carbon dots (CDs) derived from mandarin peel biochar (MBC) at different pyrolysis temperatures (200, 400, 600, and 800 °C) have been synthesized and characterized. This high-value transformation of waste materials into fluorescent nanoprobes for environmental monitoring represents a step forward towards a circular economy. In this itinerary, CDs produced via one-pot hydrothermal synthesis were utilized for the detection of copper (II) ions. The study looked at the spectroscopic features of biochar-derived CDs. The selectivity of CDs obtained from biochar following carbonization at 400 °C (MBC400-CDs towards various heavy metal ions resulted in considerable fluorescence quenching with copper (II) ions, showcasing their potential as selective detectors. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis validated the MBC-CDs' consistent spherical shape, with a particle size of <3 nm. The Plackett-Burman Design (PBD) was used to study three elements that influence the F0/F ratio, with the best ratio obtained with a pH of 10, for 10 min, and an aqueous reaction medium. Cu (II) was detected over a dynamic range of 4.9-197.5 µM and limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 µM. Validation testing proved the accuracy and precision for evaluating tap and mountain waters with great selectivity and no interference from coexisting metal ions.

Turning waste avocado stones and montmorillonite into magnetite-supported nanocomposites for the depollution of methylene blue: adsorbent reusability and performance optimization.

The existence of methylene blue (MB) in wastewater even as traces is raising environmental concerns. In this regard, the performances of four adsorbents, avocado stone biochar (AVS-BC), montmorillonite (MMT), and their magnetite Fe3O4-derived counterparts, were compared. Results showed the superior performance of Fe3O4@AVS-BC and Fe3O4@MMT nanocomposites with removal percentages (%R) of 95.59% and 88%. The morphological features of AVS-BC as revealed by SEM analysis showed a highly porous surface compared to a plane and smooth surface in the case of MMT. Surface analysis using FT-IR and Raman spectroscopies corroborated the existence of the Fe-O peaks upon loading with magnetite. The XRD analysis confirmed the formation of cubic magnetite nanoparticles. The adsorption process in the batch mode was optimized using central composite design (CCD). Equilibrium and kinetic isotherms showed that the adsorption of MB onto Fe3O4@AVS-BC fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) was 118.9 mg/g (Fe3O4@AVS-BC) and 72.39 mg/g (Fe3O4@MMT). The Fe3O4@AVS-BC showed a higher selectivity toward MB compared to other organic contaminants. The MB-laden adsorbent was successfully used for the remediation of Cr (III), Ni (II), and Cd (II) with removal efficiencies hitting 100% following thermal activation.

Cost estimation of synthesis and utilization of nano-adsorbents on the laboratory and industrial scales: A detailed review.

The recent regulations pertaining to the circular economy have unlocked new prospects for researchers. In contrast to the unsustainable models associated with the linear economy, integration of concepts of circular economy braces reducing, reusing, and recycling of waste materials into high-end products. In this regard, adsorption is a promising and cost-effective water treatment technology for handling conventional and emerging pollutants. Numerous studies are published annually to investigate the technical performance of nano-adsorbents and nanocomposites in terms of adsorption capacity and kinetics. Yet, economic performance evaluation is rarely discussed in the literature. Even if an adsorbent shows high removal efficiency towards a specific pollutant, its high preparation and/or utilization costs might hinder its real-life use. This tutorial review aims at illustrating cost estimation methods for the synthesis and utilization of conventional and nano-adsorbents. The current treatise discusses the synthesis of adsorbents on a laboratory scale where the raw material, transportation, chemical, energy, and any other costs are discussed. Moreover, equations for estimating the costs at the large-scale adsorption units for wastewater treatment are illustrated. This review focuses on introducing these topics to non-specialized readers in a detailed but simplified manner.

Performance of Pristine versus Magnetized Orange Peels Biochar Adapted to Adsorptive Removal of Daunorubicin: Eco-Structuring, Kinetics and Equilibrium Studies.

Drugs and pharmaceuticals are an emergent class of aquatic contaminants. The existence of these pollutants in aquatic bodies is currently raising escalating concerns because of their negative impact on the ecosystem. This study investigated the efficacy of two sorbents derived from orange peels (OP) biochar (OPBC) for the removal of the antineoplastic drug daunorubicin (DNB) from pharmaceutical wastewater. The adsorbents included pristine (OPBC) and magnetite (Fe3O4)-impregnated (MAG-OPBC) biochars. Waste-derived materials offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution to wastewater bioremediation. The results showed that impregnation with Fe3O4 altered the crystallization degree and increased the surface area from 6.99 m2/g in OPBC to 60.76 m2/g in the case of MAG-OPBC. Placket-Burman Design (PBD) was employed to conduct batch adsorption experiments. The removal efficiency of MAG-OPBC (98.51%) was higher compared to OPBC (86.46%). DNB adsorption onto OPBC followed the D-R isotherm, compared to the Langmuir isotherm in the case of MAG-OPBC. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) was 172.43 mg/g for MAG-OPBC and 83.75 mg/g for OPBC. The adsorption kinetics for both sorbents fitted well with the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model. The results indicate that MAG-OPBC is a promising adsorbent for treating pharmaceutical wastewater.

Watermelon rinds as cost-efficient adsorbent for acridine orange: a response surface methodological approach.

In the current investigation, watermelon rinds (WMR) have been utilized as an eco-friendly and cost-efficient adsorbent for acridine orange (AO) from contaminated water samples. Adsorption of AO onto raw (RWM) and thermally treated rinds (TTWM250 and TTWM500) has been studied. The adsorption efficiency of the three adsorbents was evaluated by measuring the % removal (%R) of AO and the adsorption capacity (qe, mg/g). Dependent variables (%R and qe) were optimized as a function of four factors: pH, sorbent dosage (AD), the concentration of AO (DC), and contact time (ST). Box-Behnken (BB) design has been utilized to obtain the optimum adsorption conditions. Prepared adsorbents have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopies. The surface area of RWM, TTWM250, and TTWM500, as per the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, was 2.66, 2.93, and 5.03 m2/g, respectively. Equilibrium investigations suggest that Freundlich model was perfectly fit for adsorption of AO onto TTWM500. Maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 69.44 mg/g was obtained using the Langmuir equation. Adsorption kinetics could be best described by the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model. The multi-cycle sorption-desorption study showed that TTWM500 could be regenerated with the adsorption efficiency being preserved up to 87% after six cycles.

Competitive adsorptive removal of promazine and promethazine from wastewater using olive tree pruning biochar: operational parameters, kinetics, and equilibrium investigations.

This research aims to remove two phenothiazines, promazine (PRO) and promethazine (PMT), from their individual and binary mixtures using olive tree pruning biochar (BC-OTPR). The impact of individual and combinatory effects of operational variables was evaluated for the first time using central composite design (CCD). Simultaneous removal of both drugs was maximized utilizing the composite desirability function. At low concentrations, the uptake of PRO and PMT from their individual solutions was achieved with high efficiency of 98.64%, 47.20 mg/g and 95.87%, 38.16 mg/g, respectively. No major differences in the removal capacity were observed for the binary mixtures. Characterization of BC-OTPR confirmed successful adsorption and showed that the OTPR surface was predominantly mesoporous. Equilibrium investigations revealed that the Langmuir isotherm model best describes the sorption of PRO/PMT from their individual solutions with maximum adsorption capacities of 640.7 and 346.95 mg/g, respectively. The sorption of PRO/PMT conforms to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Regeneration of the adsorbent surface was successfully done with desorption efficiencies of 94.06% and 98.54% for PRO and PMT, respectively, for six cycles.

Enhanced adsorptive removal of rifampicin and tigecycline from single system using nano-ceria decorated biochar of mango seed kernel.

Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) represent an emerging class of contaminants. With a potential to negatively impact human health and the ecosystem, existence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic systems is becoming a worrying concern. Antibiotics is a major class of PhACs and their existence in wastewater signifies a health risk on the long run. With the purpose of competently removing antibiotics from wastewater, cost-effective, and copiously available waste-derived adsorbents were structured. In this study, mango seeds kernel (MSK), both as a pristine biochar (Py-MSK) and as a nano-ceria-laden (Ce-Py-MSK) were applied for the remediation of rifampicin (RIFM) and tigecycline (TIGC). To save time and resources, adsorption experiments were managed using a multivariate-based scheme executing the fractional factorial design (FrFD). Percentage removal (%R) of both antibiotics was exploited in terms of four variables: pH, adsorbent dosage, initial drug concentration, and contact time. Preliminary experiments showed that Ce-Py-MSK has higher adsorption efficiency for both RIFM and TIGC compared to Py-MSK. The %R was 92.36% for RIFM compared to 90.13% for TIGC. With the purpose of comprehending the adsorption process, structural elucidation of both sorbents was performed using FT-IR, SEM, TEM, EDX, and XRD analyses which confirmed the decoration of the adsorbent surface with the nano-ceria. BET analysis revealed that Ce-Py-MSK has a higher surface area (33.83 m2/g) contrasted to the Py-MSK (24.72 m2/g). Isotherm parameters revealed that Freundlich model best fit Ce-Py-MSK-drug interactions. A maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 102.25 and 49.28 mg/g was attained for RIFM and TIGC, respectively. Adsorption kinetics for both drugs conformed well with both pseudo-second order (PSO) and Elovich models. This study, therefore, has established the suitability of Ce-Py-MSK as a green, sustainable, cost-effective, selective, and efficient adsorbent for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater.

Application of Plackett-Burman Design for Spectrochemical Determination of the Last-Resort Antibiotic, Tigecycline, in Pure Form and in Pharmaceuticals: Investigation of Thermodynamics and Kinetics.

Tigecycline (TIGC) reacts with 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) to form a bright green charge transfer complex (CTC). The spectrum of the CTC showed multiple charge transfer bands with a major peak at 843 nm. The Plackett-Burman design (PBD) was used to investigate the process variables with the objective being set to obtaining the maximum absorbance and thus sensitivity. Four variables, three of which were numerical (temperature-Temp; reagent volume-RV; reaction time-RT) and one non-numerical (diluting solvent-DS), were studied. The maximum absorbance was achieved using a factorial blend of Temp: 25 °C, RV: 0.50 mL, RT: 60 min, and acetonitrile (ACN) as a DS. The molecular composition that was investigated using Job's method showed a 1:1 CTC. The method's validation was performed following the International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The linearity was achieved over a range of 0.5-10 µg mL-1 with the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 166 and 504 ng mL-1, respectively. The method was applicable to TIGC per se and in formulations without interferences from common additives. The application of the Benesi-Hildebrand equation revealed the formation of a stable complex with a standard Gibbs free energy change (∆G°) value of -26.42 to -27.95 kJ/mol. A study of the reaction kinetics revealed that the CTC formation could be best described using a pseudo-first-order reaction.

Synthesis and Application of Cobalt Oxide (Co3O4)-Impregnated Olive Stones Biochar for the Removal of Rifampicin and Tigecycline: Multivariate Controlled Performance.

Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles supported on olive stone biochar (OSBC) was used as an efficient sorbent for rifampicin (RIFM) and tigecycline (TIGC) from wastewater. Thermal stabilities, morphologies, textures, and surface functionalities of two adsorbents; OSBC and Co-OSBC were compared. BET analysis indicated that Co-OSBC possesses a larger surface area (39.85 m2/g) and higher pore-volume compared to the pristine OSBC. FT-IR analysis showed the presence of critical functional groups on the surface of both adsorbents. SEM and EDX analyses showed the presence of both meso- and macropores and confirmed the presence of Co3O4 nanoparticles on the adsorbent surface. Batch adsorption studies were controlled using a two-level full-factorial design (2k-FFD). Adsorption efficiency of Co-OSBC was evaluated in terms of the % removal (%R) and the sorption capacity (qe, mg/g) as a function of four variables: pH, adsorbent dose (AD), drug concentration, and contact time (CT). A %R of 95.18% and 75.48% could be achieved for RIFM and TIGC, respectively. Equilibrium studies revealed that Langmuir model perfectly fit the adsorption of RIFM compared to Freundlich model for TIGC. Maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) for RIFM and TIGC was 61.10 and 25.94 mg/g, respectively. Adsorption kinetics of both drugs could be best represented using the pseudo-second order (PSO) model.

Neuroprotective Effect of Morin Hydrate against Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Induced by MSG and/or Protein Malnutrition in Rat Pups: Effect on Oxidative/Monoamines/Inflammatory Balance and Apoptosis.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most widely used food additives. However, it has been linked to protein malnutrition (PM) and various forms of toxicities such as metabolic disorders and neurotoxic effects. The current study is the first to explore the association between MSG, PM, and induced brain injury similar to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Moreover, we determined the underlying mechanistic protective pathways of morin hydrate (MH)-a natural flavonoid with reported multiple therapeutic properties. PM was induced by feeding animals with a low protein diet and confirmed by low serum albumin measurement. Subsequently, rat pups were randomized into seven groups of 10 rats each. Group I, III, and VI were normally fed (NF) and groups II, IV, V, and VII were PM fed. Group I served as normal control NF while Group II served as PM control animals. Group III received NF + 0.4 g/kg MSG, Group IV: PM + 0.4 g/kg MSG, Group V: PM + 60 mg/kg MH, Group VI: NF + 0.4 kg/g MSG + 60 mg/kg MH and Group VII: PM + 0.4 kg/kg MSG + 60 mg/kg MH. At the end of the experimental period, animals were subjected to behavioral and biochemical tests. Our results showed that treatment of rats with a combination of MSG + PM-fed exhibited inferior outcomes as evidenced by deteriorated effects on behavioral, neurochemical, and histopathological analyses when compared to rats who had received MSG or PM alone. Interestingly, MH improved animals' behavior, increased brain monoamines, brain-derived neuroprotective factor (BDNF), antioxidant status and protein expression of Nrf2/HO-1. This also was accompanied by a significant decrease in brain MDA, inflammatory markers (NF-kB, TNF-α and IL1ß), and suppression of TLR4/NLRP3/caspase-1 axis. Taken together, MSG and/or PM are associated with neuronal dysfunction. Our findings suggest MH as a potential neuroprotective agent against brain insults via targeting Nrf2/HO-1 and hindering TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways.

Evaluating the neuroprotective activities of vinpocetine, punicalagin, niacin and vitamin E against behavioural and motor disabilities of manganese-induced Parkinson's disease in Sprague Dawley rats.

The current study investigated the neuroprotective activity of some drugs and nutriceuticals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential on the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Rats were categorized into seven groups: Rats received tween80 daily for 5 weeks as a control group, MnCl2 (10 mg/kg, i.p) either alone (group II) or in combination with vinpocetine (VIN) (20 mg/kg) (group III), punicalagin (PUN) (30 mg/kg) (group IV), niacin (85 mg/kg) (group V), vitamin E (Vit E) (100 mg/kg) (group VI) or their combination (group VII). Motor activities was examined using open-field and catalepsy. Striatal monamines, acetylcholinesterase, excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitters, redox status, pro-oxidant content, brain inflammatory, apoptotic and antioxidant biomarkers levels were assessed. Besides, histopathological investigations of different brain regions were determined. Groups (IV -GVII) showed improved motor functions of PD rats. Applied drugs significantly increased the brain levels of monoamines with the strongest effect to PUN. Meanwhile, they significantly decreased levels of acetylcholinesterase with a strongest effect to PUN. Moreover, they exhibited significant neuronal protection and anti-inflammatory abilities through significant reduction of the brain levels of COX2, TNF-α and Il-1ß with a strongest effect to the PUN. Interestingly; groups (IV - GVII) showed restored glutamate/GABA balance and exhibited a pronounced decrease in caspase-3 content and GSK-3ß protein expression levels. In addition, they significantly increased Bcl2 mRNA expression levels with a strongest effect for PUN. All these findings were further confirmed by the histopathological examinations. As a conclusion, we propose VIN and PUN to mitigate the progression of PD via their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, neurotrophic and neurogenic activities.

Adsorption Characteristics of Pristine and Magnetic Olive Stones Biochar with Respect to Clofazimine.

Olive stone biochars (OSBC), both pristine and following magnetization (MAG-OSBC), were utilized as eco-friendly and cost-effective sorbents for the antituberculosis, clofazimine (CLOF). Morphologies, textures, surface functionalities, and thermal stabilities of both adsorbents were explored using SEM, EDX, TEM, BET, FT-IR, Raman, XRD and TGA analyses. SEM analysis showed meso- and macroporous surfaces. BET data showed that the MAG-OSBC possesses a larger surface area (33.82 m2/g) and pore volume. Batch adsorption studies were conducted following the experimental scenario of Box-Behnken (BB) design. The adsorption efficiency of both adsorbents was evaluated in terms of the % removal (%R) and the sorption capacity (qe, mg/g). Dependent variables (%R and qe) were maximized as a function of four factors: pH, sorbent dose (AD), the concentration of CLOF ([CLOF]), and contact time (CT). A %R of 98.10% and 98.61% could be obtained using OSBC and MAG-OSBC, respectively. Equilibrium studies indicated that both Langmuir and Freundlich models were perfectly fit for adsorption of CLOF. Maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 174.03 mg/g was obtained using MAG-OSBC. Adsorption kinetics could be best illustrated using the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model. The adsorption-desorption studies showed that both adsorbents could be restored with the adsorption efficiency being conserved up to 92% after the sixth cycles.