Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto

About: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 2143 authors who have published 3674 publications receiving 71071 citations. The organization is also known as: FFCLRP & FFCLRP-USP.

Sorption of Anionic Surfactants on Layered Double Hydroxides

Abstract: In the present study we investigated the adsorption of sodium dodecyl- and octylsulfate, and sodium dodecyl- and octylbenzenesulfonate, on a layered double hydroxide (LDH) under controlled conditions. The results were compared to those obtained for the adsorption of surfactants on mineral oxides and on LDHs, showing that the behavior of surfactant adsorption on LDHs can be approximately explained by the models proposed for surfactant adsorption on mineral oxides. The electrokinetic potential of the surfactant-adsorbed LDH particles in suspension was measured in order to monitor the variation of this potential as a function of the adsorption. The results showed a characteristic behavior of the surfactant-adsorbed LDH that can be correlated to a rearrangement of the adsorbed layer at concentrations above the CMC. Surfactant sorption was also studied, using SDS and the calcined LDH, showing the regeneration of the calcined material by intercalating the DS anions. Two processes can occur during the removal of surfactants from aqueous solutions by LDHs, depending on the starting material: (i) adsorption itself, when a noncalcined LDH intercalated with a nonexchangeable anion, such as carbonate, is used; and (ii) adsorption and intercalation, which occurs when a calcined LDH, like Mg–Al–CO3, is used. The potential application of this material for surfactant removal is one of the reasons for the need for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved. As we demonstrate here, LDHs are very efficient in removing surfactants from aqueous solutions.

A perspective on the potential risks of emerging contaminants to human and environmental health

Abstract: Technological, agricultural, and medical advances have improved the lifestyle of humankind. However, these advances have caused new problems that affect the environment and future generations. Emerging contaminants display properties such as low degradation potential and environmental persistence. In addition, most contaminants are lipophilic, which culminates in high bioaccumulation. The disposal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products into the environment underlies microbial and bacterial resistance. Plasticizers change several characteristics of industrialized materials, such as flexibility, but they are potentially carcinogenic and disrupt the endocrine system. Pesticides prevent the propagation of numerous kinds of pests; nevertheless, they exert neurotoxic and mutagenic effects, and they impact the environment negatively. Addition of flame retardants to a number of materials prevents flame propagation; however, after their release into the environment, these chemicals may bioaccumulate in organisms and disrupt the endocrine system, too. Surfactants can change the surface and interfacial properties of liquids, but their presence in the environment can interfere with countless enzymes and can even impair the endocrine system of various organisms and induce the feminization of species. Hence, gaining knowledge about emerging contaminants is increasingly important to minimize future damage and enable proper monitoring of each class of compounds in the environment which will help to improve legislation on this matter.

The ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, transporter genes, and azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus

Abstract: The continuous use of triazoles can result in the development of drug resistance. Azole-resistant clinical isolates, spontaneous and induced mutants of Aspergillus fumigatus have been documented. The azoles block the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway by inhibiting the enzyme 14-α-demethylase, product of the CYP51. Fungal azole resistance involves both amino acid changes in the target site that alter drug-target interactions and those that decrease net azole accumulation. The reduced intracellular accumulation has also been correlated with overexpression of multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux transporter genes of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) classes. About 20 genes are involved in the A. fumigatus ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. There are several duplicated genes in this pathway. Interestingly, erg3 and erg11 showed two copies in A. fumigatus. In general, Aspergillus spp. have proportionally more MFS transporter encoding genes than Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. pom...