Alkaline Hydrolysis Research Articles

Siamese crocodile serum hydrolysate peptides: Potent tyrosinase inhibitors and melanogenesis regulators for hyperpigmentation.

Melanin safeguards cells from UV radiation, while also giving them colour (pigmentation). However, excessive melanin production (hyperpigmentation) can cause unwanted side effects such as skin freckles and food browning. As a result, there is a desire to control and in particular reduce melanin production. This study aims to identify bioactive peptides derived from Crocodylus siamensis serum that inhibit tyrosinase, which is a key enzyme in melanin production. We demonstrate hydrolysis of Crocodylus siamensis serum produces peptides that are potent inhibitors of tyrosinase. We demonstrate that alkaline hydrolysis is the most effective method (IC50 = 0.4323 ± 0.049 μg/μL) and use peptidomic analysis to identify two peptides, HG8 (HIVGRGAG) and RI10 (RNIKASHILI), that are as effective alone as the serum hydrolysate. Our results show that both peptides could inhibit cellular tyrosinase activity and reduce melanin accumulation by downregulating the expression levels of MITF, TYR, TRP1 and TRP2, which are key regulators of melanogenesis. The peptides also reduce the expression levels of Rab27A, MLPH, Myosin Va, Rab17 and gp100, suggesting they suppress melanosome maturation and transport. Furthermore, both peptides show antioxidant properties in B16F10 cells. These findings hold significant promise for the development of tyrosinase inhibitory peptides as therapeutic agents for hyperpigmentation.

Polyimide/cellulose composite membrane with excellent heat-resistance and fast lithium-ion transport for lithium-ion batteries.

Polyimide membranes have long been of great interest in the battery industries due to their outstanding thermal stability and flame retardancy. However, the preparation of polyimide membranes with ideal pore structure and excellent lithium-ion transference remains a challenge. In this study, we reported for the first time, that a nano-porous fluorinated and partially carboxylated polyimide/cellulose composite membrane was successfully synthesized by selected monomers and prepared by thermal imidization, phase separation, and alkaline hydrolysis method. Particularly, an appropriate addition of cellulose acetate (CA) during the synthesis process can optimize the pore structure of the membrane. Besides, CA was converted to cellulose after alkaline hydrolysis, further enhancing the electrolyte affinity and lithium-ion transference of the membrane. Hence, this composite membrane exhibited distinct heat-resistance, high porosity (78 %), electrolyte absorption (344 %), and lithium-ion transfer number (0.84). Most importantly, thanks to the above characteristics of the membrane, the assembled LiFePO4/Li cells demonstrated excellent cycling stability compared with the cell with PP membrane, showing a capacity retention rate of as high as 93 % after 500 cycles at 1C. We anticipate that this composite membrane with superior physical and electrochemical properties would shed light on the development of next-generation membranes for high-power and high-safety batteries.

White Analytical Chemistry‐Driven Approach to the Sample Preparation and LC–MS/MS Determination of Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs and Their Metabolites in Real Contaminated Matrices

ABSTRACTTraces of medicinal formulations and their metabolites often remain in animal products. The presence of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in food is a factor in chronic human health effects. Therefore, improved methods for their determination are needed for food safety. Usually, a complex sample preparation based on enzymatic, alkaline, or acidic hydrolysis is applied to recover residual NSAIDs from their hydroxyl‐, carboxyl‐, glucuronide‐, and other derivatives to the original forms. This work reports on a systematic study and comparison of the sample preparation of real samples for the determination of NSAIDs and their metabolites. The objects of analysis were meat and by‐products obtained from chickens that were treated with preparations containing metamizole, diclofenac, ketoprofen, ibuprofen, meloxicam, phenylbutazone, and mefenamic acid with their feed. The effects of acidity of the extraction solution, glucuronidase enzyme, and different sorbents for purification by solid‐phase extraction were studied. The hydroxyl‐ and carboxyl‐metabolites were detected by HPLC–MS/MS. It was shown that the long hydrolysis step during the sample preparation can be replaced with extraction into acetonitrile, making the full analytical procedure “whiter.”

Morphological modulation of starch chains from nanorod to nanospindle via temperature-controlling rearrangement.

Polymorphic nanoparticles, including starch nanoparticles (SNPs), have increasingly attracted attention, particularly rod-shaped variants, which are used for constructing anisotropic systems. Compared to symmetrically spherical particles, they show superior properties such as gastrointestinal retention for functional nutrients/drugs delivery and mechanical enhancement of filled materials, but their controlled fabrication remains a challenge. In this study, we yielded polymorphic SNPs with nearly axisymmetric geometries through a combined alkaline hydrolysis and nanoprecipitation method, followed by temperature-controlling rearrangement. The change from starch nanorod (SNR) to starch nanoellipsoid (SNE) and starch nanospindle (SNSP) was obtained when heat-induced rearrangement of starch chains occurred from temperature 90°C to 20°C. Interestingly, the sodium ions introduced by NaOH solution could be separated from the samples to varying extents. Both raw materials of normal and high-amylose starches have the above rules of nano-morphological alternation and salting out phenomenon, whereas their microstructures are not totally the same. Compared to SNR/SNE/SNSP fabricated from normal starch, those from high-amylose starch have a higher proportion of long chains (DP>24) while less short chains (DP 6-12), with higher degrees of order and crystallinity.

Superabsorbent polyacrylamide nanocomposite hydrogels with cashew tree gum: Investigation of the effect of laponite on swelling capacity and rheological properties.

Superabsorbent nanocomposite hydrogels based on polyacrylamide (PAAm), cashew tree gum (CG), and laponite (LAP) were synthesized in different concentrations to investigate swelling, thermal, morphological and rheological properties. Vibrational modes confirmed the formation of hydrogels, while X-ray diffraction patterns reveal the semi-crystalline structure of the hydrogels. Thermal analysis showed that higher LAP content and CG-LAP interactions improved the thermal stability of the hydrogels. Morphology analysis presented porous structures in CG-based hydrogels, contrasting with irregular plate-like structures in those without CG. The swelling capacity had better results in hydrogels with CG that were subjected to alkaline hydrolysis, mainly in a buffer solution with a pH > 4, due to the ionization of the hydrophilic groups. Hydrogels containing LAP maintained swelling degree stability at pH 10 and 12. In rheological tests, the addition of LAP increased the viscosity of the hydrogels, significantly improving the mechanical resistance of the hydrogels. Rheological parameters, such as the storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G″), indicated that the materials exhibited predominantly solid behavior, particularly in CG-LAP-rich hydrogels. Low mortality of Artemia salina nauplii in toxicity tests confirmed material safety. The results indicate that CG-LAP hydrogels are promising for agricultural applications, offering optimized swelling properties, thermal stability, and mechanical strength.

An Exploration of the Universal and Switchable RAFT-Mediated Synthesis of Poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid)-b-poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) Block Copolymers.

The synthesis of poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) (SMAnh) and poly(4-tert-butylstyrene-alt-maleic anhydride) (tBuSMAnh) macro-RAFT agents was investigated using universal 3,5-dimethylpyrazole dithiocarbamate and stimuli-responsive N-(4-pyridinyl)-N-methyldithiocarbamate RAFT agents. SMAnh/tBuSMAnh macro-RAFT agents of targeted molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution could be synthesized with intentional variation of the terminal monomer unit, allowing for the assessment of two distinctive macro-R-groups. SMAnh macro-RAFT agents were utilized to mediate the thermally initiated polymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), yielding SMAnh-b-PVP, but with significant thermolysis and hydrolysis of dithiocarbamate ω-chain ends. Alternatively, the redox-initiated RAFT-mediated polymerization of NVP at ambient temperatures using hydrolyzed macro-RAFT agents, i.e., poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid) (SMA) and poly(4-tert-butylstyrene-alt-maleic acid) (tBuSMA), was explored. Double hydrophilic SMA-b-PVP and tBuSMA-b-PVP block copolymers could be synthesized but with significant broadening of the molecular weight distribution. This is a result of the formation of dead chains derived from the alkaline hydrolysis of macro-RAFT agents prepolymerization and hydrolysis of dithiocarbamate chain ends throughout the polymerization. The latter is exacerbated by the insertion of NVP at the ω-chain end, which was subsequently investigated via the kinetic analysis of the xanthate- and dithiocarbamate-mediated aqueous homopolymerization of NVP.

Fate and degradation of methoxychlor in a contaminated aquifer: Insights from dual carbon-chlorine isotope analysis and isomeric fraction.

The combined use of isomeric fraction (IF) and multi-element compound-specific isotope analysis (ME-CSIA) was evaluated for the first time to assess the fate and degradation of methoxychlor in the environment. The concentration and carbon and chlorine isotope composition of methoxychlor and its transformation products were monitored in water and solid phases of a fractured aquifer. The results from the interception trenches water samples demonstrated that induced alkaline conditions promoted alkaline hydrolysis. Natural attenuation of methoxychlor isomers was evidenced by carbon and chlorine isotopic fractionation. The field C-Cl isotope slope (ΛC/Cl = 0.42 ± 0.06; R² = 0.98) was statistically indistinguishable (p > 0.05) from that obtained in a previous experiment (0.44 ± 0.14), confirming the occurrence of reductive dechlorination of methoxychlor isomers. P,p'-methoxychlor δ13C values in groundwater samples revealed variations linked to rainfall patterns. The extent of p,p'-methoxychlor biodegradation was calculated to be greater than 89 % across the monitoring period. The combined use of CSIA and IF evidenced that alkaline hydrolysis and reductive dechlorination did not exhibit isomeric selectivity. Differences in IF values between slurry and water samples, as well as between upstream and downstream wells, suggested variations in the environmental behaviour of the p,p' and o,p'-isomers, likely due to differing water solubilities. Overall, ME-CSIA proved to be a valuable tool for identifying, quantifying, and tracing methoxychlor degradation in this aquifer. Additionally, IF provided insights into the distinct environmental behaviour of the p,p'- and o,p'-isomers. These tools offer crucial information, valuable for decision-makers in developing remediation strategies for methoxychlor-contaminated sites.

Key attributes of nitrocellulose-based energetic materials and recent developments.

Nitrocellulose (NC)-based propellants have played a pivotal role in the development of energetic materials for both military and civilian applications. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of NC-based propellants, tracing their evolution from their historical origins as smokeless gunpowder to modern advancements. It discusses the chemical composition and classifications of NC propellants, along with continuous efforts to refine smokeless powder formulations through studies on smoke formation, residues, and additives. Modern techniques such as PCR-based detection and dynamic light scattering have enabled precise analysis of NC properties, including variations in the degree of substitution and molar mass, which allow for tailoring the chemical structure to meet specific performance needs. Special attention is given to the combustion dynamics of NC-based propellants, with an emphasis on reaction zones, performance characteristics, and optimization strategies that enhance their overall efficacy. The review also highlights the significant impact of nitrogen content, additives, and processing methods on the performance, stability, and safety of NC-infused propellants. While higher nitrogen content improves energetic output, it also increases surface cracking and gas production, necessitating the use of stabilizers and additives like Bu-NENA, copper compounds, and MgH2 to enhance flexibility, thermal stability, and reduce sensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimuli. Aging and environmental factors further influence burn rate variation, underscoring the need for tailored formulations. In terms of environmental sustainability, this review addresses safety considerations in handling and disposing of NC-based materials, focusing on innovations such as alkaline hydrolysis and NC recovery to mitigate environmental risks. Stabilizers and eco-friendly additives effectively prevent chemical degradation, reduce shock sensitivity, and enhance thermal stability. The review concludes with future research directions aimed at further improving the stability and safety of NC-based propellants, ensuring their continued relevance in modern applications.

Water-soluble platinum and palladium porphyrins with peripheral ethyl phosphonic acid substituents: synthesis, aggregation in solution, and photocatalytic properties.

Water-soluble porphyrins have garnered significant attention due to their broad range of applications in biomedicine, catalysis, and material chemistry. In this work, water-soluble platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes with porphyrins bearing ethyl phosphonate substituents, namely, Pt/Pd 10-(ethoxyhydroxyphosphoryl)-5,15-di(p-carboxyphenyl)porphyrins (M3m, M = Pt(II), Pd(II)) and Pt/Pd 5,10-bis(ethoxyhydroxyphosphoryl)-10,20-diarylporphyrins (M1d-M3d; aryl = p-tolyl (1), mesityl (2), p-carboxyphenyl (3)), were synthesized by alkaline hydrolysis of the corresponding diethyl phosphonates M6m and M4d-M6d. NMR, UV-vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the mono-phosphonates M3m tend to form aggregates in aqueous media, while the bis-phosphonates M3d exist predominantly as monomeric species across a wide range of concentrations (10-6-10-3 M), ionic strengths (0-0.81 M), and pH values (4-12). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of the diethyl phosphonates Pt6d and Pd6d revealed that π-π stacking of the aromatic macrocycles is sterically hindered in the crystals, providing a rationale for the low degree of solution aggregation observed for ethyl phosphonate M3d. Photophysical studies of M3m and M1d-M3d demonstrated that these compounds are phosphorescent and generate singlet oxygen in aqueous solutions. Pd(II) complex Pd3d is an excellent photocatalyst for the oxidation of sulfides using di-oxygen in a solvent mixture (MeCN/H2O, 4 : 1 v/v). Under these conditions, various alkyl and aryl sulfides were quantitatively converted into the desired sulfoxides. For the oxygenation of mixed alkyl-aryl sulfides, Pd3d outperforms Pd(II) meso-tetrakis(p-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (PdTCPP). This photocatalyst can be recycled and reused to afford sulfoxides with no loss of product yield.

Biovalorization of Aquaculture Biofloc Waste Through Polyphenol Extraction by Alkaline Hydrolysis and Green Nanoparticle Synthesis Optimization

The present research aims to valorize biofloc waste by extracting polyphenols via alkaline hydrolysis, utilizing them as reducing and stabilizing agents in the optimization of green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (BIOAgNPs). For the alkaline extractions, potassium hydroxide (KOH) concentrations of 0 to 4 M were used in combination with ultrasound. Total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were evaluated. BIOAgNPs synthesis was optimized using the response surface methodology and central composite design. The parameters time, temperature, AgNO3 concentration, and the percentage of the biofloc extract (2 M KOH), with measurements taken for the area under the curve (AUC) (400–500 nm) and the mean hydrodynamic diameter (DLS), were evaluated. Antibacterial activity was determined for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Higher polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were observed using 2 M KOH. The optimized model for DLS and the AUC was obtained in 4 h, at 40 °C, using 2.4 mM AgNO3 and obtaining 2.5% of extract. Optimized BIOAgNPs had a diameter of 22.4 nm, hydrodynamic diameter of 106.5 nm, zeta potential of −28 mV, and polydispersity index of 0.26. BIOAgNPs demonstrated bactericidal activities. This study enhanced the valorization of aquaculture residues through improved polyphenol extraction techniques and developed an effective methodology for synthesizing silver nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity.

Characterization, Compositional and Thermogravimetric Analyses of Lignocellulosic Fibers of Syzygium Cumini (L.) Leaf Litter: Investigating the Potential for Biofuel Production

The quest for greener and more sustainable energy sources has led to the consideration of lignocellulosic materials as possible candidates for this purpose. The present study investigated the potential of Syzygium cumini leaf litter as a lignocellulose source for biofuel production. The study involved comprehensive characterization (compositional, proximate, thermogravimetric, and Fourier Transform Infrared analyses) of raw Syzygium cumini (RSC) fibers and lignocellulose extracted from the plant, termed lignocellulose Syzygium cumini (LSC). RSC fibers were composed of lignocellulosic, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents of 60%, 50.52%, 31.53%, and 17.95%, respectively, indicating their potential for biofuel production. Nitrogen and fatty acid contents were significantly depleted after alkaline hydrolysis of RSC fibers from 0.532% to 0.196% and 2.5% to 1.0%, respectively. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses at 10 °C/min recorded a steady mass for LSC between 0 to 20 mins until it reached 250 °C indicating thermal stability. However, a 28% mass reduction was reported for RSC between the temperature range of 50 °C – 200 °C, suggesting the presence of volatile compounds, including amino acids, and oxides of nitrogen and sulfur. The FTIR spectra of RSC and LSC fibers confirmed the presence of several organic functional groups. The peaks at 1023.2 for RSC and 1026.9 for LSC indicate the presence of an alkyl amine group, cyclic alkene or OH group while the peak at 1606.5 indicates unsaturated C=C bond. The compositional variations in LSC fibers distinctively showed the presence of C=O and C–O which were not depicted in the RSC spectra. Overall, the high lignocellulose content, low nitrogen values and high decomposition of 79.25% at 466.71 °C, renders LSC fiber a viable raw material for biofuel production.

Synthesis of Linear Oligomethylphenylpentasiloxanes

A method for the synthesis of linear oligomethylphenylpentasiloxanes with terminal trimethylsilyl and methyldiphenylsilyl groups in one step by the alkaline hydrolysis of diethoxy(methyl)phenylsilane and subsequent interaction of sodium trimethyltriphenyltrisiloxanediolate with chlorotrimethylsilane or chloro(methyl)diphenylsilane has been studied.

Biomethane Production from Untreated and Treated Brewery’s Spent Grain: Feasibility of Anaerobic Digestion After Pretreatments According to Biogas Yield and Energy Efficiency

The increasing global energy demand, coupled with the urgent need to reduce CO2 emissions, has intensified the search for renewable energy sources. Biogas, produced from agro-industrial biomass, presents a viable solution. In beer production, brewery’s spent grain (BSG), the largest by-product by volume, offers potential for bioenergy recovery. This study applied a biorefinery approach to BSG, extracting protein hydrolysates (PH) through mild alkaline hydrolysis and nanostructured lignin (LN) via the Ionic Liquid Method. The objective was to assess biogas production from the residual biorefinery biomass and evaluate the co-digestion of BSG with Olive Mill Wastewater (OMWW) and Olive Pomace (OP), by-products of the olive oil industry. Biogas was produced in lab-scale batch reactors and the quantity of biogas produced was measured via the volumetric method. Conversely, the amount of biomethane obtained was evaluated by introducing, in the production chain, an alkaline trap. Biogas yields were the highest for untreated BSG (1075.6 mL), co-digested BSG with OMWW (1130.1 mL), and BSG residue after PH extraction (814.9 mL). The concentration of biomethane obtained in the various samples ranged from 54.5 vol % (OMWW + BSG) to 76.59 vol % (BSG). An energy balance analysis considering both the theoretical energy consumed by a semi-continuous anaerobic digestion bioreactor and the energy produced as bio-CH4 revealed that BSG after PH extraction was the most energy-efficient treatment, producing a net energy gain of 5.36 kJ. For the scope, the energy consumption was calculated by considering a PEIO index equal to 33% of the energy produced during the day, showing the highest biogas production. In contrast, the co-digested BSG with OMWW yielded the lowest net energy gain of 1.96 kJ. This comprehensive analysis highlights the energy efficiency of different treatments, identifying which process should be improved.

Blue Death Studies: Theorising the Water-Corpse Interface

In this article, we theorise a Blue Death Studies approach to investigate deathly concerns and the people, places, and practices connected to them. Doing so highlights possibilities for rethinking death as watery and mobile rather than sedimentary and sedentary. To ground this theorisation, we explore how water impacts the ir/retrievability of the dead by analysing liquid (sea drownings and alkaline hydrolysis) and frozen deaths (cetacean samples, mountaineers, and cryopreservation). From this, we underscore how waters affect the ir/retrievability of matter and meaning in death and indicate future directions for a blue death studies.

A Robust RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Quantification, Validation and Stability Studies on Vildagliptin (VILD), Dapagliflozin (DAPA) and Metformin Hydrochloride (METF) in its Combined Dosage Formulation

Background: Vildagliptin, Dapagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride are anti- hyperglycemic agents. Anti-hyperglycemic agents are drugs that stimulate insulin secretion and lower the glucose level in the blood. They were investigated as a medication for Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Various studies have reported the HPLC, HPTLC, LC/MS methods for the estimation of individuals of VILD, DAPA and METF. However, until date stability indicating HPLC analysis method has not been reported for the estimation of VILD, DAPA and METF in combined glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. Introduction: The objective of present work was to develop and validate the stability of RPHPLC method for the estimation of Vildagliptin (VILD), Dapagliflozin (DAPA) and Metformin Hydrochloride (METF) in combined dosage form. Method: In this research work, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used for validation in the chromatography. In the HPLC, Methanol and Potassium Dihydrogen phosphate buffer (85:15 v/v) were used as mobile phases. HPLC analysis was performed at 230 nm. The method was validated with different parameters such as linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity, and robustness, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ). The RF values of VILD, DAPA and METF were 6.24 ± 0.05 min, 8.34 ± 0.05 min. and 3.68 ± 0.05 min, respectively. The accuracies of drug recovery were 0.6398 %,0.3680 %, 0.6398 % and over the range of 1–4 μg/ml, 20-80 μg/ml and 15-85 μg/ml of VILD, DAPA and METF, respectively. Results: Degradation products found in stress conditions did not interfere with the detection of VILD, DAPA and METF; therefore, the proposed technique can be considered stable. Significant degradation products of VILD, DAPA and METF were obtained in an acid at METF at 2.05 ± 0.05 min. (MDP-1) and degradation product for oxidation of METF at 2.11 ± 0.05 min. (MDP-2). When alkaline hydrolysis was conducted, photolytic and thermal conditions were applied alone or in combination with METF, no degradation product of VILD, DAPA and METF was found. Conclusion: The developed and validation method was satisfactorily applied for the analysis of pharmaceutical preparations and proved specific and accurate for quality control of the cited drugs in their combined dosage form.

Alkaline etching assisted polydopamine coating for enhanced cell–material interactions on 3D printed polylactic acid scaffolds

The implant surface chemistry and topography are primary factors regulating the success and survival of bone scaffold. Surface modification is a promising alternative to enhance the biocompatibility and tissue response to augment the osteogenic functionalities of polyesters like PLA. The study employed the synergistic effect of alkaline hydrolysis and polydopamine (PDA) functionalization to enhance the cell–material interactions on 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold. Comprehensive characterization of the modified PLA highlights the improvements in the physical, chemical and cell–material interactions upon two-step surface modification. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis substantiated enhanced PDA deposition with a ∼8.2% increase in surface N composition after surface etching due to homogeneous PDA deposition compared to the non-etched counterpart. The changes in surface chemistry and morphology upon dual surface modification complemented the human osteoblast (HOS) attachment and proliferation, with distinct cell morphology and spreading on PDA coated etched PLA (Et-PLAPDA) scaffolds. Moreover, substantial improvement in osteogenic differentiation of UMR-106 cells on etched PLA (Et-PLA) and Et-PLAPDA highlights the suitability of alkali etching-mediated PDA deposition to improve mineralization on PLA. Overall, the present work opens insights to modify scaffold surface composition, topography, hydrophilicity and roughness to regulate local cell adhesion to improve the osteogenic potential of PLA.

Effect of Fuzheng Tongluo Granules on macrophage pyroptosis in rat model with pulmonary fibrosis based on NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway

To investigate the therapeutic effect of Fuzheng Tongluo Granules on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) and its mechanism. Seventy-two SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, pirfenidone group(162 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-, medium-and high-dose of Fuzheng Tongluo Granules groups(2.63, 5.25, 10.5 g·kg~(-1)). Rat model of IPF was induced by a single non-invasive tracheal intubation drip of bleomycin(BLM). The corresponding drugs were given daily by gavage after the 2nd day of modeling, and body mass was recorded. On the 28th day, the samples were collected and weighed, and the lung coefficients were calculated. The pathological changes in the lung tissue were observed by HE and Masson staining, and the hydroxyproline(HYP) content of the lung tissue was detected by alkaline hydrolysis. The contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and interleukin-18(IL-18) of the lung tissue were determined by ELISA. The expression of collagen type Ⅰ(collagen Ⅰ) and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) was observed by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of NOD-, LRR-and pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3), cysteine-requiring aspartate protease type 1(caspase-1), gasdermin D-N(GSDMD-N), and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD(ASC) in the lung tissue were detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence co-localization was used to observe the expression of GSDMD and CD68. The results show that compared with the control group, the model group showed increased lung coefficient, Ashcroft score, Szapiel score, HYP, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 content in the lung tissue and elevated protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD-N, and ASC. The expression levels of GSDMD and CD68 were increased, and there was a high degree of co-localization between GSDMD and CD68. Compared with those in the model group, the lung coefficient, Ashcroft score, and Szapiel score decreased in all drug administration groups, and the content of HYP, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 decreased. The protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD-N, and ASC decreased, and the expression levels of GSDMD and CD68 were reduced. There was a high degree of co-localization between GSDMD and CD68. In summary, Fuzheng Tongluo Granules can effectively reduce pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation levels in rats with IPF, and the mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway to inhibit macrophage pyroptosis.

Preparation of nitrogen liquid fertiliser derived from sheep wool

ABSTRACT This work focuses on the synthesis of a liquid fertiliser deriving from sheep wool waste.. Nitrogen-rich sheep’s wool underwent alkaline hydrolysis with potassium hydroxide. The product obtained by an alkaline hydrolysis process contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are the main nutrients necessary for plant growth The hydrolysis parameters, temperature, reaction time, and alkaline agent concentration were optimized using response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design. The amino acids and oligo-elements content of the resulting product also appear to have a positive effect combined with the nutrients when applied to the agricultural field. An adding phosphoric acid to incorporate phosphorus and reduce pH was made, addressing potential stress from alkaline conditions, especially in Moroccan soils. A stability study at pH levels (5, 6, 7, 8) over 120 hours and at temperatures (17°C and 25°C) indicated that neutralization at acidic pH leads to phosphorus potassium salts formation. This new fertilizer is designed for agronomic application.

Multifunctional carboxylated polyimide fiber membrane for gravity-driven efficient simultaneous separation of oil-in-water emulsions and methylene blue dye

The development of multifunctional nanofiber membranes with high separation efficiency for the simultaneous removal of oil–water emulsions and organic dyes is essential due to the complexity of hazardous components in real wastewater. Herein, a polyimide (PI) fiber membrane prepared by electrospinning was carboxylated and used to simultaneously separate oil-in-water emulsions and methylene blue (MB) dye for the first time. A superhydrophilic/underwater oleophobic electrostatically spun carboxylated polyimide (Cx-PI) fibrous membrane was successfully prepared through electrostatic spinning, thermal imidization, and alkaline hydrolysis to construct carboxyl and imide groups on the polyimide fibrous membrane. The resulting membranes exhibited excellent performance in gravity-driven separation for the effective removal of oil, oil-in-water emulsions, and MB dye. The separation efficiency was ≥ 99.4 % for oil-in-water emulsions stabilized with various surfactants with a flux of up to 1128.5 L m−2 h−1. In addition, the oil and dye in the emulsion could be simultaneously separated with an emulsion separation efficiency of ≥ 99.2 %, a flux of about 910.6 L m−2 h−1, and an MB dye removal rate of 98.6 %, even when the MB dye concentration was as high as 100 mg/L. The Cx-PI nanofiber membrane also demonstrated excellent stain resistance, salt resistance, high-temperature resistance, and mechanical durability. The above results indicated that the Cx-PI membranes were suitable for the separation of oil-in-water emulsions containing MB dyes under complex conditions. This study provides a promising application in solving the global water pollution caused by oily organic solvents and water-soluble dyes.

Acid Degradation Study of Dapagliflozin: Structural Characterization of Dapagliflozin and its Degradation Products Using Advanced Analytical Techniques and In Silico Toxicity Prediction

ABSTRACTThe research investigates the stress degradation behavior of Dapagliflozin (DAP), a type‐2 diabetic treatment, following International Council for Harmonization Guidelines. It found that DAP is stable in thermal, photolytic, neutral, and alkaline hydrolysis conditions, but significant degradation was detected in acid hydrolysis. Two novel degradation products (DPs) were identified and isolated in acid degradation, providing the first documented structural characterization of all two DPs. The identification of DPs was achieved through the use of ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for structural characterization. In acid degradation, a total of two primary DPs, degradation products 1 and 2 (DP1 and DP2), were found and separated. It was not previously reported that the two DPs that were generated were all new. This is the first time that these two DPs’ full structural characterizations employing cutting‐edge analytical techniques have been recorded. In the current work, liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were employed to get a specific confirmation of DP structures. In the further, degrading impurity with lower runtime will also be identified using the current method.