Application Of Compounds Research Articles

Design, Synthesis, and Photophysical Characterization of Biocompatible Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Carbazole-Coumarins for Sensing Applications.

A series of fluorescent carbazole-coumarins exhibiting good photoluminescence quantum yields and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties have been designed and synthetized using computer-aided density functional theory calculations. The TADF characteristics of the carbazole-coumarins were systematically explored both in solution and in the solid state, utilizing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as a matrix. The study revealed that the introduction of carbazole units onto the coumarin benzene ring led to compounds with thermally induced reverse intersystem crossing and delayed fluorescence. The study further demonstrated the potential utility of these compounds in practical applications by incorporating them into a Cmr-PMMA-based sensor for molecular oxygen detection. The resulting sensor exhibited promising performance, highlighting the adaptability and efficacy of the synthesized TADF-carbazole-coumarin compounds for reversible molecular oxygen sensing.

Starch‐Based Materials as a Natural Compound's Application in Water and Wastewater Treatment: A Systematic Review

AbstractCurrently, the application of natural materials is a good alternative to prevent secondary damage to humans and the environment. Therefore, in recent years, much attention has been paid to the use of these degradable and environmentally friendly materials to reduce toxicity and treatment costs. As a natural material, starch offers advantages of low cost, flexible modification, abundant presence of hydroxyl functional groups, and eco‐friendly. These configurations make it to a suitable material for remediation purposes, as it has received a great attention for removal of pollutants from water and wastewater, including but not limited to the heavy metals, pharmaceutical, dyes, and even inorganic contaminants. This work, therefore, aims to systematically evaluate starch‐based materials applications in remediation of water and wastewater media using the appropriate search terms from international databases including PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar, and through PRISMA checklist. For this, the publications from 1973 to 2021 are searched. In the initial search, 980 articles are found of which 49 articles are included in the study. Then, the performance of the starch‐based materials for every single study as the pollutant(s) involved is summarized and discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of such application are extracted and a perspective is presented accordingly. This comprehensive review shows that the starch‐based derivatives’ can be potential options in water and wastewater treatment purposes, especially those modified. However, some limitations should be overcoming before scaling of the results.

Oxetane Synthesis via Alcohol C-H Functionalization.

Oxetanes are strained heterocycles with unique properties that have triggered significant advances in medicinal chemistry. However, their synthesis still presents significant challenges that limit the use of this class of compounds in practical applications. In this Letter, we present a methodology that introduces a new synthetic disconnection to access oxetanes from native alcohol substrates. The generality of the approach is demonstrated by the application in late-stage functionalization chemistry, which is further exploited to develop a single-step synthesis of a known bioactive synthetic steroid derivative that previously required at least four synthetic steps from available precursors.

Study on fabrication of ZnO@TiO2 nanocomposite for perozone degradation of amoxicillin from aqueous solution

In this study, a simple method for fabrication of a ZnO@TiO2 nanocomposite was developed to degrade amoxicillin (AMX) from aqueous solution by heterogeneous photocatalytic perozone under UV irradiation (O3/H2O2/ZnO@TiO2/UV). ZnO nanoparticles were formed by the sol-gel method. The ZnO-NPs were then composited with commercial TiO2 at modification ratios of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% of ZnO-NPs to generate ZnO@TiO2 nanocomposites. The physical-chemical characteristics of ZnO, TiO2, and ZnO@TiO2 at the optimal modification ratio were determined using SBET, SEM, EDX, and XRD analysis. The catalytic activity of ZnO@TiO2 was evaluated by degradation of AMX in an O3/H2O2/ZnO@TiO2/UV system. The results showed that 10%ZnO@TiO2 exhibited the highest catalytic activity in degradation (in term of COD removal) of AMX with about 80% for 70 min of reaction time. This efficiency was higher than that of both systems using ZnO or TiO2 only by double. This primary finding demonstrates the feasibility of 10%ZnO@TiO2 photocatalysts in perozone systems to degrade persistent organic compounds in practical applications.

A luminescent Zn(II)-Containing Complex: Selective Sensing of Cr(VI) Anion and Application Values on Tuberculosis Care Through Increasing the Antibacterial Response of Macrophages.

A new Zn(II)-bearing metal-organic framework (MOF), namely, {[Zn2(L)2(H2O)]·8H2O·DMF}n (1) has been generated via applying 4,4'-([2,3'-bipyridine]-4,6-diyl) dibenzoic acid (H2L), a pyridine-carboxylic acid ligand under the solvothermal reaction conditions. In the aqueous solution, complex 1 could be utilized as the fluorescent sensor for the simultaneous detection of Cr2O72- ion and CrO42- ion with low limits of detection and high sensitivity. It is important that this luminescent material can be regenerated quickly and the sensing ability of this luminescent material can be reused for three times. Furthermore, the assessment of the compound's application values against the Tuberculosis care was carried out and simultaneously its relevant mechanism was investigated. First of all, the bacterial burden in the lung macrophages was measured with plate micro-dilution method. Besides, the signaling pathway of JAK/STAT activation was evaluated with real time RT-PCR. Molecular docking simulation reveals that the polar oxygens are the active sites that could form binding interactions the protein.

Application of chemical compounds during pre-harvesting to control post-harvesting green mold in citrus

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of system-acquired resistance inducing compounds applied during the pre-harvest of ‘Navelina’ orange and ‘Ortanique’ tangor in controlling post-harvest disease caused by Penicillium digitatum. The products applied were acibenzolar-s-methyl (ASM), imidacloprid (IMI), methyl jasmonate (MeJa), sodium selenite, potassium silicate, and thiamethoxam (TMT). Sterile distilled water was used as the control. The applications were administered 45, 30, and 15 days before harvesting. In 2015 and 2016, 840 fruits were randomly collected, and when they reached commercial maturation, they were sanitized, half were pierced with a needle in the equatorial region. The fruits were inoculated with a 10 μL spore suspension (1 × 106 conidia mL-1) of P. digitatum, in the equatorial region. The experiment was performed with three replicates, each comprising 10 fruits and repeated over two consecutive crop seasons. Disease incidence was evaluated on pierced (at 72 and 144 h after inoculation [hai]) and unperforated (at 360 hai) fruits. For pierced fruits, lesion expansion rate (rL), disease severity, expansion rate of sporulating area (rE), and sporulating area were evaluated. The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and the area under the sporulating area progress curve were calculated. Both cultivars were susceptible; however, the rL and rE had lower values for ‘Ortanique’. The tested products reduced the disease incidence in both cultivars. Potassium silicate reduced rL and rE, whereas sodium selenite reduced rE. The disease severity was reduced by potassium silicate, sodium selenite, and ASM. AUDPC was reduced by sodium selenite and potassium silicate treatments. Among the tested products, potassium silicate and sodium selenite applied during the pre-harvest of ‘Navelina’ orange and ‘Ortanique’ tangor had the highest reductions for disease incidence (ranging from 14% to 37%, respectively) and severity (60% and 70%, respectively), rE (50% for both compounds), and total sporulating area (55% and 56%, respectively), reducing the green mold in postharvested fruits caused by P. digitatum.

Effects of transitional hysteresis on the large magnetocaloric and magnetoresistance properties of Ni-Mn-Co-Sn Heusler alloy

Ni-Mn-Co-Sn based Heusler alloys have drawn immense attention lately due to their significant magnetocaloric (MC) and magnetoresistance (MR) properties near their first-order magneto-structural martensite transformation (MT). Here, we have studied the influence of thermal and magnetic hysteretic behaviours in the temperature and field dependent magnetization and resistivity in Ni45Mn39Co5Sn11 bulk Heusler alloy across the MT regime. This is critical since hysteresis losses could significantly compromise the MC and MR properties in these compounds in practical applications. Isothermal X-ray diffraction measurements at different temperatures reveal that the MT temperature is near room temperature in Ni45Mn39Co5Sn11 alloy. Thermodynamic analyses of isothermal field dependent magnetization data result in large isothermal magnetic entropy changes (ΔS = 17–18 J kg−1 K−1) under a field change (ΔH = 8 T) at 364 K across the MT regime. The calculated refrigeration capacity values (RC = 173–179 J kg−1) for decreasing and increasing fields are significant and independent of magnetic hysteresis across the MT regime. A large adiabatic temperature change (│ΔT│ = 10.4 K for ΔH = 8 T at 364 K) is being reported in Ni45Mn39Co5Sn11 Heusler alloy, which makes it promising for MC applications. Further, the influence of martensite-austenite phase fractions on the MC and MR properties in Ni45Mn39Co5Sn11 alloy has been studied across the MT regime using isofield and isothermal magnetic and magneto-transport measurements. A strong correlation has been established between the observed MR (−36.8%) and the transformed austenite phase fraction using both experimental data and theoretical model. The large RC, │ΔT│, MR values close to the room temperature and the role played by the thermal and magnetic hystereses on the MC and MR properties make the Ni45Mn39Co5Sn11 Heusler alloy an interesting material for technological applications in magnetic refrigeration and switching devices.

Controllable magnetic transitions and magnetocaloric effect of Ho1-xTmxNi (0≤x≤0.8) compounds

Polycrystalline Ho1-xTmxNi (0≤x≤0.8) compounds were successfully prepared by an arc-melting method, and the crystal structure, magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) were investigated in detail. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that Ho1-xTmxNi (0≤x≤0.8) compounds are pure phases with FeB-type orthorhombic structure (space group Pnma). Magnetic measurements show that HoNi alloy undergoes a spin reorientation (SR) transition and a ferromagnetic (FM) to paramagnetic (PM) transition at 13.5 K and 35.5 K, respectively. Rare earth atoms Tm with small spin were used to substitute Ho atoms in HoNi compound in order to adjust the magnetic phase transitions and to further optimize the magnetocaloric effect (MCE). With increasing Tm content from 0 to 0.8, the refrigerant temperature span decreases from 41.6 K to 17.3 K. When the content of Tm is 0.3, a platform-shaped isothermal magnetic entropy change (-ΔSM) curve is obtained and the value of -ΔSM is relatively stable over 35 K. Our findings are of great importance for HoTmNi compounds in practical applications.

Rapid solidification of a FeSi intermetallic compound in undercooled melts: dendrite growth and microstructure transitions

Rapid solidification of a FeSi stoichiometric intermetallic compound was studied using the glass fluxing method. The recalescence process was in situ observed for the first time by the infrared high-speed high-resolution cameras. The dendrite envelope was found to be non-isothermal during the recalescence process. The growth velocity increased first, then decreased and finally held nearly constant. The average dendrite growth velocity for the recalescence process increased monotonically with undercooling and was described well by the dendrite growth model for a stoichiometric intermetallic compound. At low undercooling, the microstructure transition from coarse dendrites to refined grains was consistent with the dendrite fragmentation model and the chemical superheating model. At high undercooling, dendrite deformation triggers stress accumulation upon rapid solidification, thus providing the driving force for recrystallization. However, there were no evidences for annealing twins accompanied by recrystallization as well as random textures due to recrystallization nucleation. From the local misorientation map, the grain refinement mechanism was suggested to be stress-induced dendrite fragmentation. This study is helpful for not only understanding the intrinsic mechanisms of microstructure transitions in theory but also controlling microstructures and performance of intermetallic compounds in practical applications.

TiO2/SiO2 Composite for Efficient Protection of UVA and UVB Rays Through of a Solvent-Less Synthesis

In an effort to discover new inorganic UV absorbers, titania included into silica was prepared using a solvent-less solid state method involving the pyrolysis of the as prepared precursor Chitosan·(TiOSO4)/SiO2, as an alternative and versatile way to using these compounds for practical applications. The new TiO2/SiO2 composite was characterized by PXRD, SEM–EDS, TEM and UV–Vis absorption analysis. The SEM–EDS mapping images show a uniform distribution of TiO2 into the silica matrix. The optical properties of the composite have shown an interesting result related to high absorption of UVB rays and an improved absorption of UVA rays than pure TiO2. Efficient suppression of photocatalytic behavior of TiO2, when is incorporated into silica, was evidenced from 85 to 31%, suggesting it material as alternative inorganic UV absorber to remains the properties of the methylene blue dye. These results reveal their potential use in practical textile industry and UV protection agent to avoid human damage.

Transcriptome analysis reveals that barnyard grass exudates increase the allelopathic potential of allelopathic and non-allelopathic rice (Oryza sativa) accessions

BackgroundAllelopathy in rice (Oryza sativa) is a chemically induced response that is elevated by the exogenous application of chemical compounds and barnyard grass root exudates. An in-depth understanding of the response mechanisms of rice to chemical induction is necessary for the identification of target genes for increasing the allelopathic potential of rice. However, no previous studies have evaluated the transcriptomic changes associated with allelopathy in rice in response to barnyard grass exudates treatment. Thus, the aim of the present study was to reveal differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in allelopathic and non-allelopathic rice seedlings treated with barnyard grass exudates to identify target allelopathy genes.ResultsThe inhibitory effect of the culture solutions on the allelopathic rice accession PI312777 (PI) and the non-allelopathic rice accession Lemont (LE) significantly increased (P < 0.05) after treatment with barnyard grass root exudates. The RNA sequencing results revealed that 14,891 genes in PI(+B) vs. LE(+B), 12,505 genes in PI(+B) vs. PI(−B), and 5857 genes in LE(+B) vs. LE(−B) were differentially expressed following root exudates treatment. These DEGs were classified into three categories and 32 functional groups, i.e., 12 groups in the biological process category, 12 groups in the cellular component category, and eight groups in the molecular function category. There were 5857 and 2846 upregulated genes and 135 and 50 upregulated Gene Ontology terms (P < 0.05) in the biological process category in PI(+B) vs. PI(−B) and LE(+B) vs. LE(−B), respectively. These results indicated that the allelopathic accession PI is more sensitive than the non-allelopathic accession LE to exogenous root exudates treatment. Genes related to rice allelochemical-related biosynthesis pathways, particularly the shikimic acid and acetic acid pathways, were significantly differentially expressed in both rice accessions. These findings suggested that phenolic acids, fatty acids, and flavonoids, which constitute the downstream metabolites of the shikimic acid and acetic acid pathways, are significantly expressed in response to root exudates of barnyard grass.ConclusionsThe allelopathic potential of both rice accessions could be significantly enhanced by barnyard grass root exudates application. Furthermore, genes related to the biosynthesis pathways of reported rice allelochemicals were significantly differentially expressed in both accessions. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase was determined to be a potential target for the regulation of chemical induction.

Effect of acid activation of palygorskite on their toluene adsorption behaviors

Abstract In this paper, acid-activated palygorskite (APal x ) samples were prepared by a facile acid treatment method with different concentrations of HCl (0.5, 1, 3, 5 and 7 mol/L). The dynamic toluene adsorption performances of APal x were evaluated and the relevant adsorption mechanism was discussed. The prepared adsorbents were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, transmission electron microcopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show that the palygorskite has a good resistant ability to acid attack, the structure still remains when the acid concentration is as high as 7 mol/L. Acid activation could significantly enhance the surface area (228, 250, 271, 273, 329 and 308 for Pal, APal0.5, APal1, APal3, APal5 and APal7, respectively) and porosity of palygorskite. APal5 has the best toluene adsorption capacity (90.4 mg/g) due to its highest S BET (329 m 2 /g) and V micro (0.055 cm 3 /g). The adsorption performance in terms of dynamic toluene adsorption capacities follows the order of Pal (44.6 mg/g) x to become a promising candidate for the adsorption of volatile organic compounds in practical applications.

Structure and Electrical Properties of the Selected Crown Ether-Derivatized Bis(2,2'-bithienyl)Methanes in Langmuir-Blodgett Films

Physical properties of thin films of thiophene derivatives and their polymers are greatly affected by the structure and orientation of their molecules, as well as the local environment.1 In order to obtain thin films of such compounds for practical applications, from electronic devices to chemo- and biosensors.2-3, it is important to control orientation and order of the molecules in the formed functional materials. Interesting and efficient way to allow for such a control is Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett technique. In the presented contribution formation and properties of ultrathin films of the series of bis(2,2’-bithienyl)methane derivatives appended with crown ethers of varying size are presented. Uniform Langmuir films of liquid-expanded type were obtained at water-air interface for all of the used compounds. The influence of metal ions on the orientation of the molecules in the films was relatively small. Obtained Langmuir films were subsequently transferred onto the solid substrates by using Langmuir-Blodgett technique forming mono- and multilayers. In order to further elucidate structure of the formed layers AFM and STM techniques have been applied. The morphology of the multilayer films depended both on the size and orientation of the crown ether moiety in the molecules. However, in all cases formed multilayers were porous (Fig. 1). In case of monolayers, the STM studies helped to ascertain organization of the molecules in the Langmuir-Blodgett film. On the other hand the scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) allowed acquisition of information about the electrical properties of the studied thiophene derivatives. Bibliography 1. D. Hu, J. Yu, K. Wong, B. Bagchi, P. J. Rossky, P. F. Barbara, Nature, 405, (2000), 1030. 2. A. G. MacDiarmid, Angew. Chem., Int. Ed., 40, (2001),2581. 3. R. Singhal, A. Chaubey, K. Kaneto, W. Takashima, B. D. Malhotra, Biotechnol. Bioeng., 85 (2004), 277. Figure 1

Exogenous phytohormones and the induction of plant galls by insects

The mechanism of gall induction by insects has remained elusive. Previous studies have met with limited success in attempting to induce galls by injection or application of chemical compounds. To determine whether an exogenous source of phytohormones plays a role in gall induction, we injected cytokinin (CK), auxin (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), and abscisic acid (ABA) in various concentrations, ratios, and combinations into leaf petioles of Capsicum annuum L. cv. California Wonder (Solanaceae). We found that CK + IAA injections lead to gall-like growth in C. annuum. GA enhanced and ABA inhibited gall growth except in the presence of GA. Isopentenyl adenine (IP) was the most effective type of CK at inducing growth. Our work is consistent with the hypothesis that exogenous CK + IAA produced and supplied by insects leads to gall induction. We hypothesize that insects have obtained the capability to induce galls via acquisition of the biosynthetic pathways to produce IAA and trans-zeatin family CKs through microbial symbiosis or lateral gene transfer.

Influence of various chemical compounds on postharvest longevity of cut leaves of Waldsteinia geoides Willd.

The influence of conditioning and different methods of application of chemical compounds on cut leaves of &lt;em&gt;Waldsteinia geoides &lt;/em&gt;was assessed&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt; Gibberellic acid and benzyladenine at a concentration of 50 or 100 mg × dm&lt;sup&gt;-3&lt;/sup&gt;, and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate at a concentration of 200 mg × dm&lt;sup&gt;-3&lt;/sup&gt; were used in the process of conditioning. The leaves were conditioned in two different ways. In the first one, half of leaf stalks were soaked for 24 hours. In the latter, whole leaf blades were dipped for thirty seconds. Cut leaves were stored either in water or in the solution of 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate at a concentration of 200 mg × dm&lt;sup&gt;-3&lt;/sup&gt;. It was both the chemical compounds applied and the application method that influenced the postharvest longevity of the leaves. The leaves conditioned in 8HQS and stored in water, those conditioned in BA at a concentration of 50 mg × dm&lt;sup&gt;-3&lt;/sup&gt; and stored in 8HQS, and those which were not conditioned and stored in 8HQS exhibited the highest level of postharvest longevity. The application of 8HQS for conditioning had a favorable effect on the increase in the weight of&lt;em&gt; Waldsteinia geoides&lt;/em&gt; cut leaves&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt; 8HQS applied in storing resulted in a smaller decrease in the values of the leaf greenness index.

Persistent Pediatric Contact Leukoderma After Exposure to Butterfly Electrocardiogram Back Pad: A Report of Three Cases

Contact leukoderma or chemical leukoderma refers to hypopigmentation related to the application of chemical compounds to the skin. Hypopigmentation can occur with or without preceding inflammatory eczematous changes. We present three cases of contact leukoderma associated with exposure to a new type of electrocardiogram electrode back pad.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Sphaeropsidins and Chemical Derivatives toward Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the Causal Agent of Rice Bacterial Blight

Sphaeropsidin A, the main phytotoxin produced by Diplodia cupressi, as well as the two natural analogues sphaeropsidins B and C and 14 derivatives obtained by chemical modifications were assayed for antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, Pseudomonas fuscovaginae, and Burkholderia glumae, the causal agents of severe bacterial rice diseases. The results showed a strong and specific activity of sphaeropsidin A against X. oryzae pv. oryzae, while no activity was observed against the other two pathogens. The results of structure-activity relationship studies showed that structural features important to impart this antibacterial activity are the presence of the C-7 carbonyl group and the hemiketalic lactone functionality. The C-13 vinyl group, the double bond of ring C, and/or the tertiary C-9 hydroxy group, as well as the pimarane arrangement of the tricylic carbon skeleton, were also important for the antibacterial activity. These findings may be useful in designing novel compounds for practical applications in agriculture.

Molluscicidal efficacies of different formulations of niclosamide: result of meta-analysis of Chinese literature

The control efforts on Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate snail host of Schistosoma japonicum, cannot be easily excluded from the integrated approach of schistosomiasis control in China. Application of chemical compounds, molluscicides, in snail habitats is a common method for snail control in addition to environmental modification. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the molluscicidal effects of the currently recommended 50% niclosamide ethanolamine salt wettable powder and a new 4% niclosamide ethanolamine salt powder developed by Chinese researchers. Literature was searched from three Chinese databases, i.e. Chinese Biomedical Database, VIP Database and Wanfang Database, on field mollusciciding trials of niclosamide in China (from January 1, 1990 to April 1, 2010). Molluscicidal effects on reduction of snail population of the 50% or 4% niclosamide formulations in field trial were evaluated 3 days, 7 days or 15 days post-application. Out of 90 publications, 20 papers were eventually selected for analysis. Publication bias and heterogeneity tests indicated that no publication bias existed but heterogeneity between studies was present. Meta-analysis in a random effect model showed that the snail mortality of 3, 7 and 15 days after spraying the 50% niclosamide ethanolamine salt wettable powder were 77% [95%CI: 0.68-0.86], 83% [95%CI: 0.77-0.89], and 88% [95%CI: 0.82-0.92], respectively. For the 4% niclosamide ethanolamine salt powder, the snail mortality after 3, 7 and 15 days were 81% [95%CI: 0.65-0.93], 90% [95%CI: 0.83-0.95] and 94% [95%CI: 0.91-0.97], respectively. Both are good enough to be used as molluscicides integrated with a schistosomiasis control programme. The 4% niclosamide ethanolamine salt powder can be applied in the field without water supply as the surrogate of the current widely used 50% niclosamide ethanolamine salt wettable powder. However, to consolidate the schistosomiasis control achievement gained, it is necessary to continuously perform mollusciciding more than twice annually in the field.

Hydrobia ulvae imposex levels at Ria de Aveiro (NW Portugal) between 1998 and 2007: a counter-current bioindicator?

Imposex expression in prosobranch gastropods has been widely used as a biomarker of tributyltin (TBT) pollution. Estuaries have been described as the most affected areas by this problem since they usually enclose the main TBT sources--ports, dockyards and marinas--resulting from the compound's application as a biocide in antifouling paints on ships. Using Hydrobia ulvae as a bioindicator, the current work addresses the most reliable methods to reduce the influence of critical variables, such as the animals' size, on imposex levels assessment for TBT pollution monitoring and presents its temporal trends from 1998 to 2007 in Ria de Aveiro (NW Portugal) to evaluate the effectiveness of recent legislation applied to reduce TBT environmental levels. H. ulvae imposex levels did not decrease in this estuarine system during the last decade despite the implementation of the EU Regulation No. 782/2003. Instead, there was a global significant increase in the percentage of females affected by imposex and a slight increase of the vas deferens sequence index (VDSI), contrasting with what has been described for other bioindicators in the same study area. These results show that different biology/ecology traits determine distinct routes of TBT uptake and/or bioaccumulation, pointing the importance of choosing the bioindicator depending on the compartment that is being monitored (sediment vs. water). Sediment ingestion as feeding habit is discussed and pointed as a reason to choose H. ulvae as a bioindicator of TBT pollution persistence in sediment. It is therefore predicted that the response of different prosobranch species around the world may diverge according to the compartment that is being monitored and that female masculinisation may not be completely eradicated in the near future due to TBT persistence in sediments.

Ru(dpp)3][(4-Clph)4B]2 Nanoislands Directly Assembled on an ITO Electrode Surface and Its Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence

In this work, solid-state tris(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) ruthenium(II) ditetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate ([Ru(dpp)(3)][(4-Clph)(4)B](2)) nanoislands are assembled spontaneously and simultaneously on an indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) glass electrode surface via a facile dewetting procedure. The fabrication process is very simple and also amenable to mass production. The as-prepared ruthenium complex nanoislands exhibit useful properties. The electrode is more electrochemically active and can produce strong, stable, reproducible solid-state electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signals using oxalate as the coreactant. The self-assembled nanoislands exhibit semiconductor-like broad, red-shift ECL spectrum. More importantly, they extend the application of the ruthenium complex ECL system from the usual alkaline to acidic conditions. The pH turn-off behavior of the ECL is observed for the first time and can serve as an ultrasensitive pH sensor around physiological pH 7.0. The solid-state [Ru(dpp)(3)][(4-Clph)(4)B](2) ECL signal is efficiently inhibited by phenol even at a very low concentration (i.e., 20 nM), thus providing the potential for the determination of phenolic compounds in practical applications.