Strength and functionalized borage biochar for effective elimination of nickel contamination: Insight into batch and dynamic flow mode treatment applications.

A silica gel-modified borage biochar (BB@Si) was first produced and used as a binding agent for potentially hazardous Ni2+ ions in aqueous systems. The recommended biochar was more effective in eliminating Ni2+ than pristine biochar (BB). Its maximum qm could reach up to 1.39 × 10-3 mol/g at 30 °C, and sorption isotherms showed that the Langmuir model could more accurately define its sorption behavior. The Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm also revealed that the average sorption energy ranged from 11.00 to 11.14 kJ/mol. Zeta potential tests, SEM images, and FT-IR scans confirmed the interactions between BB@Si and Ni2+ ions. Dynamic flow treatment studies showed high uptake effectiveness when the flow rate and amount of BB@Si were suitable. Nickel desorption yield of around 80% from BB@Si was noted with 0.01 M HCl. The BB@Si column's breakthrough and exhausted points were identified to be 45 and 352 min, respectively. Its maximum exhaustion capacity value was determined to be 52.73 mg/g. Ni2+ removal from the actual wastewater sample exceeded 75%. The resulting outcomes imply the immense potential of employing BB@Si in the treatment of Ni2+- contaminated aqueous systems.

Green biosourced composite for efficient reactive dye decontamination: immobilized Gibberella fujikuroi on maize tassel biomatrix.

Biosorptive treatment with microbial biomass is regarded as an environmentally friendly and effective way to reduce dye contamination in contaminated aquatic environments. Immobilizing microbial cells for use in this process can significantly improve their effectiveness as biosorbents in the water treatment process. The current investigation searches for a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to decolorization by employing a green biocomposite material sorbent system (ZM@GFC) created by immobilizing fungal cells (Gibberella fujikuroi) on maize tassel tissues to efficiently remove Reactive Yellow 2 (RY2) from contaminated water sources. Batch and dynamic flow tests were performed to evaluate the biodecolorization properties of the newly created immobilized biomaterial as well as the effects of several essential operating conditions factors on the sorption behavior. Biosorption yields of 95.7% and 90.0% in batch and dynamic modes were achieved for experimental dye decolorization. The biosorption of RY2 by ZM@GFC occurred fast and achieved equilibrium within 60 min. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model elucidated the dye biosorption onto ZM@GFC. The Langmuir model provided a more accurate representation of the results than the Freundlich model. At the same time, Redlich-Peterson isotherm demonstrated the best level of agreement with the experimental data. These findings indicate that the biosorption mechanism predominantly involved the formation of a monolayer covering and that the energy properties of the ZM@GFC surface were uniform. The breakthrough capacity at the exhaustion time was 537.32 mg g-1. The predicted cost of generating ZM@GFC was anticipated to be 61.03 USD/kg. The investigations on safe disposal demonstrated that the biosorption process did not generate any secondary pollution. In conclusion, using maize tassel tissue as an immobilized decolorization agent offers a possible method for removing reactive azo dye pollutants from the aquatic medium that is both economical and environmentally benign.

Carbon Nanofiber-Sodium Alginate Composite Aerogels Loaded with Vitamin D: The Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects on Colon Cancer Cells.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A substantial body of literature supports the crucial role of vitamin D (VD) in the etiology, progression, prognosis, and treatment of cancer. Recent clinical studies have found an inverse correlation between CRC incidence and serum VD levels. However, the low water solubility of VD and its anticarcinogenic activity at supraphysiological plasma levels, which causes hypercalcemia, required carrier systems. Carbon-based nanomaterials are excellent eco-friendly candidates, with exceptional chemical resistance, efficient mechanical properties, and negligible weight. Furthermore, composite aerogels manufactured from these nanomaterials have gained interest due to their extensive surface areas and porous structures, which make them suitable for delivering drugs. Our research aimed to study the development of composite aerogels loaded with VD by utilizing carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in an aerogel matrix provided to colon cancer cells. For this purpose, Aero1 as a drug delivery system was first prepared and characterized using XRD, FTIR, and SEM methods. Biochemical methods were employed to evaluate the antiproliferative, apoptotic, and anti-migratory effects on colon cancer cells. FTIR and XRD measurements confirmed the production of aerogels. SEM analysis revealed that aerogels have a non-uniform surface. The findings showed that aerogels can effectively deliver VD to the colon cancer cells, while also inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and migration. This research suggests that the Aero1 drug delivery system could be a valuable tool in the fight against colon cancer and other health issues.

A hybrid biocomposite of Thamnidium elegans/olive pomace/chitosan for efficient bioremoval of toxic copper.

Immobilized biomaterials have recently attracted researchers' attention in the field of environmental biotechnology due to their effective biosorption performances. In this respect, a novel hybrid biocomposite based on Thamnidium elegans cells, olive pomace, and chitosan (TE-OP@C) was produced and tested for the first time to remove a target pollutant. It was successfully employed to eliminate toxic Cu(II) ions. Uptake efficiency of the biocomposite was significantly greater than that of T. elegans and T. elegans-olive pomace, despite the much lesser amount of biocomposite used. Freundlich model best fitted the equilibrium data, and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model followed Cu(II) uptake. The maximum removal efficiencies in batch and continuous systems were determined to be 96 % and 98 %, respectively. After eight cycles, the biosorption and recovery efficiencies of TE-OP@C were higher than 90 %. Biocomposite was able to remove approximately 90 % and 88 % of Cu(II) from real wastewater in batch and continuous systems, respectively. FTIR analysis, zeta potential measurements, EDX, and SEM findings confirmed the Cu(II) uptake. XRD and BET analysis were also performed for biocomposite characterization. Breakthrough and exhausted points were determined as 80 and 150 min, respectively. The findings potentially lead to a new perspective on the treatment of copper contamination.

Metformin-Loaded Polymer-Based Microbubbles/Nanoparticles Generated for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease that is increasingly common all over the world with a high risk of progressive hyperglycemia and high microvascular and macrovascular complications. The currently used drugs in the treatment of T2DM have insufficient glucose control and can carry detrimental side effects. Several drug delivery systems have been investigated to decrease the side effects and frequency of dosage, and also to increase the effect of oral antidiabetic drugs. In recent years, the use of microbubbles in biomedical applications has greatly increased, and research into microactive carrier bubbles continues to generate more and more clinical interest. In this study, various monodisperse polymer nanoparticles at different concentrations were produced by bursting microbubbles generated using a T-junction microfluidic device. Morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy, molecular interactions between the components by FTIR, drug release by UV spectroscopy, and physical analysis such as surface tension and viscosity measurement were carried out for the particles generated and solutions used. The microbubbles and nanoparticles had a smooth outer surface. When the microbubbles/nanoparticles were compared, it was observed that they were optimized with 0.3 wt % poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solution, 40 kPa pressure, and a 110 µL/min flow rate, thus the diameters of the bubbles and particles were 100 ± 10 µm and 70 ± 5 nm, respectively. Metformin was successfully loaded into the nanoparticles in these optimized concentrations and characteristics, and no drug crystals and clusters were seen on the surface. Metformin was released in a controlled manner at pH 1.2 for 60 min and at pH 7.4 for 240 min. The process and structures generated offer great potential for the treatment of T2DM.

Design and modeling of the decolorization characteristics of a regenerable and eco-friendly geopolymer: Batch and dynamic flow mode treatment aspects.

One of the most important environmental and health issues today is the elimination of the dye pollution from the contaminated water ecosystem. The use of geopolymers to eliminate such contaminants has recently emerged as a promising alternative. In this study, metakaolin based geopolymer (MKBG) was synthesized to be a promising adsorbent for Basic Blue 7 (BB7). To optimize the input parameters (solution pH, MKBG dose, mixing time, temperature, mixing speed, column diameter, and flow rate) towards BB7 removal by MKBG, a Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed to develop the response model, followed by numerical optimization. The quadratic models correlating the adsorption variables to BB7 adsorption yield as responses were developed for batch and dynamic flow systems. The pseudo-second-order model accurately predicted the BB7 adsorption kinetics on MKBG. Decolorization yields of BB7 in batch and continuous systems reached 96 % and 56 %, respectively. The Langmuir model accurately described equilibrium data, thereby justifying monolayer and homogeneous adsorption. The MKBG demonstrated significant reusability up to 20 dynamic flow adsorption cycles. IR, SEM, and zeta potential measurements were used to describe the sorbent structure, and the mechanism of MKBG-BB7 interaction was assessed. Overall, MKBG offers a good application potential for the treatment of basic dye contaminated waters.

Chitosan immobilization and Fe3O4 functionalization of olive pomace: An eco-friendly and recyclable Pb2+ biosorbent.

An effective and sustainable biosorbent (MagOPIC) was prepared from chitosan and olive pomace by the combined action of immobilization and magnetic modification to remediate Pb2+-contaminated waters. Pb2+ sorption yield at the end of the equilibrium (45 min) period was estimated to be 98.56 ±â€¯0.28% at pH 5.5. Agitation speed, ionic strength, and temperature did not significantly affect the Pb2+ biosorption. Biosorption kinetics are successfully fitted by the pseudo-second-order equation while the equilibrium biosorption data are properly modeled using the Freundlich and D-R isotherms. MagOPIC has also exhibited a high biosorption yield in the column tests (≥99%) and showed remarkable stability up to twenty consecutive regeneration cycles. Furthermore, it was successfully used for the treatment of Pb2+ containing real wastewater. The findings of this work highlighted the potential use of MagOPIC as a novel, cost-effective and eco-friendly biosorbent for the Pb2+ removal from the contaminated aquatic phase.

Efficacy of green waste-derived biochar for lead removal from aqueous systems: Characterization, equilibrium, kinetic and application.

The removal of toxic metals from the aquatic ecosystem is one of the most pressing environmental and public health concerns today. A strong potential has recently emerged for the removal of such metals using biochar sorbents. Biosorption technology could make a significant difference in the future. It is a viable and cost-effective alternative to the remediation of toxic pollutants utilizing various biomaterials. In the current study, batch and fixed-bed studies were performed to evaluate the performance of Capsicum annuum L. seeds biochar (CASB) as an alternative material in removing toxic Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. Removal characteristics were investigated by considering the equilibrium and kinetic aspects. Biosorption equilibrium was established within 40 min. The optimum dosage of CASB for Pb(II) removal was determined as 2.0 g L-1. Biosorption data were well predicted by a non-linear Langmuir isotherm model. Monolayer biosorption occurred for CASB with a maximum capacity of 36.43 mg g-1. Biosorption kinetics fitted well with a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The external mass transfer may control Pb(II) transport mechanism. Dynamic flow mode biosorption and regeneration potential of CASB were also examined. The application of CASB exhibited a 100% removal yield in real apple juice samples spiked with low concentrations of Pb(II). Exhausted points for the CASB packed columns were recorded as 195 and 320 min for simulated wastewater (SW) and synthetic Pb(II) solution, respectively. FTIR, BET, SEM-EDX analysis, and zeta potential measurements were used for the characterization of biochar and assessment of the metal ion-biosorbent interaction mechanism. Finally, our study provides a practical approach for the uptake of Pb(II) ions from contaminated solutions.

A novel sorbent for removal of reactive textile dye: TDPA-KCl.

The use of alunite as an adsorbent for the removal of dye was the aim of this report. Mixing the alunite with different salts may allow adsorption with higher efficiency. In the present study, the thermal decomposition product of alunite-potassium chloride mixture (TDPA-KCl) was used efficiently and inexpensively to remove Reactive Blue 49 (RB49) dye. The adsorption capacity of TDPA-KCl was found to be affected by pH, temperature, adsorbent amount, calcination temperature, dye concentration, and ionic strength. The highest RB49 adsorption yield was obtained at an initial pH of 2 and an equilibrium was reached within 20 min using 80 mg of adsorbent. The most suitable kinetic model was found as the pseudo-second-order and compatible isotherm was determined as the Langmuir model. The optimum adsorption capacity was found as 119.10 mg g-1 at 40 °C. ∆G°, ∆H°, and ∆S° values were calculated. A positive value of ∆H° stated that the adsorption is exothermic and spontaneous. In addition, ∆G° showed a more negative value when temperature was increased. Column studies indicated that TDPA-KCl could be effectively used for five cycles without any loss in its desorption potential. Breakthrough studies also supported a favorable adsorption of RB49 onto TDPA-KCl. This study showed that TDPA-KCl is a practical, efficient, and inexpensive adsorbent to remove reactive dyes from wastewater.

Multivariate optimization of the decolorization process by surface modified biomaterial: Box-Behnken design and mechanism analysis.

A natural biosorbent obtained from Pyracantha coccinea was modified with an anionic surfactant to facilitate its dye removal ability. Modified biosorbent was successfully employed for the decolorization of Methyl Violet (MV)-contaminated solutions. A three-variable Box-Behnken design for response surface methodology was used to examine the function of independent operating variables. Optimum pH and biosorbent amount were found to be 6.0 and 0.055 g, respectively. The effects of temperature and ionic strength on the dye removal performance of biosorbent were also investigated. A biosorption equilibrium was attained within 30 min and experimental data fitted well to the pseudo-second-order model. The Langmuir isotherm model fitted adequately to the equilibrium data. The maximum monolayer biosorption capacity of the modified biosorbent was found to be 254.88 mg g(-1). Good biosorption yields were also recorded in continuous biosorption system. Ion exchange and complexation could be suggested as possible mechanisms for the biosorption. The developed modified biosorbent was regenerated up to 80.30 % by 0.005 M HCl. At real wastewater conditions, it has 86.23 ± 0.21 and 94.51 ± 1.09 % dye removal yields in batch and column systems, respectively. Modified biomaterial can be used as an effective biosorbent for the removal of MV dye from aqueous solution with high biosorption performance.