Current Analytical Chemistry - Online First

Mercury (Hg) is a highly neurotoxic pollutant present in different environmental matrices. Herein, a simple and sensitive assay is proposed for Hg detection in environmental water samples employing polyethylene glycol monododecyl ether (PGME) stabilized silver nanoparticles (PGME-AgNPs).

The prepared PGME-AgNPs were characterized by absorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential measurements. The addition of Hg(II) to an aqueous matrix changed the color of the sensor, following a decrease in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band intensity.

The detected response was proportional to Hg (II) concentrations and the analytical response comprised a change in absorbance versus concentrations from 4.0 to 24 × 10-8 mol L-1 (0.8 – 4.8 µg L-1) and the limit of detection (LOD) was 4.0 nmol L-1 (0.08 µg L-1). Additionally, the sensor was integrated with the RGB color values of a smartphone, enabling its use as a portable sensor for rapid Hg(II) at a concentration level ranging from 6.0 to 24 × 10-8 mol L-1 (1.2 - 4.8 µg L-1). Spectrophotometric and RGB color value-based approaches were applied for the quantification of Hg(II) in real water samples with satisfactory recoveries ranging from 98.5 to 105%.

The proposed colorimetric method with a smart assisted approach was proven a very simple, and quick method, demonstrating practical applicability for on-site Hg screening of aqueous matrices.

The increasing environmental pollution from antibiotics poses a significant threat to public health, and this is a critical issue that requires immediate attention.

In this study, a simple and effective surface modification technique was presented using hyaluronic acid-dopamine conjugate (HA-DA) to impart anti-biofouling properties to basin-concave mesoporous carbon (BCMC). The synthesized materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, nitrogen physisorption, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optimum adsorption performance of the synthesized materials was investigated via adsorption isotherms and kinetics experiments. Afterward, the obtained particles were used as solid-phase extraction subjects for Norfloxacin (Nor) analysis in wastewater.

After being quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (SPE-HPLC), the synthesized BCMC@HA-DA demonstrated an impressive binding capacity of 14.80 mg/g for Nor. Following six adsorption-desorption cycles, the adsorption revercory remained at 81.65%.

The prepared BCMC@HA-DA could successfully be concentrated Nor from wastewater, indicating significant potential for addressing environmental biofouling issues.

This case-control study compared the concentrations of coenzyme Q10 in plasma and various trace elements from serum isolated from a patient with oral cancer to those of healthy people.

Oral cancer is a severe and progressive disease related to metabolic disorders and oxidative stress challenges. Impaired in CoQ10, an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain antioxidant. CoQ10, a major scavenger of free radicals, protects mitochondria against oxidative stress. Trace elements, such as Na⁺, Fe^2+, Zn, and Ca^2+, are also crucial regarding physiological functions and normal metabolic pathways, including cancer hallmarks.

The study aimed to assess CoQ10 and trace metals in patients with oral cancer at various stages and compare them with healthy subjects. The current study deals with metabolic alterations that occur as oral cancer grows to enhance knowledge and potential therapeutic intervention paths.

Analysis of CoQ10 and trace element: HPLC-DAD Metal concentrations in serum were measured using ICP-OES). 55 oral cancer patients and 30 healthy individuals were recruited for blood collection. The patients were diagnosed as T1N1, T2N2 PT3 N1M8, and T4N. Study duration 2 months. Which includes patients' sex, age, habits, diet, physical characteristics, race, habits, and chronic illness.

As cancer stages increased, CoQ10 levels continuously decreased from 0.5-1.26 mg/L from stage I to 0.6-2.8 mg/L to stage IV. Eight different trace elements, Na⁺, Fe²⁺, Zn^+, and Ca²⁺, have levels across different stages of cancer with no discernible change. In healthy individuals, the CoQ10 level changed from 1.43 to 1.67 mg/L, showing age decline.

This study is the first to report a statistically significant reduction in CoQ10 levels related to the stages of oral cancer. In contrast, trace metal levels were kept almost constant. The findings conclude that the observed CoQ10-associated defects or deficiencies in oral cancer patients help to explain a potential cause of metabolic changes relevant to carcinogenesis. These insights are probably potential therapeutic targets for the manipulation of CoQ10 levels and support from supplements retention/balance essential metals, such as cancer care.

Crab hemolymph are rich in medicinally important secondary metabolites.

The objective of this study was to isolate, identify, and establish the crab hemolymph-derived secondary metabolites for the antifungal activity.

Several brachyuran crabs were investigated against 10 pathogenic strains. The disc diffusion method was used to investigate hemolymph extracts to identify potential brachyuran crabs showing antifungal activity. The moderately purified hemolymph was taken for RP-HPLC using a C-18 column. The obtained GC-MS-NIST formula/compound details were used to unveil the possible structures of obtained compounds. Individual compounds were confirmed by comparing the obtained structures with 1H NMR & 13C NMR results. The isolated Sparsomycin was subjected to a molecular docking Crystal Structure of Fungal RNA Kinase (PDB ID: 5U32).

Notably, most of the crab species in this study exhibited activity against various strains of fungi. The current findings demonstrated that the hemolymph of the crab Dromia dehaani exhibits broad-spectrum activity against pathogenic fungi. The D. dehaani showed the uppermost antimicrobial activity, and the most potent extracts obtained from the sponge crab, D. dehaani, displayed activity against several fungal organisms that included Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. D. dehaani was selected for detailed investigations as the hemolymph of D. dehaani has the potential to be developed as an anti-microbial agent to treat infections.

The compounds isolated, identified, and established as antifungal agents could be the future drugs for restricting major fungal infections.

Thalassemia syndromes are heterogeneous groups of inherited anemia. Managing these conditions often requires regular blood transfusions, which can lead to complications, such as iron overload and bone disorders. This study aimed to examine the biochemical markers of bone turnover in thalassemia patients and investigate their associations in the Iraqi cohort.

The study involved 45 thalassemia patients and 45 healthy control subjects. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), phosphorus, vitamin D, vitamin K, matrix Gla protein (MGP), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured by ELISA kit, and the level of calcium ion was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry technique.

The results demonstrated that the levels of FGF-23 and phosphorus were considerably higher in patients with thalassemia than in control (p=0.0001**). Conversely, the levels of vitamin D (p=0.005**), vitamin K (p=0.0002**), MGP (p=0.0003**), and PTH (p=0.0001**) were significantly lower in thalassemia patients compared to control subjects. Furthermore, no significant difference in calcium levels between the two groups (p-value = 0.465) was observed. The association of bone biochemical markers demonstrated that FGF-23 has a positive significant correlation with phosphorous and is inversely correlated with vitamin D, PTH, vitamin K, and MGP. Moreover, PTH has a positive significant correlation with vitamin D, vitamin K, and MGP. However, it has a significant negative correlation with PTH and phosphorous.

These findings show that patients with thalassemia display biochemical markers associated with bone and cardiovascular disorders, indicating the need for specialized medical treatments for this patient population.

Angelica glauca (AG) (family Apiaceae) is used by tribes as a spice and to treat various diseases. Before consumption, effective measures must be used for quality control tests. This study establishes quality standards for A. glauca. The study analyses A. glauca roots for physico-chemical, pharmacognostic, phytochemical, heavy metals, pesticidal residue, microbial load, and aflatoxin.

The standard procedure was used for powder microscopy and physiochemical parameters. Multiple culture media were used to measure microbial load. Aflatoxins were estimated using HPLC. Mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel were estimated using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. To identify 87 pesticide residues in A. glauca roots, LC-MS was used.

On root powder microscopy, parenchymatous cells packed with yellow material, capillaries with reticulate thickenings, and simple oval to circular starch grains were found. Foreign matter, LOD, total ash, and extractive values were all within range. Salmonela, Pseudomnas, and Coliform (E. coli) were absent. The total viable aerobic bacterial count was 1.14 x 10³ cfu/ml, compared to 1.0 x 10⁵ permitted. Aflatoxins were absent in all samples. Heavy metal levels met the FSSR 2011 maximum residue standard for foods not specified. All 87 pesticides in the crude sample were below detection limits, indicating the safety and quality of the A. glauca root sample.

The current findings can be utilized in quality control procedures and to assess the quality of A. glauca samples before incorporating them into formulations. Phytochemical tests, heavy metal analysis, and pesticide residue contents can be used to assess quality before using A. glauca raw materials.

Traditional analysis techniques usually involve separation and pre-treatment steps prior to analysis, resulting in time and solvent consumption. In contrast, a potentiometric ion selective electrode is a simple, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective technique that is used as an alternative analytical technique, utilizing the efficacy of potentiometric sensors used in stability research and quality control investigations.

An innovative Antazoline selective membrane sensor was constructed and evaluated to detect Antazoline in its pure form, eye drop formulations, degradation products, and biological fluid. Sensor fabrication was achieved using potassium tetrakis borate and polyvinyl chloride polymeric matrix plasticized with 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether and using calix[8]arene (CX8) as an ionophore. A comparative potentiometric study was implemented using two sensors, one using an ionophore and the other lacking the ionophore.

Linear responses of Antazoline were obtained utilizing sensors 1 and 2 in concentration ranges of 1.0×10^-2 to 1.0×10^-7 mole/L and 1.0×10^-2 to 1.0×10^-6 mole/L, correspondingly. Nernstian slopes of 58.486 and 51.2 mV/decade over pH 8.0 were attainted using 1 and 2 sensors, respectively.

The proposed method was applied to determine antazoline without any need for any pretreatment or separation steps in both formulated eye drops Trillerg^® sterile ophthalmic solution and Otrivine- Antistin^® Eye Drops as well as in rabbit aqueous humor and the presence of its degradation products. Estimation of the method's greenness was confirmed using several assessment tools.

Nausea and vomiting are common responses to various factors like gastrointestinal disorders, motion sickness, pregnancy, medications, infections, and severe pain. Treatment includes antiemetic medications, hydration, dietary adjustments, rest, and, in severe cases, medical intervention to address underlying causes.

The present research aims at formulating buccal Promethazine with polymers like HPMCE15 and sodium alginate hence relief from the condition of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

A variety of PMT buccal films (PBF), comprising varying HPMC E15 and sodium alginate, incorporating PMT (25 mg) in keeping with the method recommended via Design Expert Software, have been fabricated using the solvent casting approach. The design expert software 11.0 trial version was used for statistical analysis of the responses.

The results showed PMT's compatibility with excipients, preserving the drug's functional groups. The films were neutral, and flexible, with uniform thickness and good swelling, especially in sodium alginate-rich films. They had consistent drug content, and mucoadhesion time and strength increased with HPMC E15 concentration. In vitro tests revealed a 40% burst release in 10 minutes, followed by varied release rates based on polymer composition.

The optimized buccal films showed greater flexibility and a promising balance between swelling, which is necessary for drug release, and mucoadhesion, which prolongs mucosal contact. The buccal films' optimized features suggest that controlled and prolonged release could improve Promethazine absorption and therapeutic efficacy. The ease of administration and longer mucosal retention period may improve patient compliance and experience.

Detection and determination of ascorbic acid (AA) or vitamin C as a potent antioxidant substrate in commercial samples have an emerging significance. In relation to the colorimetry of ascorbic acid, the use of organometallic networks as enzyme peroxidase mimics has been reported many times, which is not cost-effective for commercialization. Therefore, this research, for the first time, examined the peroxidase behavior using garlic extract without additional extraction and purification steps. Peroxidase behavior was examined to measure ascorbic acid.

In this research work, firstly, allium sativum (AS) extract was prepared simply by crushing, stirring, and sonicating garlic bulbs in water. It exhibited peroxidase activity, which enabled the oxidation of 3, 30, 5, and 50-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2 to generate blue-colored oxidized TMB (ox-TMB) with a sharp absorption peak at 6526 nm. In continuation, the ox-TMB could be reduced by the addition of AA to the TMB+H2O2 system, leading to a decrease in absorbance and the fading of the blue color. Determination performance was accomplished after optimization of several factors, such as pH, time, TMB, and AS concentration.

The results showed that the decrease in absorbance (ΔA) after AA addition was in a good linear relationship with AA concentration in the range of 9.46-155.24 µM, with a low detection limit of 0.0223 µM. The feasibility of this approach was also assayed in commercial orange drinks and effervescent tablets of vitamin C with a 97.70%-110.17% recovery.

Finally, a sensitive and simple colorimetric sensor for the detection of AA using AS extract as a biocatalyst was developed.

Copper, a precious metal in e-waste, presents a substantial economic opportunity. The study estimates that ~322000 tons of copper are discarded annually worldwide as e-waste. Given the significant financial value of copper, its recovery from e-waste is beneficial and crucial. This process also plays a pivotal role in waste management and recycling hazardous waste. The potential reduction in e-waste in landfills is a direct result of this strategic approach to waste management, offering a more sustainable and optimistic outlook for the future. This research paves the way for a future where e-waste is no longer a burden on our environment.

This study is structured around a robust two-step process. It begins with an experiment focused on copper recovery using hydrometallurgical methods. The modeling leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to predict copper recovery from e-waste. This innovative approach not only promises but also has the potential to revolutionize the field of copper recovery, inspiring further innovation and progress.

The model was developed using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and a Boosting Algorithm (BA). Based on four crucial variables (H2SO4, H2O2, Solid/Liquid ratio, and Reaction Time), this model provides a comprehensive understanding of Cu recovery. H2SO4 is a crucial component during the leaching process; H2O2 facilitates Cu oxidation, the Solid/Liquid ratio affects the efficiency, and Reaction Time determines the completion of the process. The ANN and BA-based models yield satisfactory results in Cu recovery, achieving over 94% yield under optimized conditions.

The model developed in this study can potentially revolutionize copper recovery. By automating the process, we can significantly reduce the stress of copper mining, which relieves the environment. We can also promote a circular economy, offering a promising future for sustainable copper recovery. This could be a game-changer in the field of waste management and recycling.