Basic Medium Research Articles

Green synthesis of fluorescent N-doped carbon quantum dots from castor seeds and their applications in cell imaging and pH sensing.

Water-soluble fluorescent N-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) were hydrothermally prepared through a green synthesis route using castor seeds as a single precursor and a hydrothermal method. Several experimental techniques have been used to characterize synthesized N-CQDs to confirm their structure and to verify their applicability in cell imaging and pH sensing. The synthesized N-CQDs were found to have are characterized by amorphous nature with a spherical shape with an average particle size of 6.57nm as revealed from XRD and TEM measurements. The FTIR results reveal the presence of carboxylic and hydroxyl functional groups on the surface of the CQDs, which was also confirmed by XPS analysis. The fluorescence characterization of the synthesized N-CQDs showed blue emission and excitation dependence with good photostability. It was found that the optimal excitation and emission wavelengths were (λEx = 360) and (λEm = 432) nm, respectively. The fluorescence quantum yield (QY) of about 9.6% at the optimum excitation wavelength 360nm. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of N-CQDs showed good linear dependence with the pH values in ranges of 3.5 - 7.5 and 8 - 12 as well as high sensitivity for slight changes of pH values. According to these results, two fluorescent pH sensors were created based on acidic and basic media. The obtained N-CQDs have zeta potential of -21.86 mV and thus have excellent stability in water. Moreover, N-CQDs derived from the castor seeds have antimicrobial activity and exhibits low cytotoxicity to WI-13 cells with IC50 = 394.4 ± 13.8µg/mL. The results of this study demonstrated that the synthesized N-CQDs derived from castor seeds can be used as pH sensing and antimicrobial materials. On the other hand, they are also promising in applications in cell imaging, thermo-sensing and optoelectronics.

WASTE EGGSHELL AND SAWDUST AS REINFORCEMENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE POLYESTER COMPOSITES: MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DURABILITY ASSESSMENT

This research endeavor undertakes an experimental investigation into the bending and tensile properties of polyester composites reinforced with waste eggshell powder and sawdust particles at 35 wt.%. Valorizing these waste materials as reinforcements contributes to sustainable practices, waste minimization, and environmental pollution mitigation. Composite samples were fabricated using hand lay-up and compression molding techniques. The effects of environmental exposure to water, acidic, and basic media immersion on the mechanical performance were evaluated to assess durability. Experimental characterization through tensile and three-point bending tests determined mechanical properties, stress-strain behavior, and failure mechanisms. Additionally, finite element analysis (FEA) simulations complemented the experiments by providing insights into stress distributions, deformations, and potential failure initiation sites within the composites under flexural loading. The computational models accurately captured the reinforcing effects of the waste materials and the degradation induced by environmental exposure, validating the experimental trends. Incorporating waste natural fibers significantly enhanced polyester's bending strength by 140% (sawdust) and 75% (eggshell), and tensile strength by 13% (sawdust) and 10% (eggshell). However, environmental exposure degraded properties to varying extents, with water immersion reducing tensile strength by 63% (sawdust) and 3% (eggshell), and flexural strength by 63% (sawdust) and 3% (eggshell). The acidic medium caused 58% (sawdust) and 23% (eggshell) reductions in tensile strength, and similar flexural strength degradations. Strikingly, the basic medium decreased eggshell composite tensile strength by 170% and flexural strength by 6%, while sawdust composite strengths declined by 44%.

PH-Independent Selective Formation of VO2+ Motif Incorporating a Family of Hydrazone Ligands: Synthesis, Structure, and Luminescence-Based Sensing Studies toward Selective Metal Ions.

Two new dioxidovanadium(V) compounds with the general formula [VVO2(L)] (L = hydrazone ligand) were synthesized using three different methods (acidic, neutral, and basic media) with either VIVOSO4. 5H2O, [VIVO(acac)2], or NH4VVO3 as the starting material and hydrazone ligands. In both cases, five coordinated V5+ ions adopted distorted square pyramidal geometry through the coordination of two oxido ligands and one hydrazone ligand. In compound 1, the presence of free hydroxyl groups stabilized the molecular species through intramolecular O-H•••N type hydrogen bond interactions. In compound 2, the free amino groups are involved in both intramolecular N-H•••N type and intermolecular N-H•••O type hydrogen bond interactions. Compound 1 showed highly selective luminescence turn-on behavior, along with a 33-nm blue shift in the presence of Al3+ ions in an aqueous medium. The experimental limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 66 nM. Whereas compound 2 showed luminescence quenching behavior in the presence of Fe3+, Al3+, and Cr3+ ions. The LODs were observed to be 312, 408, and 280 nM for Fe3+, Al3+, and Cr3+ ions, respectively. The luminescence response mechanisms of both compounds in the presence of metal ions have been correlated with molecular-level interactions.

Influence of Acylation by Hydroxycinnamic Acids on the Reversible and Irreversible Processes of Anthocyanins in Acidic to Basic Aqueous Solution.

In this work, the thermodynamics and kinetics of the reversible and irreversible processes of cyanidin 3,5-O-diglucoside and cyanidin 3-O-(2-O-glucosyl, 6-O-sinapoyl)glucoside-2-O-glucoside, 5-O-glucoside were studied by covering all pH range (holistic approach). The acylation (i) decreases the mole fraction of the colorless hemiketal in acidic medium and increases that of the colored quinoidal base, (ii) expands the pH domain of the flavylium cation, and (iii) moderately decreases the rate of tautomerization and isomerization of the neutral and monoanionic species. Degradation of cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside in a basic medium occurs in two distinct stages. After the formation of the anionic quinoidal bases (double proton loss from flavylium cation), a fast kinetic step, only observed by stopped flow, gives rise to the B4n- hydroxide adducts (n = 2,3) in equilibrium with the respective quinoidal bases An- (n = 1,2), leading to a first transient state. The quinoidal bases and B4n- adducts disappear completely from the first to a second transient state by means of two parallel reactions: (i) one reversible, giving the anionic cis- and trans-chalcones, (ii) the other irreversible, giving degradation products and exhibiting a pH-dependent bell-shaped mole fraction with maximum around pH = 12. From the second transient state, the anionic chalcones disappear completely in a few days. Acylation prevents formation of the first transient state. All of these effects are compatible with anthocyanidin-acyl π-stacking interactions (intramolecular copigmentation).

Hydrocarbonization of the pigeon pea husk as an alternative to increase the biosorption of the industrial dye yellow tartrazine from aqueous solutions

Tartrazine Yellow is a synthetic dye that is part of industrial effluents and can harm the environment when disposed of incorrectly. Biosorbents are alternatives to reduce the cost of the adsorption technique and add value to agricultural wastes. This work reports an investigation regarding the hydrocarbonization process effect on the adsorption capacity of Pigeon Pea Husk, for the removal of the dye from aqueous solutions. The adsorbents were treated chemically and were characterized. The kinetics and adsorption isotherms were investigated and the results showed that the pseudo second-order and Langmuir were the best models, respectively. The hydrocarbonization process increase the adsorption of the adsorbent from 1.54 mg g-1 to 3.60 mg g-1. The increase was even greater in the basic medium, reaching the highest adsorption capacity of 4.78 mg g-1. The hydrocarbonization process was demonstrated to be a sustainable and feasible path to increase the adsorption capacity.

Isolation, Characterization, and Optimization of Culture Medium for Local Straw-Degrading Bacteria from Northeastern Black Soils of China

In order to solve the problem of low and poor straw degradation in typical black soil areas of Northeast China, the present study was carried out to screen the potential of in situ strains with cellulose degradation ability from black soils of Northeast China to play a role in the resourceful utilization of straw and the development of sustainable agriculture. The straw degradation potential of the strains was evaluated by combining sodium carboxymethyl cellulose plate screening and cellulase viability assay; the species identification of the strains was carried out by morphology, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology; and the basic medium formulation of the strains was optimized by Box–Behnken response surface methodology. Ten cellulose-degrading strains were identified: ZL-5, ZL-69, ZL-88, ZL-95, ZL-111, ZL-137, ZL-139, ZL-140, ZL-187, and ZL-216, of which ZL-139 had the highest cellulase production capacity, with a cellulase secretion of 7.8781 U/mL in the enzyme-producing medium. ZL-139 was identified as Bacillus cereus; the optimized best formulation was glucose—4.284 g/L, yeast extract—1.454 g/L, MgSO4—0.417 g/L, KH2PO4—0.5 g/L, KH2PO4—0.5 g/L, K2HPO4—1.5 g/L, and NaCl—1.0 g/L. In conclusion, strain ZL-139 has good potential for crop straw degradation and can be a candidate strain for a straw-rotting agent in northeast China, with promising prospects for development and utilization.

Kemiri Sunan Buds Induction (Reutealis trisperma (Blanco) Airy Shaw) For In Vitro in Ms Media with Different Concentrations of the Substance Growing Manager

Need oil fuel in Indonesia has increased. Oil production reached only 410,000 barrels per day while the needs of up to 1 million barrels per day. One plant is capable of producing biofuels is Pecan sunan. Vegetative reproduction has been hampered by the limited number of obtained so that necessary research in vitro. This research aims to know the concentration of the substance growing balance sitokinin (BA, TDZ and kinetin) and Auxin (NAA) in Pecan sunan buds induces on the MS medium. Experimental design used was Complete Random Design simple. The treatment is the composition of the basic MS medium with medium that is combined with the astringent balance grow NAA (0.5 mg/l), BA (1-3 mg/l), TDZ (0.2 mg/l) and kinetin (2 mg/l). The result of the observation form buds, but callus changes color and size kalus. Before and after color callus subculture of potentially forming buds is the A9 (MS + 0.5 mg/l NAA + 3 mg/l BA + 2 mg/l kinetin). While kalus response tends to be good on the A5 is 0 MS media (MS + 0.5 mg/l NAA + 2 mg/l BA + 0.2 mg/l TDZ) and G media is A2 (MS + 0.5 mg/l NAA + 2 mg/l BA).

Trace Ru Incorporation Boosted Co2P Nanorods for Superior Water Electrolysis and Substrate-Paired Electrolysis Toward Value-Added Chemicals in Alkaline Medium.

Electro-valorization of biomass-derived chemicals has ensured sustainable production of value-added products, an effective approach for reducing carbon footprint, through renewable energy. Electrochemical oxidation and reduction reactions in aqueous media using H2O as a potential source for active hydrogenated and oxygenated species fulfill the purpose. In this study, Ru─Co2P nanorods are explored as a bifunctional electrocatalyst toward valorization of Organics at basic media. The in-situ electrogenerated Co3+ and Co4+ species act as active oxidants toward product selectivity. An overpotential of 68mV is found for hydrogen evolution reaction (1m NaOH) with Ru─Co2P. Further, used as cathode, Ru─Co2P effectively reduces furfuraldehyde to furfuryl alcohol and p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol. Ru doping enables ease of formation of active species both for reduction and oxidation, faster charge transfer between catalyst to absorbates. Density Functional Theory calculation establishes Ru incorporation in Co2P surface results in enhanced adsorption of substrates. Ru doping modulates the electronic structure of Co2P which changes the density of states resulting in faster water dissociation and water splitting. To reach 10mAcm-2 current density only 1.6V is required for water electrolysis, whereas 1.4V is enough for substrate-paired electrolysis with simultaneous oxidation of benzyl alcohol and reduction of p-nitro phenol.

Developing a New Method for the Estimation of Valsartan (VST) in Pharmaceutical Dosage Samples by Using Diazotization and Coupling Reactions Spectrophotometrically

Introduction: A new method for valsartan (VST) estimation in pharmaceutical dosage samples by spectrophotometry was developed. Method: The method was based on the formation of coloured dye by the diazotization reaction of 3-amino-2-naphthol with sodium nitrite in an acidic medium to form diazonium compounds, which were then coupled with VST in a basic medium. Results: The drug sample showed linearity in the range 4.6 - 24.2 μgmL-1, and the λmax was found at 432nm. Sandell’s sensitivity (9.950×10-3), Molar absorbtivity (Ɛ= 4.377×104), regression equa-tion (y= 0.0775x + 0.0041), correlation coefficient (r2= 0.968), detection limit (DL= 0.668) and quantitation limit (QL= 2.024) were evaluated. Conclusion: The percentage recovery of the drug samples was found to be 100%. This method successfully determined VST in Pharmaceutical dosage samples.

A Comprehensive Comparison Analysis between Ammonium-Based and Phosphonium-Based Bifunctional Ionic Liquids for Metal Extraction and Separation Processes.

A phosphonium-based bifunctional ionic liquid (IL) Cyp-IL was synthesized to recover molybdenum and vanadium from industrial waste resources, such as the spent hydrodesulfurization catalysts. In comparison with the reported versatile Aliquat 336-based ionic liquid, the developed ionic liquid Cyp-IL was investigated for its potential application recovery of vanadium and molybdenum from industrial wastes. To assess the efficiency of the comparative extraction process, a comprehensive comparison analysis was conducted between the ammonium-based bifunctional ionic liquid Aliquat 336 and the developed phosphonium-based bifunctional ionic liquid Cyp-IL. Vanadium and molybdenum in the ionic liquid-loaded phases were selectively precipitated using NH4Cl and BaCl2 solutions in a basic medium. Compared to Aliquat 336-based Ali-IL, Cyp-IL exhibited superior performance in the extraction and separation processes of molybdenum and vanadium such as a recovery rate of Mo 91% and V 82.5% vs Mo 85% and V 72% by the ammonium-based bifunctional ionic liquid Ali-IL. The recovered components, such as molybdenum and vanadium, were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This method capacitates the sustainable recovery of pure vanadium and molybdenum compounds while minimizing the environmental impact.

Selective Detection of Divalent Cations (Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+) and Anions (SO42-, S2-, CO32-) Using a pH-Sensitive Multi-functional Schiff Base inNeutralMedium.

A new Schiff base-based multi-cation/anion probe (L) has been synthesized and characterized using HR-MS, FT-IR, 1H, and 13C NMR techniques. The Schiff base motif provides specific binding sites that detect cations and anions by generating distinct optical output signals upon interaction. A noticeable color change of the probe solution was observed from pale yellow to various shades of yellow upon adding cations such as Cu2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+ and anions such as CO32⁻, S2⁻, and SO42⁻. This color change results from forming complexes like M3L2 with metal ions. Whereas origin of color in presence of anion were attributed due to the deprotonation of acidic proton in the ligand. Moreover, the complexes formed by Zn2+, S2/CO32⁻ ion with L are fluorescent, enabling the detection of Cu2+ and SO42⁻ using the Stern-Volmer plot, with a limit of detection (LODs) of 8.48µM and 10.47µM, respectively. Additionally, increasing the pH of the probe solution above 8 reveals a significant enhancement of fluorescence intensity due to the deprotonation of phenolic -OH and amide -NH in the presence of hydroxide ions. This emission in the basic medium is quenched by Cu2+ ions and restored when Cu2+ is complexed with EDTA. A logic gate has also been constructed for understanding the TURN-OFF-TURN-ON mechanism involving Cu2+ ions and EDTA. Overall, the versatile performance of a single probe L opens up new possibilities as a multifunctional sensor, making it highly suitable for practical applications.

Facile synthesis of green graphite-based (Ni/Cu/N) MOF composite for a methanol oxidation reaction

Recently, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have been regarded as the greatest energy-producing owing to their low operating temperature, high production rate of methanol, and low greenhouse gas emission. However, the energy conversion efficiency of the DMFCs is still unsatisfactory due to the slow kinetics of the fuel oxidation reaction. So, an economic electrocatalyst with high efficiency and good stability is still needed. Herein, low-cost nanocomposites of (Ni/Cu/N) MOF and palm pollen-derived G-graphite were prepared with different ratios namely, (1:1), (1:2), and (2:1) through a solvothermal reaction. The nanocomposites were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and, (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) technique (BET). Electrodes have been tested as electro-catalysts for methanol-oxidation reaction (MOR) in a basic medium. As revealed from the cyclic voltammetry measurements, all electrodes exhibit a good response to MOR, being the nanocomposite with the ratio between (Ni/Cu/N) MOF and G-graphite (2:1) is the best with an oxidation peak current density of 55 mA/cm2 at a scan rate of 50 mV/s, with an onset potential of 0.35 V, and stability reaches 96 %. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test showed that the ratio (2:1) has the lowest charge transfer resistance, RCT, of 5.21 Ω which confirms its higher electrochemical activity. This superior performance of the (Ni/Cu/N) MOF and G-graphite (2:1) over other reported MOF-based electrocatalysts is attributed to the synergistic effect of the (Ni/Cu/N) MOF electrocatalyst, wherein Ni and Cu provide redox electrocatalytic active sites for MOR while the G-graphite contributes towards the chemical stability and electrical conductivity of the electrode, respectively. The good activity and stability of the prepared electrodes suggest the potential use of these electrodes as electrocatalysts for MOR in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).This study opens the venue for valorizing the natural wastes derived graphitic material as stable supporting material in Mof based composites electrodes for MOR.

Synthesis and characterization of 3,5-bis((2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)-N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzamide and Zn(II) complex: Investigation of chromic, fluorescence and DPPH radical scavenging behaviours

Novel amido-Schiff base 3,5-bis((2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)-N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzamide (2a) has been obtained by the reaction of Schiff base 1a with 2-hydroxyaniline in the presence of coupling agent N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. Schiff base (1a) which serves as the starting compound in amide synthesis was produced from the condensation of 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid with salicylaldehyde in a 1:2 mol ratio. Tetrahedral geometry with 1:1 [M:L] stoichiometry Zn(II) complex (3a) was newly synthesized by the complexation reaction of ligand 2a with zinc(II) nitrate. 1a and 2a displayed a broad emission band at λem = 456 and 472 nm with a blue fluorescent in pure DMSO, while 3a emitted a strong greenish-blue fluorescent with the λem = 485 nm (λexc = 365 nm). The fluorescence efficiency of 1a was poor compared to the others. The λem in aqueous DMSO solution (v/v, 1:1) had ∼8–33 nm red-shift with respect to that of pure solution. The λem gave ∼1–15 nm red-shift with very low emission efficiency in acidic DMSO media. The results suggested that the aggregation caused quenching properties of 1a–3a in pure, aqueous, and acidic DMSO system with a 50 % water fraction. The fluorescence of the compounds appeared to be visibly very bright in basic DMSO media. All the compounds were also screened for antioxidant activity using UV–Vis spectroscopy. They were found to be not effective DPPH radical scavengers in DMSO.

Serum-free medium for recombinant protein expression in insect cells.

The baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) has been widely used to produce recombinant proteins because of several advantages, such as eukaryotic post-translational modifications similar to those in mammalian cells, high expression levels and safety, and large gene capacity. Usually, insect cell culture requires 5%‒10% fetal bovine serum, which has many adverse effects, including high cost, heterogeneity between batches, complex composition, and pollution risks. Therefore, serum-free medium (SFM) is indispensable for the production of recombinant proteins in insect cell culture. Here, the most commonly used insect cell lines and three insect cell media, namely basic medium, SFM, and chemically defined medium, are summarized. The basic components of insect cell SFM are similar to those of other cells but contain special components. The components, functions, and issues of different SFM used for insect cell culture are reviewed. In recent years, some special additives have been demonstrated to increase recombinant protein expression yield and quality in BEVS, and the functions and possible mechanisms of small-molecule additives are reviewed herein. Finally, future perspectives of SFM used in BEVS for recombinant protein production are discussed.

Effects of Ni Loadings on the Structure and Morphology of Carbon Nanotubes Using Nickel Doped Iron Oxide Catalysts

AbstractIron oxide and their different doped iron oxide catalyst have been used for decades and are considered as efficient catalysts in several synthesis schemes including synthesis of carbon nanotubes. The iron oxide of the catalyst is abundant in nature, high catalytic activity at low over potentials, stability in basic media and low cost, making it environmentally and economically attractive. Nickel doped iron oxide catalyst have not been reported in the literature. Doping of nickel over iron oxide catalyst, different percentage 1 %, 5 %, 10 % and 20 % were done by impregnation method. The samples were characterized by X‐Ray powder Diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). Nickel doped iron oxide was used as catalyst for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and doping changed the morphology of carbon nanotube (CNTs). FTIR results confirmed the doping and presence of different functional groups. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was carried out for the synthesis of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on nickel doped iron oxide catalyst for different percentage (1 %, 5 %, 10 % and 20 %) separately. CVD assembly was carried in tube furnace and the reaction was checked at two different temperature i.e 700 °C and 750 °C and using methane and compressed natural gas (CNG) as precursors. The catalyst was activated in the furnace at 800 °C for an hour. Methane and argon were used in proportion 2 : 1 inside the furnace. SEM showed formation of CNTs at 750 °C with CNG precursor. Formation of CNTs increased with increasing doping with this CNTs was confirmed by SEM.

Synthesis of New Heterocyclic Derivatives from 4-(3, 5-Dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-ylazo)- benzoic acid

In this work pyrazolin derivatives were prepared from the diazonium chloride salt of 4-aminobenzoic acid. Azo compounds were prepared from the reaction of an ethanolic solution of sodium acetate and calculated amount of active methylene compound namely, acetyl acetone to obtain the corresponding hydrazono derivative (1). Cyclocondensation reaction of compounds (1) with hydrazine hydrate and phenyl hydrazine in boiling ethanol affording the corresponding pyrazoline-5-one derivatives of 4-aminobenzoic acid (2,3). Then compound (3) was reacted with thionyl chloride to give the corresponding acid chloride derivative(4), followed by conversion into the corresponding acid hydrazide derivative (5) carboxylic acid thiosemicarbazide (11), esters (14,15), thioesters (16,17) and amides (18,19), when treated hydrazine hydrate, thiosemicarbazide, alcohols, alkylthiol and secondary amines in dry refluxing benzene; respectively. Schiff's bases (6-8) were prepared by refluxing of compound (5) with different aldehydes and ketons, then two compounds from the Schiff's bases were cyclized with ?-mercapto acetic acid to give (9 and 10). Furthermore, 1,2,4-triazole derivative (12) have been also prepared by refluxing thiosemicarbazide derivative with sodium hydroxide solution (4%) followed acidification of the result using (10%)hydrolic acid. Moreover, a thiadiazole derivative (13) has been prepared by treatment of thiosemicarbazide derivative with concentrated sulfuric acid as cyclyzing agent. Finally, oxadiazole derivative (20) has prepared by condensation of its acid hydrazide derivative with carbon disulfide in basic medium.

NixB/Mo0.8B3 Nanorods Encapsulated by a Boron‐Rich Amorphous Layer for Universal pH Water Splitting at the Ampere Level

AbstractHeterostructured interfaces are crucial to electrocatalysts for water splitting. Herein, coral‐like multiheterostructured NixB/Mo0.8B3 (NMB) nanorods encapsulated by a boron‐rich amorphous layer are prepared for water splitting. Density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the NMB interface adjusts the d‐band center and electronic structure of the molybdenum sites. Owing to the strong electronic coupling between Ni, Mo, and B at the heterojunction, large number of exposed catalytic active sites, as well as the special hydrophilic characteristics endowed by the surrounding amorphous layer, the NMB catalyst exhibits remarkable universal‐pH hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity with low overpotentials (η) of 15, 26, and 83 mV to deliver 10 mA cm−2 in basic, acid, and neutral media, respectively, and outstanding oxygen evolution reaction (OER) characteristics in the basic medium with η10 and η500 of 170 and 420 mV, respectively. The unique self‐supporting 3D hierarchical interconnected structure facilitates mass transport thus leading to high mechanical stability for 450 and 200 h in HER and OER at ≈1000 mA cm−2. More importantly, the NMB exhibits excellent performance toward overall‐water electrolysis as a bifunctional catalyst with ultralow cell voltages of 1.45/1.56/1.85 V @ 10/100/1000 mA cm−2, demonstrating the large potential in industrial water splitting applications.

Spectrofluorimetric determination of acetone in water samples with solid-phase extraction and a new benzaldehyde derivative

A new method is described for acetone (C(CH3)2O) determination in water samples. The method is based on the reaction with 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde (DMAB) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in slightly basic medium, resulting in a highly fluorescent compound with fluorescent wavelengths undisturbed by other common fluorescent compounds. Experimental conditions were optimized (reagents concentrations, reaction time) to reach optimal sensitivity. For the analysis of aqueous samples, a preconcentration step of acetone by solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by an elution step in DMSO was optimized using Isolute ENV + columns. A highly satisfactory low detection limit of 0.014 μM (0.8 μg L−1) was achieved by combining these two steps, with a linear range from 0.048 to 5 μM and relative standard deviations between 5.7 % and 6.9 %. The protocol was validated on complex real water samples such as river water and wastewater, and our fluorimetric method with DMAB was in good agreement with the reference LC-UV method with DNPH.

The Potential of Biotic Elicitors to Increase Isoflavone Production (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) Callus

Abstract The isoflavones contained in the Pachyrhizus plant (Pachyrhizus erosus Linn) have multiple functions, including serving as raw materials for the health/pharmacology or cosmetic industries. Isoflavones are beneficial as antioxidants, and cholesterol reducers and are capable of neutralizing free radicals and delaying aging. Tissue culture techniques are widely used to produce secondary metabolite compounds. Isoflavones can be made in vitro through callus production by tissue culture. By using elicitation techniques with the addition of various glucose concentrations to the culture media (media Murashige and Skoog or Vacin and Went), it is expected to increase the quantity and quality of callus and the content of secondary metabolites (Isoflavones) in Pachyrhizus callus. The research aims to increase the production of Isoflavones in Pachyrhizus callus by adding elicitors with various concentrations of glucose. The research method used a completely randomized factorial design. Factor I: two levels of basic media: M1 (Murashige and Skoog Media) and M2 (Vacin and Went Media). Factor II: Addition of Glucose concentrations with seven levels: 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%. The plant material used was the young leaves of Pachyrhizus. The results of the study showed that (1) all formed callus exhibited compact quality; (2) the addition of 30% glucose concentration resulted in the best growth of callus; (3) the highest Isoflavone content (0.15%) was found in the callus of Pachyrhizus erosus L. due to the treatment with both MS and VW media with 20% Glucose Elicitor

Multilevel Dynamic System as Molecular Morning-After Timer.

Systems chemistry aims to develop molecular systems that display emerging properties arising from their network and absent in their individual constituents. Employing reversible chemistry under thermodynamic control represents a valuable tool for generating dynamic combinatorial libraries of interconverting molecules, which may exhibit intriguing collective behaviour. A simple dynamic combinatorial library was prepared using dithioacetal / thiol / disulfide exchanges. Because of the relative reactivities of these reversible reactions, the library constitutes a two-layer dynamic system with one layer active in an acid medium (thiol/dithioacetal exchange) and one layer active in a basic medium (thiol/disulfide exchange). This property enables the system to respond to momentary changes in acidity of the medium by activating different network regions, channeling some building blocks from one layer to another through shared thiol reagents (nodes). This momentaneous change in wiring affects the final steady state composition of the library, measured the next day, even though the event that caused it vanishes without leaving any residue. Therefore, the final composition of this dynamic system provides information about this transient past perturbation in the environment such as: when it occurred, how long it was, or how intense it was.