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Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Catalytic Efficiency for Disintegrating Common Industrial Dyes in Wastewater Compared to Chemically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles
No full textThe study aims to help with clearing the waterways from any hazardous dyes that run off from industrial waste. Nanotechnology is being used for wastewater remediation. This process requires the comparison of green and chemical synthesized silver nanoparticles, posing the question of whether biological capping agents provide a measurable performance advantage. The methodology describes an experimental design which outlines the green synthesis process using plant extracts and chemical reduction using agents like sodium borohydride. The nano characterization was given, which described the structure, size, and shape. While the characterization was given, a spectrophotometer was used to assess the degradation of dyes like methylene blue. The results and discussion analyzed the kinetic data, highlighting that green synthesized AgNPs often achieved higher degradation rates compared to chemical synthesis. Green synthesis was shown to achieve degradation efficiencies exceeding 90%, usually in shorter timeframes. The green synthesis performance had higher efficiency due to the organic molecules from the plant extracts. These organic molecules act as effective stabilizers. Finally, it was concluded that the bio-based synthesis is eco-friendly and technologically superior. It emphasizes the recyclability of these nanocatalysts and their potential for seamless integration into large-scale, sustainable industrial water treatment systems
Particle Focusing in a Sprial Microchannel Using Viscoelastic Fluids
No full textParticle focusing behavior is important for the development of microfluidic devices used in biomedical diagnostics for cell focusing, sorting, separation, etc. Biomedical fluids like blood and DNA solution exhibit non-Newtonian properties. We study viscoelastic PEO (Polyethylene Oxide) to understand particle behavior in these fluids. Our objective was to study the focusing behavior of particles in a spiral microchannel under the effects of a non-Newtonian fluid. The particles in the microchannel were induced by electrokinetic and pressure-driven flow. Electrokinetic flow increased the electric field from 80V/cm to 140V/cm. Pressure increased the flow from 0.1mL/hr - 15mL/hr. We tested each Newtonian case, 0 PPM PEO, and a non-Newtonian case (50 PPM PEO). We found that the particles focused better when we increased the electric field or the flow rate. When we added the PEO for the electric field case, we found that it improved focusing in the same direction, causing it to be closer to the outer wall, and that it focused at a lower electric field. When we added PEO for the pressure-driven flow, it also focused on a lower flow rate, but it started focusing on the other side. The 0 PPM case focused on the inner wall, while the 50 PPM PEO case had the particle focusing toward the outer wall; however, as the forces began to balance out, particles started focusing toward the middle of the loop. The addition of PEO causes particles to focus sooner, while still maintaining similar focusing patterns as the Newtonian case
Smoke-Induced Mitochondrial-ER Stress in Disc Calcification
No full textIntervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a leading cause of low back pain, and smoking is a major risk factor. However, the mechanisms of how smoking affects specific IVD regions remain unclear. We focused on the cartilaginous endplate (CEP) and examined whether cigarette smoke extract (CSE) drives oxidative stress that induces ER stress and mitochondrial redox disruption, leading to apoptosis and calcification. We also examined how CEP calcification alters disc-bone interface mechanics. Rat intervertebral discs were cultured ex vivo and exposed to control or CSE-treated conditions. CEP tissues were dissected for proteomic analysis. In a separate cell-based model, CEP cells treated with CSE were assessed for mitochondrial ROS, membrane potential (ΔΨm), metabolic outputs (glucose, lactate, ATP), TCA substrate utilization, and ER-stress signaling. To evaluate mechanical effects, we developed a mesoscale collagen fiber-bundle digital model to compute interface strength across calcification progression. CSE treatment increased cysteine oxidation in mitochondrial respiratory chain proteins (Complex I-V) and shifted the CEP proteome toward glycolysis, ER stress, apoptosis, and calcification. Consistent with these proteomic changes, CSE induced PERK/ATF4/CHOP signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction in CEP cells, evidenced by increased mitochondrial ROS, reduced ΔΨm, and TCA substrate utilization. This dysfunction was accompanied by elevated glycolysis (evidenced by higher glucose consumption and lactate release) and reduced ATP production. Digital simulation revealed calcified models to be stiffer and have a lower failure threshold than uncalcified models. Together, these findings link smoke exposure to CEP calcification and compromised mechanical function via mitochondrial-ER stress pathways, highlighting potential therapeutic targets
The Ability of Dihydroxyactone from Self-Tanning Products to React with Stratum Corneum
No full textArtificial tanning products are used to mimic the darkening effect ultraviolet radiation has on the skin, avoiding potential harms such as skin cancer. However, there are varying answers on how dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the key ingredient in self-tanning products, affects the skin. The dark pigment self-tan produces is the result of brown melanoidins produced by a non-enzymatic Maillard reaction between DHA and amino acids in the outer layer of the skin. Some research suggests that this reaction may risk DNA damage and cell death. For example, Shayan Owji at the Transitional Residency Program at John Peter Smith Hospital analyzed a multitude of pre-existing studies on DHA in STPs. After reviewing multiple credible sources, they conclude that concentrations of DHA ranging from 1% to 15% produce DNA damage and “induce significant cytotoxicity, even low millimolar, nonlethal concentrations can alter the function of keratinocytes…”(Owji et al., 2023, para. 1). However, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation, “the resulting reaction causes browning, but unlike the reaction caused by UV rays, it involves only the outermost, dead cell layer of the skin”(The Skin Cancer Foundation, 2019). Therefore, the true effects of self-tanning products on the epidermis are unclear. This project investigates the ability of DHA to react with the outermost layer of the skin, excluding cells deeper than the stratum corneum, by applying three different concentrations of DHA to porcine skin. A “light” tanning solution with 6% DHA, a “medium” solution with 9% DHA, and a “dark” solution with 12% DHA
The Study of Aspergillus niger as a Potential Bioremediator of Iron and Hydrocarbons in a Complex, Co-Contaminated, Soil Environment
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether Aspergillus niger, a common fungus found in the environment, could simultaneously break down iron and hydrocarbons as a cost-effective and eco-friendly method of bioremediation. It was hypothesized that as the amount of iron and diesel in the soil increases, the effectiveness of A. niger would remain unaffected due to a rise in metabolic efficiency, causing increased production of organic acids and enzymes that break down contaminants into simpler compounds for energy. Ferrous ammonium sulfate was dissolved in water and added in different concentrations to 90 cups along with varying volumes of diesel. Trials were divided into groups with group one (EG1) containing 0.1 g of Fe and 0.5 mL of diesel and group two (EG2) containing 0.3 g of Fe and 1 mL of diesel. Aspergillus niger was then added to the cups and left to bioremediate for 14 days. Results were measured using hydrocarbon test strips and redox titrations using potassium permanganate. For the control group, the mean was 22.34 mg/kg (SD = 7.81), for EG1, the average was 109.56 mg/kg (SD = 24.31), and for EG2, the average was 152.11 mg/kg (SD = 41.39). Hydrocarbon removal was not effective or significant at χ2(3, N =30) = 5.37132, p = .147. Iron removal was effective at F(2, 87) = 161.31, p \u3c .001. In conclusion, the experiment showed that Aspergillus niger was effective in the bioremediation of iron, but not hydrocarbons
The Effect of Incorporating High-Density Polyethylene on the Compressive Strength of Permeable Concrete
No full textOverproduction and overconsumption of single-use plastics prompts a need for methods of recycling, as landfills are ineffective in sustainably repurposing plastic waste. So, reusing plastics to reinforce permeable concrete is suggested to increase its viability for urban settings to mitigate in-city flooding and percolating pollutive runoff. In this study, varying amounts of HDPE shreds were added to mixtures of concrete to test if they increased the mixture’s compressive strength. It was hypothesized that the increased addition of HDPE to permeable concrete will progressively increase its hardness because the HDPE will occupy closed voids created in the initial permeable concrete mixture. The rationale for this hypothesis is that the addition of HDPE to permeable concrete would increase its hardness because of its high flexural strength, which allows it to bear high tension. Compressive strengths were estimated using an empirical correlation between the rebound value of a Schmidt Hammer Test and the compressive strength of cubic specimens of concrete. Successive tests of the concrete revealed a total compressive failure of each mixture, which each mixture yielding a compressive strength less than 10 N/mm2, which is equivalent to 10.3 MPa, or 1500 PSI. The low compressive strength of each mixture was due to surface indentation resulting from the use of the Schmidt Hammer. This study aimed to create a structurally sound permeable concrete mix for general use. To integrate the cityscape with local water cycles, this study designed a strong and sustainable permeable concrete system to mitigate flooding and runoff
A Sticky Situation: The Interaction Between Mucilage and Substrate on Seedling Success Varies Across Species
No full textSeed mucilage (a slimy, gel-like substance that retains water around the seed) is known to play a significant role in germination and seedling success (root length). During this research, we tested the effect of seed mucilage across different environmental contexts on germination and also on the root length of seedlings. We hypothesized that: mucilage promotes germination, the effect of mucilage depends on context (sand, soil, and bare), and mucilage influences root length. For this experiment, we counted seeds for 6 species and placed them in their specific treatment. We then removed the mucilage from some seeds and placed all seeds into their respective substrate, and let them sit overnight. The next day, we sifted through the substrates and placed the seeds into petri dishes. Once we saw germination, we measured the root length, in millimeters, with calipers. Our results showed that only 3 species germinated (Garden Cress, Holy Basil, and Chia). In certain species mucilage decreases germination when covered; despite increasing when bare and having no effect on some species. With respect to root length, mucilage increases root growth in certain species, although sometimes only temporarily, or it may not have a significant impact at all. We concluded that seed mucilage\u27s impact on germination and root length varies between species. We believe this could be due to the different chemical composition each seed has, in addition to the specific amount of mucilage each seed produces
Effect of the Presence of Beeswax on the Degradation of Extruded Polystyrene Foam by Galleria mellonella Larvae
No full textPolystyrene foam is a common plastic used for packaging and in food service, but it is greatly harmful in its abundance to the environment. The organism Galleria mellonella is a plativore and can consume and biodegrade these polymers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of beeswax, the natural food source of Galleria mellonella, would affect the organisms consumption rate of extruded polystyrene foam. It was hypothesized that the presence of beeswax increased the degradation of polystyrene foam by Galleria mellonella larvae by keeping them healthy enough to be able to consume and properly degrade the polystyrene foam. In order to conduct this experiment, the styrofoam was weighed and one larva was placed into each wax or non wax group. They were left for 5 days for exposure and the styrofoam was weighed again to calculate the mass change. The results of a t-Test with an alpha value of 0.05 suggests that there was no significant difference between the wax and non wax groups. Thus, it was concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that the presence of wax has an effect of the consumption rate of polystyrene foam by Galleria mellonella
IDH Mutation in the Progression of IDH-mutant Astrocytoma
No full textMy project investigated the role of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations in the progression of IDH-mutant astrocytoma, the most common brain malignancies in patients under age 55. Prior studies in murine cell lines suggested that these mutations might be lost sub clonally as tumors progress, raising the possibility that IDH may no longer be a significant driver in later stages. Given that IDH inhibitors are now used in standard care for low-grade astrocytoma, understanding whether IDH is lost in progression is essential to guide the development of effective treatment approaches for high-grade and recurrent astrocytoma. To further investigate this, we used fluorescence immunohistochemistry (FIHC) to examine paired primary and recurrent formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue microarrays (TMAs). This methodology allowed us to visualize expression patterns. Images produced from this protocol posed a signal overlap, leading to inconclusive results. This inspired the transition to a confocal microscope due to the possibility of selecting channels absent of crosstalk. Future directions include single-cell RNA sequencing and Light seq. For the single-cell RNA sequencing, we began culturing the Proli 108 murine cell lines with inducible IDH1R132H, p53, and ATRX mutations. In preparation for the final staining, we optimized the FIHC protocol and tested various dyes, buffers, and antibodies. This work will reveal whether tumor subpopulations lose the IDH mutation and its findings will guide to more effective treatment strategies for recurrent and high-grade astrocytomas
Comparative Effects of Moringa oleifera and Strychnos potatorum Extracts on Water Turbidity
No full textThe study examined whether a combined extract of Strychnos potatorum and Moringa oleifera reduced water turbidity more effectively than either extract alone, with the goal of identifying a cheaper and safer alternative to chemical coagulants. It was hypothesized that a combination of the two extracts would produce a greater turbidity (NTU) reduction than the individual treatments. A total of 120 trials were conducted across four treatments: control (no extract), Moringa oleifera extract, Strychnos potatorum extract, and the combined extract, with 30 trials per group. Each 25 mL turbid water sample contained 0.125 g of kaolin clay and received 7.5 mL of the assigned extract before being vortexed for 30 seconds. After a 30‑minute settling period, turbidity was measured using a Vernier turbidity sensor. Results showed that the control group had a mean of 563.70 NTU. Unexpectedly, the Strychnos potatorum extract (M=564.20 NTU) resulted in a slightly higher turbidity than the control. In contrast, the Moringa oleifera extract (M=541.35 NTU), and the combination extract (M=542.88 NTU) both resulted in lower turbidity values, but the Moringa oleifera extract ended up yielding more effective results. Through a one-way ANOVA, the results revealed a significant effect of treatments between each, F(3, 116) = 5.07, p = 0.002. The post hoc Tukey test indicated no statistical difference between the control and Strychnos potatorum group. These results indicate that the combined extracts did not produce a greater reduction in turbidity than the individual extracts