Sorption behavior of chitosan nanoparticles for single and binary removal of cationic and anionic dyes from aqueous solution.

In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (ChNs) were used as an adsorbent for single and simultaneous uptake of cationic (methylene blue (MB)) and anionic (methyl orange (MO)) dyes. ChNs were prepared based on the ionic gelation method using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and characterized by zetasizer, FTIR, BET, SEM, XRD, and pH. The studied parameters that affect removal efficiency included pH, time, and dyes' concentration.

The synergistic effect of gamma irradiation and alkaline soaking at low temperature on the pre-deacetylation of α-chitin: Optimization by design of experiment.

The effect of gamma irradiation and alkaline soaking time at low temperature (4 °C) as a pretreatment of α-chitin before its N-deacetylation and the effect temperature, NaOH concentration and the reaction time traditionally used during the deacetylation process were studied by applying a factorial experimental design. The top and bottom levels applied for each factor were 1-25 kGy for γ irradiation dose, 2-18 hours for alkaline soaking time at low temperature (4 °C), 50-85 °C for temperature, 35-60% for NaOH concentration and 30-90 min for reaction time. The measured response of deacetylation degree (DD) was determined by FTIR.

Development of alginate gel beads with a potential use in the treatment against acute lead poisoning.

The objective was to develop alginate beads that could adsorb lead ions in gastric pH, in view to preconize their use in gastric lavage following lead poisoning. The swelling measurements of both, dry and hydrated beads, were carried out in simulated gastric fluid (SGF). The sorption kinetics was examined at lead concentrations ranging from 50 to 200mg/l.

Oral delivery of insulin from alginate/chitosan crosslinked by glutaraldehyde.

Insulin is mainly administered via subcutaneous route by injection which is the cause of painful and possible infections. Oral insulin administration would present a more convenient form of application because it is less invasive. Oral delivery of insulin to the gastrointestinal tract is one of the most challenging issues, because it numerous barriers to overcome in order to create an effective system for insulin delivery.

Selenium content in wheat and estimation of the selenium daily intake in different regions of Algeria.

In this work, we have measured the selenium content in wheat produced locally in eight different regions of Algeria from east to west, and we have established the annual consumption of selenium for five socio-professional categories. Instrumental neutron activation analysis is used. The selenium levels in wheat samples varied from 21 (Tiaret) to 153 μg/kg (Khroub), with a mean value about 52 μg/kg.