ABSTRACT
Finding new class of materials to overcome limitation in conventional membranes is a challenging task. Use of naturally stable and sustainable alternative materials stock is an emerging task. In this direction, a novel iron-zirconium hybrid aminoclay (FZ-AC) has emerged as a promising catalyst effectively employed to alleviate fouling concerns within the framework of a biopolymer-based thin film composite (TFC), constructed on a cellulose acetate (CA) support. Notably, FZ-AC exhibits remarkable catalytic activity in the degradation of foulants through potential free radicals generated from Fe and Zr active centres in synergy with oxidising agent. The optimised catalytic membrane (FZ-TFC-1) exhibited an ultrafast degradation of congo red (CR), eriochrome black-T (EBT), crystal violet (CV), methylene blue (MB), red-brown dye (RBn), bisphenol-A (BPA), azithromycin (AZC), and Cr(VI) within 4 min. The cooperative action of redox centres of Fe and Zr metal ions synergistically accelerated the swift production of reactive species and facilitated the efficient degradation of pollutants within a notably short timeframe. Furthermore, >95% of above dyes rejection was achieved with >67 L m-2.h-1 of flux. The results of a long-term study demonstrated that FZ-TFC membranes exhibit exceptional stability, retaining their performance for a duration up to 150 h. This extended period of stability underscores the superiority of these membranes over alternative counterparts, suggesting their robustness and reliability for sustained operation in various applications. This strategic utilization of FZ-AC representing a promising avenue for enhancing the efficacy and longevity of nanofiltration membranes, thereby advancing the frontier of membrane-based separation technologies.
ABSTRACT
Although immunomodulatory property and many other pharmaceutical applications of scorpion venom have been addressed before, no studies were reported about its application as a neuroimmunomodulator at therapeutic dose. In this study, we conceptualized the property of scorpion venom, capable of inducing the acute pain and neurotoxicity can cause acute stress resulting in the modulation of immune cells through HPA axis. The whole venom from Hottentotta rugiscutis, a widely seen scorpion in the region of eastern Karnataka, was extracted and injected a single dose of 1 mg/kg b.w. to Swiss albino mice and then erythrocytes and leukogram were measured. Whole brain AChE activity, corticosterone, cytokines and NO levels in plasma were also evaluated at various time points. Hrv didn't show any histopathological changes in the lymphoid organs and at the site of injection. However, lymphocytes and neutrophils did get altered at 2 h post-injection. Plasma corticosterone, cytokine levels such as IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 and the AChE activity were significantly increased in a time-dependent manner. Based on these results, it may be predicted, Hrv's ability to cause acute stress resulted in the activation of HPA axis, which stimulates the release of glucocorticoid hormones which in turn elicits the immunomodulation of leukocytes by altering the levels of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, we can conclude, the impact of acute stress induced by Hrv can intercommunicate the signals between neuroendocrine-immune systems.