Journal of Applied Chemical Science International

Green Valorization of Lignin Nano Particles for Biomedicals, Biosensing and Skin Care Applications: A Review

Aniekan E. Akpakpan — 2026-06-09

Lignin, an abundant aromatic biopolymer derived from lignocellulosic biomass, has emerged as a promising sustainable biomaterial for advanced functional applications due to its intrinsic physicochemical and biological properties. In recent years, lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) have gained considerable attention due to their high surface area, tunable surface chemistry, multiple functionalities, biocompatibility, antioxidant capacity, and ultraviolet (UV) absorption characteristics. However, conventional approaches for lignin modification often rely on energy-intensive processes and utilization of hazardous chemical reagents, limiting their environmental compatibility and suitability for biomedical applications. Therefore, the development of green and sustainable processes for lignin extraction, nanoparticle synthesis, and surface modification has become increasingly important. This review critically examines Recent developments in environmentally sustainable methods of synthesizing and modifying lignin nanoparticles using green chemistry principles. The applications of green-modified LNPs in biomedical systems, biosensing technologies, and skin care formulations are discussed in detail. In biomedical, LNPs have demonstrated a significant potential as carriers for controlled drug delivery, antimicrobial systems, and tissue engineering, this is due to their low cytotoxicity and controlled release behaviour. In biosensor development, green-modified LNPs contribute to enhanced sensitivity and selectivity by facilitating biomolecule immobilization and improving electron transfer processes. Also, their antioxidant and UV-protective properties make them suitable candidates for incorporation into cosmetic and personal care products. Generally, this review work highlights the role of green synthesis and modification strategies in advancing lignin nanoparticle technology and provides insights into their growing relevance in sustainable biomedical, sensing, and skincare applications.

Production and Characterization of Zn-Cu-Mg-Mn-Ti High Entropy Alloy for Temporary Implant Applications

Ugur Alev — 2026-05-23

In this study, Zn₄₇Cu₆Mg₂₁Mn₁₉Ti₇ high entropy alloy was manufactured for temporary hard tissue implant applications. Zn alloys, which have hexagonal close packed (hcp) lattice structure, are very brittle for the biomedical implant applications. Formation of ductile body centered cubic structured solid solution could enhance the ductility of the Zn. Chemical composition of the Zn-Cu-Mg-Mn-Ti system was optimized by thermodynamic and kinetic calculations in order to obtain high entropy, solid solution, and ductile body centered cubic structure. Zn₄₇Cu₆Mg₂₁Mn₁₉Ti₇is the optimum chemical composition of the Zn-Cu-Mg-Mn-Ti high entropy alloy system according to thermodynamic and kinetic calculations. High pressure-powder injection moulding route could reduce the segregation. Zn₄₇Cu₆Mg₂₁Mn₁₉Ti₇ alloy powder was prepared by high energy mechanical alloying (ball milling) by using pure elemental metal powders. Zn₄₇Cu₆Mg₂₁Mn₁₉Ti₇ alloy specmens were manufacture by using high pressure power injecton moulding. Polymeric-binder consisted 75% polyethylene, and 25% wax. Feedstock consisted of 45% polymeric-binder and 55% alloy powder. High pressure injection moulding was carried out at 174 ºC. After the injection process, the polmerc binder was removed by heating at 235 ºC. Sintering process was carre out at 315 ºC.

Assessing the Influence of Environmental Conditions on the Dynamics of Trace Metals in the Sediments of Fresco Coastal Lagoon, Côte d’Ivoire

Yè Nicaise Ouattara — 2026-06-15

Trace metals trapped in sediments can, under certain environmental conditions, be released into the water column, potentially leading to aquatic pollution and posing an environmental risk. This study, conducted from May 2019 to June 2020, aimed to assess the impact of environmental conditions on some trace metals bound to the surface sediments of the Fresco lagoon. To this end, the physicochemical parameters of the sediments were determined using a multiparameter analyzer, and the metal concentrations were measured using an ICP-OES spectrometer. Particle size distribution was determined by sieving. Over the study period, the results obtained revealed that the sediments in Zone I have a texture consisting mainly of very coarse sands (92.04 ± 49.69%), while in Zone II, coarse sands are abundant (83.35 ± 6.91%). The analysis of physicochemical parameters showed that the sediments in Zone I are acidic (pH < 6) with a conductivity (19.32 ± 2.66 mS/cm), salinity (38.26 ± 5.85), redox potential (94.72 ± 54.07 mV), water content (179.02 ± 24.82%), and organic matter content (25.05 ± 2.15%) that are higher than those recorded in Zone II. In general, in the sediments of both zones, especially in Zone I, iron (68340±4640.37 mg/kg), manganese (200.20±53.57 mg/kg), and zinc (235.80±8.84 mg/kg) are predominant during the rainy season. This could indicate sediment pollution from domestic wastewater and the input of organic matter from coastal rivers. A sediment quality assessment could help determine the level of contamination in this lagoon ecosystem.

A Novel Timomam Model for the Assessment of Water Quality of Four Rivers in Lafia-Nigeria, Using Selected Physicochemical Parameters

T. M. Akpomie — 2026-06-23

Water samples were collected from Gandu, Tundu-Amba, Ombi-Anzaku and Shabu communities in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, north-central Nigeria, to assess water quality and develop a model based on selected physico-chemical parameters. Samples from four rivers were obtained during the dry and wet seasons and analysed for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and electrical conductivity (EC) using standard procedures. The mean pH values ranged from 6.4 to 7.2 in the dry season and from 5.9 to 7.6 in the wet season, while the mean temperatures were 27.10 °C and 26.3 °C, respectively. The corresponding dry- and wet-season mean values were 4.3 and 4.35 mg/L for DO, 2.6 and 2.0 mg/L for BOD, 2.8 and 2.7 mg/L for COD, and 100 and 86 µS/cm for EC. The measured values were below or within the maximum permissible limits for domestic water recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization. Using Minitab 18, a multivariate water quality index model, designated the TIMOMAM model, was developed from the measured parameters. The model was statistically significant (P0.10), and 98.08% of the variation in the water quality index was explained by pH, temperature, DO and BOD; COD and EC were not retained in the model. The model was applied to Shabu River and compared with the weighted arithmetic and Oregon water quality models. The respective WQI values were 19.32, 19.43 and 4.95, indicating excellent water quality status on the 0-25 scale.

Assessment of Trace Metal and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Concentrations in Seabird Eggs and Eggshells from Two National Parks in Senegal

Ousmane Diankha — 2026-06-25

Coastal protected areas in Senegal provide important breeding habitats for seabirds, but they may also be exposed to chemical contamination from local anthropogenic activities and emerging offshore hydrocarbon development. This study assessed trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in eggshells and egg contents of royal terns (Thalasseus maximus) and grey-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus) breeding in Langue de Barbarie National Park and Saloum Delta National Park. Sampling was conducted in June 2019 during the breeding season, and ten eggs were collected per species in each park. Eggshells and egg contents were analysed separately. Lead, cadmium and mercury were quantified using atomic absorption spectrometry, while priority PAHs were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Lead was the dominant trace metal in most samples, with the highest concentration recorded in royal tern eggshells from Saloum Delta National Park. Cadmium was detected at moderate concentrations, whereas mercury was mainly observed in egg contents. Royal terns generally showed higher trace metal concentrations than grey-headed gulls. Total PAH concentrations varied according to species, site and egg matrix. Royal tern eggs from Langue de Barbarie National Park showed relatively high PAH levels in both eggshells and contents, while grey-headed gull egg contents from Saloum Delta National Park also showed elevated PAH concentrations. Benzo(a)pyrene was the dominant compound in most egg-content samples. The results indicate measurable contamination of seabird eggs in both protected areas and provide baseline data for future monitoring of chemical pollutants in Senegalese coastal ecosystems.

Comparative Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Levels in Indoor and Outdoor Air and Associated Inhalation Health Risks in Akpajo, Alesa and Aleto Communities, Eleme, Rivers State, Nigeria

O. N. Nwidaa — 2026-07-11

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent semi-volatile organic contaminants generated mainly during the incomplete combustion of organic materials and petroleum-derived fuels. This study assessed PAH levels in indoor and outdoor air and estimated the associated inhalation health risks in Akpajo, Alesa and Aleto communities of Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, an industrially and traffic-influenced area of the Niger Delta. Twelve 24-hour integrated air-sampling conditions were evaluated across three communities, two seasons (dry and wet) and two microenvironments (indoor and outdoor). Airborne particulate-bound PAHs were collected using a high-volume air-sampling approach, solvent-extracted with dichloromethane:n-hexane (1:1, v/v), concentrated and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Method quality control included internal-standard calibration, field and method blanks, duplicate checks, surrogate recovery assessment, blank correction, and limits of detection and quantification. Statistical analysis was based on descriptive statistics, including range, arithmetic mean, pooled congener totals, community means, seasonal means and indoor-outdoor means. Total PAH concentrations ranged from 7.40 µg/m³ in Alesa wet-season indoor air to 30.55 µg/m³ in Aleto dry-season outdoor air. The mean total PAH concentration was highest in Aleto (21.41 µg/m³), followed by Akpajo (11.80 µg/m³) and Alesa (10.39 µg/m³). Dry-season air had a higher mean total PAH concentration (18.18 µg/m³) than wet-season air (10.88 µg/m³), while outdoor air (15.75 µg/m³) exceeded indoor air (13.32 µg/m³). Anthracene, pyrene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, naphthalene, fluorene and phenanthrene were the dominant contributors to the pooled PAH burden. Non-detected high-molecular-weight PAHs were reported as below the method detection limit rather than as true zero values. Screening-level risk assessment showed that children had higher estimated lifetime average daily dose and incremental lifetime carcinogenic risk than adults under the same sampling conditions. The highest child ILCR occurred in Aleto dry-season outdoor air (4.12E-04), while several child-risk estimates exceeded 1.00E-04, indicating potential concern under the assumptions used. The findings indicate measurable PAH contamination, higher dry-season burden and greater screening-level risk estimates for children. Routine monitoring, emission reduction, dust control and targeted public-health communication are recommended.

Decoding the Antimicrobial Components of Mentha piperita Plant Using Chemical Analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Itohowo Okon Akpan — 2026-07-13

Aims: This study investigated the antimicrobial phytochemicals present in Mentha piperita, characterised their functional groups using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and evaluated their antibacterial and antifungal activities against selected human pathogens.

Study Design: Experimental laboratory-based phytochemical, spectroscopic, and antimicrobial study.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in the Department of Chemistry, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria. Fresh Mentha piperita samples were collected from Mkpok Village, Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, between March and July 2025.

Methodology: Ethanol extracts of fresh and dried leaves and stems were prepared by maceration. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were performed using standard methods. Alkaloids, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides were prepared and characterised using an Agilent Cary 630 FTIR Spectrometer in the range of 650 - 4000 cm⁻¹. The antimicrobial activities of the crude extract and isolated phytochemicals were evaluated against six bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Escherichia coli) and four fungal (Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger) pathogens using the agar-well diffusion method, while minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by agar dilution.

Results: The extracts contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phlobatannins, cardiac glycosides, polyphenols, triterpenoids, steroids, and carbohydrates. Flavonoids (21.80 ± 2.40%) were the predominant phytochemicals, followed by cardiac glycosides (9.33 ± 1.71%) and alkaloids (4.47 ± 0.25%). FTIR spectra confirmed hydroxyl, carbonyl, amino, aromatic, and ether functional groups characteristic of bioactive compounds. The prepared crude phytochemicals exhibited broad-spectrum, concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity, with alkaloids showing the greatest antibacterial activity and cardiac glycosides exhibiting superior antifungal activity. MIC values ranged from 50 to 350 mg/mL.

Conclusion: Mentha piperita possesses abundant bioactive phytochemicals with significant antimicrobial potential. FTIR characterisation confirmed the structural features of the isolated compounds, while antimicrobial evaluation validated the plant's ethnomedicinal application. These findings highlight M. piperita as a promising, sustainable source of novel antimicrobial agents for combating antimicrobial resistance and advancing global health.