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ACS Omega Apr 2024Calcium silicate (CS), a new and important bioceramic bone graft material, is prepared by using eggshells, which have a porous structure and are rich in calcium ions....
Calcium silicate (CS), a new and important bioceramic bone graft material, is prepared by using eggshells, which have a porous structure and are rich in calcium ions. Furthermore, the preparation of new CS materials using eggshells and diatomaceous earth minimizes their negative impact on the environment. In this study, we prepared CS materials using a high-temperature calcination method. The composition of the material was demonstrated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the porous structure of the CS material. We also introduced ZnO to prepare ZnO-CS with antibacterial properties and showed that ZnO-CS exhibits excellent antibacterial effects through antibacterial experiments. Subsequent mineralization experiments demonstrated that ZnO-CS promoted the formation of a hydroxyapatite layer. Furthermore, cytotoxicity experiments demonstrated that ZnO-CS had very good biosafety and promoted cell proliferation. These findings were confirmed through subsequent cell proliferation experiments. Our results indicate that the novel ZnO-CS is a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering.
PubMed: 38708237
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00904 -
BMC Plant Biology May 2024Among different adsorbents, natural and inorganic compounds such as diatomite are important and advantageous in terms of high efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and...
BACKGROUND
Among different adsorbents, natural and inorganic compounds such as diatomite are important and advantageous in terms of high efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and function in stabilizing heavy metals in the environment. Calendula officinalis, a plant known as a high accumulator of heavy metals, was cultivated in soil treated with varying concentrations of modified diatomite to demonstrate the efficiency of modified diatomite in stabilizating of heavy metals in soils, RESULTS: The modification of diatomite aimed to enhance Calendula officinalis adsorptive properties, particularly towards heavy metals such as lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr), Nickle (Ni), and Copper (Cu), common contaminants in industrial soils. The experimental design included both control and treated soil samples, with assessments at regular intervals. Modified diatomite significantly decreased the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in contaminated soils except Zn, evidenced by decreased DTPA extractable heavy metals in soil and also heavy metal concentrations in plant tissues. Using 10% modified diatomite decreased 91% Pb and Cu, 78% Cr, and 79% Ni concentration of plants compared to the control treatment. The highest concentration of Zn in plant tissue was observed in 2.5% modified diatomite treatment. Remarkably, the application of modified diatomite also appeared to improve the nutrient profile of the soil, leading to enhanced uptake of key nutrients like phosphorus (P) 1.18%, and potassium (K) 79.6% in shoots and 82.3% in roots in Calendula officinalis. Consequently, treated plants exhibited improved growth characteristics, including shoots and roots height of 16.98% and 12.8% respectively, and shoots fresh and dry weight of 48.5% and 50.2% respectively., compared to those in untreated, contaminated soil.
CONCLUSION
The findings suggest promising implications for using such amendments in ecological restoration and sustainable agriculture, particularly in areas impacted by industrial pollution.
Topics: Metals, Heavy; Soil Pollutants; Diatomaceous Earth; Calendula; Soil; Biodegradation, Environmental; Environmental Restoration and Remediation
PubMed: 38698319
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05068-7 -
Alkalinity Regulation and Optimization of Cementitious Materials Used in Ecological Porous Concrete.Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Ecological porous concrete (EPC) is one of the novel formulations of concrete with unique phytogenic properties. However, achieving both low alkalinity and high strength...
Ecological porous concrete (EPC) is one of the novel formulations of concrete with unique phytogenic properties. However, achieving both low alkalinity and high strength in EPC proves challenging due to the inherently high alkalinity of the pore environment, which hinders the growth of the plant and affects its ecological benefits significantly. This research investigated the utilization of 15 types of chemical admixtures and diatomaceous earth as alkali-reducing agents to optimize the properties of silicate cementitious materials for the applications of EPC. To identify the most effective agents, the pH value and compressive strength of the cement paste were adopted as the screening criteria for the selection of the essential alkali-reducing ingredients. Subsequently, a composite approach combining chemical admixtures and DE was employed to explore the synergistic effects on the pH and strength of silicate cementitious materials. The results revealed that a combination of 8% DE, 5% oxalic acid, and 5% iron sulfate functioned effectively and resulted in desirable performance for the concrete. This synergistic blend effectively consumed a large amount of Ca(OH), reducing the pH of cement paste to 10.48 within 3 days. Furthermore, the hydration reaction generated C-S-H with a low Ca/Si ratio, leading to a remarkable increase in the compressive strength of the concrete, reaching 89.7 MPa after 56 days. This composite approach ensured both low alkalinity and high strength in silicate cementitious materials, providing a theoretical basis for the application and promotion of EPC in the ecological field.
PubMed: 38673275
DOI: 10.3390/ma17081918 -
International Journal of Biological... May 2024Intelligent wound management has important potential for promoting the recovery of chronic wounds caused by diabetes. Here, inspired by the field of kirigami, smart...
Intelligent wound management has important potential for promoting the recovery of chronic wounds caused by diabetes. Here, inspired by the field of kirigami, smart patterned high-stretch microneedle dressings (KPMDs) based on gene-modified spider silk proteins were developed to achieve sensitive biochemical and physiological sensing. The spider silk protein (spidroin) has excellent tensile properties, ductility, toughness and biocompatibility. Notably, the kirigami method-prepared kirigami structure of the spidroin MN dressing had a high tensile strength , while its ductility reached approximately 800 %. Moreover, the unique optical properties of photonic crystals allow for fluorescence enhancement, providing KPMD with color-sensitive properties suitable for wound management and clinical guidance. Furthermore, to improve the sensitivity of KPMD-s to motion monitoring, a microelectronic matrix was integrated on its surface. These distinct material properties suggest that this research lays the foundation for a new generation of high-performance biomimetic diatomaceous earth materials for application.
Topics: Fibroins; Animals; Needles; Wound Healing; Biomimetic Materials; Bandages; Tensile Strength; Humans; Biocompatible Materials
PubMed: 38663709
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131838 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... May 2024The LiSiO seems to be an excellent sorbent for CO capture at post-combustion. Our work contributes to understanding the effect of the natural Algerian diatomite as a...
The LiSiO seems to be an excellent sorbent for CO capture at post-combustion. Our work contributes to understanding the effect of the natural Algerian diatomite as a source of SiO in the synthesis of LiSiO for CO capture at high temperature. For this purpose, we use various molar % (stoichiometric and excess) of calcined natural diatomite and pure SiO. To select the best composition, CO sorption isotherms at 500 °C on the prepared LiSiO are obtained using TGA measurements under various flows of CO in N. The sorbent having 10% molar SiO in diatomite (10%ND-LS) exhibits the best CO uptake, probably due to various factors such as the content of the different secondary phases. A comparative study was performed at 400 to 500 °C on this selected 10%ND-LS and those with stoichiometric composition obtained with diatomite and pure SiO. The obtained isotherms show the endothermic character of CO sorption. In addition, the evolution of isosteric heat highlights the nature of the involved CO/LiSiO interactions, by considering the double-shell mechanism. Finally, the experimental sorption isotherms are confronted with some well-known adsorption models to explain the phenomenon occurring over our prepared sorbents. Freundlich and Jensen-Seaton models present a better correlation with the experimental results.
Topics: Diatomaceous Earth; Adsorption; Carbon Dioxide; Hot Temperature; Silicon Dioxide
PubMed: 38642231
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33332-8 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024This study aimed to create new composite materials based on diatomite-a non-organic porous compound-through its surface modification with bioactive organic compounds,...
This study aimed to create new composite materials based on diatomite-a non-organic porous compound-through its surface modification with bioactive organic compounds, both synthetic and natural. Chloramphenicol, tetrahydroxymethylglycoluril and betulin were used as modifying substances. Composite materials were obtained by covering the diatomite surface with bioactive substance compounds as a solution and material dispersion in it. The materials were characterized by IR spectroscopy, SEM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For the biocomposites, the hemolytic effect, plasma proteins' adsorption on the surface and the antibacterial activity of the obtained materials were studied. Results show that the obtained materials are promising for medicine and agriculture.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chloramphenicol; Diatomaceous Earth; Adsorption; Biocompatible Materials
PubMed: 38611887
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071608 -
International Journal of Biological... May 2024The drug encapsulation efficiency, release rate and time, sustained release, and stimulus-response of carriers are very important for drug delivery. However, these...
The drug encapsulation efficiency, release rate and time, sustained release, and stimulus-response of carriers are very important for drug delivery. However, these always cannot obtained for the carrier with a single component. To improve the comprehensive performance of chitosan-based carriers for 5-Fu delivery, diatomite-incorporated hydroxypropyl cellulose/chitosan (DE/HPC/CS) composite aerogel microspheres were fabricated for the release of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu), and the release performance was regulated with the content of diatomite, pH value, and external coating material. Firstly, the 5-Fu loaded DE/HPC/CS composite aerogel microspheres and Eudragit L100 coated microspheres were prepared with cross-linking followed by freeze-drying, and characterized by SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, DSC, TG, and swelling. The obtained aerogel microspheres have a diameter of about 0.5 mm, the weight percentage of F and Si elements on the surface are 0.55 % and 0.78 % respectively. The glass transition temperature increased from 179 °C to 181 °C and 185 °C with the incorporation of DE and coating of Eudragit, and the equilibrium swelling percentage of DE/HPC/CS (1.5:3:2) carriers are 101.52 %, 45.27 %, 67.32 % at pH 1.2, 5.0, 7.4, respectively. Then, the effect of DE content on the drug loading efficiency of DE/HPC/CS@5-Fu was investigated, with the increase of DE content, the highest encapsulation efficiency was 82.6 %. Finally, the release behavior of DE incorporated and Eudragit L100 Coated microspheres were investigated under different pH values, and evaluated with four kinetic models. The results revealed that the release rate of 5-Fu decreased with the increase of DE content, sustained release with extending time and pH-responsive were observed for the Eudragit-coated aerogel microspheres.
Topics: Chitosan; Microspheres; Cellulose; Delayed-Action Preparations; Fluorouracil; Drug Liberation; Diatomaceous Earth; Polymethacrylic Acids; Drug Carriers; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Gels
PubMed: 38588843
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131447 -
International Journal of Biological... May 2024In recent years, considerable attention has been given to the utilization of biomass for producing bio-based foams, such as starch-based foams. Despite their...
In recent years, considerable attention has been given to the utilization of biomass for producing bio-based foams, such as starch-based foams. Despite their renewability and widespread availability, these foams still present certain drawbacks regarding their poor mechanical properties and flammability. To tackle these concerns, a metal ion cross-linking strategy was employed by incorporating calcium ions (Ca) solution into foamed starch/cellulose slurry. Followed by ambient drying, starch/cellulose composite foam was successfully fabricated with a remarkable enhancement in various properties. Specifically, compared to the control sample, the compressive strength and modulus increased by 26.2 % and 123.0 %, respectively. Additionally, the Ca cross-linked starch/cellulose composite foam exhibited excellent heat resistance, water stability, and flame retardancy. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) reached 52 %, with a vertical combustion rating of V-0. Along with the addition of 2 phr diatomite, it demonstrated a significant enhancement on flame retardancy with a LOI of 65 %, although the apparent density of the composite foam was not low enough. This study indicated a green and simple method to obtain starch-based composite foams with enhanced comprehensive properties including thermal, water stability, mechanical, and flame retardancy, expanding their potential applications in areas such as building materials and rigid packaging.
Topics: Flame Retardants; Cellulose; Starch; Diatomaceous Earth; Compressive Strength; Water; Calcium
PubMed: 38569997
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131313 -
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces... Apr 2024Molybdenum disulfide (MoS) demonstrates promising applications in enhancing the corrosion and wear resistance of metals, but the susceptibility of this nanomaterial to...
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS) demonstrates promising applications in enhancing the corrosion and wear resistance of metals, but the susceptibility of this nanomaterial to agglomeration hinders its overall performance. In this study, the externally assisted corrosion inhibitor sodium molybdate (SM) was successfully constructed in diatomaceous earth (DE) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS). This not only served as a molybdenum source for MoS but also enabled the preparation of DE@MoS-SM microcapsules, achieving a corrosion inhibitor loading of up to 23.23%. The corrosion testing reveals that the composite coating, when compared to the pure epoxy coating, exhibits an impedance modulus 2 orders of magnitude higher (1.80 × 10 Ω·cm), offering prolonged protection for magnesium alloys over a 40 day period. Furthermore, a filler content of 3% sustains a coefficient of friction (COF) at 0.55 for an extended duration, indicating commendable stability and wear resistance. The protective performance is ascribed to the synergistic enhancement of corrosion and wear resistance in the coatings, facilitated by the pore structure of DE, the high hardness of MoS, and the obstructive influence of NaMoO. This approach offers a straightforward and efficient means of designing microcapsules for use in corrosive environments, whose application can be extended in industrial fields. In particular, we promote the application of nautical instruments, underwater weapons, and seawater batteries in the shipbuilding industry and marine engineering.
PubMed: 38557050
DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00461 -
Journal of Economic Entomology Jun 2024The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a very common stored-product pest. The mature larvae wander around searching for...
The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a very common stored-product pest. The mature larvae wander around searching for suitable places to pupate, offering an opportunity to control this pest. We evaluated the efficacy of 5 insecticide dusts: Alpine (0.25% dinotefuran, 95% diatomaceous earth [DE]), CimeXa (92.1% amorphous silica gel), DX13 (100% DE), Tempo (1% cyfluthrin), and Tri-Die (1% pyrethrin, 10% piperonyl butoxide, 40% amorphous silica) against P. interpunctella wandering larvae by allowing larvae to pass 1-inch treated band, expose to treated vinyl tiles for 5 min, and expose to treated harborage (with or without the presence of an untreated harborage). A commercially treated harborage product (Nattaro band) served as a positive control in the exposure to the treated harborage test. Tempo was significantly more effective than other insecticide dusts in the 1-inch band and forced exposure tests but caused only 44% and 54% larvae mortality in the 2 tests. In contrast, CimeXa, Tri-Die, and Tempo caused 84%-89% mortality when the larvae were provided with treated harborages. When both treated and untreated harborages were present, Tempo caused a significantly higher mortality and a lower percentage of emerged adults from larvae than Tri-Die, but not significantly more than CimeXa. Deploying Tempo or CimeXa-treated harborages and/or applying insecticide dust directly into the wall crevices, perimeters of the floor, shipping pallets, and other areas where P. interpunctella larvae hide could be an effective method for the management of the wandering stage of P. interpunctella larvae in storage facilities.
Topics: Animals; Moths; Larva; Insecticides; Insect Control; Nitro Compounds; Pyrethrins; Guanidines; Nitriles; Diatomaceous Earth; Piperonyl Butoxide; Neonicotinoids
PubMed: 38555593
DOI: 10.1093/jee/toae055