Cellulose Thin Layer Research Articles

Increasing the efficiency of drying cellulose by ultrasonic influence

Relevance. Significant part of renewable and fossil energy resources is spent to generate heat and electricity needed to implement drying. At the same time, cellulose drying, due to the large-tonnage production, is one of the significant consumers of energy resources. One of the ways to reduce energy costs of drying is ultrasonic vibrations impact. There are practically no studies on ultrasonic exposure during cellulose drying. Therefore, it is necessary to consider possible options for non-contact ultrasonic treatment during convective drying of wood cellulose. Main aim. To identify the most rational options for placing the material to be dried, taking into account the direction of exposure to ultrasonic vibrations and the flow of warm air relative to the layers of the material to be dried at different temperatures. Objects. Non-contact ultrasonic action on wood cellulose. Methods. Mathematical modeling based on the finite element method was used to determine the distribution of oscillation amplitudes of a disk radiator. In the experimental part of the research, a material moisture content was determined by the weight method using verified technical means. Results. When ultrasonic vibrations have parallel direction relative to cellulose thin layers, a 2.5-fold reduction in drying time was shown at a sound pressure level of 162 ±3 dB and a drying agent temperature of 60 °C. The authors have found that temperature decrease of a drying agent makes it possible to increase the relative efficiency of ultrasonic treatment. An assessment of energy efficiency showed that the use of ultrasonic exposure leads to a 2.3-fold decrease in the energy spent on drying compared to only convective drying, all other things being equal. The conducted studies confirmed the effectiveness of the ultrasonic drying method for industrial use and made it possible to recommend options for the most rational placement of the material to be dried when designing the structures of drying chambers.

Three-dimensional analysis of aligner gaps and thickness distributions, using hard x-ray tomography with micrometer resolution.

The morphology of a polymer aligner, designed according to an orthodontic treatment plan, determines clinical outcomes. A fundamental element of orthodontic tooth movement with aligner treatment is the fit of the aligner's surface to the individual teeth. Gaps between the aligner and teeth do occur because current aligner fabrication is not capable of completely reproducing the complex anatomy of the individual denture. Our study aims at a quantitative three-dimensional assessment of the fit between optically transparent aligners placed on a polymeric model of the upper dental arch for two thermofoil thicknesses at preselected thermoforming temperatures. Using an intraoral scan of a subject's upper dental arch, eight models were printed using a stereolithographic system. A series of eight NaturAligners® was manufactured with a pressure molding process, using thermofoils with thicknesses of 550 and and preselected process temperatures between 110°C and 210°C. These aligners placed on the corresponding models were imaged by an advanced micro computed tomography system. The aligners and the models were segmented to extract the gaps and aligners' local thicknesses as a function of the processing temperature for the two foil thicknesses. The results indicate that the aligners show a better fit when the foils are processed at higher temperatures. Nevertheless, processing temperatures can be kept below 150°C, as the gain becomes negligible. Thermal processing reduces the average thickness of the aligners to 60% with respect to the planar starting foil. These thickness distributions demonstrate that the aligners are generally thicker on the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars but thinner around the incisors and buccal as well as on oral surfaces. Hard x-ray tomography with micrometer resolution is a powerful technique employed to localize the gaps between aligners and teeth, and it also enables film thickness measurements after thermoforming. The thicker film on the occlusal surfaces is most welcome because of aligner abrasion during wear. The NaturAligner® surfaces consist of a -thin cellulose layer, and thus the microplastics released via abrasion of less than this thickness are expected to be substantially less critical than for other commercially available, optically transparent aligners.

Sono-synthesis of cellulose-TiO2 nanocomposite adsorbent for fast cleaning of anionic dyes containing wastewater

This work was devoted to synthesizing a composite of cellulose-TiO2 by the in-situ process using the sol-gel method and applied on representatives of acid dyes to determine the functionality regarding the adsorption of dyes from aqueous solution. The composite particle adsorbed 100% dyes within 3 min of the direct application. XRD, FTIR, SEM, and Zeta potential tests were conducted to investigate the effect of crystal, molecular structure, surface morphology, and surface charges on the absorption speed of cellulose-TiO2 composite particles. The experimental results revealed that the cellulose was partially hydrolyzed by concentrated hydrochloric acid and left some positive charge on the surface of cellulose during the synthesis of the composite structure. The test results demonstrated that nano TiO2 with a thin layer of cellulose covered the surface of undegraded cellulose particles. The structural changes in the composite made them beneficial to fast dye adsorption. The effect of initial dye concentration, composite dosage, and temperatures were also investigated to find the optimum condition for dye adsorption. The optimum condition was found at the initial concentration of 400 mg/l, dosage of 0.10 g, and temperature of 25 °C. The removal efficiency and maximum adsorption capacity at this condition were 100% and 40 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption data suggested that the data was well fitted with a pseudo-second-order model for adsorption kinetics and Langmuir model for adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was physisorption, spontaneous, random, and endothermic. Overall, in this work, the developed cellulose-TiO2 nanocomposite might be an economical and efficient adsorbent to remove dyes from wastewater.

The impacts of paper properties on matrix effects during paper spray mass spectrometry analysis of prescription drugs, fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids

Designer drugs, drugs synthesized in a lab that mimic other drugs of abuse, have become a major cause of death in the United States. Limitations in either speed, sensitivity or selectivity of current analytical techniques hinders rapid detection of designer drugs. Paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) is a rapid ambient pressure technique capable of detecting analytes in complex matrices. However, due to a lack of sample cleanup and chromatography, matrix effects can have a significant impact on the detection limits. Previous work has shown that the paper spray substrate has an impact on matrix effects, but the current literature lacks a systematic approach to studying different properties of paper with regards to matrix effects. In this work, the effect of pore size, flow rate, and thickness on ionization efficiency and recovery was assessed. Cellulose thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates were made along with a universal spray cartridge to provide a porous spray substrate similar to paper but with easily controllable properties. It was found that substrates with the highest filtration properties (thicker, slower flow rate, or smaller pore sizes) exhibited lower analyte recovery but improved ionization efficiency. This trend was verified with an offline extraction conducted with a 3D printed centrifuge extractor. Paper/solvent combinations were tested with urine samples to determine if selecting a paper and solvent with better ionization efficiency could improve detection limits. While for some drugs minimizing ionization suppression improved detection limits, other drug targets, like those that were charged at physiological pH, were largely unaffected. For analytes that showed improvement, both the paper and the solvent had an impact, although most of the improvement was due to the solvent.

High dehumidification performance of amorphous cellulose composite membranes prepared from trimethylsilyl cellulose

Composite membranes with a thin cellulose layer with outstanding flux and selectivity for water vapour are achieved via coating with trimethylsilyl cellulose.

NADPH- and NADH-dependent metabolism of and DNA adduct formation by benzo[a]pyrene catalyzed with rat hepatic microsomes and cytochrome P450 1A1.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a human carcinogen that covalently binds to DNA after metabolic activation by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. Here we investigated the efficiencies of rat hepatic microsomes and rat recombinant CYP1A1 expressed with its reductase, NADPH:CYP oxidoreductase (POR), NADH:cytochrome b5 reductase, epoxide hydrolase and/or cytochrome b5 in Supersomes™ to metabolize this carcinogen. We also studied the effectiveness of coenzymes of two of the microsomal reductases, NADPH as a coenzyme of POR, and NADH as a coenzyme of NADH:cytochrome b5 reductase, to mediate BaP metabolism in these systems. Up to eight BaP metabolites and two DNA adducts were generated by the systems, both in the presence of NADPH and NADH. Among BaP metabolites, BaP-9,10-dihydrodiol, BaP-4,5-dihydrodiol, BaP-7,8-dihydrodiol, BaP-1,6-dione, BaP-3,6-dione, BaP-9-ol, BaP-3-ol, and a metabolite of unknown structure were formed by hepatic microsomes and rat CYP1A1. One of two DNA adducts formed by examined enzymatic systems (rat hepatic microsomes and rat CYP1A1) was characterized to be 10-(deoxyguanosin-N2-yl)-7,8,9-trihydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (dG-N2-BPDE), while another adduct has similar chromatographic properties on polyethylaneimine–cellulose thin layer chromatography to a guanine adduct derived from reaction with 9-hydroxy-BaP-4,5-oxide. In the presence of either of the reductase cofactors tested, NADPH or NADH, cytochrome b5 stimulated CYP1A1-mediated formation of both BaP-DNA adducts. The results demonstrate that NADH can act as a sole electron donor for both the first and the second reduction of CYP1A1 during its reaction cycle catalyzing oxidation of BaP, and suggest that the NADH:cytochrome b5 reductase as the NADH-dependent reductase might substitute POR in this enzymatic system.Graphical abstract

Cell walls as taxonomic markers in Polish species of the genus Odontoschisma (Dum.) Dum. (Hepaticae, Cephaloziaceae)

To get valuable diagnostic characters, the structure of cell walls was studied with use of two stains (Ruthenium Red -RR and Resorcine Blue - RB) and in polarized light. As far as the stem structure is concerned, European species of the genus <em>Odontoschisma</em> fall into two groups: in <em>Odontoschisma elongatum</em> and in <em>Odontoschisma macounii</em> a thick, frequently completely obscuring cell lumen, "lining layer" is present. It frequently, particularly after staining in RB, detaches from the rest of the cell wall. Such a layer is completely lacking in the two remaining species, viz. <em>O. sphagni</em> and <em>0. denudatum</em>. In polarized light only leaves of <em>O. sphagni</em> show a distinct bright border. The thin cellulose layer (bright in polarized light) embrace the angular thickenings in <em>0. sphagni</em> and <em>0. denudatum</em>, but is entering the inside of these thickenings in the two remaining species. Keys for determination of the four European species based on the staining properties of cell walls and their look in polarized light are provided.

Closed Anaerobic Biotransformation Products of Organoarsenic Compounds inFucus distichus

The closed anaerobic decomposition extracts ofFucus distichusincubated with seawater and sediment, and without sediment as control, were subjected to extractions and isolation on Sephadex LH 20 and Cellulose Thin Layer Chromatography. The decomposition extracts and isolates were analyzed by using both the Hydride Generation Gas Chromatography Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (HG-GC-AAS) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ICPMS) to identify the arsenic species in the equilibrium mixtures of the seaweed and filtrates separately. In the methanol seaweed extract, equilibrium mixture of arsenosugars (AS) AS1 and AS2 and their biotransformation products of dimethylarsinoylethanol (DMAE) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA) were identified. In the methanol filtrate extract of the mixture, only DMAE and DMAA were identified. However, in the control methanol filtrate extract five organoarsenic species, AS1 and AS2, one unidentified hidden organoarsenic species, DMAE and DMAA were identified in the equilibrium mixture. This result confirmed that the hidden organoarsenic species inFucus distichus, AS1 and AS2, and an unidentified organoarsenic compounds are biotransformed to only DMAE and DMAA under an anaerobic condition. This also suggests that DMAE and DMAA are strong intermediate candidates for the generation of arsenobetaine, from arsenoribosides in the marine food webs.

Preparation and characterization of cellulose‐coated chitosan beads with improved strength and acid resistivity

AbstractA new chitosan bead was successfully prepared by simply dropping acidic chitosan solution into 0.5 wt % alkaline cellulose solution. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and the scanning electron microscope observation indicate that thin layer of cellulose was coated on the chitosan bead to have strong interaction with inner chitosan. Therefore, the bead reveals porous microstructure of regenerate cellulose in the surface. Owing to the cellulose coating, the bead displays improved mechanical properties and acid resistance. The adsorption of Fe3+ onto the new chitosan beads was investigated in detail, and the results show that the cellulose coating has little influence on the adsorption of the chitosan. Therefore, this study provides a novel method to expand the application of chitosan by coating with an acid‐insensitive polymer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012

Solid-phase fluorescence determination of gallium(III) with morin and lumogallion immobilized on cellulose matrices

It has been demonstrated that the fluorometric test determination of gallium(III) can be performed with morin and lumogallion immobilized on thin-layer cellulose matrices. Test procedures have been developed for the determination of Ga(III) in the range 0.5–90 mg/L by the length of fluorescence zone on a test strip sealed into a polymer film (after its contact with the test solution) in the ranges 0.001–1 and 0.01–1 mg/L with the visual detection of the fluorescence of the indicator matrix with morin and lumogallion, respectively (after passing 100 and 20 mL of a test solution through it), and in the range 0.0001–0.1 mg/L by detecting the fluorescence with a portable fluorimeter.

Sorption properties of cellulose filters with covalently immobilized thiosemicarbazide

A novel thin-layer cellulose adsorbent bearing chemically immobilized thiosemicarbaside is synthesized. The adsorbent is used for the preconcentration of cobalt(II), mercury(II), and cadmium(II) followed by their X-ray fluorescence quantification in the concentrate. The physicochemical parameters of metal sorption are determined.

Molecular Basis for Recognition of Nucleoside Triphosphate by Gene 4 Helicase of Bacteriophage T7

The translocation of DNA helicases on single-stranded DNA and the unwinding of double-stranded DNA are fueled by the hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphates (NTP). Although most helicases use ATP in these processes, the DNA helicase encoded by gene 4 of bacteriophage T7 uses dTTP most efficiently. To identify the structural requirements of the NTP, we determined the efficiency of DNA unwinding by T7 helicase using a variety of NTPs and their analogs. The 5-methyl group of thymine was critical for the efficient unwinding of DNA, although the presence of a 3'-ribosyl hydroxyl group partially overcame this requirement. The NTP-binding pocket of the protein was examined by randomly substituting amino acids for several amino acid residues (Thr-320, Arg-504, Tyr-535, and Leu-542) that the crystal structure suggests interact with the nucleotide. Although positions 320 and 542 required aliphatic residues of the appropriate size, an aromatic side chain was necessary at position 535 to stabilize NTP for efficient unwinding. A basic side chain of residue 504 was essential to interact with the 4-carbonyl of the thymine base of dTTP. Replacement of this residue with a small aliphatic residue allowed the accommodation of other NTPs, resulting in the preferential use of dATP and the use of dCTP, a nucleotide not normally used. Results from this study suggest that the NTP must be stabilized by specific interactions within the NTP-binding site of the protein to achieve efficient hydrolysis. These interactions dictate NTP specificity.

Differential superhydrophobicity and hydrophilicity on a thin cellulose layer

Here we have developed cellulosic materials (cotton fabric or paper) with differential superhydrophobicity and hydrophilicity on each side of the surfaces by coating with polyvinylidene fluoride and fluorinated silane molecules using electro-spraying. Such materials are advantageous in various textile and medical applications. Analysis of surface morphology indicated that, not only surface chemical property and roughness, but also particle diameter affects surface superhydrophobicity. Smaller particle diameter enhances superhydrophobicity, if the surface roughness and surface chemical property remain constant. By controlling these three factors, superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of more than 160° can be achieved at one side of a thin cellulosic material while maintaining the hydrophilicity (contact angle is 0°) at the opposite side.

Effect of cellulose buffer layer on synthesis and gas permeation properties of NaA zeolite membrane

Abstract NaA zeolite membrane coating was successfully synthesized on a porous alumina substrate by hydrothermal treatment. The effects of synthesis parameters like, seeding type (ex situ, in situ), time, temperature, sol concentration, coating stages, application of intermediate layer, etc. on membrane characteristics were investigated. A continuous membrane was formed on a seeded substrate. Surface seeding (ex situ crystallization) not only accelerates the zeolite crystallization process on the support surface, but can also enhance the formation of homogeneous NaA zeolite layer. The NaA zeolite membrane with a synthesis time of 4 h shows the best microstructure and the quality of membrane was improved by employing the multi-stage coating. But the main problem associated with membrane synthesis was crack formation, and it can be reduced by applying intermediate layer, between support surface and seed layer. A thin cellulose layer was applied to the support surface before applying seed crystals. The performance of the membranes was evaluated by gas permeation measurement. The permeance of O 2 , N 2 decreased as kinetic diameter of gases increased. The permselectivity of O 2 /N 2 was 1.9–2.34. This value showed the molecular sieving effect of NaA zeolite membrane.

Differential Regulation of Kainate Receptor Trafficking by Phosphorylation of Distinct Sites on GluR6

Kainate receptors are widely expressed in the brain, and are present at pre- and postsynaptic sites where they play a prominent role in synaptic plasticity and the regulation of network activity. Within individual neurons, kainate receptors of different subunit compositions are targeted to various locations where they serve distinct functional roles. Despite this complex targeting, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating kainate receptor subunit trafficking. Here we investigate the role of phosphorylation in the trafficking of the GluR6 kainate receptor subunit. We identify two specific residues on the GluR6 C terminus, Ser(846) and Ser(868), which are phosphorylated by protein kinase C (PKC) and dramatically regulate GluR6 surface expression. By using GluR6 containing phosphomimetic and nonphosphorylatable mutations for these sites expressed in heterologous cells or in neurons lacking endogenous GluR6, we show that phosphorylation of Ser(846) or Ser(868) regulates receptor trafficking through the biosynthetic pathway. Additionally, Ser(846) phosphorylation dynamically regulates endocytosis of GluR6 at the plasma membrane. Our findings thus demonstrate that phosphorylation of PKC sites on GluR6 regulates surface expression of GluR6 at distinct intracellular trafficking pathways, providing potential molecular mechanisms for the PKC-dependent regulation of synaptic kainate receptor function observed during various forms of synaptic plasticity.

Key Residues in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Protein Kinase G Play a Role in Regulating Kinase Activity and Survival in the Host

Protein kinase G (PknG) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been shown to modulate phagosome-lysosome fusion. The protein has three distinct domains, an N-terminal Trx domain, a kinase domain, and a C-terminal TPR domain. The present study extensively analyzes the roles of these domains in regulating PknG kinase activity and function. We find that the kinase domain of PknG by itself is inactive, signifying the importance of the flanking domains. Although the deletion of the Trx domain severely impacts the activity of the protein, the C-terminal region also contributes significantly in regulating the activity of the kinase. Apart from this, PknG kinase activity is dependent on the presence of threonine 309 in the p + 1 loop of the activation segment. Mutating the conserved cysteine residues in the Trx motifs makes PknG refractory to changes in the redox environment. In vitro experiments identify threonine 63 as the major phosphorylation site of the protein. Importantly, we find that this is the only site in the protein that is phosphorylated in vivo. Macrophage infection studies reveal that the first 73 residues, the Trx motifs, and the threonine 63 residue are independently essential for modulating PknG-mediated survival of mycobacteria in its host. We have extended these studies to investigate the role of PknG and PknG mutants in the pathogenesis of mycobacteria in mice. Our results reinforce the findings from the macrophage infection experiments, and for the first time demonstrate that the expression of PknG in non-pathogenic mycobacteria allows the continued existence of these bacteria in host tissues.

A method for efficient extraction of rotifers (Rotifera) from soils

Abstract Rotifers are a group of soil animals which are not commonly quantified. The most recent data originated from soil studies focussed on nematodes and various modifications of the Baermann funnel, which is not suitable for rotifers. The present study developed a method for quantitative extraction of rotifers, which gives representative results describing rotifer populations and facilitates subsequent identification to the species level. The LC extractor recovered rotifer numbers that were two orders of magnitude higher than what was extracted from the Baermann funnel. The method involves spreading a soil sample on a plastic sieve and uses a very thin layer of cellulose submerged in distilled water in a Petri dish. The Petri dish is situated on a cooled panel and light from the top by fluorescent lamps. The temperature of the base panel which gave the best extraction results was determined experimentally to be 5 °C. Rotifers were not able to withstand any heating from the top, which drastically reduced extraction results.

Effect of Pin1 or Microtubule Binding on Dephosphorylation of FTDP-17 Mutant Tau

Neurodegenerative tauopathies, including Alzheimer disease, are characterized by abnormal hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein Tau. One group of tauopathies, known as frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17), is directly associated with mutations of the gene tau. However, it is unknown why mutant Tau is highly phosphorylated in the patient brain. In contrast to in vivo high phosphorylation, FTDP-17 Tau is phosphorylated less than wild-type Tau in vitro. Because phosphorylation is a balance between kinase and phosphatase activities, we investigated dephosphorylation of mutant Tau proteins, P301L and R406W. Tau phosphorylated by Cdk5-p25 was dephosphorylated by protein phosphatases in rat brain extracts. Compared with wild-type Tau, R406W was dephosphorylated faster and P301L slower. The two-dimensional phosphopeptide map analysis suggested that faster dephosphorylation of R406W was due to a lack of phosphorylation at Ser-404, which is relatively resistant to dephosphorylation. We studied the effect of the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1 or microtubule binding on dephosphorylation of wild-type Tau, P301L, and R406W in vitro. Pin1 catalyzes the cis/trans isomerization of phospho-Ser/Thr-Pro sequences in a subset of proteins. Dephosphorylation of wild-type Tau was reduced in brain extracts of Pin1-knockout mice, and this reduction was not observed with P301L and R406W. On the other hand, binding to microtubules almost abolished dephosphorylation of wild-type and mutant Tau proteins. These results demonstrate that mutation of Tau and its association with microtubules may change the conformation of Tau, thereby suppressing dephosphorylation and potentially contributing to the etiology of tauopathies.

Slime cells on the surface ofEragrostisseeds maintain a level of moisture around the grain to enhance germination

AbstractEragrostisis a cosmopolitan genus of the familyPoaceae. Several wild species, includingE. pilosa(L.) Beauv., are harvested for food, but the only cultivated crop-species is tef [E. tef(Zucc.) Trotter]. Despite its importance as a staple food and its plasticity to diverse environmental conditions, little is known about the structural and physiological strategies that adapt tef seeds to endure diverse and variable moisture regimes. Here, we report the presence of slime cells, a type of modified epidermal cell, covering the fruit of tef and its wild relative,E. pilosa. The slime produced byEragrostisbelongs to the ‘true’ slime type, since it is exclusively composed of pectins. Pectin forms uniform layers on the cell wall inner surface, which are confined by a thin cellulose layer to prevent release into the cell lumen. In the presence of water, pectins quickly hydrate, causing swelling of the slime cells. This is followed by their detachment, which may be controlled by a thin cuticle layer on the fruit surface. The ability of slime to absorb and maintain moisture around the grain is thought to be an adaptive feature forEragrostisgrowing in dry habitats. This retention of water by slime may create conditions that are suitable for rapid germination.

Birger Blombäck (May 7, 1926 - October 2, 2008).

Birger Blombäck (May 7, 1926 - October 2, 2008).