Development of an Effective Biosorbent by Fungal Immobilization Technique for Removal of Dyes

Charcoal activated carbon was modified through immobilization techniques on fungal biomass. Two fungal strains i.e. Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. were selected to immobilize the charcoal activated carbon on fungal biomass. The percentage of biomass production onto activated carbon was 88% for A. niger while it was 75% for Penicillum sp. The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed clear changes between the external surfaces of charcoal activated carbon (AC) and activated carbon immobilized biomass (ACIB) which also indicated the formation of matrix onto AC by fungal mycelia. The ACIBs showed more functional groups as compared to the AC. The functional groups determined by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for the ACIBs by A. niger and Penicillium sp. indicated various changes in achieving additional functional groups (phosphate ester, cyclic ether, alcoholic and phenolic groups) as compared to the AC. The results revealed that AC was morphologically modified by the immobilization techniques. Maximum adsorption capacity by ACIB of A. niger was achieved at a dosage of 15 mg/L for Reactive Black (98.2%), Congo Red (84.6%) and Malachite Green (82.6%) while 20 mg/L dosage was required for Methylene Blue to achieve highest decolorization (92.3%). The results of individual effect of ACIB, AC and biomass on the removal of reactive black 5 showed that maximum removal was obtained at 98.2, 88 and 75% respectively. The modified biosorbents as ACIBs developed by the A. niger and Penicillium sp. in an immobilized culturing process could be a potential agent for decolorization and removal of pollutants

Intensive first-line FIr-C/FOx-C association of triplet chemotherapy plus cetuximab in RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer patients: preliminary phase II data and prediction of individual limiting toxicity syndromes by pharmacogenomic biomarkers

Intensive triplet chemotherapy/bevacizumab significantly increased metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) outcome. This phase II study investigated the safety/activity of FIr-C/FOx-C triplet/cetuximab (CET) in first-line RAS wild-type and the prediction of individual limiting toxicity syndromes (LTS) by pharmacogenomic biomarkers

Phytoremediation and mathematical model for domestic wastewater by Chlorella vulgaris

Nutrient pollution of aquatic environment through disposal of industrial and domestic wastewater poses serious problems for reusing surface water and aquatic life. This study reports the feasibility and kinetics of Chlorella vulgaris in removing chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) for protection of surface water resources. The microalgal strain was cultured in shake flasks with wastewater and artificial light. Maximum biomass (200 mg/L) was achieved within four days, whereas maximum removal of TN, TP and COD was found to be 77.8%, 86.1% and 77.8%, respectively. Optimum detention period for phytoremediation was varied from 9 to 13 days. Phytoremediation performances of C. vulgaris were simulated through mathematical modeling, revealing kinetic coefficient values of 0.137, 0.171 and 0.13 for TN, TP and COD respectively. Based on laboratory scale study under controlled environment, it can be concluded that C. vulgaris has potential to reduce nutrient contents of wastewater

Prevalence,antibiotic susceptibility profiles and ESBL production in Klebsiella pneumoniae and klebsiella oxytoca among hospitalized patients

Background and Purpose: Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca are the two most common pathogens causing nosocomial infections in humans and are of great concern for developing multidrug resistance. In the present study, K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca from clinical samples were evaluated for their antibiotic sensitivity patterns against commonly used antibiotics and production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). Materials and Methods: The isolates were obtained from tracheal swabs, sputum, wound swabs, pus, blood and urine samples of hospitalized patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca were identified by cultural and biochemical methods. Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. ESBL production in Klebsiella spp. was confirmed by double disc synergy test. Results and Conclusion: Out of 500 clinical isolates, 120 were found positive for Klebsiella among which 108 were K. pneumoniae and 12 were K. oxytoca based on indole test. Prevalence rate of Klebsiella was found more prominent in males aged over 50 years, mostly in urine samples. Overall resistance pattern of Klebsiella isolates to ampicillin,amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, co-trimoxazole, gentamicin, nalidixic acid,ttracycline was 100%, 90%, 45%, 40%, 45%, 25%, 50%, 35% respectively. Multidrug resistance was found more common in K. pneumoniae (56%) than in K. oxytoca (50%). Prevalence rate of ESBL producing Klebsiella was found 45% among which K. pneumoniae (50%) were found more prominent than K. oxytoca (25%). All the ESBL producing Klebsiella isolates were found to be multidrug resistant, showing 100% resistance to Ampicillin,Amoxicillin,Ceftriaxone and Ciprofloxacin