Inverse vulcanized polysulfides have been used as low-cost and effective adsorbents to remediate heavy metals in wastewater. Inverse vulcanization introduces sustainable polysulfide synthesis by solving the rapid desulfurization problem of unstable polysulfides, and provides superior performance compared to conventional commercial adsorbents. The review discussed the brief applications of the inverse vulcanized polysulfides to remove heavy metal wastewater and emphasized the modified synthesis processes for enhanced uptake ratios. The characteristics of polysulfide adsorbents, which play a vital role during the removal process are highlighted with a proper discussion of the interaction between metal ions and polysulfides. The review paper concludes with remarks on the future outlook of these low-cost adsorbents with high selectivity to heavy metals. These polysulfide adsorbents can be prepared using a wide variety of crosslinker monomers including organic hydrocarbons, cooking oils, and agro-based waste materials. They have shown good surface area and excellent metal-binding capabilities compared to the commercially available adsorbents. Proper postmodification processes have enabled the benefits of repetitive uses of the polysulfide adsorbents. The improved surface area obtained by appropriate choice of crosslinkers, modified synthesis techniques, and regeneration through post-modification has made inverse vulcanized polysulfides capable of removing.
The paper demonstrates the capability of using cockle shells as an adsorbent for phosphorus removal from simulated petrochemical wastewater, focusing on the actual condition of the petrochemical facultative pond. In this study, the physicochemical properties of shell powder were determined, such as the functional groups, surface morphology, crystalline structure, and surface area using FTIR, SEM, EDX, XRD, and BET. It was observed that the optimum conditions for effective phosphorus removal are under the presence of rotational speed (125 rpm), higher dosage (7 g/L), and larger surface area (smaller particle size) of the shell powder. Fine powder achieved up to 52.27% of phosphorus removal after 40 min compared to coarse powder which could only give 16.67% removal. Additionally, calcined shell powder demonstrated a higher phosphorus removal rate, i.e., up to 62.37%, compared to raw shell powders. The adsorption isotherm was studied using Langmuir and Freundlich models, but the isothermal data fit better for the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.9836). Overall, this study has successfully generated a greener and low-cost adsorbent.
Diabetes affects millions globally and poses treatment challenges. Targeting the enzyme fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) in gluconeogenesis and exploring plant-based therapies offer potential solutions for improving diabetes management while supporting sustainability and medicinal advancements. Utilizing pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.) waste as a source of drug precursors could be valuable for health and environmental care due to its medicinal benefits and abundant yearly biomass production. Therefore, this study conducted a virtual screening to identify potential natural compounds from pineapple that could inhibit FBPase activity. A total of 112 compounds were screened for drug-likeness and ADMET properties, and molecular docking simulations were performed on 20 selected compounds using blind docking. The lead compound, butane-2,3-diyl diacetate, was subjected to 100 ns MD simulations, revealing a binding energy of -5.4 kcal/mol comparable to metformin (-5.6 kcal/mol). The MD simulation also confirmed stable complexes with crucial hydrogen bonds. Glu20, Ala24, Thr27, Gly28, Glu29, Leu30, Val160, Met177, Asp178, and Cys179 were identified as key amino acids that stabilized the human liver FBPase-butane-2,3-diyl diacetate complex, while Tyr215 and Asp218 played a crucial role in the human liver FBPase-Metformin complex. Our study indicates that the lead compound has high intestinal solubility. Therefore, it would show rapid bloodstream distribution and effective action on the target protein, making butane-2,3-diyl diacetate a potential antidiabetic drug candidate. However, further investigations in vitro, preclinical, and clinical trials are required to thoroughly assess its efficacy and safety.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.