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Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising cancer treatment approach. Indocyanine green (ICG) is a water-soluble tricarbocyanine dye with a peak absorption wavelength of around 800 nm and possesses the capacity to produce reactive oxygen species. FTIR spectroscopy is rarely used and offers insights into molecular changes in cancer studies. MCF-7 cells were injected into Nude mouse. Once the tumor had grown to a size of 3–4 mm, mice were randomized into the 12 PDT groups. After each mouse received 5 mg/kg of ICG, they were photo-irradiated with a diode laser emitting light at 809 nm, followed by waiting intervals of 0, 30, 60, and 90 min. Laser irradiation parameters were 150, 250, 500 mW/cm2 and irradiation duration was 1200s. The tumor size was measured every day for four days. The FTIR spectroscopy was used to perform spectral analysis on tumor tissue samples. Four distinct regions (3600–2800 cm-1, 1750–1550 cm-1, 1540–1450 cm-1, and 1700–1100 cm-1) were analyzed, and Hierarchical Cluster study was carried out. A decrease in tumor volume was observed with all PDT applications, except, increases in tumor volume was observed at 150mW 90-minute group. PDT administered after 90 min revealed variations in 150mW and 250mW laser powers in the 3600 cm-1–2800 cm-1 range. The 250mW and 500mW applications resulted in a considerable reduction in fibroadenoma and carcinoma tissues, according to an analysis comparing the A1695 / A1635 ratio. It is proposed that the ideal treatments for further investigation have a power output of 250 mW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products are a great resource for physiologically active substances. It is widely recognized that a major percentage of current medications are derived from natural compounds or their synthetic analogues. Triterpenoids are widespread in nature and can prevent cancer formation and progression. Despite considerable interest in these triterpenoids, their interactions with lipid bilayers still need to be thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study is to examine the interactions of lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, with model membranes composed of 1,2‑dipalmitoyl‑sn‑glycerol‑3‑phosphocholine (DPPC) by using non-invasive techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The DSC study demonstrated that the incorporation of lupeol into DPPC membranes shifts the Lβ′-to-Pβ′ and Pβ′-to-Lα phase transitions toward lower values, and a loss of main phase transition cooperativity is observed. The FTIR spectra indicated that the increasing concentration (10 mol%) of lupeol causes an increase in the molecular packing and membrane fluidity. In addition, it is found that lupeol's OH group preferentially interacts with the head group region of the DPPC lipid bilayer. These findings provide detailed information on the effect of lupeol on the DPPC head group and the conformation and dynamics of the hydrophobic chains. In conclusion, the effect of lupeol on the structural features of the DPPC membrane, specifically phase transition and lipid packing, has implications for understanding its biological function and its applications in biotechnology and medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are considered pollutants of emerging concern. In rivers, MPs (=5 mm) are transported by currents and deposited in lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and oceans. In Mexico, MPs in freshwater ecosystems have been scarcely studied. This work aimed to determine the presence of MPs in rivers of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve (SGBR). Samples of surface water and sediment collected from the Escanela, Jalpan, Ayutla, and Santa María rivers were processed. MPs in water were extracted by direct filtration using nitrocellulose filters with a 1.2 µm pore size; MPs in sediments were extracted by density suspension using a ZnCl2 solution (p ≈ 1.5 g/cm3). The surface of MPs was examined using SEM-EDX, and spectra of trace elements deposited on the MPs were obtained; additionally, MP polymers were characterized with FTIR. Fibers were the most abundant MP forms in both matrices. Up to 110.87 items L-1 were detected in water and 175 items kg-1 (dry weight) in sediments. Surface wear of MPs was observed, and trace elements were detected, including Al, Fe, Cr, Si, and Zn, among others. The polymers identified in MP samples were polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, polyamide, and polystyrene. The test results revealed the presence of MPs with trace metals on their surface in the freshwater ecosystems of the SGBR, which may be related to mining operations in the study area, changes in land use, wastewater discharges, atmospheric transport, and dry and wet deposition. These findings demonstrated the ubiquity of these pollutants and their presence even in areas intended for conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteins form the fastest-growing therapeutic class. Due to their intrinsic instability, loss of native structure is common. Structure alteration must be carefully evaluated as structural changes may jeopardize the efficiency and safety of the protein-based drugs. Hydrogen deuterium exchange (HDX) has long been used to evaluate protein structure and dynamics. The rate of exchange constitutes a sensitive marker of the conformational state of the protein and of its stability. It is often monitored by mass spectrometry. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is another method with very promising capabilities. Combining protein microarrays with FTIR imaging resulted in high throughput HDX FTIR measurements. BaF2 slides bearing the protein microarrays were covered by another slide separated by a spacer, allowing us to flush the cell continuously with a flow of N2 gas saturated with 2H2O. Exchange occurred simultaneously for all proteins and single images covering ca. 96 spots of proteins that could be recorded on-line at selected time points. Each protein spot contained ca. 5 ng protein, and the entire array covered 2.5 × 2.5 mm2. Furthermore, HDX could be monitored in real time, and the experiment was therefore not subject to back-exchange problems. Analysis of HDX curves by inverse Laplace transform and by fitting exponential curves indicated that quantitative comparison of the samples is feasible. The paper also demonstrates how the whole process of analysis can be automatized to yield fast analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid and simple method for identification of oil and fatty products of plant origin by their own fluorescence and diffuse reflection of IR radiation using colorimetry and near-IR spectroscopy is proposed. Analytical signals were recorded using 3D-printed devices with built-in UV and IR LED matrices (390 and 850 nm) and a smartphone with the PhotoMetrix PRO® application installed and FTIR spectroscopy in the near-IR region (10,000–4000 cm–1) with the NIRA attachment used for the analysis of solids. Diffuse reflectance spectra were processed using the TQ Analyst and The Unscrambler X applications. The studied objects were identified and differentiated using chemometric algorithms, i.e., principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The mass fraction of fat in the declared products was determined using univariate and multivariate (PLS algorithm) analyses. Adulterated butter was located separately from natural products on the PCA and HCA graphs. They did not intersect with each other on the dendrogram. Samples of butter with different milk fat mass fractions (61.5, 72.5, 82.5, and 99.0%) were used to construct a calibration relationship and determine the milk fat concentration using the PLS method and univariate analysis. The calibration error (RMSEC) were ≤1.31%; the predictive properties (RMSEP), ≤4.45%. The methods under consideration were tested with samples of butter and vegetable oil products from various manufacturers. The RMSEP values for dairy products was ≤4.97%; for margarine, >10% using multivariate analysis. The relative deviation of the results from the mass fractions of fat indicated on the packaging was ≤4.8% when using univariate analysis. This parameter for margarine was in the range 96.3–96.5%. The results correlated with those of FTIR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to the low-temperature synthesis of cobalt-containing diopside pigments based on granulated blast furnace slag and to study the characteristics of the mineral formation processes, changes in the structure and colour indices. Design/methodology/approach: Synthesis of cobalt-containing diopside pigments based was carried out by the directional formation of the mineralogical composition with the introduction of part of the components using granulated blast-furnace slag. Findings: It has been established that the formation of the diopside phase in pigments containing blast-furnace slag as the main component proceeds at low temperatures (1,100°C–1,150 °C). The colour of diopside pigments is formed because of the isomorphic substitution of Si4+ ions for Al3+ ions and Mg2+ ions for Co2+ ions. It is expedient to add CoO in an amount of 0.9 mol (18 Wt.%) into the composition of diopside pigments based on blast-furnace slag to obtain defect-free violet glazes. Practical implications: The developed diopside pigments enable obtaining of high-quality violet glazes for ceramics. The application of the obtained results can significantly reduce the consumption of traditional raw materials in the composition of silicate ceramic pigments, as well as reduce their firing temperature. Originality/value: Calcium, magnesium and silicon oxides are the main components of blast-furnace slag. In addition, granulated blast furnace slag is mainly represented by the glassy phase, which determines its high activity during the firing process. These factors are prerequisites for using the blast-furnace slag as a valuable substitute for chemically pure or natural raw materials in silicate pigments and reducing their firing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infrared spectroscopic properties of selected defects involving one proton and one nearby M3+ (M = Al, Cr, Fe) substitution in orthoenstatite are investigated by first-principles calculations. Based on the theoretical results, the absorption bands experimentally observed on synthetic samples with high crystalline quality and low doping levels can be assigned to specific defect configurations. Most of them correspond to Mg vacancies at M2 sites locally compensated by one proton and one M3+ cation at a nearby M1 site. This confirms that the M3+ + H+ = 2 Mg2+ exchange mechanism is the dominant hydrogen incorporation mechanism at the lowest concentration levels in doped enstatite. At higher concentration levels, more complex incorporation mechanisms could become dominant in Al-bearing samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diverse applications of azo compounds as reagents to bring about chemical synthesis is one of the fastest-growing areas of research. It is well known that the position of the substituents has an important role in the effect of the medicinal, dye industry, thermal, and optical properties of the compounds. In this work, we limit our studies to synthesizing two new diazo dye vanillin derivatives starting from aniline. Nitro aniline compounds 10 and 12 were prepared starting from aniline, and new nitro diazo vanillin derivatives were obtained 4 and 5. Through coupling reactions with vanillin 15 via diazonium salts, 4- hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-((2,4-dinitrophenyl)diazenyl)benzaldehyde 4 was obtained from 2,4-dinitroaniline 10, while 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-((2,4- 6,trinitrophenyl)diazenyl)benzaldehyde 5 resulted from 2,4,6- trinitroaniline 12. The synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods; UV-Vis., FTIR, MS, and 1HNMR and melting point determination. The results of the reactions gave good yields of all products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As fire regimes continue to evolve in response to climate change, understanding how fire characteristics have responded to changes in the recent past is vital to inform predictions of future fire events. Aims and methods: Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, we assessed how fire intensity has changed in two fire-prone landscapes in south-eastern Australia: (1) the Blue Mountains; and (2) Namadgi National Park during the past 3000 years. Key results: Higher aromatic/aliphatic ratios suggest increased high-intensity fire frequency in sediments at the surface of both cores. Increases in the frequency of extreme drought periods, coupled with the change in vegetation and anthropogenic ignitions following colonisation, could have increased the frequency of high-intensity fires in the past ~200 years. Conclusions: FTIR spectroscopy can be used in sediment deposits to infer that the frequency of high-intensity fire events has increased in the past 200 years compared to the previous ~3000 years. Implications: These results are important for understanding how past fire regimes have responded to climate, people and vegetation shifts in the past ~3000 years and can be used to inform models for future predictions and management strategies. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to sediment deposits in southeastern Australia. The aromatic/aliphatic ratio was used as a proxy for high-intensity fires. The increased frequency of high-intensity fire events could result from interactions between climate, people, and vegetation. The existing fire record was extended by centuries to millennia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposing of non-biodegradable conventional polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) is a severe environmental problem across the globe. ABS, a non-biodegradable polymer, is widely used for producing auto components, home appliances, electronic goods, etc., but it is not environment friendly. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop biodegradable polymers as an alternative to non-biodegradable polymer materials. This paper aims to offer blended bio-based polylactic-acid (PLA) polymer with ABS for engineering applications to minimize the consumption of virgin petroleum-based ABS polymer. The effort is to ascertain the best-suited composition of ABS/PLA blended polymer with excellent thermal and mechanical properties. The five specimens of blended ABS/PLA polymers have been prepared using four compositions (80/20, 60/40, 40/60, and 20/80) using the material extrusion (MEX) 3D printing process and assessed for mechanical and thermal properties. The tensile strength and MFR of the ABS/PLA blend increased by 8.75 and 124.35%, respectively, with ABS/PLA polymers having a 20/80 wt.% composition. The thermal analysis of blends with varying blend compositions using DSC and FTIR have shown partial compatibility between ABS and PLA polymers. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of tensile fractured specimens has been analyzed to support the evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress is one of the environmental stresses that significantly reduces crop productivity and quality worldwide. Methods to overcome salt stress include developing salt-resistant crops by inserting various resistance genes or to diagnosing and responding to the effects of salt stress at an early stage. In this study, we investigate the effects of salinity stress on growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and metabolic changes in Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera). Fresh weight and leaf area decreased significantly with increasing NaCl concentration, indicating that salinity stress has a detrimental effect on plant growth. However, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters did not show significant changes, suggesting that photosynthetic efficiency was not significantly affected over 10 days. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed notable metabolic adjustments, especially in lipids, plastids, proteins, and carbohydrates, indicating biosynthesis of protective compounds such as anthocyanins and proline in response to salinity stress. Pearson correlation analysis confirmed a strong relationship between NaCl concentration and the observed physiological and metabolic changes. The findings highlight the potential of FTIR spectroscopy as a non-destructive tool for early detection of salinity stress and timely intervention to improve crop resilience and yield. This study highlights the widespread application of FTIR spectroscopy in agricultural research to manage abiotic stresses in crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the development of adventitious roots in rose cuttings and the factors that contribute to successful root formation. The study uses imaging and spectroscopy techniques to investigate the differences between easy-to-root and hard-to-root rose cultivars. The researchers find that cell wall composition plays a crucial role in the emergence of adventitious roots. The findings highlight the importance of integrated approaches to overcome propagation challenges. The article suggests that a better understanding of the physiology of rooting recalcitrance could lead to more effective propagation strategies. [Extracted from the article]

Artificial insemination (AI) success in bovine reproduction is vital for the cattle industry's economic sustainability and for advancing the understanding of reproductive physiology. Identify high-fertile animals' fertility is a complex task due to multifactorial traits, including hormonal, age-related, and body condition factors. Early high-fertility identification is crucial for timely interventions and enhancing AI success. In this study, we present the potential use of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy on blood serum for early identification of high-fertile Nellore female cows for AI protocols. Blood serum FTIR spectra were obtained from Nellore female cows before AI. FTIR spectra underwent data analysis and the results demonstrated successful discrimination between animals that exhibit pregnant and non-pregnant diagnoses 30 days after AI. FTIR spectra revealed consistent vibrational modes, emphasizing Amide I and II bands. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) effectively segregated groups based on molecular information. Linear SVM with C = 10 and 4 PCs achieved 100% accuracy in the group classification. This innovative approach using FTIR spectroscopy and ML algorithms offers a promising means of high-fertile cow identification, potentially improving AI outcomes in Nellore cattle. The study presents valuable insights into advancements in reproductive management practices for this economically significant breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to assess the potential efficacy of a novel polysaccharides-based extract as a green consolidant for the pictorial layer on marble substrates. Understanding its properties could lead to determining whether it can ensure the correct conservation and transmission of the cultural heritage. Four different types of marble specimens were prepared with paint based on malachite (egg, tempera grassa, rabbit glue, and linseed oil as binders). Colorimetric analyses, peeling tests, SEM-EDS, and FTIR spectroscopy were used to test the properties of the consolidant. Results reveal that no aesthetic changes occur when using the extract on painted surfaces and that the cohesive properties of most pictorial films increase after its application, confirming the consolidating effect. In conclusion, the use of an innovative green product for the restoration of marble-painted surfaces can be considered a possible good solution for consolidating treatment. Through this initial explorative research, we suggest an innovative approach to the protection of cultural heritage that doesn't cause harm to both the restorer's health and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report new far-infrared spectra of (HF)2 obtained by high resolution long-path Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The origins of the two tunneling components of the Ka = 0 ← 1 subband of the in-plane symmetric bending fundamental ν3 were found to be at 450.4546 cm−1 (Γt: A+← B+) and at 451.4583 cm−1 (B+← A+), and of the Ka = 0 ← 1 subband of the out-of-plane bending fundamental ν6 at 382.0802 cm−1 (A+← A+) and at 383.2245 cm−1 (B+← B+). The Ka = 0 term values with respect to the ground state Γt = A+ term are 486.9442 cm−1 for the A+ and 486.8834 cm−1 for the B+ tunneling levels of ν3. They are 417.5053 cm−1 for the A− and 419.7140 cm−1 for the B− vibration-tunneling sublevels of ν6. The results are discussed in relation to full-dimensional quantum dynamics and predictions based on recent ab initio calculations and our empirically refined potential energy hypersurfaces. Graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceria and ceria-based catalysts are very important in redox and acid-base catalysis. Nanoceria have also been found to be important in biomedical applications. To design efficient materials, it is necessary to thoroughly understand the surface chemistry of ceria, and one of the techniques that provides such information about the surface is the vibrational spectroscopy of probe molecules. Although the most commonly used probe is CO, it has some disadvantages when applied to ceria and ceria-based catalysts. CO can easily reduce the material, forming carbonate-like species, and can be disproportionate, thus modifying the surface. Here, we offer a pioneering study of the adsorption of 15N2 at 100 K, demonstrating that dinitrogen can be more advantageous than CO when studying ceria-based materials. As an inert gas, N2 is not able to oxidize or reduce cerium cations and does not form any surface anionic species able to modify the surface. It is infrared and transparent, and thus there is no need to subtract the gas phase spectrum, something that often increases the noise level. Being a weaker base than CO, N2 has a negligible induction effect. By using stoichiometric nano-shaped ceria samples, we concluded that 15N2 can distinguish between surface Ce4+ sites on different, low index planes; with cations on the {110} facets and on some of the edges, Ce4+−15N2 species with IR bands at 2258–2257 cm−1 are formed. Bridging species, where one of the N atoms from the molecule interacts with two Ce4+ cations, are formed on the {100} facets (2253–2252 cm−1), while the interaction with the {111} facets is very weak and does not lead to the formation of measurable amounts of complexes. All species are formed by electrostatic interaction and disappear during evacuation at 100 K. In addition, N2 provides more accurate information than CO on the acidity of the different OH groups because it does not change the binding mode of the hydroxyls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report new far-infrared spectra of (HF)2 obtained by high resolution long-path Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The origins of the two tunneling components of the Ka = 0 ← 1 subband of the in-plane symmetric bending fundamental ν3 were found to be at 450.4546 cm−1 (Γt: A+← B+) and at 451.4583 cm−1 (B+← A+), and of the Ka = 0 ← 1 subband of the out-of-plane bending fundamental ν6 at 382.0802 cm−1 (A+← A+) and at 383.2245 cm−1 (B+← B+). The Ka = 0 term values with respect to the ground state Γt = A+ term are 486.9442 cm−1 for the A+ and 486.8834 cm−1 for the B+ tunneling levels of ν3. They are 417.5053 cm−1 for the A− and 419.7140 cm−1 for the B− vibration-tunneling sublevels of ν6. The results are discussed in relation to full-dimensional quantum dynamics and predictions based on recent ab initio calculations and our empirically refined potential energy hypersurfaces. Graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidic properties of ion-exchanged LTL zeolites have been studied using FTIR spectroscopy, complemented by X-ray powder diffraction, SEM-EDX, XRF and N2 physisorption. Infrared spectra of the ion-exchanged zeolites show the presence of two intense bands of the bridging OH-groups: a narrow band at ~3640 cm−1 that is attributed to Si(OH)Al groups freely vibrating in 12 MR and a broad, intense band at ~3250 cm−1 that is assigned to bridging OH groups forming hydrogen bond with neighbouring oxygen atoms, e.g., in six-membered rings. The former can be selectively removed by caesium or rubidium cations with up to 3 Cs+ or Rb+ per unit cell readily ion-exchanged into the LTL zeolite, replacing an equivalent number of acidic OH-groups or K+ cations within the structure. The cation migration of the larger cation, evaluated by the Rietveld refinement method, occurs mostly via the main 12 MR channels. By contrast, less than 1 Li+ or Na+ cation per unit cell can be introduced under similar conditions. Accordingly, the concentration of Si(OH)Al groups in back-exchanged NH4-K-LTL with smaller cations (Li+, Na+) does not differ considerably from the concentration of Brønsted acid sites in the original NH4-K-LTL. Lower concentrations of acid sites have been detected in the samples back-exchanged with Cs+, Rb+ and K+. In addition, the acidic properties of NH4-LTL samples have been compared with a structurally related NH4-MAZ zeolite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrational spectroscopic techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption and Raman spectroscopy (RS), offer unique and detailed biochemical fingerprints by detecting specific molecular vibrations within samples. These techniques provide profound insights into the molecular alterations induced by ionising radiation, which are both complex and multifaceted. This paper reviews the application of rapid and label-free vibrational spectroscopic methods for assessing biological radiation responses. These assessments span from early compartmentalised models such as DNA, lipid membranes, and vesicles to comprehensive evaluations in various living biological models, including tissues, cells, and organisms of diverse origins. The review also discusses future perspectives, highlighting how the field is overcoming methodological limitations. RS and FTIR have demonstrated significant potential in detecting radiation-induced biomolecular alternations, which may facilitate the identification of radiation exposure spectral biomarkers/profiles.

Abstract Artificial insemination (AI) success in bovine reproduction is vital for the cattle industry’s economic sustainability and for advancing the understanding of reproductive physiology. Identify high-fertile animals’ fertility is a complex task due to multifactorial traits, including hormonal, age-related, and body condition factors. Early high-fertility identification is crucial for timely interventions and enhancing AI success. In this study, we present the potential use of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy on blood serum for early identification of high-fertile Nellore female cows for AI protocols. Blood serum FTIR spectra were obtained from Nellore female cows before AI. FTIR spectra underwent data analysis and the results demonstrated successful discrimination between animals that exhibit pregnant and non-pregnant diagnoses 30 days after AI. FTIR spectra revealed consistent vibrational modes, emphasizing Amide I and II bands. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) effectively segregated groups based on molecular information. Linear SVM with C = 10 and 4 PCs achieved 100% accuracy in the group classification. This innovative approach using FTIR spectroscopy and ML algorithms offers a promising means of high-fertile cow identification, potentially improving AI outcomes in Nellore cattle. The study presents valuable insights into advancements in reproductive management practices for this economically significant breed.

Abstract The Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument onboard the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover detected so far some of the most intense fluorescence signals in association with sulfates analyzing abraded patches of rocks at Jezero crater, Mars. To assess the plausibility of an organic origin of these signals, it is key to understand if organics can survive exposure to ambient Martian UV after exposure by the Perseverance abrasion tool and prior to analysis by SHERLOC. In this work, we investigated the stability of organo-sulfate assemblages under Martian-like UV irradiation and we observed that the spectroscopic features of phthalic and mellitic acid embedded into hydrated magnesium sulfate do not change for UV exposures corresponding to at least 48 Martian sols and, thus, should still be detectable in fluorescence when the SHERLOC analysis takes place, thanks to the photoprotective properties of magnesium sulfate. In addition, different photoproduct bands diagnostic of the parent carboxylic acid molecules could be observed. The photoprotective behavior of hydrated magnesium sulfate corroborates the hypothesis that sulfates might have played a key role in the preservation of organics on Mars, and that the fluorescence signals detected by SHERLOC in association with sulfates could potentially arise from organic compounds.

Lacquered brass objects are widely present in scientific and technical heritage collections. Localized atmospheric corrosion occurs on the metal when the coating fails to play its protective role. Although lacquered brass objects are not necessarily endangered by this phenomenon, the presence of dark, unpleasant corrosion spots alters the surface appearance, affecting the readability of the objects. Conservators are therefore frequently asked to clean these surfaces. We hereby present the results of a study conducted in the framework of the CleanLaB (Cleaning of Lacquered Brass) project at the Haute Ecole Arc of Neuchâtel for the cleaning of lacquered brass. This work investigates the effects of several gelled cleaning systems applied on artificially aged, lacquered brass samples to remove the corrosion products without affecting the integrity of the coating. The performance of complexing agents commonly used in conservation was compared on lacquered brass mock-ups coated with shellac resin by means of multiple non-invasive characterization and imaging techniques. The tests included conventional complexing agents like sodium citrate and disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, as well as a bio-originated system based on deferoxamine, a microbial metal chelator investigated as a green alternative in cleaning formulations.

A liquid digestate (LD) obtained from the anaerobic digestion of mixed organic waste was characterised and tested on the fungi Pleurotus eryngii, Irpex lacteus and Trametes versicolor. Aqueous mixtures of LD at doses of 0.5, 1 and 2% (v/v) were tested directly or after interaction with 5% (w/v) biochar (BC-LD) and/or 100 mg L−1 soil humic acid (HA-BC-LD and HA-LD). Total luminescence (TL) analysis of LD showed the presence of fluorophores typical of scarcely aromatic matter, while the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum evidenced absorption bands typical of labile and non-condensed material. Some spectroscopic variations of the LD sample were observed after its interaction with the other materials. All LD treatments markedly promoted hyphal extension of P. eryngii whose growth rate increased up to 38% at the highest LD dose. The LD alone had no influence on the other fungi, whose growth was stimulated by some combinations of LD with the other materials. In facts, the growth rate of I. lacteus increased in BC-LD 1 and BC-LD 2 (P ≤ 0.05) and in all treatments with HA (up to 6% in HA-LD 2, P ≤ 0.01), while the growth of T. versicolor was promoted by HA-BC-LD 2 treatment (P ≤ 0.05) and slightly inhibited by all BC-LD combinations (up to 7% by BC-LD 1, P ≤ 0.05). The overall results obtained encourage the addition of LD to the soil and suggest a possible use of this material as substrate ingredient for the cultivation of edible mushrooms such as P. eryngii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal stone formation inside the kidney is one of the major causes of renal failure all over the world. To create preventative measures, it is crucial to examine renal stone's composition and identify the minerals that are responsible for their pathogenesis. Various concerns regarding the pathophysiology of renal stones remain unresolved and have been put forward. However, till date, the complete information is still unclear. In recent years, spectroscopic studies have gained much attention in identifying the chemical compositions that lead to the formation and growth of renal stones. This work employed wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WDXRF) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to study renal stones. WDXRF results of renal stone samples give the presence of numerous heavy and trace elements. Different elemental constituents like zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), strontium (Sr), chromium (Cr), zirconium (Zr), palladium (Pd), bromine (Br), ruthenium (Ru), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) were detected and quantified in the renal stones. Vibrational spectroscopic studies were carried out to know the chemical compositions of renal stones such as calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), uric acid (UA), and carbonate apatite (CA). Quantitative results of WDXRF have been compared with the results from atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) of these stone samples. The available clinical details of the patients were correlated with the spectroscopic results obtained using WDXRF and FTIR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While extensive research has focused on understanding the degradation mechanisms of Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAC) paint under different environmental conditions, limited attention has been paid to the long-term stability of PVAC-based white glues, especially when used in artworks. This study investigates the accelerated degradation, under simulated photoaging, and isothermal treatment of a commercial PVAC-based white glue considered representative of this class of materials used in contemporary artworks to predict its durability and assess its behavior in art objects. Through accelerated aging experiments and comparison with natural aging observed in artworks, the study reveals the formation of chromophores and the release of plasticizers as key processes; in particular, the progressive darkening was considered an early indicator of degradation processes, before structural changes could be detected by FTIR or NMR spectroscopies. The plasticizer loss induces an increase in glass transition temperature, from 7 °C to temperatures higher than room temperature, affecting the adhesive's cohesive strength and contributing to the detachment of materials in artworks. The findings underscore the importance of preventive conservation measures to mitigate degradation issues in PVAC-based artworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) widely used in the food industry. The objective of this work was to assess the resistance of these bacteria to freeze- and spray-drying and study the mechanisms involved in their loss of activity. The culturability and acidifying activity were measured to determine the specific acidifying activity, while membrane integrity was studied by flow cytometry. The glass transitions temperature and the water activity of the dried bacterial suspensions were also determined. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) micro-spectroscopy was used to study the biochemical composition of cells in an aqueous environment. All experiments were performed after freezing, drying and storage at 4, 23 and 37 °C. The results showed that Lb. bulgaricus CFL1 was sensitive to osmotic, mechanical, and thermal stresses, while Lpb. plantarum WCFS1 tolerated better the first two types of stress but was more sensitive to thermal stress. Moreover, FTIR results suggested that the sensitivity of Lb. bulgaricus CFL1 to freeze-drying could be attributed to membrane and cell wall degradation, whereas changes in nucleic acids and proteins would be responsible of heat inactivation of both strains associated with spray-drying. According to the activation energy values (47–85 kJ/mol), the functionality loss during storage is a chemically limited reaction. Still, the physical properties of the glassy matrix played a fundamental role in the rates of loss of activity and showed that a glass transition temperature 40 °C above the storage temperature is needed to reach good preservation during storage. Key points: • Specific FTIR bands are proposed as markers of osmotic, mechanic and thermal stress • Lb. bulgaricus CFL1 was sensitive to all three stresses, Lpb. plantarum WCFS1 to thermal stress only • Activation energy revealed chemically limited reactions ruled the activity loss in storage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lacquered brass objects are widely present in scientific and technical heritage collections. Localized atmospheric corrosion occurs on the metal when the coating fails to play its protective role. Although lacquered brass objects are not necessarily endangered by this phenomenon, the presence of dark, unpleasant corrosion spots alters the surface appearance, affecting the readability of the objects. Conservators are therefore frequently asked to clean these surfaces. We hereby present the results of a study conducted in the framework of the CleanLaB (Cleaning of Lacquered Brass) project at the Haute Ecole Arc of Neuchâtel for the cleaning of lacquered brass. This work investigates the effects of several gelled cleaning systems applied on artificially aged, lacquered brass samples to remove the corrosion products without affecting the integrity of the coating. The performance of complexing agents commonly used in conservation was compared on lacquered brass mock-ups coated with shellac resin by means of multiple non-invasive characterization and imaging techniques. The tests included conventional complexing agents like sodium citrate and disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, as well as a bio-originated system based on deferoxamine, a microbial metal chelator investigated as a green alternative in cleaning formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of micronization on the characteristics of black cumin pressing waste material. The basic composition, amino acid, and fatty acid content of the raw material—specifically, black cumin pressing waste material—were determined. The samples were micronized in a planetary ball mill for periods ranging from 0 to 20 min. The particle sizes of micronized samples of black cumin pressing waste material were then examined using a laser analyzer, the Mastersizer 3000. The structures of the produced micronized powders was examined by X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) spectra of the micronized samples were recorded. The measurement of phenolic and antiradical properties was conducted both before and after in vitro digestion, and the evaluation of protein digestibility and trypsin inhibition was also conducted. The test results, including material properties, suggest that micronization for 10 min dramatically reduced particle diameters (d50) from 374.7 to 88.7 µm, whereas after 20 min, d50 decreased to only 64.5 µm. The results obtained using FTIR spectroscopy revealed alterations, especially in terms of intensity and, to a lesser extent, the shapes of the bands, indicating a significant impact on the molecular properties of the tested samples. X-ray diffraction profiles revealed that the internal structures of all powders are amorphous, and micronization methods have no effect on the internal structures of powders derived from black cumin pressing waste. Biochemical analyses revealed the viability of utilizing micronized powders from black cumin pressing waste materials as beneficial food additives, since micronization increased total phenolic extraction and antiradical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sprouts of black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), soybeans (Glycine max L.) and mung beans (Vigna radiata L.) are widely consumed foods containing abundant nutrients with biological activities. They are commonly treated with sulphites for the preservation and extension of shelf-life. However, our previous investigation found that immersing the bean sprouts in sulphite might convert the active components into sulphur-containing derivatives, which can affect both the quality and safety of the sprouts. This study explores the use of FTIR in conjunction with chemometric techniques to differentiate between non-immersed (NI) and sodium sulphite immersed (SI) black bean, soybean and mung bean sprouts. A total of 168 batches of raw spectra were obtained from NI and SI-bean sprouts using FTIR spectroscopy. Four pre-processing techniques, three modelling assessment techniques and four model evaluation indices were examined for differences in performance. The results show that the multiplicative scatter correction is the most effective pre-processing method. Among the models, the accuracy rate of the three models was as follows: radial basis function neural network (95%) > convolutional neural network (91%) > random forest (82%). The overall findings indicate that FTIR spectroscopy, in conjunction with appropriate chemometric approaches, has a high potential for rapidly determining the difference between NI and SI-bean sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current research, Makrofol HS polymeric films have been utilized to evaluate the alterations in the surface properties under an atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma source. Upon DBD plasma exposure with various exposure durations ranging from 10 min to 120 min, the structural, surface wettability, surface free energy, surface roughness, and hardness features of Makrofol HS films have been studied and analyzed using different techniques. The FTIR spectra demonstrated that small changes in the band intensities correspond to the C-O-C as well as C=O bonds. Further, the changes in the absorption bands are correlated to the treatment time, leading to two critical processes, degradation, and crosslinking. The results of surface wettability displayed that the liquids' contact angle decreased from 84 ± 3o, 77 ± 3o and 62 ± 2o for water, glycerol, and dimethyl to 45 ± 1o, 42 ± 1o, and 36 ± 1o for untreated and treated samples at the highest treatment time, respectively. Also, the surface free energy significantly amended with increasing plasma exposure time. This modification in the treated surface indicates the increase in the polar groups on the treated surfaces, which then become hydrophilic surfaces. The samples' surface roughness parameters Ra, Rq, and Rz increased from 0.057 ± 0.003, 0.084 ± 0.004 and 0.366 ± 0.02 mm for untreated samples to 1.463 ± 0.073, 1.707 ± 0.085, and 6.839 ± 0.34 mm for treated samples at the highest treatment time, respectively. The Vickers hardness measurements showed an increase in the Vickers hardness from 12.31 ± 0.61 kgf/mm2 for the untreated sample to 44.89 ± 2.24 kgf/mm2 for the treated sample at the highest duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed study on gallic acid (GA), tannic acid (TA) antioxidant properties, and binding kinetics with 2 , 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH ˙) in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was performed using electronic absorption (UV/Vis), fluorescence, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), spectroscopy methods. The effective concentration (EC 50) , antioxidant reducing power (ARP) , stoichiometry (EC 100) , and the number of reduced DPPH˙ (n) were determined using the DPPH ˙ assay. It was shown that the antioxidant efficacy of GA/TA reduces slightly in the presence of BSA. However, the duration of the antioxidant activity of GA/TA increases as a result of the complex formation with BSA. The concentration of free and BSA-bound GA/TA was determined using fluorescence spectra. The rate constant (k obs), which describes the main reaction between antioxidant and DPPH ˙ , and the second-order rate constant (k 2) were determined. FTIR studies showed that the binding of GA/TA with BSA causes conformational changes in the secondary structure of the protein (decrease of α-helixes, an increase of β-sheet structures). Moreover, TA induces more pronounced effects compared to GA. [Display omitted] • BSA prolongs the action of gallic acid (GA)/tannic acid (TA) antioxidant activity. • Presence of free GA/TA is sustained through complexes with BSA. • TA acts more effectively due to its structure and binding features with BSA. • Binding of GA/TA to BSA leads to changes in the secondary structure of the protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful analytical tool in medical research, offering non‐invasive and precise examination of the molecular composition of biological samples. The primary objective of this review is to underscore the benefits of FTIR spectroscopy in medicinal research, emphasizing its ability to delineate molecular fingerprints and assist in the identification of biochemical structures and key peaks in biological samples. Methods: This review comprehensively explores the diverse applications of FTIR spectroscopy in medical investigations, with a specific focus on its utility in analyzing tissue, cells, and hair samples. Various sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, WorledCat and Scopus, were utilized to conduct this comprehensive literature review. Results: Recent advancements showcase the versatility of FTIR spectroscopy in elucidating cellular and molecular processes, facilitating disease diagnostics, and enabling treatment monitoring. Notably, FTIR spectroscopy has found significant utility in clinical assessment, particularly in screening counterfeit medicines, owing to its user‐friendly operation and minimal sample preparation requirements. Furthermore, customs officials can leverage this technique for preliminary analysis of suspicious samples. Conclusion: This review aims to bridge a gap in the literature and serve as a valuable resource for future research endeavors in FTIR spectroscopy within the medical domain. Additionally, it presents fundamental concepts of FTIR spectroscopy and spectral data interpretation, highlighting its utility as a tool for molecular analysis using Mid‐Infrared (MIR) radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginger oleoresins being rich in coloring, flavoring and other phytochemical compounds have strong potential for industrial applications. In this study, 5 different oleoresins' extraction methods are compared in terms of yield and phytochemical characterization of oleoresins. Petroleum ether exhibited the highest yield (5.51 ± 0.08%) among all selected methods. In terms of chemical characterization of extracted oleoresins, oleoresins yielded by supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC), Total f1avonoid content (TFC), total volatiles and antioxidant activity. SCF extracted oleoresins with best phytochemical profiling were further subjected to structural studies through fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and fatty acid profiling through gas chromatography attached with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Several functional groups were detected through FTIR including alkane with the highest peak at 2934.0968 cm− 1 wave number indicating C-H bonding followed by ester with C = O stretching bond type at 1751.5953 cm− 1 wave number. Similarly, total 11 fatty acids were analyzed ranging from 3.00 to 25.30% concentration through GC-FID. Methyl palmitoleate was found in the highest concentration (25.30%) with 21.36 min. retention time while methyl butyrate was detected in the lowest amount (3.00%) with 2.18 min. retention time. Data was interpreted statistically and it was concluded that oleoresins extracted through SCFE exhibited a bit lower yield (3.98 ± 0.05%) but were found best in terms of purity and phytochemical characterization. Oleoresins' yield and quality can further be enhanced by optimizing the extraction conditions resulting in their better and more acceptable utilization by food and other pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing threat of forest fires on a global scale is not only a matter of concern due to the potential harm they may cause to both human and animal life but also due to their significant role in exacerbating climate change. In light of these circumstances, one might inquire as to whether forest soil can self‐ignite and, if so, under what conditions and at what temperatures this phenomenon may occur. This question is being addressed in the German pilot "Fire science of wildfires and safety measures" of the EU project TREEADS, and the first results are presented below. The importance of basic research into the self‐ignition of forest soil cannot be underestimated, as it provides crucial knowledge to prevent forest fires and protect human and animal health. Furthermore, mitigating the occurrence of forest fires can also play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. The procedure of the hot storage test is an effective means of determining whether a material can self‐ignite. During the investigation of six soil samples, it was found that five of them were indeed capable of self‐ignition. In addition to determining whether the material ignites, the modified hot storage test also analyzed the resulting smoke gases and measured their concentration. The research question of whether regional forest soil is capable of self‐ignition can be answered with yes based on these initial tests. Further experiments are needed to determine if self‐ignition causes forest fires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erbium‐incorporated silicophosphate glasses are very desirable in principal sectors such as photonics, optoelectronics, lasers, and illuminating diodes. The focus of the current investigation has been on determining how the erbium dopant affects the optical, physical, and structural characteristics of the silicophosphate‐based glasses. The pure silicophosphate glasses and doped with various contents of erbium were prepared by the sol–gel process in this work. The noncrystalline character of the glasses synthesized was confirmed by the XRD patterns that were obtained. The optical measurement showed that the addition of trivalent erbium ions resulted in an increase in the refractive index of the samples and a decrease in their energy band gap values. It demonstrated the presence of P–O–P linkage stretching vibration modes that were both symmetrical and asymmetrical, P–O in PO4 bending vibration modes, OH group elongating and flexure vibrations, and P–O–H water absorption in glasses. The theoretical values of the optical basicity (Ʌth) increased from 0.465 to 0.472, while the values of the interaction parameter (A) decreased from 0.218 to 0.214 Å−3$$ {\overset{\ocirc }{\mathrm{A}}}^{-3} $$. Silicophosphate glasses doped with trivalent erbium ions show promise as optoelectronic and optical filter system materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delirium presents a significant clinical challenge, primarily due to its profound impact on patient outcomes and the limitations of the current diagnostic methods, which are largely subjective. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this challenge was intensified as the frequency of delirium assessments decreased in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), even as the prevalence of delirium among critically ill patients increased. The present study evaluated how the serum molecular fingerprint, as acquired by Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, can enable the development of predictive models for delirium. A preliminary univariate analysis of serum FTIR spectra indicated significantly different bands between 26 ICU patients with delirium and 26 patients without, all of whom were admitted with COVID-19. However, these bands resulted in a poorly performing Naïve-Bayes predictive model. Considering the use of a Fast-Correlation-Based Filter for feature selection, it was possible to define a new set of spectral bands with a wider coverage of molecular functional groups. These bands ensured an excellent Naïve-Bayes predictive model, with an AUC, a sensitivity, and a specificity all exceeding 0.92. These spectral bands, acquired through a minimally invasive analysis and obtained rapidly, economically, and in a high-throughput mode, therefore offer significant potential for managing delirium in critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, zinc oxide nanopowders (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized by atmospheric pressure plasma jet and continuous laser diode (CLD) techniques. ZrO2 powder were made up with the ZnO nanopowders to study its effect on ZnO properties. The study initiated with the utilization of the atmospheric pressure plasma jet technique recognized for its capability to generate nanoparticles using cold plasma, ensuring high purity and controlled growth. Following this, CLD techniques were employed to fine-tune the structural attributes of the ZnO-ZrO2 nanocomposite. The average particle size and morphology were examined by FE-SEM, and the crystallinity was estimated by XRD analysis and the spectroscopic properties of the powder were measured by using FTIR spectroscopy. XRD studies confirm that zinc oxide has a high degree of crystallinity. The particle size of ZnO was found to be about 18 nm. The purpose of this study involved the investigation of ZnO nanoparticle characteristics. The outcome considered a new synthesis of ZnO nanopowders that may be employed in many scientific applications using continuous laser diode to increase the oxidization. This is represented as a novel method and also a simple and cost effective one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a spectral analysis of the enamel, dentino-enamel junction, and dentin of teeth in women with and without connective tissue dysplasia (CTD) in five age groups: 14–17, 18–21, 22–26, 27–31, and 32–36. Using the principal component analysis method, 19 absorption bands in the IR spectra of hard dental tissues were analyzed and the feasibility of grouping the samples by age and the presence or absence of CTD was assessed. The greatest differences in the functional group composition of the dental hard tissues in the case of connective tissue dysplasia were found at the dentino-enamel junction and were most pronounced for the 14–17 year-old age group. In this age group in comparison with the norm, the intensity of the collagen absorption bands in dentin at 1202, 1249, and 1342 cm–1 was reduced by 30–50%, while the intensity of the phosphate absorption bands in the enamel at 1037 and 1050 cm–1 was reduced by 50–70%. The lower third molars in this age group erupt with an insufficient level of maturity in a hypomineralized state, which may be associated with a reduced collagen content and different collagen structure due to connective tissue dysplasia. The data obtained can serve as the basis for a review of preventive measures and prenosological diagnosis of disease in teeth and maxilla based on the connective tissue theory of eruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy using the IR Biotyper and core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) analysis were performed on 12 Legionella isolates associated with an outbreak at a spa house in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, and 3 non-outbreak isolates. The discriminative power of FTIR spectroscopy for 48-h incubation conditions of L. pneumophila in this outbreak was lower than cgSNP-based typing but higher than serogroup typing. FTIR spectroscopy could screen outbreak isolates from a group of genetically related isolates and may be useful as an initial typing method in Legionella outbreak investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant mediated synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is a fast-growing area of interest in the field of nanotechnology due to its eco-friendly approach. This study demonstrated the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Tagetes minuta leaf extract. The AgNPs were characterised using UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. UV-visible spectrum of synthesised silver nanoparticles showed maximum peak at 442 nm. TEM revealed that the particles were spherical in shape and size ranging from 10 to 50 nm. The EDX spectrum confirmed the presence of silver metal. Preliminary antibacterial activity was determined using the agar well diffusion method, which showed growth inhibition against selected gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reusing waste materials such as construction and demolition waste is an environmentally significant task. This article aims to improve the quality of recycled aggregates after the demolition of concrete structures. Two methods, mechanical cleaning and impregnation, were explored to enhance the quality of coarse aggregates. The findings indicate that mechanical cleaning is more effective than soaking in a sodium silicate solution. The compressive strength of concrete made with mechanically cleaned recycled aggregates was 2.3 times greater than that of concrete made with untreated rubble. Concrete with impregnated rubble had a compressive strength 1.1 times greater than that of concrete with untreated aggregates. Infrared spectroscopy was used to study the microstructure, revealing that the type of treatment does not influence the quantity of portlandite and ettringite in hydrated cement. However, the treatment of recycled aggregates alters the interaction in the gel portion of cement hydration products. Concrete with aggregates treated by sodium silicate has more aluminate components. Additionally, there is a shift of the bands assigned to Si-O stretching to higher wave numbers (from 995 cm–1 to 1088 cm–1), which can be attributed to the formation of calcium-silicate-hydrate gel with a lower calcium/silicon ratio.

The diversity of the plant biomass available on earth makes plants an exceptional resource for replacing fossil resources in green chemistry, bioenergy and biobased materials. For numerous applications, and especially the high-tech ones (building block molecules, high-power bioenergy, additive manufacturing of biobased materials), the macrostructure assemblies of the plant biomass often need to be first broken down into a fine powder. This can be achieved by dry fractionation process combining comminution and sorting steps. The chemical and physical properties of the ground plant powder results both from the process conditions, the histological structure and chemical composition of the raw plant materials. In a forward engineering approach, the quality of the final products can be highly improved by the selection of the right powder (raw materials and production process) for the right application.This article provides production routes together with physical and chemical characterization of 10 biomass powders from 6 different biomass feedstocks (SP - spirulina, HI - hibiscus, PB - pine bark, HC - hemp Core, RH - rice husk and RHA - rice husk ash). These feedstocks represent a broad range of raw materials properties. For pine bark, hemp core, rice husk and rice husk ash, two grades of powders related to two different particle sizes were produced by two different routes to highlight the impact of the comminution process on the powder properties. The devices used and the process parameters are described. The morphological properties of the powder were quantified using laser diffraction (particle size) and image analysis (shape factor) and qualitatively analyzed with SEM. The specific surface area was determined using gas sorption with BET theory, and the hygroscopic properties were measured using direct vapor sorption. The chemical characterizations were determined with a set of biochemical assays and, complementary, FTIR and fluorescence spectra were recorded to provide fingerprints of samples. The dataset includes tables that summarize the main characteristic descriptors of each analysis as well as the raw data.The data are registered in the French Research Data Gouv public repository and also stored in the PO2 BaGaTel database using the PO2/TransformON ontology [1]. SPO2Q web tool allows on line querying of the database, which can also be consulted using PO2 manager desktop application [1–3]

Microplastics (MPs) are considered pollutants of emerging concern. In rivers, MPs (≤5 mm) are transported by currents and deposited in lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and oceans. In Mexico, MPs in freshwater ecosystems have been scarcely studied. This work aimed to determine the presence of MPs in rivers of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve (SGBR). Samples of surface water and sediment collected from the Escanela, Jalpan, Ayutla, and Santa María rivers were processed. MPs in water were extracted by direct filtration using nitrocellulose filters with a 1.2 μm pore size; MPs in sediments were extracted by density suspension using a ZnCl2 solution (ρ ≈ 1.5 g/cm3). The surface of MPs was examined using SEM-EDX, and spectra of trace elements deposited on the MPs were obtained; additionally, MP polymers were characterized with FTIR. Fibers were the most abundant MP forms in both matrices. Up to 110.87 items L−1 were detected in water and 175 items kg−1 (dry weight) in sediments. Surface wear of MPs was observed, and trace elements were detected, including Al, Fe, Cr, Si, and Zn, among others. The polymers identified in MP samples were polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, polyamide, and polystyrene. The test results revealed the presence of MPs with trace metals on their surface in the freshwater ecosystems of the SGBR, which may be related to mining operations in the study area, changes in land use, wastewater discharges, atmospheric transport, and dry and wet deposition. These findings demonstrated the ubiquity of these pollutants and their presence even in areas intended for conservation.

Microplastics pose a severe threat to ecosystems, human health, and aquatic life, and are a major global contributor to water contamination. Despite this, the impact of microplastics in estuaries, where freshwater meets saltwater, has received insufficient attention. This study investigates the characteristics, distribution, risks, and sources of microplastics in the Muttukadu backwater estuary, a vital ecosystem in Tamil Nadu, India. The results show that the average abundance of microplastics in water (2.75 ± 1.80 items/m³) and sediments (3.15 ± 1.81 items/kg) was higher during the wet season (November) than the dry season (March) (1.95 ± 1.63 items/m³ in water and 2.55 ± 2.25 items/kg in sediments). The dominant forms of microplastics found were fragments (60 %) and fibers (30 %), primarily blue (27 %), black (25 %), and red (20 %) in color, and measuring 500–1000 μm in size (50 %). FTIR analysis identified five polymers, with Polyamide being the most abundant, followed by Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polystyrene, and Low-Density Polyethylene. Source apportionment studies, combining morphological identification and chemical composition of microplastics, revealed single-use plastics, boating, and fishing practices as major contributors to microplastic contamination. An ecological risk index, assessing the potential harm of microplastics to the environment, indicated a medium to high-risk category for the estuarine environment. This study provides valuable insights and actionable recommendations for stakeholders to establish effective mitigation measures, including waste reduction policies, public awareness campaigns, and regular monitoring and cleanup efforts, ultimately reducing microplastic pollution and protecting the estuarine environment.

The compost effects on soil organic matter (SOM) stability were evaluated. Manure at 10 % ratio and compost at 10 %, 20 % and 40 % ratios (v/v) were added to the soil and their effects were compared to unamended control soil after 90-days of greenhouse-experiment. Humic acids (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) were extracted from two different soil-sample layers at 0–15 and 15–30 cm depth. The CHA/CFA ratio and the humification parameters were determined, and the soil-HA were characterized by spectroscopic methods (E4/E6 and FTIR). The humification parameters progress with time were affected by the amendment concentration. After 90 days, the treated soils HA’ FTIR spectra showed an increase in aromatic carbon polycondensation and O-containing groups reflecting the high degrees of molecular associations and humification of soil HA. Compared to 10 % manure application and 40 % compost ratio use, the applications of 10 % and 20 % compost ratios induced higher humification level and highly oxidized HA structure. Moreover, changes in the HA compositional and functional groups were noticed at the upper layer which exhibited higher reactivity compared to the lower layer which displayed more humified SOM. Through the humification process, the HA fraction was improved to reach more stable and complex macromolecules, where aromatic structures were bio-converted into highly functionalized compounds.