Development of Electrochemical Nanosensor for the Detection of Malaria Parasite in Clinical Samples

In this study, electrochemical nanosensors were developed from the synthesized metal oxide (MO) nanoparticles by supporting it on a gold electrode (Au). The activity of the developed nanosensor toward the detection of malaria biomarker (β-hematin) was determined and the optimum conditions at which the maximum detection and quantification occurred were established. β-Hematin current response at the sensors was higher when compared with the bare Au electrode and followed the order Au-CuO (C) > Au-CuO (M) > Au-Fe2O3 (M) > Au-Fe2O3 (C) > Au-Al2O3 (M) > Au-Al2O3 (C) > bare Au. The developed sensors were stable with a relatively low current drop (10.61–17.35 %) in the analyte. Au-CuO sensor had the best performance toward the biomarker and quantitatively detected P. berghei in infected mice's serum samples at 3.60–4.8 mM and P. falciparum in human blood serum samples at 0.65–1.35 mM concentration

The Potential of Some Non-Conventional Vegetable Oils in Biodiesel Applications

This work studied the potentials of some non-conventional oils biodiesel as an alternative to biodiesel made from a conventional seed oil (palm kernel oil), and petroleum-based diesel. The fruits of three non-conventional oilseeds, namely:PerseaAmericana (Avocado pear), Irvingiagabonenses (Dica nut) and Darcryodesedulis (Native pear)were obtained from local markets in Ile-Ife, Osun State Nigeria while petroleum-based diesel (PBD) used for comparative study was obtained commercially.The outer fleshylayers of the fruitswere separated from the seeds while both were air-dried for some days and later milled. The oils extracted from the milled samples were esterified to produce biodiesel usingmethanol in the presence of NaOH as catalyst. The biodiesels were analyzed for their fuel properties using standard methods.Results showed that the biodiesel yield ofIrvingiagabonensisoil diesel (IGOD),Darcryodesedulisoil diesel (DEOD) and Persia americanaoil diesel (PAOD) were94%, 82% and 96% respectively. These values compared favourably with that of palm kernel oil diesel (PKOD) (91%) produced under same conditions, and with the literature standard yield of 96.5% set for biodiesel. The pour pointsof PKOD, PAOD and DEOD were3, -6 and 1oC,respectively, with PAOD pour point very close to that of PBD (≥-10oC) obtained under similar experimental conditions. Except for IGOD, all the oils have pour points within the standard range of -15 to 16oC set for biodiesel suggesting the suitability of the oils for biodiesel applications.The iodine values of the biodiesel ranged between 9.64 and 16.52 meq/kg and agreed closely with 12-18 meq/kg reported in literature for PKOD. The biodiesel blend with PBD in the ratio 10:90, 20:80, 30:70 and 40:60 demonstratedimprovedphysico-chemical properties (including smoke point, flash point, cloud point, pour point, density, viscosity and acid value) that could meet the fluidity requirements for biodiesel applications

Characterization and Suitability of Reclaimed Automotive Lubricating Oils Reprocessed by Solvent Extraction Technology

The increase in the generation of used automotive lubricating oils is an issue of growing concern, especially in developing countries. Most used oil contains degraded additives and its indiscriminate disposal causes environmental degradation and pollution. This study investigates the characteristics of the reclaimed oil obtained by solvent extraction technology. It further evaluates the suitability of the reclaimed oil for reuse, by comparing its properties with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) quality standards for lube oils. Three samples of used engine oils were collected, recycled and analyzed. Results from this study and other similar studies indicated that the flashpoint is below the SAE specifications. Viscosity index and kinematic viscosity at 40 and 100 °C are found above the SAE specifications. The pour point of the reclaimed oil is found below the standard values while the specific gravity concurs with the SAE standards. Total acid and total base numbers of the reclaimed oil indicated a low acid concentration. The study suggests an improvement on the flash point and the viscosity of the reclaimed oils for better lubricating performance in the automotive engines