Biosorption of anionic dyes from aqueous solutions using a novel magnetic nanocomposite adsorbent based on rice husk ash

This study investigated the potential use of an agricultural waste, rice husk ash, for the removal of methyl orange. The adsorbent was prepared via a simple one-pot synthesis of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs). The prepared magnetic nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometer techniques. Bach adsorption experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of initial dye concentration, pH and contact time as well as MION content on adsorption capacity. The mechanism of dye adsorption was well fitted to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Moreover, the equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model.     

Palm oil mill effluent pretreatment using Moringa oleifera seeds as an environmentally friendly coagulant: laboratory and pilot plant studies

This research paper covers the suitability of the coagulation–flocculation process using Moringa oleifera seeds after oil extraction as a natural and environmentally friendly coagulant for palm oil mill effluent treatment. The performance of M. oleifera coagulant was studied along with the flocculant KP 9650 in removal of suspended solids, organic components and in increasing the floc size. The optimum values of the operating parameters obtained from the laboratory jar test were applied in a pilot‐scale treatment plant comprised of coagulation–flocculation and filtration processes. Pilot‐scale pretreatment resulted in 99.7% suspended solids removal, 71.5% COD reduction, 68.2% BOD reduction, 100% oil and grease removal and 91% TKN removal. In pilot plant pretreatment, the percentage recovery of water was 83.3%, and 99.7% sludge was recovered after dewatering in a filter press. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Dual responsive polymeric bionanocomposite gel beads for controlled drug release systems

Scientists are searching potential solutions for cancer treatments as well as ways to avoid the side effects of anti‐cancer agents, via targeted drug delivery. The aim of this research is to propose dual responsive beads based on sodium alginate (SA), methylcellulose (MC), and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) for controlled release of 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) as model drug. The beads were prepared by the dual crosslinking of SA and MC in the presence of MIONs. The structural, thermal, morphological, magnetic characteristics as well as the release profile of 5‐FU were studied. The characterization results showed that the drug molecules and MIONs were well dispersed in the polymeric matrix. The cumulative release percentage was ca. 80% at pH = 4.2 and 40% at pH = 7.2 after 6 h. Thus, the sensitivity of beads on the pH value was verified. Moreover, the release profile exhibited reduction with an increase in the concentration of MIONs under an external magnetic field. The obtained results confirmed the dual sensitive release of 5‐FU (i.e., PH/magnetic) that can be used for the targeted and controlled drug delivery systems. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45143.     

Dual Loading of Doxorubicin and Magnetic Iron Oxide into PLA-TPGS Nanoparticles: Design,in vitro Drug Release Kinetics,and Biological Effects on Cancer Cells

The multifunctional nano drug delivery system (MNDDS) has much revolutionized in cancer treatment, aiming to eliminate many disadvantages of conventional formulations. This paper herein proposes and demonstrates MNDDS inspired by poly(lactide)-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (PLA-TPGS) copolymer co-loaded Doxorubicin and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) with a 1 : 1 (w/w) optimal ratio. In vitro drug release kinetics of Doxorubicin from this nanosystem fitted best to the Weibull kinetic model and can be described by the classical Fickian diffusion mechanism under acidic pH conditions. The combination of MIONs and Doxorubicin in the PLA-TPGS copolymer has maintained the fluorescence properties of Doxorubicin and good cell penetration, especially inside the nucleus and its vicinity. Moreover, different cell cycle profiles were observed in HeLa cell lines treated with MNDDSs.     

Azo dye removal by Moringa oleifera seed extract coagulation

In this paper, the ability of Moringa oleifera seed extract–among other natural coagulants–to remove several different types of dyes has been researched. Moringa oleifera has been demonstrated to have a high removal ability for anionic dyes. This study is particularly focused on testing the removal of an azo dye such as Chicago Sky Blue 6B (CSB). It has taken out the fast kinetic of coagulant action and the high potential of this coagulant agent to treat wastewater from dyestuff. Up to 99% of CSB removal has been achieved with M. oleifera extract dosage of 150, 200 and 250 mg l^?1 for 100, 160 and 200 mg l^?1 of initial CSB concentration, respectively. Temperature does not affect the coagulant process and a pH level greater than 8 has a negative influence. Lower CSB percentage removal is achieved by increasing the initial dye concentration, but an optimum relationship between dye amount removed and M. oleifera extract amount has been established and it appears to be between 0.7 and 0.9, depending on the initial dye concentration and the bulk of the remaining dye concentration.     

Identification of Moringa oleifera protein responsible for the decolorization and pesticide removal from drinking water and industrial effluent – an in silico and in situ evaluation

Natural products are always in demand, especially in the food and water treatment industry, to reduce health hazards caused by the prolonged use of chemicals. Though crude seed extract of Moringa oleifera (MOCE) is used for decolouration, the protein responsible for such activity is not fully known. In this study, in silico analysis of Moringa oleifera coagulant protein (MOCP; a predominant oligomeric protein in MOCE) was undertaken to check its molecular interactions with water and soil pollutants, in order to identify the protein accountable for such activities. The molecular docking studies of MOCP with azo dyes like congo red, tartrazine) and a pesticide (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) revealed a strong binding affinity (?5.66, ?5.33 and ?5.04, respectively, kJ mol^?1) between the protein and the pollutants through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Further, these results were verified in situ with MOCP, a recombinant form of MOCP (MOCRP) and MOCE against congo red (100 mg L^?1) and revealed the dye removal efficiency of 63.8%, 65.7%, and 72.3%, respectively. While the jar test results of synthetic coloured water and industrial textile effluent containing congo red showed 51.6% and 58.3%. Hence, we believe that the MOCP is responsible for multiple activities of MOCE and suggest its prospective use for large‐scale treatment of drinking water and industrial effluents. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Degradation Treatment of 4-Nitrophenol by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Moringa oleifera</Emphasis> Synthesised GO-CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Nanoparticles as Catalyst

A facile microwave-assisted reaction was used to synthesize graphene oxide with cerium oxide nanoparticles (GO-CeO₂ NPs) from water extracts of Moringa oleifera flower. The one step microwave synthesis treatment was used for reduction of ceria atom to cerium oxide nanoparticles along with the reduction of graphene oxide. The synthesized GO-CeO₂ NPs were analysed by various analytical instrumentation techniques and we found the size of nanoparticles as 50 nm with a spherical shape. Further, the green synthesized GO-CeO₂ NPs were employed as a catalyst to reduce 4-nitrophenol and achieved a degradation rate of 95.45%.     

Magnetic and electric responsive hydrogel–magnetic nanocomposites for drug‐delivery application

Magnetic and electrically responsive hydrogel networks were developed for drug‐delivery applications. The hydrogel matrices were synthesized by the polymerization of acrylamide monomer in the presence of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or methylcellulose (MC) with N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide, a crosslinker with the redox initiating system ammonium persulfate/tetramethylethylenediamine. The magnetic nanoparticles were generated throughout these hydrogel matrices by an in situ method by the incorporation of iron ions and their subsequent reduction with ammonia. A series of hydrogel–magnetic nanocomposites (HGMNCs) were developed with various CMC and MC compositions. The synthesized HGMNCs were characterized with spectral (Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy), X‐ray diffraction, thermal, and microscopy methods. These HGMNCs contained iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles with an average particle size of about 22 nm, as observed by transmission electron microscopy. The dielectrical properties of the pure hydrogel (HG); the hydrogel loaded with iron ions, or the hydrogel iron‐ion composite (HGIC); and the HGMNCs were measured. These results suggest that HGMNCs exhibited higher dielectric constants compared to HG and HGICs. The curcumin loading and release characteristics were also measured for HG, HGIC, and HGMNC systems. These data revealed that there was a sustained release of curcumin from HGMNCs because of the presence of magnetic nanoparticles in the hydrogel networks. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Magnetically Recoverable Nanoparticles: Highly Efficient Catalysts for Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Aromatic Ketones in Aqueous Medium

Two magnetic chiral iridium and rhodium catalysts were prepared via directly postgrafting 1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine‐derived organic silica or 1,2‐cyclohexanediamine‐derived organic silica onto the silica‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles followed by complexation with iridium(III) or rhodium(III) complexes. During the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones in aqueous medium, the magnetic chiral catalysts exhibited high catalytic activities (up to 99% conversion) and enantioselectivities (up to 92% ee). Both catalysts could be recovered easily by magnetic separation and be reused ten times without significantly affecting their catalytic activities and enantioselectivities.     

A novel method to prepare magnetic polymer‐based anion exchangers and their application

Magnetic microspheres with ion‐exchange features were prepared by applying a swelling and penetration process using polystyrene–divinylbenzene‐based anion‐exchange resins as starting materials. The polymeric anion‐exchange particles were swollen with an aqueous solution of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, followed by incubation with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to allow them to penetrate into the swollen particles. The pH value in the solution of magnetic nanoparticles could significantly influence the uptake of magnetic nanoparticles by the swollen anion‐exchange particles. Higher amounts of magnetic nanoparticles entrapped within anion exchangers could be achieved at pH 10–12. An increase in the concentration of magnetic nanoparticles led to a higher density of magnetic nanoparticles entrapped within the interior of anion exchangers and, thus, higher magnetization of the magnetic anion exchangers. Loading of the magnetic nanoparticles onto the exchanger had no effect on anion‐exchange functionality. The utility of the resulting magnetic anion‐exchange resins was demonstrated for the isolation of plasmid pEGFP‐C1 from Escherichia coli cell lysates. The magnetic anion‐exchange microspheres could be easily collected within a few seconds in a magnetic field. Thus, automation of the protocol for DNA isolation using these magnetic anion‐exchange resins has a high potential. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40725.     

Exploiting Size-Dependent Drag and Magnetic Forces for Size-Specific Separation of Magnetic Nanoparticles

Realizing the full potential of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in nanomedicine requires the optimization of their physical and chemical properties. Elucidation of the effects of these properties on clinical diagnostic or therapeutic properties, however, requires the synthesis or purification of homogenous samples, which has proved to be difficult. While initial simulations indicated that size-selective separation could be achieved by flowing magnetic nanoparticles through a magnetic field, subsequent in vitro experiments were unable to reproduce the predicted results. Magnetic field-flow fractionation, however, was found to be an effective method for the separation of polydisperse suspensions of iron oxide nanoparticles with diameters greater than 20 nm. While similar methods have been used to separate magnetic nanoparticles before, no previous work has been done with magnetic nanoparticles between 20 and 200 nm. Both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were used to confirm the size of the MNPs. Further development of this work could lead to MNPs with the narrow size distributions necessary for their in vitro and in vivo optimization.     

Transferrin-Decorated Niosomes with Integrated InP/ZnS Quantum Dots and Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Dual Targeting and Imaging of Glioma

The development of multifunctional nanoscale systems that can mediate efficient tumor targeting, together with high cellular internalization, is crucial for the diagnosis of glioma. The combination of imaging agents into one platform provides dual imaging and allows further surface modification with targeting ligands for specific glioma detection. Herein, transferrin (Tf)-decorated niosomes with integrated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) and quantum dots (QDs) were formulated (PEGNIO/QDs/MIONs/Tf) for efficient imaging of glioma, supported by magnetic and active targeting. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the complete co-encapsulation of MIONs and QDs in the niosomes. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated enhanced cellular uptake of the niosomal formulation by glioma cells. In vitro imaging studies showed that PEGNIO/QDs/MIONs/Tf produces an obvious negative-contrast enhancement effect on glioma cells by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and also improved fluorescence intensity under fluorescence microscopy. This novel platform represents the first niosome-based system which combines magnetic nanoparticles and QDs, and has application potential in dual-targeted imaging of glioma.     

Evaluation of oilfield‐produced water treated with a prepared magnetic inorganic polymer: Poly(silicate aluminum)/magnetite

In this study, novel coagulant poly(silicate aluminum)/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (PFeNPs) were prepared via magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) modified by poly(silicate aluminum) (PSA). The physiochemical properties of the PFeNPs were investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and ζ‐potential metric analysis. The effect of the aging time on the Al distribution of the PFeNPs was analyzed by the Al‐Ferron timed complex colorimetric method. Oilfield‐produced water was used for the assessment of the coagulation performances. The fractal dimensions, formation, breakage, and regrowth of the flocs were studied in turn. The experimental results show that the PFeNPs exhibited a porous layer of a net structure, and the PSA grafted onto the PFeNPs via Si? O? Fe enhanced the positive charge of the FeNPs. Meanwhile, the coagulation performance of the PFeNPs on total organic carbon, the turbidity, and the calcium removal were beyond 98%. In addition, the moisture content of the flocs derived from the PFeNPs was 68.7% (it is normally > 98%). We found that the compactness of the flocs derived from the PFeNPs was far greater than those of PSA. This will provide new sight into the preparation of magnetic single‐phase inorganic polymer coagulants. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45735.     

Pullulan: A versatile coating agent for superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles coated by biocompatible pullulan (Pu‐USPIO) with sizes below 10 nm and having a magnetite core and a hydrophilic outer shell of pullulan were prepared. The formed Pu‐USPIOs were thoroughly characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering experiments. The content of magnetic nanoparticles embedded into the pullulan matrix was determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Vibrating sample magnetometry analysis was used to evaluate the magnetic properties of the Pu‐USPIO samples. Because of the presence of pullulan, these nanoparticles could be conditioned in many versatile forms, from a clear solution to magnetic films, for potential applications, including magnetic hyperthermia mediators. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 42926.     

Synthesis and characterization of a magnetic hybrid material consisting of iron oxide in a carboxymethyl cellulose matrix

A magnetic hybrid material (MHM), consisting of iron‐oxide nanoparticles (?4 nm) embedded in sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na‐CMC) matrix was synthesized. The MHM synthesis process was performed in two stages. First, a precursor hybrid material (Fe(II)‐CMC) was synthesized from two aqueous solutions: Na‐CMC solution and FeCl₂ solution. In the second stage, the precursor hybrid material was treated with H₂O₂ under alkaline conditions to obtain the MHM. The results obtained from X‐ray diffraction show that the crystalline structure of iron oxide into MHM corresponds to maghemite or magnetite phase. Conversely, the results obtained from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy reveal that the polymeric matrix (Na‐CMC) preserves its chemical structure into the MHM. Furthermore, in FTIR spectra are identified two characteristic bands at 570 and 477 cm^?1 which can be associated to maghemite phase. Images obtained by high resolution transmission electron microscopy and bright field scanning transmission electron microscope show that iron‐oxide nanoparticles are embedded in the Na‐CMC. Magnetic properties were measured at room and low temperature using a quantum design MPMS SQUID‐VSM magnetometer. Diagrams of magnetization versus temperature show that iron‐oxide nanoparticles embedded in Na‐CMC have a superparamagnetic‐like behavior. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Removal of turbidity from drinking water using natural coagulants

The ability of three plant materials, seeds such as Moringa oleifera, Strychnos potatorum and Phaseolus vulgaris, to act as natural coagulants was tested using synthetic turbid water formulated to resemble the drinking water. An improved and alternative method for the extraction of the active coagulant agent M. oleifera, S. potatorum, P. vulgaris seeds was developed and compared with the conventional water extraction method. In the new method the seeds were extracted using different solvents of NaCl and NaOH to extract the active coagulant agent from natural coagulants. In addition, ultrasound was investigated as a potential method to assist the extraction process. Batch coagulation experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the extracted coagulant achieved through various schemes. The optimum turbidity removal at different values of initial synthetic wastewater turbidity from 100 to 500 NTU was investigated. Sodium chloride at 0.5 M was found to provide a high turbidity removal of >99% compared to NaOH and distilled water extract. Among these three coagulant M. oleifera seed extracts is the highest performance in turbidity removal. The optimum coagulant dosage showed the coagulation with blended coagulant M. oleifera, S. potatorum and P. vulgaris. The study was carried out for initial turbidity of the sample such as 100 NTU (low), 250 NTU (medium) and 500 NTU (high). For the natural coagulant dosage was found to be 250–1000 mg/L respectively. It was found that the percentage of removal is highest in M. oleifera.     

Novel Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Renewable-Resource Based Carbon-Magnetite Nanocomposites

Abstract

Magnetic carbon-iron oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using tannin, a renewable resource material, in combination with a microwave-based thermolytic process without the addition of any inert or reducing gas during the synthesis. The predominant iron oxide species present in these particles has been determined by XRD and FT-IR to be magnetite (Fe₃O₄). These iron oxide nanoparticles are embedded within a carbon matrix in small clusters generally ≤100 nm in size. The resulting powder is approximately 48% (w/w) magnetite, and has been characterized by magnetic susceptibility and SQUID analysis.     

Iron oxide induced bagasse nanoparticles for the sequestration of Cr6+ ions from tannery effluent using a modified batch reactor

The emphasis of the present study is to investigate the potential of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized using bagasse from sugarcane (M‐NIOB). M‐NIOB was infused onto the modified batch reactor (M‐BR) stirrers using mesh structures for the adsorption of Cr⁶⁺ contained in effluent from the leather industry. M‐NIOB exhibited supermagnetic properties under an external magnetic field with a saturation magnetization value of 9.192 emu/g at room temperature. M‐NIOB nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. The size of the M‐NIOB particles ranged from 50 to 200 nm. The most favorable time, pH, and temperature for the application of M‐NIOB to Cr⁶⁺ removal from tannery effluent was found to be 180 min, 5, and 318 K, respectively. M‐NIOB adsorbent performed its best at an adsorbent dosage of 800 mg/150 mL with a particle size of 150 nm. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies have been conducted. The applicability of various adsorption models for the Cr⁶⁺ adsorption data was tested. Moreover, the desorption studies carried out at 60 °C proved the capability of M‐NIOB for regeneration and reuse. Hence, M‐NIOB could be potentially applied for the treatment of effluent that has Cr⁶⁺ as a major constituent. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46683.     

“One‐pot” synthesis of well‐defined functional copolymer and its application as tumor‐targeting nanocarrier in drug delivery

A one‐pot synthesis is developed for PEG₆₀₀‐b‐poly(glycerol monoacrylate) (PEG₆₀₀‐b‐PGA), by which folate and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are assembled to form folic acid‐conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (FA‐MNPs) as a tumor targeting system. The synthesis consists of a “click” reaction and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to obtain the well‐defined furan‐protected maleimido‐terminated PEG₆₀₀‐b‐poly(solketal acrylate) (PEG₆₀₀‐b‐PSA) copolymer. After deprotection, the key copolymer N‐maleimido‐terminated PEG₆₀₀‐b‐PGA is successfully conjugated with thiol derivatives of folate and FITC, respectively. FA‐MNPs are developed by assembling of the resulting polymer FA‐PEG₆₀₀‐b‐PGA with SPIONs, and characterized for their size, surface charge, and superparamagnetic properties. To investigate the cellular uptake of the nanoparticles by Hela cells and φ2 cells using fluoresce technique, FA‐FITC‐MNPs are also obtained by assembling of FA‐PEG₆₀₀‐b‐PGA, FITC‐PEG₆₀₀‐b‐PGA with SPIONs. Qualitative and quantitative determinations of FA‐FITC‐MNPs show that the particles specifically internalized to Hela cells. No significant cytotoxicity is observed for these two kinds of cell lines. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40405.     

Fe3O4@mesoporouspolyaniline: A Highly Efficient and Magnetically Separable Catalyst for Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Chlorides and Phenols

A high surface, magnetic Fe₃O₄@mesoporouspolyaniline core‐shell nanocomposite was synthesized from magnetic iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles and mesoporouspolyaniline (mPANI). The novel porous magnetic Fe₃O₄ was obtained by solvothermal method under sealed pressure reactor at high temperature to achieve high surface area. The mesoporouspolyaniline shell was synthesized by in situ surface polymerization onto porous magnetic Fe₃O₄ in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), as a linker and structure‐directing agent, through ‘blackberry nanostructures’ assembly. The material composition, stoichiometric ratio and reaction conditions play vital roles in the synthesis of these nanostructures as confirmed by variety of characterization techniques. The role of the mesoporouspolyaniline shell is to stabilize the porous magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, and provide direct access to the core Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The catalytic activity of magnetic Fe₃O₄@mesoporousPANI nanocomposite was evaluated in the cross‐coupling of aryl chlorides and phenols.