Article
Engineering, Environmental
Farnam Manavi, Mohammad Reza Allahgoli Ghasri, Shervin Ahmadi, Sima Habibi
Summary: This study successfully reduced the BOD/COD levels in tannery wastewater by synthesizing a CuO-PP-MAH nanocomposite. The nanocomposite demonstrated stable, high surface area, high efficiency, and regenerative properties, while adhering to the principles of green chemistry. This research provides a viable approach for addressing the issue of tannery wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhe Wang, Zhuo Li, Liying Liu, Peizhi Cao, Shupeng Li, Gang Kevin Li
Summary: Post-combustion carbon capture is an efficient way to mitigate CO2 emissions. However, traditional physical adsorbents face challenges in the presence of moisture. In this study, we synthesized polypyrrole adsorbent using Fenton's reagent and demonstrated its high adsorption capacity for CO2 in moist conditions. This green and facilely synthesized adsorbent has great potential for capturing carbon in high humidity flue gases.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stefano Fedeli, Jungkyun Im, Sanjana Gopalakrishnan, James L. Elia, Aarohi Gupta, Dongkap Kim, Vincent M. Rotello
Summary: Bioorthogonal transformations are chemical reactions that use pathways inaccessible to biological processes, providing new approaches for imaging and therapeutic strategies. Transition metal catalysts are widely employed as bioorthogonal catalysts, but face challenges in direct application in living systems, which can be addressed by incorporating them into nanomaterial scaffolds.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Baranya Murugan, Md Zillur Rahman, Is Fatimah, J. Anita Lett, Jamespandi Annaraj, Noor Haida Mohd Kaus, Mohammed A. Al-Anber, Suresh Sagadevan
Summary: This review discusses the various green synthesis methods of CuO NPs and their biological applications, mainly including anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-cancer, drug delivery, and biosensor applications. The current findings are used to better understand the prospect of green NPs being employed on a larger scale.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wei Hu, Yunho Lee, Sebastien Allard
Summary: This study demonstrates that Cu(II) can significantly enhance the decomposition rate of bromamines, with an increase in pH leading to a decrease in self-decomposition rate of bromamines. Additionally, increasing Cu(II) concentration promotes the production of N2O.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wei Hu, Sebastien Allard
Summary: This study found that naturally occurring bromide can lead to the formation of brominated hal-amines, especially bromochloramine. Cu(II) was found to catalyze the decay of NHBrCl during the chloramination process. The presence of Cu(II) significantly accelerated the decay of total oxidant, especially at higher bromide concentrations and lower pH.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Abhishek Kumar Bhardwaj, Shanthy Sundaram, Krishna Kumar Yadav, Arun Lal Srivastav
Summary: Open defecation, improper disposal of sewer line wastes, and mismanagement of infectious biomedical wastes can lead to severe biological contamination in water reservoirs. Meanwhile, the high demand for drinking water poses a challenge in maintaining hygiene and cleanliness. Nano-technological approaches offer efficient and effective disinfection methods for drinking water without producing toxic byproducts, with silver nanoparticles having advantages in bactericidal and fungicidal properties.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jeaneen Venkatas, Aliscia Daniels, Moganavelli Singh
Summary: Cancer nanotherapeutics, using nanomaterials as a form of cancer therapy, is an important and promising field of research. Nanoparticles have unique properties that make them excellent vehicles for delivering therapeutic genes and drugs to tumors. However, there is also concern about the potential long-term side effects of nanoparticles on the environment and human health. Using curcumin-capped nanoparticles as a green and sustainable alternative shows potential for effective and targeted cancer treatment.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Francesca L. Short, Victor Lee, Rafa Mamun, Robert Malmberg, Liping Li, Monica Espinosa, Koushik Venkatesan, Ian T. Paulsen
Summary: The study found that the biocide benzalkonium chloride can reduce the sensitivity of Acinetobacter baumannii to aminoglycoside antibiotics and promote the emergence of resistant mutants. These effects occur at subinhibitory concentrations of the biocide, potentially in clinical and home environments, highlighting the need for careful management and stewardship of biocides.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fahad Khan, Ayesha Shahid, Hui Zhu, Ning Wang, Muhammad Rizwan Javed, Niaz Ahmad, Jianren Xu, Md Asraful Alam, Muhammad Aamer Mehmood
Summary: Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles using algae is an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach that offers a diverse range of nanomaterials. Algae, with their high growth rate, CO2 sequestering ability, and heavy metal accumulation capacity, as well as their lack of toxic byproducts and minimal energy input, are ideal candidates for nanoparticle synthesis.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bridget Hegarty, Zihan Dai, Lutgarde Raskin, Ameet Pinto, Krista Wigginton, Melissa Duhaime
Summary: Viruses play an important role in microbial community ecology and evolution, but their effects in many environments, including drinking water systems, are still largely unknown. This study analyzed viral DNA sequences from drinking water metagenomes from six countries and found that environmental conditions and sample processing influenced viral composition. The use of free chlorine as a residual disinfectant resulted in lower viral taxonomic diversity and metabolic potential. Additionally, drinking water viruses carry antibiotic resistance genes and genes for survival in stressful conditions. These findings highlight the diversity of viral communities in drinking water systems and the potential impact on water quality.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cheng Cen, Kejia Zhang, Tuqiao Zhang, Jiajia Wu, Xinwei Mao
Summary: This study investigates the impact of escaped algae on water quality in water systems, finding that escaped algae require fewer disinfectants and influence the formation and distribution of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), thereby increasing cytotoxicity risks.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ricca Rahman Nasaruddin, Tiankai Chen, Qiaofeng Yao, Shuangquan Zang, Jianping Xie
Summary: The use of biomolecules from biological or biomimetic systems has emerged as a promising green approach to synthesize gold nanomaterials. Recent progress has been made in the biological and biomimetic syntheses of gold nanomaterials, focusing on selection principles of biomolecules, synthesis mechanisms, evolution from biological to biomimetic synthesis, and contributions to green production. This review aims to provide a guideline for the green synthesis of gold nanomaterials and other metal nanomaterials for practical applications in biomedicine.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thuy Nguyen Thi Dao, Ankireddy Seshadri Reddy, Fei Zhao, Huifang Liu, Bonhan Koo, Md Moniruzzaman, Jongsung Kim, Yong Shin
Summary: The study presents a green synthesis approach for silica-based materials used in the treatment of biological samples such as bacteria enrichment and exosome isolation. These nanosized, recyclable, magnetically separable materials were synthesized using an eco-friendly hydrothermal synthesis method. Functionalized mag-DE demonstrated efficient bacterial enrichment and exosome isolation capabilities, showing promise for research and clinical applications.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juncao Huang, Xiaoping Tan, Chaofan Li, Rui Wu, Shuqin Ran, Yuxin Tao, Tong Mou
Summary: In this study, gold nanoparticles were in situ installed on the surface of graphitic carbon nitride based on supramolecular hydroxylatopillar[6]arene. The in situ anchoring of gold nanoparticles was achieved through a redox reaction without the need for other reducing agents. The resulting hybrid nanomaterial exhibited higher catalytic capability in various applications compared to conventional catalysts.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cindy Ka Y. Law, Kankana Kundu, Luiza Bonin, Lorena Penacoba-Antona, Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez, Frank Vanhaecke, Korneel Rabaey, Abraham Esteve-Nunez, Bart De Gusseme, Nico Boon
Summary: In this study, biogenic palladium nanoparticles were used for the reductive transformation and/or dehalogenation of persistent micropollutants. The size of the nanoparticles and their catalytic activity could be controlled by adjusting the H-2 flow rate. The results showed that the nanoparticles with larger sizes exhibited higher catalytic activity and more efficient removal of micropollutants.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cindy Ka Y. Law, Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez, Tong Liu, Luiza Bonin, Elien Wallaert, Kim Verbeken, Bart De Gusseme, Frank Vanhaecke, Nico Boon
Summary: This study investigates the formation process of biogenic palladium nanoparticles using various techniques. The distribution of palladium over cells is strongly dependent on Pd2+ concentration, biomass, and partial H-2 pressure. Additionally, cell density and H-2 partial pressure significantly affect the size of the nanoparticles.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kristel Mijnendonckx, Tom Rogiers, Francisco J. Gimenez del Rey, Mohamed L. Merroun, Adam Williamson, Md Muntasir Ali, Daniel Charlier, Natalie Leys, Nico Boon, Rob Van Houdt
Summary: Uranium contamination is a widespread issue caused by natural and human activities. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying uranium resistance in bacteria are still not well understood. This study investigated the resistance mechanisms of Cupriavidus metallidurans NA4 to toxic uranium concentrations. Through the increased expression of a specific small periplasmic protein, PrsQ2, the bacteria were able to form periplasmic uranium-phosphate precipitates, thus improving their resistance to uranium.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
N. Zayed, J. Ghesquiere, N. H. N. Kamarudin, K. Bernaerts, N. Boon, A. Braem, W. Van Holm, W. Teughels
Summary: Oral cryotherapy is a safe, simple, and low-cost treatment used in dentistry for oral lesions. However, its effect on oral biofilms was unknown. This study found that cryotherapy significantly reduced the biofilm load and had the potential to control the deterioration of oral biofilms by modifying their structure and composition.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Paula Alejandra Lamprea Pineda, Kristof Demeestere, Manuel Toledo, Nico Boon, Herman Van Langenhove, Christophe Walgraeve
Summary: In this study, the removal of N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) was evaluated using a lab-scale biofilter for 472 days under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The biofilter achieved an average removal efficiency of 99.7% at ambient temperature with an inlet load of 297g DMF/m3 h and an EBRT of 10.7 s. However, a decrease in EBRT and an increase in temperature led to a decrease in removal efficiency. Microbial analysis revealed that the dominant bacteria were Rhizobiaceae and Alcaligenaceae, but their abundance decreased with increasing temperature. Overall, biofiltration showed promise for removing DMF from waste gas streams.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kankana Kundu, Josefien Van Landuyt, Valerie Mattelin, Bram Martin, Marijke Neyts, Koen Parmentier, Nico Boon
Summary: This study found that the microbiome in sediment near a World War I munition dumpsite in the Belgian part of the North Sea can degrade 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). The degradation of TNT was enhanced by adding methanol and several enriched genera, such as Colwellia, Thalossospira, and Methylophaga, were identified as TNT-utilizing bacteria.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Valerie Mattelin, Lennert Verfaille, Kankana Kundu, Stefaan De Wildeman, Nico Boon
Summary: With the accumulation of plastic waste in both controlled waste management settings and natural settings, there is a need for solutions in the field of biodegradation. However, determining the biodegradability of plastics in natural environments remains challenging due to low biodegradation rates. This study validates a colorimetric test using carbon nanodots to screen the biodegradation of plastics in natural environments. The results indicate that this method is a good alternative, but a combination of different methods provides the most information.
Article
Water Resources
Amber Baele, Fien Waegenaar, Katrien De Maeyer, Bart De Gusseme, Han Vervaeren, Pieter Spanoghe, Nico Boon
Summary: Providing safe and high-quality drinking water is increasingly important due to climate change and population growth. Water towers are commonly used for storage and distribution, but microbial regrowth and the presence of insects such as flies pose a challenge. A study in Belgium monitored ten water towers for fly species diversity, abundances, and activity. The results found three fly species present, and they entered the towers in autumn and sought shelter on the highest floors where the water tank is located. Prevention measures are crucial to avoid contact between flies and drinking water in water towers, and effective methods such as sealing ventilation and covering water tanks with insect screens are discussed.
FRONTIERS IN WATER
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kevin Sabbe, Liese D'Haen, Nico Boon, Ramon Ganigu
Summary: As part of the circular bio-economy paradigm shift, waste management has shifted focus towards producing added-value compounds. The use of mixed culture bioprocesses for converting waste to platform chemicals has gained interest, but these processes often lack microbiological diversity and are prone to disturbances. To address this, flow cytometry was used to monitor a lactic acid chain elongation process for caproic acid production, allowing for qualitative and quantitative assessment. Specific community types were identified and correlated to functionality and genotypic diversity, and machine-learning algorithms showed high accuracy in predicting production rates.
Review
Microbiology
Fabian Mermans, Valerie Mattelin, Ruben van den Eeckhoudt, Cristina Garcia-Timermans, Josefien Van Landuyt, Yuting Guo, Irene Taurino, Filip Tavernier, Michael Kraft, Hira Khan, Nico Boon
Summary: New techniques in single-cell research have revolutionized our ability to study microbes at unprecedented scales and depths. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art technologies in single-cell analysis in microbial ecology applications, particularly highlighting optical tools like flow cytometry and Raman spectroscopy, as well as emerging electrical techniques. The objectives of this review include showcasing the diversity of single-cell optical approaches, discussing successful applications, exploring emerging techniques, and promoting the integration of established and novel approaches in research.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Wannes Van Holm, Katalina Lauwens, Pieter De Wever, Art Schuermans, Naiera Zayed, Ferda Pamuk, Mehraveh Saghi, Pedro Fardim, Kristel Bernaerts, Nico Boon, Wim Teughels
Summary: Probiotics may have oral health benefits, but their current use is restricted due to issues with product preparation, viability, and colonization capacity. Many commercial products lack the claimed amounts of viable cells and have inadequately characterized strains without clinical evidence. Lyophilized probiotics also demonstrate lower adhesive capacity compared to fresh or reactivated ones, raising questions about their usage.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Thomas Pluym, Cristina Garcia-Timermans, Sander Vervloet, Riet Cornelissen, Nico Boon, Bart De Gusseme
Summary: The use of advanced membrane processes, such as reverse osmosis (RO), is crucial for producing process water and drinking water that meet microbiological standards. However, bacterial breakthrough and the passage of ultra-small species of bacteria can occur in reverse osmosis systems. Currently, microbiological and breakthrough monitoring is done through plating methods and conductivity monitoring, but this case study demonstrates the added value of using on-line flow cytometry for monitoring membrane integrity and microbial quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paula Alejandra Lamprea Pineda, Kristof Demeestere, Jose Joaquin Gonzalez-Cortes, Allan A. Alvarado-Alvarado, Nico Boon, Frank Devlieghere, Herman Van Langenhove, Christophe Walgraeve
Summary: This study investigated the removal of difficult-to-degrade VOC mixtures using biofiltration and the impact of operational conditions. The results showed that the type of inoculum and packing material influenced the removal efficiency, and different microbial populations dominated in the biofilters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ruben Van den Eeckhoudt, An-Sofie Christiaens, Frederik Ceyssens, Vasileios Vangalis, Kevin J. Verstrepen, Nico Boon, Filip Tavernier, Michael Kraft, Irene Taurino
Summary: This paper introduces a microfluidic device for full-electric cell capturing, analyzing, and selectively releasing single cells. The device was experimentally demonstrated on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, showing potential for small-scale, high-throughput single-cell analysis and sorting.
