Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
I. V. N. Rathnayake, Mallavarapu Megharaj, Michael Beer, Ravi Naidu
Summary: The study found that the components of microalgal media have a significant impact on the bioavailability of metals in the medium, leading to variations in bioassay results depending on the growth medium used. The free metal content in each medium varied with the concentrations of metals added. Tolerance of microalgae to metals differed significantly depending on the growth medium used and also varied between species of the same genus.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ghasem Asgari-Targhi, Alireza Iranbakhsh, Zahra Oraghi Ardebili, Adel Hatami Tooski
Summary: The study successfully synthesized chitosan/zinc oxide nanocomposite and demonstrated its capability to enhance plant growth and biomass in vitro conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Meixing Xiao, Jiayi Xin, Jie Fan, Bin Ji
Summary: This study investigated the responses of microalgal-bacterial granular sludge (MBGS) to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). The results showed that ZnO-NPs significantly affected the performance of MBGS, particularly in the removal of ammonia and phosphorus. ZnO-NPs could shade microalgae photosynthesis and induce the generation of antioxidant enzymes to counteract reactive oxygen species. Addition of ZnO-NPs altered the microbial community structure and function of prokaryotes in the MBGS system, while eukaryotes remained unaffected.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Criselda Mendoza-Milla, Fernanda Isabel Macias Macias, Kimberly Abigail Velazquez Delgado, Manuel Alejandro Herrera Rodriguez, Zaira Colin-Val, Maria del Pilar Ramos-Godinez, Agustina Cano-Martinez, Anita Vega-Miranda, Diana Xochiquetzal Robledo-Cadena, Norma Laura Delgado-Buenrostro, Yolanda Irasema Chirino, Jose Ocotlan Flores-Flores, Rebeca Lopez-Marure
Summary: Zinc oxide nanoparticles are widely used in the cosmetic industry due to their antimicrobial properties. This study found that ZnO NPs are toxic to cardiac cells, potentially causing heart damage and cardiovascular diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shoaib Ahmad, Manar Fawzi Bani Mfarrej, Mohamed A. El-Esawi, Muhammad Waseem, Aishah Alatawi, Muhammad Nafees, Muhammad Hamzah Saleem, Muhammad Rizwan, Tahira Yasmeen, Alia Anayat, Shafaqat Ali
Summary: This study investigates the use of microbe-assisted phytoremediation with zinc oxide nanoparticles for detoxification of chromium-contaminated soils. The results show that the combined application of bacterial inoculation and zinc oxide nanoparticles can reduce the toxicity of chromium on wheat plants and improve their growth and defense system.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ghazouan Mahmood Abdelghani, Ali Ben Ahmed, Aseel Basim Al-Zubaidi
Summary: Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel method and irradiated with lasers to improve their structural and functional properties. Characterization analysis revealed a hexagonal structure and a decrease in crystallite size after laser irradiation. The absorption spectra also showed a shift, indicating changes in the electronic structure. Additionally, the nanoparticles demonstrated increased antibacterial activity and improved effectiveness of antibiotics.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ameneh Vafaie Moghadam, Alireza Iranbakhsh, Sara Saadatmand, Mostafa Ebadi, Zahra Oraghi Ardebili
Summary: This study investigated the physiological, epigenetic, and transcriptional responses of Datura stramonium to long-term exposure to different concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles. It found that lower concentrations promoted growth and nutrient absorption, while higher concentrations caused phytotoxicity and changes in gene expression related to metal accumulation. These findings deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in plant responses to nanomaterial exposure.
JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tasnim Al Rashaideh, Nervana Metwali, Sarah S. Perry, Andrea Adamcakova-Dodd, Peter S. Thorne
Summary: This study examined the toxic effects of combining zinc oxide (ZnO) and cerium oxide (CeO2) in human lung epithelial cells. It was found that at non-toxic levels, CeO2 enhanced the toxicity of ZnO, resulting in cell membrane leakage and increased cytokine production.
Article
Biology
Ghasem Rahimi, Kalateh Shah Mohammad, Mahsa Zarei, Mohammad Shokoohi, Ehsan Oskoueian, Mahsa Rastegar Moghaddam Poorbagher, Ehsan Karimi
Summary: This study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and evaluate their safety in mice. The results showed that supplementation with 50 mg/kg or higher concentrations of ZnO-NPs might be toxic to mice.
BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Basit Ali Shah, Bin Yuan, Yu Yan, Syed Taj Ud Din, Asma Sardar
Summary: Chemical doping was used to synthesize Ni-doped CuO nanoparticles with enhanced optical, dielectric, and antimicrobial properties. The NPs, capped with CTAB, exhibited strong antimicrobial toxicity against various bacterial species, with remarkably low minimum inhibitory concentrations for certain pathogens.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
D. Hidalgo, J. M. Martin-Marroquin, F. Corona
Summary: Microalgae have shown potential as a renewable source of biofuels and other useful products. The addition of nanoparticles, such as metallic nanoparticles, to microalgae cultures has been explored as a means to improve cultivation and harvesting. This paper reviews recent advances in the use of nanoparticulate additives to enhance biohydrogen production, as well as their effects on algal growth, lipid accumulation, and CO2 capture. The toxicity of nanomaterials and the optimal dosage for positive effects are discussed, along with the potential for synergistic effects with multiple additives.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yen-Ling Lee, Yung-Sheng Shih, Zi-Yu Chen, Fong-Yu Cheng, Jing-Yu Lu, Yuan-Hua Wu, Ying-Jan Wang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of silver nanoparticles and zinc oxide nanoparticles on zebrafish embryos in aquatic environments. The research found that spiking these nanoparticles into natural water samples had a toxic effect on the embryos, with the level of toxicity influenced by complex components in the water. Additionally, zinc oxide nanoparticles caused a delay in embryo hatching. Measurement of reactive oxidative stress levels, apoptosis, and autophagy revealed the interaction and toxicity mechanisms of the nanoparticles with the embryos.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huijun Cui, Xiaoshan Zhu, Yanjie Zhu, Yuxiong Huang, Baiyang Chen
Summary: The study found that intensified disinfection of wastewater during the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to toxicity of toxic disinfection byproducts on microalgae, altering the structure of phytoplankton communities and promoting the competitive advantage of cyanobacteria in co cultures.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Marina Musa, Takao Yasui, Kazuki Nagashima, Masafumi Horiuchi, Zetao Zhu, Quanli Liu, Taisuke Shimada, Akihide Arima, Takeshi Yanagida, Yoshinobu Baba
Summary: This research utilized atomic layer deposition (ALD) to modify ZnO nanowires, creating a ZnO/SiO2 (core/shell) nanowire microfluidic device for the capture of CpG-rich single-stranded DNAs (ssDNA). By investigating the relationship between structural changes in nanowires with varying ALD cycles and capture efficiency, it was discovered that finding the optimum number of ALD cycles was crucial for successful coating and capturing biomolecules. High capture efficiency of ssDNAs (86.7%) was achieved under optimal conditions, showing potential for further analysis of CpG sites in cancer-related genes and benefiting the future design of core/shell nanowires for biomedical applications.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuela Daniela Preda, Maria Leila Popa, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Octav Ginghina
Summary: There is an increasing interest in developing protective textiles and clothes to protect wearers from various risks. Electrospun fibers and membranes have shown great potential in developing protective materials and garments, providing thermal comfort and protection against environmental threats.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Styliani E. Biliani, Ioannis D. Manariotis
Summary: In this study, the formation of algal flocs from activated sludge was investigated under static and stirring conditions using a synthetic substrate and secondary effluent from a wastewater treatment plant. The results showed that algal flocs were successfully developed in all cultures, with high chlorophyll concentration and efficient nutrient removal capability.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Vasiliki D. Tsavatopoulou, Ioannis D. Manariotis
Summary: This study examined the biofilm formation of Chlorococcum sp. and mixotrophic algae on different materials in horizontal and vertical positions. The results showed that patterned plexiglas performed better in terms of attachment for both Chlorococcum sp. and mixotrophic algae, regardless of their hydrophobicity, and the orientation of the materials played a crucial role in the attachment process.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Margarita Dormousoglou, Ioanna Efthimiou, Maria Antonopoulou, Damian L. Fetzer, Fabiane Hamerski, Marcos L. Corazza, Maria Papadaki, Samir Santzouk, Stefanos Dailianis, Dimitris Vlastos
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different extracts of Equisetum arvense L. on human lymphocytes. The extracts showed increased antioxidant activity and no genotoxicity. The ethanol/water extract exhibited the strongest antigenotoxic activity and contained various compounds and minerals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Charikleia Zampeta, Chrysanthi Paparouni, Andreas Tampakopoulos, Zacharias Frontistis, Nikolina Charalampous, Stefanos Dailianis, P. G. Koutsoukos, C. A. Paraskeva, Dimitris V. Vayenas
Summary: Raw printing ink wastewater can be effectively treated using inorganic coagulants, organic flocculants, and hydrodynamic cavitation. This combined process can significantly reduce color, chemical oxygen demand, and total suspended solids, while also reducing treatment costs.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Charikleia Zampeta, Foteini Arvanitaki, Zacharias Frontistis, Nikolina Charalampous, Stefanos Dailianis, P. G. Koutsoukos, Dimitris V. Vayenas
Summary: This study investigates the treatment of printing ink wastewater using different methods. It finds that hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) and pH fixation treatment can effectively remove pollutants, with a combination of these methods being the most efficient. The treated printing ink wastewater is not only cost-effective, but also significantly reduces toxicity.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Spyridon Giannakopoulos, John Vakros, Ioannis D. Manariotis, Dionissios Mantzavinos, Panagiotis Lianos
Summary: Biochar was obtained from spent malt rootlets through pyrolysis under limited oxygen supply and further activated by mixing with KOH and pyrolyzing again at high temperature. The activated biochar showed a total specific surface area of 1148 m(2) g(-1) and a micropore specific surface area of 690 m(2) g(-1). When used as an electrode in combination with a photoelectrochemical cell, the biochar electrode acted as a supercapacitor with a specific capacity of 98 Fg(-1), capable of storing and utilizing charges generated by the cell under both illuminated and dark conditions. Additionally, the same electrode exhibited electrocatalyst properties as an air-cathode, enabling oxygen reduction.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Spyridon Giannakopoulos, John Vakros, Zacharias Frontistis, Ioannis D. Manariotis, Danae Venieri, Stavros G. Poulopoulos, Dionissios Mantzavinos
Summary: Pyrolysis of lemon stalks at 850 degrees C under limited oxygen produces highly active and selective biochar that can activate persulfate ion and oxidize sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The biochar consists mainly of carbon and oxygen atoms, with calcium and potassium as the most abundant minerals. It has a moderate specific surface area of 154 m(2) g(-1) and contains carbonate species, possibly in the form of calcium carbonate. In ultrapure water, complete degradation of 0.5 mg L-1 SMX can be achieved within 20 minutes using 500 mg L-1 sodium persulfate (SPS) and 100 mg L-1 biochar. The biochar remains stable for at least five cycles and shows potential as a sustainable, metal-free catalyst.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Leandros N. Sklivaniotis, Polychronis Economou, Hrissi K. Karapanagioti, Ioannis D. Manariotis
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of pyrolyzed low-cost food waste natural materials from the food industry in removing chlorine from water. Various biochars were produced and characterized, and continuous flow column experiments were conducted. The results showed that all materials tested were effective in removing free and total chlorine, with malt spent rootlets exhibiting the highest removal capacity.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Dimitrios Kalderis, Azam Seifi, Trinh Kieu Trang, Toshiki Tsubota, Ioannis Anastopoulos, Ioannis Manariotis, Ioannis Pashalidis, Alireza Khataee
Summary: This review summarizes recent findings on the application of bamboo-based adsorbents in the removal of organic, inorganic, or gaseous pollutants. It discusses the preparation methods, surface modification methodologies, and effects on the adsorbent properties. The review also evaluates the adsorption capacities, mechanisms, and models for heavy metals, organics, and gaseous substances by bamboo-based adsorbents, and proposes directions for future research.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Margarita Dormousoglou, Vasiliki Boti, Dimitra Hela, Dimitris Vlastos, Maria Antonopoulou, Christos Chondrogiannis, Yiola Petropoulou, Stefanos Dailianis
Summary: This study investigated the phytochemical profile and biological effects of Drimia numidica leaf methanolic extract on healthy human lymphocytes. The results showed that the extract, rich in carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, organic acids, and bufadienolides, could protect against the cytogenotoxic potential of mitomycin C. The presence of antioxidant and antitumor compounds in the extract suggests potential benefits and encourages further research.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vasiliki D. Tsavatopoulou, John Vakros, Ioannis. D. Manariotis
Summary: In this study, biochar produced from olive kernels pyrolyzed at 400 degrees C was tested as a solid support for adhering Chlorococcum sp. cultures. The culture containing 1 g L-1 biochar showed the best performance, resulting in 1.28 and 1.24 g microalgae g(-1) biochar in the presence and absence of nitrates, respectively. This study provides an alternative use of biochar to enhance microalgae growth and encourages its use as a supporting material in bioreactors.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Genethliou, T. Tatoulis, N. Charalampous, S. Dailianis, A. G. Tekerlekopoulou, D. V. Vayenas
Summary: The effectiveness of a three-stage pilot approach using adsorption, electrocoagulation, and biological processes for the treatment of raw sanitary landfill leachate was investigated. The removal of ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) and other pollutants was examined through column adsorption experiments and sequential treatment scenarios. The AD-EC-BIO system achieved high removal efficiencies for NH4+-N and various contaminants, making it a promising option for the purification of raw leachate.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Margarita Dormousoglou, Ioanna Efthimiou, Maria Antonopoulou, Stefanos Dailianis, Giulia Herbst, Dimitris Vlastos
Summary: This study investigated the beneficial properties of prickly pear peel (PPP) extracts from Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. The extracts were obtained using different solvents and their total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as antioxidant activity were determined. Detailed characterization of the extracts was carried out using mass spectrometry techniques. The extracts showed high antigenotoxic activity and contained bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, carboxylic acids, alkaloids, fatty acids, and minerals. Further studies on the bioactive compounds of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. are recommended.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Styliani E. Biliani, Ioannis D. Manariotis
Summary: Two raceway open ponds with volume of 5.5 liters each were used to assess the removal of organic material and nutrients from wastewater. Algal-bacterial flocs were utilized in the ponds to treat primary and secondary effluent. The hydraulic retention time gradually decreased from 5.5 to 2.2 days over a period of 21 days, and then both reactors operated at an HRT of 1.1 days. A high biomass concentration of around 2.2 g/L was sustained using primary and secondary effluent after 130 days. The biomass exhibited strong activity and could completely remove organic material and nutrients in less than 12 hours. Additionally, the algal-bacteria biomass had excellent settling properties, settling in less than 10 minutes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nikolaos Tzanakis, Andriana F. Aravantinou, Ioannis D. Manariotis
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the combined short-term toxic effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) and nitrate concentration of the medium on freshwater microalgae. The results revealed that algal growth was affected by the exposure time, NPs concentrations, and mainly the initial nitrate concentration. The toxic effect of ZnO NPs was higher on microalgae cultured in modified BG-11 with low and high nitrate concentrations.
