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Migration and subsequent invasion of extravillous trophoblasts into the uterus is essential for proper formation of the placenta. Disruption of these processes may result in poor pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia, placenta accreta, fetal growth restriction, or fetal death. Currently, there are several methods for quantifying cell migration and invasion in vitro , each with limitations. Therefore, we developed a novel, high-throughput method to screen chemicals for their ability to alter human trophoblast migration. Human HTR8/SVneo trophoblast cells were cultured in Oris™ cell migration plates containing stopper barriers. After EVT cells attached and chemicals were added to media, stoppers were removed thereby creating a cell-free detection zone for migration. Entry of trophoblasts into this zone was monitored through imaging every 6 h and used to calculate a relative cell density. Chemicals known to increase (epidermal growth factor) and decrease (pertussis toxin and cadmium) trophoblast migration were used to validate this in vitro method. Next, a panel of environmental chemicals including bisphenols, mycoestrogens, and flame retardants, were screened for their ability to alter trophoblast invasion. In conclusion, a real-time method to track extravillous trophoblast migration offers potential for screening contaminants as placental toxicants. [Display omitted] • Trophoblast entry into a cell-free zone can be monitored with real-time imaging. • This migration assay can be used to screen potential human placenta toxicants. • Cadmium chloride, bisphenols, and mycoestrogens reduce trophoblast migration. • Organophosphate flame retardants increase trophoblast migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of Bisphenol F and S exposure on the skeletal structures of Sprague-Dawley rats. Given the increasing concern about the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of Bisphenol analogs on bone health, this research sought to elucidate their impact in conjunction with Melatonin. Using 80 male Sprague Dawley rats, bones were subjected to a 3-point bending test to assess mechanical properties, and histopathological evaluation was conducted after fixation and decalcification. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. The results of the mechanical tests revealed significant differences in deformation and elastic modulus values between groups treated with Bisphenol F+Melatonin and Bisphenol S+Melatonin compared to the control groups. However, the histological images showed no significant differences between the groups. In the discussion, it was noted that the injection of Bisphenol F and Melatonin together increased bone hardness, suggesting that Bisphenol F and Bisphenol S may mitigate the negative effects of melatonin on bone. We attributed the absence of histological differences to the male gender of the studied rats and previous exposure considerations. This study shows that Melatonin can reduce Bisphenol F and Bisphenol S′ rapid adjustment effects and increase bone elasticity. The side effects of Bisphenol F and S, as well as the prophylactic effects of Melatonin, can be observed and improved by carefully adjusting the duration, dose, and gender selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compare, the prevalence, fate, and sources of Bisphenol A both globally and in India. India has the highest concentration of BPA and Bisphenol S(BPS) in general, with vegetables, particularly corn, beans, strings, and raw or canned vegetables, being the largest contributors. Among all the matrices, bisphenols (BPs) are found in the highest concentration in food, followed by surface water, wastewater, and indoor dust. BPA, BPS, and BPF are the most commonly reported analogues in India, with BPA being the most dominant category used worldwide. The highest concentration of BPs is observed in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana that are three major agricultural states of India however, there is still a research gap regarding the dietary exposure to BPs on an individual level. Environmentally detected BPA occurs in a range of below detection to 10636 ng. L−1, with significant geographic variations. Interestingly, the order of abundance in India was maximum for BPS, which is contrary to the global average, where BPA is observed as most abundant. BPS is found to be the most common BPs analogue in surface water worldwide, with limited removal efficiency by both naturally remediation and conventional treatment methods. Similar patterns were observed in the US-India and Japan-Korea regions in terms of their source-sink-prevalence-fate dynamics. The probability of exceeding safe concentrations of BPs is higher in India and Korea, suggesting that these countries are more vulnerable to high prevalence concentrations and the subsequent public health hazards. [Display omitted] • Indian and global scenarios of Bisphenol are compared for source, fate & prevalence. • Worldwide BPS is found dominant in surface water with restricted removal efficiency. • In India BPS was the most prevalent BP analogue contrary to the global abundance of BPA. • The US-India, & Japan-Korea exhibit similar source-sink-prevalence-fate dynamics. • Probability exceedance suggests India and Korea are vulnerable to high concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance is becoming increasingly severe. The development of small molecular antimicrobial peptides is regarded as a promising design strategy for antibiotics. Here, a series of bisphenol derivatives with amphiphilic structures were designed and synthesized as antibacterial agents by imitating the design strategy of antimicrobial peptides. After a series of structural optimizations, lead compound 43 was identified, which exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacterial strains (MICs = 0.78–1.56 μg/mL), poor hemolytic activity (HC 50 > 200 μg/mL), and low cytotoxicity (CC 50 > 100 μg/mL). Further biological evaluation results indicated that 43 exerted antibacterial effects by directly destroying bacterial cell membranes and displayed rapid bactericidal properties (within 0.5–1 h), leading to a very low probability of drug resistance. Moreover, in a murine model of corneal infection, 43 exhibited a strong in vivo antibacterial efficacy. These findings indicate that 43 is a promising candidate compound for the treatment of bacterial infections. [Display omitted] • A series of bisphenol derivatives as antimicrobials were synthesized by imitating cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs). • The lead compound 43 displayed excellent antibacterial activity, poor hemolytic activity, and low cytotoxicity in vitro. • Compound 43 exerted antibacterial effects by directly destroying bacterial cell membranes, leading to a low probability of drug resistance. • Compound 43 exhibited a strong in vivo antibacterial efficacy in a murine corneal infection model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mechanisms behind bisphenol mixtures and metal mixtures on T2DM still unclear. • Metabolomics techniques were used to provide clues. • Bisphenol mixtures were associated with an elevated T2DM risk. • 154 differential metabolites were screened between T2DM cases and controls. • Mediating effect of metabolites was found in the association of BPA and Zn with T2DM. Little is known about the combined effect of bisphenol mixtures and metal mixtures on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk, and the mediating roles of metabolites. The study included 606 pairs of T2DM cases and controls matched by age and sex, and information of participants was collected through questionnaires and laboratory tests. Serum bisphenol and plasma metal concentrations were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. Widely targeted metabolomics was employed to obtain the serum metabolomic profiles. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess the single associations of bisphenols and metals with T2DM risk after multivariable adjustment. Additionally, the joint effects of bisphenol mixtures and metal mixtures were examined using quantile-based g-computation (QG-C) models. Furthermore, differential metabolites associated with T2DM were identified, and mediation analyses were performed to explore the role of metabolites in the associations of bisphenols and metals with T2DM risk. The results showed bisphenol mixtures were associated with an increased T2DM risk, with bisphenol A (BPA) identified as the primary contributor. While the association between metal mixtures and T2DM remained inconclusive, cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) showed the highest weight indices for T2DM risk. A total of 154 differential metabolites were screened between the T2DM cases and controls. Mediation analyses indicated that 9 metabolites mediated the association between BPA and T2DM, while L-valine mediated the association between Zn and T2DM risk. The study indicated that BPA, Co, Fe, and Zn were the primary contributors to increased T2DM risk, and metabolites played a mediating role in the associations of BPA and Zn with the risk of T2DM. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the associations of bisphenols and metals with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 28 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), 40 for females and 42 for males. • Sex-specific effects, with few common probes and DMRs between sexes. • Most DMRs associated with parabens, DEHP, and DiNP metabolites. • DMRs encompassed 9 imprinted genes. • Enrichment in adiposity, lipid and glucose metabolism, and cardiovascular phenotypes. Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) such as phthalates and phenols can affect placental functioning and fetal health, potentially via epigenetic modifications. We investigated the associations between pregnancy exposure to synthetic phenols and phthalates estimated from repeated urine sampling and genome wide placental DNA methylation. The study is based on 387 women with placental DNA methylation assessed with Infinium MethylationEPIC arrays and with 7 phenols, 13 phthalates, and two non-phthalate plasticizer metabolites measured in pools of urine samples collected twice during pregnancy. We conducted an exploratory analysis on individual CpGs (EWAS) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) as well as a candidate analysis focusing on 20 previously identified CpGs. Sex-stratified analyses were also performed. In the exploratory analysis, when both sexes were studied together no association was observed in the EWAS. In the sex-stratified analysis, 114 individual CpGs (68 in males, 46 in females) were differentially methylated, encompassing 74 genes (36 for males and 38 for females). We additionally identified 28 DMRs in the entire cohort, 40 for females and 42 for males. Associations were mostly positive (for DMRs: 93% positive associations in the entire cohort, 60% in the sex-stratified analysis), with the exception of several associations for bisphenols and DINCH metabolites that were negative. Biomarkers associated with most DMRs were parabens, DEHP, and DiNP metabolite concentrations. Some DMRs encompassed imprinted genes including APC (associated with parabens and DiNP metabolites), GNAS (bisphenols), ZIM2;PEG3;MIMT1 (parabens, monoethyl phthalate), and SGCE ; PEG10 (parabens, DINCH metabolites). Terms related to adiposity, lipid and glucose metabolism, and cardiovascular function were among the enriched phenotypes associated with differentially methylated CpGs. The candidate analysis identified one CpG mapping to imprinted LGALS8 gene, negatively associated with ethylparaben. By combining improved exposure assessment and extensive placental epigenome coverage, we identified several novel genes associated with the exposure, possibly in a sex-specific manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ecotoxicological impact of bisphenol a analogues. • BPA analogues-treated cells show chloroplast ultrastructural alterations. • Bisphenol a analogues induce ROS production and lipid accumulation. • Microalgae bioaccumulate bisphenol a analogues. As well-known, microalgae have a pivotal role in aquatic environments, being the primary producer. In this study, we investigated the effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) analogues on cell ultrastructure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and photosynthetic pigment responses in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Microalgae were exposed during both exponential and stationary growth phases to an environmental relevant concentration (300 ng/L) of three differing BPA analogues (BPAF, BPF, and BPS) and their mixture (100 ng/L of each compound). Bioaccumulation of such compounds in microalgae was also analysed. During the stationary growth phase, a significant increase in the percentage of cells with hydrogen peroxide production was recorded after exposure to both BPS and MIX. Conversely, no significant effects on total chlorophylls and carotenoids were observed. During exponential growth phase we observed that control cultures had chloroplasts with well-organized thylakoid membranes and a central pyrenoid. On the contrary, the culture cells treated with BPA analogues and MIX showed chloroplasts characterized by evident dilation of thylakoid membranes. The presence of degeneration areas in the cytoplasm was also recorded. During the stationary growth phase, control and culture cells were characterized by chloroplasts with a regular thylakoid system, whereas BPA analogues-exposed cells were characterized by a deep degradation of the cytoplasm but showed chloroplasts without evident alterations of the thylakoid system. Lipid bodies were visible in treated microalgae. Lastly, microalgae bioaccumulated mainly BPS and BPF, alone or in the MIX. Overall, results obtained revealed that BPA analogues can affect some important biochemical and ultrastructure features of microalgae, promoting ROS production. Lastly, the capability of microalgae to bioaccumulate bisphenols suggest a potential ecotoxicological risk for filter-feeders organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reproductive effects of prolonged bisphenol exposure were evaluated in marine medaka. • Bisphenol exposure resulted in histological damage to the ovary. • Bisphenol exposure altered mRNA expression of genes associated with the HPG axis. • BPAF significantly affected medaka spawning. • Bisphenol exposure had transgenerational effects on medaka. As awareness of BPA's health risks has increased, many countries and regions have implemented strict controls on its use. Consequently, bisphenol analogues like BPF and BPAF are being increasingly used as substitutes. However, these compounds are also becoming increasingly prevalent in the environment due to production, use and disposal processes. The oceans act as a repository for various pollutants, and recent studies have revealed the extensive presence of bisphenols (BPs, including BPA, BPF, BPAF, etc.) in the marine environment, posing numerous health hazards to marine wildlife. Nevertheless, the reproductive toxicity of these chemicals on marine fish is not comprehensively comprehended yet. Thus, the histological features of the gonads and the gene expression profiles of HPG (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal) axis-related genes in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) were studied after exposure to single and combined BPs for 70 days. The effects of each exposure group on spawning, embryo fertilization, and hatching in marine medaka were also assessed. Furthermore, the impacts of each exposure group on the genes related to methylation in the F2 and F3 generations were consistently investigated. BPs exposure was found to cause follicular atresia, irregular oocytes, and empty follicles in the ovary; but no significant lesions in the testis were observed. The expression of several HPG axis genes, including cyp19b, 17βhsd, 3βhsd , and fshr , resulted in significant changes compared to the control group. The quantity of eggs laid and fertilization rate decreased in all groups treated with BPs, with the BPAF-treated group showing a notable reduction in the number of eggs laid. Additionally, the hatching rate showed a more significant decline in the BPF-treated group. The analysis of methylated genes in the offspring of bisphenol-treated groups revealed significant changes in the expression of genes including amh, dnmt1, dnmt3ab, mbd2 , and mecp2 , indicating a potential transgenerational impact of bisphenols on phenotype through epigenetic modifications. Overall, the potential detrimental impact of bisphenol on the reproduction of marine medaka emphasizes the need for caution in considering the use of BPAF and BPF as substitutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Given policy regulations restricting bisphenol A (BPA) in food-related products, and consumer concerns about adverse health effects, newer bisphenols such as bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) have been developed. Exposure to BPA has been linked to dietary behaviors and poor health outcomes. Objectives We sought to examine how the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and its 13 subgroups, the healthy American diet, the Mediterranean diet, the vegetarian diet, and other dietary quality behaviors are related to BPA and the newer substitutes in a representative sample of US adults. Methods Dietary intakes from the NHANES were used to determine dietary scores. Osmolality-adjusted urinary BPA (n  = 6418) and BPF and BPS (n  = 2520) concentrations were tested for their association with dietary intake in models that adjusted for sociodemographics. Results Compared with low scores, high scores for total HEI and the American, Mediterranean, and vegetarian diets were associated with lower odds of high BPA concentration (OR: 0.65, 0.60, 0.59, and 0.60, respectively). Of the HEI subgroups, lower BPA concentration was associated with high total fruit (OR: 0.61; 99.95% CI: 0.42, 0.89), whole fruit (OR: 0.59; 99.95% CI: 0.41, 0.86), and whole grain (OR: 0.68; 99.95% CI: 0.40, 0.94) intake, when compared with low intakes. Compared with low intakes, high intakes of plain and tap water were associated with lower odds of high BPA concentration (OR: 0.65; 99.95% CI: 0.47, 0.91 and OR: 0.70; 99.95% CI: 0.50, 0.99, respectively). A perception of high, compared with low, dietary quality was also associated with lower odds of high BPA concentration (OR: 0.72; 99.95% CI: 0.53, 0.98). Conclusions Healthier dietary quality and several HEI subgroups were related to lower urinary BPA concentrations; no significant (P  ≤ 0.0005) findings were observed for BPF and BPS. The association between bisphenol substitutes and dietary quality should continue to be monitored as bisphenol substitutes continue to increase in the food system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bisphenol AP, B, and Z bind to the estrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ). • These bisphenols function as an agonist for ERα but an antagonist for ERβ. • The determinants of such bifunctionality are bulky hydrocarbon groups. • Bifunctional activities are due to the London dispersion force. • Not only halogens but also hydrocarbons bring about a dispersion force. As demonstrated for bisphenol AF (BPAF), the electrostatic halogen bond based on the London dispersion force of halogen atoms was found to be a major driving force of their bifunctional ERα-agonist and ERβ-antagonist activities. Because similar electronic effects are anticipated for hydrocarbon groups (alkyl or aryl groups), we hypothesized that bisphenol compounds consisting of such groups also work bifunctionally. In the present study, we examined bisphenol AP (BPAP), B (BPB), and Z (BPZ). After recognizing their considerably strong receptor binding affinities, we evaluated the abilities of BPAP, BPB, and BPZ to activate ERα and ERβ in a luciferase reporter gene assay. These bisphenols were fully active for ERα but completely inactive for ERβ. When we examined their inhibitory activities for 17β-estradiol in ERβ by two different qualitative and quantitative analytical methods, we found that those bisphenols worked as definite antagonists. Consequently, they were established as bifunctional ERα-agonists and ERβ-antagonists. The present structure–activity analyses revealed that the dispersion force works not only on the halogens but also on the hydrocarbon groups, and that it is a major driving force of bifunctional ERα-agonist and ERβ-antagonist activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantially polluted tunnel wash water (TWW) is produced during road tunnel maintenance. Previous literature has reported the presence of trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, it was hypothesized that other organic pollutants are present, and more knowledge is needed to prevent environmental harm. This study reveals for the first time the presence of four short- and 17 long-chained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), three benzothiazoles (BTHs), six benzotriazoles (BTRs), four bisphenols, and four benzophenones in TWW from a Norwegian road tunnel over a period of three years. Concentrations of PAHs, PFASs, BTHs, and BTRs were higher than previously reported in e.g., road runoff and municipal wastewater. Trace elements and PAHs were largely particulate matter associated, while PFASs, BTHs, BTRs, bisphenols, and benzophenones were predominantly dissolved. 26 of the determined contaminants were classified as persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) and are of special concern. It was recommended that regulations for TWW quality should be expanded to include PMT contaminants (such as PFPeA, PFBS, BTR, and 4-OH-BzP) and markers of pollution (like 2-M-BTH, 2-OH-BTH, and 2-S-BTH from tire wear particles). These findings highlight the need to treat TWW before discharge into the environment, addressing both, particulate matter associated and dissolved contaminants. [Display omitted] • PFAS, benzothiazoles, benzotriazoles, bisphenols, and benzophenones detected. • Numerous compounds reported for the first time in tunnel wash water. • Several compounds present in higher concentrations than e.g., road runoff. • 29 compounds classified as persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) substances. • Stricter regulation and treatment recommended to prevent environmental harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used plastic material, but its potential endocrine disrupting effect has restricted its use. The BPA alternatives have raised concerns. This study aimed to compare inhibitory potencies of 11 BPA analogues on human and rat placental aromatase (CYP19A1). The inhibitory potency on human CYP19A1 ranged from bisphenol H (IC 50 , 0.93 μM) to tetramethyl BPA and tetrabromobisphenol S (ineffective at 100 μM) when compared to BPA (IC 50 , 73.48 μM). Most of them were mixed/competitive inhibitors and inhibited estradiol production in human BeWo cells. Molecular docking analysis showed all BPA analogues bind to steroid active site or in between steroid and heme of CYP19A1 and form a hydrogen bond with catalytic residue Met374. Pharmacophore analysis showed that there were 4 hydrophobic regions for BPA analogues, with bisphenol H occupying 4 regions. Bivariate correlation analysis showed that LogP (lipophilicity) and LogS (water solubility) of BPA analogues were correlated with their IC 50 values. Computerized drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics analysis showed that bisphenol H, tetrabromobisphenol A, and tetrachlorobisphenol A had low solubility, which might explain their weaker inhibition on estradiol production on BeWo cells. In conclusion, BPA analogues mostly can inhibit CYP19A1 and the lipophilicity determines their inhibitory strength. [Display omitted] • Some bisphenol A analogues potently inhibit placental CYP19A1. • Some bisphenol A analogues inhibit estradiol production by human BeWo cells. • Hydrophobicity determines the inhibitory strength of bisphenol A analogues on CYP19A1. • Most bisphenol A analogues bind to steroid-binding site and between steroid and heme of CYP19A1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between oxidative stress and exposure to bisphenols, parabens, phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been investigated by many in vitro and in vivo studies. However, most of these findings are based on cross-sectional studies, as a result of which the combined effects of these compounds have been rarely analyzed. In this study, our objective was to assess urinary bisphenols, parabens, PAHs, and VOCs, in relation to oxidative stress during pre-and postpartum periods, analyze the association between these chemicals and oxidative stress via repeated measurements using a linear mixed model (LMM), and evaluate the combined effects exerted by these chemicals on oxidative stress using Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR). A total 529 urine samples were collected from 242 pregnant women during the 1st and 2nd trimesters, as well as postpartum follow-ups. Three bisphenols, four parabens, benzopheone-3 (BP-3), triclosan (TCS), four PAHs, two VOCs, and 3- phenoxy-benzoic acid (3-PBA) were analyzed. We also measured 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA), which serve as oxidative stress biomarkers in maternal urine samples. During this period, 8-OHdG decreased steadily, whereas MDA increased during pregnancy and decreased after childbirth. LMM indicated that Bisphenol A, Prophyl-paraben, BP-3, and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) showed a significant association with increased MDA levels. The BKMR models revealed that the mixture effect exerted by these 16 chemicals had changed MDA levels, which indicate oxidative stress, and that both Butyl Paraben (BP) and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) had contributed to such oxidative stress. Mixtures of each subgroup (bisphenols, parabens, and PAHs) were associated with increased MDA levels. These findings suggest that exposure to some phenols and PAHs during pre- and post-partum stages may cause oxidative stress, and that exposure to these chemicals should be minimized during this period. [Display omitted] • 8-OHdG levels decreased steadily during prepartum and postpartum periods. • BPA, PP, BP-3, and 1-OHP were linked to increased oxidative stress, especially MDA. • A mixture of 16 chemicals associated with the MDA of oxidative stress. • BP and 1-OHP were contributors to oxidative stress in mixture effect model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins which is biologically harmful and toxicologically relevant at low doses. Electrochemical sensors offer rapid and accurate detection of bisphenols but suffer from electrode fouling. Boron-doped diamond is known for its exceptional capability to resist chemical fouling due to the weak molecular adsorption of s p 3 carbon. In this work, we use nanodiamond to overcome electrode fouling and detect BPA with a low detection limit at 5 nM. Further, we demonstrate the use of nanocarbon-modified electrodes for BPA detection. One-time use nanocarbon electrodes detect BPA through direct oxidation of BPA in a sensitive and reproducible fashion. For continuous monitoring of BPA, we introduce a new approach based on the detection of the by-product of BPA oxidation, hydroquinone (HQ), which acts as a proxy for BPA quantitation without the need of electrode replacement. These findings aim to tackle the challenges of increasing concern of BPA food and water contamination, as an alternative to the more costly and time consuming central laboratory tests. Image 1 • Electrode fouling limits the use of electrochemical Bisphenol A (BPA) sensors but can be minimised using carbon electrodes. • We developed a low-fouling, highly sensitive and reliable continuous BPA monitoring system based on boron-doped nanodiamond. • Novel nanocarbon-modified electrodes detect BPA as an easy-to-use and low-cost sensor by directly oxidising BPA. • We monitor BPA concentration by detecting the BPA oxidation by-product, different from traditional electrochemical sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new electrochemical nanostructured sensor based on FeNP and GO was developed. • The novel GO@FeNps hybrid material shows high sensitivity and selectivity for bisphenols detection. • The new sensor exhibits a clear separation of approximately 300 mV between the anodic peaks of BPA and BPS. • BPA and BPS simultaneous detection was achieved in surface urban wastewaters. In this work, a novel and sensitive electrochemical sensor was developed for the simultaneous determination of low concentration levels of Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Bisphenol-S (BPS) in a secondary effluent from a wastewater treatment plant and surface water. The sensor design involved the utilization of a glassy carbon electrode that was modified with hybrid iron nanoparticles and a nanostructure of graphene oxide. The synthesized material displayed a stable heterostructure, facilitating efficient electronic transfer and exhibiting impressive electrocatalytic capacity. Furthermore, the sensor successfully detected anodic signals of BPA and BPS with a peak separation of 0.28 V, confirming its excellent performance. For method optimization, a chemometric tool based on a Central Composite Face (CCF) design response surface was employed. The optimized conditions yielded an analytical curve with a linear range of 15.0 to 120.0 µmol L−1 for BPA, represented by the equation I ap (µA)= -0.088 + 0.044 (µA L µmol−1) [cBPA], and 20.0 to 70.0 µmol L−1 for BPS, represented by the equation I ap (µA)= -0.367 + 0.025 (µA L µmol−1) [cBPS]. The detection and quantification limits for BPA were established at 12.05 and 36.51 µmol L−1, respectively. Similarly, for BPS, the corresponding values were determined to be 11.63 and 35.24 µmol L−1. The electrochemical method developed was validated by comparing it with the high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) technique. Notably, the electrochemical method demonstrated to be successful in the simultaneous detection and quantification of BPA and BPS in a secondary effluent and surface water. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disrupting chemical, had been used worldwide as a raw material in water bottles and food packages. It leaches into food products and water sources and hence, it should be monitored effectively. Herein, an electrochemical sensing platform based on Cu-MOF@Pd-500 modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode was fabricated for the sensing of BPA. The material was synthesized by a simple solvothermal method, carbonized at 500 ⁰C, and characterized by various surface analytical techniques. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) analysis reveals that the Cu-MOF@Pd-500 modified GCE exhibits 1.5 folds hike in peak current and a considerable shift in peak potential towards the anodic side when compared to Cu-MOF@ 500, suggesting the higher electrocatalytic activity of the former than that of the later. The electrochemical oxidation of BPA provides an irreversible diffusion-controlled process involving two electrons and two protons. Differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) analysis reveals that the constructed sensor material provides a linear response over BPA concentration of 1 − 150 µM with a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.06 µM, (S/N = 3) and amperometric studies deliver a linear range of 1–22 µM with a LOD of 0.025 µM in 0.1 M PBS at a pH 7.0. Additionally, the Cu-MOF@Pd-500 delivers good repeatability, stability, and anti-interference capabilities. The results obtained also support the effectiveness of Cu-MOF@Pd-500 for quantifying and identifying BPA in real sample analysis (plastic water bottles) with an average recovery of the ratio of 101.93 having a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.42%. [Display omitted] • Cu-MOF/Pd derived oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and characterised. • Catalysis of MOFs on the electrooxidation of bisphenol was studied. • The sensor shows wide linearity with good repeatability and reproducibility. • Detection of BPA on Cu-MOF@Pd-500 was as low as 25 nM. • Real analysis was done with water bottles exposed on sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilayer plastic pouch (MLPP) has an estimated 9% annual increase of market growth. However, the migrants it can introduce to food has not yet been systematically studied. A total of 79 MLPPs for baby food were purchased from major retail outlets in Australia. The methodology for testing chemical migration followed the design of previous studies using four types of selected simulants according to the European Committee Regulation No. 10/2011 method. Four bisphenols and five phthalic acid diesters (PAEs) were detected, including the ones known for endocrine disrupting effect in human. Three intentionally added and 23 non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) were tentatively identified through a suspect screening procedure. Out of the 23 NIAS, neopentyl glycol – phthalic acid – 1,6-hexanediol – phthalic acid oligomer was identified for the first time with MLPP. A further two NIAS were detected for the first time in baby food related products. For 40% of the pouches where adipic acid - diethylene glycol was detected, the estimated exposure from consuming one pouch of food per day may exceed the threshold of toxicological concern established based on the Cramer classification. [Display omitted] • Chemical migration was tested using a modified (EU) No 10/2011 method • The exposure of IAS and NIAS was assessed • Plastic additives that should not be used under EU regulation were detected • Three NIAS were identified for the first time in baby food pouches • Several NIAS exposure may exceed threshold of toxicological concern [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents de development and validation of an ultra- high performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of four parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butyl-paraben (MeP, EtP, PrP, BuP), four bisphenols (BP) (BPA, BPB, BPF, and BPS) and two alkylphenols (nonyl phenol (NP) and tert-octylphenol (OP) in human placenta samples. After a short sample preparation time the extracts are analysed by UHPLC-MS/MS using negative electrospray ionization. Labeled internal standards and matrix-matched calibration are used for quantification of the compounds. The method was validated according FDA guideline for bio analytical methods using spiked samples at three concentration levels (0.5–5 and 25 ng g−1). The parameters accuracy and precision fulfill the criteria. Calibration curves are linear between 0.5 and 50 ng −1. The limits of detection and quantification are in the range of 0.1–0.3 ng g−1 and 0.2–0.7 ng g−1, respectively. The applicability of the method was demonstrated on 71 human placenta samples from a Belgian cohort. The detection frequency was highest for OP (95%), EtP (86%), BPA (49%) and BPS (44%). Among the quantified compounds the highest quantification frequency was observed for OP (85%), EtP (65%) and BPA (25%). The concentrations of parabens ranged from 0.5 to 7.1 ng g−1 for MeP, from 0.5 to 4.5 ng g−1 for EtP and from 0.5 to 9.1 ng g−1 for PrP. The levels of bisphenols ranged from 0.5 to 3.9 ng g−1 for BPA, from 0.6 to 2.1 ng g−1 for BPF and from 0.8 to 1.3 ng g−1 for BPS. BPB and NP were not detected and OP levels ranged from 0.5 to 3.7 ng g g−1. The results demonstrate that the developed analytical method is very sensitive and that levels of several compounds with known /suspected endocrine disrupting properties could be detected or quantified in human placenta samples. The results therefore suggest that fetal exposure to these compounds occurs. The method will be useful for studies to evaluate the health effects associated with this prenatal exposure. • Development of a new UHPLC-MS/MS method for endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC) in placenta • Sensitive method suited for epidemiological studies • Demonstrated presence of EDC in human placenta • Prenatal exposure to the studied compounds is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gd 2 WO 6 /ZnO/bentonite (GWZB) nanocomposite was prepared by hydrothermal process and characterized. DRS spectra showed increased visible absorption with the band gap decrease of GWZ by the addition of bentonite. PL spectra of GWZ and GWZB revealed that intensity of GWZB photocatalyst is less than the GWZ photocatalyst due to decrease in electron–hole recombination, leading to the increase in photocatalytic activity of GWZB. From FE-SEM images, it is inferred that the entire catalyst surface has clustered microsponge-like structure with the number of cavities in surface area. GWZB was further characterized by FT-IR, EDX and XPS analysis. The photocatalytic activity was studied in the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CF) and bisphenol-A (BPA) in aqueous medium using visible light. Under irradiation for 60 min, the photodegradation of CF and BPA with 20 mg of GWZB are 97.9 and 98.3% respectively. Photodegradation was optimized by various forms of catalysts, catalyst dosage, the CF and BPA concentrations. GWZB is stable with good recycling performance for photodegrdation. Unlabelled Image • The nanocomposite Gd 2 WO 6 /ZnO/bentonite was prepared by hydrothermal process and characterized. • The photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin and bisphenol-A in aqueous medium using visible light were studied. • The effects different catalysts, catalyst dosages, antibiotics concentrations were studied. • The photogenerated superoxide radicals were the main oxidative species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present study addresses the presence of bisphenols A (BPA) and its analogs bisphenol F (BPF) and S (BPS) in milk of 120 mothers living in Valencia (Spain) and participating in the BETTERMILK project (year 2015). We also studied the factors that could influence the BPA levels and estimated the exposure and the risk for breast fed infants. The frequency of detection of total (conjugated + unconjugated) and unconjugated-BPA were 83% and 77%, with a geometric mean of 0.29 ng/mL and 0.15 ng/mL, respectively. The frequency of detection was much lower for total-BPF (22%) and total-BPS (1.1%). The place of residence of the mother and the use of personal care products showed significant association with BPA concentrations. The estimated daily intake of total-BPA for breastfed infants amounted to a geometric mean of 0.04 μg/kg bw and a 95th percentile of 1.0 μg/kg bw, below the tolerable daily intake of 4 μg/kg bw-day established by EFSA. To our knowledge, this is the largest biomonitoring study of bisphenols in human milk in Europe. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • BPA, BPS and BPF levels were determined in human milk samples from Spanish mothers. • DF of total and u-BPA were 83 and 77%, and a GM of 0.29 and 0.15 ng/mL, respectively. • BPF and BPS present low frequencies of detection on the studied population. • Levels of u-BPA do not change during lactation. • Studied infants BPA estimated daily intake was below EFSA t-TDI of 4 μg/kg bw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol S (2,2-bisulfone, BPS) and Bisphenol F (2,2-bis [4-hydroxyphenol]methane, BPF) are analogs of Bisphenol A (2,2-bis[4-hydroxyphenyl]propane, BPA), a widely used endocrine disrupting compound present in polycarbonate plastics, thermal receipts and epoxy resins that line food cans. Here we examined effects of BPA, BPS, and BPF in low concentrations on differentiation in murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. We also fed adult male mice chow with one of three doses of BPF (0, 0.5, 5, 50 mg/kg chow, or approximately 0.044, 0.44 and 4.4 mg/kg body weight per day) for 12 weeks, collected body weights, food intake, and tested for glucose tolerance. The doses of BPF used produced mean concentrations of 0, 6.2, 43.6, and 561 ng/mL in plasma. In 3T3-L1 cells BPS had the greatest effects, along with BPA, both increased expression of several genes required for preadipocyte differentiation over 12 days in culture. In contrast, BPF decreased expression of several genes late in differentiation. This dichotomy was also reflected in lipid accumulation as BPA and BPS treated cells had elevated lipid concentrations compared to controls or cells treated with BPF. Male mice fed either the highest or lowest concentrations of BPF gained less weight than controls with no effects on glucose levels or glucose tolerance. Plasma levels of BPF reflected doses in food with no overlap between doses. In summary, our results suggest that BPS has a strong potential to be obesogenic while effects of BPF are subtler and potentially in the opposite direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Four dummy templates (bisphenol B, bisphenol F, tetrabromobisphenol A, and 4-tert-butylphenol) were selected as template molecules to prepare a dummy-template molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for BPA analysis. The four of dummy-template MIP micro solid phase extraction bars showed good selectivity for bisphenol compounds and could be used to extract BPA present in real water samples. Furthermore, the strong bonding force between dummy-template and 4-vinyl pyridine (4-VP) was further verified by the theoretical calculations. It was found that the difference of the value coming from the system of dummy template and 4-VP was larger than that of BPA with 4-VP, revealing the strongest electronic interactions between the dummy template and 4-VP. Meanwhile, it also reveals that dummy-template MIPs are equally effective and even stronger in bonding bisphenol in complex samples. The dummy-template MIP micro solid phase extraction bars were suitable for trace BPA analysis in water samples without being affected by template leakage. The recoveries of BPA from pond water and sewage samples were 65.56–88.84% with the relative standard deviation of 1.30–8.93%. The linear range was 0.01–15 μg·L−1 (r2 = 0.9998). The limit of detection was 0.003 μg·L−1 (signal-to-noise ratio (S/N = 3)). The limit of quantification, which was the lowest concentration that could be quantitatively detected, was found to be 0.01 μg·L−1 (S/N = 10). The proposed sample preparation method is easy, simple, and reproducible. Graphical abstract Dummy-template MIPs were employed to prepare micro-solid-phase extraction adsorbent for trace BPA analysis without being affected by template leakage. Unlabelled Image Highlights • Mimic-template molecularly imprinting techniques were employed to prepare micro-solid-phase extraction adsorbent. • Combined with HPLC, the MIP-μ-SPE method was used for BPA determination in water samples. • The proposed method was suitable for trace BPA analysis without being affected by template leakage. • The proposed sample preparation method is easy, simple, and reproducible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bisphenol-A (BPA), a prototype endocrine disrupting molecule, has been associated with many disease entities such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, polycystic ovarian disease, cardiovascular disease, reproductive and neurodevelopmental disorders. BPA has also been associated mainly with not only hormone sensitive cancers such as breast, prostate, endometrial, ovarian, testicular and thyroid cancers but also non-hormonal sensitive cancers such as cervical and lung cancers, osteosarcoma and meningioma. Recent research has investigated the sources of contamination which are responsible for higher BPA concentrations in the oral cavity and oropharyngeal space, representing the first site of BPA exposure after ingestion. Besides growing awareness and case registration, the incidence and prevalence of oral (OC) and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) have increased during the last decades correlating with the increased production of BPA worldwide. So far, no study in the medical literature has explored the association of BPA with OC and OPC. BPA may be linked to the etiopathogenesis of OC and OPC through a multitude of mechanisms encompassing and interconnecting genetic, epigenetic, inflammatory, immune, metabolic, hormonal and oxidative stress alterations as well as modulation of oral microbiome. Hence, it is not possible to rule out a potential role of BPA exposure in oral and oropharyngeal tissue carcinogenesis, especially knowing its potential to participate in other non-hormonal sensitive malignancies and to deregulate signaling pathways implicated in OC and OPC. This perspective aims at outlining evidence and proposing for the first time a potential link between BPA with OC and OPC, the most frequent subtypes of head and neck malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the present study, a novel nanocomposite has been successfully fabricated that contain nitrogen and sulphur doped porous carbon and ZnS nanoparticles. The fabricated nanocomposite has been used as a photocatalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol-A (BPA) under visible light. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, Raman, SEM, TEM, SAED, BET and XPS. The results revealed that the fabricated nanocomposite (ZnS/NSDC) exhibited highly porosity due to large surface area 642.24 cm2/g and promising pore volumes. ZnS/NSDC nanocomposite was showed excellent photocatalytic performance for BPA degradation. During the photocatalytic degradation of BPA, several intermediate products with the molecular mass including m / z 151, m / z 133, and m / z 137 were observed using LC-MS analyses. The experimental outcomes are supported by theoretical calculations via, density functional theory (DFT) and elucidate the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of BPA. These efforts suggest that the fabricated ZnS/NSDC nanocomposite exhibits excellent properties to severe threat to environment and can be used as a reusable photocatalyst for the degradation of BPA in aqueous solution. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Synthesis of ZnS embedded nitrogen doped carbon nanocomposite. • The fabricated nanocomposite shows high surface area. • The fabricated nanocomposite showed excellent photocatalytic degradation of MB dye. • The DFT calculation supports the experimental degradation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • BPA (0.1 nM) at very low concentration significantly decreased cell proliferation without affecting growth and viability of the cells. • BPA upregulated the expression of key glucocorticoid 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 in these cells. • BPA impaired both basal- and VEGF-stimulated tube formation with decreased expression of VEGF. • BPA down regulated promoter methylation of the genes associated with stress and oxidative damage. Abstract Humans are exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) from the consumer products and plastic substances. However, impacts of low levels of BPA exposure on placental developmental processes such as first trimester trophoblast cell growth, angiogenesis and epigenetic modifications are not well studied. Low concentration of BPA (1 nM) affected cell proliferation of human placental first trimester trophoblasts using a model cell, HTR8/SVneo. BPA abolished both basal- and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-stimulated tube formation in these cells. BPA significantly down regulated mRNA expression of VEGF, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 with concomitant upregulation of 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 mRNA and protein expression in HTR8/SVneo cells. BPA also lowered CpG methylation of gene promoter associated with metabolic and oxidative stress. This study demonstrated that BPA at 1 nM not only affected cellular growth, development and angiogenic activities but also affected DNA methylation of stress response and down-regulation of angiogenic growth factors in first trimester trophoblast cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, due to the excessive use of plastic products, the pollution caused by them is increasing, and an efficient management system is needed to reduce their environmental effects. It is noteworthy that the risk of human ingestion can increase when plastic waste degrades into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). Additionally, as plastic ages and decomposes, common additives will continue to be released into the environment, having an incalculable and long-lasting harmful effect on the environment. As a result, several treatment strategies, such as recycling or upcycling, and degrading, have been evolved for the cleanup of this waste. Additionally, techniques for identifying and removing MPs, NPs, and plasticizers have been created. Researchers working in this area have recently become interested in carbon dots (CDs), a novel class of carbon-based nanomaterial, due to their simple and inexpensive synthesis from a variety of sources, fluorescence properties, and advantageous characteristics such as excellent biocompatibility, distinctive physicochemical properties, an abundance of functional groups (such as amino, hydroxyl, and carboxyl), high stability, and charge transport. Therefore, this article reviews the role of innovative CDs in the fate of plastics (waste, MPs, and plasticizers), including upcycling, sorting, detection, and photocatalytic degradation. Finally, a brief description of the issues and potential directions for future research in this area is provided. [Display omitted] • Plastic waste and their harmful substances are abundant in different environments. • The role of CDs for plastic waste remediation are reviewed. • Upcycling and sorting of plastic waste are explained. • Detection and photocatalytic degradation of microplastics and plasticizers are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) leaches from plastic products have become a major inevitable concern among the research society. Human exposure to BPA leads to deleterious effects on multiple organs by the induced hyper inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. Due to the compromised antioxidant mechanism, the brain environment was highly susceptible and required special concern to ameliorate the effects of BPA. Hence, this study investigates the potential of neem-derived semi natural deacetyl epoxyazadiradione (DEA) against the oxidative stress and inflammatory response induced by BPA exposure in N9 cells and zebrafish larvae. The results from the in vitro analyses showed a decrease in cell viability in the MTT assay and a decline in mitochondrial damage in BPA-exposed N9 cells. Further in vivo, results revealed that pre-treatment of DEA to zebrafish larvae has significantly reduced the level of superoxide anion and increased the production of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GST, GPx and GR. We also found a significant decrease in the production of nitric oxide (p < 0.0001) and iNOS gene expression at 150 μM concentration. Further, DEA pre-treatment improved the behaviour of zebrafish larvae by ameliorating the production of the AChE enzyme. In conclusion, DEA protected zebrafish larvae from BPA toxicity by ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. [Display omitted] • Deacetyl epoxyazadiradione reduces oxidative stress-induced damage in the mitochondrial membrane of N9 cells. • Pre-treatment with DEA reduces the level of ROS and inflammatory markers in BPA-exposed zebrafish larvae. • DEA pre-treatment ameliorates the level of antioxidant enzymes reducing the deleterious superoxide anions. • DEA also protects zebrafish larvae from BPA-induced behavioural abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathways underlying neurodevelopmental effects of endocrine disruptors (EDs) remain poorly known. Expression of brain aromatase (aroB), responsible for estrogen production in the brain of teleosts, is regulated by estrogenic EDs and could play a role in their behavioral effects. We exposed zebrafish eleutheroembryos (0–120 h post-fertilization) to various concentrations of 16 estrogenic chemicals (incl. bisphenols and contraceptives), and of 2 aroB inhibitors. Behavior was monitored using a photomotor response test procedure. Both aroB inhibitors (clotrimazole and prochloraz) and a total of 6 estrogenic EDs induced significant behavioral alterations, including DM-BPA, BPC and BPS-MPE, three bisphenol substitutes which behavioral effects were, to our knowledge, previously unknown. However, no consensus was reported on the effects among tested substances. It appears that behavioral changes could not be linked to groups of substances defined by their specificity or potency to modulate aroB expression, or by their structure. Altogether, behavioral effects of estrogenic EDs in 120 h post-fertilization larvae appear unrelated to aroB but are nonetheless not to be neglected in the context of environmental safety. • Zebrafish eleutheroembryos were exposed to 18 (anti-)estrogenic chemicals (EDs). • Concentrations were based on the regulation of brain aromatase (aroB) expression. • Behavioral effects were measured and compared in 5 day larvae. • Results show limited link between aroB dysregulation and locomotor effects. • Substitute chemicals such as BPC exhibit neurobehavioral effects in this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal exposure to bisphenols and phthalates may lead to alterations in the respiratory and immune system development in children, and to adverse respiratory health. To study the associations of fetal bisphenols and phthalates exposure with lung function and asthma at age 13 years. This study among 1020 children was embedded in a population-based prospective cohort study. We measured maternal urine bisphenol and phthalate concentrations in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy, and lung function by spirometry and asthma by questionnaires at age 13 years. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were applied. Maternal urine bisphenol and phthalate concentrations averaged during pregnancy were not associated with childhood lung function or asthma. Associations of maternal urine bisphenol and phthalate concentrations in specific trimesters with respiratory outcomes showed that one interquartile range increase in the natural log-transformed maternal urine mono-isobutyl phthalate concentration in the second trimester was associated with a higher FEV 1 /FVC, but not with asthma, accounting for confounders and multiple-testing correction. Although there were associations of higher second trimester bisphenol S with a lower FVC and FEV 1 in boys and girls, and of higher first trimester bisphenol S with a decreased risk of asthma in boys and an increased risk of asthma in girls, these results did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing. Results were not modified by maternal history of asthma or atopy. Maternal urine bisphenol and phthalate concentrations averaged or in specific trimesters during pregnancy were not strongly associated with childhood lung function and asthma at age 13 years. BPS, as a BPA substitute, tended to be associated with impaired lung function and altered risk of asthma, partly sex-dependent, but its strength was limited by a relatively low detection rate and should be queried in contemporary cohorts. [Display omitted] • Effect of bisphenols and phthalates on child's respiratory health was unknown. • Fetal exposure to mIBP is associated with a higher FEV1/FVC. • Fetal exposure to BPS tended to be associated with lower lung function and asthma. • Bisphenols and phthalates have no trimester effects on lung function or asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel liquid-phase microextraction based on the ferrofluid was successfully applied for the extraction and determination of four phenolic compounds (bisphenol-A, bisphenol-AF, tetrabromobisphenol-A and 4-tert-octylphenol) in milks and fruit juices. In this study, a range of alkyl (C 4 –C 10 ) alcohols as the carrier liquid were used for the preparation of ferrofluids. The study showed that an appropriate chain length of alkyl alcohol may improve the extraction efficiency and maintain the integrity of ferrofluids during extraction, so 1-heptanol (C 7 ) was selected as the optimal carrier liquid. Specifically, the effects of various parameters on the extraction of phenolic compounds were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection were between 0.35 and 0.66 μg L −1 . The intra-day and inter-day precision (RSD %) for the analytes at 10 and 50 μg L −1 were in the range of 3.2–6.7 % and 2.9–7.1%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports an ultra high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of six bisphenols (bisphenol A, bisphenol B and bisphenol F) and alkylphenols (4-nonylphenol, 4- n -nonylphenol and octylphenol) in hotpot seasoning. Samples were dispersed in n -hexane after addition of internal standards bisphenol A- d 4 and 4- n -nonylphenol- d 4 . Sample solutions were then centrifuged, and the supernatants purified using solid phase extraction with high polarity Carb/PSA composite fillers. Six target analytes were separated on a Waters ACQUITY BEH C18 column by gradient elution with methanol and 0.05% ammonium hydroxide in water as the mobile phase, and determined under multiple reactions monitoring mode. The limits of detection and quantitation, matrix effect, recovery and precision of the method were investigated. Results were linear in the concentration range 0.1–250 µg/L for all compounds of interest, with R 2  > 0.9950. Limits of detection were in the range 0.1–0.4 μg/kg, and limits of quantitation were between 0.5 μg/kg and 1.0 μg/kg. The mean recoveries for negative samples at three spiked concentrations were in the range 87.9%–102.4%, and the intra-day precision and inter-day precision were in the ranges 2.1–8.2% and 4.8–11.2%, respectively. This method is accurate and sensitive, and had good clean-up characteristics, which might apply to screening and quantitation of target bisphenols and alkylphenols in hotpot seasoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in numerous industrial applications. Due to its well ascertained toxicity as endocrine disruptor, industries have started to replace it with other bisphenols whose alleged greater safety is scarcely supported by literature studies. In this study, the toxicity of seven BPA analogues was evaluated using both in silico and in vitro techniques, as compared to BPA toxicity. Furthermore, their affinity indexes for phospholipids ( i.e. phospholipophilicity) were determined by immobilized artificial membrane liquid chromatography (IAM-LC) and possible relationships with in vitro toxic activity were also investigated. The results on four different cell cultures yielded similar ranking of toxicity for the bisphenols considered, with IC 50 values confirming their poor acute toxicity. As compared to BPA, bisphenol AF, bisphenol B, bisphenol M, and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether resulted more toxic, while bisphenol S, bisphenol F and bisphenol E were found as the less toxic congeners. These results are partly consistent with the scale of phospholipid affinity showing that toxicity increases at increasing membrane affinity. Therefore, phospholipophilicity determination can be assumed as a useful preliminary tool to select less toxic congeners to surrogate BPA in industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most important analytical techniques for accurate quantification of bisphenol compounds, liquid chromatography coupled to online electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry exhibits relative weak ESI response in negative mode, which greatly reduces their sensitivity and limits their detection at trace levels, especially in complex samples such as blood. Based on the facilitated deprotonation of bisphenol molecule under alkaline condition, post-column injection of ammonium hydroxide (NH 3 ·H 2 O) to mass spectrometer was explored to enhance the ionization efficiency of BPA and its eight analogs and improve their analytical sensitivity. Parameters effecting response intensity and stability were investigated, including mass concentration and flow rate of NH 3 ·H 2 O. Under the optimal conditions with the addition of 2% (w/w) of NH 3 ·H 2 O at 4 μL min −1 , the instrument detection limits for bisphenol compounds were greatly lowered to 0.001–0.04 ng mL −1 , which were 2–28.6 times lower than the result obtained without injecting NH 3 ·H 2 O, except TBBPA (0.03 ng mL −1 in either case). The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for instrument repeatability of BPA and its analogs at three different concentration levels were in a range of 1.2–20%. Furthermore, a decreased matrix effects (90–111%) for bisphenols (except TBBPA) analysis in serum extracts were found compared with the result obtained without NH 3 ·H 2 O injection (43–111%). The results demonstrated that the improved instrumental method coupled with suitable pretreatment techniques is more feasible to analyze bisphenol compounds in complex bio-samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an emerging contaminant widely used in various industrial products. Sublethal toxicity of BPA on aquatic organisms is expected to occur at a concentration of around 500 μg L −1 , which is much higher than environmentally realistic concentrations found in water bodies (up to 0.41 μg L −1 ). However, there is no information concerning how a BPA contamination gradient could affect the spatial displacement of organisms. We hypothesized that fish might be able to detect an environmentally realistic BPA contamination gradient and avoid potential toxic effects due to continuous exposure. Therefore, the objectives of this work were: (i) to determine if BPA could trigger an avoidance response in the freshwater fish Poecilia reticulata ; (ii) to assess whether BPA-driven avoidance occurs at environmentally relevant concentrations; and (iii) to estimate the population immediate decline (PID) at the local scale, considering avoidance and mortality as endpoints. Avoidance experiments were performed in a seven-compartment non-forced exposure system, in which a BPA contamination gradient was simulated. The results indicated that BPA triggered avoidance in P . reticulata . In a traditional forced acute toxicity test, lethal effects in 50% of the population occurred at a BPA concentration of 1660 μg L −1 , while in the non-forced system with a BPA concentration gradient, avoidance of 50% of the population occurred at a concentration four orders of magnitude lower (0.20 μg L −1 ). At environmentally relevant BPA concentrations, PID was mainly determined by the avoidance response. Avoidance in P. reticulata populations is expected to occur at BPA concentrations below those that cause sublethal effects on fish and are considered safe by international agencies (≤1 μg L −1 ). The approach used in the present study represents a valuable tool for use in environmental risk assessment strategies, providing a novel and ecologically relevant response that is complementary to traditional ecotoxicological tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenols (BPs) are a family of chemicals with known endocrine disrupting activity. Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most representative prototype of this group of chemicals. Recently, the use of BPA, a prototype of endocrine disruptors, has been reduced and replaced with structural analogs due to its negative effects on both the environment and consumers. In this work, a new method is presented for the determination of seven BPs, with estrogenic activity in ready-to-eat plastic packaged baby foods. The procedure involves the isolation of the analytes using solid-liquid phase extraction with acetonitrile followed by a clean-up step with a mixture of dispersive-SPE sorbents (C18 and PSA) and magnesium sulphate, to reduce matrix effect from proteins, sugars and lipids. Extraction parameters were optimized using multivariate optimization methods. The compounds were detected and quantified by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). The limits of quantification were between 0.1 and 1.2 ng g −1 for the studied analytes. The method was validated using matrix–matched calibration and recovery assays with spiked samples. Recovery rates were between 91% and 110% and % RSD was lower than 13% in all cases. The method has been successfully applied for the determination of these endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in samples of a novel type of food consumed by pre-schoolers. This is the first study to analyze EDCs in plastic packaged foods consumed by this target group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is a nuclear receptor and transcription factor regulating proteins involved in xenobiotic metabolism. Agonist activation of the CAR can trigger metabolic activation and toxification as well as detoxification and clearance; accordingly, xenobiotic substances acting as CAR ligands may pose a threat to human and animal health. We used yeast cells transduced with the human CAR and the response pathway to measure the CAR-agonistic activities of 549 synthetic or natural compounds: 216 of the tested compounds exhibited CAR-agonistic effects. Eighty-four percent of CAR-activating compounds were aromatic compounds, and > 65% of these active compounds were aromatic hydrocarbons, bisphenols, monoalkyl phenols, phthalates, styrene dimers, diphenyl ethers, organochlorines, and organophosphates. The ten most potent compounds were 4- tert -octylphenol (4tOP; reference substance), 4-nonylphenol, diethylstilbestrol, benzyl n -butyl phthalate, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,4,4-trimethylchroman, o,p′-DDT, methoxychlor, di- n -propyl phthalate, hexestrol, and octachlorostyrene. The activities of these nine non-reference compounds exceeded 10% of the 4tOP activity. Analysis of para -monoalkyl phenols suggests that branching of the alkyl group and chlorination at the ortho position raises potency. This study provides critical information for identifying the potential of CAR-mediated toxic hazards and for understanding the relevant mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new ladder polymers are synthesized from nucleophilic substitution reactions between tetrafunctional fluorinated monomers derived from 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzonitrile (PFBN) and various bisphenols such as hydroquinone (HQ), bisphenol-A (BP-A), and 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol (6F-BPA) by a two-step process under mild conditions. The tetrafunctional semi-fluorinated derivatives were obtained by reacting PFBN with nucleophiles such as -S 2- , HQ, BP-A, 6F-BPA in 2:1 mol ratio at room temperature. The tetrafunctional derivatives were subsequently reacted with bisphenols of the same or different type in 1:2 mol ratios respectively to yield soluble porous polymers. The MALDI-TOF MS analysis shows that each repeating unit of polymer chain consists of one unit derived from the tetrafunctional moiety and two bisphenoxy moieties exhibiting ladder structure in the polymer backbone. These polymers exhibit porous nature and the porosity can be fine-tuned by changing the bisphenols at either step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the photocatalytic nanomaterials performing under solar radiation have gained worldwide attentions due to increasing environmental deterioration. For utilizing the sunlight for degradation of emerging pollutants it is important to develop visible active photocatalysts. This laboratory scale work reports magnetic and optically active nano-photocatalyst Fe x Zn 1−x O(x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) synthesized by solution combustion method. High resolution transmission microscopy suggests a slight degradation in the crystallite structure with Fe doping. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis shows the presence of intrinsic defects in the crystal structure. Zn resides in +2 and and Fe in +3 oxidation state. Optical band gap studies were made with band structure for each doped sample. The photoctalytic activity of the samples was tested by solar degradation of noxious pollutant Bisphenol A. 99.1% of bisphenol was degraded in 90min in presence of Fe 0.03 Zn 0.97 O under synergistic adsorption and photocatalysis. The results were analyzed in terms of total organic carbon, chemical oxygen demand, effect of scavengers, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and reusability. In presence of Fe 0.03 Zn 0.97 O, 45.3% of total organic carbon was removed and chemical oxygen demand was reduced to 11.2%. A possible mechanism with structures of the intermediates has been given. Effect of scavengers reveal that hydroxyl radicals are major reactive oxygen species involved which is also supported by the band edge positions. The research work promises to design highly photo-active tuneable magnetic photocatalysts for solar powered degradation of contaminants of emerging concern with a simple and cost-effective approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work we report Gum-ghatti supported ZnSe-WO 3 nano-hetero-assembly for solar powered degradation of endocrine disruptor Bisphenol S (BPA). The photocatalyst was characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Small area electron diffraction (SAED), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR), Photoluminescence (PL), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), UV–vis spectrophotometry and Brauner Emmet Teller surface area analyzer (BET). We achieve a Z-scheme photocatalyst (ZnSe-WO 3 ) with a higher charge flow and visible absorption. Gum ghatti acts as a superadsorbent and a sink for charge carriers. The removal of BPA has been studied under three experimental protocols where 99.5% removal was achieved by symbiose of photocatalysis-adsorption-ozonation in just 45 min hetero-assembly has a high surface area, stability and reduced carrier recombination. The results have been analyzed by scavenger effect, mass spectrometry, kinetics and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis. 49.4% of TOC was removed and COD was reduced to 16.7% after 2 h in symbiotic condition. From the band edges and scavenger effect it was inferred that superoxide radical anions are major attacking species. The work paves way for designing of novel photocatalysts with increasing biogenic quotient and higher efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenols are widely recognised as toxic compounds that potentially threaten the environment and public health. Here we report the use of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) to remove bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) from aqueous systems. Additionally, methanol was added as a radical scavenger to simulate environmental conditions. After 480 s of plasma treatment, 15–25 % of BPA remained, compared to > 80 % of BPS, with BPA being removed faster (- k t = 3.4 ms−1, half-life = 210 s) than BPS (-k t = 0.15 ms−1, half-life 4700 s). The characterisation of plasma species showed that adding a radical scavenger affects the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, resulting in a lower amount of ˙OH, H 2 O 2 , and NO 2 - but a similar amount of NO 3 -. In addition, a non-target approach enabled the elucidation of 11 BPA and five BPS transformation products. From this data, transformation pathways were proposed for both compounds, indicating nitrification with further cleavage, demethylation, and carboxylation, and the coupling of smaller bisphenol intermediates. The toxicological characterisation of the in vitro HepG2 cell model has shown that the mixture of transformation products formed during CAP is less toxic than BPA and BPS, indicating that CAP is effective in safely degrading bisphenols. [Display omitted] • CAP is capable of removing >75% BPA and >48% BPS from water in 480 s. • Addition of a radical scavenger affects BPA/BPS degradation and formation of RONS. • Novel transformation products/pathways of BPA/BPS elucidated. • Transformation products have lower combined toxicity than parent compounds. • CAP has the potential to be an effective water treatment technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plastic accumulation and its degradation into microplastics is an environmental issue not only for their ubiquity, but also for the release of intrinsic chemicals, such as phthalates (PAEs), non-phthalate plasticizers (NPPs), and bisphenols (BPs), which may reach body organs and tissues, and act as endocrine disruptors. Monitoring plastic additives in biological matrices, such as blood, may help in deriving relationships between human exposure and health outcomes. In this work, the profile of PAEs, NPPs and BPs was determined in Sicilian women's blood with different ages (20–60 years) and interpreted by chemometrics. PAEs (DiBP and DEPH), NPPs (DEHT and DEHA), BPA and BPS were at higher frequencies and greater levels in women's blood and varied in relation to age. According to statistical analysis, younger females' blood had higher contents of plasticizers than older women, probably due to a more frequent use of higher quantities of plastic products in daily life. [Display omitted] • The problem of microplastics is widespread, making it possible to be absorbed by the human body. • PAEs, NPPs, BPs were evaluated as tracers of microplastics in women's blood. • PAEs, NPPs and BPs are endocrine disruptors and can thus have adverse effects on human health. • The results of these contaminants levels varied according to the investigated age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transient postnatal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormone axis is termed minipuberty and considered an important developmental period, which is highly sensitive to endocrine disruption. Here, we explore exposure-outcome associations during minipuberty between concentrations of potentially endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in urine of infant boys and their serum reproductive hormone concentrations. In total, 36 boys participating in the COPENHAGEN Minipuberty Study had data available for both urine biomarkers of target endocrine disrupting chemicals and reproductive hormones in serum from samples collected on the same day. Serum concentrations of reproductive hormones were measured by immunoassays or by LC-MS/MS. Urinary concentrations of metabolites of 39 non-persisting chemicals, including phthalates and phenolic compounds, were measured by LC-MS/MS. Nineteen chemicals had concentrations above the limit of detection in ≥50% of children and were included in data analysis. Associations of urinary phthalate metabolite and phenol concentrations (in tertiles) with hormone outcomes (age- and sex-specific SD-scores) were analysed by linear regression. Primarily, we focused on the EU regulated phthalates; butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP), di-iso-butyl phthalate (DiBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as well as bisphenol A (BPA). Urinary metabolites of DiBP, DnBP and DEHP were summed and expressed as ∑DiBPm, ∑DnBPm and ∑DEHPm. Compared to boys in the lowest ∑DnBPm tertile, urinary concentration of ∑DnBPm was associated with concurrent higher luteinizing hormone (LH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) SD-scores as well as lower testosterone/LH ratio in boys in the middle ∑DnBPm tertile (estimates (CI 95%) 0.79 (0.04; 1.54), 0.91 (0.13; 1.68), and −0.88 (−1.58;-0.19), respectively). Further, higher insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) SD-scores and lower DHEAS SD-score in boys in the highest ∑DnBPm tertile (0.91 (0.12; 1.70) and −0.85 (−1.51;-0.18), respectively) were observed. In addition, boys in the middle and highest ∑DEHPm tertile had higher LH (1.07 (0.35; 1.79) and 0.71 (−0.01; 1.43), respectively) and in the highest ∑DEHPm tertile also higher AMH (0.85 (0.10; 1.61)) concentration SD-scores, respectively. Boys in the highest BPA tertile had significantly higher AMH and lower DHEAS concentration compared to boys in the lowest BPA tertile (1.28 (0.54; 2.02) and −0.73 (−1.45; −0.01)), respectively. Our findings indicate that exposure to chemicals with known or suspected endocrine disrupting potential, especially the EU-regulated DnBP, DEHP and BPA, may modify male reproductive hormone concentrations in infant boys suggesting that minipuberty is a critical window sensitive to endocrine disruption. [Display omitted] • Antiandrogenic phthalates and BPA might influence sex hormones in boy minipuberty. • DBP and DEHP excretion associated with higher LH and AMH but normal testosterone. • Urinary excretion of BPA was associated with higher AMH and lower DHEAS. • Combined increased LH and normal testosterone may reflect a compensated hypogonadism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine disruptors such as phenolic compounds and parabens may be involved in chronic non-infective disease. While products incorporating these compounds are extensively utilized in consumer and personal products, little is known about their effect on bowel health. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) - consisting of the diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease - and irritable bowel syndrome are common chronic non-infectious diarrheal diseases. Despite limited knowledge on the etiology of IBD, these diseases have increased prevalence in industrialized countries and cause significant impairment to quality of life. In the present study we examine relationships between urinary environmental phenolic compounds, chronic diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease. Data was obtained from the 2005–2010 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) including demographics, lifestyle factors, self-reported health conditions, inflammatory markers and urinary phenolic chemical concentrations. Only participants with complete environmental phenols & parabens component were included in our analysis. Chronic diarrheal symptoms were determined by using the 2009–2010 NHANES questionnaire which included questions pertaining to bowel health. We utilized chronic bowel leakage symptoms as a surrogate marker for chronic diarrhea. The presence of IBD was also analyzed from 2009 to 2010 NHANES data, as a sub-analysis for arthropathy directly querying the presence or absence of IBD. Among the subset of 5218 American adults aged 20–80 years in the NHANES study period who completed environmental phenols & parabens component, 25.5% reported chronic diarrheal symptoms. Abnormal markers of inflammation were present in 2200 (42.2%) of respondents. For IBD, 19 individuals with arthropathy confirmed a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, and 1 person confirmed a Crohn's diagnosis. After adjustment for demographics, inflammatory and subsample weighing; lower paraben levels were associated with chronic bowel leakage (diarrheal) symptoms. Higher 4-tert-octylphenol levels was significantly associated with ulcerative colitis. Further study of underlying mechanisms should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-proposed use of open-cell polyurethane foam (PUF) as a convenient ‘solid-phase extractant’ for aqueous organic compounds has been hindered by a critical lack of understanding on the underlying specificity of its extraction mechanism. In this work, we tasked ourselves to understand the hierarchy of molecular structure, properties, and partitioning characteristics of compounds in PUF and aqueous phase by targeting lipophilic phenolic compounds (LPCs) as a group of primary targets for PUF extraction. Using six structurally related bisphenol analogs as comparative probes, we identified molecular lipophilicity and H-bond acidity as key molecular attributes that governed their extractability by PUF. Molecular modeling study on H-bonding interactions between PUF surrogates, bisphenols, and water molecules elucidated the governing effect of H-bond acidity in the binding affinity of guest molecules onto PUF lone-pair donors. A holistic view must be adopted when assessing the extractability of LPCs with reactive lone-pair donors e.g. bisphenol S which forms multidentate H-bond adducts with water molecules. We validated our theory on two model groups of monofunctional LPCs, alkylphenols and chlorophenols, with the observation that the presence of a second proton-donating moiety dramatically enhanced the extractability of bisphenol molecules. The specificity of PUF rendered it selective towards compounds with correlating molecular attributes against other structural analogs and co-existing matrix organics. For LPCs, the PUF macromolecular structure can be conceptualized as a flexible 'molecular zipper network' that is most affinitive towards nonionic, permeable, and lipophilic guest molecules with multiple reactive proton donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing amount of bisphenol A (BPA) is being produced and used, then discharged into sewage treatment plants and accumulated in sludge or soil, when the sludge is used as fertilizer. Accumulation of BPA in sludge or soil causes poisoning to the enzyme, which affects the biological treatment of sludge and the circulation and conversion of materials in soil. In this research, effect of BPA on sludge hydrolysis is studied from the respect of concentration and components of soluble organic matter in sludge, using three-dimensional fluorescence spectra. In order to illuminate the interaction mechanism, toxic effect of BPA on α-Amylase (a model of hydrolase in sludge) is investigated with multi-spectra, isothermal titration microcalorimetry and molecule docking at the molecular level. Results show that the secondary structure of α-Amylase and the microenvironment of amino acid residue in α-Amylase are changed. The molecular docking study and ITC results show that hydrophobic bond and hydrogen bond exist in the interaction between BPA and α-Amylase. Based on the above analysis and enzyme activity assay, sludge hydrolysis is inhibited due to the denaturation of α-Amylase with BPA exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of ortho-ortho- linked bisphenols featuring electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs) attached to the phenolic rings is reported. Their respective molecular structures and packing behaviors have been studied by X-ray diffraction, comparatively discussed and put into relation with the unsubstituted mother compound. Except for the mother compound, the molecular structures of all bisphenols studied here exhibit distorted aromatic moieties. Hence, the substituents studied here prevent proximal positioning of phenolic units and the formation of strong O H⋯O hydrogen bonds. In the packing of the underivatized bisphenol we found a strand-like molecular arrangement featuring strong O H⋯O hydrogen bonds and extensive edge-to-face contacts (C H⋯π) between the bisphenol molecules. The introduction of EWGs to the aromatic moieties changes these intermolecular interactions into face-to-face contacts resulting either in bisphenol stacks or handshake-like motifs between two bisphenol molecules. In both cases, the C H⋯π interactions are more or less replaced by C H⋯O contacts as the prevalent non-covalent interaction. In the packing of two nitro bisphenols in their DMSO inclusion compounds an exciting layered arrangement is observed, which also matches with the pronounced foliated habitus of their crystals. Additionally, proton NMR was used to establish the binding coefficients between the respective bisphenols and DMSO in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]