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Wastewater containing a mixture of heavy metals, a byproduct of chemical, petrochemical, and refinery activities driven by urbanization and industrial expansion, poses significant environmental threats. Analyzing such wastewater through adsorbate-adsorbent experiments yields extensive datasets. However, traditional methodologies like the Box–Behnken design (BBD) within the response surface methodology (RSM) struggle with managing large datasets and capturing the complex, nonlinear relationships inherent in such experimental data. To address these challenges, ML techniques have emerged as promising tools for accurately predicting the removal percentage of heavy metals from wastewater. In this study, we utilized tree-based regression models—specifically decision tree regression (DTR), random forest regression (RFR), and extra tree regression (ETR)—to forecast the efficiency of gooseberry seed powder in removing chromium (Cr(VI)) from wastewater. Additionally, we employed an ML-based Nelder–Mead optimization approach to identify the optimal values for key features (initial Cr(VI) concentration, pH, and Indian gooseberry powder dosage) which maximized the Cr(VI) removal percentage. Our experimental results reveal that the ETR model achieved an impressive R 2 score of 0.99, demonstrating a low error rate in predicting the Cr(VI) removal percentage. Furthermore, we used DTR-Nelder–Mead, RFR-Nelder–Mead, and ETR-Nelder–Mead optimization approaches on a synthesized dataset of 2000 instances while varying the initial Cr(VI) concentration, pH, and Indian gooseberry powder dosage. The analysis determined that the DTR-Nelder–Mead and RFR-Nelder–Mead approaches yielded the highest Cr(VI) removal percentages of 78.21% and 78.107% at an initial concentration of 95.55 mg/L, respectively, a pH level of four, and an adsorbent dosage of 8 g/L of gooseberry seed powder. Furthermore, the ETR-Nelder–Mead approach obtained the maximum Cr(VI) removal percentage of 85.11% at an initial concentration of 99.25 mg/L, a pH level of 4.97, and an adsorbent dosage of 9.62 g/L of gooseberry seed powder. These results reported an increase in the Cr(VI) removal percentage ranging from 4.66% to 11.56% more than the Cr(VI) removal percentage obtained by experimentation. These findings underscore the efficacy of tree-based regression models and ML-based Nelder–Mead optimization in elucidating chromium removal processes from wastewater, offering valuable insights into effective treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the different effects of weave structure on the comfort properties of fabrics and the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites were investigated. Fabrics were developed using one type of material (flax spun yarn) in the warp direction and three different materials (flax, sisal and cotton spun yarn) in the weft directions. Four different types of weaves (plain, twill, matt and mock leno) were produced in each type of material. Twelve specimens were produced on a sample weaving machine. These fabrics with multiweave combinations give the wearer a comfort zone for sportswear and outdoor applications. These fabrics maintain the temperature of wearers in extreme weather conditions. But these weaves have different effects when interlaced with different types of weft yarns. Air permeability, overall moisture management, stiffness and thermal resistance were investigated for these fabric specimens. The hybrid fabric produced with pure flax warp and weft cotton/sisal exhibited the highest value of air permeability, overall moisture management capability and thermal resistance followed by flax–sisal and flax–flax. The hybrid fabric produced with the mock leno weave also presented a higher value of air permeability compared to the twill, mat and plain weaves. Bending stiffness was observed to be higher in those fabrics produced with flax/sisal compared to pure flax and flax–cotton. The outerwear fabric produced with a blend of flax yarn in the warp and cotton/sisal spun yarn in the weft exhibited improved properties when compared to the fabric produced with flax/sisal and pure flax yarns. In composites, flax/flax showed enhanced mechanical properties, i.e., tensile and flexural strength. In other combinations, the composites with longer weaves possessed prominent mechanical characteristics. The composites with enhanced mechanical properties can be used for window coverings, furniture upholstery and sports equipment. These composites have the potential to be used in automotive applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advanced technology for synthesizing nanoparticles utilizes natural resources in an environmentally friendly manner. Additionally, green synthesis is preferred to chemical and physical synthesis because it takes less time and effort. The green synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles has recently risen due to its physico-chemical properties. In this study, many functional groups present in Psidium guajava leaf extracts are used to stabilize the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles. The biosynthesized cobalt oxide nanoparticles were investigated using UV-visible spectroscopic analysis. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of carboxylic acids, hydroxyl groups, aromatic amines, alcohols and phenolic groups. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed various peaks ranging from 32.35 to 67.35°, and the highest intensity showed at 36.69°. The particle size ranged from 26 to 40 nm and confirmed the average particle size is 30.9 nm. The green synthesized P. guajava cobalt oxide nanoparticles contain cobalt as the major abundant element, with 42.26 wt% and 18.75 at% confirmed by the EDAX techniques. SEM images of green synthesized P. guajava cobalt oxide nanoparticles showed agglomerated and non-uniform spherical particles. The anti-bacterial activity of green synthesized P. guajava cobalt oxide nanoparticles was evaluated against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli with a 7 to 18 mm inhibitory zone. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated using green synthesized P. guajava cobalt oxide nanoparticles and observed 79% of dye degradation. The MTT assay of P. guajava cobalt oxide nanoparticles showed an excellent cytotoxic effect against MCF 7 and HCT 116 cells compared to normal cells. The percentage of cell viability of P. guajava cobalt oxide nanoparticles was observed as 90, 83, 77, 68, 61, 58 and 52% for MCF-7 cells and 82, 70, 63, 51, 43, 40, and 37% for HCT 116 cells at the concentration of 1.53, 3.06, 6.12, 12.24, 24.48, 50, and 100 μg/mL compared to control cells. These results confirmed that green synthesized P. guajava cobalt oxide nanoparticles have a potential photocatalytic and anti-bacterial activity and also reduced cell viability against MCF-7 breast cancer and HCT 116 colorectal cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their appropriate physicochemical properties, nanoparticles are used in nanomedicine to develop drug delivery systems for anticancer therapy. In biomedical applications, metal oxide nanoparticles are used as powerful and flexible multipurpose agents. This work described a green synthesis of Y2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) using the sol-gel technique with the use of aqueous leaf extracts of Lantana camara L (LC). These nanoparticles were characterized with the aid of different methods, including UV, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmitted electron microscopy (TEM), and photocatalytic degradation. Y2O3 nanoparticles showed excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli with a 10 to 15 mm inhibitory zone. Green Y2O3 NPs were released with a 4 h lag time and 80% sustained release rate, indicating that they could be used in drug delivery. In addition, the bioavailability of green Y2O3 NPs was investigated using cell viability in cervical cancer cell lines. These green-synthesized Y2O3 NPs demonstrated photocatalytic degradation, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, selective, and inexpensive spectrophotometric method is described in the present study for estimation of trace concentrations of Cu2+ in water based on its reaction with chromogenic reagent namely 4-amino-3-mercapto-6-[2-(2-thienyl)vinyl]-1,2,4-triazin-5(4H)-one (AMT). The reaction between copper(II) ions and AMT reagent gives [Cu(L)(NO3)(H2O)2]•H2O complex, where L represents AMT molecule with NH group. The formed complex exhibits a sharp, and well-defined peak at λmax = 434 nm with a molar absorptivity (ε) of 1.90 × 104 L mol−1 cm−1, and Sandell's factor of 0.003 μg mL−2. Absorbance of the [Cu(L)(NO3)(H2O)2]•H2O follows Beer's law over a 0.7–25 μg mL−1 range with a detection limit of 0.011 μg mL−1. Validation of the submitted method was established by estimating Cu2+ in certified reference materials and actual sea and tap water samples. The results are compared with data obtained from copper concentration measurements using ICP-OES. The chemical structure of the Cu(II)-AMT complex was fully characterized by FT-IR, SEM, EDX, TGA, and ESR techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit byproducts are considered a high source of bioactive molecules, which possess antioxidant activities. These antioxidants play principal functions in mycotoxin reduction. This study aimed to evaluate crude mandarin byproduct extract for its chemical interaction with fungal growth and suppression of mycotoxin production, and to illustrate whether the impact was regarding individual molecules or a synergistic antioxidation process. Extract contents were analyzed for their phenolic, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. The fatty acid composition and volatile components were determined using the GC apparatus. The influence of the extract evaluated versus the standard phenolics of trans-ferulic and hesperidin were evaluated. The liposome technique was applied to prevent the antioxidant properties of the bioactive extract. The anti-mycotoxigenic effects of the liposomal and non-liposomal extract were determined in fungal media against the standard phenolics. The results manifested ferulic (235.54 ± 3.34 mg/100 g) and hesperidin (492.11 ± 1.15 mg/100 g) as high phenolics in the extract. Limonene was the main volatile (67.54 ± 1.74%), as well antioxidant activities determined in considerable values. The crude extract recorded efficiency as an anti-Fusarium agent, but less than the standard hesperidin applied in fungal media. The bioactive extract recorded possessed a reduction influence on mycotoxin production. The impact may be joining with its fungal inhibition or its component activity with the active groups on the mycotoxin molecule. The formation of liposomal extract enhanced its efficacy in mycotoxin reduction. This enhancement may illustrate its protective properties for antioxidant components of the bioactive extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandarin is a favorite fruit of the citrus family. Mandarin seeds are considered a source of nontraditional oil obtained from byproduct materials. This investigation aimed to assess the biomolecules of mandarin seeds and evaluated their antimycotic and antimycotoxigenic impact on fungi. Moreover, it evaluated the protective role of mandarin oil against aflatoxin toxicity in cell lines. The two types of extracted oil (fixed and volatile) were ecofriendly. The fatty acid composition, tocopherol, sterols, and carotenoids were determined in the fixed oil, whereas volatiles and phenolics were estimated in the essential oil. A mixture of the two oils was prepared and evaluated for its antimicrobial impact. The reduction effect of this mixture was also investigated to reduce mycotoxin secretion using a simulated experiment. The protective effect of the oil was evaluated using healthy strains of cell lines. Fixed oil was distinguished by the omega fatty acid content (76.24%), lutein was the major carotenoid (504.3 mg/100 g) and it had a high β-sitosterol content (294.6 mg/100 g). Essential oil contained limonene (66.05%), α-pinene (6.82%), β-pinene (4.32%), and γ-terpinene (12.31%) in significant amounts, while gallic acid and catechol were recorded as the dominant phenolics. Evaluation of the oil mix for antimicrobial potency reflected a considerable impact against pathogenic bacteria and toxigenic fungi. By its application to the fungal media, this oil mix possessed a capacity for reducing mycotoxin secretion. The oil mix was also shown to have a low cytotoxic effect against healthy strains of cell lines and had potency in reducing the mortality impact of aflatoxin B1 applied to cell lines. These results recommend further study to involve this oil in food safety applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosa gallica var. aegyptiaca is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Rosaceae family that plays an important role as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of specific types of cancer, microbial infections, and diabetes mellitus. This work presents the first report on the evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential along with the phytochemical analysis of Rosa gallica var. aegyptiaca leaves. Five leaf extracts of hexane, chloroform, methanol, hydromethanol 80%, and water were prepared. Assessment of antioxidant activity was carried out via DPPH radical scavenging assay. Antimicrobial activity against five foodborne pathogenic bacteria—including Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enteritidis—and the fungus Candida albicans, was examined using the disc diffusion method. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Isolation, identification, and quantification of phenolic compounds were performed using HPLC-DAD analysis. Amongst the five leaf extracts that were investigated, hydromethanol 80% extract possessed the highest extraction yield, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and antimicrobial activity against all tested microbial strains. Moreover, this extract furnished six active phenolic compounds: gallic acid (1), (+) catechin (2), chlorogenic acid (3), (–) epicatechin (4), quercetin-3-O-α-d-(glucopyranoside) (5), and quercetin (6). This study provides an alternative utilization of R. gallica var. aegyptiaca leaves as a readily accessible source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottle gourd seeds are surrounded by innumerable bioactive components of phytochemicals. This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of bottle gourd extracts as antimicrobial and an-ti-mycotoxigenic against toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins. Polar and nonpolar extracts were made from the seeds. The polar eco-friendly extract was prepared by an ultrasonication-assisted technique utilizing aqueous isopropanol (80%), whereas the non-polar extract was obtained using petroleum ether (40–60). The antioxidant efficacy, total phenolic content, and flavonoid content of the extracts were all measured. The fatty acid profile was measured using GC equipment, and the influence on toxigenic fungus and mycotoxin release was also investigated. The antioxidant efficacy of the polar extract is reflected. The total phenolic values of the oil and polar extract were 15.5 and 267 mg of GAE/g, respectively. The total flavonoid content of the oil was 2.95 mg catechol/g, whereas the isopropyl extract of seeds contained 14.86 mg catechol/g. The polar extract inhibited the DPPH more effectively than oil. When compared to other seed oils, the fatty acid composition differed. The pathogens were distinguished by the MIC and MFC for the polar extract. Three sterols were found in the oil, with a high concentration of B-sitosterols. The oil's valuable -carotene content and tocopherol content were recorded. When compared to traditional antibiotics, the polar extract has shown promising antimicrobial activity against infections and toxigenic fungi. Bottle gourd extracts, as a non-traditional bioactive source, are viewed as a potentially promising alternative that might contribute to increased food safety, shelf-life, and security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish oil is the primary source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which are important nutrients that assist in the prevention and treatment of heart disease and have many health benefits. It also contains vitamins that are lipid-soluble, such as vitamins A and D. This work aimed to determine how the wall material composition influenced the encapsulation efficiency and oxidative stability of omega fish oils in spray-dried microcapsules. In this study, mackerel, sardine waste oil, and sand smelt fish oil were encapsulated in three different wall materials (whey protein, gum Arabic (AG), and maltodextrin) by conventional spray-drying. The effect of the different wall materials on the encapsulation efficiency (EE), flowability, and oxidative stability of encapsulated oils during storage at 4 °C was investigated. All three encapsulating agents provided a highly protective effect against the oxidative deterioration of the encapsulated oils. Whey protein was found to be the most effective encapsulated agent comparing to gum Arabic and maltodextrin. The results indicated that whey protein recorded the highest encapsulation efficiency compared to the gum Arabic and maltodextrin in all encapsulated samples with EE of 71.71%, 68.61%, and 64.71% for sand smelt, mackerel, and sardine oil, respectively. Unencapsulated fish oil samples (control) recorded peroxide values (PV) of 33.19, 40.64, and 47.76 meq/kg oil for sand smelt, mackerel, and sardine oils after 35 days of storage, while all the encapsulated samples showed PV less than 10 in the same storage period. It could be concluded that all the encapsulating agents provided a protective effect to the encapsulated fish oil and elongated the shelf life of it comparing to the untreated oil sample (control). The results suggest that encapsulation of fish oil is beneficial for its oxidative stability and its uses in the production of functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The β-cyclodextrin shell of synthesized silver nanoparticles (βCD-AgNPs) are found to enhance the detection of hydrogen peroxide in urine when compared to the Horse Radish Peroxidase assay kit. Nanoparticles are confirmed by the UV-Vis absorbance of their localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) at 384 nm. The mean size of the βCD-AgNPs is 53 nm/diameter; XRD analysis shows a face-centered cubic structure. The crystalline structure of type 4H hexagonal nature of the AgNPs with 2.4 nm β-CD coating onto is confirmed using aberration corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). A silver atomic lattice at 2.50 Å and 2.41 Å corresponding to (100) and (101) Miller indices is confirmed using the HRTEM. The scope of βCD-AgNPs to detect hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in aqueous media and human urine is investigated. The test is optimized by examining the effect of volumes of nanoparticles, the pH of the medium, and the kinetic and temperature effect on H2O2 detection. The βCD-AgNPs test is used as a refined protocol, which demonstrated improved sensitivity towards H2O2 in urine compared to the values obtained by the Horse Radish Assay kit. Direct assessment of H2O2 by the βCD-AgNPs test presented always with a linear response in the nM, μM, and mM ranges with a limit of detection of 1.47 nM and a quantitation limit of 3.76 nM. While a linear response obtained from 1.3 to 37.3 nmoles of H2O2/mole creatinine with a slope of 0.0075 and regression coefficient of 0.9955 when the βCD-AgNPs is used as refined test of creatinine. Values ranging from 34.62 ± 0.23 nmoles of H2O2/mole of creatinine and 54.61 ± 1.04 nmoles of H2O2/mole of creatinine when the matrix is not diluted and between 32.16 ± 0.42 nmoles of H2O2/mole of creatinine and 49.66 ± 0.80 nmoles of H2O2/mole of creatinine when the matrix is twice diluted are found in freshly voided urine of seven apparent healthy men aged between 20 and 40 years old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper provides a description of the design, characterization, and use of a Hg2+ selective electrode (Hg2+–SE) for the determination of Hg2+ at ultra-traces levels in a variety of real samples. The ionophore in the proposed electrode is a new Schiff base, namely 4-bromo-2-[(4-methoxyphenylimino)methyl]phenol (BMPMP). All factors affecting electrode response including polymeric membrane composition, concentration of internal solution, pH sample solution, and response time were optimized. The optimum response of our electrode was obtained with the following polymeric membrane composition (% w/w): PVC, 32; o-NPOE, 64.5; BMPMP, 2 and NaTPB, 1.5. The potentiometric response of Hg2+–SE towards Hg2+ ion was linear in the wide range of concentrations (9.33 × 10–8−3.98 × 10–3 molL–1), while, the limit of detection of the proposed electrode was 3.98 × 10–8 molL–1 (8.00 μg L–1). The Hg2+–SE responds quickly to Hg2+ ions as the response time of less than 10 s. On the other hand, the slope value obtained for the developed electrode was 29.74 ± 0.1 mV/decade in the pH range of 2.0−9.0 in good agreement with the Nernstian response (29.50 mV/decade). The Hg2+–SE has relatively less interference with other metal ions. The Hg2+–SE was used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titrations to estimate Hg2+ ions in waters, compact fluorescent lamp, and dental amalgam alloy and the accuracy of the developed electrode was compared with ICP–OES measurement values. Moreover, the new Schiff base (BMPMP) was synthesized and characterized using ATR–FTIR, elemental analysis, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The PVC membranes containing BMPMP as an ionophore unloaded and loaded with Hg(II) are reported by scanning electron microscope images (SEM) along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]