Capture Agent Research Articles

Hydroxylamine activated by discharge plasma for synergetic degradation of tetracycline in water: Insight into performance and mechanism

This paper aims to investigate hydroxylamine activated by discharge plasma for tetracycline degradation in water. Results indicated that hydroxylamine can be activated by discharge plasma successfully, and promoted tetracycline degradation. The degradation efficiency of tetracycline by discharge plasma could improve from 70.7% to 90.0% with 0.25 mmol/L hydroxylamine. The energy efficiency (G50) could enhance from 2.28 g/kWh to 3.18 g/kWh, respectively. Synergetic effect could be generated between discharge plasma and hydroxylamine. Ozone and electrons produced by plasma can interact with hydroxylamine to produce more •OH. Capture agent experiment and ESR technique verified that •OH, O2•-, 1O2 and electrons all participated in tetracycline degradation in plasma/hydroxylamine system. The degradation process was investigated thoroughly based on three dimensional fluorescence, LC-MS and DFT analysis, and two main pathways were proposed. Enhancing applied voltage was beneficial to the degradation of tetracycline. Higher degradation efficiency of tetracycline was obtained at lower initial concentration. Compared with acidic condition, alkaline condition was conducive to the decomposition of tetracycline. The addition of hydroxylamine in plasma system promoted the mineralization of tetracycline. Overall, the plasma/hydroxylamine method can be considered as a preferable potential option for the reduction of tetracycline in water.

Calcium carbide residue — a key inorganic component of the sustainable carbon cycle

The transfer of waste materials from the chemical industry to the building sector is an emerging area of sustainable development. Leftovers, by-products, tails and sludge from chemical processes may be valuable components of building mixtures. Feeding the construction industry by chemical wastes is a profitable chain for both sectors. In fact, calcium carbide residue (CCR) can be considered a link between the chemical industry and construction materials. Carbide sludge is the main waste product of acetylene gas production from calcium carbide. The released acetylene is actively used in the modern chemical industry. An alternative method of acetylene production — the cracking of oil and gas — is beyond sustainability; thus, the carbide route is more promising in the hydrocarbon-free future. However, the carbide route is accompanied by a significant amount of the side-product carbide sludge, which is currently used as a CO<sub>2</sub> capture agent, binder, building material, in inorganic synthesis, <i>etc</i>. In this review, the potential of carbide sludge in the construction industry and other areas is highlighted.<br> The bibliography includes 310 references.

Detecting Intact Virus Using Exogenous Oligonucleotide Labels.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how an emerging pathogen can cause a sudden and dramatic increase in demand for viral testing. Testing pooled samples could meet this demand; however, the sensitivity of reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the gold standard, significantly decreases with an increasing number of samples pooled. Here, we introduce detection of intact virus by exogenous-nucleotide reaction (DIVER), a method that quantifies intact virus and is robust to sample dilution. As demonstrated using two models of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, DIVER first tags membraned particles with exogenous oligonucleotides, then captures the tagged particles on beads functionalized with a virus-specific capture agent (in this instance, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), and finally quantifies the oligonucleotide tags using qPCR. Using spike-presenting liposomes and spike-pseudotyped lentivirus, we show that DIVER can detect 1 × 105 liposomes and 100 plaque-forming units of lentivirus and can successfully identify positive samples in pooling experiments. Overall, DIVER is well positioned for efficient sample pooling and clinical validation.

Depositing Ag3PO4 on WO3 hollow microspheres at room temperature for rapid photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B

A series of WO3 hollow microspheres decorated with Ag3PO4 nanoparticles (APW) composites with Ag3PO4:WO3 mass percentage of 20% (20APW), 30%(30APW), 40%(40APW) and 50% (APW) were successfully synthesized, characterized and tested for the degradation of the Rhodamine B(RhB) under 300 ​W xenon lamp radiation. The photocatalytic results showed that the photocatalytic degradation performances of WO3 hollow microspheres decorated with Ag3PO4 nanoparticles on RhB were significantly enhanced, which were much higher than that of individual Ag3PO4 and WO3. Especially for 40APW, RhB can be completely degraded within 10 ​min. The order of degradation efficiency is 20APW<50APW< 30APW<40APW. The rate constant of 40APW (0.3902 min−1) is about 81.3 times that of WO3 (0.0048 min−1). The diffuse reflection, photoluminescence and electrochemical impedance tests showed that the formation of Ag3PO4/WO3 composite structure broadened the light absorption range, reduced the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes, and decreased the resistance to charge transfer, which are beneficial to the improvement of photocatalytic performance. The capture agent experiments were carried out with 40APW, which specified the primary role of h+ and ⋅O2− in the degradation of RhB. The formation of heterojunction between Ag3PO4 and WO3 that effectively separates photogenerated electrons and holes are contributed to the enhancement of photocatalytic properties of APW composites.

Experimental methodology for CO2 capture and sodium bicarbonate synthesis with producedwater from oil industry

Produced water is the main residue from the petroleum extraction industry. Other critical factor in this sector is carbon dioxide emissions. This work presents a solution proposal for both problems throughout the development of an apparatus which allows the synthesis of salts dissolved in produced water with CO2 capture. The experimental unit developed in this work was based on the Solvay process, to convert sodium chloride (NaCl) into sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) from synthetic produced water and carbon dioxide (CO2). No previous work used the combination of produced water and CO2 aiming at the synthesis of new products. Four steps were made with different experimental setups. The best outcome for the reaction of bicarbonate attained a conversion of 44.5% of sodium chloride into sodium bicarbonate and capture of 250,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year. A preliminary financial analysis indicates an annual revenue of US$ 126,607,292.31 in sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride and US$ 2,862,897.23 in carbon credits per year. The studied methodology can be used as a starting point for new experimental works that have the purpose to obtain salts from produced water and can help for better understanding its potential as carbon capture agent and a source of valuable products, contributing to the reduction of the environmental impact and adding value to the production chain.

PH-Triggered Removal of Nitrogenous Organic Micropollutants from Water by Using Metal-Organic Polyhedra.

Water pollution threatens human and environmental health worldwide. Thus, there is a pressing need for new approaches to water purification. Herein, we report a novel supramolecular strategy based on the use of a metal‐organic polyhedron (MOP) as a capture agent to remove nitrogenous organic micropollutants from water, even at very low concentrations (ppm), based exclusively on coordination chemistry at the external surface of the MOP. Specifically, we exploit the exohedral coordination positions of RhII‐MOP to coordinatively sequester pollutants bearing N‐donor atoms in aqueous solution, and then harness their exposed surface carboxyl groups to control their aqueous solubility through acid/base reactions. We validated this approach for removal of benzotriazole, benzothiazole, isoquinoline, and 1‐napthylamine from water.

Effectively compound the heterojunction formed by flower-like Bi2S3 and g-C3N4 to enhance photocatalytic activity.

In this study, the flower-shaped Bi2S3/g-C3N4-2.6 heterojunction obtained by solvothermal method and its photocatalytic degradation efficiency of rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline (TC) in aqueous solution within 40min is as high as 98.8% and 94.6%. For RhB degradation, the photocatalytic reaction rate constant (k) of Bi2S3/g-C3N4-2.6 is approximately 1.8 and 45.5 times that of Bi2S3 and g-C3N4. For TC, k is 3.1 and 2.4 times that of Bi2S3 and g-C3N4, respectively. The key to determining the high catalytic activity of Bi2S3/g-C3N4 lies in the formation of a good heterojunction between Bi2S3 and g-C3N4, which accelerates the electron transfer rate between the heterojunction interface and effectively avoids electron-hole recombination. The effects of catalyst dosage, different pH values, inorganic anions, and capture agents on the photodegradation performance of RhB were investigated. The results show that the catalyst dosage is 1.33g/L, and the solution pH is in the range of 5-9, which has the best removal effect on pollutants, and the isolation of holes (h+) with strong oxidizing ability promotes the collapse of pollutant molecules. Combined with electrochemical tests, a possible degradation mechanism was advised.

Detection and discrimination of neutron capture events for NCEPT dose quantification

Neutron Capture Enhanced Particle Therapy (NCEPT) boosts the effectiveness of particle therapy by capturing thermal neutrons produced by beam-target nuclear interactions in and around the treatment site, using tumour-specific ^{10}B or ^{157}Gd-based neutron capture agents. Neutron captures release high-LET secondary particles together with gamma photons with energies of 478 keV or one of several energies up to 7.94 MeV, for ^{10}B and ^{157}Gd, respectively. A key requirement for NCEPT’s translation is the development of in vivo dosimetry techniques which can measure both the direct ion dose and the dose due to neutron capture. In this work, we report signatures which can be used to discriminate between photons resulting from neutron capture and those originating from other processes. A Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation study into timing and energy thresholds for discrimination of prompt gamma photons resulting from thermal neutron capture during NCEPT was conducted. Three simulated 300times 300times 300 mm^3 cubic PMMA targets were irradiated by ^4He or ^{12}C ion beams with a spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) depth range of 60 mm; one target is homogeneous while the others include 10times 10times 10 mm^3 neutron capture inserts (NCIs) of pure ^{10}B or ^{157}Gd located at the distal edge of the SOBP. The arrival times of photons and neutrons entering a simulated 50times 50times 50 mm^3 ideal detector were recorded. A temporal mask of 50–60 ns was found to be optimal for maximising the discrimination of the photons resulting from the neutron capture by boron and gadolinium. A range of candidate detector and thermal neutron shielding materials were simulated, and detections meeting the proposed acceptance criteria (i.e. falling within the target energy window and arriving 60 ns post beam-off) were classified as true or false positives, depending on their origin. The ratio of true/false positives (R_{TF}) was calculated; for targets with ^{10}B and ^{157}Gd NCIs, the detector materials which resulted in the highest R_{TF} were cadmium-shielded CdTe and boron-shielded LSO, respectively. The optimal irradiation period for both carbon and helium ions was 1 µs for the ^{10}B NCI and 1 ms for the ^{157}Gd NCI.

Green fluorescent protein-fused bacteriophage cellular wall-binding domain as broad-spectrum signal probe for fluorimetry of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains

As a “superbug”, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has long been one of the most ubiquitous drug-resistant bacteria inducing numerous nosocomial infections. To achieve effective diagnosis and following treatment decision of infectious diseases induced by MRSA, it is highly desired to establish rapid analysis and antibiotic susceptibility test methods for this pathogen. In this study, we successfully expressed a bifunctional protein by fusing green fluorescent protein and cellular wall-binding domain of bacteriophage P108. The bifunctional protein can be employed as a signal probe for broad-spectrum fluorimetry of MRSA strains because it can both bind with the target pathogen and emit intensive fluorescence. By using it as the signal probe and porcine IgG as the capture agent, MRSA can be analyzed within a dynamic range of 1.0 × 103–2.0 × 107 CFU mL−1 with a sandwich mode. The fluorimetry was also applied to test antibiotic susceptibility of this pathogen to five antibiotics, and all results are conformable with those obtained with a standard micro broth dilution method. The above results demonstrate the attractive perspective of the bifunctional protein for rapid diagnosis and effective medication of infectious diseases induced by MRSA.

Optical frequency combs in aqueous and air environments at visible to near-IR wavelengths.

The ability to detect and identify molecules at high sensitivity without the use of labels or capture agents is important for medical diagnostics, threat identification, environmental monitoring, and basic science. Microtoroid optical resonators, when combined with noise reduction techniques, have been shown capable of label-free single molecule detection; however, they still require a capture agent and prior knowledge of the target molecule. Optical frequency combs can potentially provide high precision spectroscopic information on molecules within the evanescent field of the microresonator; however, this has not yet been demonstrated in air or aqueous biological sensing. For aqueous solutions in particular, impediments include coupling and thermal instabilities, reduced Q factor, and changes to the mode spectrum. Here we overcome a key challenge toward single-molecule spectroscopy using optical microresonators: the generation of a frequency comb at visible to near-IR wavelengths when immersed in either air or aqueous solution. The required dispersion is achieved via intermodal coupling, which we show is attainable using larger microtoroids, but with the same shape and material that has previously been shown ideal for ultra-high sensitivity biosensing. We believe that the continuous evolution of this platform will allow us in the future to simultaneously detect and identify single molecules in both gas and liquid at any wavelength without the use of labels.

P10 Rapid capture of uropathogenic bacteria and on-chip determination of antimicrobial resistance

BackgroundUrinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections responsible for increased annual incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) cases. Clinical diagnosis of UTI AMR relies heavily on conventional urine culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) which has a turnaround time of ∼3 days. Often, irrespective of the infection status, antibiotics are prescribed to patients even before the test results are available, leading to non-judicious use of antibiotics. Over the years, several technologies have been developed for the rapid detection and diagnosis of UTI AMR, however, most of them are limited to traditional microbiological techniques and large laboratory equipment that are not readily available in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs). To address these diagnostic limitations, we are developing a rapid and affordable UTI-AMR diagnostic microfluidic device that is clinical friendly aimed at improving UTI management and AMR stewardship.ResultsOur device enables the flow of a large volume of urine specimens for the capture/enrichment of uropathogenic bacteria and determination of AST via a porous membrane that is augmented with a multifunctional polymer-based material. Important objectives for the development of UTI AMR diagnostic microfluidic device are: (i) development of a multifunctional polymer-based material; and (ii) validation of UTI AMR diagnostic device. We have successfully developed a polysaccharide-based platform to (i) selectively capture uropathogenic bacteria from urine specimen by immobilizing concanavalin A (con A) lectin as bacterial capture agent on the polymer surface via chemical modification; (ii) encapsulate and release bacterial nutrient media and antibiotics for AST; and (iii) detect AST via encapsulation of bacterial growth indicator. In addition, we have also determined the development of methacrylate-based and acrylamide-based synthetic polymer-based material for our application. Further, we have demonstrated the uniform augmentation of the polysaccharide-based polymer onto porous membrane via dip-coating technique for on-chip bacterial capture/enrichment and AST in fluid (urine) flow conditions. The porous membrane is a conducting material which enables us to perform electrochemical measurements such as impedance spectroscopy that accelerates the detection process of antibiotic susceptibility. As a proof-of-concept, we have determined the capture of biosafety level I Escherichia coli expressing kanamycin resistance gene on chemically surface modified polysaccharide-based polymer containing con A and the antibiotic susceptibility of captured bacteria against different antibiotics with and without the porous membrane. We have quantitatively determined the limit of detection of E. coli on multifunctional polysaccharide-based polymer material.ConclusionsThe utility of the UTI AMR microfluidic device in clinical settings enables clinicians to make informed decisions on the most appropriate antibiotic for treatment in less than a day. Integration of impedance spectroscopy will further accelerate the detection by significantly reducing the time of detection. Further, the device allows for off-chip analysis by retrieving the captured uropathogenic bacteria to perform high throughput sequencing for identifying AMR genetic determinants. Therefore, with the ability to selectively capture uropathogenic bacteria and determine AST in a short time, our technology has the potential to overcome some of the current limitations in UTI AMR diagnostics.

Chemoselective Bioconjugation of Amyloidogenic Protein Antigens to PEGylated Microspheres Enables Detection of α-Synuclein Autoantibodies in Human Plasma.

The misfolding and subsequent aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins is a classic pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. Aggregates of the α-synuclein protein (αS) are implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis, and naturally occurring autoantibodies to these aggregates are proposed to be potential early-stage biomarkers to facilitate the diagnosis of PD. However, upon misfolding, αS forms a multitude of quaternary structures of varying functions that are unstable ex vivo. Thus, when used as a capture agent in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), significant variance among laboratories has prevented the development of these valuable diagnostic tests. We reasoned that those conflicting results arise due to the high nonspecific binding and amyloid nucleation that are typical of ELISA platforms. In this work, we describe a multiplexed, easy-to-operate immunoassay that is generally applicable to quantify the levels of amyloid proteins and their binding partners, named Oxaziridine-Assisted Solid-phase Immunosorbent (OASIS) assay. The assay is built on a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) scaffold that inhibits aggregate nucleation, which we show reduces assay variance when compared to similar ELISA measurements. To validate our OASIS assay in patient-derived samples, we measured the levels of naturally occurring antibodies against the αS monomer and oligomers in a cohort of donor plasma from patients diagnosed with PD. Using OASIS assays, we observed significantly higher titers of immunoglobulin G antibody recognizing αS oligomers in PD patients compared to those in healthy controls, while there was no significant difference in naturally occurring antibodies against the αS monomer. In addition to its development into a blood test to potentially predict or monitor PD, we anticipate that the OASIS assay will be of high utility for studies aimed at understanding protein misfolding, its pathology and symptomology in PD, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

EFFICIENCY OF PHOTON CAPTURE BEAM TECHNOLOGY AND PHOTODYNAMIC IMPACT ON MALIGNANT AND NORMAL HUMAN CELLS IN VITRO.

to investigate the structural and morphofunctional changes in test systems of malignant (cell lineA549) and normal (stem fibroblasts) human cells exposed to X-rays in the presence of gadoliniumcontaining photon capture agent «Dotavist» and optical light (red spectrum) in combination with «Fotolon» photosensitizer. The continuous cell culture of normal human fibroblasts and malignant human cells technology, X-ray and red light exposure, cytological and statistical methods. Effects of the two binary radiation technologies, namely the photon capture impact on malignant cells(human nonsmall cell lung cancer cells i.e. line A-549) and normal cells (human stem fibroblasts) when incubated with gadoliniumcontaining photon capture agent «Dotavist» and photodynamic effect in the presence of «Fotolon» photosensitizer applied separately and in combination were studied in a comparative mode. Proceeding from morphofunctional characteristics (growth kinetics, proliferative and mitotic activity) of the abovementioned test systems, peculiarities of the effect on malignant and normal cells were established. Irradiation with X-rays to the 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 Gy doses resulted in inactivation of respectively 10 %, 46 %, and 80% of the A-549 line malignant cells.Cellular irradiation to a 1.0 Gy dose in the presence of the photon capture agent «Dotavist» (10 μl/ml concentration) inhibited cell proliferation by 50 %, suppressing their mitotic activity. At a dose of 10.0 Gy in the presence of «Dotavist» the inhibition by 93 % of the growth and division of malignant cells occurred, indicating the high efficiency of binary radiation technology. The effect of two binary radiation technologies on malignant human cells (A-549 line), namely the combination of red light with «Fotolon» (0.05 mg/ml concentration) and X-ray exposure in the above doses with «Dotavist» (10 μl/ ml concentration) resulted in the death of respectively 64 %, 86 %, and 99% malignant cells. The culture of normal fibroblasts was found being more sensitive to the influence of a complex of binary radiation impact, as exposure to a dose of 10.0 Gy in the presence of «Dotavist» and «Fotolon» inactivated 100 % of cells. The obtained results provide basis of preclinical evaluation of effectiveness of the combined impact of two binary technologies and drugs used in the photon capture technology and photodynamic therapy i.e. the photon capture agent «Dotavist» and «Fotolon» photosensitizer respectively.

Towards Computational CO2 Capture and Storage Models

This review is aimed to increase knowledge on computational CO2 capture and storage models that are gradually evolving in the design and development to act as more effective carbon capture agents with acceptable toxicity and costs and complementary adjuncts to experiments for comprehending amino-CO2 reaction mechanisms. Also, the review discussed experimental research of degradation reactions of aqueous organic amines, measurements, kinetics and forecasts of amine pKₐ values and amine-CO2 equilibria. Also, the researcher comprehensively discussed the computational simulation of mechanisms of carbon capture reactions. In the contexts of experimental and computational studies, the comparative advantages of bicarbonate, carbamic acid, termolecular and zwitterion are described. Computational approaches shall gradually evolve in the design and development to act as more effective carbon capture agents with acceptable toxicity and costs and complementary adjuncts to experiments for comprehending amino-CO2 reaction mechanisms. Some of the main research findings indicate that advancements in quantum computing might help in simulating larger complex molecules such as CO2. Moreover, the simulations might discover new catalysts for CO2 capture that are more efficient and cheaper than present models. CO2 capture and storage (CCS) could minimize the CO2 emission volume by 14%. The first stride in CCS is capturing CO2. It accounts for 70% -80% of this technology total costs. Virtually, 50% of the costs to operate the post-combustion capture (PCC) plants are related to steam costs. It is thus important to acquire the best possible data to avoid unnecessary costs and overdesigns.

Effect of pH-Regulation on the Capture of Lipopolysaccharides from E. coli EH100 by Four-Antennary Oligoglycines in Aqueous Medium.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are designated as endotoxins, because they cause fever and a wide range of pathologies in humans. It is important to develop effective methodologies to detect trace quantities of LPS in aqueous systems. The present study develops a fine-tuning procedure for the entrapment of trace quantities of LPS from E. coli EH100. The capture agents are self-assemblies (tectomers) formed by synthetic four-antennary oligoglycine (C-(CH2-NH-Gly7)4, T4). Based on previously performed investigations of bulk and adsorption-layer properties of aqueous solutions containing T4 and LPS, the optimal conditions for the entrapment interactions are further fine-tuned by the pH regulation of aqueous systems. A combined investigation protocol is developed, including dynamic light scattering, profile analysis tensiometry, microscopic thin-liquid-film techniques, and transmission electron microscopy. The key results are: (1) two types of complexes between T4 and LPS are generated—amphiphilic species and “sandwich-like” hydrophilic entities; the complexes are smaller at lower pH, and larger at higher pH; (2) an optimum range of pH values is established within which the whole quantity of the LPS is entrapped by the tectomers, namely pH = 5.04–6.30. The obtained data substantiate the notion that T4 may be used for an effective capture and the removal of traces of endotoxins in aqueous systems.

κ-Carrageenan Gel Modified Mesoporous Gold Chronocoulometric Sensor for Ultrasensitive Detection of MicroRNA

Abstract Hydrogel-functionalized surface-based transducers demonstrate fluid-like kinetics, non-fouling properties, and superior biocompatibility. The integration of such properties of three-dimensional (3D) micro- or macrostructure of hydrogels into a mesoporous platform provides a favorable moiety for incorporating biomolecule for adsorption or hybridization with a capture agent. Herein, we report a novel κ-carrageenan hydrogel-coated mesoporous gold (Au) electrode (abbreviated as MPGE/gel) for chronocoulometric (CC) detection of microRNA (miRNA). The κ-carrageenan gel provides a 3D porous network on Au electrode surface to enable higher adsorption of target miRNA for CC interrogation of miRNA in presence of a redox molecule-ruthenium hexaammine (III) chloride ([Ru(NH3)6]3+, RuHex). Magnetically isolated and purified target miR-9-2 is adsorbed onto the MPGE via Au-RNA affinity interaction through the porous 3D network of the gel followed by the CC detection. The enhanced miRNA adsorption and electrocatalytic activity of MPGE/gel provide attomolar (50 aM) level of detection of miRNA with a dynamic range from 100 pM to 10 aM. The good reproducibility (% RSD ≤ 5%, for n = 3) and high specificity of the developed biosensor demonstrates its excellent translational potential toward developing precisely controlled sensing devices for current clinical needs.

Peptide-Based Capture of Chikungunya Virus E2 Protein Using Porous Silicon Biosensor.

The detection of pathogens presents specific challenges in ensuring that biosensors remain operable despite exposure to elevated temperatures or other extreme conditions. The most vulnerable component of a biosensor is typically the bioreceptor. Accordingly, the robustness of peptides as bioreceptors offers improved stability and reliability toward harsh environments compared to monoclonal antibodies that may lose their ability to bind target molecules after such exposures. Here, we demonstrate peptide-based capture of the Chikungunya virus E2 protein in a porous silicon microcavity biosensor at room temperature and after exposure of the peptide-functionalized biosensor to high temperature. Contact angle measurements, attenuated total reflectance—Fourier transform infrared spectra, and optical reflectance measurements confirm peptide functionalization and selective E2 protein capture. This work opens the door for other pathogenic biomarker detection using peptide-based capture agents on porous silicon and other surface-based sensor platforms.

Efficacy of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

Background: Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a nuclear reaction-based tumor cell-selective particle irradiation method. High-dose methotrexate and whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) are the recommended treatments for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). This tumor responds well to initial treatment but relapses even after successful treatment, and the prognosis is poor as there is no safe and effective treatment for relapse. In this study, we aimed to conduct basic research to explore the possibility of using BNCT as a treatment for PCNSL. Methods: The boron concentration in human lymphoma cells was measured. Subsequently, neutron irradiation experiments on lymphoma cells were conducted. A mouse central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma model was created to evaluate the biodistribution of boron after the administration of borono-phenylalanine as a capture agent. In the neutron irradiation study of a mouse PCNSL model, the therapeutic effect of BNCT on PCNSL was evaluated in terms of survival. Results: The boron uptake capability of human lymphoma cells was sufficiently high both in vitro and in vivo. In the neutron irradiation study, the BNCT group showed a higher cell killing effect and prolonged survival compared with the control group. Conclusions: A new therapeutic approach for PCNSL is urgently required, and BNCT may be a promising treatment for PCNSL. The results of this study, including those of neutron irradiation, suggest success in the conduct of future clinical trials to explore the possibility of BNCT as a new treatment option for PCNSL.

Multi-energy driven form-stable phase change materials based on SEBS and reduced graphene oxide aerogel

In this work, a series of novel multi-energy driven composite phase change materials (PCMs) were fabricated with paraffin wax (PW) as PCM, poly(styrene-b-ethylene-co-butylene-b-styrene) (SEBS) as the thickening agent, and reduced graphene oxide aerogel (rGOA) as multi-energy capture agent and support material. When the mass fraction of SEBS is in the range of 5 wt%-15 wt%, the composite PCMs can be formed as form-stable PCMs (FSPCMs) by the physical reaction. The enthalpy value of PW/SEBS5/rGOA is measured as high as 226 J/g. The prepared FSPCMs show a good thermal reliability due to little reduction of enthalpy value after 200 accelerate cycles. And the prepared FSPCMs present a good thermal stability according to the thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal conductivity results show that rGOA slightly improves the thermal conductivity of the FSPCMs. Moreover, the prepared FSPCMs show excellent photo-thermal and electro-thermal conversion performance with the help of rGOA which can harvest the photons and electrons. As a result, the PW/SEBS/rGOA PCMs have great promise in areas such as solar/electrical energy collection, thermal energy storage, and thermal management.

Carbonic Anhydrase as CO2 capturing agent: its Classes and Catalytic Mechanisms

Carbonic anhydrase (CA; EC 4.2.4.1), metalloenzyme, can catalyze reversible hydration of CO2 (CO2 + H2O ↔ H+ + HCO3 -) with high efficiency (kcat ~106 s-1) and plays fundamental roles in many biological processes like photosynthesis, respiration, pH homeostasis and ion transport. Recently, CA has been considered as an important biocatalyst for CO2 sequestration technology because the accumulation of CO2 is the main cause for global climate change and it is critical to develop technologies that can reduce atmospheric CO2 level. This review deals with the classes and mechanisms of several CAs as CO2 capture agents