Review
Engineering, Environmental
Andrea Carboni, Danielle L. Slomberg, Mohammad Nassar, Catherine Santaella, Armand Masion, Jerome Rose, Melanie Auffan
Summary: Mesocosms have emerged as a useful tool for studying the environmental impacts of engineered nanomaterials over the past decade. Study results show that mesocosm size, experiment duration, and indoor/outdoor location play major roles in defining the distribution of ENMs/metals. While benthic communities may face higher exposure levels, planktonic organisms are generally exposed to lower concentrations of potentially more reactive and toxic ENM species.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christopher A. W. David, M. Estela del Castillo Busto, Susana Cuello-Nunez, Heidi Goenaga-Infante, Michael Barrow, David G. Fernig, Patricia Murray, Matthew J. Rosseinsky, Andrew Owen, Neill J. Liptrott
Summary: Nanomaterials have the potential to interfere with autophagic processes, leading to altered cellular function and viability. The association of particle size with impact on autophagy warrants further investigation.
CELL AND BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Karla E. Zarco-Gonzalez, Jessica D. Valle-Garcia, Yendi E. Navarro-Noya, Fabian Fernandez-Luqueno, Luc Dendooven
Summary: This study investigates the effects of silver and hematite nanoparticles on common bean plants and soil bacterial communities. The application of nanoparticles did not significantly impact plant growth, but did alter the levels of certain heavy metals in plant tissues. The diversity, structure, and functional profile of the soil and rhizosphere bacterial communities were minimally affected by the nanoparticles.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fahad Albalawi, Mohd Zobir Hussein, Sharida Fakurazi, Mas Jaffri Masarudin
Summary: The emergence of nanotechnology as a key enabling technology has opened avenues for new and innovative applications in nanomedicine. Despite the potential of the nanomedicine market, challenges in evaluating the toxicity of engineered nanomaterials present significant obstacles in bringing them into clinical stages.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Samantha V. Llewellyn, Gillian E. Conway, Ilaria Zanoni, Amalie Kofoed Jorgensen, Ume-Kulsoom Shah, Didem Ag Seleci, Johannes G. Keller, Jeong Won Kim, Wendel Wohlleben, Keld Alstrup Jensen, Anna Costa, Gareth J. S. Jenkins, Martin J. D. Clift, Shareen H. Doak
Summary: This study found that acute exposure to five ENMs caused significant genotoxicity in liver spheroids, while prolonged exposure only resulted in genotoxicity at low concentrations of ZnO ENMs. There was no significant difference in toxicity outcomes between fractionated, repeated exposure and single, bolus exposure regimes in liver spheroids.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Umar Aftab Abbasi, Eskil Mattsson, Sarath Premalal Nissanka, Arshad Ali
Summary: Compared to temperate and boreal forests, tropical forests are biodiverse, structurally-complex and high-functioning ecosystems, but vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances and environmental factors. This study found that the attributes of tropical forests respond to water-related climatic and soil nutrient-related factors. Water-related climatic factors had a strong positive effect on forest conditions, followed by temperature-related climatic factors, while soil factors had negligible effects. Improving water-energy balance and soil conditions can increase biodiversity and carbon stocks of tropical forests, offsetting anthropogenic carbon emissions. Conservation practices should consider multiple environmental and biotic attributes for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abraao Tiago Batista Guimaraes, Guilherme Malafaia
Summary: The study investigated the chronic effects of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on juveniles of Podocnemis expansa (Amazon turtle) and found that CNFs uptake was associated with changes in REDOX systems, increased levels of antioxidants, and higher frequencies of erythrocyte abnormalities. Furthermore, the study revealed mutagenic, genotoxic, cytotoxic, and neurotoxic effects of CNFs on the turtles, reinforcing their toxic potential.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Siyu Chen, Yuan Su, Manjin Zhang, Yulin Zhang, Peiming Xiu, Wei Luo, Qiuxia Zhang, Xinlu Zhang, Hongbin Liang, Alex Pui-Wai Lee, Longquan Shao, Jiancheng Xiu
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease characterized by lipid accumulation and chronic inflammation in the arteries, leading to stenosis and thrombosis. While researchers have been developing nanomedicines for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis, recent studies have found that nanomaterials can also promote the development of atherosclerosis. This review aims to explore the molecular mechanisms and physicochemical properties of nanomaterials that contribute to atherosclerosis, highlighting the toxicological effects on key cells involved in the disease, and providing valuable insights for prevention and treatment strategies.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kanika Khanna, Sukhmeen Kaur Kohli, Neha Handa, Harsimran Kaur, Puja Ohri, Renu Bhardwaj, Balal Yousaf, Jorg Rinklebe, Parvaiz Ahmad
Summary: Nanotechnology is a revolutionary field with vast potential, but also poses potential threats to the environment and rhizosphere communities. Accumulation of nanoparticles has significant impacts on soil properties and biogeochemical cycles, while microbes are adapting to cope with them. By utilizing advanced engineering methods and sustainable synthesis procedures, we can manage and utilize nanoparticles in a rational and sustainable manner for the future.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Shams Tabrez Khan, Syed Farooq Adil, Mohammed Rafi Shaik, Hamad Z. Alkhathlan, Merajuddin Khan, Mujeeb Khan
Summary: A large number of nanomaterials-based products are being commercially engineered and produced, resulting in the disposal of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) into soil in significant quantities. The presence of ENMs in soil considerably affects the soil microbiome and crucial microbial processes. Understanding the influence of these ENMs on the soil microbiome is essential for sustainable agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Abraao Tiago Batista Guimaraes, Italo Nascimento Freitas, Nabisab Mujawar Mubarak, Md Mostafizur Rahman, Fernando Postalli Rodrigues, Aline Sueli de Lima Rodrigues, Damia Barcelo, Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam, Guilherme Malafaia
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of exposure to poly-styrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) on the behavior, brain antioxidant activity, and DNA damage in male Swiss mice. It was found that mice exposed to PS NPs exhibited anxiolytic-like behavior and altered defensive response when confronted with a predator. Additionally, the exposure to PS NPs led to reduced brain antioxidant activity and increased DNA damage. These findings highlight the potential impact of PS NPs on mammals and underscore the ecotoxicological risks associated with their dispersion in natural environments.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andreya Goncalves Costa Motta, Vinicius Guerra, Diogo Ferreira do Amaral, Amanda Pereira da Costa Araujo, Lucelia Goncalves Vieira, Daniela de Melo e Silva, Thiago Lopes Rocha
Summary: This study investigated the effects of exposure to ZnO NPs and ZnCl2 at environmentally relevant concentrations on the morphology, chondrocranium, and behavior of tadpoles. The results showed that both forms of zinc altered the development of tadpoles, causing morphological changes and reduced individual fitness.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Arslan Ahmad, Muhammad Adeel, Noman Shakoor, Rabia Javed, Muhammad Ishfaq, Yutao Peng, Muhammad Zain, Imran Azeem, Ilyas Ali, Muhammad Usman, Zihao Wu, Gholamreza Gohari, Ming Xu, Yukui Rui, Zhiyong Zhang, Jason C. White, Xu Deng
Summary: The application of pristine nanomaterials (PNMs) for environment remediation still faces challenges due to aggregation, low stability, sub-optimum efficiency, and non-uniformity. On the other hand, modified nanomaterials (MNMs) have shown significant potential in enhancing remediation strategies by decreasing aggregation and increasing metal bioavailability. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review evaluating the efficacy and environmental impact of MNMs against PNMs. This critical review identifies barriers and discusses strategies to increase stability and activity of nanomaterials at reaction sites, highlighting the potential of MNMs in remediation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Maha M. El-Kady, Iqbal Ansari, Charu Arora, Nidhi Rai, Sanju Soni, Dakeshwar Kumar Verma, Priyanka Singh, Alaa El Din Mahmoud
Summary: The present era is dominated by nanotechnology, where nanomaterials have gained significant importance in various fields due to their unique properties. These materials are classified based on their characteristics and their potential risks need to be investigated. This review critically examines the applications, behavior, and toxic impact of nanomaterials on humans, animals, and the environment. The review also addresses the challenges and future requirements for the development of safe nanotechnology for sustainable development.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thais S. M. Lima, Wanderson Souza, Luths R. O. Geaquinto, Priscila L. Sanches, Ewa L. Stepien, Joao Meneses, Eli Fernandez-de Gortari, Nicole Meisner-Kober, Martin Himly, Jose M. Granjeiro, Ana R. Ribeiro
Summary: The increasing use of nanomaterials has raised concerns about nanosafety and their potential toxic effects on human health. Studies have shown that nanomaterials can alter cell communication by reshaping and altering the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs), leading to dysfunction in recipient cells. However, our understanding of how the physicochemical characteristics of nanomaterials affect EV content and their physiological functions is limited. This review explores the relevance of EVs in the field of nanotoxicology and assesses the modulation of EVs by nanomaterial exposure and the regulation of signaling pathways and physiological responses.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhenghua Peng, Yongfei Lei, Yanmei Liu, Xing Wan, Benqin Yang, Xuejun Pan
Summary: Anammox is an efficient nitrogen removal technique, but its long start-up time limits industrial application, therefore the use of carriers to accelerate start-ups is essential. Preservation of anammox bacteria is crucial, and adding polyurethane sponge can shorten the start-up and reactivation time by retaining more anammox bacteria in the reactor.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yanmei Liu, Qingzuo Wang, Qian Pan, Xiandong Zhou, Zhenghua Peng, Deokjin Jahng, Benqin Yang, Xuejun Pan
Summary: The study found that in the co-bioevaporation treatment, archaea grew rapidly under intermittent ventilation, while continuous ventilation promoted fungal growth. Genes related to carbohydrates and lipids metabolism and ATP-associated enzymes were more abundant under continuous ventilation, while intermittent ventilation showed better DNA repair ability and microbial viability.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhixiang Xu, Dimeng Zhao, Xianyao Zheng, Bin Huang, Xuejun Pan, Xueshan Xia
Summary: The study demonstrated that environmental concentrations of E2 can promote cell growth, migration, invasion, apoptosis inhibition, and G1-S progression in tamoxifen-resistant patients. Overexpression of ERα36 and GPR30 can restore tamoxifen sensitivity and partially offset the proliferative effects mediated by E2.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chaochao Lai, Huan He, Wenxiao Xie, Sihan Fan, Huang Huang, Yan Wang, Bin Huang, Xuejun Pan
Summary: The presence of Fe was found to greatly enhance the adsorption rate and capacity as well as photodegradation ability of plastic-char for treating persistent organic pollutants in aqueous media. Hydroxyl radical and holes were identified as the predominant reactive species contributing to the photodegradation of target contaminants.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huan He, Tianguo Zhao, Qicheng Ma, Xiaoxia Yang, Qingsong Yue, Bin Huang, Xuejun Pan
Summary: This study constructed an efficient photoelectrocatalytic system using TiO2 nanotube arrays decorated with Ag/SnO2-Sb nanoparticles as the anode and Ti-Pd/SnO2-Sb as the cathode. The system showed high removal efficiency of antibiotics, antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in reclaimed water, while also reducing the ecotoxicity of chloramphenicol (CAP) solution. The study provides a potential alternative method for controlling antibiotic resistance and protecting the quality of reclaimed water.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xianyao Zheng, Zhixiang Xu, Dimeng Zhao, Yu Luo, Chaochao Lai, Bin Huang, Xuejun Pan
Summary: The study found that humic acid has a dual-dose effect on the growth of Scenedesmus capricornus. At concentrations below 2.0 mgC/L, it slightly promotes growth, but significantly inhibits growth when concentrations exceed 2.0 mgC/L.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Zhixiang Xu, Dimeng Zhao, Jichang Lu, Jun Liu, Guohua Dao, Bo Chen, Bin Huang, Xuejun Pan
Summary: Antibiotic resistance has become a global health concern, with antibiotic resistance genes frequently detected in various environmental media. This review focuses on the influence of nanomaterials on the removal and horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. It elaborates on the occurrence, behavior, and potential hazards of antibiotic resistance genes, summarizes nanomaterials-mediated antibiotic resistance removal, discusses the influence of nanomaterials on the horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, and highlights the tradeoff between their elimination and transfer. This review enhances our understanding of nanomaterials-mediated dissemination of antibiotic resistance and alerts us to reconsider the reasons for ARGs spread and the potential detriment of nanomaterials in complex ecological environments.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Zhixiang Xu, Yue Jia, Jun Liu, Xiaomin Ren, Xiaoxia Yang, Xueshan Xia, Xuejun Pan
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the synergistic antitumor effects of tamoxifen and naringenin/quercetin on human hepatic carcinoma, and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms involved. The results demonstrated that a combination of tamoxifen and higher concentrations of naringenin or quercetin significantly inhibited cell growth and migration, stimulated apoptosis, and resulted in loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. These effects were regulated by ROS-mediated p53 signaling cascades. On the other hand, lower concentrations of naringenin and quercetin regulated cell migration, invasion, cycle, and apoptosis, thereby inhibiting the tamoxifen-induced antiproliferative effects.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhixiang Xu, Yue Jia, Bin Huang, Dimeng Zhao, Xin Long, Siyuan Hu, Caiqing Li, Guohua Dao, Bo Chen, Xuejun Pan
Summary: With the increasing production and use of antibiotics, China has become a major source of antibiotic resistance genes, leading to higher pollution levels and posing a threat to human health. Studies have shown that eastern China has higher levels of antibiotics and resistance genes, with tetracycline and sulfanilamide resistance genes being the most prevalent. These genes can be found in water, soil, atmosphere, and wastewater.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhixiang Xu, Yue Jia, Xuanhe Zhang, Siyuan Hu, Yu Luo, Huan He, Bo Chen, Bin Huang, Xuejun Pan
Summary: Algae play an important role in the sunlight-driven degradation of environmental contaminants. This study investigated the role of algal organic matter (AOM) from Microcystis aeruginosa in tetracycline photodegradation. The results showed that different types of AOM promoted tetracycline degradation in different ways and efficiencies.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bo Chen, Fengling Yu, Sha Wang, Yang Liu, Dehong Li, Yuning Chen, Guohua Dao, Zhixiang Xu, Xuejun Pan
Summary: In this study, a novel Fe3+ cross-linked alginate aerogel (SA/DA-Fe3+) was successfully fabricated and applied for highly efficient removal of tetracycline (TC) from water. The Fe3+ and DA in the aerogel enhanced the adsorption of TC, which was effective over a wide pH range. The kinetics process and adsorption isotherm were well-described by chemisorption controlled pseudo-second-order kinetics model and Langmuir equation, respectively. Multiple interactions were involved in the adsorption process. The SA/DA-Fe3+ aerogel showed good stability, reusability, and recyclability, and had great potential for treating TC-containing wastewater.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhixiang Xu, Dimeng Zhao, Xianyao Zheng, Kemeng Sheng, Yu Luo, Bo Chen, Bin Huang, Xiaoxia Yang, Xuejun Pan
Summary: This study investigated the aquatic toxic effects and mechanisms of MoS2 nanosheets on the freshwater green microalgae Selenastrum capricornutum. The results showed that low concentrations of single-layer MoS2 nanosheets stimulated algal growth, while higher concentrations inhibited growth through oxidative damage and membrane destruction. Additionally, MoS2 nanosheets accelerated the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances and changed their fluorescent components, thus influencing algal growth.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
