Search Results (870)

Bioaccumulation by diatoms, as the first stage of biomineralisation, has been widely studied for various metals, such as cadmium, copper, zinc, aluminium, gold, silver, etc. However, despite the fact that the mining and utilization of rare earth elements (REEs) are currently increasing, there is almost no data on their bioaccumulation by diatoms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the ability of diatoms to bioaccumulate REEs by the example of lanthanum (La), and to compare this ability for two marine diatoms Nanofrustulum shiloi and Halamphora kolbei. As a result of experiments on the cultivation of diatoms in nutrient media supplemented with La at concentrations of 10 mg·L⁻¹ and 50 mg·L⁻¹, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the ability of diatoms to bioadsorb La on their frustule surface, as a first stage of its bioaccumulation. The high concentration of La (50 mg·L⁻¹) has a noticeable visual effect on the morphofunctional state of diatoms and causes a decrease in the rate of accumulation. The low concentration (10 mg·L⁻¹) promotes the hyperaccumulation of La by the diatom biomass as a whole, including both bioadsorption and bioabsorption within the cells. This resulted in an increase in La concentration in the biomass by nearly 2000-fold in H. kolbei (6.06 mg·g⁻¹) and by 1000-fold in N. shiloi (6.90 mg·g⁻¹). The results on La bioaccumulation by diatoms are significant for advancing methods to remediate aquatic environments contaminated with rare earth elements and for the bioindication purposes. Full article

Dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3) is a zinc-dependent aminopeptidase that is found in several places and is thought to be a cytosolic enzyme that helps break down peptides. Recent studies, however, have revealed its extensive therapeutic relevance upon release into circulation, functioning not only as a biomarker for cellular injury but also as an active modulator of cardiovascular homeostasis and critical disease. High levels of circulating DPP3 (cDPP3) have been linked to the causes of cardiogenic shock, septic shock, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, and serious viral diseases like COVID-19. Its enzymatic breakdown of angiotensin II disrupts vascular tone and myocardial contractility, leading to hemodynamic instability and multi-organ failure. In numerous cohorts, cDPP3 levels reliably correspond with disease severity, acute renal damage, and death, but dynamic trajectories yield superior predictive information relative to single assessments. In addition to risk stratification, translational studies utilizing rodent and porcine models illustrate that antibody-mediated inhibition of cDPP3 with the humanized monoclonal antibody Procizumab reinstates cardiac function, stabilizes renal perfusion, diminishes oxidative stress and inflammation, and enhances survival. First-in-human experiences in patients with refractory septic cardiomyopathy have further emphasized its therapeutic promise. DPP3 is a good example of a biomarker and a mediator in cardiovascular and critical care. Its growing clinical and translational profile makes cDPP3 a strong predictor of bad outcomes and a prospective target for treatment. Ongoing clinical trials using Procizumab will determine if neutralizing cDPP3 can lead to enhanced outcomes in individuals with cardiogenic and septic shock. This review outlines the physiological mechanisms, clinical implications, and emerging therapeutic potential of DPP3 in cardiovascular and critical care. Ongoing trials with Procizumab will clarify whether neutralizing cDPP3 can improve outcomes in patients with cardiogenic and septic shock. Full article

Owing to the inherent safety, environmental friendliness, and high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g⁻¹) of zinc metal, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as up-and-coming alternatives to organic lithium-ion batteries. However, the insufficient electrochemically active sites, poor structural stability, and severe interfacial side reactions of cathode materials have always been key challenges, restricting battery gravimetric energy density and cycling stability. This article systematically reviews current mainstream AZIB cathode material systems, encompassing layered manganese- and vanadium-based metal oxides, Prussian blue analogs, and emerging organic polymers. It focuses on analyzing the energy storage mechanisms of different material systems and their structural evolution during Zn²⁺ (de)intercalation. Furthermore, mechanisms of innovative strategies for improving cathodes are thoroughly examined here, such as nanostructure engineering, lattice doping control, and surface coating modification, to address common issues like structural degradation, manganese/vanadium dissolution, and interface passivation. Finally, this article proposes future research directions: utilizing multi-scale in situ characterization to elucidate actual reaction pathways, constructing artificial interface layers to suppress side reactions, and optimizing full-cell design. This review provides a new perspective for developing practical AZIBs with high specific energy and long lifespans. Full article

This research presents the development and characterization of a semi-automatic electrophoretic deposition (EPD) system designed for the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) microstructures, utilizing a bioinspired neuro-fuzzy control strategy (ANFIS). The system was designed based on a chemical reactor regulated by electricity in a potentiostate cell to automate and optimize the deposition parameters by controlling the temperature. The synthesized ZnO coatings exhibited distinctive flake-like morphology, confirmed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), validating their morphological uniformity and compositional consistency. The implemented ANFIS controller was trained using experimentally acquired data, making a correlation with the properties of the sample, thickness and porosity, also employed as inputs of the system. The system exhibited high accuracy in predicting optimal deposition conditions for ZnO nanoflakes obtention, specifically in the temperature-dependent variations in thickness and porosity employed as reference to establish four classes of working sets based on the density of ZnO flakes in the substrate. Results indicate that the bioinspired neuro-fuzzy control substantially enhances the adaptability and predictive capabilities of the electrophoretic deposition process, making it a versatile tool suitable for various applications requiring precise microstructural characteristics. Future directions include further refinement of the control system, incorporation of digital sensing technologies, and potential expansion of the platform to accommodate other functional materials and complex deposition scenarios. Full article

Aromatic ring systems appear ubiquitously in active pharmaceutical substances, such as FDA-approved histone deacetylase inhibitors. However, these rings reduce the water solubility of the molecules, which is a disadvantage during application. To address this problem, azaborine rings may be substituted for conventional aromatic ring systems. These are obtained by replacing two adjacent carbon atoms with boron and nitrogen. Incorporating B–N analogs in place of aromatic rings not only enhances structural diversity but also provides a strategy to navigate around patent-protected scaffolds. We synthesized azaborines, which are isosteric to naphthalene and indole, and utilized them as capping units for HDAC inhibitors. These molecules were attached to various aliphatic and aromatic linkers with different zinc-binding units, used in established active compounds. Nearly half of the twenty-four molecules tested exhibited inhibitory activity against at least one of the enzymes HDAC1, HDAC4, or HDAC8, with three compounds displaying IC₅₀ values in the nanomolar range. We have therefore demonstrated that azaborine building blocks can be successfully incorporated into HDACis, resulting in a highly active profile. Consequently, it should be feasible to develop active substances containing azaborine rings against other targets. Full article

Cadmium (Cd), a pervasive and highly phytotoxic metal pollutant, poses severe threats to agricultural productivity, ecosystem stability, and human health through its entry into the food chain. Plants have evolved intricate defense mechanisms, among which the strategic manipulation of nutrient elements emerges as a critical physiological and biochemical strategy for mitigating Cd stress. This comprehensive review delves deeply into the multifaceted roles of essential macronutrient elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur), essential micronutrient elements (zinc, iron, manganese, copper) and non-essential beneficial elements (silicon, selenium) in modulating plant responses to Cd toxicity. We meticulously dissect the physiological, biochemical, and molecular underpinnings of how these nutrients influence Cd bioavailability in the rhizosphere, Cd uptake and translocation pathways, sequestration and compartmentalization within plant tissues, and the activation of antioxidant defense systems. Nutrient elements exert their influence through diverse mechanisms: competing with Cd for root uptake transporters, promoting the synthesis of complexes that reduce Cd mobility, stabilizing cell walls and plasma membranes to restrict apoplastic flow and symplastic influx, modulating redox homeostasis by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant pools, regulating signal transduction pathways, and influencing gene expression profiles related to metal transport, chelation, and detoxification. The complex interactions between nutrients themselves further shape the plant’s capacity to withstand Cd stress. Recent advances elucidating nutrient-mediated epigenetic regulation, microRNA involvement, and the role of nutrient-sensing signaling hubs in Cd responses are critically evaluated. Furthermore, we synthesize the practical implications of nutrient management strategies, including optimized fertilization regimes, selection of nutrient-efficient genotypes, and utilization of nutrient-enriched amendments, for enhancing phytoremediation efficiency and developing low-Cd-accumulating crops, thereby contributing to safer food production and environmental restoration in Cd-contaminated soils. The intricate interplay between plant nutritional status and Cd stress resilience underscores the necessity for a holistic, nutrient-centric approach in managing Cd toxicity in agroecosystems. Full article

Recently, there has been a surge in the popularity of renewable energy systems due to their lucrative and sustainable attributes. Among these, photovoltaic (PV) systems stand out as prominent examples. Nevertheless, it is imperative to ascertain the management of waste produced by these systems in order to mitigate environmental pollution and harness their economic potential. This study aims to assess the present status and forecast the accumulation of waste generated by PV power plants in Chile. Utilizing openly available public data, a database is constructed to track the accumulation of waste. Two scenarios, namely, early-loss and regular-loss scenarios are employed to estimate the projected accumulation of PV waste. The findings indicate that by the years 2035 and 2043, the accumulation of waste is estimated to reach 100,000 tons under the early-loss scenario and regular-loss scenario. The total anticipated waste from solar PV modules is projected to be 284,906 tons, with c-Si PV modules contributing 175,595 tons to this total in Chile. Remarkably, it is determined that more than 235,000 tons of materials from this waste is recoverable, amounting to nearly USD 781 million in economic value. Silver is projected to bring the most economic value, with nearly USD 379 million, while lead, tin, cadmium, and zinc are each valued at less than USD 1 million. This study highlights the importance of promoting the sustainable development of PV systems, particularly in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action). Future research is expected to place greater emphasis on eco-design approaches in PV module production. Full article

As metal resource extraction increases, heavy metal ion pollution in the saturated zone intensifies. Hence, research on the migration of heavy metal ions in aquifers and the efficacy of protective measures is essential to inform pollution prevention and control engineering. This study focuses on the slag pond and its surrounding area of a smelting plant. Utilizing field hydrological surveys and experiments, and data from previous studies, we employed FEFLOW7.0 simulation software to model the groundwater system of the boulder aquifer in this region. The model divides the domain based on natural topography: the eastern river serves as a constant-head boundary, while other areas are set as specified-flux boundaries. The impermeable layer at the bottom is treated as a no-flow boundary, with a maximum simulation period of 2500 days. The simulation examines the natural movement of zinc ions and how the construction of the wall impacts their migration, as well as the wall’s effectiveness in preventing seepage. Findings indicate that the movement of zinc ions is significantly influenced by the reaction coefficient. When the reaction coefficient exceeds 10⁻⁸ s⁻¹, zinc ions decrease rapidly in the area. After the construction of the cutoff wall, the maximum migration distance of zinc ions within 2500 days decreased from 220 m to 77 m, demonstrating its effectiveness in controlling zinc transport in groundwater. Full article

Background: A range of cancer cells are significantly inhibited by FTY720. It is unknown, nevertheless, how FTY720 influences the onset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Using bioinformatics techniques, we analyzed and the possible molecular mechanisms and targets of FTY720 for the treatment of NSCLC. Methods: DEGs (Differentially expressed genes) were acquired by differential analysis of the dataset GSE10072. Obtained FTY720 target genes and NSCLC disease genes from databases such as Swiss-TargetPrediction and GeneCard. Subsequently, target and disease genes, as well as DEGs, were merged for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, gene ontology (GO), and protein interaction analysis. The overlapping genes of DEGs and target genes, and disease genes were also obtained separately and subjected to survival as well as expression analyses. We constructed the regulatory network of miRNAs and transcription factors (TFs) on hub genes. Finally, the immune cell association of hub genes was evaluated using the ssGSEA method, molecular docking of FTY720 to hub genes was carried out utilizing Autodock, and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted. Results: In this study, 444 DEGs, 232 target genes of FTY720, and 466 disease genes were obtained. Moreover, a total of 1062 genes were obtained by removing duplicate values after merging, among which PIK3R1, Akt1, and S1PR1 had the highest DEGREE values in the protein interactions network, and these genes were primarily enriched in MAPK, PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, with the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway being the most prominent. Among the overlapping genes, three potential targets of FTY720 for NSCLC treatment were found: S1PR1, ZEB2, and HBEGF. ZEB2 and S1PR1 were determined to be hub genes and to significantly affect NSCLC prognosis by survival analysis. Furthermore, hsa-miR-132-3p, hsa-miR-192-5p, and hsa-miR-6845-3p were strongly associated with FTY720 for the treatment of NSCLC; CTBP1 (carboxy-terminal binding protein 1), EZH2 (protein lysine N-methyltransferase), and ZNF610 (zinc-finger protein 610) may all influence the expression of ZEB2 and S1PR1. Hub genes had a substantial negative link with memory B cells and a significant positive correlation with memory CD8 T cells and Th17 helper T cells. The molecular docking and kinetic simulation results of FTY720 with the two hub genes indicate that the protein-ligand complex has good stability. Conclusion: Our research indicates that FTY720 may inhibit NSCLC via possible targets ZEB2 and S1PR1, further laying the theoretical foundation for the utilization of FTY720 in NSCLC treatment. Full article

Room-temperature (RT) gas sensors for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) detection face persistent challenges, including reliance on high operating temperatures and inefficient charge carrier utilization under UV activation. To address these limitations, we engineered a p-n nano-heterojunction (NHJ) gas sensor by integrating p-type nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles onto n-type zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods. This architecture leverages UV-driven carrier generation and interfacial electric fields at the NHJ to suppress recombination, enabling unprecedented RT performance. By optimizing thermal annealing conditions, we achieved a well-defined heterojunction with uniform NiO distribution on the top of the ZnO nanorods, validated through electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The resulting sensor exhibits a 5.4-fold higher normalized response to 50 ppm NO₂ under 365 nm UV illumination compared to pristine ZnO, alongside rapid recovery and stable cyclability. The synergistic combination of UV-assisted carrier generation and heterojunction-driven interfacial modulation offers a promising direction for next-generation RT gas sensors aimed at environmental monitoring. Full article

We present a novel approach for the synthesis of crystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) nanopowders based on the direct interaction of high-power microwave radiation with a zinc wire in atmospheric air. The process utilizes a localized microwave-induced plasma to rapidly vaporize the metal, followed by oxidation and condensation, resulting in the deposition of ZnO nanostructures on glass substrates. Plasma diagnostics confirmed the generation of a plasma in local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE), characterized by high electron temperatures. Optical emission spectroscopy highlighted atomic species such as ZnI, ZnII, OI, OII, and NI, as well as molecular species including OH, N₂ and O₂. The spectral fingerprint of N₂ molecules reveals the presence of high energy electrons, while the persistent occurrence of OI and OII emission lines throughout the plasma spectrum reveals that ZnO formation is mainly driven by the continuous dissociation of molecular oxygen. High crystallinity and chemical purity of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were confirmed through SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and EDX characterization. The resulting nanorods exhibit a rod-like morphology, with diameters ranging from 12 nm to 63 nm and lengths between 58 nm and 354 nm. This low-cost, high-yield method offers a scalable and efficient route for metal oxide nanomaterial fabrication via direct metal–microwave coupling, providing a promising alternative to conventional physical and chemical synthesis techniques. Full article

This study synthesizes zinc oxide (ZnO) and graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterials using a green and sustainable method. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized from lime peel extract, while GO was obtained utilizing oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibre. The resulting ZnO/GO nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), photoluminescence (PL), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UVDRS), and Raman spectroscopy (RS), confirming their successful synthesis, reduced particle size, altered band gap, and enhanced charge separation properties. The photocatalytic activities of the ZnO/GO nanocomposites were evaluated for MB degradation under visible light. Notably, the ZnO/GO (7%) composite exhibited better degradation efficiency (87% in 90 min) compared to commercial and synthesized ZnO. The study also optimized key parameters including catalyst loading (1 g L⁻¹), initial dye concentration (0.03 mM), and pH (pH 12 showed highest efficiency). The kinetic studies confirmed a pseudo-first-order reaction, with ZnO/GO (7%) showing the highest rate constant (0.0208 min⁻¹). The scavenger tests identified hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) as the dominant reactive species. This research presents a sustainable and efficient approach for wastewater treatment, utilizing waste materials to produce high-performance photocatalysts for environmental remediation. Full article

Heavy metals such as zinc, manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper, iron, and molybdenum are required in minute quantities to maintain optimal biological functions. However, most other heavy metals are not required for living cells; thus, their accumulation within cells and tissues poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. Phytoremediation can offer a safe, inexpensive, and ecologically sustainable technique to clean habitats contaminated with heavy metals. Several herbaceous and woody plants have been identified and utilized as potential candidates for phytoremediation, and the technique has transformed from being in the formative stage, where it was confined to laboratories and greenhouses, to becoming a widely applied technology involving field trials across the globe. However, recently, several field studies have shown promising results that can propel the large-scale implementation of this technology at industrial sites and in urban agriculture. The commercialization of this technique is possible if an interdisciplinary approach is employed to increase its efficiency. Identification of the genetic mechanisms and the cell signaling pathways involved in phytoremediation may support biotechnological intervention through OMICS and CRISPR approaches, resulting in an improvement in the efficiency of the process. This review presents a comprehensive overview of phytoremediation with a focus on the current assessment and future perspectives of the technique. It illustrates the concept of phytoremediation, the ecological and commercial benefits, and the types of phytoremediation. The candidate plants and factors that influence phytoremediation are discussed. The physiological and molecular mechanisms, along with perspectives on the future of the technique, are also illustrated. This review presents clear and updated information on this rapidly evolving technology, thus providing the public and private sectors with essential knowledge on phytoremediation mechanisms. This may assist in policy development for the management of heavy metals while accelerating the development of transgenic plants or other tools that might be more efficient in phytoremediation. Full article

Industrial solid waste fly ash has been widely applied in various fields as a resource for waste repurposing. The use of fly ash can significantly reduce production costs and at the same time reduce environmental pollution to achieve sustainability. This study explores the feasibility of using fly ash as a raw material to formulate high-temperature ceramic glazes, examining the composition, surface phases, and texture patterns of the resultant glazes. This study systematically assesses the impact of formulation modifications on glazing qualities by XRF, XRD, and SEM testing methods. The results show that 1. in high-temperature glazes, the element that determines the degree of transparency in the surface phase is the Ti content; 2. Zinc and Ferrum are important factors that can fine-tune the color shade and crystal mention; and 3. controlling the fly ash content in the glaze can change its color and texture. The novelty of this paper lies in utilizing fly ash to create high-performance, high-value-added ceramic products that feature unique aesthetics and artistic effects. In the future, we can investigate the influence of fly ash on glaze coloration, and the formation of different texture effects, as well as achieve specific color mixing. Full article

Phytoremediation is widely acknowledged as a viable method for soil remediation; however, its efficacy remains limited in soils co-polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals. To overcome this constraint, the present study explored an innovative approach utilizing ferrate-modified biochar (FeBC) to augment phytoremediation efficiency. Experimental findings revealed that ferrate treatment markedly modified the physicochemical characteristics of biochar, yielding thinner, smoother-surfaced structures with pronounced iron enrichment. At a 5% application rate alongside ryegrass cultivation, FeBC exhibited superior remediation performance, achieving 52.0% degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (notably within the meso-aggregate fraction) and a 19.2% decline in zinc bioavailability via immobilization, thereby reducing zinc uptake in ryegrass tissues. Furthermore, FeBC amendment induced significant shifts in rhizosphere soil biochemistry and microbial ecology, characterized by diminished catalase activity but elevated urease and alkaline phosphatase activities. Phospholipid fatty acid profiling indicated a substantial rise in bacterial biomass (encompassing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative groups), particularly in meso- and micro-aggregates, whereas soil bacterial α-diversity declined markedly, accompanied by distinct compositional changes across aggregate size fractions. These results offer mechanistic insights into the synergistic interaction between FeBC and ryegrass in co-contaminated soil rehabilitation, the aggregate-dependent distribution of remediation effects, and microbial community adaptations to FeBC treatment. Collectively, this study advances the understanding of ferrate-modified biochar’s role in phytoremediation enhancement and clarifies its operational mechanisms in petroleum-zinc co-contaminated soil systems. Full article