Cocos nucifera L. is a palm tree (Arecaceae) with a high economic value. The coconut husk fibers are nonedible, thick, and abrasion-resistant and correspond up to 85% of biomass discarded as solid waste residue. Therefore, the husk fibers are an underexploited byproduct with a high content of extractives of unreported nature. Two varieties of C. nucifera L. husk extracts were investigated to uncover bioactive metabolites and their possible application as a green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel AISI 1020 under neutral pH conditions. The chemical analysis indicated 3% (w/w) of proanthocyanidins in the husk fibers with a high B-type procyanidin content. The husk fibers’ crude extract showed promising results as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel AISI 1020 under neutral pH conditions. Although it formed a film on the metal surface in all tested concentrations (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 g L –1 ), the highest protective efficiency was shown at a concentration of 1.2 g L –1 , determined by electrochemical techniques and mass loss. This was the first comprehensive report on coconut husk fibers’ chemical composition, which was similar between the two varieties with potential for industrial application.

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This paper describes, for the first time to our knowledge, a fast-response and specific biosensor for detection of Taenia solium, a parasite responsible for neurocysticercosis disease that affects the central nervous system. The biosensor is based on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) technique on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in colloidal suspension that were functionalized and activated with antibodies to perform an immuno-capture effect. The AuNPs were synthetized by Turkevich and seed-mediated growth methods. A variety of concentrations of T. solium antigen were added to test the detection and the dose-response profile. Small antigen concentrations were detected indicating that the limit of detection is lower than 0.1 µg/mL of antigen. The results demonstrate the potential of the AuNPs LSPR biosensor as a clinical tool for neurocysticercosis diagnostic.

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