[Enhanced Phytoextraction of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Soils Using Sedum alfredii Hance with Biodegradable Chelate GLDA].

PubMed

Wei, Ze-bin; Chen, Xiao-hong; Wu, Qi-tang; Tan, Meng

2015-05-01

Chemically enhanced phytoextraction by hyperaccumulator has been proposed as an effective approach to remove heavy metals from contaminated soil. Pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of application of the biodegradable chelate GLDA (L glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid) at different doses or the combination of GLDA with EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) or CIT (citric acid) on the uptake of Cd, Zn and Pb by Sedum alfredii Hance (a Zn and Cd hyperaccumulator). Experimental results showed that GLDA addition to soil significantly increased the concentrations of Cd and Zn in Sedum alfredii Hance and its Cd and Zn phytoextraction compared to the control. Additionally, GLDA at 2.5 mmol · kg(-1) resulted in the highest phytoextraction, being 2.5 and 2.6 folds of the control for Cd and Zn, respectively. However, the combined application of GLDA + EDTA (1:1) and GLDA + CIT (1 :1 and 1:3) at a total dose of 5 mmol · kg(-1) did not increase the phytoextraction of Zn and Cd, compared to the GLDA only treatment. Therefore, the biodegradable chelate GLDA could be regarded as a good chelate candidate for the phytoextraction of heavy metals of heavy metals from contaminated soils, particularly for Cd and Zn contaminated soils.

Preparation and Application of LDPE/ZnO Nanocomposites for Extending Shelf Life of Fresh Strawberries

PubMed Central

Mohammadizadeh, Mehri

2015-01-01

Summary Strawberries have a very short post-harvest life mostly due to their relatively high water content, intense metabolic activity and susceptibility to microbial rot. Antimicrobial low-density polyethylene nanocomposite films containing ZnO nanoparticles at different mass fractions were prepared by melt mixing and followed by compression moulding using a hot press machine. Fresh strawberries were packed in nanocomposite films and stored at 4 °C. Their microbial stability, ascorbic acid content and titratable acidity were evaluated after 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 days of storage. Microbial growth rate was significantly reduced up to 16 days as a result of the use of nanocomposite packaging material containing ZnO nanoparticles. By increasing the ZnO nanoparticle mass fraction to 5%, the antimicrobial activity of the film increased. All packages containing the ZnO nanoparticles kept the microbial load of fresh strawberries below the level that affects shelf life (5 log CFU/g) up to 16 days. The lowest degradation of ascorbic acid content (6.55 mg per 100 g), and loss of acidity (0.68%) were observed in packages containing 3% of ZnO nanoparticles with 10% polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride. PMID:27904384

Preparation and Application of LDPE/ZnO Nanocomposites for Extending Shelf Life of Fresh Strawberries.

PubMed

Emamifar, Aryou; Mohammadizadeh, Mehri

2015-12-01

Strawberries have a very short post-harvest life mostly due to their relatively high water content, intense metabolic activity and susceptibility to microbial rot. Antimicrobial low-density polyethylene nanocomposite films containing ZnO nanoparticles at different mass fractions were prepared by melt mixing and followed by compression moulding using a hot press machine. Fresh strawberries were packed in nanocomposite films and stored at 4 °C. Their microbial stability, ascorbic acid content and titratable acidity were evaluated after 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 days of storage. Microbial growth rate was significantly reduced up to 16 days as a result of the use of nanocomposite packaging material containing ZnO nanoparticles. By increasing the ZnO nanoparticle mass fraction to 5%, the antimicrobial activity of the film increased. All packages containing the ZnO nanoparticles kept the microbial load of fresh strawberries below the level that affects shelf life (5 log CFU/g) up to 16 days. The lowest degradation of ascorbic acid content (6.55 mg per 100 g), and loss of acidity (0.68%) were observed in packages containing 3% of ZnO nanoparticles with 10% polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride.

Electron mobility enhancement in ZnO thin films via surface modification by carboxylic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spalenka, Josef W.; Gopalan, Padma; Katz, Howard E.; Evans, Paul G.

2013-01-01

Modifying the surface of polycrystalline ZnO films using a monolayer of organic molecules with carboxylic acid attachment groups increases the field-effect electron mobility and zero-bias conductivity, resulting in improved transistors and transparent conductors. The improvement is consistent with the passivation of defects via covalent bonding of the carboxylic acid and is reversible by exposure to a UV-ozone lamp. The properties of the solvent used for the attachment are crucial because solvents with high acid dissociation constants (Ka) for carboxylic acids lead to high proton activities and etching of the nanometers-thick ZnO films, masking the electronic effect.

Direct and selective immobilization of proteins by means of an inorganic material-binding peptide: discussion on functionalization in the elongation to material-binding peptide.

PubMed

Yokoo, Nozomi; Togashi, Takanari; Umetsu, Mitsuo; Tsumoto, Kouhei; Hattori, Takamitsu; Nakanishi, Takeshi; Ohara, Satoshi; Takami, Seiichi; Naka, Takashi; Abe, Hiroya; Kumagai, Izumi; Adschiri, Tadafumi

2010-01-14

Using an artificial peptide library, we have identified a peptide with affinity for ZnO materials that could be used to selectively accumulate ZnO particles on polypropylene-gold plates. In this study, we fused recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) with this ZnO-binding peptide (ZnOBP) and then selectively immobilized the fused protein on ZnO particles. We determined an appropriate condition for selective immobilization of recombinant GFP, and the ZnO-binding function of ZnOBP-fused GFP was examined by elongating the ZnOBP tag from a single amino acid to the intact sequence. The fusion of ZnOBP with GFP enabled specific adsorption of GFP on ZnO substrates in an appropriate solution, and thermodynamic studies showed a predominantly enthalpy-dependent electrostatic interaction between ZnOBP and the ZnO surface. The ZnOBP's binding affinity for the ZnO surface increased first in terms of material selectivity and then in terms of high affinity as the GFP-fused peptide was elongated from a single amino acid to intact ZnOBP. We concluded that the enthalpy-dependent interaction between ZnOBP and ZnO was influenced by the presence of not only charged amino acids but also their surrounding residues in the ZnOBP sequence.

Tuning the Band Bending and Controlling the Surface Reactivity at Polar and Nonpolar Surfaces of ZnO through Phosphonic Acid Binding.

PubMed

McNeill, Alexandra R; Hyndman, Adam R; Reeves, Roger J; Downard, Alison J; Allen, Martin W

2016-11-16

ZnO is a prime candidate for future use in transparent electronics; however, development of practical materials requires attention to factors including control of its unusual surface band bending and surface reactivity. In this work, we have modified the O-polar (0001̅), Zn-polar (0001), and m-plane (101̅0) surfaces of ZnO with phosphonic acid (PA) derivatives and measured the effect on the surface band bending and surface sensitivity to atmospheric oxygen. Core level and valence band synchrotron X-ray photoemission spectroscopy was used to measure the surface band bending introduced by PA modifiers with substituents of opposite polarity dipole moment: octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) and 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctylphosphonic acid (F 13 OPA). Both PAs act as surface electron donors, increasing the downward band bending and the strength of the two-dimensional surface electron accumulation layer on all of the ZnO surfaces investigated. On the O-polar (0001̅) and m-plane (101̅0) surfaces, the ODPA modifier produced the largest increase in downward band bending relative to the hydroxyl-terminated unmodified surface of 0.55 and 0.35 eV, respectively. On the Zn-polar (0001) face, the F 13 OPA modifier gave the largest increase (by 0.50 eV) producing a total downward band bending of 1.00 eV, representing ∼30% of the ZnO band gap. Ultraviolet (UV) photoinduced surface wettability and photoconductivity measurements demonstrated that the PA modifiers are effective at decreasing the sensitivity of the surface toward atmospheric oxygen. Modification with PA derivatives produced a large increase in the persistence of UV-induced photoconductivity and a large reduction in UV-induced changes in surface wettability.

[The gastric mucosal adhesiveness of Z-103 in rats with chronic ulcer].

PubMed

Seiki, M; Aita, H; Mera, Y; Arai, K; Toyama, S; Furuta, S; Morita, H; Hori, Y; Yoneta, T; Tagashira, E

1992-04-01

The gastric mucosal adhesiveness of Z-103 in rats with acetic acid ulcer was studied macroscopically, histologically, and biochemically. From macroscopical observations, when Z-103 was orally administered to an acetic acid ulcer model, there was adhesion of Zn to the normal mucosa as well as the ulcerous site under both the fasting condition and after feeding. It was also proven that the strength and duration of adhesiveness were increased dose-dependently under fasting conditions. In addition, histological localization of Zn was noted from the covering epithelial cell layer to the gastric lamina propria mucosae in the normal tissue and in the most superficial ulcerous layer and the granulous layer of the ulcerous site. Measurement of the gastric tissue Zn content after oral administration of 100 mg/kg of Zn showed that the Zn content was significantly increased for 6 hr at the normal site and for 24 hr at the ulcerous site. On the other hand, although ZnSO4 and ZnSO4+carnosine combination macroscopically produced generally the same level of adhesiveness as Z-103, when the gastric tissue Zn content for Z-103 and ZnSO4 were compared, the Zn content of ZnSO4 was lower than that for Z-103 at both the normal and ulcerous site. In summary, Z-103 shows a long-term adhesive and permeable action on the gastric mucosa in acetic acid ulcer rats, and it has a comparable high affinity at the ulcerous site.

Phytohormone profile in Lactuca sativa and Brassica oleracea plants grown under Zn deficiency.

PubMed

Navarro-León, Eloy; Albacete, Alfonso; Torre-González, Alejandro de la; Ruiz, Juan M; Blasco, Begoña

2016-10-01

Phytohormones, structurally diverse compounds, are involved in multiple processes within plants, such as controlling plant growth and stress response. Zn is an essential micronutrient for plants and its deficiency causes large economic losses in crops. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyse the role of phytohormones in the Zn-deficiency response of two economically important species, i.e. Lactuca sativa and Brassica oleracea. For this, these two species were grown hydroponically with different Zn-application rates: 10 μM Zn as control and 0.1 μM Zn as deficiency treatment and phytohormone concentration was determined by U-HPLC-MS. Zn deficiency resulted in a substantial loss of biomass in L. sativa plants that was correlated with a decline in growth-promoting hormones such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), cytokinins (CKs), and gibberellins (GAs). However these hormones increased or stabilized their concentrations in B. oleracea and could help to maintain the biomass in this species. A lower concentration of stress-signaling hormones such as ethylene precursor aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) and also CKs might be involved in Zn uptake in L. sativa while a rise in GA4, isopentenyl adenine (iP), and ACC and a fall in JA and SA might contribute to a better Zn-utilization efficiency (ZnUtE), as observed in B. oleracea plants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Zn-biofortification enhanced nitrogen metabolism and photorespiration process in green leafy vegetable Lactuca sativa L.

PubMed

Barrameda-Medina, Yurena; Lentini, Marco; Esposito, Sergio; Ruiz, Juan M; Blasco, Begoña

2017-04-01

Excessive rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizers may result in elevated concentrations of nitrate (NO 3 - ) in plants. Considering that many programs of biofortification with trace elements are being performed, it has become important to study how the application of these elements affects plant physiology and, particularly, N utilization in leaf crops. The main objective of the present study was to determine whether the NO 3 - accumulation and the nitrogen use efficiency was affected by the application of different doses of Zn in Lactuca sativa plants. Zn doses in the range 80-100 µmol L -1 produced an increase in Zn concentration provoking a decrease of NO 3 - concentration and increase of the nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, as well as the photorespiration processes. As result, we observed an increase in reduced N, total N concentration and N utilization efficiency. Consequently, at a dose of 80 µmol L -1 of Zn, the amino acid concentration increased significantly. Adequate Zn fertilization is an important critical player in lettuce, especially at a dose of 80 µmol L -1 of Zn, because it could result in an increase in the Zn concentration, a reduction of NO 3 - levels and an increase the concentration of essential amino acids, with all of them having beneficial properties for the human diet. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Zinc transformations in acidic soil and zinc efficiency on maize by adding six organic zinc complexes.

PubMed

López-Valdivia, L M; Fernández, M D; Obrador, A; Alvarez, J M

2002-03-13

Experiments under laboratory and greenhouse conditions were conducted to study the response of maize (Zea mays L.) to Zn fertilizer applications (Zn-phenolate, Zn-EDDHA, Zn-EDTA, Zn-lignosulfonate, Zn-polyflavonoid, and Zn-heptagluconate) in an Aquic Haploxeralf soil. The application of Zn complexes significantly increased Zn uptake by the plant compared with that in the control soil. The highest enhancements were obtained in soil treated with Zn-EDTA, Zn-lignosulfonate, and Zn-EDDHA. The highest percentages of Zn taken up by the plants occurred when 20 mg x kg(-1) Zn was applied as Zn-EDTA fertilizer and 10 mg x kg(-1) as Zn-lignosulfonate fertilizer. In the greenhouse experiment, Zn speciation in soil after harvesting showed that almost all Zn was found in the residual fraction followed by metal in the water-soluble plus exchangeable fraction and metal bound to organic matter. The most effective fertilizers maintaining Zn in the most labile fractions were Zn-phenolate, Zn-EDTA, and Zn-lignosulfonate. Conversely, in the incubation experiment, only a small percentage of Zn was found in the water-soluble plus exchangeable fraction and no differences in the Zn distribution were observed between the different fertilizer treatments. The micronutrient content in maize was positively correlated with the water-soluble plus exchangeable Zn as well as with the available Zn determined by the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and Mehlich-3 methods, in the greenhouse experiment. Results of this study showed that the incubation experiment in acidic soil is not a suitable tool to establish the different effectiveness of Zn chelates in plants.

Advanced zirconia-coated carbonyl-iron particles for acidic magnetorheological finishing of chemical-vapor-deposited ZnS and other IR materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salzman, S.; Giannechini, L. J.; Romanofsky, H. J.; Golini, N.; Taylor, B.; Jacobs, S. D.; Lambropoulos, J. C.

2015-10-01

We present a modified version of zirconia-coated carbonyl-iron (CI) particles that were invented at the University of Rochester in 2008. The amount of zirconia on the coating is increased to further protect the iron particles from corrosion when introduced to an acidic environment. Five low-pH, magnetorheological (MR) fluids were made with five acids: acetic, hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, and hydrofluoric. All fluids were based on the modified zirconia-coated CI particles. Off-line viscosity and pH stability were measured for all acidic MR fluids to determine the ideal fluid composition for acidic MR finishing of chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) zinc sulfide (ZnS) and other infrared (IR) optical materials, such as hot-isostatic-pressed (HIP) ZnS, CVD zinc selenide (ZnSe), and magnesium fluoride (MgF2). Results show significant reduction in surface artifacts (millimeter-size, pebble-like structures on the finished surface) for several standard-grade CVD ZnS substrates and good surface roughness for the non-CVD MgF2 substrate when MR finished with our advanced acidic MR fluid.

Zn uptake, physiological response and stress attenuation in mycorrhizal jack bean growing in soil with increasing Zn concentrations.

PubMed

Andrade, Sara A L; Gratão, Priscila L; Schiavinato, Marlene A; Silveira, Adriana P D; Azevedo, Ricardo A; Mazzafera, Paulo

2009-06-01

The influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on Canavalia ensiformis growth, nutrient and Zn uptake, and on some physiological parameters in response to increasing soil Zn concentrations was studied. Treatments were applied in seven replicates in a 2 x 4 factorial design, consisting of the inoculation or not with the AMF Glomus etunicatum, and the addition of Zn to soil at the concentrations of 0, 100, 300 and 900 mg kg(-1). AMF inoculation enhanced the accumulation of Zn in tissues and promoted biomass yields and root nodulation. Mycorrhizal plants exhibited relative tolerance to Zn up to 300 mg kg(-1) without exhibiting visual symptoms of toxicity, in contrast to non-mycorrhizal plants which exhibited a significant growth reduction at the same soil Zn concentration. The highest concentration of Zn added to soil was highly toxic to the plants. Leaves of plants grown in high Zn concentration exhibited a Zn-induced proline accumulation and also an increase in soluble amino acid contents; however proline contents were lower in mycorrhizal jack beans. Plants in association or not with the AMF exhibited marked differences in the foliar soluble amino acid profile and composition in response to Zn addition to soil. In general, Zn induced oxidative stress which could be verified by increased lipid peroxidation rates and changes in catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase activities. In summary, G. etunicatum was able to maintain an efficient symbiosis with jack bean plants in moderately contaminated Zn-soils, improving plant performance under those conditions, which is likely to be due to a combination of physiological and nutritional changes caused by the intimate relation between fungus and plant. The enhanced Zn uptake by AMF inoculated jack bean plants might be of interest for phytoremediation purposes.

Enterobacter asburiae KE17 association regulates physiological changes and mitigates the toxic effects of heavy metals in soybean.

PubMed

Kang, S-M; Radhakrishnan, R; You, Y-H; Khan, A-L; Lee, K-E; Lee, J-D; Lee, I-J

2015-09-01

This study aimed to elucidate the role played by Enterobacter asburiae KE17 in the growth and metabolism of soybeans during copper (100 μm Cu) and zinc (100 μm Zn) toxicity. When compared to controls, plants grown under Cu and Zn stress exhibited significantly lower growth rates, but inoculation with E. asburiae KE17 increased growth rates of stressed plants. The concentrations of plant hormones (abscisic acid and salicylic acid) and rates of lipid peroxidation were higher in plants under heavy metal stress, while total chlorophyll, carotenoid content and total polyphenol concentration were lower. While the bacterial treatment reduced the abscisic acid and salicylic acid content and lipid peroxidation rate of Cu-stressed plants, it also increased the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and total polyphenol. Moreover, the heavy metals induced increased accumulation of free amino acids such as aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glycine, alanine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline and gamma-aminobutyric acid, while E. asburiae KE17 significantly reduced concentrations of free amino acids in metal-affected plants. Co-treatment with E. asburiae KE17 regulated nutrient uptake by enhancing nitrogen content and inhibiting Cu and Zn accumulation in soybean plants. The results of this study suggest that E. asburiae KE17 mitigates the effects of Cu and Zn stress by reprogramming plant metabolic processes. © 2015 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

Effect of organic matter on cyanide removal by illuminated titanium dioxide or zinc oxide nanoparticles

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Effect of different type of organic compounds (humic acid, oxalate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, phenol) on the photocatalytic removal of cyanide with TiO2 or ZnO was studied in this work with variation of the solution pH, contact time, initial cyanide concentration and type of organic compounds. Photocatalytic oxidation efficiency of cyanide with TiO2 was greatly affected by the solution pH. It increased as the solution pH decreased. Also maximum removal of cyanide by ZnO was observed near at neutral pH because of the reduced photocatalytic activity of ZnO at exceedingly low and high pH values originated from either acidic/photochemical corrosion of the catalyst and/or surface passivation with Zn(OH)2. Removal efficiency of cyanide greatly decreased in the presence of humic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid compared to that without presence of organic compound because of the competitive oxidation as well as surface blocking by relatively large organic compounds. The oxidation pattern of cyanide was better described by first-order kinetic model. Finally photocatalytic reaction with TiO2 or ZnO can be effectively applied to treat synthetic wastewater contaminated with cyanide. PMID:24499704

Structural Identification of Zn xZr yO z Catalysts for Cascade Aldolization and Self-Deoxygenation Reactions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baylon, Rebecca A. L.; Sun, Junming; Kovarik, Libor

Here, complementary characterizations, such as nitrogen sorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), visible Raman, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with elemental mapping, NH 3/CO 2 temperature programmed desorption (NH 3/CO 2-TPD), infrared spectroscopic analysis of adsorbed pyridine (Py-IR), and CO 2-IR, have been employed to identify the structure and surface chemistry (i.e., acid-base) of mixed Zn xZr yO z oxide catalysts of varied ratios of Zn/Zr. Atomically dispersed Zn 2+ species are present in the framework within a thin surface shell (1.5-2.0 nm) of ZrO 2 particles when the Zn/Zr ratio is smaller than 1/10; when the ratio is above this, both atomically dispersed Zn 2+ and ZnO clusters coexist in mixed Zn xZr yO z oxide catalysts. The presence of ZnO clusters shows no significant side effect but only a slight increase of selectivity to CO 2, caused by steam reforming. The incorporation of atomic Zn 2+ into the ZrO 2 framework was found to not only passivate strong Lewis acid sites (i.e., Zr-O-Zr) on ZrO 2, but to also generate new Lewis acid-base site pairs with enhanced Lewis basicity on the bridged O (i.e., Zr—omore » $$\\curvearrowleft\\atop{e\\atop—}$$Zn). In the mixed ketone (i.e., acetone and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)) reactions, while the passivation of strong acid sites can be correlated to the inhibition of side reactions, such as ketone decomposition and coking, the new Lewis acid-base pairs introduced enhance the cascade aldolization and self-deoxygenation reactions involved in olefin (C 3 =-C 6 =) production. More importantly, the surface acid-base properties change with varying Zn/Zr ratios, which in turn affect the cross- and self-condensation reactivity and subsequent distribution of olefins.« less

Structural Identification of Zn xZr yO z Catalysts for Cascade Aldolization and Self-Deoxygenation Reactions

DOE PAGES

Baylon, Rebecca A. L.; Sun, Junming; Kovarik, Libor; ...

2018-04-22

Here, complementary characterizations, such as nitrogen sorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), visible Raman, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with elemental mapping, NH 3/CO 2 temperature programmed desorption (NH 3/CO 2-TPD), infrared spectroscopic analysis of adsorbed pyridine (Py-IR), and CO 2-IR, have been employed to identify the structure and surface chemistry (i.e., acid-base) of mixed Zn xZr yO z oxide catalysts of varied ratios of Zn/Zr. Atomically dispersed Zn 2+ species are present in the framework within a thin surface shell (1.5-2.0 nm) of ZrO 2 particles when the Zn/Zr ratio is smaller than 1/10; when the ratio is above this, both atomically dispersed Zn 2+ and ZnO clusters coexist in mixed Zn xZr yO z oxide catalysts. The presence of ZnO clusters shows no significant side effect but only a slight increase of selectivity to CO 2, caused by steam reforming. The incorporation of atomic Zn 2+ into the ZrO 2 framework was found to not only passivate strong Lewis acid sites (i.e., Zr-O-Zr) on ZrO 2, but to also generate new Lewis acid-base site pairs with enhanced Lewis basicity on the bridged O (i.e., Zr—omore » $$\\curvearrowleft\\atop{e\\atop—}$$Zn). In the mixed ketone (i.e., acetone and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)) reactions, while the passivation of strong acid sites can be correlated to the inhibition of side reactions, such as ketone decomposition and coking, the new Lewis acid-base pairs introduced enhance the cascade aldolization and self-deoxygenation reactions involved in olefin (C 3 =-C 6 =) production. More importantly, the surface acid-base properties change with varying Zn/Zr ratios, which in turn affect the cross- and self-condensation reactivity and subsequent distribution of olefins.« less

Synthesis of ZnS films on Si(100) wafers by using chemical bath deposition assisted by the complexing agent ethylenediamine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, He-Jie; Wang, Xue-Mei; Gao, Xiao-Yong

2015-07-01

Low-cost synthesis of high-quality ZnS films on silicon wafers is of much importance to the ZnSbased heterojunction blue light-emitting device integrated with silicon. Thus, a series of ZnS films were chemically synthesized at low cost on Si(100) wafers at 353 K under a mixed acidic solution with a pH of 4 with zinc acetate and thioacetamide as precursors and with ethylenediamine and hydrochloric acid as the complexing agent and the pH value modifier, respectively. The effects of the ethylenediamine concentration on the crystallization, surface morphology, and optical properties of the ZnS films were investigated by using X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, spectrophotometry, and fluorescence spectroscopy. A mechanism for the formation of ZnS film under an acidic condition was also proposed. All of the ZnS films were polycrystalline in nature, with a dominant cubic phase and a small amounts of hexagonal phases. The crystallization and the surface pattern of the films were clearly improved with increasing ethylenediamine concentration due to its enhanced complexing role. The absorption edge of the films almost underwent a blue shift with increasing ethylenediamine concentration, which was largely attributed to the quantum confinement effects caused by the small particle size of the polycrystalline ZnS films. Defect species and the corresponding strengths of the ZnS films were strongly affected by the ethylenediamine concentration.

Influence of humic acid on the stability and bacterial toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles in water.

PubMed

Akhil, K; Chandran, Preethy; Sudheer Khan, S

2015-12-01

The present study investigated the stability of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by the adsorption of humic acid (HA) and the mechanism of adsorption. The effect of humic acid on NP toxicity was determined by Escherichia coli (ATCC 13534), E. coli (ATCC 25922), and Pseudomonas putida (MTCC 4910). The nanoparticles showed low zeta potential and were least stable in the absence of HA. However, the negative surface charge of the particles increased in the presence of HA (0-50mg/L) that reduced the propensity of nanoparticles to aggregate in water. A decrease in absorbance of ZnO NPs at 375 nm (plasmon peak) was noted in the presence of HA by UV-visible spectrophotometric analysis. A blue shift towards 370 nm was noted when the concentration of HA was above 20mg/L. The HA adsorbed ZnO NPs showed higher zeta potential (>-30 mV) and were highly stable. HA reduced the photocatalytic activity of ZnO and at the same time increased the photostability of ZnO. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of increasing supplementation of zinc-amino acid complex on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and inflammatory response of beef cattle fed ractopamine hydrochloride.

PubMed

Genther-Schroeder, O N; Branine, M E; Hansen, S L

2016-08-01

Forty-two Angus crossbred steers (380 ± 5.3 kg) were enrolled in a finishing study to evaluate the influence of a supplemental Zn amino-acid complex (ZnAA; Availa-Zn) on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing steers in combination with ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC). Steers were stratified by BW into 7 pens of 6 steers each, and individual feed intake was measured. Steers were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments for 86 d (pre-RAC period): a dry-rolled corn-based diet supplemented with 60 mg Zn/kg DM from ZnSO and no supplemental ZnAA (CON; analyzed 88 mg Zn/kg DM; = 6) or CON diet supplemented with 30 (Zn30; = 12), 60 (Zn60; = 12), or 90 (Zn90; = 11) mg Zn/kg DM from ZnAA. Day 86 BW and G:F displayed a quadratic tendency ( = 0.09) with Zn60 steers being greater than the other treatments. Plasma cyclic adenosine monophosphate tended to linearly increase with increasing ZnAA ( = 0.10). On d 88, 6 of 12 steers (one of the 2 pens) receiving supplemental ZnAA was randomly selected to be supplemented with RAC at 300 mg∙steer∙d for the final 28 d of the experiment (RAC period). This created 7 final treatments: CON: no supplemental ZnAA, no RAC ( = 5); Zn30: Zn30, no RAC ( = 5); Zn30R: Zn30 + RAC ( = 6); Zn60: Zn60, no RAC ( = 6); Zn60R: Zn60 + RAC ( = 6); Zn90: Zn90, no RAC ( = 5); and Zn90R: Zn90 + RAC ( = 6). During the RAC period, as supplemental ZnAA increased within RAC-supplemented treatments, there was a linear increase in final BW, ADG, and G:F ( < 0.05). However, there was no effect of supplemental ZnAA on BW, ADG, or G:F during this period in non-RAC fed steers ( ≥ 0.44). Day 111 plasma Cu was increased, plasma Fe decreased, and leukocyte counts and serum interleukin-8 concentrations were greater ( < 0.05) in RAC-fed steers suggesting that RAC may elicit a mild inflammatory response. There was a tendency for increasing Zn supplementation to decrease plasma haptoglobin within RAC-fed steers ( = 0.07), suggesting that Zn may alter the inflammatory response. Overall, Zn60 improved growth performance during the pre-RAC period. Zinc supplemented as ZnAA appears to improve growth in combination with RAC supplementation, suggesting that Zn may enhance or support the biological function of RAC. Additionally, these results indicate that feeding RAC impacts trace mineral status, and potentially causes a non-specific inflammatory response, but further research is required to define this response.

Effects of EDTA and low molecular weight organic acids on soil solution properties of a heavy metal polluted soil.

PubMed

Wu, L H; Luo, Y M; Christie, P; Wong, M H

2003-02-01

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of EDTA and low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA) on the pH, total organic carbon (TOC) and heavy metals in the soil solution in the rhizosphere of Brassica juncea grown in a paddy soil contaminated with Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd. The results show that EDTA and LMWOA have no effect on the soil solution pH. EDTA addition significantly increased the TOC concentrations in the soil solution. The TOC concentrations in treatments with EDTA were significantly higher than those in treatments with LMWOA. Adding 3 mmol kg(-1) EDTA to the soil markedly increased the total concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd in the soil solution. Compared to EDTA, LMWOA had a very small effect on the metal concentrations. Total concentrations in the soil solution followed the sequence: EDTA > citric acid (CA) approximately oxalic acid (OA) approximately malic acid (MA) for Cu and Pb; EDTA > MA > CA approximately OA for Zn; and EDTA > MA > CA > OA for Cd. The labile concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd showed similar trends to the total concentrations.

Nanocomposite of Half-Fin Anchovy Hydrolysates/Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Exhibits Actual Non-Toxicity and Regulates Intestinal Microbiota, Short-Chain Fatty Acids Production and Oxidative Status in Mice

PubMed Central

Song, Ru; Yao, Jianbin; Shi, Qingqing; Wei, Rongbian

2018-01-01

The nanocomposite of half-fin anchovy hydrolysates (HAHp) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) (named as HAHp(3.0)/ZnO NPs) demonstrated increased antibacterial activity compared to either HAHp(3.0) or ZnO NPs as per our previous studies. Also, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was detected in Escherichia coli cells after treatment with HAHp(3.0)/ZnO NPs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of this nanocomposite and to investigate its effect on intestinal microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, and oxidative status in healthy mice. The limit test studies show that this nanoparticle is non-toxic at the doses tested. The administration of HAHp(3.0)/ZnO NPs, daily dose of 1.0 g/kg body weight for 14 days, increased the number of goblet cells in jejunum. High-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of fecal samples revealed that HAHp(3.0)/ZnO NPs increased Firmicutes and reduced Bacteriodetes abundances in female mice. Furthermore, the microbiota for probiotic-type bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and SCFAs-producing bacteria in the Clostridia class, e.g., Lachnospiraceae_unclassified and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-001, were enriched in the feces of female mice. Increases of SCFAs, especially statistically increased propionic and butyric acids, indicated the up-regulated anti-inflammatory activity of HAHp(3.0)/ZnO NPs. Additionally, some positive responses in liver, like markedly increased glutathione and decreased malonaldehyde contents, indicated the improved oxidative status. Therefore, our results suggest that HAHp(3.0)/ZnO NPs could have potential applications as a safe regulator of intestinal microbiota or also can be used as an antioxidant used in food products. PMID:29324644

Silicic Acid and Beer Consumption Reverses the Metal Imbalance and the Prooxidant Status Induced by Aluminum Nitrate in Mouse Brain.

PubMed

González-Muñoz, María José; Garcimartán, Alba; Meseguer, Isabel; Mateos-Vega, Carmen José; Orellana, José María; Peña-Fernández, Antonio; Benedí, Juana; Sánchez-Muniz, Francisco J

2017-01-01

Emerging evidence suggests that by affecting mineral balance, aluminum (Al) may enhance some events associated with neurodegenerative diseases. To examine the effect of Al(NO3)3 exposure on brain Al, cooper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and zinc (Zn) levels, and the metal-change implication in brain oxidant and inflammatory status. Four groups of six-week-old male NMRI mice were treated for three months: i) controls, administrated with deionized water; ii) Al, which received Al(NO3)3; iii) Al+silicic acid, which were given Al(NO3)3 plus silicic acid; and iv) Al+beer, which received Al(NO3)3 plus beer. Brain Al and TBARS levels and TNFα and GPx expressions increased, while Cu, Mn, and Zn levels, and catalase and CuZn-SOD expression decreased (at least, p < 0.05) in Al versus control animals. Al, Si, and TBARS levels and TNFα expression decreased (p < 0.05) in Al+silicic acid and Al+beer specimens while Cu, Mn, and Zn levels and antioxidant expression increased versus the Al group. Brain Al levels correlated negatively with those of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, and catalase, CuZn-SOD, and GPx enzyme expressions but positively with Si and TBARS levels and TNFα expression. Two components of the principal component analysis (PCA) explained 71.2% of total data variance (p < 0.001). PCA connected the pro-oxidant markers with brain Al content, while brain Zn and Cu levels were closer to antioxidant enzyme expression. Administration of Al(NO3)3 induced metal imbalance, inflammation, and antioxidant status impairment in the brain. Those effects were blocked to a significant extent by silicic acid and beer administration.

Zinc speciation in proximity to phosphate application points in a lead/zinc smelter-contaminated soil.

PubMed

Baker, Lucas R; Pierzynski, Gary M; Hettiarachchi, Ganga M; Scheckel, Kirk G; Newville, Matthew

2012-01-01

The use of P to immobilize Pb in contaminated soils has been well documented. However, the influence of P on Zn speciation in soils has not been extensively examined, and these two metals often occur as co-contaminants. We hypothesized that additions of P to a Pb/Zn-contaminated soil would induce Zn phosphate mineral formation and fluid P sources would be more effective than granular P amendments. A combination of different synchrotron-based techniques, namely, spatially resolved micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF), micro-extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (μ-EXAFS), and micro-X-ray diffraction (μ-XRD), were used to speciate Zn at two incubation times in the proximity of application points (0 to 4 mm) for fluid and granular P amendments in a Pb/Zn smelter-contaminated soil. Phosphate rock (PR), triple super phosphate (TSP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and fluid ammonium polyphosphate induced Zn phosphate formation. Ammonium polyphosphate was more effective at greater distances (up to 3.7 mm) from the point of P application. Phosphoric acid increased the presence of soluble Zn species because of increased acidity. Soluble Zn has implications with respect to Zn bioavailability, which may negatively impact vegetation and other sensitive organisms. Although additions of P immobilize Pb, this practice needs close monitoring due to potential increases in Zn solubility in a Pb/Zn smelter-contaminated soil. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

Structural identification of Zn xZr yO z catalysts for Cascade aldolization and self-deoxygenation reactions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baylon, Rebecca A. L.; Sun, Junming; Kovarik, Libor

Complementary characterizations, such as nitrogen sorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), visible Raman, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with elemental mapping, NH3/CO2 temperature programmed desorption (NH3/CO2-TPD), infrared spectroscopic analysis of adsorbed pyridine (Py-IR), and CO2-IR, have been employed to identify the structure and surface chemistry (i.e., acid-base) of mixed Zn xZr yO z oxide catalysts of varied ratios of Zn/Zr. Atomically dispersed Zn2+ species are present in the framework within a thin surface shell (1.5-2.0 nm) of ZrO2 particles when the Zn/Zr ratio is smaller than 1/10; when the ratio is above this, both atomically dispersed Zn2+more » and ZnO clusters coexist in mixed Zn xZr yO z oxide catalysts. The presence of ZnO clusters shows no significant side effect but only a slight increase of selectivity to CO2, caused by steam reforming. The incorporation of atomic Zn2+ into the ZrO2 framework was found to not only passivate strong Lewis acid sites (i.e., Zr-O-Zr) on ZrO2, but to also generate new Lewis acid-base site pairs with enhanced Lewis basicity on the bridged O (i.e., ). In the mixed ketone (i.e., acetone and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)) reactions, while the passivation of strong acid sites can be correlated to the inhibition of side reactions, such as ketone decomposition and coking, the new Lewis acid-base pairs introduced enhance the cascade aldolization and self-deoxygenation reactions involved in olefin (C3=-C6=) production. More importantly, the surface acid-base properties change with varying Zn/Zr ratios, which in turn affect the cross- and self-condensation reactivity and subsequent distribution of olefins.« less

A Randomized in situ Clinical Study of Fluoride Dentifrices on Enamel Remineralization and Resistance to Demineralization: Effects of Zinc.

PubMed

Creeth, Jonathan E; Karwal, Ritu; Hara, Anderson T; Zero, Domenick T

2018-01-01

This study aimed to determine the effect of zinc ions and F concentration in a dentifrice on remineralization of early caries lesions in situ and on resistance to subsequent demineralization. This was a single-center, 6-period, 6-product, blinded (examiner, subject, analyst), randomized (n = 62), crossover study. Products (all NaF) were: 0, 250, 1,150 and 1,426 ppm F (dose-response controls), "Zn-A" (0.3% ZnCl2, 1,426 ppm F), and "Zn-B" (as Zn-A, with high-foaming surfactants) in a conventional silica base. Subjects wore palatal appliances holding partially demineralized bovine enamel specimens. They brushed their teeth with 1.5 g test dentifrice (25 s), then swished the slurry ensuring even exposure of specimens (95 s), expectorated, and rinsed (15 mL water, 10 s). After 4 h intraoral remineralization, specimens were removed and acid-challenged in vitro. Surface microhardness (SMH), measured pre-experimental, post-initial acid exposure, post-remineralization, and post-second acid exposure, was used to calculate recovery (SMHR), net acid resistance (NAR), and a new, specifically demineralization-focused calculation, "comparative acid resistance" (CAR). Enamel fluoride uptake (EFU) was also measured. For the F dose-response controls, all measures showed significant relationships with dentifrice F concentration (p < 0.0001). The presence of zinc counteracted the ability of F to promote remineralization in this model. Compared to the 1,426 ppm F control, the zinc formulations gave reduced SMHR, EFU, and NAR (all p < 0.0001); however, they showed evidence of increased CAR (Zn-A: p = 0.0040; Zn-B: p = 0.0846). Products were generally well tolerated. In this study, increasing dentifrice F concentration progressively increased in situ remineralization and demineralization resistance of early caries enamel lesions. Zinc ions reduced remineralization but could increase demineralization resistance. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Construction of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/ZnO nanorods/Ag nanoparticles hybrid coating on Ti implants for enhanced antibacterial activity and biocompatibility.

PubMed

Xiang, Yiming; Li, Jun; Liu, Xiangmei; Cui, Zhenduo; Yang, Xianjin; Yeung, K W K; Pan, Haobo; Wu, Shuilin

2017-10-01

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/Ag/ZnO nanorods coating were successfully prepared on the surface of Ti metallic implants using a hydrothermal method and subsequent spin-coating of mixtures of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and silver nanoparticles. The poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/Ag/ZnO nanorods coating exhibited excellent antibacterial efficacy of over 96% against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli when the initial content of Ag nanoparticles was over 3wt%. In addition, the release of both silver and zinc could last for over a hundred days due to the enwrapping of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid). Proliferation of mouse calvarial cells exhibited minimal cytotoxicity on the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/Ag/ZnO coating with an initial content of Ag nanoparticles of 1wt% and 3wt%, while it inhibited cell proliferation once this value was increased to 6wt%. The results revealed that this poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/Ag/ZnO composite could provide a long-lasting antibacterial approach and good cytocompatibility, thus exhibiting considerable potential for biomedical application in orthopedic and dental implants with excellent self-antibacterial activity and good biocompatibility. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Agronomic Approach of Zinc Biofortification Can Increase Zinc Bioavailability in Wheat Flour and thereby Reduce Zinc Deficiency in Humans

PubMed Central

Liu, Dunyi; Liu, Yumin; Zhang, Wei; Chen, Xinping; Zou, Chunqin

2017-01-01

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a common disorder of humans in developing countries. The effect of Zn biofortification (via application of six rates of Zn fertilizer to soil) on Zn bioavailability in wheat grain and flour and its impacts on human health was evaluated. Zn bioavailability was estimated with a trivariate model that included Zn homeostasis in the human intestine. As the rate of Zn fertilization increased, the Zn concentration increased in all flour fractions, but the percentages of Zn in standard flour (25%) and bran (75%) relative to total grain Zn were constant. Phytic acid (PA) concentrations in grain and flours were unaffected by Zn biofortification. Zn bioavailability and the health impact, as indicated by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) saved, increased with the Zn application rate and were greater in standard and refined flour than in whole grain and coarse flour. The biofortified standard and refined flour obtained with application of 50 kg/ha ZnSO4·7H2O met the health requirement (3 mg of Zn obtained from 300 g of wheat flour) and reduced DALYs by >20%. Although Zn biofortification increased Zn bioavailability in standard and refined flour, it did not reduce the bioavailability of iron, manganese, or copper in wheat flour. PMID:28481273

Agronomic Approach of Zinc Biofortification Can Increase Zinc Bioavailability in Wheat Flour and thereby Reduce Zinc Deficiency in Humans.

PubMed

Liu, Dunyi; Liu, Yumin; Zhang, Wei; Chen, Xinping; Zou, Chunqin

2017-05-06

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a common disorder of humans in developing countries. The effect of Zn biofortification (via application of six rates of Zn fertilizer to soil) on Zn bioavailability in wheat grain and flour and its impacts on human health was evaluated. Zn bioavailability was estimated with a trivariate model that included Zn homeostasis in the human intestine. As the rate of Zn fertilization increased, the Zn concentration increased in all flour fractions, but the percentages of Zn in standard flour (25%) and bran (75%) relative to total grain Zn were constant. Phytic acid (PA) concentrations in grain and flours were unaffected by Zn biofortification. Zn bioavailability and the health impact, as indicated by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) saved, increased with the Zn application rate and were greater in standard and refined flour than in whole grain and coarse flour. The biofortified standard and refined flour obtained with application of 50 kg/ha ZnSO₄·7H₂O met the health requirement (3 mg of Zn obtained from 300 g of wheat flour) and reduced DALYs by >20%. Although Zn biofortification increased Zn bioavailability in standard and refined flour, it did not reduce the bioavailability of iron, manganese, or copper in wheat flour.

Fluorescence properties of 3-amino phenylboronic acid and its interaction with glucose and ZnS:Cu quantum dots.

PubMed

Kur-Kowalska, Karolina; Przybyt, Małgorzata; Ziółczyk, Paulina; Sowiński, Przemysław; Miller, Ewa

2014-08-14

Preliminary results of a study of the interaction between 3-amino phenylboronic acid and glucose or ZnS:Cu quantum dots are presented in this paper. ZnS:Cu quantum dots with mercaptopropionic acid as a capping agent were obtained and characterized. Quenching of 3-amino phenylboronic acid fluorescence was studied by steady-state and timeresolved measurements. For fluorescence quenching with glucose the results of steady-state measurements fulfill Stern-Volmer equation. The quenching constants are increasing with growing pH. The decay of fluorescence is monoexponential with lifetime about 8.4 ns, which does not depend on pH and glucose concentration indicating static quenching. The quenching constant can be interpreted as apparent equilibrium constant of estrification of boronic group with diol. Quantum dots are also quenching 3-amino phenylboronic acid fluorescence. Fluorescence lifetime, in this case, is slightly decreasing with increasing concentration of quantum dots. The quenching constants are increasing slightly with pH's growth. Quenching mechanism of 3-amino phenylboronic acid fluorescence by quantum dots needs further experiments to be fully explained. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sulfur and Zinc Availability from Co-granulated Zn-Enriched Elemental Sulfur Fertilizers.

PubMed

Mattiello, Edson M; da Silva, Rodrigo C; Degryse, Fien; Baird, Roslyn; Gupta, Vadakattu V S R; McLaughlin, Michael J

2017-02-15

Acidification by oxidation of elemental sulfur (ES) can solubilize ZnO, providing slow release of both sulfur (S) and zinc (Zn) in soil. For this study, a new granular fertilizer with ES and ZnO was produced and evaluated. The effect of incorporating microorganisms or a carbon source in the granule was also evaluated. Four granulated ES-Zn fertilizers with and without S-oxidizing microorganisms, a commercial ES pastille, ZnSO 4 , and ZnO were applied to the center of Petri dishes containing two contrasting pH soils. Soil pH, CaCl 2 -extractable S and Zn, and remaining ES were evaluated at 30 and 60 days in two soil sections (0-5 and 5-9 mm from the fertilizer application site). A visualization test was performed to evaluate Zn diffusion over time. A significant pH decrease was observed in the acidic soil for all ES-Zn fertilizer treatments and in the alkaline soil for the Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans-inoculated treatment only. In agreement with Zn visualization tests, extractable-Zn concentrations were higher from the point of application in the acidic (62.9 mg dm -3 ) compared to the alkaline soil (5.5 mg dm -3 ). Elemental S oxidation was greater in the acidic soil (20.9%) than slightly alkaline soil (12%). The ES-Zn granular fertilizers increased S and Zn concentrations in soil and can provide a strategically slow release of nutrients to the soil.

Advanced light-scattering materials: Double-textured ZnO:B films grown by LP-MOCVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Addonizio, M. L.; Spadoni, A.; Antonaia, A.

2013-12-01

Double-textured ZnO:B layers with enhanced optical scattering in both short and long wavelength regions have been successfully fabricated using MOCVD technique through a three step process. Growth of double-textured structures has been induced by wet etching on polycrystalline ZnO surface. Our double-layer structure consists of a first ZnO:B layer wet etched and subsequently used as substrate for a second ZnO:B layer deposition. Polycrystalline ZnO:B layers were etched by utilizing diluted solutions of fluoridic acid (HF), chloridric acid (HCl) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and their effect on surface morphology modification was systematically investigated. The morphology of the second deposited ZnO layer strongly depended on the surface properties of the etched ZnO first layer. Growth of cauliflower-like texture was induced by protrusions presence on the HCl etched surface. Optimized double-layer structure shows a cauliflower-like double texture with higher RMS roughness and increased spectral haze values in both short and long wavelength regions, compared to conventional pyramidal-like single texture. Furthermore, this highly scattering structure preserves excellent optical and electrical properties.

Influence of zinc deficiency on cell-membrane fluidity in Jurkat, 3T3 and IMR-32 cells.

PubMed Central

Verstraeten, Sandra V; Zago, M Paola; MacKenzie, Gerardo G; Keen, Carl L; Oteiza, Patricia I

2004-01-01

We investigated whether zinc deficiency can affect plasma membrane rheology. Three cell lines, human leukaemia T-cells (Jurkat), rat fibroblasts (3T3) and human neuroblastoma cells (IMR-32), were cultured for 48 h in control medium, in zinc-deficient medium (1.5 microM zinc; 1.5 Zn), or in the zinc-deficient medium supplemented with 15 microM zinc (15 Zn). The number of viable cells was lower in the 1.5 Zn group than in the control and 15 Zn groups. The frequency of apoptosis was higher in the 1.5 Zn group than in the control and 15 Zn groups. Membrane fluidity was evaluated using the 6-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid and 16-(9-anthroyloxy)palmitic acid probes. Membrane fluidity was higher in 1.5 Zn cells than in the control cells; no differences were observed between control cells and 15 Zn cells. The effect of zinc deficiency on membrane fluidity at the water/lipid interface was associated with a higher phosphatidylserine externalization. The higher membrane fluidity in the hydrophobic region of the bilayer was correlated with a lower content of arachidonic acid. We suggest that the increased fluidity of the membrane secondary to zinc deficiency is in part due to a decrease in arachidonic acid content and the apoptosis-related changes in phosphatidylserine distribution. PMID:14629198

Phosphate stresses affect ionome and metabolome in tea plants.

PubMed

Ding, Zhaotang; Jia, Sisi; Wang, Yu; Xiao, Jun; Zhang, Yinfei

2017-11-01

In order to study the response of tea plants to P stress, we conducted the ionomic and metabolomic analysis by ICP-OES, GC-MS and LC-MS. The results demonstrated that P was antagonistic with S, and was cooperative with Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe under P-deficiency. However, P was antagonistic with Mn, Fe and S, and was cooperative with Cu and Zn under P-excess. Moreover, P-deficiency or excess reduced the syntheses of flavonoids and phosphorylated metabolites. P-deficiency decreased the amount of glutamate and increased the content of glutamine, while P-excess decreased the content of glutamine. Besides, P-deficiency increased three organic acids and decreased three organic acids. P-excess increased the contents of malic acid, oxalic acid, ribonic acid and etc. involved in primary metabolism, but decreased the contents of p-coumaric acid, indoleacrylic acid, related to secondary metabolism. Furthermore, the contents of Mn and Zn were found to be positively related to the amounts of myricetin and quercetin, and the content of Mn to be positively related to the amount of arabinose. The results implied that the P stresses severely disturbed the metabolism of minerals and metabolites in tea plants, which influenced the yield and quality of tea. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

[Form tendency and bio-availability dynamics of Cu and Zn in different farm soils after application of organic fertilizer of livestock and poultry manures].

PubMed

Shang, He-ping; Li, Yang; Zhang, Tao; Su, De-chun

2015-01-01

Soil incubation experiments were conducted with different sources of manures containing heavy metals to evaluate the bioavailability of heavy metals (Cu and Zn) and their form transformation in different soils. This study may assist in developing strategies to ascertain the loads of heavy metals which entered into soils together with manures, and promote policies to evaluate the ecological risk in agriculture soils. The results showed that, during the six months of soil incubation, the pH value of acidic soil increased and the pH value of calcareous soil reduced. After adding chicken manures, the contents of available Cu in both calcareous and acid soils were significant lower than those in the equivalent inorganic salt treatments, but there was no significant difference between the treatments in the contents of available Zn in both calcareous and acid soils. Furthermore, there were also no significant differences between pig matures and the equivalent inorganic salt treatments in the contents of available Cu and Zn in both calcareous and acid soils. The results of form tendency showed that the main forms of Cu and Zn in both calcareous and acid soils, which entered into soils together with manures, were exchangeable, carbonate, Fe-Mn oxides, and organic. And the proportions of different heavy metals species in calcareous and acid soils were different with different manures sources. After six months of incubation, the contents of exchangeable and Fe-Mn oxides Cu, Zn were lower than those in the equivalent inorganic salt treatments, the contents of organics Cu and Zn were higher than those in the equivalent inorganic salt treatments, and other Cu and Zn forms in soils showed no difference with inorganic salt treatments.

Improvement of inverted organic solar cells using acetic acid as an additive for ZnO layer processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yang; Liu, Yawen; Liu, Zhihai; Xie, Xiaoyin; Lee, Eun-Cheol

2018-02-01

In this work, we used acetic acid as an additive for the preparation of ZnO layers and improved the performance of poly{4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)-oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b'] dithiophene-2,6-diyl-alt-3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophene- 4,6-diyl} (PTB7)-based inverted organic solar cells. The addition of acetic acid to the ZnO precursor solution improved the transparency and conductivity of the sol-gel-synthesized ZnO film, by increasing the grain size of the film. Accordingly, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the organic solar cells was improved from 6.42% to 7.55%, which was mainly caused by the enhanced current density and fill factor. The best sample demonstrated a high PCE of 7.85% with negligible hysteresis and good stability. Our results indicate that using acetic acid as an additive for the preparation of ZnO is a simple and effective way of fabricating high-performance inverted organic solar cells.

Aluminum corrosion mitigation in alkaline electrolytes containing hybrid inorganic/organic inhibitor system for power sources applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gelman, Danny; Lasman, Itay; Elfimchev, Sergey; Starosvetsky, David; Ein-Eli, Yair

2015-07-01

The severe corrosion accompanied with hydrogen evolution process is the main obstacle preventing the implementation of Al as an anode in alkaline batteries. It impairs the functionality of alkaline battery, due to a drastic capacity loss and a short shelf life. The possibility to reduce Al corrosion rate in alkaline solution with the use of hybrid organic∖inorganic inhibitor based on poly (ethylene glycol) di-acid (PEG di-acid) and zinc oxide (ZnO) was examined in this work. A correlation between an Al corrosion rates and the concentrations of both PEG di-acid and ZnO in alkaline is shown. Selecting 5000 ppm PEG di-acid and 16 gr/l ZnO provides substantial corrosion protection of Al, reducing the corrosion rate in a strong alkaline solution by more than one order of magnitude. Moreover, utilizing the same formulation results in increase in Al-air battery discharge capacity, from 44.5 (for a battery utilizing only KOH in the electrolyte) to 70 mhA/cm2 (for a battery utilizing ZnO/PEG di-acid hybrid inhibitor in the electrolyte). The morphology and composition of the Al electrode surface (studied by SEM, EDS, and XRD) depend on PEG di-acid and ZnO concentrations.

Effect of Zn2+ on halohydrin dehalogenase expression and accumulation through multi-parameter correlation research with Escherichia coli P84A/MC1061

PubMed Central

Li, Xiao; Luo, Yu-Di; Pan, Dong-Rui; Shi, Xiao-Dan; Tan, Ya-Li; Li, Zhi-Hong

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Using 5 Zn2+ supplementation strategies in a 50 L batch bioreactor named FUS-50L(A), possible correlations among Zn2+ content and addition timing, physiologic activity (PA), halohydrin dehalogenase (HheC) accumulation of Escherichia coli P84A/MC1061 were systematically investigated. First, Zn2+ was confirmed as the significant factor, and its optimal concentration for HheC expression was 3.87 mg/L through fermentation experiments in shaking flasks. Second, based on experimental results from the different strategies, it was found that PA, nutrient consumption rate (NCR) and specific growth rate (μ) for E. coli P84A/MC1061 were promoted in the log phase (4–8 h) under appropriate Zn2+ concentrations in the lag phase and late log phase. Furthermore cell biomass was also increased to a higher level and the maximum HheC activity (i.e. HheCmax) was increased by 9.80%, and the time to reach HheCmax was reduced from 16 to 12 hours. Furthermore, appropriate supplementation of Zn2+ caused higher μ for E. coli P84A/MC1061, which resulted in more rapid accumulation of increased acetic acid concentrations, leading to higher acetic acid consumption avoiding any negative effects on producing HheC because of carbon source being exhausted prematurely and acetic acid being consumed rapidly. PMID:28282255

Leaching behavior of heavy metals and transformation of their speciation in polluted soil receiving simulated acid rain.

PubMed

Zheng, Shun-an; Zheng, Xiangqun; Chen, Chun

2012-01-01

Heavy metals that leach from contaminated soils under acid rain are of increasing concern. In this study, simulated acid rain (SAR) was pumped through columns of artificially contaminated purple soil. Column leaching tests and sequential extraction were conducted for the heavy metals Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn to determine the extent of their leaching as well as to examine the transformation of their speciation in the artificially contaminated soil columns. Results showed that the maximum leachate concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn were less than those specified in the Chinese Quality Standards for Groundwater (Grade IV), thereby suggesting that the heavy metals that leached from the polluted purple soil receiving acid rain may not pose as risks to water quality. Most of the Pb and Cd leachate concentrations were below their detection limits. By contrast, higher Cu and Zn leachate concentrations were found because they were released by the soil in larger amounts as compared with those of Pb and Cd. The differences in the Cu and Zn leachate concentrations between the controls (SAR at pH 5.6) and the treatments (SAR at pH 3.0 and 4.5) were significant. Similar trends were observed in the total leached amounts of Cu and Zn. The proportions of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn in the EXC and OX fractions were generally increased after the leaching experiment at three pH levels, whereas those of the RES, OM, and CAR fractions were slightly decreased. Acid rain favors the leaching of heavy metals from the contaminated purple soil and makes the heavy metal fractions become more labile. Moreover, a pH decrease from 5.6 to 3.0 significantly enhanced such effects.

Leaching Behavior of Heavy Metals and Transformation of Their Speciation in Polluted Soil Receiving Simulated Acid Rain

PubMed Central

Zheng, Shun-an; Zheng, Xiangqun; Chen, Chun

2012-01-01

Heavy metals that leach from contaminated soils under acid rain are of increasing concern. In this study, simulated acid rain (SAR) was pumped through columns of artificially contaminated purple soil. Column leaching tests and sequential extraction were conducted for the heavy metals Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn to determine the extent of their leaching as well as to examine the transformation of their speciation in the artificially contaminated soil columns. Results showed that the maximum leachate concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn were less than those specified in the Chinese Quality Standards for Groundwater (Grade IV), thereby suggesting that the heavy metals that leached from the polluted purple soil receiving acid rain may not pose as risks to water quality. Most of the Pb and Cd leachate concentrations were below their detection limits. By contrast, higher Cu and Zn leachate concentrations were found because they were released by the soil in larger amounts as compared with those of Pb and Cd. The differences in the Cu and Zn leachate concentrations between the controls (SAR at pH 5.6) and the treatments (SAR at pH 3.0 and 4.5) were significant. Similar trends were observed in the total leached amounts of Cu and Zn. The proportions of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn in the EXC and OX fractions were generally increased after the leaching experiment at three pH levels, whereas those of the RES, OM, and CAR fractions were slightly decreased. Acid rain favors the leaching of heavy metals from the contaminated purple soil and makes the heavy metal fractions become more labile. Moreover, a pH decrease from 5.6 to 3.0 significantly enhanced such effects. PMID:23185399

Zein nanoparticles as delivery systems for covalently linked and physically entrapped folic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuacharoen, Thanida; Sabliov, Cristina M.

2017-02-01

Zein nanoparticles covalently linked to folic acid were hypothesized to sustain the release of the folic acid in addition to targeting cancer cells overexpressing folate-binding receptors, whereas zein nanoparticles with physically entrapped folic acid would only be able to control the release of the bioactive without targeting of cancer cells. The two types of particles, folic acid covalently linked zein nanoparticles (ZN-FA nps) and zein nanoparticles with entrapped folic acid (ZN(FA) nps), were synthesized and the covalent link between folic acid and zein was assessed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). Their size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, morphology, and loading capacity were evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and spectrophotometric technique. The release studies of the folic acid preformed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C for 7 days concluded that the release of the loaded folic acid was sustained over 7 days for both systems. The cytotoxicity was investigated using a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and the results showed that zein nanoparticles were biocompatible to HeLa (an overexpressing folate receptor cells) and A549 (a deficient folate receptor cells) cells, which have different levels of folate receptors on surface and both folic acid nanoparticle systems were able to diminish the adverse toxic effect of folic acid to cells. The increased uptake of ZN-FA nps relative to ZN(FA) nps supported the use of ZN-FA nps as targeting nanoagents to cells overexpressing folate receptors.

Assessment of dietary intake and mineral status in pregnant women.

PubMed

Kocyłowski, Rafał; Lewicka, Iwona; Grzesiak, Mariusz; Gaj, Zuzanna; Sobańska, Anna; Poznaniak, Joanna; von Kaisenberg, Constantin; Suliburska, Joanna

2018-06-01

To evaluate the dietary intake of pregnant women and their nutritional status of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Cu, as the nutritional status of pregnant women is an important factor for the proper progression of a pregnancy and the development and health of the foetus. The study was conducted on 108 pregnant women ages 18-42, at 6-32 weeks of gestation. We used a questionnaire and a 24-h recall nutrition interview. Hair samples were taken for testing and the level of each mineral was assessed using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results were analysed using the Dietetyk and Statistica 10 software. Low levels of Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, vitamin D, and folic acid intake were seen in the pregnant women, with the use of dietary supplements significantly increasing their intake of Fe, Zn, and folic acid. The concentration of zinc and magnesium in the women's hair was shown to be affected by their age and, in the case of magnesium, by the week of pregnancy. It was observed that the diet of pregnant women is characterised by low levels of Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, vitamin D, and folic acid. Dietary supplementation with vitamins and minerals significantly increases the daily Fe and folic acid intake in pregnant women. The concentration of Zn and Mg in hair depends on the age of pregnant women and Mg level in the hair of women decreases during pregnancy.

Functionalized ZnO Nanoparticles with Gallic Acid for Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity against Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus

PubMed Central

Lee, Joo Min; Choi, Kyong-Hoon; Min, Jeeeun; Kim, Ho-Joong; Jee, Jun-Pil; Park, Bong Joo

2017-01-01

In this study, we report a new multifunctional nanoparticle with antioxidative and antibacterial activities in vitro. ZnO@GA nanoparticles were fabricated by coordinated covalent bonding of the antioxidant gallic acid (GA) on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. This addition imparts both antioxidant activity and high affinity for the bacterial cell membrane. Antioxidative activities at various concentrations were evaluated using a 2,2′-azino-bis(ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging method. Antibacterial activities were evaluated against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus: S. aureus), including several strains of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). The functionalized ZnO@GA nanoparticles showed good antioxidative activity (69.71%), and the bactericidal activity of these nanoparticles was also increased compared to that of non-functionalized ZnO nanoparticles, with particularly effective inhibition and high selectivity for MRSA strains. The results indicate that multifunctional ZnO nanoparticles conjugated to GA molecules via a simple surface modification process displaying both antioxidant and antibacterial activity, suggesting a possibility to use it as an antibacterial agent for removing MRSA. PMID:29099064

Zinc fractionation in contaminated soils by sequential and single extractions: influence of soil properties and zinc content.

PubMed

Voegelin, Andreas; Tokpa, Gerome; Jacquat, Olivier; Barmettler, Kurt; Kretzschmar, Ruben

2008-01-01

We studied the fractionation of zinc (Zn) in 49 contaminated soils as influenced by Zn content and soil properties using a seven-step sequential extraction procedure (F1: NH4NO3; F2: NH4-acetate, pH 6; F3: NH3OHCl, pH 6; F4: NH4-EDTA, pH 4.6; F5: NH4-oxalate, pH 3; F6: NH4-oxalate/ascorbic acid, pH 3; F7: residual). The soils had developed from different geologic materials and covered a wide range in soil pH (4.0-7.3), organic C content (9.3-102 g kg(-1)), and clay content (38-451 g kg(-1)). Input of aqueous Zn with runoff water from electricity towers during 26 to 74 yr resulted in total soil Zn contents of 3.8 to 460 mmol kg(-1). In acidic soils (n = 24; pH <6.0), Zn was mainly found in the mobile fraction (F1) and the last two fractions (F6 and F7). In neutral soils (n = 25; pH > or =6.0), most Zn was extracted in the mobilizable fraction (F2) and the intermediate fractions (F4 and F5). The extractability of Zn increased with increasing Zn contamination of the soils. The sum of mobile (F1) and mobilizable (F2) Zn was independent of soil pH, the ratio of Zn in F1 over F1+F2 plotted against soil pH, exhibited the typical shape of a pH sorption edge and markedly increased from pH 6 to pH 5, reflecting the increasing lability of mobilizable Zn with decreasing soil pH. In conclusion, the extractability of Zn from soils contaminated with aqueous Zn after decades of aging under field conditions systematically varied with soil pH and Zn content. The same trends are expected to apply to aqueous Zn released from decomposing Zn-bearing contaminants, such as sewage sludge or smelter slag. The systematic trends in Zn fractionation with varying soil pH and Zn content indicate the paramount effect of these two factors on molecular scale Zn speciation. Further research is required to characterize the link between the fractionation and speciation of Zn and to determine how Zn loading and soil physicochemical properties affect Zn speciation in soils.

Synthesis of ZnO particles using water molecules generated in esterification reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Šarić, Ankica; Gotić, Marijan; Štefanić, Goran; Dražić, Goran

2017-07-01

Zinc oxide particles were synthesized without the addition of water by autoclaving (anhydrous) zinc acetate/alcohol and zinc acetate/acetic acid/alcohol solutions at 160 °C. The solvothermal synthesis was performed in ethanol or octanol. The structural, optical and morphological characteristics of ZnO particles were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, FE-SEM and TEM/STEM microscopy. 13C NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of ester (ethyl- or octyl-acetate) in the supernatants which directly indicate the reaction mechanism. The formation of ester in this esterification reaction generated water molecule in situ, which hydrolyzed anhydrous zinc acetate and initiated nucleation and formation of ZnO. It was found that the size and shape of ZnO particles depend on the type of alcohol used as a solvent and on the presence of acetic acid in solution. The presence of ethanol in the ;pure; system without acetic acid favoured the formation of fine and uniform spherical ZnO nanoparticles (∼20 nm). With the addition of small amount of acetic acid the size of these small nanoparticles increased significantly up to a few hundred nanometers. The addition of small amount of acetic acid in the presence of octanol caused even more radical changes in the shape of ZnO particles, favouring the growth of huge rod-like particles (∼3 μm).

Utilization of biochar and activated carbon to reduce Cd, Pb and Zn phytoavailability and phytotoxicity for plants.

PubMed

Břendová, Kateřina; Zemanová, Veronika; Pavlíková, Daniela; Tlustoš, Pavel

2016-10-01

In the present study, the content of risk elements and content of free amino acids were studied in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and mustard (Sinapis alba L.) subsequently grown on uncontaminated and contaminated soils (5 mg Cd/kg, 1000 mg Pb/kg and 400 mg Zn/kg) with the addition of activated carbon (from coconut shells) or biochar (derived from local wood residues planted for phytoextaction) in different seasons (spring, summer and autumn). The results showed that activated carbon and biochar increased biomass production on contaminated site. Application of amendments decreased Cd and Zn uptake by spinach plants. Mustard significantly increased Pb accumulation in the biomass as well in subsequently grown autumn spinach. Glutamic acid and glutamine were major free amino acids in leaves of all plants (15-34% and 3-45%) from total content. Application of activated carbon and biochar increased content of glutamic acid in all plants on uncontaminated and contaminated soils. Activated carbon and biochar treatments also induced an increase of aspartic acid in spinach plants. Biochar produced from biomass originated from phytoextraction technologies promoted higher spinach biomass yield comparing unamended control and showed a tendency to reduce accumulation of cadmium and zinc and thus it is promising soil amendment. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Induction of inflammation, DNA damage and apoptosis in rat heart after oral exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles and the cardioprotective role of α-lipoic acid and vitamin E.

PubMed

Baky, N A A; Faddah, L M; Al-Rasheed, N M; Al-Rasheed, N M; Fatani, A J

2013-05-01

Although zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) are being used on a wide scale in the world consumer market, their potential hazards on humans remain largely unknown. The present study was aimed at investigating the oral toxicity of ZnO-NP in 2 dose regimen (600 mg/kg and 1 g/kg body weight for 5 consecutive days) in rats. In addition, the protective role of either α-lipoic acid (Lipo) or vitamin E (Vit E) against this cardiotoxic effect of ZnO-NPs was assessed. Results revealed that, co-administration of Lipo (200 mg/Kg body weight) or Vit E (100 mg/Kg body weight) daily for 3 weeks to rats intoxicated with ZnO-NPs (in either of the 2 dose regimen) significantly ameliorated the cardiotoxic effect of these nanoparticles. As, both agents significantly reduced the increase in serum cardiac injury markers including troponin-T, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and myoglobin. Additionally, Lipo and Vit E significantly decreased the increase in serum pro-inflammatory biomarkers level including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Moreover, either of the 2 used agents successfully alleviated the alteration in nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ZnO-NPs in sera of intoxicated group. They also significantly reduced the increase in cardiac calcium concentration and the consequent oxidative deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, as well as the increase in cardiac caspase-3 activity of intoxicated rats. Conclusively, these results indicate that early treatment with either α-lipoic acid or vitamin E may offer protection against cardiac tissue injury induced by the deleterious toxic impacts of ZnO-NPs. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Selective leaching of Zn from spent alkaline batteries using environmentally friendly approaches.

PubMed

Maryam Sadeghi, S; Vanpeteghem, Guillaumme; Neto, Isabel F F; Soares, Helena M V M

2017-02-01

The main aim of this work was to evaluate the possibility of using microwave or ultrasound to assist the efficient and selective leaching of Zn from spent alkaline batteries and compare the results with those obtained using the conventional method. Two different strategies were applied: acid leaching of a washed residue and alkaline leaching of the original residue. In both (acid and alkaline) approaches, the use of microwave- or ultrasound-assisted leaching increased the extraction of Zn compared with the best results obtained using conventional leaching [acid leaching (1.5mol/L H 2 SO 4 , 3h, 80°C), 90% of Zn extracted; alkaline leaching (6mol/L NaOH, 3h, 80°C), 42% of Zn extracted]. With acid leaching, 94% of the Zn was extracted using microwave-assisted leaching (1 cycle, 30s, 1mol/L H 2 SO 4 ), and 92% of the Zn was extracted using ultrasound-assisted leaching (2min, 0.1p, 20% amplitude, 1mol/L H 2 SO 4 ). Ultrasound-assisted leaching resulted in a more selective (Zn/Mn ratio of 5.1) Zn extraction than microwave-assisted leaching (Zn/Mn ratio of 3.5); both processes generated a concentrated Zn solution (⩾18.7g/L) with a purity (83.3% and 77.7%, respectively) that was suitable for electrowinning. With alkaline leaching, microwave- (1 cycle, 3 min, 4mol/L NaOH) and ultrasound-assisted (14min, 0.1p, 20% amplitude, 4mol/L NaOH) leaching extracted about 80% of the Zn and less than 0.01% of the Mn, which resulted in lesser concentrated Zn solutions (approximately 16.5g/L) but with high purity (>99.5%) that was suitable for the recovery of Zn by precipitation. The microwave- and ultrasound-assisted leaching strategies used in this work proved to be efficient and environmentally-friendly approaches for the extraction of Zn from spent alkaline residues since a concentrated Zn solution with adequate purity for subsequent Zn recovery was obtained using significantly decreased leaching times and concentrations of chemicals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of metal complex formation on the potential of organic aerosols as cloud condensation nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furukawa, T.; Takahashi, Y.

2010-12-01

Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) play a key role on the solar radiation balance in troposphere, since SOA can act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) due to its high hygroscopic nature. Oxalic acid is one of the most dominant components of SOA, which has cooling effects of the earth by acting as CCN. However, it is uncertain whether the oxalic acid can exist as free oxalic acid or metal-oxalate complexes in aerosols, even if there is a largedifference in their solubilities into water. Consequently, XAFS measurement was conducted to demonstrate the presence of metal-oxalate complexes. Size fractionated aerosol samples were collected in Tsukuba (located at northeast about 60 km from Tokyo) using a low-volume Andersen-type air sampler. The sampler had eight stages and a back-up filter. The sampling was conducted during winter and summer in 2002. Calcium oxalate was observed in finer particles in each period from Ca K-edge XANES, and its fractions among total Ca were approximately 20%. Similarly,, Zn oxalate was also detected in finer particles from Zn K-edge XANES and EXAFS. The [Zn-oxalate] / [Zn]total ratio in each period clearly increased with the decrease in the particle diameter. This result revealed that Zn-oxalate was formed in the aqueous phase at particle surfaces or in cloud processing. In other words, Zn-oxalate was abundant at the particle surface, resulting from the increase in the [surface]/[bulk] ratio with decreasing particle size. Based on (i) total concentrations of oxalate, Ca, and Zn determined by ion-chromatography and ICP-AES analyses and (ii) Ca- and Zn- oxalate fractions obtained by XAFS, we determined the fraction of metal-oxalate complexes among total oxalate in aerosols. In winter, Ca- and Zn- oxalate fractions reached about 60% of total oxalate in the ranges of 1.1-2.1 μm and 0.65-1.1 μm, while the value was about 60-80% in the same particle size range in summer. On the other hand, Ca- and Zn- oxalates are highly insoluble, showing that the complexes cannot act as CCN. Therefore, the ability of oxalic acid as CCN is needed to be reconsidered, because most of oxalic acid in aerosols exists as metal-oxalate complexes as shown by XAFS spectroscopy in this study.

Phosphorus reduces the zinc concentration in cereals pot-grown on calcareous Vertisols from southern Spain.

PubMed

Sánchez-Rodríguez, Antonio Rafael; Del Campillo, María Carmen; Torrent, José

2017-08-01

Zinc deficiency, a major problem in crops grown on soils low in available Zn, is even more important in phosphorus-rich soils. This work aimed to elucidate the effects of soil P and Zn levels, and of fertilizer application, on yield and Zn concentration in cereal grains. Wheat and barley were successively pot-grown on 20 calcareous Vertisols low in available Zn and ranging widely in available P. Grain yield in the plants grown on the native soils was positively correlated with Olsen P but not with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Zn except for wheat on P-rich soils. Grain Zn concentration was negatively correlated with Olsen P. Grain Zn uptake differed little among soils. Application of P to the soils increased grain yield insignificantly and P concentration significantly; however, it reduced grain Zn concentration (particularly at low Olsen P values). Applying Zn alone only increased grain Zn concentration, whereas applying P and Zn in combination increased yield and grain Zn concentration at low and high Olsen P values, respectively. Applying P alone to plants grown on calcareous Vertisols low in available P and Zn may in practice reduce grain Zn concentrations while not increasing grain yield significantly. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

An initial evaluation of newly proposed biomarker of zinc status in humans - linoleic acid: dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (LA:DGLA) ratio.

PubMed

Knez, Marija; Stangoulis, James C R; Zec, Manja; Debeljak-Martacic, Jasmina; Pavlovic, Zoran; Gurinovic, Mirjana; Glibetic, Maria

2016-10-01

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for humans with important physiological functions. A sensitive and specific biomarker for assessing Zn status is still needed. The major aim of this study was to examine if the changes in the content of plasma phospholipid LA, DGLA and LA: DGLA ratio can be used to efficiently predict the dietary Zn intake and plasma Zn status of humans. The study was performed on healthy human volunteers, 25-55 years of age. The dietary Zn intake was assessed using 24 h recall questionnaires. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid analysis was done by gas chromatography, and plasma analysis of minerals by atomic absorption spectrometry. Biochemical, anthropometrical and hematological parameters were assessed. No significant relationship was found between the dietary and plasma zinc status (r = 0.07; p = 0.6). There was a statistically significant correlation between DGLA and plasma Zn (r = 0.39, p = 0.00). No relationship was observed between the linoleic acid and plasma Zn, while there was a significant negative correlation between LA: DGLA ratio and plasma Zn status (r = -0.35, p = 0.01). Similarly, there were statistically significant difference in DGLA status (p = 0.004) and LA: DGLA ratio (p = 0.042) between the Zn formed groups. This study is an initial step in evaluating LA: DGLA ratio as a biomarker of Zn status in humans. The results are encouraging as they show that concentration of DGLA is decreased and LA: DGLA ratio increased in people with lower dietary Zn intake. However, additional studies are needed to fully examine the sensitivity of this biomarker. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

An experimental study of Pb and Zn as a function of HCl at 300 and 500°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rock, M.; Frank, M. R.

2017-12-01

Hydrothermal galena (PbS) and sphalerite (ZnS) deposits are important sources of Pb and Zn and can be related to low-temperature Mississippi Valley (MVT), moderate temperature massive sulfides (VMS), and higher-temperature porphyry type deposits). Lead and Zn are thought to complex with chloride (PbCl2 and ZnCl2) in the hydrothermal fluid and can precipitate through a decrease in temperature, an increase in pH, or through the addition of reduce sulfur. There is, however, a dearth of data on the solubility of galena and sphalerite in acidic and sulfur-rich hydrothermal fluids over a range temperature that spans the MVT to porphyry systems The experiments were conducted in René 41 cold-seal pressure vessels at 300 and 500°C and 100 MPa to determine the concentrations of Pb and Zn in hydrothermal fluids as a function of HCl. Platinum capsules were loaded with natural galena and sphalerite and an aqueous fluid of 13-15 wt.% NaCl (eq.) containing HCl + NaCl. The [Na/H] of the aqueous fluid was varied from 1.75 to 340. The aqueous fluids were captured at the conclusion of the experiment and Pb and Zn concentrations were determined by using AA and ICP-OES. The data illustrate that the concentration of Pb and Zn in the fluid increased directly with temperature and total chloride while indirectly with [Na/H]. Lead and Zn concentrations at 300°C were highest at a [Na/H] of 1.75 with concentrations of 84 μg/g and 2200 ± 600 μg/g, respectively, and decreased to 4 μg/g and 241 μg/g, respectively, at a [Na/H] of 295. At 500°C, lead concentrations were 7600 ± 1600 μg/g at a [Na/H] of 1.75 and decreased to 1170 μg/g at a [Na/H] of 340. Zinc concentrations at 500°C were 1700 μg/g at a [Na/H] of 30 and 640 μg/g at a [Na/H] of 100. Decreasing acidity (increasing [Na/H]) and temperature are especially efficient at inducing the precipitation of galena and sphalerite and could produce variable Pb:Zn values in a given system depending on if temperature or acidity was more variable. Thus, galena and sphalerite can precipitate from a reduced sulfur-bearing fluid provided the acidity of the fluid was sufficiently high during transportation. Further, the variable Pb:Zn ratios observed in some ore-bearing systems could be a result of differences in the rate of change of temperature, acidity, and reduced sulfur and not from separate pulses of distinct mineralizing fluids.

Simultaneous determination of Ca, Cu, Ni, Zn and Cd binding strengths with fulvic acid fractions by Schubert's method

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brown, G.K.; MacCarthy, P.; Leenheer, J.A.

1999-01-01

The equilibrium binding of Ca2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ with unfractionated Suwannee river fulvic acid (SRFA) and an enhanced metal binding subfraction of SRFA was measured using Schubert's ion-exchange method at pH 6.0 and at an ionic strength (??) of 0.1 (NaNO3). The fractionation and subfractionation were directed towards obtaining an isolate with an elevated metal binding capacity or binding strength as estimated by Cu2+ potentiometry (ISE). Fractions were obtained by stepwise eluting an XAD-8 column loaded with SRFA with water eluents of pH 1.0 to pH 12.0. Subfractions were obtained by loading the fraction eluted from XAD-8 at pH 5.0 onto a silica gel column and eluting with solvents of increasing polarity. Schuberts ion exchange method was rigorously tested by measuring simultaneously the conditional stability constants (K) of citric acid complexed with the five metals at pH 3.5 and 6.0. The logK of SRFA with Ca2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ determined simultaneously at pH 6.0 follow the sequence of Cu2+>Cd2+>Ni2+>Zn2+>Ca2+ while all logK values increased for the enhanced metal binding subfraction and followed a different sequence of Cu2+>Cd2+>Ca2+>Ni2+>Zn2+. Both fulvic acid samples and citric acid exhibited a 1:1 metal to ligand stochiometry under the relatively low metal loading conditions used here. Quantitative 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed increases in aromaticity and ketone content and decreases in aliphatic carbon for the elevated metal binding fraction while the carboxyl carbon, and elemental nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur content did not change. The more polar, elevated metal binding fraction did show a significant increase in molecular weight over the unfractionated SRFA. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.

Supplementation of diets for lactating sows with zinc amino acid complex and gastric nutriment-intubation of suckling pigs with zinc methionine on mineral status, intestinal morphology and bacterial translocation in lipopolysaccharide-challenged weaned pigs.

PubMed

Metzler-Zebeli, B U; Caine, W R; McFall, M; Miller, B; Ward, T L; Kirkwood, R N; Mosenthin, R

2010-04-01

Sixty-four pigs from 16 sows were used to evaluate addition of zinc amino acid complex (ZnAA) to lactating sows and gastric nutriment-intubation of zinc methionine (ZnMet) to suckling pigs on mineral status, intestinal morphology and bacterial translocation after weaning. Sows were fed a barley-based diet supplying 120 ppm zinc (Zn; control) or the control diet supplemented with 240 ppm Zn from ZnAA. At birth, day-10 and day-21 (weaning) of age, pigs from each litter were nutriment-intubated with 5 ml of an electrolyte solution without or with 40 mg Zn from ZnMet. At weaning, 24 h prior to the collection of small and large intestinal lymph nodes and sections of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, the pigs received an intramuscular injection of saline without or with 150 microg/kg body weight of Escherichia coli O26:B6 lipopolysaccharide (LPS). With the exception of a tendency (p = 0.09) for lower serum concentration of copper in pigs at weaning from ZnAA-supplemented sows, there were no differences (p > 0.1) than for pigs from control-fed sows for mineral status or intestinal morphology. Nutriment-intubation of ZnMet increased serum (p = 0.001) and liver (p = 0.003) Zn concentrations, number of goblet cells per 250 microm length of jejunal villous epithelium (p = 0.001) and tended (p = 0.06) to enhance jejunum mucosa thickness. Interactive effects (p < 0.05) for higher jejunal villi height and villi:crypt ratio and increased ileal goblet cell counts were apparent for pigs from ZnAA-supplemented sows that also received nutriment-intubation of ZnMet. Challenge with LPS increased (p = 0.05) ileal villous width. Nutriment-intubation of ZnMet decreased (p = 0.05) anaerobic bacteria colony forming unit counts in the large intestinal mesenteric lymph nodes. In conclusion, nutriment-intubation of ZnMet increased serum and liver tissue concentrations of Zn and resulted in limited improvement to intestinal morphology of weaned pigs.

Enhanced phytoextraction of uranium and selected heavy metals by Indian mustard and ryegrass using biodegradable soil amendments.

PubMed

Duquène, L; Vandenhove, H; Tack, F; Meers, E; Baeten, J; Wannijn, J

2009-02-15

The applicability of biodegradable amendments in phytoremediation to increase the uptake of uranium (U), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) by Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was tested in a greenhouse experiment. Plants were cultivated during one month on two soils with naturally or industrially increased contaminant levels of U. Treatments with citric acid, NH4-citrate/citric acid, oxalic acid, S,S-ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS) or nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) at a rate of 5 mmol kg(-1) dry soil caused increases in soil solution concentrations that were up to 18 times higher for U and up to 1570 times higher for other heavy metals, compared to the controls. Shoot concentrations increased to a much smaller extent. With EDDS, 19-, 34-, and 37-fold increases were achieved in shoots of Indian mustard for U, Pb and Cu, respectively. The increases in plant uptake of Cd, Cr and Zn were limited to a factor of four at most. Ryegrass generally extracted less U and metals than Indian mustard. Despite a marked increase of U and metal concentrations in shoots after addition of amendments, the estimated time required to obtain an acceptable reduction in soil contaminant concentrations was impractically long. Only for Cu and Zn in one of the studied soils, could the Flemish standards for clean soil theoretically be attained in less than 100 years.

A radiopharmaceutical for pancreatic exocrine functional diagnosis: 62Zn-EDDA metabolism in pancreas.

PubMed

Fujibayashi, Y; Saji, H; Kawai, K; Unuma, Y; Miyata, S; Okuno, T; Hosotani, R; Inoue, K; Adachi, H; Horiuchi, K

1986-01-01

The metabolic pathway of radioactive 62Zn-EDDA (ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid), in the exocrine pancreas was studied with respect to that of endogenous Zn. In pancreatic duct cannulated dog, the secretion of intravenously injected exogenous 62Zn into pancreatic juice increased under the stimulation of CCK-PZ (pancreatic protein secretion stimulating hormone), which closely correlated to endogenous Zn. Moreover, in pancreatic juice, 62Zn as well as endogenous Zn was selectively bound to Zn-metalloenzymes, carboxypeptidase A and B. These results demonstrated the close correlation between the endogenous and the exogenously-administered Zn (62Zn-EDDA), as well as the high availability of 62Zn-EDDA as a marker of pancreatic function for the follow up of carboxypeptidase metabolism.

The long-term effect of zinc soil contamination on selected free amino acids playing an important role in plant adaptation to stress and senescence.

PubMed

Pavlíková, Daniela; Zemanová, Veronika; Procházková, Dagmar; Pavlík, Milan; Száková, Jiřina; Wilhelmová, Naďa

2014-02-01

Increased endogenous plant cytokinin (CK) content through transformation with an isopentyl transferase (ipt) gene has been associated with improved plant stress tolerance. The objective of this study is to determine amino acid changes associated with elevated CK production in ipt transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cv. Wisconsin 38). Nontransformed (WT) and transformed tobacco plants with ipt gene controlled by senescence-activated promoter (SAG) were exposed to zinc soil contamination (tested levels Zn1=250, Zn2=500, Zn3=750 mg kg(-1) soil). The Zn effect on plant stress metabolism resulted in changes in levels of selected free amino acids playing an important role in adaptation to stress and plant senescence (alanine, leucine, proline, methionine and γ-aminobutyrate) and differed for transformed and nontransformed tobacco plants. Analyses of amino acids confirmed that SAG tobacco plants had improved zinc tolerance compared with the WT plants. The enhanced Zn tolerance of SAG plants was associated with the maintenance of accumulation of proline, methionine and γ-aminobutyrate. The concentrations of leucine and alanine did not show significant differences between plant lines. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Novel chelating agents for iron, manganese, zinc, and copper mixed fertilisation in high pH soil-less cultures.

PubMed

López-Rayo, Sandra; Nadal, Paloma; Lucena, Juan J

2016-03-15

Studies about simultaneous fertilisation with several micronutrients have increased in recent years, as Fe, Mn and Zn deficiencies may appear in the same culture conditions. In fertigation, the replacement of sulfates by synthetic chelates is essential in areas with high pH irrigation water and substrates. Ethylenediamine-N-(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid)-N'-(4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) (o,p-EDDHA) and ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS) are novel chelating agents whose efficacy in simultaneous fertilisation of Zn, Mn and Cu is unknown. This work evaluates the effectiveness of both ligands compared to traditional ligands (EDTA, HEEDTA and DTPA) applied as micronutrient chelate mixtures to soybean and navy bean plants grown in soil-less cultures at high pH by analysing the SPAD and micronutrient nutritional status, including the Composition Nutritional Diagnosis (CND) analysis tool. The application of micronutrients using o,p-EDDHA was more effective in providing Mn and Zn than traditional ligands or sulfates. The application using EDDS increased the Zn nutrition. The results are well correlated with the chemical stability of the formulations. The combined application of Mn and Zn as o,p-EDDHA chelates can represent a more effective source than traditional chelates in micronutrient fertiliser mixtures in soil-less cultures at a high pH. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification of Heterotrophic Zinc Mobilization Processes among Bacterial Strains Isolated from Wheat Rhizosphere (Triticum aestivum L.).

PubMed

Costerousse, Benjamin; Schönholzer-Mauclaire, Laurie; Frossard, Emmanuel; Thonar, Cécile

2018-01-01

Soil and plant inoculation with heterotrophic zinc-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) is considered a promising approach for increasing zinc (Zn) phytoavailability and enhancing crop growth and nutritional quality. Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand the underlying bacterial solubilization processes to predict their repeatability in inoculation strategies. Acidification via gluconic acid production remains the most reported process. In this study, wheat rhizosphere soil serial dilutions were plated on several solid microbiological media supplemented with scarcely soluble Zn oxide (ZnO), and 115 putative Zn-solubilizing isolates were directly detected based on the formation of solubilization halos around the colonies. Eight strains were selected based on their Zn solubilization efficiency and siderophore production capacity. These included one strain of Curtobacterium , two of Plantibacter , three strains of Pseudomonas , one of Stenotrophomonas , and one strain of Streptomyces In ZnO liquid solubilization assays, the presence of glucose clearly stimulated organic acid production, leading to medium acidification and ZnO solubilization. While solubilization by Streptomyces and Curtobacterium was attributed to the accumulated production of six and seven different organic acids, respectively, the other strains solubilized Zn via gluconic, malonic, and oxalic acids exclusively. In contrast, in the absence of glucose, ZnO dissolution resulted from proton extrusion (e.g., via ammonia consumption by Plantibacter strains) and complexation processes (i.e., complexation with glutamic acid in cultures of Curtobacterium ). Therefore, while gluconic acid production was described as a major Zn solubilization mechanism in the literature, this study goes beyond and shows that solubilization mechanisms vary among ZSB and are strongly affected by growth conditions. IMPORTANCE Barriers toward a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying zinc (Zn) solubilization by bacteria include the lack of methodological tools for isolation, discrimination, and identification of such organisms. Our study proposes a direct bacterial isolation procedure, which prevents the need to screen numerous bacterial candidates (for which the ability to solubilize Zn is unknown) for recovering Zn-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB). Moreover, we confirm the potential of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as a quick and accurate tool for the identification and discrimination of environmental bacterial isolates. This work also describes various Zn solubilization processes used by wheat rhizosphere bacteria, including proton extrusion and the production of different organic acids among bacterial strains. These processes were also clearly affected by growth conditions (i.e., solid versus liquid cultures and the presence and absence of glucose). Although highlighted mechanisms may have significant effects at the soil-plant interface, these should only be transposed cautiously to real ecological situations. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Characterization and Influence of Green Synthesis of Nano-Sized Zinc Complex with 5-Aminolevulinic Acid on Bioactive Compounds of Aniseed.

PubMed

Tavallali, Vahid; Rahmati, Sadegh; Rowshan, Vahid

2017-11-01

A new water soluble zinc-aminolevulinic acid nano complex (n[Zn(ALA) 2 ]), which was characterized by TEM, IR, and EDX spectra, has been prepared via sonochemical method under green conditions in water. In the current study, the effectiveness of foliar Zn amendment using synthetic Zn-ALA nano complex, as a new introduced Zn-fertilizer here, was evaluated. As the model plant, Pimpinella anisum, the most valuable spice and medicinal plant grown in warm regions, was used. By using zinc nano complex, further twenty compounds were obtained in the essential oil of anise plants. Application of 0.2% (w/v) Zn-ALA nano complex increased the levels of (E)-anethole, β-bisabolene, germacrene D, methyl chavicol, and α-zingiberene in the essential oil. Nano Zn complex at the rate of 0.2% induced considerable high phenolic compounds and zinc content of shoots and seeds. Chlorogenic acid had the highest level between four detected phenolic compounds. The maximum antioxidant activity was monitored through the application of Zn nano complex. According to the results, nanoscale nutrients can be provided with further decreased doses for medicinal plants. Using Zn-ALA nano complex is a new and efficient method to improve the pharmaceutical and food properties of anise plants. © 2017 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.

Cadmium-free aqueous synthesis of ZnSe and ZnSe@ZnS core-shell quantum dots and their differential bioanalyte sensing potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mir, Irshad Ahmad; Rawat, Kamla; Bohidar, H. B.

2016-10-01

Herein we report a facile and cadmium-free approach to prepare water-soluble fluorescent ZnSe@ZnS core-shell quantum dots (QDs), using thioglycolic acid (TGA) ligand as a stabilizer and thiourea as a sulfur source. The optical properties and morphology of the obtained core-shell QDs were characterized by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), x-ray diffraction (XRD), electrophoresis and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. TEM analysis, and electrophoresis data showed that ZnSe core had an average size of 3.60 ± 0.12 nm and zeta potential of -38 mV; and for ZnSe@ZnS QDs, the mean size was 4.80 ± 0.20 nm and zeta potential was -45 mV. Compared to the core ZnSe QDs, the quantum yield of these core-shell structures was higher (13% versus 32%). These were interacted with five common bioanalytes such as, ascorbic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, glucose and cholesterol which revealed fluorescence quenching due to concentration dependent binding of analytes to the core only, and core-shell QDs. The binding pattern followed the sequence: cholesterol < glucose < ascorbic acid < oxalic acid < citric acid for ZnSe, and cholesterol < glucose < oxalic acid < ascorbic acid < citric acid for core-shell QDs. Thus, enhanced binding was noticed for the analyte citric acid which may facilitate development of a fluorescence-based sensor based on the ZnSe core-only quantum dot platform. Further, the hydrophilic core-shell structure may find use in cell imaging applications.

Effects of dietary phytase on body weight gain, body composition and bone strength in growing rats fed a low-zinc diet.

PubMed

McClung, James P; Stahl, Chad H; Marchitelli, Louis J; Morales-Martinez, Nelson; Mackin, Katherine M; Young, Andrew J; Scrimgeour, Angus G

2006-03-01

Phytic acid, a major phosphorous storage compound found in foodstuffs, is known to form insoluble complexes with nutritionally essential minerals, including zinc (Zn). Phytases are enzymes that catalyze the removal of these minerals from phytic acid, improving their bioavailability. The objective of the present study was to determine the ability of dietary phytase to affect body weight, body composition, and bone strength in growing rats fed a high phytic acid, low Zn diet. Rats (n = 20) were fed either a control (AIN-93) or phytase supplemented (Natuphos, BASF, 1,500 phytase units (FTU)/kg) diet for a period of 8 weeks. Phytase supplementation resulted in increased (P<.05) bone and plasma Zn, but no change in plasma inorganic phosphorous or bone levels of Ca, Fe, or Mg. The addition of phytase to the diets resulted in a 22.4% increase (P<.05) in body weight at the end of the study as compared with rats fed a control diet. Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) revealed that phytase supplementation resulted in increase lean body mass (LBM, P<.001) and increased bone mineral content (BMC, P<.001) as compared with feeding the control diet. Bone studies indicated that femurs and tibias from phytase supplemented rats had greater mass (P<.05) and were stronger (P<.05) than rats fed the control diet. This data suggest that the addition of phytase to low Zn diets results in improved Zn status, which may be responsible for beneficial effects on growth, body composition, and bone strength.

Distribution of Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu and their chemical speciations in soils from a peri-smelter area in northeast China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Ping; Xue, Nandong; Liu, Li; Li, Fasheng

2008-07-01

An exploratory study on soil contamination of heavy metals was carried out surrounding Huludao zinc smelter in Liaoning province, China. The distribution of total heavy metals and their chemical speciations were investigated. The correlations between heavy metal speciations and soil pH values in corresponding sites were also analyzed. In general, Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu and As presented a significant contamination in the area near the smelter, comparied with Environmental Quality Standards for Soils in China. The geoaccumulation index showed the degree of contamination: Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu > As. There was no obvious pollution of Cr and Ni in the studied area. The speciation analysis showed that the dominant fraction of Cd and Zn was the acid soluble fraction, and the second was the residual fraction. Pb was mostly associated with the residual fraction, which constituted more than 50% of total concentration in all samples. Cu in residual fraction accounted for a high percentage (40-80%) of total concentration, and the proportion of Cu in the oxidizable fraction is higher than that of other metals. The distribution pattern of Pb and Zn was obviously affected by soil pH. It seemed that Pb and Zn content in acid solution fraction increased with increasing soil pH values, while Cd content in acid soluble fraction accounted for more proportion in neutral and alkaline groups than acidic one. The fraction distribution patterns of Cu in three pH groups were very similar and independent of soil pH values. And the residual fraction of Cu took a predominant part (50%) of the total content.

Assessing the dietary bioavailability of metals associated with natural particles: Extending the use of the reverse labeling approach to zinc

USGS Publications Warehouse

Croteau, Marie-Noele; Cain, Daniel J.; Fuller, Christopher C.

2017-01-01

We extend the use of a novel tracing technique to quantify the bioavailability of zinc (Zn) associated with natural particles using snails enriched with a less common Zn stable isotope. Lymnaea stagnalis is a model species that has relatively fast Zn uptake rates from the dissolved phase, enabling their rapid enrichment in 67Zn during the initial phase of labeling. Isotopically enriched snails were subsequently exposed to algae mixed with increasing amounts of metal-rich particles collected from two acid mine drainage impacted rivers. Zinc bioavailability from the natural particles was inferred from calculations of 66Zn assimilation into the snail’s soft tissues. Zinc assimilation efficiency (AE) varied from 28% for the Animas River particles to 45% for the Snake River particles, indicating that particle-bound, or sorbed Zn, was bioavailable from acid mine drainage wastes. The relative binding strength of Zn sorption to the natural particles was inversely related to Zn bioavailability; a finding that would not have been possible without using the reverse labeling approach. Differences in the chemical composition of the particles suggest that their geochemical properties may influence the extent of Zn bioavailability.

Assessing the Dietary Bioavailability of Metals Associated with Natural Particles: Extending the Use of the Reverse Labeling Approach to Zinc.

PubMed

Croteau, Marie-Noële; Cain, Daniel J; Fuller, Christopher C

2017-03-07

We extend the use of a novel tracing technique to quantify the bioavailability of zinc (Zn) associated with natural particles using snails enriched with a less common Zn stable isotope. Lymnaea stagnalis is a model species that has relatively fast Zn uptake rates from the dissolved phase, enabling their rapid enrichment in 67 Zn during the initial phase of labeling. Isotopically enriched snails were subsequently exposed to algae mixed with increasing amounts of metal-rich particles collected from two acid mine drainage impacted rivers. Zinc bioavailability from the natural particles was inferred from calculations of 66 Zn assimilation into the snail's soft tissues. Zinc assimilation efficiency (AE) varied from 28% for the Animas River particles to 45% for the Snake River particles, indicating that particle-bound, or sorbed Zn, was bioavailable from acid mine drainage wastes. The relative binding strength of Zn sorption to the natural particles was inversely related to Zn bioavailability; a finding that would not have been possible without using the reverse labeling approach. Differences in the chemical composition of the particles suggest that their geochemical properties may influence the extent of Zn bioavailability.

The chemisorption and reactions of formic acid on Cu films on ZnO (000 overline1)-O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ludviksson, A.; Zhang, R.; Campbell, Charles T.; Griffiths, K.

1994-06-01

The adsorption and reactions of formic acid (HCOOD : HCOOH = 3:1) on the oxygen-terminated ZnO(0001¯)-O surface and on thin Cu films deposited on the ZnO(0001¯)-O surface have been studied with temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and XPS. Small amounts of formic acid dissociate at defect sites on clean ZnO(0001¯)-O to yield surface formate (HCOO). The acid D(H) from this dissociation does not reappear in TPD, and is lost to the ZnO bulk, as confirmed by nuclear reaction analysis. The surface HCOO decomposes to yield nearly simultaneous CO 2 (37%), CO (63%) and H 2 TPD peaks at 560 K. Substantial amounts of D (˜ 20%) are incorporated in this hydrogen TPD peak resulting from formate decomposition at ZnO defects, indicating that bulk D is readily accessible. Submonolayer and multilayer Cu films that are deposited at 130 K and partially cover the ZnO surface as 2D and 3D islands adsorb formic acid and decompose it into formate and hydrogen much like the Cu(110) surface. The surface formate from the Cu film decomposes at 470-500 K to give primarily CO 2 and H 2, also much like Cu(110), although atom-thin Cu islands also give ˜ 40% CO. Annealed Cu films give formate decomposition peaks at 25-50 K lower in temperature, attributed to thickening and ordering of the Cu islands to form Cu(111)-like sites. The acid D(H) atom from the formic acid is partially lost by hydrogen spillover from the Cu islands into the ZnO substrate, especially for thin Cu films. This effect partially desorbs and is enhanced upon preannealing the Cu layers, due to increased H diffusion rates across the annealed Cu islands, and/or the decrease in island size. Bulk D(H) is slowly removed as D 2, HD and H 2 above 400 K in diffusion-limited desorption, catalyzed by Cu.

Dependence of nonlinear optical properties of Ag2S@ZnS core-shells on Zinc precursor and capping agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dehghanipour, M.; Khanzadeh, M.; Karimipour, M.; Molaei, M.

2018-03-01

In this research, four different types of Ag2S@ZnS core-shells were synthesized and their nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were investigated using a Z-scan technique by a 532 nm laser diode. Here, Ag2S and ZnS nanoparticles were also synthesized and their NLO properties were compared with Ag2S@ZnS core-shells. It was observed that the NLO properties of Ag2S@ZnS quantum dots significantly increased by increasing the values of Zn(NO3)2 and thioglycolic acid (TGA). It was also observed that the NLO properties of Ag2S@ZnS core-shells for 0.1 g of Zn(NO3)2 and 7000 μl TGA is higher than sole Ag2S and ZnS nanoparticles. In open aperture Z-scan curve of ZnS sample, a saturable absorption peak was observed and this peak was seen also in type of Ag2S@ZnS nanoparticles which the value of Zn(NO3)2 much more.

Interaction of insulin with colloidal ZnS quantum dots functionalized by various surface capping agents.

PubMed

Hosseinzadeh, Ghader; Maghari, Ali; Farniya, Seyed Morteza Famil; Keihan, Amir Homayoun; Moosavi-Movahedi, Ali A

2017-08-01

Interaction of quantum dots (QDs) and proteins strongly influenced by the surface characteristics of the QDs at the protein-QD interface. For a precise control of these surface-related interactions, it is necessary to improve our understanding in this field. In this regard, in the present work, the interaction between the insulin and differently functionalized ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were studied. The ZnS QDs were functionalized with various functional groups of hydroxyl (OH), carboxyl (COOH), amine (NH 2 ), and amino acid (COOH and NH 2 ). The effect of surface hydrophobicity was also studied by changing the alkyl-chain lengths of mercaptocarboxylic acid capping agents. The interaction between insulin and the ZnS QDs were investigated by fluorescence quenching, synchronous fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), and thermal aggregation techniques. The results reveal that among the studied QDs, mercaptosuccinic acid functionalized QDs has the strongest interaction (∆G ° =-51.50kJ/mol at 310K) with insulin, mercaptoethanol functionalized QDs destabilize insulin by increasing the beta-sheet contents, and only cysteine functionalized QDs improves the insulin stability by increasing the alpha-helix contents of the protein, and. Our results also indicate that by increasing the alkyl-chain length of capping agents, due to an increase in hydrophobicity of the QDs surface, the beta-sheet contents of insulin increase which results in the enhancement of insulin instability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fe-tannic acid complex dye as photo sensitizer for different morphological ZnO based DSSCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Çakar, Soner; Özacar, Mahmut

2016-06-01

In this paper we have synthesized different morphological ZnO nanostructures via microwave hydrothermal methods at low temperature within a short time. We described different morphologies of ZnO at different Zn(NO3)2/KOH mole ratio. The ZnO nanostructures were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and UV-vis spectrophotometry. All ZnO structures have hexagonal wurtzite type structures. The FESEM images showed various morphologies of ZnO such as plate, rod and nanoparticles. Dye sensitized solar cells have been assembled by these different morphological structures photo electrode and tannic acid or Fe-tannic acid complex dye as sensitizer. We have achieved at maximum efficiencies of photovoltaic cells prepared with ZnO plate in all dye systems. The conversion efficiencies of dye sensitized solar cells are 0.37% and 1.00% with tannic acid and Fe-tannic acid complex dye, respectively.

Effect of fulvic and humic acids on copper and zinc homeostasis in rats.

PubMed

Hullár, István; Vucskits, András Valentin; Berta, Erzsébet; Andrásofszky, Emese; Bersényi, András; Szabó, József

2018-03-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA), the two main compounds of humic substances (HSs), on copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) homeostasis. Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine experimental groups. The control diet (AIN-93G formula) and the diets supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.8% FA or HA were fed for 26 days. Cu and Zn concentrations of the large intestinal content (LIC), liver, kidney, femur and hair were determined. FA and HA did not influence significantly the Cu or Zn contents of the experimental diets, the rats' feed intake, weight gain and the feed to gain ratio. Both FA and HA decreased the Cu concentrations of the LIC significantly and in a dose-related manner; however the absorption-stimulating effect of HA was more pronounced. FA increased the Cu content of the liver, but neither FA nor HA had a dose-dependent effect on it. FA or HA supplementations had no significant effect on the Cu concentration of the kidney. At the concentrations used, dietary FA or HA supplementations are not promising growth promoters. FA influences the Cu homeostasis unlike HA, because FA not only stimulates Cu absorption, but the extra quantity of absorbed Cu is retained in the organism. The stimulatory effect of HA on Zn absorption may not be manifested in Cu and Zn homeostasis, because of the tight connection of these microelements to FA and HA, which prevents the transmission of Zn from the ZnHA complex to the organs. As regards the effect of FA and HA on Cu and Zn homeostasis, both FA and HA stimulated the absorption of these microelements, but only FA increased the retention of Cu (in the liver) and Zn (in the kidney).

Different Phosphorus Supplies Altered the Accumulations and Quantitative Distributions of Phytic Acid, Zinc, and Iron in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grains.

PubMed

Su, Da; Zhou, Lujian; Zhao, Qian; Pan, Gang; Cheng, Fangmin

2018-02-21

Development of rice cultivars with low phytic acid (lpa) is considered as a primary strategy for biofortification of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe). Here, two rice genotypes (XS110 and its lpa mutant) were used to investigate the effect of P supplies on accumulations and distributions of PA, Zn, and Fe in rice grains by using hydroponics and detached panicle culture system. Results showed that higher P level increased grain PA concentration on dry matter basis (g/kg), but it markedly decreased PA accumulation on per grain basis (mg/grain). Meanwhile, more P supply reduced the amounts and bioavailabilities of Zn and Fe both in milled grains and in brown grains. Comparatively, lpa mutant was more susceptive to exogenous P supply than its wild type. Hence, the appropriate P fertilizer application should be highlighted in order to increase grain microelement (Zn and Fe) contents and improve nutritional quality in rice grains.

Work-Function and Surface Energy Tunable Cyanoacrylic Acid Small-Molecule Derivative Interlayer on Planar ZnO Nanorods for Improved Organic Photovoltaic Performance.

PubMed

Ambade, Swapnil B; Ambade, Rohan B; Bagde, Sushil S; Lee, Soo-Hyoung

2016-12-28

The issue of work-function and surface energy is fundamental to "decode" the critical inorganic/organic interface in hybrid organic photovoltaics, which influences important photovoltaic events like exciton dissociation, charge transfer, photocurrent (J sc ), open-circuit voltage (V oc ), etc. We demonstrate that by incorporating an interlayer of cyanoacrylic acid small molecular layer (SML) on solution-processed, spin-coated, planar ZnO nanorods (P-ZnO NRs), higher photovoltaic (PV) performances were achieved in both inverted organic photovoltaic (iOPV) and hybrid organic photovoltaic (HOPV) devices, where ZnO acts as an "electron-transporting layer" and as an "electron acceptor", respectively. For the tuned range of surface energy from 52.5 to 33 mN/m, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) iOPVs based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C 60 -butyric acid methyl ester (PC 60 BM) increases from 3.16% to 3.68%, and that based on poly[4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b;4,5b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl-alt-(4-(2-ethylhexyl)-3-fluorothieno[3,4-b]thiophene)-2-carboxylate-2-6-diyl)] (PTB7:Th):[6,6]-phenyl C 71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC 71 BM) photoactive BHJ increases from 6.55% to 8.0%, respectively. The improved PV performance in iOPV devices is majorly attributed to enhanced photocurrents achieved as a result of reduced surface energy and greater electron affinity from the covalent attachment of the strong electron-withdrawing cyano moiety, while that in HOPV devices, where PCE increases from 0.21% to 0.79% for SML-modified devices, is ascribed to a large increase in V oc benefitted due to reduced work function effected from the presence of strong dipole moment in SML that points away from P-ZnO NRs.

A carboxylated Zn-phthalocyanine inhibits fibril formation of Alzheimer's amyloid β peptide.

PubMed

Tabassum, Shatera; Sheikh, Abdullah M; Yano, Shozo; Ikeue, Takafumi; Handa, Makoto; Nagai, Atsushi

2015-02-01

Amyloid β (Aβ), a 39-42 amino acid peptide derived from amyloid precursor protein, is deposited as fibrils in Alzheimer's disease brains, and is considered to play a major role in the pathogenesis of the disease. We have investigated the effects of a water-soluble Zn-phthalocyanine, ZnPc(COONa)₈, a macrocyclic compound with near-infrared optical properties, on Aβ fibril formation in vitro. A thioflavin T fluorescence assay showed that ZnPc(COONa)₈ significantly inhibited Aβ fibril formation, increasing the lag time and dose-dependently decreasing the plateau level of fibril formation. Moreover, it destabilized pre-formed Aβ fibrils, resulting in an increase in low-molecular-weight species. After fibril formation in the presence of ZnPc(COONa)₈, immunoprecipitation of Aβ₁₋₄₂ using Aβ-specific antibody followed by near-infrared scanning demonstrated binding of ZnPc(COONa)₈ to Aβ₁₋₄₂. A study using the hydrophobic fluorescent probe 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid showed that ZnPc(COONa)8 decreased the hydrophobicity during Aβ₁₋₄₂ fibril formation. CD spectroscopy showed an increase in the α helix structure and a decrease in the β sheet structure of Aβ₁₋₄₀ in fibril-forming buffer containing ZnPc(COONa)₈. SDS/PAGE and a dot-blot immunoassay showed that ZnPc(COONa)₈ delayed the disappearance of low-molecular-weight species and the appearance of higher-molecular-weight oligomeric species of Aβ₁₋₄₂. A cell viability assay showed that ZnPc(COONa)₈ was not toxic to a neuronal cell line (A1), but instead protected A1 cells against Aβ₁₋₄₂-induced toxicity. Overall, our results indicate that ZnPc(COONa)₈ binds to Aβ and decreases the hydrophobicity, and this change is unfavorable for Aβ oligomerization and fibril formation. © 2014 FEBS.

Phytase supplementation increases bone mineral density, lean body mass and voluntary physical activity in rats fed a low-zinc diet.

PubMed

Scrimgeour, Angus G; Marchitelli, Louis J; Whicker, Jered S; Song, Yang; Ho, Emily; Young, Andrew J

2010-07-01

Phytic acid forms insoluble complexes with nutritionally essential minerals, including zinc (Zn). Animal studies show that addition of microbial phytase (P) to low-Zn diets improves Zn status and bone strength. The present study determined the effects of phytase supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD), body composition and voluntary running activity of male rats fed a high phytic acid, low-Zn diet. In a factorial design, rats were assigned to ZnLO (5 mg/kg diet), ZnLO+P (ZnLO diet with 1500 U phytase/kg) or ZnAD (30 mg/kg diet) groups and were divided into voluntary exercise (EX) or sedentary (SED) groups, for 9 weeks. SED rats were significantly heavier from the second week, and no catch-up growth occurred in EX rats. Feed intakes were not different between groups throughout the study. ZnLO animals had decreased food efficiency ratios compared to both phytase-supplemented (ZnLO+P) and Zn-adequate (ZnAD) animals (P<.01 compared to ZnLO). The ZnLO+P and ZnAD rats ran 56-75 km more total distance than ZnLO rats (P<.05), with the ZnLO+P rats running more kilometers per week than the ZnLO rats by Week 6. In vivo DEXA analyses indicate that rats fed phytase-supplemented diets had higher lean body mass (LBM) than those fed ZnLO diets; and that rats fed the Zn-adequate diets had the highest LBM. Body fat (%) was significantly lower in EX rats and was both Zn- and phytase insensitive. Rats fed phytase-supplemented diets had higher bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA) and BMD than rats fed ZnLO diets; and in rats fed ZnAD diets these indices were the highest. The dietary effects on BMC, BA and BMD were independent of activity level. We conclude that consuming supplemental dietary phytase or dietary Zn additively enhances Zn status to increase BMD, LBM and voluntary physical activity in rats fed a low-Zn diet. While the findings confirm that bone health is vulnerable to disruption by moderate Zn deficiency in rats, this new data suggests that if dietary Zn is limiting, supplemental phytase may have beneficial effects on LBM and performance activity. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Alterations in the Gut ( Gallus gallus) Microbiota Following the Consumption of Zinc Biofortified Wheat ( Triticum aestivum)-Based Diet.

PubMed

Reed, Spenser; Knez, Marija; Uzan, Atara; Stangoulis, James C R; Glahn, Raymond P; Koren, Omry; Tako, Elad

2018-06-15

The structure and function of cecal microbiota following the consumption of a zinc (Zn) biofortified wheat diet was evaluated in a well-studied animal model of human nutrition ( Gallus gallus) during a six-week efficacy trial. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, a significant increase in β- but not α-microbial diversity was observed in the animals receiving the Zn biofortified wheat diet, relative to the control. No significant taxonomic differences were found between the two groups. Linear discriminant analysis revealed a group of metagenomic biomarkers that delineated the Zn replete versus Zn deficient phenotypes, such that enrichment of lactic acid bacteria and concomitant increases in Zn-dependent bacterial metabolic pathways were observed in the Zn biofortified group, and expansion of mucin-degraders and specific bacterial groups able to participate in maintaining host Zn homeostasis were observed in the control group. Additionally, the Ruminococcus genus appeared to be a key player in delineating the Zn replete microbiota from the control group, as it strongly predicts host Zn adequacy. Our data demonstrate that the gut microbiome associated with Zn biofortified wheat ingestion is unique and may influence host Zn status. Microbiota analysis in biofortification trials represents a crucial area for study as Zn biofortified diets are increasingly delivered on a population-wide scale.

Photoelectrocatalytic activity of a hydrothermally grown branched Zno nanorod-array electrode for paracetamol degradation.

PubMed

Lin, Chin Jung; Liao, Shu-Jun; Kao, Li-Cheng; Liou, Sofia Ya Hsuan

2015-06-30

Hierarchical branched ZnO nanorod (B-ZnR) arrays as an electrode for efficient photoelectrocatalytic degradation of paracetamol were grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates using a solution route. The morphologic and structural studies show the ZnO trunks are single-crystalline hexagonal wurtzite ZnO with a [0001] growth direction and are densely covered by c-axis-oriented ZnO branches. The obvious enhancement in photocurrent response of the B-ZnR electrode was obtained than that in the ZnO nanoparticle (ZnO NP) electrode. For the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of paracetamol in 20 h, the conversion fraction of the drug increased from 32% over ZnO NP electrode to 62% over B-ZnR arrays with about 3-fold increase in initial reaction rate. The light intensity-dependent photoelectrocatalytic experiment indicated that the superior performance over the B-ZnR electrode was mainly ascribed to the increased specific surface area without significantly sacrificing the charge transport and pollutant diffusion efficiencies. Two aromatic intermediate compounds were observed and eventually converted into harmless carboxylic acids and ammonia. Hierarchical tree-like ZnO arrays can be considered effective alternatives to improve photoelectro degradation rates without the need for expensive additives. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Zinc protoporphyrin inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-, lipoteichoic acid-, and peptidoglycan-induced nitric oxide production through stimulating iNOS protein ubiquitination.

PubMed

Chow, Jyh-Ming; Lin, Hui-Yi; Shen, Shing-Chuan; Wu, Ming-Shun; Lin, Cheng-Wei; Chiu, Wen-Ta; Lin, Chien-Huang; Chen, Yen-Chou

2009-06-15

In the present study, zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), but not ferric protoporphyrin (FePP), tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), or zinc chloride (ZnCl(2)), at the doses of 0.5, 1, and 2 microM, dose-dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide- (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and peptidoglycan (PGN)-induced inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production with an increase in heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) protein in RAW264.7 macrophages in a serum-free condition. NO inhibition and HO-1 induction by ZnPP were blocked by the separate addition of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). A decrease in the iNOS/NO ratio and an increase in HO-1 protein by ZnPP were identified in three different conditions including ZnPP pretreatment, ZnPP co-treatment, and ZnPP post-treatment with LPS and LTA. Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and extracellular regulated kinases (ERKs) were detected in LPS-, LTA-, and PGN-treated RAW264.7 cells, and iNOS/NO production was blocked by adding the JNK inhibitor, SP600125, but not the ERK inhibitor, PD98059. However, ZnPP addition potentiated ERK and JNK protein phosphorylation stimulated by LPS, LTA, and PGN. Increases in total protein ubiquitination and ubiquitinated iNOS proteins were detected in ZnPP-treated macrophages elicited by LPS according to Western and immunoprecipitation/Western blotting assays, respectively. The decrease in LPS-induced iNOS protein by ZnPP was reversed by adding the proteasome inhibitors MG132 and lactacystin. The reduction in HO-1 protein induced by ZnPP via transfection of HO-1 small interfering RNA did not affect the inhibitory effect of ZnPP against LPS-induced iNOS/NO production and protein ubiquitination induced by ZnPP in macrophages. Data of the present study provide the first evidence to support ZnPP effectively inhibiting inflammatory iNOS/NO production through activation of protein ubiquitination in a HO-1-independent manner in macrophages.

Zinc protoporphyrin inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-, lipoteichoic acid-, and peptidoglycan-induced nitric oxide production through stimulating iNOS protein ubiquitination

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chow, J.-M.; Lin, H.-Y.; Shen, S.-C.

2009-06-15

In the present study, zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), but not ferric protoporphyrin (FePP), tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), or zinc chloride (ZnCl{sub 2}), at the doses of 0.5, 1, and 2 {mu}M, dose-dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide- (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and peptidoglycan (PGN)-induced inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production with an increase in heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) protein in RAW264.7 macrophages in a serum-free condition. NO inhibition and HO-1 induction by ZnPP were blocked by the separate addition of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). A decrease in the iNOS/NO ratio and an increase in HO-1 protein bymore » ZnPP were identified in three different conditions including ZnPP pretreatment, ZnPP co-treatment, and ZnPP post-treatment with LPS and LTA. Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and extracellular regulated kinases (ERKs) were detected in LPS-, LTA-, and PGN-treated RAW264.7 cells, and iNOS/NO production was blocked by adding the JNK inhibitor, SP600125, but not the ERK inhibitor, PD98059. However, ZnPP addition potentiated ERK and JNK protein phosphorylation stimulated by LPS, LTA, and PGN. Increases in total protein ubiquitination and ubiquitinated iNOS proteins were detected in ZnPP-treated macrophages elicited by LPS according to Western and immunoprecipitation/Western blotting assays, respectively. The decrease in LPS-induced iNOS protein by ZnPP was reversed by adding the proteasome inhibitors MG132 and lactacystin. The reduction in HO-1 protein induced by ZnPP via transfection of HO-1 small interfering RNA did not affect the inhibitory effect of ZnPP against LPS-induced iNOS/NO production and protein ubiquitination induced by ZnPP in macrophages. Data of the present study provide the first evidence to support ZnPP effectively inhibiting inflammatory iNOS/NO production through activation of protein ubiquitination in a HO-1-independent manner in macrophages.« less

ZnO Nanorod-Based Non-Enzymatic Optical Glucose Biosensor.

PubMed

Sarangi, Sachindra Nath; Nozaki, Shinji; Sahu, Surendra Nath

2015-06-01

The highly sensitive, interference-free and non-enzymatic optical sensing of glucose has been made possible for the first time using the hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanorods. The UV irradiation of glucose-treated ZnO nanorods decomposes glucose into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and gluconic acid by UV oxidation. The ZnO nanorods play the role of a catalyst similar to the oxidase used in the enzymatic glucose sensors. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the near-band edge emission of the ZnO nanorods linearly decreased with the increased concentration of H2O2. Therefore, the glucose concentration is monitored over the wide range of 0.5-30 mM, corresponding to 9-540 mg/dL. The concentration range of the linear region in the calibration curve is suitable for its clinical use as a glucose sensor, because the glucose concentration of human serum is typically in the range of 80-120 mg/dL. In addition, the optical glucose sensor made of the ZnO nanorods is free from interference by bovin serum albumin, ascorbic acid or uric acid, which are also present in human blood. The non-enzymatic ZnO-nanorod sensor has been demonstrated with human serum samples from both normal persons and diabetic patients. There is a good agreement between the glucose concentrations measured by the PL quenching and standard clinical methods.

Doping Ag in ZnO Nanorods to Improve the Performance of Related Enzymatic Glucose Sensors.

PubMed

Zhou, Fan; Jing, Weixuan; Liu, Pengcheng; Han, Dejun; Jiang, Zhuangde; Wei, Zhengying

2017-09-27

In this paper, the performance of a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod-based enzymatic glucose sensor was enhanced with silver (Ag)-doped ZnO (ZnO-Ag) nanorods. The effect of the doped Ag on the surface morphologies, wettability, and electron transfer capability of the ZnO-Ag nanorods, as well as the catalytic character of glucose oxidase (GOx) and the performance of the glucose sensor was investigated. The results indicate that the doped Ag slightly weakens the surface roughness and hydrophilicity of the ZnO-Ag nanorods, but remarkably increases their electron transfer ability and enhances the catalytic character of GOx. Consequently, the combined effects of the above influencing factors lead to a notable improvement of the performance of the glucose sensor, that is, the sensitivity increases and the detection limit decreases. The optimal amount of the doped Ag is determined to be 2 mM, and the corresponding glucose sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 3.85 μA/(mM·cm²), detection limit of 1.5 μM, linear range of 1.5 × 10 -3 -6.5 mM, and Michaelis-Menten constant of 3.87 mM. Moreover, the glucose sensor shows excellent selectivity to urea, ascorbic acid, and uric acid, in addition to displaying good storage stability. These results demonstrate that ZnO-Ag nanorods are promising matrix materials for the construction of other enzymatic biosensors.

A space network structure constructed by tetraneedlelike ZnO whiskers supporting boron nitride nanosheets to enhance comprehensive properties of poly(L-lacti acid) scaffolds

PubMed Central

Feng, Pei; Peng, Shuping; Wu, Ping; Gao, Chengde; Huang, Wei; Deng, Youwen; Shuai, Cijun

2016-01-01

In this study, the mechanical strength and modulus of poly(L-lacti acid) (PLLA) scaffolds were enhanced with the mechanical properties of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) and tetraneedlelike ZnO whiskers (T-ZnOw). The adhesion and proliferation of cells were improved as well as osteogenic differentiation of stem cells was increased. Their dispersion statues in PLLA matrix were improved through a space network structure constructed by three-dimensional T-ZnOw supporting two-dimensional BNNSs. The results showed that the compressive strength, modulus and Vickers hardness of the scaffolds with incorporation of 1 wt% BNNSs and 7 wt% T-ZnOw together were about 96.15%, 32.86% and 357.19% higher than that of the PLLA scaffolds, respectively. This might be due to the effect of the pull out and bridging of BNNSs and T-ZnOw as well as the crack deflection, facilitating the formation of effective stress transfer between the reinforcement phases and the matrix. Furthermore, incorporation of BNNSs and T-ZnOw together into PLLA scaffolds was beneficial for attachment and viability of MG-63 cells. More importantly, the scaffolds significantly increased proliferation and promoted osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). The enhanced mechanical and biological properties provide the potentials of PLLA/BNNSs/T-ZnOw scaffolds for the application into bone tissue engineering. PMID:27629058

Multiple applications of the U.S. EPA 1312 leach procedure to mine waste from the Animas watershed, SW Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fey, David L.; Church, Stan E.; Driscoll, Rhonda L.; Adams, Monique G.

2011-01-01

Eleven acid-sulphate and quartz-sericite-pyrite altered mine waste samples from the Animas River watershed in SW Colorado were subjected to a series of 5 to 6 successive leaches using the US EPA 1312 leach protocol to evaluate the transport of metals and loss of acidity from mine wastes as a function of time. Multi-acid digestion ICP-AES analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineral identification, total sulphur, and net acid potential (NAP) determinations were performed on the initial starting materials. Multiple leaching steps generally showed a 'flushing' effect, whereby elements loosely bound, presumably as water-soluble salts, were removed. Aluminum, Cd, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sr, Zn, and S showed decreasing concentration trends, whereas Cu concentrations showed initially decreasing trends, followed by increasing trends in later steps. Concentrations of Zn in the first leach step were independent of whole-sample Zn content. Lead and Ba concentrations consistently increased with each step, indicating that anglesite (PbSO4) and barite (BaSO4), respectively, were dissolving in successive leach steps. Comparison of Fe content with NAP resulted in a modest correlation. However, using the S analyses and XRD identification of sulphide minerals to apportion S amongst enargite, barite, anglesite/galena, and sphalerite, and assigning the remaining S to pyrite, provided a useful correlation between estimated pyrite content and NAP. Whole-sample mass loss correlated well with NAP, but individual elements' behaviors varied between positive correlation (e.g. Al, Fe, Mg), no apparent correlation (Ca, Cd, Pb, Zn), and negative correlation (Cu). Comparison of the summed titrated acidities of the leachates with the whole-sample NAP values yielded an estimate of the fraction of NAP consumed, and led to an estimate of the time it would take to consume the sample acidity by weathering. We estimate, on the basis of these experiments, the acidity in the upper 30 cm would be consumed in 200–1000 years. In addition, calculations suggest that the acidity would be depleted before the complete store of the metals Cu-Cd-Zn in these mine wastes would be released to the environment.

Multiple applications of the U.S. EPA 1312 leach procedure to mine waste from the animas watershed, SW Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fey, D.L.; Church, S.E.; Driscoll, R.L.; Adams, M.G.

2011-01-01

Eleven acid-sulphate and quartz-sericite-pyrite altered mine waste samples from the Animas River watershed in SW Colorado were subjected to a series of 5 to 6 successive leaches using the US EPA 1312 leach protocol to evaluate the transport of metals and loss of acidity from mine wastes as a function of time. Multi-acid digestion ICP-AES analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineral identification, total sulphur, and net acid potential (NAP) determinations were performed on the initial starting materials. Multiple leaching steps generally showed a 'flushing' effect, whereby elements loosely bound, presumably as water-soluble salts, were removed. Aluminum, Cd, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sr, Zn, and S showed decreasing concentration trends, whereas Cu concentrations showed initially decreasing trends, followed by increasing trends in later steps. Concentrations of Zn in the first leach step were independent of whole-sample Zn content. Lead and Ba concentrations consistently increased with each step, indicating that anglesite (PbSO4) and barite (BaSO4), respectively, were dissolving in successive leach steps. Comparison of Fe content with NAP resulted in a modest correlation. However, using the S analyses and XRD identification of sulphide minerals to apportion S amongst enargite, barite, anglesite/galena, and sphalerite, and assigning the remaining S to pyrite, provided a useful correlation between estimated pyrite content and NAP. Whole-sample mass loss correlated well with NAP, but individual elements' behaviors varied between positive correlation (e.g. Al, Fe, Mg), no apparent correlation (Ca, Cd, Pb, Zn), and negative correlation (Cu). Comparison of the summed titrated acidities of the leachates with the whole-sample NAP values yielded an estimate of the fraction of NAP consumed, and led to an estimate of the time it would take to consume the sample acidity by weathering. We estimate, on the basis of these experiments, the acidity in the upper 30 cm would be consumed in 200-1000 years. In addition, calculations suggest that the acidity would be depleted before the complete store of the metals Cu-Cd-Zn in these mine wastes would be released to the environment. ?? 2011 AAG/Geological Society of London.

A Generic Metallographic Preparation Method for Magnesium Alloys

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

treated castings or wrought alloys. Stains solid solution, leaves compound white. 9: 100-ml water 0.2–2-g oxalic acid For pure Mg and most alloys. Swab...water 2-g oxalic acid Pure Mg Mg-Mn Mg-Al, Mg-Al-Zn (Al+Znɝ%) Mg-Al, Mg-Al-Zn (Al+Zn>5%) Mg-Zn-Zr Mg-Th-Zr Swab...using a 100-ml ethanol, 10-ml distilled water, 10-ml acetic acid , and 5-g picric acid etchant. Immersed and using gentle agitation 5–20 s. Though not

Organic acid compounds in root exudation of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) and its bioactivity as affected by heavy metals.

PubMed

Chen, Junren; Shafi, Mohammad; Wang, Ying; Wu, Jiasen; Ye, Zhengqian; Liu, Chen; Zhong, Bin; Guo, Hua; He, Lizhi; Liu, Dan

2016-10-01

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) has great potential as phytoremediation material in soil contaminated by heavy metals. A hydroponics experiment was conducted to determine organic acid compounds of root exudates of lead- (Pb), zinc- (Zn), copper- (Cu), and cadmium (Cd)-tolerant of Moso bamboo. Plants were grown in nutrients solution which included Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd applied as Pb(NO 3 ) 2 (200 μM), ZnSO 4 ·7H 2 O (100 μM), CuSO 4 ·5H 2 O (25 μM), and CdCl 2 (10 μM), respectively. Oxalic acid and malic acid were detected in all treatments. Lactic acid was observed in Cu, Cd, and control treatments. The oxalic was the main organic acid exudated by Moso bamboo. In the sand culture experiment, the Moso bamboo significantly activated carbonate heavy metals under activation of roots. The concentration of water-soluble metals (except Pb) in sand were significantly increased as compared with control. Organic acids (1 mM mixed) were used due to its effect on the soil adsorption of heavy metals. After adding mixed organic acids, the Cu and Zn sorption capacity in soils was decreased markedly compared with enhanced Pb and Cd sorption capacity in soils. The sorption was analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich equations with R 2 values that ranged from 0.956 to 0.999 and 0.919 to 0.997, respectively.

Phytoremediation of Cu and Zn by vetiver grass in mine soils amended with humic acids.

PubMed

Vargas, Carmen; Pérez-Esteban, Javier; Escolástico, Consuelo; Masaguer, Alberto; Moliner, Ana

2016-07-01

Phytoremediation of contaminated mine soils requires the use of fast-growing, deep-rooted, high-biomass, and metal-tolerant plants with the application of soil amendments that promote metal uptake by plants. A pot experiment was performed to evaluate the combined use of vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) and humic acid for phytoremediation of Cu and Zn in mine soils. Vetiver plants were grown in soil samples collected from two mine sites of Spain mixed with a commercial humic acid derived from leonardite at doses of 0, 2, 10, and 20 g kg(-1). Plant metal concentrations and biomass were measured and metal bioavailability in soils was determined by a low molecular weight organic acid extraction. Results showed that humic acid addition decreased organic acid-extractable metals in soil. Although this extraction method is used to estimate bioavailability of metals, it was not a good estimator under these conditions due to competition with the strong chelators in the added humic acid. High doses of humic acid also promoted root growth and increased Cu concentrations in plants due to formation of soluble metal-organic complexes, which enhanced removal of this metal from soil and its accumulation in roots. Although humic acid was not able to improve Zn uptake, it managed to reduce translocation of Zn and Cu to aerial parts of plants. Vetiver resulted unsuitable for phytoextraction, but our study showed that the combined use of this species with humic acid at 10-20 g kg(-1) could be an effective strategy for phytostabilization of mine soils.

[Effects of applying tea seed meal and EDTA on the speciation transformation and phyto-availability of nickel and zinc in soil].

PubMed

Yu, Bin; Xia, Hui-Long

2013-06-01

A pot experiment with sugarcane was conducted to study the effects of applying tea seed meal and EDTA on the speciation transformation and phyto-availability of nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) in soil. With the increasing application rate of tea seed meal, the biomass of sugarcane root, stem, and leaf increased gradually, but no significant difference was observed in the stem and leaf biomass between EDTA treatments and the control. Applying tea seed meal and EDTA increased the acid-soluble Ni and Zn contents in soil, and promoted the bioconcentration and translocation of Ni and Zn in sugarcane. Meanwhile, the strengthening effect increased gradually with the increasing application rate of tea seed meal. As compared with EDTA, tea seed meal was more efficient in improving the accumulation of Ni and Zn in sugarcane, and thus, made the sugarcane remove more Ni and Zn from soil. The Ni and Zn contents in sugarcane stem and leaf had significant positive correlations with the application rate of tea seed meal, while the Ni and Zn contents in sugarcane root were significantly negatively correlated with the application rate of tea seed meal.

Oxalate metal complexes in aerosol particles: implications for the hygroscopicity of oxalate-containing particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furukawa, T.; Takahashi, Y.

2011-05-01

Atmospheric aerosols have both a direct and an indirect cooling effect that influences the radiative balance at the Earth's surface. It has been estimated that the degree of cooling is large enough to weaken the warming effect of carbon dioxide. Among the cooling factors, secondary organic aerosols (SOA) play an important role in the solar radiation balance in the troposphere as SOA can act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and extend the lifespan of clouds because of their high hygroscopic and water soluble nature. Oxalic acid is an important component of SOA, and is produced via several formation pathways in the atmosphere. However, it is not certain whether oxalic acid exists as free oxalic acid or as metal oxalate complexes in aerosols, although there is a marked difference in their solubility in water and their hygroscopicity. We employed X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy to characterize the calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) in aerosols collected at Tsukuba in Japan. Size-fractionated aerosol samples were collected for this purpose using an impactor aerosol sampler. It was shown that 10-60% and 20-100% of the total Ca and Zn in the finer particles (<2.1 μm) were present as Ca and Zn oxalate complexes, respectively. Oxalic acid is hygroscopic and can thus increase the CCN activity of aerosol particles, while complexes with various polyvalent metal ions such as Ca and Zn are not hygroscopic, which cannot contribute to the increase of the CCN activity of aerosols. Based on the concentrations of noncomplexed and metal-complexed oxalate species, we found that most of the oxalic acid is present as metal oxalate complexes in the aerosols, suggesting that oxalic acid does not always increase the hygroscopicity of aerosols in the atmosphere. Similar results are expected for other dicarboxylic acids, such as malonic and succinic acids. Thus, it is advisable that the cooling effect of organic aerosols should be estimated by including the information on metal oxalate complexes and metal complexes with other dicarboxylic acids in aerosols.

In situ NMR spectroscopy: inulin biomass conversion in ZnCl₂ molten salt hydrate medium-SnCl₄ addition controls product distribution.

PubMed

Wang, Yingxiong; Pedersen, Christian Marcus; Qiao, Yan; Deng, Tiansheng; Shi, Jing; Hou, Xianglin

2015-01-22

The dehydration of inulin biomass to the platform chemicals, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and levulinic acid (LA), in ZnCl2 molten salt hydrate medium was investigated. The influence of the Lewis acid catalyst, SnCl4, on the product distribution was examined. An in situ(1)H NMR technique was employed to follow the reaction at the molecular level. The experimental results revealed that only 5-HMF was obtained from degradation of inulin biomass in ZnCl2 molten salt hydrate medium, while the LA was gradually becoming the main product when the reaction temperature was increased in the presence of the Lewis acid catalyst SnCl4. In situ NMR spectroscopy could monitor the reaction and give valuable insight. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spectroscopic study of binding of chlorogenic acid with the surface of ZnO nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belay, Abebe; Kim, Hyung Kook; Hwang, Yoon-Hwae

2017-09-01

Understanding the interaction properties of biological materials with ZnO NPs is fundamental interest in the field of biotechnological applications as well as in the formation of optoelectronic devices. In this research, the binding of ZnO NPs and chlorogenic acid (CGA) were investigated using fluorescence quenching, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The study results indicated the fluorescence quenching between ZnO NPs and CGA rationalized in terms of static quenching mechanism or the formation of nonfluorescent CGA-ZnO. From fluorescence quenching spectral analysis the binding constant ( K a ), number of binding sites ( n), and thermodynamic properties, were determined. The quenching constants ( K sv) and binding constant ( K a ), decrease with increasing the temperature and their binding sites n are 2. The thermodynamic parameters determined using Van't Hoff equation indicated binding occurs spontaneously involving the hydrogen bond and van der Walls forces played the major role in the reaction of ZnO NPs with CGA. The Raman, SEM, DLS, and Zeta potential measurements were also indicated the differences in the structure, morphology and sizes of CGA, ZnO NPs, and their corresponding CGA-ZnO due to adsorption of CGA on the surface of ZnO NPs

Enhanced performance of Zn(II)-doped lead-acid batteries with electrochemical active carbon in negative mass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Jiayuan; Hu, Chen; Chen, Liying; Zhang, Dong; Ding, Ping; Chen, Dong; Liu, Hao; Chen, Jian; Wu, Xianzhang; Lai, Xiaokang

2016-10-01

The effect and mechanism of Zn(II) on improving the performances of lead-acid cell with electrochemical active carbon (EAC) in negative mass is investigated. The hydrogen evolution of the cell is significantly reduced due to the deposition of Zn on carbon surface and the increased porosity of negative mass. Zn(II) additives can also improve the low-temperature and high-rate capacities of the cell with EAC in negative mass, which ascribes to the formation of Zn on lead and carbon surface that constructs a conductive bridge among the active mass. Under the co-contribution of EAC and Zn(II), the partial-state-of-charge cycle life is greatly prolonged. EAC optimizes the NAM structure and porosity to enhance the charge acceptance and retard the lead sulfate accumulation. Zn(II) additive reduces the hydrogen evolution during charge process and improves the electric conductivity of the negative electrode. The cell with 0.6 wt% EAC and 0.006 wt% ZnO in negative mass exhibits 90% reversible capacity of the initial capacity after 2100 cycles. In contrast, the cell with 0.6 wt% EAC exhibits 84% reversible capacity after 2100 cycles and the control cell with no EAC and Zn(II) exhibits less than 80% reversible capacity after 1350 cycles.

Arbuscular mycorrhizae alleviate negative effects of zinc oxide nanoparticle and zinc accumulation in maize plants--A soil microcosm experiment.

PubMed

Wang, Fayuan; Liu, Xueqin; Shi, Zhaoyong; Tong, Ruijian; Adams, Catharine A; Shi, Xiaojun

2016-03-01

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are considered an emerging contaminant when in high concentration, and their effects on crops and soil microorganisms pose new concerns and challenges. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (AMF) form mutualistic symbioses with most vascular plants, and putatively contribute to reducing nanotoxicity in plants. Here, we studied the interactions between ZnO NPs and maize plants inoculated with or without AMF in ZnO NPs-spiked soil. ZnO NPs had no significant adverse effects at 400 mg/kg, but inhibited both maize growth and AM colonization at concentrations at and above 800 mg/kg. Sufficient addition of ZnO NPs decreased plant mineral nutrient acquisition, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, and root activity. Furthermore, ZnO NPs caused Zn concentrations in plants to increase in a dose-dependent pattern. As the ZnO NPs dose increased, we also found a positive correlation with soil diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Zn. However, AM inoculation significantly alleviated the negative effects induced by ZnO NPs: inoculated-plants experienced increased growth, nutrient uptake, photosynthetic pigment content, and SOD activity in leaves. Mycorrhizal plants also exhibited decreased ROS accumulation, Zn concentrations and bioconcentration factor (BCF), and lower soil DTPA-extractable Zn concentrations at high ZnO NPs doses. Our results demonstrate that, at high contamination levels, ZnO NPs cause toxicity to AM symbiosis, but AMF help alleviate ZnO NPs-induced phytotoxicity by decreasing Zn bioavailability and accumulation, Zn partitioning to shoots, and ROS production, and by increasing mineral nutrients and antioxidant capacity. AMF may play beneficial roles in alleviating the negative effects and environmental risks posed by ZnO NPs in agroecosystems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fatty Acid-Mediated Inhibition of Metal Binding to the Multi-Metal Site on Serum Albumin: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease.

PubMed

Blindauer, Claudia A; Khazaipoul, Siavash; Yu, Ruitao; Stewart, Alan J

2016-01-01

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the major protein in blood plasma and is responsible for circulatory transport of a range of small molecules including fatty acids, metal ions and drugs. We previously identified the major plasma Zn2+ transport site on HSA and revealed that fatty-acid binding (at a distinct site called the FA2 site) and Zn2+ binding are interdependent via an allosteric mechanism. Since binding affinities of long-chain fatty acids exceed those of plasma Zn2+, this means that under certain circumstances the binding of fatty acid molecules to HSA is likely to diminish HSA Zn2+-binding, and hence affects the control of circulatory and cellular Zn2+ dynamics. This relationship between circulatory fatty acid and Zn2+ dynamics is likely to have important physiological and pathological implications, especially since it has been recognised that Zn2+ acts as a signalling agent in many cell types. Fatty acid levels in the blood are dynamic, but most importantly, chronic elevation of plasma fatty acid levels is associated with some metabolic disorders and disease states - including myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases. In this article, we briefly review the metal-binding properties of albumin and highlight the importance of their interplay with fatty acid binding. We also consider the impact of this dynamic link upon levels and speciation of plasma Zn2+, its effect upon cellular Zn2+ homeostasis and its relevance to cardiovascular and circulatory processes in health and disease.

Comparative leaching of six toxic metals from raw and chemically stabilized MSWI fly ash using citric acid.

PubMed

Wang, Huawei; Fan, Xinxiu; Wang, Ya-Nan; Li, Weihua; Sun, Yingjie; Zhan, Meili; Wu, Guizhi

2018-02-15

The leaching behavior of six typical toxic metals (Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, Cu and Ni) from raw and chemically stabilized (phosphate and chelating agent) municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash were investigated using citric acid. Leaching tests indicated that phosphate stabilization can effectively decrease the leaching of Zn, Cd and Cr; whereas chelating agent stabilization shows a strong ability to lower the release of Pb, Cd and Cu, but instead increases the solubility of Zn and Cr at low pH conditions. Sequential extraction results suggested that the leaching of Pb, Zn and Cd in both the stabilized MSWI fly ash samples led to the decrease in Fe/Mn oxide fraction and the increase in exchangeable and carbonate fractions. The leaching of Cr was due to the decrease in exchangeable, carbonate and Fe/Mn oxide fractions in phosphate-stabilized and chelating agent-stabilized MSWI fly ash. The leaching of Cu in both stabilized MSWI fly ash was greatly ascribed to the decrease in Fe/Mn oxide and oxidisable fractions. Moreover, predicted curves by geochemical model indicated that both stabilized MSWI fly ash have the risk of releasing toxic metals under strong acid environment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reductive smelting of spent lead-acid battery colloid sludge in a molten Na2CO3 salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yu-jie; Tang, Chao-bo; Tang, Mo-tang; Chen, Yong-ming

2015-08-01

Lead extraction from spent lead-acid battery paste in a molten Na2CO3 salt containing ZnO as a sulfur-fixing agent was studied. Some influencing factors, including smelting temperature, reaction time, ZnO and salt dosages, were investigated in detail using single-factor experiments. The optimum conditions were determined as follows: T = 880°C; t = 60 min; Na2CO3/paste mass ratio = 2.8:1; and the ZnO dosage is equal to the stoichiometric requirement. Under the optimum conditions, the direct recovery rate of lead reached 98.14%. The results suggested that increases in temperature and salt dosage improved the direct recovery rate of lead. XRD results and thermodynamic calculations indicated that the reaction approaches of lead and sulfur were PbSO4→Pb and PbSO4→ZnS, respectively. Sulfur was fixed in the form of ZnS, whereas the molten salt did not react with other components, serving only as a reaction medium.

Bioleaching of zinc and manganese from spent Zn-Mn batteries and mechanism exploration.

PubMed

Xin, Baoping; Jiang, Wenfeng; Aslam, Hina; Zhang, Kai; Liu, Changhao; Wang, Renqing; Wang, Yutao

2012-02-01

In this work, bioleaching was used to extract valuable Zn and Mn from spent Zn-Mn batteries. The results showed that 96% of Zn extraction was achieved within 24h regardless of energy source types and bioleaching bacteria species. However, initial pH had a remarkable influence on Zn release, extraction dose sharply decreased from 2200 to 500mg/l when the initial pH value increased from 1.5 to 3.0 or higher. In contrast to Zn, all the tested factors evidently affected Mn extraction; the maximum released dose of 3020mg/l was obtained under the optimum conditions. The acidic dissolution by biogenic H(2)SO(4) by the non-contact mechanism was responsible for Zn extraction, while Mn extraction was owed to both contact/biological and non-contact mechanisms. The combined action of acidic dissolution of soluble Mn(2+) by biogenic H(2)SO(4) and reductive dissolution of insoluble Mn(4+) by Fe(2+) resulted in 60% of Mn extraction, while contact of microbial cells with the spent battery material and incubation for more than 7days was required to achieve the maximum extraction of Mn. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A combination of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol or a combination of Mg and Zn are both able to reduce the adverse effects of lindane-poisoning on rat brain and liver.

PubMed

Hfaiedh, Najla; Murat, Jean-Claude; Elfeki, Abdelfettah

2012-10-01

The purpose of this study, carried out on male Wistar rats, was to evaluate the beneficial effects of supplementation with ascorbic acid (Vit C) and α-tocopherol (Vit E) or with Mg and Zn upon lindane-induced damages in liver and brain. Under our experimental conditions, lindane poisoning (5mg/kg body weight per day for 3 days) resulted in (1) an increased level of plasma glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, (2) an increased activity of LDH, ALP, AST, ALT, (3) an oxidative stress in liver and brain as revealed by an increased level of lipids peroxidation (TBARS) and a decrease of glutathione-peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in liver and brain. In conclusion, both Vit C+E or Mg+Zn treatments display beneficial effects upon oxidative stress induced by lindane treatment in liver and brain. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Effects of dietary zinc supplementation on hen performance, ammonia volatilization, and nitrogen retention in manure.

PubMed

Kim, W K; Patterson, P H

2005-01-01

This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effects of dietary ZnSO4 supplementation on ammonia volatilization and nitrogen retention in hen manure. One hundred twenty, 45-wk-old commercial Leghorn laying hens were sequentially fed diets with 1000, 2000, and 3000 ppm Zn as ZnSO4 (Zn-1000, Zn-2000, and Zn-3000), then followed by two control dietary periods with 114 ppm Zn (Control-1 and Control-2) for a total of five consecutive eight-day experiment periods, respectively. When hens were fed the 1000 and 2000 ppm Zn treatment diets, room ammonia levels were significantly reduced compared to the control diets. Dietary Zn treatments reduced the decomposition of uric acid, resulting in an increase in manure total-N retention compared to the control fed birds. The 1000 ppm Zn supplement had no adverse effects on hen body weight, feed consumption, egg production, egg weight, albumen height, or shell thickness. However, hens fed the diet containing 3000 ppm Zn had significantly depressed body weight, feed consumption, egg production, egg weight, and shell thickness. Zinc levels of egg contents increased linearly as dietary Zn levels increased. These levels in eggs would not be a problem for human consumption because these are much less than the daily Zn recommended dietary allowance. Although land application of such manure will not cause environmental problems or crop toxicity, proper monitoring of soil and crop Zn levels and effective nutrient management planning would be well advised.

Process optimization and leaching kinetics of zinc and manganese metals from zinc-carbon and alkaline spent batteries using citric acid reagent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuliusman; Amiliana, R. A.; Wulandari, P. T.; Huda, M.; Kusumadewi, F. A.

2018-03-01

Zn-Carbon and Alkaline spent batteries contains heavy metals, such as zinc and manganese, which can causes environmental problem if not handled properly. Usually the recovery of these metals were done by leaching method using strong acid, but the use of strong acids as leaching reagents can be harmful to the environment. This paper concerns the recovery of Zn and Mn metals from Zn-C and alkaline spent batteries with leaching method using citric acid as the environmental friendly leaching reagent. The leaching conditions using citric acid were optimized and the leaching kinetics of Zn and Mn in citric acid solution was investigated. The leaching of 89.62% Zn and 63.26% Mn was achieved with 1.5 M citric acid, 90°C temperature, and 90 minutes stirring time. Kinetics data for the dissolution of Zn showed the best fit to chemical control shrinking core model, while the diffusion controlled model was suitable for the dissolution of Mn kinetics data. The activation energy of 6.12 and 1.73 kcal/mol was acquired for the leaching of Zn and Mn in the temperature range 60°C-90°C.

Solubilization of insoluble zinc compounds by Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus and the detrimental action of zinc ion (Zn2+) and zinc chelates on root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita.

PubMed

Saravanan, V S; Kalaiarasan, P; Madhaiyan, M; Thangaraju, M

2007-03-01

To examine the zinc (Zn) solubilization potential and nematicidal properties of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, Differential Pulse Polarography and Gas Chromatography Coupled Mass Spectrometry were used to estimate the total Zn and Zn(2+) ions and identify the organic acids present in the culture supernatants. The effect of culture filtrate of Zn-amended G. diazotrophicus PAl5 on Meloidogyne incognita in tomato was examined under gnotobiotic conditions. Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus PAl5 effectively solubilized the Zn compounds tested and 5-ketogluconic acid was identified as the major organic acid aiding the solubilization of zinc oxide. The presence of Zn compounds in the culture filtrates of G. diazotrophicus enhanced the mortality and reduced the root penetration of M. incognita under in vitro conditions. 5-ketogluconic acid produced by G. diazotrophicus mediated the solubilization process and the available Zn(2+) ions enhanced the nematicidal activity of G. diazotrophicus against M. incognita. Zn solubilization and enhanced nematicidal activity of Zn-amended G. diazotrophicus provides the possibility of exploiting it as a plant growth promoting bacteria.

Antioxidant Potential and Antibacterial Efficiency of Caffeic Acid-Functionalized ZnO Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Choi, Kyong-Hoon; Nam, Ki Chang; Lee, Sang-Yoon; Cho, Guangsup; Jung, Jin-Seung; Kim, Ho-Joong; Park, Bong Joo

2017-01-01

We report a novel zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle with antioxidant properties, prepared by immobilizing the antioxidant 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid (caffeic acid, CA) on the surfaces of micro-dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma-treated ZnO nanoparticles. The microstructure and physical properties of ZnO@CA nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared spectroscopy, and steady state spectroscopic methods. The antioxidant activity of ZnO@CA nanoparticles was evaluated using an ABTS (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation decolorization assay. ZnO@CA nanoparticles exhibited robust antioxidant activity. Moreover, ZnO@CA nanoparticles showed strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) including resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus and against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). Although Gram-negative bacteria appeared to be more resistant to ZnO@CA nanoparticles than Gram-positive bacteria, the antibacterial activity of ZnO@CA nanoparticles was dependent on particle concentration. The antioxidant and antibacterial activity of ZnO@CA may be useful for various biomedical and nanoindustrial applications. PMID:28621707

White light emission from Mn2 + doped ZnS nanocrystals through the surface chelating of 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lü, Xiaodan; Yang, Jing; Fu, Yuqin; Liu, Qianqian; Qi, Bin; Lü, Changli; Su, Zhongmin

2010-03-01

White light emitting semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) have been successfully synthesized from 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid (HQS) decorated manganese doped ZnS NCs through fine tuning the surface-coordination emission and dopant emission of the NC host. The HQS functionalized manganese doped ZnS NCs (QS-ZnS:Mn), with a cubic crystal structure, have the same diameter of about 4.0 nm as ZnS:Mn NCs without HQS. The intensity of the surface-coordination emission peak increased with increasing HQS content or augmenting excited wavelength. The emission of white light was achieved by carefully controlling the dosage of HQS in NCs and appropriately tuning the excited wavelength. The color coordinates (0.35, 0.34) for the efficient white light emitting NCs were very close to the ideal Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates for pure white light (0.33, 0.33). The photoluminescence (PL) decay study revealed that the white light emitting NCs exhibited maximum lifetime values at different emission peaks for different NC samples. The study results also indicated that the HQS molecules were attached to the surface of ZnS:Mn NCs in a single coordination fashion due to the steric hindrance effect of the special spherical surface of NCs, which made the QS-ZnS:Mn NCs possess stable and high fluorescent properties in different organic solvents as compared with the conventional small molecule complexes.

Doping Ag in ZnO Nanorods to Improve the Performance of Related Enzymatic Glucose Sensors

PubMed Central

Zhou, Fan; Jing, Weixuan; Liu, Pengcheng; Han, Dejun; Jiang, Zhuangde; Wei, Zhengying

2017-01-01

In this paper, the performance of a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod-based enzymatic glucose sensor was enhanced with silver (Ag)-doped ZnO (ZnO-Ag) nanorods. The effect of the doped Ag on the surface morphologies, wettability, and electron transfer capability of the ZnO-Ag nanorods, as well as the catalytic character of glucose oxidase (GOx) and the performance of the glucose sensor was investigated. The results indicate that the doped Ag slightly weakens the surface roughness and hydrophilicity of the ZnO-Ag nanorods, but remarkably increases their electron transfer ability and enhances the catalytic character of GOx. Consequently, the combined effects of the above influencing factors lead to a notable improvement of the performance of the glucose sensor, that is, the sensitivity increases and the detection limit decreases. The optimal amount of the doped Ag is determined to be 2 mM, and the corresponding glucose sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 3.85 μA/(mM·cm2), detection limit of 1.5 μM, linear range of 1.5 × 10−3–6.5 mM, and Michaelis-Menten constant of 3.87 mM. Moreover, the glucose sensor shows excellent selectivity to urea, ascorbic acid, and uric acid, in addition to displaying good storage stability. These results demonstrate that ZnO-Ag nanorods are promising matrix materials for the construction of other enzymatic biosensors. PMID:28953217

Effects of Zn, macronutrients, and their interactions through foliar applications on winter wheat grain nutritional quality.

PubMed

Wang, Shaoxia; Li, Meng; Liu, Ke; Tian, Xiaohong; Li, Shuo; Chen, Yanlong; Jia, Zhou

2017-01-01

Although application of Zn combined with macronutrients (K, P, and N) can be used to fortify wheat grain with Zn, little is known about their interactions when foliar application is employed or the influences of common soil fertility management practices (e.g. N and straw management) on their efficiency. Therefore, the effects of foliar-applied Zn and N, P, or K on grain nutritional quality (especially Zn) were investigated in wheat grown under different soil N rates at two sites with (Sanyuan) or without (Yangling) employing straw return. A 4-year-long field experiment was also conducted to evaluate the environmental stability of the foliar formulations. Across 6 site-years, foliar Zn application alone or combined with N, P, or K fertilizers resulted in 95.7%, 101%, 67.9% and 121% increases in grain Zn concentration, respectively. In terms of increasing grain Zn concentration, foliar-applied Zn positively interacted with N (at Sanyuan) and K (at Yangling), but negatively interacted with P at any condition tested, suggesting depressive effects of foliarly-applied P on physiological availability of Zn. Although these interaction effects were the major factor that governing the efficiency of foliar-applied Zn combined with N, P, or K on grain Zn concentration, the magnitude of the increase/decrease in grain Zn (-3.96~5.71 mg kg-1) due to these interactions was much less than the average increases following Zn+K (31.3), Zn+P (18.7), and Zn+N (26.5 mg kg-1) treatments relative to that observed in foliar Zn-only treatment. The combined foliar application of Zn with N, P, or K did not cause any adverse impact on grain yield and other nutritional quality and in some cases slightly increased grain yield and macronutrient concentrations. Grain phytic acid:Zn molar ratios were respectively 52.0%, 53.1%, 43.4% and 63.5% lower in the foliar Zn, Zn+N, Zn+P and Zn+K treatments than in the control treatment. These effects were consistent over four years and across three soil N rates. Overall, combined foliar application of Zn with N, P, or K can successfully fortify wheat grain with Zn (above 40 mg kg-1), and including Zn in foliar N or K application are preferred for practically increasing dietary Zn intake.

Effects of Zn, macronutrients, and their interactions through foliar applications on winter wheat grain nutritional quality

PubMed Central

Liu, Ke; Tian, Xiaohong; Li, Shuo; Chen, Yanlong; Jia, Zhou

2017-01-01

Although application of Zn combined with macronutrients (K, P, and N) can be used to fortify wheat grain with Zn, little is known about their interactions when foliar application is employed or the influences of common soil fertility management practices (e.g. N and straw management) on their efficiency. Therefore, the effects of foliar-applied Zn and N, P, or K on grain nutritional quality (especially Zn) were investigated in wheat grown under different soil N rates at two sites with (Sanyuan) or without (Yangling) employing straw return. A 4-year-long field experiment was also conducted to evaluate the environmental stability of the foliar formulations. Across 6 site-years, foliar Zn application alone or combined with N, P, or K fertilizers resulted in 95.7%, 101%, 67.9% and 121% increases in grain Zn concentration, respectively. In terms of increasing grain Zn concentration, foliar-applied Zn positively interacted with N (at Sanyuan) and K (at Yangling), but negatively interacted with P at any condition tested, suggesting depressive effects of foliarly-applied P on physiological availability of Zn. Although these interaction effects were the major factor that governing the efficiency of foliar-applied Zn combined with N, P, or K on grain Zn concentration, the magnitude of the increase/decrease in grain Zn (–3.96~5.71 mg kg-1) due to these interactions was much less than the average increases following Zn+K (31.3), Zn+P (18.7), and Zn+N (26.5 mg kg-1) treatments relative to that observed in foliar Zn-only treatment. The combined foliar application of Zn with N, P, or K did not cause any adverse impact on grain yield and other nutritional quality and in some cases slightly increased grain yield and macronutrient concentrations. Grain phytic acid:Zn molar ratios were respectively 52.0%, 53.1%, 43.4% and 63.5% lower in the foliar Zn, Zn+N, Zn+P and Zn+K treatments than in the control treatment. These effects were consistent over four years and across three soil N rates. Overall, combined foliar application of Zn with N, P, or K can successfully fortify wheat grain with Zn (above 40 mg kg-1), and including Zn in foliar N or K application are preferred for practically increasing dietary Zn intake. PMID:28746402

Ferulic acid prevents liver injury and increases the anti-tumor effect of diosbulbin B in vivo.

PubMed

Wang, Jun-ming; Sheng, Yu-chen; Ji, Li-li; Wang, Zheng-tao

2014-06-01

The present study is designed to investigate the protection by ferulic acid against the hepatotoxicity induced by diosbulbin B and its possible mechanism, and further observe whether ferulic acid augments diosbulbin B-induced anti-tumor activity. The results show that ferulic acid decreases diosbulbin B-increased serum alanine transaminase/aspartate transaminase (ALT/AST) levels. Ferulic acid also decreases lipid peroxide (LPO) levels which are elevated in diosbulbin B-treated mice. Histological evaluation of the liver demonstrates hydropic degeneration in diosbulbin B-treated mice, while ferulic acid reverses this injury. Moreover, the activities of copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) and catalase (CAT) are decreased in the livers of diosbulbin B-treated mice, while ferulic acid reverses these decreases. Further results demonstrate that the mRNA expressions of CuZn-SOD and CAT in diosbulbin B-treated mouse liver are significantly decreased, while ferulic acid prevents this decrease. In addition, ferulic acid also augments diosbulbin B-induced tumor growth inhibition compared with diosbulbin B alone. Taken together, the present study shows that ferulic acid prevents diosbulbin B-induced liver injury via ameliorating diosbulbin B-induced liver oxidative stress injury and augments diosbulbin B-induced anti-tumor activity.

Significance of diazotrophic plant growth-promoting Herbaspirillum sp. GW103 on phytoextraction of Pband Zn by Zea mays L.

PubMed

Praburaman, Loganathan; Park, Sung-Hee; Cho, Min; Lee, Kui-Jae; Ko, Jeong-Ae; Han, Sang-Sub; Lee, Sang-Hyun; Kamala-Kannan, Seralathan; Oh, Byung-Taek

2017-01-01

Microbe-assisted phytoremediation has been considered a promising measure for the remediation of heavy metal-polluted soil. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of diazotrophic plant growth-promoting Herbaspirillum sp. GW103 on growth and lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) accumulation in Zea mays L. The strain GW103 exhibited plant growth-promoting traits such as indole-3-acetic acid, siderophores, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic deaminase. Treatment of Z. mays L. plants with GW103 significantly increased 19, 31, and 52% of plant biomass and 10, 50, and 126% of chlorophyll a contents in Pb, Zn, and Pb + Zn-amended soils, respectively. Similarly, the strain GW103 significantly increased Pb and Zn accumulation in shoots and roots of Z. mays L., which were 77 and 25% in Pb-amended soil, 42 and 73% in Zn-amended soil, and 27 and 84% in Pb + Zn-amended soil. Furthermore, addition of GW103 increased 8, 12, and 7% of total protein content, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels, respectively, in Z. mays L. plants. The results pointed out that isolate GW103 could potentially reduce the phytotoxicity of metals and increase Pb and Zn accumulation in Z. mays L. plant.

Zn-Mn alloy coatings from acidic chloride bath: Effect of deposition conditions on the Zn-Mn electrodeposition-morphological and structural characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loukil, N.; Feki, M.

2017-07-01

Zn-Mn alloy electrodeposition on steel electrode in chloride bath was investigated using cyclic voltammetric, chronopotentiometric and chronoamperometric techniques. Cyclic voltammetries (CV) reveal a deep understanding of electrochemical behaviors of each metal Zn, Mn, proton discharge and Zn-Mn co-deposition. The electrochemical results show that with increasing Mn2+ ions concentration in the electrolytic bath, Mn2+ reduction occurs at lower over-potential leading to an enhancement of Mn content into the Zn-Mn deposits. A dimensionless graph model was used to analyze the effect of Mn2+ ions concentration on Zn-Mn nucleation process. It was found that the nucleation process is not extremely affected by Mn2+ concentration. Nevertheless, it significantly depends on the applied potential. Several parameters such as Mn2+ ions concentration, current density and stirring were investigated with regard to the Mn content into the final Zn-Mn coatings. It was found that the Mn content increases with increasing the applied current density jimp and Mn2+ ions concentration in the electrolytic bath. However, stirring of the solution decreases the Mn content in the Zn-Mn coatings. The phase structure and surface morphology of Zn-Mn deposits are characterized by means of X-ray diffraction analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively. The Zn-Mn deposited at low current density is tri-phasic and consisting of η-Zn, ζ-MnZn13 and hexagonal close packed ε-Zn-Mn. An increase in current density leads to a transition from crystalline to amorphous structure, arising from the hydroxide inclusions in the Zn-Mn coating at high current density.

Temporal dissolution of potentially toxic elements from silver smelting slag by synthetic environmental solutions.

PubMed

Ash, Christopher; Borůvka, Luboš; Tejnecký, Václav; Šebek, Ondřej; Nikodem, Antonín; Drábek, Ondřej

2013-11-15

Waste slag which is created during precious metal smelting contains high levels of potentially toxic elements (PTE) which can be mobilised from unconfined deposits into the local environment. This paper examines the extractability of selected PTE (Pb, Zn, Cd, Mn) from slag samples by synthetic solutions designed to replicate those in the environment. Extracting agents were used to replicate potential leaching scenarios which are analogous to natural chemical weathering. Slag was submersed in a rainwater simulation solution (RSS), weak citric acid solution (representing rhizosphere secretions) and control solutions (deionised water) for a one month period with solution analyses made at intervals of 1, 24, 168 and 720 h. In 1 mM citric acid, dissolution of Cd and Zn showed little change with time, although for Zn the initial dissolution was considerable. Lead in citric acid was characterized by overall poor extractability. Mn solubility increased until an equilibrium state occurred within 24 h. The solubility of studied metals in citric acid can be characterized by a short time to equilibrium. RSS proved to be an effective solvent that, unlike citric acid solution, extracted increasing concentrations of Cd, Mn and Zn with time. Solubility of Pb in RSS was again very low. When taken as a proportion of a single 2 M HNO3 extraction which was applied to slag samples, Cd was the element most readily leached into RSS and control samples. In both studied solvents, slag heterogeneity is prominent in the case of Cd and Zn solubility. Contact time with solvent appears to be an important variable for the release of PTE from slag into solution. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the environmental chemical dissolution of PTE from slag, which causes their enrichment in surrounding soils and surface waters. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of EDC/NHS coupling chemistry on stability and cytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles modified with proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keleştemur, Seda; Altunbek, Mine; Culha, Mustafa

2017-05-01

The toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) is a growing concern due to its increasing use in several products including sunscreens, paints, pigments and ceramics for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-corrosive and UV filtering properties. The toxicity of ZnO NPs is mostly attributed to the Zn2+ release causing an increase in the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. The surface modification with a biocompatible ligand or a polymer can be a good strategy to reduce dissolution based toxicity. In two previous studies, the conflicting results with EDC/NHS coupling chemistry for ZnO NPs were reported. In this study, the same surface modification strategy with an emphasis on the stability of ZnO NPs is clarified. First, the density of -OH groups on the ZnO NPs is increased with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment, and then a silica coating on the ZnO NPs (Si-ZnO) surface is performed. Finally, a covalent attachment of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on three different concentrations of ZnO-Si is carried out by EDC/NHS coupling chemistry. ZnO NPs have a very high dissolution rate under acidic conditions of EDC/NHS coupling chemistry as determined from the ICP-MS analysis. In addition, the amount of ZnO NPs in coupling reaction has an important effect on the dissolution rate of Zn2+ and dependently BSA attached on the ZnO NP surfaces. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the BSA modified Si-ZnO NPs on human lung cancer (A549) and human skin fibroblast (HSF) is evaluated. Although an increased association of BSA modified ZnO NPs with cells was observed, the modification significantly decreased their cytotoxicity. This can be explained with the decreased active surface area of ZnO NPs with the surface modification. However, an increase in the mitochondrial depolarization and ROS production was observed depending on the amount of BSA coverage.

Time-dependent changes of zinc speciation in four soils contaminated with zincite or sphalerite.

PubMed

Voegelin, Andreas; Jacquat, Olivier; Pfister, Sabina; Barmettler, Kurt; Scheinost, Andreas C; Kretzschmar, Ruben

2011-01-01

The long-term speciation of Zn in contaminated soils is strongly influenced by soil pH, clay, and organic matter content as well as Zn loading. In addition, the type of Zn-bearing contaminant entering the soil may influence the subsequent formation of pedogenic Zn species, but systematic studies on such effects are currently lacking. We therefore conducted a soil incubation study in which four soils, ranging from strongly acidic to calcareous, were spiked with 2000 mg/kg Zn using either ZnO (zincite) or ZnS (sphalerite) as the contamination source. The soils were incubated under aerated conditions in moist state for up to four years. The extractability and speciation of Zn were assessed after one, two, and four years using extractions with 0.01 M CaCl(2) and Zn K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, respectively. After four years, more than 90% of the added ZnO were dissolved in all soils, with the fastest dissolution occurring in the acidic soils. Contamination with ZnO favored the formation of Zn-bearing layered double hydroxides (LDH), even in acidic soils, and to a lesser degree Zn-phyllosilicates and adsorbed Zn species. This was explained by locally elevated pH and high Zn concentrations around dissolving ZnO particles. Except for the calcareous soil, ZnS dissolved more slowly than ZnO, reaching only 26 to 75% of the added ZnS after four years. ZnS dissolved more slowly in the two acidic soils than in the near-neutral and the calcareous soil. Also, the resulting Zn speciation was markedly different between these two pairs of soils: Whereas Zn bound to hydroxy-interlayered clay minerals (HIM) and octahedrally coordinated Zn sorption complexes prevailed in the two acidic soils, Zn speciation in the neutral and the calcareous soil was dominated by Zn-LDH and tetrahedrally coordinated inner-sphere Zn complexes. Our results show that the type of Zn-bearing contaminant phase can have a significant influence on the formation of pedogenic Zn species in soils. Important factors include the rate of Zn release from the contaminant phases and effects of the contaminant phase on bulk soil properties and on local chemical conditions around weathering contaminant particles.

Characterization of ZnO nanoparticles grown in presence of Folic acid template

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background ZnO nanoparticles (grown in the template of folic acid) are biologically useful, luminescent material. It can be used for multifunctional purposes, e.g., as biosensor, bioimaging, targeted drug delivery and as growth promoting medicine. Methods Sol–gel chemical method was used to develop the uniform ZnO nanoparticles, in a folic acid template at room temperature and pH ~ 7.5. Agglomeration of the particles was prevented due to surface charge density of folic acid in the medium. ZnO nanoparticle was further characterized by different physical methods. Results Nanocrystalline, wurtzite ZnO particles thus prepared show interesting structural as well as band gap properties due to capping with folic acid. Conclusions A rapid, easy and chemical preparative method for the growth of ZnO nanoparticles with important surface physical properties is discussed. Emphatically, after capping with folic acid, its photoluminescence properties are in the visible region. Therefore, the same can be used for monitoring local environmental properties of biosystems. PMID:22788841

Styrene-maleic acid-copolymer conjugated zinc protoporphyrin as a candidate drug for tumor-targeted therapy and imaging.

PubMed

Fang, Jun; Tsukigawa, Kenji; Liao, Long; Yin, Hongzhuan; Eguchi, Kanami; Maeda, Hiroshi

2016-01-01

Previous studies indicated the potential of zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) as an antitumor agent targeting to the tumor survival factor heme oxygenase-1, and/or for photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this study, to achieve tumor-targeted delivery, styrene-maleic acid-copolymer conjugated ZnPP (SMA-ZnPP) was synthesized via amide bond, which showed good water solubility, having ZnPP loading of 15%. More importantly, it forms micelles in aqueous solution with a mean particle size of 111.6 nm, whereas it has an apparent Mw of 65 kDa. This micelle formation was not detracted by serum albumin, suggesting it is stable in circulation. Further SMA-ZnPP conjugate will behave as an albumin complex in blood with much larger size (235 kDa) by virtue of the albumin binding property of SMA. Consequently, SMA-ZnPP conjugate exhibited prolonged circulating retention and preferential tumor accumulation by taking advantage of enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Clear tumor imaging was thus achieved by detecting the fluorescence of ZnPP. In addition, the cytotoxicity and PDT effect of SMA-ZnPP conjugate was confirmed in human cervical cancer HeLa cells. Light irradiation remarkably increased the cytotoxicity (IC50, from 33 to 5 μM). These findings may provide new options and knowledge for developing ZnPP based anticancer theranostic drugs.

Effects of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on sunflower growth and heavy metal uptake in combination with ethylene diamine disuccinic acid (EDDS).

PubMed

Fässler, Erika; Evangelou, Michael W; Robinson, Brett H; Schulin, Rainer

2010-08-01

The use of plants for phytoextraction of heavy metals from contaminated soil is limited by the ability of the plants to grow on these soils and take up the target metals, as well as by the availability of the metals for plant uptake in the soil solution. The hypotheses of this study were that the growth-promoting phytohormone auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) can alleviate toxic effects of metals on plants and increase metal phytoextraction in combination with the biodegradable chelating agent ethylene diamine disuccinic acid (EDDS). To test these hypotheses we performed two sets of experiments with sunflowers (Helianthusannuus L.) in hydroponic solution. In the first set of experiments, five IAA concentrations (0, 10(-12), 10(-11), 10(-10), 10(-9)M) were applied in combination with Pb (2.5 microM) or Zn (15 microM). In the second set of experiments we applied combinations of IAA (0 or 10(-10)M) and EDDS (0 or 500 microM) to Pb or Zn-stressed sunflowers. Root and shoot growth of metal-stressed plants were most effectively increased with 10(-10)M IAA, and also the extraction of both metals was significantly increased at this treatment level. IAA reduced the negative metal effects, such as reduced shoot and root dry weight, root length, root volume and root surface area. EDDS significantly decreased metal uptake by the plants, thus reducing metal stress and promoting plant growth. The combined application of IAA with EDDS significantly increased Zn uptake in comparison to EDDS only treated plants. The experiments indicate that IAA can alleviate toxic effects of Pb and Zn on plant root and shoot growth and can in combination with chelants such as EDDS increase the phytoextraction potential of these plants. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Acid-free co-operative self-assembly of graphene-ZnO nanocomposites and its defect mediated visible light photocatalytic activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parameshwari, R.; Jothivenkatachalam, K.; Banks, Craig E.; Jeganathan, K.

2017-02-01

We propose an acid-free and environmental friendly surfactant based approach to anchor zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on graphene. Herein, liquid-phase exfoliated graphene in water by ultrasonic waves has been used to prepare graphene-ZnO (G-ZnO) nanocomposites that circumvent the use of various toxic acids and chemicals which are generally used in the preparation of graphene-based nanocomposites. Oxygen vacancy related defect peaks observed by Raman and photoluminescence confirm the formation of C-O-Zn bond due to the synergistic interaction of carbon and zinc via oxygen atoms in G-ZnO nanocomposites. The enhanced photocatalytic behavior of G-ZnO under visible light as evaluated using the dye Rhodamine B holds its genesis from the intrinsic oxygen defects in G-ZnO. Furthermore, graphene acts as electron sink for accumulation of charges from defect levels of ZnO, which controls recombination of charge carriers. It is envisaged that the acid-free and facile strategy can be a potential route for the preparation of graphene-based hybrid materials using liquid-phase exfoliation methodology.

Intercalation of p-methycinnamic acid anion into Zn-Al layered double hydroxide to improve UV aging resistance of asphalt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peng, Chao; State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070; Dai, Jing

2015-02-15

A UV absorber, p-methycinnamic acid (PMCA), was intercalated into Zn-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) by calcination recovery. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the PMCA anions completely replaced the CO{sub 3}{sup 2−} anions in the interlayer galleries of Zn-Al-LDH containing PMCA anions (Zn-Al-PMCA-LDH). X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy showed that the interlayer distance increased from 0.78 nm to 1.82 nm after the substitution of PMCA anions for CO{sub 3}{sup 2−} anions. The similar diffraction angles of the CO{sub 3}{sup 2−} anion-containing Zn-Al-LDH (Zn-Al-CO{sub 3}{sup 2−}-LDH) and the Zn-Al-CO{sub 3}{sup 2−}-LDH/styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) modified asphalt implied that the asphalt molecules domore » not enter into the LDH interlayer galleries to form separated-phase structures. The different diffraction angles of Zn-Al-PMCA-LDH and Zn-Al-PMCA-LDH/SBS modified asphalt indicated that the asphalt molecules penetrated into the LDH interlayer galleries to form an expanded-phase structure. UV-Vis absorbance analyses showed that Zn-Al-PMCA-LDH was better able to block UV light due to the synergistic effects of PMCA and Zn-Al-LDH. Conventional physical tests and atomic force microscopy images of the SBS modified asphalt, Zn-Al-CO{sub 3}{sup 2−}-LDH/SBS modified asphalt and Zn-Al-PMCA-LDH/SBS modified asphalt before and after UV aging indicated that Zn-Al-PMCA-LDH improved the UV aging resistance of SBS modified asphalts.« less

Photocatalysis of zinc oxide nanotip array/titanium oxide film heterojunction prepared by aqueous solution deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Ming-Kwei; Lee, Bo-Wei; Kao, Chen-Yu

2017-05-01

A TiO2 film was prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass by aqueous solution deposition (ASD) with precursors of ammonium hexafluoro-titanate and boric acid at 40 °C. The photocatalysis of annealed TiO2 film increases with increasing growth time and decreases with increasing growth times longer than 60 min. A ZnO nanotip array was prepared on ZnO seed layer/TiO2 film/glass by aqueous solution deposition with precursors of zinc nitrate and ammonium hydroxide at 70 °C. The photocatalysis of ASD-ZnO/ASD-TiO2 film/ITO glass can be better than that of P25.

Effect of EDTA, EDDS, NTA and citric acid on electrokinetic remediation of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn contaminated dredged marine sediment.

PubMed

Song, Yue; Ammami, Mohamed-Tahar; Benamar, Ahmed; Mezazigh, Salim; Wang, Huaqing

2016-06-01

In recent years, electrokinetic (EK) remediation method has been widely considered to remove metal pollutants from contaminated dredged sediments. Chelating agents are used as electrolyte solutions to increase metal mobility. This study aims to investigate heavy metal (HM) (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) mobility by assessing the effect of different chelating agents (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) or citric acid (CA)) in enhancing EK remediation efficiency. The results show that, for the same concentration (0.1 mol L(-1)), EDTA is more suitable to enhance removal of Ni (52.8 %), Pb (60.1 %) and Zn (34.9 %). EDDS provides effectiveness to increase Cu removal efficiency (52 %), while EDTA and EDDS have a similar enhancement removal effect on As EK remediation (30.5∼31.3 %). CA is more suitable to enhance Cd removal (40.2 %). Similar Cr removal efficiency was provided by EK remediation tests (35.6∼43.5 %). In the migration of metal-chelate complexes being directed towards the anode, metals are accumulated in the middle sections of the sediment matrix for the tests performed with EDTA, NTA and CA. But, low accumulation of metal contamination in the sediment was observed in the test using EDDS.

Solubilisation of Phosphate and Micronutrients by Trichoderma harzianum and Its Relationship with the Promotion of Tomato Plant Growth

PubMed Central

Pang, Guan; Shen, Qi-Rong; Li, Rong; Chen, Wei

2015-01-01

Trichoderma harzianum strain SQR-T037 is a biocontrol agent that has been shown to enhance the uptake of nutrients (macro- and microelements) by plants in fields. The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of SQR-T037 to P and microelement (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) nutrition in tomato plants grown in soil and in hydroponic conditions. Inoculation with SQR-T037 significantly improved the biomass and nutrient uptake of tomato seedlings grown in a nutrient-limiting soil. So we investigated the capability of SQR-T037 to solubilise sparingly soluble minerals in vitro via four known mechanisms: acidification by organic acids, chelation by siderophores, redox by ferric reductase and hydrolysis by phytase. SQR-T037 was able to solubilise phytate, Fe2O3, CuO, and metallic Zn but not Ca3(PO4)2 or MnO2. Organic acids, including lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid and succinic acid, were detected by HPLC and LC/MS in two Trichoderma cultures. Additionally, we inoculated tomato seedlings with SQR-T037 using a hydroponic system with specific nutrient deficiencies (i.e., nutrient solutions deficient in P, Fe, Cu or Zn and supplemented with their corresponding solid minerals) to better study the effects of Trichoderma inoculation on plant growth and nutrition. Inoculated seedlings grown in Cu-deficient hydroponic conditions exhibited increases in dry plant biomass (92%) and Cu uptake (42%) relative to control plants. However, we did not observe a significant effect on seedling biomass in plants grown in the Fe- and Zn-deficient hydroponic conditions; by contrast, the biomass decreased by 82% in the P-deficient hydroponic condition. Thus, we demonstrated that Trichoderma SQR-T037 competed for P (phytate) and Zn with tomato seedlings by suppressing root development, releasing phytase and/or chelating minerals. The results of this study suggest that the induction of increased or suppressed plant growth occurs through the direct effect of T. harzianum on root development, in combination with indirect mechanisms, such as mineral solubilisation (including solubilisation via acidification, redox, chelation and hydrolysis). PMID:26110536

Solubilisation of Phosphate and Micronutrients by Trichoderma harzianum and Its Relationship with the Promotion of Tomato Plant Growth.

PubMed

Li, Rui-Xia; Cai, Feng; Pang, Guan; Shen, Qi-Rong; Li, Rong; Chen, Wei

2015-01-01

Trichoderma harzianum strain SQR-T037 is a biocontrol agent that has been shown to enhance the uptake of nutrients (macro- and microelements) by plants in fields. The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of SQR-T037 to P and microelement (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) nutrition in tomato plants grown in soil and in hydroponic conditions. Inoculation with SQR-T037 significantly improved the biomass and nutrient uptake of tomato seedlings grown in a nutrient-limiting soil. So we investigated the capability of SQR-T037 to solubilise sparingly soluble minerals in vitro via four known mechanisms: acidification by organic acids, chelation by siderophores, redox by ferric reductase and hydrolysis by phytase. SQR-T037 was able to solubilise phytate, Fe2O3, CuO, and metallic Zn but not Ca3(PO4)2 or MnO2. Organic acids, including lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid and succinic acid, were detected by HPLC and LC/MS in two Trichoderma cultures. Additionally, we inoculated tomato seedlings with SQR-T037 using a hydroponic system with specific nutrient deficiencies (i.e., nutrient solutions deficient in P, Fe, Cu or Zn and supplemented with their corresponding solid minerals) to better study the effects of Trichoderma inoculation on plant growth and nutrition. Inoculated seedlings grown in Cu-deficient hydroponic conditions exhibited increases in dry plant biomass (92%) and Cu uptake (42%) relative to control plants. However, we did not observe a significant effect on seedling biomass in plants grown in the Fe- and Zn-deficient hydroponic conditions; by contrast, the biomass decreased by 82% in the P-deficient hydroponic condition. Thus, we demonstrated that Trichoderma SQR-T037 competed for P (phytate) and Zn with tomato seedlings by suppressing root development, releasing phytase and/or chelating minerals. The results of this study suggest that the induction of increased or suppressed plant growth occurs through the direct effect of T. harzianum on root development, in combination with indirect mechanisms, such as mineral solubilisation (including solubilisation via acidification, redox, chelation and hydrolysis).

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Qin, Ling, E-mail: qinling0924013@163.com; Wang, Yan-Qing; Ni, Gang

The title complex, ([Zn(ODIB){sub 1/2}(bpdc)]·2DMF){sub n} was prepared under hydrothermal conditions (dimethylformamide and water) based on two ligands, namely, 1,1′-oxy-bis[3,5-diimidazolyl-benzene] (ODIB) and biphenyldicarboxylic acid (H{sub 2}bpdc). ODIB ligands link Zn cations to give layers in crystal. bpdc{sup 2–} anions coordinate to Zn atoms, however, their introduction does not increase the dimension of the structure. Each layer is partially passes through the adjacent layers in the offset ABAB manner.

Membrane lipid profiles of coral responded to zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced perturbations on the cellular membrane.

PubMed

Tang, Chuan-Ho; Lin, Ching-Yu; Lee, Shu-Hui; Wang, Wei-Hsien

2017-06-01

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnOs) released from popular sunscreens used during marine recreation apparently endanger corals; however, the known biological effects are very limited. Membrane lipids constitute the basic structural element to create cell a dynamic structure according to the circumstance. Nano-specific effects have been shown to mechanically perturb the physical state of the lipid membrane, and the cells accommodating the actions of nZnOs can be involved in the alteration of the membrane lipid composition. To gain insight into the effects of nanoparticles on coral, glycerophosphocholine (GPC) profiling of the coral Seriatopora caliendrum exposed to nZnOs was performed in this study. Increasing lyso-GPCs, docosapentaenoic acid-possessing GPCs and docosahexaenoic acid-possessing GPCs and decreasing arachidonic acid-possessing GPCs were the predominant changes responded to nZnO exposure in the coral. A backfilling of polyunsaturated plasmanylcholines was observed in the coral exposed to nZnO levels over a threshold. These changes can be logically interpreted as an accommodation to nZnOs-induced mechanical disturbances in the cellular membrane based on the biophysical properties of the lipids. Moreover, the coral demonstrated a difference in the changes in lipid profiles between intra-colonial functionally differentiated polyps, indicating an initial membrane composition-dependent response. Based on the physicochemical properties and physiological functions of these changed lipids, some chronic biological effects can be incubated once the coral receives long-term exposure to nZnOs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of 8-mer acidic peptide concentration on the morphology and photoluminescence of synthesized ZnO nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Chung Hee; Tousi, Marzieh; Cheeney, Joseph; Ngo-Duc, Tam-Triet; Zuo, Zheng; Liu, Jianlin; Haberer, Elaine D.

2015-11-01

An 8-mer ZnO-binding peptide, VPGAAEHT, was identified using a M13 pVIII phage display library and employed as an additive during aqueous-based ZnO synthesis at 65 °C. Unlike most other well-studied ZnO-binding sequences which are strongly basic (pI > pH 7), the 8-mer peptide was overall acidic (pI < pH 7) in character, including only a single basic residue. The selected peptide strongly influenced ZnO nanostructure formation. Morphology and optical emission properties were found to be dependent on the concentration of peptide additive. Using lower peptide concentrations (<0.1 mM), single crystal hexagonal rods and platelets were produced, and using higher peptide concentrations (≥0.1 mM), polycrystalline layered platelets, yarn-like structures, and microspheres were assembled. Photoluminescence analysis revealed a characteristic ZnO band-edge peak, as well as sub-bandgap emission peaks. Defect-related green emission, typically associated with surface-related oxygen and zinc vacancies, was significantly reduced by the peptide additive, while blue emission, attributable to oxygen and zinc interstitials, emerged with increased peptide concentrations. Peptide-directed synthesis of ZnO materials may be useful for gas sensing and photocatalytic applications in which properly engineered morphology and defect levels have demonstrated enhanced performance.

Mobility and leachability of zinc in two soils treated with six organic zinc complexes.

PubMed

Alvarez, J M; Novillo, J; Obrador, A; López-Valdivia, L M

2001-08-01

A study of soil columns was conducted to evaluate Zn movement potential in two reconstructed soil profiles. Zn-phenolate, Zn-EDDHA, Zn-EDTA, Zn-lignosulfonate, Zn-polyflavonoid, and Zn-heptagluconate were applied in the upper zone of the column. The different physicochemical properties of the two soils and the micronutrient source may influence Zn leaching, the distribution of Zn among soil fractions, and the Zn available to the plant in the depth of the layers. In Aquic Haploxeralf soil, the application of six fertilizers produced little migration and very small leaching of Zn in the soil profiles. In Calcic Haploxeralf soil, Zn-EDTA migrated and was distributed throughout the soil columns. This Zn chelate produces a loss of Zn by leaching, which was 36% of the added Zn. In the latter soil, Zn leached very little with the other five fertilizer treatments. The same as for these organic Zn complexes, the retention of added Zn indicated the potential of metal accumulation in the A(p) horizons of the two soil profiles. A large portion of applied Zn was available to plants [diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and Mehlich-3 extractable Zn] in the depths reached by the different commercial formulations. The relationship between the two methods was highly significant (Mehlich-3-Zn = 1.25 + 1.13 DTPA-Zn, R(2) = 99.19%). When Zn was added as Zn-EDTA, the amounts of the most labile fractions (water-soluble plus exchangeable and organically complexed Zn) increased throughout the entire profile column in comparison with the control columns, although in the B(t) horizon of the Aquic Haploxeralf soil they increased only slightly.

Photoresponsive surface molecularly imprinted polymer on ZnO nanorods for uric acid detection in physiological fluids.

PubMed

Tang, Qian; Li, Zai-Yong; Wei, Yu-Bo; Yang, Xia; Liu, Lan-Tao; Gong, Cheng-Bin; Ma, Xue-Bing; Lam, Michael Hon-Wah; Chow, Cheuk-Fai

2016-09-01

A photoresponsive surface molecularly imprinted polymer for uric acid in physiological fluids was fabricated through a facile and effective method using bio-safe and biocompatible ZnO nanorods as a support. The strategy was carried out by introducing double bonds on the surface of the ZnO nanorods with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. The surface molecularly imprinted polymer on ZnO nanorods was then prepared by surface polymerization using uric acid as template, water-soluble 5-[(4-(methacryloyloxy)phenyl)diazenyl]isophthalic acid as functional monomer, and triethanolamine trimethacryl ester as cross-linker. The surface molecularly imprinted polymer on ZnO nanorods showed good photoresponsive properties, high recognition ability, and fast binding kinetics toward uric acid, with a dissociation constant of 3.22×10(-5)M in aqueous NaH2PO4 buffer at pH=7.0 and a maximal adsorption capacity of 1.45μmolg(-1). Upon alternate irradiation at 365 and 440nm, the surface molecularly imprinted polymer on ZnO nanorods can quantitatively uptake and release uric acid. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Advanced zinc-doped adhesives for high performance at the resin-carious dentin interface.

PubMed

Toledano, Manuel; Osorio, Raquel; Osorio, Estrella; García-Godoy, Franklin; Toledano-Osorio, Manuel; Aguilera, Fátima S

2016-09-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the remineralization ability of an etch-and-rinse Zn-doped resin applied on caries-affected dentin (CAD). CAD surfaces were subjected to: (i) 37% phosphoric acid (PA) or (ii) 0.5M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). 10wt% ZnO nanoparticles or 2wt% ZnCl2 were added into the adhesive Single Bond (SB), to create the following groups: PA+SB, PA+SB-ZnO, PA+SB-ZnCl2, EDTA+SB, EDTA+SB-ZnO, EDTA+SB-ZnCl2. Bonded interfaces were submitted to mechanical loading or stored during 24h. Remineralization of the bonded interfaces was studied by AFM nano-indentation (hardness and Young׳s modulus), Raman spectroscopy [mapping with principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)] and Masson׳s trichrome staining technique. Dentin samples treated with PA+SB-ZnO attained the highest values of nano-mechanical properties. Load cycling increased both mineralization and crystallographic maturity at the interface; this effect was specially noticed when using ZnCl2-doped resin in EDTA-treated carious dentin. Crosslinking attained higher frequencies indicating better conformation and organization of collagen in specimens treated with PA+SB-ZnO, after load cycling. Trichrome staining technique depicted a deeper demineralized dentin fringe that became reduced after loading, and it was not observable in EDTA+SB groups. Multivariate analysis confirmed de homogenizing effect of load cycling in the percentage of variances, traces of centroids and distribution of clusters, especially in specimens treated with EDTA+SB-ZnCl2. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spectroscopic analyses on sonocatalytic damage to bovine serum albumin (BSA) induced by ZnO/hydroxylapatite (ZnO/HA) composite under ultrasonic irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhiqiu; Li, Ying; Wang, Jun; Zou, Mingming; Gao, Jingqun; Kong, Yumei; Li, Kai; Han, Guangxi

ZnO/hydroxylapatite (ZnO/HA) composite with HA molar content of 6.0% was prepared by the method of precipitation and heat-treated at 500 °C for 40 min and was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The sonocatalytic activities of ZnO/HA composite was carried out through the damage of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in aqueous solution. Furthermore, the effects of several factors on the damage of BSA molecules were evaluated by means of UV-vis and fluorescence spectra. Experimental results indicated that the damage degree of BSA aggravated with the increase of ultrasonic irradiation time, irradiation power and ZnO/HA addition amount, but weakened with the increase of solution acidity and ionic strength. In addition, the damage site to BSA was also studied by synchronous fluorescence technology and the damage site was mainly at tryptophan (Trp) residue. This paper provides a valuable reference for driving sonocatalytic method to treat tumor in clinic application.

The geochemical cycling of trace elements in a biogenic meromictic lake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balistrieri, Laurie S.; Murray, James W.; Paul, Barbara

1994-10-01

The geochemical processes affecting the behavior and speciation of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn in Hall Lake, Washington, USA, are assessed by examining dissolved and acid soluble particulate profiles of the elements and utilizing results from thermodynamic calculations. The water column of this meromictic lake is highly stratified and contains distinctive oxic, suboxic, and anoxic layers. Changes in the redox state of the water column with depth affect the distribution of all the elements studied. Most noticeable are increases in dissolved Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations across the oxic-suboxic boundary, increases in dissolved As, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, and V concentrations with depth in the anoxic layer, significant decreases in dissolved Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the anoxic region below the sulfide maximum, and large increases in acid soluble particulate concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn in the anoxic zone below the sulfide maximum. Thermodynamic calculations for the anoxic region indicate that all redox sensitive elements exist in their reduced forms, the primary dissolved forms of Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn are metal sulfide solution complexes, and solid sulfide phases of Cu, Fe, Mo, and Pb are supersaturated. Calculations using a vertical diffusion and reaction model indicate that the oxidation rate constant for Mn(II) in Hall Lake is estimated to be 0.006 d -1 and is at the lower end of the range of microbial oxidation rates observed in other natural systems. The main geochemical processes influencing the distribution and speciation of trace elements in Hall Lake appear to be transformations of dissolved elements between their oxidation states (As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, V), cocycling of trace elements with Mn and Fe (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, Zn), formation of soluble metal sulfide complexes (Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn), sorption (As, Co, Cr, Ni, V), and precipitation (Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Pb, Zn).

The geochemical cycling of trace elements in a biogenic meromictic lake

USGS Publications Warehouse

Balistrieri, L.S.; Murray, J.W.; Paul, B.

1994-01-01

The geochemical processes affecting the behavior and speciation of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn in Hall Lake, Washington, USA, are assessed by examining dissolved and acid soluble particulate profiles of the elements and utilizing results from thermodynamic calculations. The water column of this meromictic lake is highly stratified and contains distinctive oxic, suboxic, and anoxic layers. Changes in the redox state of the water column with depth affect the distribution of all the elements studied. Most noticeable are increases in dissolved Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations across the oxic-suboxic boundary, increases in dissolved As, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, and V concentrations with depth in the anoxic layer, significant decreases in dissolved Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the anoxic region below the sulfide maximum, and large increases in acid soluble particulate concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn in the anoxic zone below the sulfide maximum. Thermodynamic calculations for the anoxic region indicate that all redox sensitive elements exist in their reduced forms, the primary dissolved forms of Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn are metal sulfide solution complexes, and solid sulfide phases of Cu, Fe, Mo, and Pb are supersaturated. Calculations using a vertical diffusion and reaction model indicate that the oxidation rate constant for Mn(II) in Hall Lake is estimated to be 0.006 d-1 and is at the lower end of the range of microbial oxidation rates observed in other natural systems. The main geochemical processes influencing the distribution and speciation of trace elements in Hall Lake appear to be transformations of dissolved elements between their oxidation states (As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, V), cocycling of trace elements with Mn and Fe (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, Zn), formation of soluble metal sulfide complexes (Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn), sorption (As, Co, Cr, Ni, V), and precipitation (Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Pb, Zn). ?? 1994.

Acanthus ilicifolius L. a promising candidate for phytostabilization of zinc.

PubMed

Shackira, A M; Puthur, Jos T; Nabeesa Salim, E

2017-06-01

The potential of a halophyte species-Acanthus ilicifolius L.-to phytostabilize zinc (Zn) grown under hydroponics culture conditions was critically evaluated in this study. The propagules after treating with ZnSO 4 (4 mM) were analysed for the bioaccumulation pattern, translocation rate of Zn to the shoot, effects of Zn accumulation on organic solutes and the antioxidant defence system. It was found that most of the Zn absorbed by the plant was retained in the root (47%) and only a small portion was transported to stem (12%) and leaves (11%). This is further confirmed by the high BCF root (bioconcentration factor) value (1.99) and low TF shoot/root (translocation factor) value (0.5), which indicates the increased retention of Zn in the root itself. Moreover, treatment with Zn resulted in an increased accumulation of organic solutes (proline, free amino acids and soluble sugars) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbate, glutathione and phenol) in the leaf and root tissue. Likewise, the activity of antioxidant enzymes namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) recorded an enhanced activity upon exposure to Zn as compared to the control plants. Thus, the increased tolerance for Zn in A. ilicifolius may be attributed to the efficient free radical scavenging mechanisms operating under excess Zn. In addition, being a high accumulator (53.7 mg of Zn) and at the same time a poor translocator of Zn to the aerial parts of the plant, A. ilicifolius can be recommended as a potential candidate for the phytostabilization of Zn in the contaminated wetlands.

A metal-organic framework based on nanosized hexagonal channels as fluorescent indicator for detection of nitroaromatic explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xiao-Li; Wang, Xin-Long; Su, Zhong-Min

2018-02-01

A novel Zn-MOF (metal organic framework) [Zn3(NTB)2(DMA)2]·12DMA (NTB = 4,4‧,4″-nitrilotrisbenzoic acid; DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide) (1) was obtained under solvothermal condition. The resulted MOF which is based on {Zn3} SBU displays an interesting (3,6)-connected three-dimensional net with nanosized, hexagonal channels. Additionally, 1 can be a useful fluorescent indicator for the detection of nitroaromatic explosives qualitatively and quantitatively via a strong quenching effect, especially for picric acid (PA). With increasing - NO2 groups, energy transfer from the electron-donating framework to high electron deficiency becomes more, making the effect of fluorescence quenching more obvious. The result demonstrates that the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) is responsible for the emission quenching.

Laser Surface Alloying of Aluminum for Improving Acid Corrosion Resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiru, Woldetinsay Gutu; Sankar, Mamilla Ravi; Dixit, Uday Shanker

2018-04-01

In the present study, laser surface alloying of aluminum with magnesium, manganese, titanium and zinc, respectively, was carried out to improve acid corrosion resistance. Laser surface alloying was conducted using 1600 and 1800 W power source using CO2 laser. Acid corrosion resistance was tested by dipping the samples in a solution of 2.5% H2SO4 for 200 h. The weight loss due to acid corrosion was reduced by 55% for AlTi, 41% for AlMg alloy, 36% for AlZn and 22% for AlMn alloy. Laser surface alloyed samples offered greater corrosion resistance than the aluminum substrate. It was observed that localized pitting corrosion was the major factor to damage the surface when exposed for a long time. The hardness after laser surface alloying was increased by a factor of 8.7, 3.4, 2.7 and 2 by alloying with Mn, Mg, Ti and Zn, respectively. After corrosion test, hardness was reduced by 51% for AlTi sample, 40% for AlMg sample, 41.4% for AlMn sample and 33% for AlZn sample.

Adsorption and inhibitive properties of sildenafil (Viagra) for zinc in hydrochloric acid solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fouda, A. S.; Ibrahim, H.; Atef, M.

Sildenafil (Viagra) was investigated as corrosion inhibitor for Zn in 1 M HCl solution using chemical and electrochemical methods at 25 °C. Electrochemical results showed that this drug is efficient inhibitor for Zn in HCl and the inhibition efficiency (IE) reached to 91% at 300 ppm. The IE increases with the drug concentration and decreases with increasing temperature. The adsorption of this drug on Zn surface follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The polarization plots revealed that Sildenafil acts as a mixed-type inhibitor. The thermodynamic parameters of activation and adsorption were calculated and discussed. The surface morphology of the Zn specimens was evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques.

Influence of indian mustard (Brassica juncea) on rhizosphere soil solution chemistry in long-term contaminated soils: a rhizobox study.

PubMed

Kim, Kwon-Rae; Owens, Gary; Kwon, Soon-lk

2010-01-01

This study investigated the influence of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) root exudation on soil solution properties (pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), metal solubility) in the rhizosphere using a rhizobox. Measurement was conducted following the cultivation of Indian mustard in the rhizobox filled four different types of heavy metal contaminated soils (two alkaline soils and two acidic soils). The growth of Indian mustard resulted in a significant increase (by 0.6 pH units) in rhizosphere soil solution pH of acidic soils and only a slight increase (< 0.1 pH units) in alkaline soils. Furthermore, the DOC concentration increased by 17-156 mg/L in the rhizosphere regardless of soil type and the extent of contamination, demonstrating the exudation of DOC from root. Ion chromatographic determination showed a marked increase in the total dissolved organic acids (OAs) in rhizosphere. While root exudates were observed in all soils, the amount of DOC and OAs in soil solution varied considerably amongst different soils, resulting in significant changes to soil solution metals in the rhizosphere. For example, the soil solution Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations increased in the rhizosphere of alkaline soils compared to bulk soil following plant cultivation. In contrast, the soluble concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn in acidic soils decreased in rhizosphere soil when compared to bulk soils. Besides the influence of pH and DOC on metal solubility, the increase of heavy metal concentration having high stability constant such as Cu and Pb resulted in a release of Cd and Zn from solid phase to liquid phase.

Ferulic acid prevents liver injury and increases the anti-tumor effect of diosbulbin B in vivo *

PubMed Central

Wang, Jun-ming; Sheng, Yu-chen; Ji, Li-li; Wang, Zheng-tao

2014-01-01

The present study is designed to investigate the protection by ferulic acid against the hepatotoxicity induced by diosbulbin B and its possible mechanism, and further observe whether ferulic acid augments diosbulbin B-induced anti-tumor activity. The results show that ferulic acid decreases diosbulbin B-increased serum alanine transaminase/aspartate transaminase (ALT/AST) levels. Ferulic acid also decreases lipid peroxide (LPO) levels which are elevated in diosbulbin B-treated mice. Histological evaluation of the liver demonstrates hydropic degeneration in diosbulbin B-treated mice, while ferulic acid reverses this injury. Moreover, the activities of copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) and catalase (CAT) are decreased in the livers of diosbulbin B-treated mice, while ferulic acid reverses these decreases. Further results demonstrate that the mRNA expressions of CuZn-SOD and CAT in diosbulbin B-treated mouse liver are significantly decreased, while ferulic acid prevents this decrease. In addition, ferulic acid also augments diosbulbin B-induced tumor growth inhibition compared with diosbulbin B alone. Taken together, the present study shows that ferulic acid prevents diosbulbin B-induced liver injury via ameliorating diosbulbin B-induced liver oxidative stress injury and augments diosbulbin B-induced anti-tumor activity. PMID:24903991

The effect of zinc (Zn) content to cell potential value and efficiency aluminium sacrificial anode in 0.2 M sulphuric acid environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akranata, Ahmad Ridho; Sulistijono, Awali, Jatmoko

2018-04-01

Sacrificial anode is sacirifial component that used to protect steel from corrosion. Generally, the component are made of aluminium and zinc in water environment. Sacrificial anode change the protected metal structure become cathodic with giving current. The advantages of aluminium is corrosion resistance, non toxicity and easy forming. Zinc generally used for coating in steel to prevent steel from corrosion. This research was conducted to analyze the effect of zinc content to the value of cell potential and efficiency aluminium sacrificial anode with sand casting method in 0.2 M sulphuric acid environment. The sacrificial anode fabrication made with alloying aluminium and zinc metals with variation composition of alloy with pure Al, Al-3Zn, Al-6Zn, and Al-9Zn with open die sand casting process. The component installed with ASTM A36 steel. After the research has been done the result showed that addition of zinc content increase the cell potential, protection efficiency, and anode efficiency from steel plate. Cell potential value measurement and weight loss measurement showed that addition of zinc content increase the cell potential value into more positive that can protected the ASTM A36 steel more efficiently that showed in weight loss measurement where the protection efficiency and anodic efficiency of Al-9Zn sacrificial anode is better than protection efficiency and anodic efficiency of pure Al. The highest protection efficiency gotten by Al-9Zn alloy

Investigation of phase stability of poly(1-oxotrimethylene)-dissolved aqueous solutions containing ZnCl2/CaCl2/LiCl: Influence of boric acid introduction and aging time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chae, Dong Wook; Jang, Han Beol; Kim, Byoung Chul

2018-02-01

Poly(1-oxotrimethylene) (POTM) was dissolved in aqueous solutions containing ZnCl2, CaCl2, and LiCl, and the effects of boric acid introduction on the phase stability of the POTM solutions over various aging times were investigated. In the absence of boric acid, aging at 70°C for 8 h notably reduced the loss tangent (tanδ) for the 7.0 wt.% POTM solutions. Addition of boric acid into unaged solutions had little effect on tanδ over the frequency range measured, regardless of its content, whereas addition of 0.3-1.0 wt.% of boric acid into aged solutions increased tanδ. The dynamic viscosity of the POTM solutions with 1.0 wt.% boric acid was affected little by aging time. Conversely, the POTM solutions without boric acid exhibited increased dynamic viscosity in the low-frequency range with aging time. In addition, the slope of the solutions in the Cole-Cole plot decreased with increasing aging time in the absence of boric acid, whereas aging time had little effect in the presence of 1.0 wt.% boric acid. For dilute POTM solutions ( i.e., 0.5 g/dL), the reduced viscosity decreased with increasing aging time in the absence of boric acid, while it was affected little in solutions with the addition of 1.0 wt.% boric acid. In the UV-Vis spectra, the aging-time-dependent increase of the absorbance peak at 390 nm was associated with the generation of a chromophoric complex in the POTM solutions. Conversely, the disappearance of the peak due to the addition of boric acid indicated suppression of complex formation.

Surface modification of ZnO quantum dots by organosilanes and oleic acid with enhanced luminescence for potential biological application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rissi, Nathalia Cristina; Hammer, Peter; Aparecida Chiavacci, Leila

2017-01-01

Luminescent ZnO-QDs is a promising candidate for biological application, especially due to their low toxicity. Nevertheless, colloidal ZnO-QDs prepared by sol-gel route are unstable in water and incompatible with lipophilic systems, hindering their application in biology and medicine. To tackle the problem, this study reports three different strategies for surface modification of ZnO-QDs by: (i) hydrophilic (3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GPTMS), (ii) hydrophobic hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HTMS) and then by (iii) oleic acid (OA) and HTMS bilayer. Capped ZnO-QDs by GPTMS and HTMS were performed by hydrolysis and condensation reactions under basic catalysis, leading to the formation of siloxane layer, involving strong interaction between the silanes with hydroxylated surface of ZnO, thereby creating a covalent bond—ZnO-O-Si. Alternatively, OA and HTMS were employed as hydrophobic agent to form a bilayer barrier surrounding the nanoparticles (NPs). Capped ZnO-QDS were analyzed by techniques including: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, as well as the monitoring of excitonic peak of ZnO by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. Photoluminescence measurements confirmed the importance of capping agents. Bare ZnO-QDs powder showed lowest photoluminescence intensity and displacement to yellow region when compared with ZnO-QDs capped, which present a higher photoluminescence in the green region. The above results can be related to changes of the concentration of oxygen vacancies (V o) and also by increased presence of surface defect density. Silane capping represents the best choice for high stability and photoluminescence enhancement of ZnO-QDs.

Application of Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles for the Removal of Aqueous Zinc Ions under Various Experimental Conditions

PubMed Central

Liang, Wen; Dai, Chaomeng; Zhou, Xuefei; Zhang, Yalei

2014-01-01

Application of zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) for Zn2+ removal and its mechanism were discussed. It demonstrated that the uptake of Zn2+ by nZVI was efficient. With the solids concentration of 1 g/L nZVI, more than 85% of Zn2+ could be removed within 2 h. The pH value and dissolved oxygen (DO) were the important factors of Zn2+ removal by nZVI. The DO enhanced the removal efficiency of Zn2+. Under the oxygen-contained condition, oxygen corrosion gave the nZVI surface a shell of iron (oxy)hydroxide, which could show high adsorption affinity. The removal efficiency of Zn2+ increased with the increasing of the pH. Acidic condition reduced the removal efficiency of Zn2+ by nZVI because the existing H+ inhibited the formation of iron (oxy)hydroxide. Adsorption and co-precipitation were the most likely mechanism of Zn2+ removal by nZVI. The FeOOH-shell could enhance the adsorption efficiency of nZVI. The removal efficiency and selectivity of nZVI particles for Zn2+ were higher than Cd2+. Furthermore, a continuous flow reactor for engineering application of nZVI was designed and exhibited high removal efficiency for Zn2+. PMID:24416439

Comparative absorption, distribution, and excretion of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles after repeated oral administration.

PubMed

Cho, Wan-Seob; Kang, Byeong-Cheol; Lee, Jong Kwon; Jeong, Jayoung; Che, Jeong-Hwan; Seok, Seung Hyeok

2013-03-26

The in vivo kinetics of nanoparticles is an essential to understand the hazard of nanoparticles. Here, the absorption, distribution, and excretion patterns of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles following oral administration were evaluated. Nanoparticles were orally administered to rats for 13 weeks (7 days/week). Samples of blood, tissues (liver, kidneys, spleen, and brain), urine, and feces were obtained at necropsy. The level of Ti or Zn in each sample was measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. TiO₂ nanoparticles had extremely low absorption, while ZnO nanoparticles had higher absorption and a clear dose-response curve. Tissue distribution data showed that TiO₂ nanoparticles were not significantly increased in sampled organs, even in the group receiving the highest dose (1041.5 mg/kg body weight). In contrast, Zn concentrations in the liver and kidney were significantly increased compared with the vehicle control. ZnO nanoparticles in the spleen and brain were minimally increased. Ti concentrations were not significantly increased in the urine, while Zn levels were significantly increased in the urine, again with a clear dose-response curve. Very high concentrations of Ti were detected in the feces, while much less Zn was detected in the feces. Compared with TiO₂ nanoparticles, ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated higher absorption and more extensive organ distribution when administered orally. The higher absorption of ZnO than TiO₂ nanoparticles might be due to the higher dissolution rate in acidic gastric fluid, although more thorough studies are needed.

Effect of protons on the redox chemistry of colloidal zinc oxide nanocrystals.

PubMed

Valdez, Carolyn N; Braten, Miles; Soria, Ashley; Gamelin, Daniel R; Mayer, James M

2013-06-12

Electron transfer (ET) reactions of colloidal 3-5 nm diameter ZnO nanocrystals (NCs) with molecular reagents are explored in aprotic solvents. Addition of an excess of the one-electron reductant Cp*2Co (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) gives NCs that are reduced by up to 1-3 electrons per NC. Protons can be added stoichiometrically to the NCs by either a photoreduction/oxidation sequence or by addition of acid. The added protons facilitate the reduction of the ZnO NCs. In the presence of acid, NC reduction by Cp*2Co can be increased to over 15 electrons per NC. The weaker reductant Cp*2Cr transfers electrons only to ZnO NCs in the presence of protons. Cp*2M(+) counterions are much less effective than protons at stabilizing reduced NCs. With excess Cp*2Co or Cp*2Cr, the extent of reduction increases roughly linearly with the number of protons added. Some of the challenges in understanding these results are discussed.

Photoluminescence studies on Cd(1-x)Zn(x)S:Mn2+ nanocrystals.

PubMed

Sethi, Ruchi; Kumar, Lokendra; Pandey, A C

2009-09-01

Highly monodispersed, undoped and doped with Mn2+, binary and ternary (CdS, ZnS, Cd(1-x)Zn(x)S) compound semiconductor nanocrystals have been synthesized by co-precipitation method using citric acid as a stabilizer. As prepared sample are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Small angle X-ray scattering, Transmission electron microscope, Optical absorption and Photoluminescence spectroscopy, for their optical and structural properties. X-ray diffraction, Small angle X-ray scattering and Transmission electron microscope results confirm the preparation of monodispersed nanocrystals. Photoluminescence studies show a significant blue shift in the wavelength with an increasing concentration of Zn in alloy nanocrystals.

Morphogenesis and crystallization of ZnS microspheres by a soft template-assisted hydrothermal route: synthesis, growth mechanism, and oxygen sensitivity.

PubMed

Yang, Liangbao; Han, Jun; Luo, Tao; Li, Minqiang; Huang, Jiarui; Meng, Fanli; Liu, Jinhuai

2009-01-05

Almost monodisperse ZnS microspheres have been synthesized on a large scale by a hydrothermal route, in which tungstosilicate acid (TSA) was used as a soft template. By controlling the reaction conditions, such as reaction temperature, pH value of the solutions, and the reaction medium, almost monodisperse microspheres can be synthesized. The structure of these microspheres is sensitive to the reaction conditions. The growth mechanism of these nearly monodisperse microspheres was examined. Oxygen sensing is realized from ZnS microspheres. The current through the ZnS microspheres under UV illumination increases as the oxygen concentration decreases.

Fuel additives and heat treatment effects on nanocrystalline zinc ferrite phase composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Ping; Pan, De-an; Wang, Xin-feng; Tian, Jian-jun; Wang, Jian; Zhang, Shen-gen; Volinsky, Alex A.

2011-03-01

Nanocrystalline ZnFe 2O 4 powder was prepared by the auto-combustion method using citric acid, acetic acid, carbamide and acrylic acid as fuel additives. Pure spinel zinc ferrite with the crystallite size of about 15 nm can be obtained by using acrylic acid as fuel additive. Samples prepared using other fuel additives contain ZnO impurities. In order to eliminate ZnO impurities, the sample prepared with citric acid as fuel additive was annealed at different temperatures up to 1000 °C in air and in argon. Annealed powders have pure ZnFe 2O 4 phase when annealing temperature is higher than 650 °C in air. Sample annealed at 650 °C in air is paramagnetic. However, annealed powders become a mixture of Fe 3O 4 and FeO after annealing at 1000 °C in argon atmosphere due to Zn volatility and the reduction reaction.

Silver nanoparticles in combination with acetic acid and zinc oxide quantum dots for antibacterial activities improvement-A comparative study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sedira, Sofiane; Ayachi, Ahmed Abdelhakim; Lakehal, Sihem; Fateh, Merouane; Achour, Slimane

2014-08-01

Due to their remarkable antibacterial/antivirus properties, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO Qds) have been widely used in the antimicrobial field. The mechanism of action of Ag NPs on bacteria was recently studied and it has been proven that Ag NPs exerts their antibacterial activities mainly by the released Ag+. In this work, Ag NPs and ZnO Qds were synthesized using polyol and hydrothermal method, respectively. It was demonstrated that Ag NPs can be oxidized easily in aqueous solution and the addition of acetic acid can increase the Ag+ release which improves the antibacterial activity of Ag NPs. A comparative study between bactericidal effect of Ag NPs/acetic acid and Ag NPs/ZnO Qds on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus was undertaken using agar diffusion method. The obtained colloids were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, Raman spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Cytosolic acidification and intracellular zinc release in hippocampal neurons

PubMed Central

Kiedrowski, Lech

2012-01-01

In neurons exposed to glutamate, Ca2+ influx triggers intracellular Zn2+ release via an as yet unclear mechanism. Since glutamate induces a Ca2+-dependent cytosolic acidification, the present work tested the relationships among intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), intracellular pH (pHi), and [Zn2+]i. Cultured hippocampal neurons were exposed to glutamate and glycine (Glu/Gly), while [Zn2+]i, [Ca2+]i and pHi were monitored using FluoZin-3, Fura2-FF, and 2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, respectively. Glu/Gly applications decreased pHi to 6.1 and induced intracellular Zn2+ release in a Ca2+-dependent manner, as expected. The pHi drop reduced the affinity of FluoZin-3 and Fura-2-FF for Zn2+. The rate of Glu/Gly-induced [Zn2+]i increase was not correlated with the rate of [Ca2+]i increase. Instead, the extent of [Zn2+]i elevations corresponded well to the rate of pHi drop. Namely, [Zn2+]i increased more in more highly acidified neurons. Inhibiting the mechanisms responsible for the Ca2+-dependent pHi drop (plasmalemmal Ca2+ pump and mitochondria) counteracted the Glu/Gly-induced intracellular Zn2+ release. Alkaline pH (8.5) suppressed Glu/Gly-induced intracellular Zn2+ release whereas acidic pH (6.0) enhanced it. A pHi drop to 6.0 (without any Ca2+ influx or glutamate receptor activation) led to intracellular Zn2+ release; the released Zn2+ (free Zn2+ plus Zn2+ bound to Fura-2FF and FluoZin-3) reached 1 μM. PMID:22339672

Water and acid soluble trace metals in atmospheric particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindberg, S. E.; Harriss, R. C.

1983-01-01

Continental aerosols are collected above a deciduous forest in eastern Tennessee and subjected to selective extractions to determine the water-soluble and acid-leachable concentrations of Cd, Mn, Pb, and Zn. The combined contributions of these metals to the total aerosol mass is 0.5 percent, with approximately 70 percent of this attributable to Pb alone. A substantial fraction (approximately 50 percent or more) of the acid-leachable metals is soluble in distilled water. In general, this water-soluble fraction increases with decreasing particle size and with increasing frequency of atmospheric water vapor saturation during the sampling period. The pattern of relative solubilities (Zn being greater than Mn, which is approximately equal to Cd, which is greater than Pb) is found to be similar to the general order of the thermodynamic solubilities of the most probable salts of these elements in continental aerosols with mixed fossil fuel and soil sources.

Influence of solution acidity and CaCl2 concentration on the removal of heavy metals from metal-contaminated rice soils.

PubMed

Kuo, S; Lai, M S; Lin, C W

2006-12-01

Soil washing is considered a useful technique for remediating metal-contaminated soils. This study examined the release edges of Cd, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu or Pb in two contaminated rice soils from central Taiwan. The concentrations exceeding the trigger levels established by the regulatory agency of Taiwan were Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr for the Ho-Mei soil and Pb for the Nan-Tou soil. Successive extractions with HCl ranging from 0 to 0.2 M showed increased release of the heavy metals with declining pH, and the threshold pH value below which a sharp increase in the releases of the heavy metals was highest for Cd, Zn, and Ni (pH 4.6 to 4.9), intermediate for Pb and Cu (3.1 to 3.8) and lowest for Fe (2.1), Al (2.2) and Cr (1.7) for the soils. The low response slope of Ni and Cr particularly for the rice soils make soil washing with the acid up to the highest concentration used ineffective to reduce their concentrations to below trigger levels. Although soil washing with 0.1 M HCl was moderately effective in reducing Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd, which brought pH of the soils to 1.1+/-0.1 (S.D.), the concurrent release of large quantities of Fe and Al make this remediation technique undesirable for the rice soils containing high clay. Successive washings with 0.01 M HCl could be considered an alternative as the dissolution of Fe and Al was minimal, and between 46 to 64% of Cd, Zn, and Cu for the Ho-Mei soil and 45% of Pb in the Na-Tou soil were extracted after four successive extractions with this dilute acid solution. The efficacy of Cd extraction improved if CaCl2 was added to the acid solution. The correlation analysis revealed that Cr extracted was highly correlated (P < 0.001) with Fe extracted, whereas the Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd or Pb extracted was better correlated (P < 0.001) with Al than with Fe extracted. It is possible that the past seasonal soil flooding and drainage in the soils for rice production was conducive to incorporating Cr within the structure of Fe oxide, thereby making them extremely insoluble even in 0.2 M HCl solution. The formation of solid solution of Ni with Al oxide was also possible, making it far less extractable than Cd, Zn, Cu, or Pb with the acid concentrations used.

In vitro selection of high temperature Zn(2+)-dependent DNAzymes.

PubMed

Nelson, Kevin E; Bruesehoff, Peter J; Lu, Yi

2005-08-01

In vitro selection of Zn(2+)-dependent RNA-cleaving DNAzymes with activity at 90 degrees C has yielded a diverse spool of selected sequences. The RNA cleavage efficiency was found in all cases to be specific for Zn(2+) over Pb(2+), Ca(2+), Cd(2+), Co(2+), Hg(2+), and Mg(2+). The Zn(2+)-dependent activity assay of the most active sequence showed that the DNAzyme possesses an apparent Zn(2+)-binding dissociation constant of 234 muM and that its activity increases with increasing temperatures from 50-90 degrees C. A fit of the Arrhenius plot data gave E(a) = 15.3 kcal mol(-1). Surprisingly, the selected Zn(2+)-dependent DNAzymes showed only a modest (approximately 3-fold) activity enhancement over the background rate of cleavage of random sequences containing a single embedded ribonucleotide within an otherwise DNA oligonucleotide. The result is attributable to the ability of DNA to sustain cleavage activity at high temperature with minimal secondary structure when Zn(2+) is present. Since this effect is highly specific for Zn(2+), this metal ion may play a special role in molecular evolution of nucleic acids at high temperature.

Acid mist and soil Ca and Al alter the mineral nutrition and physiology of red spruce

Treesearch

P.G. Schaberg; D.H. DeHayes; G.J. Hawley; G.R. Strimbeck; J.R. Cumming; P.F. Murakami; C.H. Borer

2000-01-01

We examined the effects and potential interactions of acid mist and soil solution Ca and Al treatments on foliar cation concentrations, membrane-associated Ca (mCa), ion leaching, growth, carbon exchange, and cold tolerance of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) saplings. Soil solution Ca additions increased foliar Ca and Zn concentrations, and increased...

Exogenously applied zinc and copper mitigate salinity effect in maize (Zea mays L.) by improving key physiological and biochemical attributes.

PubMed

Iqbal, Muhammad Naveed; Rasheed, Rizwan; Ashraf, Muhammad Yasin; Ashraf, Muhammad Arslan; Hussain, Iqbal

2018-06-07

Zinc or copper deficiency and salinity are known soil problems and often occur simultaneously in agriculture soils. Plants undergo various changes in physiological and biochemical processes to respond to high salt in the growing medium. There is lack of information on the relation of exogenous application of Zn and Cu with important salinity tolerance mechanisms in plants. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of foliar Zn and Cu on two maize cultivars (salt-tolerant cv. Yousafwala Hybrid and salt-sensitive cv. Hybrid 1898). Salinity caused a significant reduction in water and turgor potentials, stomatal conductance, and transpiration and photosynthetic rate, while increase in glycine betaine, proline, total soluble sugars, and total free amino acids was evident in plants under saline regimes. Furthermore, there was significant decline in P, N, Ca, K, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu and increase in Na and Cl contents in plants fed with NaCl salinity. Nitrate reductase activity was lower in salt-stressed plants. However, foliar application of Zn and Cu circumvented salinity effect on water relations, photosynthesis, and nutrition and this was attributed to the better antioxidant system and enhanced accumulation of glycine betaine, proline, total free amino acids, and sugars. The results of the present study suggested that Zn application was superior to Cu for mediating plant defense responses under salinity.

Effect of dietary fat sources and zinc and selenium supplements on the composition and consumer acceptability of chicken meat.

PubMed

Bou, R; Guardiola, F; Barroeta, A C; Codony, R

2005-07-01

A factorial design was used to study the effect of changes in broiler feed on the composition and consumer acceptability of chicken meat. One week before slaughter, 1.25% dietary fish oil was removed from the feed and replaced by other fat sources (animal fat or linseed oil) or we continued with fish oil, and diets were supplemented with Zn (0, 300, or 600 mg/kg), and Se (0 or 1.2 mg/kg as sodium selenite or 0.2 mg/kg as Se-enriched yeast). The changes in dietary fat led to distinct fatty acid compositions of mixed raw dark and white chicken meat with skin. The fish oil diet produced meat with the highest eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) content, whereas the linseed oil diet led to meat with the highest content in total n-3 polyunsaturated acids (PUFA), especially linolenic acid. However, meat from animals on the animal fat diet was still rich in very long-chain n-3 PUFA. Se content was affected by Se and Zn supplements. Se content increased with Zn supplementation. However, only Se from the organic source led to a significant increase in this mineral in meat compared with the control. Consumer acceptability scores and TBA values of cooked dark chicken meat after 74 d or after 18 mo of frozen storage were not affected by any of the dietary factors studied.

Zinc Oxide Nanowire Interphase for Enhanced Lightweight Polymer Fiber Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sodano, Henry A.; Brett, Robert

2011-01-01

The objective of this work was to increase the interfacial strength between aramid fiber and epoxy matrix. This was achieved by functionalizing the aramid fiber followed by growth of a layer of ZnO nanowires on the fiber surface such that when embedded into the polymer, the load transfer and bonding area could be substantially enhanced. The functionalization procedure developed here created functional carboxylic acid surface groups that chemically interact with the ZnO and thus greatly enhance the strength of the interface between the fiber and the ZnO.

Solution-processed zinc oxide/polyethylenimine nanocomposites as tunable electron transport layers for highly efficient bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells.

PubMed

Chen, Hsiu-Cheng; Lin, Shu-Wei; Jiang, Jian-Ming; Su, Yu-Wei; Wei, Kung-Hwa

2015-03-25

In this study, we employed polyethylenimine-doped sol-gel-processed zinc oxide composites (ZnO:PEI) as efficient electron transport layers (ETL) for facilitating electron extraction in inverted polymer solar cells. Using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, synchrotron grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy, we observed that ZnO:PEI composite films' energy bands could be tuned considerably by varying the content of PEI up to 7 wt %-the conduction band ranged from 4.32 to 4.0 eV-and the structural order of ZnO in the ZnO:PEI thin films would be enhanced to align perpendicular to the ITO electrode, particularly at 7 wt % PEI, facilitating electron transport vertically. We then prepared two types of bulk heterojunction systems-based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):phenyl-C61-butryric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) and benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b́]dithiophene-thiophene-2,1,3-benzooxadiazole (PBDTTBO):phenyl-C71-butryric acid methyl ester (PC71BM)-that incorporated the ZnO:PEI composite layers. When using a composite of ZnO:PEI (93:7, w/w) as the ETL, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the P3HT:PC61BM (1:1, w/w) device improved to 4.6% from a value of 3.7% for the corresponding device that incorporated pristine ZnO as the ETL-a relative increase of 24%. For the PBDTTBO:PC71BM (1:2, w/w) device featuring the same amount of PEI blended in the ETL, the PCE improved to 8.7% from a value of 7.3% for the corresponding device that featured pure ZnO as its ETL-a relative increase of 20%. Accordingly, ZnO:PEI composites can be effective ETLs within organic photovoltaics.

Zinc and dexamethasone induce metallothionein accumulation by endothelial cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Briske-Anderson, M.; Bobilya, D.J.; Reeves, P.G.

1991-03-11

Several tissues increase their metallothionein (MT) concentration when exposed to elevated amounts of plasma Zn. Endothelial cells form the blood vessels that supply all tissues and constitute a barrier between cells of tissues and the blood. This study examined the ability of endothelial cells to synthesize MT and accumulate Zn in response to high amounts of Zn and dexamethasone. Bovine pulmonary endothelial cells were grown to confluence in Minimum Essential Medium with Earle's salts and 10% fetal calf serum. The monolayer was maintained for 2 d prior to use in medium containing EDTA-dialyzed serum. This low Zn medium was replacedmore » with one containing 1, 6, 25, 50, 100, 150, or 200 {mu}M Zn and incubated for 24 hr before harvesting the cells. MT was quantified by the cadmium binding assay. Cellular Zn concentrations were analyzed by atomic absorption after a nitric acid digestion. The MT concentration was elevated in response to Zn concentrations of 100 {mu}M or more. Cellular Zn concentration was elevated when media Zn was 25 {mu}M or more. MT and cellular Zn concentrations were positively correlated. In another study, inclusion of 0.1 {mu}M dexamethasone in the media increased concentration at all Zn concentrations studied. However, the inclusion of 0.3 {mu}M cis-platinum had no effect. In conclusion, endothelial cells in culture respond to elevated amounts of Zn and dexamethasone in the media by accumulating Zn and MT.« less

The effect of citric acid on morphology and photoluminescence properties of white light emitting ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivakami, R.; Thiyagarajan, P.

2016-07-01

The white light emitting ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by sol-gel combustion method using zinc nitrate, citric acid and tetraethoxysilane. To analyze the effect of fuel content on the photoluminescence properties of ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposites, the citric acid content was varied as 1, 5, and 10 moles with respect to one mole of zinc. The SEM images of the nanocomposites revealed the spherical, flower and platelet like morphology with variation in citric acid content and annealing temperatures. The ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposites prepared with various Zn:CA ratio excited at UV (280 nm), near UV (365 nm), violet (405 nm) and blue (465 nm) wavelength showed blue and greenish-yellow emission. Among all ratios, the ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposites with Zn:CA - 1:1 ratio showed the intense broad band emission compared to Zn:CA - 1:5 and 1:10 values. This particular composition of sample excited under violet (405 nm) LED source shows white light, as confirmed by the CIE chromaticity coordinates (x = 0.342, y = 0.318).

Effect of Zinc and Copper Nanoparticles on Drought Resistance of Wheat Seedlings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taran, Nataliya; Storozhenko, Volodymyr; Svietlova, Nataliia; Batsmanova, Ludmila; Shvartau, Viktor; Kovalenko, Mariia

2017-01-01

The effect of a colloidal solution of Cu,Zn-nanoparticles on pro-oxidative/antioxidative balance and content of photosynthetic pigments and leaf area of winter wheat plants of steppe (Acveduc) and forest-steppe (Stolichna) ecotypes was investigated in drought conditions. It has been shown that Cu,Zn-nanoparticles decreased the negative effect of drought action upon plants of steppe ecotype Acveduc. In particular, increased activity of antioxidative enzymes reduced the level of accumulation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and stabilized the content of photosynthetic pigments and increased relative water content in leaves. Colloidal solution of Cu,Zn-nanoparticles had less significant influence on these indexes in seedlings of the Stolichna variety under drought.

Effect of Concentrated Apple Extract on Experimental Colitis Induced by Acetic Acid.

PubMed

Pastrelo, Maurício Mercaldi; Dias Ribeiro, Carla Caroline; Duarte, Joselmo Willamys; Bioago Gollücke, Andréa Pitelli; Artigiani-Neto, Ricardo; Ribeiro, Daniel Araki; Miszputen, Sender Jankiel; Fujiyama Oshima, Celina Tizuko; Ribeiro Paiotti, Ana Paula

2017-01-01

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) play a crucial role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exacerbating the chronic inflammatory process. Endogenous and diet antioxidants can neutralize these compounds. The apple is widely consumed, with several antioxidant activity compounds. The present study evaluated the effects of concentrated apple extract (CAE) in acetic acid induced colitis. 29 Wistar male rats were randomized into 5 groups. G1-Sham/saline solution, G2-CAE/control, G3-acetic acid/control, G4-curative- CAE treatment and G5-preventive-CAE treatment. Eight days later, the animals were euthanized and the colonic segment resected for macroscopic and histological analysis. Gene expression was evaluated for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), catalase and copper and zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) by quantitative real time PCR, while protein expression was assessed for iNOS, COX-2 and 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) via immunohistochemistry. The groups G3, G4 and G5 had weight loss, while G5 had weight increase at the end of the experiment. The treatment with CAE reduced the macroscopic and microscopic injury, decreased iNOS mRNA expression and increased CuZnSOD mRNA expression in animals with induced acetic acid-colitis. The findings of the present study suggest that CAE treatment exerts an antioxidant role by downregulating iNOS and upregulating CuZnSOD.

Syntheses, structures, photoluminescence of four dicarboxylate-controlled Zn(II) coordination complexes incorporating flexible 1-(4-pyridylmethyl)-benzimidazole ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Hong-Jun; Du, Ming-Yue; Wang, Dan-Feng; Sun, Cheng-Jie; Wang, Zhan-Hui; Huang, Rong-Bin; Zheng, Lan-Sun

2013-09-01

Four Zn(II) coordination complexes, namely {[Zn(pmbm)2(tpa)]·H2O}n (1), {[Zn(pmbm)(phda)]·2(H2O)}n (2), [Zn(pmbm)(aze)]n (3), {[Zn(pmbm)(1,4-ndc)]·2(CH3OH)}n (4) [pmbm = 1-(4-pyridylmethyl)-benzimidazole, H2tpa = terephthalic acid, H2phda = phenylenediacetic acid, H2aze = azelaic acid, 1,4-ndcH2 = 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid] have been synthesized by solution phase ultrasonic reactions of Zn(AC)2·2H2O with pmbm and various dicarboxylates ligands under the ammoniacal condition. All the complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra and X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit one-dimensional chains structure and complex 3 and 4 are two-dimensional sheets structure with (4,4) topology. Complexes 1-4 spanning from one-dimensional chains to two-dimensional sheets suggest that dicarboxylates play significant roles in the formation of such coordination architectures. The photoluminescences of the complexes were also investigated in the solid state at room temperature.

Methyl Ester Production via Heterogeneous Acid-Catalyzed Simultaneous Transesterification and Esterification Reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Indrayanah, S.; Erwin; Marsih, I. N.; Suprapto; Murwani, I. K.

2017-05-01

The heterogeneous acid catalysts (MgF2 and ZnF2) have been used to catalyze the simultaneous transesterification and esterification reactions of crude palm oil (CPO) with methanol. Catalysts were synthesized by sol-gel method (combination of fluorolysis and hydrolysis). The physicochemical, structural, textural, thermal stability of the prepared catalysts was investigated by N2 adsorption-desorption, XRD, FT-IR, SEM and TG/DTG. Both MgF2 and ZnF2 have rutile structures with a different phase. The surface area of ZnF2 is smaller than that of MgF2, but the pore size and volume of ZnF2 are larger than those of MgF2. However, these materials are thermally stable. The performance of the catalysts is determined from the yield of catalysts toward the formation of methyl ester determined based on the product of methyl ester obtained from the reaction. The catalytic activity of ZnF2 is higher than MgF2 amounted to 85.21% and 26.82% with the optimum condition. The high activity of ZnF2 could be attributed to its pore diameter and pore volume but was not correlated with its surface area. The yield of methyl ester decreased along with the increase in molar ratio of methanol/CPO from 85.21 to 80.99 for ZnF2, respectively.

Intense visible emission from ZnO/PAAX (X = H or Na) nanocomposite synthesized via a simple and scalable sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Y.; Apostoluk, A.; Gautier, P.; Valette, A.; Omar, L.; Cornier, T.; Bluet, J. M.; Masenelli-Varlot, K.; Daniele, S.; Masenelli, B.

2016-03-01

Intense visible nano-emitters are key objects for many technologies such as single photon source, bio-labels or energy convertors. Chalcogenide nanocrystals have ruled this domain for several decades. However, there is a demand for cheaper and less toxic materials. In this scheme, ZnO nanoparticles have appeared as potential candidates. At the nanoscale, they exhibit crystalline defects which can generate intense visible emission. However, even though photoluminescence quantum yields as high as 60% have been reported, it still remains to get quantum yield of that order of magnitude which remains stable over a long period. In this purpose, we present hybrid ZnO/polyacrylic acid (PAAH) nanocomposites, obtained from the hydrolysis of diethylzinc in presence of PAAH, exhibiting quantum yield systematically larger than 20%. By optimizing the nature and properties of the polymeric acid, the quantum yield is increased up to 70% and remains stable over months. This enhancement is explained by a model based on the hybrid type II heterostructure formed by ZnO/PAAH. The addition of PAAX (X = H or Na) during the hydrolysis of ZnEt2 represents a cost effective method to synthesize scalable amounts of highly luminescent ZnO/PAAX nanocomposites.

High temperature dissolution of oxides in complexing media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sathyaseelan, Valil S.; Rufus, Appadurai L.; Subramanian, Hariharan; Bhaskarapillai, Anupkumar; Wilson, Shiny; Narasimhan, Sevilimedu V.; Velmurugan, Sankaralingam

2011-12-01

Dissolution of transition metal oxides such as magnetite (Fe 3O 4), mixed ferrites (NiFe 2O 4, ZnFe 2O 4, MgFe 2O 4), bonaccordite (Ni 2FeBO 5) and chromium oxide (Cr 2O 3) in organic complexing media was attempted at higher temperatures (80-180 °C). On increasing the temperature from 80 to 180 °C, the dissolution rate of magnetite in nitrilo triacetic acid (NTA) medium increased six folds. The trend obtained for the dissolution of other oxides was ZnFe 2O 4 > NiFe 2O 4 > MgFe 2O 4 > Cr 2O 3, which followed the same trend as the lability of their metal-oxo bonds. Other complexing agents such as ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), pyridine dicarboxylic acid (PDCA), citric acid and reducing agents viz., oxalic acid and ascorbic acid were also evaluated for their oxide dissolution efficiency at 160 °C. EDTA showed maximum dissolution rate of 21.4 μm/h for magnetite. Addition of oxalic acid/ascorbic acid to complexing media (NTA/EDTA) showed identical effect on the dissolution of magnetite. Addition of hydrazine, another reducing agent, to NTA decreased the rate of dissolution of magnetite by 50%.

Antioxidant activity, polyphenolic contents and essential oil composition of Pimpinella anisum L. as affected by zinc fertilizer.

PubMed

Tavallali, Vahid; Rahmati, Sadegh; Bahmanzadegan, Atefeh

2017-11-01

The antioxidant activity and essential oil content of plants may vary considerably with respect to environmental conditions, especially nutrient availability. Among micronutrients, zinc (Zn) is needed by plants in only small amounts but is crucial to plant development. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Zn fertilization on the antioxidant activity, polyphenolic contents and essential oil composition of Pimpinella anisum fruit. Foliar application of Zn fertilizer considerably increased the number of detected essential oil components from 27 to 45. Zinc application at a rate of 0.2% (w/v) significantly enhanced the levels of β-bisabolene, germacrene D, n-decane and α-zingiberene, whereas the opposite trend was observed for (E)-anethole and geijerene. Application of 0.2% Zn considerably increased the levels of phenolic compounds, with chlorogenic acid showing the highest content among eight phenolic compounds detected in treated plants. The maximum antioxidant activity was achieved through application of 0.2% Zn fertilizer. These findings indicated that the quality and quantity of anise fruit essential oil components were significantly altered by application of low levels of Zn. After foliar application of Zn, polyphenolic contents as well as antioxidant activity of anise fruit increased. Using Zn fertilizer is an efficient method to improve the pharmaceutical and food properties of anise fruit. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Changes in serum lipids in rats treated with oral cooper].

PubMed

Alarcón-Corredor, O M; Carnevalí de Tatá, E; Reinosa-Füller, J; Contreras, Y; Ramírez de Fernández, M; Yánez-Domínguez, C

2000-09-01

Disturbances in lipid metabolism during copper deficiency in rats are well recognized. Copper deficiency is associated with the spontaneous retention of hepatic iron. Previous studies have reported that hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia are associated with elevated hepatic iron concentrations in copper deficient rats. There was a direct relationship between the magnitude of blood lipids and the concentration of hepatic iron. Based on these data, it has been hypothesized that iron was responsible for the development of lipemia of copper deficiency. In this study was determined the effect of increasing doses of Cu(10, 20 and 50 ppm) in the diet, on the serum total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides (triacylglicerols), phospholipids, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and liver iron and zinc concentrations in normal rats. The results were compared with normal rats that received a balanced diet containing 0.6 and 6 ppm of Cu, respectively. The results show that Cu-supplement diminished the cholesterol and triglyceride serum levels, increased the level of phospholipids, NEFA and concomitantly decreased the hepatic concentrations of Fe and Zn. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) simple correlation between triglycerides and liver Fe (r = 0.917; R2 = 64.03%), cholesterol and liver Zn (r = 0.872; R2 = 76.07%), cholesterol and liver Fe (r = 0.995; R2 = 99.10%), liver Fe and liver Cu (r = -0.612), liver Fe and liver Zn (r = 0.837), liver Cu and liver Zn (r = -0.612), and serum triglycerides and liver Zn (r = 0.967). The mechanism(s) by which Fe and Zn determine these changes is not known; none of the enzymes that act in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism and biosynthesis require Fe and/or Zn. The increase of NEFA is due to changes in the process of lipolysis and re-esterification of the fatty acids in blood. However, additional studies are needed for the precise mechanisms of this interrelationships to be clarified.

Synthesis and characterization of Mn-ZnFe2O4 and Mn-ZnFe2O4/rGO nanocomposites from waste batteries for photocatalytic, electrochemical and thermal studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mylarappa, M.; Venkata Lakshmi, V.; Vishnu Mahesh, K. R.; Nagaswarupa, H. P.; Raghavendra, N.

2017-11-01

In the present paper, Mn-ZnFe2O4 and Mn-ZnFe2O4/rGO composites recovered from waste batteries using acid dissolution and ferrite processing were studied. The recovered Mn-ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites were decorated onto rGO using the facile hydrothermal method. The recovered material was characterized using x-ray powder diffraction to study the particle size and crystallinity. The morphology of the composites was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, and elements present in the materials were studied using energy dispersive x-ray analysis. The functional groups attached were observed using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Furthermore, the recovered composites were evaluated in thermal studies using thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic thermal analysis. The material was used as a photocatalyst for the removal of acid orange 88 dye, and as an electrocatalyst. The decreased band gap energy for the Mn-ZnFe2O4/rGO composite was displayed in better photocatalytic activity for a given reaction. The electrochemical properties of Mn-ZnFe2O4 and Mn-ZnFe2O4/rGO have been investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with a paste-type electrode. The CV indicated the reversibility of the electrode reaction, and the EIS revealed that a decrease in the charge transfer resistance increases the double layer capacitance of the rGO/Mn-ZnFe2O4 electrode.

Effect of short-term Zn/Pb or long-term multi-metal stress on physiological and morphological parameters of metallicolous and nonmetallicolous Echium vulgare L. populations.

PubMed

Dresler, Sławomir; Wójciak-Kosior, Magdalena; Sowa, Ireneusz; Stanisławski, Grzegorz; Bany, Izabela; Wójcik, Małgorzata

2017-06-01

The aim of the study was to determine the response of metallicolous and nonmetallicolous Echium vulgare L. populations to chronic multi-metal (Zn, Pb, Cd) and acute Zn (200, 400 μM) and Pb (30, 60 μM) stress. Three populations of E. vulgare, one from uncontaminated and two from metal-contaminated areas, were studied. Two types of experiments were performed - a short-term hydroponic experiment with acute Zn or Pb stress and a long-term manipulative soil experiment with the use of soils from the sites of origin of the three populations. Growth parameters, such as shoot and root fresh weight and leaf area, as well as organic acid accumulation were determined. Moreover, the concentration of selected secondary metabolites and antioxidant capacity in the three populations exposed to Pb or Zn excess were measured. Both metallicolous populations generally achieved higher biomass compared with the nonmetallicolous population cultivated under metal stress in hydroponics or on metalliferous substrates. Plants exposed to Pb or Zn excess or contaminated soil substrate exhibited higher malate and citrate concentrations compared with the reference (no metal stress) plants. It was observed that Zn or Pb stress increased accumulation of allantoin, chlorogenic and rosmarinic acids, total phenolics, and flavonoids. Moreover, it was shown that Pb sequestration in the roots or Zn translocation to the shoots may play a role in enhanced metal tolerance of metallicolous populations under acute Pb/Zn stress. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Metal Complexation in Xylem Fluid 1

PubMed Central

White, Michael C.; Chaney, Rufus L.; Decker, A. Morris

1981-01-01

The capacity of ligands in xylem fluid to form metal complexes was tested with a series of in vitro experiments using paper electrophoresis and radiographs. The xylem fluid was collected hourly for 8 hours from soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plants grown in normal and Zn-phytotoxic nutrient solutions. Metal complexation was assayed by anodic or reduced cathodic movement of radionuclides (63Ni, 65Zn, 109Cd, 54Mn) that were presumed to have formed negatively charged complexes. Electrophoretic migration of Ni, Zn, Cd, and Mn added to xylem exudate and spotted on KCl- or KNO3-wetted paper showed that stable Ni, Zn, and Cd metal complexes were formed by exudate ligands. No anodic Mn complexes were observed in this test system. Solution pH, plant species, exudate collection time, and Zn phytotoxicity all affected the amount of metal complex formed in exudate. As the pH increased, there was increased anodic metal movement. Soybean exudate generally bound more of each metal than did tomato exudate. Metal binding usually decreased with increasing exudate collection time, and less metal was bound by the high-Zn exudate. Ni, Zn, Cd, and Mn in exudate added to exudate-wetted paper demonstrated the effect of ligand concentration on stable metal complex formation. Complexes for each metal were demonstratable with this method. Cathodic metal movement increased with time of exudate collection, and it was greater in the high-Zn exudate than in the normal-Zn exudate. A model study illustrated the effect of ligand concentration on metal complex stability in the electrophoretic field. Higher ligand (citric acid) concentrations increased the stability for all metals tested. Images PMID:16661666

Arbuscular mycorrhiza alters metal uptake and the physiological response of Coffea arabica seedlings to increasing Zn and Cu concentrations in soil.

PubMed

Andrade, S A L; Silveira, A P D; Mazzafera, P

2010-10-15

Studies on mycorrhizal symbiosis effects on metal accumulation and plant tolerance are not common in perennial crops under metal stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of mycorrhization on coffee seedlings under Cu and Zn stress. Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) uptake and some biochemical and physiological traits were studied in thirty-week old Coffea arabica seedlings, in response to the inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and to increasing concentrations of Cu or Zn in soil. The experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions in a 2×4 factorial design (inoculation or not with AMF and 0, 50, 150 and 450mgkg(-1) Cu or 0, 100, 300 and 900mgkg(-1) Zn). Non-mycorrhizal plants maintained a hampered and slow growth even in a soil with appropriate phosphorus (P) levels for this crop. As metal levels increased in soil, a greater proportion of the total absorbed metals were retained by roots. Foliar Cu concentrations increased only in non-mycorrhizal plants, reaching a maximum concentration of 30mgkg(-1) at the highest Cu in soil. Mycorrhization prevented the accumulation of Cu in leaves, and mycorrhizal plants showed higher Cu contents in stems, which indicated a differential Cu distribution in AMF-associated or non-associated plants. Zn distribution and concentrations in different plant organs followed a similar pattern independently of mycorrhization. In mycorrhizal plants, only the highest metal concentrations caused a reduction in biomass, leading to significant changes in some biochemical indicators, such as malondialdehyde, proline and amino acid contents in leaves and also in foliar free amino acid composition. Marked differences in these physiological traits were also found due to mycorrhization. In conclusion, AMF protected coffee seedlings against metal toxicity. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Importance of equilibration time in the partitioning and toxicity of zinc in spiked sediment bioassays

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, J.-S.; Lee, B.-G.; Luoma, S.N.; Yoo, H.

2004-01-01

The influences of spiked Zn concentrations (1-40 ??mol/g) and equilibration time (???95 d) on the partitioning of Zn between pore water (PW) and sediment were evaluated with estuarine sediments containing two levels (5 and 15 ??mol/g) of acid volatile sulfides (AVS). Their influence on Zn bioavailability was also evaluated by a parallel, 10-d amphipod (Leptocheirus plumulosus) mortality test at 5, 20, and 85 d of equilibration. During the equilibration, AVS increased (up to twofold) with spiked Zn concentration ([Zn]), whereas Zn-simultaneously extracted metals ([SEM]; Zn with AVS) remained relatively constant. Concentrations of Zn in PW decreased most rapidly during the initial 30 d and by 11- to 23-fold during the whole 95-d equilibration period. The apparent partitioning coefficient (Kpw, ratio of [Zn] in SEM to PW) increased by 10- to 20-fold with time and decreased with spiked [Zn] in sediments. The decrease of PW [Zn] could be explained by a combination of changes in AVS and redistribution of Zn into more insoluble phases as the sediment aged. Amphipod mortality decreased significantly with the equilibration time, consistent with decrease in dissolved [Zn]. The median lethal concentration (LC50) value (33 ??M) in the second bioassay, conducted after 20 d of equilibration, was twofold the LC50 in the initial bioassay at 5 d of equilibration, probably because of the change of dissolved Zn speciation. Sediment bioassay protocols employing a short equilibration time and high spiked metal concentrations could accentuate partitioning of metals to the dissolved phase and shift the pathway for metal exposure toward the dissolved phase.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of Infrared Multiple Photon Dissociation Spectra of Aspartic Acid Complexes with Zn2+ and Cd2.

PubMed

Boles, Georgia C; Hightower, Randy L; Coates, Rebecca A; McNary, Christopher P; Berden, Giel; Oomens, Jos; Armentrout, P B

2018-04-12

Complexes of aspartic acid (Asp) cationized with Zn 2+ : Zn(Asp-H) + , Zn(Asp-H) + (ACN) where ACN = acetonitrile, and Zn(Asp-H) + (Asp); as well as with Cd 2+ , CdCl + (Asp), were examined by infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) action spectroscopy using light generated from a free electron laser. A series of low-energy conformers for each complex was found using quantum chemical calculations to identify the structures formed experimentally. The main binding motif observed for the heavy-metal complex, CdCl + (Asp)[N,CO,CO s ], is a charge-solvated, tridentate structure, where the metal center binds to the backbone amino group and carbonyl oxygens of the backbone and side-chain carboxylic acids. Likewise, the deprotonated Zn(Asp-H) + (ACN) and Zn(Asp-H) + (Asp) complexes show comparable [N,CO - ,CO s ](ACN) and [N,CO - ,CO s ][N,CO,CO s ] coordinations, respectively. Interestingly, there was only minor spectral evidence for the analogous Zn(Asp-H) + [N,CO - ,CO s ] binding motif, even though this species is predicted to be the lowest-energy conformer. Instead, rearrangement and partial dissociation of the amino acid are observed, as spectral features most consistent with the experimental spectrum are exhibited by a four-coordinate Zn(Asp-NH 4 ) + [CO 2 - ,CO s ](NH 3 ) complex. Analysis of the mechanistic pathway leading from the predicted lowest-energy conformer to the isobaric deaminated complex is explored theoretically. Further, comparison of the current work to that of Zn 2+ and Cd 2+ complexes of asparagine (Asn) allows additional conclusions regarding populated conformers and effects of carboxamide versus carboxylic acid binding to be drawn.

Removal of zinc (II) ion from aqueous solution by adsorption onto activated palm midrib bio-sorbent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulana, F.; Mariana; Muslim, A.; Mohibah, M.; Halim, K. H. Ku

2018-03-01

In this paper, palm midrib that was activated with mixed citric acid and tartaric acid as biosorbent was used to remove Zn (II) ion from aqueous solution. The aim of this research is to activate palm midrib by using a mixed citric acid and tartaric acid and to determine adsorption capacity of activated palm midrib biosorbent on Zn (II) ion uptake from aqueous solution. The effect of several parameters such as contact time, initial Zn (II) ion concentration and activator concentration on the degree of Zn (II) ion removal was examined. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy method was performed to determine adsorbed amount of Zn (II) ion into activated biosorbent. The result showed that the adsorption process was relatively not so fast and equilibrium was reached after contact time of 120 min. The adsorption capacity of biosorbent reached a maximum when the concentration of mixed citric acid and tartaric acid was 1.6 M. The optimum adsorption capacity was 5.72 mg/g. The result was obtained on initial Zn (II) ion concentration of 80 ppm for 120-min contact time. Langmuir isotherm was found as the best fit for the equilibrium data indicating homogeneous adsorption of metal ions onto the biosorbent surface.

Mechanical loading influences the viscoelastic performance of the resin-carious dentin complex.

PubMed

Toledano, Manuel; Osorio, Raquel; López-López, Modesto T; Aguilera, Fátima S; García-Godoy, Franklin; Toledano-Osorio, Manuel; Osorio, Estrella

2017-04-04

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the mechanical behavior and bonding capability of Zn-doped resin-infiltrated caries-affected dentin interfaces. Dentin surfaces were treated with 37% phosphoric acid (PA) followed by application of a dentin adhesive, single bond (SB) (PA+SB) or by 0.5 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) followed by SB (EDTA+SB). ZnO microparticles of 10 wt. % or 2 wt. % ZnCl 2 was added into SB, resulting in the following groups: PA+SB, PA+SB-ZnO, PA+SB-ZnCl 2 , EDTA+SB, EDTA+SB-ZnO, EDTA+SB-ZnCl 2 . Bonded interfaces were stored for 24 h, and tested or submitted to mechanical loading. Microtensile bond strength was assessed. Debonded surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. The hybrid layer, bottom of the hybrid layer, and peritubular and intertubular dentin were evaluated using a nanoindenter. The load/displacement responses were used for the nanodynamic mechanical analysis III to estimate complex modulus, tan delta, loss modulus, and storage modulus. The modulus mapping was obtained by imposing a quasistatic force setpoint to which a sinusoidal force was superimposed. Atomic force microscopy imaging was performed. Load cycling decreased the tan delta at the PA+SB-ZnCl 2 and EDTA+SB-ZnO interfaces. Tan delta was also diminished at peritubular dentin when PA+SB-ZnO was used, hindering the dissipation of energy throughout these structures. Tan delta increased at the interface after using EDTA+SB-ZnCl 2 , lowering the energy for recoil or failure. After load cycling, loss moduli at the interface decreased when using ZnCl 2 as doping agent, increasing the risk of fracture; but when using ZnO, loss moduli was dissimilarly affected if dentin was EDTA-treated. The border between intertubular and peritubular dentin attained the highest discrepancy in values of viscoelastic properties, meaning a risk for cracking and breakdown of the resin-dentin interface. PA used on dentin provoked differences in complex and storage modulus values at the intertubular and peritubular structures, and these differences were higher than when EDTA was employed. In these cases, the long-term performance of the restorative interface will be impaired.

Multifunctional nanocomposites of lanthanide (Eu3+, Tb3+) complexes functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica nanospheres covalently bonded with polymer modified ZnO.

PubMed

Yan, Bing; Shao, Yan-Fei

2013-07-14

Methacrylic-group-modified ZnO nanoparticles (designated ZnO-MAA) prepared through the sol-gel process are copolymerized with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) to form ZnO-MAA-PHEMA hybrid system. ZnO-MAA-PHEMA unit is functionalized with 3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl isocyanate (TEPIC) to form ZnO-MAA-PHEMA-Si hybrids, and then is incorporated with oleic acid-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles by co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and ZnO-MAA-PHEMA-Si. Subsequently, ZnO-polymer covalently bonded mesoporous silica nanospheres are assembled using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant as template. Furthermore, lanthanide (Eu(3+), Tb(3+)) complexes with nicotinic acid (NTA), isonicotinic acid (INTA) and 2-chloronicotinic (CNTA) are introduced by coordination bonds, resulting in the final multifunctional nanocomposites. The detailed physical characterization of these hybrids is discussed in detail. It reveals that they possess both magnetic and luminescent properties. Especially Eu(ZnO-MMS)(CNTA)3 and Tb(ZnO-MMS)(NTA)3 present high quantum yield values of 32.2% and 68.5%, respectively. The results will lay the foundation for further application in biomedical and biopharmaceutical fields.

Interactions of aqueous amino acids and proteins with the (110) surface of ZnS in molecular dynamics simulations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nawrocki, Grzegorz; Cieplak, Marek

2014-03-07

The growing usage of nanoparticles of zinc sulfide as quantum dots and biosensors calls for a theoretical assessment of interactions of ZnS with biomolecules. We employ the molecular-dynamics-based umbrella sampling method to determine potentials of mean force for 20 single amino acids near the ZnS (110) surface in aqueous solutions. We find that five amino acids do not bind at all and the binding energy of the remaining amino acids does not exceed 4.3 kJ/mol. Such energies are comparable to those found for ZnO (and to hydrogen bonds in proteins) but the nature of the specificity is different. Cysteine canmore » bind with ZnS in a covalent way, e.g., by forming the disulfide bond with S in the solid. If this effect is included within a model incorporating the Morse potential, then the potential well becomes much deeper—the binding energy is close to 98 kJ/mol. We then consider tryptophan cage, a protein of 20 residues, and characterize its events of adsorption to ZnS. We demonstrate the relevance of interactions between the amino acids in the selection of optimal adsorbed conformations and recognize the key role of cysteine in generation of lasting adsorption. We show that ZnS is more hydrophobic than ZnO and that the density profile of water is quite different than that forming near ZnO—it has only a minor articulation into layers. Furthermore, the first layer of water is disordered and mobile.« less

Soil properties controlling Zn speciation and fractionation in contaminated soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacquat, Olivier; Voegelin, Andreas; Kretzschmar, Ruben

2009-09-01

We determined the speciation of Zn in 49 field soils differing widely in pH (4.1-7.7) and total Zn content (251-30,090 mg/kg) by using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. All soils had been contaminated since several decades by inputs of aqueous Zn with runoff-water from galvanized power line towers. Pedogenic Zn species identified by EXAFS spectroscopy included Zn in hydroxy-interlayered minerals (Zn-HIM), Zn-rich phyllosilicates, Zn-layered double hydroxide (Zn-LDH), hydrozincite, and octahedrally and tetrahedrally coordinated sorbed or complexed Zn. Zn-HIM was only observed in (mostly acidic) soils containing less than 2000 mg/kg of Zn, reflecting the high affinity but limited sorption capacity of HIM. Zn-bearing precipitates, such as Zn-LDH and Zn-rich trioctahedral phyllosilicates, became more dominant with increasing pH and increasing total Zn content relative to available adsorption sites. Zn-LDH was the most abundant Zn-precipitate and was detected in soils with pH > 5.2. Zn-rich phyllosilicates were detected even at lower soil pH, but were generally less abundant than Zn-LDH. Hydrozincite was only identified in two calcareous soils with extremely high Zn contents. In addition to Zn-LDH, large amounts of Zn in highly contaminated soils were mainly accumulated as sorbed/complexed Zn in tetrahedral coordination. Soils grouped according to their Zn speciation inferred from EXAFS spectroscopy mainly differed with respect to soil pH and total Zn content. Clear differences were observed with respect to Zn fractionation by sequential extraction: From Zn-HIM containing soils, most of the total Zn was recovered in the exchangeable and the most recalcitrant fractions. In contrast, from soils containing the highest percentage of Zn-precipitates, Zn was mainly extracted in intermediate extraction steps. The results of this study demonstrate that soil pH and Zn contamination level relative to available adsorption sites are the most important factors controlling the formation of pedogenic Zn-species in aerobic soils and, consequently, Zn fractionation by sequential extraction.

Removal of Pb and Zn from contaminated soil by different washing methods: the influence of reagents and ultrasound.

PubMed

Wang, Jiaming; Jiang, Jianguo; Li, Dean; Li, Tianran; Li, Kaimin; Tian, Sicong

2015-12-01

Pb and Zn contamination in agricultural soils has become an important issue for human health and the environment. Washing is an effective method for remediating polluted soil. Here, we compare several washing materials and methods in the treatment of Pb- and Zn-polluted farmland soil. We examined four washing reagents, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, Na2EDTA, and tartaric acid, all of which independently removed Zn at rates >65 %. Combining washing reagents markedly enhanced heavy metal removal, by using Na2EDTA and either tartaric acid or lactate in sequence: Pb and Zn removal rates improved to 84.1 and 82.1 % for Na2EDTA-tartaric acid; and to 88.3 and 89.9 % for Na2EDTA-lactate, respectively. Additionally, combining ultrasound with conventional washing methods markedly improved washing efficiency, by shortening washing duration by 96 %. We achieved similar removal rates using ultrasound for 10 min, compared with traditional mechanical vibration alone for 4 h. We concluded that treating Pb- and Zn-contaminated soil with appropriate washing reagents under optimal conditions can greatly enhance the remediation of polluted farmland soils.

Desorption of zinc by extracellularly produced metabolites of Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma reesei and Coriolus versicolor.

PubMed

Adams, P; Lynch, J M; De Leij, F A A M

2007-12-01

To determine the role of fungal metabolites in the desorption of metals. Desorption of Zn from charcoal by three different fungi was compared against metal desorption with reverse osmosis water, a 0.1% Tween 80 solution and a 0.1 mol l(-1) CaCl(2) solution. All three fungal filtrates desorbed three times more Zn than either 0.1% Tween 80 or 0.1 mol l(-1) CaCl(2). Metal chelator production in Trichoderma harzianum and Coriolus versicolor was constitutively expressed while chelator production in Trichoderma reesei was induced by Zn. The presence of Zn inhibited the production of metal chelators by C. versicolor. Only C. versicolor was found to produce oxalic acid (a strong metal chelator). All fungi caused a marked decrease in pH, although this was not enough to explain the increased desorption of the metals by the different fungal filtrates. Metal chelation via organic acids and proteins are the main mechanisms by which the fungal filtrates increase zinc desorption. The results of this study explain why plants inoculated with T. harzianum T22 take up more metal from soil, than noninoculated plants while metabolites produced by fungi could be used for metal leaching from contaminated soils.

Comparative studies on acid leaching of zinc waste materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudnik, Ewa; Włoch, Grzegorz; Szatan, Leszek

2017-11-01

Three industrial waste materials were characterized in terms of their elemental and phase compositions, leaching behaviour in 10% sulfuric acid solution as well as leaching thermal effects. Slag from melting of mixed metallic scrap contained about 50% Zn and 10% Pb. It consisted mainly of various oxides and oxy-chlorides of metals. Zinc spray metallizing dust contained about 77% Zn in form of zinc and/or zinc-iron oxides, zinc metal and Zn-Fe intermetallic. Zinc ash from hot dip galvanizing was a mixture of zinc oxide, metallic zinc and zinc hydroxide chloride and contained about 80% Zn. Dissolution efficiency of zinc from the first material was 80% (independently on the solid to liquid ratio, 50-150 kg/m3), while decrease of the efficacy from 80% to 60% with increased solid to liquid ratio for the two remaining materials was observed. Both increase in the temperature (20 °C to 35 °C) and agitation rate (300 rpm to 900 rpm) did not improve seriously the leaching results. In all cases, transfer of zinc ions to the leachate was accompanied by different levels of solution contamination, depending on the type of the waste. Leaching of the materials was exothermic with the similar reaction heats for two high oxide-type products (slag, zinc ash) and higher values for the spray metallizing dust.

Effects of Biochar-Derived Sewage Sludge on Heavy Metal Adsorption and Immobilization in Soils

PubMed Central

Zhou, Dan; Liu, Dan; Gao, Fengxiang; Li, Mengke; Luo, Xianping

2017-01-01

The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge biochar on adsorption and mobility of Cr, Mn, Cu, and Zn. Biochar (BC400) was produced via pyrolysis of municipal sewage sludge at 400 °C. Maximum adsorption capacities (qm) for Zn, Cr, Mn, and Cu were 5.905, 5.724, 5.681, and 5.342 mg·g−1, respectively, in the mono-metal solution and 2.475, 8.204, 1.01, and 5.415 mg·g−1, respectively, in the multi-metal solution. The adsorption capacities for Mn, Cu, and Zn decreased in the multi-metal solution due to competitive adsorption, whereas the capacity for Cr increased. Surface precipitation is an important mechanism in the sorption of these metals on BC400. The 360-day incubation experiment showed that BC400 application reduced metal mobility in contaminated soils, which was attributed to the substantial decreases in the acid-soluble fractions of Cr, Mn, Cu, and Zn (72.20%, 70.38%, 50.43%, and 29.78%, respectively). Furthermore, the leaching experiment using simulated acid rain indicated that the addition of BC400 enhanced the acid buffer capacity of contaminated soil, and the concentration of Cr, Mn, Cu, and Zn in the leachate was lower than in untreated soil. Overall, this study indicates that sewage sludge biochar application reduces the mobility of heavy metal in co-contaminated soil, and this adsorption experiment is suitable for the evaluation of biochar properties for remediation. PMID:28644399

Colloid formation and metal transport through two mixing zones affected by acid mine drainage near Silverton, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schemel, L.E.; Kimball, B.A.; Bencala, K.E.

2000-01-01

Stream discharges and concentrations of dissolved and colloidal metals (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, and Zn), SO4, and dissolved silica were measured to identify chemical transformations and determine mass transports through two mixing zones in the Animas River that receive the inflows from Cement and Mineral Creeks. The creeks were the dominant sources of Al, Cu, Fe, and Pb, whereas the upstream Animas River supplied about half of the Zn. With the exception of Fe, which was present in dissolved and colloidal forms, the metals were dissolved in the acidic, high-SO4 waters of Cement Creek (pH 3.8). Mixing of Cement Creek with the Animas River increased pH to near-neutral values and transformed Al and some additional Fe into colloids which also contained Cu and Pb. Aluminium and Fe colloids had already formed in the mildly acidic conditions in Mineral Creek (pH 6.6) upstream of the confluence with the Animas River. Colloidal Fe continued to form downstream of both mixing zones. The Fe- and Al-rich colloids were important for transport of Cu, Pb, and Zn, which appeared to have sorbed to them. Partitioning of Zn between dissolved and colloidal phases was dependent on pH and colloid concentration. Mass balances showed conservative transports for Ca, Mg, Mn, SO4, and dissolved silica through the two mixing zones and small losses (< 10%) of colloidal Al, Fe and Zn from the water column.

Effects of Biochar-Derived Sewage Sludge on Heavy Metal Adsorption and Immobilization in Soils.

PubMed

Zhou, Dan; Liu, Dan; Gao, Fengxiang; Li, Mengke; Luo, Xianping

2017-06-23

The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge biochar on adsorption and mobility of Cr, Mn, Cu, and Zn. Biochar (BC400) was produced via pyrolysis of municipal sewage sludge at 400 °C. Maximum adsorption capacities ( q m ) for Zn, Cr, Mn, and Cu were 5.905, 5.724, 5.681, and 5.342 mg·g -1 , respectively, in the mono-metal solution and 2.475, 8.204, 1.01, and 5.415 mg·g -1 , respectively, in the multi-metal solution. The adsorption capacities for Mn, Cu, and Zn decreased in the multi-metal solution due to competitive adsorption, whereas the capacity for Cr increased. Surface precipitation is an important mechanism in the sorption of these metals on BC400. The 360-day incubation experiment showed that BC400 application reduced metal mobility in contaminated soils, which was attributed to the substantial decreases in the acid-soluble fractions of Cr, Mn, Cu, and Zn (72.20%, 70.38%, 50.43%, and 29.78%, respectively). Furthermore, the leaching experiment using simulated acid rain indicated that the addition of BC400 enhanced the acid buffer capacity of contaminated soil, and the concentration of Cr, Mn, Cu, and Zn in the leachate was lower than in untreated soil. Overall, this study indicates that sewage sludge biochar application reduces the mobility of heavy metal in co-contaminated soil, and this adsorption experiment is suitable for the evaluation of biochar properties for remediation.

Transformation of zinc-concentrate in surface and subsurface environments: Implications for assessing zinc mobility/toxicity and choosing an optimal remediation strategy.

PubMed

Kwon, Man Jae; Boyanov, Maxim I; Yang, Jung-Seok; Lee, Seunghak; Hwang, Yun Ho; Lee, Ju Yeon; Mishra, Bhoopesh; Kemner, Kenneth M

2017-07-01

Zinc contamination in near- and sub-surface environments is a serious threat to many ecosystems and to public health. Sufficient understanding of Zn speciation and transport mechanisms is therefore critical to evaluating its risk to the environment and to developing remediation strategies. The geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of contaminated soils in the vicinity of a Zn ore transportation route were thoroughly investigated using a variety of analytical techniques (sequential extraction, XRF, XRD, SEM, and XAFS). Imported Zn-concentrate (ZnS) was deposited in a receiving facility and dispersed over time to the surrounding roadside areas and rice-paddy soils. Subsequent physical and chemical weathering resulted in dispersal into the subsurface. The species identified in the contaminated areas included Zn-sulfide, Zn-carbonate, other O-coordinated Zn-minerals, and Zn species bound to Fe/Mn oxides or clays, as confirmed by XAFS spectroscopy and sequential extraction. The observed transformation from S-coordinated Zn to O-coordinated Zn associated with minerals suggests that this contaminant can change into more soluble and labile forms as a result of weathering. For the purpose of developing a soil washing remediation process, the contaminated samples were extracted with dilute acids. The extraction efficiency increased with the increase of O-coordinated Zn relative to S-coordinated Zn in the sediment. This study demonstrates that improved understanding of Zn speciation in contaminated soils is essential for well-informed decision making regarding metal mobility and toxicity, as well as for choosing an appropriate remediation strategy using soil washing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transformation of zinc-concentrate in surface and subsurface environments: Implications for assessing zinc mobility/toxicity and choosing an optimal remediation strategy

DOE PAGES

Kwon, Man Jae; Boyanov, Maxim I.; Yang, Jung -Seok; ...

2017-03-24

Zinc contamination in near- and sub-surface environments is a serious threat to many ecosystems and to public health. Sufficient understanding of Zn speciation and transport mechanisms is therefore critical to evaluating its risk to the environment and to developing remediation strategies. The geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of contaminated soils in the vicinity of a Zn ore transportation route were thoroughly investigated using a variety of analytical techniques (sequential extraction, XRF, XRD, SEM, and XAFS). Imported Zn-concentrate (ZnS) was deposited in a receiving facility and dispersed over time to the surrounding roadside areas and rice-paddy soils. Subsequent physical and chemical weatheringmore » resulted in dispersal into the subsurface. The species identified in the contaminated areas included Zn-sulfide, Zn-carbonate, other O-coordinated Zn-minerals, and Zn species bound to Fe/Mn oxides or clays, as confirmed by XAFS spectroscopy and sequential extraction. The observed transformation from S-coordinated Zn to O-coordinated Zn associated with minerals suggests that this contaminant can change into more soluble and labile forms as a result of weathering. For the purpose of developing a soil washing remediation process, the contaminated samples were extracted with dilute acids. The extraction efficiency increased with the increase of O-coordinated Zn relative to S-coordinated Zn in the sediment. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that improved understanding of Zn speciation in contaminated soils is essential for well-informed decision making regarding metal mobility and toxicity, as well as for choosing an appropriate remediation strategy using soil washing.« less

[Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in free-living Amoeba proteus].

PubMed

Sopina, V A

2002-01-01

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) of Amoeba proteus (strain B) was represented by 3 of 6 bands (= electromorphs) revealed after disc-electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels with the use of 2-naphthyl phosphate as a substrate at pH 4.0. The presence of MgCl2, CaCl2 or ZnCl2 (50 mM) in the incubation mixture used for gel staining stimulated activities of all 3 TRAP electromorphs or of two of them (in the case of ZnCl2). When gels were treated with MgCl2, CaCl2 or ZnCl2 (10 and 100 mM, 30 min) before their staining activity of TRAP electromorphs also increased. But unlike 1 M MgCl2 or 1 M CaCl2, 1 M ZnCl2 partly inactivated two of the three TRAP electromorphs. EDTA and EGTA (5 mM), and H2O2 (10 mM) completely inhibited TRAP electromorphs after gel treatment for 10, 20 and 30 min, resp. Of 5 tested ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, Fe3+ and Zn2+), only the latter reactivated the TRAP electromorphs previously inactivated by EDTA or EGTA treatment. In addition, after EDTA inactivation, TRAP electromorphs were reactivated better than after EGTA. The resistance of TRAP electromorphs to okadaic acid and phosphatase inhibitor cocktail 1 used in different concentrations is indicative of the absence of PP1 and PP2A among these electromorphs. Mg2+, Ca2+ and Zn2+ dependence of TRAP activity, and the resistance of its electromorphs to vanadate and phosphatase inhibitor cocktail 2 prevents these electromorphs from being classified as PTP. It is suggested that the active center of A. proteus TRAP contains zinc ion, which is essential for catalytic activity of the enzyme. Thus, TRAP of these amoebae is metallophosphatase showing phosphomonoesterase activity in acidic medium. This metalloenzyme differs from both mammalian tartrate-resistant PAPs and tartrate-resistant metallophosphatase of Rana esculenta.

Rapid dissolution of ZnO nanocrystals in acidic cancer microenvironment leading to preferential apoptosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasidharan, Abhilash; Chandran, Parwathy; Menon, Deepthy; Raman, Sreerekha; Nair, Shantikumar; Koyakutty, Manzoor

2011-09-01

The microenvironment of cancer plays a very critical role in the survival, proliferation and drug resistance of solid tumors. Here, we report an interesting, acidic cancer microenvironment-mediated dissolution-induced preferential toxicity of ZnO nanocrystals (NCs) against cancer cells while leaving primary cells unaffected. Irrespective of the size-scale (5 and 200 nm) and surface chemistry differences (silica, starch or polyethylene glycol coating), ZnO NCs exhibited multiple stress mechanisms against cancer cell lines (IC50 ~150 μM) while normal human primary cells (human dermal fibroblast, lymphocytes, human umbilical vein endothelial cells) remain less affected. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy studies revealed that ZnO NCs undergo rapid preferential dissolution in acidic (pH ~5-6) cancer microenvironment causing elevated ROS stress, mitochondrial superoxide formation, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane, and cell cycle arrest at S/G2 phase leading to apoptosis. In effect, by elucidating the unique toxicity mechanism of ZnO NCs, we show that ZnO NCs can destabilize cancer cells by utilizing its own hostile acidic microenvironment, which is otherwise critical for its survival.The microenvironment of cancer plays a very critical role in the survival, proliferation and drug resistance of solid tumors. Here, we report an interesting, acidic cancer microenvironment-mediated dissolution-induced preferential toxicity of ZnO nanocrystals (NCs) against cancer cells while leaving primary cells unaffected. Irrespective of the size-scale (5 and 200 nm) and surface chemistry differences (silica, starch or polyethylene glycol coating), ZnO NCs exhibited multiple stress mechanisms against cancer cell lines (IC50 ~150 μM) while normal human primary cells (human dermal fibroblast, lymphocytes, human umbilical vein endothelial cells) remain less affected. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy studies revealed that ZnO NCs undergo rapid preferential dissolution in acidic (pH ~5-6) cancer microenvironment causing elevated ROS stress, mitochondrial superoxide formation, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane, and cell cycle arrest at S/G2 phase leading to apoptosis. In effect, by elucidating the unique toxicity mechanism of ZnO NCs, we show that ZnO NCs can destabilize cancer cells by utilizing its own hostile acidic microenvironment, which is otherwise critical for its survival. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: FTIR data, MTT assay and zinc ion release. See DOI: 10.1039/c1nr10272a

Effect of carbonation on leachability, strength and microstructural characteristics of KMP binder stabilized Zn and Pb contaminated soils.

PubMed

Du, Yan-Jun; Wei, Ming-Li; Reddy, Krishna R; Wu, Hao-liang

2016-02-01

This study presents a systematic investigation of effects of carbonation on the contaminant leachability and unconfined compressive strength of KMP stabilized contaminated soils. A field soil spiked with Zn and Pb individually and together is stabilized using a new KMP additive under standard curing conditions and also with carbonation. The KMP additive is composed of oxalic acid-activated phosphate rock, monopotassium phosphate and reactive magnesia. The stabilized soils are tested for acid neutralization capacity, toxic characteristics leaching characteristics, contaminant speciation and unconfined compression strength. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses are performed to assess reaction products. The results demonstrate that carbonation increases both acid buffer capacity index and unconfined compressive strength, but decreases leachability of KMP stabilized soils. These results are interpreted based on the changes in chemical speciation of Zn and Pb and also stability and solubility of the reaction products (metal phosphates and carbonates) formed in the soils. Overall, this study demonstrates that carbonation has positive effects on leachability and strength of the KMP stabilized soils. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-Quality Metal–Organic Framework ZIF-8 Membrane Supported on Electrodeposited ZnO/2-methylimidazole Nanocomposite: Efficient Adsorbent for the Enrichment of Acidic Drugs

PubMed Central

Wu, Mian; Ye, Huili; Zhao, Faqiong; Zeng, Baizhao

2017-01-01

Metal–organic framework (MOF) membranes have received increasing attention as adsorbents, yet the defects in most membrane structures greatly thwart their capacity performance. In this work, we fabricated a novel ZnO/2-methylimidazole nanocomposite with multiple morphology by electrochemical method. The nanocomposite provided sufficient and strong anchorages for the zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) membrane. Thus, a crack-free and uniform MOF membrane with high performance was successfully obtained. In this case, 2-methylimidazole was believed to react with ZnO to form uniform ZIF nuclei, which induced and guided the growth of ZIF-8 membrane. The as-prepared ZIF-8 membrane had large surface area and good thermal stability. As expected, it displayed high adsorption capacity for acidic drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, ketoprofen and acetylsalicylic acid) as they could interact through hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interaction. Accordingly, by coupling with gas chromatography the ZIF-8 membrane was successfully applied to the real-time dynamic monitoring of ibuprofen in patient’s urine. PMID:28051129

Zinc absorption from low phytic acid genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) assessed in a suckling rat pup model

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Phytic acid (PA) is an inhibitor of zinc (Zn) absorption. Because dietary PA is a major causative factor for low Zn bioavailability from most diets, a reduction in the PA content of staple diets is likely to improve Zn nutrition in populations of risk of Zn deficiency. Reducing the PA content of mai...

A Potentiometric Indirect Uric Acid Sensor Based on ZnO Nanoflakes and Immobilized Uricase

PubMed Central

Usman Ali, Syed M.; Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; Kashif, Muhammad; Hashim, Uda; Willander, Magnus

2012-01-01

In the present work zinc oxide nanoflakes (ZnO-NF) structures with a wall thickness around 50 to 100 nm were synthesized on a gold coated glass substrate using a low temperature hydrothermal method. The enzyme uricase was electrostatically immobilized in conjunction with Nafion membrane on the surface of well oriented ZnO-NFs, resulting in a sensitive, selective, stable and reproducible uric acid sensor. The electrochemical response of the ZnO-NF-based sensor vs. a Ag/AgCl reference electrode was found to be linear over a relatively wide logarithmic concentration range (500 nM to 1.5 mM). In addition, the ZnO-NF structures demonstrate vast surface area that allow high enzyme loading which results provided a higher sensitivity. The proposed ZnO-NF array-based sensor exhibited a high sensitivity of ∼66 mV/ decade in test electrolyte solutions of uric acid, with fast response time. The sensor response was unaffected by normal concentrations of common interferents such as ascorbic acid, glucose, and urea. PMID:22736977

Novel red-emission of ternary ZnCdSe semiconductor nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Shu-Ru; Wang, Kuan-Wen; Chen, Hong-Shuo; Chen, Hong-Hong

2015-02-01

The effect of chain lengths of fatty acids on the physical properties of CdSe and ZnCdSe semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) synthesized by the colloidal chemistry procedure is investigated. The fatty acids, lauric acid (LA), and stearic acid (SA), with different lengths of carbon chains, are used to prepare CdSe and ZnCdSe NCs when hexyldecylamine (HDA) is applied as the sole surfactant. For CdSe-SA and ZnCdSe-SA, they have the same emission wavelength at 592 nm and the same particle size of 3.3 nm; however, their quantum yield (QY) is 75 and 16 %, respectively. In contrast, the emission wavelength of CdSe-LA and ZnCdSe-LA NCs is 609 and 615 nm, the particle size is about 3.5 and 4 nm under the same reaction time, and the QY of them are 33 and 59 %, respectively. The X-ray diffraction pattern shows that ZnCdSe NCs all have the wurtzite structure, and their main peaks are located between those of pure CdSe and ZnSe materials. The main phase of ZnCdSe-SA and ZnCdSe-LA is ZnSe and CdSe, respectively, implying that alloyed ZnCdSe NC can be prepared and ZnSe and CdSe phase can be promoted by SA and LA, respectively. Moreover, the QY of red-emission ZnCdSe-LA is higher than 50 %. These results suggest that the growth rate of CdSe as well as ZnCdSe NC can be enhanced by using LA as complex reagent and HDA as sole surfactant. It is expected that the reported effective synthetic strategy can be developed as a very practical, easy and not time-consuming approach to prepare red emissive NCs with high QY and high reproducibility.

FABRICATION AND OPTOELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF MgxZn1-xO ULTRATHIN FILMS BY LANGMUIR-BLODGETT TECHNOLOGY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Dongyan; Feng, Qian; Jiang, Enying; He, Baozhu

2012-08-01

By transferring MgxZn1-xO sol and stearic acid onto a hydrophilic silicon wafer or glass plate, the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) multilayers of MgxZn1-xO (x:0, 0.2, 0.4) were deposited. After calcinations at 350°C for 0.5 h and at 500°C for 3 h, MgxZn1-xO ultrathin films were fabricated. The optimized parameters for monolayer formation and multilayer deposition were determined by the surface pressure-surface (Π-A) area and the transfer coefficient, respectively. The expended areas of stearic acid with MgxZn1-xO sols under Π-A isotherms inferred the interaction of stearic acid with MgxZn1-xO sols during the formation of monolayer at air-water interface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the crystal structures of MgxZn1-xO nanoparticles and ultrathin films. The surface morphologies of MgxZn1-xO ultrathin films were observed by scanning probe microscopy (AFM). And the optoelectronic properties of MgxZn1-xO were detected and discussed based on photoluminescence (PL) spectra.

Selective Chemical Conversion of Sugars in Aqueous Solutions without Alkali to Lactic Acid Over a Zn-Sn-Beta Lewis Acid-Base Catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Wenjie; Shen, Zheng; Peng, Boyu; Gu, Minyan; Zhou, Xuefei; Xiang, Bo; Zhang, Yalei

2016-05-01

Lactic acid is an important platform molecule in the synthesis of a wide range of chemicals. However, in aqueous solutions without alkali, its efficient preparation via the direct catalysis of sugars is hindered by a side dehydration reaction to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural due to Brønsted acid, which originates from organic acids. Herein, we report that a previously unappreciated combination of common two metal mixed catalyst (Zn-Sn-Beta) prepared via solid-state ion exchange synergistically promoted this reaction. In water without a base, a conversion exceeding 99% for sucrose with a lactic acid yield of 54% was achieved within 2 hours at 190 °C under ambient air pressure. Studies of the acid and base properties of the Zn-Sn-Beta zeolite suggest that the introduction of Zn into the Sn-Beta zeolite sequentially enhanced both the Lewis acid and base sites, and the base sites inhibited a series of side reactions related to fructose dehydration to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and its subsequent decomposition.

Selective Chemical Conversion of Sugars in Aqueous Solutions without Alkali to Lactic Acid Over a Zn-Sn-Beta Lewis Acid-Base Catalyst

PubMed Central

Dong, Wenjie; Shen, Zheng; Peng, Boyu; Gu, Minyan; Zhou, Xuefei; Xiang, Bo; Zhang, Yalei

2016-01-01

Lactic acid is an important platform molecule in the synthesis of a wide range of chemicals. However, in aqueous solutions without alkali, its efficient preparation via the direct catalysis of sugars is hindered by a side dehydration reaction to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural due to Brønsted acid, which originates from organic acids. Herein, we report that a previously unappreciated combination of common two metal mixed catalyst (Zn-Sn-Beta) prepared via solid-state ion exchange synergistically promoted this reaction. In water without a base, a conversion exceeding 99% for sucrose with a lactic acid yield of 54% was achieved within 2 hours at 190 °C under ambient air pressure. Studies of the acid and base properties of the Zn-Sn-Beta zeolite suggest that the introduction of Zn into the Sn-Beta zeolite sequentially enhanced both the Lewis acid and base sites, and the base sites inhibited a series of side reactions related to fructose dehydration to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and its subsequent decomposition. PMID:27222322

Degradability enhancement of poly(lactic acid) by stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH nanolayers.

PubMed

Eili, Mahboobeh; Shameli, Kamyar; Ibrahim, Nor Azowa; Yunus, Wan Md Zin Wan

2012-01-01

Recent environmental problems and societal concerns associated with the disposal of petroleum based plastics throughout the world have triggered renewed efforts to develop new biodegradable products compatible with our environment. This article describes the preparation, characterization and biodegradation study of poly(lactic acid)/layered double hydroxide (PLA/LDH) nanocomposites from PLA and stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH. A solution casting method was used to prepare PLA/stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH nanocomposites. The anionic clay Zn(3)Al LDH was firstly prepared by co-precipitation method from a nitrate salt solution at pH 7.0 and then modified by stearate anions through an ion exchange reaction. This modification increased the basal spacing of the synthetic clay from 8.83 Å to 40.10 Å. The morphology and properties of the prepared PLA/stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH nanocomposites were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile tests as well as biodegradation studies. From the XRD analysis and TEM observation, the stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH lost its ordered stacking-structure and was greatly exfoliated in the PLA matrix. Tensile test results of PLA/stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH nanocomposites showed that the presence of around 1.0-3.0 wt % of the stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH in the PLA drastically improved its elongation at break. The biodegradation studies demonstrated a significant biodegradation rate improvement of PLA in the presence of stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH nanolayers. This effect can be caused by the catalytic role of the stearate groups in the biodegradation mechanism leading to much faster disintegration of nanocomposites than pure PLA.

Degradability Enhancement of Poly(Lactic Acid) by Stearate-Zn3Al LDH Nanolayers

PubMed Central

Eili, Mahboobeh; Shameli, Kamyar; Ibrahim, Nor Azowa; Yunus, Wan Md Zin Wan

2012-01-01

Recent environmental problems and societal concerns associated with the disposal of petroleum based plastics throughout the world have triggered renewed efforts to develop new biodegradable products compatible with our environment. This article describes the preparation, characterization and biodegradation study of poly(lactic acid)/layered double hydroxide (PLA/LDH) nanocomposites from PLA and stearate-Zn3Al LDH. A solution casting method was used to prepare PLA/stearate-Zn3Al LDH nanocomposites. The anionic clay Zn3Al LDH was firstly prepared by co-precipitation method from a nitrate salt solution at pH 7.0 and then modified by stearate anions through an ion exchange reaction. This modification increased the basal spacing of the synthetic clay from 8.83 Å to 40.10 Å. The morphology and properties of the prepared PLA/stearate-Zn3Al LDH nanocomposites were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile tests as well as biodegradation studies. From the XRD analysis and TEM observation, the stearate-Zn3Al LDH lost its ordered stacking-structure and was greatly exfoliated in the PLA matrix. Tensile test results of PLA/stearate-Zn3Al LDH nanocomposites showed that the presence of around 1.0–3.0 wt % of the stearate-Zn3Al LDH in the PLA drastically improved its elongation at break. The biodegradation studies demonstrated a significant biodegradation rate improvement of PLA in the presence of stearate-Zn3Al LDH nanolayers. This effect can be caused by the catalytic role of the stearate groups in the biodegradation mechanism leading to much faster disintegration of nanocomposites than pure PLA. PMID:22942682

Strategies to use phytoextraction in very acidic soil contaminated by heavy metals.

PubMed

Pedron, F; Petruzzelli, G; Barbafieri, M; Tassi, E

2009-05-01

In microcosm experiments, the use of inorganic and organic amendments has been studied as potential agents to reduce heavy metal bioavailability in an acidic soil highly contaminated by Cu, Zn and Ni, that has to be remediated by phytoremediation. The concentrations of heavy metals in the original soil (O-Soil) produced phytotoxic effects with a strong reduction in biomass yield that hinder the utilization of this technology. To overcome phytotoxicity the use of three immobilizing agents was evaluated. The results obtained showed that all the strategies decreased the mobile fractions of heavy metals in soil and increased the metal removal efficiency. In the case of Brassica juncea the best results for Zn and Ni were obtained after zeolites addition (Z-Soil) with an increase of about 6 times with respect to the value found in the O-Soil. In the case of Cu, the more efficient treatment was Ca(OH)(2) addition (Ca-Soil). The B. juncea plants accumulated Cu amounts 8 times greater than in the O-Soil. For this metal, relevant results were obtained also with compost, that increased the amount of Cu in the plants of 7 times with respect to the O-Soil. Similar results were obtained with Helianthus annuus the highest Zn and Ni accumulation was detected in the Z-Soil and compost-treated soils (C-Soil), with an increase of nearly 11 times with respect to the accumulation in the O-Soil. In the case of Cu the highest increase of total uptake was found in the C-Soil: 28 times higher than in the O-Soil. Total accumulation in Poa annua plants showed the highest removal efficiency in the Z-Soil for all metals. The values obtained increased of 4, 11 and 12 times for Cu, Zn and Ni, respectively.

Corrosion protective performance of amino trimethylene phosphonic acid-metal complex layers fabricated on the cold-rolled steel substrate via one-step assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Ru; He, Wei; Zhai, Tianhua; Ma, Houyi

2018-06-01

Seeing that amino trimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP) possesses very strong complexation ability to metal ions and the phosphonic acid group has good affinity for the oxidized iron surface, herein a simple and rapid film-forming method (one-step assembly method) was developed to construct the ATMP-Zn complex conversion layers (ATMP-Zn layers for short) on the cold-rolled steel (CRS) substrate. Zinc ions were found to participate in the formation process of ATMP-based composite film, which made the Zn-containing ATMP film significantly different in appearance, thickness, microstructure and film-forming mechanisms from the Zn-free ATMP film. There was mainly iron (ш) phosphonate in the Zn-free ATMP film, whereas there were Zn2+-ATMP complex and a certain amount of ZnO in the ATMP-Zn composite film. In addition, electrochemical test results clearly indicate that corrosion resistance of ATMP-Zn composite film was greatly enhanced due to the presence of Zn component. Moreover, the corrosion resistance performance could be controlled by adjusting film-forming time, pH and ATMP concentration in the film-forming solutions. The present study provides a new method for the design and fabrication of high-quality environmentally-friendly conversion layers.

The relative validity and repeatability of an FFQ for estimating intake of zinc and its absorption modifiers in young and older Saudi adults.

PubMed

Alsufiani, Hadeil M; Yamani, Fatmah; Kumosani, Taha A; Ford, Dianne; Mathers, John C

2015-04-01

To assess the relative validity and repeatability of a sixty-four-item FFQ for estimating dietary intake of Zn and its absorption modifiers in Saudi adults. In addition, we used the FFQ to investigate the effect of age and gender on these intakes. To assess validity, all participants completed the FFQ (FFQ1) and a 3 d food record. After 1 month, the FFQ was administered for a second time (FFQ2) to assess repeatability. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. One hundred males and females aged 20-30 years and 60-70 years participated. Mean intakes of Zn and protein from FFQ1 were significantly higher than those from the food record while there were no detectable differences between tools for measurement of phytic acid intake. Estimated intakes of Zn, protein and phytate by both approaches were strongly correlated (P<0·001). Bland-Altman analysis showed for protein that the difference in intake as measured by the two methods was similar across the range of intakes while for Zn and phytic acid, the difference increased with increasing mean intake. Zn and protein intakes from FFQ1 and FFQ2 were highly correlated (r>0·68, P<0·001) but were significantly lower at the second measurement (FFQ2). Older adults consumed less Zn and protein compared with young adults. Intakes of all dietary components were lower in females than in males. The FFQ developed and tested in the current study demonstrated reasonable relative validity and high repeatability and was capable of detecting differences in intakes between age and gender groups.

Effect of pulmonary surfactant on the dissolution, stability and uptake of zinc oxide nanowires by human respiratory epithelial cells

PubMed Central

Theodorou, Ioannis G.; Ruenraroengsak, Pakatip; Gow, Andrew; Schwander, Stephan; Zhang, Junfeng (Jim); Chung, Kian Fan; Tetley, Teresa D.; Ryan, Mary P.; Porter, Alexandra E.

2017-01-01

Inhaled nanoparticles have high deposition rates in the alveolar region of the lung but the effects of pulmonary surfactant (PS) on nanoparticle bioreactivity are unclear. Here, the impact of PS on the stability and dissolution of ZnO nanowires (ZnONWs) was investigated, and linked with their bioreactivity in vitro with human alveolar epithelial type 1-like cells (TT1). Pre-incubation of ZnONWs with Curosurf® (a natural porcine PS) decreased their dissolution at acidic pH, through the formation of a phospholipid corona. Confocal live cell microscopy confirmed that Curosurf® lowered intracellular dissolution, thus delaying the onset of cell death compared to bare ZnONWs. Despite reducing dissolution, Curosurf® significantly increased the uptake of ZnONWs within TT1 cells, ultimately increasing their toxicity after 24h. Although serum, improved ZnONW dispersion in suspension similar to Curosurf®, it had no effect on ZnONW internalization and toxicity, indicating a unique role of PS in promoting particle uptake. In the absence of PS, ZnONW length had no effect on dissolution kinetics or degree of cellular toxicity, indicating a less important role of length in determining ZnONW bioreactivity. This work provides unique findings on the effects of PS on the stability and toxicity of ZnONWs, which could be important in the study of pulmonary toxicity and epithelial-endothelial translocation of nanoparticles in general. PMID:27441789

Comparison and characterization of biosorption by Weissella viridescens MYU 205 of periodic group 12 metal ions.

PubMed

Kinoshita, Hideki; Ohtake, Fumika; Ariga, Yuuki; Kimura, Kazuhiko

2016-02-01

Because heavy metals cause various health hazards, we studied biosorption by Weissella viridescens MYU 205. MYU 205 showed high biosorption for Cd (II) and Hg (II) and was low for Zn (II). The Hg (II) biosorption rate was high at about 80%. Different biosorptions were shown for each metal after successive incubation. About 20% of the Zn (II) biosorption was observed after 3 h. Cd (II) biosorption increased in a time-dependent manner until 3 h, then gradually decreased. Hg (II) was immediately sorbed at 79.6 ± 4.7% and decreased at 3 h to 52.9 ± 2.6%, and then gradually increased to 77.8 ± 3.6%. Using heat-killed cells, the rate of biosorption of Zn (II) and Cd (II) decreased whereas Hg (II) tended to increase. The metal resistance was high, that is Zn (II) > Cd (II) > Hg (II); while the affinity was opposite where MYU 205 showed high affinity to Hg (II) and low affinity to Zn (II). Our data shows lactic acid bacteria may be powerful heavy metal sorbents for detoxification. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Comparative acid-base properties of the surface of components of the CdTe-ZnS system in series of substitutional solid solutions and their analogs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirovskaya, I. A.; Kasatova, I. Yu.

2011-07-01

The acid-base properties of the surface of solid solutions and binary components of the CdTe-ZnS system are studied by hydrolytic adsorption, nonaqueous conductometric titration, mechanochemistry, IR spectroscopy, and Raman scattering spectroscopy. The strength, nature, and concentration of acid centers on the original surface and that exposed to CO are determined. The changes in acid-base properties in dependence on the composition of the system under investigation in the series of CdB6, ZnB6 analogs are studied.

Revegetation of high zinc and lead tailings with municipal biosolids and lime: greenhouse study.

PubMed

Svendson, Alex; Henry, Chuck; Brown, Sally

2007-01-01

Acidic (pH 4.1) and high Cd, Pb, and Zn mine tailings (mean +/- SD: 17 +/- 0.4, 3800 +/- 100, and 3500 +/- 100 mg kg(-1), respectively) from an alluvial tailings deposit in Leadville, Colorado were amended with municipal biosolids (BS) (224 Mg ha(-1)) and different types of lime (calcium carbonate equivalent of 224 Mg ha(-1) CaCO3) in a greenhouse column study to test the ability of the amendments to neutralize surface and subsoil acidity and restore plant growth. The types of lime included coarse, agricultural, and fine-textured lime (CL, AL, and FL), sugar beet lime (SBL), and lime kiln dust (LK). The FL was also added alone. All treatments increased bulk pH in the amended horizon in comparison to the control, with the most significant increases observed in the FL, SBL+BS, and LK+BS treatments (7.33, 7.34, and 7.63, respectively). All treatments, excluding the FL, increased the pH in the horizon directly below the amended layer, with the most significant increases observed in the SBL+BS and LK+BS treatments (6.01 and 5.41, respectively). Significant decreases in 0.01 M Ca(NO3)2-extractable Zn and Cd were observed in the subsoil for all treatments that included BS, with the largest decrease in the SBL+BS treatment (344 and 3.9 versus 4 and 0.1 mg kg(-1) Zn and Cd, respectively). Plant growth of annual rye (Lolium multiflorum L.) was vigorous in all treatments that included BS with plant Zn, Cd, and Pb concentrations reduced over the control.

Photocatalytic degradation of humic substances in aqueous solution using Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles under natural sunlight irradiation.

PubMed

Maleki, Afshin; Safari, Mahdi; Shahmoradi, Behzad; Zandsalimi, Yahya; Daraei, Hiua; Gharibi, Fardin

2015-11-01

In this study, Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles were investigated as an efficient synthesized catalyst for photodegradation of humic substances in aqueous solution under natural sunlight irradiation. Cu-doped ZnO nanocatalyst was prepared through mild hydrothermal method and was characterized using FT-IR, powder XRD and SEM techniques. The effect of operating parameters such as doping ratio, initial pH, catalyst dosage, initial concentrations of humic substances and sunlight illuminance were studied on humic substances degradation efficiency. The results of characterization analyses of samples confirmed the proper synthesis of Cu-doped ZnO nanocatalyst. The experimental results indicated the highest degradation efficiency of HS (99.2%) observed using 1.5% Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles at reaction time of 120 min. Photocatalytic degradation efficiency of HS in a neutral and acidic pH was much higher than that at alkaline pH. Photocatalytic degradation of HS was enhanced with increasing the catalyst dosage and sunlight illuminance, while increasing the initial HS concentration led to decrease in the degradation efficiency of HS. Conclusively, Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles can be used as a promising and efficient catalyst for degradation of HS under natural sunlight irradiation.

Does doping with aluminum alter the effects of ZnO nanoparticles on the metabolism of soil pseudomonads?

PubMed

Fang, Tommy; Watson, Jean-Luc; Goodman, Jordan; Dimkpa, Christian O; Martineau, Nicole; Das, Siddhartha; McLean, Joan E; Britt, David W; Anderson, Anne J

2013-02-22

Doping of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) is being used to increase their commercialization in the optical and semiconductor fields. This paper addresses whether doping with Al alters how ZnO NPs at nonlethal levels modifies the metabolism of soil-borne pseudomonads which are beneficial in performing bioremediation or promoting plant growth. The differences in X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, observed between commercial ZnO and Al-doped ZnO NPs indicated the aluminum was present as Al NPs. Both particles aggregated in the bacterial growth medium and formed colloids of different surface charges. They had similar effects on bacterial metabolism: rapid, dose-dependent loss in light output indicative of temporary toxicity in a biosensor constructed in Pseudomonas putida KT2440; increased production of a fluorescent pyoverdine-type siderophore, and decreased levels of indole acetic acid and phenazines in Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6. Solubilization of Zn and Al from the NPs contributed to these responses to different extents. These findings indicate that Al-doping of the ZnO NPs did not reduce the ability of the NPs to alter bacterial metabolism in ways that could influence performance of the pseudomonads in their soil environment. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Effects of humic acid on the interactions between zinc oxide nanoparticles and bacterial biofilms

DOE PAGES

Ouyang, Kai; Yu, Xiao-Ying; Zhu, Yunlin; ...

2017-08-26

The effects of humic acid (HA) on interactions between ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Pseudomonas putida KT2440 biofilms at different maturity stages were investigated. Three stages of biofilm development were identified according to bacterial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activity associated with biofilm development process. In the initial biofilm stage 1, the ATP content of bacteria was reduced by more than 90% when biofilms were exposed to ZnO NPs. But, in the mature biofilm stages 2 and 3, the ATP content was only slightly decreased. Biofilms at stage 3 exhibited less susceptibility to ZnO NPs than biofilms at stage 2. These resultsmore » suggest that more mature biofilms have a significantly higher tolerance to ZnO NPs compared to young biofilms. In addition, biofilms with intact extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) showed higher tolerance to ZnO NPs than those without EPS, indicating that EPS play a key role in alleviating the toxic effects of ZnO NPs. In both pure ZnO NPs and ZnO-HA mixtures, dissolved Zn 2+ originating from the NPs significantly contributed to the overall toxicity. The presence of HA dramatically decreased the toxicity of ZnO NPs due to the binding of Zn 2+ on HA. Furthermore, the combined results from this work suggest that the biofilm maturity stages and environmental constituents (such as humic acid) are important factors to consider when evaluating potential risks of NPs to ecological systems.« less

Effects of humic acid on the interactions between zinc oxide nanoparticles and bacterial biofilms

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ouyang, Kai; Yu, Xiao-Ying; Zhu, Yunlin

The effects of humic acid (HA) on interactions between ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Pseudomonas putida KT2440 biofilms at different maturity stages were investigated. Three stages of biofilm development were identified according to bacterial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activity associated with biofilm development process. In the initial biofilm stage 1, the ATP content of bacteria was reduced by more than 90% when biofilms were exposed to ZnO NPs. However, in the mature biofilm stages 2 and 3, the ATP content was only slightly decreased. Biofilms at stage 3 exhibited less susceptibility to ZnO NPs than biofilms at stage 2. These resultsmore » suggest that more mature biofilms have a significantly higher tolerance to ZnO NPs compared to young biofilms. In addition, biofilms with intact extracellular poly-meric substances (EPS) showed higher tolerance to ZnO NPs than those without EPS, indicating that EPS play a key role in alleviating the toxic effects of ZnO NPs. In both pure ZnO NPs and ZnO-HA mixtures, dissolved Zn 2+ originating from the NPs significantly contributed to the overall toxicity. The presence of HA dramatically decreased the toxicity of ZnO NPs due to the binding of Zn 2+ on HA. The combined results from this work suggest that the biofilm maturity stages and environmental constituents (such as humic acid) are important factors to consider when evaluating potential risks of NPs to ecological systems.« less

Effects of humic acid on the interactions between zinc oxide nanoparticles and bacterial biofilms

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ouyang, Kai; Yu, Xiao-Ying; Zhu, Yunlin

The effects of humic acid (HA) on interactions between ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Pseudomonas putida KT2440 biofilms at different maturity stages were investigated. Three stages of biofilm development were identified according to bacterial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activity associated with biofilm development process. In the initial biofilm stage 1, the ATP content of bacteria was reduced by more than 90% when biofilms were exposed to ZnO NPs. But, in the mature biofilm stages 2 and 3, the ATP content was only slightly decreased. Biofilms at stage 3 exhibited less susceptibility to ZnO NPs than biofilms at stage 2. These resultsmore » suggest that more mature biofilms have a significantly higher tolerance to ZnO NPs compared to young biofilms. In addition, biofilms with intact extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) showed higher tolerance to ZnO NPs than those without EPS, indicating that EPS play a key role in alleviating the toxic effects of ZnO NPs. In both pure ZnO NPs and ZnO-HA mixtures, dissolved Zn 2+ originating from the NPs significantly contributed to the overall toxicity. The presence of HA dramatically decreased the toxicity of ZnO NPs due to the binding of Zn 2+ on HA. Furthermore, the combined results from this work suggest that the biofilm maturity stages and environmental constituents (such as humic acid) are important factors to consider when evaluating potential risks of NPs to ecological systems.« less

Effects of humic acid on the interactions between zinc oxide nanoparticles and bacterial biofilms.

PubMed

Ouyang, Kai; Yu, Xiao-Ying; Zhu, Yunlin; Gao, Chunhui; Huang, Qiaoyun; Cai, Peng

2017-12-01

The effects of humic acid (HA) on interactions between ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Pseudomonas putida KT2440 biofilms at different maturity stages were investigated. Three stages of biofilm development were identified according to bacterial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activity associated with biofilm development process. In the initial biofilm stage 1, the ATP content of bacteria was reduced by more than 90% when biofilms were exposed to ZnO NPs. However, in the mature biofilm stages 2 and 3, the ATP content was only slightly decreased. Biofilms at stage 3 exhibited less susceptibility to ZnO NPs than biofilms at stage 2. These results suggest that more mature biofilms have a significantly higher tolerance to ZnO NPs compared to young biofilms. In addition, biofilms with intact extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) showed higher tolerance to ZnO NPs than those without EPS, indicating that EPS play a key role in alleviating the toxic effects of ZnO NPs. In both pure ZnO NPs and ZnO-HA mixtures, dissolved Zn 2+ originating from the NPs significantly contributed to the overall toxicity. The presence of HA dramatically decreased the toxicity of ZnO NPs due to the binding of Zn 2+ on HA. The combined results from this work suggest that the biofilm maturity stages and environmental constituents (such as humic acid) are important factors to consider when evaluating potential risks of NPs to ecological systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Indirect effects of climate change on zinc cycling in sediments: The role of changing water levels.

PubMed

Nedrich, Sara M; Burton, G Allen

2017-09-01

Increased variability in lake and river water levels associated with changing climate could impact the fate and effects of metals in redox-sensitive sediments through the alteration of microbial communities and of acid-base and redox chemistry. The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of water level fluctuation on metal speciation in porewater and predict environmental risk to high-carbonate systems. Using experimental microcosms with sediments collected from 4 metal-contaminated coastal freshwater wetlands in Michigan, USA, we conducted water level fluctuation experiments. Porewater and sediment metals (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Zn) and important metal binding phases (iron-oxide speciation, acid-volatile sulfide) were quantified. In a short-term drying (seiche) experiment, there were decreases in all porewater metals after inundation of saturated sediments. During a drought experiment, re-inundation of oxidized sediments increased porewater Cu, Zn, Mg, Ca for most sites. Porewater Zn increased after inundation to levels exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency threshold for chronic toxicity. These data show that the dissolution of metal carbonates and metal sulfates contributes to metal release after re-flooding and indicate that we might expect increased ecological risk to organisms present in drought-sensitive regions where altered hydroperiods are likely to increase metal bioavailability. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2456-2464. © 2017 SETAC. © 2017 SETAC.

Interactions of zinc octacarboxyphthalocyanine with selected amino acids and with albumin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kliber, Marta; Broda, Małgorzata A.; Nackiewicz, Joanna

2016-02-01

Effect of selected amino acids (glycine, L-histidine, L-cysteine, L-serine, L-tryptophan) and albumin on the spectroscopic properties and photostability of zinc octacarboxyphthalocyanine (ZnPcOC) was explored in the phosphate buffer at a pH of 7.0. The photodegradation of ZnPcOC alone and in the presence of amino acids or albumin has been investigated in aqueous phase using UV-366 nm and daylight irradiation. Kinetic analysis showed that the interaction with amino acids or albumin enhances the photostability of ZnPcOC. To answer the question of how zinc phthalocyanine interacts with amino acids extensive DFT calculations were performed. Analysis of the optimized geometry features of ZnPcOC: amino acids complexes in the gas phase and in water environment as well as the BSSE corrected interaction energies indicates that the more likely is the formation of equatorial complexes in which H-bonds are formed between the COOH groups of the phthalocyanine and carboxyl or amino groups of amino acids. UV-Vis spectra calculated by employing time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) are also consistent with this conclusion.

Chemical composition and Zn bioavailability of the soil solution extracted from Zn amended variable charge soils.

PubMed

Zampella, Mariavittoria; Adamo, Paola

2010-01-01

A study on variable charge soils (volcanic Italian and podzolic Scottish soils) was performed to investigate the influence of soil properties on the chemical composition of soil solution. Zinc speciation, bioavailability and toxicity in the soil solution were examined. The soils were spiked with increasing amounts of Zn (0, 100, 200, 400 and 1000 mg/kg) and the soil solutions were extracted using rhizon soil moisture samplers. The pH, total organic carbon (TOC), base cations, anions, total Zn and free Zn2+ in soil solution were analysed. A rapid bioassay with the luminescent bacterium Escherichia coli HB101 pUCD607 was performed to assess Zn toxicity. The influence of soil type and Zn treatments on the chemical composition of soil solution and on Zn toxicity was considered and discussed. Different trends of total and free Zn concentrations, base cations desorption and luminescence of E. coli HB101 pUCD607 were observed. The soil solution extracted from the volcanic soils had very low total and free Zn concentrations and showed specific Zn2+/Ca2+ exchange. The soil solution from the podzolic soil had much higher total and free Zn concentrations and showed no evidence of specific Zn2+/Ca2+ exchange. In comparison with the subalkaline volcanic soils, the acidic podzol showed enhanced levels of toxic free Zn2+ and consequently stronger effects on E. coli viability.

The influence of EDTA application on the interactions of cadmium, zinc, and lead and their uptake of rainbow pink (Dianthus chinensis).

PubMed

Lai, Hung-Yu; Chen, Zueng-Sang

2006-10-11

Soil used in this study was artificially contaminated with Cd, Zn, Pb, or applied in combinations (Cd-Zn, Cd-Pb, Zn-Pb, or Cd-Zn-Pb) to study the interactions of metals in soil contaminated with multiple metals. After planting rainbow pink (Dianthus chinensis) in these soils for 21 days, three different concentrations of ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid (EDTA) solutions were added to study the effect of applying EDTA on the interactions among these metals. The concentrations of Cd, Zn, and Pb in the soil solutions of different metals-treated soils increased significantly after applying 5 mmol EDTA kg(-1) soil (p<0.05). The potential of groundwater contamination will increase after applying EDTA and it is not recommended to be in situ used or have to use very carefully. The existence of Pb in the Cd-contaminated soil enhanced the uptake of Cd in rainbow pink in the treatments of control and 2 mmol EDTA kg(-1) soil. Cadmium inhibited the concentration of Zn without applying EDTA. However, whether the application of EDTA or not and the applied EDTA concentration had the greatest effect on the uptake of Pb when compared to Cd and Zn. After applying 5 mmol EDTA kg(-1) soil, Cd or Zn in the Pb-contaminated soil inhibited the uptake of Pb in rainbow pink, but there were no effect in other treatments.

Combined effects of cadmium and zinc on growth, tolerance, and metal accumulation in Chara australis and enhanced phytoextraction using EDTA.

PubMed

Clabeaux, Bernadette L; Navarro, Divina A; Aga, Diana S; Bisson, Mary A

2013-12-01

Chara australis (R. Br.) is a macrophytic alga that can grow in and accumulate Cd from artificially contaminated sediments. We investigated the effects of Zn independently and in combination with Cd on C. australis growth, metal tolerance, and uptake. Plant growth was reduced at concentrations ≥ 75 mg Zn (kg soil)⁻¹. Zn also increased the concentration of glutathione in the plant, suggesting alleviation of stress. Phytotoxic effects were observed at ≥ 250 mg added Zn (kg soil)⁻¹. At 1.5mg Zn (kg soil)⁻¹, the rhizoid bioconcentration factor (BCF) was >1.0 for both Cd and Zn. This is a criterion for hyperaccumulator status, a commonly used benchmark for utility in remediation of contaminated soils by phytoextraction. There was no significant interaction between Cd and Zn on accumulation, indicating that Chara should be effective at phytoextraction of mixed heavy metal contamination in sediments. The effects of the chelator, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), were also tested. Moderate levels of EDTA increased Cd and Zn accumulation in rhizoids and Cd BCF of shoots, enhancing Chara's potential in phytoremediation. This study demonstrates for the first time the potential of macroalgae to remove metals from sediments in aquatic systems that are contaminated with a mixture of metals. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Zinc sorption to three gram-negative bacteria: combined titration, modeling, and EXAFS study.

PubMed

Guiné, V; Spadini, L; Sarret, G; Muris, M; Delolme, C; Gaudet, J P; Martins, J M F

2006-03-15

The acid-base and Zn sorption properties of three bacteria, Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34, Pseudomonas putida ATCC12633, and Escherichia coli K12DH5alpha, were investigated through an original combination of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and equilibrium titration studies. Acid-base titration curves of the three strains were fitted with a model accounting for three conceptual reactive sites: an acidic (carboxyl and/or phosphodiester), a neutral (phosphomonoester), and a basic (amine and/or hydroxyl) group. Calculated proton and Zn equilibrium constants and site densities compare with literature data. The nature of Zn binding sites was studied by EXAFS spectroscopy. Phosphoester, carboxyl, and unexpectedly sulfhydryl ligands were identified. Their proportions depended on Zn loading and bacterial strain and were consistent with the titration results. These findings were compared to the structure and site density of the major cell wall components. It appeared that the cumulated theoretical site density of these structures (<2 Zn nm(-2)) was much lower than the total site density of the investigated strains (16-56 Zn nm(-2)). These results suggest a dominant role of extracellular polymeric substances in Zn retention processes, although Zn binding to inner cell components cannot be excluded.

Nanosized zero-valent iron as Fenton-like reagent for ultrasonic-assisted leaching of zinc from blast furnace sludge.

PubMed

Mikhailov, Ivan; Komarov, Sergey; Levina, Vera; Gusev, Alexander; Issi, Jean-Paul; Kuznetsov, Denis

2017-01-05

Ultrasonic-assisted sulphuric acid leaching combined with a Fenton-like process, utilizing nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), was investigated to enhance the leaching of zinc from the blast furnace sludge (BFS). The leaching of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) from the sludge was investigated using Milli-Q water/BFS ratio of 10 and varying the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, sulphuric acid, the temperature, the input energy for ultrasound irradiation, and the presence or absence of nZVI as a Fenton reagent. The results showed that with 1g/l addition of nZVI and 0.05M of hydrogen peroxide, the kinetic rate of Zn leaching increased with a maximum dissolution degree of 80.2%, after 5min treatment. In the absence of nZVI, the maximum dissolution degree of Zn was 99.2%, after 15min treatment with 0.1M of hydrogen peroxide. The rate of Zn leaching at several concentrations of hydrogen peroxide is accelerated in the presence of nZVI although a reduction in efficiency was observed. The loss of Fe was no more than 3%. On the basis of these results, the possible route for BFS recycling has been proposed (BFS slurry mixed with sulphuric acid and hydrogen peroxide is recirculated under ultrasonic irradiation then separated). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modification of a single tryptophan residue in human Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase by peroxynitrite in the presence of bicarbonate.

PubMed

Yamakura, F; Matsumoto, T; Fujimura, T; Taka, H; Murayama, K; Imai, T; Uchida, K

2001-07-09

Human recombinant Cu,Zn-SOD was reacted with peroxynitrite in a reaction mixture containing 150 mM potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) 25 mM sodium bicarbonate, and 0.1 mM diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. Disappearance of fluorescence emission at 350 nm, which could be attributed to modification of a single tryptophan residue, was observed in the modified enzyme with a pH optimum of around 8.4. A fluorescence decrease with the same pH optimum was also observed without sodium bicarbonate, but with less efficiency. Amino acid contents of the modified enzyme showed no significant difference in all amino acids except the loss of a single tryptophan residue of the enzyme. The peroxynitrite-modified enzyme showed an increase in optical absorption around 350 nm and 30% reduced enzyme activity based on the copper contents. The modified enzyme showed the same electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum as that of the control enzyme. The modified Cu,Zn-SOD showed a single protein band in sodium dodecyl sulfate--polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS--PAGE) and five protein bands in non-denaturing PAGE. From this evidence, we conclude that nitration and/or oxidation of the single tryptophan 32 and partial inactivation of the enzyme activity of Cu,Zn-SOD is caused by a peroxynitrite-carbon dioxide adduct without perturbation of the active site copper integrity.

Characterization of dross and its recovery by sulphuric acid leaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahmani, S. A.; Meidianto, A.; Amal, M. I.; Wismogroho, A. S.; Widayatno, W. B.

2018-03-01

This paper reports the characterization of dross from galvanizing process and its recovery using acidic leaching method. The diffraction profile of dross showed identical peaks with that of ZnO. The X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis identified the content of following metals: Zn, Fe, Mn, Ga, Co, and W. The thermal behaviour examination revealed the existence of some volatiles within the initial sample. The acidic leaching at various concentrations of sulphuric acid was conducted to determine the optimum concentration for zinc recovery and the highest yield of zinc sulphate. It is concluded that the optimum concentration of H2SO4 for this kind of dross is 4 M with 71.9% yield of ZnSO4. The result of leaching process was confirmed by infrared spectrum, where various absorptions corresponding to SO4 2- and Zn-O bands were observed.

Effect of Surfactant on the Morphology of ZnO/Al:ZnO Nanostructures and Their Ethanol Sensing Applications at Room Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chitra, M.; Uthayarani, K.; Rajasekaran, N.; Neelakandeswari, N.; Girija, E. K.; Padiyan, D. Pathinettam

2016-11-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and aluminum (Al) doped ZnO nanostructures with and without surfactant have been successfully prepared via sol-gel route. The effect of the surfactant glyoxalic acid and various concentration of Al on the structural property of ZnO was analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The morphology of the samples was recorded using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The uniform distribution of ZnO nanostructures with hexagonal facets is facilitated by the surfactant and the grain growth is further inhibited by the increase in concentration of Al. The ethanol (0-300ppm) sensing characteristics of the as-prepared samples were systematically investigated at room temperature. Surfactant-assisted ZnO/Al:ZnO nanostructures show higher sensitivity of 94% at room temperature than ZnO/Al:ZnO nanostructures without surfactant. Faster response at 68s and recovery at 50s is also achieved by the samples. The surfactant-assisted ZnO nanostructures exhibit sharp selective detection towards ethanol when compared to the samples without surfactant. The enhanced ethanol sensing property may be ascribed to the larger surface area which is due to uniform and smaller crystallite size of the surfactant-assisted sample.

Photocatalytic application of Pd-ZnO-exfoliated graphite nanocomposite for the enhanced removal of acid orange 7 dye in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umukoro, Eseoghene H.; Madyibi, Siposetu S.; Peleyeju, Moses G.; Tshwenya, Luthando; Viljoen, Elvera H.; Ngila, Jane C.; Arotiba, Omotayo A.

2017-12-01

In this work, a nanocomposite photocatalyst which consists of palladium (Pd), zinc oxide (ZnO) as well as exfoliated graphite (EG) was synthesised, characterised and applied to the removal of acid orange 7 dye as a model organic pollutant. The Pd-ZnO-EG nanocomposite was synthesised by a one-pot hydrothermal technique in a Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave at 160 °C for a period of 12 h, cooled, washed and dried. The nanocomposite was characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) as well as energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). The as-prepared materials were further applied for the degradation of acid orange 7 dye photocatalytically. Results obtained showed that Pd-ZnO-EG composite displayed a better photocatalytic performance, giving better removal efficiency of 87% in comparison with ZnO and Pd-ZnO which gave 3 and 25% percentage removal respectively.

Dietary Zinc Deficiency Affects Blood Linoleic Acid: Dihomo-γ-linolenic Acid (LA:DGLA) Ratio; a Sensitive Physiological Marker of Zinc Status in Vivo (Gallus gallus)

PubMed Central

Reed, Spenser; Qin, Xia; Ran-Ressler, Rinat; Brenna, James Thomas; Glahn, Raymond P.; Tako, Elad

2014-01-01

Zinc is a vital micronutrient used for over 300 enzymatic reactions and multiple biochemical and structural processes in the body. To date, sensitive and specific biological markers of zinc status are still needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate Gallus gallus as an in vivo model in the context of assessing the sensitivity of a previously unexplored potential zinc biomarker, the erythrocyte linoleic acid: dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (LA:DGLA) ratio. Diets identical in composition were formulated and two groups of birds (n = 12) were randomly separated upon hatching into two diets, Zn(+) (zinc adequate control, 42.3 μg/g zinc), and Zn(−) (zinc deficient, 2.5 μg/g zinc). Dietary zinc intake, body weight, serum zinc, and the erythrocyte fatty acid profile were measured weekly. At the conclusion of the study, tissues were collected for gene expression analysis. Body weight, feed consumption, zinc intake, and serum zinc were higher in the Zn(+) control versus Zn(−) group (p < 0.05). Hepatic TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 gene expression were higher in the Zn(+) control group (p < 0.05), and hepatic Δ6 desaturase was significantly higher in the Zn(+) group (p < 0.001). The LA:DGLA ratio was significantly elevated in the Zn(−) group compared to the Zn(+) group (22.6 ± 0.5 and 18.5 ± 0.5, % w/w, respectively, p < 0.001). This study suggests erythrocyte LA:DGLA is able to differentiate zinc status between zinc adequate and zinc deficient birds, and may be a sensitive biomarker to assess dietary zinc manipulation. PMID:24658588

Au/ZnO hybrid nanocatalysts impregnated in N-doped graphene for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid, acetaminophen and dopamine.

PubMed

Chen, Xianlan; Zhang, Guowei; Shi, Ling; Pan, Shanqing; Liu, Wei; Pan, Hiabo

2016-08-01

The formation of nitrogen-doped (N-doped) graphene uses hydrothermal method with urea as reducing agent and nitrogen source. The surface elemental composition of the catalyst was analyzed through XPS, which showed a high content of a total N species (7.12at.%), indicative of the effective N-doping, present in the form of pyridinic N, pyrrolic N and graphitic N groups. Moreover, Au nanoparticles deposited on ZnO nanocrystals surface, forming Au/ZnO hybrid nanocatalysts, undergo a super-hydrophobic to super-hydrophilic conversion. Herein, we present Au/ZnO hybrid nanocatalysts impregnated in N-doped graphene sheets through sonication technique of the Au/ZnO/N-doped graphene hybrid nanostructures. The as-prepared Au/ZnO/N-doped graphene hybrid nanostructure modified glassy carbon electrode (Au/ZnO/N-doped graphene/GCE) was first employed for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and acetaminophen (AC). The oxidation over-potentials of AA, DA and AC decreased dramatically, and their oxidation peak currents increased significantly at Au/ZnO/N-doped graphene/GCE compared to those obtained at the N-doped graphene/GCE and bare CCE. The peak separations between AA and DA, DA and AC, and AC and AA are large up to 195, 198 and 393mV, respectively. The calibration curves for AA, DA and AC were obtained in the range of 30.00-13.00×10(3), 2.00-0.18×10(3) and 5.00-3.10×10(3)μM, respectively. The detection limits (S/N=3) were 5.00, 0.40 and 0.80μM for AA, DA and AC, respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Towards Stable CuZnAl Slurry Catalysts for the Synthesis of Ethanol from Syngas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Weibing; Gao, Zhihua; Zhang, Qian; Huang, Wei

2018-07-01

A stable CuZnAl slurry catalyst for the synthesis of ethanol from syngas has been developed by adjusting the heat treatment conditions of the complete liquid-phase method. The activity evaluation results showed that the CuZnAl catalyst, when heat-treated under a high pressure and temperature, was a stable catalyst for the synthesis of ethanol. The selectivity of ethanol using the CuZnAl slurry catalyst, which was heat-treated at 553 K under 4.0 MPa, increased continuously with time and was stable at approximately 26.00% after 144 h. The characterization results indicated that the CuZnAl slurry catalyst heat-treated under high pressure conditions could facilitate the formation of a more perfect structure with a larger specific surface area. The prepared catalyst contained a balance of strong and weak acid sites, an appropriate form of Cu2O and a high Cu/Zn atomic ratio at the catalyst surface, providing its stability in ethanol synthesis from syngas.

Influence of a Boron Precursor on the Growth and Optoelectronic Properties of Electrodeposited Zinc Oxide Thin Film.

PubMed

Tsin, Fabien; Thomere, Angélica; Bris, Arthur Le; Collin, Stéphane; Lincot, Daniel; Rousset, Jean

2016-05-18

Highly transparent and conductive materials are required for many industrial applications. One of the interesting features of ZnO is the possibility to dope it using different elements, hence improving its conductivity. Results concerning the zinc oxide thin films electrodeposited in a zinc perchlorate medium containing a boron precursor are presented in this study. The addition of boron to the electrolyte leads to significant effects on the morphology and crystalline structure as well as an evolution of the optical properties of the material. Varying the concentration of boric acid from 0 to 15 mM strongly improves the compactness of the deposit and increases the band gap from 3.33 to 3.45 eV. Investigations were also conducted to estimate and determine the influence of boric acid on the electrical properties of the ZnO layers. As a result, no doping effect effect by boron was demonstrated. However, the role of boric acid on the material quality has also been proven and discussed. Boric acid strongly contributes to the growth of high quality electrodeposited zinc oxide. The high doping level of the film can be attributed to the perchlorate ions introduced in the bath. Finally, a ZnO layer electrodeposited in a boron rich electrolyte was tested as front contact of a Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 based solar cell. An efficiency of 12.5% was measured with a quite high fill factor (>70%) which confirms the high conductivity of the ZnO thin film.

Preparation and characterization of novel polyimide/functionalized ZnO bionanocomposite for gas separation and study of their antibacterial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esmaielzadeh, Sheida; Ahmadizadegan, Hashem

2018-04-01

In the present investigation novel Polyimide/functionalized ZnO (PI/ZnO) bionanocomposites containing amino acid (Methionine) and benzimidazole pendent groups with different amounts of modified ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were successfully prepared through ultrasonic irradiation technique. Due to the high surface energy and tendency for agglomeration, the surface ZnO NPs was modified by a coupling agent as 3- methacryloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (MPS) to form MPS-ZnO nanoparticles. The ultrasonic irradiation effectively changes the rheology and the glass transition temperature and the crystallinity of the composite polymer. PI/ZnO nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). TEM analysis showed that the modified ZnO nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in polymer matrix. The TGA results of PI/ZnO nanocomposites showed that the thermal stability is obviously improved the presence of MPS-ZnO NPs in comparison with the pure PI and that this increase is higher when the NP content increases. The permeabilities of pure H2, CH4, O2, and N2 gases through prepared membranes were determined at room temperature (25 °C) and 20 bar feed pressure. The membranes having 20% ZnO showed higher values of H2 permeability, and H2/CH4 and H2/N2 ideal selectivities (the ratio of pair gas permeabilities) compared with other membranes. The antibacterial activity of bionanocomposite films was tested against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Further, it was observed that antibacterial activity of the resulting hybrid biofilms showed somewhat higher for gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative bacteria.

[Catalytic stability in wet air oxidation of carboxylic acids over ZnFe0.25Al1.75 O4 catalyst].

PubMed

Xu, Ai-hua; Yang, Min; Du, Hong-zhang; Peng, Fu-yong; Sun, Cheng-lin

2007-07-01

Oxalic, formic and acetic acid are main intermediate products in catalytic wet air oxidation process (CWAO). The catalytic activity and stability in CWAO of the three short-chain organic acids over ZnFe0.25Al1.75O4 catalyst were studied. Oxalic acid is the only oxidizable intermediate and the largest amount of Fe leaching is 9.5 mg L(-1) at 160 degrees C during CWAO process. Formic and acetic acid have little influence on Fe leaching. Due to the strong reducible ability of oxalic acid, the amount of Fe leaching is larger in nitrogen atmosphere than that in oxygen atmosphere. Salicylic acid can be also degraded by ZnFe0.25Al1.75O4 catalyst with a high catalytic activity and stability.

Effect of citric acid on metals mobility in pruning wastes and biosolids compost and metals uptake in Atriplex halimus and Rosmarinus officinalis.

PubMed

Tapia, Y; Eymar, E; Gárate, A; Masaguer, A

2013-05-01

To assess metal mobility in pruning waste and biosolids compost (pH 6.9 and total concentration of metals in milligram per kilogram of Cd 1.9, Cu 132, Fe 8,513, Mn 192, Pb 81, and Zn 313), shrubs species Atriplex halimus and Rosmarinus officinalis were transplanted in this substrate and irrigated with citric acid (4 g L(-1), pH 2.9) and nutrient solution daily for 60 days. Citric acid significantly increased the concentrations of soluble Mn and Fe in the nutrient substrate solution measured by suction probes, while other metals did not vary in concentration (Cu and Zn) or were not observed at detectable levels (Cd and Pb). In plants, citric acid significantly increased the concentrations of Cu (2.7 ± 0.1-3.3 ± 0.1 mg kg(-1)), Fe (49.2 ± 5.2-76.8 ± 6.8 mg kg(-1)), and Mn (7.2 ± 1.1-11.4 ± 0.7 mg kg(-1)) in leaves of R. officinalis, whereas the concentration of only Mn (25.4 ± 0.3-42.2 ± 2.9 mg kg(-1)) was increased in A. halimus. Increasing Fe and Mn solubility by citric acid addition indicates the possibility of using it to improve plant nutrition. The mobility of metals in this substrate was influenced for the concentration of the metal, the degree of humification of organic matter and its high Fe content.

Phytomanagement of strongly acidic, saline eutrophic wetlands polluted by mine wastes: the influence of liming and Sarcocornia fruticosa on metals mobility.

PubMed

González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret; Conesa, Héctor Miguel; Álvarez-Rogel, José

2013-03-01

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of combining liming and vegetation for the phytomanagement of strongly acidic, saline eutrophic wetlands polluted by mine wastes. Simulated soil profiles were constructed and four treatments were assayed: without liming+without plant, without liming+with plant, with liming+without plant and with liming+with plant. The plant species was the halophyte Sarcocornia fruticosa. Three horizons were differentiated: A (never under water), C1 (alternating flooding-drying conditions) and C2 (always under water). The soluble Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn concentrations were measured regularly for 18 weeks and a sequential extraction procedure was applied at the end of the experiment. Liming was effective (between ∼70% and ∼100%) in reducing the soluble Zn, Cu and Pb. In contrast, soluble Mn and Cd increased with liming, especially in the treatment with liming+with plant, where the concentrations were 2-fold higher than in the non-limed treatments. The amendment increased the contents of Zn, Mn and Cd bound to potentially-mobilisable soil fractions at the expense of the most-environmentally-inert fractions. Hence, the combined use of liming and vegetation may increase the long-term environmental risk of metals solubilisation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contrasting effects of nicotianamine synthase knockdown on zinc and nickel tolerance and accumulation in the zinc/cadmium hyperaccumulator Arabidopsis halleri.

PubMed

Cornu, Jean-Yves; Deinlein, Ulrich; Höreth, Stephan; Braun, Manuel; Schmidt, Holger; Weber, Michael; Persson, Daniel P; Husted, Søren; Schjoerring, Jan K; Clemens, Stephan

2015-04-01

Elevated nicotianamine synthesis in roots of Arabidopsis halleri has been established as a zinc (Zn) hyperaccumulation factor. The main objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of nicotianamine-dependent root-to-shoot translocation of metals. Metal tolerance and accumulation in wild-type (WT) and AhNAS2-RNA interference (RNAi) plants were analysed. Xylem exudates were subjected to speciation analysis and metabolite profiling. Suppression of root nicotianamine synthesis had no effect on Zn and cadmium (Cd) tolerance but rendered plants nickel (Ni)-hypersensitive. It also led to a reduction of Zn root-to-shoot translocation, yet had the opposite effect on Ni mobility, even though both metals form coordination complexes of similar stability with nicotianamine. Xylem Zn concentrations were positively, yet nonstoichiometrically, correlated with nicotianamine concentrations. Two fractions containing Zn coordination complexes were detected in WT xylem. One of them was strongly reduced in AhNAS2-suppressed plants and coeluted with (67) Zn-labelled organic acid complexes. Organic acid concentrations were not responsive to nicotianamine concentrations and sufficiently high to account for complexing the coordinated Zn. We propose a key role for nicotianamine in controlling the efficiency of Zn xylem loading and thereby the formation of Zn coordination complexes with organic acids, which are the main Zn ligands in the xylem but are not rate-limiting for Zn translocation. © 2014 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2014 New Phytologist Trust.

Performance of 1,2-indanedione and the need for sequential treatment of fingerprints.

PubMed

Mangle, Milery Figuera; Xu, Xioama; de Puit, M

2015-09-01

The use of 1,2-indanedione-ZnCl2 (IND-Zn) for the visualisation of fingermarks on porous materials has been widely accepted. The use of the reagent in comparison with others has been well described. To what extent IND or IND-Zn reacts with amino acids, in comparison to ninhydrin, has not been described to date. In this technical note we describe the analysis of amino acids with LCMS with the purpose of understanding the reactivity of ninhydrin, IND-Zn and the sequence thereof. The consumption of amino acids by these visualisation reagents is a feature we propose to use for calculations on the reactivity of these reagents. By using recently developed methods for the quantification of amino acids, we determined the consumption of these entities by visualisation reagents. We show that the differences in reactivity between IND and ninhydrin are not as big as the differences between 1,8-diazafluoren-9-one (DFO) and ninhydrin. We also show that it is of great importance to use IND-Zn and ninhydrin in sequence, in order to fully consume the amino acids present in fingermarks. Copyright © 2015 The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Heavy metal contamination of arable soil and corn plant in the vicinity of a zinc smelting factory and stabilization by liming.

PubMed

Hong, Chang Oh; Gutierrez, Jessie; Yun, Sung Wook; Lee, Yong Bok; Yu, Chan; Kim, Pil Joo

2009-02-01

The heavy metal contamination in soils and cultivated corn plants affected by zinc smelting activities in the vicinity of a zinc smelting factory in Korea was studied. Soils and corn plants were sampled at the harvesting stage and analyzed for cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) concentration, as well as Cd and Zn fraction and other chemical properties of soils. Cd and Zn were highly accumulated in the surface soils (0-20 cm), at levels higher than the Korean warning criteria (Cd, 1.5; Zn, 300 mg kg(-1)), with corresponding mean values of 1.7 and 407 mg kg(-1), respectively, but these metals decreased significantly with increasing soil depth and distance from the factory, implying that contaminants may come from the factory through aerosol dynamics (Hong et al., Kor J Environ Agr 26(3):204-209, 2007a; Environ Contam Toxicol 52:496-502, 2007b) and not from geological sources. The leaf part had higher Cd and Zn concentrations, with values of 9.5 and 1733 mg kg(-1), compared to the stem (1.6 and 547 mg kg(-1)) and grain (0.18 and 61 mg kg(-1)) parts, respectively. Cd and Zn were higher in the oxidizable fraction, at 38.5% and 46.9% of the total Cd (2.6 mg kg(-1)) and Zn (407 mg kg(-1)), but the exchangeable + acidic fraction of Cd and Zn as the bioavailable phases was low, 0.2 and 50 mg kg(-1), respectively. To study the reduction of plant Cd and Zn uptake by liming, radish (Raphanus sativa L.) was cultivated in one representative field among the sites investigated, and Ca(OH)(2) was applied at rates of 0, 2, 4, and 8 mg ha(-1). Plant Cd and Zn concentrations and NH(4)OAc extractable Cd and Zn concentrations of soil decreased significantly with increasing Ca(OH)(2) rate, since it markedly increases the cation exchange capacity of soil induced by increased pH. As a result, liming in this kind of soil could be an effective countermeasure in reducing the phytoextractability of Cd and Zn.

[Enhanced phytoextraction of heavy metal contaminated soil by chelating agents and auxin indole-3-acetic acid].

PubMed

Zhou, Jian-min; Dang, Zhi; Chen, Neng-chang; Xu, Sheng-guang; Xie, Zhi-yi

2007-09-01

The environmental risk of chelating agents such as EDTA application to the heavy metals polluted soils and the stress on plant roots due to the abrupt increase metals concentration limit the wide commercial use of chelate-induced phytoextraction. Chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were used for enhancing heavy metals uptake from soils by Zea mays L. (corn) in pot experiments. The metals content in plant tissues was quantified using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results showed that the combination of IAA and EDTA increased the biomass by about 40.0% and the contents of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in corn shoots by 27.0%, 26.8%, 27.5% and 32.8% respectively, as compared to those in EDTA treatment. While NTA&IAA treatment increased the biomass by about 29.9% and the contents of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in corn shoots by 31.8%, 27.6%, 17.0% and 26.9% respectively, as compared to those in NTA treatment. These results indicated that corn growth was promoted, and the biomass and the accumulation of heavy metals in plant shoots were increased significantly with the addition of IAA, which probably helps to change the cell membrane properties and the biomass distribution, resulting in the alleviation of the phytotoxicity of metals and the chelating agents.

Stabilization of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in contaminated rice paddy soil using starfish: A preliminary study.

PubMed

Moon, Deok Hyun; Hwang, Inseong; Koutsospyros, Agamemnon; Cheong, Kyung Hoon; Ok, Yong Sik; Ji, Won Hyun; Park, Jeong-Hun

2018-05-01

Lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) contaminated rice paddy soil was stabilized using natural (NSF) and calcined starfish (CSF). Contaminated soil was treated with NSF in the range of 0-10 wt% and CSF in the range of 0-5 wt% and cured for 28 days. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test was used to evaluate effectiveness of starfish treatment. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) analyses were conducted to investigate the mechanism responsible for effective immobilization of Pb and Zn. Experimental results suggest that NSF and CSF treatments effectively immobilize Pb and Zn in treated rice paddy soil. TCLP levels for Pb and Zn were reduced with increasing NSF and CSF dosage. Comparison of the two treatment methods reveals that CSF treatment is more effective than NSF treatment. Leachability of the two metals is reduced approximately 58% for Pb and 51% for Zn, upon 10 wt% NSF treatment. More pronounced leachability reductions, 93% for Pb and 76% for Zn, are achieved upon treatment with 5 wt% CSF. Sequential extraction results reveal that NSF and CSF treatments of contaminated soil generated decrease in exchangeable/weak acid Pb and Zn soluble fractions, and increase of residual Pb and Zn fractions. Results for the SEM-EDX sample treated with 5 wt% CSF indicate that effective Pb and Zn immobilization is most probably associated with calcium silicate hydrates (CSHs) and calcium aluminum hydrates (CAHs). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical l-Lactic Acid Sensor Based on Immobilized ZnO Nanorods with Lactate Oxidase

PubMed Central

Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; Ali Shah, Syed Muhammad Usman; Khun, Kimleang; Willander, Magnus

2012-01-01

In this work, fabrication of gold coated glass substrate, growth of ZnO nanorods and potentiometric response of lactic acid are explained. The biosensor was developed by immobilizing the lactate oxidase on the ZnO nanorods in combination with glutaraldehyde as a cross linker for lactate oxidase enzyme. The potentiometric technique was applied for the measuring the output (EMF) response of l-lactic acid biosensor. We noticed that the present biosensor has wide linear detection range of concentration from 1 × 10−4–1 × 100 mM with acceptable sensitivity about 41.33 ± 1.58 mV/decade. In addition, the proposed biosensor showed fast response time less than 10 s, a good selectivity towards l-lactic acid in presence of common interfering substances such as ascorbic acid, urea, glucose, galactose, magnesium ions and calcium ions. The present biosensor based on immobilized ZnO nanorods with lactate oxidase sustained its stability for more than three weeks. PMID:22736960

Electrochemical L-lactic acid sensor based on immobilized ZnO nanorods with lactate oxidase.

PubMed

Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; Shah, Syed Muhammad Usman Ali; Khun, Kimleang; Willander, Magnus

2012-01-01

In this work, fabrication of gold coated glass substrate, growth of ZnO nanorods and potentiometric response of lactic acid are explained. The biosensor was developed by immobilizing the lactate oxidase on the ZnO nanorods in combination with glutaraldehyde as a cross linker for lactate oxidase enzyme. The potentiometric technique was applied for the measuring the output (EMF) response of l-lactic acid biosensor. We noticed that the present biosensor has wide linear detection range of concentration from 1 × 10(-4)-1 × 10(0) mM with acceptable sensitivity about 41.33 ± 1.58 mV/decade. In addition, the proposed biosensor showed fast response time less than 10 s, a good selectivity towards l-lactic acid in presence of common interfering substances such as ascorbic acid, urea, glucose, galactose, magnesium ions and calcium ions. The present biosensor based on immobilized ZnO nanorods with lactate oxidase sustained its stability for more than three weeks.

Complex toxic effects of Cd2+, Zn2+, and acid rain on growth of kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L).

PubMed

Liao, Bo-han; Liu, Hong-yu; Zeng, Qing-ru; Yu, Ping-zhong; Probst, Anne; Probst, Jean-Luc

2005-08-01

Complex toxic effects of Cd2+, Zn2+, and acid rain on growth of kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) were studied in a pot experiment by measurement of fresh weights of the plants, determination of surperoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the plant organs, and observation of injury symptoms. The experimental results demonstrated that all treatments of Cd2+, Zn2+, and/or acid rain significantly decreased fresh weights of kidney bean and caused toxic effects on growth of the plants, especially higher amounts of Cd2+ and Zn2+ and higher acidity of acid rain. Combination of these three pollutant factors resulted in more serious toxic effects than any single pollutant and than combinations of any two pollutants. SOD, POD, and MDA in the plant organs changed with different pollution levels, but MDA content in the leaves showed the best relationship between the pollution levels and toxic effects.

Influence of variable chemical conditions on EDTA-enhanced transport of metal ions in mildly acidic groundwater

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kent, D.B.; Davis, J.A.; Joye, J.L.; Curtis, G.P.

2008-01-01

Adsorption of Ni and Pb on aquifer sediments from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA increased with increasing pH and metal-ion concentration. Adsorption could be described quantitatively using a semi-mechanistic surface complexation model (SCM), in which adsorption is described using chemical reactions between metal ions and adsorption sites. Equilibrium reactive transport simulations incorporating the SCMs, formation of metal-ion-EDTA complexes, and either Fe(III)-oxyhydroxide solubility or Zn desorption from sediments identified important factors responsible for trends observed during transport experiments conducted with EDTA complexes of Ni, Zn, and Pb in the Cape Cod aquifer. Dissociation of Pb-EDTA by Fe(III) is more favorable than Ni-EDTA because of differences in Ni- and Pb-adsorption to the sediments. Dissociation of Ni-EDTA becomes more favorable with decreasing Ni-EDTA concentration and decreasing pH. In contrast to Ni, Pb-EDTA can be dissociated by Zn desorbed from the aquifer sediments. Variability in adsorbed Zn concentrations has a large impact on Pb-EDTA dissociation.

Ascorbic-acid-assisted growth of high quality M@ZnO: a growth mechanism and kinetics study.

PubMed

Yang, Yun; Han, Shuhua; Zhou, Guangju; Zhang, Lijie; Li, Xingliang; Zou, Chao; Huang, Shaoming

2013-12-07

We present a general route for synthesizing M@ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) by using ascorbic acid (AA) to induce deposition of ZnO on various shaped and structured cationic-surfactant-capped NP surfaces (noble, magnetic, semiconductor, rod-like, spherical, cubic, dendrite, alloy, core@shell). The results show that the complexing (AA and Zn(2+)) and cooperative effects (AA and CTAB) play important roles in the formation of polycrystalline ZnO shells. Besides, the growth kinetics of M@ZnO was systematically studied. It was found that the slow growth rate favors the successful formation of uniform core@ZnO NPs with relatively loose shells. An appropriate growth rate allows achieving high quality M@ZnO NPs with dense shells. However, very fast growth causes significant additional nucleation and the formation of pure ZnO NPs. This general method is suitable for preparing M@ZnO using seed NPs prepared in both water and organic phases. It might be an alternative route for functionalizing NPs for bioapplications (ZnO is biocompatible), modulating material properties as designed, or synthesizing template materials for building other nanostructures.

Zinc stress affects ionome and metabolome in tea plants.

PubMed

Zhang, Yinfei; Wang, Yu; Ding, Zhaotang; Wang, Hui; Song, Lubin; Jia, Sisi; Ma, Dexin

2017-02-01

The research of physiological responses to Zn stress in plants has been extensively studied. However, the ionomics and metabolomics responses of plants to Zn stress remain largely unknown. In present study, the nutrient elements were identified involved in ion homeostasis and metabolomics changes related to Zn deficiency or excess in tea plants. Nutrient element analysis demonstrated that the concentrations of Zn affected the ion-uptake in roots and the nutrient element transportation to leaves, leading to the different distribution of P, S, Al, Ca, Fe and Cu in the tea leaves or roots. Metabolomics analysis revealed that Zn deficiency or excess differentially influenced the metabolic pathways in the tea leaves. More specifically, Zn deficiency affected the metabolism of carbohydrates, and Zn excess affected flavonoids metabolism. Additionally, the results showed that both Zn deficiency and Zn excess led to reduced nicotinamide levels, which speeded up NAD + degradation and thus reduced energy metabolism. Furthermore, element-metabolite correlation analysis illustrated that Zn contents in the tea leaves were positively correlated with organic acids, nitrogenous metabolites and some carbohydrate metabolites, and negatively correlated with the metabolites involved in secondary metabolism and some other carbohydrate metabolites. Meanwhile, metabolite-metabolite correlation analysis demonstrated that organic acids, sugars, amino acids and flavonoids played dominant roles in the regulation of the tea leaf metabolism under Zn stress. Therefore, the conclusion should be drawn that the tea plants responded to Zn stress by coordinating ion-uptake and regulation of metabolism of carbohydrates, nitrogenous metabolites, and flavonoids. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

On the state of Mn in Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O nanoparticles and their surface modification with isonipecotic acid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiménez-Hernández, L.; Estévez-Hernández, O.; Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales

Mn-doped ZnO (Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O) nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and coated with isonipecotic acid as capping ligand. The structure, composition and morphology of the resulting nanomaterial were investigated by energy disperse X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy data. Such measurements showed that the solid obtained contains 6 at% of Mn and it is formed by a highly crystalline material with 3–5 nm range of crystallite size, and only a small elongation of its cell parameter with respect to undoped ZnO wurtzite unit cell. Information on the state of manganese atom in the Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Omore » nanostructures formed was obtained from X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and electron energy loss (EELS) spectroscopies. XPS and EELS spectra are composed of four peaks, corresponding to two species of Mn(II) and signals from Mn(III) and Mn(IV). Such spectral data on the state of Mn in the material studied is consistent with the mapping of Mn distribution observed in recorded transmission electron microscopy images, which reveal presence of clusters of Mn atoms. Only a fraction of doping Mn atoms were found forming a solid solution with the host ZnO structure. The functionalization of the nanoparticles system with Isonipecotic acid shows that this molecule remains anchored to the nanoparticles surface mainly through its N basic site. The availability of free carboxylate groups in the capping molecule was tested by conjugation to type IV horseradish peroxidase. - Graphical abstract: State of Mn atoms in Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures prepared by the precipitation method, their capping with isonipecotic acid and subsequent conjugation to peroxidase. - Highlights: • State of manganese in manganese-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. • Isonipecotic acid as surface modifier of ZnO nanoparticles. • Peroxidase conjugation to ZnO nanoparticles modified with isonipecotic acid.« less

Transport and retention of zinc oxide nanoparticles in porous media: effects of natural organic matter versus natural organic ligands at circumneutral pH.

PubMed

Jones, Edward H; Su, Chunming

2014-06-30

The potential toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) has received considerable attention, but there is little knowledge relating to the fate and transport of engineered ZnO NPs in the environment. Column experiments were performed at pH 7.3-7.6 to generate effluent concentrations and retention profiles for assessing the fate and transport of ZnO NPs (PZC=9.3, nominal size 20 nm) in saturated quartz sands (256 μm) in the presence of low natural organic matter (NOM) concentrations (1 mg/L humic and fulvic acids) and millimolar natural organic ligands (NOL) levels (formic, oxalic, and citric acids). At circumneutral pHs, ZnO NPs were positively charged and immobile in sand. The presence of NOM decreased the attachment efficiency facilitating ZnO transport through sand columns. Conversely, ZnO transport in the presence of formic and oxalic acids was only slightly improved when compared to ZnO in DI water; whereas, citric acid showed no improvement. The distinct difference between NOM and NOL may have important implications with regard to ZnO transport in the subsurface environment. Experimental results suggested the presence of both favorable and unfavorable nanoparticle interactions causes significant deviations from classical colloid filtration theory (CFT). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An innovative zinc oxide-coated zeolite adsorbent for removal of humic acid

EPA Science Inventory

Zinc oxide (ZnO)-coated zeolite adsorbents were developed by both nitric acid modification and Zn(NO3)2•6H2O functionalization of zeolite. The developed adsorbents were used for the removal of humic acid (HA) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbents at 21...

Comparative effect of ZnO NPs, ZnO bulk and ZnSO4 in the antioxidant defences of two plant species growing in two agricultural soils under greenhouse conditions.

PubMed

García-Gómez, Concepción; Obrador, Ana; González, Demetrio; Babín, Mar; Fernández, María Dolores

2017-07-01

The present study has investigated the toxicity of ZnO NPs to bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) crops grown to maturity under greenhouse conditions using an acidic (soil pH5.4) and a calcareous soil (soil pH8.3). The potentially available Zn in the soils and the Zn accumulation in the leaves from NPs applied to the soil (3, 20 and 225mgZnkg -1 ) and changes in the chlorophylls, carotenoids and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured at 15, 30, 60 and 90days and compared with those caused by bulk ZnO and ZnSO 4 . The available Zn in the soil and the leaf Zn content did not differ among the Zn chemical species, except in the acidic soil at the highest concentration of Zn applied as Zn ions, where the highest values of the two variables were found. The ZnO NPs showed comparable Zn toxicity or biostimulation to their bulk counterparts and Zn salts, irrespective of certain significant differences suggesting a higher activity of the Zn ion. The treatments altered the photosynthetic pigment concentration and induced oxidative stress in plants. ROS formation was observed at Zn plant concentrations ranging from 590 to 760mgkg -1 , but the effects on the rest of the parameters were highly dependent on the plant species, exposure time and especially soil type. In general, the effects were higher in the acidic soil than in the calcareous soil for the bean and the opposite for the tomato. The similar uptakes and toxicities of the different Zn forms suggest that the Zn ions derived from the ZnO NPs exerted a preferential toxicity in plants. However, several results obtained in soils treated with NPs at 3mgZnkg -1 soil indicated that may exist other underlying mechanisms related to the intrinsic nanoparticle properties, especially at low NP concentrations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Complete Amino Acid Sequence of a Copper/Zinc-Superoxide Dismutase from Ginger Rhizome.

PubMed

Nishiyama, Yuki; Fukamizo, Tamo; Yoneda, Kazunari; Araki, Tomohiro

2017-04-01

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme protecting cells from oxidative stress. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is known for its antioxidant properties, however, there are no data on SODs from ginger rhizomes. In this study, we purified SOD from the rhizome of Z. officinale (Zo-SOD) and determined its complete amino acid sequence using N terminal sequencing, amino acid analysis, and de novo sequencing by tandem mass spectrometry. Zo-SOD consists of 151 amino acids with two signature Cu/Zn-SOD motifs and has high similarity to other plant Cu/Zn-SODs. Multiple sequence alignment showed that Cu/Zn-binding residues and cysteines forming a disulfide bond, which are highly conserved in Cu/Zn-SODs, are also present in Zo-SOD. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that plant Cu/Zn-SODs clustered into distinct chloroplastic, cytoplasmic, and intermediate groups. Among them, only chloroplastic enzymes carried amino acid substitutions in the region functionally important for enzymatic activity, suggesting that chloroplastic SODs may have a function distinct from those of SODs localized in other subcellular compartments. The nucleotide sequence of the Zo-SOD coding region was obtained by reverse-translation, and the gene was synthesized, cloned, and expressed. The recombinant Zo-SOD demonstrated pH stability in the range of 5-10, which is similar to other reported Cu/Zn-SODs, and thermal stability in the range of 10-60 °C, which is higher than that for most plant Cu/Zn-SODs but lower compared to the enzyme from a Z. officinale relative Curcuma aromatica.

Single Zno Nanowire-Based Biofet Sensors for Ultrasensitive, Label-Free and Real-Time Detection of Uric Acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Pei; Liu, Xi; Yan, Xiaoqin; Kang, Zhuo; Lei, Yang; Zhao, Yanguang

2012-08-01

Qualitative and quantitative detection of biological and chemical species is crucial in many areas, ranging from clinical diagnosis to homeland security. Due to the advantages of ultrahigh sensitivity, label-free, fast readout and easy fabrication over the traditional detection systems, semiconductor nanowire based electronic devices have emerged as a potential platform. In this paper, we fabricated a single ZnO nanowire-based bioFET sensor for the detection of low and high concentration uric acid solution at the same time. The addition of uric acid with the concentrations from 1 pM to 0.5 mM resulted in the electrical conductance changes of up to 227 nS, and the response time turns out to be in the order of millisecond. The ZnO NW biosensor could easily detect as low as 1 pM of the uric acid with 14.7 nS of conductance increase, which implied that the sensitivity of the biosensor can be below the 1pM concentration.

Synthesis, Surface Modification and Optical Properties of Thioglycolic Acid-Capped ZnS Quantum Dots for Starch Recognition at Ultralow Concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tayebi, Mahnoush; Tavakkoli Yaraki, Mohammad; Ahmadieh, Mahnaz; Mogharei, Azadeh; Tahriri, Mohammadreza; Vashaee, Daryoosh; Tayebi, Lobat

2016-11-01

In this research, water-soluble thioglycolic acid-capped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized by the chemical precipitation method. The prepared QDs are characterized using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Results revealed that ZnS QDs have a 2.73 nm crystallite size, cubic zinc blende structure, and spherical morphology with a diameter less than 10 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy is performed to determine the presence of low concentrations of starch. Four emission peaks are observed at 348 nm, 387 nm, 422 nm, and 486 nm and their intensities are quenched by increasing concentration of starch. PL intensity variations in the studied concentrations range (0-100 ppm) are best described by a Michaelis-Menten model. The Michaelis constant ( K m) for immobilized α-amylase in this system is about 101.07 ppm. This implies a great tendency for the enzyme to hydrolyze the starch as substrate. Finally, the limit of detection is found to be about 6.64 ppm.

Kinetic Aspects of Leaching Zinc from Waste Galvanizing Zinc by Using Hydrochloric Acid Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sminčáková, Emília; Trpčevská, Jarmila; Pirošková, Jana

2017-10-01

In this work, the results of acid leaching of flux skimmings coming from two plants are presented. Sample A contained two phases, Zn(OH)Cl and NH4Cl. In sample B, the presence of three phases, Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O, (NH4)2(ZnCl4) and ZnCl2(NH3)2, was proved. The aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid and distilled water was used as the leaching medium. The effects of the leaching time, temperature and concentration of the leaching medium on the zinc extraction were investigated. The apparent activation energy, E a = 4.61 kJ mol-1, and apparent reaction order n = 0.18 for sample A, and the values E a = 6.28 kJ mol-1 and n = 0.33 for sample B were experimentally determined. Zinc leaching in acid medium is a diffusion-controlled process.

Direct conversion of bio-ethanol to isobutene on nanosized Zn(x)Zr(y)O(z) mixed oxides with balanced acid-base sites.

PubMed

Sun, Junming; Zhu, Kake; Gao, Feng; Wang, Chongmin; Liu, Jun; Peden, Charles H F; Wang, Yong

2011-07-27

We report the design and synthesis of nanosized Zn(x)Zr(y)O(z) mixed oxides for direct and high-yield conversion of bio-ethanol to isobutene (~83%). ZnO is addded to ZrO(2) to selectively passivate zirconia's strong Lewis acidic sites and weaken Brönsted acidic sites, while simultaneously introducing basicity. As a result, the undesired reactions of bio-ethanol dehydration and acetone polymerization/coking are suppressed. Instead, a surface basic site-catalyzed ethanol dehydrogenation to acetaldehyde, acetaldehyde to acetone conversion via a complex pathway including aldol-condensation/dehydrogenation, and a Brönsted acidic site-catalyzed acetone-to-isobutene reaction pathway dominates on the nanosized Zn(x)Zr(y)O(z) mixed oxide catalyst, leading to a highly selective process for direct conversion of bio-ethanol to isobutene.

Synthesis of Zn-In-S Quantum Dots with Tunable Composition and Optical Properties.

PubMed

Wang, Xianliang; Damasco, Jossana; Shao, Wei; Ke, Yujie; Swihart, Mark T

2016-03-03

II-III-VI semiconductors are of interest due to their chemical stability and composition-tunable optical properties. Here, we report a methodology for the synthesis of monodisperse zinc-indium-sulfide (ZIS) alloy quantum dots (QDs, mean diameter from ∼2 to 3.5 nm) with an In content substantially below that of the stoichiometric ZnIn2 S4 compound. The effects of indium incorporation on the size, lattice constant, and optical properties of ZIS QDs are elucidated. In contrast to previous reports, we employ sulfur dissolved in oleic acid as the sulfur donor rather than thioacetamide (TAA). The size of the ZIS QDs and their crystal lattice constant increased with increasing In incorporation, but they maintained the cubic sphalerite phase of ZnS, rather than the hexagonal phase typical of ZnIn2 S4 . The QDs' absorbance onset at UV wavelengths red-shifts with increasing In content and the accompanying increase in NC size. The ZIS NCs and related materials, whose synthesis is enabled by the approach presented here, provide new opportunities to apply II-III-VI semiconductors in solution-processed UV optoelectronics. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Efficient inverted bulk-heterojunction polymer solar cells with self-assembled monolayer modified zinc oxide.

PubMed

Kim, Wook Hyun; Lyu, Hong-Kun; Han, Yoon Soo; Woo, Sungho

2013-10-01

The performance of poly(3-hexylthiophen) (P3HT) and [6, 6]phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester ([60]PCBM)-based inverted bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells (PSCs) is enhanced by the modification of zinc oxide (ZnO)/BHJ interface with carboxylic-acid-functionalized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Under simulated solar illumination of AM 1.5 (100 mW/cm2), the inverted devices fabricated with SAM-modified ZnO achieved an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.34% due to the increased fill factor and photocurrent density as compared to unmodified cells with PCE of 2.60%. This result provides an efficient method for interface engineering in inverted BHJ PSCs.

Effects of zinc on the production of alcohol by Clostridium carboxidivorans P7 using model syngas.

PubMed

Li, Demao; Meng, Chunxiao; Wu, Guanxun; Xie, Bintao; Han, Yifan; Guo, Yaqiong; Song, Chunhui; Gao, Zhengquan; Huang, Zhiyong

2018-01-01

Renewable energy, including biofuels such as ethanol and butanol from syngas bioconversed by Clostridium carboxidivorans P7, has been drawing extensive attention due to the fossil energy depletion and global eco-environmental issues. Effects of zinc on the growth and metabolites of C. carboxidivorans P7 were investigated with model syngas as the carbon source. The cell concentration was doubled, the ethanol content increased 3.02-fold and the butanol content increased 7.60-fold, the hexanol content increased 44.00-fold in the medium with 280 μM Zn 2+ , when comparing with those in the control medium [Zn 2+ , (7 μM)]. Studies of the genes expression involved in the carbon fixation as well as acid and alcohol production in the medium with 280 μM Zn 2+ indicated that fdhII was up-regulated on the second day, acs A, fdhII, bdh35 and bdh50 were up-regulated on the third day and bdh35, acsB, fdhI, fdhIII, fdhIV, buk, bdh10, bdh35, bdh40 and bdh50 were up-regulated on the fourth day. The results indicated that the increased Zn 2+ content increased the alcohol production through increase in the gene expression of the carbon fixation and alcohol dehydrogenase.

Role of root exudates in dissolution of Cd containing iron oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenfeld, C.; Martinez, C. E.

2011-12-01

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the rhizosphere contains organic acids, amino acids and more complex organic molecules that can substantially impact the solubility of soil solid phases. Plant roots and soil microorganisms contribute a large fraction of these organic compounds to DOM, potentially accelerating the transfer of solid phase elements into solution. In highly contaminated soils, heavy metals such as Cd are commonly found coprecipitated with common minerals (e.g. iron oxides). Introducing or changing vegetation on these contaminated soils may increase DOM levels in the soil pore fluids and thus enhance the biological and chemical weathering of soil minerals. Here, we investigate the role of root exudates on mineral dissolution and Cd mobility in contaminated soils. We hypothesize that plant exudates containing nitrogen and sulfur functional groups will dissolve Cd-containing mineral phases to a greater extent than exudates containing only oxygen functional groups, resulting in higher Cd concentrations in solution. Two different iron oxide mineral phases were utilized in a laboratory-scale model study system investigating the effects of low molecular weight, oxygen-, nitrogen-, and sulfur-containing organic compounds on mineral dissolution. Goethite (α-FeOOH) was synthesized in the laboratory with 0, 2.4, 5, and 100 theoretical mol% Cd, and franklinite (ZnFe2O4) was prepared with 0, 10, and 25 theoretical mol% Cd. Phase identity of all minerals was verified with X-ray diffraction (XRD). All minerals were reacted with 0.01 mM solutions containing one of four different organic ligands (oxalic acid, citric acid, histidine or cysteine) and aliquots of these solutions were sampled periodically over 40 days. Results from solution samples suggest that oxalic acid, citric acid, and histidine consistently increase mineral dissolution relative to the control (no organic compound present) while cysteine consistently inhibits dissolution relative to the control in all minerals. Increasing Cd substitution in the franklinite resulted in increased release of Fe and Zn to solution in the presence of these organic compounds, while increasing Cd substitution in the goethite generally limited Fe release to solution. In the case of cysteine, sulfur concentrations in solution decrease over time in the presence of Cd-containing minerals, indicating strong binding of the cysteine compound to the mineral surface, inhibiting Cd dissolution from the minerals. Our work indicates that amino acids present in biological soil exudates, in addition to organic acids, may have substantial impacts on iron oxide dissolution in soils, altering the availability of both bioessential (e.g., Fe and Zn) and non-essential, or potentially toxic, (e.g., Cd) elements.

[Study on X-ray powder diffraction of various structured zinc titanate prepared by the method of direct precipitation].

PubMed

Guo, Jian; Wang, Zhi-hua; Tao, Dong-liang; Guo, Guang-sheng

2007-05-01

Zinc titanate powders were prepared from Ti(SO4)2, Zn(NO3)2 x (6)H2O and (NH4)2CO3 by the method of direct precipitation. The effects of reaction conditions on the structure of zinc titanate were studied. The sample was analyzed by means of XRD and TG-DTA. The structure of zinc titanate was affected by the reaction subsequence of the formation of titanic acid and zinc carbonate. In the reaction system where titanic acid was generated earlier, collision reaction occurred between the generated zinc carbonate molecule and the surrounding titanic acid molecule. When titanic acid was generated earlier and precipitant (NH4)2CO3 was sufficient, Zn2Ti3O8 was obtained because of the sufficient collision reaction and superfluous titanic acid. In the reaction system where zinc carbonate was generated earlier, collision reaction occurred between the generated titanic acid molecule and the surrounding zinc carbonate molecule. When zinc carbonate was generated earlier and precipitant (NH4)2CO3 was sufficient, Zn2TiO4 was obtained because of the sufficient collision reaction and superfluous zinc carbonate. In addition, the kinds and structure of the production were affected by the dosage of precipitant and the reaction temperature. Zn2Ti3O8 or Zn2TiO4 could be obtained easier when using more precipitant or higher reaction temperature which could cause more sufficient collision reaction. ZnTiO3 could be obtained under the conditions of less precipitant and lower reaction temperature.

Characterization, Degradation, and Reaction Pathways of Indoor Toluene over Visible-light-driven S, Zn Co-doped TiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, H.; Lin, Y. H.; Lin, C. Y.

2017-01-01

Sulfur and Zinc co-doped TiO2 prepared by a sol-gel method to degrade toluene under a fluorescent lamp was investigated. The results indicate that S,Zn co-doped TiO2 photocatalysts are mainly nano-size with an anatase phase structure. The degradation reactions of toluene were performed under various operation conditions. The results show that the toluene conversion increases with increasing toluene concentration and decreasing relative humidity. Based on the results of activity test, S0.05Zn0.001/TiO2 was chosen for further studies. The main oxidation products of toluene photodegradation are CO2, H2O, benzyl alcohol, acetone, butadiene and acetic acid. Two possible mechanisms have been developed for photodegradation of toluene in a dry and a humid environment.

Visible light photocatalytic disintegration of waste activated sludge for enhancing biogas production.

PubMed

Anjum, Muzammil; Al-Talhi, Hasan A; Mohamed, Saleh A; Kumar, Rajeev; Barakat, M A

2018-06-15

Biogas production using waste activated sludge (WAS) is one of the most demanding technologies for sludge treatment and generating energy in sustainable manner. The present study deals with the photocatalytic pretreatment of WAS using ZnO-ZnS@polyaniline (ZnO-ZnS@PANI) nanocomposite as means for increasing its degradability for improved biogas production by anaerobic digestion (AD). Photocatalysis accelerated the hydrolysis of WAS and increased the sCOD by 6.7 folds after 6 h and transform tCOD into bioavailable sCOD. After the AD of WAS, a removal of organic matter (60.6%) and tCOD (69.3%) was achieved in photocatalytic pretreated sludge. The biogas production was 1.6 folds higher in photocatalytic sludge with accumulative biogas up to 1645.1 ml L -1 vs after 45 days compared with the raw sludge (1022.4 ml L -1 VS ). Moreover, the photocatalysis decrease the onset of methanogenesis from 25 to 12 days while achieve the maximum conversion rate of reducing sugars into organic acids at that time. These results suggested that photocatalysis is an efficient pretreatment method and ZnO-ZnS@PANI can degrade sludge efficiently for enhance biogas production in anaerobic digestion process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Co-sensitization of ZnO by CdS quantum dots in natural dye-sensitized solar cells with polymeric electrolytes to improve the cell stability

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Junhom, W.; Magaraphan, R.

2015-05-22

The CdS quantum dots (QDs) were deposited on ZnO layer by chemical bath deposition method to absorb light in the shorter wavelength region and used as photoanode in the dye sensitized solar cell (DSSCs) with natural dye extracted from Noni leaves. Microstructures of CdS-ZnO from various dipping time were characterized by XRD, FE-SEM and EDX. The results showed that the CdS is hexagonal structure and the amount of CdS increases when the dipping time increases. The maximal conversion efficiency of 0.292% was achieved by the DSSCs based on CdS QDs-sensitized ZnO film obtained from 9 min-dipping time. Furthermore, the stability ofmore » DSSCs was improved by using polymeric electrolyte. Poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) and Polyacrylamide (PAM) were introduced to CdS QDs-sensitized ZnO film from 9 min-dipping time. Each polymeric electrolyte was prepared by swelling from 0.1-2.0 %w in H2O. The maximal conversion efficiency of 0.207% was achieved for DSSCs based on CdS QDs-sensitized ZnO film with PAM 1.0% and the conversion efficiency was decreased 25% when it was left for1 hr.« less

Co-sensitization of ZnO by CdS quantum dots in natural dye-sensitized solar cells with polymeric electrolytes to improve the cell stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Junhom, W.; Magaraphan, R.

2015-05-01

The CdS quantum dots (QDs) were deposited on ZnO layer by chemical bath deposition method to absorb light in the shorter wavelength region and used as photoanode in the dye sensitized solar cell (DSSCs) with natural dye extracted from Noni leaves. Microstructures of CdS-ZnO from various dipping time were characterized by XRD, FE-SEM and EDX. The results showed that the CdS is hexagonal structure and the amount of CdS increases when the dipping time increases. The maximal conversion efficiency of 0.292% was achieved by the DSSCs based on CdS QDs-sensitized ZnO film obtained from 9 min-dipping time. Furthermore, the stability of DSSCs was improved by using polymeric electrolyte. Poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) and Polyacrylamide (PAM) were introduced to CdS QDs-sensitized ZnO film from 9 min-dipping time. Each polymeric electrolyte was prepared by swelling from 0.1-2.0 %w in H2O. The maximal conversion efficiency of 0.207% was achieved for DSSCs based on CdS QDs-sensitized ZnO film with PAM 1.0% and the conversion efficiency was decreased 25% when it was left for1 hr.

Effects of alkaline and bioorganic amendments on cadmium, lead, zinc, and nutrient accumulation in brown rice and grain yield in acidic paddy fields contaminated with a mixture of heavy metals.

PubMed

He, Huaidong; Tam, Nora F Y; Yao, Aijun; Qiu, Rongliang; Li, Wai Chin; Ye, Zhihong

2016-12-01

Paddy soils and rice (Oryza sativa L.) contaminated by mixed heavy metals have given rise to great concern. Field experiments were conducted over two cultivation seasons to study the effects of steel slag (SS), fly ash (FA), limestone (LS), bioorganic fertilizer (BF), and the combination of SS and BF (SSBF) on rice grain yield, Cd, Pb, and Zn and nutrient accumulation in brown rice, bioavailability of Cd, Pb, and Zn in soil as well as soil properties (pH and catalase), at two acidic paddy fields contaminated with mixed heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Zn). Compared to the controls, SS, LS, and SSBF at both low and high additions significantly elevated soil pH over both cultivation seasons. The high treatments of SS and SSBF markedly increased grain yields, the accumulation of P and Ca in brown rice and soil catalase activities in the first cultivation season. The most striking result was from SS application (4.0 t ha -1 ) that consistently and significantly reduced the soil bioavailability of Cd, Pb, and Zn by 38.5-91.2 % and the concentrations of Cd and Pb in brown rice by 20.9-50.9 % in the two soils over both cultivation seasons. LS addition (4.0 t ha -1 ) also markedly reduced the bioavailable Cd, Pb, and Zn in soil and the Cd concentrations in brown rice. BF remobilized soil Cd and Pb leading to more accumulation of these metals in brown rice. The results showed that steel slag was most effective in the remediation of acidic paddy soils contaminated with mixed heavy metals.

Lewis Acid Catalyzed Conversion of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 1,2,4-Benzenetriol, an Overlooked Biobased Compound

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a platform chemical that can be produced from renewable carbohydrate sources. HMF can be converted to 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BTO) which after catalytic hydrodeoxygenation provides a route to cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol. This mixture, known as KA oil, is an important feedstock for polymeric products such as nylons which use benzene as feedstock that is obtained from the BTX fraction produced in oil refineries. Therefore, the conversion of HMF to BTO provides a renewable, alternative route toward products such as nylons. However, BTO is usually considered an undesired byproduct in HMF synthesis and is only obtained in small amounts. Here, we show that Lewis acid catalysts can be utilized for the selective conversion of HMF to BTO in subsuper critical water. Overall, up to 54 mol % yield of BTO was achieved at 89% HMF conversion using ZnCl2. ZnCl2 and similarly effective Zn(OTf)2 and Fe(OTf)2 are known as relatively soft Lewis acids. Other Lewis acid like Hf(OTf)4 and Sc(OTf)3 gave increased selectivity toward levulinic acid (up to 33 mol %) instead of BTO, a well-known HMF derivative typically obtained by acid catalysis. Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of BTO toward cyclohexanone in water was achieved in up to 45% yield using 5 wt % Pd on Al2O3 combined with AlCl3 or Al(OTf)3 as catalysts. Additionally, a mild selective oxygen induced dimerization pathway of BTO to 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexahydroxybiphenyl (5,5′-BTO dimer) was identified. PMID:29607267

Lewis Acid Catalyzed Conversion of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 1,2,4-Benzenetriol, an Overlooked Biobased Compound.

PubMed

Kumalaputri, Angela J; Randolph, Caelan; Otten, Edwin; Heeres, Hero J; Deuss, Peter J

2018-03-05

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a platform chemical that can be produced from renewable carbohydrate sources. HMF can be converted to 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BTO) which after catalytic hydrodeoxygenation provides a route to cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol. This mixture, known as KA oil, is an important feedstock for polymeric products such as nylons which use benzene as feedstock that is obtained from the BTX fraction produced in oil refineries. Therefore, the conversion of HMF to BTO provides a renewable, alternative route toward products such as nylons. However, BTO is usually considered an undesired byproduct in HMF synthesis and is only obtained in small amounts. Here, we show that Lewis acid catalysts can be utilized for the selective conversion of HMF to BTO in subsuper critical water. Overall, up to 54 mol % yield of BTO was achieved at 89% HMF conversion using ZnCl 2 . ZnCl 2 and similarly effective Zn(OTf) 2 and Fe(OTf) 2 are known as relatively soft Lewis acids. Other Lewis acid like Hf(OTf) 4 and Sc(OTf) 3 gave increased selectivity toward levulinic acid (up to 33 mol %) instead of BTO, a well-known HMF derivative typically obtained by acid catalysis. Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of BTO toward cyclohexanone in water was achieved in up to 45% yield using 5 wt % Pd on Al 2 O 3 combined with AlCl 3 or Al(OTf) 3 as catalysts. Additionally, a mild selective oxygen induced dimerization pathway of BTO to 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexahydroxybiphenyl (5,5'-BTO dimer) was identified.

Photodegradation of Acid Violet 7 with AgBr-ZnO under highly alkaline conditions.

PubMed

Krishnakumar, B; Swaminathan, M

2012-12-01

The photocatalytic activity of AgBr-ZnO was investigated for the degradation of Acid Violet 7 (AV 7) in aqueous solution using UV-A light. AgBr-ZnO is found to be more efficient than commercial ZnO and prepared ZnO at pH 12 for the mineralization of AV 7. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst, dye concentration, initial pH on photo mineralization have been analyzed. Expect oxone, other oxidants decrease the degradation efficiency. Addition of metal ions and anions decrease the degradation efficiency of AgBr-ZnO significantly. The mineralization of AV 7 has also been confirmed by COD measurements. The mechanism of degradation by AgBr-ZnO is proposed to explain its higher activity under UV light. The catalyst is found to be reusable. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mechanism insight of PFOA degradation by ZnO assisted-photocatalytic ozonation: Efficiency and intermediates.

PubMed

Wu, Dan; Li, Xukai; Tang, Yiming; Lu, Ping; Chen, Weirui; Xu, Xiaoting; Li, Laisheng

2017-08-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods were prepared by a directly pyrolysis method and employed as catalyst for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) degradation. Comparative experiments were conducted to discuss the catalytic activity and flexibility of ZnO. After ZnO addition, the best PFOA degradation efficiency (70.5%) was achieved by ZnO/UV/O 3 system, only 9.5% by sole ozonation and 18.2% by UV 254 light irradiation. PFOA degradation was sensitive with pH value and temperature. The better PFOA removal efficiency was achieved at acidic condition. A novel relationship was found among PFOA degradation efficiency with hydroxyl radicals and photo-generated holes. Hydroxyl radicals generated on the surfaces of ZnO nanorods played dominant roles in PFOA degradation. PFOA degradation was found to follow the photo-Kolbe reaction mechanism. C 2 -C 7 shorter-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids and fluoride ion were detected as main intermediates during PFOA degradation process. Based on the results, a proposal degradation pathway was raised. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photocatalytic degradation of leather dye over ZnO catalyst supported on alumina and glass surfaces.

PubMed

Sakthivel, S; Neppoiian, B; Palanichamy, M; Arabindoo, B; Murugesan, V

2001-01-01

The photocatalytic degradation of leather dye, Acid green 16, has been investigated over a ZnO catalyst supported on two different materials, namely alumina and glass beads (3-5 mm diameter). Sunlight was used as the energy source. The alumina-supported ZnO outperformed the glass-supported ZnO under identical operational conditions suggesting that the dye molecules are adsorbed on the alumina supports to make a high concentration environment around the loaded ZnO. The degradation efficiency was greater at pH = 4 compared to other acidic and neutral pH. Also, the degradation efficiency was a little bit higher in alkaline medium, which correlates with the adsorption behaviour of acid green 16 on the alumina supported ZnO. The influence of inorganic oxidants like H2O2, FeCl3 and Fenton reagent on the degradation efficiency were systematically studied. The decolourisation and extent of degradation of the dye were determined by UV-VIS spectroscopy and COD reflux methods, respectively. Complete mineralisation of the dye was conformed by High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis.

HOMEOSTATIC REGULATION OF KCC2 ACTIVITY BY THE ZINC RECEPTOR mZnR/GPR39 DURING SEIZURES

PubMed Central

Gilad, David; Shorer, Sharon; Ketzef, Maya; Friedman, Alon; Sekler, Israel; Aizenman, Elias; Hershfinkel, Michal

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the synaptic metabotropic zinc receptor mZnR/GPR39 in physiological adaptation to epileptic seizures. We previously demonstrated that synaptic activation of mZnR/GPR39 enhances inhibitory drive in the hippocampus by upregulating neuronal K+/Cl− co-transporter 2 (KCC2) activity. Here, we first show that mZnR/GPR39 knockout (KO) adult mice have dramatically enhanced susceptibility to seizures triggered by a single intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid, when compared to wild type (WT) littermates. Kainate also substantially enhances seizure-associated gamma oscillatory activity in juvenile mZnR/GPR39 KO hippocampal slices, a phenomenon that can be reproduced in WT tissue by extracellular Zn2+ chelation. Importantly, kainate-induced synaptic Zn2+ release enhances surface expression and transport activity of KCC2 in WT, but not mZnR/GPR39 KO hippocampal neurons. Kainate-dependent upregulation of KCC2 requires mZnR/GPR39 activation of the Gαq/phospholipase C/extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling cascade. We suggest that mZnR/GPR39-dependent upregulation of KCC2 activity provides homeostatic adaptation to an excitotoxic stimulus by increasing inhibition. As such, mZnR/GPR39 may provide a novel pharmacological target for dampening epileptic seizure activity. PMID:25562657

Effects of the antituberculous drug ethambutol on zinc balance, distribution, and turnover: short-term studies modeling chronic toxicity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

King, A.B.

1987-01-01

Alterations in Zn metabolism have been reported in both tuberculous patients and experimental animals receiving ethambutol (d-2-2'-ethylenediimino-di-1-butanol dihydrochloride) (EMB), and these changes have been associated with ocular side effects of EMB. EMB has chelating properties but is not likely to chelate Zn at physiologic pH. However, its acid metabolite is a stronger chelator. This research addressed whether EMB affects the absorption and disposition of dietary Zn, and whether effects of EMB on Zn are modified by (a) marginal Zn intake of (b) drugs that may induce metabolism of EMB. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats fed an AIN-76A diet received daily bymore » gavage either deionized water or EMB doses of 400-1600 mg/kg bw. in a preliminary, 15-day dose-response study and 400-600 mg/kg in three subsequent 15- to 30-day studies. Apparent absorption and biological turnover of Zn were measured by /sup 65/Zn balance and retention in rats fed adequate (49 ppm) or marginal (11 ppm) Zn. Effects of EMB were similar in both dietary groups. EMB treatment produced alopecia and reduced feed intake, feed efficiency, weight gain, and serum Zn, but showed no effect on hepatic, renal, or femoral Zn concentrations. Absorption, turnover, and urinary excretion of Zn were increased in rats fed EMB.« less

Distribution of dissolved zinc in the western and central subarctic North Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, T.; Obata, H.; Gamo, T.

2016-02-01

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for bacteria and phytoplankton in the ocean as it plays an important role in numerous enzyme systems involved in various metabolic processes. However, large-scale distributions of total dissolved Zn in the subarctic North Pacific have not been investigated yet. In this study, we investigated the distributions of total dissolved Zn to understand biogeochemical cycling of Zn in the western and central subarctic North Pacific as a Japanese GEOTRACES project. Seawater samples were collected during the R/V Hakuho-maru KH-12-4 GEOTRACES GP 02 cruise (from August to October 2012), by using acid-cleaned Teflon-coated X-type Niskin samplers. Total dissolved Zn in seawater was determined using cathodic stripping voltammetry (CSV) after UV-digestion. In this study, total dissolved Zn concentrations in the western and central subarctic North Pacific commonly showed Zn increase from surface to approximately 400-500 m, just above the oxygen minimum layer. However, in the western subarctic North Pacific, relatively higher Zn concentrations have also been observed at intermediate depths (800-1200 m), in comparison with those observed in deep waters. The relationship between Zn and Si in the western subarctic North Pacific showed that Zn is slightly enriched at intermediate depths. These results may indicate that there are additional sources of Zn to intermediate water of the western subarctic North Pacific.

Fractionation of Cu and Zn isotopes during adsorption onto amorphous Fe(III) oxyhydroxide: Experimental mixing of acid rock drainage and ambient river water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Balistrieri, L.S.; Borrok, D.M.; Wanty, R.B.; Ridley, W.I.

2008-01-01

Fractionation of Cu and Zn isotopes during adsorption onto amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide is examined in experimental mixtures of metal-rich acid rock drainage and relatively pure river water and during batch adsorption experiments using synthetic ferrihydrite. A diverse set of Cu- and Zn-bearing solutions was examined, including natural waters, complex synthetic acid rock drainage, and simple NaNO3 electrolyte. Metal adsorption data are combined with isotopic measurements of dissolved Cu (65Cu/63Cu) and Zn (66Zn/64Zn) in each of the experiments. Fractionation of Cu and Zn isotopes occurs during adsorption of the metal onto amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide. The adsorption data are modeled successfully using the diffuse double layer model in PHREEQC. The isotopic data are best described by a closed system, equilibrium exchange model. The fractionation factors (??soln-solid) are 0.99927 ?? 0.00008 for Cu and 0.99948 ?? 0.00004 for Zn or, alternately, the separation factors (??soln-solid) are -0.73 ?? 0.08??? for Cu and -0.52 ?? 0.04??? for Zn. These factors indicate that the heavier isotope preferentially adsorbs onto the oxyhydroxide surface, which is consistent with shorter metal-oxygen bonds and lower coordination number for the metal at the surface relative to the aqueous ion. Fractionation of Cu isotopes also is greater than that for Zn isotopes. Limited isotopic data for adsorption of Cu, Fe(II), and Zn onto amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide suggest that isotopic fractionation is related to the intrinsic equilibrium constants that define aqueous metal interactions with oxyhydroxide surface sites. Greater isotopic fractionation occurs with stronger metal binding by the oxyhydroxide with Cu > Zn > Fe(II).

Regulation of egg quality and lipids metabolism by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Zhao, Yong; Li, Lan; Zhang, Peng-Fei; Liu, Xin-Qi; Zhang, Wei-Dong; Ding, Zhao-Peng; Wang, Shi-Wen; Shen, Wei; Min, Ling-Jiang; Hao, Zhi-Hui

2016-04-01

This investigation was designed to explore the effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NP) on egg quality and the mechanism of decreasing of yolk lipids. Different concentration of ZnO NP and ZnSO4 were used to treat hens for 24 weeks. The body weight and egg laying frequency were recorded and analyzed. Albumen height, Haugh unit, and yolk color score were analyzed by an Egg Multi Tester. Breaking strength was determined by an Egg Force Reader. Egg shell thickness was measured using an Egg Shell Thickness Gouge. Shell color was detected by a spectrophotometer. Egg shape index was measured by Egg Form Coefficient Measuring Instrument. Albumen and yolk protein was determined by the Kjeldahl method. Amino acids were determined by an amino acids analyzer. Trace elements Zn, Fe, Cu, and P (mg/kg wet mass) were determined in digested solutions using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry. TC and TG were measured using commercial analytical kits. Yolk triglyceride, total cholesterol, pancreatic lipase, and phospholipids were determined by appropriate kits. β-carotene was determined by spectrophotometry. Lipid metabolism was also investigated with liver, plasma, and ovary samples. ZnO NP did not change the body weight of hens during the treatment period. ZnO NP slowed down egg laying frequency at the beginning of egg laying period but not at later time. ZnO NP did not affect egg protein or water contents, slightly decreased egg physical parameters (12 to 30%) and trace elements (20 to 35%) after 24 weeks treatment. However, yolk lipids content were significantly decreased by ZnO NP (20 to 35%). The mechanism of Zinc oxide nanoparticles decreasing yolk lipids was that they decreased the synthesis of lipids and increased lipid digestion. These data suggested ZnO NP affected egg quality and specifically regulated lipids metabolism in hens through altering the function of hen's ovary and liver. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Chemical speciation and mobilization of copper and zinc in naturally contaminated mine soils with citric and tartaric acids.

PubMed

Pérez-Esteban, Javier; Escolástico, Consuelo; Moliner, Ana; Masaguer, Alberto

2013-01-01

A one-step extraction procedure and a leaching column experiment were performed to assess the effects of citric and tartaric acids on Cu and Zn mobilization in naturally contaminated mine soils to facilitate assisted phytoextraction. A speciation modeling of the soil solution and the metal fractionation of soils were performed to elucidate the chemical processes that affected metal desorption by organic acids. Different extracting solutions were prepared, all of which contained 0.01 M KNO(3) and different concentrations of organic acids: control without organic acids, 0.5 mM citric, 0.5 mM tartaric, 10 mM citric, 10 mM tartaric, and 5 mM citric +5 mM tartaric. The results of the extraction procedure showed that higher concentrations of organic acids increased metal desorption, and citric acid was more effective at facilitating metal desorption than tartaric acid. Metal desorption was mainly influenced by the decreasing pH and the dissolution of Fe and Mn oxides, not by the formation of soluble metal-organic complexes as was predicted by the speciation modeling. The results of the column study reported that low concentrations of organic acids did not significantly increase metal mobilization and that higher doses were also not able to mobilize Zn. However, 5-10 mM citric acid significantly promoted Cu mobilization (from 1 mg kg(-1) in the control to 42 mg kg(-1) with 10 mM citric acid) and reduced the exchangeable (from 21 to 3 mg kg(-1)) and the Fe and Mn oxides (from 443 to 277 mg kg(-1)) fractions. Citric acid could efficiently facilitate assisted phytoextraction techniques. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Designing of silk and ZnO based antibacterial and noncytotoxic bionanocomposite films and study of their mechanical and UV absorption behavior.

PubMed

Kiro, Anamika; Bajpai, Jaya; Bajpai, A K

2017-01-01

Bionanocomposites of sericin and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared by solution casting method and zinc oxide nanoparticles were impregnated within the polymer blend matrix through homogenous phase reaction between zinc chloride and sodium hydroxide at high temperature following an ex-situ co-precipitation method. The prepared bionanocomposites were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy techniques. The presence of characteristic groups of sericin and ZnO nanoparticles was ascertained by the FTIR spectra. XRD analysis confirmed the impregnation of ZnO nanoparticles and sericin within the PVA matrix. XRD and FESEM of the bionanocomposites provided information about their semicrystalline nature, crystallite size of the particles, and irregular rough surfaces. The TEM confirmed the size of ZnO particles to be in the nanometer range. AFM confirmed the platykurtic nature of the surface while the negative surface skewness shows the predominance of valleys over peaks suggesting for the planar nature of the surface of the bionanocomposites. UV absorption properties of bionanocomposite films were determined by UV absorption spectroscopy. UV absorption increased with increasing amount of ZnO nanoparticles in the nanocomposites. Sericin was found to absorb UV-C radiations between 200-290nm which is mainly due to aromatic amino acids like tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine. The ZnO nanoparticles and sericin protein showed antimicrobial properties as evident from the inhibition zones obtained against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The bionanocomposite was found to be noncytotoxic which was proved by in vitro cytotoxicity test. Microhardness of bionanocomposite films increased with increase in the amount of ZnO nanoparticles in the sericin and PVA matrix. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Proteus mirabilis alleviates zinc toxicity by preventing oxidative stress in maize (Zea mays) plants.

PubMed

Islam, Faisal; Yasmeen, Tahira; Riaz, Muhammad; Arif, Muhammad Saleem; Ali, Shafaqat; Raza, Syed Hammad

2014-12-01

Plant-associated bacteria can have beneficial effects on the growth and health of their host. However, the role of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPR), under metal stress, has not been widely investigated. The present study investigated the possible mandatory role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in protecting plants from zinc (Zn) toxicity. The exposure of maize plants to 50µM zinc inhibited biomass production, decreased chlorophyll, total soluble protein and strongly increased accumulation of Zn in both root and shoot. Similarly, Zn enhanced hydrogen peroxide, electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation as indicated by malondaldehyde accumulation. Pre-soaking with novel Zn tolerant bacterial strain Proteus mirabilis (ZK1) isolated zinc (Zn) contaminated soil, alleviated the negative effect of Zn on growth and led to a decrease in oxidative injuries caused by Zn. Furthermore, strain ZK1 significantly enhanced the activities of catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbic acid but lowered the Proline accumulation in Zn stressed plants. The results suggested that the inoculation of Zea mays plants with P. mirabilis during an earlier growth period could be related to its plant growth promoting activities and avoidance of cumulative damage upon exposure to Zn, thus reducing the negative consequences of oxidative stress caused by heavy metal toxicity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mobility and eco-risk of trace metals in soils at the Hailuogou Glacier foreland in eastern Tibetan Plateau.

PubMed

Bing, Haijian; Wu, Yanhong; Zhou, Jun; Liang, Jianhong; Wang, Jipeng; Yang, Zijiang

2016-03-01

The concentrations and fractions of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in soils collected from Hailuogou Glacier foreland in eastern Tibetan Plateau were analyzed to decipher their mobility, and their eco-risk was assessed combined with multiple environmental indices. The concentrations of Cd were more than ten times higher than its local background in the O horizon and nearly three times higher in the A horizon. The concentrations of Pb and Zn were relatively high in the O horizon, whereas that of Cu increased with soil depth. The main fractions of metals in the surface horizons were reducible and acid-soluble for Cd, oxidizable and residual for Cu, reducible and oxidizable for Pb, and reducible and residual for Zn. The metal mobility generally followed the order of Cd > Pb > Zn > Cu in the O horizon and Cd > Pb > Cu > Zn in the A horizon. Sorption and complexation by soil organic matters imparted an important effect on the mobilization and transformation of Cd, Pb, and Zn in the soils. The oxidizable Cu fraction in the soils showed significant correlation with organic matters, and soil pH mainly modulated the acid-soluble and reducible Cu fractions. The concentrations and other environmental indices including contamination factor, enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, and risk assessment index revealed that Cd reached high contamination and very high eco-risk, Pb had medium contamination but low eco-risk, Zn showed low contamination and low eco-risk, and Cu was not contaminated in the soils. The data indicated that Cd was the priority to concern in the soils of Hailuogou Glacier catchment.

Perinatal ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supply modifies brain zinc homeostasis during adulthood

PubMed Central

Jayasooriya, Anura P.; Ackland, M. Leigh; Mathai, Michael L.; Sinclair, Andrew J.; Weisinger, Harrison S.; Weisinger, Richard S.; Halver, John E.; Kitajka, Klára; Puskás, László G.

2005-01-01

Dietary ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) influences the expression of a number of genes in the brain. Zinc transporter (ZnT) 3 has been identified as a putative transporter of zinc into synaptic vesicles of neurons and is found in brain areas such as hippocampus and cortex. Neuronal zinc is involved in the formation of amyloid plaques, a major characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. The present study evaluated the influence of dietary ω-3 PUFA on the expression of the ZnT3 gene in the brains of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were raised and/or maintained on a control (CON) diet that contained ω-3 PUFA or a diet deficient (DEF) in ω-3 PUFA. ZnT3 gene expression was analyzed by using real-time PCR, free zinc in brain tissue was determined by zinquin staining, and total zinc concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Compared with CON-raised animals, DEF-raised animals had increased expression of ZnT3 in the brain that was associated with an increased level of free zinc in the hippocampus. In addition, compared with CON-raised animals, DEF-raised animals had decreased plasma zinc level. No difference in cerebrospinal fluid zinc level was observed. The results suggest that overexpression of ZnT3 due to a perinatal ω-3 PUFA deficiency caused abnormal zinc metabolism in the brain. Conceivably, the influence of dietary ω-3 PUFA on brain zinc metabolism could explain the observation made in population studies that the consumption of fish is associated with a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. PMID:15883362

Perinatal omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supply modifies brain zinc homeostasis during adulthood.

PubMed

Jayasooriya, Anura P; Ackland, M Leigh; Mathai, Michael L; Sinclair, Andrew J; Weisinger, Harrison S; Weisinger, Richard S; Halver, John E; Kitajka, Klára; Puskás, László G

2005-05-17

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) influences the expression of a number of genes in the brain. Zinc transporter (ZnT) 3 has been identified as a putative transporter of zinc into synaptic vesicles of neurons and is found in brain areas such as hippocampus and cortex. Neuronal zinc is involved in the formation of amyloid plaques, a major characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. The present study evaluated the influence of dietary omega-3 PUFA on the expression of the ZnT3 gene in the brains of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were raised and/or maintained on a control (CON) diet that contained omega-3 PUFA or a diet deficient (DEF) in omega-3 PUFA. ZnT3 gene expression was analyzed by using real-time PCR, free zinc in brain tissue was determined by zinquin staining, and total zinc concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Compared with CON-raised animals, DEF-raised animals had increased expression of ZnT3 in the brain that was associated with an increased level of free zinc in the hippocampus. In addition, compared with CON-raised animals, DEF-raised animals had decreased plasma zinc level. No difference in cerebrospinal fluid zinc level was observed. The results suggest that overexpression of ZnT3 due to a perinatal omega-3 PUFA deficiency caused abnormal zinc metabolism in the brain. Conceivably, the influence of dietary omega-3 PUFA on brain zinc metabolism could explain the observation made in population studies that the consumption of fish is associated with a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Zinc oxide nanoparticle toxicity in embryonic zebrafish: Mitigation with different natural organic matter.

PubMed

Kteeba, Shimaa M; El-Adawi, Hala I; El-Rayis, Osman A; El-Ghobashy, Ahmed E; Schuld, Jessica L; Svoboda, Kurt R; Guo, Laodong

2017-11-01

Exposure experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the toxicity of ZnO-NPs (10-30 nm) and dissolved Zn at sub-lethal doses (50 and 5 ppm, respectively) to zebrafish (Danio rerio). Humic acid, alginic acid, bovine serum albumin and various natural DOM isolated from rivers as the Milwaukee River-WI (NOMW), Yukon River-AK (NOMA) and Suwannee River-GA DOM (NOMS) were used to represent humic substances (HA), carbohydrates (CHO), proteins (PTN), and natural organic matter (NOM), respectively. Initial experiments were carried out to confirm the toxic effect of ZnO-NPs at 50 ppm, followed by mitigation experiments with different types and concentrations of DOM (0.4-40 mg-C/L). Compared to 0% hatch of 50 ppm ZnO-NPs exposed embryos at 72 h post fertilization (hpf), NOMS, NOMW and HA had the best mitigative effects on hatching (53-65%), followed by NOMA, CHO and PTN (19-35%); demonstrating that the mitigation effects on ZnO-NPs toxicity were related to DOM's quantity and composition. At 96 hpf, 20% of embryos exposed to 50 ppm ZnO-NPs hatched, 100% of embryos reared in embryo medium hatched, and close to 100% of the embryos hatched upon mitigation, except for those mitigated with PTN which had less effect. Dissolved Zn (5 ppm) also exhibited the same toxicity on embryos as ZnO-NPs (50 ppm). However, in the presence of HA, NOM and CHO, the hatching rates at 72 and 96 hpf increased significantly compared to 5% hatch without DOM. The overall mitigation effects produced by DOM followed the order of HA ≥ NOMS > NOM (A&W) > CHO > PTN, although specific mitigation effects varied with DOM concentration and functionalities. Our results also indicate that the toxicity of ZnO-NPs to embryos was mostly derived from NPs although dissolved Zn released from ZnO-NPs also interacted with embryos, affecting hatching, but to a less extent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced stabilization of Pb, Zn, and Cd in contaminated soils using oxalic acid-activated phosphate rocks.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhuo; Guo, Guanlin; Wang, Mei; Zhang, Jia; Wang, Zhixin; Li, Fasheng; Chen, Honghan

2018-01-01

Phosphate amendments, especially phosphate rock (PR), are one of the most commonly used materials to stabilize heavy metals in contaminated soils. However, most of PR reserve consists of low-grade ore, which limits the efficiency of PR for stabilizing heavy metals. This study was to enhance the stabilization of heavy metals through improving the available phosphorous (P) release of PR by oxalic acid activation. Raw PR and activated PR (APR) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface analysis, and laser diffraction to determine the changes of structure and composition of APR. The stabilization effectiveness of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) in soils by APR was investigated through toxicity leaching test and speciation analysis. The results indicated that after treatment by oxalic acid, (1) the crystallinity of the fluorapatite phase of PR transformed into the weddellite phase; (2) the surface area of PR increased by 37%; (3) the particle size of PR became homogenized (20-70 μm); and (4) the available P content in PR increased by 22 times. These changes of physicochemical characteristics of PR induced that APR was more effective to transform soil heavy metals from the non-residual fraction to the residual fraction and enhance the stabilization efficiency of Pb, Zn, and Cd than PR. These results are significant for the future use of low-grade PR to stabilize heavy metals.

Combined Effect of Ultrasound Stimulations and Autoclaving on the Enhancement of Antibacterial Activity of ZnO and SiO₂/ZnO Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Rokbani, Hajer; Daigle, France; Ajji, Abdellah

2018-02-25

This study investigates the antibacterial activity (ABA) of suspensions of pure ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and mesoporous silica doped with ZnO (ZnO-UVM7), as well as electrospun nanofibers containing those nanoparticles. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of these two materials were also determined under the same conditions. The results showed a concentration-dependent effect of antibacterial nanoparticles on the viability of Escherichia coli ( E. coli ). Moreover, the combination of the stimulations and sterilization considerably enhanced the antimicrobial activity (AMA) of the ZnO suspensions. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) solutions in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) were mixed with different contents of nanoparticles and spun into nonwoven mats by the electrospinning process. The morphology of the mats was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amount of nanoparticles contained in the mats was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained PLA-based mats showed a fibrous morphology, with an average diameter ranging from 350 to 450 nm, a porosity above 85%, but with the nanoparticles agglomeration on their surface. TGA analysis showed that the loss of ZnO-NPs increased with the increase of ZnO-NPs content in the PLA solutions and reached 79% for 1 wt % of ZnO-NPs, which was mainly due to the aggregation of nanoparticles in solution. The ABA of the obtained PLA mats was evaluated by the dynamic method according to the ASTM standard E2149. The results showed that, above an optimal concentration, the nanoparticle agglomeration reduced the antimicrobial efficiency of PLA mats. These mats have potential features for use as antimicrobial food packaging material.

Combined Effect of Ultrasound Stimulations and Autoclaving on the Enhancement of Antibacterial Activity of ZnO and SiO2/ZnO Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Rokbani, Hajer; Ajji, Abdellah

2018-01-01

This study investigates the antibacterial activity (ABA) of suspensions of pure ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and mesoporous silica doped with ZnO (ZnO-UVM7), as well as electrospun nanofibers containing those nanoparticles. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of these two materials were also determined under the same conditions. The results showed a concentration-dependent effect of antibacterial nanoparticles on the viability of Escherichia coli (E. coli). Moreover, the combination of the stimulations and sterilization considerably enhanced the antimicrobial activity (AMA) of the ZnO suspensions. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) solutions in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) were mixed with different contents of nanoparticles and spun into nonwoven mats by the electrospinning process. The morphology of the mats was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amount of nanoparticles contained in the mats was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained PLA-based mats showed a fibrous morphology, with an average diameter ranging from 350 to 450 nm, a porosity above 85%, but with the nanoparticles agglomeration on their surface. TGA analysis showed that the loss of ZnO-NPs increased with the increase of ZnO-NPs content in the PLA solutions and reached 79% for 1 wt % of ZnO-NPs, which was mainly due to the aggregation of nanoparticles in solution. The ABA of the obtained PLA mats was evaluated by the dynamic method according to the ASTM standard E2149. The results showed that, above an optimal concentration, the nanoparticle agglomeration reduced the antimicrobial efficiency of PLA mats. These mats have potential features for use as antimicrobial food packaging material. PMID:29495334

Two luminescent Zn(II) metal-organic frameworks for exceptionally selective detection of picric acid explosives.

PubMed

Shi, Zhi-Qiang; Guo, Zi-Jian; Zheng, He-Gen

2015-05-14

Two luminescent Zn(II) metal-organic frameworks were prepared from a π-conjugated thiophene-containing carboxylic acid ligand. These two MOFs show strong luminescene and their luminescence could be quenched by a series of nitroaromatic explosives. Importantly, they exhibit very highly sensitive and selective detection of picric acid compared to other nitroaromatic explosives.

Simultaneous removal of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn from stormwater using high-efficiency industrial sorbents: Effect of pH, contact time and humic acid.

PubMed

Genç-Fuhrman, Hülya; Mikkelsen, Peter S; Ledin, Anna

2016-10-01

The effect of contact time, solution pH, and the presence of humic acid (HA) on the combined removal of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn is investigated in batch tests using alumina, granulated activated carbon (GAC), and bauxsol coated sand (BCS) as sorbents. It is found that the equilibrium time for Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn is about 4h, while no clear equilibrium is observed for As and Cr. It is also found that increasing the pH until pH~8 enhanced Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn removal, but increasing the pH above this point had no major effect. In the cases of As and Cr, higher pH values (i.e. >7) decreased their removal. The presence of both 20 and 100mg/L HA suppressed the heavy metal removal except for Cr, and the suppression was higher at the higher HA concentration. Geochemical simulations suggest that this is due to the formation of dissolved HA-metal complexes preventing effective metal sorption. In the case of Cr, the presence of HA increased the removal when using alumina or BCS, while hindering the removal when using GAC. The findings show that the pH-value of the stormwater to be treated must be in the range of 6-7 in order to achieve removal of the full spectrum of metals. The results also show that natural organic matter may severely influence the removal efficiency, such that, for most metals the removal was reduced to the half, while for Cr it was increased to the double for alumina and BCS. Consequently, a properly working filter set up may not work properly anymore when receiving high loads of natural organic acids during the pollen season in spring or during defoliation in autumn and early winter, and during mixing of runoff with snowmelt having a low pH. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The influence of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer forms on micronutrient retranslocation and accumulation in grains of winter wheat.

PubMed

Barunawati, Nunun; Giehl, Ricardo F Hettwer; Bauer, Bernhard; von Wirén, Nicolaus

2013-01-01

The fortification of cereal grains with metal micronutrients is a major target to combat human malnutrition of Fe and Zn. Based on recent studies showing that N fertilization can promote Fe and Zn accumulation in cereal grains, we investigated here the influence of nitrate- or ammonium-based N fertilization on the accumulation of Fe, Zn, and Cu as well as metal chelator pools in flag leaves and grains of winter wheat. Fertilization with either N form increased the concentrations of N and of the metal chelator nicotianamine (NA) in green leaves, while 2'-deoxymugineic acid (DMA) remained unaffected. Despite the differential response to N fertilization of NA and DMA levels in flag leaves, N fertilization remained without any significant effect on the net export of these metals during flag leaf senescence, which accounted for approximately one third of the total Fe, Zn, or Cu content in leaves. The significant increase in the accumulation of Fe, Zn, and Cu found in the grains of primarily ammonium-fertilized plants was unrelated to the extent of metal retranslocation from flag leaves. These results indicate that an increased N nutritional status of flag leaves promotes the accumulation of Fe, Zn, and Cu in flag leaves, which is accompanied by an increased pool of NA but not of DMA. With regard to the far higher concentrations of DMA relative to NA in leaves and leaf exudates, DMA may be more relevant for the mobilization and retranslocation of these metals in high-yielding wheat production.

Development and evaluation of novel sensing materials for detecting food contamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sankaran, Sindhuja

Rapid detection of food-borne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as organic acids and alcohols released by bacterial pathogens is being used as an indicator for detecting bacterial contamination in food by our research group. One of our current research thrusts is to develop novel sensors that will be sensitive to specific compounds (at low operating temperature) associated with food safety. This study evaluates two approaches employed to develop sensors for detecting acid and alcohols at low concentrations. Chemoresistive and piezoelectric sensors were developed based on metal oxides and olfactory system based biomaterials, respectively to detect acetic acid, butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 1-pentanol, and 1-hexanol. The metal oxide based sensors were developed by the sol-gel method. A zinc oxide (ZnO) sensor was found to be sensitive to acetic acid with lower detection limit ranging from 13-40 ppm. The three-layered dip-coated gold electrode based ZnO sensors had a LDL of 18 ppm for acetic acid detection. The ZnO-iron oxide (Fe2O3) based nanocomposite sensors were developed to detect butanol operating at 100°C. The 5% Fe/Zn mole ratio based ZnO-Fe2O3 nanocomposite sensors had high correlation coefficients (>0.90) of calibration curves, low butanol LDLs (26 +/- 7 ppm), and lower variation among the sensor responses. The ZnO and ZnO-Fe2O3 nanocomposite sensors showed potential to detect acetic acid and butanol at low concentrations, respectively at 100°C. QCM based olfactory sensors were developed from olfactory receptor and odorant binding protein based sequences to detect low concentrations of acetic acid and alcohols (3-methyl-1-butanol and 1-hexanol), respectively. The average LDLs for acetic acid as well as alcohols detection of the QCM sensors were < 5 ppm. The linear calibration curve based correlation coefficients of the QCM sensors were > 0.80. Finally, a computational simulation based peptide sequences was designed from olfactory receptors and evaluated as sensor material for the detection of alcohols at low concentrations. The results indicated that the QCM sensors exhibited a good sensitivity to 1-hexanol and 1-pentanol with the estimated LDLs in the range of 2-3 ppm and 3-5 ppm, respectively. This research work was successful in developing multiple novel sensing materials to detect alcohols and acid associated with meat contaminations at low concentrations.

Synthesis and characterization of Zn-Ti layered double hydroxide intercalated with cinnamic acid for cosmetic application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yong; Tang, Liping; Ma, Xinxu; Wang, Xinrui; Zhou, Wei; Bai, Dongsheng

2017-08-01

The use of sunscreen is recently growing and their efficacy and safety must be taken into account since they are applied on the skin frequently. In this work, an organic ultraviolet (UV) ray absorbent, cinnamic acid (CA) was intercalated into Zn-Ti layered double hydroxide (LDH) by anion-exchange reaction. ZnTi-CA-LDH, a new type of host-guest UV-blocking material has been synthesized. Detailed structural and surface morphology of ZnTi-CA-LDH were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM and TEM. ZnTi-CA-LDH exhibits a superior UV blocking ability compared to pure CA and ZnTi-CO3-LDH. The thermal stability of the intercalated ZnTi-CA-LDH was investigated by TG-DTA, which showed that the thermostability of CA was markedly enhanced after intercalation into ZnTi-CO3-LDH. The EPR data showed greatly decreased photocatalytic activity compared to common inorganic UV blocking agents TiO2 and ZnO. Furthermore, the sample was formulated in a sunscreen cream to study the matrix protective effect towards UV rays.

Influence of thiol capping on the photoluminescence properties of L-cysteine-, mercaptoethanol- and mercaptopropionic acid-capped ZnS nanoparticles.

PubMed

Tiwari, A; Dhoble, S J; Kher, R S

2015-11-01

Mercaptoethanol (ME), mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and L-cysteine (L-Cys) having -SH functional groups were used as surface passivating agents for the wet chemical synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles. The effect of the thiol group on the optical and photoluminescence (PL) properties of ZnS nanoparticles was studied. L-Cysteine-capped ZnS nanoparticles showed the highest PL intensity among the studied capping agents, with a PL emission peak at 455 nm. The PL intensity was found to be dependent on the concentration of Zn(2+) and S(2-) precursors. The effect of buffer on the PL intensity of L-Cys-capped ZnS nanoparticles was also studied. UV/Vis spectra showed blue shifting of the absorption edge. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pb, Cu, and Zn distributions at humic acid-coated metal-oxide surfaces

DOE PAGES

Wang, Yingge; Michel, F. Marc; Choi, Yongseong; ...

2016-05-09

Here, mineral surfaces are often coated by natural organic matter (NOM), which has a major influence on metal-ion sorption and sequestration because of the abundance of binding sites in such coatings and the changes they cause in local nanoscale environments. The effects of NOM coatings on mineral surfaces are, however, still poorly understood at the molecular level due to the complexity of these systems. In this study, we have applied long-period X-ray standing wave-fluorescence yield (LP-XSW-FY) spectroscopy to measure the partitioning of naturally present Cu(II) (0.0226%), Zn(II) (0.009%), and Pb(II) ( 0.0004%) between Elliott Soil Humic Acid (ESHA) coatings andmore » three model single-crystal metal-oxide substrates: α-Al 2O 3 (0 0 0 1), α-Al 2O 3 (1 1 0 2), and α-Fe 2O 3 (0 0 0 1). The competitive sorption effects among these metal ions for binding sites in the ESHA coatings and on the metal-oxide surfaces were investigated as a function of reaction time, calcium content, and solution pH. Pb(II) ions present in the ESHA coatings were found to redistribute to reactive α-Al 2O 3 (1 1 0 2) and α-Fe 2O 3 (0 0 0 1) surfaces after 3 h of reaction (pH = 6.0, [Ca(II)] = 2 mM). Pb(II) partitioning onto these reactive metal-oxide surfaces increased with increasing reaction time (up to 7 d). In addition, the partitioning of Cu(II) and Zn(II) from the ESHA coating to the α-Fe 2O 3 (0 0 0 1) substrate increased slightly with reaction time (2.4% and 3.7% for Cu(II) and Zn(II), respectively, after 3 h and 6.4% and 7.7% for Cu(II) and Zn(II), respectively, after 72 h of reaction time).« less

Corrosion Behaviour of Sn-based Lead-Free Solders in Acidic Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordarina, J.; Mohd, H. Z.; Ahmad, A. M.; Muhammad, F. M. N.

2018-03-01

The corrosion properties of Sn-9(5Al-Zn), Sn-Cu and SAC305 were studied via potentiodynamic polarization method in an acidic solution of 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl). Sn-9(5Al-Zn) produced different polarization profile compared with Sn-Cu and SAC305. The morphological analysis showed that small, deep grooves shaped of corrosion product formed on top of Sn-9(5Al-Zn) solder while two distinctive structures of closely packed and loosely packed corrosion product formed on top of Sn-Cu and SAC305 solder alloys. Phase analysis revealed the formations of various corrosion products such as SnO and SnO2 mainly dominant on surface of solder alloys after potentiodynamic polarization in 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl).

Mechanism and degradation kinetics of zinc complex containing isophthalato and 2,2‧-dipyridylamine ligands under different atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zdravković, J. D.; Radovanović, L.; Poleti, D.; Rogan, J. R.; Vulić, P. J.; Radovanović, Ž.; Minić, D. M.

2018-06-01

The design of mixed-ligand complexes are of increasing interest from fundamental as well as technological and curative aspects. Having that in mind, we studied zinc complex containing 2,2‧-dipyridylamine (dipya) and dianion of isophthalic acid (ipht), [Zn(dipya)(ipht)]n, as promising precursor for synthesis of nanostructured metal oxide. In that sense, the mechanism and degradation kinetics of [Zn(dipya)(ipht)]n was analyzed under non-isothermal conditions in nitrogen and in air atmospheres. Peak deconvolution of the [Zn(dipya)(ipht)]n decomposition profile, in the form of a derivative thermogram (DTG), in nitrogen atmosphere, revealed the presence of three decomposition steps, while in air five single steps were isolated. In both cases ZnO is formed as residue at 530 °C: pure (in air) or in amorphous matrix (nitrogen). In air we obtained well crystalized ZnO nanospheres (∼25 nm), by thermal treatment in temperature range 370-530 °C showing that this complex could be considered as good precursor for production of nanosized ZnO.

Automobile shredded residue valorisation by hydrometallurgical metal recovery.

PubMed

Granata, Giuseppe; Moscardini, Emanuela; Furlani, Giuliana; Pagnanelli, Francesca; Toro, Luigi

2011-01-15

The aim of this work was developing a hydrometallurgical process to recover metals from automobile shredded residue (or car fluff). Automobile shredded residue (ASR) was characterised by particle size distribution, total metal content and metal speciation in order to guide the choice of target metals and the operating conditions of leaching. Characterisation results showed that Fe is the most abundant metal in the waste, while Zn was the second abundant metal in the fraction with diameter lower than 500 μm. Sequential extractions denoted that Zn was easily extractable by weak acid attack, while Fe and Al required a strong acid attack to be removed. In order to recover zinc from <500 μm fraction leaching tests were operated using acetic acid, sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide at different concentrations. Sulphuric acid determined the highest zinc extraction yield, while acetic acid determined the highest zinc extractive selectivity. Sodium hydroxide promoted an intermediate situation between sulphuric and acetic acid. Zn recovery by electro winning using acetic leach liquor determined 95% of Zn electro deposition yield in 1h, while using sulphuric leach liquor 40% yield in 1h and 50% yield in 2h were obtained. Simulation results showed that the sulphuric leaching process was more attractive than acetic leaching process. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A family of entangled coordination polymers constructed from a flexible V-shaped long bicarboxylic acid and auxiliary N-donor ligands: Luminescent sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jun; Bai, Chao; Hu, Huai-Ming; Yuan, Fei; Xue, Gang-Lin

2017-05-01

Eight Zn(II)-based coordination polymers, namely, [Zn2L2(2,2'-bipy)]n·nH2O (1), [Zn2L2(phen)]n·nH2O (2), [ZnL(phen)(H2O)]n (3), [Zn3L3(4,4'-bipy)]n (4), [Zn2L2(4,4'-bipy)2]n [Zn2L2(H2O)2]n·2nH2O (5), [Zn4L4(bpp)2]n (6), [ZnL(bbi)0.5]n (7), [ZnL(bpz)]n (8) (H2L=4,4'-{[1,2-phenylenebis-(methylene)]bis(oxy)}dibenzoic acid, 2,2'-bipy =2,2'-bipyridine, phen =1,10-phenanthroline, 4,4'-bpy=4,4'-bipyridine, bpp =1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane, bbi=1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)butane, bpz=3,3‧,5,5‧-tetramethyl-4,4‧-bipyrazole), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. 1-8 display various coordination motifs with different entangled forms and conformations due to the effect of the assistant N-donor ligands. The photoluminescent properties of compounds 1-8 in solid state were studied. Interestingly, 3 exhibits highly efficient luminescent sensing for Cu2+ cations and CrO42- anions, as well as detection ability for the different organic solvents and nitro explosives. These results indicated that it could be utilized as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor. Furthermore, compound 3 also shows good chemical resistance to both acidity and alkalinity solutions with pH ranging from 2 to 13. Thus, multi-photofunctionality and fluorescent response to pH have been combined in the 3, which is the first example in the Zn-based hybrid materials.

CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots trigger DNA repair and antioxidant enzyme systems in Medicago sativa cells in suspension culture

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Nanoparticles appear to be promising devices for application in the agriculture and food industries, but information regarding the response of plants to contact with nano-devices is scarce. Toxic effects may be imposed depending on the type and concentration of nanoparticle as well as time of exposure. A number of mechanisms may underlie the ability of nanoparticles to cause genotoxicity, besides the activation of ROS scavenging mechanisms. In a previous study, we showed that plant cells accumulate 3-Mercaptopropanoic acid-CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (MPA-CdSe/ZnS QD) in their cytosol and nucleus and increased production of ROS in a dose dependent manner when exposed to QD and that a concentration of 10 nM should be cyto-compatible. Results When Medicago sativa cells were exposed to 10, 50 and 100 nM MPA-CdSe/ZnS QD a correspondent increase in the activity of Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione reductase was registered. Different versions of the COMET assay were used to assess the genotoxicity of MPA-CdSe/ZnS QD. The number of DNA single and double strand breaks increased with increasing concentrations of MPA-CdSe/ZnS QD. At the highest concentrations, tested purine bases were more oxidized than the pyrimidine ones. The transcription of the DNA repair enzymes Formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase, Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I and DNA Topoisomerase I was up-regulated in the presence of increasing concentrations of MPA-CdSe/ZnS QD. Conclusions Concentrations as low as 10 nM MPA-CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots are cytotoxic and genotoxic to plant cells, although not lethal. This sets a limit for the concentrations to be used when practical applications using nanodevices of this type on plants are being considered. This work describes for the first time the genotoxic effect of Quantum Dots in plant cells and demonstrates that both the DNA repair genes (Tdp1β, Top1β and Fpg) and the ROS scavenging mechanisms are activated when MPA-CdSe/ZnS QD contact M. sativa cells. PMID:24359290

Copper-zinc-superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), an antioxidant gene from seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis); molecular cloning, sequence characterization, antioxidant activity and potential peroxidation function of its recombinant protein.

PubMed

Perera, N C N; Godahewa, G I; Lee, Jehee

2016-10-01

Copper-zinc-superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) from Hippocampus abdominalis (HaCuZnSOD) is a metalloenzyme which belongs to the ubiquitous family of SODs. Here, we determined the characteristic structural features of HaCuZnSOD, analyzed its evolutionary relationships, and identified its potential immune responses and biological functions in relation to antioxidant defense mechanisms in the seahorse. The gene had a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 67 bp, a coding sequence of 465 bp and a 3' UTR of 313 bp. The putative peptide consists of 154 amino acids. HaCuZnSOD had a predicted molecular mass of 15.94 kDa and a theoretical pI value of 5.73, which is favorable for copper binding activity. In silico analysis revealed that HaCuZnSOD had a prominent Cu-Zn_superoxide_dismutase domain, two Cu/Zn signature sequences, a putative N-glycosylation site, and several active sites including Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) binding sites. The three dimensional structure indicated a β-sheet barrel with 8 β-sheets and two short α-helical regions. Multiple alignment analyses revealed many conserved regions and active sites among its orthologs. The highest amino acid identity to HaCuZnSOD was found in Siniperca chuatsi (87.4%), while Maylandia zebra shared a close relationship in the phylogenetic analysis. Functional assays were performed to assess the antioxidant, biophysical and biochemical properties of overexpressed recombinant (r) HaCuZnSOD. A xanthine/XOD assay gave optimum results at pH 9 and 25 °C indicating these may be the best conditions for its antioxidant action in the seahorse. An MTT assay and flow cytometry confirmed that rHaCuZnSOD showed peroxidase activity in the presence of HCO3(-). In all the functional assays, the level of antioxidant activity of rHaCuZnSOD was concentration dependent; metal ion supplementation also increased its activity. The highest mRNA expressional level of HaCuZnSOD was found in blood. Temporal assessment under pathological stress showed a delay response by HaCuZnSOD. Our findings demonstrated that HaCuZnSOD is an important antioxidant, which might be involved in the host antioxidant defense mechanism against oxidative stress. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Formation of highly luminescent Zn1-xCdxSe nanocrystals using CdSe and ZnSe seeds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ruili; Yang, Ping

2013-05-01

High-quality colloidal Zn1-xCdxSe nanocrystals (NCs) with tunable photoluminescence (PL) from blue to orange were synthesized using oleic acid as a capping agent. The Zn1-xCdxSe NCs were prepared through two approaches: using CdSe or ZnSe seeds. In the case of CdSe NCs as seeds, Zn1-xCdxSe NCs were fabricated by the reaction of Zn, Cd, and Se precursors in the coordinating solvent system at high temperature. The Zn1-xCdxSe NCs revealed orange emitting. A significant blue-shift of absorption and PL spectra were observed with time, indicating the formation of ternary NCs. In contrast, Zn1-xCdxSe NCs revealed blue to green PL for ZnSe NCs as seeds. This is ascribed to an embryonic nuclei-induced alloying process. With increasing time, the Zn1-xCdxSe NCs exhibited a red-shift both in their absorption and PL spectra. This is attributed to the engineering in band gap energy via the control of NC composition. The PL properties of as-prepared alloyed NCs are comparable or even better than those for the parent binary systems. The PL peak wavelength of the Zn1-xCdxSe NCs depended strongly on reaction time and the molar ratio of Cd/Zn. The Zn1-xCdxSe NCs revealed a spherical morphology and exhibited a wurtzite structure according to transmission electron microscopy observation and an X-ray diffraction analysis.

Adaptive alterations in the fatty acids composition under induced oxidative stress in heavy metal-tolerant filamentous fungus Paecilomyces marquandii cultured in ascorbic acid presence.

PubMed

Słaba, Mirosława; Gajewska, Ewa; Bernat, Przemysław; Fornalska, Magdalena; Długoński, Jerzy

2013-05-01

The ability of the heavy metal-tolerant fungus Paecilomyces marquandii to modulate whole cells fatty acid composition and saturation in response to IC50 of Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cu was studied. Cadmium and nickel caused the most significant growth reduction. In the mycelia cultured with all tested metals, with the exception of nickel, a rise in the fatty acid unsaturation was noted. The fungus exposure to Pb, Cu, and Ni led to significantly higher lipid peroxidation. P. marquandii incubated in the presence of the tested metals responded with an increase in the level of linoleic acid and escalation of electrolyte leakage. The highest efflux of electrolytes was caused by lead. In these conditions, the fungus was able to bind up to 100 mg g(-1) of lead, whereas the content of the other metals in the mycelium was significantly lower and reached from 3.18 mg g(-1) (Cu) to 15.21 mg g(-1) (Zn). Additionally, it was shown that ascorbic acid at the concentration of 1 mM protected fungal growth and prevented the changes in the fatty acid composition and saturation but did not alleviate lipid peroxidation or affect the increased permeability of membranes after lead exposure. Pro-oxidant properties of ascorbic acid in the copper-stressed cells manifested strong growth inhibition and enhanced metal accumulation as a result of membrane damage. Toxic metals action caused cellular modulations, which might contributed to P. marquandii tolerance to the studied metals. Moreover, these changes can enhance metal removal from contaminated environment.

Effect of bamboo and rice straw biochars on the mobility and redistribution of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) in contaminated soil.

PubMed

Lu, Kouping; Yang, Xing; Gielen, Gerty; Bolan, Nanthi; Ok, Yong Sik; Niazi, Nabeel Khan; Xu, Song; Yuan, Guodong; Chen, Xin; Zhang, Xiaokai; Liu, Dan; Song, Zhaoliang; Liu, Xingyuan; Wang, Hailong

2017-01-15

Biochar has emerged as an efficient tool to affect bioavailability of heavy metals in contaminated soils. Although partially understood, a carefully designed incubation experiment was performed to examine the effect of biochar on mobility and redistribution of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in a sandy loam soil collected from the surroundings of a copper smelter. Bamboo and rice straw biochars with different mesh sizes (<0.25 mm and <1 mm), were applied at three rates (0, 1, and 5% w/w). Heavy metal concentrations in pore water were determined after extraction with 0.01 M CaCl 2 . Phytoavailable metals were extracted using DTPA/TEA (pH 7.3). The European Union Bureau of Reference (EUBCR) sequential extraction procedure was adopted to determine metal partitioning and redistribution of heavy metals. Results showed that CaCl 2 -and DTPA-extractable Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the bamboo and rice straw biochar treated soils, especially at 5% application rate, than those in the unamended soil. Soil pH values were significantly correlated with CaCl 2 -extractable metal concentrations (p < 0.01). The EUBCR sequential extraction procedure revealed that the acid extractable fractions of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with biochar addition. Rice straw biochar was more effective than bamboo biochar in decreasing the acid extractable metal fractions, and the effect was more pronounced with increasing biochar application rate. The effect of biochar particle size on extractable metal concentrations was not consistent. The 5% rice straw biochar treatment reduced the DTPA-extractable metal concentrations in the order of Cd < Cu < Pb < Zn, and reduced the acid extractable pool of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn by 11, 17, 34 and 6%, respectively, compared to the control. In the same 5% rice straw biochar treatments, the organic bound fraction increased by 37, 58, 68 and 18% for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, respectively, compared to the control, indicating that the immobilized metals were mainly bound in the soil organic matter fraction. The results demonstrated that the rice straw biochar can effectively immobilize heavy metals, thereby reducing their mobility and bioavailability in contaminated soils. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Increase of apatite dissolution rate by Scots pine roots associated or not with Burkholderia glathei PML1(12)Rp in open-system flow microcosms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calvaruso, Christophe; Turpault, Marie-Pierre; Frey-Klett, Pascale; Uroz, Stéphane; Pierret, Marie-Claire; Tosheva, Zornitza; Kies, Antoine

2013-04-01

The release of nutritive elements through apatite dissolution represents the main source of phosphorus, calcium, and several micronutrients (e.g., Zn, Cu) for organisms in non-fertilized forest ecosystems. The aim of this study was to quantify, for the first time, the dissolution rate of apatite grains by tree roots that were or were not associated with a mineral weathering bacterial strain, and by various acids known to be produced by tree roots and soil bacterial strains in open-system flow microcosms. In addition, we explored whether the mobilization of trace elements (including rare earth elements) upon apatite dissolution was affected by the presence of trees and associated microorganisms. The dissolution rate of apatite by Scots pine plants that were or were not inoculated with the strain Burkholderia glathei PML1(12)Rp, and by inorganic (nitric) and organic (citric, oxalic and gluconic) acids at pH 5.5, 4.8, 3.8, 3.5, 3.0, and 2.0 was monitored in two controlled experiments: "plant-bacteria interaction" and "inorganic and organic acids". Analyses of the outlet solutions in the "plant-bacteria interaction" experiment showed that Scots pine roots and B. glathei PML1(12)Rp produced protons and organic acids such as gluconate, oxalate, acetate, and lactate. The weathering budget calculation revealed that Scots pines (with or without PML1(12)Rp) significantly increased (factor > 10) the release of Ca, P, As, Sr, Zn, U, Y, and rare earth elements such as Ce, La, Nd from apatite, compared to control abiotic treatment. Scanning electron microscopy observation confirmed traces of apatite dissolution in contact of roots. Most dissolved elements were taken up by Scots pine roots, i.e., approximately 50% of Ca, 70% of P, 30% of As, 70% of Sr, 90% of Zn, and 100% of U, Y, and rare earth elements. Interestingly, no significant additional effect due to the bacterial strain PML1(12)Rp on apatite dissolution and Scots pine nutrition and growth was observed. The "inorganic and organic acids" experiment demonstrated that the apatite dissolution efficacy of organic acids was higher than for the inorganic acid and varied in function of the acids: oxalic acid > citric acid > gluconic acid > nitric acid for pH ⩽3.5. In addition, apatite dissolution increased with increasing acidity for each acid. Only oxalic acid generated non-stoichiometric release of calcium and phosphorus from apatite in the solution at pH ⩽3.5, due to the precipitation of Ca-oxalate crystals at apatite surfaces. Comparison of the experiments revealed that the apatite dissolution rate by Scots pines supplied with nutritive solution at pH 5.5 reached 2.0 × 10-13 mol cm-2 s-1 and was equivalent to rates with nitric acid at pH 3.2, gluconic acid at pH 3.5, citric acid at pH 3.7, and oxalic acid at pH 3.8. Altogether our results highlight that, through the production of weathering agents, notably protons and organic acids, tree roots and root-associated microorganisms are able to significantly increase the release of macro- and micro-nutrients from apatite, thus maintaining high-nutrient conditions to support their growth.

A supramolecular Tröger's base derived coordination zinc polymer for fluorescent sensing of phenolic-nitroaromatic explosives in water.

PubMed

Shanmugaraju, Sankarasekaran; Dabadie, Charlyne; Byrne, Kevin; Savyasachi, Aramballi J; Umadevi, Deivasigamani; Schmitt, Wolfgang; Kitchen, Jonathan A; Gunnlaugsson, Thorfinnur

2017-02-01

A V-Shaped 4-amino-1,8-napthalimide derived tetracarboxylic acid linker ( L ; bis-[ N -(1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid)]-9,18-methano-1,8-naphthalimide-[ b , f ][1,5]diazocine) comprising the Tröger's base (TB) structural motif was rationally designed and synthesised to access a nitrogen-rich fluorescent supramolecular coordination polymer. By adopting the straight forward precipitation method, a new luminescent nanoscale Zn(ii) coordination polymer ( TB-Zn-CP ) was synthesized in quantitative yield using Zn(OAc) 2 ·2H 2 O and tetraacid linker L (1 : 0.5) in DMF at room temperature. The phase-purity of as-synthesised TB-Zn-CP was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction analysis, infra-red spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis suggests that TB-Zn-CP is thermally stable up to 330 °C and the morphological features of TB-Zn-CP was analysed by SEM and AFM techniques. The N 2 adsorption isotherm of thermally activated TB-Zn-CP at 77 K revealed a type-II reversible adsorption isotherm and the calculated Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area was found to be 72 m 2 g -1 . Furthermore, TB-Zn-CP displayed an excellent CO 2 uptake capacity of 76 mg g -1 at 273 K and good adsorption selectivity for CO 2 over N 2 and H 2 . The aqueous suspension of as-synthesized TB-Zn-CP showed strong green fluorescence ( λ max = 520 nm) characteristics due to the internal-charge transfer (ICT) transition and was used as a fluorescent sensor for the discriminative sensing of nitroaromatic explosives. The aqueous suspension of TB-Zn-CP showed the largest quenching responses with high selectivity for phenolic-nitroaromatics (4-NP, 2,4-DNP and PA) even in the concurrent presence of other potentially competing nitroaromatic analytes. The fluorescence titration studies also provide evidence that TB-Zn-CP detects picric acid as low as the parts per billion (26.3 ppb) range. Furthermore, the observed fluorescence quenching responses of TB-Zn-CP towards picric acid were highly reversible. The highly selective fluorescence quenching responses including the reversible detection efficiency make the nanoscale coordination polymer TB-Zn-CP a potential material for the discriminative fluorescent sensing of nitroaromatic explosives.

Application of manures to mitigate the harmful effects of electrokinetic remediation of heavy metals on soil microbial properties in polluted soils.

PubMed

Tahmasbian, Iman; Safari Sinegani, Ali Akbar; Nguyen, Thi Thu Nhan; Che, Rongxiao; Phan, Thuc D; Hosseini Bai, Shahla

2017-12-01

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) used with electrokinetic (EK) to remediate heavy metal-polluted soils is a toxic chelate for soil microorganisms. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of alternative organic chelates to EDTA on improving the microbial properties of a heavy metal-polluted soil subjected to EK. Cow manure extract (CME), poultry manure extract (PME) and EDTA were applied to a lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)-polluted calcareous soil which were subjected to two electric intensities (1.1 and 3.3 v/cm). Soil carbon pools, microbial activity, microbial abundance (e.g., fungal, actinomycetes and bacterial abundances) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Pb and Zn (available forms) were assessed in both cathodic and anodic soils. Applying the EK to soil decreased all the microbial variables in the cathodic and anodic soils in the absence or presence of chelates. Both CME and PME applied with two electric intensities decreased the negative effect of EK on soil microbial variables. The lowest values of soil microbial variables were observed when EK was combined with EDTA. The following order was observed in values of soil microbial variables after treating with EK and chelates: EK + CME or EK + PME > EK > EK + EDTA. The CME and PME could increase the concentrations of available Pb and Zn, although the increase was less than that of EDTA. Overall, despite increasing soil available Pb and Zn, the combination of EK with manures (CME or PME) mitigated the negative effects of using EK on soil microbial properties. This study suggested that the synthetic chelates such as EDTA could be replaced with manures to alleviate the environmental risks of EK application.

Effects of natural organic matter properties on the dissolution kinetics of zinc oxide nanoparticles

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jiang, Chuanjia; Aiken, George R.; Hsu-Kim, Heileen

2015-01-01

The dissolution of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) is a key step of controlling their environmental fate, bioavailability, and toxicity. Rates of dissolution often depend upon factors such as interactions of NPs with natural organic matter (NOM). We examined the effects of 16 different NOM isolates on the dissolution kinetics of ZnO NPs in buffered potassium chloride solution using anodic stripping voltammetry to directly measure dissolved zinc concentrations. The observed dissolution rate constants (kobs) and dissolved zinc concentrations at equilibrium increased linearly with NOM concentration (from 0 to 40 mg C L–1) for Suwannee River humic and fulvic acids and Pony Lake fulvic acid. When dissolution rates were compared for the 16 NOM isolates, kobs was positively correlated with certain properties of NOM, including specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA), aromatic and carbonyl carbon contents, and molecular weight. Dissolution rate constants were negatively correlated to hydrogen/carbon ratio and aliphatic carbon content. The observed correlations indicate that aromatic carbon content is a key factor in determining the rate of NOM-promoted dissolution of ZnO NPs. The findings of this study facilitate a better understanding of the fate of ZnO NPs in organic-rich aquatic environments and highlight SUVA as a facile and useful indicator of NOM interactions with metal-based nanoparticles.

Zinc phthalocyanine-loaded PLGA biodegradable nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy in tumor-bearing mice.

PubMed

Fadel, Maha; Kassab, Kawser; Fadeel, Doa Abdel

2010-03-01

Nanoparticles formulated from the biodegradable copolymer poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) were investigated as a drug delivery system to enhance tissue uptake, permeation, and targeting of zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) for photodynamic therapy. Three ZnPc nanoparticle formulations were prepared using a solvent emulsion evaporation method and the influence of sonication time on nanoparticle shape, encapsulation and size distribution, in vitro release, and in vivo photodynamic efficiency in tumor-bearing mice were studied. Sonication time did not affect the process yield or encapsulation efficiency, but did affect significantly the particle size. Sonication for 20 min reduced the mean particle size to 374.3 nm and the in vitro release studies demonstrated a controlled release profile of ZnPc. Tumor-bearing mice injected with ZnPc nanoparticles exhibited significantly smaller mean tumor volume, increased tumor growth delay and longer survival compared with the control group and the group injected with free ZnPc during the time course of the experiment. Histopathological examination of tumor from animals treated with PLGA ZnPc showed regression of tumor cells, in contrast to those obtained from animals treated with free ZnPc. The results indicate that ZnPc encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles is a successful delivery system for improving photodynamic activity in the target tissue.

The effect of copper and silver on the properties of Au-ZnO catalyst and its activity in glycerol oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaskow, Iveta; Decyk, Piotr; Sobczak, Izabela

2018-06-01

The goal of this work was to use ZnO as a support for gold and copper (Au-Cu system) or gold and silver (Au-Ag system) and comparison of the effect of copper and silver on the properties of gold and its activity in glycerol oxidation with oxygen in the liquid phase. The samples prepared were fully characterized by XRD, TEM techniques and UV-vis, XPS, ESR spectroscopic methods. It was found that the introduction of copper and silver changed the electronic state of gold loaded on ZnO by the electron transfer between metals. Three different metallic gold species were identified in calcined catalysts: (Au°)δ- (Au-ZnO), (Au°)η- (AuCu-ZnO) and (Au°)γ- (AuAg-ZnO), where δ-,η-,γ- indicate a different partial negative charge on metallic gold and γ > δ > η. The results showed that (Au°)η- centers (metallic gold with the lowest negative charge) formed on AuCu-ZnO were the most active in glycerol oxidation. The increase in the negative charge on metallic gold loaded on AuAg-ZnO reduced the gold activity in silver containing sample. The glyceric acid adsorption and desorption rate influenced the selectivity of the catalysts.

Synthesis of ZnSe and ZnSe:Cu quantum dots by a room temperature photochemical (UV-assisted) approach using Na2 SeO3 as Se source and investigating optical properties.

PubMed

Khafajeh, R; Molaei, M; Karimipour, M

2017-06-01

In this study, ZnSe and ZnSe:Cu quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized using Na 2 SeO 3 as the Se source by a rapid and room temperature photochemical (UV-assisted) approach. Thioglycolic acid (TGA) was employed as the capping agent and UV illumination activated the chemical reactions. Synthesized QDs were successfully characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). XRD analysis demonstrated the cubic zinc blend phase QDs. TEM images indicated that round-shaped particles were formed, most of which had a diameter of about 4 nm. The band gap of the ZnSe QDs was higher than that for ZnSe in bulk. PL spectra indicated an emission with three peaks related to the excitonic, surface trap states and deep level (DL) states. The band gap and QD emission were tunable only by UV illumination time during synthesis. ZnSe:Cu showed green emission due to transition of electrons from the Conduction band (CB) or surface trap states to the 2 T 2 acceptor levels of Cu 2 + . The emission was increased by increasing the Cu 2 + ion concentration, such that the optimal value of PL intensity was obtained for the nominal mole ratio of Cu:Zn 1.5%. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ancillary ligand-assisted assembly of C{sub 3}-symmetric 4,4′,4″-nitrilotribenzoic acid with divalent Zn{sup 2+} ions: Syntheses, topological structures, and photoluminescence properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cui, Li-Ting; Niu, Yan-Fei; Han, Jie, E-mail: chan@ouhk.edu.hk

4,4′,4″-nitrilotribenzoic acid (H{sub 3}L), a C{sub 3}-symmetric ligand, was found to self-assemble into two polymorphs driven by intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions. Reactions of this ligand with Zn{sup 2+} under solvothermal conditions resulted in four new coordination polymers bearing interesting structural motifs: [Zn{sub 2}(L){sub 2}(py){sub 2}]·2(H{sub 2}NMe{sub 2}){sup +}·DMF·2H{sub 2}O (1), [Zn{sub 2}(L)(H{sub 2}L)(bipy)]·1.5H{sub 2}O·Guest (2), [Zn{sub 2}(L){sub 2}(bipy)]·2(H{sub 2}NMe{sub 2}){sup +}·2DMF (3), and [Zn{sub 3}(L){sub 2}(bpa)]·2H{sub 2}O·Guest (4) (H{sub 3}L=4,4′,4′′-nitrilotribenzoic acid, DMF=dimethylformamide, py=pyridine, bipy=4,4′-bipyridine, bpa=1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)diazene). Single-crystal structural analysis revealed that compound 1 exhibits a rare example of twofold interpenetrating anionic 3D (3,3)-net framework containing helical channels, whereas in 2, the 3Dmore » pillar-layer structure generated from bipy-pillared Zn{sub 2}(L)(H{sub 2}L) layer is further reinforced by intermolecular hydrogen bonding among pairs of free –COOH units. Compound 3 shows an interesting entangled architecture of 2D→3D parallel polycatenation consisting five-coordinated Zn{sup 2+} ions. Compound 4 displays a 3D pillar-layer framework with trimeric Zn{sub 3}(CO{sub 2}){sub 6} serving as secondary building unit (SBU). The syntheses, structures, thermal stabilities, powder X-ray diffractions and solid-state photoluminescence properties for these crystalline materials have been carried out. In addition, supramolecular assembly of H{sub 3}L under solvothermal conditions will also be addressed. - Graphical abstract: Supramolecular assembly of 4,4′,4′′-nitrilotribenzoic acid and its ligand behavior toward Zn{sup 2+} were investigated, which exhibit two polymorphs of the free acid and four metal coordination polymers bearing interesting structural motifs. - Highlights: • Two polymorphs of H{sub 3}L showing different hydrogen-bonded network were obtained. • Tune over the structure of MOFs was achieved. • 1 has a 2-fold interpenetrating anionic 3D network containing helical channels. • Structures bearing free carboxylic acid (–COOH) unit are constructed in 2. • 3 represents a rare 2D+2D→3D catenation array containing five-coordinated Zn{sup 2+}.« less

ZnO Nanoparticles Protect RNA from Degradation Better than DNA.

PubMed

McCall, Jayden; Smith, Joshua J; Marquardt, Kelsey N; Knight, Katelin R; Bane, Hunter; Barber, Alice; DeLong, Robert K

2017-11-08

Gene therapy and RNA delivery require a nanoparticle (NP) to stabilize these nucleic acids when administered in vivo. The presence of degradative hydrolytic enzymes within these environments limits the nucleic acids' pharmacologic activity. This study compared the effects of nanoscale ZnO and MgO in the protection afforded to DNA and RNA from degradation by DNase, serum or tumor homogenate. For double-stranded plasmid DNA degradation by DNase, our results suggest that the presence of MgO NP can protect DNA from DNase digestion at an elevated temperature (65 °C), a biochemical activity not present in ZnO NP-containing samples at any temperature. In this case, intact DNA was remarkably present for MgO NP after ethidium bromide staining and agarose gel electrophoresis where these same stained DNA bands were notably absent for ZnO NP. Anticancer RNA, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) is now considered an anti-metastatic RNA targeting agent and as such there is great interest in its delivery by NP. For it to function, the NP must protect it from degradation in serum and the tumor environment. Surprisingly, ZnO NP protected the RNA from degradation in either serum-containing media or melanoma tumor homogenate after gel electrophoretic analysis, whereas the band was much more diminished in the presence of MgO. For both MgO and ZnO NP, buffer-dependent rescue from degradation occurred. These data suggest a fundamental difference in the ability of MgO and ZnO NP to stabilize nucleic acids with implications for DNA and RNA delivery and therapy.

Super-high color rendering properties of color temperature tunable white LEDs based on high quality InP/ZnS quantum dots via myristic acid passivation and Ag doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wu; Zhang, Wanlu; Zhang, Guilin; Zhu, Jiatao; He, Guoxing; Guo, Ruiqian

2018-07-01

We reported two types of tunable white LEDs (WLEDs) based on high quality the single emissive InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and the dual emissive Ag:InP/ZnS QDs via myristic acid (MA) passivation and Ag doping. The WLEDs with three color InP/ZnS QDs could realize color rendering indices (CRIs) of 97-98, color quality scales (CQSs) of 94-98, and limited luminous efficacies (LLEs) of 238-246 lm/W at correlated color temperatures (CCTs) of 2700 K to 6500 K, and the WLEDs with dual emissive Ag:InP/ZnS and red emissive InP/ZnS QDs could realize CRIs of 90-93, CQSs of 90-93, and LLEs of 223-242 lm/W at CCTs of 2700 K to 4000 K. Finally, their luminous efficacies were estimated.

Roles of interfacial modifiers in hybrid solar cells: inorganic/polymer bilayer vs inorganic/polymer:fullerene bulk heterojunction.

PubMed

Eom, Seung Hun; Baek, Myung-Jin; Park, Hanok; Yan, Liang; Liu, Shubin; You, Wei; Lee, Soo-Hyoung

2014-01-22

Hybrid solar cells (HSCs) incorporating both organic and inorganic materials typically have significant interfacial issues which can significantly limit the device efficiency by allowing charge recombination, macroscopic phase separation, and nonideal contact. All these issues can be mitigated by applying carefully designed interfacial modifiers (IMs). In an attempt to further understand the function of these IMs, we investigated two IMs in two different HSCs structures: an inverted bilayer HSC of ZnO:poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and an inverted bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cell of ZnO/P3HT:[6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). In the former device configuration, ZnO serves as the n-type semiconductor, while in the latter device configuration, it functions as an electron transport layer (ETL)/hole blocking layer (HBL). In the ZnO:P3HT bilayer device, after the interfacial modification, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.42% with improved Voc and FF and a significantly increased Jsc was obtained. In the ZnO/P3HT:PCBM based BHJ device, including IMs also improved the PCE to 4.69% with an increase in Voc and FF. Our work clearly demonstrates that IMs help to reduce both the charge recombination and leakage current by minimizing the number of defect sites and traps and to increase the compatibility of hydrophilic ZnO with the organic layers. Furthermore, the major role of IMs depends on the function of ZnO in different device configurations, either as n-type semiconductor in bilayer devices or as ETL/HBL in BHJ devices. We conclude by offering insights for designing ideal IMs in future efforts, in order to achieve high-efficiency in both ZnO:polymer bilayer structure and ZnO/polymer:PCBM BHJ devices.

Characterization of complexes of nucleoside-5'-phosphorothioate analogues with zinc ions.

PubMed

Sayer, Alon Haim; Itzhakov, Yehudit; Stern, Noa; Nadel, Yael; Fischer, Bilha

2013-10-07

On the basis of the high affinity of Zn(2+) to sulfur and imidazole, we targeted nucleotides such as GDP-β-S, ADP-β-S, and AP3(β-S)A, as potential biocompatible Zn(2+)-chelators. The thiophosphate moiety enhanced the stability of the Zn(2+)-nucleotide complex by about 0.7 log units. ATP-α,β-CH2-γ-S formed the most stable Zn(2+)-complex studied here, log K 6.50, being ~0.8 and ~1.1 log units more stable than ATP-γ-S-Zn(2+) and ATP-Zn(2+) complexes, and was the major species, 84%, under physiological pH. Guanine nucleotides Zn(2+) complexes were more stable by 0.3-0.4 log units than the corresponding adenine nucleotide complexes. Likewise, AP3(β-S)A-zinc complex was ~0.5 log units more stable than AP3A complex. (1)H- and (31)P NMR monitored Zn(2+) titration showed that Zn(2+) coordinates with the purine nucleotide N7-nitrogen atom, the terminal phosphate, and the adjacent phosphate. In conclusion, replacement of a terminal phosphate by a thiophosphate group resulted in decrease of the acidity of the phosphate moiety by approximately one log unit, and increase of stability of Zn(2+)-complexes of the latter analogues by up to 0.7 log units. A terminal phosphorothioate contributed more to the stability of nucleotide-Zn(2+) complexes than a bridging phosphorothioate.

Metabolomics reveals biotic and abiotic elicitor effects on the soft coral Sarcophyton ehrenbergi terpenoid content.

PubMed

Farag, Mohamed A; Al-Mahdy, Dalia A; Meyer, Achim; Westphal, Hildegard; Wessjohann, Ludger A

2017-04-05

The effects of six biotic and abiotic elicitors, i.e. MeJA (methyl jasmonate), SA (salicylic acid), ZnCl 2 , glutathione and β-glucan BG (fungal elicitor), and wounding, on the secondary metabolite accumulation in the soft coral Sarcophyton ehrenbergi were assessed. Upon elicitation, metabolites were extracted and analysed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Except for MeJA, no differences in photosynthetic efficiency were observed after treatments, suggesting the absence of a remarkable stress on primary production. Chemometric analyses of UPLC-MS data showed clear segregation of SA and ZnCl 2 elicited samples at 24 and 48 h post elicitation. Levels of acetylated diterpene and sterol viz., sarcophytonolide I and cholesteryl acetate, was increased in ZnCl 2 and SA groups, respectively, suggesting an activation of specific acetyl transferases. Post elicitation, sarcophytonolide I level increased 132 and 17-folds at 48 h in 0.1 mM SA and 1 mM ZnCl 2 groups, respectively. Interestingly, decrease in sarcophine, a major diterpene was observed only in response to ZnCl 2 , whereas no change was observed in sesquiterpene content following treatments. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first documentation for elicitation effects on a soft corals secondary metabolome and suggests that SA could be applied to increase diterpenoid levels in corals.

Corrosion resistance of Zn-Al layered double hydroxide/poly(lactic acid) composite coating on magnesium alloy AZ31

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Rong-Chang; Li, Xiao-Ting; Liu, Zhen-Guo; Zhang, Fen; Li, Shuo-Qi; Cui, Hong-Zhi

2015-12-01

A Zn-Al layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) coating consisted of uniform hexagonal nano-plates was firstly synthesized by co-precipitation and hydrothermal treatment on the AZ31 alloy, and then a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) coating was sealed on the top layer of the ZnAl-LDH coating using vacuum freeze-drying. The characteristics of the ZnAl-LDH/PLA composite coatings were investigated by means of XRD, SEM, FTIR and EDS. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was assessed by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that the ZnAl-LDH coating contained a compact inner layer and a porous outer layer, and the PLA coating with a strong adhesion to the porous outer layer can prolong the service life of the ZnAl-LDH coating. The excellent corrosion resistance of this composite coating can be attributable to its barrier function, ion-exchange and self-healing ability.

Positive autoantibodies to ZnT8 indicate elevated risk for additional autoimmune conditions in patients with Addison's disease.

PubMed

Fichna, Marta; Rogowicz-Frontczak, Anita; Żurawek, Magdalena; Fichna, Piotr; Gryczyńska, Maria; Zozulińska-Ziółkiewicz, Dorota; Ruchała, Marek

2016-07-01

Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) associates with exceptional susceptibility to develop other autoimmune conditions, including type 1 diabetes (T1D), marked by positive serum autoantibodies to insulin (IAA), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA) and insulinoma-associated protein 2 (IA-2A). Zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) is a new T1D autoantigen, encoded by the SLC30A8 gene. Its polymorphic variant rs13266634C/T seems associated with the occurrence of serum ZnT8 antibodies (ZnT8A). This study was designed to determine the prevalence of serum ZnT8A and their clinical implication in 140 AAD patients. Other beta cell and thyroid-specific autoantibodies were also investigated, and ZnT8A results were confronted with the rs13266634 genotype. ZnT8A were detectable in 8.5 %, GADA in 20.7 %, IA-2A in 5.7 %, IAA in 1.6 % and various anti-thyroid antibodies in 7.1-67.8 % individuals. Type 1 diabetes was found in 10 % AAD patients. ZnT8A were positive in 57.1 % of T1D patients and 3.4 % non-diabetic AAD. Analysis of ZnT8A enabled to identify autoimmunity in two (14.3 %) T1D individuals previously classified as autoantibody-negative. ZnT8A-positive patients revealed significantly higher number of autoimmune conditions (p < 0.001), increased prevalence of T1D (p < 0.001) and other beta cell-specific autoantibodies. Carriers of the rs13266634 T-allele displayed increased frequency (p = 0.006) and higher titres of ZnT8A (p = 0.002). Our study demonstrates high incidence of ZnT8A in AAD patients. ZnT8A are associated with coexisting T1D and predictive of T1D in non-diabetic subjects. Moreover, positive ZnT8A in AAD indicate elevated risk for additional autoimmune conditions. Autoantibodies to beta cell antigens, comprising ZnT8, could be included in routine screening panels in AAD.

Identification of two CiGADs from Caragana intermedia and their transcriptional responses to abiotic stresses and exogenous abscisic acid.

PubMed

Ji, Jing; Zheng, Lingyu; Yue, Jianyun; Yao, Xiamei; Chang, Ermei; Xie, Tiantian; Deng, Nan; Chen, Lanzhen; Huang, Yuwen; Jiang, Zeping; Shi, Shengqing

2017-01-01

Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), as a key enzyme in the γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt, catalyzes the decarboxylation of L-glutamate to form GABA. This pathway has attracted much interest because of its roles in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, stress responses, and signaling in higher plants. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize genes encoding GADs from Caragana intermedia , an important nitrogen-fixing leguminous shrub. Two full-length cDNAs encoding GADs (designated as CiGAD1 and CiGAD2 ) were isolated and characterized. Multiple alignment and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to evaluate their structures and identities to each other and to homologs in other plants. Tissue expression analyses were conducted to evaluate their transcriptional responses to stress (NaCl, ZnSO 4 , CdCl 2 , high/low temperature, and dehydration) and exogenous abscisic acid. The CiGAD s contained the conserved PLP domain and calmodulin (CaM)-binding domain in the C-terminal region. The phylogenetic analysis showed that they were more closely related to the GADs of soybean, another legume, than to GADs of other model plants. According to Southern blotting analysis, CiGAD1 had one copy and CiGAD2 -related genes were present as two copies in C. intermedia . In the tissue expression analyses, there were much higher transcript levels of CiGAD2 than CiGAD1 in bark, suggesting that CiGAD2 might play a role in secondary growth of woody plants. Several stress treatments (NaCl, ZnSO 4 , CdCl 2 , high/low temperature, and dehydration) significantly increased the transcript levels of both CiGAD s, except for CiGAD2 under Cd stress. The CiGAD1 transcript levels strongly increased in response to Zn stress (74.3-fold increase in roots) and heat stress (218.1-fold increase in leaves). The transcript levels of both CiGAD s significantly increased as GABA accumulated during a 24-h salt treatment. Abscisic acid was involved in regulating the expression of these two CiGAD s under salt stress. This study showed that two CiGAD s cloned from C. intermedia are closely related to homologs in another legume, soybean. CiGAD2 expression was much higher than that of CiGAD1 in bark, indicating that CiGAD2 might participate in the process of secondary growth in woody plants. Multiple stresses, interestingly, showed that Zn and heat stresses had the strongest effects on CiGAD1 expression, suggesting that CiGAD1 plays important roles in the responses to Zn and heat stresses. Additionally, these two genes might be involved in ABA dependent pathway during stress. This result provides important information about the role of GAD s in woody plants' responses to environmental stresses.

Ultraviolet electroluminescence from zinc oxide nanorods/deoxyribonucleic acid hybrid bio light-emitting diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Rohini Bhardwaj; Nagpal, Swati; Arora, Swati; Bhatnagar, Pramod Kumar; Mathur, Parmatma Chandra

2011-01-01

Ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode using salmon deoxyribonucleic acid (sDNA)-cetyltrimethylammonium complex as an electron blocking layer and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods as emissive material was fabricated. UV emission, which was blue shifted up to 335 nm with respect to the band edge emission of 390 nm, was observed. This blue shift was caused due to accumulation of electrons in the conduction band of ZnO because of a high potential barrier existing at the sDNA/ZnO interface.

Zinc and selenium accumulation and their effect on iron bioavailability in common bean seeds.

PubMed

de Figueiredo, Marislaine A; Boldrin, Paulo F; Hart, Jonathan J; de Andrade, Messias J B; Guilherme, Luiz R G; Glahn, Raymond P; Li, Li

2017-02-01

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are the most important legume crops. They represent a major source of micronutrients and a target for essential trace mineral enhancement (i.e. biofortification). To investigate mineral accumulation during seed maturation and to examine whether it is possible to biofortify seeds with multi-micronutrients without affecting mineral bioavailability, three common bean cultivars were treated independently with zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se), the two critical micronutrients that can be effectively enhanced via fertilization. The seed mineral concentrations during seed maturation and the seed Fe bioavailability were analyzed. Common bean seeds were found to respond positively to Zn and Se treatments in accumulating these micronutrients. While the seed pods showed a decrease in Zn and Se along with Fe content during pod development, the seeds maintained relatively constant mineral concentrations during seed maturation. Selenium treatment had minimal effect on the seed accumulation of phytic acid and polyphenols, the compounds affecting Fe bioavailability. Zinc treatment reduced phytic acid level, but did not dramatically affect the concentrations of total polyphenols. Iron bioavailability was found not to be greatly affected in seeds biofortified with Se and Zn. In contrast, the inhibitory polyphenol compounds in the black bean profoundly reduced Fe bioavailability. These results provide valuable information for Se and Zn enhancement in common bean seeds and suggest the possibility to biofortify with these essential nutrients without greatly affecting mineral bioavailability to increase the food quality of common bean seeds. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

The influence of manganese treatment on the distribution of metal elements in rats and the protection by sodium para-amino salicylic acid.

PubMed

Yuan, Zong-Xiang; Chen, Hai-Bin; Li, Shao-Jun; Huang, Xiao-Wei; Mo, Yu-Huan; Luo, Yi-Ni; He, Sheng-Nan; Deng, Xiang-Fa; Lu, Guo-Dong; Jiang, Yue-Ming

2016-07-01

Manganese (Mn) overexposure induced neurological damages, which could be potentially protected by sodium para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS-Na). In this study, we systematically detected the changes of divalent metal elements in most of the organs and analyzed the distribution of the metals in Mn-exposed rats and the protection by PAS-Na. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats received intraperitoneal injections of 15mg/kg MnCl2·4H2O (5d/week for 3 weeks), followed by subcutaneous (back) injections of PAS-Na (100 and 200mg/kg, everyday for 5 weeks). The concentrations of Mn and other metal elements [Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca)] in major organs (liver, spleen, kidney, thighbone and iliac bone, cerebral cortex, hippocampus and testes) and blood by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The results showed that Mn overexposure significantly increased Mn in most organs, Fe and Zn in liver, Fe and Mg in blood; however decreased Fe, Cu, Zn, Mg and Ca in cortex, Cu and Zn in kidney, Cu and Mg in iliac bone, and Zn in blood. In contrast, PAS-Na treatment restored most changes particularly in cortex. In conclusion, excessive Mn exposure disturbed the balance of other metal elements but PAS-Na post-treatments could restore these alterations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Effects of modified zeolite on the removal and stabilization of heavy metals in contaminated lake sediment using BCR sequential extraction.

PubMed

Wen, Jia; Yi, Yuanjie; Zeng, Guangming

2016-08-01

Sediment can be applied on land as a soil conditioner. However, toxic substances such as heavy metals within the sediment often lead to soil contamination if no proper management is conducted prior to land application. In order to reduce the bioavailable portion of heavy metals such as Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd, zeolite as a kind of stabilizer was investigated on the effect of metal stabilization in sediment. Zeolite was firstly modified and screened to get the best condition for removal of heavy metals. Results showed that the granulated zeolite with NaCl conditioning had the highest CEC and metal sorption. Using BCR sequential extraction, the selected modified zeolite effectively stabilized Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd in sediment to different extents. It was most suitable for Cd stabilization by reducing its acid exchangeable fraction while increasing the contents of the reducible and residual fractions. Modified zeolite also immobilized Cu, Zn and Pb in sediment by enhancing one stable fraction while decreasing the acid exchangeable fraction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plant growth, nutrients and potentially toxic elements in leaves of yerba mate clones in response to phosphorus in acid soils.

PubMed

Barbosa, Julierme Z; Motta, Antonio C V; Consalter, Rangel; Poggere, Giovana C; Santin, Delmar; Wendling, Ivar

2018-01-01

Native to subtropical region of South America, yerba mate is responsive to P under some conditions, but the degree of influence of genetic and soil on the growth and composition of the leaf is unknown. The aim of study was to evaluate plant growth, nutrients and potentially toxic elements in leaves of yerba mate clones in response to P application in acid soils. In greenhouse condition, two yerba mate clone seedlings were grown (210 days) in pots, each clone in a completely randomized design in factorial scheme (with and without P; four acid soils). The elemental composition of leaves and the growth of plants were determined. Phosphorus promoted plant growth, but this was not accompanied by increased P in leaf tissue in all conditions tested. The P effect on the elemental composition varied: decrease/null (N, K, Mg, Mn, Cu, Ni, B, Mo, Al, Cd); increase/null (C/N, C, Ca, Fe, V); increase/decrease/null (Zn, Ba, Pb) and; null (Cr). The soils affect the elemental composition of the leaves, especially Mn, with accumulation greater than 1000 mg kg-1. The Ba, Pb, Al and Zn in the leaves varied among clones. Yerba mate response to P was affected by edaphic and plant factors.

Application of zinc oxide quantum dots in food safety

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs) are nanoparticles of purified powdered ZnO. The ZnO QDs were directly added into liquid foods or coated on the surface of glass jars using polylactic acid (PLA) as a carrier. The antimicrobial activities of ZnO QDs against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Enteriti...

Oxidative removal of aqueous steroid estrogens by manganese oxides.

PubMed

Xu, Lei; Xu, Chao; Zhao, Meirong; Qiu, Yuping; Sheng, G Daniel

2008-12-01

This study investigated the oxidative removal of steroid estrogens from water by synthetic manganese oxide (MnO2) and the factors influencing the reactions. Using 1 x 10(-5)M MnO2 at pH 4, estrone (E1), 17beta-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2), all at 4 x 10(-6)M, were rapidly removed within 220 min, indicating the effectiveness of MnO2 as an oxidizing agent towards estrogens. E2 removal increased with decreasing pH over the tested range of 4-8, due most likely to increased oxidizing power of MnO2 and a cleaner reactive surface in acidic solutions. Coexisting metal ions of 0.01 M (Cu(II), Zn(II), Fe(III) and Mn(II)) and Mn(II) released from MnO2 reduction competed with E2 for reactive sites leading to reduced E2 removal. Observed differential suppression on E2 removal may be related to different speciations of metals, as suggested by the MINTEQ calculations, and hence their different adsorptivities on MnO2. By suppressing the metal effect, humic acid substantially enhanced E2 removal. This was attributed to complexation of humic acid with metal ions. With 0.01 M ZnCl2 in solutions containing 1 mg l(-1) humic acid, the binding of humic acid for Zn(II) was determined at 251 mmol g(-1). An in vitro assay using human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells indicated a near elimination of estrogenic activities without secondary risk of estrogen solutions treated with MnO2. Synthetic MnO2 is therefore a promising chemical agent under optimized conditions for estrogen removal from water. Metal chelators recalcitrant to MnO2 oxidation may be properly used to further enhance the MnO2 performance.

Leaching Behavior of Heavy Metals from Cement Pastes Using a Modified Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP).

PubMed

Huang, Minrui; Feng, Huajun; Shen, Dongsheng; Li, Na; Chen, Yingqiang; Shentu, Jiali

2016-03-01

As the standard toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) can not exhaust the acid neutralizing capacity of the cement rotary kiln co-processing solid wastes products which is particularly important for the assessment of the leaching concentrations of heavy metals. A modified TCLP was proposed. The extent of leaching of heavy metals is low using the TCLP and the leaching performance of the different metals can not be differentiated. Using the modified TCLP, however, Zn leaching was negligible during the first 180 h and then sharply increased (2.86 ± 0.18 to 3.54 ± 0.26 mg/L) as the acidity increased (pH < 6.0). Thus, Zn leaching is enhanced using the modified TCLP. While Pb leached readily during the first 126 h and then leachate concentrations decreased to below the analytical detection limit. To conclude, this modified TCLP is a more suitable method for these cement rotary kiln co-processing products.

Complexation equilibria and coordination aspects of Zn(II) complexes contain 2-aminobenzamide and some bioactive amino acid mixed ligands: pH-metric, spectroscopic and thermodynamic studies.

PubMed

Dharmaraja, Jeyaprakash; Subbaraj, Paramasivam; Esakkidurai, Thirugnanasamy; Shobana, Sutha; Raji, Saravanan

2014-01-01

Mixed ligand complexation of 2-aminobenzamide (2AB) as ligand [L] with Zn(II) in the presence of some bio-relevant amino acid constituents like glycine (gly), L-alanine (ala), L-valine (val) and L-phenylalanine (phe) as ligand [B] have been investigated using pH-metric measurements with a combined pH electrode at different temperatures (300, 310, 320 and 330 ± 0.1 K) in 50% (v/v) ethanol-water mixture containing I = 0.15 M NaClO(4) as supporting electrolyte. Computer assisted analysis of the experimental titration data showed the presence of ZnLB and ZnLB2 species as mixed ligand complexes in addition to various binary species. In ZnLB/ZnLB(2) species, both primary and secondary ligands act as bidentate to form a stable six, five membered chelate ring. The calculated stabilization parameter Deltalog K, log X, log X' and % R.S. values clearly show the mixed ligand complexes have higher stabilities than their binary. Thermodynamic parameters DeltaG, DeltaH and DeltaS have been derived from the temperature dependence of the stability constants. The complexation behavior of ZnLB species has been studied by means of electronic spectra. The percentage distribution of various binary and mixed ligand species of each type of the complexes in solution depending on pH and the ratio of Zn(II) to 2-aminobenzamide/amino acid of the systems.

Zinc isotope investigation of surface and pore waters in a mountain watershed impacted by acid rock drainage.

PubMed

Aranda, Suzan; Borrok, David M; Wanty, Richard B; Balistrieri, Laurie S

2012-03-15

The pollution of natural waters with metals derived from the oxidation of sulfide minerals like pyrite is a global environmental problem. However, the metal loading pathways and transport mechanisms associated with acid rock drainage reactions are often difficult to characterize using bulk chemical data alone. In this study, we evaluated the use of zinc (Zn) isotopes to complement traditional geochemical tools in the investigation of contaminated waters at the former Waldorf mining site in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, U.S.A. Geochemical signatures and statistical analysis helped in identifying two primary metal loading pathways at the Waldorf site. The first was characterized by a circumneutral pH, high alkalinity, and high Zn/Cd ratios. The second was characterized by acidic pHs and low Zn/Cd ratios. Zinc isotope signatures in surface water samples collected across the site were remarkably similar (the δ(66)Zn, relative to JMC 3-0749-L, for most samples ranged from 0.20 to 0.30‰±0.09‰ 2σ). This probably suggests that the ultimate source of Zn is consistent across the Waldorf site, regardless of the metal loading pathway. The δ(66)Zn of pore water samples collected within a nearby metal-impacted wetland area, however, were more variable, ranging from 0.20 to 0.80‰±0.09‰ 2σ. Here the Zn isotopes seemed to reflect differences in groundwater flow pathways. However, a host of secondary processes might also have impacted Zn isotopes, including adsorption of Zn onto soil components, complexation of Zn with dissolved organic matter, uptake of Zn into plants, and the precipitation of Zn during the formation of reduced sulfur species. Zinc isotope analysis proved useful in this study; however, the utility of this isotopic tool would improve considerably with the addition of a comprehensive experimental foundation for interpreting the complex isotopic relationships found in soil pore waters. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diel cycling of zinc in a stream impacted by acid rock drainage: Initial results from a new in situ Zn analyzer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chapin, T.P.; Nimick, D.A.; Gammons, C.H.; Wanty, R.B.

2007-01-01

Recent work has demonstrated that many trace metals undergo dramatic diel (24-h) cycles in near neutral pH streams with metal concentrations reproducibly changing up to 500% during the diel period (Nimick et al., 2003). To examine diel zinc cycles in streams affected by acid rock drainage, we have developed a novel instrument, the Zn-DigiScan, to continuously monitor in situ zinc concentrations in near real-time. Initial results from a 3-day deployment at Fisher Creek, Montana have demonstrated the ability of the Zn-DigiScan to record diel Zn cycling at levels below 100 ??g/l. Longer deployments of this instrument could be used to examine the effects of episodic events such as rainstorms and snowmelt pulses on zinc loading in streams affected by acid rock drainage. ?? Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2006.

Structural evolution of trimesic acid (TMA)/Zn2 + ion network on Au(111) to final structure of (10√3 × 10√3)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jandee; Lee, Jaesung; Rhee, Choong Kyun

2016-02-01

Presented is a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) study of structural evolution of TMA/Zn2 + ion network on Au(111) to the final structure of (10√3 × 10√3) during solution phase post-modification of pristine trimesic acid (TMA) network of a (5√3 × 5√3) structure with Zn2 + ions. Coordination of Zn2 + ions into adsorbed TMA molecules transforms crown-like TMA hexamers in pristine TMA network to chevron pairs in TMA/Zn2 + ion network. Two ordered transient structures of TMA/Zn2 + ion network were observed. One is a (5√7 × 5√7) structure consisting of Zn2 + ion-containing chevron pairs and Zn2 + ion-free TMA dimers. The other is a (5√39 × 5√21) structure made of chevron pairs and chevron-pair-missing sites. An STM image showing domains of different stages of crystallization of chevron pairs demonstrates that the TMA/Zn2 + network before reaching to the final one is quite dynamic. The observed structural evolution of the TMA/Zn2 + ion network is discussed in terms of modification of configurations of adsorbed TMA as accommodating Zn2 + ions and re-ordering of Zn2 + ion-containing chevron pairs.

Synthesis of silica coated zinc oxide–poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) matrix and its UV shielding evaluation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ramasamy, Mohankandhasamy; Kim, Yu Jun; Gao, Haiyan

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Well layer thickness controlled silica shell was made on ZnO nanoparticles. • PEAA, an interfacial agent is used to make nanocomposite–polymer matrix by twin-screw extruder. • Si-ZnO/PEAA matrix is highly stable and UV protective as compared to ZnO/PEAA matrix. • Nanoparticle embedded polymer matrix is suggested to make UV shielding fabrics with Nylon4. - Abstract: Silica coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (Si-ZnO NPs) (7 nm thick) were synthesized successfully and melt blended with poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) (PEAA resin) to improving ultraviolet (UV) shielding of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The photostability of both the ZnO NPs andmore » Si-ZnO NPs were analyzed by the difference in photoluminescence (PL) and by methylene blue (MB) degradation. Photo-degradation studies confirmed that Si-ZnO NPs are highly photostable compared to ZnO NPs. The melt blended matrices were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy interfaced with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FE-SEM-EDX). The UV shielding property was analyzed from the transmittance spectra of UV–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. The results confirmed fine dispersion of thick Si-ZnO NPs in the entire resin matrix. Moreover, the Si-ZnO/PEAA showed about 97% UV shielding properties than the ZnO/PEAA.« less

Evaluation of anti-microbial activities of ZnO, citric acid and a mixture of both against Propionibacterium acnes.

PubMed

Bae, J Y; Park, S N

2016-12-01

In this study, anti-microbial activities of ZnO of three different particle sizes of citric acid (CA) and of mixtures of ZnO and CA were confirmed against Propionibacterium acnes. ZnO with the smallest particle size showed relatively high anti-microbial activity by disc diffusion assay and broth macrodilution assay. The mixtures of ZnO and CA also showed relatively high anti-microbial activity when the particle size of ZnO was the smallest. Furthermore, anti-microbial activities of ZnO, CA and the mixtures of ZnO and CA were compared through the checkerboard assay. The results indicated that a 1 : 1 ratio of ZnO and CA resulted in the highest anti-microbial activity. The substances were confirmed to have synergic anti-microbial effects. With the time-kill curve assay, the mixture of ZnO-containing CA reduced the surviving microbial content the most after 24 h. The results of our study suggest that ZnO may not only be an anti-microbial ingredient for the prevention of and treatment of acne. The results of our study suggest that ZnO may be an anti-microbial ingredient for the prevention of and treatment of acne when mixed with CA. © 2016 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Tartaric acid assisted hydrothermal synthesis of different flower-like ZnO hierarchical architectures with tunable optical and oxygen vacancy-induced photocatalytic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Tingzhi; Li, Yangyang; Zhang, Hao; Wang, Min; Fei, Xiaoyan; Duo, Shuwang; Chen, Ying; Pan, Jian; Wang, Wei

2015-12-01

Different flower-like ZnO hierarchical architectures were prepared by tartaric acid assisted hydrothermal synthesis, especially four flower-like ZnO nanostructures were obtained simultaneously under the same reaction condition. The cauliflower-like ZnO is assembled by spherical shaped nanoparticles, and the chrysanthemum-like and other flower-like ZnO nanostructures are assembled by hexagonal rods/prisms with from planar to semi-pyramid, and to pyramid tips. TA acts as a capping agent and structure-directing agent during the synthesis. All ZnO possess the hexagonal wurtzite structure. The PL spectra can be tuned by changing TA concentration. XRD, PL and Raman spectra confirmed that oxygen vacancies mainly come from the ZnO surface. The flower-like samples of 1:4.5 and 1:3 with the largest aspect ratios have highest photocatalytic performance. They decompose 85% MB within 60 min. Combining PL Gaussian fitting with K, the higher content of oxygen vacancy is, the higher photocatalytic activity is. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is mainly induced by oxygen vacancy of ZnO. The possible formation mechanism, growth and change process of flower-like ZnO were proposed.

Photocatalytic detoxification of Acid Red 18 by modified ZnO catalyst under sunlight irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senthilraja, A.; Subash, B.; Dhatshanamurthi, P.; Swaminathan, M.; Shanthi, M.

2015-03-01

In this work, hybrid structured Bi-Au-ZnO composite was prepared by precipitation-decomposition method. This method is mild, economical and efficient. Bi-Au-ZnO was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PL) and BET surface area measurements. Photocatalytic activity of Bi-Au-ZnO was evaluated by irradiating the Acid Red 18 (AR 18) dye solution under sun light. Heterostructured Bi-Au-ZnO photocatalyst showed higher photocatalytic activity than those of individual Bi-ZnO, Au-ZnO, bare ZnO, and TiO2-P25 at pH 11. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of catalyst dosage, dye concentration, initial pH on photo mineralization of AR 18 dye have been analyzed. The mineralization of AR 18 has been confirmed by chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements. A possible mechanism is proposed for the degradation of AR 18 under sun light. Finally, Bi-Au-ZnO heterojunction photocatalyst was more stable and could be easily recycled several times opening a new avenue for potential industrial applications.

Alkaline hydrothermal conversion of fly ash filtrates into zeolites 2: utilization in wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Somerset, Vernon; Petrik, Leslie; Iwuoha, Emmanuel

2005-01-01

Filtrates were collected using a codisposal reaction wherein fly ash was reacted with acid mine drainage. These codisposal filtrates were then analyzed by X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry for quantitative determination of the SiO2 and Al2O3 content. Alkaline hydrothermal zeolite synthesis was then applied to the filtrates to convert the fly ash material into zeolites. The zeolites formed under the experimental conditions were faujasite, sodalite, and zeolite A. The use of the fly ash-derived zeolites and a commercial zeolite was explored in wastewater decontamination experiments as it was applied to acid mine drainage in different dosages. The concentrations of Ni, Zn, Cd, As, and Pb metal ions in the treated wastewater were investigated. The results of the treatment of the acid mine drainage with the prepared fly ash zeolites showed that the concentrations of Ni, Zn, Cd, and Hg were decreased as the zeolite dosages of the fly ash zeolite (FAZ1) increased.

A combined toxicity study of zinc oxide nanoparticles and vitamin C in food additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yanli; Yuan, Lulu; Yao, Chenjie; Ding, Lin; Li, Chenchen; Fang, Jie; Sui, Keke; Liu, Yuanfang; Wu, Minghong

2014-11-01

At present, safety evaluation standards for nanofood additives are made based on the toxic effects of a single additive. Since the size, surface properties and chemical nature influence the toxicity of nanomaterials, the toxicity may have dramatically changed when nanomaterials are used as food additives in a complex system. Herein, we investigated the combined toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and vitamin C (Vc, ascorbic acid). The results showed that Vc increased the cytotoxicity significantly compared with that of the ZnO only NPs. When the cells were exposed to ZnO NPs at a concentration less than 15 mg L-1, or to Vc at a concentration less than 300 mg L-1, there was no significant cytotoxicity, both in the case of gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1) and neural stem cells (NSCs). However, when 15 mg L-1 of ZnO NPs and 300 mg L-1 of Vc were introduced to cells together, the cell viability decreased sharply indicating significant cytotoxicity. Moreover, the significant increase in toxicity was also shown in the in vivo experiments. The dose of the ZnO NPs and Vc used in the in vivo study was calculated according to the state of food and nutrition enhancer standard. After repeated oral exposure to ZnO NPs plus Vc, the injury of the liver and kidneys in mice has been indicated by the change of these indices. These findings demonstrate that the synergistic toxicity presented in a complex system is essential for the toxicological evaluation and safety assessment of nanofood.At present, safety evaluation standards for nanofood additives are made based on the toxic effects of a single additive. Since the size, surface properties and chemical nature influence the toxicity of nanomaterials, the toxicity may have dramatically changed when nanomaterials are used as food additives in a complex system. Herein, we investigated the combined toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and vitamin C (Vc, ascorbic acid). The results showed that Vc increased the cytotoxicity significantly compared with that of the ZnO only NPs. When the cells were exposed to ZnO NPs at a concentration less than 15 mg L-1, or to Vc at a concentration less than 300 mg L-1, there was no significant cytotoxicity, both in the case of gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1) and neural stem cells (NSCs). However, when 15 mg L-1 of ZnO NPs and 300 mg L-1 of Vc were introduced to cells together, the cell viability decreased sharply indicating significant cytotoxicity. Moreover, the significant increase in toxicity was also shown in the in vivo experiments. The dose of the ZnO NPs and Vc used in the in vivo study was calculated according to the state of food and nutrition enhancer standard. After repeated oral exposure to ZnO NPs plus Vc, the injury of the liver and kidneys in mice has been indicated by the change of these indices. These findings demonstrate that the synergistic toxicity presented in a complex system is essential for the toxicological evaluation and safety assessment of nanofood. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr05480f

Chemical and thermal stability of the characteristics of filtered vacuum arc deposited ZnO, SnO2 and zinc stannate thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Çetinörgü, E.; Goldsmith, S.

2007-09-01

ZnO, SnO2 and zinc stannate thin films were deposited on commercial microscope glass and UV fused silica substrates using filtered vacuum arc deposition system. During the deposition, the substrate temperature was at room temperature (RT) or at 400 °C. The film structure and composition were determined using x-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The transmission of the films in the VIS was 85% to 90%. The thermal stability of the film electrical resistance was determined in air as a function of the temperature in the range 28 °C (RT) to 200 °C. The resistance of ZnO increased from ~ 5000 to 105 Ω when heated to 200 °C, that of SnO2 films increased from 500 to 3900 Ω, whereas that of zinc stannate thin films increased only from 370 to 470 Ω. During sample cooling to RT, the resistance of ZnO and SnO2 thin films continued to rise considerably; however, the increase in the zinc stannate thin film resistance was significantly lower. After cooling to RT, ZnO and SnO2 thin films became practically insulators, while the resistance of zinc stannate was 680 Ω. The chemical stability of the films was determined by immersing in acidic and basic solutions up to 27 h. The SnO2 thin films were more stable in the HCl solution than the ZnO and the zinc stannate thin films; however, SnO2 and zinc stannate thin films that were immersed in the NaOH solution did not dissolve after 27 h.

Essential trace elements and antioxidant status in relation to severity of HIV in Nigerian patients.

PubMed

Olaniyi, J A; Arinola, O G

2007-01-01

This study was designed to determine the plasma levels of some antioxidants and trace elements in three severity groups of HIV patients compared with non-HIV-infected controls. The plasma levels of antioxidants (total antioxidant, albumin, bilirubin and uric acid) and trace elements (Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Se) were estimated spectrophotometrically in controls and patients with CD4 counts of <200; 200-499 and > or =500 cells/microl. Uric acid and Zn were significantly higher, while vitamin E and all the trace elements (except Zn) were significantly lower in HIV-infected patients compared to healthy controls. The highest level of uric acid was observed in those with CD4 counts of <200 cells/microl. All the trace elements (except Zn) were higher in HIV subjects with a CD4 count of 200-499 cells/microl compared to >500 cells/microl. Only uric acid and Zn showed significant correlation with CD4 count. Based on the results of this study, we recommend routine assessment and appropriate supplementation of antioxidants/trace elements in HIV subjects. This supplementation is hoped to strengthen the immune system and reduce the adverse consequences of HIV- related oxidative stress. Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Performance traits and immune response of broiler chicks treated with zinc and ascorbic acid supplementation during cyclic heat stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chand, Naila; Naz, Shabana; Khan, Ajab; Khan, Sarzamin; Khan, Rifat Ullah

2014-12-01

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementation of zinc (Zn) and ascorbic acid (AA) in heat-stressed broilers. A total of 160-day-old broiler chicks of approximately the same weight and appearance were divided into four treatment groups (control, T1, T2, and T3). Control group was fed a standard diet without any supplementation. T1 was supplemented with Zn at the rate of 60 mg/kg of feed, T2 was supplemented with 300 mg/kg of feed AA, and T3 was supplemented with combination of Zn and AA. From week 3 to 5, heat stress environment was provided at the rate of 12 h at 25 °C, 3 h at 25 to 34 °C, 6 h at 34 °C, and 3 h at 34 to 25 °C daily. The results revealed that feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR), and weight of thymus, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius improved significantly ( P < 0.05) in T3 compared to the other treatments. Antibody titer against Newcastle disease (ND), infectious bursal disease (IBD), and infectious bronchitis (IB) increased significantly ( P < 0.05) in T2 and T3 groups. However, total leucocytes count, lymphocytes, and monocytes increased ( P < 0.05) in all treated groups compared to control. The results indicated that the supplementation of Zn or AA alone or in combination improved the performance and immune status of broilers reared under heat stress.

Amino acid-assisted synthesis of zinc oxide nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Baljinder; Moudgil, Lovika; Singh, Gurinder; Kaura, Aman

2018-05-01

In this manuscript we have used experimental approach that can provide a fundamental knowledge about the role played by biomolecules in designing the shape of nanostructure (NS) at a microscopic level. The three different amino acids (AAs) - Arginine (Arg), Aspartic acid (Asp) and Histidine (His) coated Zinc oxide (ZnO) NSs to explain the growth mechanism of nanoparticles of different shapes. Based on the experimental methodology we propose that AA-ZnO (Asp and Arg) nanomaterials could form of rod like configuration and His-ZnO NPs could form tablet like configuration. The synthesized samples are characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results reveal that AAs are responsible for formation of different NSs

Effects of three low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) and pH on the mobilization of arsenic and heavy metals (Cu, Pb, and Zn) from mine tailings.

PubMed

Wang, Suiling; Mulligan, Catherine N

2013-02-01

Natural organic acids may play an important role in influencing the mobility of toxic contaminants in the environment. The mobilization of arsenic (As) and heavy metals from an oxidized Pb-Zn mine tailings sample in the presence of three low-molecular-weight organic acids, aspartic acid, cysteine, and succinic acid, was investigated at a mass ratio of 10 mg organic additive/g mine tailings in this study. The effect of pH was also evaluated. The mine tailings sample, containing elevated levels of As (2,180 mg/kg), copper (Cu, 1,100 mg/kg), lead (Pb, 12,860 mg/kg), and zinc (Zn, 5,075 mg/kg), was collected from Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada. It was found that the organic additives inhibited As and heavy metal mobilization under acidic conditions (at pH 3 or 5), but enhanced it under neutral to alkaline conditions (at pH above 7) through forming aqueous organic complexes. At pH 11, As, Cu, Pb, and Zn were mobilized mostly by the organic additives, 45, 46, 1,660, and 128 mg/kg by aspartic acid, 31, 28, 1,040, and 112 mg/kg by succinic acid, and 53, 38, 2,020, and 150 mg/kg by cysteine, respectively, whereas those by distilled water were 6, 16, 260, and 52 mg/kg, respectively. It was also found that the mobilization of As and the heavy metals was closely correlated, and both were closely correlated to Fe mobilization. Arsenic mobilization by the three LMWOAs was found to be consistent with the order of the stability of Fe-, Cu-, Pb-, and Zn-organic ligand complexes. The organic acids might be used potentially in the natural attenuation and remediation of As and heavy metal-contaminated sites.

Adsorption of arginine, glycine and aspartic acid on Mg and Mg-based alloy surfaces: A first-principles study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Zhe; Wang, Jianfeng; Yang, Xiaofan; Sun, Qiang; Jia, Yu; Liu, Hairong; Xi, Tingfei; Guan, Shaokang

2017-07-01

Studying the adsorption behaviors of biomolecules on the surface of Mg and Mg-based alloy has a fundamental and important role for related applications in biotechnology. In the present work, we systematically investigate and compare the adsorption properties of three typical amino acids, i.e., Arg (arginine), Gly (glycine) and Asp (aspartic acid), which form RGD tripeptide, on the Mg (0 0 0 1) surface with various doping (Zn, Y, and Nd), and aim to realize proper binding between biomolecules and Mg and Mg-based biomedical materials. Our results show that flat adsorption configurations of the functional groups binding to the surfaces are favored in energy for all the three selected amino acids. In specific, for the amino acids adsorped on clean Mg (0 0 0 1) surface, the adsorption energy (Eads) of Arg is found to be -1.67 eV for the most stable configuration, with amino and guanidyl groups binding with the surface. However, Gly (Asp) is found to binding with the surface through amino and carboxyl groups, with a -1.16 eV (-1.15 eV) binding energy. On the 2% Zn doped Mg (0 0 0 1) alloy surface (Mg-Zn (2%)), the Eads are significantly increased to be -1.91 eV, -1.32 eV and -1.35 eV for Arg, Gly and Asp, respectively. While the Mg-Y (1%) and Mg-Nd (1%) slightly weaken the adsorption of three amino acids. Moreover, we have performed detail discussions of the binding properties between amino acids and surfaces by projected density of states (PDOS) combined with charge transfer analyses. Our studies provide a comprehensive understanding on the interactions between amino acids and Mg and Mg-based alloy surfaces, with respect to facilitate the applications of Mg and Mg-based biomedical alloys in biosensing, drug delivery, biomolecule coating and other fields in biotechnology.

Macromolecular Systems with MSA-Capped CdTe and CdTe/ZnS Core/Shell Quantum Dots as Superselective and Ultrasensitive Optical Sensors for Picric Acid Explosive.

PubMed

Dutta, Priyanka; Saikia, Dilip; Adhikary, Nirab Chandra; Sarma, Neelotpal Sen

2015-11-11

This work reports the development of highly fluorescent materials for the selective and efficient detection of picric acid explosive in the nanomolar range by fluorescence quenching phenomenon. Poly(vinyl alcohol) grafted polyaniline (PPA) and its nanocomposites with 2-mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA)-capped CdTe quantum dots (PPA-Q) and with MSA-capped CdTe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (PPA-CSQ) are synthesized in a single step free radical polymerization reaction. The thermal stability and photo stability of the polymer increases in the order of PPA < PPA-Q < PPA-CSQ. The polymers show remarkably high selectivity and efficient sensitivity toward picric acid, and the quenching efficiency for PPA-CSQ reaches up to 99%. The detection limits of PPA, PPA-Q, and PPA-CSQ for picric acid are found to be 23, 1.6, and 0.65 nM, respectively, which are remarkably low. The mechanism operating in the quenching phenomenon is proposed to be a combination of a strong inner filter effect and ground state electrostatic interaction between the polymers and picric acid. A portable and cost-effective electronic device for the visual detection of picric acid by the sensory system is successfully fabricated. The device is further employed for quantitative detection of picric acid in real water samples.

Intracellular shunting of O{sub 2}{sup −} contributes to charge compensation and preservation of neutrophil respiratory burst in the absence of voltage-gated proton channel activity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Decleva, Eva; Menegazzi, Renzo, E-mail: menegazz@units.it; Fasolo, Alba

2013-07-15

Proton efflux via voltage-gated proton channels (Hv1) is considered to mediate the charge compensation necessary to preserve NADPH oxidase activity during the respiratory burst. Using the Hv1 inhibitor Zn{sup 2+}, we found that the PMA-induced respiratory burst of human neutrophils is inhibited when assessed as extracellular production of O{sub 2}{sup −} and H{sub 2}O{sub 2}, in accordance with literature studies, but, surprisingly, unaffected when measured as oxygen consumption or total (extracellular plus intracellular) H{sub 2}O{sub 2} production. Furthermore, we show that inhibiting Hv1 with Zn{sup 2+} results in an increased production of intracellular ROS. Similar results, i.e. decreased extracellular andmore » increased intracellular ROS production, were obtained using a human granulocyte-like cell line with severely impaired Hv1 expression. Acidic extracellular pH, which dampens proton efflux, also augmented intracellular production of H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. Zinc caused an increase in the rate but not in the extent of depolarization and cytosolic acidification indicating that mechanisms other than proton efflux take part in charge compensation. Our results suggest a hitherto unpredicted mechanism of charge compensation whereby, in the absence of proton efflux, part of O{sub 2}{sup −} generated within gp91{sup phox} in the plasma membrane is shunted intracellularly down electrochemical gradient to dampen excessive depolarization. This would preserve NADPH oxidase activity under conditions such as the inflammatory exudate in which the acidic pH hinders charge compensation by proton efflux. Highlights: • Neutrophils’ respiratory burst is not inhibited by the H{sup +} channel inhibitor Zn{sup 2+}. • Intracellular production of O{sub 2}{sup −} and H{sub 2}O{sub 2} is increased in the presence of Zn{sup 2+}. • Intracellular H{sub 2}O{sub 2} production is increased in H{sup +} channels knock-down cells. • Zn{sup 2+} increases the rate but not the extent of depolarization and pH{sub i} decrease. • Intracellular shunting of O{sub 2}{sup −} contributes to charge compensation in neutrophils.« less

Effects of the peroxisome proliferator clofibric acid on superoxide dismutase expression in the human HepG2 hepatoma cell line.

PubMed

Bécuwe, P; Bianchi, A; Keller, J M; Dauça, M

1999-09-15

We examined the effects of clofibric acid, a peroxisome proliferator, on the production of superoxide radicals, on the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and on the expression of superoxide dismutases (SODs) in the human HepG2 hepatoma cell line. To this end, HepG2 cells were treated for 1 or 5 days with 0.25, 0.50, or 0.75 mM clofibric acid. The production of superoxide radicals was only enhanced in HepG2 cells exposed for 5 days to the different clofibric acid concentrations. However, this overproduction of superoxide radicals was not accompanied by increased rates of lipid peroxidation, as the MDA and 4-HNE levels did not change significantly. Manganese (Mn) SOD activity was increased when HepG2 cells were treated for 1 day with 0.50 or 0.75 mM clofibric acid. For this duration of treatment, no change was observed in total SOD and copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) SOD activities. For a 5-day treatment, total SOD and MnSOD activities as well as the enzyme apoprotein and MnSOD mRNA levels increased whatever the clofibric acid concentration used. This transcriptional induction of the MnSOD gene was correlated with an activation of the activator protein-1 transcription factor for 1 and 5 days of treatment, but was independent of nuclear factor-kappa B and of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor. On the other hand, the PP exerted very little effect if any on Cu,ZnSOD expression. In contrast to rodent data, PP treatment of human hepatoma cells induces MnSOD expression.

Thiolate-Capped CdSe/ZnS Core-Shell Quantum Dots for the Sensitive Detection of Glucose.

PubMed

Abd Rahman, Samsulida; Ariffin, Nurhayati; Yusof, Nor Azah; Abdullah, Jaafar; Mohammad, Faruq; Ahmad Zubir, Zuhana; Nik Abd Aziz, Nik Mohd Azmi

2017-07-01

A semiconducting water-soluble core-shell quantum dots (QDs) system capped with thiolated ligand was used in this study for the sensitive detection of glucose in aqueous samples. The QDs selected are of CdSe-coated ZnS and were prepared in house based on a hot injection technique. The formation of ZnS shell at the outer surface of CdSe core was made via a specific process namely, SILAR (successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction). The distribution, morphology, and optical characteristics of the prepared core-shell QDs were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectrofluorescence, respectively. From the analysis, the results show that the mean particle size of prepared QDs is in the range of 10-12 nm and that the optimum emission condition was displayed at 620 nm. Further, the prepared CdSe/ZnS core shell QDs were modified by means of a room temperature ligand-exchange method that involves six organic ligands, L -cysteine, L -histidine, thio-glycolic acid (TGA or mercapto-acetic acid, MAA), mercapto-propionic acid (MPA), mercapto-succinic acid (MSA), and mercapto-undecanoic acid (MUA). This process was chosen in order to maintain a very dense water solubilizing environment around the QDs surface. From the analysis, the results show that the CdSe/ZnS capped with TGA (CdSe/ZnS-TGA) exhibited the strongest fluorescence emission as compared to others; hence, it was tested further for the glucose detection after their treatment with glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzymes. Here in this study, the glucose detection is based on the fluorescence quenching effect of the QDs, which is correlated to the oxidative reactions occurred between the conjugated enzymes and glucose. From the analysis of results, it can be inferred that the resultant GOx:HRP/CdSe/ZnS-TGA QDs system can be a suitable platform for the fluorescence-based determination of glucose in the real samples.

Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Leucine, Zinc, and Chromium, Alone and in Combination, in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Sadri, Hassan; Larki, Negar Nowroozi; Kolahian, Saeed

2017-12-01

For the increasing development of diabetes, dietary habits and using appropriate supplements can play important roles in the treatment or reduction of risk for this disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of leucine (Leu), zinc (Zn), and chromium (Cr) supplementation, alone or in combination, in rats with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Seventy-seven adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned in 11 groups, using nutritional supplements and insulin (INS) or glibenclamide (GLC). Supplementing Leu significantly reduced blood glucose, triglycerides (TG), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations compared to vehicle-treated T2D animals, and those improvements were associated with reduced area under the 2-h blood glucose response curve (AUC). Supplementation of T2D animals with Zn improved serum lipid profile as well as blood glucose concentrations but was not comparable with the INS, GLC, and Leu groups. Supplementary Cr did not improve blood glucose and AUC in T2D rats, whereas it reduced serum TG and LDL and increased HDL concentrations. In conclusion, supplementation of diabetic rats with Leu was more effective in improving blood glucose and consequently decreasing glucose AUC than other nutritional supplements. Supplementary Zn and Cr only improved serum lipid profile. The combination of the nutritional supplements did not improve blood glucose level. Nevertheless, supplementation with Leu-Zn, Leu-Cr, Zn-Cr, and Leu-Zn-Cr led to an improved response in serum lipid profile over each supplement given alone.

Enhanced performance of P3HT/(PCBM:ZnO:TiO{sub 2}) blend based hybrid organic solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ikram, M., E-mail: mianraj.1981@gmail.com; Murray, R.; Imran, M.

Highlights: • We fabricated hybrid bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. • TiO{sub 2} and ZnO nanoparticles replace PCBM with fixed amount of P3HT in active layer • PCE was significantly improved by the introduction of TiO{sub 2} and ZnO. • A possible route toward low-cost OPV. • To the best of my knowledge, this work is the first time going to report. - Abstract: Quaternary blend hybrid organic solar cells enjoy both an increased light absorption range and an easy method to fabricate because of the simple structure. In this study effects of mixing inorganic metal oxides (ZnO and TiO{submore » 2}) nanoparticles to the active layer of organic photovoltaics devices were investigated. The active layer primarily consists of various ratios of electron donor poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and an electron acceptor [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) together with nanostructured ZnO and TiO{sub 2} dispersed in chlorobenzene (CB) and 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB). The ratio of PCBM to nanoparticles was varied keeping the ratio of P3HT to acceptor material constant. Mixing of nanoparticle plays a significant role in the resulting power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the devices. An increased PCE for ZnO/TiO{sub 2} doped devices can be attributed to increased absorption in the visible region and enhanced charge collection due to the percolation networks formed by metal oxides nanoparticles.« less

Model resin composites incorporating ZnO-NP: activity against S. mutans and physicochemical properties characterization

PubMed Central

Brandão, Natasha Lamego; Portela, Maristela Barbosa; Maia, Luciane Cople; Antônio, Andréa; Silva, Vanessa Loureiro Moreira e

2018-01-01

Abstract Although resin composites are widely used in the clinical practice, the development of recurrent caries at composite-tooth interface still remains as one of the principal shortcomings to be overcome in this field. Objectives To evaluate the activity against S. mutans biofilm of model resin composites incorporating different concentrations of ZnO-nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) and characterize their physicochemical properties. Materials and Methods Different concentrations of ZnO-NP (wt.%): E1=0, E2=0.5, E3=1, E4=2, E5=5 and E6=10 were incorporated into a model resin composite consisting of Bis-GMA-TEGDMA and barium borosilicate particles. The activity against S. mutans biofilm was evaluated by metabolic activity and lactic acid production. The following physicochemical properties were characterized: degree of conversion (DC%), flexural strength (FS), elastic modulus (EM), hardness (KHN), water sorption (Wsp), water solubility (Wsl) and translucency (TP). Results E3, E4, E5 and E6 decreased the biofilm metabolic activity and E5 and E6 decreased the lactic acid production (p<0.05). E6 presented the lowest DC% (p<0.05). No significant difference in FS and EM was found for all resin composites (p>0.05). E5 and E6 presented the lowest values of KHN (p<0.05). E6 presented a higher Wsp than E1 (p<0.05) and the highest Wsl (p<0.05). The translucency significantly decreased as the ZnO- NP concentration increased (p<0.05). Conclusions The incorporation of 2 – 5 wt.% of ZnO-NP could endow antibacterial activity to resin composites, without jeopardizing their physicochemical properties. PMID:29742262

Model resin composites incorporating ZnO-NP: activity against S. mutans and physicochemical properties characterization.

PubMed

Brandão, Natasha Lamego; Portela, Maristela Barbosa; Maia, Luciane Cople; Antônio, Andréa; Silva, Vanessa Loureiro Moreira E; Silva, Eduardo Moreira da

2018-01-01

Although resin composites are widely used in the clinical practice, the development of recurrent caries at composite-tooth interface still remains as one of the principal shortcomings to be overcome in this field. Objectives To evaluate the activity against S. mutans biofilm of model resin composites incorporating different concentrations of ZnO-nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) and characterize their physicochemical properties. Materials and Methods Different concentrations of ZnO-NP (wt.%): E1=0, E2=0.5, E3=1, E4=2, E5=5 and E6=10 were incorporated into a model resin composite consisting of Bis-GMA-TEGDMA and barium borosilicate particles. The activity against S. mutans biofilm was evaluated by metabolic activity and lactic acid production. The following physicochemical properties were characterized: degree of conversion (DC%), flexural strength (FS), elastic modulus (EM), hardness (KHN), water sorption (Wsp), water solubility (Wsl) and translucency (TP). Results E3, E4, E5 and E6 decreased the biofilm metabolic activity and E5 and E6 decreased the lactic acid production (p<0.05). E6 presented the lowest DC% (p<0.05). No significant difference in FS and EM was found for all resin composites (p>0.05). E5 and E6 presented the lowest values of KHN (p<0.05). E6 presented a higher Wsp than E1 (p<0.05) and the highest Wsl (p<0.05). The translucency significantly decreased as the ZnO- NP concentration increased (p<0.05). Conclusions The incorporation of 2 - 5 wt.% of ZnO-NP could endow antibacterial activity to resin composites, without jeopardizing their physicochemical properties.

Ce3+-ion-induced visible-light photocatalytic degradation and electrochemical activity of ZnO/CeO2 nanocomposite

PubMed Central

Rajendran, Saravanan; Khan, Mohammad Mansoob; Gracia, F.; Qin, Jiaqian; Gupta, Vinod Kumar; Arumainathan, Stephen

2016-01-01

In this study, pure ZnO, CeO2 and ZnO/CeO2 nanocomposites were synthesized using a thermal decomposition method and subsequently characterized using different standard techniques. High-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements confirmed the oxidation states and presence of Zn2+, Ce4+, Ce3+ and different bonded oxygen species in the nanocomposites. The prepared pure ZnO and CeO2 as well as the ZnO/CeO2 nanocomposites with various proportions of ZnO and CeO2 were tested for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange, methylene blue and phenol under visible-light irradiation. The optimized and highly efficient ZnO/CeO2 (90:10) nanocomposite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance for the degradation of methyl orange, methylene blue, and phenol as well as industrial textile effluent compared to ZnO, CeO2 and the other investigated nanocomposites. Moreover, the recycling results demonstrate that the ZnO/CeO2 (90:10) nanocomposite exhibited good stability and long-term durability. Furthermore, the prepared ZnO/CeO2 nanocomposites were used for the electrochemical detection of uric acid and ascorbic acid. The ZnO/CeO2 (90:10) nanocomposite also demonstrated the best detection, sensitivity and performance among the investigated materials in this application. These findings suggest that the synthesized ZnO/CeO2 (90:10) nanocomposite could be effectively used in various applications. PMID:27528264

Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide intercalated ZnO quantum dots nanoballs for selective biosensing detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jing; Zhao, Minggang; Li, Yingchun; Fan, Sisi; Ding, Longjiang; Liang, Jingjing; Chen, Shougang

2016-07-01

ZnO quantum dots (QDs), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are always used in sensors due to their excellent electrochemical characteristics. In this work, ZnO QDs were intercalated by rGO sheets with cross-linked MWCNTs to construct intercalation nanoballs. A MWCNTs/rGO/ZnO QDs 3D hierarchical architecture was fabricated on supporting Ni foam, which exhibited excellent mechanical, kinetic and electrochemical properties. The intercalation construction can introduce strong interfacial effects to improve the surface electronic state. The selectively determinate of uric acid, dopamine, and ascorbic acid by an electrode material using distinct applied potentials was realized.

Counter-current acid leaching process for the removal of Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn from shooting range soil.

PubMed

Lafond, Stéphanie; Blais, Jean-François; Mercier, Guy; Martel, Richard

2013-01-01

This research explores the performance of a counter-current leaching process (CCLP) for Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn extraction in a polluted shooting range soil. The initial metal concentrations in the soil were 1790 mg Cu/kg, 48,300 mg Pb/kg, 840 mg Sb/kg and 368 mg Zn/kg. The leaching process consisted of five one-hour acid leaching steps, which used 1 M H2SO4 + 4 M NaCl (20 degrees C, soil suspension = 100 g/L) followed by two water rinsing steps. Ten counter-current remediation cycles were completed and the average metal removal yields were 98.3 +/- 0.3% of Cu, 99.5 +/- 0.1% of Pb, 75.5 +/- 5.1% of Sb and 29.1 +/- 27.2% of Zn. The quality of metal leaching did not deteriorate throughout the 10 remediation cycles completed for this study. The CCLP reduced acid and salt use by approximately 68% and reduced water consumption by approximately 60%, exceeding reductions achieved by a standard acid leaching process.

Folic acid-functionalized magnetic ZnFe2O4 hollow microsphere core/mesoporous silica shell composite particles: synthesis and application in drug release.

PubMed

Yang, Dandan; Wei, Kaiwei; Liu, Qi; Yang, Yong; Guo, Xue; Rong, Hongren; Cheng, Mei-Ling; Wang, Guoxiu

2013-07-01

A drug delivery system was designed by deliberately combining the useful functions into one entity, which was composed of magnetic ZnFe2O4 hollow microsphere as the core, and mesoporous silica with folic acid molecules as the outer shell. Amine groups coated magnetic ZnFe2O4 hollow microsphere core/mesoporous silica shell (MZHM-MSS-NH2) composite particles were first synthesized by a one-pot direct co-condensation method. Subsequently a novel kind of folic acid-functionalized magnetic ZnFe2O4 hollow microsphere core/mesoporous silica shell (MZHM-MSS-NHFA) composite particles were synthesized by conjugating folic acid as targeted molecule to MZHM-MSS-NH2. Ibuprofen, a well-known antiphlogistic drug, was used as a model drug to assess the loading and releasing behavior of the composite microspheres. The results show that the MZHM-MSS-NHFA system has the higher capacity of drug storage and good sustained drug-release property. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exploring alternative Zn-binding groups in the design of HDAC inhibitors: squaric acid, N-hydroxyurea, and oxazoline analogues of SAHA.

PubMed

Hanessian, Stephen; Vinci, Valerio; Auzzas, Luciana; Marzi, Mauro; Giannini, Giuseppe

2006-09-15

Analogues of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) were prepared by replacing the Zn-binding group with squaric acid, N-hydroxyurea, and 4-hydroxymethyl oxazoline units, also varying the length of the aliphatic chain. No inhibitory activity on HDAC was observed below 1.0 microM and no cytotoxic activity on different tumor cell lines was seen below 20.0 microM.

A supramolecular Tröger's base derived coordination zinc polymer for fluorescent sensing of phenolic-nitroaromatic explosives in water† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Spectroscopic (multinuclear NMR, IR HRMS) characterizations, optimized structure, TGA, powder diffraction and fluorescence titration profiles. See DOI: 10.1039/c6sc04367d Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Dabadie, Charlyne; Byrne, Kevin; Savyasachi, Aramballi J.; Umadevi, Deivasigamani; Schmitt, Wolfgang; Kitchen, Jonathan A.

2017-01-01

A V-Shaped 4-amino-1,8-napthalimide derived tetracarboxylic acid linker (L; bis-[N-(1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid)]-9,18-methano-1,8-naphthalimide-[b,f][1,5]diazocine) comprising the Tröger's base (TB) structural motif was rationally designed and synthesised to access a nitrogen-rich fluorescent supramolecular coordination polymer. By adopting the straight forward precipitation method, a new luminescent nanoscale Zn(ii) coordination polymer (TB-Zn-CP) was synthesized in quantitative yield using Zn(OAc)2·2H2O and tetraacid linker L (1 : 0.5) in DMF at room temperature. The phase-purity of as-synthesised TB-Zn-CP was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction analysis, infra-red spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis suggests that TB-Zn-CP is thermally stable up to 330 °C and the morphological features of TB-Zn-CP was analysed by SEM and AFM techniques. The N2 adsorption isotherm of thermally activated TB-Zn-CP at 77 K revealed a type-II reversible adsorption isotherm and the calculated Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area was found to be 72 m2 g–1. Furthermore, TB-Zn-CP displayed an excellent CO2 uptake capacity of 76 mg g–1 at 273 K and good adsorption selectivity for CO2 over N2 and H2. The aqueous suspension of as-synthesized TB-Zn-CP showed strong green fluorescence (λ max = 520 nm) characteristics due to the internal-charge transfer (ICT) transition and was used as a fluorescent sensor for the discriminative sensing of nitroaromatic explosives. The aqueous suspension of TB-Zn-CP showed the largest quenching responses with high selectivity for phenolic-nitroaromatics (4-NP, 2,4-DNP and PA) even in the concurrent presence of other potentially competing nitroaromatic analytes. The fluorescence titration studies also provide evidence that TB-Zn-CP detects picric acid as low as the parts per billion (26.3 ppb) range. Furthermore, the observed fluorescence quenching responses of TB-Zn-CP towards picric acid were highly reversible. The highly selective fluorescence quenching responses including the reversible detection efficiency make the nanoscale coordination polymer TB-Zn-CP a potential material for the discriminative fluorescent sensing of nitroaromatic explosives. PMID:28572910

Removal of heavy metals from contaminated soil by electrodialytic remediation enhanced with organic acids.

PubMed

Merdoud, Ouarda; Cameselle, Claudio; Boulakradeche, Mohamed Oualid; Akretche, Djamal Eddine

2016-11-09

The soil from an industrial area in Algeria was contaminated with Cr (8370 mg kg -1 ), Ni (1135 mg kg -1 ) and zinc (1200 mg kg -1 ). The electrodialytic remediation of this soil was studied using citric acid and EDTA as facilitating agents. 0.1 M citric acid or EDTA was added directly to the soil before it was introduced in an electrodialytic cell in an attempt to enhance the heavy metal solubility in the interstitial fluid. The more acidic pH in the soil when citric acid was used as the facilitating agent was not enough to mobilize and remove the metals from the soil. Only 7.2% of Ni and 6.7% of Zn were removed from the soil in the test with citric acid. The best results were found with EDTA, which was able to solubilize and complex Zn and Ni forming negatively charged complexes that were transported and accumulated in the anolyte. Complete removal was observed for Ni and Zn in the electrodialytic treatment with EDTA. Minor amounts of Cr were removed with both EDTA and citric acid.

Controlling the directionality of charge transfer in phthalocyaninato zinc sensitizer for a dye-sensitized solar cell: density functional theory studies.

PubMed

Wan, Liang; Qi, Dongdong; Zhang, Yuexing; Jiang, Jianzhuang

2011-01-28

Density functional theory (DFT) calculation on the molecular structures, charge distribution, molecular orbitals, electronic absorption spectra of a series of eight unsymmetrical phthalocyaninato zinc complexes with one peripheral (E)-2-cyano-3-(5-vinylthiophen-2-yl) acrylic acid substituent at 2 or 3 position as an electron-withdrawing group and a different number of electron-donating amino groups at the remaining peripheral positions (9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24) of the phthalocyanine ring, namely ZnPc-β-A, ZnPc-β-A-I-NH(2), ZnPc-β-A-II-NH(2), ZnPc-β-A-III-NH(2), ZnPc-β-A-I,II-NH(2), ZnPc-β-A-I,III-NH(2), ZnPc-β-A-II,III-NH(2), and ZnPc-β-A-I,II,III-NH(2), reveals the effects of amino groups on the charge transfer properties of these phthalocyanine derivatives with a typical D-π-A electronic structure. The introduction of amino groups was revealed altering of the atomic charge distribution, lifting the frontier molecular orbital level, red-shift of the near-IR bands in the electronic absorption spectra, and finally resulting in enhanced charge transfer directionality for the phthalocyanine compounds. Along with the increase of the peripheral amino groups at the phthalocyanine ring from 0, 2, 4, to 6, the dihedral angle between the phthalocyanine ring and the average plane of the (E)-2-cyano-3-(5-vinylthiophen-2-yl) acrylic acid substituent increases from 0 to 3.3° in an irregular manner. This is in good contrast to the regular and significant change in the charge distribution, destabilization of frontier orbital energies, and red shift of near-IR bands of phthalocyanine compounds along the same order. In addition, comparative studies indicate the smaller effect of incorporating two amino groups onto the 16 and 17 than on 9 and 10 or 23 and 24 peripheral positions of the phthalocyanine ring onto the aforementioned electronic properties, suggesting the least effect on tuning the charge transfer property of the phthalocyanine compound via introducing two electron-donating amino groups onto the 16 and 17 peripheral positions. As expected, compound ZnPc-β-A-I,III-NH(2) with four amino groups at 9, 10, 23, and 24 positions of the phthalocyanine ring shows the best charge transfer directionality among the three phthalocyaninato zinc complexes with four peripheral amino groups.

Carboxylate ligands induced structural diversity of zinc(II) coordination polymers based on 3,6-bis(imidazol-1-yl)carbazole: Syntheses, structures and photocatalytic properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cheng, Hong-Jian, E-mail: hjcheng@cslg.cn; Tang, Hui-Xiang; Shen, Ya-Li

2015-12-15

Solvothermal reactions of Zn(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}·6H{sub 2}O with 3,6-bis(1-imidazolyl)carbazole (3,6-bmcz) and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (1,4-H{sub 2}bdc), p-phenylenediacetic acid (p-H{sub 2}pda), benzophenone-4,4-dicarboxylic acid (H{sub 2}bpda) afforded three coordination polymers [Zn(1,4-bdc)(3,6-bmcz)]{sub n} (1), {[Zn(p-pda)(3,6-bmcz)]·1.5H_2O}{sub n} (2) and {[Zn(bpda)(3,6-bmcz)]·0.25H_2O}{sub n} (3). Complexes 1–3 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, powder X-ray diffraction, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 shows 3D structure with 2D nets inclined polycatenation. Complexes 2 and 3 possess an extended 3D supramolecular architecture based on their respective 2D layers through hydrogen-bonding interactions and the π···π stacking interactions. The solid state luminescent and optical properties of 1–3 at ambient temperature were alsomore » investigated. A comparative study on their photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of methylene blue in polluted water was explored. - Graphical abstract: Reactions of Zn(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} and 3,6-(1-imidazolyl)carbazole with 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, p-phenylenediacetic acid or benzophenone-4,4-dicarboxylic acid afforded three coordination polymers with different topologies and photocatalytic activity. - Highlights: • Reactions of 1,4-H{sub 2}bdc, p-H{sub 2}pda or H{sub 2}bpda with 3,6-bmcz and Zn(II) gave three CPs. • Complex 1 is a 3D entanglement. • Complex 2 or 3 is a 3D supramolecular structure based on different 2D layers. • Complex 2 exhibited good catalytic activity of methylene blue photodegradation.« less

Cd-free Cu-Zn-In-S/ZnS quantum dots@SiO2 multiple cores nanostructure: preparation and application for white LEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Tongtong; Shen, Mohan; Dai, Peng; Wu, Mingzai; Yu, Xinxin; Li, Guang; Xu, Xiaoliang; Zeng, Haibo

2017-10-01

The work reports the fabrication of Cu doped Zn-In-S (CZIS) alloy quantum dots (QDs) using dodecanethiol and oleic acid as stabilizing ligands. With the increase of doped Cu element, the photoluminescence (PL) peak is monotonically red shifted. After coating ZnS shell, the PL quantum yield of CZIS QDs can reach 78%. Using reverse micelle microemulsion method, CZIS/ZnS QDs@SiO2 multi-core nanospheres were synthesized to improve the colloidal stability and avoid the aggregation of QDs. The obtained multi-core nanospheres were dispersed in curing adhesive, and applied as a color conversion layer in down converted light-emitting diodes. After encapsulation in curing adhesive, the newly designed LEDs show artifically regulated color coordinates with varying the weight ratio of green QDs and red QDs, and the concentrations of these two types of QDs. Moreover, natural white and warm white LEDs with correlated color temperature of 5287, 6732, 2731, and 3309 K can be achieved, which indicates that CZIS/ZnS QDs@SiO2 nanostructures are promising color conversion layer material for solid-state lighting application.

Accumulation and chemical fractionation of heavy metals in andisols after a different, 6-year fertilization management.

PubMed

Zhao, Bingzi; Maeda, Morihiro; Zhang, Jiabao; Zhu, Anning; Ozaki, Yasuo

2006-03-01

Andisols are widespread in Japan and have some special properties such as high anion exchange capacity, low bulk density, and high organic matter content, which might influence the accumulation or chemical fractionation of heavy metals. However, few such data exist in Japanese andisols. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the distribution and chemical fractions of Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cr in the soil profiles and subsequently to assess their potential environmental hazard. Soil samples were taken from a field experiment conducted on Japanese andisols, which had received either swine compost or chemical fertilizers for 6 years. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cr were determined for all of the obtained extract solutions by ICP-AES. Considerably higher total concentrations of Cu and Zn were observed in the top 20 cm layer of the compost-amended soil, relative to the unfertilized soil, while chemical fertilizers had little effect. Application of the swine compost increased the concentrations of Cu and Zn, but not Ni and Cr, in all fractions in the top 20 cm layer. The greatest increase in the organically bound fraction (OM) Cu and dilute acid-exchangeable fraction (DAEXCH) Zn was observed. This suggests that Cu and Zn are potentially bioavailable and mobile in the andisol profiles after 6-year consecutive applications of the swine compost. On the other hand, distribution of Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr among various soil fractions was generally unaffected by chemical fertilizers. We observed that 6-year consecutive applications of the swine compost led to an increase in total metals of Cu and Zn, as well as their all-chemical fractions, in the top 20 cm soil layers. Potential hazard of heavy metals, especially of Cu and Zn, as a result of the use of swine compost on andisols, must be taken into account. The long-term effect of the accumulation of heavy metals, particularly Cu and Zn, in various plant tissues and soils, as well as their potential risk to surface water via runoff and groundwater via leaching, needs to be carefully considered. Further investigations in the long-term experiments are therefore necessary.

Influence of different histidine sources and zinc supplementation of broiler diets on dipeptide content and antioxidant status of blood and meat.

PubMed

Kopeć, W; Jamroz, D; Wiliczkiewicz, A; Biazik, E; Pudlo, A; Hikawczuk, T; Skiba, T; Korzeniowska, M

2013-01-01

1. The objective of this study was to investigate how a diet containing spray-dried blood cells (SDBC) (4%) with or without zinc (Zn) would affect the concentration of two histidine heterodipeptides and the antioxidant status of broiler blood and breast muscles. 2. The study was carried out on 920 male Flex chickens randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: I - control, II - diet I with SDBC, III - diet I with SDBC and supplemented with Zn and IV - diet I supplemented with L-histidine. Birds were raised on floor littered with wood shavings, given free access to water and fed ad libitum. Performance indices were measured on d 1, 21 and 42. 3. The activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was analysed in plasma, erythrocytes and muscle tissue. The total antioxidant capacity of plasma and breast muscles was measured by 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability, as well as by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Carnosine/anserine content of meat and plasma were determined using HPLC. Diets and breast muscles were analysed for amino acid profile and selected microelement content. 4. Histidine supplementation of the diet increased glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma and superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes. Moreover, the addition of SDBC or pure histidine in the diet increased histidine dipeptide content and activated enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems in chicken blood and muscles. However, it led to lower growth performance indices. 5. The enrichment of broiler diets with Zn increased the antioxidant potential and the activity of superoxide dismutase in plasma, which was independent of the histidine dipeptide concentration. Zn supplementation combined with SDBC in a broiler diet led to the increase of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity, but it did not affect the radical-scavenging or ferric iron reduction abilities of muscles.

Study concerning the recovery of zinc and manganese from spent batteries by hydrometallurgical processes.

PubMed

Buzatu, Traian; Popescu, Gabriela; Birloaga, Ionela; Săceanu, Simona

2013-03-01

Used batteries contain numerous metals in high concentrations and if not disposed of with proper care, they can negatively affect our environment. These metals represent 83% of all spent batteries and therefore it is important to recover metals such as Zn and Mn, and reuse them for the production of new batteries. The recovery of Zn and Mn from used batteries, in particular from Zn-C and alkaline ones has been researched using hydrometallurgical methods. After comminution and classification of elemental components, the electrode paste resulting from these processes was treated by chemical leaching. Prior to the leaching process the electrode paste has been subjected to two washing steps, in order to remove the potassium, which is an inconvenient element in this type of processes. To simultaneously extract Zn and Mn from this paste, the leaching method in alkaline medium (NaOH solution) and acid medium (sulphuric acid solution) was used. Also, to determine the efficiency of extraction of Zn and Mn from used batteries, the following variables were studied: reagents concentration, S/L ratio, temperature, time. The best results for extraction yield of Zn and Mn were obtained under acid leaching conditions (2M H2SO4, 1h, 80°C). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development and optimization of iron- and zinc-containing nanostructured powders for nutritional applications.

PubMed

Hilty, F M; Teleki, A; Krumeich, F; Büchel, R; Hurrell, R F; Pratsinis, S E; Zimmermann, M B

2009-11-25

Reducing the size of low-solubility iron (Fe)-containing compounds to nanoscale has the potential to improve their bioavailability. Because Fe and zinc (Zn) deficiencies often coexist in populations, combined Fe/Zn-containing nanostructured compounds may be useful for nutritional applications. Such compounds are developed here and their solubility in dilute acid, a reliable indicator of iron bioavailability in humans, and sensory qualities in sensitive food matrices are investigated. Phosphates and oxides of Fe and atomically mixed Fe/Zn-containing (primarily ZnFe2O4) nanostructured powders were produced by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP). Chemical composition and surface area were systematically controlled by varying precursor concentration and feed rate during powder synthesis to increase solubility to the level of ferrous sulfate at maximum Fe and Zn content. Solubility of the nanostructured compounds was dependent on their particle size and crystallinity. The new nanostructured powders produced minimal color changes when added to dairy products containing chocolate or fruit compared to the changes produced when ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate were added to these foods. Flame-made Fe- and Fe/Zn-containing nanostructured powders have solubilities comparable to ferrous and Zn sulfate but may produce fewer color changes when added to difficult-to-fortify foods. Thus, these powders are promising for food fortification and other nutritional applications.

Shelf-life extension of refrigerated sea bass slices wrapped with fish protein isolate/fish skin gelatin-ZnO nanocomposite film incorporated with basil leaf essential oil.

PubMed

Arfat, Yasir Ali; Benjakul, Soottawat; Vongkamjan, Kitiya; Sumpavapol, Punnanee; Yarnpakdee, Suthasinee

2015-10-01

Microbiological, chemical and sensory changes of sea bass slices wrapped with fish protein isolate (FPI)/fish skin gelatin (FSG) films incorporated with 3 % ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONP) (w/w, based on protein content) and 100 % basil leaf essential oil (BEO) (w/w, based on protein content) during storage of 12 days at 4 °C were investigated. Sea bass slices wrapped with FPI/FSG-ZnONP-BEO film had the lowest growth of psychrophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and spoilage microorganisms including Pseudomonas , H2S-producing bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae throughout storage of 12 days in comparison with those wrapped with FPI/FSG-BEO, FPI/FSG-ZnONP, FPI/FSG film, polypropylene film (PP film) and the control (without wrapping), respectively (P < 0.05). Lowered increases in pH, total volatile base, peroxide value and TBARS value were found in FPI/FSG-ZnO-BEO film wrapped samples, compared with others (P < 0.05). Sensory evaluation revealed that shelf-life of sea bass slices was longest for samples wrapped with FPI/FSG-ZnONP-BEO film (12 days), as compared to the control (6 days) (P < 0.05).

Chelating resin immobilizing carboxymethylated polyethyleneimine for selective solid-phase extraction of trace elements: Effect of the molecular weight of polyethyleneimine and its carboxymethylation rate.

PubMed

Kagaya, Shigehiro; Kajiwara, Takehiro; Gemmei-Ide, Makoto; Kamichatani, Waka; Inoue, Yoshinori

2016-01-15

The effect of the molecular weight of polyethyleneimine (PEI), defined as a compound having two or more ethyleneamine units, and of its carboxymethylation rate (CM/N), represented by the ratio of ion-exchange capacity to the amount of N on the resin, on the selective solid-phase extraction ability of the chelating resin immobilizing carboxymethylated (CM) PEI was investigated. The chelating resins (24 types) were prepared by immobilization of diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, pentaethylenehexamine, PEI300 (MW=ca. 300), and PEI600 (MW=ca. 600) on methacrylate resins, followed by carboxymethylation with various amounts of sodium monochloroacetate. When resins with approximately the same CM/N ratio (0.242-0.271) were used, the recovery of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Ti, Zn, and alkaline earth elements increased with increasing the molecular weight of PEIs under acidic and weakly acidic conditions; however, the extraction behavior of Mo and V was only slightly affected. This was probably due to the increase in N content of the resin, resulting in an increase in carboxylic acid groups; the difference in the molecular weight of PEIs immobilized on the resin exerts an insignificant influence on the selective extraction ability. The CM/N ratio considerably affected the extraction behavior for various elements. Under acidic and neutral conditions, the recovery of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Ti, and Zn increased with increasing CM/N values. However, under these conditions, the recovery of alkaline earth elements was considerably low when a resin with low CM/N ratio was used. This is presumably attributed to the different stability constants of the complexes of these elements with aminocarboxylic acids and amines, and to the electrostatic repulsion between the elements and the protonated amino groups in the CM-PEI. The recovery of Mo and V decreased or varied with increasing CM/N values, suggesting that the extraction of these elements occurred mainly by the anion-exchange reaction. For the separation and preconcentration of trace elements in samples containing large amounts of alkali and alkaline earth elements, the CM-PEI600 resin with CM/N=0.131 (Cu(II) extraction capacity, 0.37mmol g(-)(1)) was found to be the most suitable because it scarcely extracts alkali and alkaline earth elements under acidic and neutral conditions. This resin proved to be convenient for separating and preconcentrating Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn in the certified reference materials (EnviroMAT EU-L-1 wastewater and ES-L-1 ground water) and commercially available table salt. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mechanism of intramolecular electron transfer in the photoexcited Zn-substituted cytochrome c: theoretical and experimental perspective.

PubMed

Tokita, Yuichi; Shimura, Jusuke; Nakajima, Hiroshi; Goto, Yoshio; Watanabe, Yoshihito

2008-04-16

Photoinduced electron transfer (ET) in zinc-substituted cytochrome c (Zn-cyt c) has been utilized in many studies on the long-range ET in protein. Attempting to understand its ET mechanism in terms of electronic structure of the molecule, we have calculated an all-electron wave function for the ground-state of Zn-cyt c on the basis of density functional theory (DFT). The four molecular orbitals (MOs) responsible for excitation by UV-vis light (Gouterman's 4-orbitals) are assigned on the basis of the excited states of chromophore model for Zn-porphine complex calculated with the time-dependent DFT method. ET rates between each Gouterman's 4-orbitals and other MOs were estimated using Fermi's golden rule. It appeared that the two occupied MOs of the 4-orbitals show exclusively higher ET rate from/to particular MOs that localize on outermost amino acid residues (Lys 7 or Asn 54), respectively, whereas ET rates involving the two unoccupied MOs of the 4-orbitals are much slower. These results imply that the intramolecular ET in photoexcited Zn-cyt c is governed by the hole transfer through occupied MOs. The couplings of MOs between zinc porphyrin core and specific amino acid residues on the protein surface have been demonstrated in Zn-cyt c immobilized on an Au electrode via carboxylic acid group-terminated self-assembled monolayer. The Zn-cyt c-modified electrode showed photocurrents responsible for photoillumination. The action spectrum of the photocurrent was identical with the absorption spectrum of Zn-cyt c, indicating photoinduced electron conduction via occupied MOs. The voltage dependence of the photocurrent appeared to be linear and bidirectional like a photoconductor, which strongly supports the intramolecular ET mechanism in Zn-cyt c proposed on the basis of the theoretical calculations.

Zinc-arsenic interactions in soil: Solubility, toxicity and uptake.

PubMed

Kader, Mohammed; Lamb, Dane T; Wang, Liang; Megharaj, Mallavarapu; Naidu, Ravi

2017-11-01

Arsenic (As) and zinc (Zn) are common co-contaminants in mining impacted soils. Their interaction on solubility and toxicity when present concurrently is not well understood in natural systems. The aim of this study was to observe their interaction in solubility (soil-solution), bioaccumulation (shoot uptake) and toxicity to cucumber (Cucumis sativa L) conducting 4 weeks pot study in 5 different soils spiked with As (0, 2, 4, 8 to 1024 mg kg -1 ) individually and with Zn at two phytotoxic doses. The As pore-water concentration was significantly reduced (df = 289, Adjusted R 2  = 0.84, p < 0.01) in the presence of Zn in the whole dataset, whereas Zn and Zn 2+ activity in pore-water was reduced significantly only in the two alkaline soils. This outcome may be due to adsorption/surface precipitation or tertiary bridging complexation. No homogenous precipitation of zinc arsenate could be established using electron microscopy, XRD or even equilibrium calculations. For bioaccumulation phase, no significant effect of Zn on As uptake was observed except acidic MG soil whereas, Zn uptake was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) by As in whole dataset. However, an additive response was observed mostly except acidic MG soil. The synergistic response (more than additive) was predominant in this soil for a wide range of inhibition concentration (0-80%) at both Zn EC10 and EC50 levels. Since additive response is mostly considered in risk assessment for mixtures, precautions should be implemented for assessment of toxicity for As-Zn mixture in acidic soil due to their synergistic response in some soils. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Increased short circuit current in organic photovoltaic using high-surface area electrode based on ZnO nanowires decorated with CdTe quantum dots.

PubMed

Aga, R S; Gunther, D; Ueda, A; Pan, Z; Collins, W E; Mu, R; Singer, K D

2009-11-18

A photosensitized high-surface area transparent electrode has been employed to increase the short circuit current of a photovoltaic device with a blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and (6,6)-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the active layer. This is achieved by directly growing ZnO nanowires on indium tin oxide (ITO) film via a physical vapor method. The nanowire surface is then decorated with CdTe quantum dots by pulsed electron-beam deposition (PED). The nanowires alone provided a 20-fold increase in the short circuit current under visible light illumination. This was further increased by a factor of approximately 1.5 by the photosensitization effect of CdTe, which has an optical absorption of up to 820 nm.

A family of entangled coordination polymers constructed from a flexible V-shaped long bicarboxylic acid and auxiliary N-donor ligands: Luminescent sensing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Jun; College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000; Bai, Chao

Eight Zn(II)-based coordination polymers, namely, [Zn{sub 2}L{sub 2}(2,2’-bipy)]{sub n}·nH{sub 2}O (1), [Zn{sub 2}L{sub 2}(phen)]{sub n}·nH{sub 2}O (2), [ZnL(phen)(H{sub 2}O)]{sub n} (3), [Zn{sub 3}L{sub 3}(4,4’-bipy)]{sub n} (4), [Zn{sub 2}L{sub 2}(4,4’-bipy){sub 2}]{sub n} [Zn{sub 2}L{sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]{sub n}·2nH{sub 2}O (5), [Zn{sub 4}L{sub 4}(bpp){sub 2}]{sub n} (6), [ZnL(bbi){sub 0.5}]{sub n} (7), [ZnL(bpz)]{sub n} (8) (H{sub 2}L=4,4’-([1,2-phenylenebis-(methylene)]bis(oxy))dibenzoic acid, 2,2’-bipy =2,2’-bipyridine, phen =1,10-phenanthroline, 4,4’-bpy=4,4’-bipyridine, bpp =1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane, bbi=1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)butane, bpz=3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl-4,4′-bipyrazole), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. 1–8 display various coordination motifs with different entangled forms and conformations due to the effect of the assistant N-donor ligands. The photoluminescent properties of compounds 1–8 in solid statemore » were studied. Interestingly, 3 exhibits highly efficient luminescent sensing for Cu{sup 2+} cations and CrO{sub 4}{sup 2-} anions, as well as detection ability for the different organic solvents and nitro explosives. These results indicated that it could be utilized as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor. Furthermore, compound 3 also shows good chemical resistance to both acidity and alkalinity solutions with pH ranging from 2 to 13. Thus, multi-photofunctionality and fluorescent response to pH have been combined in the 3, which is the first example in the Zn-based hybrid materials. - Graphical abstract: Eight new Zn(II)-based coordination polymers constructed from a flexible V-shaped long bicarboxylic acid and different N-donor ligands have been hydrothermally synthesized through fixing the metal salts and the solvent systems. The photoluminescent properties of complexes 1−8 in solid state were studied. Interestingly, 3 exhibits highly efficient luminescent sensing for Cu{sup 2+} cations and CrO{sub 4}{sup 2-} anions, as well as detection ability for the different organic solvents and nitro explosives, in which indicates it could be utilized as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor. Furthermore, compound 3 also shows good chemical resistance to both acidity and alkalinity solutions with pH ranging from 2 to 13. Thus, multiphotofunctionality and fluorescent response to pH have been combined in the 3, which is the first example in the Zn-based hybrid materials.« less

Antifungal mechanisms of ZnO and Ag nanoparticles to Sclerotinia homoeocarpa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Junli; Sang, Hyunkyu; Guo, Huiyuan; Popko, James T.; He, Lili; White, Jason C.; Parkash Dhankher, Om; Jung, Geunhwa; Xing, Baoshan

2017-04-01

Fungicides have extensively been used to effectively combat fungal diseases on a range of plant species, but resistance to multiple active ingredients has developed in pathogens such as Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, the causal agent of dollar spot on cool-season turfgrasses. Recently, ZnO and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) have received increased attention due to their antimicrobial activities. In this study, the NPs’ toxicity and mechanisms of action were investigated as alternative antifungal agents against S. homoeocarpa isolates that varied in their resistance to demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides. S. homoeocarpa isolates were treated with ZnO NPs and ZnCl2 (25-400 μg ml-1) and Ag NPs and AgNO3 (5-100 μg ml-1) to test antifungal activity of the NPs and ions. The mycelial growth of S. homoeocarpa isolates regardless of their DMI sensitivity was significantly inhibited on ZnO NPs (≥200 μg ml-1), Ag NPs (≥25 μg ml-1), Zn2+ ions (≥200 μg ml-1), and Ag+ ions (≥10 μg ml-1) amended media. Expression of stress response genes, glutathione S-transferase (Shgst1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (ShSOD2), was significantly induced in the isolates by exposure to the NPs and ions. In addition, a significant increase in the nucleic acid contents of fungal hyphae, which may be due to stress response, was observed upon treatment with Ag NPs using Raman spectroscopy. We further observed that a zinc transporter (Shzrt1) might play an important role in accumulating ZnO and Ag NPs into the cells of S. homoeocarpa due to overexpression of Shzrt1 significantly induced by ZnO or Ag NPs within 3 h of exposure. Yeast mutants complemented with Shzrt1 became more sensitive to ZnO and Ag NPs as well as Zn2+ and Ag+ ions than the control strain and resulted in increased Zn or Ag content after exposure. This is the first report of involvement of the zinc transporter in the accumulation of Zn and Ag from NP exposure in filamentous plant pathogenic fungi. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of NPs’ antifungal activities will be useful in developing effective management strategies to control important pathogenic fungal diseases.

Grafting polyethylenimine with quinoline derivatives for targeted imaging of intracellular Zn(2+) and logic gate operations.

PubMed

Pan, Yi; Shi, Yupeng; Chen, Junying; Wong, Chap-Mo; Zhang, Heng; Li, Mei-Jin; Li, Cheuk-Wing; Yi, Changqing

2016-12-01

In this study, a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent Zn(2+) probe which exhibited excellent biocompatibility, water solubility, and cell-membrane permeability, was facilely synthesized in a single step by grafting polyethyleneimine (PEI) with quinoline derivatives. The primary amino groups in the branched PEI can increase water solubility and cell permeability of the probe PEIQ, while quinoline derivatives can specifically recognize Zn(2+) and reduce the potential cytotoxicity of PEI. Basing on fluorescence off-on mechanism, PEIQ demonstrated excellent sensing capability towards Zn(2+) in absolute aqueous solution, where a high sensitivity with a detection limit as low as 38.1nM, and a high selectivity over competing metal ions and potential interfering amino acids, were achieved. Inspired by these results, elementary logic operations (YES, NOT and INHIBIT) have been constructed by employing PEIQ as the gate while Zn(2+) and EDTA as chemical inputs. Together with the low cytotoxicity and good cell-permeability, the practical application of PEIQ in living cell imaging was satisfactorily demonstrated, emphasizing its wide application in fundamental biology research. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Positive and negative ZnO micropatterning on functionalized polymer surfaces.

PubMed

Yang, Peng; Zou, Shengli; Yang, Wantai

2008-09-01

Patterned ZnO deposition on substrates has received increasing attention because of its great potential in photocatalysis, energy conversion, and electro-optical techniques. Chemical solution growth is especially promising for organic substrates due to its very mild reaction conditions. Here this method is used on functionality-patterned polymer surfaces in order to fabricate positive and negative ZnO micropatterns. A ZnO film made of arrayed rods, typically 500-750 nm in diameter and 2.5 microm in length, is selectively obtained on sulfated and hydroxylated regions of biaxially oriented poly(propylene), giving rise to positive patterns. For reactive polyesters such as poly(ethylene terephthalate), the ZnO rods selectively remain on the unmodified original regions, creating negative patterns. Unlike complex photolithography procedures, the irradiation and patterning processes do not require the use of positive or negative photoresists, and possible damage from acidic solutions on the underlying substrate during the chemical etching process is avoided. The process thus proves to be a simple, creditable, and low-cost method, which could be easily applied on a variety of inert and reactive polymer surfaces.

Dye sensitized solar cells using catalytically active CuO-ZnO nanocomposite synthesized by single step method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abraham, Nelsa; Rufus, Alex; Unni, C.; Philip, Daizy

2018-07-01

In the present paper we report a low cost, single step preparation method for the synthesis of CuO-ZnO nanocomposite through simple co-precipitation technique using oxalic acid. To have a better idea about the deviations brought about by the inclusion of CuO in ZnO lattice, pure ZnO nanoparticles synthesized from 0.1 M solutions were also investigated. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the composite contains only hexagonal wurtzite ZnO and monoclinic CuO structures. The magnetic studies of CuO-ZnO heterostructures were also conducted in order to elucidate the source of the ferromagnetism observed at room temperature. The catalytic efficiency of the as prepared nanocomposite was estimated by the degradation of methylene blue and eosin yellowish which also shows its suitability as a promising candidate in waste water treatment. The effect of chenodeoxycholic acid as a co-adsorbent in the performance of dye sensitized solar cells fabricated using the synthesized ZnO and the nanocomposite was also studied and significant improvement in photovoltaic performance has been obtained for nanocomposite based solar cell.

CO2 enrichment and N addition increase nutrient loss from decomposing leaf litter in subtropical model forest ecosystems

PubMed Central

Liu, Juxiu; Fang, Xiong; Deng, Qi; Han, Tianfeng; Huang, Wenjuan; Li, Yiyong

2015-01-01

As atmospheric CO2 concentration increases, many experiments have been carried out to study effects of CO2 enrichment on litter decomposition and nutrient release. However, the result is still uncertain. Meanwhile, the impact of CO2 enrichment on nutrients other than N and P are far less studied. Using open-top chambers, we examined effects of elevated CO2 and N addition on leaf litter decomposition and nutrient release in subtropical model forest ecosystems. We found that both elevated CO2 and N addition increased nutrient (C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Zn) loss from the decomposing litter. The N, P, Ca and Zn loss was more than tripled in the chambers exposed to both elevated CO2 and N addition than those in the control chambers after 21 months of treatment. The stimulation of nutrient loss under elevated CO2 was associated with the increased soil moisture, the higher leaf litter quality and the greater soil acidity. Accelerated nutrient release under N addition was related to the higher leaf litter quality, the increased soil microbial biomass and the greater soil acidity. Our results imply that elevated CO2 and N addition will increase nutrient cycling in subtropical China under the future global change. PMID:25608664

Simultaneous recovery of Zn and Mn from used batteries in acidic and alkaline mediums: A comparative study.

PubMed

Abid Charef, S; Affoune, A M; Caballero, A; Cruz-Yusta, M; Morales, J

2017-10-01

A parallel study of acidic and alkaline leaching for the recovery of Mn and Zn from spent alkaline batteries is outlined. Using H 2 SO 4 as solvent and selecting appropriate conditions of temperature and concentration, all residues were dissolved except carbon. The separation and recovery of the two components were performed by electrodeposition with satisfactory results at pH values above 4 (current efficiency above 70% for Zn and Mn) but rather lower efficiencies as the pH decreased. Most of the Zn was selectively dissolved by alkaline leaching using a 6.5M NaOH solution, and its recovery was examined by means of both electrochemical and chemical processes. The expected formation of pure Zn by electrowinning failed due to the formation of ZnO, the content of which was highly dependent on the electrodeposition time. For short periods, Zn was the main component. For longer periods the electrodeposit consisted of agglomerated microparticles of ZnO with a minor fraction of Zn metal (barely 3% as measured by X-ray diffraction). A chemical reaction of the element with oxygen released at the anode surface might be responsible for its conversion to ZnO. A simple chemical route is described for the first time for the direct conversion of Zn(OH) 4 2- solution to nanostructured ZnO by lowering the pH to values around 12 using 2M HCl solution. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Zinc-substituted hydroxyapatite: a biomaterial with enhanced bioactivity and antibacterial properties.

PubMed

Thian, E S; Konishi, T; Kawanobe, Y; Lim, P N; Choong, C; Ho, B; Aizawa, M

2013-02-01

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a synthetic biomaterial and has been found to promote new bone formation when implanted in a bone defect site. However, its use is often limited due to its slow osteointegration rate and low antibacterial activity, particularly where HA has to be used for long term biomedical applications. This work will describe the synthesis and detailed characterization of zinc-substituted HA (ZnHA) as an alternative biomaterial to HA. ZnHA containing 1.6 wt% Zn was synthesized via a co-precipitation reaction between calcium hydroxide, orthophosphoric acid and zinc nitrate hexahydrate. Single-phase ZnHA particles with a rod-like morphology measuring ~50 nm in length and ~15 nm in width, were obtained and characterized using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The substitution of Zn into HA resulted in a decrease in both the a- and c-axes of the unit cell parameters, thereby causing the HA crystal structure to alter. In vitro cell culture work showed that ZnHA possessed enhanced bioactivity since an increase in the growth of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells along with the bone cell differentiation markers, were observed. In addition, antibacterial work demonstrated that ZnHA exhibited antimicrobial capability since there was a significant decrease in the number of viable Staphylococcus aureus bacteria after in contact with ZnHA.

Optical and Structural Characterization of ZnO/TiO2 Bilayer Thin Films Grown by Sol-Gel Spin Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gareso, P. L.; Musfitasari; Juarlin, Eko

2018-03-01

Structural and optical properties of ZnO/TiO2 bilayers thin films have been investigated using x-ray diffraction (X-RD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical transmittance UV-Vis measurements. ZnO thin films were prepared by dissolving zinc acetate dehydrated into a solvent of ethanol and then added triethanolamin. In the case of TiO2 layers, tetraisoproxide was dissolved into ethanol and then added an acetate acid. The layer of ZnO was deposited first followed by TiO2 layer on a glass substrate using a spin coating technique. The ZnO/TiO2 bilayers were annealed at various temperatures from 300°C until 600°C for 60 minutes. The X-ray diffraction results show that there was an enhancement of the x-ray spectra as annealed temperature increased to 600°C in comparison to the samples that were annealed at 300°C. Based on the optical measurement of UV-Vis, the band gap energy of ZnO/TiO2 bilayer is around 3.2 eV at temperature of 300°C. This value is similar to the band gap energy of ZnO. SEM results show that there is no cluster in the surface of ZnO/TiO2 bilayer.

Incorporation of zinc for fabrication of low-cost spinel-based composite ceramic membrane support to achieve its stabilization.

PubMed

Li, Lingling; Dong, Xinfa; Dong, Yingchao; Zhu, Li; You, Sheng-Jie; Wang, Ya-Fen

2015-04-28

In order to reduce environment risk of zinc, a spinel-based porous membrane support was prepared by the high-temperature reaction of zinc and bauxite mineral. The phase evolution process, shrinkage, porosity, mechanical property, pore size distribution, gas permeation flux and microstructure were systematically studied. The XRD results, based on a Zn/Al stoichiometric composition of 1/2, show a formation of ZnAl2O4 structure starting from 1000°C and then accomplished at 1300°C. For spinel-based composite membrane, shrinkage and porosity are mainly influenced by a combination of an expansion induced by ZnAl2O4 formation and a general densification due to amorphous liquid SiO2. The highest porosity, as high as 44%, is observed in ZnAl4 membrane support among all the investigated compositions. Compared with pure bauxite (Al), ZnAl4 composite membrane support is reinforced by ZnAl2O4 phase and inter-locked mullite crystals, which is proved by the empirical strength-porosity relationships. Also, an increase in average pore diameter and gas flux can be observed in ZnAl4. A prolonged leaching experiment reveals the zinc can be successfully incorporated into ceramic membrane support via formation of ZnAl2O4, which has substantially better resistance toward acidic attack. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrical properties of a novel 1,3-bis-(p-iminobenzoic acid) indane Langmuir-Blodgett films containing ZnS nanoparticles.

PubMed

Sari, H; Uzunoglu, T; Capan, R; Serin, N; Serin, T; Tarimci, C; Hassan, A K; Namli, H; Turhan, O

2007-08-01

ZnS nanoparticles have been formed in a newly synthesized 1,3-bis-(p-iminobenzoic acid) indane (IBI) by exposing Zn2+ doped multilayered Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film to H2S gas after the growth. The formation of ZnS nanoparticles in the LB film structure was verified by measuring UV-Visible absorption spectra. DC electrical measurements were carried out for thin films of IBI prepared in a metal/LB films/metal sandwich structure with and without ZnS nanoparticles. It was observed that ZnS nanoparticles in the LB films cause a blue-shift in the absorption spectra as well as a decrease in both capacitance and conductivity values. By analysing I-V curves and assuming a Schottky conduction mechanism the barrier height was found to be about 1.13 eV and 1.21 eV for IBI LB films without and with ZnS nanoparticles, respectively. It is thought that the presence of ZnS nanoparticles influences the barrier height at the metal-organic film interface and causes a change in electrical conduction properties of LB films.

Self-assembled inorganic clusters of semiconducting quantum dots for effective solar hydrogen evolution.

PubMed

Gao, Yu-Ji; Yang, Yichen; Li, Xu-Bing; Wu, Hao-Lin; Meng, Shu-Lin; Wang, Yang; Guo, Qing; Huang, Mao-Yong; Tung, Chen-Ho; Wu, Li-Zhu

2018-05-08

Owing to promoted electron-hole separation, the catalytic activity of semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) towards solar hydrogen (H2) production has been significantly enhanced by forming self-assembled clusters with ZnSe QDs made ex situ. Taking advantage of the favored interparticle hole transfer to ZnSe QDs, the rate of solar H2 evolution of CdSe QDs can be increased to ∼30 000 μmol h-1 g-1 with ascorbic acid as the sacrificial reagent, ∼150-fold higher than that of bare CdSe QDs clusters under the same conditions.

Antioxidant response and carboxylate metabolism in Brassica rapa exposed to different external Zn, Ca, and Mg supply.

PubMed

Blasco, Begoña; Graham, Neil S; Broadley, Martin R

2015-03-15

Zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) malnutrition are common deficiencies in many developed and developing countries, resulting in a widespread health problem. Biofortification of food crops is an agricultural strategy that can be used to increase the levels of these elements in the edible portions of crops. Deficiency or toxicity of these cations in soils reduces plant growth, crop yield, and the quality of plant foodstuff. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of external Zn, Ca, and Mg supply on accumulation and distribution of this elements as well as antioxidant response and organic acid composition of Brassica rapa ssp. trilocularis line R-o-18. Plants were grown at low Zn (0.05 μM Zn) and high Zn (500 μM Zn), low Ca (0.4 mM) and high Ca (40 mM), and low Mg (0.2 mM), and high Mg (20 mM) to simulate deficiency and toxicity conditions. Larger shoot biomass reductions were observed under high Zn, Ca and Mg treatments, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total ascorbate (AA) showed a marked increase in these treatments. Therefore, Brassica plants might be more sensitive to excess of these elements in the nutrient solution. The translocation factor (TF) and distribution coefficient (DC) values of Zn, Ca, and Mg indicated higher translocation and accumulation in deficient conditions. High biosynthesis and citrate content in Brassica plants may be associated mainly with a high-nutrient solution extraction ability of these plants. These results provide background data, which will be used to characterize TILLING mutants to study the effects of mutations in genes involved in regulating Zn, Ca, and Mg distribution and accumulation in plants. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The in vitro biological properties of Mg-Zn-Sr alloy and superiority for preparation of biodegradable intestinal anastomosis rings

PubMed Central

Liu, Ling; Li, Nianfeng; Lei, Ting; Li, Kaimo; Zhang, Yangde

2014-01-01

Background Magnesium (Mg) alloy is a metal-based biodegradable material that has received increasing attention in the field of clinical surgery, but it is currently seldom used in intestinal anastomosis. This study was conducted to comprehensively assess a ternary magnesium (Mg)-zinc (Zn)-strontium (Sr) alloy’s biological superiorities as a preparation material for intestinal anastomosis ring. Material/Methods Mouse L-929 fibroblasts were cultured with Mg-Zn-Sr alloy extract and compared with both positive (0.64% phenol) and negative (original broth culture) controls. The cell morphology of different groups was examined using microscopy, and a cytotoxicity assessment was performed. Fresh anticoagulated human blood was mixed with Mg-Zn-Sr alloy extract and compared with both positive (distilled water) and negative (normal saline) controls. The absorbance of each sample at 570 nm was used to calculate the Mg-Zn-Sr alloy hemolysis ratio in order to test the Mg alloy’s blood compatibility. Bacterial cultures of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were added to Mg-Zn-Sr alloy block samples and compared with positive (Ceftazidime), negative (316LSS stainless steel), and blank controls. The broth cultures were sampled to compare their bacterial colony counts so as to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the Mg-Zn-Sr alloy. The Mg-Zn-Sr alloy was surface-coated with a layer of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) carrying everolimus. The surface morphology and degradability of the coating were examined so as to demonstrate feasibility of coating, which can release the drug evenly. Results The experiments proved that Mg-Zn-Sr alloy has good biocompatible, antibacterial, and drug-loaded coating performances, which are lacking in existing intestinal anastomosis devices/materials. Conclusions The Mg-Zn-Sr alloy increases biocompatibility, and yields a safer and better therapeutic effect; therefore, it is a novel biomaterial that is feasible for use when preparing biodegradable intestinal anastomosis rings. PMID:24957079

Zinc compartmentation in root, transport into xylem, and absorption into leaf cells in the hyperaccumulating species of Sedum alfredii Hance.

PubMed

Yang, Xiaoe; Li, Tingqiang; Yang, Juncheng; He, Zhenli; Lu, Lingli; Meng, Fanhua

2006-06-01

Sedum alfredii Hance can accumulate Zn in shoots over 2%. Leaf and stem Zn concentrations of the hyperaccumulating ecotype (HE) were 24- and 28-fold higher, respectively, than those of the nonhyperaccumulating ecotype (NHE), whereas 1.4-fold more Zn was accumulated in the roots of the NHE. Approximately 2.7-fold more Zn was stored in the root vacuoles of the NHE, and thus became unavailable for loading into the xylem and subsequent translocation to shoot. Long-term efflux of absorbed 65Zn indicated that 65Zn activity was 6.8-fold higher in shoots but 3.7-fold lower in roots of the HE. At lower Zn levels (10 and 100 microM), there were no significant differences in 65Zn uptake by leaf sections and intact leaf protoplasts between the two ecotypes except that 1.5-fold more 65Zn was accumulated in leaf sections of the HE than in those of the NHE after exposure to 100 microM for 48 h. At 1,000 microM Zn, however, approximately 2.1-fold more Zn was taken up by the HE leaf sections and 1.5-fold more 65Zn taken up by the HE protoplasts as compared to the NHE at exposure times >16 h and >10 min, respectively. Treatments with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) or ruptured protoplasts strongly inhibited 65Zn uptake into leaf protoplasts for both ecotypes. Citric acid and Val concentrations in leaves and stems significantly increased for the HE, but decreased or had minimal changes for the NHE in response to raised Zn levels. These results indicate that altered Zn transport across tonoplast in the root and stimulated Zn uptake in the leaf cells are the major mechanisms involved in the strong Zn hyperaccumulation observed in S. alfredii H.

Soil solution dynamics of Cu and Zn in a Cu- and Zn-polluted soil as influenced by gamma-irradiation and Cu-Zn interaction.

PubMed

Luo, Y M; Yan, W D; Christie, P

2001-01-01

A pot experiment was conducted to study soil solution dynamics of Cu and Zn in a Cu/Zn-polluted soil as influenced by gamma-irradiation and Cu-Zn interaction. A slightly acid sandy loam was amended with Cu and Zn (as nitrates) either singly or in combination (100 mg Cu and 150 mg Zn kg(-1) soil) and was then gamma-irradiated (10 kGy). Unamended and unirradiated controls were included, and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Forrester) was grown for 50 days. Soil solution samples obtained using soil moisture samplers immediately before transplantation and every ten days thereafter were used directly for determination of Cu, Zn, pH and absorbance at 360 nm (A360). Cu and Zn concentrations in the solution of metal-polluted soil changed with time and were affected by gamma-irradiation and metal interaction. gamma-Irradiation raised soil solution Cu substantially but generally decreased soil solution Zn. These trends were consistent with increased dissolved organic matter (A360) and solution pH after gamma-irradiation. Combined addition of Cu and Zn usually gave higher soil solution concentrations of Cu or Zn compared with single addition of Cu or Zn in gamma-irradiated and non-irradiated soils, indicating an interaction between Cu and Zn. Cu would have been organically complexed and consequently maintained a relatively high concentration in the soil solution under higher pH conditions. Zn tends to occur mainly as free ion forms in the soil solution and is therefore sensitive to changes in pH. The extent to which gamma-irradiation and metal interaction affected solubility and bioavailability of Cu and Zn was a function of time during plant growth. Studies on soil solution metal dynamics provide very useful information for understanding metal mobility and bioavailability.

The effect of varied pH on the luminescence characteristics of antibody-mercaptoacetic acid conjugated ZnS nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaudhry, Madeeha; Rehman, Malik Abdul; Gul, Asghari; Qamar, Raheel; Bhatti, Arshad Saleem

2017-11-01

We demonstrate here that the effect of varied pH of the media on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of mercaptoacetic acid (MAA) and digoxin antibody (Ab) conjugated zinc sulphide (ZnS) nanowires. The charge-transfer kinetics from MAA to ZnS and vice versa showed a profound effect on the luminescence of ZnS defect states. The PL intensity of the ZnS defect states showed strong dependence on the value of pH with respect to the pKa of MAA. The carboxyl and thiol group of MAA in the protonated (pH < pKa) and deprotonated (pH > pKa) states resulted in the quenched PL intensity. While for pH ∼ pKa, the PL intensity was regained as there was equal probability of both protonated and deprotonated carboxyl and thiol groups. These findings indicated that pH of the environment is a key parameter for the use of MAA-Ab conjugated ZnS nanowires as an optical biomarker.

Assessment of the effects of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies and trace elements on cognitive performance in older adults.

PubMed

Alghadir, Ahmad H; Gabr, Sami A; Al-Eisa, Einas S

2015-01-01

Homeostatic imbalance of trace elements such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) demonstrated adverse effects on brain function among older adults. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of trace elements and the presence of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (GADAs) in human cognitive abilities among healthy older adults. A total of 100 healthy subjects (65 males, 35 females; age range; 64-96 years) were recruited for this study. Based on Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) score, the participants were classified according to cognitive performance into normal (n=45), moderate (n=30), and severe (n=25). Cognitive functioning, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), serum trace elements - Fe, Cu, Zn, Zn/Cu, and GADAs were assessed using LOTCA battery, pre-validated physical activity (PA) questionnaire, atomic absorption, and immunoassay techniques, respectively. Approximately 45% of the study population (n=45) had normal distribution of cognitive function and 55% of the study population (n=55) had abnormal cognitive function; they were classified into moderate (score 62-92) and severe (score 31-62). There was a significant reduction in the level of Zn and Zn/Cu ratio along with an increase in the level of Fe, Cu, and anti-GADAs in subjects of severe (P=0.01) and moderate (P=0.01) cognitive performance. LOTCA-cognitive scores correlated positively with sex, HbA(1c), Fe, Cu, Zn, and Zn/Cu ratio, and negatively with age, PA, body mass index, and anti-GADAs. Significant inter-correlation was reported between serum trace element concentrations and anti-GADAs which suggest producing a cognitive decline via oxidative and neural damage mechanism. This study found significant associations among trace elements, anti-GADAs, and cognitive function in older adults. The homeostatic balance of trace elements should be recommended among older adults for better cognitive performance.

The linoleic acid: dihomo-y-linolenic acid ratio (LA:DGLA)— an emerging biomarker of Zn status

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a common aliment predicted to affect 17% of the world’s population. Zinc is a vital micronutrient used for over 300 enzymatic reactions and multiple biochemical and structural processes in the body. Although whole blood, plasma, and urine zinc decrease in severe zinc deficien...

Rational synthesis of an exceptionally stable Zn(II) metal-organic framework for the highly selective and sensitive detection of picric acid.

PubMed

Hu, Yingli; Ding, Meili; Liu, Xiao-Qin; Sun, Lin-Bing; Jiang, Hai-Long

2016-04-28

Based on an organic ligand involving both carboxylate and tetrazole groups, a chemically stable Zn(II) metal-organic framework has been rationally synthesized and behaves as a fluorescence chemosensor for the highly selective and sensitive detection of picric acid, an extremely hazardous and strong explosive.

Tailoring folic acid and methotrexate-attributed quantum dots for integrated cancer cell imaging and therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fahmi, Mochamad Zakki; Chang, Jia-Yaw

2016-03-01

Potential application of folic acid and methotrexate-attributed AgInS2-ZnS quantum dots on both detection and therapeutic of cancer cell were intensively investigated on this study. In the initial step, the bright luminescent of QDs, with % QY up to 55.3, were synthesized with one-pot two-step process resulting narrow particle distribution and successfully transferred to water phase without significant effect on optical properties. The water-soluble AgInS2-ZnS quantum dots (QDs) encapsulated with oleylamine have been successfully prepared by ultrasonication assisting. Several aspect including QDs characterization, pH stability, ionic strength, and bonding properties were investigated to reach desired condition of water-soluble AgInS2-ZnS QDs. Folic acid was further conjugated to QDs for HeLa and MCF7 cancer cell imaging to performs the targeting capability. Moreover, folic acid is efficiently internalized into cell through the receptor-mediated endocytosis even when conjugated with a wide variety of molecules. Confocal imaging characterization further informs folic acid-conjugated AgInS2-ZnS QDs could most specific targeted to the human cervical (HeLa) cells. The therapeutic feature of QDs on HeLa cancer cell was conjugated by attributing methotrexate on the QDs, instead of folic acid, and the design could improve on inhibiting the cancer cell viability as well as its fluorescent intensity.

Synthesis of walnut shell modified with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles for efficient removal of humic acid from aqueous solutions.

PubMed

Naghizadeh, Ali; Shahabi, Habibeh; Ghasemi, Fatemeh; Zarei, Ahmad

2016-12-01

The main aim of this research was to study the efficiency of modified walnut shell with titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and zinc oxide (ZnO) in the adsorption of humic acid from aqueous solutions. This experimental study was carried out in a batch condition to determine the effects of factors such as contact time, pH, humic acid concentration, dose of adsorbents (raw walnut shell, modified walnut shell with TiO 2 and ZnO) on the removal efficiency of humic acid. pH zpc of raw walnut shell, walnut shell modified with TiO 2 and walnut shell modified with ZnO were 7.6, 7.5, and 8, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of humic acid at concentration of 30 mg/L, contact time of 30 min at pH = 3 in an adsorbent dose of 0.02 g of walnut shell and ZnO and TiO 2 modified walnut shell were found to be 35.2, 37.9, and 40.2 mg/g, respectively. The results showed that the studied adsorbents tended to fit with the Langmuir model. Walnut shell, due to its availability, cost-effectiveness, and also its high adsorption efficiency, can be proposed as a promising natural adsorbent in the removal of humic acid from aqueous solutions.

Sonocatalytic degradation of some dyestuffs and comparison of catalytic activities of nano-sized TiO2, nano-sized ZnO and composite TiO2/ZnO powders under ultrasonic irradiation.

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Jiang, Zhe; Zhang, Liqun; Kang, Pingli; Xie, Yingpeng; Lv, Yanhui; Xu, Rui; Zhang, Xiangdong

2009-02-01

Here, a novel sonocatalyst, composite TiO2/ZnO powder, was prepared through the combination of nano-sized TiO2 and ZnO powders. Because of the appropriate adsorbability to organic pollutants and special crystal interphase between TiO2 and ZnO particles, the composite TiO2/ZnO powder exhibits a high sonocatalytic activity under ultrasonic irradiation during the degradation of acid red B. Especially, the sonocatalytic activity of composite TiO2/ZnO powder with 4:1 molar proportion treated at 500 degrees C for 50 min showed obvious improvement compared with pure nano-sized TiO2 and ZnO powders. When the experimental conditions such as 10mg/L acid red B concentration, 1.0 g/L catalyst addition amount, pH=7.0, 20 degrees C system temperature, 100 min ultrasonic time and 50 mL total volume were adopted, the satisfactory degradation ratio and rate were obtained. All experiments indicate that the sonocatalytic method using composite TiO2/ZnO powder may be a more advisable choice for the treatments of non- or low-transparent organic wastewaters in future.

Accumulation rates of airborne heavy metals in wetlands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Souch, C.J.; Filippelli, G.M.; Dollar, N.; Perkins, S.; Mastalerz, Maria

2002-01-01

Accumulation rates of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn) retained in wetland sediments in northwest Indiana-downwind of the Chicago-Gary-Hammond industrial area-are quantified to assess anthropogenic influences on atmospheric fluxes. Metal concentrations for 22 sediment cores are determined by ICP-AES after ashing and strong acid extraction. Relations between organic content and metal concentrations at depth are used to separate natural and anthropogenic sources. Accumulation rates over the lifetime of the wetlands (???4500 years) have averaged 0.2 (Cd), 1.4 (Cu), 1.7 (Cr), 13.4 (Mn), 4.8 (Pb), and 18.7 (Zn) mg m-2 y-1. Rates for the last 100 years have increased on average by factors of 6 (Cd), 8 (Cu), 10 (Mn), 15 (Pb), and 30 (Zn), remaining effectively constant for Cr. Where the wetlands have been drained, metals have been lost from the sediments, owing to changes in organic content and local hydrochemistry (exposure to acidic rainfall). Sediment-based accumulation rates at the undrained sites are higher, though generally consistent, with measured and modeled atmospheric fluxes documented by short-term studies conducted over the last three decades. The fraction of the total metals in the wetlands estimated to be of anthropogenic origin ranges from approximately 3% for Cr, up to approximately 35% for Pb, and 70% for Zn. This historic legacy of contamination must be considered in land management decisions, particularly when wetlands are drained.

Changes in metal mobility assessed by EDTA kinetic extraction in three polluted soils after repeated phytoremediation using a cadmium/zinc hyperaccumulator.

PubMed

Li, Zhu; Wu, Longhua; Luo, Yongming; Christie, Peter

2018-03-01

Phytoextraction is one of the most promising technologies for the decontamination of metal-polluted agricultural soils. Effects of repeated phytoextraction by the cadmium (Cd)/zinc (Zn) hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola on metal (Cd, Zn, copper (Cu) and lead (Pb)) mobility were investigated in three contaminated soils with contrasting properties. EDTA kinetic extraction and the two first-order reactions model showed advantages in the assessment of soil metal mobility and clearly discriminated changes in metal fractions induced by phytoextraction. Repeated phytoextraction led to large decreases in readily labile (Q 1 0 ) and less labile (Q 2 0 ) fractions of Cd and Zn in all three soils with the sole exception of an increase in the Q 2 0 of Zn in the highly polluted soil. However, Q 1 0 fractions of soil Cu and Pb showed apparent increases with the sole exception of Pb in the acid polluted soil but showed a higher desorption rate constant (k 1 ). Furthermore, S. plumbizincicola decreased the non-labile fraction (Q 3 0 ) of all metals tested, indicating that the hyperaccumulator can redistribute soil metals from non-labile to labile fractions. This suggests that phytoextraction decreased the mobility of the metals hyperaccumulated by the plant (Cd and Zn) but increased the mobility of the metals not hyperaccumulated (Cu and Pb). Thus, phytoextraction of soils contaminated with mixtures of metals must be performed carefully because of potential increases in the mobility of non-hyperaccumulated metals in the soil and the consequent environmental risks. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Route and Regulation of Zinc, Cadmium, and Iron Transport in Rice Plants (Oryza sativa L.) during Vegetative Growth and Grain Filling: Metal Transporters, Metal Speciation, Grain Cd Reduction and Zn and Fe Biofortification

PubMed Central

Yoneyama, Tadakatsu; Ishikawa, Satoru; Fujimaki, Shu

2015-01-01

Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) are essential but are sometimes deficient in humans, while cadmium (Cd) is toxic if it accumulates in the liver and kidneys at high levels. All three are contained in the grains of rice, a staple cereal. Zn and Fe concentrations in rice grains harvested under different levels of soil/hydroponic metals are known to change only within a small range, while Cd concentrations show greater changes. To clarify the mechanisms underlying such different metal contents, we synthesized information on the routes of metal transport and accumulation in rice plants by examining metal speciation, metal transporters, and the xylem-to-phloem transport system. At grain-filling, Zn and Cd ascending in xylem sap are transferred to the phloem by the xylem-to-phloem transport system operating at stem nodes. Grain Fe is largely derived from the leaves by remobilization. Zn and Fe concentrations in phloem-sap and grains are regulated within a small range, while Cd concentrations vary depending on xylem supply. Transgenic techniques to increase concentrations of the metal chelators (nicotianamine, 2′-deoxymugineic acid) are useful in increasing grain Zn and Fe concentrations. The elimination of OsNRAMP5 Cd-uptake transporter and the enhancement of root cell vacuolar Cd sequestration reduce uptake and root-to-shoot transport, respectively, resulting in a reduction of grain Cd accumulation. PMID:26287170

Route and Regulation of Zinc, Cadmium, and Iron Transport in Rice Plants (Oryza sativa L.) during Vegetative Growth and Grain Filling: Metal Transporters, Metal Speciation, Grain Cd Reduction and Zn and Fe Biofortification.

PubMed

Yoneyama, Tadakatsu; Ishikawa, Satoru; Fujimaki, Shu

2015-08-13

Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) are essential but are sometimes deficient in humans, while cadmium (Cd) is toxic if it accumulates in the liver and kidneys at high levels. All three are contained in the grains of rice, a staple cereal. Zn and Fe concentrations in rice grains harvested under different levels of soil/hydroponic metals are known to change only within a small range, while Cd concentrations show greater changes. To clarify the mechanisms underlying such different metal contents, we synthesized information on the routes of metal transport and accumulation in rice plants by examining metal speciation, metal transporters, and the xylem-to-phloem transport system. At grain-filling, Zn and Cd ascending in xylem sap are transferred to the phloem by the xylem-to-phloem transport system operating at stem nodes. Grain Fe is largely derived from the leaves by remobilization. Zn and Fe concentrations in phloem-sap and grains are regulated within a small range, while Cd concentrations vary depending on xylem supply. Transgenic techniques to increase concentrations of the metal chelators (nicotianamine, 2'-deoxymugineic acid) are useful in increasing grain Zn and Fe concentrations. The elimination of OsNRAMP5 Cd-uptake transporter and the enhancement of root cell vacuolar Cd sequestration reduce uptake and root-to-shoot transport, respectively, resulting in a reduction of grain Cd accumulation.

Physical chemical effects of zinc on in vitro enamel demineralization.

PubMed

Mohammed, N R; Mneimne, M; Hill, R G; Al-Jawad, M; Lynch, R J M; Anderson, P

2014-09-01

Zinc salts are formulated into oral health products as antibacterial agents, yet their interaction with enamel is not clearly understood. The aim was to investigate the effect of zinc concentration [Zn(2+)] on the in vitro demineralization of enamel during exposure to caries-simulating conditions. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of zinc's action for reducing demineralization was determined. Enamel blocks and synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAp) were demineralized in a range of zinc-containing acidic solutions (0-3565ppm [Zn(2+)]) at pH 4.0 and 37°C. Inductively coupled-plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to measure ion release into solution. Enamel blocks were analysed by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and HAp by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron diffraction (ND). ICP-OES analysis of the acidic solutions showed a decrease in [Ca(2+)] and [PO4(3-)] release with increasing [Zn(2+)]. FTIR revealed a α-hopeite (α-Zn3(PO4)2.4H2O)-like phase on the enamel surfaces at >107ppm [Zn(2+)]. XRD and ND analysis confirmed a zinc-phosphate phase present alongside the HAp. This study confirms that zinc reduces enamel demineralization. Under the conditions studied, zinc acts predominantly on enamel surfaces at PO4(3-) sites in the HAp lattice to possibly form an α-hopeite-like phase. These results have a significant implication on the understanding of the fundamental chemistry of zinc in toothpastes and demonstrate its therapeutic potential in preventing tooth mineral loss. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Recovery of zinc and manganese, and other metals (Fe, Cu, Ni, Co, Cd, Cr, Na, K) from Zn-MnO2 and Zn-C waste batteries: Hydroxyl and carbonate co-precipitation from solution after reducing acidic leaching with use of oxalic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobianowska-Turek, A.; Szczepaniak, W.; Maciejewski, P.; Gawlik-Kobylińska, M.

2016-09-01

The article discusses the current situation of the spent batteries and portable accumulators management. It reviews recycling technologies of the spent batteries and portable accumulators which are used in the manufacturing installations in the world. Also, it presents the authors' research results on the reductive acidic leaching of waste material of the zinc-carbon batteries (Zn-C) and zinc-manganese batteries (alkaline Zn-MnO2) delivered by a company dealing with mechanical treatment of this type of waste stream. The research data proved that the reductive acidic leaching (H2SO4 + C2H2O4) of the battery's black mass allows to recover 85.0% of zinc and 100% of manganese. Moreover, it was found that after the reductive acidic leaching it is possible to recover nearly 100% of manganese, iron, cadmium, and chromium, 98.0% of cobalt, 95.5% of zinc, and 85.0% of copper and nickel from the solution with carbonate method. On the basis of the results, it is possible to assume that the carbonate method can be used for the preparation of manganese-zinc ferrite.

Zinc-ion-dependent acid phosphatase exhibits magnesium-ion-dependent myo-inositol-1-phosphatase activity.

PubMed

Fujimoto, S; Okano, I; Tanaka, Y; Sumida, Y; Tsuda, J; Kawakami, N; Shimohama, S

1996-06-01

We have purified bovine brain Zn(2+)-dependent acid phosphatase (Zn(2+)-APase), which requires Zn2+ ions to hydrolyze the substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) in an acidic environment. The substrate specificity and metal requirement of Zn(2+)-APase at a physiological pH was also studied. The enzyme exhibited hydrolytic activity on myo-inositol-1- and -2-monophosphates, 2'-adenosine monophosphate, 2'-guanosine monophosphate, and the alpha- and beta-glycerophosphates, glucose-1-phosphate, and fructose-6-phosphate in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.4) in the presence of Mg2+ ions, but not on pNPP and phosphotyrosine. Zn2+, Mn2+ and Co2+ ions were less effective for activation. Among the above substrates, myo-inositol-1-phosphate was the most susceptible to hydrolysis by the enzyme in the presence of 3 mM Mg2+ ions. The enzyme exhibited an optimum pH at around 8 for myo-inositol-1-phosphate in the presence of 3 mM Mg2+ ions. The Mg(2+)-dependent myo-inositol-1-phosphatase activity of the enzyme was significantly inhibited by Li+ ions. The Zn(2+)-dependent p-nitrophenyl phosphatase activity and Mg(2+)-dependent myo-inositol-1-phosphatase activity of the purified enzyme fraction exhibited similar behavior on Sephadex G-100 and Mono Q colomns. These findings suggest that Zn(2+)-APase also exhibits Mg(2+)-dependent myo-inositol-1-phosphatase activity under physiological conditions.

Towards practical cadmium phytoextraction with Noccaea caerulescens.

PubMed

Simmons, R W; Chaney, R L; Angle, J S; Kruatrachue, M; Klinphoklap, S; Reeves, R D; Bellamy, P

2015-01-01

A series of field trials were conducted to investigate the potential of Noccaea caerulescens F.K. Mey [syn. Thlaspi caerulescens J &C Presl. (see Koch and Al-Shehbaz 2004)] populations (genotypes) derived from southern France to phytoextract localized Cd/Zn contamination in Thailand. Soil treatments included pH variation and fertilization level and application of fungicide. N. caerulescens populations were transplanted to the field plots three months after germination and harvested in May, prior to the onset of seasonal rains. During this period growth was rapid with shoot biomass ranging from 0.93-2.2 g plant(-1) (280-650 kg ha(-1)) DW. Shoot Cd and Zn concentrations for the four populations evaluated ranged from 460-600 and 2600-2900 mg kg(-1) DW respectively. Cadmium and Zn Translocation Factors (shoot/root) for the populations tested ranged from 0.91-1.0 and 1.7-2.1 and Bioaccumulation Factors ranged from 12-15 and 1.2-1.3. We conclude that optimizing the use of fungicidal sprays, acidic soil pH, planting density and increasing the effective cropping period will increase rates of Cd and Zn removal enough to facilitate practical Cd phytoextraction from rice paddy soils in Thailand.

Cu0.89Zn0.11O, A New Peroxidase-Mimicking Nanozyme with High Sensitivity for Glucose and Antioxidant Detection.

PubMed

Nagvenkar, Anjani P; Gedanken, Aharon

2016-08-31

Nanomaterial-based enzyme mimetics (nanozymes) is an emerging field of research that promises to produce alternatives to natural enzymes for a variety of applications. The search for the most cost-effective and efficient inorganic nanomaterials, such as metal oxides, cannot be won by pristine CuO. However, unlike CuO, the Zn-doped CuO (Zn-CuO) nanoparticles reported in this paper reveal superior peroxidase-like enzyme activity. This places Zn-CuO in a good position to participate in a range of activities aimed at developing diverse enzyme applications. The peroxidase-like activity was tested and confirmed against various chromogenic substrates in the presence of H2O2 and obeyed the Michaelis-Menten enzymatic pathway. The mechanism of enhanced enzymatic activity was proved by employing terephthalic acid as a fluorescence probe and by electron spin resonance. The nanozyme, when tested for the detection of glucose, showed a substantial enhancement in the detection selectivity. The limit of detection (LOD) was also decreased reaching a limit as low as 0.27 ppm. Such a low LOD has not been reported so far for the metal oxides without any surface modifications. Moreover, the nanozyme (Zn-CuO) was utilized to detect the three antioxidants tannic acid, tartaric acid, and ascorbic acid and the relative strength of their antioxidant capacity was compared.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles: effect of solvent and antifungal capacity of NPs obtained in ethylene glycol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López, Cenayda; Rodríguez-Páez, Jorge E.

2017-12-01

In this work, nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized using acetic acid, ethanol and ethylene glycol as solvents. To determine the physicochemical and structural characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles, IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used. The characterization results indicated that the particles obtained were of nanometers size (< 100 nm) with different morphologies: needle-type when using acetic acid, nanoribbons using ethanol, and spheroidal using ethylene glycol. The results of this work show that on using solvents with a lower dielectric constant value a preferential direction of nanoparticle growth would be favored, leading to the formation of nanoribbons, in ethanol ( ɛ r = 24.3), and needles in acetic acid ( ɛ r = 6.2). The band gap of ZnO-Nps depends of synthesis solvent used: 3.37 eV for acetic acid, 3.3 eV to ethanol and 3.28 eV to ethylene glycol, indicating that the optical properties of these nanoparticles are affected by the synthesis medium. Based on the information from the characterization of the ZnO-NPs synthesized, the spheroidal nanoparticles were selected, to determine their antifungal capacity on cultures of Aspergillus niger strains. The concentrations of ZnO-NPs that showed the greatest antifungal effect were those from 9 mmol L-1.

Antifungal activity of wide band gap Thioglycolic acid capped ZnS:Mn semiconductor nanoparticles against some pathogenic fungi.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Isam M; Ali, Iftikhar M; Dheeb, Batol Imran; Abas, Qayes A; Asmeit Ramizy; Eisa, M H; Aljameel, A I

2017-04-01

The manganese doped zinc sulfide nanoparticles were synthesized by simple aqueous chemical reaction of manganese chloride, zinc acetate and thioacitamide in aqueous solution. Thioglycolic acid is used as capping agent for controlling the nanoparticle size. The main advantage of the ZnS:Mn nanoparticles of diameter ~2.73nm is that the sample is prepared by using non-toxic precursors in a cost effective and eco-friendly way. The structural, morphological and chemical composition of the nanoparticles have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The nanosize of the prepared nanoparticles was elucidated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). FTIR result ensures that Thioglycolic acid is well bonded on the surface of ZnS:Mn NPs. The antifungal effects of Thioglycolic acid capped ZnS:Mn nanoparticles exhibited a potent antifungal activity against tested fungal strains, so deserving further investigation for clinical applications. The antifungal property of manganese doped zinc sulphide nanoparticles is attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species due to the interaction of nanoparticles with water. Additionally, the presence of Zn and S in the zone of inhibition area leads to perturbation of fungi cell membranes resulting in growth inhibition. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Feasibility of applying the LED-UV-induced TiO2/ZnO-supported H3PMo12O40 nanoparticles in photocatalytic degradation of aniline.

PubMed

Taghavi, Mahmoud; Ghaneian, Mohammad Taghi; Ehrampoush, Mohammad Hasan; Tabatabaee, Masoumeh; Afsharnia, Mojtaba; Alami, Ali; Mardaneh, Jalal

2018-03-03

In the present study, TiO 2 /ZnO-supported phosphomolybdic acid nanoparticles are investigated by the impregnation method, followed by analyzing their photocatalytic activity under UV-LED light and degradation kinetics degrading aniline as an organic pollutant model. Nanoparticle characteristics and the remaining Keggin structure in the nanocomposites were confirmed by means of FESEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses. Heterogenization of phosphomolybdic acid on TiO 2 and ZnO nanoparticles resulted in the improved light absorption intensity and decreased band gap of nanocomposites. Photocatalytic degradation of aniline was also improved for composite nanoparticles and reached to 25.62, 43.48, and 38.25% for TiO 2 /HPMo, ZnO/HPMo, and TiO 2 /ZnO/HPMo, respectively. Overall, the results showed a good fit to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model.

Nucleotide sequence of a complementary DNA encoding pea cytosolic copper/zinc superoxide dismutase. [Pisum sativum L

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

White, D.A.; Zilinskas, B.A.

1991-08-01

The authors now report the nucleotide sequence of the cytosolic Cu/Zn SOD cloned from a {lambda}gt11 cDNA library constructed from mRNA extracted from leaves of 7- to 10-d pea seedlings (Pisum sativum L.). The clone was isolated using a 22-base synthetic oligonucleotide complementary to the amino acid sequence CGIIGLQG. This sequence, found at the protein's carboxy terminus, is highly conserved among plant cytosolic Cu/Zn SODs but not chloroplastic Cu/Zn SODs. The 738-base pair sequence contains an open reading frame specifying 152 codons and a predicted M{sub r} of 18,024 D. The deduced amino acid sequence is highly homologous (79-82% identity)more » with the sequences of other known plant cytosolic Cu/Zn SODs but less highly conserved (63-65%) when compared with several chloroplastic Cu/Zn SODs including pea (10).« less

Conversion of ethanol to 1,3-butadiene over Na doped ZnxZryOz mixed metal oxides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baylon, Rebecca A.; Sun, Junming; Wang, Yong

2016-01-01

Despite numerous studies on different oxide catalysts for the ethanol to 1,3-butadiene reaction, few have identified active sites (i.e., type of acidity) correlated to the catalytic performances. In this work, the type of acidity needed for ethanol to 1,3-butadiene conversion has been studied over Zn/Zr mixed oxide catalysts. Specifically, synthesis method, Zn/Zr ratio, and Na doping have been used to control the surface acid-base properties, as confirmed by characterizations such as NH3-TPD and IR-Py techniques. The 2000 ppm Na doped Zn1Zr10Oz-H with balanced base and weak Bronsted acid sites was found to give not only high selectivity to 1,3-butadiene (47%)more » at near complete ethanol conversion (97%), but also exhibited a much higher 1,3-butadiene productivity than other mixed oxides studied.« less

Bioleaching of spent Zn-Mn or Ni-Cd batteries by Aspergillus species.

PubMed

Kim, Min-Ji; Seo, Ja-Yeon; Choi, Yong-Seok; Kim, Gyu-Hyeok

2016-05-01

This research explores the recovery of metals from spent Zn-Mn or Ni-Cd batteries by a bioleaching using six Aspergillus species. Two different nutrients, malt extract and sucrose, were used to produce different types of organic acids. Oxalic acid and citric acid were shown to be the dominant organic acid in malt extract and sucrose media, respectively. In the bioleaching, the metal removal was higher in sucrose media than malt extract. All species, except A. niger KUC5254, showed more than 90% removal of metals from Zn-Mn battery. For Ni-Cd battery, more than 95% of metals was extracted by A. niger KUC5254 and A. tubingensis KUC5037. As a result, A. tubingensis KUC5037 which is a non-ochratoxigenic fungus was considered to have the greatest potential for improving the safety and efficiency of the bioleaching. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Strain-dependent effects of long-term treatment with melatonin on kainic acid-induced status epilepticus, oxidative stress and the expression of heat shock proteins.

PubMed

Atanasova, Milena; Petkova, Zlatina; Pechlivanova, Daniela; Dragomirova, Petya; Blazhev, Alexander; Tchekalarova, Jana

2013-10-01

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of both hypertension and epileptogenesis, therefore it could be used as a tool for studying co-morbidity of hypertension and epilepsy. Clinical data suggest that melatonin is a potent antioxidant that is effective in the adjunctive therapy of hypertension and neurodegenerative diseases. The present study aimed to explore and compare the efficacy of chronic pretreatment with melatonin infused via subcutaneous osmotic mini-pumps for 14 days (10 mg/kg per day) on kainic acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus, oxidative stress and expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 72 in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and normotensive Wistar rats. SHRs showed higher lipid peroxidation (LP) in the frontal cortex and hippocampus and decreased cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD/CuZn) production in the frontal cortex compared to Wistar rats. Status epilepticus (SE) induced by KA (12 mg/kg, i.p.) was accompanied by increased LP and expression of HSP 72 in the hippocampus of the two strains and increased SOD/CuZn production in the frontal cortex of SHRs. Melatonin failed to suppress seizure incidence and intensity though the latency for seizure onset was significantly increased in SHRs. Melatonin attenuated the KA-induced increase in the level of LP in the hippocampus both in SHRs and Wistar rats. However, an increased activity in SOD/CuZn and mitochondrial SOD Mn as well as reduced expression of HSP 72 in the hippocampus was observed only in Wistar rats pretreated with melatonin. Taken together, the observed strain differences in the efficacy of chronic melatonin exposure before SE suggest a lack of a direct link between the seizure activity and the markers of oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. © 2013.

Superb hydroxyl radical-mediated biocidal effect induced antibacterial activity of tuned ZnO/chitosan type II heterostructure under dark

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podder, Soumik; Halder, Suman; Roychowdhury, Anirban; Das, Dipankar; Ghosh, Chandan Kr.

2016-10-01

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the most dominating factor for bacteria cell toxicity due to release of oxidative stress. Hydroxyl radical (·OH) is a strong oxidizing ROS that has high impact on biocidal activity. This present paper highlights ·OH influenced antibacterial activity and biocidal propensity of tuned ZnO/chitosan (ZnO/CS) nanocomposite against Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) in the absence of light for the first time. For this purpose, the CS proportion was increased by 25 % (w/w) of ZnO during the preparation of ZnO/CS nanocomposite and a systematic study of different ROS like superoxide anion (O 2 ·- ), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ·OH production as well as their kinetics was carried out both under UV irradiation and in dark by UV-Vis spectroscopy using NBT dye, starch and iodine reaction and fluorescence spectroscopy using terephthalic acid. The decoration of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO·NPs) with CS tuning was characterized by XRD and FTIR spectroscopy, revealing sustained crystallinity and surface coating of ZnO NP (size about 24 nm) by CS molecule. The hybridization of ZnO nanoparticles with CS@50 wt% (w/w) resulted superior biocidal activity (81 %) within 3 h in dark mediated by optimum production of ·OH among all ROS. Here we have proposed the enhanced production of ·OH in ZnO/CS due to generation of holes by entrapment of electrons in acceptor level formed in nanocomposite for the first time, and the acceptor levels were probed by Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. The increase in non-positronium (non-Ps) formation probability (I2) in ZnO/CS nanocomposite confirmed the acceptor levels. This work also confirms surface defect-mediated ROS generation in dark, and zinc interstitials are proposed as active defect sites for generation of holes and ·OH for the first time and confirmed by steady-state room temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy. Finally, a plausible mechanism was hypothesized focusing on hole generation in ZnO NP and hole transfer from CS for the first time, and a heterostructure of type II was proposed.

Heavy metal speciation in solid-phase materials from a bacterial sulfate reducing bioreactor using sequential extraction procedure combined with acid volatile sulfide analysis.

PubMed

Jong, Tony; Parry, David L

2004-04-01

Heavy metal mobility, bioavailability and toxicity depends largely on the chemical form of metals and ultimately determines potential for environmental pollution. For this reason, determining the chemical form of heavy metals and metalloids, immobilized in sludges by biological mediated sulfate reduction, is important to evaluate their mobility and bioavailability. A modified Tessier sequential extraction procedure (SEP), complemented with acid volatile sulfide (AVS) and simultaneous extracted metals (SEM) measurements, were applied to determine the partitioning of five heavy metals (defined as Fe, Ni, Zn and Cu, and the metalloid As) in anoxic solid-phase material (ASM) from an anaerobic, sulfate reducing bioreactor into six operationally defined fractions. These fractions were water soluble, exchangeable, bound to carbonates (acid soluble), bound to Fe-Mn oxides (reducible), bound to organic matter and sulfides (oxidizable) and residual. It was found that the distribution of Fe, Ni, Zn, Cu and As in ASM was strongly influenced by its association with the above solid fractions. The fraction corresponding to organic matter and sulfides appeared to be the most important scavenging phases of As, Fe, Ni, Zn and Cu in ASM (59.8-86.7%). This result was supported by AVS and SEM (Sigma Zn, Ni and Cu) measurements, which indicated that the heavy metals existed overwhelmingly as sulfides in the organic matter and sulfide fraction. A substantial amount of Fe and Ni at 16.4 and 20.1%, respectively, were also present in the carbonate fraction, while an appreciable portion of As (18.3%) and Zn (19.4%) was bound to Fe-Mn oxides. A significant amount of heavy metals was also associated with the residual fraction, ranging from 2.1% for Zn to 18.8% for As. Based on the average total extractable heavy metal (TEHM) values, the concentration of heavy metals in the ASM was in the order of Cu > Ni > Zn > Fe > As. If the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals are assumed to be related to their solubility and chemical forms, and that they decrease with each successive extraction step, then the apparent mobility and bioavailability of these five heavy metals in ASM increase in the order of Cu < As < Ni < Fe < Zn. The SEM/AVS ratio was less than one in eight replicate ASM samples, indicating that the ASM was non-toxic with regards to having a low probability of bioavailable metals in the pore water.

Immobilization of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in mine drainage stream sediment using Chinese loess.

PubMed

Zang, Fei; Wang, Shengli; Nan, Zhongren; Ma, Jianmin; Li, Yepu; Zhang, Qian; Chen, Yazhou

2017-08-01

The in situ immobilization of metal-contaminated sediment, using various amendments, has attracted great attention owing to their cost-effectiveness. The present study investigated the effectiveness of Chinese loess on Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb stabilization by decreasing their bioavailability in contaminated sediment. The loess was mixed with the sediment in doses of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 kg. Approximately 70 d after loess application, the effectiveness was evaluated using the Tessier sequential extraction procedure and single extractants, including ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-2Na), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The results indicated that the loess can effectively transform Cu from the carbonate fraction into the residual fraction when the loess dose was ≥5 kg. However, loess had little effect on Zn, Cd and Pb immobilization. Correlation analysis showed that these four extractants can provide a good indication of the toxicity of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the amended sediment. Additionally, the organic matter content in the amended sediment decreased by 1.4% for CK, 1.6% for L0.5, 1.7% for L1, 1.5% for L2, 1.5% for L5, 1.9% for L10 and 1.9% for L20 (CK: untreated sediment; L0.5 to L20 represent loess doses of 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 kg, respectively) compared to the initial organic matter content in the unamended sediment, which may increase the atmospheric carbon dioxide owing to the degradation of organic matter. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eltahir, F.H.

Nutrient solutions of 25 ppm Mo caused a marked growth reduction of apple seedlings, with the roots being the most sensitive indicators of toxicity symptoms. The toxicity symptoms could be alleviated with the addition of 50 ppm of sulfur to the nutrient solution. Several experiments proved that Mo could be readily absorbed through the leaves and then translocated to other organs and tissues of the plants. However, during the time period of these studies it was not possible to induce toxicity symptoms in apples by foliar applications of Mo. Apple seedlings can absorb and accumulate relatively large amounts of Momore » from nutrient solutions. The highest levels were found in the roots, followed by the leaves and then stems. When applied to bearing trees, a higher concentration of Mo was found in skin of the fruit than in the flesh. In the growth chamber, nitrate-N was highest in all tissues in the 0 ppm Mo nutrient solution and then decreased as the Mo level was increased. The reverse relationship was present with the ascorbic acid content of the leaves, increasing as the level of Mo increased. There was also a reduction of leaf chlorophyll at both the 0 ppm and 25 ppm Mo in the nutrient solutions. When the Mo content of the nutrient solutions was increased from 0 ppm through 25 ppm, there was a significant effect on the leaf levels of P, Mg and Zn, and on P, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, B and Zn in the roots. The greatest effect of 25 ppm Mo in the nutrient solutions. When the Mo content of the nutrient solutions was increased from 0 ppm through 25 ppm, there was a significant effect on the leaf levels of P, Mg and Zn, and on P, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, B and Zn in the roots. The greatest effect of 25 ppm Mo in the nurient solutions were on P and Zn in the leaves, and on P, Zn, Ca and Fe in the roots.« less

Phytoremediation potential of Helianthus annuus L in sewage-irrigated Indo-Gangetic alluvial soils.

PubMed

Mani, Dinesh; Sharma, Bechan; Kumar, Chitranjan; Pathak, Niraj; Balak, Shiv

2012-03-01

The study of phytoremediation potential of Helianthus annuus L was conducted in the sewage-irrigated Indo-Gangetic alluvial soils, India. Calcium @ 1.0% and Zn @ 40 ppm enhanced the yield of H. annuus L and minimized the toxicity of Cr in the investigated soils. The study indicated that H. annuus L is highly sensitive to Cr and Zn in terms of metallic pollution; and may be used as indicator plant. For Cr-phytoremediation, humic acid treatment @ 500 mL/acre induced the Cr-accumulation in roots (p < 0.007) and in shoots (p < 0.015), which was recorded 3.21 and 3.16 mg/kg in root and shoot of H. annuus L, respectively. We suggest that H. annuus L fulfils the necessary condition for efficiently increasing species bioaccumulation after soil treatment with humic acid in Cr-polluted sewage-irrigated soils through soil- plant rhizospheric processes.

Exploring metal detoxification and accumulation potential during vermicomposting of Tea factory coal ash: sequential extraction and fluorescence probe analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goswami, Linee; Pratihar, Sanjay; Dasgupta, Suman; Bhattacharyya, Pradip; Mudoi, Pronab; Bora, Jayanta; Bhattacharya, Satya Sundar; Kim, Ki Hyun

2016-07-01

Metal contamination from coal ashes (CAs) is widely recognized as a significant environmental concern. To learn more about metal detoxification and accumulation potential of earthworm species, metal-rich tea factory coal ashes (TFCA) were fed to Eisenia fetida and Lampito mauritii by employing a fluorescent tag detection method. Fascinatingly, on feeding fluorescence probed Zn and Cd along with cow dung to Eisenia fetida, the detection of the gut-proteins with a molecular mass higher than 100 kDa was a distinct evidence of metal binding. Significant increases were observed in the content of humified organic C [humic acid (HAC) and fulvic acid C (FAC)] and degree of humification during vermicomposting. Concurrently, considerably large amount of toxic metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, and Zn) was transformed from exchangeable to recalcitrant (organic matter and mineral bound) fractions. Moreover, total metal concentrations were reduced with high removal efficiency upon vermicomposting.

Detecting changes in the nutritional value and elemental composition of transgenic sorghum grain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ndimba, R.; Grootboom, A. W.; Mehlo, L.; Mkhonza, N. L.; Kossmann, J.; Barnabas, A. D.; Mtshali, C.; Pineda-Vargas, C.

2015-11-01

We have previously demonstrated that poor digestibility in sorghum can be addressed by using RNA interference (RNAi) to suppress kafirin synthesis. The approach resulted in a twofold improvement in overall protein digestibility levels. In the present study, the effect of this targeted kafirin suppression on other grain quality parameters was investigated. Several significant changes in the proximate composition, amino acid profile and the bulk mineral content were detected. Importantly, the most limiting amino acid, lysine, was significantly increased in the transgenic grains by up to 39%; whilst mineral elements in the bulk, such as sulphur (S) and zinc (Zn) were reduced by up to 15.8% and 21% respectively. Elemental mapping of the grain tissue, using micro-PIXE, demonstrated a significant decrease in Zn (>75%), which was localised to the outer endosperm region, whilst TEM revealed important changes to the protein body morphology of the transgenic grains.

Metal Complexation in Xylem Fluid 1

PubMed Central

White, Michael C.; Decker, A. Morris; Chaney, Rufus L.

1981-01-01

Xylem fluid was analyzed for numerous solutes to characterize chemically the sap as a medium for forming and transporting metal complexes. The stem exudate was collected hourly for 8 hours from topped 31-day-old soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) and 46-day-old tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plants grown in normal (0.5 micromolar) and Za-phytotoxic nutrient solutions. Soybean plants were grown in the normal and high-Zn solutions for 24 days; tomato plants were grown for 32 days. The exudate was analyzed for seven organic acids, 22 amino acids, eight inorganic solutes, apparent ionic strength, and pH. Significant changes in many solutes occurred over the 8-hour sampling period. These fluctuations depended on plant species, individual solute, and Zn treatment, and demonstrated that extrapolation of xylem-fluid analyses to whole-plant xylem sap is valid only for sap samples collected shortly after topping a plant. Exudate pH decreased over the 8-hour period for both species; exudate ionic strength increased for tomato and decreased for soybean. At the normal-Zn treatment (0 to 1 hour), the highest acid micromolar concentrations in soybean exudate were: asparagine, 2,583; citric, 1,706; malic, 890; and malonic, 264. Under the same conditions, the highest acid micromolar concentrations in tomato exudate were: maleic, 1,206; malic, 628; glutamine, 522; citric, 301; and asparagine, 242. Cysteine and methionine were above detection limits only in soybean exudate. Zinc phytotoxicity caused significant changes in many solutes. The analyses reported here provide a comprehensive data base for further studies on metal-complex equilibria in xylem fluid. PMID:16661664

Potential toxic trace element (PTE) contamination in Baoji urban soil (NW China): spatial distribution, mobility behavior, and health risk.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoping; Wu, Ting; Bao, Hongxiang; Liu, Xianyu; Xu, Changlin; Zhao, Yanan; Liu, Dongying; Yu, Hongtao

2017-08-01

Rapid urbanization and industrialization may cause increased exposure levels to potential toxic trace elements (PTEs) and associated health risks for population living in cities. The main objectives of this study are to investigate systematically the occurrence, source, fate, and risk of PTE contamination from industrial influence in Baoji urban soil. Seven PTE levels (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, V, Sb, and As) were surveyed in 50 composite samples from Baoji urban soil by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Results reveal that the long-term industrial activities have increased PTEs Pb (409.20 mg/kg mean value), Cu (107.19 mg/kg mean value), Zn (374.47 mg/kg mean value), and Sb (26.00 mg/kg mean value) to enrich in urban soil at the different extents. The same results concur with the significant similarity of spatial distribution patterns of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Sb (slightly similar distribution) interpolated by GIS, implying a considerable Pb, Zn, Cu, and Sb contamination pool in urban soil disturbance from local metallic industrial activities. Whereas As in study area mainly controls parent material leaching and therefore has natural sources. Cr and V with the heterogeneous spatial distributions are possibly inclined to coal combustion sources. Those conclusions are also confirmed by the results of multivariate analysis. The chemical forms of PTEs fractionated by BCR three-stage sequential extraction procedure show that Pb and Cu are highly associated to the reducible phase (62.55 and 36.41%, respectively). However, Zn is highly associated to the oxidizable phase (33.68%), and a significant concentration is associated to acid and water extractable fractionation of 15.93% for Zn and 34.40% for Pb. In contrast, As, Cr, V, and Sb are mainly bound to the residual phase (>65% for all elements) with low concentrations retained to water extractable fractionation. The health risk assessed by a new classification Modified Integrate Risk Assessment Code (MI-RAC) reveals that the Pb poses the extremely high risk for human health than others. The results of PTE leaching in organic acids (artificial chelating agent and LMMOAs) indicate that low pH and more carboxyl groups of organic acid can quickly increase the PTEs release from soil and induce more mobility. By comparison, DTPA and EDTA are the effective extractant for Pb and Sb. The leaching kinetics of most PTEs are best described with the Elovich equation model and which involve the ligand exchange (LE) and ligand-enhanced dissolution (LED) two major process. It is a conclusion that long-term metallic industrial activities would accelerate the PTE accumulations in Baoji urban soil and enhance their mobility in a local scale. The considerable mobility and extremely high risk of Pb in Baoji ecoenvironment should be paid more attentions, and the phytoremediation with organic acid leaching assistant could be used to reduce total metal content of multiPTE contaminants in Baoji soils. The research will give the scientific knowledge for controlling the pollution of PTEs in urban soil and can be used as guidance to control the soil pollution in similar cities worldwide.

Liquid—liquid interface-mediated Au—ZnO composite membrane using ‘thiol-ene’ click chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Mohammed; Ghosh, Sujit Kumar

2015-07-01

A nanoparticle-decorated composite membrane has been devised at the water/CCl4 interface based on the self-assembly of ligand-stabilized gold and zinc oxide nanoparticles, exploiting the ‘thiol-ene’ click chemistry between the thiol groups of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid-stabilized ZnO nanoparticles and the ene functionality of cinnamic acid attached to gold nanoparticles. The interfacial assembly of ultrasmall particles leads to a multilayer film that exhibits charge-dependent permeability of amino acid molecules across the membrane.

Spatial and Temporal Analysis of the Microbial Community in the Tailings of a Pb-Zn Mine Generating Acidic Drainage ▿ †

PubMed Central

Huang, Li-Nan; Zhou, Wen-Hua; Hallberg, Kevin B.; Wan, Cai-Yun; Li, Jie; Shu, Wen-Sheng

2011-01-01

Analysis of spatial and temporal variations in the microbial community in the abandoned tailings impoundment of a Pb-Zn mine revealed distinct microbial populations associated with the different oxidation stages of the tailings. Although Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Leptospirillum spp. were consistently present in the acidic tailings, acidophilic archaea, mostly Ferroplasma acidiphilum, were predominant in the oxidized zones and the oxidation front, indicating their importance to generation of acid mine drainage. PMID:21705549

Effects of organic matter fraction and compositional changes on distribution of cadmium and zinc in long-term polluted paddy soils.

PubMed

Zhou, Tong; Wu, Longhua; Luo, Yongming; Christie, Peter

2018-01-01

Soil particulate organic matter (POM) has rapid turnover and metal enrichment, but the interactions between organic matter (OM) and metals have not been well studied. The present study aimed to investigate changes in the OM concentration and composition of the POM fraction and their corresponding effects on metal distribution and extractability in long-term polluted paddy soils. Soil 2000-53 μm POM size fractions had higher contents of C-H and C=O bonds, C-H/C=O ratios and concentrations of fulvic acid (FA), humic acid (HA), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) than the bulk soils. Cadmium and Zn stocks in soil POM fractions were 24.5-27.9% and 7.12-16.7%, respectively, and were more readily EDTA-extractable. Compared with the control soil, the 2000-250 μm POM size fractions had higher organic carbon concentrations and C/N ratios in the polluted soils. However, there were no significant differences in the contents in C-H and C=O bonds or C-H/C=O ratios of POM fractions among the control, slightly and highly polluted soils. In accordance with the lower contents of C=O bonds and FA and HA concentrations, the Cd and Zn concentrations in 250-53 μm POM size fractions were lower than those in 2000-250 μm POM size fractions. Enrichment of Cd in POM fractions increased with increasing soil pollution level. These results support the view that changes in the OM concentration and the size and composition of POM fractions play a key role in determining the distribution of Cd and Zn in paddy soils. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A Comparative Study of the Application of Fluorescence Excitation-Emission Matrices Combined with Parallel Factor Analysis and Nonnegative Matrix Factorization in the Analysis of Zn Complexation by Humic Acids

PubMed Central

Boguta, Patrycja; Pieczywek, Piotr M.; Sokołowska, Zofia

2016-01-01

The main aim of this study was the application of excitation-emission fluorescence matrices (EEMs) combined with two decomposition methods: parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) to study the interaction mechanisms between humic acids (HAs) and Zn(II) over a wide concentration range (0–50 mg·dm−3). The influence of HA properties on Zn(II) complexation was also investigated. Stability constants, quenching degree and complexation capacity were estimated for binding sites found in raw EEM, EEM-PARAFAC and EEM-NMF data using mathematical models. A combination of EEM fluorescence analysis with one of the proposed decomposition methods enabled separation of overlapping binding sites and yielded more accurate calculations of the binding parameters. PARAFAC and NMF processing allowed finding binding sites invisible in a few raw EEM datasets as well as finding totally new maxima attributed to structures of the lowest humification. Decomposed data showed an increase in Zn complexation with an increase in humification, aromaticity and molecular weight of HAs. EEM-PARAFAC analysis also revealed that the most stable compounds were formed by structures containing the highest amounts of nitrogen. The content of oxygen-functional groups did not influence the binding parameters, mainly due to fact of higher competition of metal cation with protons. EEM spectra coupled with NMF and especially PARAFAC processing gave more adequate assessments of interactions as compared to raw EEM data and should be especially recommended for modeling of complexation processes where the fluorescence intensities (FI) changes are weak or where the processes are interfered with by the presence of other fluorophores. PMID:27782078

Effects of pH and Temperature on Antibacterial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanofluid Against Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Staphylococcus aureus

PubMed Central

Saliani, Mahsa; Jalal, Razieh; Kafshdare. Goharshadi, Elaheh

2015-01-01

Background: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are known as one of the important inorganic materials used in research and health-related applications with effective antibacterial activities. Although the toxic effects of ZnO NPs have already been evaluated, more information is required to understand the possible mechanisms. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the influences of pH and temperature on antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs against some strains of pathogenic bacteria. Identifying the interrelationship between toxicity and cultural conditions helps us to have a better understanding of the optimum reaction conditions for maximum antimicrobial activity. Materials and Methods: ZnO NPs were prepared and characterized and then dispersed in glycerol with the help of ammonium citrate as the dispersant. The antibacterial tests were performed by measuring the growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus with different concentrations of ZnO NPs in glycerol. All the experiments were conducted at different incubation temperatures (25-42°C) and pH levels (4-10 for E. coli O157:H7 and 5-10 for S. aureus). Results: The results showed that ZnO nanofluid have antibacterial activity against E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus and the inhibitory effect increases with increasing the nanofluid concentration. The experiments showed that the antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs was influenced by temperature and pH. Higher antibacterial activity was observed at acidic pH levels with the maximum toxicity at pH = 4 and pH = 5 for E. coli O157: H7 and S. aureus, respectively. By raising the temperature, the toxicity of ZnO nanofluid increased, with the highest antibacterial activity at 42°C for both bacterial types in comparison with positive controls under the same conditions. Conclusions: Analysis of the results demonstrated that exposure media of ZnO NPs and cultural factors play a role in their cytotoxic effects. It could be attributed to the principal mechanism at different reaction conditions. PMID:25825643

Screening and Evaluation of the Bioremediation Potential of Cu/Zn-Resistant, Autochthonous Acinetobacter sp. FQ-44 from Sonchus oleraceus L.

PubMed

Fang, Qing; Fan, Zhengqiu; Xie, Yujing; Wang, Xiangrong; Li, Kun; Liu, Yafeng

2016-01-01

The quest for new, promising and indigenous plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and a deeper understanding of their relationship with plants are important considerations in the improvement of phytoremediation. This study focuses on the screening of plant beneficial Cu/Zn-resistant strains and assessment of their bioremediation potential (metal solubilization/tolerance/biosorption and effects on growth of Brassica napus seedlings) to identify suitable rhizobacteria and examine their roles in microbes-assisted phytoremediation. Sixty Cu/Zn-resistant rhizobacteria were initially isolated from Sonchus oleraceus grown at a multi-metal-polluted site in Shanghai, China. From these strains, 19 isolates that were all resistant to 300 mg⋅L -1 Cu as well as 300 mg⋅L -1 Zn, and could simultaneously grow on Dworkin-Foster salt minimal medium containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid were preliminarily selected. Of those 19 isolates, 10 isolates with superior plant growth-promoting properties (indole-3-acetic acid production, siderophore production, and insoluble phosphate solubilization) were secondly chosen and further evaluated to identify those with the highest bioremediation potential and capacity for bioaugmentation. Strain S44, identified as Acinetobacter sp. FQ-44 based on 16S rDNA sequencing, was specifically chosen as the most favorable strain owing to its strong capabilities to (1) promote the growth of rape seedlings (significantly increased root length, shoot length, and fresh weight by 92.60%, 31.00%, and 41.96%, respectively) under gnotobiotic conditions; (2) tolerate up to 1000 mg⋅L -1 Cu and 800 mg⋅L -1 Zn; (3) mobilize the highest concentrations of water-soluble Cu, Zn, Pb, and Fe (16.99, 0.98, 0.08, and 3.03 mg⋅L -1 , respectively); and (4) adsorb the greatest quantities of Cu and Zn (7.53 and 6.61 mg⋅g -1 dry cell, respectively). Our findings suggest that Acinetobacter sp. FQ-44 could be exploited for bacteria-assisted phytoextraction. Moreover, the present study provides a comprehensive method for the screening of rhizobacteria for phytoremediation of multi-metal-polluted soils, especially those sewage sludge-amended soils contaminated with Cu/Zn.

Screening and Evaluation of the Bioremediation Potential of Cu/Zn-Resistant, Autochthonous Acinetobacter sp. FQ-44 from Sonchus oleraceus L.

PubMed Central

Fang, Qing; Fan, Zhengqiu; Xie, Yujing; Wang, Xiangrong; Li, Kun; Liu, Yafeng

2016-01-01

The quest for new, promising and indigenous plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and a deeper understanding of their relationship with plants are important considerations in the improvement of phytoremediation. This study focuses on the screening of plant beneficial Cu/Zn-resistant strains and assessment of their bioremediation potential (metal solubilization/tolerance/biosorption and effects on growth of Brassica napus seedlings) to identify suitable rhizobacteria and examine their roles in microbes-assisted phytoremediation. Sixty Cu/Zn-resistant rhizobacteria were initially isolated from Sonchus oleraceus grown at a multi-metal-polluted site in Shanghai, China. From these strains, 19 isolates that were all resistant to 300 mg⋅L-1 Cu as well as 300 mg⋅L-1 Zn, and could simultaneously grow on Dworkin–Foster salt minimal medium containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid were preliminarily selected. Of those 19 isolates, 10 isolates with superior plant growth-promoting properties (indole-3-acetic acid production, siderophore production, and insoluble phosphate solubilization) were secondly chosen and further evaluated to identify those with the highest bioremediation potential and capacity for bioaugmentation. Strain S44, identified as Acinetobacter sp. FQ-44 based on 16S rDNA sequencing, was specifically chosen as the most favorable strain owing to its strong capabilities to (1) promote the growth of rape seedlings (significantly increased root length, shoot length, and fresh weight by 92.60%, 31.00%, and 41.96%, respectively) under gnotobiotic conditions; (2) tolerate up to 1000 mg⋅L-1 Cu and 800 mg⋅L-1 Zn; (3) mobilize the highest concentrations of water-soluble Cu, Zn, Pb, and Fe (16.99, 0.98, 0.08, and 3.03 mg⋅L-1, respectively); and (4) adsorb the greatest quantities of Cu and Zn (7.53 and 6.61 mg⋅g-1 dry cell, respectively). Our findings suggest that Acinetobacter sp. FQ-44 could be exploited for bacteria-assisted phytoextraction. Moreover, the present study provides a comprehensive method for the screening of rhizobacteria for phytoremediation of multi-metal-polluted soils, especially those sewage sludge-amended soils contaminated with Cu/Zn. PMID:27746807

Treatment of zinc-rich acid mine water in low residence time bioreactors incorporating waste shells and methanol dosing.

PubMed

Mayes, W M; Davis, J; Silva, V; Jarvis, A P

2011-10-15

Bioreactors utilising bacterially mediated sulphate reduction (BSR) have been widely tested for treating metal-rich waters, but sustained treatment of mobile metals (e.g. Zn) can be difficult to achieve in short residence time systems. Data are presented providing an assessment of alkalinity generating media (shells or limestone) and modes of metal removal in bioreactors receiving a synthetic acidic metal mine discharge (pH 2.7, Zn 15 mg/L, SO(4)(2-) 200mg/L, net acidity 103 mg/L as CaCO(3)) subject to methanol dosing. In addition to alkalinity generating media (50%, v.v.), the columns comprised an organic matrix of softwood chippings (30%), manure (10%) and anaerobic digested sludge (10%). The column tests showed sustained alkalinity generation, which was significantly better in shell treatments. The first column in each treatment was effective throughout the 422 days in removing >99% of the dissolved Pb and Cu, and effective for four months in removing 99% of the dissolved Zn (residence time: 12-14 h). Methanol was added to the feedstock after Zn breakthrough and prompted almost complete removal of dissolved Zn alongside improved alkalinity generation and sulphate attenuation. While there was geochemical evidence for BSR, sequential extraction of substrates suggests that the bulk (67-80%) of removed Zn was associated with Fe-Mn oxide fractions. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rehabilitating acid soils for increasing crop productivity through low-cost liming material.

PubMed

Bhat, Javid Ahmad; Kundu, Manik Chandra; Hazra, Gora Chand; Santra, Gour Hari; Mandal, Biswapati

2010-09-15

Productivity of red and lateritic soils is low because of their acidity and deficiencies in few essential nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, boron, molybdenum etc. We compared the effectiveness of basic slag, a low-cost liming material, with that of calcite as an ameliorant for these soils using mustard followed by rice as test crops. Experiments were conducted with three levels of each of basic slag and calcite along with a control on farmers' fields at 14 different locations. Influence of farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry manure (PM) on the effectiveness of the slag was also tested. On an average, basic slag performed better than calcite in increasing yields of both mustard and rice and left over higher amounts of available Ca, Si and Zn in residual soils. The slag also improved N, P, K and Ca nutrition of mustard and Si and Zn nutrition of rice with a favorable benefit:cost (B:C) ratio over the calcite (4.82 vs. 1.44). Effectiveness of the basic slag improved when it was applied in combination with FYM or PM (B:C, 5.83 and 6.27). Basic slag can, therefore, be advocated for use in the acidic red and lateritic soils for economically improving their productivity. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mitochondrial inhibitor models of Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease induce zinc accumulation and are attenuated by inhibition of zinc neurotoxicity in vitro or in vivo.

PubMed

Sheline, Christian T; Zhu, Julia; Zhang, Wendy; Shi, Chunxiao; Cai, Ai-Li

2013-01-01

Inhibition of mitochondrial function occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases, and inhibitors of mitochondrial complexes I and II are used to model them. The complex II inhibitor, 3-nitroproprionic acid (3-NPA), kills the striatal neurons susceptible in Huntington's disease. The complex I inhibitor N-methyl-4-phenylpyridium (MPP(+)) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) are used to model Parkinson's disease. Zinc (Zn(2+)) accumulates after 3-NPA, 6-OHDA and MPP(+) in situ or in vivo. We will investigate the role of Zn(2+) neurotoxicity in 3-NPA, 6-OHDA and MPP(+). Murine striatal/midbrain tyrosine hydroxylase positive, or near-pure cortical neuronal cultures, or animals were exposed to 3-NPA or MPP(+) and 6-OHDA with or without neuroprotective compounds. Intracellular zinc ([Zn(2+)](i)), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)), NADH, glycolytic intermediates and neurotoxicity were measured. We showed that compounds or genetics which restore NAD(+) and attenuate Zn(2+) neurotoxicity (pyruvate, nicotinamide, NAD(+), increased NAD(+) synthesis, sirtuin inhibition or Zn(2+) chelation) attenuated the neuronal death induced by these toxins. The increase in [Zn(2+)](i) preceded a reduction in the NAD(+)/NADH ratio that caused a reversible glycolytic inhibition. Pyruvate, nicotinamide and NAD(+) reversed the reductions in the NAD(+)/NADH ratio, glycolysis and neuronal death after challenge with 3-NPA, 6-OHDA or MPP(+), as was previously shown for exogenous Zn(2+). To test efficacy in vivo, we injected 3-NPA into the striatum of rats and systemically into mice, with or without pyruvate. We observed early striatal Zn(2+) fluorescence, and pyruvate significantly attenuated the 3-NPA-induced lesion and restored behavioral scores. Together, these studies suggest that Zn(2+) accumulation caused by MPP(+) and 3-NPA is a novel preventable mechanism of the resultant neurotoxicity. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Adsorption-photodegradation of humic acid in water by using ZnO coupled TiO2/bamboo charcoal under visible light irradiation.

PubMed

Wang, Xuejiang; Wu, Zhen; Wang, Yin; Wang, Wei; Wang, Xin; Bu, Yunjie; Zhao, Jianfu

2013-11-15

ZnO coupled TiO2/bamboo charcoal (ZnO-TiO2/BC) was prepared using the sol-gel method combined with microwave irradiation. The ZnO-TiO2/BC and TiO2/BC were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption (BET), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis-DRS). The ZnO dopant promoted the transformation of anatase TiO2 to rutile phase, and a significant red shift of absorption edge was brought out due to the interfacial coupling effect between ZnO and TiO2 particles. The BET specific surface area and total pore volume decreased with ZnO doping, indicating that some micropores were blocked. SEM studies indicated that ZnO was almost uniformly deposited on the surface of the ZnO-TiO2/BC. The adsorption and photocatalytic degradation experiments showed that the photo-degrade efficiency for Zno-TiO2/BC was higher than that of TiO2/BC, and for both composites, the removal efficiency of HA increased as pH decreased from 10.0 to 2.0. The degradation of HA by ZnO-TiO2/BC and TiO2/BC fitted well with the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetics model, and HA degradation was achieved through a synergistic mechanism of adsorption and photocatalysis. ZnO-TiO2/BC could be used as an effective and alternative photocatalyst for the treatment of water contaminated by organic pollutants. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ag-NPs embedded in two novel Zn3/Zn5-cluster-based metal-organic frameworks for catalytic reduction of 2/3/4-nitrophenol.

PubMed

Wu, Xue-Qian; Huang, Dan-Dan; Zhou, Zhi-Hang; Dong, Wen-Wen; Wu, Ya-Pan; Zhao, Jun; Li, Dong-Sheng; Zhang, Qichun; Bu, Xianhui

2017-02-21

By utilizing symmetrical pentacarboxylate ligands, 3,5-di(2',5'-dicarboxylphenyl)benzoic acid (H 5 L1) and 3,5-di(2',4'-dicarboxylphenyl)benzoic acid (H 5 L2), two novel porous Zn-MOFs, [Zn 5 (μ 3 -H 2 O) 2 (L1) 2 ]·3DMA·4H 2 O (CTGU-3) and [Zn 3 (μ 3 -OH)L2(H 2 O) 3 ]·H 2 O (CTGU-4) have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. CTGU-3 and CTGU-4 exhibit 3D microporous frameworks with flu and dia topologies and possess unique secondary building units [Zn 5 (μ 3 -H 2 O) 2 (RCO 2 ) 6 ] and [Zn 3 (μ 3 -OH)(RCO 2 ) 3 ], respectively. Such porous systems create a unique space or surface to accommodate Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs), which could efficiently prevent Ag NPs from aggregation and leaching. In this work, two new Ag@Zn-MOF composites, denoted as Ag@CTGU, have been successfully fabricated through solution infiltration, for the reduction of nitrophenol. Compared with CTGU-4, CTGU-3 shows enhanced catalytic efficiency toward the reaction when it is used as a catalyst support of Ag NPs. Moreover, gas sorption and luminescence properties of two compounds were also investigated.

ZnS Buffer Layers Grown by Modified Chemical Bath Deposition for CIGS Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Dongchan; Ahn, Heejin; Shin, Hyundo; Um, Youngho

2018-03-01

ZnS thin films were prepared by the chemical bath deposition method using disodium ethylene-diaminetetraacetic acid and hexamethylenetetramine as complexing agents in acidic conditions. The film prepared using a preheated S-ion source showed full surface coverage, but some clusters were found that were generated by the cluster-by-cluster reaction mechanism. On the other hand, the film prepared without this source had a uniform, dense, and smooth surface and showed fewer clusters than the film prepared using a preheated S-ion source. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra showed the energy core levels of Zn, O, and S components, and Zn-OH bonding decreased on the film using the preheated S-ion source. Especially, various binding energy peaks were found in the Zn 2p 3/2 spectrum by Gaussian function fitting, and no peak corresponding to Zn-OH bonding was found for the film prepared using a preheated S-ion source. Moreover, the x-ray diffraction spectrum of the ZnS thin film using a non-preheated S-ion source showed amorphous or nanoscale crystallinity, but the emission peaks indicated that the structure of the film using preheated S-ion source was zincblende.

ZnS Buffer Layers Grown by Modified Chemical Bath Deposition for CIGS Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Dongchan; Ahn, Heejin; Shin, Hyundo; Um, Youngho

2018-07-01

ZnS thin films were prepared by the chemical bath deposition method using disodium ethylene-diaminetetraacetic acid and hexamethylenetetramine as complexing agents in acidic conditions. The film prepared using a preheated S-ion source showed full surface coverage, but some clusters were found that were generated by the cluster-by-cluster reaction mechanism. On the other hand, the film prepared without this source had a uniform, dense, and smooth surface and showed fewer clusters than the film prepared using a preheated S-ion source. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra showed the energy core levels of Zn, O, and S components, and Zn-OH bonding decreased on the film using the preheated S-ion source. Especially, various binding energy peaks were found in the Zn 2 p 3/2 spectrum by Gaussian function fitting, and no peak corresponding to Zn-OH bonding was found for the film prepared using a preheated S-ion source. Moreover, the x-ray diffraction spectrum of the ZnS thin film using a non-preheated S-ion source showed amorphous or nanoscale crystallinity, but the emission peaks indicated that the structure of the film using preheated S-ion source was zincblende.

Biomimetic growth of gallic acid-ZnO hybrid assemblies and their applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarker, Nazmul H.; Barnaby, Stacey N.; Fath, Karl R.; Frayne, Stephen H.; Nakatsuka, Nako; Banerjee, Ipsita A.

2012-03-01

In this study, we probed the biomimetic formation of gallic acid (GA)-ZnO nanoparticle hybrids. It was found that the morphologies formed were dependent upon pH values, resulting in GA-ZnO hybrids of varying shapes such as micro or nanoplates or fibers. The formed supramolecular GA-ZnO hybrids were found to be luminescent as indicated by confocal microscopy and were utilized for the photocatalytic degradation of the organic dye methylene blue. We also explored the bactericidal effects of the hybrids on Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus) as well as Escherichia Coli ( E. Coli). Thus, we have developed a new class of shape-controlled nanohybrid assemblies via mild, green synthetic methods that may be utilized for photocatalytic degradation for environmental remediation as well as for antibacterial applications.

Effect of Water on Ethanol Conversion over ZnO

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rahman, Muhammad Mahfuzur; Davidson, Stephen D.; Sun, Junming

2015-10-01

This work focuses on understanding the role of water on ethanol conversion over zinc oxide (ZnO). It was found that a competitive adsorption between ethanol and water occurs on ZnO, which leads to the blockage of the strong Lewis acid site by water on ZnO. As a result, both dehydration and dehydrogenation reactions are inhibited. However, the extent of inhibition for dehydration is orders of magnitude higher than that for dehydrogenation, leading to the shift of reaction pathway from ethanol dehydration to dehydrogenation. In the secondary reactions for acetaldehyde conversion, water inhibits the acetaldehyde aldol-condensation to crotonaldehyde, favoring the oxidationmore » of acetaldehyde to acetic acid, and then to acetone via ketonization at high temperature (i.e., 400 °C).« less

Application of iron and zinc isotopes to track the sources and mechanisms of metal loading in a mountain watershed

USGS Publications Warehouse

Borrok, D.M.; Wanty, R.B.; Ian, Ridley W.; Lamothe, P.J.; Kimball, B.A.; Verplanck, P.L.; Runkel, R.L.

2009-01-01

Here the hydrogeochemical constraints of a tracer dilution study are combined with Fe and Zn isotopic measurements to pinpoint metal loading sources and attenuation mechanisms in an alpine watershed impacted by acid mine drainage. In the tested mountain catchment, ??56Fe and ??66Zn isotopic signatures of filtered stream water samples varied by ???3.5??? and 0.4???, respectively. The inherent differences in the aqueous geochemistry of Fe and Zn provided complimentary isotopic information. For example, variations in ??56Fe were linked to redox and precipitation reactions occurring in the stream, while changes in ??66Zn were indicative of conservative mixing of different Zn sources. Fen environments contributed distinctively light dissolved Fe (<-2.0???) and isotopically heavy suspended Fe precipitates to the watershed, while Zn from the fen was isotopically heavy (>+0.4???). Acidic drainage from mine wastes contributed heavier dissolved Fe (???+0.5???) and lighter Zn (???+0.2???) isotopes relative to the fen. Upwelling of Fe-rich groundwater near the mouth of the catchment was the major source of Fe (??56Fe ??? 0???) leaving the watershed in surface flow, while runoff from mining wastes was the major source of Zn. The results suggest that given a strong framework for interpretation, Fe and Zn isotopes are useful tools for identifying and tracking metal sources and attenuation mechanisms in mountain watersheds. ?? 2009 Elsevier Ltd.

Characteristics of biomass ashes from different materials and their ameliorative effects on acid soils.

PubMed

Shi, Renyong; Li, Jiuyu; Jiang, Jun; Mehmood, Khalid; Liu, Yuan; Xu, Renkou; Qian, Wei

2017-05-01

The chemical characteristics, element contents, mineral compositions, and the ameliorative effects on acid soils of five biomass ashes from different materials were analyzed. The chemical properties of the ashes varied depending on the source biomass material. An increase in the concrete shuttering contents in the biomass materials led to higher alkalinity, and higher Ca and Mg levels in biomass ashes, which made them particularly good at ameliorating effects on soil acidity. However, heavy metal contents, such as Cr, Cu, and Zn in the ashes, were relatively high. The incorporation of all ashes increased soil pH, exchangeable base cations, and available phosphorus, but decreased soil exchangeable acidity. The application of the ashes from biomass materials with a high concrete shuttering content increased the soil available heavy metal contents. Therefore, the biomass ashes from wood and crop residues with low concrete contents were the better acid soil amendments. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Dissecting CNBP, a zinc-finger protein required for neural crest development, in its structural and functional domains.

PubMed

Armas, Pablo; Agüero, Tristán H; Borgognone, Mariana; Aybar, Manuel J; Calcaterra, Nora B

2008-10-17

Cellular nucleic-acid-binding protein (CNBP) plays an essential role in forebrain and craniofacial development by controlling cell proliferation and survival to mediate neural crest expansion. CNBP binds to single-stranded nucleic acids and displays nucleic acid chaperone activity in vitro. The CNBP family shows a conserved modular organization of seven Zn knuckles and an arginine-glycine-glycine (RGG) box between the first and second Zn knuckles. The participation of these structural motifs in CNBP biochemical activities has still not been addressed. Here, we describe the generation of CNBP mutants that dissect the protein into regions with structurally and functionally distinct properties. Mutagenesis approaches were followed to generate: (i) an amino acid replacement that disrupted the fifth Zn knuckle; (ii) N-terminal deletions that removed the first Zn knuckle and the RGG box, or the RGG box alone; and (iii) a C-terminal deletion that eliminated the three last Zn knuckles. Mutant proteins were overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and used to analyze their biochemical features in vitro, or overexpressed in Xenopus laevis embryos to study their function in vivo during neural crest cell development. We found that the Zn knuckles are required, but not individually essential, for CNBP biochemical activities, whereas the RGG box is essential for RNA-protein binding and nucleic acid chaperone activity. Removal of the RGG box allowed CNBP to preserve a weak single-stranded-DNA-binding capability. A mutant mimicking the natural N-terminal proteolytic CNBP form behaved as the RGG-deleted mutant. By gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments in Xenopus embryos, we confirmed the participation of CNBP in neural crest development, and we demonstrated that the CNBP mutants lacking the N-terminal region or the RGG box alone may act as dominant negatives in vivo. Based on these data, we speculate about the existence of a specific proteolytic mechanism for the regulation of CNBP biochemical activities during neural crest development.

Effects of chemical elements in the trophic levels of natural salt marshes.

PubMed

Kamiński, Piotr; Barczak, Tadeusz; Bennewicz, Janina; Jerzak, Leszek; Bogdzińska, Maria; Aleksandrowicz, Oleg; Koim-Puchowska, Beata; Szady-Grad, Małgorzata; Klawe, Jacek J; Woźniak, Alina

2016-06-01

The relationships between the bioaccumulation of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Cd, and Pb, acidity (pH), salinity (Ec), and organic matter content within trophic levels (water-soil-plants-invertebrates) were studied in saline environments in Poland. Environments included sodium manufactures, wastes utilization areas, dumping grounds, and agriculture cultivation, where disturbed Ca, Mg, and Fe exist and the impact of Cd and Pb is high. We found Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, and Cd accumulation in the leaves of plants and in invertebrates. Our aim was to determine the selectivity exhibited by soil for nutrients and heavy metals and to estimate whether it is important in elucidating how these metals are available for plant/animal uptake in addition to their mobility and stability within soils. We examined four ecological plant groups: trees, shrubs, minor green plants, and water macrophytes. Among invertebrates, we sampled breastplates Malacostraca, small arachnids Arachnida, diplopods Diplopoda, small insects Insecta, and snails Gastropoda. A higher level of chemical elements was found in saline polluted areas (sodium manufactures and anthropogenic sites). Soil acidity and salinity determined the bioaccumulation of free radicals in the trophic levels measured. A pH decrease caused Zn and Cd to increase in sodium manufactures and an increase in Ca, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb in the anthropogenic sites. pH increase also caused Na, Mg, and Fe to increase in sodium manufactures and an increase in Na, Fe, Mn, and Co in the anthropogenic sites. There was a significant correlation between these chemical elements and Ec in soils. We found significant relationships between pH and Ec, which were positive in saline areas of sodium manufactures and negative in the anthropogenic and control sites. These dependencies testify that the measurement of the selectivity of cations and their fluctuation in soils provide essential information on the affinity and binding strength in these environments. The chemical elements accumulated in soils and plants; however, further flow is selective and variable. The selectivity exhibited by soil systems for nutrients and heavy metals is important in elucidating how these metals become available for plant/animal uptake and also their mobility and stability in soils.

ZnMoO4:Er3+,Yb3+ phosphor with controlled morphology and enhanced upconversion through alkali ions doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luitel, Hom Nath; Chand, Rumi; Watari, Takanori

2018-04-01

A facile hydrothermal method was used to synthesize ZnMoO4:Er3+,Yb3+ nanoparticles. The shapes and sizes of the nanoparticles were well tuned by simply monitoring the pH of the starting solution. Microballs consisting of agglomerated nanograins were observed at strong acidic condition. At mild pH, plates and rectangular particles were realized, while strong basic pH stabilized rods. Further increasing pH to extremely basic conditions (pH > 13), rods changed to fragile hairy structures. The nucleation and growth mechanism of nanograins to form different morphology nanoparticles were studied and illustrated. XRD patterns confirmed well crystalline, triclinic structure despite small amount of aliovalent metal ions doping. Under 980 nm excitation, the ZnMoO4:Er3+,Yb3+ nanophosphor exhibited strong green (centered at 530 and 560 nm) and weak red (centered at 660 nm) upconversion (UC) emissions. Substitution of part of the Zn2+ ions by monovalent alkali ions intensified the UC emission intensities drastically. The order of intensification was K+>Na+>Li+>Rb+>no alkali ion. When Zn2+ ions were substituted with 10 at% K+ ions, the green and red UC emissions intensities increased by more than 50 and 15 folds, respectively. Time dependent measurements confirmed efficient Yb to Er energy transfer in the ZnMoO4:Er3+,Yb3+,K+ nanophosphor. The optimized ZnMoO4:Er3+,Yb3+,K+ phosphor exhibited intense UC emissions with 0.31% quantum yield. The upconverted light is visible to naked eye while pumping by laser of less than 1 mW power and opens door for variety of novel applications.

Improved synthesis of fine zinc borate particles using seed crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gürhan, Deniz; Çakal, Gaye Ö.; Eroğlu, İnci; Özkar, Saim

2009-03-01

Zinc borate is a flame retardant additive used in polymers, wood applications and textile products. There are different types of zinc borate having different chemical compositions and structures. In this study, the production of zinc borate having the molecular formula of 2ZnO·3B 2O 3·3.5H 2O was reexamined by studying the effects of reaction parameters on the properties of product as well as the reaction kinetics. Production of zinc borate from the reaction of boric acid and zinc oxide in the presence of seed crystals was performed in a continuously stirred, temperature-controlled batch reactor having a volume of 1.5 L. Samples taken in regular time intervals during the experiments were analyzed for the concentration of zinc oxide and boron oxide in the solid as well as for the conversion of zinc oxide to zinc borate versus time. The zinc borate production reaction was fit to the logistic model. The reaction rate, reaction completion time, composition and particle size distribution of zinc borate product were determined by varying the following parameters: the boric acid to zinc oxide ratio (H 3BO 3:ZnO=3:1, 3.5:1, 5:1 and 7:1), the particle size of zinc oxide (10 and 25 μm), stirring rate (275, 400, 800 and 1600 rpm), temperature (75, 85 and 95 °C) and the size of seed crystals (10 and 2 μm). The products were also analyzed for particle size distribution. The experimental results showed that the reaction rate increases with the increase in H 3BO 3:ZnO ratio, particle size of zinc oxide, stirring rate and temperature. Concomitantly, the reaction completion time is decreased by increasing the H 3BO 3:ZnO ratio, stirring rate and temperature. The average particle sizes of the zinc borate products are in the range 4.3-16.6 μm (wet dispersion analysis).

The Role of Magmatic Volatile Input, Near-surface Seawater Entrainment and Sulfide Deposition in Regulating Metal Concentrations Within Manus Basin Hydrothermal Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craddock, P. R.; Tivey, M. K.; Seewald, J. S.; Rouxel, O.; Bach, W.

2007-12-01

Analyses of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag, Cd, Co and Sb in vent fluid samples from four hydrothermal systems in the Manus back-arc basin, Papua New Guinea, were carried out by ICP-MS. Vienna Woods is located on the well- defined, basalt-dominated Manus Spreading Center, while the other systems are hosted in felsic volcanics on the Pual Ridge (PACMANUS), within a caldera (DESMOS), and on volcanic cones (SuSu Knolls). Metal concentrations were coupled with other fluid data (pH, SO4, Ca, H2S) to discriminate effects of deep- seated water-rock reaction and magmatic volatile input from near surface seawater entrainment, mixing, and consequent mineral precipitation and metal remobilization. Both magmatic volatile input (e.g. SO2, HCl, HF) and sulfide precipitation can increase fluid acidity and thus affect the aqueous mobility of metals. At Vienna Woods, 280°C end-member (Mg = 0) fluids have high pH (>4.2) and low metal contents (Fe <160 uM, Cu <10 uM, Zn <40 uM) relative to most mid-ocean ridge (MOR) vent fluids. The high pH and lack of evidence for magmatic volatile input are consistent with fluid compositions regulated by subsurface seawater- basalt/andesite reactions. Despite low aqueous Zn concentrations, Zn-rich (wurtzite-lined) chimneys are common at Vienna Woods active vents, reflecting deposition from fluids characterized by low Fe and Cu and high pH. At PACMANUS, black smoker fluids (T >300°C, pH ~ 2.7) are enriched in sulfide-forming metals by an order of magnitude relative to Vienna Woods fluids. Enrichments at PACMANUS reflect efficient leaching of metals at low pH, with the lower pH likely a result of input of magmatic volatiles. In addition, some vents fluids show clear evidence for seawater entrainment, subsurface precipitation of Cu-Fe-sulfides and preferential remobilization of Zn-sulfides (lower T, non-zero Mg, lower Fe, Cu, H2S and pH (2.3-2.4), but higher Zn, Pb, Cd and Ag, compared to black smokers). The higher metal concentrations and lower pH of fluids from PACMANUS versus Vienna Woods are reflected in chimney deposit compositions with Zn-poor sulfide linings composed of Cu-Fe-sulfides and As-Sb-sulfosalts in high T and lower T vents, respectively. At DESMOS caldera, fluid data suggest extensive magmatic volatile input (e.g. pH <1.5, elevated F and SO4) but lesser reaction with the basement felsic rocks (low Li, Rb, Mn). Sampled "acid-sulfate" fluids are low temperature (T ~180°C) with Mg >46 mM, and very high concentrations of some metals for these Mg concentrations (Fe >5 mM, Zn >50 - 400 uM). At SuSu Knolls, vent fluid compositions similar to those at both PACMANUS and DESMOS are observed. Smoker fluids have high but variable metal concentrations of similar magnitude to PACMANUS. Acid-sulfate fluids from North Su have low pH (<2), non-zero Mg (>40 mM), and high Fe and Zn concentrations, similar to DESMOS fluids. At SuSu Knolls, fluid compositions reflect either high temperature water-rock reaction (smoker fluids) or magmatic volatile input (acid-sulfate fluids). As at PACMANUS, chimney deposits that correspond to venting fluids are Cu-Fe-As-Sb-rich and Zn-poor, likely reflecting deposition from low pH, high Cu and Fe fluids.

Syntheses, structures and luminescence for zinc coordination polymers based on a multifunctional 4‧-(3-carboxyphenyl)- 3,2‧:6‧,3″-terpyridine ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yue; Yang, Meng-Lin; Hu, Huai-Ming; Xu, Bing; Wang, Xiaofang; Xue, Ganglin

2016-07-01

Six new coordination polymers, [ZnLCl]n(1), [ZnL2]n·2nH2O (2), [Zn2L(o-bdc)(OH)]n·0.5nH2O (3), [Zn2L(m-bdc)(OH)]n·nH2O (4), [Zn2L2(p-bdc) (H2O)2]n·nH2O (5), [Zn2L(1,2,4-btc)(H2O)]n(6), (HL=4‧-(3-carboxyphenyl)- 3,2‧:6‧,3″-terpyridine, H2(o-bdc)= benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, H2(m-bdc)= benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, H2(p-bdc)= benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, H3(1,2,4-btc)= benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid) have been synthesized under the hydrothermal conditions. Compound 1 displays a 3-connected 2D network structure with point symbol of {82.10}. Compound 2 exhibits 1D infinite loop chain structure. Compound 3 possesses a (3,8)-connected 3D framework composed of tetranuclear units with point symbol of {43}2{46.618.84}. Compound 4 features a typical 2D hcb network based on tetranuclear zinc(II) units with point symbol of {44.62}. Compound 5 presents a classical two-fold penetration sql network with point symbol of {63}. Compound 6 can be seen as a (3,3,6)-connected 3D net with point symbol of {42.64.89}{42.6}{63}. The thermal stability and luminescent properties of compounds 1-6 in the solid state are discussed in detail.

Influence of trace elements mixture on bacterial diversity and fermentation characteristics of liquid diet fermented with probiotics under air-tight condition.

PubMed

He, Yuyong; Chen, Zhiyu; Liu, Xiaolan; Wang, Chengwei; Lu, Wei

2014-01-01

Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- are often supplemented to the diet of suckling and early weaning piglets, but little information is available regarding the effects of different Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- mixtures on bacteria growth, diversity and fermentation characteristics of fermented liquid diet for piglets. Pyrosequencing was performed to investigate the effect of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- mixtures on the diversity, growth and fermentation characteristics of bacteria in the liquid diet fermented with Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis under air-tight condition. Results showed that the mixtures of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- at different concentrations promoted Bacillus growth, increased bacterial diversity and lactic acid production and lowered pH to about 5. The importance of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- is different for Bacillus growth with the order Zn2+> Fe2+>Cu2+> I- in a 21-d fermentation and Cu2+>I->Fe2+>Zn2+ in a 42-d fermentation. Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- is recommended at a level of 150, 60, 150 and 0.6 mg/kg respectively for the production of fermented liquid diet with Bacillus subtilis. The findings improve our understanding of the influence of trace elements on liquid diet fermentation with probiotics and support the proper use of trace elements in the production of fermented liquid diet for piglets.

Luminescence of polyethylene glycol coated CdSeTe/ZnS and InP/ZnS nanoparticles in the presence of copper cations.

PubMed

Beaune, Grégory; Tamang, Sudarsan; Bernardin, Aude; Bayle-Guillemaud, Pascale; Fenel, Daphna; Schoehn, Guy; Vinet, Françoise; Reiss, Peter; Texier, Isabelle

2011-08-22

The use of click chemistry for quantum dot (QD) functionalization could be very promising for the development of bioconjugates dedicated to in vivo applications. Alkyne-azide ligation usually requires copper(I) catalysis. The luminescence response of CdSeTe/ZnS nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is studied in the presence of copper cations, and compared to that of InP/ZnS QDs coated with mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA). The quenching mechanisms appear different. Luminescence quenching occurs without any wavelength shift in the absorption and emission spectra for the CdSeTe/ZnS/PEG nanocrystals. In this case, the presence of copper in the ZnS shell is evidenced by energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EF-TEM). By contrast, in the case of InP/ZnS/MUA nanocrystals, a redshift of the excitation and emission spectra, accompanied by an increase in absorbance and a decrease in photoluminescence, is observed. For CdSeTe/ZnS/PEG nanocrystals, PL quenching is enhanced for QDs with 1) smaller inorganic-core diameter, 2) thinner PEG shell, and 3) hydroxyl terminal groups. Whereas copper-induced PL quenching can be interesting for the design of sensitive cation sensors, copper-free click reactions should be used for the efficient functionalization of nanocrystals dedicated to bioapplications, in order to achieve highly luminescent QD bioconjugates. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Redistribution of fractions of zinc, cadmium, nickel, copper, and lead in contaminated calcareous soils treated with EDTA.

PubMed

Jalali, Mohsen; Khanlari, Zahra V

2007-11-01

Effect of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the fractionation of zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) in contaminated calcareous soils was investigated. Soil samples containing variable levels of contamination, from 105.9 to 5803 mg/kg Zn, from 2.2 to 1361 mg/kg Cd, from 31 to 64.0 mg/kg Ni, from 24 to 84 mg/kg Cu, and from 109 to 24,850 mg/kg Pb, were subjected to EDTA treatment at different dosages of 0, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg. Metals in the incubated soils were fractionated after 5 months by a sequential extraction procedure, in which the metal fractions were experimentally defined as exchangeable (EXCH), carbonate (CARB), Mn oxide (MNO), Fe oxide (FEO), organic matter (OM), and residual (RES) fractions. In contaminated soils without EDTA addition, Zn, Ni, Cu, and Pb were predominately present in the RES fraction, up to 60.0%, 32.3%, 41.1%, and 36.8%, respectively. In general, with the EDTA addition, the EXCH and CARB fractions of these metals increased dramatically while the OM fraction decreased. The Zn, Ni, Cu, and Pb were distributed mostly in RES, OM, FEO, and CARB fractions in contaminated soils, but Cd was found predominately in the CARB, MNO, and RES fractions. The OM fraction decreased with increasing amounts of EDTA. In the contaminated soils, EDTA removed some Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ni from MNO, FEO, and OM fractions and redistributed them into CARB and EXCH fractions. Based on the relative percent in the EXCH and CARB fractions, the order of solubility was Cd > Pb > Ni > Cu > Zn for contaminated soils, before adding of EDTA, and after adding of EDTA, the order of solubility was Pb > Cd > Zn > Ni > Cu. The risk of groundwater contamination will increase after applying EDTA and it needed to be used very carefully.

Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) of low molecular weight organic compounds and synthetic polymers using zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles.

PubMed

Watanabe, Takehiro; Kawasaki, Hideya; Yonezawa, Tetsu; Arakawa, Ryuichi

2008-08-01

We have developed surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry using zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with anisotropic shapes (ZnO-SALDI-MS). The mass spectra showed low background noises in the low m/z, i.e. less than 500 u region. Thus, we succeeded in SALDI ionization on low molecular weight organic compounds, such as verapamil hydrochloride, testosterone, and polypropylene glycol (PPG) (average molecular weight 400) without using a liquid matrix or buffers such as citric acids. In addition, we found that ZnO-SALDI has advantages in post-source decay (PSD) analysis and produced a simple mass spectrum for phospholipids. The ZnO-SALDI spectra for synthetic polymers of polyethylene glycol (PEG), polystyrene (PS) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) showed the sensitivity and molecular weight distribution to be comparable to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) spectra with a 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) matrix. ZnO-SALDI shows good performance for synthetic polymers as well as low molecular weight organic compounds. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

pH-triggered conduction of amine-functionalized single ZnO wire integrated on a customized nanogap electronic platform

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

The electrical conductance response of single ZnO microwire functionalized with amine-groups was tested upon an acid pH variation of a solution environment after integration on a customized gold electrode array chip. ZnO microwires were easily synthesized by hydrothermal route and chemically functionalized with aminopropyl groups. Single wires were deposited from the solution and then oriented through dielectrophoresis across eight nanogap gold electrodes on a platform single chip. Therefore, eight functionalized ZnO microwire-gold junctions were formed at the same time, and being integrated on an ad hoc electronic platform, they were ready for testing without any further treatment. Experimental and simulation studies confirmed the high pH-responsive behavior of the amine-modified ZnO-gold junctions, obtaining in a simple and reproducible way a ready-to-use device for pH detection in the acidic range. We also compared this performance to bare ZnO wires on the same electronic platform, showing the superiority in pH response of the amine-functionalized material. PMID:24484615

Production and in vivo antioxidant activity of Zn, Ge, Se-enriched mycelia by Cordyceps sinensis SU-01.

PubMed

Zheng, Lan; Hao, Long; Ma, Hua; Tian, Chengye; Li, Tong; Sun, Xinyi; Jia, Mengshi; Jia, Le

2014-09-01

Cordyceps sinensis, a traditionally edible and medicinal fungus in China, cannot be artificially solid-cultured. Zinc (Zn), germanium (Ge), and selenium (Se) are the essential trace elements for human body. In this work, C. sinensis SU-01 was cultivated in liquid medium simultaneously containing Zn, Ge, and Se. The bioactive ingredients and in vivo antioxidant activities of Zn, Ge, Se-enriched mycelia (ZGSM) of C. sinensis SU-01 were investigated. Under the determined conditions, the Zn, Ge, and Se contents of ZGSM were 2543.16 ± 158.92, 1873.85 ± 81.82, and 1260.16 ± 107.12 μg/g, respectively. The optimal concentrations of Zn, Ge, and Se had a positive effect on biosynthesis of protein, polysaccharide, cordycepic acid, and amino acids. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of mice blood were 3.72 ± 0.15 and 28.74 ± 2.53 % higher than that of control, respectively, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was 41.01 ± 3.66 % lower than that of control.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cheng, Yue; Yang, Meng-Lin; Hu, Huai-Ming, E-mail: ChemHu1@NWU.EDU.CN

Six new coordination polymers, [ZnLCl]{sub n}(1), [ZnL{sub 2}]{sub n}·2nH{sub 2}O (2), [Zn{sub 2}L(o-bdc)(OH)]{sub n}·0.5nH{sub 2}O (3), [Zn{sub 2}L(m-bdc)(OH)]{sub n}·nH{sub 2}O (4), [Zn{sub 2}L{sub 2}(p-bdc) (H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]{sub n}·nH{sub 2}O (5), [Zn{sub 2}L(1,2,4-btc)(H{sub 2}O)]{sub n}(6), (HL=4′-(3-carboxyphenyl)- 3,2′:6′,3″-terpyridine, H{sub 2}(o-bdc)= benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, H{sub 2}(m-bdc)= benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, H{sub 2}(p-bdc)= benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, H{sub 3}(1,2,4-btc)= benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid) have been synthesized under the hydrothermal conditions. Compound 1 displays a 3-connected 2D network structure with point symbol of {8"2.10}. Compound 2 exhibits 1D infinite loop chain structure. Compound 3 possesses a (3,8)-connected 3D framework composed of tetranuclear units with point symbol of {4"3}{sub 2}{4"6.6"1"8.8"4}. Compound 4 featuresmore » a typical 2D hcb network based on tetranuclear zinc(II) units with point symbol of {4"4.6"2}. Compound 5 presents a classical two-fold penetration sql network with point symbol of {6"3}. Compound 6 can be seen as a (3,3,6)-connected 3D net with point symbol of {4"2.6"4.8"9}{4"2.6}{6"3}. The thermal stability and luminescent properties of compounds 1–6 in the solid state are discussed in detail. - Graphical abstract: Six new Zn(II) coordination polymers based on multicarboxylate and terpyridyl derivative ligands have synthesized under the hydrothermal conditions and the thermal stability and luminescence are discussed. Display Omitted.« less

Isoxazole moiety in the linker region of HDAC inhibitors adjacent to the Zn-chelating group: effects on HDAC biology and antiproliferative activity.

PubMed

Tapadar, Subhasish; He, Rong; Luchini, Doris N; Billadeau, Daniel D; Kozikowski, Alan P

2009-06-01

A series of hydroxamic acid based histone deacetylase inhibitors 6-15, containing an isoxazole moiety adjacent to the Zn-chelating hydroxamic acid, is reported herein. Some of these compounds showed nanomolar activity in the HDAC isoform inhibitory assay and exhibited micro molar inhibitory activity against five pancreatic cancer cell lines.

Speciation and distribution characteristics of heavy metals and pollution assessments in the sediments of Nashina Lake, Heilongjiang, China.

PubMed

Li, Miao; Zang, Shuying; Xiao, Haifeng; Wu, Changshan

2014-05-01

Sediment core samples from Nashina Lake, Heilongjiang, China were collected using a gravity sampler. The cores were sliced horizontally at 1 cm each to determine the particle size, total concentrations and speciation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Total concentrations of heavy metals were extracted using an acid mixture (containing hydro fluoric acid, nitric acid, and sulphuric acid) and analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. A sequential extraction procedure was employed to separate chemical species. Analysis of results indicate that the concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments of Nashina Lake in descending order are Mn, Cr, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Cd. The ratios of the average concentrations of four heavy metals (e.g.Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn) to their background values were >1; and those of Mn, Cd, and Pb were >1. Moreover, some toxic metals were mainly distributed in bioavailable fractions. For instance, both Cd and Mn were typically found in Acid-extractable species or Fe-Mn oxide species, and thus can be easily remobilized and enter the food chain. Finally, the analysis of geo-accumulation index showed that anthropogenic pollution levels of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn were low, but those of Pb and Cd were at the moderate level. As both Pb and Cd are toxic metals, it is highly necessary to prohibit their transformation and accumulation in the sediments.

Combining Sequential Extractions and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy for Quantitative and Qualitative Zinc Speciation in Soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Tatiana; Minkina, Tatiana; Batukaev, Abdulmalik; Nevidomskaya, Dina; Burachevskaya, Marina; Tsitsuashvili, Viktoriya; Urazgildieva, Kamilya

2017-04-01

The combined use of X-ray absorption spectrometry and extractive fractionation is an effective approach for studying the interaction of metal ions with soil compounds and identifying the phases-carriers of metals in soil and their stable fixation. These studies were carried out using the technique of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and chemical extractive fractionation. In a model experiment the samples taken in Calcic Chernozem were artificially contaminated with higher portion of Zn(NO3)2 (2000 mg/kg). The metal were incubated in soil samples for 2 year. The samples of soil mineral and organic phases (calcite, kaolinite, bentonite, humic acids) were saturated with Zn2+ from a solution of nitrate salts of metal. The total content of Zn in soil and soil various phases was determined using the X-ray fluorescence method. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) Zn was measured at the Structural Materials Science beamline of the Kurchatov Center for Synchrotron Radiation. Sequential fractionation of Zn in soil conducted by Tessier method (Tessier et al., 1979) which determining 5 fractions of metals in soil: exchangeable, bound to Fe-Mn oxide, bound to carbonate, bound to the organic matter, and bound to silicate (residual). This methodology has so far more than 4000 citations (Web of Science), which demonstrates the popularity of this approach. Much Zn compounds are contained in uncontaminated soils in stable primary and secondary silicates inherited from the parental rocks (67% of the total concentrations in all fractions), which is a regional trait of soils in the fore-Caucasian plain. Extracted fractionation of metal compounds in soil samples, artificially contaminated with Zn salts, indicates the priority holding of Zn2+ ions by silicates, carbonates and Fe-Mn oxides. The Zn content significantly increases in the exchangeable fraction. Atomic structure study of the soil various phases saturated with Zn2+ ion by using (XANES) X-ray absorption spectroscopy allowed the determination of mechanism of metal ions interaction with soil phases and the resulting types of chemical bonds. Interaction with soil components modifies the electron structure of the metal ions themselves. The soil contamination with Zn is accompanied by decreasing the stable connection between metal and soil components. Interacting with humic acids in chernozem, the Zn2+ ion is coordinated by functional groups and ligands and forms unstable outer-sphere complexes. Zinc included into octahedral structures of layered minerals and hydro(oxides) can be inner-and outer-sphere adsorbed. The Zn2+ ions enable to replace Ca2+ ions in octahedral positions being coordinated with carbonate ions as ligands, thus forming absorbed complexes at the surface of mineral calcite. This work was supported by grant of the Russian Scientific Foundation № 16-14-10217.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Influence Microflora in Ileal Digesta and Correlate Well with Blood Metabolites.

PubMed

Feng, Yanni; Min, Lingjiang; Zhang, Weidong; Liu, Jing; Hou, Zhumei; Chu, Meiqiang; Li, Lan; Shen, Wei; Zhao, Yong; Zhang, Hongfu

2017-01-01

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used widely in consumer and industrial products, however, their influence on gut microbiota and metabolism and their mutual interactions are not fully understood. In this study, the effects of ZnO NPs on ileal bacterial communities, plasma metabolites, and correlations between them were investigated. Hens were fed with different concentrations of ZnO NPs [based on Zn; 0 mg/kg (control), 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg] for 9 weeks. Subsequently, ileal digesta and blood plasma were collected for analysis of microflora and metabolites, respectively. The V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene of ileal digesta microbiota was sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. The predominant bacterial community in the ileum belongs to the phylum Firmicutes. The richness of the bacterial community was negatively correlated with increasing amounts of ZnO NPs ( r = -0.636, P < 0.01); when ZnO NP levels were at 100 mg/kg, microbiota diversity was significantly decreased ( P < 0.05). The community structure determined by LEfSe analysis indicated that Bacilli, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria were changed, and Lactobacillus was reduced by ZnO NPs. Moreover, metabolism as analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) indicated that glucose, some amino acids, and other metabolites were changed by ZnO NPs. Choline, lactate, and methionine were positively correlated with bacterial richness. In summary, ZnO NPs could influence the levels of microflora in ileal digesta, particularly Lactobacillus . Furthermore, the richness of the microbiota was related to changes in choline, lactate, and methionine metabolism.

A combined toxicity study of zinc oxide nanoparticles and vitamin C in food additives.

PubMed

Wang, Yanli; Yuan, Lulu; Yao, Chenjie; Ding, Lin; Li, Chenchen; Fang, Jie; Sui, Keke; Liu, Yuanfang; Wu, Minghong

2014-12-21

At present, safety evaluation standards for nanofood additives are made based on the toxic effects of a single additive. Since the size, surface properties and chemical nature influence the toxicity of nanomaterials, the toxicity may have dramatically changed when nanomaterials are used as food additives in a complex system. Herein, we investigated the combined toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and vitamin C (Vc, ascorbic acid). The results showed that Vc increased the cytotoxicity significantly compared with that of the ZnO only NPs. When the cells were exposed to ZnO NPs at a concentration less than 15 mg L(-1), or to Vc at a concentration less than 300 mg L(-1), there was no significant cytotoxicity, both in the case of gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1) and neural stem cells (NSCs). However, when 15 mg L(-1) of ZnO NPs and 300 mg L(-1) of Vc were introduced to cells together, the cell viability decreased sharply indicating significant cytotoxicity. Moreover, the significant increase in toxicity was also shown in the in vivo experiments. The dose of the ZnO NPs and Vc used in the in vivo study was calculated according to the state of food and nutrition enhancer standard. After repeated oral exposure to ZnO NPs plus Vc, the injury of the liver and kidneys in mice has been indicated by the change of these indices. These findings demonstrate that the synergistic toxicity presented in a complex system is essential for the toxicological evaluation and safety assessment of nanofood.

Utility of bioassays (lettuce, red clover, red fescue, Microtox, MetSTICK, Hyalella, bait lamina) in ecological risk screening of acid metal (Zn) contaminated soil.

PubMed

Chapman, E Emily V; Hedrei Helmer, Stephanie; Dave, Göran; Murimboh, John D

2012-06-01

The objective of this study was to assess selected bioassays and ecological screening tools for their suitability in a weight of evidence risk screening process of acidic metal contaminated soil. Intact soil cores were used for the tests, which minimizes changes in pH and metal bioavailability that may result from homogenization and drying of the soil. Soil cores were spiked with ZnCl(2) or CaCl(2). Leachate collected from the soil cores was used to account for the exposure pathways through pore water and groundwater. Tests assessed included MetSTICK in soil cores and Microtox in soil leachate, lettuce (Lactuca sativa), red fescue (Festuca rubra) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) in the soil cores and lettuce and red clover in soil leachate, Hyallella azteca in soil leachate, and an ecological soil function test using Bait Lamina in soil cores. Microtox, H. azteca, lettuce and red fescue showed higher sensitivity to low pH than to Zn concentrations and are therefore not recommended as tests on intact acidic soil cores and soil leachate. The Bait Lamina test appeared sensitive to pH levels below 3.7 but should be investigated further as a screening tool in less acidic soils. Among the bioassays, the MetSTICK and the T. pratense bioassays in soil cores were the most sensitive to Zn, with the lowest nominal NOEC of 200 and 400mg Zn/kg d.w., respectively. These bioassays were also tolerant of low pH, which make them suitable for assessing hazards of metal contaminated acid soils. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An innovative carbonate coprecipitation process for the removal of zinc and manganese from mining impacted waters

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sibrell, P.L.; Chambers, M.A.; Deaguero, A.L.; Wildeman, T.R.; Reisman, D.J.

2007-01-01

Although mine drainage is usually thought of as acidic, there are many cases where the water is of neutral pH, but still contains metal species that can be harmful to human or aquatic animal health, such as manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). Typical treatment of mine drainage waters involves pH adjustment, but this often results in excessive sludge formation and removal of nontoxic species such as magnesium and calcium. Theoretical consideration of the stability of metal carbonate species suggests that the target metals could be removed from solution by coprecipitation with calcium carbonate. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed a limestone-based process for remediation of acid mine drainage that increases calcium carbonate saturation. This treatment could then be coupled with carbonate coprecipitation as an innovative method for removal of toxic metals from circumneutral mine drainage waters. The new process was termed the carbonate coprecipitation (CCP) process. The CCP process was tested at the laboratory scale using a synthetic mine water containing 50 mg/L each of Mn and Zn. Best results showed over 95% removal of both Mn and Zn in less than 2 h of contact in a limestone channel. The process was then tested on a sample of water from the Palmerton zinc superfund site, near Palmerton, Pennsylvania, containing over 300 mg/L Zn and 60 mg/L Mn. Treatment of this water resulted in removal of over 95% of the Zn and 40% of the Mn in the limestone channel configuration. Because of the potential economic advantages of the CCP process, further research is recommended for refinement of the process for the Palmerton water and for application to other mining impacted waters as well. ?? Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Non-enzymatic Fluorescent Biosensor for Glucose Sensing Based on ZnO Nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mai, Hong Hanh; Pham, Van Thanh; Nguyen, Viet Tuyen; Sai, Cong Doanh; Hoang, Chi Hieu; Nguyen, The Binh

2017-06-01

We have developed a non-enzymatic fluorescent biosensor for glucose sensing based on ZnO nanorods. ZnO nanorods of high density, high crystallinity, and good alignment were grown on low-cost industrial copper substrates at low temperature. To grow them directly on the substrates without using a seed layer, we utilized a simple one-step seedless hydrothermal method, which is based on galvanic cell structure. Herein, the glucose-treated ZnO nanorods together with the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of the sample during the photoluminescent measurement played the role of a catalyst. They decomposed glucose into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and gluconic acid, which is similar to the glucose oxidase enzyme (GOx) used in enzymatic sensors. Due to the formation of H2O2, the photoluminescence intensity of the UV emission peak of ZnO nanorods decreased as the glucose concentration increased from 1 mM to 100 mM. In comparison with glucose concentration of a normal human serum, which is in the range of 4.4-6.6 mM, the obtained results show potential of non-enzymatic fluorescent biosensors in medical applications.

Zinc speciation in mining and smelter contaminated overbank sediments by EXAFS spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Damme, An; Degryse, Fien; Smolders, Erik; Sarret, Géraldine; Dewit, Julie; Swennen, Rudy; Manceau, Alain

2010-07-01

Overbank sediments contaminated with metalliferous minerals are a source of toxic metals that pose risks to living organisms. The overbank sediments from the Geul river in Belgium contain 4000-69,000 mg/kg Zn as a result of mining and smelting activities, principally during the 19th century. Three main Zn species were identified by powder Zn K-edge EXAFS spectroscopy: smithsonite (ZnCO 3), tetrahedrally coordinated sorbed Zn (sorbed IVZn) and Zn-containing trioctahedral phyllosilicate. Smithsonite is a primary mineral, which accounts for approximately 20-60% of the Zn in sediments affected by mining and smelting of oxidized Zn ores (mostly carbonates and silicates). This species is almost absent in sediments affected by mining and smelting of both sulphidic (ZnS, PbS) and oxidized ores, presumably because of acidic dissolution associated with the oxidation of sulphides, as suggested by the lower pH of this second type of sediment (pH(CaCl 2) <7.0 vs. pH(CaCl 2) >7.0 for the first type). Thus, sulphide minerals in sediment deposits can act as a secondary source of dissolved metals by a chemical process analogous to acid mine drainage. The sorbed IVZn component ranges up to approximately 30%, with the highest proportion occurring at pH(CaCl 2) <7.0 as a result of the readsorption of dissolved Zn 2+ on sediments constituents. Kerolite-like Zn-rich phyllosilicate is the major secondary species in all samples, and in some the only detected species, thus providing the first evidence for pervasive sequestration of Zn into this newly formed precipitate at the field scale.

Kojic acid biosynthesis in Aspergillus oryzae is regulated by a Zn(II)(2)Cys(6) transcriptional activator and induced by kojic acid at the transcriptional level.

PubMed

Marui, Junichiro; Yamane, Noriko; Ohashi-Kunihiro, Sumiko; Ando, Tomohiro; Terabayashi, Yasunobu; Sano, Motoaki; Ohashi, Shinichi; Ohshima, Eiji; Tachibana, Kuniharu; Higa, Yoshitaka; Nishimura, Marie; Koike, Hideaki; Machida, Masayuki

2011-07-01

A gene encoding the Zn(II)(2)Cys(6) transcriptional factor is clustered with two genes involved in biosynthesis of a secondary metabolite, kojic acid (KA), in Aspergillus oryzae. We determined that the gene was essential for KA production and the transcriptional activation of KA biosynthetic genes, which were triggered by the addition of KA. Copyright © 2011 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Crystal Structure of a Novel N-Substituted L-Amino Acid Dioxygenase from Burkholderia ambifaria AMMD

PubMed Central

Qin, Hui-Min; Miyakawa, Takuya; Jia, Min Ze; Nakamura, Akira; Ohtsuka, Jun; Xue, You-Lin; Kawashima, Takashi; Kasahara, Takuya; Hibi, Makoto; Ogawa, Jun; Tanokura, Masaru

2013-01-01

A novel dioxygenase from Burkholderia ambifaria AMMD (SadA) stereoselectively catalyzes the C3-hydroxylation of N-substituted branched-chain or aromatic L-amino acids, especially N-succinyl-L-leucine, coupled with the conversion of α-ketoglutarate to succinate and CO2. To elucidate the structural basis of the substrate specificity and stereoselective hydroxylation, we determined the crystal structures of the SadA.Zn(II) and SadA.Zn(II).α-KG complexes at 1.77 Å and 1.98 Å resolutions, respectively. SadA adopted a double-stranded β-helix fold at the core of the structure. In addition, an HXD/EXnH motif in the active site coordinated a Zn(II) as a substitute for Fe(II). The α-KG molecule also coordinated Zn(II) in a bidentate manner via its 1-carboxylate and 2-oxo groups. Based on the SadA.Zn(II).α-KG structure and mutation analyses, we constructed substrate-binding models with N-succinyl-L-leucine and N-succinyl-L-phenylalanine, which provided new insight into the substrate specificity. The results will be useful for the rational design of SadA variants aimed at the recognition of various N-succinyl L-amino acids. PMID:23724013

Structurally ordered Pt–Zn/C series nanoparticles as efficient anode catalysts for formic acid electrooxidation

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Jing; Zheng, Xin; Wang, Jie; ...

2015-09-15

Controlling the size, composition, and structure of bimetallic nanoparticles is of particular interest in the field of electrocatalysts for fuel cells. In the present work, structurally ordered nanoparticles with intermetallic phases of Pt 3Zn and PtZn have been successfully synthesized via an impregnation reduction method, followed by post heat-treatment. The Pt 3Zn and PtZn ordered intermetallic nanoparticles are well dispersed on a carbon support with ultrasmall mean particle sizes of ~5 nm and ~3 nm in diameter, respectively, which are credited to the evaporation of the zinc element at high temperature. These catalysts are less susceptible to CO poisoning relativemore » to Pt/C and exhibited enhanced catalytic activity and stability toward formic acid electrooxidation. The mass activities of the as-prepared catalysts were approximately 2 to 3 times that of commercial Pt at 0.5 V (vs. RHE). As a result, this facile synthetic strategy is scalable for mass production of catalytic materials.« less

Accumulation of trace metals in sediments in a Mediterranean Lagoon: Usefulness of metal sediment fractionation and elutriate toxicity assessment.

PubMed

Zaaboub, Noureddine; Martins, Maria Virgínia Alves; Dhib, Amel; Béjaoui, Béchir; Galgani, François; El Bour, Monia; Aleya, Lotfi

2015-12-01

The authors investigated sediment quality in Bizerte Lagoon (Tunisia) focusing on geochemical characteristics, metal sediment fractionation and elutriate toxicity assessment. Nickel, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr and Cd partitioning in sediments was studied; accumulation and bioavailability were elucidated using enrichment factors, sequential extractions, redox potential, acid volatile sulfide and biotest procedures in toxicity evaluation. Results revealed an accumulation for Pb and Zn, reaching 99 and 460 mg kg(-1) respectively. In addition, the acid volatile sulfide values were high in both eastern and western lagoon areas, thus affecting metal availability. Mean enrichment factor values for Pb and Zn were 4.8 and 4.9, respectively, with these elements as the main contributors to the lagoon's moderate enrichment level. Toxicity levels were influenced by accumulation of Zn in different surface sediment areas. Core sediments were investigated in areas with the highest metal concentrations; metal fractionation and biotest confirmed that Zn contributes to sediment toxicity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of vineyard abandonment and natural recolonization on metal content and availability in Mediterranean soils.

PubMed

de Santiago-Martín, Ana; Vaquero-Perea, Cristina; Valverde-Asenjo, Inmaculada; Quintana Nieto, Jose R; González-Huecas, Concepción; Lafuente, Antonio L; Vázquez de la Cueva, Antonio

2016-05-01

Abandonment of vineyards after uprooting has dramatically increased in last decades in Mediterranean countries, often followed by vegetation expansion processes. Inadequate management strategies can have negative consequences on soil quality. We studied how the age and type of vegetation cover and several environmental characteristics (lithology, soil properties, vineyard slope and so on) after vineyard uprooting and abandonment contribute to the variation patterns in total, HAc (acetic acid-method, HAc) and EDTA-extractable (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-method) concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in soils. We sampled 141 points from vineyards and abandoned vineyard Mediterranean soils recolonized by natural vegetation in recent decades. The contribution of several environmental variables (e.g. age and type of vegetation cover, lithology, soil properties and vineyard slope) to the total and extractable concentrations of metals was evaluated by canonical ordination based on redundancy analysis, considering the interaction between both environmental and response variables. The ranges of total metal contents were: 0.01-0.15 (Cd), 2.6-34 (Cu), 6.6-30 (Pb), and 29-92mgkg(-1) (Zn). Cadmium (11-100%) had the highest relative extractability with both extractants, and Zn and Pb the lowest. The total and EDTA-extractable of Cd, Pb and Zn were positively related to the age of abandonment, to the presence of Agrostis castellana and Retama sphaerocarpa, and to the contents of Fe-oxides, clay and organic matter (OM). A different pattern was noted for Cu, positively related to vineyard soils. Soil properties successfully explained HAc-extractable Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn but the age and type of vegetation cover lost significance. Clay content was negatively related to HAc-extractable Cu and Pb; and OM was positively related to HAc-Cd and Zn. In conclusion, the time elapsed after vineyard uprooting, and subsequent land abandonment, affects the soil content and availability of metals, and this impact depended on the colonizing plant species and soil properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Differential expression of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase gene of Polygonum sibiricum leaves, stems and underground stems, subjected to high-salt stress.

PubMed

Qu, Chun-Pu; Xu, Zhi-Ru; Liu, Guan-Jun; Liu, Chun; Li, Yang; Wei, Zhi-Gang; Liu, Gui-Feng

2010-01-01

In aerobic organisms, protection against oxidative damage involves the combined action of highly specialized antioxidant enzymes, such as copper-zinc superoxide dismutase. In this work, a cDNA clone which encodes a copper-zinc superoxide dismutase gene, named PS-CuZnSOD, has been identified from P. sibiricum Laxm. by the rapid amplification of cDNA ends method (RACE). Analysis of the nucleotide sequence reveals that the PS-CuZnSOD gene cDNA clone consists of 669 bp, containing 87 bp in the 5' untranslated region; 459 bp in the open reading frame (ORF) encoding 152 amino acids; and 123 bp in 3' untranslated region. The gene accession nucleotide sequence number in GenBank is GQ472846. Sequence analysis indicates that the protein, like most plant superoxide dismutases (SOD), includes two conserved ecCuZnSOD signatures that are from the amino acids 43 to 51, and from the amino acids 137 to 148, and it has a signal peptide extension in the front of the N-terminus (1-16 aa). Expression analysis by real-time quantitative PCR reveals that the PS-CuZnSOD gene is expressed in leaves, stems and underground stems. PS-CuZnSOD gene expression can be induced by 3% NaHCO(3). The different mRNA levels' expression of PS-CuZnSOD show the gene's different expression modes in leaves, stems and underground stems under the salinity-alkalinity stress.

Functionalized multimodal ZnO@Gd2O3 nanosystems to use as perspective contrast agent for MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babayevska, Nataliya; Florczak, Patryk; Woźniak-Budych, Marta; Jarek, Marcin; Nowaczyk, Grzegorz; Zalewski, Tomasz; Jurga, Stefan

2017-05-01

The main aim of this research was the synthesis of the multimodal hybrid ZnO@Gd2O3 nanostructures as prospective contrast agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for bio-medical applications. The nanoparticles surface was functionalized by organosilicon compounds (OSC) then, by folic acid (FA) as targeting agent and doxorubicin (Dox) as chemotherapeutic agent. Doxorubicin and folic acid were attached to the nanoparticles surface by amino groups as well as due to attractive physical interactions. The morphology and crystallography of the nanostructures were studied by HRTEM and SAXS techniques. After ZnO nanoparticles surface modification by Gd3+ and annealing at 900 °C, ZnO@Gd2O3 nanostructures are polydispersed with size 30-100 nm. NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) studies of ZnO@Gd2O3 were performed on fractionated particles with size up to 50 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-vis spectroscopy, zeta-potential measurements and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) showed that functional groups have been effectively bonded onto the nanoparticles surface. The high adsorption capacity of folic acid (up to 20%) and doxorubicin (up to 40%) on nanoparticles was reached upon 15 min of adsorption process in a temperature-dependent manner. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation measurements confirmed that the obtained ZnO@Gd2O3 nanostructures could be good contrast agents, useful for magnetic resonance imaging.

Dynamic HypA zinc site is essential for acid viability and proper urease maturation in Helicobacter pylori.

PubMed

Johnson, Ryan C; Hu, Heidi Q; Merrell, D Scott; Maroney, Michael J

2015-04-01

Helicobacter pylori requires urease activity in order to survive in the acid environment of the human stomach. Urease is regulated in part by nickelation, a process that requires the HypA protein, which is a putative nickel metallochaperone that is generally associated with hydrogenase maturation. However, in H. pylori, HypA plays a dual role. In addition to an N-terminal nickel binding site, HypA proteins also contain a structural zinc site that is coordinated by two rigorously conserved CXXC sequences, which in H. pylori are flanked by His residues. These structural Zn sites are known to be dynamic, converting from Zn(Cys)4 centers at pH 7.2 to Zn(Cys)2(His)2 centers at pH 6.3 in the presence of Ni(ii) ions. In this study, mutant strains of H. pylori that express zinc site variants of the HypA protein are used to show that the structural changes in the zinc site are important for the acid viability of the bacterium, and that a reduction in acid viability in these variants can be traced in large measure to deficient urease activity. This in turn leads to a model that connects the Zn(Cys)4 coordination to urease maturation.

The effect of acidic pH and presence of metals as parameters in establishing a sulfidogenic process in anaerobic reactor.

PubMed

Vieira, Bárbara F; Couto, Pâmela T; Sancinetti, Giselle P; Klein, Bernhard; van Zyl, Dirk; Rodriguez, Renata P

2016-08-23

The successful use of anaerobic reactors for bioremediation of acid mine drainage has been shown in systems with neutral pH. However, the choice of an efficient and suitable process for such wastewater must consider the capability of operating at acidic pH and in the presence of metals. This work studies the performance of an anaerobic batch reactor, under conditions of varying initial pH for its efficiencies in sulfate removal and metal precipitation from synthetic acid mine drainage. The chemical oxygen demand/sulfate (COD/SO4(2-)) ratio used was 1.00, with ethanol chosen as the only energy and carbon source. The initial pH of the synthetic drainage was progressively set from 7.0 to 4.0 to make it as close as possible to that of real acid mine drainage. Metals were also added starting with iron, zinc, and finally copper. The effectiveness of sulfate and COD removal from the synthetic acid mine drainage increased as the initial pH was reduced. The sulfate removal increased from 38.5 ± 3.7% to 52.2 ± 3%, while the removal of organic matter started at 91.7 ± 2.4% and ended at 99 ± 1%. These results indicate that the sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) community adapted to lower pH values. The metal removal observed was 88 ± 7% for iron, 98.0 ± 0.5% for zinc and 99 ± 1% for copper. At this stage, an increase in the sulfate removal was observed, which reaches up to 82.2 ± 5.8%. The kinetic parameters for sulfate removal were 0.22 ± 0.04 h(-1) with Fe, 0.26 ± 0.04 h(-1) with Fe and Zn and 0.44 ± 0.04 h(-1) with Fe, Zn, and Cu.

Luminescent sensing of Cu2+, CrO42- and photocatalytic degradation of methyl violet by Zn(II) metal-organic framework (MOF) having 5,5‧-(1H-2,3,5-triazole-1,4-diyl)diisophthalic acid ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Weiping; Li, Baohong; Gu, Chuying; Wang, Jun; Singh, Amita; Kumar, Abhinav

2017-11-01

A porous Zn(II) metal-organic framework (MOF) [Zn(H2L)(4,4‧-bipy)0.5]n (1) has been selected and its luminescence sensing for cations and anions as well as the photocatalytic property against methyl violet have been explored. Luminescence studies indicated that 1 could be an efficient multifunctional fluorescent material for highly sensitive detection of metal cation Cu2+ and anions CrO42-. The luminescence intensity of 1 was found to decrease proportionately with increase in the concentration of Cu2+ and CrO42-. Furthermore, the photocatalytic property of 1 for degradation of the methyl violet (MV) have been explored and a possible photocatalytic mechanism have been proposed using density of states (DOS) and partial DOS (pDOS) calculations.

In situ DRIFTS study of O3 adsorption on CaO, γ-Al2O3, CuO, α-Fe2O3 and ZnO at room temperature for the catalytic ozonation of cinnamaldehyde

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jianfeng; Su, Tongming; Jiang, Yuexiu; Xie, Xinling; Qin, Zuzeng; Ji, Hongbing

2017-08-01

In situ DRIFTS were conducted to identify adsorbed ozone and/or adsorbed oxygen species on CaO, ZnO, γ-Al2O3, CuO and α-Fe2O3 surfaces at room temperature. Samples were characterized by means of TG, XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, pyridine-IR, nitrobenzene-IR, chloroform-IR, and CO2-TPD. Pyridine-DRIFTS measurements evidence two kinds of acid sites in all the samples. Nitrobenzene, chloroform-DRIFTS, and CO2-TPD reveal that there are large amounts of medium-strength base sites on all the metal oxides, and only CaO, ZnO, and γ-Al2O3 have strong base sites. And the benzaldehyde selectivity was increased in the same order of the alkalinity of the metal oxides. With weaker sites, ozone molecules form coordinative complexes bound via the terminal oxygen atom, observed by vibrational frequencies at 2095-2122 and 1026-1054 cm-1. The formation of ozonide O3- at 790 cm-1, atomic oxygen at 1317 cm-1, and superoxide O2- at 1124 cm-1 was detected; these species are believed to be intermediates of O3 decomposition on strong acid/base sites. The adsorption of ozone on metal oxides is a weak adsorption, and other gases, such as CO2, will compete with O3 adsorption. The mechanism of cinnamaldehyde ozonation at room temperature over CaO shows that cinnamaldehyde can not only be oxidized into cinnamic acid, but also be further oxidized into benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, maleic anhydride, and ultimately mineralized to CO2 in the presence of O3.

The use of poplar during a two-year induced phytoextraction of metals from contaminated agricultural soils.

PubMed

Komárek, Michael; Tlustos, Pavel; Száková, Jirina; Chrastný, Vladislav

2008-01-01

The efficiency of poplar (Populus nigra L.xPopulus maximowiczii Henry.) was assessed during a two-year chemically enhanced phytoextraction of metals from contaminated soils. The tested metal mobilizing agents were EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and NH4Cl. EDTA was more efficient than chlorides in solubilizing metals (especially Pb) from the soil matrix. The application of chlorides only increased the solubility of Cd and Zn. However, the increased uptake of metals after the application of higher concentrations of mobilizing agents was associated with low biomass yields of the poplar plants and the extraction efficiencies after the two vegetation periods were thus comparable to the untreated plants. Additionally, the application of mobilizing agents led to phytotoxicity effects and increased mobility of metals. Higher phytoextraction efficiencies were observed for Cd and Zn compared to Pb and Cu. Poplars are therefore not suitable for chemically enhanced phytoextraction of metals from severely contaminated agricultural soils.

Panchromatic Sensitization Using Zn(II) Porphyrin-Based Photosensitizers for Light-Driven Hydrogen Production in Water.

PubMed

Ho, Po-Yu; Mark, Michael F; Wang, Yi; Yiu, Sze-Chun; Yu, Wai-Hong; Ho, Cheuk-Lam; McCamant, David W; Eisenberg, Richard; Huang, Shuping

2018-06-19

Three molecular photosensitizers (PSs) with carboxylic acid anchors for attachment to platinized titanium dioxide nanoparticles were studied for light-driven hydrogen production from a fully aqueous medium with ascorbic acid (AA) as the sacrificial electron donor. Two zinc(II) porphyrin (ZnP) based PSs (ZnP-dyad and YD2-o-C8) were used to examine the effect of panchromatic sensitization in promoting photocatalytic H2 generation. A dyad molecular design was used to construct the Bodipy-conjugated ZnP PS (ZnP-dyad) and another one was featured with an electron-donating diarylamino moiety (YD2-o-C8). In order to probe the good use of the ZnP scaffold in this particular energy conversion process, an organic PS without the ZnP moiety (Bodipy-dye) was also synthesized for comparison. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy was adopted to map out the energy transfer processes occurring in the dyad and establish the Bodipy-based antenna effect. In particular, the systems with YD2-o-C8 and ZnP-dyad achieve a remarkable initial activity in H2 production with an initial turnover frequency (TOFi) larger than 300 h-1 under white light irradiation. In brief, the use of ZnP PSs in dye-sensitized photocatalysis for H2 evolution reaction in this study indicates the importance of panchromatic sensitization capability for the development of light absorbing PSs. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

DFT study of adsorption of picric acid molecule on the surface of single-walled ZnO nanotube; as potential new chemical sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farmanzadeh, Davood; Tabari, Leila

2015-01-01

Using density functional theory (DFT), we have investigated the adsorption of picric acid (PA) molecule on the surface of (8,0) single-walled ZnO nanotube (ZnONT). The results show that the PA molecule can be chemisorbed on the surface of ZnONT with adsorption energies of -82.01 and -75.26 kJ/mol in gas and aqueous phase, respectively. Frontier molecular orbital analysis show that HOMO/LUMO gap of ZnONT reduces from 1.66 and 1.75 eV in the pristine nanotube to 0.83 and 0.72 eV in PA-adsorbed form in gas and aqueous phase, respectively. It suggests that the process can affect the electronic properties of the studied nanotube which would lead to its conductance change upon the adsorption of PA molecule. The modifying effect on the electrical conductance of ZnONT underlies the working mechanism of gas sensors for detecting the PA molecules. Analyses of the adsorption behavior of the electrically charged ZnONT toward PA molecule in the gas phase show that the PA molecule can be strongly adsorbed on the negatively charged ZnONT surface with significant adsorption energy (-135.1 kJ/mol). However, from the HOMO/LUMO gap changes, it can be concluded that the positive ZnONT might sensitively detect the PA molecule in comparison to the negative tube. These results can provide helpful information for experimental investigation to develop novel nanotube-based sensors.

Development of (acrylic acid/ polyethylene glycol)-zinc oxide mucoadhesive nanocomposites for buccal administration of propranolol HCl

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmoud, Ghada A.; Ali, Amr El-Hag; Raafat, Amany I.; Badawy, Nagwa A.; Elshahawy, Mai. F.

2018-06-01

A series of mucoadhesive nanocomposites with self disinfection properties composed of acrylic acid, polyethylene glycol and ZnO nanoparticles (AAc/PEG)-ZnO were developed for localized buccal Propranolol HCl delivery. γ-irradiation as a clean tool for graft copolymerization process was used for the preparation of (AAc/PEG) hydrogels. In suite precipitation technique was used for ZnO nanoparticles immobilization within (AAc/PEG) hydrogels. The developed (AAc/PEG)-ZnO nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrophotometer, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to confirm the success of ZnO nanoparticles formation within the (AAc/PEG) matrices. The presence of ZnO nanoparticles improves the thermal stability as indicated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The mucoadhesion characteristics such as hydration degree, surface pH, and mucoadhesive strength were evaluated in artificial saliva solution. The self disinfection property of the developed (AAc/PEG)-ZnO nanocomposites was investigated by examining their resistance to pathogenic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli using disc diffusion method. The release of Propranolol -HCl drug in artificial saliva was found to obey a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. The obtained results suggests that (AAc/PEG)-ZnO nanocomposites could be used as mucoadhesive carrier for buccal drug delivery with efficient antibacterial properties.

Comparative study of ZnO nanorods and thin films for chemical and biosensing applications and the development of ZnO nanorods based potentiometric strontium ion sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khun, K.; Ibupoto, Z. H.; Chey, C. O.; Lu, Jun.; Nur, O.; Willander, M.

2013-03-01

In this study, the comparative study of ZnO nanorods and ZnO thin films were performed regarding the chemical and biosensing properties and also ZnO nanorods based strontium ion sensor is proposed. ZnO nanorods were grown on gold coated glass substrates by the hydrothermal growth method and the ZnO thin films were deposited by electro deposition technique. ZnO nanorods and thin films were characterised by field emission electron microscopy [FESEM] and X-ray diffraction [XRD] techniques and this study has shown that the grown nanostructures are highly dense, uniform and exhibited good crystal quality. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy [TEM] was used to investigate the quality of ZnO thin film and we observed that ZnO thin film was comprised of nano clusters. ZnO nanorods and thin films were functionalised with selective strontium ionophore salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone [ST] membrane, galactose oxidase, and lactate oxidase for the detection of strontium ion, galactose and L-lactic acid, respectively. The electrochemical response of both ZnO nanorods and thin films sensor devices was measured by using the potentiometric method. The strontium ion sensor has exhibited good characteristics with a sensitivity of 28.65 ± 0.52 mV/decade, for a wide range of concentrations from 1.00 × 10-6 to 5.00 × 10-2 M, selectivity, reproducibility, stability and fast response time of 10.00 s. The proposed strontium ion sensor was used as indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of strontium ion versus ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid [EDTA]. This comparative study has shown that ZnO nanorods possessed better performance with high sensitivity and low limit of detection due to high surface area to volume ratio as compared to the flat surface of ZnO thin films.

Peroxisomal copper, zinc superoxide dismutase. Characterization of the isoenzyme from watermelon cotyledons.

PubMed Central

Bueno, P; Varela, J; Gimeénez-Gallego, G; del Río, L A

1995-01-01

The biochemical and immunochemical characterization of a superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) from peroxisomal origin has been carried out. The enzyme is a Cu,Zn-containing SOD (CuZn-SOD) located in the matrix of peroxisomes from watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris Schrad.) cotyledons (L.M. Sandalio and L.A. del Río [1988] Plant Physiol 88: 1215-1218). The amino acid composition of the enzyme was determined. Analysis by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of the peroxisomal CuZn-SOD incubated with 6 M guanidine-HCl indicated that this enzyme contained a noncovalently bound chromophore group that was responsible for the absorbance peak of the native enzyme at 260 nm. The amino acid sequence of the peroxisomal CuZn-SOD was determined by Edman degradation. Comparison of its sequence with those reported for other plant SODs revealed homologies of about 70% with cytosolic CuZn-SODs and of 90% with chloroplastic CuZn-SODs. The peroxisomal SOD has a high thermal stability and resistance to inactivation by hydrogen peroxide. A polyclonal antibody was raised against peroxisomal CuZn-SOD, and by western blotting the antibody cross-reacted with plant CuZn-SODs but did not recognize either plant Mn-SOD or bacterial Fe-SOD. The antiSOD-immunoglobulin G showed a weak cross-reaction with bovine erythrocytes and liver CuZn-SODs, and also with cell-free extracts from trout liver. The possible function of this CuZn-SOD in the oxidative metabolism of peroxisomes is discussed. PMID:7630940

Functionalization of ZnO nanoparticles by 3-mercaptopropionic acid for aqueous curcumin delivery: Synthesis, characterization, and anticancer assessment.

PubMed

Ghaffari, Seyed-Behnam; Sarrafzadeh, Mohammad-Hossein; Fakhroueian, Zahra; Shahriari, Shadab; Khorramizadeh, M Reza

2017-10-01

Inherent biocompatibility and stability of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and their biomedical potentials make them an emerging candidate for drug delivery. The aim of this study was to develop and assess a simple procedure for surface functionalization of ZnO-NPs by 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) for water-soluble curcumin delivery. Carboxyl-terminated ZnO nanoparticles were successfully made using ZnCl 2 and NaOH in the presence of MPA. The functional groups were activated by 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) and the curcumin bonding was carried out at room temperature for 24h. The core-shell nanocomposite had a significant better solubility versus free curcumin, as characterized by XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, DLS, and TEM, p<0.005. In addition, MTT cytotoxicity assessment on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells revealed a drop of IC 50 values from 5μg/mL to 3.3μg/mL for free curcumin and ZnO-MPA-curcumin complex, respectively. This result showed an augmented cancer-inhibitory effect of nanoconjugate complex. In conclusion, the presented improved solubility and elevated functionality of novel ZnO-MPA-curcumin nanoformula is promising, and could be considered for new therapeutic endeavors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Zn2+-dependent surface behavior of diacylglycerol pyrophosphate and its mixtures with phosphatidic acid at different pHs

PubMed Central

Villasuso, Ana L.; Wilke, Natalia; Maggio, Bruno; Machado, Estela

2014-01-01

Diacylglycerol pyrophosphate (DGPP) is a minor lipid that attenuates the phosphatidic acid (PA) signal, and also DGPP itself would be a signaling lipid. Diacylglycerol pyrophosphate is an anionic phospholipid with a pyrophosphate group attached to diacylglycerol that was shown to respond to changes of pH, thus affecting the surface organization of DGPP and their interaction with PA. In this work, we have investigated how the presence of Zn2+ modulates the surface organization of DGPP and its interaction with PA at acidic and basic pHs. Both lipids formed expanded monolayers at pHs 5 and 8. At pH 5, monolayers formed by DGPP became stiffer when Zn2+was added to the subphase, while the surface potential decreased. At this pH, Zn2+ induced a phase transition from an expanded to a condensed-phase state in monolayers formed by PA. Conversely, at pH 8 the effects induced by the presence of Zn2+ on the surface behaviors of the pure lipids were smaller. Thus, the interaction of the bivalent cation with both lipids was modulated by pH and by the ionization state of the polar head groups. Mixed monolayers of PA and DGPP showed a non-ideal behavior and were not affected by the presence of Zn2+ at pH 8. This could be explained considering that when mixed, the lipids formed a closely packed monolayer that could not be further modified by the cation. Our results indicate that DGPP and PA exhibit expanded- and condensed-phase states depending on pH, on the proportion of each lipid in the film and on the presence of Zn2+. This may have implications for a possible role of DGPP as a signaling lipid molecule. PMID:25120554

Phytoextraction of potentially toxic elements by Indian mustard, rapeseed, and sunflower from a contaminated riparian soil.

PubMed

Shaheen, Sabry M; Rinklebe, Jörg

2015-12-01

The objective of this study was to quantify the phytoextraction of the potentially toxic elements Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, V, and Zn by Indian mustard, rapeseed, and sunflower from a contaminated riparian soil. To achieve this goal, a greenhouse pot experiment was established using a highly contaminated grassland soil collected at the Wupper River (Germany). The impact of ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), humate (HK), and phosphate potassium (PK) on the mobility and uptake of the elements by rapeseed also was investigated. Indian mustard showed the highest efficiency for phytoextraction of Al, Cr, Mo, Se, and V; sunflower for Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn, and rapeseed for Cu. The bioconcentration ratios were higher than 1 for the elements (except As and Cu), indicating the suitability of the studied plants for phytoextraction. Application of EDTA to the soil increased significantly the solubility of Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb and decreased the solubility of Al, As, Se, V, and Mo. Humate potassium decreased significantly the concentrations of Al and As in rapeseed but increased the concentrations of Cu, Se, and Zn. We may conclude that HK can be used for immobilization of Al and As, while it can be used for enhancing the phytoextraction of Cu, Se, and Zn by rapeseed. Phosphate potassium immobilized Al, Cd, Pb, and Zn, but enhanced phytoextraction of As, Cr, Mo, and Se by rapeseed.

Effect of EDTA and citric acid on absorption of heavy metals and growth of Moso bamboo.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaowei; Zhong, Bin; Shafi, Mohammad; Guo, Jia; Liu, Chen; Guo, Hua; Peng, Danli; Wang, Ying; Liu, Dan

2018-04-30

The effect of EDTA and citric acid on accumulation, toxicity of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb), and growth of Moso bamboo was investigated in current experiment. The availability of heavy metals in soil and its uptake by plants has indicated toxicity. The results revealed that EDTA and citric acid has reduced biomass of Moso bamboo but non-significant difference in biomass was observed compared with control. Application of EDTA (10 mmol kg -1 ) has significantly improved copper (Cu) by 56.5 and 84.9% in roots and above ground parts of plants. Application of EDTA (10 mmol kg -1 ) has significantly enhanced lead (Pb) by 51.8 and 210.8% in roots and above ground parts of Moso bamboo. Furthermore, treatment of EDTA has significantly improved activities of water-soluble Cd, Cu, and Pb in soil by 98.9, 70.1, and 73.1 times compared with control. In case of contents of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable metals, the treatment of EDTA (10 mmol kg -1 ) has produced maximum increase of 244.5 mg kg -1 Zn and 157.9 mg kg -1 Pb, respectively. It is concluded that effect of EDTA was superior compared with citric acid for improvement of phytoremediation potential of Moso bamboo.

Thermochemistry of paddle wheel MOFs: Cu-HKUST-1 and Zn-HKUST-1.

PubMed

Bhunia, Manas K; Hughes, James T; Fettinger, James C; Navrotsky, Alexandra

2013-06-25

Metal-organic framework (MOF) porosity relies upon robust metal-organic bonds to retain structural rigidity upon solvent removal. Both the as-synthesized and activated Cu and Zn polymorphs of HKUST-1 were studied by room temperature acid solution calorimetry. Their enthalpies of formation from dense assemblages (metal oxide (ZnO or CuO), trimesic acid (TMA), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)) were calculated from the calorimetric data. The enthalpy of formation (ΔHf) of the as-synthesized Cu-HKUST-H2O ([Cu3TMA2·3H2O]·5DMF) is -52.70 ± 0.34 kJ per mole of Cu. The ΔHf for Zn-HKUST-DMF ([Zn3TMA2·3DMF]·2DMF) is -54.22 ± 0.57 kJ per mole of Zn. The desolvated Cu-HKUST-dg [Cu3TMA2] has a ΔHf of 16.66 ± 0.51 kJ/mol per mole Cu. The ΔHf for Zn-HKUST-amorph [Zn3TMA2·2DMF] is -3.57 ± 0.21 kJ per mole of Zn. Solvent stabilizes the Cu-HKUST-H2O by -69.4 kJ per mole of Cu and Zn-HKUST-DMF by at least -50.7 kJ per mole of Zn. Such strong chemisorption of solvent is similar in magnitude to the strongly exothermic binding at low coverage for chemisorbed H2O on transition metal oxide nanoparticle surfaces. The strongly exothermic solvent-framework interaction suggests that solvent can play a critical role in obtaining a specific secondary building unit (SBU) topology.

Activation of H2 over the Ru-Zn Bond in the Transition Metal-Lewis Acid Heterobimetallic Species [Ru(IPr)2(CO)ZnEt](.).

PubMed

Riddlestone, Ian M; Rajabi, Nasir A; Lowe, John P; Mahon, Mary F; Macgregor, Stuart A; Whittlesey, Michael K

2016-09-07

Reaction of [Ru(IPr)2(CO)H]BAr(F)4 with ZnEt2 forms the heterobimetallic species [Ru(IPr)2(CO)ZnEt]BAr(F)4 (2), which features an unsupported Ru-Zn bond. 2 reacts with H2 to give [Ru(IPr)2(CO)(η(2)-H2)(H)2ZnEt]BAr(F)4 (3) and [Ru(IPr)2(CO)(H)2ZnEt]BAr(F)4 (4). DFT calculations indicate that H2 activation at 2 proceeds via oxidative cleavage at Ru with concomitant hydride transfer to Zn. 2 can also activate hydridic E-H bonds (E = B, Si), and computed mechanisms for the facile H/H exchange processes observed in 3 and 4 are presented.

Multiple Heavy Metal Tolerance of Soil Bacterial Communities and Its Measurement by a Thymidine Incorporation Technique

PubMed Central

Díaz-Raviña, Montserrat; Bååth, Erland; Frostegård, Åsa

1994-01-01

A thymidine incorporation technique was used to determine the tolerance of a soil bacterial community to Cu, Cd, Zn, Ni, and Pb. An agricultural soil was artificially contaminated in our laboratory with individual metals at three different concentrations, and the results were compared with the results obtained by using the plate count technique. Thymidine incorporation was found to be a simple and rapid method for measuring tolerance. Data obtained by this technique were very reproducible. A linear relationship was found between changes in community tolerance levels obtained by the thymidine incorporation and plate count techniques (r = 0.732, P < 0.001). An increase in tolerance to the metal added to soil was observed for the bacterial community obtained from each polluted soil compared with the community obtained from unpolluted soil. The only exception was when Pb was added; no indication of Pb tolerance was found. An increase in the tolerance to metals other than the metal originally added to soil was also observed, indicating that there was multiple heavy metal tolerance at the community level. Thus, Cu pollution, in addition to increasing tolerance to Cu, also induced tolerance to Zn, Cd, and Ni. Zn and Cd pollution increased community tolerance to all five metals. Ni amendment increased tolerance to Ni the most but also increased community tolerance to Zn and, to lesser degrees, increased community tolerance to Pb and Cd. In soils polluted with Pb increased tolerance to other metals was found in the following order: Ni > Cd > Zn > Cu. We found significant positive relationships between changes in Cd, Zn, and Pb tolerance and, to a lesser degree, between changes in Pb and Ni tolerance when all metals and amendment levels were compared. The magnitude of the increase in heavy metal tolerance was found to be linearly related to the logarithm of the metal concentration added to the soil. Threshold tolerance concentrations were estimated from these linear relationships, and changes in tolerance could be detected at levels of soil contamination similar to those reported previously to result in changes in the phospholipid fatty acid pattern (Å. Frostegård, A. Tunlid, and E. Bååth, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 59: 3605-3617, 1993). PMID:16349314

Hydrometallurgical Treatment for Mixed Waste Battery Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, L. W.; Xi, X. L.; Zhang, Z. Z.; Huang, Z. Q.; Chen, J. P.

2017-02-01

Hydrometallurgical experiments are generally required to assess the appropriate treatment process before the establishment of the industrial recovery process for waste battery materials. The effects of acid systems and oxidants in metal leaching were studied. The comprehensive leaching effects of the citric acid were superior to the sulfuric acid. The potassium permanganate inhibits the dissolution of metals. Thermodynamic calculations showed that metals precipitate more easily in sulfuric acid system than in citric acid system. The Fe precipitation efficiency in sulfuric acid system was 90% at pH 3.5, but with considerable losses of Co (30%) and Ni (40%). The proper pH and organic/aqueous (O/A) ratio for Fe and Zn removal with Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid extraction were 2 and 0.5, respectively; while for the removal of Cu and Mn, the best pH and O/A ratio were 3 and 0.75, respectively. Crude manganese carbonate and a cobalt-nickel enriched liquid were obtained by selective precipitation in raffinate using an ammonium bicarbonate solution. In citric acid systems, the precipitation efficiency of Co, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn were less than 20% at pH 7. The proper pH and O/A ratio for the separation of the metals in two groups (Ni/Co/Cu and Mn/Fe/Zn) were 1.5 and 2. The cobalt-nickel-copper enriched liquid was finally obtained.

Drug delivery system for an anticancer agent, chlorogenate-Zn/Al-layered double hydroxide nanohybrid synthesised using direct co-precipitation and ion exchange methods

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barahuie, Farahnaz; Hussein, Mohd Zobir, E-mail: mzobir@putra.upm.edu.my; Arulselvan, Palanisamy

A nano-structured drug-inorganic clay hybrid involving an active anticancer compound, which is chlorogenic acid (CA) intercalated into Zn/Al-layered double hydroxide, has been assembled via ion-exchange and co-precipitation methods to form a nanohybrid CZAE (a chlorogenic acid-Zn/Al nanohybrid synthesised using an ion-exchange method) and CZAC (a chlorogenic acid-Zn/Al nanohybrid synthesised using a direct method), respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed that the CA-LDH had a hybrid structure in which the anionic chlorogenate is arranged between the interlayers as a horizontal monolayer at 90 and 20° angles from the x axis for CZAE and CZAC, respectively. Both nanohybrids have the propertiesmore » of mesoporous materials. The high loading percentage of chlorogenic acid (approximately 43.2% for CZAE and 45.3% for CZAC) with basal spacings of 11.7 and 12.6 Å for CZAE and CZAC, respectively, corroborates the successful intercalation of chlorogenic acid into the interlayer gallery of layered double hydroxides. Free chlorogenic acid and the synthesised nanocomposites (CZAE, CZAC) were assessed for their cytotoxicity against various cancer cells. The Fourier transform infrared data supported the formation of both nanohybrids, and a thermal analysis showed that the nanohybrids are more thermally stable than their counterparts. The chlorogenate shows a sustained release, and the release rate of chlorogenate from CZAE and CZAC nanohybrids at pH 7.4 is remarkably lower than that at pH 4.8 due to their different release mechanisms. The release rate of chlorogenate from both nanohybrids can be described as pseudo-second order. The present investigation revealed the potential of the nanohybrids to enhance the in vitro anti-tumour effect of chlorogenic acid in liver and lung cancer cells in vitro. - Highlights: • We intercalated chlorogenic into Zn/Al-layered double hydroxide by ion-exchange and coprecipitation methods. • The two methods gave nanocomposites with slightly different physico-chemical properties. • Chlorogenate-zinc aluminium layered double hydroxide nanohybrids have the potential to be used as a controlled release formulation. • The thermal stability of chlorogenic acid is markedly enhanced upon the intercalation process. • The inhibition of cancer cell growth is higher for nanohybrids than for free chlorogenic acid.« less

Phosphorescent inner filter effect-based sensing of xanthine oxidase and its inhibitors with Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots.

PubMed

Tang, Dandan; Zhang, Jinyi; Zhou, Rongxin; Xie, Ya-Ni; Hou, Xiandeng; Xu, Kailai; Wu, Peng

2018-05-10

Overexpression and crystallization of uric acid have been recognized as the course of hyperuricemia and gout, which is produced via xanthine oxidase (XOD)-catalyzed oxidation of xanthine. Therefore, the medicinal therapy of hyperuricemia and gout is majorly based on the inhibition of the XOD enzymatic pathway. The spectroscopic nature of xanthine and uric acid, namely both absorption (near the ultraviolet region) and emission (non-fluorescent) characteristics, hinders optical assay development for XOD analysis. Therefore, the state-of-the-art analysis of XOD and the screening of XOD inhibitors are majorly based on chromatography. Here, we found the near ultraviolet absorption of uric acid overlapped well with the absorption of a large bandgap semiconductor quantum dots, ZnS. On the other hand, the intrinsic weak fluorescence of ZnS QDs can be substantially improved via transition metal ion doping. Therefore, herein, we developed an inner filter effect-based assay for XOD analysis and inhibitor screening with Mn-doped ZnS QDs. The phosphorescence of Mn-doped ZnS QDs could be quenched by uric acid generated from xanthine catabolism by XOD, leading to the phosphorescence turn-off detection of XOD with a limit of detection (3σ) of 0.02 U L-1. Furthermore, the existence of XOD inhibitors could inhibit the XOD enzymatic reaction, resulting in weakened phosphorescence quenching. Therefore, the proposed assay could also be explored for the facile screening analysis of XOD inhibitors, which is important for the potential medicinal therapy of hyperuricemia and gout.

Depressed antioxidant status in pregnant women on iron supplements: pathologic and clinical correlates.

PubMed

Anetor, J I; Ajose, O A; Adeleke, F N; Olaniyan-Taylor, G O; Fasola, F A

2010-08-01

Iron (Fe) remains a commonly prescribed supplement in pregnancy. Its possible pathologic potential is either uncommonly considered or ignored. We determined the antioxidant status in pregnant women with and without Fe supplements. Fifty-eight apparently healthy pregnant women on Fe supplements were selected for the study from the antenatal clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Fifty-five aged matched pregnant women who were not on Fe from various parishes of the Christ Apostolic Church, Ibadan (non-drug using Christian sect) were randomly selected as controls. Both groups were classified according to the trimesters of pregnancy. The gestational age in both pregnant women on Fe supplements and non-supplement pregnant women was similar. Fruit and vegetables consumption was higher in the supplement than in the non-supplement group (57.2% vs. 37.3%). Anthropometric indices, weight, height, and BMI, were also similar. But while the weight of the Fe supplement group decreased by nearly 3% in the third trimester, it increased by over 10% (p < 0.00) in the non-supplement group in the same period. Serum Fe level was significantly higher in the supplement than the non-supplement group (p < 0.001). In contrast, the levels of the antioxidants, ascorbic acid, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and bilirubin were all significantly decreased (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively). Uric acid level though also lower in the supplement group did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05), while vitamin E was similar in both groups. There was relative stability of all antioxidants except uric acid, which declined from the first to the last trimester in the non-supplement group. The significantly higher Fe level in the second trimester was sustained in the third trimester though to a lesser degree (p < 0.05) and associated with significant decreases in the following antioxidant levels in the supplement group, ascorbic acid, bilirubin, Cu, and Zn (p < 0.02, p < 0.02, p < 0.02, and p < 0.001, respectively). Uric acid and vitamin E though lower in the supplement group were not significantly different. Remarkably, percentage changes between the first and third trimesters revealed that serum Fe increased by over 116% in the Fe supplement group, while it only increased by over 50% in the non-supplement group. This was associated with 23.50% decrease in ascorbate level (p < 0.003) in the supplement group, while it decreased by only 3.70% in the non-supplement group (p > 0.05). Again vitamin E decreased by 17.22% in the supplement group, while it decreased by only 7.30% in the non-supplement group during the period. Uric acid and bilirubin levels decreased by similar proportions during the period, while Zn decreased by 18.55% in the supplement group and by 14.86% in the non-supplement group. In contrast Cu increased by 7.20% in the supplement group, while it increased by only 2.96 in the non-supplement group. Additionally, all the antioxidants in the supplement group except vitamin E, viz, ascorbic acid, bilirubin, Cu, uric acid, and Zn, were significantly inversely correlated with serum Fe level (r - 0.299, p < 0.05, r - 0.278, p < 0.05, r - 0.383, p < 0.05, and r - 0.0369, p < 0.05). These data imply markedly depressed antioxidant status in the Fe supplement pregnant group with attendant oxidative stress (most probably pro-oxidant Fe-induced). This is associated with molecular and cellular damage as well as a number of pathologic and clinical correlates that underlie the exacerbation of morbidity and mortality in maternal and child populations, particularly in the developing countries. This appears to call for serious caution and prior evaluation of antioxidant and Fe status and during the use of Fe supplements in pregnancy for monitoring and prognostic purposes and to avert or ameliorate oxidative stress-induced pathologies in maternal and fetal systems.

Electromigration of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn with citric acid in contaminated clay.

PubMed

Pazos, M; Gouveia, S; Sanroman, M A; Cameselle, C

2008-07-01

Metal reactivity, speciation and solubility have an important influence in its transportation through a porous matrix by electrokinetics and, therefore, they dramatically affect the removal efficiency. This work deals with the effect of solubility and transport competition among several metals (Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) during their transport through polluted clay. The unenhancement electrokinetic treatment results in a limited removal of the tested metals because they were retained into the kaolinite sample by the penetration of the alkaline front. Metals showed a removal degree in accordance with the solubility of the corresponding hydroxide and its formation pH. In 7 days of treatment, the removal results were: 75.6% of Mn; 68.5% of Zn, 40.6% of Cu and 14.8% of Fe. In order to avoid the negative effects of the basic front generated at the cathode, two different techniques were proposed and tested: the addition of citric acid as complexing agent to the polluted kaolinite sample and the use of citric acid to control de pH on the cathode chamber. Both techniques are based on the capability of citric acid to act as a complexing and neutralizing agent. Almost complete removal of Mn, Cu and Zn was achieved when citric acid was used (as neutralizing or complexing agent). But Fe only reached 33% of removal because it formed a negatively charged complex with citrate that retarded its transportation to the cathode.

Phytoextraction of heavy metal polluted soils using Sedum plumbizincicola inoculated with metal mobilizing Phyllobacterium myrsinacearum RC6b.

PubMed

Ma, Ying; Rajkumar, Mani; Luo, Yongming; Freitas, Helena

2013-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of metal mobilizing plant-growth beneficial bacterium Phyllobacterium myrsinacearum RC6b on plant growth and Cd, Zn and Pb uptake by Sedum plumbizincicola under laboratory conditions. Among a collection of metal-resistant bacteria, P. myrsinacearum RC6b was specifically chosen as a most favorable metal mobilizer based on its capability of mobilizing high concentrations of Cd, Zn and Pb in soils. P. myrsinacearum RC6b exhibited a high degree of resistance to Cd (350 mg L(-1)), Zn (1000 mg L(-1)) and Pb (1200 mg L(-1)). Furthermore, P. myrsinacearum RC6b showed multiple plant growth beneficial features including the production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase, indole-3-acetic acid, siderophore and solubilization of insoluble phosphate. Inoculation of P. myrsinacearum RC6b significantly increased S. plumbizincicola growth and organ metal concentrations except Pb, which concentration was lower in root and stem of inoculated plants. The results suggest that the metal mobilizing P. myrsinacearum RC6b could be used as an effective inoculant for the improvement of phytoremediation in multi-metal polluted soils. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessing the concentration, speciation, and toxicity of dissolved metals during mixing of acid-mine drainage and ambient river water downstream of the Elizabeth Copper Mine, Vermont, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Balistrieri, L.S.; Seal, R.R.; Piatak, N.M.; Paul, B.

2007-01-01

The authors determine the composition of a river that is impacted by acid-mine drainage, evaluate dominant physical and geochemical processes controlling the composition, and assess dissolved metal speciation and toxicity using a combination of laboratory, field and modeling studies. Values of pH increase from 3.3 to 7.6 and the sum of dissolved base metal (Cd + Co + Cu + Ni + Pb + Zn) concentrations decreases from 6270 to 100 ??g/L in the dynamic mixing and reaction zone that is downstream of the river's confluence with acid-mine drainage. Mixing diagrams and PHREEQC calculations indicate that mixing and dilution affect the concentrations of all dissolved elements in the reach, and are the dominant processes controlling dissolved Ca, K, Li, Mn and SO4 concentrations. Additionally, dissolved Al and Fe concentrations decrease due to mineral precipitation (gibbsite, schwertmannite and ferrihydrite), whereas dissolved concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn decrease due to adsorption onto newly formed Fe precipitates. The uptake of dissolved metals by aquatic organisms is dependent on the aqueous speciation of the metals and kinetics of complexation reactions between metals, ligands and solid surfaces. Dissolved speciation of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn in the mixing and reaction zone is assessed using the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique and results of speciation calculations using the Biotic Ligand Model (BLM). Data from open and restricted pore DGT units indicate that almost all dissolved metal species are inorganic and that aqueous labile or DGT available metal concentrations are generally equal to total dissolved concentrations in the mixing zone. Exceptions occur when labile metal concentrations are underestimated due to competition between H+ and metal ions for Chelex-100 binding sites in the DGT units at low pH values. Calculations using the BLM indicate that dissolved Cd and Zn species in the mixing and reaction zone are predominantly inorganic, which is consistent with the DGT results. Although the DGT method indicates that the majority of aqueous Cu species are inorganic, BLM calculations indicate that dissolved Cu is inorganic at pH 5.5. Integrated dissolved labile concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn in the mixing and reaction zone are compared to calculated acute toxicity concentrations (LC50 values) for fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) (Cd, Cu and Zn) and water fleas (Ceriodaphnia dubia) (Cd and Cu) using the BLM, and to national recommended water quality criteria [i.e., criteria maximum concentration (CMC) and criterion continuous concentration (CCC)]. Observed labile concentrations of Cd and Zn are below LC50 values and CMC for Cd, but above CCC and CMC for Zn at sites <30 m downstream of the confluence. In contrast, labile Cu concentrations exceed LC50 values for the organisms as well as CCC and CMC at sites <30 m downstream of the confluence. These results suggest that environmental conditions at sites closest to the confluence of the river and acid-mine drainage should not support healthy aquatic organisms. ?? 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced stability of ZnO-based inverted organic photovoltaic devices by phosphonic acid modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacLeod, Bradley; Tremolet de Villers, Bertrand; Cowan, Sarah; Ratcliff, Erin; Olson, Dana

2014-03-01

Solution-processed ZnO thin films are now commonly used as n-type bottom contacts in inverted-geometry organic photovoltaics (OPVs). The use of ZnO eliminates the need for highly-reactive top-contact (air-interface) electrode material, such as calcium and aluminum which are commonly used in conventional geometries, which enables operational lifetimes of unencapsulated devices to shift from minutes or hours to days. Modification of the ZnO film by self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) has been shown to enhance performance as well as air-stability during storage. We modify ZnO with dipolar phosphonic acids and observe enhanced performance and stability. We show for the first time devices measured under continuous illumination at one-sun intensity which have significantly enhanced stability when utilizing SAM-modified ZnO. These continuous-illumination stability measurements allow us to investigate the degradation mechanisms of these more stable inverted OPV devices. This work was was supported by of the Center for Interface Science: Solar Electric Materials (CISSEM), an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences under Award Number DE-SC0001084.

Biosynthesised ZnO : Dy3+ nanoparticles: Biodiesel properties and reusable catalyst for N-formylation of aromatic amines with formic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reddy Yadav, L. S.; Raghavendra, M.; Sudheer Kumar, K. H.; Dhananjaya, N.; Nagaraju, G.

2018-04-01

ZnO nanoparticles doped with trivalent dysprosium ions (Dy3+) were prepared through the green combustion technique using E. tirucalli plant latex as a fuel. The fundamental and optical properties of the samples are examined via the X-ray diffraction, FTIR, UV-visible analytical methods and morphology by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Rietveld refinement results show that the ZnO : Dy3+ were crystallized in the wurtzite hexagonal structure with space group P63mc (No. 186). The average particle size of ZnO : Dy3+ prepared with the different concentration of latex was found to be in the range 30-38nm, which is also confirmed by TEM analysis. A rapid and convenient method for the one-pot preparation of N-formamide derivatives aromatic amines and amino acid esters has been developed using Dy3+ doped ZnO as a catalytic agent. This method provides an efficient and much improved modification over reported protocols regarding yield, clean and work-up procedure milder reaction conditions. In this work, Pongamiapinnata oil was recycled for the preparation of biodiesel via Dy3+ doped ZnO as a catalytic agent.