Chemistry Analysis Research Articles

Clonorchis sinensis infection contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma progression via enhancing angiogenesis

Background Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) infection plays an important role in the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis. However, its specific role in HCC progression remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether C. sinensis contributes to angiogenesis in HCC. Methods A comprehensive clinical analysis was conducted on 947 HCC patients, divided into two groups: C. sinensis (-) HCC and C. sinensis (+) HCC. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were utilized to assess survival outcomes. Microvessel density (MVD) was evaluated through CD34 immunohistochemistry on hepatectomy specimens. A chemistry analyzer and blood analyzer were employed to measure the concentration of circulating angiogenesis-related biomarkers. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of angiogenesis-related genes (CD34, Ang1, Ang2, VEGF, PDGF) in HCC tissues. Results C. sinensis infection was associated with poorer outcomes in HCC patients, with significantly shorter overall survival (OS) (p = 0.014) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p<0.001). Notably, C. sinensis infection led to an upregulation of MVD in HCC tissues (p = 0.041). C. sinensis (+) HCC patients exhibited significantly higher levels of circulating angiogenesis-related biomarkers, including MONO (p = 0.004), EOSO (p < 0.001), C3 (p = 0.001), FIB (p = 0.010), PLT (p = 0.003), LDH (p = 0.004), GLDH (p = 0.003), compared to C. sinensis (-) HCC patients. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis revealed that most angiogenesis-related genes were overexpressed in patients with C. sinensis infection. Conclusion C. sinensis infection is closely associated with inflammatory responses and may promote metabolic reprogramming in HCC, thereby enhancing its malignant characteristics.

Alternate materials for the capture and quantification of gaseous oxidized mercury in the atmosphere

Abstract. Methodologies for identifying atmospheric oxidized mercury (HgII) compounds, including particulate-bound HgII (HgII(p)) and gaseous oxidized mercury (HgII(g)), by mass spectrometry are currently under development. This method requires preconcentration of HgII for analysis due to high instrument detection limits relative to ambient HgII concentrations. The objective of this work was to identify and test materials for quantitative capture of HgII from the gas phase and to suggest potential surfaces onto which HgII can be collected, thermally desorbed, and characterized using mass spectrometry methods. From the literature, several compounds were identified as potential sorbent materials and tested in the laboratory for uptake of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) and HgII(g) (permeated from a HgBr2 salt source). Chitosan, α-Al2O3, and γ-Al2O3 demonstrated HgII(g) capture in ambient air laboratory tests, without sorbing Hg0 under the same conditions. When compared to cation exchange membranes (CEMs), chitosan captured a comparable quantity of HgII(g), while ≤90 % of loaded HgII(g) was recovered from α-Al2O3 and γ-Al2O3. When deployed in the field, the capture efficiency of chitosan decreased compared to CEMs, indicating that environmental conditions impacted the sorption efficiency of this material. The poor recovery of HgII from the tested materials compared to CEMs in the field indicates that further identification and exploration of alternative sorbent materials are required to advance atmospheric mercury chemistry analysis by mass spectrometry methods.

Optimizing Fe-N-C Electrocatalysts for PEMFCs: Influence of Constituents and Pyrolysis on Properties and Performance

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising alternative technologies with applications in stationary power systems, vehicles, and portable electronics due to their low temperature operation, fast start-up, and environmental advantages. However, the high cost of platinum-based catalysts, in particular for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of the cathode side, prevents their widespread incorporation. Fe-N-C electrocatalysts have emerged as viable alternatives to platinum. In this study, different precursor components were investigated for the way that they affect the pyrolysis process, which is crucial for tailoring the final catalyst properties. In particular, carbon allotropes such as carbon Vulcan, Ketjenblack, and carbon nanotubes were selected for their unique structures and properties. In addition, various sources of iron (FeCl2, FeCl3, and K[Fe(SCN)4]) were evaluated. The influence of the pyrolysis atmosphere on the resulting Fe-N-C catalyst structures was also assessed. Through an integrated structure and surface chemistry analyses, as well as electrochemical tests with rotating disk electrode experiments in acidic media, the ORR performance and stability of these catalysts were defined. By examining the relationships between carbon sources and iron precursors, this research provides valuable information for the optimization of Fe-N-C catalysts in fuel cell applications.

Light-emitting diode-based absorbance detectors for flow-through analysis in analytical chemistry: A tutorial

The development of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has played a significant role supporting many recent advances made in chemical analysis. Their small size, low power consumption, and semi-monochromaticity make them ideal light sources for portable photometric devices used in field and on-site analysis, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications, such as process analytical technology (PAT) and continuous real-time analysis. This tutorial provides an overview and critical comparison of the key components in LED-based absorbance detectors, including light sources, optical fibres, flow cells, and photodetectors. Fundamental aspects of LEDs relating to their use in such simple detectors are discussed in detail, along with the development of multi-wavelength detectors that incorporate multiple LEDs. The tutorial also details the different methodologies for assessing and characterising the LED-based absorbance detectors. Finally, this tutorial presents some selected applications of LED based photometric detectors in gas sensing, flow injection analysis (FIA), and coupled with separation techniques such as ion chromatography, liquid chromatography, and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE).

Analysis of nano-mineral chemistry with single particle ICP-Time-of-Flight-MS; a novel approach to discriminate between geological environments

Analysis of nano-mineral chemistry with single particle ICP-Time-of-Flight-MS; a novel approach to discriminate between geological environments

Carrier frequency and molecular basis of hemoglobinopathies among blood donors in eastern Morocco: Implications for blood donation and genetic diagnosis

BackgroundHemoglobinopathies represent the most commonly inherited autosomal recessive blood disorders in the world. The aim of this study was to determine the carrier frequency and molecular basis of hemoglobinopathies among blood donors in eastern Morocco. This is the first study of its kind for this country. MethodsHealthy blood donors of the BRO Biobank were included in this study. Blood samples were analyzed using an automatic blood cell analyzer for complete blood counts. Hemoglobin fractions were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis and serum ferritin was measured on a chemical and immunological analyzer. Suspected hemoglobinopathy carriers were further characterized by Sanger sequencing, Gap PCR and PCR-RFLP. ResultsThe study involved 2013 blood donors, of whom 1063 were male and 950 were female (sex ratio male-to-female of 1.1). The median age of these donors was 35 years. The overall carrier frequency of hemoglobinopathies was 1.84 %, with β-thalassemia carriers being the most prevalent (0.65 %) followed by HbAC (0.55 %), α-thalassemia carriers (0.30 %), HbAS (0.1 %), HbAG-Philadelphia (0.1 %), HbAD-Ouled Rabah (0.05 %) and HbAO-Arab (0.05 %). Additionally, novel β-thalassemia variants (C6(−G) and −83(A > G)) and a structural variant (Hb D-Ouled Rabah) were discovered for the first time in Morocco. ConclusionsThis study provided the first report on carrier frequency and molecular basis of hemoglobinopathies among healthy donors in Morocco. These findings are valuable for the implementation of carrier screening and genetic diagnosis for hemoglobinopathies. Furthermore, these results justify the need to introduce pre-donation screening for hemoglobinopathy carriers in Morocco, particularly in areas with a high prevalence of carriers to enhance the overall quality of the national blood supply.

Mapping hydrothermal alteration in regolith using white micas and chlorite as vectors towards gold mineralization

Mineral exploration through regolith-dominated terrains poses a significant challenge to cost-effective exploration techniques. Due to missing surface expression, undercover mineral exploration relies on understanding ore-forming processes and characterizing alteration regimes to decipher suitable vectors towards ore deposits. The work presented focuses on the Archean granite-greenstones of the Yilgarn Craton, east of the Meekatharra area in Western Australia, and characterizes the weathering profiles by understanding metal dispersion mechanisms and identifying mineralogical vectors towards gold mineralization within regolith. Mineral mapping of gold mineralization using TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyzer and laser ablation ICP-MS shows gold is associated with multiple generations of pyrite, and base metal sulfides and sulfosalts hosted in felsic to intermediate volcanics and volcaniclastics. Intensive weathering generated a thick regolith profile dominated by a leached zone of kaolinitic and micaceous saprolite underlain by a supergene Au-Cu deposit blanket at the base. The supergene deposit is dominated by colloform and framboidal pyrite, with pure microcrystalline Au, chalcocite, bornite, malachite, and alunite. Hyperspectral analyses were used to trace the composition and abundance of chlorite and white mica variations in the host rock and the weathering profile. The mineral assemblage in the hydrothermal alteration halo proximal to and intersecting gold mineralization is dominated by Fe-rich chlorite and Na-rich white mica (paragonite). Fe-rich chlorite and paragonite are spatially tied to elevated Au concentration and trends to Fe-Mg-rich chlorite and K-rich white mica (muscovite) distal to the alteration. The variations in chlorite chemistry were detected mainly in bedrock and saprock. Conversely, the white mica chemistry variations were detected in bedrock and the regolith profile, in which white micas resist intensive weathering. The spectral signatures identified through short-wave and thermal infrared data are verified through X-ray diffraction, mineral chemistry, and bulk geochemical analyses. This distinctive spectral signature of white mica and chlorite is a cost-effective exploration method for regional mapping of mineral systems to identify hydrothermal alteration footprints in the regolith developed over felsic and intermediate rocks.

Pemeriksaan Dampak Mengkonsumsi Minuman Beralkohol Terhadap Kadar Enzim Aspartat Aminotransferase (AST) dan Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

Aspartat aminotransferase (ast) and alanine aminotransferase (Alt) or which is the enzyme transaminase used liver function tests. When alcohol enters the body, a metabolism in the liver is carried out with an end result of acetydehid when an excessive dose causes liver damage. The purpose of research to determine whether or not there is a correlation between the consumption of alcohol and its blast of bank. this study is a non-experiment of quantitative experimentation with a sampling technique. The respondents in this study are 24 alcohol drinkers of NTT students in the unfortunate city. And sample analysis methods of the kinetic ifcc and the chemical analyzer clinic - the mindray analyzer. On 24 of the respondents of all sexs-men will be analyzed based on long consumption, high consumption of alcohol, and heavy drink-alcohol consumption. The research data obtained will be done in a statistical test using the Pearson correlation test. Studies conducted on alcohol drinkers for a normal ast result are 18 respondents and abnormal results of 6. Studies on alcohol drinkers for normal test levels included 19 individuals and abnormal results for 5. The Pearson correlation test between the amount of consumption between the ast consumption is 0,184 and p-value 0.05, and the high consumption of alcohol is 0.508 and the value of p-value 0.05, and the amount of drinking is an e-0.405 and p-value 0.05. Studies between consumption length and Alt levels have found a very weak link of 0,033 and p-value 0.05, the high consumption of alcohol is 0,426 and the value of p-value 0.05, and the high drinking relationship of weak value are = 0.315 and p-value 0.05. The study has had a negative impact on excessive consumption of alcohol, raising levels of ast and Alt especially on high-alcohol drinkers and excessive drinking frequency.

Hydrochemical characterization and pCO2 dynamics in the surface waters of Himalayan River: A case study of river Alaknanda.

Chemical weathering processes are becoming increasingly important in studies on carbon cycling because they are responsible for increased solute fluxes in the proglacial zone, can effectively sequester atmospheric CO2 and raise carbon budgets for lateral transport via rivers. Here, we examined the hydrochemical and hydrogeochemical processes, solute sources and factors controlling riverine pCO2 of the Alaknanda River and its tributaries for three sampling seasons, viz. pre-monsoon (May 2021), post-monsoon (October 2021) and winter (January 2022). The surface water is enriched with Ca2+ and Mg2+ as the dominant cations, while HCO3- and SO42- were the major anions. Gibbs's plot confirmed rock weathering as the leading mechanism in controlling the hydrochemistry of the basin. The chemical composition of river water was mainly regulated by the weathering of carbonate end members: dolomite, limestone and feldspar along with small inputs from silicate weathering. The mean pCO2 values in the mainstream (1702.7 µatm), Pindar (2267.9 µatm) and Mandakini (1136.1 µatm) revealed the streams were oversaturated with CO2 having a higher rate of exporting excess CO2 gas to the atmosphere. The study showed the persistence of high pCO2 closed system characteristics associated with increased suspended sediment concentration resulting from carbonate weathering, dominance of HCO3- over SO42- and thereby results in high values of C ratio. Principal component analysis of the water chemistry suggests that weathering contributes about 41%, while humans contribute about 13% of the ionic load to the river. This study is one of its kind to understand the system characteristics of Alaknanda River water.

Literature Study: Babesiosis in Dogs in The Period of 2013-2023

Background: Babesiosis is an infectious disease caused by Babesia spp. with tick vectors Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor margniatus (a tick-borne disease). Babesiosis transmission occurs through tick bites or blood transfusions. Diagnostic techniques involve the microscopic examination of blood smears, hematology, blood chemistry, and PCR laboratory analysis. Purpose: To determine the clinical symptoms, confirmation of diagnosis, and therapy used for babesiosis conditions in dogs. Method: Analysis was conducted on 22 literature cases of babesiosis in dogs with a publication period of 2013-2023. The analysis was carried out using the descriptive analysis method, a problem-solving procedure that describes the condition of the subject or object based on facts, characteristics, and any relationships between the phenomena being investigated. Qualitative research methods were used to examine natural object conditions, as a key instrument. Data source sampling was done purposively, the data collection techniques were combined, the data analysis was either inductive or qualitative, and qualitative research results emphasize meaning. Result: Dog patients with babesiosis have the highest prevalence of clinical symptoms, namely anorexia (62.5%), vomiting (33.3%), pyrexia (54.16%) lethargy (45.83%), brownish urination (29.16%), and ectoparasite infestation (29.16%). Confirmation of the diagnosis carried out included the microscopic examination of blood smears (100%), hematology (91.66%), blood chemistry (41.66%), and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) (20.83%). The therapeutic management used included 3 combinations of antibiotics in 7 cases (31.81%), combination therapy of 2 antibiotics and an antiparasitic in 3 cases (13.63%), and combination therapy of 1 antibiotic and antiparasitic in 3 cases (13.63%). Conclusion: Antiparasitic therapy that can be used is imidocarb dipropionate, which works by inhibiting inositol in the erythrocytes infected with Babesia spp. and diminazene aceturate, which works by disrupting parasite DNA synthesis.

Lipoprotein(a) levels in acute myocardial infarction patients and their associations with prior events and coronary artery disease severity: a real-world cohort study

Abstract Introduction Circulating lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has been associated with the risk of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) and is an emergent therapeutic target. The objective of this study is to explore the association between serum levels of Lp(a) and previous myocardial infarction (MI) and/or coronary revascularization and the extension of obstructive CAD in patients with acute MI undergoing coronary angiography. Methods All consecutive patients with MI who underwent coronary angiography and Lp(a) measurement between May and November 2023 were included. Patient data were either registered prospectively or completed retrospectively using electronic health records. Lp(a) was measured using the Immunoturbidimetric Assay method with reaction intensification by particles, employing the World Health Organization/International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (WHO/IFCC) International Reference Reagent (SRM2B), on the "Roche Cobas C702" chemistry analyzer. The number of major coronary arteries (left main, left anterior descending, left circumflex and right coronary arteries) with stenosis >50% on the coronary angiography were registered. In the primary analysis we explored the association between Lp(a) levels using tertiles and previous occurrence of MI/revascularization, as well as the extension of obstructive CAD. In the secondary analysis we compared Lp(a) levels in patients with and without previous MI/revascularization and patients with 3-4 major vessels CAD vs. 0-2 vessels. Results A total of 116 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 62±13 years, 79% males, 29% with known coronary artery disease, 71% with dyslipidemia, 24% with diabetes, 65% with hypertension, and 58% were either active or former smokers. The median Lp(a) level was 72 (20-183) nmol/L. In the primary analysis (table 1), the number of previous MI/revascularizations was significantly higher in the third tertile of Lp(a) (T3) versus T1 (p=0.044). No significant differences were found for the remaining analyses. In the secondary analysis (figure 1) the level of Lp(a) was significantly higher in patients with 3-4 vessel CAD vs. 0-2 vessel (158.4±145.2 nmol/L vs. 103.16±104.6 p=0.044). Conclusion In this small real-world cohort population with acute MI, the number of previous MI or coronary revascularization was higher in patients with increased levels of Lp(a) and this marker of atherosclerotic disease was greater in patients with more extensive CAD.

Long-range enhancement for fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy using Ag nanoislands protected with column-structured silica overlayer

We demonstrate long-range enhancement of fluorescence and Raman scattering using a dense random array of Ag nanoislands (AgNIs) coated with column-structured silica (CSS) overlayer of over 100 nm thickness, namely, remote plasmonic-like enhancement (RPE). The CSS layer provides physical and chemical protection, reducing the impact between analyte molecules and metal nanostructures. RPE plates are fabricated with high productivity using sputtering and chemical immersion in gold(I)/halide solution. The RPE plate significantly enhances Raman scattering and fluorescence, even without proximity between analyte molecules and metal nanostructures. The maximum enhancement factors are 107-fold for Raman scattering and 102-fold for fluorescence. RPE is successfully applied to enhance fluorescence biosensing of intracellular signalling dynamics in HeLa cells and Raman histological imaging of oesophagus tissues. Our findings present an interesting deviation from the conventional near-field enhancement theory, as they cannot be readily explained within its framework. However, based on the phenomenological aspects we have demonstrated, the observed enhancement is likely associated with the remote resonant coupling between the localised surface plasmon of AgNIs and the molecular transition dipole of the analyte, facilitated through the CSS structure. Although further investigation is warranted to fully understand the underlying mechanisms, the RPE plate offers practical advantages, such as high productivity and biocompatibility, making it a valuable tool for biosensing and biomolecular analysis in chemistry, biology, and medicine. We anticipate that RPE will advance as a versatile analytical tool for enhanced biosensing using Raman and fluorescence analysis in various biological contexts.

CsSnBr3 and Cs3Bi2Br9: Structural, Optical Characteristics, and Application in a Schottky Barrier Diode

The search for alternatives to Pb‐based perovskites, due to concerns about stability and toxicity, has led to the exploration of Pb‐free options. Tin (Sn) and bismuth (Bi) are promising candidates, given their similar ionic radii to Pb and the isoelectronic nature of Pb2+ and Bi3+, which suggest comparable chemical properties. Among these, CsSnBr3 and Cs3Bi2Br9 are relatively underexplored but offer lower toxicity and enhanced stability while demonstrating optoelectronic properties suitable for various applications. In this study, CsSnBr3 and Cs3Bi2Br9 nanocrystals are synthesized using a colloidal method and integrated into Schottky diodes. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the surface chemistry confirms improved thermal and phase stability compared to Pb‐based perovskites. Schottky diode parameters, including ideality factor, barrier height, and series resistance are assessed using conventional thermionic emission, modified Cheung's, and Norde's models. The Cs3Bi2Br9‐based Schottky diode exhibits superior electrical performance with the lowest series resistance and optimal barrier height. Electrical impedance spectroscopy results indicated that CsSnBr3 has higher resistances and lower capacitances than Cs3Bi2Br9, reflecting lower charge carrier mobility and more defects, although the R1C1 regions in both materials demonstrated faster charge dynamics, making them ideal for high‐speed applications.

Evaluation of pregnancy toxemia in goats: Metabolic profile, hormonal findings, and redox balance

Pregnancy toxemia entails the development of hyperketonemia due to the negative energy balance that occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy in dairy goats. There are a limited number of studies on new diagnostic biomarkers and the pathophysiology of pregnancy toxemia in goats. This study assessed the hormones spexin and irisin and redox biomarker and metabolic profile changes in goats with pregnancy toxemia. The study included 36 hair goats, with 12 in the subclinical pregnancy toxemia (SPT) group, 12 in the clinical pregnancy toxemia (CPT) group, and 12 in the control group (CG). Spexin, irisin, and insulin hormone concentrations were determined by ELISA, while metabolic profile parameters were evaluated with an automatic chemical analyzer and redox balance by spectroscopy. In the goats with pregnancy toxemia, serum levels of spexin, irisin, insulin, and glucose were significantly lower than those of CG goats. The SPT group had significantly higher ischemia-modified albumin concentrations than CG goats, while the CPT group had significantly lower native thiol concentrations compared to CG animals. The concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acids in the groups with pregnancy toxemia were significantly higher than those of control animals. In the diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia, spexin had sensitivity of 90 %, specificity of 95 %, and an area under the curve value of 0.988, while irisin had sensitivity of 90 %, specificity of 91 %, and an AUC value of 0.979. In this study, both spexin and irisin hormones showed excellent performance in the diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia. In addition, pregnancy toxemia was found to cause increased oxidative stress and significant changes in metabolic and endocrine metabolism in goats. Measuring these biomarkers in both healthy dairy goats and those with pregnancy toxemia may contribute significantly to the management and diagnosis of herd health.

Synthesis, Electrochemistry and Density Functional Theory of Osmium(II) Containing Different 2,2′:6′,2″-Terpyridines

In coordination chemistry, 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine is a versatile and extensively studied tridentate ligand. Terpyridine forms stable complexes with a variety of metal ions through coordination sites provided by the three nitrogen atoms in its pyridine rings. This paper presents an electrochemical study on various bis(terpyridine)osmium(II) complexes, addressing the absence of a systematic investigation into their redox behavior. Additionally, a computational chemistry analysis was conducted on these complexes, as well as on eight previously studied osmium(II)-bipyridine and -phenanthroline complexes, to expand both the experimental and theoretical understanding. The experimental redox potentials, Hammett constants, and DFT-calculated energies show linear correlations due to the electron-donating or electron-withdrawing nature of the substituents, as described by the Hammett constants. These substituent effects cause shifts to lower or higher redox potentials, respectively.

LiTFSI salt concentration effect for well‐balanced ion transport and physical properties in nanocellulose‐reinforced PEO#600 solid electrolytes

AbstractPoly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with an oxygen group serves as a reactive site for the pathway of lithium‐ion transport. Reducing the PEO crystal domain in solid electrolytes is an extremely efficient approach for enhancing the mobility of ions. The present study applied various EO/Li molar ratios to modify the physical and electrochemical properties of PEO nanocomposite reinforced by nanocellulose. An elevated lithium salt concentration causes a gradual decline in crystallinity and mechanical strength. The electrochemical performance of the 13 EO/Li molar ratio voltammogram and charge–discharge shows efficient Li‐ion transport with 5.6 × 10−4 S/cm conductivity at room temperature and 131 mA h g−1 initial discharge capacity. The shifting glass transition and melting point at lower temperatures (−40.5 to −44.5°C and 45.3–43.8°C) suggest greater ion mobility throughout the large non‐crystalline structure. Lithium ions are limited by membrane weakening and re‐crystallization caused by high lithium salt (EM_11) concentrations. EM_13 has the highest specific capacity, operating voltage, and lithium transfer number depends on balanced electrochemical performance and physical features. XPS surface chemistry analysis explains LiF, Li2CO3, and Li2O solid electrolyte interfaces (SEI) in EM samples. A lower Li2O (11.62 at.%) than LiF (38.4 at.%) after cycling enhances Li‐ion diffusion and cell reversibility.

Evaluation of Cyanide Leaching Behavior of Typical Associated Copper Minerals in Gold Concentrates Based on Solution Chemistry and Interfacial Physicochemical Properties Analysis

Evaluation of Cyanide Leaching Behavior of Typical Associated Copper Minerals in Gold Concentrates Based on Solution Chemistry and Interfacial Physicochemical Properties Analysis

Surface Activation of Cotton Fabric with Low-Temperature Air Plasma Treatment for Metallic Printing

In this investigation, air plasma treatment was utilised to activate the surfaces of 100% grey and bleached cotton fabrics in preparation for metallic pigment printing. The study delved into the surface morphology, wettability, and surface chemistry properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed roughness and grooves in the treated samples. The contact angle witnessed a 29% and 41% increase for grey and bleached fabrics, respectively, compared to their untreated counterparts. Surface chemistry analysis using FTIR and XPS provided crucial insights into the functional polar groups, such as OH and C=O, along with significantly elevated O1 peaks in both plasma-treated grey and bleached cotton fabrics. These findings contributed to the enhanced surface free energy of the fabrics, preparing them for the subsequent pigment printing process. The study explores the impact of plasma treatment on the colour fastness of grey and bleached cotton fabrics printed with gold and silver metallic pigments. Untreated fabrics exhibited poor durability, with low colour change and staining-resistance ratings, particularly for gold pigments. Plasma treatment significantly improved colour retention, adhesion, and resistance to staining for both metallic pigments, with silver outperforming gold. Rubbing fastness tests revealed that plasma treatment moderately enhanced durability, though gold remained susceptible to friction damage. Light fastness was excellent for both pigments, and plasma treatment further improved performance. Perspiration tests showed that plasma treatment bolstered resistance, particularly for gold. These findings suggest that plasma treatment enhances the stability of metallic pigments, offering potential applications in the textile industry for improved product quality and durability.

3D printing of biodegradable biocomposites based on forest industrial residues by fused deposition modeling

This study investigated the impact of industrial forest residues (IFR) type and proportion on 3D-printed biocomposites (BC). Fused deposition modeling (FDM) produced BC containing up to 20 % Jack pine sawdust, wood ashes, cellulose fibers, and polylactic acid (PLA). The BC thermal stability, surface chemistry, microstructure, and physical and mechanical were investigated. Thermal stability investigations revealed that adding IRF resulted in a decline in the PLA degradation temperature, an increase in the residual mass, a decrease in the glass transition temperature, and an improvement in crystallinity. Add IRF to PLA showed an important reduction in ductility, a consistent reduction of the tensile and flexural strengths with increasing proportion but only a slight or a non-significant reduction the modulus of elasticity. Adding forest waste filler to pure PLA increased the water absorption (WA) and dimensional accuracy (TA) of the biocomposites, which was expected due to the hydrophilic character of fillers. The microstructural analysis demonstrated that a higher filler level resulted in a greater porosity, roughness, and visible filler pull-out on the filament and printed parts surfaces. Surface chemistry analysis suggested poor interactions between the PLA and the fillers and consequently poor interfacial adhesion. Furthermore, the rheological investigations confirmed that the complex viscosity and storage modulus of PLA-Jack pine's sawdust and PLA-cellulose fibers increased with filler. In contrast, the PLA-wood ashes showed opposite results. Using 3D-printed biodegradable biocomposites provided a sustainable option for reducing dependence on non-renewable plastic, valorizing the value chain of forest products, and promoting the circular economy.

ImageJ and smartphone app chemistry analyzer using image-based colorimetric assay for quantitative detection of melamine

Abstract A smartphone-assisted microchemistry analyzer with an image-based colorimetric assay using ImageJ and a smartphone app detection method was successfully developed for the quantitative detection of melamine (MEL). The color changes of the MEL in the colloidal gold lateral flow immunoassay strip were captured and analyzed using a smartphone-controlled analyzer with an LED light source and a smartphone camera. The smartphone camera and light source were used to read the colorimetric signal from the strip, and a smartphone app was written and installed onto the smartphone. The quantitative analysis was validated with ImageJ and smartphone app colorimetric analysis. The limits of detection (LODs) for ImageJ and the smartphone app were calculated as 0.30 and 0.07 mg/L, respectively. The highly quantitative relationships between the MEL concentrations and the optical density and gray value of the ImageJ and smartphone app detection method. The designed image-based biosensor is successfully applied to detect MEL in solution of standard MEL and commercial milk samples.