Communications in Science and Technology

Synergetic effect of ZnO/NiO nanocomposite on the enhancement of photocatalytic degradation efficiency of dyes molecules

2025-08-01T08:00:33+00:00

The discharge of organic dyes into water systems poses severe risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems. A remarkable technique that is increasingly recognized for dyes degradation is photocatalysis. This work aims to investigate the role of zinc oxide/nickel oxide (ZnO/NiO) nanocomposites in enhancing photocatalytic degradation efficiency of dyes molecules. The nanocomposites were prepared using a simple ultrasonication technique and analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The XRD pattern of the ZnO/NiO nanocomposites exhibited characteristic peaks aligned with the ZnO and NiO phases, referring to JCPDS standards. The SEM images of nanocomposites featured the rod and irregular flake-like structures with the average size of 80 nm. The nanocomposites showed the highest dye photodegradation efficiency (RB 93.65% and MO 94.82%) in view of a larger semicircular diameter and lowest band gap energy as verified by Nyquist plot and DFT calculation. These results emphasized the synergistic effect of ZnO/NiO nanocomposites in promoting dye photocatalytic degradation.

Biosynthesis of sulfur and selenium co-doped ZnO nanoparticles for the enhanced photocatalytic treatment of industrial wastewater

2025-08-01T08:09:10+00:00

Although ZnO photocatalysts show potential for wastewater treatment, their low efficiency limits the commercialization. To address this problem, we investigated the effect of co-doping ZnO with selenium (4%, fixed) and sulfur (0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt%). The catalysts were synthesized using Matoa leaf extract and zinc nitrate hexahydrate while being subjected to 540 W microwave irradiation. UV-Vis analysis revealed absorption peaks at 340-398 nm with sulfur doping increasing the band gap. XRD confirmed the preservation of the hexagonal wurtzite structure, while FESEM images showed a morphological transformation from nanoflowers to petal flakes with increasing sulfur content. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of S, Se, Zn, and O, while FTIR analysis identified OH groups from the extract in the nanoparticles. BET surface area was found to progressively reduced from 24.58 to 16.86 m²/g with sulfur doping. The co-doped catalyst with 0.5 wt% sulfur (0.5S(4Se-ZnO)) demonstrated the highest degradation of 4-nitrophenol at 99.69%, indicating its applicability in industrial wastewater treatment. These findings indicate that the Se/S co-doped ZnO, prepared via a green synthesis route, holds a strong promise as an efficient and practical photocatalyst for addressing environmental pollution in a sustainable and economical manner.

Rotating speed and magnetic pole dependency assisted on copper deposition onto aluminum alloy substrate for bacterial eradication application

2025-07-31T09:35:22+00:00

Copper (Cu) is widely used in many sectors, such as drinking water piping, heat exchangers, and medical equipment. The present research conducted an electrodeposition of Cu over an aluminum (Al) alloy substrate under the influence of various magnetic poles and rotating speeds. In the present study, a number of investigations, including deposition rate, current efficiency, coating thickness, surface morphology and phase, crystallographic orientation, antibacterial activity, electrochemical behavior, and hardness test were conducted. Increasing the rotation speed promoted to enhanced deposition rate and current efficiency for both magnetic poles influence. An increase in the deposition rate from 12.83 to 13.67 µm/h led to the increasing thickness, a change in surface morphology near the spheroidal, becoming a faceted structure. Presenting and rising in the rotation of a magnetic field led to a reduced surface roughness and crystallite size of Cu film for both magnetic poles influence. The Cu film made without spinning magnetic had a characteristic of highest bacterial inhibition zone around 2.50 ±0.56 cm². The CuRN50 sample had the lowest corrosion rate at around 0.055 mmpy, while the CuRS100 sample had the highest hardness value at approximately 80.72 HV for having the lowest crystallite size. Cu coated onto Al alloy could enhance its properties, such as being antimicrobial, being resistant against corrosion and having the hardness value.

Formation and stability investigation of meso-hydroxy diacyl-dipyrromethane

2025-07-31T09:35:22+00:00

The oxidation of dipyrromethane by 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) generally produces dipyrrin, but in the presence of trace water, a meso-hydroxy dipyrromethane can be formed. To investigate this unusual product, we then studied meso-hydroxy bis(p-anisoyl)-p-fluorophenyl dipyrromethane (3) obtained from the oxidation of bis(p-anisoyl)-p-fluorophenyl dipyrromethane (2). Spectroscopic studies (1H-NMR, UV-Vis, and fluorescence), mass spectrometry, and computational analyses were performed to investigate this mechanism. Zinc complexation of compound 3 altered the 1H-NMR spectrum and shifted the absorption peak from 325 nm to 567 nm with “turn-on” fluorescence. Thermochemical studies have indicated that the formation of meso-hydroxy requires energy higher than dipyrrin. This study suggests that the electronic properties of meso-aryl and acyl groups are the key factors for the nucleophilic attack of water on cationic dipyrromethane intermediate. These results further improve the understanding of dipyrromethane oxidation pathways, which is crucial for the design and synthesis of dipyrrin-chemosensors.

Modification of Ag3PO4 surface using a nanosilver solution prepared under sunflower seed extract

2025-07-31T09:35:22+00:00

Designing new properties of Ag3PO4 photocatalysts is challenging as the Ag3PO4 surface is highly susceptible to photocorrosion. This study aims to improve the properties of Ag3PO4 by modifying its surface using a nanosilver solution prepared under sunflower seed extract. This photocatalyst was prepared by chemical coprecipitation. Based on XPS analysis, the interaction of nanosilver solution with the Ag3PO4 surface significantly affected the P 2p chemical state and decreased the Ag/P atomic ratio of Ag3PO4. The modification of the Ag3PO4 surface by nanosilver solution resulted in the formation of silver vacancy defects and the incorporation of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the Ag3PO4 surface. This new design of Ag3PO4 showed a remarkable photocatalytic reaction for Rhodamine B oxidation and antibacterial activity under blue light irradiation. The photocatalytic reaction was mainly driven by forming superoxide anion radicals and hole species. This phenomenon can provide a new direction in the improvement of the photocatalytic ability of Ag3PO4 through a natural plant material approach.

Tunable copper oxide quantum dots: Electrochemical synthesis, characterization, and advanced applications

2025-07-31T09:35:22+00:00

This work represents tunable copper oxide quantum dots (QDs) using an electrochemical synthesis in a mixture of electrolytes of citric acid (CA) and potassium chloride (KCl). The colloidal solutions showed a blue coloration, indicating quantum size effects and uniform dispersion of spherical QDs. The absorbance slightly decreased as the concentration of CA and KCl increased. PL studies indicated the maximum emission intensity at high CA and KCl concentrations due to great stabilization and surface-passivated quantum confinement effects. SAED confirmed polycrystalline structures of CuO and Cu2O depending on the concentration of CA and KCl. This possibility of tuning particle size and crystalline phases offers significant potential for advanced applications. For a demonstration of the QDs as an antibacterial agent, it demonstrates potential as an agent for inhibiting E. coli and S. aureus. Furthermore, the integration of the QDs with ZnO-based photocatalysts resulted in an enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue.

Microwave-assisted extraction of eco-friendly surfactant from Jatropha curcas for sustainable solubilization of reactive dyes

2025-07-31T09:35:23+00:00

Natural surfactants derived from plant-based sources, such as saponins, remain underexplored. This study developed the extraction of saponins from Jatropha curcas leaves using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) finding that the optimized condition of 3 min, 363.15 K, 30 mL/g ratio of extraction yielded the highest saponin content of 35.04 mg/g. The FTIR and HPLC analyses confirmed the structural similarity between the extract and commercial saponin. Additionally, the extracted saponins effectively solubilized Remazol Red RB and Blue TQ with solubilization efficiency increasing proportionally to the surfactant concentration. The surfactant properties of the extracted saponin were also confirmed by its ability to form foam and high critical micellar concentration, which revealed the potential for material valorization. This work demonstrated that the development of plant-based surfactants provides a sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants. Moreover, valorizing natural materials contributes to the advancement of eco-friendly technologies, particularly in waste treatment and water purification applications.

Effect of ratio Pluronic P123 and gelatin on titania as a catalyst in methylene blue degradation

2025-07-31T09:35:23+00:00

This study explores the influence of the gelatin-to-Pluronic P123 molar ratio on the synthesis, structural properties, and photocatalytic performance of titania for methylene blue degradation. Gelatin, employed as a biotemplate alongside Pluronic P123, effectively modulates the physicochemical characteristics of titania. As the gelatin content increases, significant changes are observed in oxygen incorporation, pore morphology, and crystallinity. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) reveals a progressive increase in surface oxygen content from 10% (T-Gl) to 29% (T-Gh), indicating strong interactions between gelatin’s NH? groups and titanium species. FTIR analysis confirms enhanced Ti–O–Ti bonding, with peak transmittance intensities reaching 79.857% in T-Gh. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements verify mesoporosity across all samples, with pore diameters ranging from 12.4 nm to 14.8 nm and surface areas from 27.69 to 31.67 m²/g. Crystallite sizes, determined by XRD, range between 4.27 nm and 8.56 nm, while the crystallinity varies from 45.81% to 54.55%. Despite having a lower surface area, T-Gm exhibits excellent photocatalytic efficiency (90.23%) due to favorable pore and crystallite characteristics. T-Gh demonstrates the highest performance (92.90%), attributed to its oxygen-rich surface, moderate crystallinity, and balanced mesoporous framework that enhances charge separation and dye adsorption. These findings underscore the critical role of gelatin-to-P123 ratio control in tailoring structural and surface functionalities of titania, thereby offering a sustainable strategy for designing efficient photocatalysts for environmental remediation. The developed biotemplated synthesis approach not only enhances photocatalytic performance but also promotes the use of eco-friendly and cost-effective materials, making it highly beneficial for scalable applications in wastewater treatment.

Enhancement in thermal stability and surface properties of LiFePO4/VFLG composite prepared via sol-gel route

2025-07-31T09:35:23+00:00

Thermal and surface properties of LiFePO4/very-few-layer graphene (LiFePO4/VFLG) composite manufactured through the sol-gel route have been researched for lithium-ion battery cathode application. VFLG was acquired from a facile, cost-effective, and environmentally benign fluid dynamic shear exfoliation process. The composites were characterized through thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) interlinked with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and Braneur-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The TGA-DSC results showed that the integration of VFLG could enhance the thermal stability of the composite by inhibiting oxygen diffusion on the LiFePO4 surface. FESEM-EDX analysis, meanwhile, confirmed the homogeneously distributed VFLG in the composites. TEM results revealed that the average particle sizes of the composites decreased by about 21.2% compared to the bare LiFePO4. TEM and HRTEM results confirmed an intimate contact between VFLG intimately and LiFePO4 particles via plane-to-point contact, contributing to the control and reduction of particle size. Furthermore, physisorption via BET analysis revealed that incorporating VFLG provided a wider distribution of mesopores and increased pore diameter and pore volume by 128.7% and 656.3%, respectively, compared to sole LiFePO4. These significant improvements were related to the flexibility and ability of a thin layer of VFLG to limit the growth of LiFePO4 particles. This approach offers a promising strategy to enhance the thermal stability and surface properties of lithium-ion battery cathodes.

Ionic liquid ultrasound-assisted extraction (IL-UAE) for duck feather keratin and in silico evaluation as a potential procollagen n-endopeptidase inhibitor

2025-07-31T09:35:23+00:00

This research aims to optimize keratin extraction from duck feathers using an eco-friendly ionic liquid-ultrasound-assisted extraction (IL-UAE) method and evaluate its potential applications in tissue engineering. It investigated the effects of deposition pH (1-6), ultrasonication temperature (40-60°C), and time (60-180 min) on extraction yield and physicochemical properties. The results demonstrated the optimal extraction conditions at pH 3, 40°C, and 60 minutes, yielding 82% keratin with a 0.50 mg/mL concentration, while the lowest yield production was found at pH 6 (33%, 0.20 mg/mL). Meanwhile, characterization via FTIR confirmed predominant ?-sheet structures with characteristic peaks at 3250-3300 cm?¹ (N-H/O-H stretching) and 1700-1500 cm?¹ (C=O stretching). SDS-PAGE revealed pure keratin bands (10-15 kDa), while SEM showed layered, porous morphology suitable for biomaterial applications. Thermogravimetric analysis, furthermore, identified three degradation stages occurred at 0-200°C (3.05% loss), 200-400°C (39.37% loss), and 400-700°C (31.13% loss). Amino acid profiling revealed high L-cystine content (153,064.90-156,926.33 mg/kg) with the significant amounts of glycine (63,958.25-64,064.73 mg/kg), L-proline (77,631.16-77,717.42 mg/kg), and L-leucine (59,111.43-59,198.60 mg/kg). In silico molecular docking studies identified leucine as a promising procollagen N-endopeptidase inhibitor (binding energy -5.0 kcal/mol), which controlled the collagen-breaking and forming process. This ability makes keratin potential to be developed as a scaffold for bone tissue regeneration in medical industry.

Cobalt-nickel supported on desilicated HZSM-5 for the conversion of Reutealis trisperma (blanco) airy shaw oil to liquid hydrocarbon products

2025-07-31T09:35:23+00:00

Desilication/alkaline treatment and metal impregnation were used to create the HZSM-5 catalyst supported by Co-Ni. These catalysts' isotherm patterns combined type I and type IV isotherms. This isotherm pattern showed a hysteresis loop at comparatively higher pressures. The pore size distribution of the mesoporous HZSM-5 catalysts was situated between 6 and 12 nm in size. Its use in the hydrocracking of Reutealis trisperma (Blanco) airy shaw oil (RTO) to produce biofuel was investigated. The results of the catalytic test showed that the hydrocarbon makeup of the biofuel was comparable to that of fuel. In comparison to HZSM-5, the mesoporous Co-Ni/HZSM-5 catalyst enhanced n-paraffin by 46.32 area% and aromatic by 34.18 area% in the hydrocracking of RTO.

Residue-free alkali-treated aluminum foil for water disinfection: A novel supernatant Mg(OH)2 fabrication method

2025-07-31T09:35:24+00:00

This study presents a novel approach to fabricate alkali-treated aluminum (ATA) foil for point-of-use (POU) water disinfection, addressing the residue issue associated with conventional production methods. Traditional ATA foil production leaves a residual layer that hinders practicality in use. To cope with it, a supernatant Mg(OH)2 solution was employed, resulting in residue-free ATA foil. Two variants, conventional ATA foil (ATA foil-1) and supernatant-treated ATA foil (ATA foil-2), were fabricated and analyzed. Surface characterization revealed that ATA foil-2 had a smoother surface with fewer cracks while maintaining E. coli removal efficiency and methyl orange adsorption capacity similar as ATA foil-1. Maximum E. coli adsorption capacities were found at 572,967 CFU/cm2 for ATA foil-1 and 561,513 CFU/cm2 for ATA foil-2. Both foils achieved over 84% methyl orange removal, indicating adsorption as the primary removal mechanism. The findings demonstrated that the supernatant Mg(OH)2 method successfully produced residue-free ATA foil with comparable disinfection performance, thus eliminating the need for a washing step and enhancing its suitability for point-of-use water treatment applications.

Experimental investigation of a thermoelectric generator assisted with heat pipe sinks for pickup car exhaust waste heat recovery

2025-07-31T09:35:24+00:00

In internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV), about 40% of the heat is discharged into the environment as waste heat. This study proposed to develop an energy recovery device to utilize exhaust heat as electrical energy using a thermoelectric generator (TEG) assisted with a heat pipe sink. Six TEG units were installed on the stainless-steel heat block in an exhaust pipe where each TEG unit varied with one-stage TEG and two-stage TEG modules. The results showed that the maximum power generated and TEG efficiency of 1.4 W and 1.14% were obtained under 180oC of exhaust pipe temperature, with a two-stage TEG with a heat pipe sink under forced convection. The use of a heat pipe sink and under-forced convection improves the TEG system's performance by increasing the temperature difference between both sides of the TEG module, which impacts the electric power generated. This research provides some practical guidance for increasing the power and efficiency of TEGs by improving heat transfer performance through heat pipes.

Kinetic study of bioactive compound extraction from cacao shell waste by conventional and deep eutectic solvent

2025-07-31T09:35:24+00:00

Cacao shells contain bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. This study investigated the potential of bioactive compound extraction in cacao shells using conventional and green solvents like deep eutectic solvent (DES) (choline chloride: lactic acid). Specifically, it investigated the extraction kinetic models and parameters, which are critical to scale up the extraction process. The extraction of cacao shell was conducted using various conventional solvents (ethanol, methanol, n-hexane, and water) and DES (100 % and 70%) in which the result showed that DES 100% had the highest total phenolic content of 337.92?±?9.55 mg GAE/g dry weight. Meanwhile, pseudo-second order and Peleg’s model provided the best fit for the experimental data with higher R2 values. DES 70% showed a higher total flavonoid content of 76.51?±?1.59 mg RE/g dry weight. FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds in DES-based extracts, which revealed characteristic vibrational bands associated with polyphenolic structures. These include bands corresponding to hydroxyl (–OH), carbonyl (C=O), and aromatic C=C stretching—functional groups commonly found in quercetin and other bioactive compounds.

A simulation-based feasibility assessment of malic acid production from molasses using Rhizopus arrhizus

2025-07-31T09:35:24+00:00

Malic acid is a valuable organic acid widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. It can be sustainably produced from underutilized molasses, often classified as waste. This study evaluated the feasibility of malic acid production from molasses, using Rhizopus arrhizus. A SuperPro Designer simulation integrated process design, economic analysis, and sensitivity evaluation and the results demonstrated economic viability with a Net Present Value (NPV) of $2,140,000 (7% discount rate), an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 15.81%, a Return on Investment (ROI) of 22.70, and a payback period (PP) of 4.40 years for an annual production capacity of 2,830 MT. Sensitivity analysis highlighted the selling price of malic acid as the most important economic factor. This feasibility study provides a novel approach to integrate molasses-based fermentation with simulation tools, offering actionable insights for industrial-scale implementation by quantifying key economic drivers.

Leveraging machine learning and open accessed remote sensing data for precise rainfall forecasting

2025-07-31T09:35:25+00:00

Rainfall forecasts are essential for human activities enabling communities to anticipate any impacts. Rainfall events correlate with other natural and hydro-meteorological phenomena, which can be used in modeling and prediction. This study used daily CHIRPS for the Gajahwong watershed in Yogyakarta, Indonesia as the precipitation data. It also used Sea Surface Temperature, Land Surface Temperature (Day and Night), Minimum and Maximum Temperatures, Solar Radiation, Wind Speed (U and V components), Cloud Pressure (Top and Base), and Cloud Height (Top and Base) as the parameters. Further, data processing was performed by means of the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Machine learning methods, including Support Vector Regression, Gradient Boosting Regression, Random Forest, and Deep Neural Networks, were applied. The correlation analysis revealed that only the Wind Speed V-component showed significant correlation with rainfall, other seven parameters showed moderate and four showed weak ones. Meanwhile, accuracy assessments indicated that Support Vector Regression had the most accurate predictions accompanied by Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), R2, and Coefficient Correlation (CC) at 1.366, 0.947, 1.866, 0.948 and 0.982 respectively. This study demonstrated that utilizing openly accessible atmospheric datasets processed through the GEE could yield reliable rainfall predictions, facilitating informed decisions on a wide scale. The methodology is adaptable and can be reproduced for any comparable research or operational purposes.

Maximizing oil recovery in sandstone reservoirs through optimized ASP injection using the super learner algorithm

2025-07-31T09:35:25+00:00

Optimizing the Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer (ASP) injection process remains a persistent challenge in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), particularly in heterogeneous sandstone reservoirs where traditional reservoir simulators are constrained by high computational demands and limited flexibility. This study introduces a novel application of the Super Learner (SL) ensemble, a stacking-based machine learning algorithm integrating multiple base models (XGBoost, SVR, BRR, and Decision Tree), to systematically predict and optimize ASP injection parameters. Unlike previous approaches, our method blends high-fidelity CMOST simulation data with machine learning precision in which it enables real-time optimization with field-scale relevance. Using 500 simulation scenarios validated by laboratory input, the SL model achieved exceptional predictive performance (R² = 0.988, RMSE = 0.304), outperforming all individual learners. The optimal recovery factor (RF) of 79.49% was obtained with the finely tuned concentrations of surfactant (5483.29 ppm), polymer (2242.61 ppm), SO?²? (5610.15 ppm), CO?²? (7053.59 ppm), and Na? (9939.35 ppm). Remarkably, the SL approach could reduce optimization time from 10 hours (CMOST) to under 1 minute; this underscored its potential for real-time operational deployment. The novelty of this work lies in its integrated use of ensemble learning to capture the complex and non-linear interactions between ionic chemistry and oil mobilization behavior, offering a field-ready AI framework for rapid and adaptive EOR design. This approach paves the way for the intelligent optimization of ASP schemes by minimizing the reliance on computationally intensive simulations while ensuring chemical and economic efficiency in marginal or complex reservoirs.

Peat water electrocoagulator design with aluminium electrodes in household scale for cleaning water supply

2025-08-01T14:42:10+00:00

The peat water studied contained colour, turbidity, organic substances, and iron that were sufficient to be analysed for the use of electrocoagulation. The aluminium electrodes were contacted with peat water by varying electrode plates, sedimentation time, electrolyte concentration, stirring speed, and contact time to produce clean water. The results showed that the electrocoagulator with the 3 pairs of electrode plates, 60-minute sedimentation time, 75 g NaCl electrolyte concentration, stirring speed at 75 rpm, and 60-minute electrocoagulation time was the most optimal variation. The results showed that the electrocoagulation method was able to reduce the pollutant levels in peat water. The results of this treatment also met the standards of the Ministry of Health and based on the calculation of cost incurred by the electrocoagulation method, i.e. $ 0.154/day, $ 4.641/month and $ 55.693/year.

Optimizing ground control points for UAV photogrammetry: a case study in slope stability mapping

2025-07-31T09:35:25+00:00

This study investigated the effect of Ground Control Point (GCP) distribution on the accuracy of UAV-based slope mapping and stability analysis. Three GCP configurations—top-only, vertical, and diagonal—were tested. Accuracy was evaluated using UAV photogrammetry and compared to GPS geodetic data. The vertical GCP setup produced the highest accuracy, reducing total RMSE by 89.6% (from 52.93 mm to 5.50 mm). The diagonal configuration, while being slightly less accurate (61.26 mm RMSE), improved spatial coverage. Slope stability analysis using the finite element method (FEM) confirmed the reliability of the vertical setup for slope assessment. These results demonstrated that optimizing GCP layout could significantly improve model precision while reducing fieldwork. This work contributes to efficient and accurate slope monitoring with fewer GCPs, making it suitable for large-scale geotechnical applications. Future research will focus on applying these configurations to vegetated and more complex terrains and integrating automation for broader and scalable implementation.

Evaluating the effectiveness of facial actions features for the early detection of driver drowsiness in driving safety monitoring system

2025-07-31T09:35:26+00:00

Traffic accidents caused by drowsiness continue to pose a serious threat to road safety. Many of these accidents can be prevented by alerting drivers when they begin to feel sleepy. This research introduces a non-invasive system for detecting driver drowsiness based on visual features extracted from videos captured by a dashboard-mounted camera. The proposed system utilizes facial landmark points and a facial mesh detector to identify key areas where the mouth aspect ratio, eye aspect ratio, and head pose are analyzed. These features are then fed into three different classification models: 1D-CNN, LSTM, and BiLSTM. The system’s performance was evaluated by comparing the use of these features as indicators of driver drowsiness. The results show that combining all three facial features is more effective in detecting drowsiness than using one or two features alone. The detection accuracy reached 0.99 across all tested models.

Effect of CaO nanocatalyst on bio-oil production from algae and date seeds via microwave-assisted co-pyrolysis

2025-07-31T14:41:25+00:00

One of the most effective ways of managing solid waste is microwave-assisted pyrolysis. This research used MW-assisted catalytic co-pyrolysis to extract essential oils from algae powder (AP) and date seed (DS). Graphite and a CaO nanocatalyst were utilized. As for the feedstock, it was a 1:1 mixture of AP and DS. The char content, oil production, and gas generation of co-pyrolysis yields varied between 18.8 wt% and 24.31 wt%, 43.08 wt%, and 55.295 wt%, and 25.905% to 32.60 wt%, respectively. The effect of the CaO nanocatalyst on product yields, feedstock conversion, and heating rates was analyzed. Product yields, average heating rates, and conversion factors were among the metrics studied to determine the synergistic effects and pyrolysis index, which represent the effect of materials composition when mixed to improve the thermal decomposition products and the efficiency of the process. More oil and char were produced due to the synergy that occurred during co-pyrolysis. The bio-oil obtained from algae powder (AP) co-pyrolysis and date seed (DS) was analyzed using GC-MS. The catalyst allowed for the synthesis of aliphatic compounds, aromatic compounds, amides, and alkenes by co-pyrolysis synergy. The significance of this work lies in its demonstration of an efficient and sustainable method for converting algae and date seeds into valuable bio-oil using catalytic microwave-assisted pyrolysis, highlighting the increased yield, product quality, and process efficiency through synergistic interactions.

Investigation of DNMT-mediated DNA methylation and its role in adipogenesis and breast cancer

2025-07-31T14:41:16+00:00

DNA methylation, which is mediated by DNMTs, plays crucial roles in regulating gene expression and cell differentiation. In this study, we identified adipogenesis-related genes and analyzed their coexpression with DNMT isoforms in breast cancer samples from the TCGA dataset. Our findings revealed that 114 genes were coexpressed with DNMTs, among which six genes, GATA3, IRS1, LPIN1, ME3, SREBF1, and STAT1, were significantly negatively correlated with methylation and expression levels, as determined using Spearman correlation with false discovery rate correction to account for multiple testing. The differential expression patterns of these genes across breast cancer subtypes and their associations with survival outcomes were examined. Specifically, ME3 and STAT1 showed distinct associations with survival outcomes, where high ME3 expression correlated with significantly better survival rates, whereas low STAT1 expression was associated with improved prognosis. ME3 expression was significantly elevated in tumors with high adipocyte enrichment, particularly in the luminal B subtype, suggesting a subtype-specific relationship between adipogenesis and tumor behavior. Conversely, STAT1 exhibited lower expression in samples with high adipocyte counts, reinforcing its role in the tumor microenvironment. These results underscore the importance of DNMT-mediated DNA methylation in adipogenesis and breast cancer.

Biochar supported photocatalyst (mangrove biochar-TiO2) for organic pollutants removal via synergetic adsorption-photocatalytic process

2025-07-31T09:35:26+00:00

Access to clean water remains a global challenge, which is made worse by the contamination of chemical dyes. The recent innovations of wastewater treatment have been introduced, such as combined biochar with TiO2 photocatalyst. This study proposed to degrade mainly organic pollutants from dyed wastewater using adsorption-photocatalytic of biochar-supported photocatalyst TiO2 (BSP). Mangroves were converted into biochar via hydrothermal carbonization process and combined with TiO2 by a sol-gel method. The composite was then characterized by SEM-EDX, FTIR, and XRD. The degradation performance of the BSPs was optimized with the addition of Titanium (IV) Isopropoxide (TTIP) solution in biochar for 15-25 mL, solution photocatalyst dosage 0.5–1 g/L, initial dyed water concentration at 10 ppm, pH 5.2, and UV-irradiation time from 30 to 240 min in a photocatalytic reactor. The phenomenon of organic pollutants removal was observed based upon the mechanism and dominance of the process and the degradation reaction rate of organic pollutants in dyed wastewater. Methylene blue used as a model dye was degraded 100% through the adsorption-photocatalysis process using BSP. The highest effective degradation performance was found in BSP 20 that had a functional group area of 4.39923 m²/g, a catalyst loading of 0.5 g/L, and the highest degradation rate at k = 0.021 min?¹. In subsequent development, the synergistic interaction between biochar and TiO2 presents a promising avenue for the development of advanced wastewater treatment systems targeting the removal of organic pollutants, particularly in textile industry.

Melanoidin degradation and electric energy production from palm oil waste using immobilized laccase-producing bacteria

2025-08-01T14:42:01+00:00

Melanoidin is a high molecular weight pigment that is problematic in agricultural wastewaters like palm oil mill effluent (POME). This study presents a novel approach combining a laccase-producing bacterial consortium primarily Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, immobilized on hydrothermally modified granular activated carbon (GAC) for efficient melanoidin degradation and simultaneous electricity generation in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). The hydrothermal modification of GAC enhanced bacterial immobilization and electron transfer, contributing to improved biodegradation performance. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified a number of key degradation metabolites including silanediol, dimethyl; (1-methylethyl)benzene; limonene; and butylated hydroxytoluene, confirming an effective melanoidin breakdown. The system achieved 81.36 ± 1.07% melanoidin removal with electrochemical characterization that showed a maximum current density of 61.50 ± 1.98 mA/m² and power density of 1.51 ± 0.10 mW/m². These findings demonstrated the synergistic effect of hydrothermally modified GAC and the selected bacterial consortium offering a sustainable and innovative strategy for treating melanoidin-rich wastewater while recovering bioenergy.

Optimization of ultrasound assisted extraction of sappan (Caesalpinia sappan L) wood for preparation of high quality extract

2025-08-02T14:46:49+00:00

This study optimized the Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) of sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) using Central Composite Design-Response Surface Methodology (CCD-RSM) and investigated its kinetics. Temperature, solvent-to-solid ratio, and extraction time were selected as independent variables with extract yield as the response. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that the solvent-to-solid ratio significantly affected yield. Optimal extraction conditions were 69.9°C, 29.9 mL/g, and 20.2 min, producing approximately yield of 0,293 mg GAE/g sample. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the presence of brazilin, while Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) analysis indicated the retention of functional groups. UAE was shown to enhance extraction efficiency and preserve phenolic compounds. Additionally, the extraction process was modeled, resulting in a validated effective diffusivity (De) of 1.8 × 10?? cm²/s, The kinetic study was useful in industrial application especially to determine appropriate extraction time.