This study investigated the coagulation performance of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) for leachate treatment and preparation of titanium oxide (TiO2) from generated sludge through calcination process at different temperatures and times. TiCl4 with chitosan as coagulant aid employed to perform coagulation process on Alor Ponhsu Landfill leachate. Further calcination process was done to synthesize TiO2 from produced sludge for photocatalytic applications. The studied factors included pH, TiCl4 dosage, and chitosan dosage. The results indicated that maximum reduction in suspended solids was 92.02% at pH 4, 1200 mg/L TiCl4, and 250 mg/L chitosan addition, and maximum reduction in chemical oxygen demand was 71.92% at experimental condition of 1200 mg/L TiCl4 and 500 mg/L chitosan with pH 10. The maximum and minimum band gaps of prepared TiO2 achieved at 3.35 eV and 2.75 eV, respectively. Morphology and phase analysis of prepared TiO2 characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD spectrums showed the anatase phase at lower calcination temperature and the rutile phase at elevated temperature. The photocatalysis activity of produced TiO2 investigated under UV irradiation and showed almost fast degradation similar to commercial TiO2. The results indicated that TiO2 powder was successfully prepared from generated sludge from TiCl4 coagulation for photocatalytic applications.
Cancer is a complex pathophysiological condition causing millions of deaths each year. Early diagnosis is essential especially for pancreatic cancer. Existing diagnostic tools rely on circulating biomarkers such as Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA). Unfortunately, these markers are nonspecific and may be increased in a variety of disorders. Accordingly, diagnosis of pancreatic cancer generally involves more invasive approaches such as biopsy as well as imaging studies. Recent advances in biosensor technology have allowed the development of precise diagnostic tools having enhanced analytical sensitivity and specificity. Herein we examine these advances in the detection of cancer in general and in pancreatic cancer specifically. Furthermore, we highlight novel technologies in the measurement of CA19-9 and CEA and explore their future application in the early detection of pancreatic cancer.