Portugaliae
Electrochimica Acta

Clobazam (CLB) is a benzodiazepine and a central nervous system depressant. This first ever reported paper introduced a novel potentiometric sensor designed for the simple cost-effective assay of CLB in pharmaceuticals and spiked human urine (SHU). The sensor leveraged an ion association complex between CLB and bromophenol blue (BPB), which is a sulfonephthalein dye, integrated into a poly vinyl chloride matrix, with dibutyl phthalate as plasticizer, and prepared in tetrahydrofuran. IR spectral data were obtained to confirm the formation of CLB-BPB ion-association complex. For CLB, potentiometric measurements of the sensor yielded a linear calibration curve in the range of 9.3 × 10-5 to 4.8×10⁻4 M, with a regression coefficient of 0.9712. The slope of 30.35 indicated Nernstian behaviour of the sensor, corroborating two N atoms in CLB. The sensor demonstrated excellent performance, with a mean accuracy of about 98%, recovery from tablet formulations of 96.83%, and recovery over 96% from SHU samples. The interference study revealed the inactive role of common cations and anions, while measuring CLB potential. Additionally, the sensor showed excellent accuracy, precision, robustness and ruggedness, which makes it highly suitable for routine assays in pharmaceutical and physiotherapeutic laboratories. This method provides a reliable tool for monitoring CLB levels, addressing the need for effective therapeutic drug monitoring. Keywords: BPB; CLB; ion-association complex; pharmaceutical and potentiometric sensor; spiked human urine sample.

Fish oil is one of the most valuable dietary complements for healthy bodily functions. The effects of this product vary from fast and healthy development of cognitive abilities to prevention of cardiac diseases. One of most important components of fish oil is Omega-3, made from a variety of fatty acids (FA), such as Eicosatetraenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on which the present study has focused. As the human body can hardly synthesize these elements on its own, it is crucial to include them as part of a daily diet. However, fish oil capsules on the market are highly priced, and might contain chemical additives. This work’s main goal was to propose a valorization method for the waste of Sardina pilchardus, of which choice was based on its oily properties, and on the fact that it is the most present and consumed species in Morocco. Fish oil extraction was completely organic, and performed without any additives or chemicals. This oil can be used as animal feed additive and supplement. Additionally, the presence of multiple FA, specially EPA and DHA, was herein proved by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. Obtained quantities of pure oil exceeded 50 mL/kg fish waste. Keywords: fish oil; fish waste; GS-MC; Middle-atlas; Morocco; Omega-3; Sardina pilchardus; valorization.

Agriculture, food and food-processing sectors produce 1.3 billion tonnes of lignocellulosic-based biomass (LCB) globally each year. LCB is a viable alternative energy source, due to its economical nature and minimal waste production. LCB may be efficiently transformed into fuels like bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas, along with higher-value products, such as organic acids, enzymes, biopolymers and charcoal. Nonetheless, owing to its structural intricacy and resistance, LCB presents difficulties for large-scale application. Consequently, its preparation is essential for effective delignification. The approach isolates hemicellulose and cellulose (CL) from lignin within a complex polymer matrix. This diminishes matrix size, while augmenting surface area of CL molecules, hence enhancing their accessibility to microorganisms and enzymes for hydrolysis and fermentation, respectively. Pretreatment procedures may be classified as chemical, physical, chemical/physical or biological. Physical methods include mechanical grinding, ultrasound and electromagnetic radiation. Chemical methodologies comprise acid/alkaline hydrolysis, organosol processes, ionic liquids and ozonolysis. Physical-chemical processes encompass ammonia fibre explosion, CO2 detonation, moisture explosion and liquid hot water filtering. The use of particular yeasts, fungi and bacteria in biological pretreatment processes is not yet extensively implemented. Keywords: biofuels; biomass; hydrolysis; pretreatment procedures; value-added goods.

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) presents a significant challenge in terms of diagnosis, follow-up and recurrence monitoring. Current methods for follow-up, such as cystoscopy and cytology, are invasive, time-consuming, and often associated with discomfort for patients. Hence, there is a pressing need for the development of non-invasive, cost effective and efficient techniques for NMIBC monitoring. In this study, an electrochemical simplified method for the follow-up of NMIBC is proposed, offering a promising alternative to conventional approaches. The method is based on the detection of cancerous cells using a carbon paste electrode (CPE). This electrode showed considerable activity for the detection and characterization of cancerous cells which are manifested by the appearance of two redox peaks, and also a remarkable increase in specific capacitance. The effect of the presence of iron ions in the electrolytic medium showed a very considerable difference in voltammograms. Fenton reaction was manifested by two redox peaks characteristic of the presence of cancer cells. Keywords: BC; CPE; CB; EIS; non-invasive follow up; SWV.

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) is considered the most effective remediation material for contaminated soils, especially by heavy metals. In this case, nZVI were extracted from two different iron salt precursors, FeCl3 (FC) and Fe(NO3)3 (FN), and then coated onto SiO2, at 650 and 800 ºC. Synthesis of nZVI was carried out in a C₂H₆O medium, under N atmospheric conditions, using Fe3+ with Fe(NO3)3 and FeCl3, as counter ions, and NaBH4 as reducing agent. XRD and SEM were used to characterize structures of nZVI. Furthermore, electrical properties of nZVI produced in an aqueous medium were examined. Keywords: electrical conductivity; FC; FN; nZVI; SiO2.