Displaying publications 361 - 380 of 10535 in total

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  1. Salleh SF, Ajibola OO, Nolasco-Hipolito C, Husaini A, Zarrabal-Octavio C, Lihan S, et al.
    Molecules, 2022 Jun 15;27(12).
    PMID: 35744962 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123840
    In the present work, the influence of geographical location on the fatty acid profiles, antioxidant potential, as well as cytotoxicity of edible dabai fruit fractions (kernel, skin, and pulp) were analyzed. The fatty acid profiles were determined by Gas Chromatography (GC), and the antioxidant activity was quantified with free 2,2-diphenyl-1-picr/ylhdrazyl, while the cytotoxicity was assessed by the brine shrimp lethality test. The results showed that the samples from Sibu, Serian, and Kapit geographical locations had a high content of the saturated fatty acids, ranging from 46.63% to 53.31% in the three fractions. The highest mono-saturated fatty acids (MUFA) content was found in Sibu. Serian and Kapit kernel fractions MUFA, however, ranged from 21.2% to 45.91%. No fatty acid composition was detected in Bentong and Kanowit. The fatty acid composition and DPPH free radical scavenging antioxidant activity of dabai were statistically independent using a multivariate analysis in different localities in Malaysia. The skin fraction had a more appreciable antioxidant potential and toxicity level than the pulp and kernel fractions. The highest antioxidant activity (EC50 198.76 ± 1.06 µg/mL) with an LC50 value of 1387.22 µg/mL was obtained from the Sibu skin fraction. Therefore, the fatty acid composition, antioxidant, as well as cytotoxicity analyses of the extracts from different localities indicated that "geographical location" remarkably influenced fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, and toxicity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fruit/chemistry; Plant Extracts/chemistry
  2. Segaran A, Chua LS
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Sep;276(Pt 1):133856.
    PMID: 39009267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133856
    Biomolecules, specifically proteins, polysaccharides, and secondary metabolites are potential lead compounds due to their remarkable pharmacological properties. However, the complex molecular structure of the biomolecules makes their separation processes of great challenges. The conventional downstream processes require multistep protocols that are less efficient, high solvent consumption, expensive, time-consuming, and laborious. Hence, aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is a reliable technique for the extraction and purification of biomolecules from a complex mixture. ATPS is an environmentally friendly, simple, cost effective, and easily scalable process. It requires a short processing time to separate biomolecules of industrial values simultaneously in a single process. Modifications have also been performed by introducing deep eutectic solvents, ionic liquids, carbohydrates, amino acids or copolymers to enhance the process efficiency with an increased yield, purity and bioactivity of recovered biomolecules. This review attempts to review the recent developed ATPSs and their efficiency to extract, isolate, and purify biomolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, secondary metabolites and other biological substances. The review provides insights into the feasibility and reliability of ATPS for biomolecule recovery.
    Matched MeSH terms: Solvents/chemistry; Ionic Liquids/chemistry
  3. Chen X, Keong CY, Mei X, Lan J
    PMID: 24508891 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2014.01.048
    Spaceflight represents a complex environmental condition. Space mutagenesis breeding has achieved and marked certain results over the years. This method was employed in our previous studies in order to obtain improved germplasm of Isatis indigotica. This study is to determine the chemical changes in I. indigotica seeds carried after Chinese first spaceship (Shenzhou I). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), second derivative and two-dimensional infrared (2DIR) correlation spectroscopy were used in analysis. Not much differences between the two spectra were found except the peaks in the range of 1500-1200 cm(-)(1) which was about 7 cm(-)(1) different and indicated the absorption could be initialed from different bonds. SP4 showed different derivative compared with C4 in the second derivative spectra of 1200-800 cm(-)(1). The stronger signal of 2DIR in SP4 indicated the protein content of the seed was changed after spaceflight. It is concluded that spaceflight provided an extreme condition that caused changes of chemical properties in I. indigotica.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seeds/chemistry*; Isatis/chemistry*
  4. Azmi CNA, Azahar SS, Shamsulazri NAN, Hamidon TS, Hussin MH, Nee TW, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Dec;282(Pt 4):137200.
    PMID: 39489239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137200
    Corrosion causes significant economic losses and structural failures in industries, highlighting the need for eco-friendly inhibitors. Chitosan (CS), a biodegradable and non-toxic biopolymer, shows potential, though its limited water solubility restricts its applications. To overcome this challenge, this study presents the synthesis of two water-soluble chitosan Schiff bases (CSBs) derived from the shells of Metapenaeus dobsoni (M. dobsoni). The extracted CS exhibits a remarkable degree of deacetylation exceeding 95 %, which was subsequently modified through reactions with o-vanillin (2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) (CSB I) and 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (CSB II). Structural characterization using spectroscopic techniques confirmed the successful formation of CSBs. Electrochemical measurements were employed to assess the corrosion resistance of mild steel in 0.5 M HCl with varying concentrations of CSB I and CSB II. The results revealed superior corrosion inhibition by CSB II (% IE = 94.48 %) compared to CSB I (% IE = 88.80 %). The methoxy group in CSB II contributed to its higher electron density and enhanced adsorption, leading to better surface coverage and corrosion resistance. Both inhibitors followed the Langmuir isotherm, suggesting a mix of physisorption and chemisorption. These CSBs are promising for corrosion control in industries like pipelines, storage tanks, construction materials, and acid pickling.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steel/chemistry; Animal Shells/chemistry
  5. Paramasivan T, Md Amin R, Zhao S, Wang T, Roseli N, Li D, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2025 Jan;32(2):587-602.
    PMID: 39695036 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-35711-7
    Estuarine fronts are formed due to sharp density discontinuities resulting from the convergence of different water masses. This study, conducted in May and August of 2022 during the southwest monsoon season, focuses on assessing the role of estuarine fronts at Kuala Terengganu estuary in the accumulation of microplastics in surface seawater. The Terengganu River basin area covers approximately 4600 km2 and consists of two main tributaries that drain into the Kuala Terengganu estuary. Microplastic samples were collected from three areas, the plume, front, and shelf, utilizing two methods: manta net (> 350 µm) and bucket-water sampling (> 20 µm). Results indicate that the estuarine front consistently exhibited higher microplastic concentrations than the plume and shelf regions throughout the study period, with bucket-water sampling contributing significantly to the abundance. Specifically, peak concentrations occurred during the ebb tide at the frontal region in both months, reaching 5761.703 particles m-3 and 12,687.437 particles m-3, respectively. The microplastics, predominantly transparent fibers smaller than 1000 µm, mostly showed signs of oxidative and mechanical weathering through SEM-EDS analysis, providing insights into their fate in estuarine surface waters. FTIR spectroscopy revealed polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyamide as the dominant polymers. These findings establish a baseline for microplastic abundance at the estuarine front of the Kuala Terengganu estuary and may inform future strategies for mitigating and recovering microplastic contamination in aquatic environments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seawater/chemistry; Rivers/chemistry
  6. Danial WH, Abdul Majid Z, Mohd Muhid MN, Triwahyono S, Bakar MB, Ramli Z
    Carbohydr Polym, 2015 Mar 15;118:165-9.
    PMID: 25542122 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.10.072
    The study reports on the preparation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from wastepaper, as an environmental friendly approach of source material, which can be a high availability and low-cost precursor for cellulose nanomaterial processing. Alkali and bleaching treatments were employed for the extraction of cellulose particles followed by controlled-conditions of acid hydrolysis for the isolation of CNCs. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the cellulose particles extracted while Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed the presence of CNCs. The diameters of CNCs are in the range of 3-10nm with a length of 100-300nm while a crystallinity index of 75.9% was determined from X-ray diffraction analysis. The synthesis of this high aspect ratio of CNCs paves the way toward alternative reuse of wastepaper in the production of CNCs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cellulose/chemistry*; Nanostructures/chemistry*; Nanoparticles/chemistry*
  7. Alvankarian J, Majlis BY
    PLoS One, 2015;10(3):e0119658.
    PMID: 25747514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119658
    Rapid prototyping (RP) of microfluidic channels in liquid photopolymers using standard lithography (SL) involves multiple deposition steps and curing by ultraviolet (UV) light for the construction of a microstructure layer. In this work, the conflicting effect of oxygen diffusion and UV curing of liquid polyurethane methacrylate (PUMA) is investigated in microfabrication and utilized to reduce the deposition steps and to obtain a monolithic product. The conventional fabrication process is altered to control for the best use of the oxygen presence in polymerization. A novel and modified lithography technique is introduced in which a single step of PUMA coating and two steps of UV exposure are used to create a microchannel. The first exposure is maskless and incorporates oxygen diffusion into PUMA for inhibition of the polymerization of a thin layer from the top surface while the UV rays penetrate the photopolymer. The second exposure is for transferring the patterns of the microfluidic channels from the contact photomask onto the uncured material. The UV curing of PUMA as the main substrate in the presence of oxygen is characterized analytically and experimentally. A few typical elastomeric microstructures are manufactured. It is demonstrated that the obtained heights of the fabricated structures in PUMA are associated with the oxygen concentration and the UV dose. The proposed technique is promising for the RP of molds and microfluidic channels in terms of shorter processing time, fewer fabrication steps and creation of microstructure layers with higher integrity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methacrylates/chemistry*; Oxygen/chemistry*; Polyurethanes/chemistry*
  8. Mukherjee S, Mukhopadhyay S, Pariatamby A, Ali Hashim M, Sahu JN, Sen Gupta B
    J Environ Sci (China), 2014 Sep 1;26(9):1851-60.
    PMID: 25193834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2014.06.029
    Recovery of cellulose fibres from paper mill effluent has been studied using common polysaccharides or biopolymers such as Guar gum, Xanthan gum and Locust bean gum as flocculent. Guar gum is commonly used in sizing paper and routinely used in paper making. The results have been compared with the performance of alum, which is a common coagulant and a key ingredient of the paper industry. Guar gum recovered about 3.86mg/L of fibre and was most effective among the biopolymers. Settling velocity distribution curves demonstrated that Guar gum was able to settle the fibres faster than the other biopolymers; however, alum displayed the highest particle removal rate than all the biopolymers at any of the settling velocities. Alum, Guar gum, Xanthan gum and Locust bean gum removed 97.46%, 94.68%, 92.39% and 92.46% turbidity of raw effluent at a settling velocity of 0.5cm/min, respectively. The conditions for obtaining the lowest sludge volume index such as pH, dose and mixing speed were optimised for guar gum which was the most effective among the biopolymers. Response surface methodology was used to design all experiments, and an optimum operational setting was proposed. The test results indicate similar performance of alum and Guar gum in terms of floc settling velocities and sludge volume index. Since Guar gum is a plant derived natural substance, it is environmentally benign and offers a green treatment option to the paper mills for pulp recycling.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alum Compounds/chemistry*; Biopolymers/chemistry*; Polysaccharides/chemistry*
  9. Anarjan N, Nehdi IA, Sbihi HM, Al-Resayes SI, Malmiri HJ, Tan CP
    Molecules, 2014 Sep 10;19(9):14257-65.
    PMID: 25211006 DOI: 10.3390/molecules190914257
    The incorporation of lipophilic nutrients, such as astaxanthin (a fat soluble carotenoid) in nanodispersion systems can either increase the water solubility, stability and bioavailability or widen their applications in aqueous food and pharmaceutical formulations. In this research, gelatin and its combinations with sucrose oleate as a small molecular emulsifier, sodium caseinate (SC) as a protein and gum Arabic as a polysaccharide were used as stabilizer systems in the formation of astaxanthin nanodispersions via an emulsification-evaporation process. The results indicated that the addition of SC to gelatin in the stabilizer system could increase the chemical stability of astaxanthin nanodispersions significantly, while using a mixture of gelatin and sucrose oleate as a stabilizer led to production of nanodispersions with the smallest particle size (121.4±8.6 nm). It was also shown that a combination of gelatin and gum Arabic could produce optimal astaxanthin nanodispersions in terms of physical stability (minimum polydispersity index (PDI) and maximum zeta-potential). This study demonstrated that the mixture of surface active compounds showed higher emulsifying and stabilizing functionality compared to using them individually in the preparation of astaxanthin nanodispersions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Excipients/chemistry*; Gelatin/chemistry*; Xanthophylls/chemistry
  10. Nurdin I, Johan MR, Yaacob II, Ang BC
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:589479.
    PMID: 24963510 DOI: 10.1155/2014/589479
    Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles have been synthesized using a chemical coprecipitation method at different nitric acid concentrations as an oxidizing agent. Characterization of all samples performed by several techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), alternating gradient magnetometry (AGM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. The XRD patterns confirmed that the particles were maghemite. The crystallite size of all samples decreases with the increasing concentration of nitric acid. TEM observation showed that the particles have spherical morphology with narrow particle size distribution. The particles showed superparamagnetic behavior with decreased magnetization values at the increasing concentration of nitric acid. TGA measurement showed that the stability temperature decreases with the increasing concentration of nitric acid. DLS measurement showed that the hydrodynamic particle sizes decrease with the increasing concentration of nitric acid. Zeta potential values show a decrease with the increasing concentration of nitric acid. The increasing concentration of nitric acid in synthesis of maghemite nanoparticles produced smaller size particles, lower magnetization, better thermal stability, and more stable maghemite nanoparticles suspension.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ferric Compounds/chemistry*; Nitric Acid/chemistry*; Nanoparticles/chemistry*
  11. Ho SK, Tan CP, Thoo YY, Abas F, Ho CW
    Molecules, 2014 Aug 19;19(8):12640-59.
    PMID: 25153876 DOI: 10.3390/molecules190812640
    Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with ethanol was used to extract the compounds responsible for the antioxidant activities of Misai Kucing (Orthosiphon stamineus). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize four independent variables: ethanol concentration (%), amplitude (%), duty cycle (W/s) and extraction time (min). Antioxidant compounds were determined by total phenolic content and total flavonoid content to be 1.4 g gallic acid equivalent/100 g DW and 45 g catechin equivalent/100 g DW, respectively. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) radical scavenging capacity assay and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging capacity assay to be 1,961.3 and 2,423.3 µmol Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC)/100 g DW, respectively. Based on the optimal conditions, experimental values were reported to be close to the predicted value by RSM modeling (p>0.05), indicating the suitability of UAE for extracting the antioxidants of Misai Kucing. Rosmarinic acid, kaempferol-rutinoside and sinesetine were identified by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biphenyl Compounds/chemistry; Free Radicals/chemistry; Picrates/chemistry; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Sulfonic Acids/chemistry; Free Radical Scavengers/chemistry; Orthosiphon/chemistry*; Benzothiazoles/chemistry
  12. Amid M, Abd Manap MY
    Food Chem, 2014 Dec 15;165:412-8.
    PMID: 25038694 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.03.133
    An amylase enzyme from pitaya peel was purified 234.2-folds with 72.1% recovery using ammonium sulphate precipitation, gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography. Gel filtration chromatography and SDS-PAGE revealed that the enzyme is monomeric with a molecular weight of 42.1kDa. The apparent Km and Vmax of the amylase were 2.7 mg/ml and 34.30 u/min/mg of protein, respectively. The enzyme was highly active and stable over a wide pH range from pH 3 to pH 11.0, with optimum activity being observed at pH 5.0. The enzyme was highly selective for soluble starch, amylopectin, glycogen and pulullan. The purified amylase did not require calcium and displayed extreme stability with regard to surfactants and oxidising agents. EDTA, a powerful chelating agent, did not have any significant effect on the stability of the enzyme. Such characteristics have not been previously reported for this type of enzyme from fruit peel. This enzyme, which possesses unique properties, could be widely used in different types of industries, especially in food and biotechnological applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Amylases/chemistry*; Fruit/chemistry*; Cactaceae/chemistry*
  13. Tee LH, Yang B, Nagendra KP, Ramanan RN, Sun J, Chan ES, et al.
    Food Chem, 2014 Dec 15;165:247-55.
    PMID: 25038673 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.05.084
    Dacryodes species are evergreen, perennial trees with fleshy fruits and belong to the family Buseraseae. Many Dacryodes species are underutilized but are widely applied in traditional folk medicine to treat malaria, fever and skin diseases. The nutritional compositions, phytochemicals and biological activities of Dacryodes edulis, Dacryodes rostrata, Dacryodes buettneri, Dacryodes klaineana and Dacryodes hexandra are presented. The edible fruits of D. edulis are rich in lipids, proteins, vitamins, fatty acids and amino acids. Its extracts (leaf, fruit and resin) exhibit antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic and other bioactivities. D. rostrata fruit has significant nutrient content, and is rich in proteins, lipids and minerals. These fruits are also highly rich in polyphenols, anthocyanins and antioxidant activities. This comprehensive review will assist the reader in understanding the nutritional benefits of Dacryodes species and in identifying current research needs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antioxidants/chemistry*; Fruit/chemistry; Plant Extracts/chemistry*
  14. Kamali KZ, Alagarsamy P, Huang NM, Ong BH, Lim HN
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:396135.
    PMID: 25136664 DOI: 10.1155/2014/396135
    Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized by the solid transformation of ferrous hydroxide and ferrihydrite in hydrothermal condition. The as-prepared α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, PL, XRD, Raman, TEM, AFM, FESEM, and EDX analysis. The experimental results indicated the formation of uniform hematite nanoparticles with an average size of 45 nm and perfect crystallinity. The electrochemical behavior of a GC/α-Fe2O3 electrode was studied using CV and EIS techniques with an electrochemical probe, [Fe(CN)6](3-/4-) redox couple. The electrocatalytic activity was investigated toward DA oxidation in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.8) by varying different experimental parameters. The chronoamperometric study showed a linear response in the range of 0-2 μM with LoD of 1.6 μM for DA. Square wave voltammetry showed a linear response in the range of 0-35 μM with LoD of 236 nM for DA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dopamine/chemistry*; Electrochemistry/methods; Ferric Compounds/chemistry*; Nanoparticles/chemistry*
  15. John J, Ann Mani S, Palaniswamy K, Ramanathan A, Razak AA
    J Prosthodont, 2015 Apr;24(3):233-8.
    PMID: 24976147 DOI: 10.1111/jopr.12191
    PURPOSE: The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the flexural properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) reinforced with oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The flexural strength and flexural modulus of three OPEFB fiber-reinforced PMMA were compared with a conventional and a commercially available reinforced PMMA. The three test groups included OPEFB fibers of 0.5 mm thickness, 2.0 mm thickness, and OPEFB cellulose.

    RESULTS: All test group specimens demonstrated improved flexural strength and flexural modulus over conventional PMMA. Reinforcement with OPEFB cellulose showed the highest mean flexural strength and flexural modulus, which were statistically significant when compared to the conventional and commercially reinforced PMMA used in this study. OPEFB fiber in the form of cellulose and 0.5 mm thickness fiber significantly improved flexural strength and flexural modulus of conventional PMMA resin. Further investigation on the properties of PMMA reinforced with OPEFB cellulose is warranted.

    CONCLUSIONS: Natural OPEFB fibers, especially OPEFB in cellulose form, can be considered a viable alternative to existing commercially available synthetic fiber reinforced PMMA resin.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cellulose/chemistry*; Dental Materials/chemistry; Polymethyl Methacrylate/chemistry*
  16. Sulaiman SF, Ooi KL
    J Agric Food Chem, 2014 Oct 1;62(39):9576-85.
    PMID: 25198055 DOI: 10.1021/jf502912t
    The present study compared pH, total soluble solids, vitamin C, and total phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of 40 fresh juices. The juice of Baccaurea polyneura showed the highest yield (74.17 ± 1.44%) and total soluble solids (32.83 ± 0.27 °Brix). The highest and lowest pH values were respectively measured from the juices of Dimocarpus longan (6.87 ± 0.01) and Averrhoa bilimbi (1.67 ± 0.67). The juice of Psidium guajava gave the highest total phenolic (857.24 ± 12.65 μg GAE/g sample) and vitamin C contents (590.31 ± 7.44 μg AAE/g sample). The juice of Phyllanthus acidus with moderate contents of total phenolics and vitamin C was found to exhibit the greatest scavenging (613.71 ± 2.59 μg VCEAC/g sample), reducing (2784.89 ± 3.93 μg TEAC/g sample), and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (95.37 ± 0.15%). The juice of Barringtonia racemosa was ranked second in the activities and total phenolic content. Gallic and ellagic acids, which were quantified as the major phenolics of the respective juices, are suggested to be the main contributors to the antioxidant activities. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the juices could be derived from myricetin and quercetin (that were previously reported as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors) in the hydrolyzed juice extracts. The juice of Syzygium samarangense, which was found to be highest in metal chelating activity (82.28 ± 0.10%), also was found to have these phenolics.
    Matched MeSH terms: alpha-Glucosidases/chemistry; Antioxidants/chemistry*; Fruit/chemistry; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Phenol/chemistry*; Phyllanthus/chemistry*; Barringtonia/chemistry*; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/chemistry*
  17. Kai T, Mak GL, Wada S, Nakazato T, Takanashi H, Uemura Y
    Bioresour Technol, 2014 Jul;163:360-3.
    PMID: 24813567 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.04.030
    In this study, a novel method for the production of biodiesel under mild conditions using fine particles of sodium methoxide formed in dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is proposed. Biodiesel is generally produced from vegetable oils by the transesterification of triglycerides with methanol. However, this reaction produces glycerol as a byproduct, and raw materials are not effectively utilized. Transesterification with DMC has recently been studied because glycerol is not formed in the process. Although solid-state sodium methoxide has been reported to be inactive for this reaction, the catalytic activity dramatically increased with the preparation of fine catalyst powders by crystallization. The transesterification of canola oil with DMC was studied using this catalyst for the preparation of biodiesel. A conversion greater than 96% was obtained at 65°C for 2h with a 3:1M ratio of DMC and oil and 2.0 wt% catalyst.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methanol/chemistry*; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated/chemistry*; Formates/chemistry*
  18. Soheilmoghaddam M, Wahit MU, Tuck Whye W, Ibrahim Akos N, Heidar Pour R, Ali Yussuf A
    Carbohydr Polym, 2014 Jun 15;106:326-34.
    PMID: 24721086 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.02.085
    Bionanocomposite films based on regenerated cellulose (RC) and incorporated with zeolite at different concentrations were fabricated by dissolving cellulose in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl) ionic liquid using a simple green method. The interactions between the zeolite and the cellulose matrix were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films significantly improved as compared with the pure regenerated cellulose film, without the loss of extensibility. Zeolite incorporation enhanced the thermal stability and char yield of the nanocomposites. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that zeolite was uniformly dispersed in the regenerated cellulose matrix. In vitro cytotoxicity test demonstrated that both RC and RC/zeolite nanocomposite films are cytocompatible. These results indicate that the prepared nanocomposites have potential applications in biodegradable packaging, membranes and biomedical areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biocompatible Materials/chemistry; Cellulose/chemistry*; Imidazoles/chemistry*; Solvents/chemistry; Zeolites/chemistry*; Ionic Liquids/chemistry*; Nanocomposites/chemistry*; Green Chemistry Technology
  19. Lahijani P, Zainal ZA, Mohamed AR, Mohammadi M
    Bioresour Technol, 2014 Apr;158:193-200.
    PMID: 24607454 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.02.015
    CO2 gasification of oil palm shell (OPS) char to produce CO through the Boudouard reaction (C + CO2 ↔ 2CO) was investigated under microwave irradiation. A microwave heating system was developed to carry out the CO2 gasification in a packed bed of OPS char. The influence of char particle size, temperature and gas flow rate on CO2 conversion and CO evolution was considered. It was attempted to improve the reactivity of OPS char in gasification reaction through incorporation of Fe catalyst into the char skeleton. Very promising results were achieved in our experiments, where a CO2 conversion of 99% could be maintained during 60 min microwave-induced gasification of iron-catalyzed char. When similar gasification experiments were performed in conventional electric furnace, the superior performance of microwave over thermal driven reaction was elucidated. The activation energies of 36.0, 74.2 and 247.2 kJ/mol were obtained for catalytic and non-catalytic microwave and thermal heating, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Carbon Dioxide/chemistry*; Gases/chemistry*; Plant Oils/chemistry*
  20. Sheikhy Narany T, Ramli MF, Aris AZ, Sulaiman WN, Juahir H, Fakharian K
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:419058.
    PMID: 24523640 DOI: 10.1155/2014/419058
    Hydrogeochemical investigations had been carried out at the Amol-Babol Plain in the north of Iran. Geochemical processes and factors controlling the groundwater chemistry are identified based on the combination of classic geochemical methods with geographic information system (GIS) and geostatistical techniques. The results of the ionic ratios and Gibbs plots show that water rock interaction mechanisms, followed by cation exchange, and dissolution of carbonate and silicate minerals have influenced the groundwater chemistry in the study area. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater show a shift from low mineralized Ca-HCO3, Ca-Na-HCO3, and Ca-Cl water types to high mineralized Na-Cl water type. Three classes, namely, C1, C2, and C3, have been classified using cluster analysis. The spatial distribution maps of Na(+)/Cl(-), Mg(2+)/Ca(2+), and Cl(-)/HCO3 (-) ratios and electrical conductivity values indicate that the carbonate and weathering of silicate minerals played a significant role in the groundwater chemistry on the southern and western sides of the plain. However, salinization process had increased due to the influence of the evaporation-precipitation process towards the north-eastern side of the study area.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ions/chemistry; Minerals/chemistry; Groundwater/chemistry*
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