-
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Antimony (Sb) contamination poses significant environmental and health concerns due to its toxic nature and widespread presence, largely from anthropogenic activities....
Antimony (Sb) contamination poses significant environmental and health concerns due to its toxic nature and widespread presence, largely from anthropogenic activities. This study addresses the urgent need for an accurate speciation analysis of Sb, particularly in water sources, emphasizing its migration from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic materials. Current methodologies primarily focus on total Sb content, leaving a critical knowledge gap for its speciation. Here, we present a novel analytical approach utilizing frontal chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (FC-ICP-MS) for the rapid speciation analysis of Sb(III) and Sb(V) in water. Systematic optimization of the FC-ICP-MS method was achieved through multivariate data analysis, resulting in a remarkably short analysis time of 150 s with a limit of detection below 1 ng kg. The optimized method was then applied to characterize PET leaching, revealing a marked effect of the plastic aging and manufacturing process not only on the total amount of Sb released but also on the nature of leached Sb species. This evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of the FC-ICP-MS approach in addressing such an environmental concern, benchmarking a new standard for Sb speciation analysis in consideration of its simplicity, cost effectiveness, greenness, and broad applicability in environmental and health monitoring.
Topics: Antimony; Polyethylene Terephthalates; Mass Spectrometry; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 38930935
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122870 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Apr 2024A "redox-stat" R bioreactor was employed to simulate moderately reducing conditions (+ 420 mV) in Sb-contaminated shooting range soils for approximately 3 months,...
A "redox-stat" R bioreactor was employed to simulate moderately reducing conditions (+ 420 mV) in Sb-contaminated shooting range soils for approximately 3 months, thermodynamically favoring Mn(IV) reduction. The impact of moderately reducing conditions on elemental mobilization (Mn, Sb, Fe) and speciation [Sb(III) versus Sb(V); Fe/Fe] was compared to a control bioreactor R without a fixed redox potential. In both bioreactors, reducing conditions were accompanied by an increase in effluent Sb(V) and Mn(II) concentrations, suggesting that Sb(V) was released through microbial reduction of Mn oxyhydroxide minerals. This was underlined by multiple linear regression analysis showing a significant (p < 0.05) relationship between Mn and Sb effluent concentrations. Mn concentration was the sole variable exhibiting a statistically significant effect on Sb in R, while under the more reducing conditions in R, pH and redox potential were also significant. Analysis of the bacterial community composition revealed an increase in the genera Azoarcus, Flavisolibacter, Luteimonas, and Mesorhizobium concerning the initial soil, some of which are possible key players in the process of Sb mobilization. The overall amount of Sb released in the R (10.40%) was virtually the same as in the R (10.37%), which underlines a subordinate role of anoxic processes, such as Fe-reductive dissolution, in Sb mobilization. This research underscores the central role of relatively low concentrations of Mn oxyhydroxides in influencing the fate of trace elements. Our study also demonstrates that bioreactors operated as redox-stats represent versatile tools that allow quantifying the contribution of specific mechanisms determining the fate of trace elements in contaminated soils. KEY POINTS: • "Redox-stat" reactors elucidate Sb mobilization mechanisms • Mn oxyhydroxides microbial reductive dissolution has a major role in Sb mobilization in soils under moderately reducing conditions • Despite aging the soil exhibited significant Sb mobilization potential, emphasizing persistent environmental effects.
Topics: Manganese; Trace Elements; Bacteroidetes; Soil
PubMed: 38598118
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13133-2 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Nov 2023The efficiency of antimony selenide (Sb Se ) solar cells is still limited by significant interface and deep-level defects, in addition to carrier recombination at the...
The efficiency of antimony selenide (Sb Se ) solar cells is still limited by significant interface and deep-level defects, in addition to carrier recombination at the back contact surface. This paper investigates the use of lithium (Li) ions as dopant for Sb Se films, using lithium hydroxide (LiOH) as a dopant medium. Surprisingly, the LiOH solution not only reacts at the back surface of the Sb Se film but also penetrate inside the film along the (Sb Se ) molecular chain. First, the Li ions modify the grain boundary's carrier type and create an electric field between p-type grain interiors and n-type grain boundary. Second, a gradient band structure is formed along the vertical direction with the diffusion of Li ions. Third, carrier collection and transport are improved at the surface between Sb Se and the Au layer due to the reaction between the film and alkaline solution. Additionally, the diffusion of Li ions increases the crystallinity, orientation, surface evenness, and optical electricity. Ultimately, the efficiency of Sb Se solar cells is improved to 7.57% due to the enhanced carrier extraction, transport, and collection, as well as the reduction of carrier recombination and deep defect density. This efficiency is also a record for CdS/Sb Se solar cells fabricated by rapid thermal evaporation.
PubMed: 37691096
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304246 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Groundwater is an essential source for drinking water production. Nitrate infiltration into groundwater due to over-fertilization can cause a potential risk for...
Groundwater is an essential source for drinking water production. Nitrate infiltration into groundwater due to over-fertilization can cause a potential risk for groundwater quality. Pyrite and other geogenic minerals can be oxidized and trace metals consequently released into water, e.g., nickel and uranium. To achieve a better understanding of the nitrate-induced mobilization of metals, this study investigated the release of antimony, arsenic, chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, uranium, and vanadium from three different reduced sediments after nitrate addition. The experiments were conducted as batch and soil column tests under oxygen-free conditions. In addition to the ORP, the pH value was a relevant driver for the metal mobilization due to pH dependent adsorption and ion exchange processes. Uranium concentrations in the water increased with increasing redox potential. Also, antimony and, to a lesser extent, molybdenum showed higher mobilization at higher ORP as well as at higher pH values. On the contrary, arsenic and cobalt was immobilized with increasing redox potential. Pourbaix diagrams demonstrated very complex species distributions even in synthetic water. The mobilization of trace metals is expected to be also influenced by the type of surrounding rocks and water quality parameters such as dissolved organic carbon.
PubMed: 38537820
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171961 -
Nanoscale May 2024Pnictogen nanomaterials have recently attracted researchers' attention owing to their promising properties in the field of electronic, energy storage, and nanomedicine...
Pnictogen nanomaterials have recently attracted researchers' attention owing to their promising properties in the field of electronic, energy storage, and nanomedicine applications. Moreover, especially in the case of heavy pnictogens, their chemistry allows for nanomaterial synthesis using both top-down and bottom-up approaches, yielding materials with remarkable differences in terms of morphology, size, yield, and properties. In this study, we carried out a comprehensive structural and spectroscopic characterization of antimony-based nanomaterials (Sb-nanomaterials) obtained by applying different production methodologies (bottom-up and top-down routes) and investigating the influence of the synthesis on their oxidation state and stability in a biological environment. Indeed, XANES/EXAFS studies of Sb-nanomaterials incubated in cell culture media were carried out, unveiling a different oxidation behavior. Furthermore, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of Sb-nanomaterials on six different cell lines: two non-cancerous (FSK and HEK293) and four cancerous (HeLa, SKBR3, THP-1, and A549). The results reveal that hexagonal antimonene (Sb-H) synthesized using a colloidal approach oxidizes the most and faster in cell culture media compared to liquid phase exfoliated (LPE) antimonene, suffering acute degradation and anticipating well-differentiated toxicity from its peers. In addition, the study highlights the importance of the synthetic route for the Sb-nanomaterials as it was observed to influence the chemical evolution of Sb-H into toxic Sb oxide species, playing a critical role in its ability to rapidly eliminate tumor cells. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the dark cytotoxicity of Sb-H and other related Sb-nanomaterials, underlining the importance of developing therapies based on controlled and on-demand nanomaterial oxidation.
Topics: Humans; Antimony; Oxidation-Reduction; Nanostructures; Cell Survival; Cell Line, Tumor; HEK293 Cells; HeLa Cells; A549 Cells
PubMed: 38625086
DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00532e -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Oct 2023Prenatal exposure to heavy metals causes multiple hazards to fetal growth and development. Epidemiological studies on the association between heavy metals and fetal...
Prenatal exposure to heavy metals causes multiple hazards to fetal growth and development. Epidemiological studies on the association between heavy metals and fetal chromosomal abnormalities (CAs) are lacking. We conducted a nested case-control study in a cohort of high-risk pregnant women in China from September 2018 to June 2021. A total of 387 participants were diagnosed with fetal CAs in the case group and 699 were diagnosed with a normal karyotype in the control group. Amniotic fluid concentrations of 10 metals (barium, cobalt, antimony, manganese, ferrum, copper, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and chromium) were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. We applied quantile g-computation and weighted quantile sum regression to assess the overall effect of metal mixtures and identify metals with significant weight. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses were used to estimate the effects of metals on CAs and CAs subtypes. Our results showed that the metal mixture concentrations were positively associated with the risk of fetal CAs. In adjusted logistic models, Sb was associated with fetal CAs (OR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.02-1.30), and revealed a linear dose-response relationship between Sb level and the risk of fetal CAs. Additionally, the exploratory analysis revealed that Sb levels were associated with Klinefelter syndrome (OR=1.452, 95% CI: 1.063-1.984) and Turner syndrome (OR=1.698; 95% CI,1.048-2.751). Our study revealed that metal mixtures are associated with a higher risk of fetal CAs and that this association may be driven primarily by Sb. Moreover, we provide a genetic perspective on the effects of heavy metals on sexual development in humans.
PubMed: 37776819
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115518 -
Optics Express Dec 2023Antimony selenide (SbSe) is a suitable candidate for a broadband photodetector owing to its remarkable optoelectronic properties. Achieving a high-performance...
Antimony selenide (SbSe) is a suitable candidate for a broadband photodetector owing to its remarkable optoelectronic properties. Achieving a high-performance self-powered photodetector through a desirable heterojunction still needs more efforts to explore. In this work, we demonstrate a broadband photodetector based on the hybrid heterostructure of SbSe nanorod arrays (NRAs) absorber and polymer acceptor (P(NDI2OD-T2), N2200). Owing to the well-matched energy levels between N2200 and SbSe, the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes in N2200/SbSe hybrid heterostructure is greatly inhibited. The photodetector can detect the wavelength from 405 to 980 nm, and exhibit high responsivity of 0.39 A/W and specific detectivity of 1.84 × 10 Jones at 780 nm without bias voltage. Meanwhile, ultrafast response rise time (0.25 ms) and fall time (0.35 ms) are obtained. Moreover, the time-dependent photocurrent of this heterostructure-based photodetector keeps almost the same value after the storge for 40 days, indicating the excellent stability and reproducibility. These results demonstrate the potential application of a N2200/SbSe NRAs heterojunction in visible-near-infrared photodetectors.
PubMed: 38178408
DOI: 10.1364/OE.506539 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2024Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant worldwide public health crisis that continues to threaten our ability to successfully treat bacterial infections. With...
UNLABELLED
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant worldwide public health crisis that continues to threaten our ability to successfully treat bacterial infections. With the decline in effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial therapies and the lack of new antibiotic pipelines, there is a renewed interest in exploring the potential of metal-based antimicrobial compounds. Antimony-based compounds with a long history of use in medicine have re-emerged as potential antimicrobial agents. We previously synthesized a series of novel organoantimony(V) compounds complexed with cyanoximates with a strong potential of antimicrobial activity against several AMR bacterial and fungal pathogens. Here, five selected compounds were studied for their antibacterial efficacy against three important bacterial pathogens: , , and . Among five tested compounds, SbPhACO showed antimicrobial activity against all three bacterial strains with the MIC of 50-100 µg/mL. The minimum bactericidal concentration/MIC values were less than or equal to 4 indicating that the effects of SbPhACO are bactericidal. Moreover, ultra-thin electron microscopy revealed that SbPhACO treatment caused membrane disruption in all three strains, which was further validated by increased membrane permeability. We also showed that SbPhACO acted synergistically with the antibiotics, polymyxin B and cefoxitin used to treat AMR strains of and , respectively, and that at synergistic MIC concentration 12.5 µg/mL, its cytotoxicity against the cell lines, Hela, McCoy, and A549 dropped below the threshold. Overall, the results highlight the antimicrobial potential of novel antimony-based compound, SbPhACO, and its use as a potentiator of other antibiotics against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens.
IMPORTANCE
Antibiotic resistance presents a critical global public health crisis that threatens our ability to combat bacterial infections. In light of the declining efficacy of traditional antibiotics, the use of alternative solutions, such as metal-based antimicrobial compounds, has gained renewed interest. Based on the previously synthesized innovative organoantimony(V) compounds, we selected and further characterized the antibacterial efficacy of five of them against three important Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Among these compounds, SbPhACO showed broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, with membrane-disrupting effects against all three pathogens. Furthermore, we revealed the synergistic potential of SbPhACO when combined with antibiotics, such as cefoxitin, at concentrations that exert no cytotoxic effects tested on three mammalian cell lines. This study offers the first report on the mechanisms of action of novel antimony-based antimicrobial and presents the therapeutic potential of SbPhACO in combating both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens while enhancing the efficacy of existing antibiotics.
Topics: Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Humans; Antimony; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Positive Bacteria; Escherichia coli; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus; Cell Membrane
PubMed: 38651882
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04234-23 -
Toxics Oct 2023Antimony (Sb) is a non-essential metalloid that can be taken up by plants from contaminated soils and thus enter the food chain and threaten human health. L. (ramie) is...
Antimony (Sb) is a non-essential metalloid that can be taken up by plants from contaminated soils and thus enter the food chain and threaten human health. L. (ramie) is a promising phytoremediation plant for Sb-polluted soils. However, the mechanisms of antimonite (SbIII) and antimonate (SbV) uptake by ramie remain unclear. In this study, a hydroponic system was established to investigate how different substances affect the uptake of SbIII or SbV by ramie, including an energy inhibitor (malonic acid), an aquaglyceroporin inhibitor (silver nitrate), an SbV analog (phosphate-PV), and SbIII analogs (arsenite-AsIII, glycerol, silicic acid-Si, and glucose). The results indicated that ramie primarily transported Sb by increasing the Sb concentration in the bleeding sap, rather than increasing the weight of the bleeding sap. After 16 h of Sb exposure, the absolute amount of transported Sb from the roots to the aboveground parts was 1.90 times higher under SbIII than under SbV. The addition of malonic acid significantly inhibited the uptake of SbV but had limited effects on SbIII, indicating that SbV uptake was energy dependent. PV addition significantly reduced SbV uptake, while the addition of AsIII, glycerol, and Si obviously inhibited SbIII uptake. This suggested that the uptake of SbV might be via low-affinity P transporters and SbIII might use aquaglyceroporins. These findings deepen the understanding of Sb uptake pathways in ramie, contribute to a better comprehension of Sb toxicity mechanisms in ramie, and establish a foundation for identifying the most effective Sb uptake pathways, which could further improve the efficiency of phytoremediation of Sb-polluted soils.
PubMed: 37888710
DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100860 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023The toxic effects of antimony pose risks to human health. Therefore, simple analytical techniques for its widescale monitoring in water sources are in demand. In this...
The toxic effects of antimony pose risks to human health. Therefore, simple analytical techniques for its widescale monitoring in water sources are in demand. In this study, a sensitive microplate apta-enzyme assay for Sb detection was developed. The biotinylated aptamer A was hybridized with its complementary biotinylated oligonucleotide T and then immobilized on the surface of polysterene microplate wells. Streptavidin labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) bound to the biotin of a complementary complex and transformed the 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine substrate, generating an optical signal. Sb presenting in the sample bounded to an A aptamer, thus releasing T, preventing streptavidin-HRP binding and, as a result, reducing the optical signal. This effect allowed for the detection of Sb with a working range from 0.09 to 2.3 µg/mL and detection limit of 42 ng/mL. It was established that the presence of Ag at the stage of A/T complex formation promoted dehybridization of the aptamer A and the formation of the A/Sb complex. The working range of the Ag-enhanced microplate apta-enzyme assay for Sb was determined to be 8-135 ng/mL, with a detection limit of 1.9 ng/mL. The proposed enhanced approach demonstrated excellent selectivity against other cations/anions, and its practical applicability was confirmed through an analysis of drinking and spring water samples with recoveries of Sb in the range of 109.0-126.2% and 99.6-106.1%, respectively.
Topics: Humans; Streptavidin; Silver; Oligonucleotides; Cations; Enzyme Assays; Horseradish Peroxidase; Water; Limit of Detection; Aptamers, Nucleotide
PubMed: 37836816
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196973