scholarly journals Investigation of DPPC liposomes reveals their capability to entrap Aroclor 1260, an emerging environmental pollutant

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Lozano ◽  
Monica D. Rieth

AbstractPersistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a class of organic compounds that can accumulate in biological and ecological environments due to their resistive nature to chemical, thermal and photo degradation. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of man-made POPs that saw wide-spread use in commercial and industrial infrastructure as both an insulator and coolant in electrical transformers and capacitors. 2,2’,3,3’,4,4’-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCBP) was one of the most widely produced PCBs. As these mechanical structures fail or are decommissioned, PCBs are released into the soil, migrate to the water table, and eventually spread to nearby ecosystems by rain and wind. The stability of POPs and specifically PCBs leave few options for environmental waste removal. Conventionally, liposomes have been used for their drug delivery capabilities, but here we have chosen to investigate their capability in removing this class of emerging environmental pollutants. Liposomes are small, nonpolar lipid bi-layered aggregates capable of capturing a wide variety of both polar and nonpolar compounds. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) is a well-characterized lipid that can be derived from natural sources. It is a phospholipid typically found as a major component of pulmonary surfactant mixtures. Liposomes were prepared using probe-tip sonication for both direct and passive incorporation of the HCBP compound. Assimilation was assessed using both differential scanning calorimetry and UV-Vis spectroscopy. After direct incorporation of HCBP the phase transition temperature, Tm, decreased from 40.8 °C to 37.4 °C. A subsequent UV-Vis analysis of HCBP by both direct and passive incorporation showed an increase in HCBP incorporation proportionate to the length of exposure time up to 24 hours and relative to the initial quantity present during the direct incorporation. Together the decrease in Tm and increase in absorbance are indicative of HCBP incorporation and further demonstrate the potential for their use as a method of sustainable environmental cleanup.

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 607
Author(s):  
Carolina Hermida-Merino ◽  
Fernando Pardo ◽  
Gabriel Zarca ◽  
João M. M. Araújo ◽  
Ane Urtiaga ◽  
...  

In this work, polymeric membranes functionalized with ionic liquids (ILs) and exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets (xGnP) were developed and characterized. These membranes based on graphene ionanofluids (IoNFs) are promising materials for gas separation. The stability of the selected IoNFs in the polymer membranes was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology of membranes was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and interferometric optical profilometry (WLOP). SEM results evidence that upon the small addition of xGnP into the IL-dominated environment, the interaction between IL and xGnP facilitates the migration of xGnP to the surface, while suppressing the interaction between IL and Pebax®1657. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was also used to determine the polymer–IoNF interactions and the distribution of the IL in the polymer matrix. Finally, the thermodynamic properties and phase transitions (polymer–IoNF) of these functionalized membranes were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This analysis showed a gradual decrease in the melting point of the polyamide (PA6) blocks with a decrease in the corresponding melting enthalpy and a complete disappearance of the crystallinity of the polyether (PEO) phase with increasing IL content. This evidences the high compatibility and good mixing of the polymer and the IoNF.


2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dariusz Wyrzykowski ◽  
Joanna Pranczk ◽  
Dagmara Jacewicz ◽  
Aleksandra Tesmar ◽  
Bogusław Pilarski ◽  
...  

AbstractA potentiometric titration method (PT) and a stopped-flow kinetic technique monitored by a UV−Vis spectroscopy have been used to characterize the stability of series of Co(II)- and Ni(II)-thiodiacetato complexes, M(TDA), in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2’-bipyridine (bipy) in aqueous solutions. The stability constants of the binary (1:1), ternary (1:1:1) as well as the resulting hydroxo complexes were evaluated and compared to the corresponding oxydiacetate complexes. Based on the species distribution as a function of pH the relative predominance of the species in the system over a pH range was discussed. Furthermore, the kinetic measurements of the substitution reactions of the aqua ligands to phen or bipy in the coordination sphere of the binary complexes M(TDA) were performed in the 288–303 K temperature range, at a constant concentration of phen or bipy and at seven different concentrations of the binary complexes (0.2–0.5 mM). The kinetic stability of the M(TDA) complexes was discussed in relation to the experimental conditions and the kind of the auxiliary ligands (phen/bipy). Moreover, the influence of the type of primary ligand (thiodiacetate/oxydiacetate) on the substitution rate of the auxiliary ligands was also compared.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (30) ◽  
pp. 5962-5969 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Aliakbarian ◽  
L. Bagnasco ◽  
P. Perego ◽  
R. Leardi ◽  
M. Casale

Color, texture and taste are key elements of a consumer's buying decision; thus, monitoring the stability of these features throughout the entire period of yogurt validity is fundamental for dairy product producers.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Begoña Parrado Aliod ◽  
Wilfried Kugler ◽  
Tim Häring

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the chemical stability of different dyes used in chromovitrectomy and the influence of various product parameters on it. Methods: Buffered dye solutions were prepared containing 1.5 g/L acid violet 17, 0.25 g/L brilliant blue G, 1.3 g/L bromophenol blue, and 1.5 g/L trypan blue, combined with deuterium oxide, polyethylene glycol 3350, and D-mannitol as additives. For accelerated storage testing, samples were incubated for 400 h at 80°C corresponding to 2 years according to the Van ‘t Hoff equation. After different incubation times samples were taken for UV/Vis spectroscopy, pH measurement, and osmometry. Results: Depending on dye, additive, and packaging, different solutions exhibit differences in chemical stability and hence shelf life. Packaging in syringes instead of vials increases dye stability. Additives may negatively influence important parameters, e.g. polyethylene glycol 3350 increases osmolality beyond the physiological range. Notably, acid violet 17 is chemically unstable except in D-mannitol-containing buffer, packed in syringes. However, simultaneously, D-mannitol leads to a pH shift below 7.0. Conclusion: In summary, dye solutions filled in syringes should be preferred to vials to slow down oxidative degradation. Especially acid violet 17 solutions should be used with caution because the addition of D-mannitol may contribute to pH values beyond the physiological range.


Author(s):  
Mateusz Gołdyn ◽  
Anna Komasa ◽  
Mateusz Pawlaczyk ◽  
Aneta Lewandowska ◽  
Elżbieta Bartoszak-Adamska

The study of various forms of pharmaceutical substances with specific physicochemical properties suitable for putting them on the market is one of the elements of research in the pharmaceutical industry. A large proportion of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) occur in the salt form. The use of an acidic coformer with a given structure and a suitable pK a value towards purine alkaloids containing a basic imidazole N atom can lead to salt formation. In this work, 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid (26DHBA) was used for cocrystallization of theobromine (TBR) and caffeine (CAF). Two novel salts, namely, theobrominium 2,6-dihydroxybenzoate, C7H9N4O2 +·C7H5O4 − (I), and caffeinium 2,6-dihydroxybenzoate, C8H11N4O2 +·C7H5O4 − (II), were synthesized. Both salts were obtained independently by slow evaporation from solution, by neat grinding and also by microwave-assisted slurry cocrystallization. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements proved the formation of the new substances. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies confirmed proton transfer between the given alkaloid and 26DHBA, and the formation of N—H...O hydrogen bonds in both I and II. Unlike the caffeine cations in II, the theobromine cations in I are paired by noncovalent N—H...O=C interactions and a cyclic array is observed. As expected, the two hydroxy groups in the 26DHBA anion in both salts are involved in two intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds. C—H...O and π–π interactions further stabilize the crystal structures of both compounds. Steady-state UV–Vis spectroscopy showed changes in the water solubility of xanthines after ionizable complex formation. The obtained salts I and II were also characterized by theoretical calculations, Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy (FT–IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and elemental analysis.


Crystals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waseem Saeed ◽  
Abdel-Basit Al-Odayni ◽  
Abdulaziz Alghamdi ◽  
Ali Alrahlah ◽  
Taieb Aouak

New poly (δ-valerolactone)/titanium dioxide (PDVL/TiO2) nanocomposites with different TiO2 nanoparticle loadings were prepared by the solvent-casting method and characterized by Fourier transform infra-red, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry analyses. The results obtained reveal good dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles in the polymer matrix and non-formation of new crystalline structures indicating the stability of the crystallinity of TiO2 in the composite. A significant increase in the degree of crystallinity was observed with increasing TiO2 content. The non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of the PDVL/TiO2 system indicate that the crystallization process involves the simultaneous occurrence of two- and three-dimensional spherulitic growths. The thermal degradation analysis of this nanocomposite reveals a significant improvement in the thermal stability with increasing TiO2 loading.


2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
María P. Benavides ◽  
Susana M. Gallego ◽  
María L. Tomaro

Heavy metals are important environmental pollutants and their toxicity is a problem of increasing significance for ecological, evolutionary, nutritional, and environmental reasons. Plants posses homeostatic cellular mechanisms to regulate the concentration of metal ions inside the cell to minimize the potential damage that could result from the exposure to nonessential metal ions. This paper summarizes present knowledge in the field of higher plant responses to cadmium, an important environmental pollutant. Knowledge concerning metal toxicity, including mechanisms of cadmium homeostasis, uptake, transport and accumulation are evaluated. The role of the cell wall, the plasma membrane and the mycorrhizas, as the main barriers against cadmium entrance to the cell, as well as some aspects related to phytochelatin-based sequestration and compartmentalization processes are also reviewed. Cadmium-induced oxidative stress was also considered as one of the most studied topics of cadmium toxicity.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ammal Abukari ◽  
Ziblim Abukari Imoro ◽  
Abubakari Zarouk Imoro ◽  
Abudu Ballu Duwiejuah

Conversion of agricultural wastes into eco-friendly and low cost biochar is not only a smart recycling strategy but a panacea to environmental pollution management. Agricultural wastes biochar can be an effective alternative technique for controlling contaminants due to its low cost, high-efficiency, simple to use, ecological sustainability and reliability in terms of public safety. Biochars have made substantial breakthroughs in reducing greenhouse gases emissions, reducing soil nutrient leaching, sequester atmospheric carbon into the soil, increasing agricultural productivity, and reducing bioavailability of environmental contaminants. Recent advances in the understanding of biochars warrant a proper scientific evaluation of the relationship between its properties and impact on soil properties, environmental pollutant remediation, plant growth, yield, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The main factors controlling biochar properties include the nature of feedstock, heat transfer rate, residence time and pyrolysis temperature. Biochar efficacy in pollutants management largely depends on its elemental composition, ion-exchange capacity, pore size distribution and surface area, which vary with the nature of feedstock, preparation conditions and procedures. The chapter explored the possibility of using biochar from agricultural wastes as a suitable alternative for the remediation of environmental pollutants, soil conditioning and the long-term biochar application in the environment.


2020 ◽  
pp. 187-187
Author(s):  
Adnan Qamar ◽  
Attique Arshad ◽  
Zahid Anwar ◽  
Rabia Shaukat ◽  
Muhammad Amjad ◽  
...  

With advancement of nanoscience, ?nanofluids? are becoming quite popular among thermal engineers. High thermal conductivity, relatively less settling speed, and higher surface area of nanoparticles are a few key promoting properties. The last two decades have seen dramatic progress towards using nanoparticles in industrial applications. However, the stability and rheological characteristics of prepared nanofluids have serious effects on their transport characteristics, but unfortunately, this has not found proper attention from researchers. In this study, stability and rheological characteristics of ZnO nanoparticles within deionized water, ethylene glycol, and their blends have been extensively tested. Stability was observed using UV-vis spectroscopy, while the viscosity was measured with the help of a rheometer. The data was collected with 0.011-0.044 wt. % loading of nanoparticles, while experiments were conducted within 15-55oC temperature range. Better stability was recorded when nanofluids were prepared with pure ethylene glycol. Experiments showed that the viscosity increased with particle loading, whereas the effect of surfactants appeared to be insignificant. Research results were used to assess predictions of different viscosity models. Experimental data was overpredicted by Einstein, Brinkman, and Batchelor?s models.


Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirosława Prochoń ◽  
Anna Marzec ◽  
Bolesław Szadkowski

The purpose of this work was to prepare new biodegradable starch-cellulose composites, with starch, using casein and gelatin as natural nutrients. The physico-chemical properties of the starch films and cellulose fabrics with starch coatings were studied by Fourier transformation infrared analysis, laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, swelling tests, mechanical tests, thermal analysis thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The susceptibility of the starch films to biodegradation was investigated, together with their resistance to thermo-oxidative aging. As a result of the formation of the starch films, both the casein and gelatin macromolecules were able to interact directly with the starch matrix and the fractions of unbranched amylose and branched amylopectin it contained. This interaction was visible as changes in the absorption bands of the polar groups, as revealed by infrared analysis. Spectral analysis of the cellulose fabrics coated with starch films suggests that hydrogen bridges formed between the micelles of long cellulose filaments and the micro and macro-fibers of the starch pectins. An applicative test revealed that when used as a covering for bean cultivation the cellulose-starch composites act as a fertilizing component, contributing to significantly improved growth of Phaseolus vulgaris in comparison to the use of unmodified cellulose.


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