Dye Loading Research Articles

Olfactory Visualization Sensing Array Made with CelluMOFs to Predict Fruit Ripeness Using Deep Learning.

Developing a colorimetry-based artificial scent screening system (i.e., an olfactory visual sensing system) with high sensitivity and accurate pattern recognition for detecting fruit ripeness remains challenging. In this work, we construct a flexible dye/CelluMOFs-based sensor array with improved sensitivity for on-site detection of characteristic gases of fruits and integrate a densely connected convolutional network (DenseNet) into the sensor array, enabling it to recognize unique scent fingerprints and categorize the ripeness of fruits. In the system, CelluMOFs are synthesized through in situ growth of γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (γ-CD-MOFs) on flexible fiber filter paper to fabricate a uniform, flexible and porous dye/CelluMOFs sensitive membrane. Compared to the pristine filter paper, the CelluMOFs exhibit increased porosity with a 62 times higher specific surface area and a 3-fold increase in dye loading capacity after 12 h of adsorption. The prepared dye/CelluMOFs sensing film shows outstanding mechanical and detection stability with negligible deviation after 100 cycles of rubbing. The colorimetric visualization arrays with multiple colorimetric dye/CelluMOFs chips, enable the sensitive recognition and detection of nine kinds of characteristic fruit odors and achieve a high response at 8-1500 ppm of trans-2-hexenal, showcasing remarkably low gas detection thresholds. On the basis of the ppm-level limit of detection with high sensitivity, the fabricated colorimetric sensor arrays are typically used for in situ assessment of fruit ripeness by integrating DenseNet. This approach achieves a satisfactory classification accuracy of 99.09% on the validation set, enabling high-precision prediction of fruit ripeness levels.

Calcium Imaging in Brain Tissue Slices.

Calcium imaging is a method that was first developed in the mid-1970s yet kept developing until current days to allow accurate measurement of free calcium ions in tissues. This widely used method has provided significant advances to our understanding of cellular signal transduction, including the discovery of subcellular compartmentalization of neurons and astrocytes, the identification of multiple signaling pathways, and mapping the functional connectivity between astrocytes and neuronal networks. Here we describe a method for the loading and imaging of cell-permeable AM ester calcium-sensitive dyes for the in vitro measurement of free intracellular Ca2+ ions in acute brain slices.

Submicron-scale Au-decorated TiO2 mesoporous spheres for enhanced photon harvesting in DSSCs through near-field enhancement, light scattering, and dye loading

Light harvesting materials are crucial for capturing the sunlight in a device such as a solar cell for better efficiency. In this study, we developed high surface area, submicron-sized TiO2 spheres (MTS) incorporated with anisotropic Au nanoparticles (Au_MTS) to create highly light-absorbing photoanodes for enhanced dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) efficiency. The high surface area of MTS (∼125 m2/g) allows for increased dye-loading, while their submicron size (150–300 nm) provides superior light-scattering capabilities for significantly enhancing the photoanode’s light absorption. Furthermore, incorporating of anisotropic Au nanoparticles enables broadband surface plasmon resonance (SPR) coupling, synergistically boosting photon harvesting in the Au_MTS photoanodes. The interconnected tiny TiO2 nanoparticle network in MTS supports charge carrier generation and transport, providing ample sites for dye adsorption and efficient electron pathways. Au_MTS with varying amounts of Au nanoparticles synthesized by a greener microwave-assisted synthesis method and DSSC devices were fabricated and compared with devices made from pristine MTS and P25 nanoparticles. The optimal Au_MTS device, containing ∼1.3 wt% Au nanoparticles, achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ∼7.7%, representing improvements of ∼40% and ∼60% over pristine MTS (PCE of ∼5.2%) and P25 nanoparticles (PCE of ∼4.71%), respectively. Overall, this work demonstrates the effectiveness of plasmonic mesoporous photoanodes in enhancing DSSC performance through improved photo response, light scattering, and dye loading.

The β2-adrenergic biased agonist nebivolol inhibits the development of Th17 and the response of memory Th17 cells in an NF-κB-dependent manner.

Adrenergic receptors regulate metabolic, cardiovascular, and immunological functions in response to the sympathetic nervous system. The effect of β2-adrenergic receptor (AR) as a high expression receptor on different subpopulations of T cells is complex and varies depending on the type of ligand and context. While traditional β2-AR agonists generally suppress T cells, they potentially enhance IL-17A production by Th17 cells. The effects of pharmacological drugs that count as biased agonists of AR like nebivolol are not completely understood. We investigated the impact of nebivolol on human memory CD4+ T (Th1, Th2, Th17) cells and polarized naive Th17 cells, highlighting its potential for IL-17A suppression via a non-canonical β2-AR cell signaling pathway. The effects of nebivolol were tested on healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, purified memory Th cells, and polarized naive Th17 cells activated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28/anti-CD2 ImmunoCult reagent. IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17A, which are primarily derived from Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, respectively, were quantified by ELISA and flow cytometry. IL-10 was measured by ELISA. Gene expression of RORC, ADRB1, ADRB2, and ADRB3 was evaluated by qPCR. The ADRB2 gene was knocked out in memory Th cells using CRISPR/Cas9. Protein expression of phosphorylated serine133-CREB and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 was assessed by Western blot. Proliferation was assessed by fluorescent dye loading and flow cytometry. Nebivolol treatment decreased IL-17A and IFN-γ secretion by activated memory Th cells and elevated IL-4 levels. Nebivolol reduced the proportion of IL-17A+ Th cells and downregulated RORC expression. Unlike the β2-AR agonist terbutaline, nebivolol inhibited the shift of naive CD4+ T cells toward the Th17 phenotype. IL-10 and the proliferation index remained unchanged. Nebivolol-treated β2-knockout memory Th cells showed significant inhibition of β2-AR-mediated signaling, evidenced by the absence of IL-17A suppression compared to controls. Phosphorylation of the NF-κB p65 subunit was inhibited by nebivolol, but CREB phosphorylation was not changed, suggesting a selective transcriptional control. The findings demonstrate that nebivolol acts through a β2-AR-mediated signaling pathway, as a distinctive anti-inflammatory agent capable of selectively shifting Th17 cells and suppressing the phosphorylation of NF-κB. This highlights nebivolol's potential for therapeutic interventions in chronic autoimmune conditions with elevated IL-17A levels.

Endocytosis of Synaptic Vesicle in Motor Nerve Endings of FUS Transgenic Mice with a Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

In experiments on the motor nerve endings of the diaphragm of transgenic FUS mice with a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at the pre-symptomatic stage of the disease, the processes of transmitter release and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles were studied. In FUS mice, the intensity of transmitter release during high-frequency stimulation of the motor nerve (50 imp/sec) was lowered. At the same duration of stimulation, the loading of fluorescent dye FM1-43 was lower in FUS mice. However, at the time of stimulation, during which an equal number of quanta are released in wild-type and FUS mice, no differences in the intensity of dye loading were found. Thus, endocytosis is not the key factor in the mechanism of synaptic dysfunction in FUS mice at the pre-symptomatic stage.

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MIL-100 (Fe)) for commercial reactive dye effluent oxidation

Abstract Urgent calls for scientists’ contributions towards saving eco-system from toxic deterioration. Such ever increasing urgency is leading the researchers for searching for ever greening technologies such as advanced oxidation processes for aqueous effluent elimination. This current investigation is leading to investigate the metal organic frameworks, role, MIL-100(Fe) that is prepared from reacting H3BTC and ferric nitrate nona hydrate Also, Scanning electron microscopy is applied to set the surface shape of the synthesized substance. Subsequently, the prepared MIL-100(Fe) is used to oxidize Procion Blue MX-7RX in aqueous solution as a model textile wastewater effluent. The catalyst is applying in Fenton’s oxidation system and operating parameters that affecting the system is evaluated. The experimental results revealed that 40 and 800 mgL−1 for MIL-100(Fe) and hydrogen peroxide, respectively at pH 3.0 that is leading to a complete dye removal (100%). Furthermore, the dye loading affects the reaction rate since its increase reduces the removal efficacy. Finally, thermodynamic parameters and kinetics of the reaction is evaluated for the scale-up purposes for real applications.

Facile fabrications of poly (acrylic acid)-mesoporous zinc phosphate/polydopamine Janus nanoparticles as a biosafe photothermal therapy agent and a pH/NIR-responsive drug carrier

Balancing biocompatibility and drug-loading efficiency in nanoparticles presents a significant challenge. In this study, we describe the facile fabrication of poly (acrylic acid)-mesoporous zinc phosphate/polydopamine (PAA-mZnP/PDA) Janus nanoparticles (JNPs). The PDA half-shell itself can serve as a photothermal agent for photothermal therapy (PTT), as well as to offers sites for polyethylene glycol (PEG) to enhance biocompatibility. Concurrently, the mesoporous ZnP core allows high loading of doxorubicin (DOX) for chemotherapy and the Cy5.5 dye for fluorescence imaging. The resultant PAA-mZnP/PDA-PEG JNPs exhibit exceptional biocompatibility, efficient drug loading (0.5 mg DOX/1 mg JNPs), and dual pH/NIR-responsive drug release properties. We demonstrate the JNPs’ satisfactory anti-cancer efficacy, highlighting the synergistic effects of chemotherapy and PTT. Furthermore, the potential for synergistic fluorescence imaging-guided chemo-phototherapy in cancer treatment is illustrated. Thus, this work exemplifies the development of biosafe, multifunctional JNPs for advanced applications in cancer theranostics. Statement of significanceFacile fabrication of monodispersed nanomedicine with multi-cancer killing modalities organically integrated is nontrivial and becomes more challenging under the biocompatibility requirement that is necessary for the practical applications of nanomedicines. In this study, we creatively designed PAA-mZnP/PDA JNPs and fabricated them under mild conditions. Our method reliably yields uniform JNPs with excellent monodispersity. To maximize functionalities, we achieve fourfold advantages including efficient drug/fluorescent dye loading, PTT, pH/NIR dual-responsive properties, and optimal biocompatibility. The as-fabricated JNPs exhibit satisfactory anti-cancer performance both in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrate the potential of JNPs in fluorescence imaging-guided synergistic cancer chemo-phototherapy. Overall, our research establishes a pathway in versatile inorganic/polymer JNPs for enhanced cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Multiphasic titania photoanode: A facile phase assisted approach to enhance the photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic performance

A facile low-temperature method has been proposed and utilized to synthesize pristine and multiphasic titania. Increasing reactant acid content led to the phase transition of titania from pristine anatase to triphasic anatase-rutile-brookite mixed phase; then to biphasic anatase-rutile mixed phase and ultimately pristine rutile. Morphological differences between the samples led to different dye loading on the Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) photoanodes, with anatase showing highest loading. However, the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopic (EIS) analyses revealed that the triphasic titania photoanode showed superior charge transport ability as evidenced by the lowest charge transfer resistance and highest carrier lifetime. This led to the triphasic DSSC showing a photoconversion efficiency of 4.23 % which is 45 % greater than the reference DP25 DSSC and 72 % better than that of the anatase DSSC despite having a 24 % lower dye loading. These factors suggest that the charge transport properties precede the dye loading capability of the photoanode in determining the DSSC performance. The intimate ternary interfacial junction between the anatase, rutile and brookite phases may be responsible for the enhanced charge transport properties of the triphasic titania. Thus, it is essential to ensure superior photoanode charge transport characteristics to enhance the DSSC performance.

Liquid-Crystalline Photonic Sandwich: Electroresponsive Colloids of Clay Nanosheets Loading Photofunctional Dyes.

Colloidal clay nanosheets obtained by the delamination of layered crystals of smectite-type clay minerals in water form liquid crystals because of their shape anisotropy. Loading of organic dyes onto the liquid crystalline clay nanosheets will enable novel photonic materials, where photofunctions of the loaded dye are controlled by the liquid crystallinity of the clay nanosheets. However, adsorption of organic dyes onto the nanosheets renders the nanosheet surfaces hydrophobic, and consequently, colloidal stability of the nanosheets is lost. In this study, this drawback is overcome by sandwiching cationic stilbazolium dyes between a pair of synthetic fluorohectorite nanosheets. This is realized by the preparation of stilbazolium-clay second-stage intercalation compounds characterized by intercalation of dye cations into every other interlayer space of the hectorite clay, where nonintercalated interlayer spaces are occupied by Na+ ions. The second-stage intercalation compounds are obtained by partial ion exchange of mother clay mineral incorporating Na+ ions in all of the interlayer spaces and delaminated from the Na+-containing interlayer spaces to form clay nanosheets sandwiching the dye molecules. Aqueous colloids of the dye-sandwiching clay nanosheets form colloidal liquid crystals, and the dye-sandwiching liquid crystalline clay nanosheets respond to an applied AC electric field to be aligned parallel to the electric field. The assembled structure of the dye-sandwiching clay nanosheets under the electric field is characterized by aligned discrete clay platelets, which is somewhat different from that of a colloidal liquid crystal of clay nanosheets without dye loading characterized by macroscopic liquid crystalline domains up to submillimeters. The electric alignment of the clay nanosheets induces alteration of light absorption of the sandwiched stilbazolium molecules, which verifies a strategy of constructing stimuli-responsive photonic materials of clay-organic hybrids.

New degradable PCL/thiazole composite for biological applications; characterization and spectroscopic studies

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polymer widely used for medical implants and devices due to its biocompatibility, processability, and tunable degradation behavior. This study explores the incorporation of a thiazole-based antimicrobial compound into PCL at varying concentrations to develop new composite materials with both biodegradability and antibacterial function. Samples were solution cast and characterized using techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, antibacterial assays, and computational density functional theory (DFT) modeling. XRD showed up to 54 % crystallinity at the highest 0.03 g dye loading, indicating the thiazole impacted ordering and lamellar packing. FTIR and DFT calculations demonstrated multiple possible intermolecular bonding modes between the compounds. UV–vis spectra revealed the superimposed absorptions of the PCL matrix and emergent thiazole chromophore. Antibacterial tests exhibited marked growth inhibition of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria proportional to the thiazole concentration. The customizable PCL-thiazole blends offer biocompatible materials with functional antibacterial behavior for specialized applications in biomedicine.

Functionalization of fibrous substrates with mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a strategy to obtain photodynamic antibacterial textiles

The insertion of various nanomaterials and technologies in the search for antimicrobial textiles has grown in recent years, especially after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Despite the efficiency, the design of a safe, scalable, low-cost, and robust antimicrobial textiles that cover all the spectra of microorganisms continues to be challenging. This gap can be filled using antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy, a new promising approach that inactivates microorganisms in a very efficient way. In this contribution, we develop antibacterial textiles using photodynamic inactivation. To achieve that, we firstly synthesized amino functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles that were loaded with either Azure A or Rose Bengal. First the nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray Diffractometry, Transmission Electronic Microscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, N2 adsorption/desorption and dye loading. Further the nanoparticles (0.2 % w/w) were incorporated into cotton fabrics by exhaustion methodology. The antibacterial textiles were characterized by ATR-FTIR, Diffuse Reflectance, Fluorescence Microscopy, Scanning Electronic Microscopy, Fluorescence Lifetime, and singlet oxygen generation. The results showed that silica nanoparticles prevent the premature leakage of dyes from the fibers and retaining their photophysical properties, specifically their singlet oxygen production. The efficiency of antibacterial textiles was proven by the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The developed materials showed antibacterial activity even in the dark, but enhanced in the light in some cases. Therefore, both systems have great potential as smart textiles for use in hospital clothing or wound dressings.

Evaluation of Dye Loading on Photoanodes of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Utilizing a Mixture of TiO2 and Magnesium/Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH)

Evaluation of Dye Loading on Photoanodes of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Utilizing a Mixture of TiO2 and Magnesium/Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH)

Self-Reporting Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for Superoxide Generation and Detection.

Conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs or Pdots) have become increasingly popular fluorophores for multimodal applications that combine imaging with phototherapeutic effects. Reports of CPNs in photodynamic therapy applications typically focus on their ability to generate singlet oxygen. Alternatively, CPN excited states can interact with oxygen to form superoxide radical anion and a CPN-based hole polaron, both of which can have deleterious effects on fluorescence properties. Here, we demonstrate that CPNs prepared from the common conjugated polymer poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-co-(1,4-benzo-{2,1',3}-thiadiazole)] (PFBT, also known as F8BT) generate superoxide upon irradiation. We use the same CPNs to detect superoxide by doping them with a superoxide-responsive hydrocyanine dye developed by Murthy and co-workers. Superoxide induces off-to-on fluorescence switching by converting quenching hydrocyanine dyes to fluorescent cyanine dyes that act as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) acceptors for PFBT chromophores. Amplified FRET from the multichromophoric CPNs yields fluorescence signal intensities that are nearly 50 times greater than when the dye is excited directly or over 100 times greater when signal readout is from the CPN channel. The dye loading level governs the maximum amount of superoxide that induces a change in fluorescence properties and also influences the rate of superoxide generation by furnishing competitive excited state deactivation pathways. These results suggest that CPNs can be used to deliver superoxide in applications in which it is desirable and provide a caution for fluorescence-based CPN applications in which superoxide can damage fluorophores.

Investigation of structural, optical, surface, electrochemical and corrosion properties of ZnO and AZO nanorod arrays for dye absorption applications

In dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), photoanodes have special importance in the processes of dye support, photon absorption and electron transport. ZnO nanorod arrays are promising photoanode materials, but their properties need to be improved by innovative fabrication approaches to improve the performance of ZnO-based DSSCs. In this study, pure and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) nanorod arrays were grown by hydrothermal method onto ZnO seed layers produced by sol-gel spin coating. As far as we know, for the first time in the literature, HMTA-HMDA ligand mixture was used instead of HMTA in the preparation of hydrothermal precursor solutions. To investigate the potential use of ZnO and AZO nanostructured films as photoanodes in DSSCs; their surface, structural and optical properties were examined. Additionally, charge transfer kinetics, corrosion resistance and dye loading capacities were determined by advanced analyzes such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization and adsorption-desorption methods. The supporting HMDA ligand and Al impurity used in the preparation of hydrothermal precursor solutions led potential usages as photoanode of ZnO nanorod arrays to increase by improving their structural, optical, surface, and electrochemical properties, corrosion resistance and dye loading capacities.

Exploring the Potential of Linear π-Bridge Structures in a D-π-A Organic Photosensitizer for Improved Open-Circuit Voltage.

We present the design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel metal-free photosensitizers based on D-π-A structures featuring tri-arylamine as an electron donor, cyanoacrylic acid as an anchoring group, and substituted derivative π-bridges including 9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluorene, benzo[b]thiophene, or naphtho [1,2-b:4,3-b']dithiophene. The aim of the current research is to unravel the relationship between chemical structure and photovoltaic performance in solar cell applications by investigating the properties of these organic sensitizers. The newly developed photosensitizers displayed variations in HOMO-LUMO energy gaps and photovoltaic performances due to their distinct π-bridge structures and exhibited diverse spectral responses ranging from 343 to 490 nm. The t-shaped and short linear photosensitizers demonstrated interesting behaviors in dye-sensitized solar cells, such as the effect of the molecular size in electron recombination. The study showed that a t-shaped photosensitizer with a bulky structure reduced electron recombination, while short linear photosensitizers with a smaller molecular size resulted in a higher open-circuit voltage value and enhanced photovoltaic performance. Impedance analysis further supported the findings, highlighting the influence of dye loading and I3- ion surface passivation on the overall performance of solar cells. The molecular design methodology proposed in this study enables promising photovoltaic performance in solar cells, addressing the demand for highly efficient, metal-free organic photosensitizers.

Photochemical optimization of fluorescent dye-doped PDMS for enhanced luminescent solar concentrator performance

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) that incorporate organic dyes face challenges such as self-absorption loss and aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) as doping concentration increases, limiting the dye loading capacity. Particularly for dyes with a small Stokes shift, losses due to self-absorption or quenching are prominent even at low concentrations, hindering the attainment of high power conversion efficiency (PCE) in LSCs. Additionally, exposure of the dye-impregnated polymer matrix to oxygen, moisture, UV light, and other factors leads to a decrease in luminescence efficiency and stability due to the photooxidation reaction of the phosphor. This study presents a facile approach for enhancement of the efficiency and environmental stability of coumarin 6 (C6) dye-doped polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) LSC through ultraviolet ozone (UVO) treatment. Photocleavage of the C6 dimer into a C6 monomer through UVO treatment leads to a significant enhancement in luminescence. Additionally, thin SiOx layers formed on both sides of the LSC not only assist in capturing luminescent light more efficiently but also block the penetration of oxygen and moisture into the LSC, resulting improved device stability. UVO-treated LSC shows approximately 32 % improvement in PCE compared to bare LSCs and exhibits significantly better stability during the 30-day long-term performance test.

Fabrication and Enhanced Performance Evaluation of TiO2@Zn/Al-LDH for DSSC Application: The Influence of Post-Processing Temperature.

A sequence of dye-sensitized solar cells is proposed, utilizing TiO2@Zn/Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) as their starting materials, in which Ruthenizer N719 was used as a photon absorber. The anticipated system was turned into sheet-like TiO2@mixed metal oxide (MMO) via post-processing treatment. The crystal quality indicated a relation to power conversion efficiency (PCE); this was combined with a comparable morphology profile. In detail, the optimum DSSC device exhibited average sheet-like thickness and a dye loading amount of 43.11 nm and 4.28 ×10-3 mM/cm-2, respectively. Concurrently, a considerable PCE enhancement of the optimum DSSC device (TiO2@MMO-550°) was attained compared to pristine MMO (0.91%), which could be due to boosted electron transfer efficiency. Of the fabricated devices, DSSC fabricated at 550° exhibited the highest PCE (1.91%), with a 35.6% enhancement compared to that obtained at 450°, as a result of its increased open-circuit voltage (3.29 mA/cm2) and short-circuit current (0.81 V). The proposed work delivers an enhanced efficiency as compared to similar geometries.

Removal of reactive black 5 in water using adsorption and electrochemical oxidation technology: kinetics, isotherms and mechanisms

AbstractIn this work, a novel graphite intercalation compound (GIC) particle electrode was used to investigate the adsorption of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and the electrochemical regeneration in a three-dimensional (3D) electrochemical reactor to recover its adsorptive capacity. Various adsorption kinetics and isotherm models were used to characterise the adsorption behaviour of GIC. Several adsorption kinetics were modelled using linearised and non-linearised rate laws to evaluate the viability of the sorption process. Studies on the selective removal of RB5 dyes from binary mixture in solution were evaluated. RSM optimisation studies were integrated with ANOVA analysis to provide insight into the significance of selectivity reversal from the salting effect of textile dye solution on GIC adsorbent. A unique range of adsorption kinetics and isotherms were used to evaluate the adsorption process. Non-linear models best simulated the kinetic data in the order: Elovich > Bangham > Pseudo-second-order > Pseudo-first-order. The Redlich–Peterson isotherm was calculated to have a dye loading capacity of 0.7316 mg/g by non-linear regression analysis. An error function analysis with ERRSQ/SSE of 0.1390 confirmed the accuracy of dye loading capacity predicted by Redlich–Peterson isotherm using non-linear regression analysis. The results showed that Redlich–Peterson and SIPS isotherm models yielded better fitness to experimental data than the Langmuir type. The best dye removal efficiency achieved was ~ 93% using a current density of 45.14 mA/cm2, whereas the highest TOC removal efficiency achieved was 67%.

Influence of functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole sensitizer on the performance of CdS nanowire based-DSSC applications

Synthesis of chromophore (E)-2-(2-(2-(5-(2,5-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,6-dioxo-4-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,3,5,6 tetrahydropyrrolo [3,4-c] pyrrol-1-yl) thiophen-2-yl) vinyl)-4H-chromen-4 ylidene) malononitrile (DPP-CM-CN) has been designed and achieved in multistep reaction strategy. The experimental, photophysical and electrochemical properties along with theoretical calculations were explored. DPP-CM-CN dye was – chemically anchored on CdS nanowires (NWs) to investigate its influence on the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. Under the illumination of standard sunlight conditions, the photovoltaic performance of DPP-CM-CN based CdS nanowire device displayed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.38 %, which is 3.30 times higher as compared to a bare CdS nanowire (0.115 %) based DSSC device; ascribed to the dye loading time on CdS nanostructures. The present results suggest the potential ability of DPP-CM-CN to enhance DSSC device efficiency and reveal the importance of dye molecules in device fabrication, a key step towards the development of DSSC technology.

Adaptation of the technique of determination of mitochondrial membrane potential change in C2C12 cells using the ready set “Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Kit” (Sigma-Aldrich)

Background. We used the “Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Kit” (Sigma-Aldrich) to detected MMP but encountered difficulties by applied this kit because in manual there not JC-10 concentration and it not allowing for account cell type, size, density, differences in incubation time for different cell cultures. Objective. Adaptation of the method for determining MMP (mitochondrial membrane potential) in C2C12 cells using in microplate reader and electron microscope. Design and methods. MMP in C2C12 cells was measured by two way, using fluorescence microscopy (Zeiss, Zen program) and using a plate fluorimeter (CLARIOstar (BMG LABTECH). JC-10 and TMRE dyes (Sigma-Aldrich) were used as fluorescent probes. Results. Optimal conditions for detection changes in mitochondrial membrane potential in C2C12 cells were selected. 100- fold dilution of the dye JC-10 (Dye Loading Solution) and replacement of the manufactured buffer to PBS led to repeatability and reproducibility results. Conclusion. When using ready-made kits for measuring MMP, the method proposed by the manufacturer may not be suitable for the selected cell line. In our study to mouse myoblasts of the C2C12 line, a dilution of the dye for loading was required 100 times compared to that recommended by the manufacturer.