Influence of Magnetic Fields with Induction of 7 T on Physical and Chemical Properties of Aqueous NaCl Solutions

pH-Dependent HEWL-AuNPs Interactions: Optical Study

Optical methods (spectroscopy, spectrofluorometry, dynamic light scattering, and refractometry) were used to study the change in the state of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL), protein molecules, and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in aqueous colloids with changes in pH, and the interaction of protein molecules with nanoparticles was also studied. It was shown that changing pH may be the easiest way to control the protein corona on gold nanoparticles. In a colloid of nanoparticles, both in the presence and absence of protein, aggregation-deaggregation, and in a protein colloid, monomerization-dimerization-aggregation are the main processes when pH is changed. A specific point at pH 7.5, where a transition of the colloidal system from one state to another is observed, has been found using all the optical methods mentioned. It has been shown that gold nanoparticles can stabilize HEWL protein molecules at alkaline pH while maintaining enzymatic activity, which can be used in practice. The data obtained in this manuscript allow for the state of HEWL colloids and gold nanoparticles to be monitored using one or two simple and accessible optical methods.

Biological Effects of Magnetic Storms and ELF Magnetic Fields

Magnetic fields are a constant and essential part of our environment. The main components of ambient magnetic fields are the constant part of the geomagnetic field, its fluctuations caused by magnetic storms, and man-made magnetic fields. These fields refer to extremely-low-frequency (<1 kHz) magnetic fields (ELF-MFs). Since the 1980s, a huge amount of data has been accumulated on the biological effects of magnetic fields, in particular ELF-MFs. However, a unified picture of the patterns of action of magnetic fields has not been formed. Even though a unified mechanism has not yet been generally accepted, several theories have been proposed. In this review, we attempted to take a new approach to analyzing the quantitative data on the effects of ELF-MFs to identify new potential areas for research. This review provides general descriptions of the main effects of magnetic storms and anthropogenic fields on living organisms (molecular-cellular level and whole organism) and a brief description of the main mechanisms of magnetic field effects on living organisms. This review may be of interest to specialists in the fields of biology, physics, medicine, and other interdisciplinary areas.

Development of an Environmentally Friendly Technology for the Treatment of Aqueous Solutions with High-Purity Plasma for the Cultivation of Cotton, Wheat and Strawberries

The microwave setup for obtaining plasma-activated water (PAW) has been created. PAW contains significant concentrations of H2O2 and NO3−, has a reduced content of O2, high conductivity, a high redox potential and low pH. Likewise, the specific electrical conductivity and concentration of H2O2 and NO3− linearly depend on the treatment time. These parameters are simple and convenient markers for controlling the preparation of PAW. It has been established that PAW solutions with a concentration of 0.5–1.0% increase the germination energy, protect against fusarium and hyperthermia in cotton, wheat and strawberry seeds. In addition, PAWs have a positive effect on the growth rate of plants in the early stages of development. The use of PAW provides significant benefits over the chemical preparations Dalbron and Bakhor, so-called seed germination stimulators (SDS).