Phenylthiadiazole-Based Schiff Base Fluorescent Chemosensor for the Detection of Al3+ and Zn2+ Ions
https://lc.cx/SbrrYk Aluminum (Al) and zinc (Zn) are two of the most widely used metals in industry, and their excessive accumulation in the body has been linked to serious diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer. This highlights the need for effective ways to detect and measure them. In this study, we synthesized the fluorescent chemosensor 1, which contains a Schiff base and a 1,3,4-thiadiazole ring in its structure, and evaluated its fluorescent response in the presence of various metal ions. The chemosensor enabled the selective quantification of Al3+ and Zn2+ ions through excitations at different wavelengths, yielding differentiated fluorescent emissions. For Al3+, excitation at 370 nm generated a strong emission at 480 nm, whereas for Zn2+, excitation at 320 nm led to a new small broad emission at 560 nm. We established detection limits of 2.22 × 10−6 M for Al3+ and 1.62 × 10−5 M for Zn2+; their binding stoichiometry was found to be 1:1 for Al3+ and 2:1 for Zn2+, based on Job’s plot analysis. These results show that chemosensor 1 is a promising tool for detecting Al3+ and Zn2+. https://doi.org/10.3390/chemistry7040128
Functional, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Profile of Medicinal Leaves from the Amazon
https://lc.cx/NaSisu The Amazon region is home to a remarkable diversity of plant species that are used in traditional medicine and cuisine. This study aimed to evaluate the functional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of the leaves of Allium schoenoprasum, Brugmansia candida (white and pink), and Cyclanthemum bipartitum. Bioactive compounds (L-ascorbic acid, organic acids, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and chlorophylls) were quantified using liquid chromatography. The ABTS and DPPH methods were used to assess the antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis was evaluated. The results revealed a high content of L-ascorbic acid (7.6 mg/100 g dry weight) and total carotenoids (509.0 mg/100 g dry weight), as well as high antioxidant capacity (4.5 mmol TE/100 g dry weight) and broad antimicrobial activity in Brugmansia candida ‘pink’. The White variety had the highest concentration of total chlorophylls (1742.8 mg/100 g DW), Cyclanthemum bipartitum had the highest total organic acid content (2814.5 mg/100 g DW), and Allium schoenoprasum had the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds (11,351.6 mg/100 g DW). These results constitute a starting point for future research, emphasizing the potential health risks that certain species may pose. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14080965
Lacmellea oblongata and Other Undervalued Amazonian Fruits as Functional, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Matrices
https://lc.cx/1iVuHw The Amazon represents a key source of food biodiversity and is home to native fruits with high nutritional and functional potential, many of which remain largely unstudied. This research aimed to evaluate the presence of bioactive compounds, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Miconia crenata, Grias neuberthii, Lacmellea oblongata, Pourouma cecprofiilia, and Annona edulis. Physical and chemical parameters, mineral content (atomic absorption), vitamin C, organic acid, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phenols (liquid chromatography), antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH), and antimicrobial activity (against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans) were determined. High concentrations of calcium, syringic acid, and antioxidant activity were found in the fruits of Miconia crenata; malic and caffeic acids in Grias neuberthii; citric acid, naringenin, and antioxidant activity in Lactuca oblongata; potassium, chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid in Pourouma cecropiifolia; and tartaric acid and gallic acid in Annona edulis. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14080924
Treatment of metronidazole in wastewater by nano zero-valent iron/copper slag nanocomposite
https://lc.cx/DtXjnC In the last two decades, special concern has been focused on certain drugs such as Metronidazole (MNZ) owing to their potential carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. In the current study, nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) combined with Copper Slag was utilized for the adsorption of MNZ from an aqueous environment. The proper distribution of nZVI was confirmed by surface morphology analysis using FESEM. In addition, the incorporation of nZVI into Copper Slag led to an approximate 82% increase in BET surface area and a more than 20% rise in iron content according to the EDX result, which together contributed to a 90% improvement in MNZ removal efficiency from aqueous solutions. The optimum conditions (initial MNZ concentration of 27.9 mg/L, adsorbent quantity of 6.8 g/L, contact time of 35.5 min, and an initial pH of 5.04) were attained, demonstrating excellent adsorbent removal efficiency through running the CCD design. The Langmuir isotherm accurately described MNZ adsorption on nZVI/Copper Slag, and kinetic modeling showed that the experimental data fit well with the pseudo-first-order. The adsorption of MNZ onto the adsorbent is spontaneous and exothermic, with ∆G° < 0 and ∆S° < 0, indicating thermodynamic favorability and increased order at the solid–solution interface. Furthermore, it indicated excellent reusability and regeneration performance over six consecutive cycles. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susmat.2025.e01585
In vitro gut-models to elucidate how human milk oligosaccharides shape the gut microbiota
https://lc.cx/zgwfkl This review explores the important role of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). It highlights remarkable properties of HMOs as they act as decoys for disease-causing microbes and prevent their adhesion to the gut epithelium enabling its expulsion from the intestine. The role of HMOs has been researched by conventional methodologies, such as cellular cultures and animal experimentation, yielding significant understanding; however, they are constrained in their ability to accurately emulate the intricacies of human pathology and evoke ethical concerns. Herein, in vitro gut-models (IVGM) applied in studies to elucidate how HMOs shape microbiota are presented. The majority of studies related to HMOs effect on gut microbiota are performed in bioreactors. This review presents a concise overview of this rapidly advancing technology, a cost analysis, an examination of contemporary applications and potential challenges associated with their implementation, and proposes recommendations for future trajectories over the forthcoming decade. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2025.107011
Emerging nanoparticle-based strategies for advanced cancer imaging and diagnosis
https://lc.cx/U7sVz- The urgent necessity for early disease diagnosis and detection continues to drive innovation in imaging techniques and contrast agents. Nanoparticle-based bioimaging offers significant potential to enhance therapeutics, treatment management, and cancer diagnostics. In both clinical practice and biomedical research, nanoparticles (NPs) can serve as labeled carriers or biomarkers for tracking immunotherapy responses, contrast-enhancing agents for improved imaging, or signal amplifiers to increase specificity and sensitivity in the visualization of cellular and molecular mechanisms in vivo. The development of advanced imaging probes with controlled biodistribution, heightened sensitivity, improved contrast, multifunctionality, and enhanced temporal and spatial resolution is made possible by the unique chemical, magnetic, and optical properties of nanomaterials. These probes are particularly beneficial, to multi-modal imaging techniques such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US). Finally, these characteristics contribute to clinical benefits, including personalized medicine, real-time monitoring of disease progression, AI-based design of nanoparticles (NPs) and earlier detection, addressing current limitations in oncologic imaging. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2025.126046