Ultrasonication-Assisted Synthesis of CuO-Decorated Montmorillonite K30 Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Removal of Emerging Contaminants: A Response Surface Methodology Approach.

Environmental pollution is increasing worldwide due to population and industrialization. Among the various forms of pollution, water pollution poses a significant challenge in contemporary times. In this study, we synthesized CuO-decorated montmorillonite K30 (MK30) nanosheets via a simple ultrasonication technique. The structural, morphological, compositional, and optical properties of the synthesized nanocomposites were evaluated using advanced instrumentation techniques. The morphology of CuO was cubic and cubic CuO evenly designed on the MK30, which was proved by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The adsorption photocatalytic activity of the synthesized cubic CuO/MK30 composites was examined through the degradation of MB under visible light irradiation. The apparent reaction rate constant of 20% CuO/MK30 was 12.5 folds higher than that of CuO. These conditions included a catalyst dosage ranging from 5 to 15 mg, a pH level ranging from to 3-11, and a pollutant concentration ranging from 5 to 20 mg/L. The optimal conditions for MB dye removal were determined using response surface methodology (RSM). A scavenger study of the composite was conducted and verified that •O2- and •OH radicals play an important role in the degradation process. This investigation addressed the process of adsorption and potential removal pathways, with a particular emphasis on the role of functional groups. The environmentally friendly CuO/MK30 nanocomposites exhibited potential as photocatalysts for efficiently absorbing and degrading MB dye and TC drug pollutants. They represent promising candidates for the treatment of industrial wastewater, aiming to mitigate the environmental threats posed by organic pollutants.

Interfacial charge transfer of Carrisa edulis fruit extract capped Co3O4 nanoparticles on the surface of MK30: An efficient photocatalytic removal of methylthioninium chloride and tetracycline organic pollutants.

The in-depth usage of organic pollutants by pharmaceutical industries constitutes a major contaminant to the bodies of water due to their solubility, great mobility, ability to get attached to water bodies for a long period of time, and low biodegradability. Due to these, it may further cause disease and change the ecosystem of aqueous and other living organisms. Accordingly, effective removal of organic contaminants from waste water is a vital step in reducing the hazards. Photocatalysis is a potential technique for removing hazardous organic pollutants from wastewater. In this work, a simple ultra-sonication assisted approach, a series of Carrisa edulis fruit extract capped Co3O4 nanoparticles decorated on Montmorillonite K30 nanosheets (Co3O4/MK30) were prepared. The inherent physicochemical appearance and optical properties of as-prepared nanomaterials were investigated using a variety of analytical techniques. TEM analysis depicted the spherical shape of the Co3O4 NPs with the size of 11.25 nm. The degradation of methylthioninium chloride as a dye and tetracycline drug pollutants has been investigated in this study using individual and simultaneous photocatalysis systems in the presence of pure Co3O4 NPs and different ratios of Co3O4/MK30 nanocomposites. Owing to the generation of OH and O2 radicals, the 20% loaded Co3O4 on MK30 had the best photocatalytic performance of methylthioninium chloride (98.12%) and tetracycline degradation (87.4%), on exposing it to visible light. This research introduces a new design for MK30-based nanomaterials and proposes its use in environmental challenges.

Biological aspects of nitrogen heterocycles for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, cumulative neurological deteriorating disease that disturbs the neurons (nerve cells) that control voluntary muscle movement (those muscles we choose to move). Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs such as Radicava, Rilutek, Tiglutik, Exservan, and Nuedexta to treat ALS. Given the wide range of pharmaceutical applications of heterocyclic compounds, especially those containing the nitrogen ring systems such as pyridine, pyrimidine, and indole. These molecular frameworks have piqued the interest of medicinal chemists for further investigation in a variety of diseases. We have found several review works done on this research topic. Until now, no reviews published on the nitrogen heterocycles for treating ALS. This review examines the major causes of ALS, a brief history of medications that have been used to treat it so far, and the most recent breakthroughs in nitrogen ring systems for treating ALS. The novelty of this study provides insights on several effective synthetic techniques for nitrogen-based heterocyclic medications that operate as potent anti-inflammatory treatments and guard against ALS. KEY POINTS: • Pharmacological activity of heterocyclic compounds. • Neurodegenerative diseases and their drawbacks are discussed in detail. • Recent survey of nitrogen heterocycles in treating ALS disease are highlighted.

Bioactivity Guided Study for the Isolation and Identification of Antidiabetic Compounds from Edible Seaweed-Ulva reticulata.

Managing diabetes is challenging due to the complex physiology of the disease and the numerous complications associated with it. As part of the ongoing search for antidiabetic chemicals, marine algae have been demonstrated to be an excellent source due to their medicinal properties. In this study, Ulva reticulata extracts were investigated for their anti-diabetic effect by examining its inhibitory effects on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and DPP-IV and antioxidant (DPPH) potential in vitro and its purified fraction using animal models. Among the various solvents used, the Methanolic extract of Ulva reticulata (MEUR) displayed the highest antidiabetic activity in both in vitro and in vivo; it showed no cytotoxicity and hence was subjected to bioassay-guided chromatographic separation. Among the seven isolated fractions (F1 to F7), the F4 (chloroform) fraction exhibited substantial total phenolic content (65.19 µg mL-1) and total flavonoid content (20.33 µg mL-1), which showed the promising inhibition against α-amylase (71.67%) and α-glucosidase (38.01%). Active fraction (F4) was further purified using column chromatography, subjected to thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and characterized by spectroscopy techniques. Upon structural elucidation, five distinct compounds, namely, Nonane, Hexadecanoic acid, 1-dodecanol, Cyclodecane methyl, and phenol, phenol, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) were identified. The antidiabetic mechanism of active fraction (F4) was further investigated using various in vitro and in vivo models. The results displayed that in in vitro both 1 and 24 h in vitro cultures, the active fraction (F4) at a concentration of 100 µg mL-1 demonstrated maximum glucose-induced insulin secretion at 4 mM (0.357 and 0.582 µg mL-1) and 20 mM (0.848 and 1.032 µg mL-1). The active fraction (F4) reduces blood glucose levels in normoglycaemic animals and produces effects similar to that of standard acarbose. Active fraction (F4) also demonstrated outstanding hypoglycaemic activity in hyperglycemic animals at a dose of 10 mg/kg B.wt. In the STZ-induced diabetic rat model, the active fraction (F4) showed a (61%) reduction in blood glucose level when compared to the standard drug glibenclamide (68%). The results indicate that the marine algae Ulva reticulata is a promising candidate for managing diabetes by inhibiting carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes and promoting insulin secretion.

Montmorillonite clay-based heterogenous catalyst for the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycle organic moieties: a review.

The use of montmorillonite clay as solid catalyst has grabbed much attention in the liquid phase reactions for organic synthesis. In recent years, there has been a lot of interest in organic synthesis using montmorillonite-based composites, especially in the synthesis of heterogeneous nanoparticles. Due to the robust and green nature of montmorillonite-based nanocatalysts, it has been widely used in N-heterocyclic reactions. In this review, we have concentrated on the reports pertaining the use of montmorillonite-based nanocatalyst in the synthesis of N-heterocycles, a category of organic compounds with excellent biological properties. This manuscript is arranged by the types of N-containing heterocycles synthesized using montmorillonite-based composite as catalysts including polycyclic spirooxindoles, heterocyclic propargylamine, indole-based heterocycles, quinoline and its derivatives, six-membered N-heterocyclic-based compounds and five-membered N-heterocyclic-based compounds. Special attention was given to the structural stability under experimental parameters of the montmorillonite-based composite with the incidence of metal leaching and reusability. Finally, along with recent developments, new findings in heterogeneous montmorillonite (Mt)-based catalysis have also been addressed.

Biotechnological aspects of ZnO nanoparticles: overview on synthesis and its applications.

The physicochemical methods of the synthesis of zinc nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and some detailed studies on ZnO toxicity mechanism and biokinetics have been reported. However, some of these physical and chemical methods of synthesis are expensive and can also have toxic substances absorbed onto them. Hence, eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles due to their easier process, cheaper availability, and high stability is dominating new research. In particular, ZnO NPs which are now being synthesized through major biological systems involved in this are bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts; this has increased studies in various applications in the biological field. In this review, we have elaborated on various natural source-mediated syntheses of ZnO NPs and their role in various biological activities like antimicrobial, anticandidal, larvicidal, cytotoxic, and photocatalytic activities. Apart from these applications, ZnO NPs are also reported to help to prevent dust formation, for several years, on oil paintings.

Synthesis and characterization of palladium nanoparticles using Catharanthus roseus leaf extract and its application in the photo-catalytic degradation.

The potential effect of Catharanthus roseus leaf extract for the formation of palladium nanoparticles and its application on dye degradation was discussed. The efficiency of C.roseus leaves are used as a bio-material for the first time as reducing agent. Synthesized palladium nanoparticles were supported by UV-vis spectrometry, XRD, FT-IR and TEM analysis. The secondary metabolites which are responsible for the formation of nanoparticles were identified by GC-MS. The results showed that effect of time was directly related to synthesized nanoparticles and functional groups has a critical role in reducing the metal ions and stabilizing the palladium nanoparticles in an eco-friendly process.

Biogenic-production of SnO2 nanoparticles and its cytotoxic effect against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2).

In this paper, we have established for the first time, the terrific efficiency of aqueous extract of agricultural waste dried peel of sugar apple (Annona squamosa) in the rapid synthesis of stable SnO2 nanoparticles. In topical years, the deployment of secondary metabolites from plant extract has emerged as a novel technology for the synthesis of various nanoparticles. In this paper, we have studied the potential of SnO2 nanoparticles assembly using agricultural waste source for the first time. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized and confirmed as SnO2 nanoparticles by using UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, and TEM analysis. The motivation of this study was to examine cytotoxicity study of SnO2 nanoparticles against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). SnO2 nanoparticles inhibited the cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 148 µg/mL. The treated cells showed an altered morphology with increasing concentrations of SnO2 nanoparticles. Our result shows that the SnO2 nanoparticles exhibit moderate cytotoxicity towards the hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) at tested concentrations.

Acaricidal, insecticidal, and larvicidal efficacy of fruit peel aqueous extract of Annona squamosa and its compounds against blood-feeding parasites.

Plant products may be alternative sources of parasitic control agents, since they constitute a rich source of bioactive compounds that are eco-friendly and nontoxic products. The plant extracts are good and safe alternatives due to their low toxicity to mammals and easy biodegradability. In the present study, fruit peel aqueous extract of Annona squamosa (Annonaceae) extracted by immersion method exhibited adulticidal activity against Haemaphysalis bispinosa (Acarina: Ixodidae) and the hematophagous fly, Hippobosca maculata (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), and larvicidal activity against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae), Anopheles subpictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae). The chemical composition of A. squamosa fruit peel aqueous extract was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major chemical constituent of peel aqueous extract of A. squamosa was identified as 1H- cycloprop[e]azulen-7-ol decahydro-1,1,7-trimethyl-4-methylene-[1ar-(1aα,4aα, 7ß, 7 a, ß, 7bα)] (28.55%) by comparison of mass spectral data and retention times. The other major constituents present in the aqueous extract were retinal 9-cis- (12.61%), 3,17-dioxo-4-androsten-11alpha-yl hydrogen succinate (6.86%), 1-naphthalenepentanol decahydro-5-(hydroxymethyl)-5,8a-dimethyl-y,2-bis(methylene)-(1α,4aß,5α,8aα) (14.83%), 1-naphthalenemethanol decahydro -5-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-pentenyl)- 1,4a-di methyl - 6-methylene -(1S-[1α, 4aα, 5α(E), 8aß] (4.44%), (-)-spathulenol (20.75%), podocarp-7-en-3-one13ß-methyl-13-vinyl- (5.98%), and 1-phenanthrene carboxaldehyde 7-ethenyl-1,2,3,4,4a,4,5,6,7,9,10,10a-dodecahydro-1,4a,7-trimethyl-[1R-(1α,4aß.4bα,7ß, 10aα)]-(5.98%). The adult and larval parasitic mortalities observed in fruit peel aqueous extract of A. squamosa were 31, 59, 80, 91, and100%; 27, 42, 66, 87, and 100%; and 33, 45, 68, 92, and 100% at the concentrations of 250, 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 ppm, respectively, against Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Hippobosca maculata, and R. microplus. The observed larvicidal efficacies were 36, 55, 72, 92, 100% and 14, 34, 68, 89, and 100% at 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 ppm, respectively, against A. subpictus and C. quinquefasciatus. The highest parasite mortality was found after 24 h of exposure against Haemaphysalis bispinosa (LC(50) = 404.51 ppm, r (2) = 0.890), Hippobosca maculata (LC(50) = 600.75 ppm, r (2) = 0.983), the larvae of R. microplus (LC(50) = 548.28 ppm, r (2) = 0.975), fourth-instar larvae of A. subpictus (LC(50) = 327.27 pm, r (2) = 0.970), and C. quinquefasciatus (LC(50) = 456.29 ppm, r (2) = 0.974), respectively. The control (distilled water) showed nil mortality in the concurrent assay. The χ (2) values were significant at p < 0.05 level. Therefore, the eco-friendly and biodegradable compounds from fruit peel aqueous extract of A. squamosa may be an alternative to conventional synthetic chemicals, particularly in integrated approach for the control of Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Hippobosca maculata, R. microplus, and the medically important vectors A. subpictus and C. quinquefasciatus.