Formation Of Large Aggregates Research Articles

Revealing the deterioration mechanism in gelling properties of pork myofibrillar protein gel induced by high-temperature treatments: Perspective on the protein aggregation and conformation

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of gel deterioration of myofibrillar proteins (MP) gels induced by high-temperature treatments based on the protein aggregation and conformation. The results showed that the gel strength and water holding capacity of MP obviously increased and then decreased as the temperature increased, reaching the maximum value at 80 °C (P < 0.05). The microstructure analysis revealed that appropriate temperature (80 °C) contributed to the formation of a more homogeneous, denser, and smoother three-dimensional mesh structure when compared other treatment temperatures, whereas excessive temperature (95 °C) resulted in the formation of heterogeneous and large protein aggregates of MP, decreasing the continuity of gel networks. This was verified by the rheological properties of MP gels. The particle size (D4,3 and D3,2) of MP obviously increased with larger clusters at excessive temperature, and the surface hydrophobicity of MP decreased (P < 0.05), which has been linked to the formation of soluble or insoluble protein aggregates. Tertiary structure and secondary structure results revealed that the proteins had a tendency to be more stretched under higher temperature treatments, which resulted in a decrease in covalent interactions and non-covalent interactions, fostering the over-aggregation of MP. Therefore, our present study indicated that the degradation of MP gels treated at high temperatures was explained by protein aggregation and conformational changes in MP.

Monoglyceride‐based oleogel and oleofoam as the fat substitute in fat‐reduced ice creams: The relation between partial coalescence degree and quality characteristics

Nowadays, consumers are interested in low‐fat ice creams. The potential of monoglyceride‐based oleogel and oleofoam as fat replacers in ice cream production was explored. Ice cream with 50% oleogel possessed appropriate partial coalescence degree (PCD, 44.17%), complete network structure endowed ideal qualities and the generation of perceived creaminess. Increasing oleogel substitution level (100%) resulted in a higher PCD (60.20%), a decreased overrun (35.43%), and a decline in quality due to larger ice crystal formation. Fifty per cent oleofoam promoted higher viscosity and structural strength of ice cream mix, but excessive coalescence (72.83%) caused the formation of large fat aggregates in ice cream.

Thermal annealing of radiation damages produced by swift 14N and 16O ions in LiF crystals

Annealing of color centers was studied in lithium fluoride crystals, irradiated with 23-MeV nitrogen and 28-MeV oxygen ions. Basing on the optical absorption spectroscopy and reaction-rate modelling, a new interpretation of the annealing kinetics at the practically important temperatures below 500 K is suggested. Proposed model explains simultaneous decrease of the F and F2/F3 + peaks as a result of migration of the F centers and formation of larger aggregates, and does not include additional assumptions about impurities and cation vacancies. It specifies the migration energy of the F centers in the ground state to be about 1.3 eV, that corresponds to earlier studies.

Effects of pH and temperature on the properties of acid-induced commercial soy protein isolate gel

The goals of this study were to investigate the effect of preheating conditions on the formation of thermal aggregates of commercial soy isolate protein (SPI) and to characterize the textural properties and microstructure of acid-induced SPI gels. SPI was subjected to preheating treatments at different temperatures (85 °C, 95 °C) and pH values (7.0, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5), and the treated SPI was then used to form acid-induced gels. Characterization of the different gels showed that lower temperatures and pH values favored protein aggregation and the formation of larger aggregates, while higher temperatures and pH values led to a lower degree of aggregation and the formation of smaller aggregates. The lowest average particle size (340.77 nm) and turbidity (0.063), and the highest solubility (81.79 %) were obtained when the preheating temperature of the thermal aggregates was 95 °C and the pH was 9.5. Higher preheating temperature and pH values caused the unfolding of SPI’s tertiary structure, decreased the content of β-sheet structure, and increased the exposure of hydrophobic groups and free sulfhydryl groups. These exposed groups facilitated protein–protein interactions during network assembly, resulting in denser and stronger gel networks. Notably, SPI subjected to higher temperatures and pH values exhibited greater binding capacity for water molecules, higher water holding capacity, and gel strength. Overall, the results showed that modification of preheating temperature and pH can control the formation state of SPI thermal aggregates, ultimately impacting the properties of SPI acid-induced gels.

Investigation of the luminescence mechanism of multi-color nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots and their application in the detection of Fe3+

This study reports the successful preparation of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) with a quantum yield of 15 % utilizing the hydrothermal method. Citric acid was employed as the carbon source, while 1,3-Diamino-2-propanol was utilized as the dopant. It was discovered that the emission of synthesized N-CQDs was dependent on concentration and excitation. By altering the N-CQDs concentration, the fluorescence emission peak was shifted from 453 to 574 nm, causing the emission to transition from blue to orange. The presence of multiple fluorescence emission centers within N-CQDs was confirmed through two-dimensional fluorescence matrix scanning. As the concentration of N-CQDs increased, the distance between these centers decreased, ultimately leading to aggregation. The energy or electrons were transferred as a result of the surface functional groups' interaction, which ultimately causes the fluorescence emission peak to shift to the red. Furthermore, an increase in concentration results in the formation of larger aggregates and larger sp2 carbon domains, ultimately resulting in longer wavelengths. Because of the convenience of use, high sensitivity, and rapid response of the fluorescent probe detection approach, multi-color N-CQDs with tunable concentration were used for the identification of Fe3+, with a 10–200 μM linear detection range and limits of detection (LOD) of 0.56 μM.

Broad proteomics analysis of seeding-induced aggregation of α-synuclein in M83 neurons reveals remodeling of proteostasis mechanisms that might contribute to Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis

Aggregation of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) is a key characteristic feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. The nature of these aggregates and their contribution to cellular dysfunction is still not clearly elucidated. We employed mass spectrometry-based total and phospho-proteomics to characterize the underlying molecular and biological changes due to α-syn aggregation using the M83 mouse primary neuronal model of PD. We identified gross changes in the proteome that coincided with the formation of large Lewy body-like α-syn aggregates in these neurons. We used protein-protein interaction (PPI)-based network analysis to identify key protein clusters modulating specific biological pathways that may be dysregulated and identified several mechanisms that regulate protein homeostasis (proteostasis). The observed changes in the proteome may include both homeostatic compensation and dysregulation due to α-syn aggregation and a greater understanding of both processes and their role in α-syn-related proteostasis may lead to improved therapeutic options for patients with PD and related disorders.

Effect of cadmium and polystyrene nanoplastics on the growth, antioxidant content, ionome, and metabolism of dandelion seedlings

Cadmium is the most prevalent heavy metal pollutant in the environment and can be readily combined with micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) to change their bioavailability. In the present study, we comprehensively investigated the effect of polystyrene (PS) NPs on dandelion plants grown under Cd stress. Cd exposure significantly inhibited the growth of dandelion seedlings, resulting in a decrease in seedling elongation from 26.47% to 28.83%, a reduction in biomass from 29.76% to 54.14%, and an exacerbation of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. The interaction between PS NPs and Cd resulted in the formation of larger aggregates, with the Cd bioavailability reduced by 12.56%. PS NPs affect ion absorption by regulating reactive oxygen production and increasing superoxide dismutase activity, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of Cd. PSCd aggregates induced significant changes in the metabolic profiles of dandelions, affecting various carbohydrates related to alcohols, organic acids, sugar metabolism, and bioactive components related to flavonoids and phenolic acids. Furthermore, based on a structural equation model, exposure to PSCd activated oxidative stress and nutrient absorption, thereby affecting plant growth and Cd accumulation. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the effects of PS NPs on Cd bioavailability, accumulation, and plant growth, which are crucial for understanding the food safety of medicinal plants in a coexistence environment.

Changes in properties of myofibrillar protein and myofibrillar protein gel from freshwater fish after low-temperature and high-pressure collaborative treatment

This study investigated the effects of low-temperature and high-pressure collaborative and conventional air freezing (CAF) on myofibrillar protein (MP) characteristics from grass carp. Turbidity, solubility, and particle size analysis showed that the pressure shift freezing (PSF) treatment could inhibit the formation of large MP aggregates to a certain extent during freezing. Chemical interaction studies unveiled that PSF treatment not only mitigates damage to the inherent structure of MP during freezing but also enhances its crosslinking ability. Microstructure analysis revealed a densely woven fibrous protein network structure within the MP gel in the PSF group. MP gel with fiber shape network structure in the PSF group exhibited stronger water-holding capacity and mechanical properties compared to the CAF group having an incomplete protein network structure. This suggests that the combined application of low-temperature and high-pressure treatment holds promising potential for utilization in the surimi gel processing industry and aquatic products processing.Industrial relevance: The quality and safety of food are closely related to the commodity value of food. Combined low-temperature and high-pressure treatment can enhance the commodity value of low-value freshwater fish products and has potential in surimi gel new product development. This study provides theoretical guidance for high-pressure and low-temperature collaborative processing and industrial production of related aquatic products.

Organization of malonamides from the interface to the organic bulk phase

Supramolecular organization of amphiphilic extractant molecules is involved in metal cation selectivity and separation kinetics during solvent extraction. The relationship between extractant associates/aggregates formed in the organic bulk phase and at the liquid–liquid interface is poorly understood even though it affects the extraction mechanism. The nanoscopic structures of the extraction systems N,N,N′,N′-tetrahexylmalonamide (THMA) in toluene and N,N′-dibutyl-N,N′-dimethyl-2-tetradecylmalonamide (DBMA) in n-heptane, used for either Pd(II) or Nd(III) selective extraction from an acidic aqueous phase, were examined. These systems present markedly different affinity for Pd(II) and Nd(III), and extraction kinetics. Extractant organization in the organic bulk phase and at the interface were compared by small-angle X-ray scattering, interfacial tension, and neutron reflectivity. THMA in toluene forms small associates in the organic bulk phase and accumulates in a diffuse layer at the interface, decreasing Pd(II) coordination probability and resulting in slow extraction. DBMA in n-heptane forms large aggregates and a compact, dense interfacial layer, resulting in rapid Pd(II) and Nd(III) extraction. Thus, Pd(II) extraction is driven by interfacial coordination alone, whereas the incorporation of Nd(III) into the core of large aggregates governs Nd(III) extraction in the interfacial layer. These results suggest that the interface should be described as a nanoscale interphase containing a high extractant concentration compared with the organic bulk phase.

Interaction of eugenol-based anti-tuberculosis nanoemulsion with bovine serum albumin: A spectroscopic study including Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol

Tuberculosis (TB), a deadly infectious disease, is primarily caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The misuse of antibiotics has led to the development of drug resistance, prompting researchers to explore new technologies to combat multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB). Phospholipid-based nanotherapeutics, such as nanoemulsions, are gaining traction as they enhance drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Our study focuses on the interaction between Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and a drug-loaded nanoemulsion based on Eugenol. This nanoemulsion incorporates Eugenol, Clove, cinnamon oil, and first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs like Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol. The primary objective is to assess the biosafety profile of the nanoemulsion upon interaction with BSA. We employed Fluorescence, UV–visible, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze this interaction.UV–visible spectroscopy detected changes in hydrophobicity due to structural alterations in BSA near the tryptophan residue, leading to the formation of ground-state complexes. Fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that the nanoemulsion effectively quenched fluorescence originating from tryptophan and tyrosine residues. Studies using synchronous and three-dimensional spectroscopy point to a potential modification of the aromatic environment of BSA by the nanoemulsion. Resonance light scattering spectra indicated the formation of large aggregates due to the interaction with the nanoemulsion. The second derivative FTIR spectra showed an increase in the magnitude of secondary structure bands, suggesting a conformational shift. This research has significant pharmacological implications for developing safer, more targeted drug delivery systems. The information obtained from the interaction of the nanoemulsion with the blood carrier protein is vital for the future development of superior carriers with minimal adverse effects on patients. It is crucial to remember that conformational changes brought on by drug-ligand complexes attaching to carrier proteins may have negative consequences. Therefore, this study enhances the in vitro evaluation of potential adverse effects of the nanoemulsion on serum proteins.

Effects of the Replacement of Chemical Fertilizers with Organic Fertilizers in Different Proportions on Microbial Biomass and Enzyme Activities of Soil Aggregates in Gravel-Mulched Field

Gravel-mulched fields are a unique form of drought-resistant agriculture in the northwest region of China. In recent years, continuous cropping obstacles caused by the perennial cultivation of a single crop have seriously constrained the sustainable development of sand fields. This study aimed to explore the distribution patterns of different particle sizes of aggregates (&gt;2, 1–2, 0.25–1, and &lt;0.25 mm) and the relationships between their microbial biomass and enzyme activities under different organic fertilization and to explore the effective measures for improving soil fertility in a gravel-mulched field with an 8-year positioning test. The results indicate that the mass percentage of soil aggregates of ≥1 mm and their mean weight diameter (MWD), microbial biomass (carbon and nitrogen, bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and total phospholipid fatty acids), and their related enzyme activities (leucine aminopeptidase, LAP; N-acetyl-β-d-glucosidase, NAG; β-glucosidase, BG; and polyphenol oxidase, PPO) in aggregates of different particle sizes increased with the increase in the proportion of organic fertilizers replacing the N fertilizer. Among them, the organic fertilizer replacing more than 50% of chemical nitrogen fertilizers exerted the most significant effect. With the decrease in agglomerate particle size, the contents of microbial carbon and nitrogen showed a decreasing trend, whereas LAP, NAG, and BG activities followed an increasing trend, and the change in microbial biomass was not obvious. The correlation analysis showed highly significant positive correlations between the MWD of soil aggregates, microbial biomass, and the activities of LAP, NAG, BG, and PPO. Therefore, the replacement of more than 50% of chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer was observed to be conducive to promoting the formation of large aggregates in sandy soils and increasing the microbial biomass and enzyme activities in different sizes of aggregates.

“Whey protein nanoparticles obtained by water in oil emulsification followed by heating: Influence of surfactant type on the stability, rheology and interfacial properties”.

Whey protein isolate (WPI) nanoparticles were synthesized through water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions followed by heating. The aqueous phase containing 12% WPI was encapsulated within the emulsion droplets. During heat treatment at 80 °C for 15 min, the protein underwent gelation, leading to the formation of nanoparticles with different size and morphology depending on the emulsifier used. The examined surfactants were Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR), Sorbitan monooleate 80 (Span 80), and a 3:1 mixture of Span 80/Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (SPTW). The study focused on understanding their interactions at the oil-water interface. Emulsions were assessed for stability, size, and optical properties, with analysis via confocal microscopy and rheology, both pre- and post-heat treatment. The resulting nanoparticles were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Interface analysis revealed similar behavior between PGPR and SPTW. However, PGPR exhibited superior stability in emulsions and was the only surfactant capable of producing nanoparticles upon thermal treatment. Conversely, emulsions containing Span 80 and SPTW experienced coalescence, leading to gelation of the aqueous phase and formation of large protein aggregates. These aggregates resulted in increased viscosity and elastic modulus of the heated emulsions. PGPR proved to be the only surfactant able to generate nanoparticles with a controlled size and shape, of approximately 300 nm.

Sweet Janus Particles: Multifunctional Inhibitors of Carbohydrate-Based Bacterial Adhesion.

Escherichia coli and other bacteria use adhesion receptors, such as FimH, to attach to carbohydrates on the cell surface as the first step of colonization and infection. Efficient inhibitors that block these interactions for infection treatment are multivalent carbohydrate-functionalized scaffolds. However, these multivalent systems often lead to the formation of large clusters of bacteria, which may pose problems for clearing bacteria from the infected site. Here, we present Man-containing Janus particles (JPs) decorated on one side with glycomacromolecules to target Man-specific adhesion receptors of E. coli. On the other side, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) is attached to the particle hemisphere, providing temperature-dependent sterical shielding against binding and cluster formation. While homogeneously functionalized particles cluster with multiple bacteria to form large aggregates, glycofunctionalized JPs are able to form aggregates only with individual bacteria. The formation of large aggregates from the JP-decorated single bacteria can still be induced in a second step by increasing the temperature and making use of the collapse of the PNIPAM hemisphere. This is the first time that carbohydrate-functionalized JPs have been derived and used as inhibitors of bacterial adhesion. Furthermore, the developed JPs offer well-controlled single bacterial inhibition in combination with cluster formation upon an external stimulus, which is not achievable with conventional carbohydrate-functionalized particles.

Nature-Inspired Regenerative Fine-Dust-Catching Coatings to Improve Air Quality.

Increased particulate matter (PM) concentrations in our ambient air are the cause of various life-threatening diseases and consequently need to be reduced to nonhazardous levels. The natural PM removal capabilities of leaves inspired the development of a low-cost coating technology that exploits natural weather phenomena for its PM catching and removal processes. The herein presented coating is based on microparticle-filled silicone with optimized chemical and physical surface properties. Its surface roughness was tuned using differently sized spray-dried particles, and its surface contact angle was adjusted through silicone tensides, polar ether groups incorporated in the silicon backbone, and the used amount of spray-dried particles. In such a way, optimized silicone coatings showed in laboratory experiments improved catching abilities (>300% relative to glass surfaces), a full retention of adsorbed PM during wind events, and the formation of large PM aggregates. Upon (simulated) rain events, these coatings were regenerated, and the content of harmful PM of various sizes dispersed in water was reduced between ∼73 and 100%. Furthermore, an outdoor test over 100 days showed the functioning of the coating under real-world conditions. These regenerative coatings are readily applicable on diverse surfaces and do not require any further technical infrastructure. Thus, they present an extension of the toolbox for PM reduction technologies.

Effects of Different Modifiers on Aggregates and Organic Carbon in Acidic Purple Soil

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different modifiers on the changes in aggregates and organic carbon in acidic purple soil， providing a scientific basis for the remediation of acidic purple soil. Using purple soil as the research object， a total of six treatments were set up， including no fertilization （CK）， single fertilization （F）， fertilization with lime （SF）， fertilization with organic fertilizer （OM）， fertilization with biochar （BF）， and fertilization with distiller's grains ash （JZ）. We compared the composition of aggregates in acidic purple soil under the application of different modifiers， as well as the distribution pattern of organic carbon in aggregates of different particle sizes. Combined with the stability indicators of aggregates， we sought to clarify the impact of different modifiers on the structure of aggregates in acidic purple soil. The results showed that fertilization significantly increased the soil pH， with the JZ treatment being the most effective. Fertilization significantly increased soil organic matter content， with the OM treatment showing the largest increase. The BF and OM treatments significantly reduced soil bulk density， whereas the SF and BF treatments significantly increased soil moisture content （P &lt; 0.05）. All treatments used &lt; 0.25 mm aggregates as the dominant particle size. Fertilization could significantly increase the content of large aggregates （aggregate structure units with diameter &gt; 0.25 mm）. At the same time， fertilization treatments significantly increased the soil geometric mean diameter （GMD）， average weight diameter （MWD）， and R0.25 value （ &gt; 0.25 mm aggregate content） and reduced the fractal cone number （D） and aggregate destruction rate （PAD） values （P &lt; 0.05）. Fertilization also promoted the aggregation and stability of soil aggregates， with the OM treatment having the greatest effect. Compared with that in the CK treatment， fertilization could significantly increase soil organic carbon content by 31.71%-209.67%， with the OM treatment showing the most significant change. Different treatments of soil organic carbon were mainly distributed in large aggregates. Compared with that in the CK treatment， each treatment significantly increased the contribution rate of organic carbon in large aggregates by 19.34%-47.76%， with the OM treatment having the most significant effect （P &lt; 0.05）. In general， chemical fertilizer combined with organic fertilizer could promote the formation of large aggregates in acidic purple soil， improve the stability of soil aggregates， and increase the content of soil organic carbon， which is an effective measure to improve the soil structure and improve the quality of acidic purple soil.

Influence of Seed structure on Volume distribution of α-Synuclein Oligomer at Early Stages of Aggregation using nanopipette.

Understanding α-synuclein aggregation is crucial in the context of Parkinson's disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of aggregation induced by preformed seeding on the volume of oligomers during the early stages, using a label-free, single-molecule characterization approach. By utilizing nanopipettes of varying sizes, the volume of the oligomers can be calculated from the amplitude of the current blockade and pipette geometry. Further investigation of the aggregates formed over time in the presence of added seeds revealed an acceleration in the formation of large aggregates and the existence of multiple distinct populations of oligomers. Additionally, we observed that spontaneously formed seeds inhibited the formation of smaller oligomers, in contrast to the effect of HNE seeds. These results suggest that the seeds play a crucial role in the formation of oligomers and their sizes during the early stages of aggregation, whereas the classical thioflavin T assay remains negative.

The formation of large aggregates by Brownian growth and the onset of a runaway process

In an experiment onboard a microgravity sounding rocket, we observed the growth of agglomerates consisting of silica spheres under well-defined conditions. After an initial short charge-induced growth phase, the charge-neutralized agglomerates grew due to Brownian-motion–induced collisions, first in an orderly fashion and thereafter, due to the temporal increase in particle concentration, in a runaway process. The latter is characterized by the detachment of large oligarch agglomerates. We modeled the growth using a mean-field approximation as well as a Monte Carlo technique.

Influence of Hematocrit Level and Integrin αIIbβIII Function on vWF-Mediated Platelet Adhesion and Shear-Induced Platelet Aggregation in a Sudden Expansion.

Shear-mediated thrombosis is a clinically relevant phenomenon that underlies excessive arterial thrombosis and device-induced thrombosis. Red blood cells are known to mechanically contribute to physiological hemostasis through margination of platelets and vWF, facilitating the unfurling of vWF multimers, and increasing the fraction of thrombus-contacting platelets. Shear also plays a role in this phenomenon, increasing both the degree of margination and the near-wall forces experienced by vWF and platelets leading to unfurling and activation. Despite this, the contribution of red blood cells in shear-induced platelet aggregation has not been fully investigated-specifically the effect of elevated hematocrit has not yet been demonstrated. Here, a microfluidic model of a sudden expansion is presented as a platform for investigating platelet adhesion at hematocrits ranging from 0 to 60% and shear rates ranging from 1000 to 10,000 s-1. The sudden expansion geometry models nonphysiological flow separation characteristic to mechanical circulatory support devices, and the validatory framework of the FDA benchmark nozzle. PDMS microchannels were fabricated and coated with human collagen. Platelets were fluorescently tagged, and blood was reconstituted at variable hematocrit prior to perfusion experiments. Integrin function of selected blood samples was inhibited by a blocking antibody, and platelet adhesion and aggregation over the course of perfusion was monitored. Increasing shear rates at physiological and elevated hematocrit levels facilitate robust platelet adhesion and formation of large aggregates. Shear-induced platelet aggregation is demonstrated to be dependent on both αIIbβIII function and the presence of red blood cells. Inhibition of αIIbβIII results in an 86.4% reduction in overall platelet adhesion and an 85.7% reduction in thrombus size at 20-60% hematocrit. Hematocrit levels of 20% are inadequate for effective platelet margination and subsequent vWF tethering, resulting in notable decreases in platelet adhesion at 5000 and 10,000 s-1 compared to 40% and 60%. Inhibition of αIIbβIII triggered dramatic reductions in overall thrombus coverage and large aggregate formation. Stability of platelets tethered by vWF are demonstrated to be αIIbβIII-dependent, as adhesion of single platelets treated with A2A9, an anti-αIIbβIII blocking antibody, is transient and did not lead to sustained thrombus formation. This study highlights driving factors in vWF-mediated platelet adhesion that are relevant to clinical suppression of shear-induced thrombosis and in vitro assays of platelet adhesion. Primarily, increasing hematocrit promotes platelet margination, permitting shear-induced platelet aggregation through αIIbβIII-mediated adhesion at supraphysiological shear rates. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-024-00796-0.

Does the concentration ratio contribute to the scaling of circulating cooling seawater?

Due to the impact of freshwater shortage on coastal areas, coastal factories have gradually chosen seawater circulation cooling towers for industrial cooling. The circulating seawater easily generates thick scales, obstructs pipes, and affects heat transfer. Different from the development of scale inhibitors and membrane treatment, there are few fundamental researches on scale formation in seawater pretreatment. In this study, the effects of seawater concentration on scaling time and crystal shapes were investigated through on-line monitoring scaling experiments and scale collection. When the concentration of seawater increased (0.5–2.5 times), the scaling time was delayed, and the formation of large aggregates decreased. Subsequently, the scale delay of calcium carbonate caused by high ion concentration was confirmed by sodium and potassium ion gradient tests and the Visual MINTEQ model. The dynamic simulation further revealed that high ion saturation inhibits calcium and carbonate ions' collision, binding, and agglomeration. Sodium ions inhibit scale formation through electrostatic repulsion with calcium ions, while potassium ions occupy spatial sites around calcium ions. Furthermore, the aragonite formation tendency in highly ion-saturated solutions provides a theoretical basis for industrial carbon capture technology at the end of cyclic cooling.

Solvent Effects on the Catalyst Ink and Layer Microstructure for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

Understanding the complex solvent effects on the microstructures of ink and catalyst layer (CL) is crucial for the development of high-performance anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Herein, we study the solvent effects within the binary solvent ink system composed of water, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), commercial anion exchange ionomer, and Pt/C catalyst. The results show that the Pt/C particles and ionomer tend to form large aggregates wrapped with a thick ionomer layer in IPA-rich ink and promote the formation of large mesopores within the CL. With the increase of the water content in the ink, Pt/C particles are more likely to bridge to each other through wrapped FAA to form a well-connected three-dimensional network. The CL fabricated using water-rich ink shows smaller pores, higher porosity, and a more homogeneous ionomer network without the formation of large aggregates. Based on these results, we propose that the properties of the solvent mixture, including dielectric constant (ε) and solubility parameter (δ), affect the coulomb interaction of charged particles and surface tension at interfaces, which in turn affects the microstructure of ink and CL. By leveraging the solvent effects, we optimize the CL microstructures and improve the performance of AEMFC. These results may guide the rational design and fabrication of AEMFCs.