Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan Jose Parajo, Pablo Vallet, Luis Miguel Varela, Maria Villanueva, Josefa Salgado
Summary: The study found that aprotic ILs are more toxic than protic ILs, and aromatic ILs are more toxic than non-aromatic ILs. Mixing inorganic salts with ILs, especially certain salts like Al(NO3)(3)center dot 9H(2)O, significantly increases toxicity levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marika Turek, Robert Biczak, Barbara Pawlowska, Ewa Rozycka-Sokolowska, Krzysztof Owsianik, Bernard Marciniak, Piotr Balczewski
Summary: The use of optically active forms of commercial chiral herbicides may be more effective and environmentally safer. This study synthesized a series of chiral quaternary ammonium salts and investigated their selective toxicity towards aquatic bacteria and terrestrial plants. The results showed that these salts exhibited enantioselective toxicity towards all tested organisms.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Andreia Forte, Sandra Gago, Manuela Ribeiro Carrott, Peter Carrott, Celso Alves, Fernando Teodoro, Rui Pedrosa, Isabel M. Marrucho, Luis C. Branco
Summary: Organic salts based on different choline derivative cations and metal ions were immobilized in mesoporous silica nanoparticles through a two-step synthetic method, characterized using various techniques and evaluated for cytotoxicity in different cell lines. The characterization data confirmed successful functionalization and provided insights into the materials' properties, while the cytotoxicity results revealed differences between the metal organic salts and their immobilized analogues.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jean-Pierre Mbakidi, Iris Barjhoux, Kawther Aguibi, Alain Geffard, Damien Rioult, Melissa Palos Ladeiro, Sandrine Bouquillon
Summary: A new class of betaine-based ionic liquids with various structures were synthesized, and their ecotoxicity was determined using a hemocyte-based bioassay. The study showed differential toxicity of ILs based on the nature of cations and anions, with betaine- and cholinium-based ILs exhibiting more acute toxicity. The interactions between cations and anions in IL structures strongly influence their toxicity, highlighting the need for innovative strategies in risk assessment of these molecular assemblages.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana R. P. Goncalves, Xavier Paredes, A. F. Cristino, F. J. V. Santos, Carla S. G. P. Queiros
Summary: Ionic liquids were initially touted as environmentally friendly replacements for traditional solvents, but research on their interactions with organisms is lacking. Lipophilicity and the type of cation play key roles in toxicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuzi Liu, Dongkun Yu, Yu Chen, Ruifen Shi, Fengyi Zhou, Tiancheng Mu
Summary: This paper introduces the evaluation method of thermal stability of deep eutectic solvents (DESs). Traditional thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has issues such as decomposition overlap and low resolution, while high-resolution TGA (HR-TGA) can more accurately evaluate the thermal stability of DESs.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ana Carolina Lima, Khadidja Hachemane, Antonio E. Ribeiro, Ana Queiroz, Maria Carolina Sergi Gomes, Paulo Brito
Summary: Ionic liquid choline hydroxide (ChOH) was successfully applied as a catalyst for the transesterification reaction of triacylglycerols present in sunflower oil with methanol. The experimental results showed that a high ester yield can be achieved in a short reaction time under specific conditions. Kinetic modeling study indicated that a first-order model is the best fit for the reaction.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jean-Pierre Mbakidi, Florica Lazar, Luc Marchal, Eric Leroy, Sandrine Bouquillon
Summary: Paramylon is a water insoluble linear glucan produced by Euglena gracilis microalgae. It has a stable triple helix conformation and high crystallinity due to its macromolecular structure containing only b(1-3) linkages. The solubility of paramylon was evaluated using eco-friendly ionic liquids as solvents, and the structure and thermal properties of the biopolymer before and after solubilization and regeneration were discussed. (C) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhimeng Shi, Yuchen Liu, Xiaowen Wang, Kehui Du, Hongzhe Tian
Summary: Five choline ionic liquids were tested for their toxicity to Chlorella vulgaris and Daphnia magna. The ionic liquids had a slight inhibitory effect on algal growth, and higher concentrations affected chlorophyll content, respiration rate, and protein content of the algae. The toxicity to Daphnia magna varied, with choline acetate and choline D-lactate being the most toxic. Overall, the studied ionic liquids showed low toxicity to both organisms.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Matilde Vieira Sanches, Rosa Freitas, Matteo Oliva, Alessia Cuccaro, Gianfranca Monni, Andrea Mezzetta, Lorenzo Guazzelli, Carlo Pretti
Summary: The potential release of ionic liquids into aquatic systems has led to concerns about their ecotoxicological effects on aquatic microorganisms and invertebrate species. This review examines 103 studies on ionic liquids and their toxicity to aquatic organisms, focusing on the factors influencing their toxicity. Freshwater species were studied more frequently than marine species, with algal species being the most commonly assessed. The combination of imidazolium cations with long alkyl-chain anions was found to be the most toxic.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diego Errazquin, Aminou Mohamadou, Laurent Dupont, Yannick De Gaetano, Cristina B. Garcia, Laura Lomba, Beatriz Giner
Summary: The study found that the toxicity of different bromide-based ionic liquids towards environmental biomodels varies, with ammonium ionic liquids generally being more toxic than phosphonium-based ones. Predictions suggest significant toxicity but not genotoxic or nongenotoxic carcinogenicity for the studied ionic liquids.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Charles Chinyere Dike, Leadin S. Khudur, Ibrahim Gbolahan Hakeem, Alka Rani, Esmaeil Shahsavari, Aravind Surapaneni, Kalpit Shah, Andrew S. Ball
Summary: This study investigates the effects of biosolids-derived biochar on the remediation and ecotoxicity of diesel-contaminated soil, as well as the impacts of biochar pyrolysis temperature, biochar dose, and fertiliser addition on soil remediation. The results suggest that adding biochar prepared at 900 degrees C, at a dose of 10% with 1% fertiliser, to contaminated soil can reduce the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons below the maximum threshold set by the EPA Victoria. Additionally, most of the biochar treatments resulted in lower soil ecotoxicity.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ana Rita Pereira, Ines B. Gomes, Manuel Simoes
Summary: Choline-based ionic liquids have demonstrated antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, although their effectiveness is lower than that of commonly used quaternary ammonium compounds. The mode of action of these ionic liquids involves the dysfunction and disruption of the bacterial outer layer. The combination of choline-based ionic liquids and quaternary ammonium compounds shows additive effects against biofilm formation.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fabiane O. Farias, Ariel A. C. Toledo Hijo, Cassamo U. Mussagy, Ramon S. B. Ferreira, Valeria C. Santos-Ebinuma, Eduardo A. C. Batista, Antonio J. A. Meirelles
Summary: This study investigates two different approaches for vegetable oil deacidification using an ionic liquid as a solvent. The oligomeric IL approach removes oleic acid from soybean oil, and the multicomponent IL approach achieves a FFA removal rate of 85%. Both methods result in lower oil loss compared to conventional chemical processes.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guilherme Jeremias, Fatima Jesus, Sonia P. M. Ventura, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Jana Asselman, Joana L. Pereira
Summary: The molecular effects of ionic liquids on organisms were investigated, with different ILs showing varying levels of toxicity at the transcriptional level, suggesting the importance of alkyl chain length in determining toxicity. Despite its argued biological compatibility, cholinium chloride was found to possess environmental hazardous potential.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Libania Queiros, Nuno Aguiar, Patricia Pereira, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Artur Alves, Joana Luisa Pereira
Summary: This study investigates the possibility of readjusting the formulation of a commercial fungicide to make it more environmentally safe and effective against target organisms. The results suggest that the current mixture and rates of the fungicides are generally environmentally safe but ineffective against the target fungi. It also highlights the importance of systematic ecotoxicological testing for optimizing commercial products and reducing environmental contamination.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Joana Isabel Santos, Carlos Silva, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Joana Luisa Pereira, Bruno Branco Castro
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare the macroinvertebrate community structure and its bioindicator value in streams from different regions in Portugal. The results showed clear differences in environmental context and ecological similarity between the wettest and driest regions, while the intermediate region had high variability. Climate and water scarcity were found to be coupled with other environmental drivers in shaping macroinvertebrate communities.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ines P. E. Macario, Telma Veloso, Andreia P. M. Fernandes, Margarida Martins, Silja Frankenbach, Joao Serodio, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Sonia P. M. Ventura, Joana L. Pereira
Summary: This study evaluated the growth patterns and pigment production of three cyanobacterium species, and found that N. muscorum was the best producer of chlorophyll a and C-phycocyanin.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fatima Jesus, Filipa Mesquita, Elisa Virumbrales Aldama, Ana Marques, Ana M. M. Goncalves, Luisa Magalhaes, Antonio J. A. Nogueira, Ana Re, Isabel Campos, Joana Luisa Pereira, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Nelson Abrantes, Dalila Serpa
Summary: This study compared the antioxidant defense response of the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea and the marine cockle Cerastoderma edule to wildfire ash exposure and metal body burden. Both species exhibited significant changes in certain parameters after exposure to aqueous extracts of Eucalypt ash, although the effects differed between the species. Clams showed higher Cd content while cockles showed higher Cu content, indicating different responses to wildfire ash exposure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sergio M. Vilas-Boas, Isabella W. Cordova, Dinis O. Abranches, Joao A. . P. Coutinho, Olga Ferreira, Simao P. Pinho
Summary: In this study, the Abraham and NRTL-SAC semi-predictive models were used to represent the solubility of different solutes in water and organic solvents. The models were calibrated using measured and literature data, and their predictive capabilities were tested on independent solvents. The results showed that NRTL-SAC performed better in the correlation/prediction approach, while COSMO-RS could produce satisfactory predictions even without experimental data.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sergio M. Vilas-Boas, Aline Zambom Coelho, Monia A. R. Martins, Joao A. P. Coutinho, Olga Ferreira, Simao P. Pinho
Summary: In this study, the potential use of ionic liquids (ILs) and their mixtures as separation agents in the fractionation of essential oils was investigated. Experimental and modeling approaches showed that chloride-based ILs are effective in fractionating essential oils containing hydrogen-bond donor monoterpenoids.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Goncalo M. C. Silva, German Perez-Sanchez, Diego A. Pantano, Sophie Loehle, Joao A. P. Coutinho
Summary: In this study, the SAFT-gamma-Mie equation of state was used to develop coarse-grained molecular models for describing micellization phenomena in a top-down approach. Polyethylene oxide (PEO)/polypropylene oxide (PPO) triblock copolymers in aqueous solutions were selected as the case study. The model was successfully fitted to reproduce the thermophysical properties and liquid-liquid phase diagrams of PEO/PPO oligomers and their mixtures with water. Molecular dynamics simulations showed the formation of spherical micelles with star-shaped or flower-shaped morphology at low concentrations, and the formation of larger micelles or aggregates at higher concentrations.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Correction
Engineering, Chemical
Miguel Ayuso, Andre M. Palma, Marcos Larriba, Noemi Delgado-Mellado, Julian Garcia, Francisco Rodriguez, Joao A. P. Coutinho, A. P. Coutinho, Pedro J. Carvalho, Pablo Navarro
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Filipa C. Flora, Sofia B. Relvas, Francisca A. e Silva, Mara G. Freire, Virginia Chu, Joao Pedro Conde
Summary: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major global health concern, and improved diagnostic strategies are urgently needed. This study shows that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) can be detected through an immunoassay performed in a microbead-based microfluidic device after being extracted and purified from a serum sample using an aqueous biphasic system (ABS). Ionic liquids (ILs) and polymers were used in combination with buffered salts to optimize the extraction process. The results demonstrate the potential of this method for future point-of-care measurements.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eva Domingues, Fatima Jesus, Mariana Alvim, Carla Cotas, Pawel Mazierski, Joana L. Pereira, Joao Gomes
Summary: Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) are widely consumed and often end up in water bodies due to inefficient conventional wastewater treatments. To tackle these stubborn contaminants, advanced oxidation processes like photocatalysis and ozonation have been studied. This research evaluated the effects of different N and Ce loads in co-doping TiO2 catalysts on the efficiency of photocatalytic oxidation and photocatalytic ozonation for PPCPs abatement, as well as their toxicity to aquatic species. The study found that photocatalysis had low efficiency on PPCPs removal (<20%), while photocatalytic ozonation achieved up to 100% removal, with lower ozone dose. A specific catalyst, doped with 2.5% w/w N and 1.2% w/w Ce, showed promising results for photocatalytic ozonation. Therefore, N and Ce co-doped TiO2-based catalysts have potential in wastewater treatment using photocatalytic ozonation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
LeticiaS. Contieri, Tania B. Ribeiro, Filipe H. B. Sosa, Barbara M. C. Vaz, Rodrigo S. Pizani, Manuela Pintado, Sonia P. M. Ventura, Leonardo M. de Souza Mesquita, Mauricio A. Rostagno
Summary: A new extraction platform of phenolic compounds from Brazilian green propolis using eutectic solvents was developed, with betaine: citric acid (1:2) and 50 wt % water as the most efficient solvent. The extraction yield was around 100 mg(polyphenol) g(propolis) (-1) using ultrasound-assisted extraction approach (UAE). In vitro biological assays showed that the eutectic solvent enhanced the biological potential of the green propolis extract, paving the way for the development of semi-finished products targeting inflammation biological pathways.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andreia F. Mesquita, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Ana M. M. Goncalves
Summary: Currently, there is a growing concern over chemical pollution and climate change worldwide. This study focuses on evaluating the effects of copper and oxyfluorfen on bivalve species, Cerastoderma edule, considering their tolerance and the changes in antioxidant defense enzymes under different temperatures. The results show that C. edule has higher tolerance to oxyfluorfen compared to copper. The antioxidant defense system effectively fights against the chemicals, but there may be neurotoxic effects at certain temperatures. Higher temperatures can lead to lipid peroxidation and increased mortality.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana R. F. Carreira, Helena Passos, Joao A. P. Coutinho
Summary: The widespread presence of metals in water bodies has driven the development of platforms for their removal and recovery. Biosorption, specifically using algae, has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective method for metal removal from wastewater. However, there are still gaps in the research, such as limited studies in natural wastewater and a lack of consideration for ion and metal competition. This study explores the application of non-living algae for metal recovery and compares their sorption capacity with other wastewater matrices, as well as evaluating the cost performance compared to commercial and waste-based sorbents.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abaynesh Yihdego Gebreyohannes, Sandra L. L. Aristizabal, Liliana Silva, Eyad A. A. Qasem, Stefan Chisca, Lakshmeesha Upadhyaya, Daniyah Althobaiti, Joao A. P. Coutinho, Suzana P. P. Nunes
Summary: Membrane technology is a sustainable process of molecular separation with lower energy consumption. Currently, most membranes are made from petroleum-based polymers and organic solvents, which are not environmentally friendly. We propose a sustainable membrane fabrication method using lignin dissolved in a green deep eutectic solvent. The resulting membrane has the desired molecular weight cut-off for applications in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jean -Baptiste Chagnoleau, Nicolas Papaiconomou, Xavier Fernandez, Joao A. P. Coutinho
Summary: This study evaluates the potential of the conductor-like screening model for designing biphasic systems for natural compound separation. The model accurately predicts binodal curves and phases composition and shows excellent agreement with experimental data for partition coefficients of natural compounds. The model is able to capture the influence of changes in system composition on partition coefficients.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2024)
