In the present study, Juglans regia shells were used to prepare activated carbon by acid treatment method. J. regia shell-based activated carbon was used for the adsorption of two synthetic dyes namely, a basic dye malachite green and an acid dye amido black 10B. The prepared adsorbent was crushed and sieved to three different mesh sizes 100, 600 and 1,000 lm. The adsorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, surface acidity and zero-point charge. Batch experiments were carried out by varying the parameters like initial aqueous phase pH, adsorbent dosage and initial dye concentration. The equilibrium data were tested with Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Sips isotherm at three different temperatures 293, 300 and 313 K and it was found that the Freundlich isotherm best fitted the adsorption of both the dyes. Kinetic data were tested with pseudo first-order model and pseudo second-order model. The mechanism for the adsorption of both the dyes onto the adsorbent was studied by fitting the kinetic data with intraparticle diffusion model and Boyd plot. External mass transfer was found to be the rate-determining step. Based on the ionic nature of the adsorbates, the extent of film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion varied; both being system specific. Thermodynamic parameters were also calculated. Finally, the process parameters of each adsorption system were compared to develop the understanding of the best suitable system.

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Collagen-Chitosan (COL-CS) scaffolds supplemented with different concentrations (0.1-0.5%) of aloe vera (AV) were prepared and tested in vitro for their possible application in tissue engineering. After studying the microstructure and mechanical properties of all the composite preparations, a 0.2% AV blended COL-CS scaffold was chosen for further studies. Scaffolds were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) to understand the intermolecular interactions and their influence on the thermal property of the complex composite. Swelling property in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) and in vitro biodegradability by collagenase digestion method were monitored to assess the stability of the scaffold in a physiological medium in a hydrated condition, and to assay its resistance against enzymatic forces. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the scaffold samples showed porous architecture with gradual change in their morphology and reduced tensile properties with increasing aloe vera concentration. The FTIR spectrum revealed the overlap of the AV absorption peak with the absorption peak of COL-CS. The inclusion of AV to COL-CS increased the thermal stability as well as hydrophilicity of the scaffolds. Cell culture studies on the scaffold showed enhanced growth and proliferation of fibroblasts (3T3L1) without exhibiting any toxicity. Also, normal cell morphology and proliferation were observed by fluorescence microscopy and SEM. The rate of cell growth in the presence/absence of aloe vera in the scaffolds was in the order: COL-CS-AV > COL-CS > TCP (tissue culture polystyrene plate). These results suggested that the aloe vera gel-blended COL-CS scaffolds could be a promising candidate for tissue engineering applications.

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A nano-silica-AgNPs composite material is proposed as a novel antifouling adsorbent for cost-effective and ecofriendly water purification. Fabrication of well-dispersed AgNPs on the nano-silica surface, designated as NSAgNP, has been achieved through protein mediated reduction of silver ions at ambient temperature for development of sustainable nanotechnology. The coated proteins on AgNPs led to the formation of stable NSAgNP and protected the AgNPs from oxidation and other ions commonly present in water. The NSAgNP exhibited excellent dye adsorption capacity both in single and multicomponent systems, and demonstrated satisfactory tolerance against variations in pH and dye concentration. The adsorption mainly occurred through electrostatic interaction, though π-π interaction and pore diffusion also contributed to the process. Moreover, the NSAgNP showed long-term antibacterial activity against both planktonic cells and biofilms of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs retarded the initial attachment of bacteria on NSAgNP and thus significantly improved the antifouling properties of the nanomaterial, which further inhibited biofilm formation. Scanning electron and fluorescence microscopic studies revealed that cell death occurred due to irreversible damage of the cell membrane upon electrostatic interaction of positively charged NSAgNP with the negatively charged bacterial cell membrane. The high adsorption capacity, reusability, good tolerance, removal of multicomponent dyes and E. coli from the simulated contaminated water and antifouling properties of NSAgNP will provide new opportunities to develop cost-effective and ecofriendly water purification processes.

Critical micelle concentrations (cmc) of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) surfactants in aqueous solution have been determined by using the cyclic voltammetric technique. [Co(en),](CIO,), has been used as the redox-active electrochemical probe. The cmc values so obtained for the surfactants were found to be in good agreement with the literature values. The partition coefficient, K, of the electrochemical probe between water and surfactants in nonmicellar and micellar states was estimated using the peak current, i , and half-wave potential, Ell2 values.The self-diffusion coefficient, D,, interaction parameter, kf, and hydrodynamic radius of the micelles were also estimated.The results suggest that the probe is sensitive to the nature of surfactant as well as surfactant concentration.

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1. The effects of injecting threonine in ovo on early growth, some immunological responses and the activity of digestive enzymes of broiler chicks were investigated. Fertile eggs were distributed into 6 groups, each of 60. These were: untreated control, sham control, 10, 20, 30 or 40 mg threonine. Threonine was dissolved in 0.5 ml sterile saline and inoculated into the yolk sac of the 14-d-old embryo through the narrow end of the egg. 2. The ratio of chick to egg weight was 1.6% higher in the group given 30 mg threonine and at 28 d of age chicks receiving threonine were 29 to 79 g heavier than untreated controls. 3. Food conversion ratio until 7 d after hatching was improved in those chicks receiving 10, 20 or 40 mg threonine but there was no significant effect on the activities of amylase, pepsin or trypsin. 4. The humoral response to sheep red blood cells was significantly greater in those groups receiving 10, 20 or 30 mg threonine supplementation than in untreated controls. 5. The response to phytohaemagglutinin-P, a measure of the cell-mediated immune response, was not affected, however. 6. It is concluded that injections of 20 to 30 mg threonine into yolk sac can improve post-hatching growth and humoral responses of broiler chicks.