Iron Supplementation Influence on the Gut Microbiota and Probiotic Intake Effect in Iron Deficiency—A Literature-Based Review

Iron deficiency in the human body is a global issue with an impact on more than two billion individuals worldwide. The most important functions ensured by adequate amounts of iron in the body are related to transport and storage of oxygen, electron transfer, mediation of oxidation-reduction reactions, synthesis of hormones, the replication of DNA, cell cycle restoration and control, fixation of nitrogen, and antioxidant effects. In the case of iron deficiency, even marginal insufficiencies may impair the proper functionality of the human body. On the other hand, an excess in iron concentration has a major impact on the gut microbiota composition. There are several non-genetic causes that lead to iron deficiencies, and thus, several approaches in their treatment. The most common methods are related to food fortifications and supplements. In this review, following a summary of iron metabolism and its health implications, we analyzed the scientific literature for the influence of iron fortification and supplementation on the gut microbiome and the effect of probiotics, prebiotics, and/or synbiotics in iron absorption and availability for the organism.

Electron transfer mediation by aqueous C60 aggregates in H2O2/UV advanced oxidation of indigo carmine

C60 fullerene has long been known to exhibit favorable electron accepting and shuttling properties, but little is known about the possibility of electron transfer mediation by fullerene aggregates (nC60) in water.

The Mediated Electrodeposition of Polypyrrole on Aluminium Alloy

The direct electrodeposition of conjugated polymers onto active metals such as aluminium and its alloys is complicated by the concomitant oxidation of the metal that occurs at the positive potential required for polymer formation/deposition. We have developed an approach that uses electron transfer mediation to reduce the deposition potential of polypyrrole on aluminium and aluminium alloy by nearly 500 mV, permitting film deposition from aqueous solution with nearly 100% current efficiency. The mediator used in this initial work was 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonate (DHBDS, disodium salt), which also served as the dopant or counter ion in the polymer. To better understand the mediation process, a series of substituted benzene compounds have been explored for their mediating properties. From these studies, we conclude that both the hydroxyl and the sulfonate functionalities of DHBDS appear to play a role in the mediated electrodeposition at aluminium alloy. New mediators for the electrodeposition of polypyrrole on Al alloy are suggested.