Binding Agents Research Articles

A Functional Full-Scale Heat Exchanger Coated with Aluminum Fumarate Metal–Organic Framework for Adsorption Heat Transformation

Metal–organic frameworks represent a class of microporous adsorbents with high application potential for adsorption heat transformation. Here, we present a functional, full-scale heat exchanger coated with the microporous aluminum fumarate MOF Basolite A520 using a polysiloxane-based binding agent. The function of the heat exchanger was evaluated resulting in a gross cooling power of 2900 W (at the beginning of the adsorption cycle) or, respectively an average cooling power of 690 W (up to a limit of 90% equilibrium loading in 7 min) under the working conditions of a realistic adsorption chiller of 90 °C – 30 °C – 18 °C (temperature level of heat source, heat rejection/condenser, and evaporator).

Polymers as drugs—Advances in therapeutic applications of polymer binding agents

ABSTRACTPolymer drugs are those in which a polymer agent has a direct therapeutic effect on the body. A major investigated area of polymer drugs is their use as binding agents, or sequestrants, which can neutralize or remove undesired components from the body. By taking advantage of the unique properties of crosslinked, insoluble polymers, new polymer drugs continue to be developed for oral use, acting in the gastrointestinal tract and excreted in the feces. Soluble polymer binders may be administered by a variety of routes and act at diverse sites of therapeutic action. This article reviews the properties of polymer drugs, particularly sequestrants, with an emphasis on recent advances in polymer properties which may enhance the utility of this class of drugs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3146–3157

Characterization and Production of Fuel Briquettes Made from Biomass and Plastic Wastes

In this study, the physical properties of briquettes produced from two different biomass feedstocks (sawdust and date palm trunk) and different plastic wastes, without using any external binding agent, were investigated. The biomass feedstocks were blended with different ratios of two waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) plastics (halogen-free wire and printed circuit boards (PCBs)) and automotive shredder residues (ASR). The briquettes production is studied at different waste proportions (10–30%), pressures (22–67 MPa) and temperatures (room–130 °C). Physical properties as density and durability rating were measured, usually increasing with temperature. Palm trunk gave better results than sawdust in most cases, due to its moisture content and the extremely fine particles that are easily obtained.

Molecular spectroscopic and thermodynamic studies on the interaction of anti-platelet drug ticlopidine with calf thymus DNA

Ticlopidine is an anti-platelet drug which belongs to the thienopyridine structural family and exerts its effect by functioning as an ADP receptor inhibitor. Ticlopidine inhibits the expression of TarO gene in S. aureus and may provide protection against MRSA. Groove binding agents are known to disrupt the transcription factor DNA complex and consequently inhibit gene expression. Understanding the mechanism of interaction of ticlopidine with DNA can prove useful in the development of a rational drug designing system. At present, there is no such study on the interaction of anti-platelet drugs with nucleic acids. A series of biophysical experiments were performed to ascertain the binding mode between ticlopidine and calf thymus DNA. UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopic experiments confirmed the formation of a complex between ticlopidine and calf thymus DNA. Moreover, the values of binding constant were found to be in the range of 103M−1, which is indicative of groove binding between ticlopidine and calf thymus DNA. These results were further confirmed by studying the effect of denaturation on double stranded DNA, iodide quenching, viscometric studies, thermal melting profile as well as CD spectral analysis. The thermodynamic profile of the interaction was also determined using isothermal titration calorimetric studies. The reaction was found to be endothermic and the parameters obtained were found to be consistent with those of known groove binders. In silico molecular docking studies further corroborated well with the experimental results.

Putty on the Base of a Modified Silicate Binding Agent

The article provides an overview of manufacturing a binding agent via combined grinding a silicate lump and calcium chloride. The data on the mineralogical composition of a mechanically activated binding agent are presented. The paper also describes composition and properties of putty on the base of a modified binding agent, which is intended for interior finishing operations in buildings.

Analysis of Biological Interactions by Affinity Chromatography: Clinical and Pharmaceutical Applications.

The interactions between biochemical and chemical agents in the body are important in many clinical processes. Affinity chromatography and high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC), in which a column contains an immobilized biologically related binding agent, are 2 methods that can be used to study these interactions. This review presents various approaches that can be used in affinity chromatography and HPAC to characterize the strength or rate of a biological interaction, the number and types of sites that are involved in this process, and the interactions between multiple solutes for the same binding agent. A number of applications for these methods are examined, with an emphasis on recent developments and high-performance affinity methods. These applications include the use of these techniques for fundamental studies of biological interactions, high-throughput screening of drugs, work with modified proteins, tools for personalized medicine, and studies of drug-drug competition for a common binding agent. The wide range of formats and detection methods that can be used with affinity chromatography and HPAC for examining biological interactions makes these tools attractive for various clinical and pharmaceutical applications. Future directions in the development of small-scale columns and the coupling of these methods with other techniques, such as mass spectrometry or other separation methods, should continue to increase the flexibility and ease with which these approaches can be used in work involving clinical or pharmaceutical samples.

Conversion of ferrous compounds in a flameless combustion wave of hexogen-based systems filled with iron formate and other additives

The thermal decomposition of the energetic component and chemical reactions occurring at elevated temperatures in a flameless combustion wave of systems based on hexogen (filled with iron(II) formate and polyisocyanurate binding agent) afford a mixture of iron oxides and iron nitride as nanosized particles. The purposeful change in the ratio of the indicated basis components can provide individual Fe2O3, Fe3O4, or FeO in the conversion products. Additives of anthracene and hydroquinone to the initial composition can result in the formation of predominantly iron carbide in the products, whereas mainly iron nitrides are formed upon the addition of guanidine nitrate or 5-aminotetrazole. The addition of aluminum hydride components to the initial mixture results in the reduction of iron to the zero-valence state in the form of iron—aluminum intermetallic compounds.

Humus forms affect soil susceptibility to water erosion in the Western Italian Alps

Soil erosion depends mainly on its intrinsic vulnerability (soil erodibility), which is represented by the K factor of the RUSLE equation. Soil erodibility is strictly related to soil structure, which depends mostly on soil particle-size distribution and organic and inorganic binding agents. Soil erodibility can be estimated through soil aggregate stability measurements. However, the effects of different humus forms on soil erodibility and aggregate stability are poorly understood. In this study, we evaluate the influence of different humus forms on these parameters, and consequently on soil susceptibility to erosion. In the Western Italian Alps, 67 sites were selected on different substrata under common forest vegetation types. In all sites, soil profiles and humus forms were described and classified. Soil samples from the upper mineral horizons (A or E) were analysed (SOM content, water aggregate stability that measures aggregates loss) and soil erodibility K factor was calculated. The results showed that surface mineral horizons in soils with Mor humus were the most susceptible to erosion because they had the greatest values of K and aggregates loss, and their surface mineral horizons were characterized by the lowest SOM content. Conversely, surface mineral horizons in soils with Amphi, which had the greatest SOM content, were the least susceptible to erosion, as demonstrated by the lowest K values and limited aggregates loss. Mull and Moder forms showed intermediate behaviours. Despite a similar SOM content as Mulls, Moders showed a slightly greater aggregates loss. At low SOM content, the aggregates loss increased but it varied significantly among the humus forms. In Moders, SOM variations induced large changes in aggregates losses while Amphi forms were the least influenced by SOM. These results show that the intrinsic characteristics of humus forms, derived from the biological factors to which they are associated, influence soil erodibility and aggregate stability and consequently soil susceptibility to water erosion.

Affinity monolith chromatography: A review of general principles and applications.

Affinity monolith chromatography, or AMC, is a liquid chromatographic method in which the support is a monolith and the stationary phase is a biological-binding agent or related mimic. AMC has become popular for the isolation of biochemicals, for the measurement of various analytes, and for studying biological interactions. This review will examine the principles and applications of AMC. The materials that have been used to prepare AMC columns will be discussed, which have included various organic polymers, silica, agarose, and cryogels. Immobilization schemes that have been used in AMC will also be considered. Various binding agents and applications that have been reported for AMC will then be described. These applications will include the use of AMC for bioaffinity chromatography, immunoaffinity chromatography, dye-ligand affinity chromatography, and immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography. The use of AMC with chiral stationary phases and as a tool to characterize biological interactions will also be examined.

The effect of bentonite and yeast cell wall along with cinnamon oil on aflatoxicosis in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Digestive enzymes, growth indices, nutritional performance and proximate body composition

Feed safety is amongst the main factors affecting animal performance and economic viability of an aquaculture enterprise. The present research was to study the protective effects of mycotoxin binding agent along with cinnamon oil on the toxicity of various dietary aflatoxin levels in rainbow trout fingerlings. A three way factorial experiment was carried out for 60 days. Aflatoxin B1 (0, 25 and 50ng/kg), mycotoxin binder (0 and 5%,) and cinnamon oil (0 and 1%) were deliberately included in the diet. Fish were fed three times a day. Dietary Aflatoxin B1 contamination resulted in better PPV (p<0.05), while those fish fed aflatoxin contaminated diet supplemented with mycotoxin binder showed the highest weight gain (p<0.05). Dietary inclusion of cinnamon oil resulted in significantly inferior growth and nutritional indices. Body lipid, energy and ash contents were mainly affected by cinnamon oil to the extent that fish received diet containing the oil had significantly lower lipid and energy content. Meanwhile, feeding oil containing diet resulted in higher ash content (p<0.05). Markedly increased activity of digestive enzymes including alkaline protease, lipase and amylase were observed in fish fed aflatoxin B1 contaminated diet. However, the presence of mycotoxin binding agent rehabilitated lipase activity of aflatoxin received groups. Trout fed diet supplemented with cinnamon oil tended to have lower digestive enzymes activity. In conclusion, aflatoxin B1 resulted in pathologically elevated digestive enzymes activity in trout and mycotoxin binding agent and/or cinnamon oil could correct the enzymes activity of the species.

One‐to‐One Comparison of Graphite‐Blended Negative Electrodes Using Silicon Nanolayer‐Embedded Graphite versus Commercial Benchmarking Materials for High‐Energy Lithium‐Ion Batteries

While existing carbonaceous anodes for lithium–ion batteries (LIBs) are approaching a practical capacitive limit, Si has been extensively examined as a potential alternative because it shows exceptional gravimetric capacity (3579 mA h g−1) and abundance. However, the actual implementation of Si anodes is impeded by difficulties in electrode calendering processes and requirements for excessive binding and conductive agents, arising from the brittleness, large volume expansion (&gt;300%), and low electrical conductivity (1.56 × 10−3 S m−1) of Si. In one rational approach to using Si in high‐energy LIBs, mixing Si‐based materials with graphite has attracted attention as a feasible alternative for next‐generation anodes. In this study, graphite‐blended electrodes with Si nanolayer‐embedded graphite/carbon (G/SGC) are demonstrated and detailed one‐to‐one comparisons of these electrodes with industrially developed benchmarking samples are performed under the industrial electrode density (&gt;1.6 g cc−1), areal capacity (&gt;3 mA h cm−2), and a small amount of binder (3 wt%) in a slurry. Because of the favorable compatibility between SGC and conventional graphite, and the well‐established structural features of SGC, great potential is envisioned. Since this feasible study utilizes realistic test methods and criteria, the rigorous benchmarking comparison presents a comprehensive understanding for developing and characterizing Si‐based anodes for practicable high‐energy LIBs.

Mechanisms of Tubulin Binding Ligands to Target Cancer Cells: Updates on their Therapeutic Potential and Clinical Trials.

A number of chemically diverse substances bind to the tubulin and inhibit cell proliferation by disrupting microtubule dynamics. There are four binding sites for the ligands binding to the tubulin; taxane/epothilone and laulimalide/peloruside binding ligands stabilize microtubule while vinca and colchicine binding site agents promote microtubule depolymerization. Most of the tubulin binding ligands disturb the tubulin-microtubule dynamic equilibrium but these may exhibit anticancer activities through different mechanisms. Taxanes and epothilones are widely used cytotoxic agents and are found effective against different types of human malignancies. However, taxanes are susceptible to pgp mediated multi-drug resistance, dose limiting hematopoietic toxicity and cumulative neurotoxicity. Vinca alkaloids are already in clinical practice, but ligands binding to the colchicine site are still in the different stages of clinical trials. In the current review article, plausible mechanistic details about the interactions of ligands at the binding pocket and subsequent changes in the tubulin structure are described. The review article also illustrated different formulations of the tubulin binding agents in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents and their therapeutic potential against various human malignancies. Tubulin targeting agents emerged as one of the most successful anticancer drugs and a number of structurally different chemical compounds are in advance stages of clinical development.

Antibacterial activity of Euphorbia antiquorum latex

Euphorbia antiquorum is a large shrub or small tree belonging to the largest and the most diverse family in the plant kingdom, Euphorbiaceae. E. antiquram latex was used as a classical binding agent for the kshara sutra in the management of the anal fistula. In the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of latex of E. antiquorum on certain microbes. The methanolic extract of the latex was prepared. The fractions of methanol extract were tested for their antibacterial activity against the Gram positive bacteria, Streptococus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus and Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa. The results revealed that the latex showed minimum inhibition only to E. coli and S. aureus. Latex did not posses antibacterial activity against S. agalactiae and P. aeruginosa. The results suggest that the E. antiquorum latex extract account for the antibacterial properties and has a potential for use as an antimicrobial agent.

Comparision of Different Raw Densities and Board Thicknesses in the Production of Enzymatically Bonded Fiberboards

Reducing CO2 emissions for the long term is an important issue in countering climate change. For this reason, the use of renewable construction materials inter alia wood-based materials is becoming increasingly important. Wood based materials often depend on petrochemical-based binding agents, most of which contain and emit formaldehyde. This causes environmental and health-related difficulties that could be rectified by avoiding the utilization of these adhesives. For this purpose, enzymatically bonded medium-density fiberboards (MDF) with a targeted raw density of 650 kg/m³ and 750 kg/m³ and high-density fiberboards (HDF) with a density of 900 kg/m³ were produced in different thicknesses. Laccase-Mediator-System (LMS) was applied to manufacture the boards and to compare them to those glued with UF and inactivated laccase, respectively. These panels were tested in terms of their physical technical properties, such as internal bond strength (IB), modulus of rupture (MOR) and thickness swelling (TS) after 24 h immersion. The aim was to show the correlation between density and these properties for fiberboards bonded this way. Most panels meet the requirements of the European standard when LMS and UF-resin were used. The possibility to produce fiberboards bonded with alternative bonding agents opens up the way to alternative, innovative, healthy and environmental-friendly wood based products.

Alteration of Monoamine Receptor Activity and Glucose Metabolism in Pediatric Patients with Anticonvulsant-Induced Cognitive Impairment.

A landmark study from the Institute of Medicine reported that the assessment of cognitive difficulties in children with epilepsy is timely and imperative. Anticonvulsant-induced cognitive impairment could influence the quality of life more than seizure itself in patients. Although the monoaminergic system is involved in the regulation of cognitive process, its role in anticonvulsant-induced cognitive impairment remains unclear. Methods: To explore in vivo monoamine receptor binding activity in patients with anticonvulsant-induced cognitive impairment, each patient underwent PET imaging with both monoamine receptor binding agent 11C-N-methylspiperone and glucose metabolic agent 18F-FDG. Tests of intelligence quotient (IQ), including verbal IQ (VIQ), performance IQ (PIQ), and full-scale IQ (FSIQ), were performed in each patient. Results: Compared with the patients with monotherapy, patients with polytherapy had significantly lower VIQ, PIQ, and FSIQ (P < 0.01 in each comparison), as well as significantly lower monoamine receptor activities detected in the caudate nucleus, prefrontal cortex, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and amygdale (P < 0.05 in each comparison). However, regarding the glucose metabolism, there was no significant difference found in patients with monotherapy or polytherapy (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Monoamine receptor PET imaging could be a promising in vivo imaging biomarker for mapping anticonvulsant-induced cognitive impairment.

Preparation of nanocrystalline cellulose-montmorillonite composite via thermal radiation for liquid-phase adsorption

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is an excellent binding agent used in various kinds of manufactures. Herein, NCC was used as a binding agent for montmorillonite (MMT) clay before producing composite (NcMMT), which will be utilized as an adsorbent for methylene blue. The morphology of the composite was investigated by using field emission – scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while the characterization was conducted by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Two adsorption isotherm models, Freundlich and Langmuir models were used to evaluate the adsorption equilibrium. Adsorption kinetics was assessed by using pseudo-first and second order models. The result indicates that NcMMT is better adsorbent than MMT and NCC; as evidenced by the adsorption capacity (Qm) which is 183.8, 140.6 and 96.8mg/g (at 60°C) for NcMMT, MMT, and NCC, respectively. The adsorption kinetics was more reasonable described by the pseudo second order.

Effects of microbial transglutaminase, fibrimex and alginate on physicochemical properties of cooked ground meat with reduced salt level.

Effects of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase), fibrin/thrombin combination (fibrimex), alginate or combination of these binding agents on physicochemical parameters of cooked ground beef with reduced salt level were investigated. Seventeen treatments included three control (no binding agent) groups incorporated with varying concentrations of salt (0.5, 1, 2%, w/w) and fourteen treatment groups produced with MTGase or fibrimex or alginate or their combinations at 0.5 or 1% salt levels. The samples were analyzed for cooking loss (CL), pH, color, moisture, fat, protein, ash, salt, texture and TBARS. The results indicated that the use of MTGase or fibrimex or MTGase/fibrimex combination had significant effect on preventing textural deterioration caused by salt reduction. Even though the use of MTGase resulted in higher CL values, formulation of ground beef with fibrimex or alginate or MTGase/fibrimex/alginate combinations reduced CL when compared with the control groups. The use of fibrimex in ground beef resulted in a decrease in TBARS, lightness, redness and pH values. However, the use of alginate caused an increase in pH, lightness and redness values of ground beef. Based on the present study, the use of fibrimex or a combination of fibrimex with MTGase in the product formulation can be an effective strategy to reduce cooking loss, to improve or maintain the textural properties and to extend shelf life of cooked ground beef with reduced salt level.

Assessment of nutritional and lipid quality of salted cereal bars prepared with different binding agents

The aim of this paper was to assess the nutritional and lipid quality of salty cereal bars preparedusing different binding agents. The experiment consisted of preparing four cereal formulations with four different binding agents (collagen, guar gum, xanthan gum and psyllium). The physicochemical characteristics and main minerals of the bars were assessed to determine the nutritional value, atherogenic index and thrombogenic index. The ratios between hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids were determined to assess the lipid quality of the product. The results show that the bars have considerable lipid content, carbohydrates, protein, fiber and energetic value. The atherogenicindexindex, thrombogenic index, and ratios between hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids for all the formulations had good lipid quality, which indicates that the bars are a healthy food alternative.

High-affinity recognition of the human C-reactive protein independent of phosphocholine.

A high-affinity polypeptide conjugate 4-C25L22-DQ, has been developed for the molecular recognition of the human C-reactive protein, CRP, a well-known inflammation biomarker. CRP is one of the most frequently quantified targets in diagnostic applications and a target in drug development. With the exception of antibodies, most molecular constructs take advantage of the known affinity for CRP of phosphocholine that depends on Ca2+ for its ability to bind. 4-C25L22-DQ which is unrelated to phosphocholine binds in the absence of Ca2+ with a dissociation constant of 760 nM, an order of magnitude lower than that of phosphocholine, the KD of which is 5 μM. The small organic molecule 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-8-carboxylic acid (DQ) was designed based on the structural similarities between three hits from a set of compounds selected from a building block collection and evaluated with regards to affinity for CRP by NMR spectroscopy. 4-C25L22-DQ was shown in a competition experiment to bind CRP three orders of magnitude more strongly than DQ itself, and in a pull-down experiment 4-C25L22-DQ was shown to extract CRP from human serum. The development of a robust and phosphocholine-independent recognition element provides unprecedented opportunities in bioanalytical applications in vivo and in vitro under conditions where the concentration of Ca2+ ions is low, or where Ca2+ binding agents such as EDTA or heparin are needed to prevent blood coagulation. The identification from a compound library of a small organic molecule and its conjugation to a small set of polypeptides, none of which were previously known to bind CRP, illustrates a convenient and general route to selective high-affinity binders for proteins with dissociation constants in the μM to nM range for which no small molecule ligands are known.

The Influence of Binding Agents on Stiffness of Mineral-cement-emulsion Mixtures

This paper attempts to determine the behavior of mineral-cement-emulsion mixture (MCE) under load, whether is it similar to asphalt mixtures (viscoelastic behavior) or to cement treated materials (elastic behavior). To answer this question nine mineral-cement-emulsion mixtures with different combinations of cement and emulsion content were tested in laboratory using Simple Performance Test (SPT). For each mixture stiffness moduli and phase angles were assessed for three different temperatures (4, 20 and 40 deg. C) and 9 load frequencies. Conducted tests revealed complex behavior of mineral-cement-emulsion mixes, which is intermediate between elastic and viscoelastic. Opposite combinations of cement and emulsion content showed either more elastic or more viscoelastic behavior. This article presents stiffness moduli and phase angles determined for all 9 mixtures and analysis of this results. The increase of cement content leaded to more elastic behavior (higher values of stiffness moduli and lower values of phase angles) and increase of emulsion content leaded to more viscoelastic behavior (lower values of stiffness moduli and higher values of phase angles). Nonetheless mineral-cement-emulsions mixtures showed more viscoelastic behavior, as their properties change significantly with the change of temperature, but their behavior is not as viscous as in asphalt concrete, as their maximum phase angle is much lower than typical for asphalt concrete.