-
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2023The burgeoning human population has resulted in an augmented demand for raw materials and energy sources, which in turn has led to a deleterious environmental impact... (Review)
Review
The burgeoning human population has resulted in an augmented demand for raw materials and energy sources, which in turn has led to a deleterious environmental impact marked by elevated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, acidification of water bodies, and escalating global temperatures. Therefore, it is imperative that modern society develop sustainable technologies to avert future environmental degradation and generate alternative bioproduct-producing technologies. A promising approach to tackling this challenge involves utilizing natural microbial consortia or designing synthetic communities of microorganisms as a foundation to develop diverse and sustainable applications for bioproduct production, wastewater treatment, GHG emission reduction, energy crisis alleviation, and soil fertility enhancement. Microalgae, which are photosynthetic microorganisms that inhabit aquatic environments and exhibit a high capacity for CO fixation, are particularly appealing in this context. They can convert light energy and atmospheric CO or industrial flue gases into valuable biomass and organic chemicals, thereby contributing to GHG emission reduction. To date, most microalgae cultivation studies have focused on monoculture systems. However, maintaining a microalgae monoculture system can be challenging due to contamination by other microorganisms (e.g., yeasts, fungi, bacteria, and other microalgae species), which can lead to low productivity, culture collapse, and low-quality biomass. Co-culture systems, which produce robust microorganism consortia or communities, present a compelling strategy for addressing contamination problems. In recent years, research and development of innovative co-cultivation techniques have substantially increased. Nevertheless, many microalgae co-culturing technologies remain in the developmental phase and have yet to be scaled and commercialized. Accordingly, this review presents a thorough literature review of research conducted in the last few decades, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of microalgae co-cultivation systems that involve microalgae-bacteria, microalgae-fungi, and microalgae-microalgae/algae systems. The manuscript also addresses diverse uses of co-culture systems, and growing methods, and includes one of the most exciting research areas in co-culturing systems, which are omic studies that elucidate different interaction mechanisms among microbial communities. Finally, the manuscript discusses the economic viability, future challenges, and prospects of microalgal co-cultivation methods.
PubMed: 37799812
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1193424 -
Archives of Razi Institute Aug 2023Oral hygiene is one of the most influential and important issues in people's health. People have been using herbal components to maintain their oral hygiene for...
Oral hygiene is one of the most influential and important issues in people's health. People have been using herbal components to maintain their oral hygiene for centuries. Oral cancer develops in the oral cavity, and its origin always lies in the growth of malignant epithelial tissue cells. Due to the spread of this cancer in Iran, we intend to measure the antibacterial effects of the combination of and extracts. Cariogenic bacteria are one leading cause of oral cancer. We used this extract in mouthwash, toothpaste, and chewing gum, and we expect that it would reduce cell proliferation and be used in prevention and treatment. The new organic mouthwash, chewing gum, and toothpaste were designed and prepared using oil, , extract, the powder of wood, and leaves. With the use of herbal compounds in the preparation of these products, the quantity of essential chemical ingredients in the prepared samples was decreased. We examined the quality and stability of mouthwash, toothpaste, and chewing gum that indicated the standard level of each substance. Furthermore, we evaluated the antibacterial effects of our products, which indicated that our products can significantly reduce the total bacterial count. For the first time, a combination of and extract replaced chemicals in mouthwash, toothpaste, and chewing gum. Natural herbal ingredients with antimicrobial activity are effective in maintaining low bacterial counts in the mouth, and as a result, improving oral hygiene and health.
Topics: Humans; Mouthwashes; Salvadoraceae; Moringa oleifera; Disinfectants; Chewing Gum; Toothpastes; Plant Extracts; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Mouth Neoplasms
PubMed: 38226376
DOI: 10.32592/ARI.2023.78.4.1379 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Sep 2023The current study investigated the chemical complexity of fifty plastic (36) and elastomer/rubber (14) methanol extracts from consumer products, focusing on the...
The current study investigated the chemical complexity of fifty plastic (36) and elastomer/rubber (14) methanol extracts from consumer products, focusing on the association with toxicity in two screening assays (bacteria luminescence and marine microalgae). The chemical composition varied considerably between the products and polymers. The most complex sample (car tire rubber) contained 2456 chemical features and the least complex (disposable water bottle) only 39 features, with a median of 386 features across all products. Individual extract toxicity also varied significantly across the products and polymers, with the two toxicity assays showing comparable results in terms of defining low and high toxicity extracts, and correlation between medium toxicity extracts. Chemical complexity and abundance both correlated with toxicity in both assays. However, there were strong differences in toxicity between plastic and elastomer extracts. Overall, 86-93 % of the 14 elastomer extracts and only 33-36 % of other polymer extracts (n = 36) were more toxic than the median. A range of compounds were tentatively identified across the sample set, with several concerning compounds being identified, mostly in the elastomers. While the current focus on plastic chemicals is towards thermoplastics, we show that elastomers may be of more concern from an environmental and human health perspective.
Topics: Humans; Rubber; Plastics; Organic Chemicals; Polymers; Elastomers; Bacteria
PubMed: 37336109
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131810 -
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry Oct 2023In this study, the effects of organic acid-soaking (malic, citric, tartaric, and succinic acid) and sonication on the formation of flavor and α-dicarbonyl compounds in...
In this study, the effects of organic acid-soaking (malic, citric, tartaric, and succinic acid) and sonication on the formation of flavor and α-dicarbonyl compounds in Robusta (C. canephora syn. Coffea robusta) green beans were investigated. A total of 20 volatile compounds were identified in Robusta coffee. Furfural and 5-methyl furfural, two dominant volatile compounds in Arabica coffee, increased after organic acid pretreatment. In Robusta coffee processed from 3% malic acid-soaked coffee beans, furfural and 5-methyl furfural increased by 90.99% and 24.92%, respectively, compared to the control. In Robusta coffee processed from 3% malic acid-sonicated (280 W, 1 h) coffee beans, furfural and 5-methyl furfural increased by 236.03% and 114.77%, respectively. α-Dicarbonyls (glyoxal, methylglyoxal, and diacetyl) were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in all Robusta coffees after organic acid pretreatment. In Robusta coffee processed from coffee beans soaked and sonicated in tartaric acid solution, the α-dicarbonyls decreased by up to 44% and 58%, respectively, compared to the control. This study suggested the pretreatment methods to enhance the flavor substances and reduce the α-DCs in Robusta coffee.
Topics: Coffea; Sonication; Furaldehyde; Malates; Organic Chemicals
PubMed: 37673014
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2023.106580 -
Journal of Environmental Management Nov 2023The study presented here is a first qualitative assessment of the occurrence of organic contaminants contemplated and not yet contemplated in European Union...
Study of the presence and environmental risk of organic contaminants policed by the European Union and other organic compounds in the water resources of a region overlapping protected areas: The Guadiaro River basin (southern Spain).
The study presented here is a first qualitative assessment of the occurrence of organic contaminants contemplated and not yet contemplated in European Union environmental legislation in water resources in the little anthropized Guadiaro River basin (70% of its area is covered by natural vegetation), in southern Spain. Water samples were collected from four carbonate aquifers, two detrital aquifers and four surface water courses and were analyzed for (i) 171 organic contaminants, (ii) major ions and (iii) stable isotopes (δO, δH, δC). An environmental risk assessment was conducted through calculation of risk quotients comparing measured concentrations with ecotoxicological data found in the literature. Twenty-five organic contaminants were detected, at least once, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Cocaine and its main metabolite were detected in 85% and 95% of water samples, respectively (0.001-0.18 μg/L and 0.004-0.6 μg/L, respectively). Pyrene (PAH) was found in all water samples (0.001-0.015 μg/L) and forest fires were pointed out as a potential diffuse source. Relationship between rivers and aquifers is reflected by the distribution of organic contaminants, essentially the drugs of abuse. Concentration of contaminants were generally higher in groundwater samples, especially from detrital aquifers, potentially due to an accumulation process promoted by irrigation-return flows and by its slow dynamic compared to that of karstic systems. Pyrene concentration was also higher in some springs from karstic aquifers. Hence, calculated risk quotients were in general higher in groundwater, meaning that the threat to surface aquatic systems can grow as aquifers increase their influence on the water courses as the dry season progresses. The relationship between δC and most organic contaminants (especially pyrene) reveal the role of the soil as storage media.
Topics: European Union; Spain; Water Resources; Rivers; Organic Chemicals; Pyrenes; Water
PubMed: 37688965
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118903 -
Volatile organic compounds emitted by conventional and "green" cleaning products in the U.S. market.Chemosphere Nov 2023Exposure to cleaning products has been associated with harm to the respiratory system, neurotoxicity, harm to the reproductive system, and elevated risk of cancer, with...
Exposure to cleaning products has been associated with harm to the respiratory system, neurotoxicity, harm to the reproductive system, and elevated risk of cancer, with greatest adverse impacts for workers exposed in an occupational setting. Social and consumer interest in cleaning products that are safer for health created a market category of "green" products defined here as products advertised as healthier, non-toxic, or free from harmful chemicals as well as products with a third-party certification for safety or environmental features. In the present study we examined the air quality impacts of cleaning products and air fresheners, measuring the number, concentrations, and emission factors of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in an air chamber following product application. Across seven common product categories, 30 products were tested overall including 14 conventional, 9 identified as "green" with fragrance, and 7 identified as "green" and fragrance-free. A total of 530 unique VOCs were quantified with 205 additional VOCs detected below the limits of quantification. Of the quantifiable VOCs, 193 were considered hazardous according to either the California's Department of Toxic Substances Control Candidate Chemicals List or the European Chemical Agency's Classification and Labeling Inventory. The total concentration of VOCs and total emission factors across all products with detections ranged from below limits of detection to 18,708 μg/m, 38,035 μg/g product and 3803 μg/application. Greater total concentration, total emission factors, and numbers of VOCs were generally observed in conventional cleaning products compared to products identified as "green", particularly compared to fragrance-free products. A hazard index approach was utilized to assess relative risk from measured VOC emissions. The five products with the highest hazard indices were conventional products with emissions of 2-butoxyethanol, isopropanol, toluene and chloroform. Overall, this analysis suggests that the use of "green" cleaning products, especially fragrance-free products, may reduce exposure to VOC emissions.
Topics: Humans; Volatile Organic Compounds; 2-Propanol; Certification; Chloroform; Genitalia; Perfume
PubMed: 37709066
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139570 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Fauna is highly abundant and diverse in soils worldwide, but surprisingly little is known about how it affects soil organic matter stabilization. Here, we review how the... (Review)
Review
Fauna is highly abundant and diverse in soils worldwide, but surprisingly little is known about how it affects soil organic matter stabilization. Here, we review how the ecological strategies of a multitude of soil faunal taxa can affect the formation and persistence of labile (particulate organic matter, POM) and stabilized soil organic matter (mineral-associated organic matter, MAOM). We propose three major mechanisms - transformation, translocation, and grazing on microorganisms - by which soil fauna alters factors deemed essential in the formation of POM and MAOM, including the quantity and decomposability of organic matter, soil mineralogy, and the abundance, location, and composition of the microbial community. Determining the relevance of these mechanisms to POM and MAOM formation in cross-disciplinary studies that cover individual taxa and more complex faunal communities, and employ physical fractionation, isotopic, and microbiological approaches is essential to advance concepts, models, and policies focused on soil organic matter and effectively manage soils as carbon sinks, nutrient stores, and providers of food.
Topics: Soil; Soil Microbiology; Animals; Ecosystem; Organic Chemicals; Minerals; Carbon; Microbiota
PubMed: 38886372
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49240-x -
Biosensors Jul 2023In many fields, such as environmental monitoring, food safety, and medical diagnostics, the identification of organic compounds is essential. It is crucial to create...
In many fields, such as environmental monitoring, food safety, and medical diagnostics, the identification of organic compounds is essential. It is crucial to create exceptionally sensitive and selective sensors for the detection of organic compounds in order to safeguard the environment and human health. Due to its outstanding electrical, mechanical, and chemical characteristics, the two-dimensional carbon substance graphene has recently attracted much attention for use in sensing applications. The purpose of this research is to create an organic material sensor made from graphene for the detection of organic substances like phenol, ethanol, methanol, chloroform, etc. Due to its high surface-to-volume ratio and potent interactions with organic molecules, graphene improves the sensor's performance while the metasurface structure enables the design of highly sensitive and selective sensing elements. The suggested sensor is highly sensitive and accurate at detecting a broad spectrum of organic molecules, making it appropriate for a number of applications. The creation of this sensor has the potential to have a substantial impact on the field of organic sensing and increase the safety of food, medicine, and the environment. The graphene metasurface organic material sensor (GMOMS) was categorized into three types denoted as GMOMS1, GMOMS2, and GMOMS3 based on the specific application of the graphene chemical potential (GCP). In GMOMS1, GCP was applied on both the CSRR and CS surfaces. In GMOMS2, GCP was applied to the CS surface and the surrounding outer region of the CSRR. In GMOMS3, GCP was applied to the CSRR and the surrounding outer region of the CSRR surface. The results show that all three designs exhibit high relative sensitivity, with the maximum values ranging from 227 GHz/RIU achieved by GMOMS1 to 4318 GHz/RIU achieved by GMOMS3. The FOM values achieved for all the designs range from 2.038 RIU achieved by GMOMS2 to 31.52 RIU achieved by GMOMS3, which is considered ideal in this paper.
Topics: Humans; Graphite; Wastewater; Organic Chemicals; Phenol; Phenols
PubMed: 37622845
DOI: 10.3390/bios13080759 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024The leakage of gases and chemical vapors is a common accident in laboratory processes that requires a rapid response to avoid harmful effects if humans and instruments...
The leakage of gases and chemical vapors is a common accident in laboratory processes that requires a rapid response to avoid harmful effects if humans and instruments are exposed to this leakage. In this paper, the performance of a portable sensor node designed for integration with mobile and stationary robots used to transport chemical samples in automated laboratories was tested and evaluated. The sensor node has four main layers for executing several functions, such as power management, control and data preprocessing, sensing gases and environmental parameters, and communication and data transmission. The responses of three metal oxide semiconductor sensors, BME680, ENS160, and SGP41, integrated into the sensing layer have been recorded for various volumes of selected chemicals and volatile organic compounds, including ammonia, pentane, tetrahydrofuran, butanol, phenol, xylene, benzene, ethanol, methanol, acetone, toluene, and isopropanol. For mobile applications, the sensor node was attached to a sample holder on a mobile robot (ASTI ProBOT L). In addition, the sensor nodes were positioned close to automation systems, including stationary robots. The experimental results revealed that the tested sensors have a different response to the tested volumes and can be used efficiently for hazardous gas leakage detection and monitoring.
PubMed: 38400453
DOI: 10.3390/s24041295 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition) Jan 2024Elevated concentrations of toxic organic compounds observed in food products pose serious dangers to human health. Both natural and artificial pollutants can cause food... (Review)
Review
Elevated concentrations of toxic organic compounds observed in food products pose serious dangers to human health. Both natural and artificial pollutants can cause food contamination. The stages of food production, packaging, transportation, and storage can also largely cause the appearance of undesirable substances in food products. The health consequences of ingesting food containing toxic contaminants range from mild gastroenteritis to deaths resulting from dysfunctional internal organs and neurological syndromes. The World Health Organization (WHO) sets recommendations for the content of such chemicals in food, including a minimum allowable concentration considered safe for human consumption. However, the control of food products from chemical pollutants is necessary. Moreover, fast, sensitive, and inexpensive methods are needed to detect them at the point of need. Currently, immune analysis methods are most widely used to determine pollutants in food. The development of fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) methods in a competitive format is a powerful and modern tool for detecting organic molecules in various matrices, thereby making FPIA methods useful for food safety applications. Due to the availability of portable devices for measuring the fluorescence polarization signal, FPIA methods can be used at the point of need. The variety of fluorescent labels and recognizing elements (receptors, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, and nanobodies) permits fluorescence polarization (FP) assays to detect significantly lower limits of organic substances. The FP assay is a homogeneous, fast, and quantitative method. The development of various formats of FP assays makes them promising in determining food pollutants. This review summarizes publications on FP analyses for detecting organic contaminants (pesticides, hormones, toxins, antibiotics, and other pharmaceuticals) in food products during 2018-2023. Further, it demonstrates the prospects for using this method to determine pollutants at the point of need and for detecting high molecular weight substances, fungi, and bacterial infections during food safety inspections.
Topics: Humans; Food Safety; Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay; Fluorescence Polarization; Environmental Pollutants; Antibodies
PubMed: 38538523
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbe1601004