Research Article
Synthesis Hazenite from Bittern as a Source of Magnesium and Sodium
Afifah Rosyidah*
,
Flavianus Meko
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
84-101
Received:
26 June 2025
Accepted:
11 July 2025
Published:
4 August 2025
Abstract: Struvite is a magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate (MAP) crystal with significant potential in agriculture as a slow-release fertilizer. Struvite and its derivatives, such as Hazenite, Struvite-K, and Struvite-Na, can form through specific chemical reactions. Hazenite, a newly discovered mineral in the struvite group, contains two monovalent cations (Na+ and K+) and can be applied in agriculture and orthopedics. Hazenite has an orthorhombic structure with a dipyramidal crystal system and a formula weight of 276.331 g/mol. It was first discovered in Mono Lake, California, and named in honor of Robert M. Hazen. Hazenite forms biologically by microbes that precipitate this crystal when phosphorus levels in the environment increase. The precipitation of struvite and its derivatives requires magnesium, which can be sourced from alternatives like bittern, a byproduct of salt production. This study successfully synthesized Hazenite from bittern as a source of magnesium and sodium. XRD characterization revealed that Hazenite is the dominant phase in the sample, with a tubular elongated shape detected through FESEM-EDX. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken Design (BBD), optimal conditions for Hazenite production were identified: pH 11.0 - 11.5, reaction time 45 - 50 minutes, and Mg:Na:PO4 molar ratios of 1:1:1 - 1.2:1.2:1 or 1.8:1.8:1 - 2:2:1. These conditions yielded the highest Hazenite percentage (>95%).
Abstract: Struvite is a magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate (MAP) crystal with significant potential in agriculture as a slow-release fertilizer. Struvite and its derivatives, such as Hazenite, Struvite-K, and Struvite-Na, can form through specific chemical reactions. Hazenite, a newly discovered mineral in the struvite group, contains two monovalent ca...
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Research Article
Computer-aided Design of Coumarin Inhibitors of Quinone Oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) with a Favorable Pharmacokinetic Profile
Honoré Kouadio Yao,
Akoun Abou,
Abdoulaye Djandé,
Niaré Adama*,
Megnassan Eugène,
Issouf Soro
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
102-121
Received:
30 June 2025
Accepted:
14 July 2025
Published:
4 August 2025
Abstract: Over the last ten years, cancer therapies have struggled with drug resistance. In this report, we explore new coumarin (COU) compounds designed to inhibit the enzyme NQO1, which shows potential for effective treatment due to their favorable predicted drug properties. Three-dimensional (3D) models of NQO1-COUx complexes were generated through in situ modifications of the crystal structure of NQO1-COU12 (PDB entry code: 3JSX), which served as the reference compound for a training set of of 22 and a validation set of 6 VCOUs with known experimental inhibitory potencies. To identify the active conformation of COU1-22, we developed a gas-phase quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model that established a linear correlation between the calculated enthalpy of NQO1-COU complex formation and the values of experimental activities. Subsequently, we screened the Virtual Compound Library (VCL) using Lipinski's Rule of Five and the PH4 model, then assessed the potency of the new COU analogues using the retained QSAR model. The pharmacokinetic profile of the analogues obtained was also evaluated using the linear correlation equation derived from the QSAR model. The coefficient of determination (R²), the Leave One Out (LOO) cross-validated Squared and the Standard error of regression σ for this equation are 0.91, 0.94 and 0.14, respectively, thus revealing the high predictive power of this model. Similarly, the PH4 model, with a correlation coefficient of 0.91, demonstrated robust predictive power. A comprehensive screening of the COU virtual analogue library yielded a total of 63 drug candidates with oral bioavailability, among which the most promising compounds exhibited a predicted potency of 12.22 and a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. The integration of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) techniques and in silico screening, based on the PH4 model, has enabled us to propose potent anticancer candidates with optimal pharmacokinetic profiles.
Abstract: Over the last ten years, cancer therapies have struggled with drug resistance. In this report, we explore new coumarin (COU) compounds designed to inhibit the enzyme NQO1, which shows potential for effective treatment due to their favorable predicted drug properties. Three-dimensional (3D) models of NQO1-COUx complexes were generated through in sit...
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Research Article
Optimization of the Synthetic Procedure for Functionalizing Activated Carbon Produced from Canarium Ovatum with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Toward Effective Adsorption Using a Central Full Factorial Design
Nintedem Magapgie Lincold,
Mabou Leuna Jules*,
Ngassa Piegang Guy,
Mbouombouo Bomiko Jacques,
Victor Shikuku,
Gerard Pierre Tchieta*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
122-139
Received:
30 June 2025
Accepted:
29 July 2025
Published:
13 August 2025
Abstract: This work concerns the determination of conditions for optimizing the synthesis of a composite material consisting of activated carbon and iron (III) oxide nanoparticles in order to improve adsorptions properties such as adsorption yield and enthalpy of adsorption of malachite green. A three-point central full factorial design was used for this purpose to evaluate impact of optimal synthesis parameters namely the concentration of iron nitrate, the annealing temperature, the synthesis pH and the citric acid/iron nitrate molar ratio. The existence of interaction between the synthesis parameters increases the effects of the latter on the properties of the composite material obtained. The increase in the concentration and the decrease in the annealing temperature favors an increase in the adsorption yield from 60% to 76%. There is also an increase in the adsorption enthalpy up to values greater than or equal to 40 kJ.mol-1 when there is an increase in the synthesis pH and the iron nitrate concentration simultaneously with the drop in the molar ratio citric acid/iron nitrate and the annealing temperature. Composite material obtained following the optimal conditions: annealing temperature at 400°C, with an ionic iron concentration of 0.150 mol.L-1 at pH 5 and a molar ratio close to 0.250 exhibited an adsorption yield of ~80%, higher than pristine activated carbon (~70%) and an increase in the variation of enthalpy (from -12.010 kJ.mol-1 to 52.612 kJ.mol-1). The results of this work provide a basis from which to effectively functionalize an adsorbent with iron oxide nanoparticles with the aim of having more improved adsorbent properties.
Abstract: This work concerns the determination of conditions for optimizing the synthesis of a composite material consisting of activated carbon and iron (III) oxide nanoparticles in order to improve adsorptions properties such as adsorption yield and enthalpy of adsorption of malachite green. A three-point central full factorial design was used for this pur...
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