SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Forced degradation studies”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

2,458 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Unravelling bioanalytical innovations, degradation processes, and impurity landscapes of VEGFR inhibitors.

From pre-formulation studies to clinical trials, VEGFR-targeted small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) require rigorous analytical standards. Bioanalysis, stability-indicating studies, and impurity profiling are used to examine chromatographic advances for VEGFR-targeted TKIs like sunitinib, pazopanib, axitinib, sorafenib, cabozantinib, vandetanib, apatinib, lenvatinib, nintedanib, and regorafenib. An LC-MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS routinely show sub ng/mL performance, as shown by LLOQs (0.2 ng/mL) for sunitinib and axitinib, 1 ng/mL for pazopanib, 5-7 ng/mL for sorafenib, 0.5-1.5 ng/mL for regorafenib metabolic products, and 0.1-0.5 ng/mL for lenvatinib. These approaches are used for pharmacokinetics and therapeutic drug monitoring due to their good correlation coefficient of 0.1-10,000 ng/mL, accuracy of 95%-108%, and precision of 15% RSD. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS distinguishes degradants and metabolites during forced degradation studies, enabling structural elucidation following ICH M7 risk evaluation protocol. HPTLC/MLC offers fast, sensitive screenings, while RP-HPLC/DAD or HPLC-UV offer reliable, cost-effective routine quality-control solutions with LOD/LOQ in the μg/mL range and linearity of 10-240 μg/mL. This review lists the structures and CAS numbers of ten VEGFR-2 TKI degradants and metabolites, as well as pharmacopeial impurities in SMILES forms. It will be useful for future method development and regulatory applications. To ensure VEGFR-targeted TKI quality, safety, and therapeutic efficacy, LC-MS/MS for trace quantification and HRMS for structure elucidation provide a robust, future-oriented framework. To improve VEGFR-targeted TKI quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, analytical development should focus on HRMS-based impurity characterization, AI-assisted degradation prediction, green chromatography, and harmonized bioanalytical validation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Ageing effects on chemical, physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of clear aligners - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Clear aligner (CA) therapy has experienced rapid use over the past two decades to treat orthodontic malocclusions. However, evidence on CA material degradation in the oral environment remains limited and often focuses on single brands or isolated material properties. OBJECTIVES: To investigate CA ageing characteristics across different materials and brands and evaluate the chemical, physical, mechanical, and morphological changes following simulated or intraoral ageing. SEARCH METHODS: Five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE [Ovid], ProQuest, and Scopus) were searched to 18 March 2026, with no restrictions. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies assessing CA properties after intraoral use or simulated ageing (thermocycling, cyclic loading, or liquid immersion) were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Study selection followed PRISMA 2020. RoB was assessed using QUIN for purely in vitro studies, JBI for cohort in vivo studies, and Cochrane RoB 2 for RCTs. Results were synthesised narratively and organised by property domain, as substantial methodological heterogeneity precluded formal meta-analysis. Where protocols were comparable, a simple pooled weighted mean was calculated and presented graphically. RESULTS: Ninety-five studies were included. RoB was low in eight studies, moderate in sixty-two, and high in twenty-five. Chemical composition remained largely stable during ageing, though some brands showed trace elemental release. Physical, mechanical, and morphological properties showed material-dependent deterioration. Pooled discolouration was greatest with coffee (weighted mean ΔE = 70.9), versus tea (ΔE = 18.4) and red wine (ΔE = 11.5), with Invisalign® consistently exceeding the clinically perceptible threshold. Force decay of 40-90% typically occurred within 48 h. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based and directly printed aligners (DPAs) generally showed greater susceptibility than polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG)-based aligners, though findings on hardness, roughness, and stiffness were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: CA materials undergo clinically relevant degradation during use, particularly in TPU-based and DPAs aligners. Clinicians may need to prioritise material-specific protocols, reinforce dietary and cleaning instructions, and consider force decay when determining aligner replacement intervals. PROSPERO number: CRD420251110248.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Understanding psychosocial adjustment in military-to-civilian transition: A latent profile analysis of ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.

Military-to-civilian transition is a critical life stage that can expose veterans to elevated risks of psychological distress, social difficulties, and reduced wellbeing. Although psychosocial factors are central to successful reintegration, little is known about distinct patterns of needs among ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. This study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify psychosocial needs profiles across five domains of the Military-Civilian Adjustment and Reintegration Measure (M-CARM) in a sample of 725 ex-serving ADF members. The optimal three-class solution identified: a Low Adjustment Need (LAN) group (20.7%) reporting minimal reintegration challenges; a Cultural Adjustment Need (CAN) group (42.9%) characterized by cultural adaptation difficulties, particularly beliefs about civilians and regimentation; and a Cultural and Psychological Need (CPN) group (36.4%) showing broader challenges across beliefs about civilians, purpose and connection, regimentation, and resentment and regret. The CAN group was more likely to be male, have lower educational attainment, and have no combat deployment history. The CPN group was similarly male dominated with lower education, and was additionally characterized by Navy service, unemployment or not being in the labor force, and medical discharge. Compared with the LAN group, both CAN and CPN groups reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and nightmare distress, as well as poorer quality of life and greater functional impairment. These findings highlight persistent reintegration challenges among veterans and support the need for stratified support models, ranging from psychoeducation to intensive multidisciplinary care, to better address diverse psychosocial needs of ex-serving ADF members.

Australian defense force↗

PubMed2026

A profile of suspected female homicide cases at the Johannesburg and Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Service Medico-legal Mortuaries for 2020-2022.

This study profiles suspected female homicide victims in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the COVID-19 period marked by socio-environmental changes from lockdown restrictions. Guided by the Socio-Ecological Model, a retrospective case series of 369 victims was reviewed using medico-legal mortuary records from Johannesburg and Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Service facilities. Descriptive analyses were conducted, supplemented by a chi-square test to assess whether distributions of causes of death among women differed between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 periods. No statistically significant association was found, χ2 (6, N = 339) = 6.68, p = 0.35. Key findings highlight that Black, unemployed, unmarried women aged 21-40 were at greatest risk. Cause of death was established in 97.0% (358/369) of cases, with firearm injuries predominating (43.9%), followed by sharp‑force (24.5%) and blunt‑force trauma (13.1%). Approximately 90% of victims were suspected to have been killed by males, with half of deaths attributed to intimate partner violence. Homicide frequency decreased during strict lockdowns but rose as restrictions eased, suggesting that movement and alcohol controls may reduce risk. Despite temporary disturbance caused by COVID‑19 restrictions, the underlying risk profile of female homicide victims remained unchanged. These findings inform multi-level prevention and intervention strategies in South Africa.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The role of psychological resilience in the relationship between complex post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity and functioning impairment in mental health support-seeking Australian defence force veterans: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Military veterans have high rates of mental health conditions; complex post-traumatic stress disorder may be the most functionally impaired trauma diagnosis in this patient group. Psychological resilience acts as a protective factor for mental health. Still, it is unclear how this may influence relationships between the two main symptom clusters of complex post-traumatic stress disorder and functioning impairment in veterans. Therefore, we investigated the relationships between psychological resilience, trauma symptom severity, trauma exposure and work/social functional impairment among Australian Defence Force veterans. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey including 148 mental health support-seeking former-serving Australian Defence Force veterans in primary care. Relationships between variables were explored using correlations, mean difference tests and mediation analysis to examine the role of resilience in the relationship between complex post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and functional impairment. RESULTS: Resilience showed significant negative correlations with functioning impairment. The number of traumas showed weak positive correlations with disturbances in self-organisation symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and functional impairment. The complex post-traumatic stress disorder group had significantly lower resilience and functioning than those with no diagnosis. After controlling for the number of trauma exposures, resilience partially mediated the association between post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and functioning (indirect effect = 0.141, p < 0.05), and partially mediated the association between disturbances in self-organisation symptoms and functioning (indirect effect = 0.157, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological resilience was associated with better functioning in veterans regardless of trauma diagnosis. Resilience also partially mediates the relationship between disturbances in self-organisation/post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and functioning in those with International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, indicating it is an important intervention target in Australian Defence Force veterans with polytrauma.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Impact of neoprene wetsuits on lung volumes and work of breathing: implications for military diver safety and performance.

INTRODUCTION: Neoprene wetsuits may impose mechanical constraints on the chest wall, potentially altering respiratory function. This study investigated the impact of neoprene wetsuits on lung volumes, airway mechanics, and work of breathing (WOB) in healthy male divers. METHODS: A randomised crossover trial was conducted with 31 male divers at the Royal Netherlands Navy Diving Medical Centre. Participants underwent pulmonary function testing, including spirometry, body plethysmography, the forced oscillation technique (FOT), and diffusion capacity measurements, both with and without a hoodless standardised 5 mm neoprene full body wetsuit with a neoprene neck seal. Primary outcomes included changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), functional residual capacity (FRC), airway resistance (Raw), reactance (Xrs), and WOB. RESULTS: Wearing a neoprene wetsuit led to statistically significant reductions in FVC (2.8%, P < 0.05), forced expiration in one second (2.9%, P < 0.05), FRC (4.0%, P < 0.05), and expiratory reserve volume (10.9%, P < 0.05), alongside increases in inspiratory capacity and tidal volume. Raw increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the FOT revealed altered airway mechanics, evidenced by increased Xrs at multiple frequencies (P < 0.05). Diffusion capacity remained unchanged, suggesting preserved alveolar-capillary function. CONCLUSIONS: Neoprene wetsuits induce mechanically restrictive effects on the chest wall, reducing static and dynamic lung volumes and increasing WOB. While these changes may not be clinically relevant at rest, their impact needs to be determined during strenuous or prolonged dives, particularly when combined with other equipment that limits thorax excursions. Future research should explore the effects of the military 5 mm wetsuit under immersed conditions to better understand their operational impact on diver performance and safety.

Male↗

PubMed2026

Intestinal content accelerates muscle protein degradation in red shrimp (Solenocera crassicornis) during refrigeration: Insights from metagenomics and metabolomics.

This study systematically explored the effects of intestinal components on muscle quality deterioration and protein degradation of red shrimp during refrigerated storage. The results demonstrated that refrigeration induced continuous quality degradation and muscle protein breakdown in red shrimp, whereas eliminating intestinal tissues effectively retarded muscle spoilage and protein degradation, and optimized muscle texture. The intestinal microorganisms could secrete extracellular proteases to promote muscle protein degradation were primarily Vibrio, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Photobacterium, and Shewanella. These microorganisms promote protein degradation by secreting zinc proteases, serine proteases, and aspartyl proteases. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms of intestinal microbial metabolism influences the muscle protein degradation of red shrimp during refrigeration. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for precise regulation of intestinal-targeted microorganisms, thereby maintaining optimal quality of shrimps during refrigeration.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Multiomic insights into fungal polylactic acid degradation: Metabolic adaptation and hydrolytic mechanisms of Sporobolomyces pararoseus.

Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polyester from renewable resources, is a sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastics. However, its environmental degradation is inefficient naturally, requiring specific microbial activities. While bacterial PLA-degrading mechanisms are well documented, fungal degrading systems-particularly their molecular mechanisms-are underexplored.We isolated Sporobolomyces pararoseus ZRQ01 from the gut microbiota of PLA-fed mealworms. This fungal strain noticeably degraded PLA in PLA-containing medium supplemented with 2% glucose. Biodegradation assays revealed 22.8% loss of the PLA film weight after 35 days of incubation, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed extensive surface erosion and pore formation. Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, together with the reference genome of S. pararoseus ZRQ01, revealed that S. pararoseus ZRQ01 upregulates hydrolytic enzymes at both transcript and protein levels to cleave PLA into lactic acid. After lactic acid is transferred into S. pararoseus ZRQ01 cells by monocarboxylate transporters with increased abundance, it is assimilated by pathways of pyruvate metabolism and the TCA cycle with increased protein abundance. Intriguingly, upregulation of genes in autophagy-related and MAPK signaling pathways underscores an adaptive stress response potentially supporting cellular homeostasis and degradation-related gene expression. Our results highlight S. pararoseus ZRQ01's metabolic potential for bioremediation and offer insights into fungal bioplastic degradation pathways.

Polyesters↗

PubMed2026

The global potential of freshwater microbes for plastic degradation.

Plastic pollution is becoming increasingly severe on a global scale, and the potential for biodegradation as a treatment method that is environmentally friendly merits greater attention. A significant number of genes that associated the degradation of plastic (PDAGs) have been identified, however, the distribution of these genes among microorganisms in global inland waters remains to be elucidated. A global-scale meta-analysis was conducted, incorporating approximately 1000 metagenome datasets of inland waters across seven continents. A total of 13,109 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were obtained by means of metagenomics binning, and 22,621 PDAGs were identified from these. Among these recognized PDAGs, phenylacetaldehyde dehydrogenase (PAD) was the most dominant (n = 16,664), followed by catalase (n = 5931). The predominant hosts for PAD and catalase were identified as Gamma-proteobacteria and Bacteroidia, respectively. The largest number of both PAD and catalase was found in MAGs from North America, while the average gene number in single MAG was highest in MAGs from Oceania. In accordance with the prediction of traits, PDAG-carrying MAGs from Europe demonstrated the fastest growth rate and the lowest optimal growth rate. Furthermore, 25 styrene monooxygenase (StyA) enzymes were identified, which were found to cluster into two distinct groups hosted by Alpha-proteobacteria and Gamma-proteobacteria, respectively. Moreover, 11 MAGs were observed to possess the complete pathway of polystyrene degradation. These results explored the potential of inland water microorganisms as a biological resource for plastic degradation and provided valuable microbial reference information that can be used to develop biological treatment technologies for mitigating plastics.

Plastics↗

PubMed2026

Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TQC3721, an innovative, dual PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitor, in healthy subjects and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I and IIa clinical trials.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: TQC3721 is a novel inhaled dual phosphodiesterase (PDE3/4) inhibitor designed to provide bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: First-in-human randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I (SAD: 0.2 to 24 mg single dose; MAD: 12 mg once daily (QD) for 7 days in healthy subjects) and phase IIa studies (0.75 to 6 mg once or twice daily for 4 weeks in moderate-to-severe patients with COPD) were conducted. Primary outcomes included safety, pharmacokinetics (PKs) and pharmacodynamics (PDs), change from baseline of forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1], and FEV1 at 12 and 24 h post-dose on days 1 and 28. KEY RESULTS: TQC3721 was rapidly absorbed (median Tmax of 0.25 to 0.5 h), mainly by pulmonary absorption rather than gastrointestinal absorption, along with low systemic exposure and lack of significant accumulation. TQC3721 demonstrated favourable safety profiles in healthy subjects and patients with COPD. In patients with COPD, TQC3721 produced rapid and outstanding bronchodilation effect sustained over 12 h post-administration, with FEV1 peaking at approximately 2 h post-dose and returning to baseline levels by 12 h, which supports a twice-daily dosing regimen for the future, and peak FEV₁ improvements ranging from 186 to 272 ml across dose groups after 4 weeks of treatment. Moreover, twice-daily 3 and 6 mg regimens were recommended for further clinical study. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Pharmacokinetic features, significant bronchodilation effects and overall favourable safety characteristics support further clinical development of TQC3721 as a potential dual-mechanism therapy for COPD.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Amino acid reprogramming and biofilm-specific tricarboxylate transporters in PET-degrading Piscinibacter sakaiensis.

Plastic-degrading bacteria predominantly colonize polymer surfaces as biofilms, yet it remains unclear whether the biofilm phenotype contributes to metabolism beyond retaining extracellular enzymes. Here, we combine population-level RNA-sequencing across three conditions-biofilm cells on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), planktonic cells incubated with PET, and planktonic cells on maltose-with single-cell Raman spectroscopy to characterize the PET response of Piscinibacter sakaiensis (formerly Ideonella sakaiensis). This integrated approach reveals two metabolically distinct response layers. A carbon-source-driven response shared by all PET-exposed cells is dominated by a broad amino acid reprogramming, led by upregulation of branched-chain amino acid transport genes, enhanced serine biosynthesis, and reduced chemotaxis. A biofilm-specific layer selectively induces tripartite tricarboxylate transporter genes from three distinct genomic loci. This transcriptional feature is accompanied by a single-cell phenotype consistent with a protein-rich and saturated membrane. These results suggest that biofilm formation is not limited to enzyme retention but is associated with selective activation of transport systems, consistent with a putative role in capturing PET-derived intermediates at the polymer interface. This two-layer model separates general metabolic adaptation to PET from biofilm-specific functions and provides a framework for understanding how surface-associated bacterial physiology contributes to plastic degradation.IMPORTANCEPolyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation in natural and engineered environments is largely mediated by surface-attached microbial communities, yet the physiological role of biofilm state during plastic degradation remains poorly understood. Using the model PET degrader Piscinibacter sakaiensis, we show that biofilm-associated cells are not simply retained near the polymer surface but exhibit a distinct metabolic program characterized by selective induction of tripartite tricarboxylate transporters. In contrast, extensive amino acid reprogramming occurs in both biofilm and planktonic PET-exposed cells, indicating that it is driven by carbon source rather than surface attachment. These findings reveal that PET degradation involves two separable physiological layers: a general metabolic response to PET-derived carbon shared across cell phenotypes, and a biofilm-specific transport response potentially linked to substrate capture at the plastic interface. This work advances our understanding of how microbial physiology is organized during plastic biodegradation and identifies transport processes as previously unrecognized components of PET-degrading biofilms.

PET biodegradation↗

PubMed2026

Induced degradation of Ufd1 reveals regulation of cohesin by the VCP/p97Ufd1-Npl4 complex.

The AAA ATPase VCP/p97 has emerged as a critical regulator of ubiquitin and chromatin-associated processes but progress in understanding has been hampered by the complexity of p97 functions and the various p97 cofactors involved. Here, we combined ubiquitin profiling with acutely induced degradation of the Ufd1 subunit of the p97 ubiquitin adapter, Ufd1-Npl4, in human cells. We identified a set of chromatin regulators, HUS1, XRCC1, MORF4L1, and the cohesin subunit RAD21 as targets of p97Ufd1-Npl4 We find that RAD21 is ubiquitylated and targeted by p97Ufd1-Npl4 specifically in S phase to remove a subpopulation of cohesin from chromatin. Acute degradation of Ufd1 in S phase, after replication licensing is completed, impedes replication and leads to replication-associated DNA damage. Our findings suggest that a fraction of cohesin rings need to be removed by p97Ufd1-Npl4 from DNA to allow unhindered replication and reveal a critical function of p97 that ensures genome stability.

Cell Cycle Proteins↗

PubMed2026

Degradation of a graphene-reinforced polyamide by fungi: When culture conditions matter.

The large-scale production, marketing and disposal of polymer-based graphene products can lead to the dispersal of graphene-enriched plastic particles into terrestrial ecosystems, where they might accumulate if not degraded by organisms. The objective of this work is to test the degradability and compatibility of one polyamide-6 polymer reinforced with reduced graphene-oxide (PA6-rGO) and its base constituents (polyamide-6, PA6; reduced graphene oxide, rGO) using mono- and co-cultures of two lignin-degrading fungi (Bjerkandera adusta and Morchella esculenta) grown under different nutrient conditions. Fungal (co-)cultures were exposed to pure rGO or abraded powders of PA6 and PA6-rGO in two different liquid media, and monitored over time for biomass growth, H2O2 production, and activity of two lignolytic enzymes (i.e., Laccase, Lac, and Lignin peroxidase, LiP). The changes in polyamide structure were evaluated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry, and changes in rGO were evaluated by Raman spectroscopy. The materials had no effect on fungal growth. PA6 increased Lac secretion only in low nutrient medium, while PA6-rGO slightly suppressed LiP activity. Only M. esculenta promoted polyamides oxidation when cultured in a low nutrient medium, as evidenced by a change in mass distribution values (m/z: 400-420) and the appearance of a new resonance peak (at 5.37 ppm). Lignolytic exudates in co-cultures low in nutrients caused a greater change in rGO, as shown by the increase in the ID/IG ratio. The degradation of rGO, PA6 and PA6-rGO depended on culture conditions.

Graphite↗

PubMed2026

Sulfonic Ion-Exchange Resins as Versatile Tools for the Oxidative Degradation of Chemical and Biological Hazardous Agents.

Commercial sulfonic styrene-divinylbenzene ion-exchange resins are activated with aqueous H2O2 to generate metal-free decontamination systems that combine strong Brønsted acidity with immobilized oxidizing capability. Among five tested materials, Amberlyst 15 dry showed the best performance in terms of oxidant immobilization capacity and promoting the oxidative degradation of the sulfur mustard simulant (2-chloroethyl)ethyl sulfide, CEES, and the organophosphorus pesticide malathion under very mild conditions. Control experiments with K2CO3-exchanged resin demonstrate that efficient decontamination requires the synergy between surface acidity and peroxide functionality. The activated resins also display rapid biocidal activity, strongly reducing viable Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and completely suppressing the infectivity of HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 within min. These findings identify peroxide-activated sulfonic resins as simple, sustainable, regenerable, and versatile tools for efficient combined hazardous chemical and biological decontamination.

Oxidation-Reduction↗

PubMed2026

Integrated photoelectrocatalytic reduction and oxidation processes to achieve efficient degradation of fluoxetine in pharmaceutical wastewater.

Fluorinated organic compounds have been frequently detected in aquatic environments, with the widespread use of fluorinated drugs. The existing processes of urban sewage treatment plants are difficult to completely remove these pollutants containing the persistent C-F bonds. In this work, an integrated system of UV-activated sulfite and UV-assisted electrochemical oxidation was innovatively constructed for efficient degradation of fluoxetine. For the UV-activated sulfite unit system, when the sulfite dosage was 0.5 mmol/L and the initial pH was about 10, the defluorination efficiency of 5 mg/L fluoxetine wastewater under nitrogen atmosphere was about 98 %. Subsequently, the UV-assisted electrochemical oxidation unit system was employed to treat the reduced wastewater mentioned above. When the sodium chloride dosage was 25 mmol/L, the initial pH was about 5, and the current density was 30 mA/cm2, the total organic carbon (TOC) removal of the wastewater arrived at 65 %. Active species capture experiments and ESR tests confirmed that hydrated electrons, hydroxyl, and chlorine radicals were the main components for the efficient degradation of fluoxetine. According to the analysis of Fukui function and HPLC-MS, the degradation pathway of pollutants was proposed including defluorination and mineralization. Meanwhile, the toxicity of intermediates was predicted using the ECOSAR program. In addition, the verification test of actual wastewater treatment indicated that the defluorination and TOC removal efficiency of fluorouracil by the integrated system were similar to those for fluoxetine. This work provided a new approach for the efficient degradation of fluorinated organic pollutants in pharmaceutical wastewater.

Fluoxetine↗

PubMed2026

Transformation of antibiotics mediated by iron-bearing minerals: A review.

Iron-bearing minerals are ubiquitous in water, sediments and soil, where their surface chemical properties and redox activity can play an important role in degradation of trace antibiotics. This review systematically summarizes the roles of various iron-bearing minerals in chemical transformation and microbial degradation of antibiotics and reaction mechanisms involved, and refines the critical idea for iron-driven control of antibiotics with trace level in natural environment. Overall, antibiotics removal in the presence of iron-bearing minerals involves combination of adsorption, surface oxidative degradation, photo-induced degradation, Fenton-like reaction and microbial degradation. Adsorption of antibiotics by Fe(III)-minerals involves electrostatic interaction, complexation, H-bonding, π-π interaction and hydrophobic interaction. Adsorbed antibiotics form complexes with Fe(III)-minerals, undergoing electron transfer to generate radical intermediates, subsequently generating final products through hydroxylation, dealkylation, and deamination. Additionally, Fe(III)-minerals can be excited to produce electrons and holes under sunlight and to produce antibiotics-degrading hydroxyl radical through O2 reduction, H2O oxidation and ligand-to-metal charge transfer. Reduced iron minerals can activate oxygen to participate in Fenton-like degradation reactions. Finally, antibiotics are mainly removed by bio-driven Fenton reaction and direct enzyme biodegradation. The presence of iron-bearing minerals can promote antibiotics microbial degradation by providing nutrients for microorganisms or by changing microbial activity and microbial community structure. Existing problems and future research directions are identified. New insights for application of iron-bearing minerals in transformation of antibiotics are proposed. The work aims to suggest new methods and insights for pollution control and remediation of emerging contaminants including trace antibiotics in the natural environment.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2026

Transforming Curcuma longa leaf waste into cellulose scaffolds.

The constant dearth of transplantable tissues and organs in India required the development of substitute biomaterials for tissue engineering. Plant-based decellularized scaffolds have become attractive options because of their abundance, ethical acceptability, architectural diversity, and lower risks of zoonotic transmission. Curcuma longa leaves were investigated in this study as a possible source of cellulose-based scaffolding for use in biomedical applications. After cuticle removal, an immersion decellularization technique utilizing sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and triton-X-100 was developed to successfully remove cellular and nuclear material while maintaining leaf parenchyma architecture. Histology, DAPI staining, scanning electron microscopy, and a notable decrease in leftover DNA content all demonstrated efficient decellularization. When contrasted with native leaves, the resultant decellularized C. longa leaf scaffolds showed significant increase in porosity, water vapor transmission rate and swelling percent, and significantly lower contact angle with an optimum surface roughness promoting cell adhesion. Mechanical test manifest higher tensile strength with decreased stiffness. Fourier transform infrared spectra of leaf scaffold reveals persistence of different components except cuticle but the intensity of different peaks was decreased. The leaf scaffolds showed superior hemocompatibility and excellent compatibility with Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK) which is demonstrated by cell attachment and proliferation. MTT assay of seeded scaffold showed significantly higher metabolically active cell. In vivo subcutaneous implantation of decellularized scaffolds showed host tissue incorporation, accumulation of collagen, and neovascularization. C. longa leaf scaffolds can be utilized as cost effective and sustainable biomaterials for soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Curcuma↗

PubMed2026

Towards microplastic bioremediation: Fungal degradation of pristine and pretreated high-density polyethylene and polystyrene.

Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a significant ecological issue because of its enduring existence in the ecosystem and its possible negative impacts. Therefore, using degrading strategies to eliminate these stubborn polymers has been a subject of scientific research. However, the currently used degradation methods are relatively inefficient. Given the pervasiveness of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polystyrene (PS) and their resistance to biodegradability, disposal strategies are critical and must be addressed. This manuscript examines the biodegradation of pristine and UV-treated HDPE and PS MPs by Aspergillus flavus species in minimal growth media over 70 days. The maximum weight loss observed at 70 days for pristine HDPE and PS in sole carbon source (SCS) media was (29.33 ± 0.28) % and (17.67 ± 0.35) %, respectively. Whereas, for UV-treated HDPE and PS MPs, the % weight reduction was (33 ± 0.21) % and (25 ± 0.19) %, respectively. UV-treated MPs exhibited greater weight reduction, as UV induced oxygenated functional groups enhance polymer susceptibility to enzymes, thereby promoting biodegradation. HDPE MPs typically show a higher proportion of particles in the lower size range compared to PS MPs. This assertion was based on the weight loss, particle size distribution, and SEM analysis. Furthermore, chemical changes were evaluated using Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, which also displayed chemical oxidation occurring during biodegradation. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) results indicate that UV pretreatment enhances biodegradability by promoting chain scission. These findings further suggest that this fungus's natural and ubiquitous occurrence in terrestrial and marine environments may actively contribute to MP biodegradation while requiring few nutrients.

Microplastics↗