Insight into the catalytic performances of Fe0@chitosan/cellulose green hybrid structure for enhanced photo-Fenton's oxidation of levofloxacin toxic residuals: Pathway and toxicity

A green hybridized structure of Fe0 painted chitosan/cellulose base (Fe0@CS/CF) has been developed using cellulose extracted from sugarcane bagasse along with reduction agents sourced from Khaya senegalensis leaves. The composite was assessed as an affordable, powerful, and multifunctional catalyst for enhancing the degradation of Levofloxacin (LVX) remnants within water supplies via photo-Fenton's interactions. Using a dosage of 0.5 g/L, the Fe0@CS/CF blend demonstrated noteworthy catalytic qualities, resulting in the complete photo-Fenton's degradation of LVX at a level of 25 mg/L after 40 min. However, the complete diminution of organic carbon (TOC) occurred only after 100 min, suggesting the presence of significant intermediate residues. The identified intermediate chemicals and confirmed hydroxyl radicals as the main oxidizer suggest that the degradation pathway involves carboxylation/decarboxylation, hydroxylation, demethylation, and oxidation of quinolone rings. The toxicity properties of untreated LVX solutions and their subsequent oxidized byproducts were assessed by evaluating their inhibiting impact on Vibrio fischeri over various durations. The samples that experienced partial oxidation at initial testing demonstrated a higher level of toxicity in comparison to the parent LVX. However, the sample that was treated for 100 min demonstrated substantial biological safety and a non-toxic nature. The blend of ingredients has a synergistic impact that enhances the uptake, Fenton's, photocatalytic, and photo-Fenton's characteristics of the hosted Fe0 nanoparticles.

Steric and energetic studies on the influence of cellulose on the adsorption effectiveness of Mg trapped hydroxyapatite for enhanced remediation of chlorpyrifos and omethoate pesticides

Magnesium-trapped hydroxyapatite (Mg.HP) was hybridized with cellulose fiber to produce a bio-composite (CLF/HP) with enhanced adsorption affinities for two types of toxic pesticides (chlorpyrifos (CF) and omethoate (OM)). The enhancement influence of the hybridized cellulose on the adsorption performances of Mg.HP was illustrated based on the determined steric and energetic factors. The computed CF and OM adsorption performances of CLF/HP during the saturation phases are 279.8 mg/g and 317.9 mg/g, respectively, which are significantly higher than the determined values using Mg/HP (143.4 mg/g (CF) and 145.3 mg/g (OM)). The steric analysis demonstrates a strong impact of the hybridization process on the reactivity of the surface of the composite. While CLF/HP reflects effective uptake site densities (Nm) of 93.3 mg/g (CF) and 135.3 mg/g (OM), the estimated values for Mg.HP are 51.2 mg/g (CF) and 46.11 mg/g (OM), which explain the reported enhancement in the adsorption performances of the composite. The capacity of each uptake site to be occupied with more than one molecule (n (CF) = 3-3.74 and n (OM) = 2.35-3.54) suggests multimolecular uptake. The energetic factors suggested physical mechanistic processes of spontaneous and exothermic behaviors either during the uptake of CF or OM.

Synergetic and advanced isotherm investigation for the enhancement influence of zeolitization and β-cyclodextrin hybridization on the retention efficiency of U(vi) ions by diatomite

In synergetic investigations, the adsorption effectiveness of diatomite-based zeolitic structure (ZD) as well as its β-cyclodextrin (CD) hybrids (CD/ZD) towards uranium ions (U(vi)) was evaluated to examine the influence of the transformation procedures. The retention behaviors and mechanistic processes have been demonstrated through analyzing the steric and energetic factors employing the modern equilibrium approach (a monolayer model with a single energy level). After the saturation phase, the uptake characteristics of U(vi) were dramatically improved to 297.5 mg g-1 after the CD blending procedure versus ZD (262.3 mg g-1) or 127.8 mg g-1. The steric analysis indicated a notable increase in binding site levels after the zeolitization steps (Nm = 85.7 mg g-1) as well as CD implementation (Nm = 91.2 mg g-1). This finding clarifies the reported improvement in the ability of CD/ZD to effectively retain the U(vi) ions. Furthermore, every single active site of the CD/ZD material has the capacity to adsorb around four ions, which are aligned according to a vertical pattern. The energetic aspects, specifically Gaussian energy (<8 kJ mol-1) along with retention energy (<40 kJ mol-1), validate the regulated influences of the physical mechanistic processes. The physical adsorption of U(vi) seems to depend on various intermolecular forces, such as van der Waals forces, in conjunction with zeolitic ion exchanging pathways (0.6-25 kJ mol-1). The thermodynamic assets have been evaluated to confirm the exothermic together with spontaneous adsorption U(vi) by ZD and its blend with CD (CD/ZD).

Enhanced Retention of Cd(II) by Exfoliated Bentonite and Its Methoxy Form: Steric and Energetic Studies

Synergistic studies were conducted to evaluate the retention potentiality of exfoliating bentonite (EXBEN) as well as its methanol hybridization derivative (Mth/EXBEN) toward Cd(II) ions to be able to verify the effects of the transformation processes. The adsorption characteristics were established by considering the steric and energetic aspects of the implemented advanced equilibrium simulation, specifically the monolayer model with a single energy level. Throughout the full saturation states, the adsorption characteristics of Cd(II) increased substantially to 363.7 mg/g following the methanol hybridized treatment in comparison to EXBEN (293.2 mg/g) as well as raw bentonite (BEN) (187.3 mg/g). The steric analysis indicated a significant rise in the levels of the active sites following the exfoliation procedure [retention site density (Nm) = 162.96 mg/g] and the chemical modification with methanol [retention site density (Nm) = 157.1 mg/g]. These findings clarify the improvement in the potential of Mth/EXBEN to eliminate Cd(II). Furthermore, each open site of Mth/EXBEN has the capacity to bind approximately three ions of Cd(II) in a vertically aligned manner. The energetic investigations, encompassing the Gaussian energy (less than 8 kJ/mol) plus the adsorption energy (less than 40 kJ/mol), provide evidence of the physical sequestration of Cd(II). This process may involve the collaborative impacts of dipole binding forces (ranging from 2 to 29 kJ/mol) and hydrogen binding (less than 30 kJ/mol). The measurable thermodynamic functions, particularly entropy, internal energy, and free enthalpy, corroborate the exothermic and spontaneous nature of Cd(II) retention by Mth/EXBEN, as opposed to those by EXBEN and BE.

Effective retention of cesium ions from aqueous environment using morphologically modified kaolinite nanostructures: experimental and theoretical studies

Kaolinite can undergo a controlled morphological modification process into exfoliated nanosilicate sheets (EXK) and silicate nanotubes (KNTs). The modified structures were assessed as potential effective adsorbents for the retention of Cs+ ions. The impact of the modification process on the retention properties was assessed based on conventional and advanced equilibrium studies, considering the related steric and energetic functions. The synthetic KNTs exhibit a retention capacity of 249.7 mg g-1 as compared to EXK (199.8 mg g-1), which is significantly higher than raw kaolinite (73.8 mg g-1). The kinetic modeling demonstrates the high effectiveness of the pseudo-first-order kinetic model (R2 > 0.9) to illustrate the sequestration reactions of Cs+ ions by K, EXK, and KNTs. The enhancement effect of the modification processes can be illustrated based on the statistical investigations. The presence of active and vacant receptors enhanced greatly from 19.4 mg g-1 for KA to 40.8 mg g-1 for EXK and 46.9 mg g-1 for KNTs at 298 K. This validates the significant impact of the modification procedures on the specific surface area, reaction interface, and reacting chemical groups' exposure. This also appeared in the enhancement of the reactivity of their surfaces to be able to uptake 10 Cs+ ions by KNTs and 5 ions by EXK as compared to 4 ions by kaolinite. The thermodynamic and energetic parameters (Gaussian energy < 8.6 kJ mol-1; uptake energy < 40 kJ mol-1) show that the physical processes are dominant, which have spontaneous and exothermic properties. The synthetic EXK and KNT structures validate the high elimination performance of the retention of Cs+ either in the existence of additional anions or cations.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan hybridized zinc phosphate/hydroxyapatite core shell nanostructure and its potentiality as delivery system of oxaliplatin drug

An advanced form of zinc phosphate/hydroxyapatite nanorods with a core-shell structure (ZPh/HPANRs) was made and then hybridized with chitosan polymeric chains to make a safe biocomposite (CH@ZPh/HPANRs) that improves the delivery structure of traditional oxaliplatin (OXPN) chemotherapy during the treatment of colorectal cancer cells. The qualifications of CH@ZPh/HPANRs in comparison with ZPh/HPANRs as a carrier for OXPN were followed based on loading, release, and cytotoxicity. CH@ZPh/HPANRs composite exhibits a notably higher OXPN loading capacity (321.75 mg/g) than ZPh/HPANRs (127.2 mg/g). The OXPN encapsulation processes into CH@ZPh/HPANRs display the isotherm behavior of the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.99) and the kinetic assumptions of pseudo-first-order kinetics (R2 > 0.89). The steric studies reflect a strong increment in the quantities of the free sites after the chitosan hybridization steps (Nm = 34.6 mg/g) as compared to pure ZPh/HPANRs (Nm = 18.7 mg/g). Also, the capacity of each site was enhanced to be loaded by 10 OXPN molecules (n = 9.3) in a vertical orientation. The OXPN loading energy into CH@ZPh/HPANRs (<40 KJ/mol) reflects physical loading reactions involving van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding. The OXPN release profiles of CH@ZPh/HPANRs exhibit slow and controlled properties for about 140 h at pH 7.4 and 80 h at pH 5.5. The release kinetics and diffusion exponent (>0.45) signify non-Fickian transport and a complex erosion/diffusion release mechanism. The free CH@ZPh/HPANRs particles display a considerable cytotoxic effect on the HCT-116 cancer cells (9.53 % cell viability), and their OXPN-loaded product shows a strong cytotoxic effect (1.83 % cell viability).

Synthesis and Characterization of Iron-Rich Glauconite Nanorods by a Facile Sonochemical Method for Instantaneous and Eco-friendly Elimination of Malachite Green Dye from Aquatic Environments

Novel glauconite nanorods (GNRs) were synthesized by the sonication-induced chemical expansion and scrolling process of natural glauconite. The synthetic nanostructure was characterized by different analytical techniques as a superior adsorbent for the malachite green dye (MG). The synthetic GNRs were detected as porous nanorods with an average length of 150 nm to 5 μm, an average diameter of 25 to 200 nm, and a specific surface area of 123.7 m2/g. As an adsorbent for MG, the synthetic GNRs showed superior uptake capacity up to 1265.6 mg/g at the saturation stage, which is higher than most of the recently developed highly adsorbent dyes. The adsorption behavior and mechanistic properties were depicted by using modern and traditional equilibrium modeling. The kinetic assumption of the pseudo-first-order model (R2 > 0.94) and the classic isotherm of the Langmuir equilibrium model (R2 > 0.97) were used to describe the adsorption reactions. The steric investigation demonstrates that each active site on the surface of GNRs can adsorb up to three MG molecules (n = 2.19-2.48) in vertical orientation involving multimolecular mechanisms. Also, the determined active site density (577.89 mg/g) demonstrates the enrichment of the surface of GNRs with numerous adsorption receptors with strong affinity for the MG dye. The energetic study, including Gaussian energy (6.27-7.97 kJ/mol) and adsorption energy (9.45-10.43 kJ/mol), revealed that GNRs had physically adsorbed the dye, which might involve electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and dipole forces. The internal energy, enthalpy, and entropy determined the exothermic and spontaneous uptake of MG.

Drug Polymeric Carrier of Aceclofenac Based on Amphiphilic Chitosan Micelles

Amphiphilic micelles based on chitosan (CS) were applied as drug carriers of aceclofenac (ACF) as a potential method to induce its bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency. N-octyl-N,O-succinyl CS (OSCS), an amphiphilic CS derivative, was successfully synthesized and loaded physically by ACF at different pH values and using different dosages of ACF, forming ACF-loaded polymeric micelles (PMs). The obtained PMs and ACF-loaded PMs were characterized by different analytical techniques, including AFM, TEM, DLS, UV-vis spectrophotometry, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The pH 5 sample with a 30% ACF/polymer ratio showed the highest ACF loading capacity (LC) and entrapment efficiency (EE). In vitro release behaviors of pure ACF and ACF-loaded PMs at each release point indicated that the release profile of pH-responsive PMs loaded with ACF demonstrated quicker release rates (94% after 480 min) compared to the release behavior noticed for free ACF (59.56% after 480 min). Furthermore, the release rates exhibit a notable rise when the pH is increased from 1.2 to 4.7. In the carrageenan-induced inflammation model of paw edema in rats, it has been demonstrated that the injection of ACF-loaded PMs (at a dose of 10 mg/kg) resulted in a strengthened inflammatory activity compared to the injection of free ACF at equivalent dosages as well as at time intervals. However, the use of ACF-loaded PMs for a duration of 6 h displayed a notable reduction of paw edema, with an inhibition percentage of 85.09%, in contrast to the 74.9% inhibition percentage observed for the free ACF medication.

Advanced Equilibrium Modeling for the Synergetic Effect of β-Cyclodextrin Integration on the Adsorption Efficiency of Methyl Parathion by β-Cyclodextrin/Exfoliated Kaolinite Nanocomposite

Exfoliated kaolinite nanosheets (EXK) and their hybridization with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD/EXK) were evaluated as potential-enhanced adsorbents of methyl parathion (MP) in synergetic investigations to determine the effects of the different modification procedures. The adsorption behaviors were described on the basis of the energetic steric and energetic factors of the specific advanced equilibrium models (monolayer model of one energy). The functionalization process with β-CD enhanced the adsorption behaviors of MP considerably to 350.6 mg/g in comparison to EXK (291.7 mg/g) and natural kaolinite (K) (244.7 mg/g). The steric studies revealed a remarkable improvement in the quantities of the existing receptors after exfoliation (Nm = 134.4 mg/g) followed by β-CD hybridization (Nm = 162.3 mg/g) as compared to K (75.7 mg/g), which was reflected in the determined adsorption capacities of MP. Additionally, each active free site of β-CD/EXK can adsorb about 3 molecules of MP, which occur in a vertical orientation by types of multimolecular mechanisms. The energetic investigations of Gaussian energy (<8.6 kJ/mol) and adsorption energy (<40 kJ/mol) validate the physical adsorption of MP, which might involve the cooperation of dipole bonding forces, van der Waals, and hydrogen bonding. The properties and entropy values, free enthalpy, and intern energy as the investigated thermodynamic functions declared the exothermic and spontaneous behaviors of the MP adsorption.

Advanced Equilibrium Studies for the Synergetic Impact of Polyaniline on the Adsorption of Rhodamine B Dye by Polyaniline/Coal Composite

The synergetic improvement effect of the polyaniline (PANI) hybridization process on the adsorption of rhodamine B dye (RB) by PANI/coal hybrid material (PANI/C) has been evaluated using both traditional equilibrium modeling and advanced isotherm investigations. The composite was prepared by polymerizing polyaniline in the presence of coal fractions with a surface area of 27.7 m2/g. The PANI/C hybrid has an improved capacity to adsorb RB dye (423.5 mg/g) in comparison to coal particles (254.3 mg/g). The maintained increase in the elimination properties of PANI/C has been illustrated using the steric characteristics of active site density (Nm) as well as the total number of adsorbed RB on a single active site (n). However, the incorporation of PANI did not yield any substantial impact on the existing active sites' quantity, but the hybridization processes greatly influenced the selectivity and affinity of each active site, in addition to the aggregation characteristics of the dye as it interacts with the composite's surface. Whereas raw coal can only adsorb three molecules of RB, each active site throughout the PANI/C surface can adsorb approximately eight RB molecules. This is also evidence of RB dye adsorption in a vertical arrangement, which involves multimolecular processes. The Gaussian energy (4.01-5.59 kJ/mol) and adsorption energy (-4.34-4.68 kJ/mol) revealed the controllable impact of physical mechanisms. These mechanisms may include van der Waals forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonds (<30 kJ/mol). The thermodynamic functions, such as enthalpy, internal energy, and entropy, that have been assessed provide evidence supporting the exothermic and spontaneous nature of the RB uptake processes by PANI/C.

Investigating the impacts of heavy metal(loid)s on ecology and human health in the lower basin of Hungary's Danube River: A Python and Monte Carlo simulation-based study

This study aimed to determine the environmental and health risks of the heavy metal levels in the Danube River in Hungary. The metals, including Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, and As, were measured in the period from 2013 to 2019. The Spearman correlation and heatmap cluster analysis were utilized to determine the origin of pollution and the factors that control surface water quality. Several indices, such as the heavy metal pollution index (HPI), metal index (MI), hazard quotient oral and dermal (HQ), hazard index oral and dermal (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR), were conducted to evaluate the potential risks for the environment and human health. The values of the HPI were between the range of 15 < HPI < 30, which indicated moderate pollution; however, the MI results showed high pollution in Dunaföldvár and Hercegszántó cities. The ecological risk (RI < 30) and HI values (< 1) showed low environmental risks and non-carcinogenic impacts of the existing metals, either on adults or children. The mean CR value of oral arsenic was 2.2E-04 and 2.5E-04 during April-September and October-March, respectively, indicating that children were the most vulnerable to arsenic-carcinogenic oral effects. While lead's CR oral values for children during April-September exceeded the threshold of 1.0E-04, chromium's oral and dermal CR values for both adults and children were 2.08E-04, 6.11E-04, 1.97E-04, and 5.82E-04 during April-September and October-March, respectively. These results demonstrate the potential carcinogenic risks related to chromium exposure within the two pathways in Hungary and highlight the need for effective measures to mitigate these risks.

A novel potentiometric sensor based on ZnO decorated polyaniline/coal nanocomposite for diltiazem determination

Diltiazem (DTZ) is one of the most effective medications for treating cardiovascular diseases. It has been widely used for the treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension and some types of arrhythmia. The development and application of a modified carbon paste sensor with improved detection limits for the potentiometric determination of diltiazem are the main goals of the current study. Sensitivity, long-term stability, reproducibility and improving the electrochemical performance are among the characteristics that have undergone careful examination. A modified carbon paste sensor based on β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as ionophore, a lipophilic anionic additive (NaTPB) and a ZnO-decorated polyaniline/coal nanocomposite (ZnO@PANI/C) dissolved in dibutyl phthalate plasticizer, exhibited the best performance and Nernstian slope. The ZnO@PANI/C based sensor succeeded in lowering the detection limit to 5.0 × 10-7 through the linear range 1.0 × 10-6 to 1.0 × 10-2 mol L-1 with fast response time ≤ 10.0 s. The prepared nanomaterial was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface properties of the proposed sensor were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The selectivity behavior of the investigated sensor was tested against a drug with similar chemical structure and biologically important blood electrolytes (Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+). The proposed analytical method was applied for DTZ analysis in pure drug, pharmaceutical products and industrial water samples with excellent recovery data.

Study of synergistic effects induced by novel base composites on heavy metals removal and pathogen inactivation

The green-collar strategies for nanomaterial synthesis with novel structural competencies have received significant attention in nanotechnology owing to their potential benefits. The utilization of silica nanoparticles for wastewater treatment through heavy metal ions remediation is the focal point of the present study. With this intent, silica was extracted from bagasse ash by the sol-gel method and modified using chitosan. Chemical and physical characteristics of silica(S), silica/Chitosan (SCs), were reckoned through X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the efficiency of synthesized biomaterials for removing heavy metal ions. Cadmium and Lead from wastewater was evaluated by conducting closed batch experiments. Isotherm and kinetics models were applied to understand the adsorption mechanism. Results of heavy metal ions removal showed that the S possesses the highest removal efficiency of 88% for cadmium. Equilibrium was established within 56 min following a Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order reaction. The synthesized biomaterials were also tested against the fungal (Aspergillus Niger) and bacterial strains (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) to determine their antimicrobial properties Maximum inhibition of 26 mm was shown by SCs for E.coli. Synthesized samples were not so effective for A.niger. The high adsorption potential of silica nanoparticles reveals their potential to treat wastewater containing inorganic pollutants like calcium and lead released from the sugar industry firsthand, thereby building a circular economy by controlling the pollution from source to sink. The synthesized silica nanoparticles and silica/chitosan biomaterials demonstrated high adsorption potential for heavy metal ions, making them promising candidates for integration into Algal Membrane Bioreactors to enhance wastewater treatment efficiency and remove toxic pollutants. Their multifunctional properties, including antimicrobial activity, also offer potential for improving microbial control within AMBRs, ensuring a more effective and sustainable wastewater treatment process.

Graphene-grafted bimetallic MOF membranes for hazardous & toxic contaminants treatment

Development of membrane with improved carbon dioxide (CO2) gas separation capability is a significant challenge. However, the fabrication of membrane that efficiently separate and purification CO2-containing gases has been the focus of global attention. Cellulose Acetate (CA) has robust reinforcing characteristics when incorporated within a suitable polymer matrix. This work focus on the synthesis of novel mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) by introducing Graphene-grafted bimetallic MOFs in Cellulose Acetate polymer. The graphene-grafted bimetallic MOF (GG-BM MOFs) was prepared by a hydrothermal technique. Whereas, the solution casting approach used to fabricate membranes. The 1-5 wt% of GG-BM MOFs incorporated into the CA matrix. The mechanical, hydrophilicity and adsorption characteristics of fabricated MMMs were investigated. The crystallinity of MMM enhanced after the addition of GG-BM MOFs. In addition, the mechanical characteristics of MMMs were improved with the incorporation of GG-BM MOFs inside the polymer matrix. Maximum stress and strain was obtained for 2 wt% MMM (36.4 N/mm2 and 11% respectively). The CO2 adsorption performance was evaluated at 10 bar and 45 °C. The FTIR results represent insignificant bond shifting with the addition GG-BM MOFs at these conditions. The overall results showed that MMMs containing 2 wt% GG-BM MOFs have good adsorption properties for CO2 i.e 3.15 wt% of CO2. The MMMs have shown a decrease in the mechanical properties and CO2 adsorption at the higher GG-BM MOFs loading due to the presence of agglomeration which was confirmed through SEM. Thus, the addition of GG-BM MOFs in the CA matrix positively altered the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting MMMs, which could assist them in achieving remarkable CO2 adsorption at 2 wt%.

Steric and Energetic Studies on the Synergetic Enhancement Effect of Integrated Polyaniline on the Adsorption Properties of Toxic Basic and Acidic Dyes by Polyaniline/Zeolite-A Composite

The synergetic enhancement effect of the polyaniline (PANI) integration process on the adsorption properties of the PANI/zeolite-A composite (PANI/ZA) as an adsorbent for malachite green and Congo red synthetic dyes was evaluated based on classic equilibrium modelling in addition to the steric and energetic parameters of advanced isotherm studies. The PANI/ZA composite displays enhanced adsorption capacities for both methylene blue (270.9 mg/g) and Congo red (235.5 mg/g) as compared to ZA particles (methylene blue (179.6 mg/g) and Congo red (140.3 mg/g)). The reported enhancement was illustrated based on the steric parameters of active site density (Nm) and the number of adsorbed dyes per active site (n). The integration of PANI strongly induced the quantities of the existing active sites that have enhanced affinities towards both methylene blue (109.2 mg/g) and Congo red (92.9 mg/g) as compared to the present sites on the surface of ZA. Every site on the surface of PANI/ZA can adsorb about four methylene blue molecules and five Congo red molecules, signifying the vertical orientation of their adsorbed ions and their uptake by multi-molecular mechanisms. The energetic investigation of the methylene blue (-10.26 to -16.8 kJ/mol) and Congo red (-9.38 to -16.49 kJ/mol) adsorption reactions by PANI/ZA suggested the operation of physical mechanisms during their uptake by PANI/ZA. These mechanisms might involve van der Waals forces, dipole bonding forces, and hydrogen bonding (<30 kJ/mol). The evaluated thermodynamic functions, including enthalpy, internal energy, and entropy, validate the exothermic and spontaneous behaviours of the methylene blue and Congo red uptake processes by PANI/ZA.

Characterization of Chitosan-Hybridized Diatomite as Potential Delivery Systems of Oxaliplatin and 5-Fluorouracil Drugs: Equilibrium and Release Kinetics

The current work involves the modification of diatomite's biosiliceous frustules employing chitosan polymer chains (CS/Di) to serve as low-cost, biocompatible, multifunctional, and enhanced pharmaceutical delivery systems for 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) together with oxaliplatin (OXPL). The CS/Di carrier displayed strong loading characteristics, notably at saturation (249.17 mg/g (OXPL) and 267.6 mg/g (5-Fu)), demonstrating a substantial 5-Fu affinity. The loading of the two types of medications onto CS/Di was conducted based on the kinetic behaviors of the conventional pseudo-first-order theory (R2 > 0.90). However, while the loading of OXPL follows the isotherm assumptions of the classic Langmuir model (R2 = 0.99), the loading of 5-Fu displays Fruendlich isotherm properties. Therefore, the 5-Fu loading displayed physical, heterogeneous, and multilayer loading properties, whereas the loading of OXPL occurred in homogeneous and monolayer form. The densities of occupied active sites of CS/Di were 37.19 and 32.8 mg/g for the sequestrations of OXPL and 5-Fu, respectively. Furthermore, by means of multimolecular processes, each loading site of CS/Di can bind up to 8 molecules of OXPL and 9 molecules of 5-Fu in a vertical orientation. This observation explains the higher loading capacities of 5-Fu in comparison to OXPL. The loading energies, which exhibit values <40 kJ/mol, provide confirmation of the dominant and significant consequences of physical processes as the regulating mechanisms. The release patterns of OXPL and 5-Fu demonstrate prolonged features over a duration of up to 120 h. The release kinetic simulation and diffusion exponents which are more than 0.45 provide evidence of the release of OXP and 5-Fu via non-Fickian transportation characteristics and the erosion/diffusion mechanism. The CS/Di carrier exhibited a substantial enhancement in the cytotoxicity of OXPL and 5-Fu against HCT-116 carcinoma cell lines, resulting in a reduction in cell viability by 4.61 and 2.26% respectively.

Synthesis and characterization of Mg-hydroxyapatite and its cellulose hybridized structure as enhanced bio-carrier of oxaliplatin drug; equilibrium and release kinetics

An advanced form of magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite (Mg HAP) was synthesized and hybridized with cellulose fibers, producing a safe biocomposite (CF/Mg HAP) as an enhanced delivery structure of traditional oxaliplatin (OXPN) chemotherapy drug during the treatment stages of colorectal cancer. The qualifications of CF/Mg HAP as a carrier for OXPN were followed based on loading, release, and cytotoxicity as compared to Mg HAP. The CF/Mg HAP composite exhibits a notably higher OXPN encapsulation capacity (256.2 mg g-1) than the Mg HAP phase (148.9 mg g-1). The OXPN encapsulation process into CF/Mg HAP displays the isotherm behavior of the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.99) and the kinetic assumptions of pseudo-first-order kinetics (R2 > 0.95). The steric studies reflect a strong increment in the quantities of the free sites after the cellulose hybridization steps (Nm = 178.58 mg g-1) as compared to pure Mg HAP (Nm = 69.39 mg g-1). Also, the capacity of each site was enhanced to be loaded by 2 OXPN molecules (n = 1.43) in a vertical orientation. The OXPN encapsulation energy into CF/Mg HAP (<40 kJ mol-1) reflects physical encapsulation reactions involving van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding. The OXPN release profiles of CF/Mg HAP exhibit slow and controlled properties for about 100 h, either at pH 5.5 or pH 7.4. The release kinetics and diffusion exponent (>0.45) signify non-Fickian transport and a complex erosion/diffusion release mechanism. The free CF/Mg HAP particles display a considerable cytotoxic effect on the HCT-116 cancer cells (21.82% cell viability), and their OXPN-loaded product shows a strong cytotoxic effect (1.85% cell viability).

Synthesis and Characterization of Mg-Hydroxyapatite and Its β-Cyclodextrin Composite as Enhanced Bio-Carrier of 5-Fluorouracil Drug; Equilibrium and Release Kinetics

An advanced form of magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite (Mg·HAP) was integrated in composite with β-cyclodextrin producing a safe biocomposite (β-CD/HAP) as an enhanced delivery structure of traditional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy during the treatment stages of colorectal cancer cells. The qualifications of β-CD/HAP as a carrier for 5-FU were followed based on the loading, release, and cytotoxicity as compared to Mg·HAP. β-CD/HAP composite exhibits notably higher 5-FU encapsulation capacity (272.3 mg/g) than Mg·HAP phase (164.9 mg/g). The 5-FU encapsulation processes into β-CD/HAP display the isotherm behavior of the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.99) and kinetic assumptions of pseudo-first order kinetic (R2 > 0.95). The steric studies reflect a strong increment in the quantities of the free sites after the β-CD integration steps (Nm = 61.2 mg/g) as compared to pure Mg·HAP (Nm = 42.4 mg/g). Also, the capacity of each site was enhanced to be loaded by 5 of 5-FU molecules (n = 4.45) in a vertical orientation. The 5-FU encapsulation energy into β-CD/HAP (<40 kJ/mol) reflects physical encapsulation reactions involving van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding. The 5-FU release profiles of β-CD/HAP exhibit slow and controlled properties for about 80 h either in gastric fluid (pH 1.2) or in intestinal fluid (pH 7.4). The release kinetics and diffusion exponent (>0.45) signify non-Fickian transport and complex erosion/diffusion release mechanism. The free β-CD/HAP particles display a considerable cytotoxic effect on the HCT-116 cancer cells (33.62% cell viability) and its 5-FU-loaded product shows a strong cytotoxic effect (2.91% cell viability).

Synthesis and Characterization of Methoxy-Exfoliated Montmorillonite Nanosheets as Potential Carriers of 5-Fluorouracil Drug with Enhanced Loading, Release, and Cytotoxicity Properties

Natural bentonite clay (BE) underwent modification steps that involved the exfoliation of its layers into separated nanosheets (EXBE) and further functionalization of these sheets with methanol, forming methoxy-exfoliated bentonite (Mth/EXBE). The synthetically modified products were investigated as enhanced carriers of 5-fluorouracil as compared to raw bentonite. The modification process strongly induced loading properties that increased to 214.4 mg/g (EXBE) and 282.6 mg/g (Mth/EXBE) instead of 124.9 mg/g for bentonite. The loading behaviors were illustrated based on the kinetic (pseudo-first-order model), classic isotherm (Langmuir model), and advanced isotherm modeling (monolayer model of one energy). The Mth/EBE carrier displays significantly higher loading site density (95.9 mg/g) as compared to EXBE (66.2 mg/g) and BE (44.9 mg/g). The loading numbers of 5-Fu in each site of BE, EXBE, and Mth/EXBE (>1) reflect the vertical orientation of these loaded ions involving multi-molecular processes. The loading processes that occurred appeared to be controlled by complex physical and weak chemical mechanisms, considering both Gaussian energy (<8 KJ/mol) as well as loading energy (<40 KJ/mol). The releasing patterns of EXBE and Mth/EXBE exhibit prolonged and continuous properties up to 100 h, with Mth/EXBE displaying much faster behaviors. Based on the release kinetic modeling, the release reactions exhibit non-Fickian transport release properties, validating cooperative diffusion and erosion release mechanisms. The cytotoxicity of 5-Fu is also significantly enhanced by these carriers: 5-Fu/BE (8.6% cell viability), 5-Fu/EXBE (2.21% cell viability), and 5-Fu/Mth/EXBE (0.73% cell viability).

Insight into the synergetic, steric and energetic properties of zeolitization and cellulose fiber functionalization of diatomite during the adsorption of Cd(ii): advanced equilibrium studies

The adsorption potentiality of zeolitized diatomite (ZD) frustules and their cellulose hybridized (C/ZD) product for Cd(ii) ions was assessed in synergetic studies to investigate the impact of the modification processes. The adsorption properties were illustrated based on the steric and energetic parameters of the applied advanced equilibrium modeling (monolayer model of one energy). The cellulose hybridization process increased the adsorption properties of Cd(ii) significantly to 229.4 mg g-1 as compared to ZD (180.8 mg g-1) and raw diatomite (DA) (127.8 mg g-1) during the saturation state. The steric investigation suggested a notable increase in the quantities of the active sites after the zeolitization (Nm = 62.37 mg g-1) and cellulose functionalization (Nm = 98.46 mg g-1), which illustrates enhancement in the Cd(ii) uptake capacity of C/ZD. Moreover, each active site of C/ZD can absorb about 4 ions of Cd(ii) ZD, which occur in a vertical orientation. The energetic studies, including Gaussian energy (<8 kJ mol-1) and retention energy (<8 kJ mol-1), demonstrate the physical uptake of Cd(ii), which might involve cooperating van der Waals forces (4-10 kJ mol-1), hydrophobic bonds (5 kJ mol-1), dipole forces (2-29 kJ mol-1), and hydrogen bonding (<30 kJ mol-1) in addition to zeolitic ion exchange mechanisms (0.6-25 kJ mol-1). The behaviors and values of entropy, internal energy, and free enthalpy as the assessed thermodynamic functions validate the exothermic and spontaneous properties of the Cd(ii) retention by ZD and the C/ZD composite.

Insights into the Effect of Chitosan and β-Cyclodextrin Hybridization of Zeolite-A on Its Physicochemical and Cytotoxic Properties as a Bio-Carrier for 5-Fluorouracil: Equilibrium and Release Kinetics Studies

Synthetic zeolite-A (ZA) was hybridized with two different biopolymers (chitosan and β-cyclodextrin) producing biocompatible chitosan/zeolite-A (CS/ZA) and β-cyclodextrin/zeolite-A (CD/ZA) biocomposites. The synthetic composites were assessed as bio-carriers of the 5-fluorouracil drug (5-Fu) with enhanced properties, highlighting the impact of the polymer type. The hybridization by the two biopolymers resulted in notable increases in the 5-Fu loading capacities, to 218.2 mg/g (CS/ZA) and 291.3 mg/g (CD/ZA), as compared to ZA (134.2 mg/g). The loading behaviors using ZA as well as CS/ZA and CD/ZA were illustrated based on the classic kinetics properties of pseudo-first-order kinetics (R² > 0.95) and the traditional Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.99). CD/ZA shows a significantly higher active site density (102.7 mg/g) in comparison to CS/ZA (64 mg/g) and ZA (35.8 mg/g). The number of loaded 5-Fu per site of ZA, CS/ZA, and CD/ZA (>1) validates the vertical ordering of the loaded drug ions by multi-molecular processes. These processes are mainly physical mechanisms based on the determined Gaussian energy (<8 kJ/mol) and loading energy (<40 kJ/mol). Both the CS/ZA and CD/ZA 5-Fu release activities display continuous and controlled profiles up to 80 h, with CD/ZA exhibiting much faster release. According to the release kinetics studies, the release processes contain non-Fickian transport release properties, suggesting cooperative diffusion and erosion release mechanisms. The cytotoxicity of 5-Fu is also significantly enhanced by these carriers: 5-Fu/ZA (11.72% cell viability), 5-Fu/CS/ZA (5.43% cell viability), and 5-Fu/CD/ZA (1.83% cell viability).

Synthesis and Characterization of β-Cyclodextrin-Hybridized Exfoliated Kaolinite Single Nanosheets as Potential Carriers of Oxaliplatin with Enhanced Loading, Release, and Cytotoxic Properties

Natural kaolinite was subjected to a successful exfoliation process into separated kaolinite nanosheets (KNs), followed by hybridization with β-cyclodextrin biopolymer (β-CD), forming an advanced bio-nanocomposite (β-CD/KNs). The synthetic products were evaluated as enhanced delivery structures for oxaliplatin chemotherapy (OXAPN). The hybridization of KNs with β-CD polymer notably enhanced the loading capacity to 355.3 mg/g (β-CD/KNs) as compared to 304.9 mg/g for KNs. The loading of OXAPN into both KNs and β-CD/KNs displayed traditional pseudo-first-order kinetics (R² > 0.85) and a conventional Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.99). The synthetic β-CD/KNs validates a greater occupied effective site density (98.7 mg/g) than KNs (66.3 mg/g). Furthermore, the values of the n steric parameter (4.7 (KNs) and 3.6 (β-CD/KNs)) reveal the vertical orientation of the loaded molecules and the loading of them by multi-molecular mechanisms. These mechanisms are mainly physical processes based on the obtained Gaussian energy (<8 KJ/mol) and loading energy (<40 KJ/mol). The release profiles of both KNs and β-CD/KNs extend for about 120 h, with remarkably faster rates for β-CD/KNs. According to the release kinetic findings, the release of OXAPN displays non-Fickian transport behavior involving the cooperation of diffusion and erosion mechanisms. The KNs and β-CD/KNs as free particles showed considerable cytotoxicity and anticancer properties against HCT-116 cancer cell lines (71.4% cell viability (KNs) and 58.83% cell viability (β-CD/KNs)). Additionally, both KNs and β-CD/KNs significantly enhanced the OXAPN's cytotoxicity (2.04% cell viability (OXAPN/KNs) and 0.86% cell viability (OXAPN/β-CD/KNs).

Insight into the Morphological Properties of Nano-Kaolinite (Nanoscrolls and Nanosheets) on Its Qualification as Delivery Structure of Oxaliplatin: Loading, Release, and Kinetic Studies

Natural kaolinite underwent advanced morphological-modification processes that involved exfoliation of its layers into separated single nanosheets (KNs) and scrolled nanoparticles as nanotubes (KNTs). Synthetic nanostructures have been characterized as advanced and effective oxaliplatin-medication (OXAP) delivery systems. The morphological-transformation processes resulted in a remarkable enhancement in the loading capacity to 304.9 mg/g (KNs) and 473 mg/g (KNTs) instead of 29.6 mg/g for raw kaolinite. The loading reactions that occurred by KNs and KNTs displayed classic pseudo-first-order kinetics (R² > 0.90) and conventional Langmuir isotherms (R² = 0.99). KNTs exhibit a higher active site density (80.8 mg/g) in comparison to KNs (66.3 mg/g) and raw kaolinite (6.5 mg/g). Furthermore, compared to KNs and raw kaolinite, each site on the surface of KNTs may hold up to six molecules of OXAP (n = 5.8), in comparison with five molecules for KNs. This was accomplished by multi-molecular processes, including physical mechanisms considering both the Gaussian energy (<8 KJ/mol) and the loading energy (<40 KJ/mol). The release activity of OXAP from KNs and KNTs exhibits continuous and regulated profiles up to 100 h, either by KNs or KNTs, with substantially faster characteristics for KNTs. Based on the release kinetic investigations, the release processes have non-Fickian transport-release features, indicating cooperative-diffusion and erosion-release mechanisms. The synthesized structures have a significant cytotoxicity impact on HCT-116 cancer cell lines (KNs (71.4% cell viability and 143.6 g/mL IC-50); KNTs (11.3% cell viability and 114.3 g/mL IC-50). Additionally, these carriers dramatically increase OXAP's cytotoxicity (2.04% cell viability, 15.4 g/mL IC-50 (OXAP/KNs); 0.6% cell viability, 4.5 g/mL IC-50 (OXAP/KNTs)).

Characterization of cellulose-functionalized phillipsite biocomposite as an enhanced carrier of oxaliplatin drug during the treatment of colorectal cancer: loading, release, and cytotoxicity

Natural phillipsite (N.Ph) was hybridized with cellulose fibers to produce a safe biocomposite (CF/N.Ph) as an enhanced delivery structure of traditional oxaliplatin (OXPN) chemotherapy during the treatment stages of colorectal cancer cells. The requirements of CF/N.Ph as a carrier for OXPN were followed based on the loading, release, and cytotoxicity compared to N.Ph. CF/N.Ph composite exhibits a notably higher OXPN encapsulation capacity (311.03 mg g^-1) than the N.Ph phase (79.6 mg g^-1). The OXPN encapsulation processes into CF/N.Ph display the isotherm behavior of the Freundlich model (R² = 0.99) and the kinetic assumptions of pseudo-first order kinetic (R² > 0.95). The steric studies reflect a strong increment in the quantities of the free sites after the cellulose hybridization steps (Nm = 100.01 mg g^-1) compared to pure N.Ph (Nm = 27.94 mg g^-1). Additionally, the capacity of each site was enhanced to be loaded by 4 OXPN molecules (n = 3.11) compared to 3 by N.Ph (n = 2.85) in a vertical orientation. The OXPN encapsulation energy into CF/N.Ph (<40 kJ mol^-1) reflects physical encapsulation reactions involving electrostatic attraction, van der Waals forces, and hydrogen bonding. The OXPN release profiles of CF/N.Ph exhibit slow and controlled properties for about 150 h either at pH 5.5 or at pH 7.4. The release kinetics and diffusion exponent (>0.45) signify non-Fickian transport and a complex erosion/diffusion release mechanism. The free CF/N.Ph particles display a considerable cytotoxic effect on HCT-116 cancer cells (46.91% cell viability), and its OXPN-loaded product shows a strong cytotoxic effect (3.14% cell viability).

Biological characterization of microwave based synthesized ZnO and Ce doped ZnO nanoflowers impeded chitosan matrix with enhanced antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties

The chitosan matrix was used as a substrate for ZnO nanoflowers (ZnO/CH) and Ce-doped ZnO nanoflowers (Ce-ZnO/CH) by microwave-induced hydrothermal synthesis processes. The obtained hybrid structures were assessed as enhanced antioxidant and antidiabetic agents considering the synergetic effect of the different components. The integration of chitosan and cerium induced significantly the biological activity of ZnO flower-like particles. Ce-doped ZnO nano-flowers show higher activities than both ZnO nanoflowers and ZnO/CH composite reflecting the strong effect of surface electrons that were formed by the doping process as compared to the high interactive interface of the chitosan substrate. As an antioxidant the synthetic Ce-ZnO/CH composite achieved remarkable scavenging efficiencies for DPPH (92.4 ± 1.33 %), nitric oxide (95.2 ± 1.81 %), ABTS (90.4 ± 1.64 %), and superoxide (52.8 ± 1.22 %) radicals which are significantly higher values than Ascorbic acid as standard and the commercially used ZnO nanoparticles. Also, its antidiabetic efficiency enhanced greatly achieving strong inhibition effects on porcine α-amylase (93.6 ± 1.66 %), crude α-amylase (88.7 ± 1.82 %), pancreatic α-glucosidase (98.7 ± 1.26 %), crude intestinal α-glucosidase (96.8 ± 1.16 %), and amyloglucosidase (97.2 ± 1.72 %) enzymes. The recognized inhibition percentages are notably higher than the determined percentages using miglitol drug and slightly higher than acarbose. This recommends the Ce-ZnO/CH composite as a potential antidiabetic and antioxidant agent compared with the high cost and the reported side effects of the commonly used chemical drug.

Biological Activities of Sargassum Algae Mediated ZnO and Co Doped ZnO Nanoparticles as Enhanced Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetic Agents

Brown macroalgae (BMG) were used as carriers for ZnO (ZnO/BMG) and cobalt-doped ZnO (Co-ZnO/BMG) via facile microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. The multifunctional structures of synthesized composites were evaluated as enhanced antioxidant and anti-diabetic agents based on the synergistic effects of ZnO, Co-ZnO, and BMG. BMG substrate incorporation and cobalt doping notably enhanced the bioactivity of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. As an antioxidant, the Co-ZnO/BMG composite exhibited highly effective scavenging properties for the common free reactive oxygen radicals (DPPH [89.6 ± 1.5%], nitric oxide [90.2 ± 1.3%], ABTS [87.7 ± 1.8%], and O2●- [46.7 ± 1.9%]) as compared to ascorbic acid. Additionally, its anti-diabetic activity was enhanced significantly and strongly inhibited essential oxidative enzymes (porcine α-amylase (90.6 ± 1.5%), crude α-amylase (84.3 ± 1.8%), pancreatic α-glucosidase (95.7 ± 1.4%), crude intestinal α-glucosidase (93.4 ± 1.8%), and amyloglucosidase (96.2 ± 1.4%)). Co-ZnO/BMG inhibitory activity was higher than that of miglitol, and in some cases, higher than or close to that of acarbose. Therefore, the synthetic Co-ZnO/BMG composite can be used as a commercial anti-diabetic and antioxidant agent, considering the cost and adverse side effects of current drugs. The results also demonstrate the impact of cobalt doping and BMG integration on the biological activity of ZnO.

Synthesis and Biological Activity Evaluations of Green ZnO-Decorated Acid-Activated Bentonite-Mediated Curcumin Extract (ZnO@CU/BE) as Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Agents

Green ZnO-decorated acid-activated bentonite-mediated curcumin extract (ZnO@CU/BE) was prepared as a multifunctional antioxidant and antidiabetic agent based on the extract of curcumin, which was used as a reducing and capping reagent. ZnO@CU/BE showed notably enhanced antioxidant properties against nitric oxide (88.6 ± 1.58%), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (90.2 ± 1.76%), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (87.3 ± 1.61%), and superoxide (39.5 ± 1.12%) radicals. These percentages are higher than the reported values of ascorbic acid as a standard and the integrated components of the structure (CU, BE/CU, and ZnO). This signifies the impact of the bentonite substrate on enhancing the solubility, stability, dispersion, and release rate of the intercalated curcumin-based phytochemicals, in addition to enhancing the exposure interface of ZnO nanoparticles. Therefore, effective antidiabetic properties were observed, with significant inhibition effects on porcine pancreatic α-amylase (76.8 ± 1.87%), murine pancreatic α-amylase (56.5 ± 1.67%), pancreatic α-glucosidase (96.5 ± 1.07%), murine intestinal α-glucosidase (92.5 ± 1.10%), and amyloglucosidase (93.7 ± 1.55%) enzymes. These values are higher than those determined using commercial miglitol and are close to the values measured using acarbose. Hence, the structure can be applied as an antioxidant and antidiabetic agent.

Synthesis and Characterization of Green Zinc-Metal-Pillared Bentonite Mediated Curcumin Extract (Zn@CN/BE) as an Enhanced Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetes Agent

Green zinc-metal-pillared bentonite mediated curcumin extract (Zn@CN/BE) was synthesized and characterized as a low-cost and multifunctional (curcumin-based phytochemicals, zinc-capped curcumin, zinc/curcumin complexes, and zinc-pillared bentonite) antioxidant and antidiabetic agent with enhanced activity. The activities of the Zn@CN/BE structure were assessed in comparison with curcumin and ZnO as individual components and in the presence of miglitol and acarbose commercial drugs as controls. The structure validated remarkable antioxidant activities against the common oxidizing radicals (nitric oxide (94.7 ± 1.83%), DPPH (96.4 ± 1.63%), ABTS (92.8 ± 1.33%), and superoxide (62.3 ± 1.63 %)) and inhibition activities against the main oxidizing enzymes (porcine α-amylase (89.3 ± 1.13%), murine α-amylase (70.8 ± 1.54%), pancreatic α-Glucosidase (99.3 ± 1.23%), intestinal α-Glucosidase (97.7 ± 1.24%), and amyloglucosidase (98.4 ± 1.64%)). The reported activities are higher than the activities of individual components and the studied ascorbic acid as well as the commercial drugs. This enhancement effect was assigned to the impact of the zinc pillaring process within the curcumin/bentonite host, which induced the stability, dispersions, and interactive interface of the essential active compounds in addition to the solubility and release rate of the intercalated curcumin extract. This paper recommends the application of the Zn@CN/BE structure as an enhanced, low-cost, biocompatible, safe, and simply produced antioxidant and antidiabetic agent.

Insight into the effects of H2SO4 and HNO3 acidification processes on the properties of coal as an enhanced adsorbent for ciprofloxacin residuals: Steric and energetic studies

A sub-bituminous natural coal sample (R.C) was treated with sulfuric acid (S.C) and nitric acid (N.C) as modified products and enhanced adsorbents for obtaining ciprofloxacin (CFX) antibiotic residuals from water. The characterization studied demonstrates enhancement in the surface area and the incorporation of new active oxygenated, sulfur-bearing, and nitrogen-bearing chemical groups into the structure of coal samples. This was reflected in the adsorption capacities that were enhanced from 164.08 mg/g (R.C) to 489.2 mg/g and 518.5 mg/g for N.C and S.C, respectively. The impact of the acid modification processes was evaluated based on the energetic and steric properties of their adsorption systems considering the parameters of the advanced monolayer equilibrium model with one energy site. The determined occupied active sites’ density of R.C (46.32–61.44 mg/g), N.C (168.7–364.9 mg/g), and S.C (159.2–249.9 mg/g) reflects an increase in the quantities of active centers after the acid treatment processes, especially with HNO3. The higher efficiencies of the active sites of S.C to adsorb more CFX molecules (n = 2.08–2.31) than N.C (n = 1.41–2.16) illustrate its higher adsorption capacity. The energetic investigation [adsorption (˂40 kJ/mol) and Gaussian (˂8 kJ/mol) energies] suggested adsorption of CFX by N.C and S.C mainly by physical processes such as van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, dipole bonding, and π–π interactions. Moreover, the determined thermodynamic functions including entropy, internal energy, and free enthalpy reflect the spontaneous and endothermic uptake of CFX on the surfaces of N.C and S.C.

Synthesis and characterization of cellulose functionalized zeolitic diatomite as an enhanced carrier of oxaliplatin drug; loading, release, and cytotoxicity

Natural diatomite frustules (D) were incorporated in zeolitization and cellulose functionalization processes to obtain zeolitized diatomite (ZD) and cellulose fibrous/zeolitized diatomite composite (CF/ZD). The modified products were assessed as potential carriers of oxaliplatin drug (OXPL) with enhanced properties. The prepared ZD (112.5 mg/g) and CF/ZD (268.3 mg/g) structures exhibit significantly enhanced encapsulation capacities as compared to raw diatomite (65.9 mg/g). The occurred encapsulation reactions follow the classic Pseudo-first order kinetic (R² > 0.93) and traditional Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.99). The estimated effective encapsulation site density of CF/ZD is 104.8 mg/g which is a notably higher value than ZD (44.6 mg/g) and D (28.4 mg/g). Moreover, each effective site can be occupied with up to 3 molecules of OXPL molecules in vertical forms involving multi-molecular mechanisms. The encapsulation energy (<40 KJ/mol) suggested the predominant effects of the physical mechanisms during the encapsulation reactions. The release profiles of ZD as well as CF/ZD exhibit slow and controlled properties for about 100 h either at pH 5.5 or at pH 7.4. The release kinetic studies involving the obtained diffusion exponent values (>0.45) suggested non-Fickian transport and complex erosion/diffusion release mechanism. These structures exhibit enhanced cytotoxic effects on the HCT-116 cancer cell lines (D (18.78 % cell viability), ZD (9.76 % cell viability), and CF/ZD (3.16 % cell viability).

Superior removal of methylene blue using green fabricated pomegranate peel/nano-hematite composite: reusability, isotherm and kinetics study

Green hematite nanoparticles were synthesized using pomegranate peel extract of different concentrations (2 g, 4 g, and 6 g) and in the presence of the peel residuals. The obtained products defined as PP/GNH (I), PP/GNH (II), and PP/GNH (III) referring to the hematite nanoparticles at different concentrations compositing with pomegranate peel residuals. The products were addressed as green adsorbents for methylene blue dye contaminants in water. They exhibit superior adsorption properties with theoretical q_max of 666, 1111, and 909 mg/g for PP/GNH (I), PP/GNH (II), and PP/GNH (III), respectively. The equilibration times were attained after 480 min for the three products. The isotherm and kinetic studies indicate that the adsorption systems for the synthetic materials are of chemisorption type. The adsorption behaviors of these systems can be demonstrated according to Pseudo-second order as well as Elovich kinetic model. Furthermore, the adsorption results reflected a mono-layer uptake form which was more suitable for the Langmuir model than other investigated models. The products also showed high performances when it comes to remove the dyes investigated such as methylene blue Congo red, safranin, methyl orange, and crystal violet. Finally, green fabricated nano hematite/pomegranate peel composites are of high stability and can be reused for five cycles.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Insight into the Effect of Sulfonation Techniques on the Adsorption Properties of -SO3H Surface-Functionalized Coal as Adsorbent for Malachite Green Dye: Steric and Energetic Investigation

Natural coal (N.C) was sulfonated with sulfuric acid by normal stirring (MS.C) and sonication waves (SS.C) to obtain -SO₃H functionalized coal as enhanced adsorbents of malachite green dye (MG). The sulfonated products exhibit enhanced surface area (MS.C (27.2 m²/g) and SS.C (45.8 m²/g)) as compared to N.C. SS.C achieved higher acid density (14.2 mmol/g) and sulfur content (13.2 wt. %) as compared to MS.C. The impact of the sulfonation processes on the adsorption of MG was assessed based on the monolayer isotherm model of one energy. The MG Q _sat of N.C (121.3 mg/g), MS.C (226.3 mg/g), and SS.C (296.4 mg/g) validate the significant effect of the sulfonation processes by the sonication waves. This is in agreement with the active site densities that reflect the saturation of SS.C by more active sites (180.74 mg/g) than MS.C (120.38 mg/g) and N.C (70.84 mg/g). The MS.C and SS.C can adsorb three MG molecules as compared to two molecules per site of N.C. The Gaussian energy (<8 kJ/mol) and adsorption energy (<40 kJ/mol)) reflects the physisorption of MG involving van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and dipole bonding forces. The thermodynamic functions demonstrate the uptake of MG by exothermic, spontaneous, feasible reactions.

Enhanced Congo Red Adsorption and Photo-Fenton Oxidation over an Iron-Impeded Geopolymer from Ferruginous Kaolinite: Steric, Energetic, Oxidation, and Synergetic Studies

An iron-impeded geopolymer (Fe/GP) was synthesized from natural ferruginous kaolinite and optical waste for enhanced decontamination of Congo red (CR) dye. The adsorption properties of Fe/GP were assessed using an advanced monolayer equilibrium model of one energy (R ² > 0.99). Fe/GP possessed an active site density of 391.3 mg/g, which induced an adsorption capacity of 634 mg/g at the saturation state. The number of adsorbed CR molecules per site (n = 1.56-1.62) reflected the possible uptake of two molecules per site via a multimolecular mechanism. The adsorption energy (5.12-5.7 kJ/mol) reflected the physical adsorption of the CR molecules via hydrogen bonding and/or van der Waals forces. As a catalyst, notable activity toward photo-Fenton oxidation was achieved even at high CR concentrations. Complete oxidation was observed after 30 (CR concentration: 10 mg/L), 50 (20 mg/L), 80 (30 mg/L), 120 (40 mg/L), and 140 min (50 mg/L). High oxidation efficiency was achieved using 0.1 g/L Fe/GP, 0.1 mL of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and a visible light source. Increasing the Fe/GP dosage to 0.3 g/L resulted in complete oxidation of CR (100 mg/L) after 220 min. Therefore, synthetic Fe/GP can be used as a low-cost and superior catalyst and adsorbent for the removal of CR-based contaminants via adsorption or advanced oxidation processes.

Insight into the Loading Properties of Na+ Green-Functionalized Clinoptilolite as a Potential Carrier for the 5-Fluorouracil Drug, its Release Kinetics, and Cytotoxicity

Herein, natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) was functionalized by Na⁺ ions (G.Na⁺/Clino) utilizing a green tea extract prepared by a green production method as a potential carrier for the 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) drug with enhanced physicochemical behaviors. The G.Na⁺/Clino-modified product showed enhanced surface area (312 m²/g) and ion-exchange capacity (387 mequiv/100 g). The loading studies reflect high and controlled loading properties of G.Na⁺/Clino with an actual loading capacity of 291 and 462 mg/g, respectively. The loading reactions of 5-Fu into G.Na⁺/Clino were of pseudo-second-order kinetics and exhibited Langmuir isotherm properties. This suggested a monolayer and homogeneous loading process by chemical complexation and ion-exchange mechanisms with a Gaussian energy value of 10.47 kJ/mol. Additionally, these reactions were of endothermic and spontaneous nature based on the determined thermodynamic parameters. The release studies demonstrated the 5-Fu release profile for about 150 h at pH 1.2 and for 80 h at pH 7.4. The release reactions had non-Fickian transport properties and were controlled by both erosion and diffusion mechanisms, considering the release kinetic findings and the values of the diffusion exponent (0.42 at pH 1.2 and 0.37 at pH 7.4). The composite showed remarkable biocompatibility based on the measured cell viability and a cytotoxic effect on normal colorectal cells (CCD-18Co). Additionally, the application of G.Na⁺/Clino as an inorganic carrier for the 5-Fu drug prompted the cytotoxic effect of the drug on colon cancer cell treatment (HCT-116).

Insight into the adsorption properties of a β-cyclodextrin/phillipsite organophilic composite for effective removal of toxic organophosphorus pesticides: kinetic and advanced equilibrium studies

β-Cyclodextrin/phillipsite was used in the uptake of three pesticides from water achieving Qsat values of 360 mg g−1 (MPn), 321.6 mg g−1 (OM), and 434.5 mg g−1 (AC). The uptake energies suggested endothermic physisorption reactions.

Synthesis and characterization of Fe0@chitosan/cellulose biocompatible composites from natural resources as advanced carriers for ibuprofen drug: reaction kinetics and equilibrium

Fe0@chitosan/cellulose was synthesized as a carrier for Ibuprofen drug. It has achieved a loading capacity of 553 mg g−1 and a slow release profile for 260 h, which is controlled by complex diffusion and erosion mechanisms.

Effective desalination of brackish groundwater using zeolitized diatomite/kaolinite geopolymer as low-cost inorganic membrane; Siwa Oasis in Egypt as a realistic case study

The salinization of the groundwater wells in Siwa oasis, Egypt represents a critical environmental and economic issue. Developing low-cost, effective, and self-supported inorganic membranes were suggested as suitable desalination techniques. Zeolite/geopolymer (Z/GP) membrane was synthesized as a potential low-cost membrane for effective desalination of brackish groundwater in Siwa Oasis, Egypt. The membrane was synthesized by simple geopolymerization for natural kaolinite and diatomite at room temperature. This was followed by hydrothermal growth of zeolite at 100 °C for 24 h to produce zeolitized geopolymer as potential inorganic membrane. After that, the prepared membrane was incorporated in the pervaporation desalination system considering the effect of the membrane thickness and the temperature. The results demonstrated water flux values of 8.34 kg.m^-2.h^-1, 7.63 kg.m^-2.h^-1, and 7.05 kg.m^-2.h^-1 for the tested membrane at thicknesses of 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm, respectively. This associated with significant salt rejection prearranges 95.8% (1 mm), 97.6% (2 mm), and 99.4% (3 mm). Moreover, the high-temperature value (90 °C) is of strong positive impact on the water flux (7.82 kg.m^-2.h^-1) and a slight impact on the salt rejection (99.6%). The membrane is of significant stability considering the obtained water flux (7.51 kg.m^-2.h^-1) and salt rejection (99.57%) after 130 h. The reusability properties of the Z/GP membrane demonstrated its suitability to be used in the desalination process for five runs. Therefore, the synthetic Z/GP membrane is a highly recommended product for simple, effective, low cost, and available desalination technique brackish groundwater in Siwa Oasis.

Synthesis of zeolite/geopolymer composite for enhanced sequestration of phosphate (PO43-) and ammonium (NH4+) ions; equilibrium properties and realistic study

Zeolite impeded geopolymer (Z/G) was synthesized from natural kaolinite and diatomite. The structure (Z/G) was characterized as an enhanced adsorbent for PO₄^3- and NH₄⁺ ions from aqueous solutions, groundwater, and sewage water. The synthetic Z/G structure exhibits sequestration capacities of 206 mg/g and 140 mg/g for PO₄^3- and NH₄⁺, respectively which are higher values than the recognized results for the geopolymer and other adsorbents in literature. The sequestration reactions of PO₄^3- and NH₄⁺ by Z/G are of Pseudo-Second order kinetic behavior considering both the Chi-squared (χ²) and correlation coefficient (R²) values. The sequestration reactions occur in homogenous and monolayer forms considering their agreement with Langmuir behavior. The Gaussian energies (12.4 kJ/mol (PO₄^3-) and 10.47 kJ/mol (NH₄⁺)) demonstrate the operation of a chemical sequestration mechanism that might be involved zeolitic ion exchange process and chemical complexation. Additionally, these reactions are exothermic processes of spontaneous and favorable properties based on thermodynamic studies. The Z/G structure is of significant affinity for both PO₄^3- and NH₄⁺ even in the existence of other anions as Cl^-, HCO₃^-, SO₄^2-, and NO₃^-. Finally, the structure used effectively in the purification of groundwater and sewage water from PO₄^3- and NH₄⁺ in addition to nitrate, sulfate, and some metal ions.

Insight into the Technical Qualification of the Sonocogreen CaO/Clinoptilolite Nanocomposite (CaO(NP)/Clino) as an Advanced Delivery System for 5-Fluorouracil: Equilibrium and Cytotoxicity

Clinoptilolite as a natural zeolite was integrated with green CaO nanoparticles forming the green nanocomposite CaO_(NP)/Clino. The CaO_(NP)/Clino composite was assessed as a potential carrier for 5-fluorouracil (5-FL) drug. The CaO_(NP)/Clino carrier achieved an enhanced 5-FL loading capacity of 305.3 mg/g as compared to 163 mg/g for pure clinoptilolite. The kinetics of the 5-FL loading follow the properties of the pseudo-first-order model, while the equilibrium results are related to the Langmuir isotherm. Therefore, the 5-FL loading processes occurred in the monolayer formed by homogeneous active loading receptors on the surface of the CaO_(NP)/Clino carrier. The Gaussian energy of the 5-FL loading reaction (9.2 KJ/mol) reflected the dominant effect for the chemical mechanisms, especially the zeolitic ion-exchange mechanisms. Additionally, the thermodynamic parameters suggested endothermic, feasible, and spontaneous properties for the occurred 5-FL loading reactions. The release profile of 5-FL from CaO_(NP)/Clino has continuous and long properties (150 h) at pH 1.2 (gastric fluid) and pH 7.4 (intestinal fluid). The kinetic studies of the release reactions show considerable agreement with Higuchi, Hixson-Crowell, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. Such high fitting results and the diffusion exponent values (0.49 at pH 1.2 and 0.48 at pH 7.4) reflected the release properties of the Fickian transport behavior involving complex erosion and diffusion mechanisms. The cytotoxicity study of CaO_(NP)/Clino on colorectal normal cells (CCD-18Co) declare the safe and biocompatible effect as a carrier for the 5-FL drug. Additionally, CaO_(NP)/Clino as a carrier causes considerable enhancement for the cytotoxic effect of the loaded 5-FL drug on colon cancer cells (HCT-116).

Sulfonation of Natural Carbonaceous Bentonite as a Low-Cost Acidic Catalyst for Effective Transesterification of Used Sunflower Oil into Diesel; Statistical Modeling and Kinetic Properties

Bentonite sample enriched in organic matters (oil shale) was functionalized with -SO3H sulfonated carbonaceous bentonite (S-CB) by sulfonation process as a low-cost and effective acidic catalyst for the transesterification spent sunflower oil (SFO). The sulfonation effect was followed by several analytic techniques including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The catalytic performance of the sulfonated product was evaluated based on a statistical design which was built according to the response surface methodology and the central composite rotatable design. Using the S-CB acidic catalyst in the transesterification of spent SFO resulted in an actual biodiesel yield of 96% at studied conditions of 85 min at reaction interval, 50 °C as temperature,15:1 as methanol/oil ratio, and 3.5 wt % as S-CB loading. Moreover, the optimization function suggested enhancement to obtained yield up to 97.9% by selecting the values of temperature at 62 °C, the time at 98.5 min, the methanol/SFO ratio at 14.4:1, and S-CB loading at 3.4 wt %. The technical evaluation of the SFO biodiesel reflected the suitability of the product to be used as biofuels according to international standards. The kinetic behavior of the SFO transesterification reaction over S-CB is of pseudo-first order properties and of low activation energy. Finally, the synthetic S-CB as a solid acidic catalyst is of significant reusability and was reused five times with remarkable biodiesel yields.

Correction to: "Synthesis of Chitosan/Diatomite Composite as an Advanced Delivery System for Ibuprofen Drug; Equilibrium Studies and the Release Profile"

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c01514.].

Insight into the role of the zeolitization process in enhancing the adsorption performance of kaolinite/diatomite geopolymer for effective retention of Sr (II) ions; batch and column studies

Diatomite/kaolinite-based geopolymer (GP) was synthesized and incorporated in zeolitization process (Z/GP) to investigate the role of the zeolite phases in inducing its retention capacity of the dissolved Sr (II) ions in water. The retention of Sr (II) ions using Z/GP in comparison with GP was evaluated based on both batch and fixed-bed column studies. In the batch study, the zeolitized geopolymer (Z/GP) shows enhancement in the Sr (II) retention capacity (193.7 mg/g) as compared to the normal geopolymer (102 mg/g). Moreover, the recyclability studies demonstrate higher stability for Z/GP than GP with a retention percentage higher than 90% for five reusing runs. The kinetic and the equilibrium properties of the occurred Sr (II) retention reactions follow the assumption of the Pseudo-Second order model (R² > 0.96) and Langmuir model (R² > 0.97), respectively. The Gaussian energies (15.4 kJ/mol (GP) and 11.47 kJ/mol (Z/GP)) related to retention mechanism of chemical type and within the suggested range for the zeolitic ion exchange processes. The Sr (II) retention reactions by GP and Z/GP are of spontaneous and exothermic properties which qualifies the products to be used at low-temperature conditions (20 °C). The column studies also declared higher performance for the Z/GP fixed bed as compared to the normal GP bed considering the total Sr (II) retention percentage (72.9%), treated volume (8 L), saturation time (1620 min), and a maximum capacity of Z/GP particles in the bed (567.6 mg/g).