Molecularly imprinted nanoparticles doped graphene oxide based electrochemical platform for highly sensitive and selective detection of L-tyrosine

A highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor was developed using a surface modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) through molecularly imprinted polymerization on the surface of vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) coated magnetic nanoparticle (Fe3O4) decorated silver nanoparticles incorporated graphene oxide, GO (VTMS-Fe3O4/AgGO) for L- Tyrosine (Tyr) detection. A molecular imprinting technique based on free radical polymerization was applied to synthesize molecularly imprinted Methacrylic acid (MAA) and Acrylamide (AA) grafted VTMS-Fe3O4/AgGO polymer (MAA/AA-g- VTMS-Fe3O4/AgGO) designated as MIP and non-imprinted polymer (NIP). The structure and morphology of the prepared polymers were FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM and VSM. MIP and NIP were chosen for modifying the GCE surface by drop casting process to construct the sensors and their electrochemical properties were characterized via EIS and CV. Compared with NIP/GCE sensor, MIP /GCE sensor exhibits excellent sensing response towards Tyr with a wide linear range of 0.25 × 10-13 M to 0.10 × 10-3 M and the limit of detection and limit of quantification as 0.15 × 10-13 M and 0.50 × 10-13 M, respectively with R2 value of 0.9934 by DPV technique. Moreover, MIP/GCE sensor exhibits long-time storage, excellent selectivity and good stability in multiple cycle usage. The practical applicability of MIP/GCE sensor was tested in human blood serum sample. The recovery percentage was obtained between 98.8% and 106.0% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) between 1.01% and 1.59%. Results of the investigations revealed the clinical applicability of the MIP/GCE sensor.

Magnetic nanoparticle embedded chitosan-based polymeric network for the hydrophobic drug delivery of paclitaxel

Safe delivery of hydrophobic drugs to the tumor site is a major problem for the scientific community. To improve the in vivo efficacy of hydrophobic drugs by avoiding solubility concerns and providing targeted delivery by nanoparticle, we have developed robust iron oxide nanoparticles coated chitosan with ([2- (methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethyl ammonium chloride) (METAC) [CS-IONPs-METAC-PTX] as a drug carrier for the delivery of hydrophobic drug, paclitaxel (PTX). Drug carrier was characterized using various techniques like FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, DLS and VSM. Maximum drug release of 93.50 ± 2.80 % from CS-IONPs-METAC-PTX occurs at pH 5.5 in 24 h. Significantly, the nanoparticles exhibited excellent therapeutic efficacy when appraised in L929 (Fibroblast) cell lines with a good cell viability profile. CS-IONPs-METAC-PTX shows excellent cytotoxic effect in MCF-7 cell lines. In 100 μg/mL concentration, CS-IONPs-METAC-PTX formulation shows 13.46 ± 0.40 % of cell viability. Selectivity index of 2.12 indicates the highly selective and safe performance of CS-IONPs-METAC-PTX. Admirable hemocompatibility of the developed polymer material demonstrating its applicability towards drug delivery. Results of the investigation substantiate that the prepared drug carrier is a potent material for the delivery of PTX.

Detection of chlorpyrifos based on molecular imprinting with a conducting polythiophene copolymer loaded on multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Molecular imprinting technique (MIT) with electrochemical sensing provides an attractive tool for the fabrication of sensors. Incorporation of conducting copolymer and surface imprinting strategies in the sensing device improves the conducting properties and poor template accessibility, slow binding kinetics at the same time. Here, this technique was employed with conducting polymers with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to build an electrochemical sensor for detecting Chlorpyrifos (CPF) in vegetable sample solutions. In this work, we aimed at synthesizing a copolymer of 3-thiophene acetic acid and 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene on the surface of MWCNT. We further constructed a polymer drop-casted glassy carbon electrode sensor for ultrasensitive detection CPF. Under optimal conditions, the sensor exhibited a very low limit of detection (LOD) of 4.0 × 10^-12 M for CPF. Due to the excellent repeatability and reusability of the materials, this study and findings have potential applications in the monitoring of pesticides from vegetable samples.

Modified chitosan-hyaluronic acid based hydrogel for the pH-responsive Co-delivery of cisplatin and doxorubicin

Combination chemotherapy has attracted more attention in the field of anticancer treatment due to the synergetic effects achieved in the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs. In the present work a hydrogel-based drug delivery system (CS-NSA/A-HA) was successfully developed from chitosan modified by nitrosalicylaldehyde and aldehyde hyaluronic acid. Anticancer drugs, Cisplatin (CDDP) and Doxorubicin (DOX) were incorporated into this hydrogel separately and a dual drug loaded system was synthesized and the potential of the single and dual drug loaded materials for lung cancer therapy was compared. The obtained hydrogel was characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Morphological studies conducted by FE-SEM analysis. The loading and encapsulation efficiencies and percentage of drug release were determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy at different pHs. Cytotoxicity studies performed in A549 lung cancer cells confirmed the enhanced activity of the material as a dual drug carrier compared with the single loaded system. All the findings strongly suggest the applicability of the material for lung cancer therapy.

Hyaluronic acid coated Pluronic F127/Pluronic P123 mixed micelle for targeted delivery of Paclitaxel and Curcumin

The hydrophobicity of most of the anticancer drugs offers a great challenge in selecting a system for their effective transport. Here comes the importance of micelles that offers a hydrophobic core for incorporating these drugs. In this study, Hyaluronic Acid coated Pluronic mixed micelle loaded with Paclitaxel and Curcumin was designed and evaluated its anticancer activity in MCF-7 cells. Pluronic F127 (PF127) and Pluronic P123 (PP123) were taken for preparing the mixed micelles. The targeting ligand folic acid (FA) was conjugated to one end of PP123 forming FA-PP. The end hydroxyl groups of PF127 were oxidized to aldehyde groups resulted in PF-CHO. Mixed micelles were prepared from PF-CHO and FA-PP and the end aldehyde groups were used for coating the micelles with hyaluronic acid. The material was characterized using FTIR, H¹NMR, DLS, FE-SEM and TEM. The coated micelles showed spherical shape with drug loading efficiency of 50.15 and 65.05% for Paclitaxel and Curcumin, respectively. In vitro drug release was studied at pH 5.5 and 7.4. Dual drug-loaded material showed higher in-vitro anticancer activity than free Paclitaxel and Curcumin. The results suggested that synthesized mixed micelle with dual drugs showed great potential for targeted delivery to MCF-7 cells.

A new biodegradable nano cellulose-based drug delivery system for pH-controlled delivery of curcumin

Targeted delivery and controlled release of drugs are attractive methods for avoiding the drug's leakage during blood circulation and burst release of the drug. We prepared a nano cellulose-based drug delivery system (DDS) for the effective delivery of curcumin (CUR). In the present scenario, the role of nanoparticles in fabricating the DDS is an important one and was characterized using various techniques. The drug loading capacity was high as 89.2% at pH = 8.0, and also the maximum drug release takes place at pH = 5.5. In vitro cell viability studies of DDS on MDA MB-231; breast cancer cells demonstrated its cytotoxicity towards cancer cells. The prepared DDS was also examined for apoptosis, hemocompatibility, and Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) studies to assess its pharmaceutical field application and the investigation results recommended that it may serve as a potential device for targeted delivery and controlled release of CUR for cancer treatment.

Graphene oxide based functionalized chitosan polyelectrolyte nanocomposite for targeted and pH responsive drug delivery

Graphene oxide (GO) was first modified to amine functionalized GO (AGO) and acts as a cationic polyelectrolyte. Chitosan (CS) was conjugated with folic acid (FA) through N, N´ -Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide coupling to form FA-CS. After this, itaconic acid and acrylic acid monomers are grafted to the hydroxyl group of CS using ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate as cross linker and potassium peroxydisulfate as an initiator to generate -COOH functional groups and forming chemically modified chitosan (CMCS). Further doxorubicin (DOX) loaded into the FA-CMCS/AGO through π-π stacking interactions. The resulting nanocomposite was characterized by FTIR, SEM, TEM, Raman, AFM, DLS and ZP. The drug loading capacity was as high as 95.0% and the drug release rate at pH 5.3 was significantly higher than that under physiological conditions of pH 7.4. Cell viability of L929, HeLa and MCF7 cells was studied. The studies suggest the drug carrier has potential clinical applications for anticancer drug delivery.

Gold Nanoparticle and Hydrophobic Nanodiamond Based Synergistic System: A Way to Overcome Skin Barrier Function

Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have attracted ample attention as a transdermal (TND) drug delivery platform for improving the skin permeability of drug molecules. Herein a novel TND device formed from AuNP and oleylamine functionalized nanodiamond (AuD) has been developed successfully for the TND delivery of Ketoprofen (KP), a model drug. Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Polybutyl methacrylate (PVA/PBMA) film has been selected as the matrix of the TND device, as they furnish excellent skin adhesion properties. The PVA/PBMA membranes loaded with different concentrations of AuD have been characterized in terms of surface morphology, thermomechanical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), optical transmittance, cosmetic attractiveness, skin adhesion behavior, and drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE). The matrix loaded with 3.0% AuD displayed enhanced thermomechanical and DEE due to the uniform distribution of nanofillers in the membrane. The in vitro skin permeation test proved that a higher amount of KP was delivered by AuD incorporated films, suggesting improved TND behavior. The synergistic management of AuNP and nanodiamonds (ND) has caused the enhanced skin permeation behavior of the device. The obtained results revealed that AuD may be employed as an effective carrier to substitute NDs for TND delivery. Additionally, while investigating the storage stability of the device we observed that the membrane kept at low temperature presented stability over time. More importantly, the results from cell viability assay and environmental fitness test revealed that the AuD based TND system is a high security device, as it is noncytotoxic and microbe-resistant. The developed device provides a novel and handy approach to the TND delivery of drug molecules.

Synthesis and characterization of amidoxime modified chitosan/bentonite composite for the adsorptive removal and recovery of uranium from seawater

A novel amidoxime functionalized adsorbent, poly(amidoxime)-grafted-chitosan/bentonite composite [P(AO)-g-CTS/BT] was prepared by in situ intercalative polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) and 3-hexenedinitrile (3-HDN) onto chitosan/bentonite composite using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross linking agent and potassium peroxy disulphate (K₂S₂O₈) as free radical initiator. The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), BET surface area analyser and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nitrile groups from two monomers converted to amidoxime groups and therefore, increases the adsorption efficiency of uranium(VI) [U(VI)] from seawater. The optimum pH for U(VI) adsorption was found to be 8.0. The adsorbent dosage of 2.0 g/L was sufficient for the complete removal of U(VI) from seawater. The kinetic data fitted well with pseudo-second-order kinetic model which assumes the presence of chemisorption. The equilibrium attained within 60 min and well agreement of equilibrium data with Langmuir adsorption model confirms monolayer coverage of U(VI) onto P(AO)-g-CTS/BT. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 49.09 mg/g. Spent adsorbent was effectively regenerated using 0.1 N HCl. Six cycles of adsorption-desorption experiments were conducted to study the practical applicability and repeated use of the adsorbent. The feasibility of the adsorbent was also tested using natural seawater. The results show that P(AO)-g-CTS/BT is a promising adsorbent for the removal of U(VI) from seawater.

Temperature and ultrasound sensitive gatekeepers for the controlled release of chemotherapeutic drugs from mesoporous silica nanoparticles

The copolymer chains were grafted onto the mesopores of silica nanoparticles and could act as stimuli responsive ‘smart’ gatekeepers. With the aid of a transdermal delivery route and ultrasound penetration, even malignant sites of internal organs can be set as targets.

Methacrylate-Stitched β-Cyclodextrin Embedded with Nanogold/Nanotitania: A Skin Adhesive Device for Enhanced Transdermal Drug Delivery

Transdermal (TD) drug delivery is a more attractive technique for drug delivery compared to oral and intravenous injection. However, the permeation of drug molecules across the skin is difficult due to the presence of highly ordered lipid barrier. This study details the development of a novel TD system, which has the potential to simultaneously enhance the skin permeability and adhesion behavior. Ibuprofen (IP) was selected as model drug. The ability of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) and hydrophobic titanium nanotube (TNT) to enhance the skin permeability was explored. Additionally, β-cyclodextrin (βCD), which can exceptionally encapsulate poorly water-soluble drugs, is grafted with methacrylates to improve the skin adhesion property. Finally, Au-TNT nanocomposite was deposited onto methacrylate-grafted βCD matrix. The developed material was characterized through NMR spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The characteristics of the film, including water vapor permeability (WVP), thermomechanical properties, etc., were examined in terms of Au-TNT content. The TD delivery of IP with different concentrations of Au-TNT was evaluated via an in vitro skin permeation study through rat skin. It is revealed that the prepared TD film exhibited an improved drug-delivery performance due to the synergistic action of AuNP and hydrophobic TNT. The cumulative percent of IP delivered across the skin is extremely depending on nanofiller content, lipophilicity, and thickness of the membrane, and the device incorporated with 4.0% Au-TNT displayed the best performance. In addition, a study on storage stability was performed by storing the films for 2 months at different temperatures. The study revealed that the device possessed excellent storage stability when stored at low temperature. The developed film offers excellent WVP, drug encapsulation efficiency, thermomechanical properties, and skin adhesion behavior. Moreover, the device was cosmetically attractive, noncytotoxic, and resistant to microbial growth and hence extremely reliable for skin application. The developed skin permeation strategy may open new avenues in TD drug delivery.

Extended wear therapeutic contact lens fabricated from timolol imprinted carboxymethyl chitosan-g-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate-g-poly acrylamide as a onetime medication for glaucoma

An extended wear therapeutic contact lens (TCL) for the sustained delivery of timolol maleate (TML) was fabricated based on molecular imprinting technique. The designed TCL comprised of a TML imprinted copolymer of carboxymethyl chitosan-g-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate-g-polyacrylamide (CmCS-g-HEMA-g-pAAm) embedded onto a poly HEMA matrix (pHEMA). Successful reloading of TML onto the lens was monitored using a simple and novel UV-Visible spectrophotometric method which showed an excellent reloading capacity of 6.53μgTML/TCL. The in vitro drug release profile in lacrimal fluid after each cycle was fitted onto Higuchi model of drug release suggesting diffusion release mechanism with no polymer degradation. Also, the TML release kinetics indicated a sustained drug delivery which can effectively achieve the therapeutic index of TML leading to a onetime medication for glaucoma. Biological activity of eluted drug after each cycle and cell viability of the TCL were verified using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,3-bis(2-methoxynitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-(phenylaminocarbonyl)-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) assay, respectively.

Enzyme coated beta-cyclodextrin for effective adsorption and glucose-responsive closed-loop insulin delivery

Inconsistent dosage of insulin (INS) for type 2 diabetes patients lead to severe adverse effects like limb amputation, blindness and fatal hypo or hyper glycaemia. Hence, a drug delivery system (DDS) capable of consistent INS release by sensing changes in blood glucose level is essential. Herein, we report a glucose responsive DDS comprised of oleic acid-grafted-aminated beta cyclodextrin (OA-g-ACD) copolymer, coated with a dispersion of glucose oxidase (GOx) and catalase (CAT). The prepared DDS was characterised using FTIR, Optical Microscopy, H(1) NMR, DLS and SEM. Hydrophobicity and drug loading capacity was ascertained using contact angle measurements and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) respectively. Extent of swelling was observed to be a function of glucose concentration. INS release profile showed a cumulative release of 78.0 % after 240min. Flow cytometry studies revealed greater population of INS on HeLa cells indicating application of DDS as potential candidate for the intravenous administration of INS.

Ethyl thiosemicarbazide intercalated organophilic calcined hydrotalcite as a potential sorbent for the removal of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) ions from aqueous solutions

This work was conducted to determine the practicability of using a new adsorbent 4-ethyl thiosemicarbazide intercalated, organophilic calcined hydrotalcite (ETSC-OHTC) for the removal of uranium (U(VI)), and thorium (Th(IV)) from water and wastewater. The FTIR analysis helped in realizing the involvement of nitrogen and sulphur atoms of ETSC in binding the metal ions through complex formation. Parameters like adsorbent dosage, solution pH, initial metal ions concentration, contact time and ionic strength, that influence adsorption phenomenon, were studied. The optimum pH for maximum adsorption of U(VI) and Th(IV) was found to be in the range 4.0-6.0. The contact time required for reaching equilibrium was 4 hr. The pseudo second-order kinetic model was the best fit to represent the kinetic data. Analysis of the equilibrium adsorption data using Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips models showed that the Freundlich model was well suited to describe the metal ions adsorption. The K(F) values were 25.43 and 29.11 mg/g for U(VI) and Th(IV), respectively, at 30 degrees C. The adsorbent can be regenerated effectively from U(VI) and Th(IV) loaded ones using 0.01 mol/L HCl. The new adsorbent was quite stable for many cycles, without much reduction in its adsorption capacity towards the metals.

An investigation into the adsorption of thorium(IV) from aqueous solutions by a carboxylate-functionalised graft copolymer derived from titanium dioxide-densified cellulose

The use of a carboxylate-functionalized graft copolymer (PGTDC-COOH) based on titanium dioxide-densified cellulose (TDC) for the removal and recovery of thorium(IV) [Th(IV)] from industrial wastewater is reported in this paper. Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer were used to characterize the adsorbent material. Batch equilibrium experiments showed that the adsorbent exhibited 98.6 ± 3.1% adsorption from an initial concentration of 10 mg/L Th(IV) solution at pH 5.0. The sorption kinetics have been analysed by pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models and the adsorption kinetics was described by pseudo-second-order model. The experimental data obeyed Langmuir isotherm and the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity for Th(IV) was also found to be 92.23 ± 2.4 mg/g at 30 °C. The desorption capacity of HCl concentrations of different strengths ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 M was also studied. Maximum desorption of 98.2 ± 2.8% for Th(IV) occurred with 0.1 M HCl. The adsorption efficiency towards Th(IV) ion removal was tested using artificial sea water. Almost complete removal was possible with 3.5 g of the adsorbent from 1 L of the sea water.

Synthesis and characterization of carboxyl terminated poly(methacrylic acid) grafted chitosan/bentonite composite and its application for the recovery of uranium(VI) from aqueous media

A novel adsorbent poly(methacrylic acid)-grafted chitosan/bentonite (CTS-g-PMAA/Bent) composite was prepared through graft copolymerization reaction of methacrylic acid and chitosan in the presence of bentonite (Bent) and N,N'- methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker. The composite was well characterized using FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM-EDS, surface area and zeta potential analyzers. The adsorption behavior of the composite toward uranium(VI) from aqueous media was studied under varying operating conditions of pH, concentration of U(VI), contact time, adsorbent dose and temperature. The optimum pH range for U(VI) adsorption was 5.5 at 30 °C. Concentration and temperature dependent rate constants were evaluated using pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The equilibrium data were correlated with the Langmuir isotherm model with an endothermic behavior. The equilibrium U(VI) sorption capacity was estimated to be 117.2 mg g(-1) at 30 °C. For the quantitative recovery of 100 mg L(-1) U(VI) from 1.0 L simulated nuclear industry wastewater, a minimum adsorbent dosage of 2.0 g CTS-g-PMAA/Bent was required. The calculated energy of activation (E(a) = 47.83 kJ/mol) was positively correlated with chemical adsorption process. The values of enthalpy, entropy and free energy of activation were calculated to explain the nature of adsorption process. Adsorption-desorption experiments over four cycles illustrate the feasibility of the repeated uses of this composite for the extraction of U(VI) from aqueous solutions.

Adsorptive removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents using activated carbon derived from waste coconut buttons

Activated carbon (AC) derived from waste coconut buttons (CB) was investigated as a suitable adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions such as Pb(II), Hg(II) and Cu(II) from industrial effluents through batch adsorption process. The AC was characterized by elemental analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analysis, surface area analyzer and potentiometric titrations. The effects of initial metal concentration, contact time, pH and adsorbent dose on the adsorption of metal ions were studied. The adsorbent revealed a good adsorption potential for Pb(II) and Cu(II) at pH 6.0 and for Hg(II) at pH 7.0. The experimental kinetic data were a better fit with pseudo second-order equation rather than pseudo first-order equation. The Freundlich isotherm model was found to be more suitable to represent the experimental equilibrium isotherm results for the three metals than the Langmuir model. The adsorption capacities of the AC decreased in the order: Pb(II) > Hg(II) > Cu(II).

Cellulose-based anion exchanger with tertiary amine functionality for the extraction of arsenic(V) from aqueous media

A novel cellulose-based anion exchanger (Cell-AE) with tertiary amine functionality was synthesized by graft polymerization reaction of cellulose and glycidyl methacrylate using N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide as a crosslinker and benzoyl peroxide as an initiator, followed by dimethylamine (amination) and acid (HCl) treatment. The chemical modification was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and CHN analysis. The anion exchanger was used in batch processes to study AS(V) adsorption in solutions. The operating variables studied were pH, contact time, initial As(V) concentration, sorbent mass, and ionic strength. The process was affected by solution pH with an optimum adsorption occurring at pH 6.0. Adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 1 h. Increasing ionic strength of solution negatively affected the arsenic uptake. The adsorption process performed more than 99.0% of As(V) removal from an initial concentration of 25.0 mg/L. The process of adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorption equilibrium isotherm data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Langmuir-Freundlich equations. The Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm described the adsorption data over the concentration range 25-400 mg/L. The adsorption mechanism appears to be a ligand-exchange process. A simulated groundwater sample was treated with Cell-AE to demonstrate its efficiency in removing As(V). The adsorbed As(V) ions were desorbed effectively by a 0.1 M NaOH solution.

Removal of uranium(VI) from aqueous solutions and nuclear industry effluents using humic acid-immobilized zirconium-pillared clay

Removal of uranium [U(VI)] from aqueous solutions with humic acid-immobilized zirconium-pillared clay (HA-Zr-PILC) was investigated using a batch adsorption technique. The adsorbent was characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, TG/DTG, surface area analyzer and potentiometric titration. The effects of pH, contact time, initial concentration, adsorbent dose, and adsorption isotherm on the removal process were evaluated. A maximum removal of 97.6+/-2.1 and 94.7+/-3.3% was observed for an initial concentration of 50 and 100 mg L(-1), respectively at pH 6.0 and an adsorbent dose of 2.0 g L(-1). Equilibrium was achieved in approximately 180 min. The mechanism for the removal of U(VI) ions by HA-Zr-PILC was based on an ion exchange reaction. The experimental kinetic and isotherm data were analyzed using a second-order kinetic equation and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. The monolayer adsorption capacity for U(VI) removal was found to be 132.68+/-5.04 mg g(-1). An increase of temperature of the medium caused an increase in metal adsorption. Complete removal (approximately = 100%) of U(VI) from 1.0 L of a simulated nuclear industry effluent sample containing 10.0 mg U(VI) ions was possible with 1.5 g of HA-Zr-PILC. The adsorbent was suitable for repeated use (over 4 cycles) without any noticeable loss of capacity.

Improved performance of a biomaterial-based cation exchanger for the adsorption of uranium(VI) from water and nuclear industry wastewater

The amine-modified polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (poly(HEMA))-grafted biomaterial (tamarind fruit shell, TFS) carrying carboxyl functional groups at the chain end (PGTFS-COOH) was prepared and used as an adsorbent for the removal of uranium(VI) from water and nuclear industry wastewater. FTIR spectral analysis revealed that U(VI) ions and PGTFS-COOH formed a chelate complex. The adsorption process was relatively fast, requiring only 120 min to attain equilibrium. The adsorption kinetic data were best described by the pseudo-second-order equation. The equilibrium adsorption data were correlated with the Sips isotherm model. The maximum U(VI) ions uptake with PGTFS-COOH was estimated to be 100.79 mg/g. The complete removal of 10mg/L U(VI) from simulated nuclear industry wastewater was achieved by 3.5 g/L PGTFS-COOH. The reusability of the adsorbent was demonstrated over 4 cycles using NaCl (1.0M)+HCl (0.5M) solution mixture to de-extract the U(VI). The results show that the PGTFS-COOH tested is very promising for the recovery of U(VI) from water and wastewater.

Adsorption of Pb(II) and Pb(II)-citric acid on sawdust activated carbon: Kinetic and equilibrium isotherm studies

The removal of Pb(II) and Pb(II)-citric acid (Pb(II)-CA) from aqueous solutions by sawdust activated carbon (SDAC) was investigated. The higher adsorptive removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions containing Pb(II)-CA than Pb(II) only was observed due to the presence of CA in the former system. The mechanism of adsorption process was studied by conducting pH as well as kinetic studies. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to study the effect of adsorbent dose, initial concentration and temperature for the removal of Pb(II) from Pb(II) only and Pb(II)-CA aqueous systems. The adsorption was maximum for the initial pH in the range of 6.5-8.0 and 2.0-5.0 for Pb(II) and Pb(II)-CA, respectively. The solution pH, zero point charge (pH(zpc)) and species distribution of Pb(II) and Pb(II)-CA were found to play an important role in the adsorption of Pb(II) and Pb(II)-CA onto SDAC from water and wastewaters. SDAC exhibited very high adsorption potential for Pb(II) ions in presence of CA than when Pb(II) ions alone were present. The kinetic and equilibrium adsorption data were well modeled using pseudo-first-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively.

Adsorption characteristics of humic acid-immobilized amine modified polyacrylamide/bentonite composite for cationic dyes in aqueous solutions

Humic acid-immobilized amine modified polyacrylamide/bentonite composite (HA-Am-PAA-B) was prepared and used as an adsorbent for the adsorption of cationic dyes (Malachite Green (MG), Methylene Blue (MB) and Crystal Violet (CV)) from aqueous solutions. The polyacrylamide/bentonite composite (PAA-B) was prepared by intercalative polymerization of acrylamide with Na-bentonite in the presence of N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinking agent and hexamethylenediammine as propagater. PAA-B was subsequently treated with ethylenediammine to increase its loading capacity for HA. The surface characterizations of the adsorbent were investigated. The adsorbent behaved like a cation exchanger and more than 99.0% removal of dyes was detected at pH range 6.0-8.0. The capacity of HA-Am-PAA-B was found to decrease in the following order: MG > MB > CV. The kinetic and isotherm data were interpreted by pseudo-second order rate equation and Freundlich isotherm model, respectively. Experiments were carried out using binary solute systems to assess the competitive adsorption phenomenon. The experimental isotherm data for each binary solute combination of MG, MB and CV were analyzed using Sheindrof-Rebhun-Sheintuch (SRS) (multicomponent Freundlich type) equation.

Kinetic and equilibrium characterization of uranium(VI) adsorption onto carboxylate-functionalized poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate)-grafted lignocellulosics

This study investigated the feasibility of using a new adsorbent prepared from coconut coir pith, CP (a coir industry-based lignocellulosic residue), for the removal of uranium [U(VI)] from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent (PGCP-COOH) having a carboxylate functional group at the chain end was synthesized by grafting poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate) onto CP using potassium peroxydisulphate-sodium thiosulphite as a redox initiator and in the presence of N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinking agent. IR spectroscopy results confirm the graft copolymer formation and carboxylate functionalization. XRD studies confirm the decrease of crystallinity in PGCP-COOH compared to CP, and it favors the protrusion of the functional group into the aqueous medium. The thermal stability of the samples was studied using thermogravimetry (TG). Surface charge density of the samples as a function of pH was determined using potentiometric titration. The ability of PGCP-COOH to remove U(VI) from aqueous solutions was assessed using a batch adsorption technique. The maximum adsorption capacity was observed at the pH range 4.0-6.0. Maximum removal of 99.2% was observed for an initial concentration of 25mg/L at pH 6.0 and an adsorbent dose of 2g/L. Equilibrium was achieved in approximately 3h. The experimental kinetic data were analyzed using a first-order kinetic model. The temperature dependence indicates an endothermic process. U(VI) adsorption was found to decrease with an increase in ionic strength due to the formation of outer-sphere surface complexes on PGCP-COOH. Equilibrium data were best modeled by the Langmuir isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters such as DeltaG(0), DeltaH(0) and DeltaS(0) were derived to predict the nature of adsorption. Adsorption experiments were also conducted using a commercial cation exchanger, Ceralite IRC-50, with carboxylate functionality for comparison. Utility of the adsorbent was tested by removing U(VI) from simulated nuclear industry wastewater. Adsorbed U(VI) ions were desorbed effectively (about 96.2+/-3.3%) by 0.1M HCl. The adsorbent was suitable for repeated use (more than four cycles) without any noticeable loss of capacity.

Chromium(III) removal from water and wastewater using a carboxylate-functionalized cation exchanger prepared from a lignocellulosic residue

This study concerns with the development of a new cation exchanger (SDGPMASPCOOH) carrying spacer (SP) group [CONH(CH(2))(2)NHCO(CH(2))(2)] and carboxylate functional group at the chain end. The preparation process was carried out through graft copolymerization of methacrylic acid onto sawdust, SD (a lignocellulosic residue) using ceric ammonium nitrate as an initiator. The poly(methacrylic acid) grafted SD (SDGPMA) was subsequently treated with thionyl chloride followed by ethylenediamine (transmidation) and succinic anhydride (carboxyfunctionalization) treatments. Infrared spectroscopy and potentiometric titrations were used to confirm graft copolymer formation and carboxylate functionalization. The effectiveness of the SDGPMASPCOOH in removing Cr(III) from water and wastewater was evaluated by the batch technique. The influence of different experimental parameters such as solution pH, contact time, absorbent dose, Cr(III) concentration and temperature on removal process was evaluated. The maximum Cr(III) removal was observed at the initial pH of 7.0. The Cr(III) was removed by SDGPMASPCOOH up to 99.3 and 92.6% from an initial concentration of 10 and 25 mg/L, respectively, at pH 7.0. Equilibrium time was reached within 4 h. Kinetic data were analyzed using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and Elovich equations. The data fitted very well to the pseudo-second-order rate expression. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin equations were applied to the experimental isotherm data and the Langmuir model was found to be in better correlation with the experimental data. The monolayer adsorption capacity for Cr(III) removal was found to be 36.63 mg/g. The adsorption efficiency towards Cr(III) removal was tested using simulated tannery wastewater. The adsorbed Cr(III) on SDGPMASPCOOH can be recovered by treating with 0.1 M HCl. Four adsorption/desorption cycles were performed without significant decrease in removal capacity. The results showed that SDGPMASPCOOH developed in this study exhibited considerable adsorption potential for application in removal of Cr(III) from water and wastewaters.

Arsenic(V) removal from aqueous solutions using an anion exchanger derived from coconut coir pith and its recovery

The performance of a new anion exchanger (AE) prepared from coconut coir pith (CP), for the removal of arsenic(V) [As(V)] from aqueous solutions was evaluated in this study. The adsorbent (CP-AE) carrying dimethylaminohydroxypropyl weak base functional group was synthesized by the reaction of CP with epichlorohydrin and dimethylamine followed by treatment of hydrochloric acid. IR spectroscopy results confirm the presence of -NH(+)(CH(3))(2)Cl(-) group in the adsorbent. XRD studies confirm the decrease of crystallinity in CP-AE compared to CP, and it favours the protrusion of the functional group into the aqueous medium. Batch experiments were conducted to examine the efficiency of the adsorbent on As(V) removal. Maximum removal of 99.2% was obtained for an initial concentration of 1 mgl(-1) As(V) at pH 7.0 and an adsorbent dose of 2 gl(-1). The kinetics of sorption of As(V) onto CP-AE was described using the pseudo-second-order model. The equilibrium isotherms were determined for different temperatures and the results were analysed using the Langmuir equation. The temperature dependence indicates an exothermic process. Utility of the adsorbent was tested by removing As(V) from simulated groundwater. Regeneration studies were performed using 0.1N HCl. Batch adsorption-desorption studies illustrate that CP-AE could be used to remove As(V) from ground water and other industrial effluents.

Adsorptive removal of tannin from aqueous solutions by cationic surfactant-modified bentonite clay

The removal of tannin from aqueous media by cationic surfactant-modified bentonite clay was studied in a batch system. The surfactant used was hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride. Adsorbent characterizations were investigated using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, surface area analysis, and potentiometric titration. The effects of pH, contact time, initial solute concentration, adsorbent dose, ionic strength, and temperature on the adsorption of tannin onto modified clay were investigated. The adsorbent exhibited higher tannin removal efficiency (>99.0%) from an initial concentration of 10.0 micromol/L at pH 3.0. Adsorption capacity decreased from 90.1 to 51.8% with an increase in temperature from 10 to 40 degrees C at an initial concentration of 25.0 micromol/L. The adsorption process was found to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. Film diffusion was found to be the rate-limiting step. Tannin adsorption was found to decrease with increase in ionic strength. The tannin equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, the former being found to provide the best fit of the experimental data. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity for tannin was 69.80 micromol/g at 30 degrees C. Comparison of adsorption capacity of the modified clay with reported adsorbents in the literature was also presented. Adsorbed tannin on modified clay can be recovered by treatment with 0.1 M NaOH solution. Regeneration experiments were tried for four cycles and results indicate a capacity loss of <10.0%. From the results it can be concluded that the surfactant-modified clay could be a good adsorbent for treating tannin-contaminated waters.

Phosphate removal from wastewaters using a weak anion exchanger prepared from a lignocellulosic residue

Surface modifications of lignocellulosic residues has become increasingly important for improving their applications as adsorbents. In this study a new adsorbent system (BS-DMAHP) containing dimethylaminohydroxypropyl (DMAHP) weak base groups was prepared by the reaction of banana stem (BS), a lignocellulosic residue with epichlorohydrin and dimethylamine followed by treatment of hydrochloric acid. The original BS and BS-DMAHP were characterized with the help of surface area analyzer, infrared spectroscopy (IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface charge density of the samples as a function of pH was investigated using potentiometric titrations. Adsorbent exhibits very high adsorption potential for phosphate and more than 99.0% removal was achieved in the pH range of 5.0-7.0. Adsorption has been found to be concentration dependent and endothermic and follows a reversible second-order kinetics. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to describe the equilibrium data. Equilibrium data agreed very well with the Langmuir model. Adsorption experiments were conducted using a commercial chloride form Duolite A-7, a weak base anion exchanger. The removal efficiency was tested using fertilizer industry wastewater. Adsorbed phosphate on BS-DMAHP can be recovered by treating with 0.1 M NaOH solution. A stability test operated for four cycles indicate a capacity loss of < 12.0%.