Chemical Stability Research Articles

Bioavailability Improvement by Atomic Layer Coating: Fenofibrate A Case Study

Biopharmaceutical Classification Systems (BCS) class II drugs show poor solubility and high permeability in the body. Fenofibrate (FF) is a classic example of a BCS class II drug, used to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride (fat-like substances) levels in the blood. Atomic layer coating (ALC) is a surface engineering technology adapted from the semiconductor industry, where metal oxides are coated one atomic layer at a time over the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) particles. ALC coating was proven to improve the processability, alter the hydrophilicity, improve the stability, and fine-tune the release of drugs. Herein, we report the intervention of ALC coating in enhancing the bioavailability of a poorly water-soluble drug (fenofibrate) in the animal model. The physical properties of uncoated fenofibrate were compared with those of zinc oxide-coated and silicon oxide-coated fenofibrate. Following the application of the coatings, the structural integrity (both chemical stability and solid-state stability) of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) remained uncompromised, as corroborated by 1H NMR and powder X-ray diffraction analyses. Notably, zinc oxide-coated fenofibrate exhibited favorable flow characteristics, whereas no discernible enhancement in flow behavior was observed for silicon oxide-coated fenofibrate. The results from contact angle measurements suggest that the silicon oxide-coated fenofibrate exhibits superior wetting behavior, as indicated by a contact angle nearing 0°. The application of ALC demonstrates an enhanced dissolution rate when compared to the uncoated active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) while leaving its equilibrium solubility unaffected. Coating the API with silicon oxide improves particle hydrophilicity and wetting properties, whereas zinc oxide coating aids in particle de-agglomeration, thereby enhancing their interaction with an aqueous medium. In vivo bioavailability studies conducted on rodents and larger animal (dog) models indicate a substantial increase in bioavailability (approximately 2 times) for the silicon oxide-coated API in comparison to the uncoated API, as determined by the area under the curve (AUC). Furthermore, the Cmax values for the silicon oxide-coated API also demonstrate a significant increase (approximately 3 times) over the uncoated API. Notably, an oral subacute toxicity study of ALC silicon-coated fenofibrate revealed no toxic effects attributable to the coating. This study underscores the potential of ALC in augmenting the bioavailability of BCS(II) drugs.

Development of a Novel ECTFE Melt-blown Nonwoven Material and Its Application in Oil-Water Separation

The removal of oil from water surfaces is crucial for protecting the environment and living organisms from the hazards posed by industrial oily wastewater and offshore oil spills. However, achieving enhanced mechanical robustness, corrosion resistance, and durability in oil-water separation membranes presents a significant challenge. In this study, poly(ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene) (ECTFE) resin, a novel semicrystalline polymer material composed of alternating ethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene molecules, was fabricated into melt-blown fabric (MB) by melt-blowing technology. By optimizing the side wind temperature, collector distance, roller speed, and hot air pressure, ECTFE MB with superior mechanical properties was established. Additionally, the obtained ECTFE MB exhibited excellent hydrophobicity with a water contact angle reaching 127.8°. The separation efficiency for various oil-water mixtures (oil phase including carbon tetrachloride, petroleum ether, dichloromethane, n-hexane, and isooctane) exceeded 99%. Furthermore, after 90 cycles of oil-water separation, ECTFE MB maintained high flux (72183.16 L m−2 h−1) and separation efficiency of 99.40% when carbon tetrachloride was used as oil phase. Notably, ECTFE MB demonstrated exceptional resistance to harsh environments, including strong acids, bases, and mild high temperature. The investigation of failure modes of ECTFE MB revealed that the primary failure mode of ECTFE MB was the disruption of the oil-water interface. The maximum water height that the ECTFE MB could withstand was 1376 mm. Consequently, ECTFE MB exhibit excellent mechanical properties, chemical stability, and cycling stability, indicating the potential application in the field of oil-water separation.

Y, Yb, and Gd tri-doping on B-site of Ba(Zr, Ce)O3-δ with improved proton conduction performance

Perovskite-type proton conducting electrolytes are garnering significant attention due to its key role in protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCEC) and its application in hydrogen sensors (HS) used for metal melt measurements. Developing high proton conduction perovskite materials with good chemical stability is always a worldwide research focus. In this paper, Y, Yb and Gd triple-doping on B-site of BaCeO3-BaZrO3 solid solution were carried out to investigate the effect of gadolinium doping on the performance of protonic conducting electrolytes. BaZr0.1Ce0.7(Y0.5Yb0.5)0.2-xGdxO3-δ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2), which were also referred as BZCYYbGdx (x = 0, 10, 15 and 20), were synthesized by solid-state reaction at 1600 °C for 10 h. It is found that BZCYYbGd15 has the highest proton conductivity and proton transfer number among the four prepared materials. The proton mobility of BZCYYbGd15 is 4.06 × 10−6 cm2/(Vꞏs) at 800 °C, which increases with an increased temperature. Its proton transfer number is higher than 0.9 at 500 °C under the atmosphere of PH2O = 0.018 atm. A moderate doping of gadolinium increases the temperature threshold for proton conduction. Proton, oxygen vacancy, electron hole and total conductivity activation energies of BZCYYbGd15 under the wet atmosphere are found to be 0.74, 1.58, 1.41 and 0.92 eV, respectively. Furthermore, the chemical stability of pellets is improved after gadolinium doping. This study provides a reference value for future research on high proton conduction electrolytes.

Benzobisoxazole-based covalent organic frameworks for efficient photocatalytic oxidation

Covalent organic frameworks, as an emerging porous crystalline material, have attracted significant interest in heterogeneous photocatalysis, due to their tunable structure, large specific surface area, high chemical stability, and extendable π-conjugated skeleton. In this study, 4,4′-(2,6-dimethylbenzo[1,2-d:4,5-d′]bis(oxazolyl)-4,8-diyl)dianiline (OZDL) and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxaldehyde (BTCA) were utilized to construct 2D covalent organic frameworks OZBT-COF through aldehyde-amine polycondensation reaction under solvothermal conditions. Considering the high crystallinity, chemical stability, and outstanding photophysical properties, the benzobisoxazole-containing OZBT-COF was further employed as a photocatalyst for the synthesis of the benzothiazole derivatives and the oxidation of N-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines. The catalyst system exhibited high photocatalytic activity, moderate substrate applicability, excellent stability and recyclability. The suitable band gap, efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers, and enhancing mass transport inside the porous catalyst could be contributed to superior photocatalytic performance. This work provides valuable insights into the structure–function correlations of COFs-based photocatalysts, and further demonstrates promising opportunities for developing COF photocatalysts with practical applications.

Accumulation patterns and chronic toxic effects of triphenyl phosphine in Mytilus coruscus

Triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) as a new organophosphorus flame retardant is extensively used in the industrial and pharmaceutical fields due to its chemical stability and abundance. In marine environments, TPPO accumulates as a result of natural ecological processes. This study aimed to evaluate the accumulation process and toxicological effects of TPPO utilizing mussels (Mytilus coruscus), a species traditionally employed in marine monitoring and commonly cultivated in offshore aquaculture. GC–MS/MS was employed to quantify the accumulation of TPPO in the gill, gonad, muscle, and digestive gland tissues of mussels exposed to three sublethal concentrations (20.0, 100.0, and 500.0 μg/L) over durations of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days, as well as the examining of the chemical and molecular parameters. Results showed that the accumulation of TPPO (100.0 and 500.0 μg/L) increased throughout the 28 d of exposure, and the peak accumulation of 20.0 μg/L TPPO was detected on 14 d. Short-term TPPO exposure did not cause oxidative stress in mussels. Chronic exposure for 28 days resulted in significant oxidative damage and oxidative stress in mussels, as evidenced by elevated expression and activity of SOD, increased levels of glutathione and malondialdehyde, and upregulation of HSP70 and HSP90, metallothionein, and CYP4Y1, alongside the initiation of apoptotic cell death. TPPO exposure activated natural immune genes and disrupted lipid metabolism in mussels. This study demonstrated the persistent accumulation of TPPO in mussels, highlighting its ecotoxicological hazards and underscoring the necessity to predict the risks associated with widespread environmental exposure to TPPO.

Improving the processability and mechanical strength of self-hardening robocasted hydroxyapatite scaffolds with silane coupling agents

Bone cements are the subject of intensive research, primarily due to their versatility and the increasing importance for personalized medicine. In this study, novel hybrid self-setting scaffolds, based on calcium phosphates and natural polymers, were fabricated using the robocasting technique. Additionally, the influence of two different silane coupling agents, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS), on the physicochemical and biological properties of the obtained materials was thoroughly investigated. The chemical and phase compositions (XRF, XRD, FTIR), setting process, rheological properties, mechanical strength, microstructure (SEM), and chemical stability in vitro were comprehensively examined. The use of silane coupling agents improved compressive strength of the scaffolds from 5.20 to 9.26 MPa. The incorporation of citrus pectin into the liquid phase of the materials, along with the use of a hybrid hydroxyapatite-chitosan powder, not only facilitated the development of printable pastes suitable for robocasting but also enhanced the physicochemical properties of the robocasted scaffolds. The results presented in this study underscore the beneficial influence of silane coupling agents on the characteristics of calcium phosphate-based bone scaffolds. Developed robocasted scaffolds hold great potential for applications in the field of bone tissue engineering and personalized medicine. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to validate their suitability for clinical applications.

A La1.85Mg0.15Ce2O7-δ-based ceramic hydrogen pump for stable hydrogen separation out of the H2-CO2 mixtures

Currently, hydrogen is largely produced from steam methane reforming with the H2-and CO2-containing stream as the process gas. It is highly relevant to explore new pathways to efficiently separate hydrogen out of the H2-CO2 mixed gases. In the present work, a novel ceramic hydrogen pump for H2 purification is designed with thin La1.85Mg0.15Ce2O7-δ (LMCO) electrolytes supported by symmetrical Ni-LMCO electrodes, and is fabricated by using the tape casting, tape lamination and co-sintering techniques. Chemical stability and proton conductivities are evaluated for fluorite LMCO oxides in humidified 10 % H2-90 % CO2. Superior stability of LMCO in CO2 allows for stable and selective hydrogen separation out of humidified 10 % H2–90 % CO2. The Faraday’s efficiency decreases pronouncedly with an increase in the operation temperature, e.g., ≈ 30 % at 700 ℃ vs. ≈ 76 % at 500 ℃, due to increasingly high reduction susceptibility of Ce4+ to Ce3+ and the resultant electronic conductivities. A reasonable H2 flux of 0.57 mL·min−1·cm−2 is achieved at 500 °C and 0.25 V with electricity consumption of 0.72 kWh·Nm−3 H2. Operation at a higher pumping voltage of 0.49 V yields a larger H2 flux of 1.16 mL·min−1·cm−2, but simultaneously results in higher electricity consumption of 1.42 kWh·Nm−3 H2. Impedance analysis reveals that the H2 fluxes for the present ceramic hydrogen pump are predominantly limited by high resistances against bulk transport of protons through the LMCO electrolytes as well as sluggish hydrogen oxidation kinetics in humidified 10 % H2–90 % CO2.

Computational screening of 2D ternary penta-materials with auxetic properties and efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Due to unique structural and electronic properties, pentagon-based two-dimensional (2D) materials have captured significant interest in recent years. However, previous studies on these materials have primarily focused on unary and binary systems, with less exploration of ternary pentagonal structures. Herein, we conducted first-principles calculations to evaluate the stability of 122 ternary pentagonal monolayers composed of metals, nitrogen, and chalcogen. We identify six highly stable candidates, including AuNS, CuNTe, GaNS, InNS, SbNS, and SbNSe that meet the criteria for thermodynamic, mechanical, and dynamic stability. Mechanical property analysis reveals that five of these monolayers demonstrate auxetic behavior. Electronic structure calculations show that all candidates are semiconductors with band gaps ranging from 0.12 to 3.42 eV. Specifically, the SbNS and SbNSe monolayers are indirect semiconductors with band gaps of 2.25 and 2.27 eV, respectively. These materials exhibit strong visible light absorption, and potentially serve as exceptional photocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to CH4 due to the optimal band alignment. The free energy change in the rate-limiting step is even lower than those found in g-C3N4 and MoS2-based systems. Our findings highlight new pentagon-based 2D materials with remarkable electronic, mechanical, and optical properties, making them promising candidates for applications in mechanics and energy conversion.

Stability of antibiotics for use in the testing of immediate drug allergy reactions

BackgroundLimited information is available regarding the physicochemical stability of penicillins-based preparations for skin testing purposes and no information is currently available for other classes of antibiotics. ObjectiveTo perform chemical and physical stability studies on 16 parenteral antibiotics for skin testing purposes, with an overall aim to provide practical recommendations to clinicians on suitable components, storage, and optimal shelf-life of such preparations. MethodsChemical stability was assessed via validated stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection assays, while absence of precipitations or haziness, significant pH shift and colour change were used to determine physical stability. ResultsOther than amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, all of the parenteral antibiotics were found to have adequate physicochemical stability between 2 to 7 days. Amoxicillin in Water for Injection BP retained >90% stability, while amoxicillin/clavulanic acid dropped to <80%. Ampicillin remained >90% stable for 2 days, and benzylpenicillin, flucloxacillin, and piperacillin/tazobactam were stable for ≥2 days at ∼95%. Cephalosporins were stable for 2 days, except ceftazidime, which increased to >110%. Aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, and vancomycin retained >95% stability for 7 days, while meropenem was stable for 2 days. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim lost 15% but stabilized at ∼85% for 7 days. No precipitation occurred, but amoxicillin/clavulanic acid changed colour by day 7. pH decreases of ≤1.0 unit were observed in penicillins, while cefepime dropped below acceptable pH limits by day 7. Absorbance shifts >100 units were seen in several antibiotics by day 7. ConclusionsThis study has generated practical stability information for clinicians, allowing 15 parenteral antibiotics from 7 different classes to be aseptically prepared in advance for use in the testing of drug allergy reactions.

Insights into the ternary substitution Na2.96+xK0.04 V2-xNix(PO4)2.98F0.06 with superior rate capability and near-zero strain property

Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) is considered the most favorable cathode for sodium-ion batteries due to its solid NASICON skeleton. Nevertheless, poor intrinsic conductivity is insufficient for its further commercialization. In this paper, we present a promising K/Ni/F co-doped and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) encapsulated Na2.96+xK0.04 V2-xNix(PO4)2.98F0.06 (KNF@CNTsx) cathode materials. The synthesis of KNF@CNTsx is achieved using a facile sol-gel method. The replacement of Na+ with K+ broadens the migratory pathway and supports the crystal skeleton, while F− substitution reduces the average grain dimension, thereby increasing the diffusion rate of Na+. Furthermore, the reduction of resistance by Ni2+ doping enables optimization of the transport of electrical charge, while also facilitating the optimization of chemically-defined properties. Concurrently, the optimal quantity of carbon capping and wrapping of CNTs facilitate the formation of efficacious conductive network, which diminishes the size of grains and shortens the pathway for the diffusion of Na+. This network could also serve as a buffer against crystal deformation. In conclusion, the modified KNF@CNTsx samples exhibit notable enhancements in their conductivity, ion diffusion capacity, and structural stability. Among them, the KNF@CNTs0.04 sample exhibits a capacity for reversibility of 93.3 mAh g−1 at 50C, with a remaining capacity of 68.5 mAh g−1 after 4000 successive long charge-discharge cycles. Ex-situ electrochemical XRD demonstrates the V3+/V4+ redox reaction occurs accompanied by the phase transfer reaction, during which Na+ prefers to diffuse along c-axial in the crustal structure. Moreover, volume alteration of this KNF@CNTs0.04 cellular entity is miniscule and reversible during the charge-discharge process, further confirming the stabilized construction and near-zero strain property. The after-cycled XRD/SEM/XPS certify the improved chemical and structural stability of KNF@CNTs0.04, indicating the constructive effects of K/Ni/F ternary substitution.

Totally conjugated and coplanar covalent organic frameworks as photocatalysts for water purification: Reduction of Cr (VI) while oxidizing water borne organic pollutants

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as photocatalytic materials with bandgaps in the visible region. Imine-based COFs, which have been extensively explored, often suffer from limited stability and poor conjugation, hindering their photocatalytic activities. The chemical and hydrolytic stability and the photocatalytic performance of COFs is drastically enhanced by constructing 2D COFs that are fully conjugated in the x,y plane, that have alternating donor–acceptor (D-A) units for better charge separation and that have enhanced conjugation in the z-axis by p-orbital overlap by using highly planar building blocks. In this study, we introduce three highly crystalline sp2 COFs that are able to photocatalyticlly reduce highly toxic Cr (VI) species to much less toxic and easily removable Cr (III) residues, while simultaneously oxidizing water borne organic pollutants. One of them, the TEB-COF, with the integration of the acetylene group, exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity due to its superior planarity and extended conjugation. TEB-COF is able to completely remove the model dye Rhodamine B and Cr (VI) (10 mg/L) in less than 30 min. This research provides valuable insights into the development of recyclable metal-free photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.

Towards the mechanical stability of biocrusts in drylands: Insights from inorganic ions and organic compounds and their interactions

Biocrusts are an important component of dryland ecosystems as they perform crucial ecological functions like stabilizing soils, mediating the hydrological cycle, and improving nutrient availability. The high mechanical stability of biocrusts is understood to be linked to exopolymeric substances (EPS), which in turn, are responsible for the adsorption of various ions and chemical compounds. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of biocrusts and assess potential correlations between their chemical composition and mechanical stability. Samples of three types of biocrusts (cyanobacteria, cyanobacteria and moss mixed, and moss crusts) and bare soil (as control) were collected from the northern Loess Plateau of China. The inorganic ions and organic compounds present in biocrusts were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectrometry, ion chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Biocrust mechanical stability was assessed by penetration resistance (PR) and the mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates. Finally, the contribution of inorganic ions and organic compounds to the stability of the biocrusts was elucidated. The results indicated that all three types of biocrusts were more stable than bare soil, with moss crusts being the most stable. Chemical analyses revealed an enrichment of inorganic ions such as K+, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, SO42–, and halogen ions within the biocrusts, while they showed a depletion of Fe2+, Al3+, and NO3–. Ten types of organic compounds were identified in biocrusts and bare soil, with medium-chain alkanes and long-chain acids being the dominant compounds. In some cases, acids accounted for more than 40 % of the total organic compound content of the biocrusts. Redundancy analysis showed that the content of inorganic ions, such as Ca2+ and Mg2+, and organic compounds such as acids, amides, and alkenes, exhibited the closest association with the biocrust stability. Partial least squares path modeling indicated that both inorganic ions and organic compounds indirectly affected biocrust stability by influencing electric conductivity, bulk density, EPS, and fine particle (clay and silt) content. A strong association was found between the inorganic ions and PR or MWD (0.658 and 0.744, respectively), whilst the total effect of organic compounds on PR and MWD was 0.814 and 0.801, respectively. It is suggested that both the magnitude and types of chemicals associated with EPS indicate their capability to grant mechanical stability of the biocrusts, which in turn is conducive to maintaining the critical functions of biocrusts in global drylands.

Emerging trends and innovations in all-solid-state lithium batteries: A comprehensive review

All-solid-state lithium batteries, which utilize solid electrolytes, are regarded as the next generation of energy storage devices. Recent breakthroughs in this type of rechargeable battery have significantly accelerated their path towards becoming commercially viable. Nevertheless, the development of such devices is impeded by various obstacles, including limitations in ion transfer capability, interfacial hurdles, and chemical and electrochemical stability. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in all-solid-state lithium-based batteries. The main emphasis is on the fabrication techniques, novel solid electrolytes, and the application of advanced cathode and anode materials to expedite research and development in this field. Moreover, the feasibility of large-scale manufacturing of solid-state batteries has been evaluated. Finally, the most practical and effective approaches for the advancement of these batteries have been proposed and examined.

Long-term rice cultivation enhances root development and yields by improving the structural properties of soil aggregates in saline–alkaline environments

Rice cultivation has the ability to improve saline soils. However, the effects of long-term rice cultivation on saline soil chemistry, salt ions, root characteristics, and aggregate formation remain unclear. In this study, the impact of different planting durations (1, 3, 5, 8, and 10 years) on the spatial and temporal transport of soil salts, soil chemical properties, distribution and stability of aggregates, root characteristics, and yields, were assessed. Long-term rice cultivation reduced soil pH, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and EC in the 0-60cm soil layer compared to 1Y (5.45%, 61.57%, and 81.87% reduction in topsoil (0-20cm) and 8.54%, 72.82%, and 71.94 in subsoil (20-60cm), respectively). However, the soil organic matter (OM), alkaline nitrogen (AN), phosphorus (AP), and potassium (AK) increased (217.09%, 90.18%, 89.23%, and 179.18% increase in topsoil and 223.72%, 81.24%, 174.28%, and 172.57% increase in subsoil, respectively). Additionally, the Cl-, K+, and Na+ in the soil gradually leached downward with the increase in the duration of rice cultivation (55.87%、36.08%、59.80%). Simultaneously, the increased duration markedly elevated the soil macroaggregate content (11.43%-20.04% by dry-sieving and 53.48%-288.09% by wet-sieving), clayey grain content (59.17%-198.33%), and soil aggregate stability, especially for 8Y and 10Y. The improved soil structure and root characteristic under long-term rice cultivation conditions increased the yield (28.89-54.81%). Partial least squares path model displayed that rice cultivation affected the aggregate stability, root characteristics, and rice yield via the corresponding chemical properties (pH, EC, and ESP), nutrient contents (AN, AP, AK, and SOM), and salt ion contents (Cl-, K+, and Na+). These findings are critical to understanding aggregate formation in saline soils.

Thermally stable Al4B2O9:Ce3+ nanofibers with intense blue emission and Al4B2O9:Ce3+/Dy3+ nanofibers with color-tunable luminescence and white-light emission via energy transfer

Dy3+ can achieve white-light emission at the appropriate intensity ratio of yellow to blue light in specific hosts due to its wide yellow and blue emitting bands. However, luminescence intensity of singly doped Dy3+ in the matrix is low, which limits its application in PC-WLEDs. Al4B2O9 has become a promising rare earth ion-doped matrix owing to its ease of doping, low price, excellent chemical and thermal stability. In this work, to improve the Dy3+ emission intensity and to achieve color-tunable luminescence and white-light emission, with the help of energy level matching engineering, Ce3+ ions with a strong and broad absorption band and suitable energy levels matching with Dy3+ are selected as high-efficient sensitizers. Ce3+ doped and Ce3+/Dy3+ co-doped one-dimensional (1D) Al4B2O9 nanofibers are designed and successfully synthesized using a simple electrospinning coupled with an oxidative calcination. Under the excitation of 286-nm UV light, Al4B2O9:Ce3+ nanofibers emit intense blue light and can be used as blue-emitting phosphor, and the emission peak of Al4B2O9:Ce3+/Dy3+ nanofibers at 374 nm is attributed to the 5d→2F5/2 energy level transition of Ce3+, and emission peaks at 483 and 575 nm are ascribed to the 4F9/2→6H15/2, 13/2 energy level transitions of Dy3+, respectively. By modulating the doping concentration of Dy3+ and Ce3+→Dy3+ energy transfer (ET) process, color-tunable luminescence and white-light emission are resoundingly realized to address the weak luminescence intensity of Dy3+. In addition, Al4B2O9:Ce3+/Dy3+ nanofibers have excellent thermal stability. The formation mechanism and luminescence mechanism of Al4B2O9:Ce3+/Dy3+ nanofibers are presented, and the Ce3+→Dy3+ ET mechanism in Al4B2O9:Ce3+/Dy3+ nanofibers is elucidated. The designing concept and the technology in this work are instructive for preparing new phosphors with 1D morphology and super fluorescence.

Dextran-enriched pea-based ingredient from a combined enzymatic and fermentative bioprocessing. Design of an innovative plant-based spread.

In this study a plant-based spread was developed using dextran-enriched ingredients derived from pea flours, supplemented with defatted durum wheat germ and almond flour. Optimization of fermentation with Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides DSM 20193, both with and without enzymatic hydrolysis, aimed to enhance exopolysaccharide production and the nutritional value of pea flours. Best results were achieved through enzymatic hydrolysis with Veron PS protease followed by fermentation at 25°C, resulting in elevated dextran levels and increased peptides and total free amino acid concentration in green and yellow pea-based ingredients. The yellow pea-based ingredient was selected for the final plant-based spread formulation, blended at 35% w/w, with 45% w/w defatted durum wheat germ, and 20% w/w almond flour. The resultant spread exhibited elastic and solid-like characteristics like milk-based spreadable cheese and yogurt, boasting 'high protein' (12.49 g/100g) and 'high fiber' (11.01 g/100g) designations. It maintained chemical, biochemical, and microbiological stability over a 10-day shelf-life under refrigerated conditions. Sensory evaluation confirmed the acceptability of the plant-based spread (PBS), highlighting a well-balanced aroma and a grainy, adhesive texture. This research underscores the potential of an integrated approach utilizing food-grade enzymes and fermentation for the in-situ production of dextran to create innovative, clean label, and plant-based foods.

Novel apocynin regulates TRPV1 activity in the trigeminal system and controls pain in a temporomandibular joint neurogenic model

ObjectiveHerein, we investigate the potential analgesic effect of a newly synthesized chalcone-derived apocynin in a neurogenic pain model. MethodsMolecular docking was used to foretell the apocynin binding features and dynamics with the TRPV1 channel, and the activity was tested in vitro, using transfected HEK 293T cells with the rat TRPV1 receptor. The analgesic effect of apocynin was investigated using a capsaicin-induced pain model. The expression of TRPV1, TRPA1, TRPM8, and MAPKs was assessed by electrophoresis, and immunosorbent assays were performed to quantify the neurotransmitters Substance P, Glutamate, and CGRP. A survival assay using Galleria mellonella was carried out to determine the toxicity. ResultsWe observed that apocynin exhibits greater thermodynamic stability. Upon apocynin ligand binding, it changes the electrostatic potential for a predominantly electronegative state in the interior and neutral in its external vanilloid pocket. Treatment of apocynin induces antinociceptive effects against the noxious challenge of capsaicin. Histologically, apocynin decreased the number of TRPV1+ immunopositive cells. Electrophoresis showed reduced phosphorylation of p44/42 (ERK1/2) and decreased protein levels of substance P, and CGRP. In the survival assay, apocynin showed low toxicity. ConclusionsIn conclusion, we provide proof-of-principles that the newly synthesized apocynin compound effectively prevented nociception in a neurogenic model of orofacial pain.

Thermodynamically consistent phase-field model for pressure-induced multiphase phase transformation of metals under intensive dynamic loading

Understanding the pressured-induced multiphase phase transformation (MPT) of metals at high strain rate is of great technical and scientific interest. Despite of several decades of studies, the pressured-induced MPT of metals at high strain rate is far from well understood because the deformation at high strain rate is so complex that present in situ diagnostic techniques or atomistic simulations cannot provide the details of the MPT at high strain rate. In the current work, a multiphase phase-field (MPF) model for the dynamic phase transformation (PT) of metals is developed, in which the volume fraction of each phase is chosen as the order parameter. The driving force of the MPT consists of the Gibbs free energy, the gradient energy and the penalizing energy. In particular, a smooth and normalized interpolation function is introduced to establish the Gibbs free energy at the multiphase junction. With the aid of this interpolation function, the explicit forms of the kinetics equation and constitutive relations of the MPT at the multiphase junction are also derived. It is demonstrated that the model satisfies all seven criteria of a consistent MPF model. Compared to previous models, the thermodynamic stability of this model is improved significantly. When applied to address the MPT of bismuth subjected to ramp-wave loading (RWL), the model can quantify the connection between the microstructural evolution of multiple phases and the experimentally measured multiwave structures.Moreover, new insights concerning the MPT-related thermodynamic paths of bismuth at elevated temperatures and the metastable phase during dynamic MPT are gained.

Exploring Co2TiRE (RE = Nd and Tb) as a promising shape memory alloy using DFT methods

Our study employs self-consistent ab-initio calculations using highly precise spin-polarized density functional theory with both GGA and GGA+U approaches, coupled with the Boltzmann transport scheme. This comprehensive approach investigated the structural stability, magneto-electronic behavior, thermophysical characteristics, and thermoelectric transport properties of Co2TiRE (RE = Nd, Tb) Heusler alloys. Through structural optimizations, we confirm that these materials exhibit ferromagnetic behavior. Analysis of band occupation and density of states using GGA and GGA+U methods reveals that both compounds are metallic in both spin configurations. We evaluated key transport properties such as the Seebeck coefficient, electrical and thermal conductivity and the figure of merit to understand their potential in thermoelectric applications. Conservative estimates of the Seebeck coefficient and the figure of merit suggest promising applications in thermoelectric energy harvesting technologies. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the thermophysical behavior, including the Debye temperature, thermal expansion, and specific heat, to assess the alloys thermodynamic stability across varying temperature and pressure conditions.

High-performance α-Fe2O3 nano cubes as anode for supercapacitors

Abundant availability, high theoretical specific capacitance and low cost of transition metal oxides such as iron oxides, make them attractive as electrode materials for energy storage. In order to achieve improved performance, high conductivity, shorter ion-diffusion path, and faster ion accessibility, rational design of morphology of electrode material is highly desirable. We have successfully synthesized mesoporous α-Fe2O3 nanocubes to achieve high specific capacitance and better retention. The as-prepared and annealed α-Fe2O3 nanocubes show high reversible redox activity along with good thermodynamic stability. These nanostructure give rise to high specific capacitance and ~90 % of the capacitance can be retained even after 1000 redox cycles, suggesting good cyclic stability. The electrochemical performance of mesoporous α-Fe2O3 nanocubes is attributed to the morphological features, which results in efficient K+ ion transport into the pores. A two electrode α-Fe2O3//NiO device is fabricated, which shows excellent power and energy density of ∼627 W/kg and ∼23.32 Wh/kg, respectively. Our work demonstrates that 3D nanoporous α-Fe2O3 electrodes forms promising material system as anode for improved charge storage performance.