Stockbridge Faculty Publication Series

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14394/307

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An Overview of Plant Phenolic Compounds and Their Importance in Human Nutrition and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
(2016-01-01) Lin, Derong; Xiao, Mengshi; Zhao, Jingjing; Li, Zhuohao; Xing, Baoshan; Li, Xindan; King, Maozhu; Li, Liangyu; Zhang, Qing; Liu, Yaowen; Chen, Hong; Qin, Wen; Wu, Hejun; Chen, Saiyan
In this paper, the biosynthesis process of phenolic compounds in plants is summarized, which includes the shikimate, pentose phosphate and phenylpropanoid pathways. Plant phenolic compounds can act as antioxidants, structural polymers (lignin), attractants (flavonoids and carotenoids), UV screens (flavonoids), signal compounds (salicylic acid and flavonoids) and defense response chemicals (tannins and phytoalexins). From a human physiological standpoint, phenolic compounds are vital in defense responses, such as anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities. Therefore, it is beneficial to eat such plant foods that have a high antioxidant compound content, which will cut down the incidence of certain chronic diseases, for instance diabetes, cancers and cardiovascular diseases, through the management of oxidative stress. Furthermore, berries and other fruits with low-amylase and high-glucosidase inhibitory activities could be regarded as candidate food items in the control of the early stages of hyperglycemia associated with type 2 diabetes.
Preparation and Application of Starch/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Citric Acid Ternary Blend Antimicrobial Functional Food Packaging Films
(2017-01-01) Wu, Zhijun; Wu, Jingjing; Peng, Tingting; Li, Yutong; Lin, Derong; Xing, Baoshan; Li, Chunxiao; Yang, Yuqiu; Yang, Li; Zhang, Lihua; Ma, Rongchao; Wu, Weixiong; Lv, Xiaorong; Dai, Jianwu; Han, Guoquan
Ternary blend films were prepared with different ratios of starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/citric acid. The films were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis, as well as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The influence of different ratios of starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/citric acid and different drying times on the performance properties, transparency, tensile strength (TS), water vapor permeability (WVP), water solubility (WS), color difference (ΔE), and antimicrobial activity of the ternary blends films were investigated. The starch/polyvinyl alcohol/citric acid (S/P/C1:1:0, S/P/C3:1:0.08, and S/P/C3:3:0.08) films were all highly transparent. The S/P/C3:3:0.08 had a 54.31 times water-holding capacity of its own weight and its mechanical tensile strength was 46.45 MPa. In addition, its surface had good uniformity and compactness. The S/P/C3:1:0.08 and S/P/C3:3:0.08 showed strong antimicrobial activity to Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, which were the food-borne pathogenic bacteria used. The freshness test results of fresh figs showed that all of the blends prevented the formation of condensed water on the surface of the film, and the S/P/C3:1:0.08 and S/P/C3:3:0.08 prevented the deterioration of figs during storage. The films can be used as an active food packaging system due to their strong antibacterial effect.
The Ability of Soil Pore Network Metrics to Predict Redox Dynamics Is Scale Dependent
(2018-01-01) Wanzek, Thomas; Keiluweit, Marco; Varga, Tamas; Lindsley, Adam; Nico, Peter S.; Fendorf, Scott; Kleber, Markus
Variations in microbial community structure and metabolic efficiency are governed in part by oxygen availability, which is a function of water content, diffusion distance, and oxygen demand; for this reason, the volume, connectivity, and geometry of soil pores may exert primary controls on spatial metabolic diversity in soil. Here, we combine quantitative pore network metrics derived from X-ray computed tomography (XCT) with measurements of electromotive potentials to assess how the metabolic status of soil depends on variations of the overall pore network architecture. Contrasting pore network architectures were generated using a Mollisol—A horizon, and compared to intact control samples from the same soil. Mesocosms from each structural treatment were instrumented with Pt-electrodes to record available energy dynamics during a regimen of varying moisture conditions. We found that volume-based XCT-metrics were more frequently correlated with metrics describing changes in available energy than medial-axis XCT-metrics. An abundance of significant correlations between pore network metrics and available energy parameters was not only a function of pore architecture, but also of the dimensions of the sub-sample chosen for XCT analysis. Pore network metrics had the greatest power to statistically explain changes in available energy in the smallest volumes analyzed. Our work underscores the importance of scale in observations of natural systems.
Shifting mineral and redox controls on carbon cycling in seasonally flooded mineral soils
(2019-01-01) LaCroix, Rachelle E.; Tfaily, Malak K.; McCreight, Menli; Jones, Morris E.; Spokas, Lesley; Keiluweit, Marco
Although wetland soils represent a relatively small portion of the terrestrial landscape, they account for an estimated 20 %–30 % of the global soil carbon (C) reservoir. C stored in wetland soils that experience seasonal flooding is likely the most vulnerable to increased severity and duration of droughts in response to climate change. Redox conditions, plant root dynamics, and the abundance of protective mineral phases are well-established controls on soil C persistence, but their relative influence in seasonally flooded mineral soils is largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the relative importance of environmental (temperature, soil moisture, and redox potential) and biogeochemical (mineral composition and root biomass) factors in controlling CO2 efflux, C quantity, and organic matter composition along replicated upland–lowland transitions in seasonally flooded mineral soils. Specifically, we contrasted mineral soils under temperature deciduous forests in lowland positions that undergo seasonal flooding with adjacent upland soils that do not, considering both surface (A) and subsurface (B and C) horizons. We found the lowland soils had lower total annual CO2 efflux than the upland soils, with monthly CO2 efflux in lowlands most strongly correlated with redox potential (Eh). Lower CO2 efflux as compared to the uplands corresponded to greater C content and abundance of lignin-rich, higher-molecular-weight, chemically reduced organic compounds in the lowland surface soils (A horizons). In contrast, subsurface soils in the lowland position (Cg horizons) showed lower C content than the upland positions (C horizons), coinciding with lower abundance of root biomass and oxalate-extractable Fe (Feo, a proxy for protective Fe phases). Our linear mixed-effects model showed that Feo served as the strongest measured predictor of C content in upland soils, yet Feo had no predictive power in lowland soils. Instead, our model showed that Eh and oxalate-extractable Al (Alo, a proxy of protective Al phases) became significantly stronger predictors in the lowland soils. Combined, our results suggest that low redox potentials are the primary cause for C accumulation in seasonally flooded surface soils, likely due to selective preservation of organic compounds under anaerobic conditions. In seasonally flooded subsurface soils, however, C accumulation is limited due to lower C inputs through root biomass and the removal of reactive Fe phases under reducing conditions. Our findings demonstrate that C accrual in seasonally flooded mineral soil is primarily due to low redox potential in the surface soil and that the lack of protective metal phases leaves these C stocks highly vulnerable to climate change.
A multi-omics approach to unravelling the coupling mechanism of nitrogen metabolism and phenanthrene biodegradation in soil amended with biochar
(2024-01-01) Xing, Baoshan
The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil negatively affects the environment and the degradation of these contaminants is influenced by nitrogen metabolism. However, the mechanisms underlying the interrelationships between the functional genes involved in nitrogen metabolism and phenanthrene (PHE) biodegradation, as well as the effects of biochar on these mechanisms, require further study. Therefore, this study utilised metabolomic and metagenomic analysis to investigate primary nitrogen processes, associated functional soil enzymes and functional genes, and differential soil metabolites in PHE-contaminated soil with and without biochar amendment over a 45-day incubation period. Results showed that dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) and denitrification were the dominant nitrogen metabolism processes in PHE-contaminated soil. The addition of biochar enhanced nitrogen modules, exhibiting discernible temporal fluctuations in denitrification and DNRA proportions. Co-occurrence networks and correlation heatmap analysis revealed potential interactions among functional genes and enzymes responsible for PHE biodegradation and nitrogen metabolism. Notably, enzymes associated with denitrification and DNRA displayed significant positive correlation with enzymes involved in downstream phenanthrene degradation. Of particular interest was stronger correlation observed with the addition of biochar. However, biochar amendment inhibited the 9-phenanthrol degradation pathway, resulting in elevated levels of glutathione (GSH) in response to environmental stress. These findings provide new insights into the interactions between nitrogen metabolism and PHE biodegradation in soil and highlight the dual effects of biochar on these processes.
Macronutrients in Soil and Wheat as Affected by a Long-Term Tillage and Nitrogen Fertilization in Winter Wheat-Fallow Rotation
(2019-01-01) Shiwakoti, Santosh; Zheljazkov, Valtcho D.; Gollany, Hero T.; Xing, Baoshan
The insights gained from the long-term impacts of tillage and N fertilization on soil fertility are crucial for the development of sustainable cropping systems. The objectives of this study were to quantify the effects of 75 years of tillage and N fertilization on macronutrients in soil and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) tissues grown in a winter wheat–summer fallow rotation. The experiment included three types of tillage (disc, DP; sweep, SW; and moldboard, MP) and five N application rates (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg ha−1). Soil and tissue samples were analyzed for the concentration of total N, S, and C, Mehlich III extractable P, K, Mg, Ca in the soil, and the total concentration of the same nutrients in wheat tissue. Soil N concentration was significantly greater under DP (1.10 g kg−1) than under MP (1.03 g kg−1). The P concentration in upper 20 cm soil depth increased with increased N rates. Comparison of experiment plots to a nearby undisturbed pasture revealed a decline of P (32%), SOC (34%), Mg (77%), and Ca (86%) in the top 10 cm soil depth. The results suggest that DP with high N rates could reduce the macronutrient decline in soil and plant over time.
Development potential of nanoenabled agriculture projected using machine learning
(2023-01-01) Deng, Peng; Gao, Yiming; Mu, Li; Hu, Xiangang; Yu, Fubo; Jia, Yuying; Wang, Zhenyu; Xing, Baoshan
The controllability and targeting of nanoparticles (NPs) offer solutions for precise and sustainable agriculture. However, the development potential of nanoenabled agriculture remains unknown. Here, we build an NP-plant database containing 1,174 datasets and predict (R2 higher than 0.8 for 13 random forest models) the response and uptake/transport of various NPs by plants using a machine learning approach. Multiway feature importance analysis quantitatively shows that plant responses are driven by the total NP exposure dose and duration and plant age at exposure, as well as the NP size and zeta potential. Feature interaction and covariance analysis further improve the interpretability of the model and reveal hidden interaction factors (e.g., NP size and zeta potential). Integration of the model, laboratory, and field data suggests that Fe2O3 NP application may inhibit bean growth in Europe due to low night temperatures. In contrast, the risks of oxidative stress are low in Africa because of high night temperatures. According to the prediction, Africa is a suitable area for nanoenabled agriculture. The regional differences and temperature changes make nanoenabled agriculture complicated. In the future, the temperature increase may reduce the oxidative stress in African bean and European maize induced by NPs. This study projects the development potential of nanoenabled agriculture using machine learning, although many more field studies are needed to address the differences at the country and continental scales.
Capability of phytoremediation of glyphosate in environment by Vulpia myuros
(2023-01-01) Xing, Baoshan
Glyphosate is an herbicide extensively used worldwide that can remain in the soil. Phytoremediation to decontaminate polluted water or soil requires a plant that can accumulate the target compound. Vulpia myuros is an annual fescue that can be used as a heavy mental phytoremediation strategy. Recently, it has been used to intercrop with tea plant to prohibit the germination and growth of other weeds in tea garden. In order to know whether it can be used an decontaminating glyphosate’ plant in water or soil, in this study, glyphosate degradation behavior was investigated in Vulpia myuros cultivated in a hydroponic system. The results showed that the concentration of glyphosate in the nutrient solution decreased from 43.09 μg mL−1 to 0.45 μg mL−1 in 30 days and that 99% of the glyphosate molecules were absorbed by V. myuros. The contents of glyphosate in the roots reached the maximum (224.33 mg kg−1) on day 1 and then decreased. After 3 days, the content of glyphosate in the leaves reached the highest value (215.64 mg kg−1), while it decreased to 156.26 mg kg−1 in the roots. The dissipation dynamics of glyphosate in the whole hydroponic system fits the first-order kinetic model C = 455.76e−0.21 t, with a half-life of 5.08 days. Over 30 days, 80% of the glyphosate was degraded. The contents of the glyphosate metabolite amino methyl phosphoric acid (AMPA), ranged from 0.103 mg kg−1 on day 1–0.098 mg kg−1 on day 30, not changing significantly over time. The Croot/solution, Cleaf/solution and Cleaf/root were used to express the absorption, transfer, and distribution of glyphosate in V. myuros. These results indicated that glyphosate entered into the root system through free diffusion, which was influenced by both the log Kow and the concentration of glyphosate in the nutrient solution, and that glyphosate was either easily transferred to the leaves through the transpiration stream, accumulated, or degraded. The degradation of glyphosate in V. myuros indicated that it has potential as a remediating plant for environmental restoration.
The Use of Faba Bean Cover Crop to Enhance the Sustainability and Resiliency of No-Till Corn Silage Production and Soil Characteristics
(2023-01-01) Ghorbi, Samaneh; Ebadi, Ali; Parmoon, Ghasem; Siller, Arthur; Hashemi, Masoud
Sustainable corn production requires a dramatic shift toward natural soil fertility rather than relying solely on synthetic fertilizers. Cover crops play an important role in improving the productivity of subsequent row crops through improving soil properties. The main goal of this study was to investigate if increasing cover crop biomass through applying a higher density can enhance soil characteristics in the short term and contribute more nitrogen to succeeding corn silage. In a two-year field study (2018–2019), the influence of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as a cover crop on soil characteristics and corn silage (Zea mays L.) production was evaluated. Treatments consisted of five levels of faba bean density (0, 25, 35, 40, and 80 plants m−2) and four application rates of urea-based nitrogen fertilizer (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha−1) in a no-till system. The measured soil characteristics were not significantly affected through increasing cover crop density to 80 plants m−2. The faba bean roots comprised 33% of total biomass in densities ranging from 25–40 plants m−2. The highest total N yield (root + shoot) was 133 kg N ha−1, obtained from 40 faba bean plants m−2. The faba bean root decomposed faster than the shoot, and the addition of N to the corn accelerated 50% N release from the roots but had no significant effect on shoot decomposition. Corn planted after 40 plants m−2 faba bean yielded 28% more than the corn with no faba bean. Corn yielded less in no-cover-crop fields even when it received the highest synthetic N rate (300 kg N ha−1), indicating the value of including faba bean in rotation with corn.
Network analysis of nematodes with soil microbes on cool-season golf courses
(2023-01-01) Allen-Perkins, Elisha; Manter, Daniel K.; Wick, Robert; Jung, Geunhwa
Nematodes are an active part of complex soil food webs on golf courses, with some members promoting plant growth, while others are pathogenic or neutralists. The artificial, sand-based rootzone mixtures of putting greens, the most intensely managed areas of a golf course, are especially prone to nematode damage. A better understanding of the interactions of nematodes with soil microbes is key to developing improved turf management strategies. The coupling of amplicon sequencing with network analysis provides a way of better understanding which taxa may be closely associated, allowing hypothesis generation to learn more about how nematodes interact with soil microbes. We performed weighted gene correlation network analyses on bacteria, fungi, and bacteria with nematodes and fungi with nematodes collected from the soil of roughs, fairways, and putting greens of three cool-season turfgrass golf courses on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Rhodoplanes spp. were found in many bacterial modules, suggesting they may be a common species. Many nematodes formed positive correlations with known nematode antagonizing microbes. Among five nematode trophic groups, the carnivorous nematodes were most connected to both bacteria and fungi, suggesting these nematodes may have previously overlooked interactions with soil microbes. Consensus eigengene networks were highly preserved among management areas on each golf course for both the bacteria and fungi, showing conserved meta-modules despite management differences. The results of this work provide deeper insight into a unique, complex perennial ecosystem on golf courses that could be leveraged for future investigations on these relationships and eventually to improved turf health and disease management in the future. To our knowledge this study is the first use of network analysis to explore the relationship of the turf-associated bacterial and fungal phytobiomes with nematodes.
Polyethylene microplastics impede the innate immune response by disrupting the extracellular matrix and signaling transduction
(2023-01-01) Huang, Haipeng; Hou, Jiaqi; Liao, Yilie; Wei, Fangchao; Xing, Baoshan
Soil Temperature Mediated Seedling Emergence and Field Establishment in Bentgrass Species and Cultivars During Spring in the Northeastern United States
(2020-01-01) Ebdon, J. Scott; DaCosta, Michelle
Reestablishment of damaged golf greens and fairways planted to creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), colonial bentgrass (A. capillaris), and velvet bentgrass (A. canina) is a common practice following winter injuries. Identifying bentgrass species (Agrostis sp.) and cultivars with the potential to establish under low soil temperatures would be beneficial to achieving more mature stands earlier in the spring. Twelve bentgrass cultivars, including seven cultivars of creeping bentgrass (007, 13-M, Declaration, L-93, Memorial, Penncross, and T-1), two colonial bentgrass cultivars (Capri and Tiger II), and three velvet bentgrass cultivars (Greenwich, SR-7200, and Villa), along with 'Barbeta' perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) were evaluated for grass cover in the field during early spring. Bentgrass species and cultivars were seeded in the field at the same seed count per unit area. Soil temperatures were monitored in unneeded check plots from initial planting date on 8 Apr. to termination on 29 May 2013. Soil temperatures increased linearly during the 52-day experimental period from 4.7 to 23.5 degrees C. All species and cultivars emerged at approximate to 10 degrees C soil temperature. Bentgrass species and cultivars varied only 2 to 3 days in their initial seedling emergence, while days varied among bentgrasses from 5.5 days (to 10% cover) to 8.6 days (to 90% cover). All velvet bentgrass cultivars required higher soil temperatures (13.6 degrees C) and more time (26 days) following initial seedling emergence to establish to 90% cover in the early spring. Creeping bentgrass cultivars 007, 13-M, and Memorial, along with colonial bentgrass cultivars Capri and Tiger II, were statistically equal to 'Barbeta' perennial ryegrass in their capacity after seedling emergence to achieve faster cover at lower soil temperatures. Heavier (larger) bentgrass seed was associated with faster cover during the early stages of establishment, but seed size was uncorrelated with establishment during later stages from 50% to 90% cover.
Discovery of miRNAs and Development of Heat-Responsive miRNA-SSR Markers for Characterization of Wheat Germplasm for Terminal Heat Tolerance Breeding
(2021-01-01) Sihag, Pooja; Sagwal, Vijeta; Kumar, Anuj; Balyan, Priyanka; Mir, Reyazul Rouf; Dhankher, Om Parkash; Kumar, Upendra
A large proportion of the Asian population fulfills their energy requirements from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Wheat quality and yield are critically affected by the terminal heat stress across the globe. It affects approximately 40% of the wheat-cultivating regions of the world. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop improved terminal heat-tolerant wheat varieties. Marker-assisted breeding with genic simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers have been used for developing terminal heat-tolerant wheat varieties; however, only few studies involved the use of microRNA (miRNA)-based SSR markers (miRNASSRs) in wheat, which were found as key players in various abiotic stresses. In the present study, we identified 104 heat-stress-responsive miRNAs reported in various crops. Out of these, 70 miRNA-SSR markers have been validated on a set of 20 terminal heat-tolerant and heat-susceptible wheat genotypes. Among these, only 19 miRNA-SSR markers were found to be polymorphic, which were further used to study the genetic diversity and population structure. The polymorphic miRNA-SSRs amplified 61 SSR loci with an average of 2.9 alleles per locus. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value of polymorphic miRNA-SSRs ranged from 0.10 to 0.87 with a mean value of 0.48. The dendrogram constructed using unweighted neighbor-joining method and population structure analysis clustered these 20 wheat genotypes into 3 clusters. The target genes of these miRNAs are involved either directly or indirectly in providing tolerance to heat stress. Furthermore, two polymorphic markers miR159c and miR165b were declared as very promising diagnostic markers, since these markers showed specific alleles and discriminated terminal heat-tolerant genotypes from the susceptible genotypes. Thus, these identified miRNA-SSR markers will prove useful in the characterization of wheat germplasm through the study of genetic diversity and population structural analysis and in wheat molecular breeding programs aimed at terminal heat tolerance of wheat varieties.
Evaluation of Locally Isolated Entomopathogenic Fungi against Multiple Life Stages of Bactrocera zonata and Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae): Laboratory and Field Study
(2021-01-01) Usman, Muhammad; Wakil, Waqas; Piñero, Jaime C; Wu, Shaohui; Toews, Michael D; Shapiro-Ilan, David Ian
Fruit flies including Bactrocera zonata and B. dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) are considered major pests of orchard systems in Pakistan. This study evaluated the laboratory virulence, sub-lethal effects, horizontal transmission, greenhouse, and field-cage efficacy of locally isolated entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) against B. zonata and B. dorsalis. In virulence assays against third instars and adults, all 21 EPF isolates (Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae) tested were pathogenic and caused varying levels of mortality to the fruit flies. Based on the initial screening, four isolates (B. bassiana WG-21 and WG-18 and M. anisopliae WG-07 and WG-02) were selected for further study. The isolate WG-18 was the most virulent against larvae and adults of B. zonata and B. dorsalis followed by WG-21, WG-02, and WG-07. In both species, adults were more susceptible than larvae to all isolates, and pupae were the least susceptible. Isolates WG-18 and WG-21 strongly decreased female fecundity and fertility, the highest adult and larval mortality, and longest developmental time of larvae and pupae. Fungal conidia were disseminated passively from infected to healthy adults and induced significant mortality, particularly from infected males to non-infected females. In greenhouse and field-cage experiments, WG-18 and WG-21 were the most effective isolates in reducing adult emergence when applied to larvae and pupae of both fruit fly species. Our results indicate that B. bassiana isolates WG-18 and WG-21 were the most virulent against multiple life stages of B. zonata and B. dorsalis, and also exerted the strongest sub-lethal effects.
Proteomic analysis for phenanthrene-elicited wheat chloroplast deformation
(2019-01-01) Shen, Yu; Li, Jinfeng; Gu, Ruochen; Zhan, Xinhua; Xing, Baoshan
The exposure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can cause wheat leaf chlorosis. Thus, we hypothesize that chloroplast inner structure damage is the reason for leaf chlorosis. This study was conducted with the wheat seedlings exposed to Hoagland nutrient solution containing 1.0 mg L−1 phenanthrene for 9 days. Subcellular observation showed that chloroplast turns round and loses its structural integrity. Herein, iTRAQ (isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification) was applied to analyze the changes of protein profile in chloroplast exposed to phenanthrene. A total of 517 proteins are identified, 261 of which are up-regulated. Eight proteins related with thylakoid (the structural component of chloroplast) are down-regulated and the expression of related genes further confirms the proteomic results through real-time PCR under phenanthrene treatment, suggesting that the thylakoid destruction is the reason for chloroplast deformation. Four proteins related with envelope and stroma are up-regulated, and this is the reason why chloroplast remains round. This study is useful in discussing the carcinogenic and teratogenic effects of PAHs in plant cells in the environment, and provides necessary knowledge for improving crop resistance to PAH pollution.
The Effect of the Hypertrophy Virus (MdSGHV) on the Ultrastructure of the Salivary Glands of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)
(2021-01-01) Palacios, D. Molina; Stoffolano, J. G.; Fausto, A. M.; Gambellini, G.; Burand, J.
Competitive and/or cooperative interactions of graphene-family materials and benzo[a]pyrene with pulmonary surfactant: a computational and experimental study
(2021-01-01) Yue, Tongtao; Lv, Rujie; Xu, Dongfang; Xu, Yan; Liu, Lu; Dai, Yanhui; Zhao, Jian; Xing, Baoshan
Background Airborne nanoparticles can be inhaled and deposit in human alveoli, where pulmonary surfactant (PS) molecules lining at the alveolar air–water interface act as the first barrier against inhaled nanoparticles entering the body. Although considerable efforts have been devoted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying nanoparticle-PS interactions, our understanding on this important issue is limited due to the high complexity of the atmosphere, in which nanoparticles are believed to experience transformations that remarkably change the nanoparticles’ surface properties and states. By contrast with bare nanoparticles that have been extensively studied, relatively little is known about the interactions between PS and inhaled nanoparticles which already adsorb contaminants. In this combined experimental and computational effort, we investigate the joint interactions between PS and graphene-family materials (GFMs) with coexisting benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Results Depending on the BaP concentration, molecular agglomeration, and graphene oxidation, different nanocomposite structures are formed via BaPs adsorption on GFMs. Upon deposition of GFMs carrying BaPs at the pulmonary surfactant (PS) layer, competition and cooperation of interactions between different components determines the interfacial processes including BaP solubilization, GFM translocation and PS perturbation. Importantly, BaPs adsorbed on GFMs are solubilized to increase BaP’s bioavailability. By contrast with graphene adhering on the PS layer to release part of adsorbed BaPs, more BaPs are released from graphene oxide, which induces a hydrophilic pore in the PS layer and shows adverse effect on the PS biophysical function. Translocation of graphene across the PS layer is facilitated by BaP adsorption through segregating it from contact with PS, while translocation of graphene oxide is suppressed by BaP adsorption due to the increase of surface hydrophobicity. Graphene extracts PS molecules from the layer, and the resultant PS depletion declines with graphene oxidation and BaP adsorption. Conclusion GFMs showed high adsorption capacity towards BaPs to form nanocomposites. Upon deposition of GFMs carrying BaPs at the alveolar air–water interface covered by a thin PS layer, the interactions of GFM-PS, GFM-BaP and BaP-PS determined the interfacial processes of BaP solubilization, GFM translocation and PS perturbation.
Biodiesel production from camelina oil: Present status and future perspectives
(2021-01-01) Stamenković, Olivera S.; Gautam, Kshipra; Singla-Pareek, Sneh L.; Dhankher, Om P.; Djalović, Ivica G.; Kostić, Milan D.; Mitrović, Petar M.; Pareek, Ashwani; Veljković, Vlada B.
Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz is an oilseed crop with favorable potentials for biodiesel production, such as the high plant yield, high oil content in the seed, high net energy ratio, and low oil production cost. This review paper deals with the present state and perspectives of biodiesel production from camelina oil. First, important issues of camelina seed pretreatment and biodiesel production are reviewed. Emphasis is given to different biodiesel technologies that have been used so far worldwide, the economic assessment of the camelina oil biodiesel (COB) production, the camelina-based biorefineries for the integrated biodiesel production, the COB life cycle analysis, and impact human health and ecosystem. Finally, the perspectives of COB production from the techno-economic and especially genetic engineering points of view are discussed.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride (C3N4) Reduces Cadmium and Arsenic Phytotoxicity and Accumulation in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
(2021-01-01) Ma, Chuanxin; Hao, yi; Zhao, Jian; Zuverza-Mena, Nubia; Meselhy, Ahmed G.; Dhankher, Om Parkash; Rui, Yukui; White, Jason C.; Xing, Baoshan
The present study investigated the role of graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) in alleviating cadmium (Cd)- and arsenic (As)-induced phytotoxicity to rice (Oryza sativa L.). A high-temperature pyrolysis was used to synthesize the C3N4, which was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Rice seedlings were exposed to C3N4 at 50 and 250 mg/L in half-strength Hoagland’s solution amended with or without 10 mg/L Cd or As for 14 days. Both Cd and As alone resulted in 26–38% and 49–56% decreases in rice root and shoot biomass, respectively. Exposure to 250 mg/L C3N4 alone increased the root and shoot fresh biomass by 17.5% and 25.9%, respectively. Upon coexposure, Cd + C3N4 and As + C3N4 alleviated the heavy metal-induced phytotoxicity and increased the fresh weight by 26–38% and 49–56%, respectively. Further, the addition of C3N4 decreased Cd and As accumulation in the roots by 32% and 25%, respectively, whereas the metal contents in the shoots were 30% lower in the presence of C3N4. Both As and Cd also significantly altered the macronutrient (K, P, Ca, S, and Mg) and micronutrient (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) contents in rice, but these alterations were not evident in plants coexposed to C3N4. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis suggests that Cd significantly altered the genomic DNA of rice roots, while no difference was found in shoots. The presence of C3N4 controlled Cd and As uptake in rice by regulating transport-related genes. For example, the relative expression of the Cd transporter OsIRT1 in roots was upregulated by approximately threefold with metal exposure, but C3N4 coamendment lowered the expression. Similar results were evident in the expression of the As transporter OsNIP1;1 in roots. Overall, these findings facilitate the understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which carbon-based nanomaterials alleviate contaminant-induced phyto- and genotoxicity and may provide a new strategy for the reduction of heavy metal contamination in agriculture.
Nano-La₂O₃ Induces Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Death and Enriches for Pathogens in Honeybee Gut Bacterial Communities
(2021-01-01) Liu, Yong-Jun; Jing, Zhongwang; Bai, Xue-Ting; Diao, Qing-Yun; Wang, Jichen; Wu, Yan-Yan; Zhao, Qing; Xia, Tian; Xing, Baoshan; Holden, Patricia A.; Ge, Yuan
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) can be exposed via numerous potential pathways to ambient nanoparticles (NPs), including rare earth oxide (REO) NPs that are increasingly used and released into the environment. Gut microorganisms are pivotal in mediating honeybee health, but how REO NPs may affect honeybee health and gut microbiota remains poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, honeybees were fed pollen and sucrose syrup containing 0, 1, 10, 100, and 1000mgkg−1 of nano-La2O3 for 12days. Nano-La2O3 exerted detrimental effects on honeybee physiology, as reflected by dose-dependent adverse effects of nano-La2O3 on survival, pollen consumption, and body weight (p<0.05). Nano-La2O3 caused the dysbiosis of honeybee gut bacterial communities, as evidenced by the change of gut bacterial community composition, the enrichment of pathogenic Serratia and Frischella, and the alteration of digestion-related taxa Bombella (p<0.05). There were significant correlations between honeybee physiological parameters and the relative abundances of pathogenic Serratia and Frischella (p<0.05), underscoring linkages between honeybee health and gut bacterial communities. Taken together, this study demonstrates that nano-La2O3 can cause detrimental effects on honeybee health, potentially by disordering gut bacterial communities. This study thus reveals a previously overlooked effect of nano-La2O3 on the ecologically and economically important honeybee species Apis mellifera.

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