Methyl Ether Research Articles

Tetraselmis chuii Edible Microalga as a New Source of Neuroprotective Compounds Obtained Using Fast Biosolvent Extraction.

Tetraselmis chuii is an EFSA-approved novel food and dietary supplement with increasing use in nutraceutical production worldwide. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of bioactive compounds extracted from T. chuii using green biobased solvents (ethyl acetate, AcOEt, and cyclopentyl methyl ether, CPME) under pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) conditions and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Response surface optimization was used to study the effect of temperature and solvent composition on the neuroprotective properties of the PLE extracts, including anticholinergic activity, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) scavenging capacity, and anti-inflammatory activity. Optimized extraction conditions of 40 °C and 34.9% AcOEt in CPME resulted in extracts with high anticholinergic and ROS/RNS scavenging capacity, while operation at 180 °C and 54.1% AcOEt in CPME yielded extracts with potent anti-inflammatory properties using only 20 min. Chemical characterization revealed the presence of carotenoids (neoxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, α- and β-carotene) known for their anti-cholinesterase, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential. The extracts also exhibited high levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with a favorable ω-3/ω-6 ratio (>7), contributing to their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the extracts were found to be safe to use, as cytotoxicity assays showed no observed toxicity in HK-2 and THP-1 cell lines at or below a concentration of 40 μg mL-1. These results highlight the neuroprotective potential of Tetraselmis chuii extracts, making them valuable in the field of nutraceutical production and emphasize the interest of studying new green solvents as alternatives to conventional toxic solvents.

Constructing the Polymer Molecules to Regulate the Electrode/Electrolyte Interface to Enhance Lithium-Metal Battery Performance.

Lithium-ion batteries, with high energy density and long cycle life, have become the battery of choice for most vehicles and portable electronic devices; however, energy density, safety and cycle life require further improvements. Single-functional group electrolyte additives are very limited in practical applications, a ternary polymer bifunctional electrolyte additive copolymer (acrylonitrile-butyl hexafluoro methacrylate- poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate- methyl ether) (PMANHF) was synthesized by free radical polymerization of acrylonitrile, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate. A series of characterizations show that in Li metal anodes, the preferential reduction of PMANHF is conducive to the formation of a uniform and stable solid electrolyte interphase layer, and Li deposition is uniform and dense. At the NCM811 cathode, a film composed of LiF- and Li3N-rich is formed at the cathode-electrolyte interface, mitigating the side reaction at the interface. At 1.0 mA cm-2, the Li/Li cell can be stabilized for 1000 cycles. In addition, the Li/NCM811 cell can stabilize 200 cycles with a cathode capacity of 153.7 mAh g-1, with the capacity retention of 89.93 %, at a negative/positive capacity ratio of 2.5. This study brings to light essential ideas for the fabrication of additives for lithium-metal batteries.

Phosphorus-Based Flame-Retardant Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Copolymer with Enhanced Mechanical Properties by Combining Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Silicone Rubber and Ethylene Methyl Acrylate Copolymer.

The present work proposes to investigate the effect of an ultrahigh molecular weight silicone rubber (UHMW-SR) and two ethylene methyl acrylate copolymers (EMA) with different methyl acrylate (MA) content on the mechanical and fire performance of a fireproof acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) composite, with an optimum amount of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and aluminum diethyl phosphinate (AlPi). ABS formulations with a global flame retardant weight content of 20 wt.% (ABS P) were melt-compounded, with and without EMA and UHMW-SR, in a Brabender mixer. During this batch process, ABS P formulations with UHMW-SR and/or EMA registered lower torque values than those of ABS P. By means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was possible to observe that all ABS composites exhibited a homogenous structure without phase separation or particle agglomeration. Slightly improved interfacial interaction between the well-dispersed flame-retardant particles in the presence of EMA and/or UHMW-SR was also noticed. Furthermore, synergies in mechanical properties by adding both EMA and UHMW-SR into ABS P were ascertained. An enhancement of molecular mobility that contributed to the softening of ABS P was observed under dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). An improvement of its flexibility, ductility and toughness were also registered under three-point-bending trials, and even more remarkable synergies were noticed in Charpy notched impact strength. Particularly, a 212% increase was achieved when 5 wt.% of EMA with 29 wt.% of MA and 2 wt.% of UHMW-SR in ABS P (ABS E29 S P) were added. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the presence of EMA copolymers in ABS P formulations did not interfere with its thermal decomposition, whereas UHMW-SR presence decreased its thermal stability at the beginning of the decomposition. Although the addition of EMA or UHMW-SR, as well as the combination of both in ABS P increased the pHRR in cone calorimetry, UL 94 V-0 classification was maintained for all flame-retarded ABS composites. In addition, through SEM analysis of cone calorimetry sample residue, a more cohesive surface char layer, with Si-O-C network formation confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), was shown in ABS P formulations with UHMW-SR.

Fe3O4@g-C3N4 and MWCNT embedded highly flexible polymeric hybrid composite for simultaneous thermal control and suppressing microwave radiation

The issue of electromagnetic interference creates an intense challenge in modern civilisation due to the continuous need for electronic equipment in various industries. The current attention is centred on materials that possess characteristics such as lightweight, processability, resistance to corrosion, high flexibility, and compatibility with established technologies, in order to address this issue. The present investigation involved the fabrication of a new composite material using a solvent mixing method. The fabricated polymer composite was based on a matrix of Ethylene Methyl Acrylate (EMA) polymer and incorporated two types of fillers: Fe3O4@g-C3N4 (Fe3O4 nanoparticles decorated on g-C3N4) and MWCNTs. Fillers embedded within polymer matrices have garnered significant interest owing to their capacity to enhance the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the composite materials. The Fe3O4@g-C3N4 filler demonstrates a unique combination of magnetic and conductive properties, whereas MWCNTs are widely acknowledged for their exceptional electrical conductivity. The composites filled with Fe3O4@g-C3N4 (7 wt%) and MWCNT (3 wt%) exhibited a significantly enhanced electrical conductivity, quantified at a magnitude of 10−2 S/cm and a highly effective EMI SE of −43.4 dB. Additionally, the polymer composite showed a thermal conductivity value of 0.92 W.m−1. K−1.

High toughness, ultra-sensitive, and extreme environment resistant fabric temperature sensors based on supramolecular-polymer dual network ionic conductive elastomers

Liquid-free ionic conductive elastomers (ICEs) show great potential for next-gen wearable electronics, free from issues like solvent evaporation and freezing. However, crafting ICEs with both strength and temperature sensitivity remains a significant challenge. In this study, a supramolecular gel based on 1,3:2,4-bis (3,4-dimethylbenzene methylene) sorbitol (DMBS) is selected as the first network, and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) copolymerized with diallyl dimethyl bis (trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (DADMATFSI) is added as the second network, with the addition of lithium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). The supramolecular-polymer dual network ion-conductive elastomer SP-DN-LiTFSI is created. The elastomer exhibits exceptional mechanical characteristics, including a maximum tensile stress of 1591.1 kPa and an impressive strain of 2361 %. Additionally, it demonstrates an extraordinarily high toughness of 33.121 MJ m−3. Moreover, this elastomer-based temperature sensor is responsive to external stimuli, such as blowing, and boasts an outstanding temperature sensing coefficient (S) of 0.114 °C−1 within the range of 30–60 °C. Remarkably, it can discern even the slightest temperature variations as low as 0.5 °C within the typical human body temperature range. This work represents an innovative integration of a dual network structure and two strategies for elastomer fabrication. It provides a novel approach for developing highly sensitive wearable temperature measurement devices that exhibit exceptional resistance to mechanical wear.

Analysis of factors affecting the formation characteristics of carbon dioxide hydrates in pure water system

As the oilfield fully enters the late stage of exploitation, the water content in the oil and gas transportation pipelines is rising. Meanwhile, the high-pressure and low-temperature environment inside the pipeline facilitate the formation of hydrates, which will seriously block the mixing pipeline and cause a series of production safety problems. Therefore, it is necessary to control the risk under the high water content system. In this paper, a high-pressure flow loop device with a viewable window was used to study the formation characteristics of carbon dioxide hydrate in a pure water system, and the effects of the liquid loading, pressure, volume flow rate, and two inhibitors, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and propylene glycol methyl ether (PM), on the induction time of carbon dioxide hydrate formation were investigated. The experimental results showed that the amount of liquid loading, pressure, volume flow rate, and inhibitor had a significant effect on the hydrate induction time. In addition, the ether compounds PM and PVP have inhibitory synergistic effects, which can significantly prolong the hydrate induction time, and the inhibitory synergistic effect is further enhanced with the increase of PM concentration, which further suggests the synergistic inhibition mechanism of the two. Based on the standard regression coefficient method, the factors affecting the induction time were subjected to sensitivity analysis, and it was found that the inhibitor was the most important factor affecting the induction time. Therefore, future research should also focus on finding better performance of inhibitors, synergists and their ratio.

Heptafluoroisopropyl Methyl Ether as a Low Global Warming Potential Alternative for Plasma Etching of SiC

Heptafluoroisopropyl Methyl Ether as a Low Global Warming Potential Alternative for Plasma Etching of SiC

Biological effects and phytochemical study of the underground part of Iris scariosa Willd. ex Link extract: A new source of bioactive constituents

The expected toxicity and resistance of chemotherapeutic agents necessitate and encourage for the use of natural chemotherapeutic sources of plant origin in the clinical stage of cancer therapy. Plants of the genus Iris (Iridaceae) used by local populations for the treatment of cancer, bacterial and viral infections. In this study, an ethanol extract of rhizomes of I. scariosa was prepared and tested for the cytotoxicity using the MTT assay. The extract exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity against the breast cancer cell line MCF7 (IC50 = 9.28 ± 0.49 μg/ml, selectively index ˃5), and induced apoptosis in MCF7 lines. Notably, the extract significantly inhibited the colony formation of MCF7 and HepG2 cancer cells at a concentration range from 10.6 to 85.0 μg/ml, including non-toxic concentrations for HepG2 cells. The ethanol extract was analyzed by HPLC, revealed the identification of 5 secondary metabolites (quercetin, rutin, myricetin, apigenin, artemisetin), the content of which was shown to reach around 15% of the extract. The petroleum ether (PE) part of the extract (yield 2.62%) was analyzed by GC–MS. The composition of tert-butyl methyl ether (TBME) part of the extract (yield 23.72%) was studied. Total of 15 individual compounds: two benzophenones, eight isoflavones, four flavones and a (2R)-flavanone were isolated. The pentamethoxyflavone artemisetin and flavanone pinocembrin were isolated for the first from Iris sp. The readily available isoflavones from the TBME part of extract (irilone, iriflogenin, irigenin and tectorigenin) may serve as new leads for the discovery of anticancer drugs.

Density, viscosity, excess properties, and intermolecular interaction of propylene glycol methyl ether + 1,2-propylenediamine binary system

In this work, the systematic measurements of physicochemical properties, viz., density (ρ) and viscosity (η) values of propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME) + 1,2-propylenediamine (1,2-PDA) binary system, including pure substances, over the entire mole fraction range at the temperatures of T/K = (298.15 to 318.15) under atmospheric pressure of P = 100.5 kPa. The fundamental data were used to calculate several excess properties, including excess molar volume (VmE), viscosity deviation (Δη), and excess activation Gibbs free energy (ΔG∗E). Meanwhile, the work further investigated the values of thermal expansion coefficient (αp), partial molar volume (V¯) and apparent molar volume (Vφ), thereby offering a comprehensive understanding on non-ideal behavior of the binary system. Furthermore, the variations in ρ values with various molar ratios and temperatures were evaluated through Jouyban-Acree model and nonlinear least squares method. Simultaneously, Grunberg-Nissan model, Eyring-Margules model, Heric model, and McAllister model, were used to fit the dependence of η values on the molar ratio. Arrhenius equation was employed to fit the temperature dependency of η values. In addition, Redlich-Kister (R-K) equation was utilized to fit the VmE, Δη, and ΔG∗E values of binary system. Based on spectral analyses of Raman, ultra-violet (UV), and 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the intermolecular hydrogen bond (IHB) of PGME with 1,2-PDA was discussed in depth.

Effect of indoor dehydration on the chemical composition of Marselan grapes in Heyang of China.

Marselan is a red wine grape variety with great brewing prospects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of postharvest indoor dehydration on the quality of Marselan grapes. For two consecutive years, the harvested grapes were dehydrated naturally indoors (24-28°C). Fresh grapes were used as a control, and dehydrated samples were taken every 7 days during the period of dehydration until ending at day 28. Dehydration treatment increased degrees Brix, reducing sugars, glycerol, and malic acid. On day 7, there was an increase in protocatechuic acid, p-coumaric acid, and total tannin of 26.00%-27.73%, 11.43%-52.52%, and 39.74%-70.45%, respectively. With increasing dehydration time, total phenols, total flavonoids and total flavanols in the skins were decreased by 17.05%-38.13%, 24.32%-57.38%, and 17.05%-59.48%, respectively, with an increase in pH, citric acid, and ascorbic acid contents of grape juice by 7.66%-21.43%, 100%-137.50%, and 61.29%-258.82%, respectively. On day 21, the esters were increased by 1.10-1.75 factors. Partial least square-discriminant analysis result of volatile compounds showed that ethyl acetate, 1-propanol, 1-propanol, 2-methyl-, 1-hexanol, and 1-butanol, 3-methyl- were the predominant characteristic flavor compounds during dehydration of Marselan grapes. The effect of indoor dehydration on Marselan grape quality offered application value for China's later dehydration wine production.

Gem-bisphosphonic acid-based double hydrophilic block copolymers: RAFT synthesis and comparative assembly with gadolinium ions for the formation of MRI contrast agents

The synthesis of double hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBCs) with one block containing bisphosphonic acid groups was performed by aqueous RAFT polymerization with two approaches, either starting from a PEO-based macro-chain transfer agent (macro-CTA) or by chain extension of a RAFT-capped bisphosphonic acrylate homopolymer with oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (OEGA). By complexation with gadolinium and europium ions, these polymers are prone to form hybrid polyionic complexes (HPICs) as evidenced by mono- and multi-angle DLS, TEM and luminescence measurements. The obtained HPICs showed better chemical stability at low pH values compared to previously reported counterparts based on carboxylic and monophosphonic acid groups (i.e., PEO-b-PAA and PEO-b-PVPA respectively). Due to their high relaxivity values, the proposed HPICs show potential as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Dendritic Polymer-Based Nanomedicines Remodel the Tumor Stroma: Improve Drug Penetration and Enhance Antitumor Immune Response.

The dense extracellular matrix (ECM)insolidtumors, contributed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), hinders penetration of drugs and diminishes their therapeutic outcomes. A sequential treatment strategy of remodeling the ECM via a CAF modifier (dasatinib, DAS) is proposed to promote penetration of an immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducer (epirubicin, Epi) via apoptotic vesicles, ultimately enhancing the treatment efficacy against breast cancer. Dendritic poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (POEGMA)-based nanomedicines (poly[OEGMA-Dendron(G2)-Gly-Phe-Leu-Gly-DAS] (P-DAS) and poly[OEGMA-Dendron(G2)-hydrazone-Epi] (P-Epi)) are developed for sequential delivery of DAS and Epi, respectively. P-DAS reprograms CAFs to reduce collagen by downregulating collagen anabolism and energy metabolism, thereby reducing the ECM deposition. The regulated ECM can enhance tumor penetration of P-Epi to strengthen its ICD effect, leading to an amplified antitumor immune response. In breast cancer-bearing mice, this approach alleviates the ECM barrier, resulting in reduced tumor burden and increased cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration, and more encouragingly, synergizes effectively with anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) therapy, significantly inhibiting tumor growth and preventing lung metastasis. Furthermore, systemic toxicity is barely detectable after sequential treatment with P-DAS and P-Epi. This approach opens a new avenue for treating desmoplastic tumors by metabolically targeting CAFs to overcome the ECM barrier.

An orthogonal approach for the synthesis of graft copolymers: Visible light induced free radical polymerization and iniferter processes

Graft copolymers with polystyrene main and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate side chains are synthesized via an orthogonal approach combining visible light induced free radical polymerization and iniferter processes. The method relies on a deliberately designed, double functional monomer, 2,2,2-(triphenylethyl)styrene (TPES), containing both polymerizable and iniferter units.

Investigation on the intrinsic instabilities of ethyl methyl carbonate flames

The intrinsic instabilities of ethyl methyl carbonate flames are investigated at equivalence ratios (0.6–1.8) and initial pressures (70–160 kPa) by using a 36-liter constant volume combustion chamber. The unstable laminar premixed flame is evaluated by the laminar burning velocity, explosion characteristics, flame cellularity, and flame self-acceleration. The experimental laminar burning velocity is well reproduced by the chemical kinetic mechanism. The extent of cellularization characterized by the crack length and average cell area non-monotonically varies with increasing equivalence ratio but monotonically increases with increasing initial pressure. Meanwhile, the critical flame radius for the onset of cellularity exhibits non-monotonic variation with the equivalence ratio, while it decreases monotonically with increasing initial pressure. The experimental critical Peclet number and critical flame radius are well captured by flame stability theory. The linear correlation between the critical Peclet number and the Markstein number is Pecl = 26.46 Ma + 122.22. In addition, the dependence of the critical Karlovitz number on the Markstein number is predicted as Kacl = 0.0226e-0.0880Ma. The flame self-acceleration increases as the flame instabilities increase. The acceleration exponent and fractal dimension are smaller than 1.5 and 2.33, respectively, which are the suggested values for flame self-turbulization.

Vasorelaxant and hypotensive effects of an ethanolic extract of Nymphaea pubescens and its main compound quercetin 3-methyl ether 3'-O-β-xylopyranoside.

Aim: Nymphaea plants were traditionally used to treat diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction. The present study investigated the effects of an ethanolic extract of Nymphaea pubescens Willd. (commonly named water lily, WL) and its main compound 1 (quercetin 3-methyl ether 3'-O-β-xylopyranoside) on vascular function in rats. Materials and methods: The vasorelaxant effects of the WL extract and its main compound 1 and their underlying mechanisms of action were evaluated on isolated mesenteric arteries from Wistar rats. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured in anesthetized rats after infusion (i.v) of vehicle, WL extract, and compound 1 (at 0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1mg/kg). Nifedipine was used as a positive control. Results: Both WL extract and compound 1 induced vasorelaxant effects (with EC50 of 0.08 ± 0.01mg/mL and 42.8 ± 6.3 µM, respectively) that were reduced by endothelium removal. A significant decrease in these relaxations was observed with L-NAME but not with apamin-charybdotoxin or indomethacin. In the endothelium-denuded condition, WL extract-induced relaxation was enhanced by 4-aminopyridine and glibenclamide, while iberiotoxin and ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one) had no effect. In contrast, compound 1-induced relaxation was not changed by any of these inhibitors. Both WL extract and compound 1 enhanced sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation and inhibited receptor-operated Ca2+ channels. Only the WL extract was able to reduce PE-induced contraction (p < 0.001). As compared to the vehicle, the infusion of WL extract and compound 1 lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Interestingly, the hypotensive effect of the compound was similar to that of nifedipine. The rebound tachycardia found at the highest dose of nifedipine was not observed with the WL extract or compound 1 (p < 0.05). Conclusion and discussion: Our study demonstrated a vasorelaxant effect of the WL extract and its main compound quercetin 3-methyl ether 3'-O-β-xylopyranoside, relying on the potentiation of the NO-cGMP pathway and calcium inhibitory effects. These vasorelaxant effects were associated with a potent hypotensive effect, providing pharmacological evidence for the traditional use of this plant.

Efficient self healable blended cationic and anionic poly(ionic liquids) under ambient conditions

AbstractPoly(ionic liquid)‐based self‐healable electrolytes are getting tremendous attention owing to their quick self‐healing ability at ambient conditions without external stimulus, prominent safety, high mechanical strength, appreciably good conductivity, and no electrolyte leakage. Ionic interactions are much stronger and more dynamic, capable of imparting faster healing ability to the electrolyte. To exploit ionic interactions and non‐covalent hydrogen bonding simultaneously for faster self‐healing at ambient conditions. In the present work, free radical promoted copolymerization of 3‐methyl‐1‐vinylimidazolium iodide and sodium 4‐vinyl benzenesulfonate (VMeImI/SS) with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate and ureidopyrimidinone methacrylate to obtain cationic poly (PEG‐UPy‐Im) and anionic poly (PEG‐UPy‐SS) poly ionic liquid (PIL), respectively, as polymer electrolytes (PEs) have been achieved. The complete structural analysis of the copolymers by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, DOSY‐NMR, and GPC was done. The ionic conductivity and self‐healing properties of the synthesized PEs, poly (PEG‐UPy‐Im) and poly (PEG‐UPy‐SS) were investigated, which gave encouraging results. For further enhancement of hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions, poly (PEG‐UPy‐Im) and poly (PEG‐UPy‐SS) were blended in the ratio of 1:1, referred to as poly (Im‐SS), a binary blend, as a self‐healable oppositely charged polyelectrolyte. Poly(Im‐SS) exhibited self‐healing behavior in 15 min and 5 min at 25 and 60°C, respectively, without any external stimulus. Poly(Im‐SS) also exhibited exceptionally high ionic conductivity of 2.04 × 10−5 and 11.48 × 10−5 Scm−1 at 30 and 80°C, respectively. This unique approach of blending two oppositely charged PEs to create a binary blend has improved ionic conductivity and self‐healing capabilities. Because a poly‐ionic network forms in poly(Im‐SS) as a binary blend, the physical and chemical properties in terms of mechanical and thermal stability as well as water contact angle point to a synergistic effect of ion–ion, ion–dipole, and quadruple Hbonding. Thus, the designed copolymer electrolytes and their blend, present a new perspective to develop innovative and rapid self‐healable polyelectrolytes with significant ionic conductivity for advanced electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, batteries, and supercapacitors.

Improving the Performance of Si/PEDOT:PSS Hybrid Solar Cells with More Economical and Environmentally Friendly Alcohol Ether Solvents.

The photoelectric characteristics of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) films significantly affect the power conversion efficiency and stability of Si/PEDOT:PSS hybrid solar cells. In this paper, we investigated PEDOT:PSS modification with alcohol ether solvents (dipropylene glycol methyl ether (DPM) and propylene glycol phenyl ether (PPH)). The reduction of PSS content and the transformation of the PEDOT chain from benzene to a quinone structure in PEDOT:PSS induced by doping with DPM or PPH are the reasons for the improved conductivity of PEDOT:PSS films. DPM and PPH doping improves the quality of silicon with the PEDOT:PSS heterojunction and silicon surface passivation, thereby reducing the surface recombination of charge carriers, which improves the photovoltaic performance of Si/PEDOT:PSS solar cells. Comparing the power conversion performance (PCE) and air stability of Si/PEDOT:PSS solar cells with DPM (13.24%), DPH (13.51%), ethylene glycol (EG, 13.07%), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 12.62%), it is suggested that doping with DPM and DPH can replace DMSO and EG to enhance the performance of Si/PEDOT:PSS solar cells. The EG and DMSO solvents not only have a certain toxicity to the human body but also are not environmentally friendly. In comparison to DMSO and EG, DPM and DPH are more economical and environmentally friendly, helping to reduce the manufacturing cost of Si/PEDOT:PSS solar cells and making them more conducive to their commercial applications.

Thermo‐responsive polymer to clean fouled forward osmosis membrane after wastewater treatment: Excellent flux recovery

AbstractThermally responsive polymers (TRPs) have gained significant attention in the past decade due to their unique phase transition behavior, those exhibiting changes in properties with temperature variations. In water, hydrophilic block copolymers form helical structures that can transform into hydrophobic globules above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Fouling is one of the limiting issues for the forward osmosis (FO) process in wastewater treatment. In this work, after the treatment of wastewater from the paper and pulp industries, foulants were removed from the surface of the commercial polyamide thin‐film composite membrane of the FO process using polyvinyl methyl ether (PVME), a TRP with an LCST of 35–37°C. PVME was mixed with different aqueous solutions to form cleaning solutions. Foulant cleaning experiments utilized a 1% PVME (w/v) solution in 300 mL of de‐ionized (DI) water, while 1 M NaCl solution served as the draw solution (DS) in the FO process. Comparing the water flux (J) and change in membrane hydraulic resistance (Rf) among pristine, fouled, and cleaned membranes revealed a 56.67% increase in water flux and a 51.68% decrease in membrane resistance after PVME mixed with DI water cleaning solution showcasing its effectiveness in improving membrane performance and reducing fouling. The cleaning efficiency of two solutions, that is, 1% PVME mixed in DI water and 1% PVME mixed in 1 M aqueous urea solution, is compared. Results showed that the former cleaning solution helped to obtain 32.62% higher water flux and 56.05% less membrane resistance. Various membrane characterizations are performed, such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), which characterizes the membrane's pore structure and surface morphology, while a contact angle analyzer assesses hydrophilicity. This research highlights the use of TRPs as effective cleaning agents, enhancing membrane performance by effectively removing foulants on the membrane surface. Investigating alternative cleaning solutions also provides insights for optimizing water treatment processes.Highlights Cleaning of fouled thin‐film composite membrane using thermal‐responsive polymers (TRPs). Polyvinyl methyl ether, a TRP with an lower critical solution temperature of 35–37°C used as a cleaning agent. 60% increase in water flux was observed after the single‐step cleaning process. Multiple uses of TRP for cleaning performed with no membrane damage.

Facile synthesis and polymerization of 1,4,5-oxadithiepan-2-one for disulfide-based redox-responsive drug delivery

Chemotherapeutic drugs have been shown to be promising for the treatment of tumors, however, they are associated with several disadvantages including low aqueous solubility, non-specificity, and poor plasma stability. Hence, they accumulate in the health organs and create several adverse effects. Drug encapsulated stimuli-responsive nanoparticles bearing redox-responsive disulfide linkages have emerged as promising delivery vehicle to address these limitations. A glutathione (GSH) responsive disulfide-based drug delivery system based on a polyethylene glycol methyl ether (PEGME) and a polydisulfide (PDS) diblock copolymer has been developed. The cyclic lactone containing a disulfide link, 1,4,5-oxadithiepan-2-one, was prepared using a thiol-free method utilizing the reaction of 2-bromoethyl bromoacetate with sodium disulfide. Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of 1,4,5-oxadithiepan-2-one using 1-butanol in the presence of Sn(oct)2 generated the homopolymer PDS whereas the diblock copolymer PEGME-b-PDS was obtained when PEGME was used as a macroinitiator. In aqueous solution, PEGME-b-PDS self-assembled into spherical-shaped micelles with a hydrodynamic radius of 146 and 116 nm as measured by Field-emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), respectively. At pH = 7.4, a Doxorubicin (DOX) loaded PEGME-b-PDS micelle showed a cumulative release of ∼98.2, ∼9.9, and ∼1.9 % in presence of 2 mM, 2 μM DTT and in absence of DTT, respectively clearly demonstrating the redox responsiveness of the PDS block. The best fit of kinetic data using with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model suggests a Fickian diffusion as well as chain-relaxation controlled drug release process. DOX loaded micelles and free DOX displayed similar cytotoxicity towards both 4T1 and MCF-7 cells indicating that the encapsulation inside the micelle did not affect the anticancer efficacy of the drug. The drug loaded micelle showed higher cellular uptake than free DOX in both 4T1 and MCF-7 lines and lower cellular uptake than free DOX in 3T3-L1 cell lines. This polymeric micellar nanoparticle may be further exploited for encapsulation of other hydrophobic drugs.

Efficient lipase-catalyzed synthesis of ceramide III series compounds in an eco-friendly solvent

Ceramide III (CER III) series compounds are essential constituents in cosmetic formulations and dermatological applications. As the cosmetics industry trends toward more sustainable practices, the development of an eco-friendly synthesis method for these vital compounds is increasingly critical. This research introduces a sustainable technique for producing CER III series compounds, using lipase-catalyzed amidation of phytosphingosine with various fatty acid esters or natural oils in an eco-compatible solvent. Through an extensive examination of various lipases and eco-friendly solvents, we first identified Novozym 435 as the most efficient biocatalyst and cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) as the preferred solvent. This combination established a high-efficiency reaction system for CER III series compounds synthesis. We further optimized the enzymatic conditions - a substrate molar ratio of 1:1, lipase loading at 30 wt%, at 65 °C, which presented an impressive yield of 94 % for ceramide IIIB (CER IIIB). We also investigated the reusability of enzymes in this synthetic system and further extended the scope of acyl donors using natural oils, results indicating the method excellent potentiality in industrial settings. In summary, this study provides a green and efficient pathway for synthesizing CER III series compounds, aligning with the growing eco-conscious trends in cosmetic science and technology.